Characterization of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and progesterone as a predictor of twins and conceptus loss in high-risk-pregnancy Holstein cows.

The objective of this study was to characterize plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) and progesterone (P4) as predictors of twins and pregnancy loss in Holstein cows with high-risk pregnancies. High-risk pregnancy was characterized using transrectal ultrasonography 37 d after artificial insemination (AI) based on the following criteria: small embryo size <15 mm, n = 10), slow heartbeat (<60 beats per minute, n = 11), and extra-amniotic membrane (additional amniotic membrane, n = 3). A cohort of twins (n = 41) diagnosed at d 37 post-AI was also enrolled. Each high-risk and twin pregnancy cow was paired with a cow of the same parity carrying a normal singleton at d 37 post-AI (control, n = 65). Blood samples were collected to measure PAG and P4 at d 37, 44, and 51 post-AI. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve with JMP software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Pregnancy loss at d 51 post-AI was greater in high-risk pregnancies than in controls and twins (control = 1.5%; high-risk = 87.5%; twins = 12.2%). Concentration of PAG at d 37 post-AI did not differ among groups (control = 5.3 ± 0.7; high-risk = 4.8 ± 1.2; twins = 4.0 ± 0.9 ng/mL). Concentration of P4 at d 37 post-AI was greater in twins than in high-risk pregnancies and control, and lesser in high-risk pregnancies than in controls (control = 7.0 ± 0.3; high-risk = 5.9 ± 0.4; twins = 8.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Regression and ROC analysis for PAG at d 37 post-AI did not find a threshold to predict pregnancy loss or twins. Regression and ROC analysis for P4 at d 37 post-AI found that a threshold of 6.5 ng/mL predicted pregnancy loss with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64, and a threshold of 7.2 ng/mL predicted twins with AUC of 0.71. In summary, pregnancy loss and twins were predicted with only moderate accuracy by P4 concentration at d 37 post-AI, and the variability in PAG concentrations at d 37 post-AI was not sufficient to generate a threshold to predict pregnancy loss and twins in Holstein lactating cows.

GILP family: a stress-responsive group of plant proteins containing a LITAF motif.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (LITAF) is a membrane protein that is highly dependent on correct location to exert transcription factor activity and protein quality control. In humans, LITAF, PIG7 (p53-inducible gene 7), and SIMPLE (small integral membrane protein of the lysosome/late endosome) refer to the same gene, which acts as a tumor suppressor. Several studies have shown that the transcription factor activity and nuclear translocation of LITAF protein are critical for the induction of several immune cells via classical pathways. In plants, LITAF protein corresponds to the plasma membrane protein AtGILP (Arabidopsis thaliana GSH-induced LITAF domain protein). The conservation of LITAF proteins across species and their putative role is still unclear. In this study, we investigate the LITAF-containing proteins, which we call GILP proteins, in Viridiplantae. We identified a total of 59 genes in 46 species, whose gene copies range from one to three. Phylogenetic analysis showed that multiple copies were originated via block duplication posteriorly to monocot and eudicot separation. Analysis of the LITAF domain of GILP proteins allowed the identification of a putative domain signature in Viridiplantae, containing a CXXCX41HXCPXC motif. The subcellular location for the majority of GILP proteins was predicted to be in the plasma membrane, based on a transmembrane domain positioned within the LITAF domain. In silico analysis showed that the GILP genes are neither tissue-specific nor ubiquitously expressed, being responsive to stress conditions. Finally, investigation of the GILP protein network resulted in the identification of genes whose families are known to be involved with biotic and/or abiotic stress responses. Together, the expression modulation of GILP genes associated with their plasma membrane location suggests that they could act in the signaling of biotic/abiotic stress response in plants.

