Prospective multicentre study on barbed reposition pharyngoplasty standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for sleep apnoea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to demonstrate in a prospective multicentre study that Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty (BRP) procedure is safe and effective in management of obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Values of postoperative apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). RESULTS: 111 Barbed Reposition Pharyngoplasty procedures standing alone or as a part of multilevel surgery for OSAHS, performed between January and September 2016, were analysed in 15 different centres. The average hospitalisation period was 2.5 ± 0.5 days. The mean patient age was 46.3 ± 10.5 years. The average body mass index at the time of the procedure was 27.9 ± 3.2, and the majority of the patients were men (83%). The mean preoperative and postoperative apnoea/hypopnea index was 33.4 ± 19.5 and 13.5 ± 10.3, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ESS score was 10.2 ± 4.5 and 6.1 ± 3.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean preoperative and postoperative ODI were 29.6 ± 20.7 and 12.7 ± 10.8, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing BRP standing alone or as part of a multilevel approach for the treatment of OSAHS have a reasonable expectation for success with minimal morbidity.

Plasmonic control of extraordinary optical transmission in the infrared regime.

We demonstrate that the spectral location of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) resonances in metallic arrays of rectangular holes can be plasmonically tuned in the near and mid-infrared ranges. The experiments have been performed on patterned gold films. We focus on a subset of localized resonances occurring close to the cut-off wavelength of the holes, λ c. Metals are usually regarded as perfect electric conductors in the infrared regime, with an EOT cut-off resonance found around λ c = 2 L for rectangular holes (L being the long edge). For real metals, the penetration of the electromagnetic fields is simply seen as effectively enlarging L. However, by changing the hole short edge, we have found that λ c varies due to the excitation of gap surface plasmon polaritons. Finite-element calculations confirm that in these high aspect ratio rectangles with short edges two important aspects have to be taken into account in order to explain the experiments: the finite conductivity of the metal and the excitation of gap-surface plasmons inside the nanoholes.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, the causal agent of gummosis in cashew nut plants.

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a major pathogen of many different crop cultures, including cashew nut plants. This paper describes an efficient Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for the successful delivery of T-DNA, transferring the genes of green fluorescent protein (gfp) and hygromycin B phosphotransferase (hph) to L. theobromae. When the fungal pycnidiospores were co-cultured with A. tumefaciens harboring the binary vector with hph-gfp gene, hygromycin-resistant fungus only developed with acetosyringone supplementation. The cashew plants inoculated with the fungus expressing GFP revealed characteristic pathogen colonization by epifluorescence microscopy. Intense and bright green hyphae were observed for transformants in all extensions of mycelium cultures. The penetration of parenchyma cells near to the inoculation site, beneath the epicuticle surface, was observed prior to 25 dpi. Penetration was followed by the development of hyphae within invaded host cells. These findings provide a rapid and reproducible ATMT method for L. theobromae transformation.

sexual shape dimorphism of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Decapoda, Ucididae) accessed through geometric morphometric.

Sexual dimorphism is often observed in Crustaceans. Considering the great diversity of this subphylum, only few reports are found in the literature and most are mainly based on traditional morphometry. The present study uses geometric morphometrics analysis to identify sexual dimorphism by shape variation in the overexploited semiterrestrial crab Ucides cordatus, species with great social and economic importance in South America. Comparative morphology analyses were performed by using the outer face of the propodus of major cheliped, dorsal and anterior region of carapace shape. Significant differences in shape between sexes were detected in these body areas. The causes of dimorphism presented in this species are not clear but, analogous to other possibly associated species, it may be inferred that the causes are with adaptations to body ability of reproductive potential (females), and of reproductive behaviour and agonistics encounters (males). Additional analyses on courtship displays and other reproductive aspects should provide better comprehension of functionality of this morphological differentiation.

Identifying selection strategies based on the practices and preferences of small ruminant farmers to improve the sustainability of their breeding systems.