The Long-term Durability of Intra-operatively Placed Palmaz Stents for the Treatment of Type Ia Endoleaks After EVAR of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to analyze the long-term durability of intra-operatively placed Palmaz stents for type Ia endoleaks, and the evolution of aneurysm neck morphology. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Patients treated between 1998 and 2012 were reviewed with regard to pre-, intra-, and post-operative data. Crude and relative survival estimates were calculated, with the latter referring only to patients with ≥ 3 months' follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 125 patients were included (83 elective, 22 ruptures, 20 symptomatic). Nine patients died perioperatively (two elective, seven acute). Median follow-up was 43 months (range 15-72). Seven patients had late abdominal aortic aneurysm related deaths. There were 51 re-interventions (seven type Ia endoleak related). Five year crude primary, primary assisted, and secondary success rates were 55 ± 5%, 66 ± 5%, and 70 ± 5%, respectively. These crude rates were superior for elective patients (p = .008, p = .031, and p = .037, respectively), but the relative rates were not (p = .187, p = .640, p = .558, respectively). Primary and assisted freedom from type Ia endoleak 5 years post-operatively were 84 ± 4% and 89 ± 3%, respectively. These rates were superior in elective patients (p = .066 and p = .145, respectively), especially when relative rates were analysed (p = .025 and p = .063, respectively). The visceral aortic diameter increased significantly between the first and the last post-operative imaging in 15/91 (16%), 12/91 (13%), 34/91 (37%), and 30/91 (33%) patients at the levels of coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, lowest renal artery, and 9 mm distal to lowest renal artery, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intra-operatively placed Palmaz stents confer high long-term freedom from type Ia endoleak. Palmaz stents are an acceptable intra-operative bailout tool in the acute setting, but should not be used to extend elective infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair to more demanding anatomies.

Outcome After Ruptured AAA Repair in Octo- and Nonagenarians in Sweden 1994-2014.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair in octo- and nonagenarians from the Swedish Vascular Registry 1994-2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 2335 intact AAA (iAAA) and 1538 rAAA were identified in patients aged 80 years and older. Crude, long-term, and relative survival data were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Crude survival was calculated including all deaths. Long-term survival was analysed excluding AAA repair related mortality, defined as death within 90 days of surgery. Relative survival was assessed by comparing the observed long-term survival after AAA repair with the expected survival of a Swedish population adjusted for age, gender, and operation year. Differences were compared using log-rank tests. The multivariate Cox model was used for adjusting for confounding factors between open repair (OR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). RESULTS: Crude survival after rAAA repair was 30 days (55%), 90 days (50%), 1 year (45%), 5 years (26%), and 10 years (9%). Long-term survival was 1 year (90%), 5 years (53%), and 10 years (18%). When individuals with rAAA were categorized into males and females, crude and long-term survival showed no significant differences (p = .204 and p = .134). When rAAA patients were categorized into age groups (80-84 years, 85-89 years, 90+) crude survival diminished with increasing age, but long-term survival was not (p = .009 and p = .368). Compared with the general population, rAAA patients showed only a minor decrease in relative survival. Crude survival after rAAA was better for EVAR compared with OR (p = .007), hazard ratio 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.6, p < .012). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high (50%) peri-operative mortality after surgery for rAAA in octo- and nonagenarians, with no significant differences between the sexes and worse survival with increasing age. However, if a patient has survived the initial 90 days, long-term survival in this very old cohort is surprisingly good at more than 50% after 5 years, only slightly less than the general population.

Endoconduits with "Pave and Crack" Technique Avoid Open Ilio-femoral Conduits with Sustainable Mid-term Results.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the feasibility and mid-term outcomes of endoconduits (EC) with the "pave and crack" technique during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of varying complexity. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. All patients undergoing EC between July 2009 and October 2015 were included. The primary endpoint was technical success of the EC defined as the ability to successfully deliver the aortic stent graft through the EC without rupture, dissection, or thrombosis of the iliac or femoral arteries, and with the absence of haemodynamically significant blood loss related to the EC. Secondary outcomes included EC patency and mortality. RESULTS: Nineteen patients underwent EVAR with EC (16 juxtarenal or thoraco-abdominal, two infrarenal and one thoracic; four were ruptured). Fourteen patients (73.7%) had TASC D lesions. In 10 cases (52.6%) adjunctive open/endovascular procedures to improve the femoral outflow were required. EC was technically successful in all cases and all EC were patent at EVAR completion. Thirty day mortality occurred in two cases (10.5%) One of these patients had been treated for rupture. One patient required two endovascular re-interventions at 1 and 5 years post-operatively to restore patency of the EC. No open re-interventions related to the EC were necessary. After a median follow-up period of 17 (interquartile range 5-37) months, the primary assisted patency of the EC was 88.9% (SE 10.5). No new onset of claudication or lower limb amputations occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: EC allows EVAR of varying complexity without the need for open surgical ilio-femoral conduits in patients with concomitant advanced iliac occlusive disease. Intra-operative haemodynamic instability was always avoided and mid-term patency was high.

Utility of Intra-operative Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endovascular Treatment of Aorto-iliac Occlusive Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is well established, but to maintain long-term patency, secondary interventions are common. Multiple stents and iliac artery tortuosity often make it difficult to evaluate stent compression intra-operatively and this might be a cause for later failure. Completion angiography (CA) and pressure gradient (PG) measurement are often used to assess the final intra-operative result. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of intra-operative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to optimize the primary operation results. METHOD: Fifty-three patients (28 females) were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent endovascular aorto-iliac revascularization. Final intra-operative results were evaluated with additional CBCT, after CA and PG were found to be satisfactory. Imaging findings and imaging based adjunctive procedures were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty five stents were placed because of AIOD. Twenty patients underwent adjunctive procedures after the primary stenting. In 24.5% (13/53) cases, adjunctive procedures were indicated solely by the CBCT findings, as both standard CA and PG were normal. Twenty-six of the 53 patients had kissing stents placed at the aortic bifurcation. Of the kissing stent patients, 34.6% required adjunctive procedures and in two thirds these stent compressions were detected only by CBCT. CONCLUSION: The use of CBCT revealed a significant number of stent compressions that were not found with CA and PG. When performing endovascular procedures at the aortic bifurcation, CBCT is an excellent intra-operative evaluation method to assess the configuration of deployed stents. In this study, CBCT improved the technical results intra-operatively, which might influence the long-term patency positively.

Laser Generated In situ Fenestrations in Dacron Stent Grafts.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To evaluate if the creation of laser generated in situ fenestrations in polyester/Dacron stent grafts causes embolization. METHODS: In seven pigs, Dacron stent grafts were implanted from the infrarenal aorta to the right iliac artery. Prior to placing the stent graft, a carotid artery protection filter, with a pore size of 70-200 µm, was placed in the proximal left common iliac artery. An excimer laser catheter was then advanced antegradely through the stent graft and positioned at the level of origin of the left iliac artery. A fenestration was then created with the laser probe. The carotid filter was retrieved and inspected macroscopically with magnifying glasses, for emboli and clot. RESULTS: Seven pigs with a median weight of 90 kg (range 78-98 kg) were tested. The median operating time was 170 minutes. All laser fenestrations were successfully completed. No emboli or clot could be detected in the protection filters. CONCLUSION: Creation of laser generated, in situ fenestrations do not produce macroscopically visible emboli/clot. This might indicate safe usage of laser created fenestrations for endovascular arch repair and left subclavian artery revascularization.

Editor's Choice - Effect of Branch Stent Choice on Branch-related Outcomes in Complex Aortic Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The use of branched stent grafts for the treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms [TAAA] is increasing, but mating stent graft choice has not been studied. This study combined experience of five high volume centres to assess a preferred mating stent. METHODS: Data from five centres were retrospectively combined. Patients were included if they underwent stent graft for treatment of TAAA that used only branches to mate with visceral and renal vessels. All patients with fenestrations in their device were excluded. Perioperative details, reintervention, occlusion, and death were recorded. Outcome of occlusion or reintervention, as well as a composite outcome of any death, occlusion, or reintervention was planned using a per-patient, and per-branch analysis. RESULTS: In 235 included patients, there were 940 vessels available for placement of mating stent. The average age of included patients was 70 years (SD 7.9), and 179 of the 235 were male. Medical comorbidities included diabetes in 29/234 (12.4%), current smoker in 81/233 (34.8%), and COPD in 77/234 (32.9%). The primary stent deployed was self-expanding in 556 branches, balloon expandable in 231 branches, and was unknown in 92 branches. After a mean of 20.7 months (SD 25) follow-up, there have been 44 incidents of occlusion or reintervention, of which 40 culprit stents are known. Where the stent placed is known, the event rate in renal branches (35/437, 8%) is higher than that of visceral branches (8/443, 1.8%). There is no difference in occlusion or reintervention between self-expanding and balloon expandable stents (HR 0.95, p = .91) but there is a statistically significant difference between renal and visceral artery occlusions (HR 3.51, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: There appears to be no difference in occlusion or reintervention rate for branch vessels mated with balloon expandable compared with self-expanding stents. Renal events appear to outnumber visceral events in this population.