Small ruminant farming is of socio-economic and environmental importance to many rural communities around the world. The SMARTER H2020 project aims to redefine genetic selection criteria to increase the sustainability of the sector. The objective of this study was to analyse the selection and breeding management practices of small ruminant producers and breeders, linked with socio-technical elements that shape them. The study is based on farm surveys using semi-structured interviews conducted in five countries (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Uruguay) across 272 producers and breeders of 13 sheep and goat breeds, and 15 breed × system combinations. The information was collected in four sections. The first and second sections dealt with general elements of structure and management of the system and the flock/herd. The third section focused on selection and breeding management practices: criteria for culling and replacement of females, selection criteria for males, use of estimated breeding values and global indexes, and preferences for indexing new traits to increase the sustainability of their system. The fourth section aimed to collect socio-technical information. We used a data abstraction method to standardise the representation of these data. A mixed data factor analysis followed by a hierarchical ascending classification allowed the characterisation of three profiles of selection and breeding management: (1) a profile of producers (n = 93) of small flocks/herds, with little knowledge or use of genetic selection and improvement tools (selection index, artificial insemination, performance recording); these farmers do not feel that new traits are needed to improve the sustainability of their system. (2) a profile of producers (n = 34) of multibreed flocks/herds that rely significantly on grazing; they are familiar with genetic tools, they currently use AI; they would like the indexes to include more health and robustness characteristics, to make their animals more resistant and to increase the sustainability of their system. And (3) a profile of producers or breeders (n = 145) of large flocks/herds, with specific culling criteria; these farmers are satisfied with the current indexes to maintain the sustainability of their system. These results are elements that can be used by private breeding companies and associations to support the evolution of selection objectives to increase the resilience of animals and to improve the sustainability of the small ruminant breeding systems.

Single-Layer Graphene/Germanium Interface Representing a Schottky Junction Studied by Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

We investigated the interfacial electronic structure of the bidimensional interface of single-layer graphene on a germanium substrate. The procedure followed a well-established approach using ultraviolet (UPS) and X-ray (XPS) photoelectron spectroscopy. The direct synthesis of the single-layer graphene on the surface of (110) undoped Ge substrates was conducted via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The main graphitic properties of the systems were identified, and it was shown that the Ge substrate affected the electronic structure of the single-layer graphene, indicating the electronic coupling between the graphene and the Ge substrate. Furthermore, the relevant features associated with the Schottky contact's nature, the energy level's alignments, and the energy barrier's heights for electron and hole injection were obtained in this work. The results are useful, given the possible integration of single-layer graphene on a Ge substrate with the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

Macroalgal blooms affect the food web of tropical coastal ecosystems impacted by fisheries.

Macroalgal bloom events have been frequent in recent years. Eutrophication and overexploitation fishing may favor blooms through nutrient availability and capturing top predators. We aim to investigate the drivers of the macroalgae blooms and their consequences on the food web of the two tropical coastal ecosystems: Porto do Mangue (with high macroalgae production) and Baía Formosa (control environment, without macroalgae), both exploited by artisanal fisheries in northeastern Brazil. The food webs are modeled using the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) approach. Our results suggest that fishing did not favor macroalgae blooms but rather the high concentration of nutrients added to the semi-arid conditions. Furthermore, the macroalgae bloom showed low trophic impact, so much of their biomass is transferred into detritus. However, when it decomposes, this accumulation of matter alters the structure and functioning of the ecosystem, affecting its main fish resources: shrimp and piscivorous fish. Investigating blooms is key to management.

Genome-wide association studies for sperm traits in Assaf sheep breed.

Sperm quality traits routinely collected by artificial insemination (AI) center for rams progeny test are related with the capacity to produce sperm doses for AI and, in more or less grade, with males' fertility. Low-quality ejaculates are unuseful to perform AI sperm doses, which suppose high economic loses for the AI center. Moreover, sperm quality traits have low heritability values which make traditional genetic selection little efficient to its improvement. In this work, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by using sperm quality traits data and 50 K Affymetrix custom chip genotypes of 429 rams of Assaf breed from OVIGEN AI centre. Furthermore, 47 of these rams were also genotyped with the Illumina HD Ovine BeadChip, and therefore HD genotypes were imputed for all rams with phenotype data. Previous to the GWAS, a linear regression model was fitted including sperm traits as dependent variables; the flock of origin, date of sperm collection, and jump number as fixed effects; rams age at collection in months as covariate; and ram permanent effect as random. Pseudo-phenotypes obtained from this model were used as input for GWAS. Associations at the chromosome-wise level (FDR 10%) of 76 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4 chromosomes for ejaculate concentration (CON), 20 SNPs in 3 chromosomes for ejaculate volume (VOL), 32 SNPs in 1 chromosome for ejaculate number of spermatozoa (SPZ), and 23 SNPs for spermatozoa mass motility (MOT) in 17 chromosomes were found. Only SNPs associated with MOT overcame the genome-wide significance level. Some candidate genes for sperm traits variability were SLC9C1 (OAR1), TSN (OAR2), and FUT10 (OAR26) for MOT;. DOCK2, CPLANE1, SPEF2, and RAI14 (OAR16) for CON; SCAPER and PSMA4 (OAR18) for VOL; and PARM1 and LOC101110593 (OAR6) for SPZ. SNPs associated with sperm traits were not found to be correlated with milk production genetic variation; however, the high frequencies of some SNPs with negative effect over sperm traits found in animals at the top milk yield estimated breeding values (EBVs) ranking would allow to exert some selective presure to improve rams sperm performances. Effects and frequencies of some of the SNPs detected over sperm quality traits make these variants good candidates to be used in marker-assisted selection to improve sperm characteristics of Assaf rams and AI center efficiency to produce sperm doses.