Mid-term Outcomes of Renal Branches Versus Renal Fenestrations for Thoraco-abdominal Aneurysm Repair.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate renal outcomes following endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) comparing fenestrations with branches for the renal arteries. METHODS: Renal outcomes following TAAA endovascular repair performed with renal branches were collected from five high volume European centers and compared with renal outcomes following TAAA endovascular repair performed with renal fenestrations at one center. Renal re-intervention and occlusion rates, and freedom from any renal outcome and death were analyzed by patient and target vessel. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated and collected pre-operatively and at the last available follow up. RESULTS: In total, 449 patients were included in this retrospective study (235 treated with branched devices [BEVAR] and 214 with fenestrated devices [FEVAR]). Altogether, 856 renal vessels were analyzed (445 perfused by branches and 411 by fenestrations). Both groups were comparable except for sex and smoking habits. Technical success rates were 95% and 99%, respectively. Mean ± SD follow up was 19 ± 18 months after BEVAR and 24 ± 20 months after FEVAR. During follow up, renal re-intervention rates were similar in both groups (4.7% vs. 5.2%). The renal occlusion rate was significantly higher following BEVAR (9.6% vs. 2.3%; p < .01), and the 2 year freedom for renal occlusion rate was 90.4% (SE 85.8-95.3%) following BEVAR and 97.1% (SE 94.6-99.7%) following FEVAR (p < .01). During follow up, a 12% median decrease in eGFR was observed following BEVAR versus 9% following FEVAR (non-significant). The 2 year survival rates were 73.4% (SE 66.6-80.9%) and 81.8% (SE 76.1-87.9%) following BEVAR and FEVAR, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mid-term renal outcomes following endovascular repair of TAAA are satisfactory. Endograft designs incorporating renal fenestrations rather than renal branches are associated with significantly lower occlusion rates. A prospective trial is now required to confirm these results.

Intra-operative cone beam computed tomography can help avoid reinterventions and reduce CT follow up after infrarenal EVAR.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Re-interventions after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) are common and therefore a strict imaging follow up protocol is required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can detect intra-operative complications and to compare this with angiography and the 1 month CT follow up (computed tomography angiography [CTA]). METHODS: Fifty-one patients (44 men) were enrolled in a prospective trial. Patients underwent completion angiography and CBCT during infrarenal EVAR. Contrast was used except when pre-operative renal insufficiency was present or if the maximum contrast dose threshold was reached. CBCT reconstruction included the top of the stent graft to the iliac bifurcation. Endoleaks, kinks, or compressions were recorded. RESULTS: CBCT was technically successful in all patients. Twelve endoleaks were detected on completion digital subtraction angiography (CA). CBCT detected 4/5 type 1 endoleaks, but only one type 2 endoleak. CTA identified eight type 2 endoleaks and one residual type I endoleak. Two cases of stent compression were seen on CA. CBCT revealed five stent compressions and one kink, which resulted in four intra-operative adjunctive manoeuvres. CTA identified all cases of kinks or compressions that were left untreated. Two of them were corrected later. No additional kinks/compressions were found on CTA. Groin closure consisted of 78 fascia sutures, nine cut downs, and 11 percutaneous sutures. Seven femoral artery pseudoaneurysms (<1 cm) were detected on CTA, but no intervention was needed. CONCLUSION: CA is better than CBCT in detecting and categorizing endoleaks but CBCT (with or without contrast) is better than CA for detection of kinks or stentgraft compression. CTA plus CBCT identified all significant complications noted on the 1 month follow up CTA. The use of intra-operative CA and CBCT could replace early CTA after standard EVAR thus reducing overall radiation and contrast use. Technical development might further improve the resolution and usefulness of CBCT.

Short-term outcome of spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and short-term outcome of SCI after endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (eTAAA). METHODS: All patients undergoing eTAAA with branched and fenestrated stent grafts between 2008 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed concerning pre-, intra- and post-operative clinical data and imaging. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (53 males, 68 [64-73] years old) underwent eTAAA (51 elective, 21 acute including 7 ruptures). Patients were classified anatomically according to Crawford: type I (n=11), type II (n=26), type III (n=18), and type IV (n=17). Thirty-day mortality was 6.9 % (3.9% for elective, 7.1% for symptomatic and 28.6% for ruptures, including one intra-operative death). Twenty-two of the 71 patients who survived the operation (31.0%) developed SCI: type I (n=2, 20.0%), type II (n=13, 50.0 %), type III (n=3, 16.7%), type IV (n=4, 23.5%). SCI incidence decreased in the latter part of the experience (23.7% vs. 39.4%, p = .201). SCI development was independently associated with Crawford type II TAAA (OR 4.497 (1.331-15.195), p = .016) and higher contrast volume (OR 3.736 [1.054-13.242], p = .041). Fifteen of these 22 patients with SCI showed some improvement of their deficits before hospital discharge. The introduction of a standardized protocol in the last 38 patients aiming at the early diagnosis and treatment of SCI led to more frequent regression of SCI symptoms (100% vs. 46.2%, p = .017) and a higher rate of regaining ambulatory capacity (55.6% vs. 15.4%, p = .027). After the introduction of this protocol, the residual SCI rate at hospital discharge was 13.2% as opposed to 33.3% in the initial group. CONCLUSION: eTAAA has low peri-operative mortality, but SCI incidence is high albeit that it decreased with increasing experience. More extensive repair and use of larger volumes of contrast were associated with higher risk of SCI. Acute repair does not significantly increase SCI risk. A standardized protocol for early diagnosis and treatment of SCI leads to a higher recovery rate with a greater likelihood of regaining ambulatory capacity.

Editor's Choice ­ Durability of Endovascular Repair in Blunt Traumatic Thoracic Aortic Injury: Long-Term Outcome from Four Tertiary Referral Centers.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the early and long-term survival and re-intervention rate in patients undergoing TEVAR for blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury. METHODS: This was a consecutive case series. Between the years 2001 and 2010, a total of 74 patients underwent TEVAR for blunt traumatic thoracic aortic injury at four tertiary referral centers, three in Sweden and one in Switzerland. The median age of the patients was 41 years, and 16% were women. Demographic, procedural, and outcome data were collected and reviewed retrospectively. The patients were followed up during 2013-2014. RESULTS: Early (30 day) mortality was 9% (7 patients), with only two cases directly related to the aortic injury; in hospital mortality was 14% as three patients died during the primary hospital admission within the first 6 months. Most patients had sustained severe injuries to other organ systems, and among all in hospital deaths brain injury was the predominant cause. Five year survival in the whole group was 81%. Re-intervention was needed in 16% (12 patients) during the first year, half of them within the first month. Only one patient underwent re-intervention more than 1 year after the initial procedure. Infolding and partial stentgraft collapse was the reason for the secondary procedure in five of the 13 patients; in three it occurred within 3 weeks of the acute TEVAR. CONCLUSION: TEVAR allows rapid and effective therapy in trauma patients with blunt aortic injury. The outcome is dependent on the severity of the concomitant injuries. The treatment is durable during the first decade after the procedure, but even longer follow up is needed to determine the impact of TEVAR in young patients on the degenerative changes that take place in the aging aorta.

Synthesis, characterization and antifungal activity of chemically and fungal-produced silver nanoparticles against Trichophyton rubrum.

AIMS: To characterize and explore the potential in extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus oryzae and to investigate the antifungal effect of chemically vs biologically synthesized AgNPs comparing with conventional antifungal drugs against Trichophyton rubrum. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chemically synthesized AgNPs (Chem-AgNPs) coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were synthesized by chemical reduction method with glucose in PVP aqueous solution. Biologically synthesized AgNPs (Bio-AgNPs) were produced from the extracellular cell-free filtrate of P. chrysogenum MUM 03.22 and A. oryzae MUM 97.19. Among the commercial antifungal drugs, terbinafine exhibited the lower minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range values of 0·063-0·25 µg ml(-1) for the clinical strains. Chem-AgNPs exhibited antifungal activity against all T. rubrum strains. Bio-AgNPs produced by the fungal cell-free filtrate of P. chrysogenum showed an antifungal activity higher than fluconazole but less than terbinafine, itraconazole and Chem-AgNPs. CONCLUSION: The synthesis parameters in future works should be carefully studied to take full advantage of all the potential of filamentous fungi in the synthesis of AgNPs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bio-AgNPs could be used as antifungal agents, namely against dermatophytes.

Spectroscopic Study of Strain, Oxidation, and Formation of Few-Layer Graphene at Steel Surfaces Tribologically Tested against MoS2 Films.

MoS2 not only has unique optoelectronic properties realizing photonic and semiconductor applications but also serves as a promising solid lubricant in tribological three-body contacts due to its advantageous friction and wear behavior. Its functionality is defined by elementary processes including strain, oxidation processes, and material mixing. However, these mechanisms were not elucidated for MoS2 having transferred from the MoS2 film synthesized at the main body to a steel counter body during tribological ball-on-disk tests. Using spatially and spectrally high-resolved Raman spectroscopy, we study the compressive and tensile strain within the MoS2 transfer material and analyze the oxidation of molybdenum, sulfur, and iron. In addition, we elaborate on the impact of transition metals modifying the MoS2 films on the strain distribution and oxidation processes. Decreasing intensities of the MoS2 Raman lines are accompanied with enhanced intensities of sulphur and molybdenum oxide Raman signatures which are particularly agglomerated at the edges of the tribological track. The formation of tribochemical oxides, including Mo4O11 in the Magnéli-phase, depends weakly on the type of modifying element, and an oxidation of a modification element itself is not detected. We also identified a tribologically induced formation of disordered few-layer graphene at counter-body surface areas which experienced weak thermo-mechanical tribological load. Our results characterize structural and chemical features of the MoS2 transfer material, thus predicting material failure at the microscopic level.

Post-harvest quality of melon accessions subjected to salinity.

The objective was to evaluate the behavior of melon genotypes (Cucumis melo L.) in the physical, chemical and biochemical quality of melon fruits as a function of electrical conductivity irrigation water levels (ECw). The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme with five replications. The first factor was represented by five salinity levels (0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1) and the second factor by accessions A35, and A24, and the hybrid Sancho. The physical, chemical and biochemical variables showed a reduction in production, with smaller fruits, with less weight, smaller cavity, with increased pulp thickness for Sancho. Vitamin C and yellow flavonoids increased indicating antioxidant power against ROS. The genotypes showed similar post-harvest behavior, however, the hybrid Sancho stood out over the others, possibly because it is an improved material. Accession A24 presented physiological and biochemical responses that classify it as intolerant.

Endograft repair of complicated acute type B aortic dissections.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess patient outcomes and aortic remodelling following coverage of the proximal entry tear with an endograft in complicated acute type B aortic dissections (caTBADs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with caTBAD treated with a thoracic endograft in three high-volume vascular centres were retrospectively studied. Inclusion criteria were branch-vessel malperfusion, impending or overt aortic rupture, maximal aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm and persistent pain or uncontrolled hypertension despite maximum pharmacological treatment. Postoperative aortic remodelling was evaluated using computed tomography angiography (CTA) on a three-dimensional (3D) imaging workstation. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients (71% male, median age 65 years) were included in the study. Median inclusion criteria per patient were 2 (range 1-4). Branch-vessel malperfusion was diagnosed in 42% and impending aortic rupture in 33% of 52 patients. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 2-109 months). The 30-day mortality rate was 9.6% (5/52); patient survival according to the Kaplan-Meier method was 90.4% at 12 months and 87.6% at 24 months. Secondary interventions were performed in seven patients a median of 3 days after the initial procedure (range 2-865). Imaging follow-up at 12 months was performed in 36 patients (69%): 75% presented stable or shrinking (> 5 mm) maximal aortic diameters and 86% had a completely thrombosed false lumen (vs. 5% before initial procedure) at thoracic level. CONCLUSION: Endograft treatment of complicated caTBAD is associated with favourable early outcomes and possibly promotes aortic remodelling in the majority of patients.

Parameter estimation for eutrophication models in reservoirs.

Excessive eutrophication is a major water quality issue in lakes and reservoirs worldwide. This complex biological process can lead to serious water quality problems. Although it can be adequately addressed by applying sophisticated mathematical models, the application of these tools in a reservoir management context requires significant amounts of data and large computation times. This work presents a simple primary production model and a calibration procedure that can efficiently be used in operational reservoir management frameworks. It considers four state variables: herbivorous zooplankton, algae (measured as chlorophyll-a pigment), phosphorous and nitrogen. The model was applied to a set of Portuguese reservoirs. We apply the model to 23 Portuguese reservoirs in two different calibration settings. This research work presents the results of the estimation of model parameters.

Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil via low-moisture molasses-based blocks to improve reproductive performance and overall productivity of beef cows.

This experiment evaluated reproductive and productive responses of beef cows receiving self-fed low-moisture blocks (LMB) enriched or not with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) throughout the breeding season. Non-pregnant, suckled multiparous Angus-influenced cows were assigned to a fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) protocol (day -10 to 0) followed by natural service (day 15-70). Cows were managed in 12 groups (46 ± 4 cows/group) maintained in individual pastures, and groups received LMB enriched with 25 % (as-fed basis) of CSSO or ground corn (CON) from day - 10 to 100. Both treatments were designed to yield a daily LMB intake of 0.454 kg/cow (as-fed basis). Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P < 0.01) mean concentrations of ω-6 fatty acids in plasma samples collected on days 0 and 55. Cows receiving CSSO had greater (P = 0.05) pregnancy rate to fixed-time AI (67.2 vs. 59.3 %), whereas final pregnancy rate did not differ (P = 0.92) between treatments. Pregnancy loss was less (P = 0.03) in CSSO cows (4.50 vs. 9.04 %), which also calved earlier during the calving season (treatment × week; P = 0.04). Weaning rate tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in CSSO (84.8 vs. 79.4 %), although calf weaning age and weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.72) between treatments. Kilos of calf weaned/cow exposed was greater (P = 0.04) in CSSO cows (234 vs. 215 kg). Therefore, supplementing CSSO to beef cows via LMB during the breeding season improved their reproductive and overall productivity during a cow-calf cycle.

Development of off-the-shelf stent grafts for juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.

INTRODUCTION: The use of EVAR for more complex aneurysm anatomy has become more widespread over the past decade. Fenestrated and branched stent grafts for the visceral and iliac segment show promising short- and midterm outcome and these procedures have become routine in many vascular centers. However, at present, such grafts are customized to the individual patient and planning and manufacturing leads to significant treatment delay subjecting the patients to the risk of rupture during the waiting period. The purpose of this report is to describe the first experience in treating juxta/suprarenal aneurysms using the first version of a new fenestrated stent graft MATERIAL AND METHODS: A fenestrated device was designed with two renal fenestrations, an SMA fenestration and a scallop for the coeliac artery. The renal arteries were designed with an inner 6 mm fenestration and an outer 15 mm diameter creating a dome to allow renal artery catheterization for a range of renal artery distribution. Seven patients with complex visceral artery anatomy were treated with customized stent grafts containing these pivot renal fenestrations. RESULTS: Technical success was uniform with 100% target vessel catheterization and 0% 30-day mortality. In one case, the graft was displaced slightly during delivery resulting in a renal artery stent occlusion at 2 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a modified fenestrated device has shown this to be feasible and it has the potential to reduce the need for extensive preoperative graft customization and establishing a true off the shelf platform for juxta- and suprarenal AAA.