Behavior of an electrolytic cell containing two groups of ions submitted to a step-like external voltage.

The transient and equilibrium behaviors of an electrolytic cell containing two groups of ions submitted to an external voltage is considered. The analysis is performed analytically and numerically, considering the electrolytic solution as a dispersion of ions in an insulating liquid. According to our results, the dynamic of the system corresponds to a multirelaxation problem and the relaxation time related to a new type of free diffusion is able to capture the essential characteristics of the evolution of the variables of the system. We also show that, contrary to what expected, the relaxation time related to the ambipolar diffusion is not a solution of the eigenvalues equation.

Nutrient and organic matter removal from low strength sewage treated with constructed wetlands.

The role of Eichhornia crassipes for removing pollutants from low strength sewage was evaluated in three pilot-scale constructed wetlands (CW): CW 1, planted with E. crassipes in a filter media; CW 2, unplanted, composed by filter media; and CW 3, composed by E. crassipes floating on the sewage. The operation was divided into three stages by varying the nominal hydraulic retention time into: (I) 24 h; (II) 48 h; (III) 72 h. Temporal sampling profiles were carried out with collection of the influent and effluent samples to determine temperature, pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), TKN and TP. Contents of TP and TN were analyzed in the plant tissue of the macrophyte. The best removal efficiency rates for phosphorus (38%) and TKN (47%) were obtained in CW 3 for 72 h. The highest COD removal was observed in the CW 2 (80%) for 48 h. The macrophyte E. crassipes contributed to the absorption process with uptake rate percentages of 8.3% (CW 1) and 9.0% (CW 3) for TN and 0.78% (CW 1) and 1.56% (CW 3) for TP on the dry matter of the plant. The chosen species planted in the systems contributed to the achievement of higher nutrient removal.

Dielectric characterization of doped M5.

We analyze the dielectric properties of the liquid crystal M5 used to investigate the electrohydrodynamics instability in nematic liquid crystals. We show that the spectra of the electrical impedance of doped samples of M5 with several concentrations of salt and of acid can be interpreted by assuming the doped liquid crystal as a dispersion of ions in a dielectric liquid. The analysis has been performed by considering the electrodes as blocking. From the best fit of the experimental data relevant to the real and imaginary parts of the electrical impedance of the cells, we derive the diffusion coefficients for the positive and negative ions and their bulk density. According to our analysis, in the limit of small concentrations of doping substance, the effective dielectric constant of the resulting liquid is, practically, independent of the doping.

Development of a molecular diagnostic test applied to experimental abattoir surveillance on bovine tuberculosis.

One of the most essential systems applied to the eradication of bovine tuberculosis by Mycobacterium bovis is the epidemiologic surveillance of animals slaughtered in abattoir by means of inspection and sample taking of lesions compatible with tuberculosis, confirming the existence of the disease through culture and molecular detection, which takes weeks before a result can be obtained. An interesting alternative is to develop high-throughput molecular systems for the direct detection of M. bovis on biological samples. In this sense, our research has developed a molecular detection system by means of a real-time based PCR process which is applied directly to bovine biological samples and it allows to differentiate between Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium avium complex and other atypical mycobacteria that are interesting from the veterinary point of view. The sensitivity was analyzed by applying a conventional extraction system based on guanidine thiocyanate and a robotized system based on the selective magnetic capture of mycobacterial DNA. The molecular detection system showed a high specificity and a detection threshold of only two to three genomes. The sensitivity depended on the DNA extraction system being used and on the kind of lesions on which it was used; the sensitivity ranged from 61.11% for samples with non-visible lesions to 80.64% for chronic lesions, with an average sensitivity of 73.87% when using the manual extraction system and between 27.77 and 74.19% (average sensitivity 47.74%) when using the automated robotic system. In conclusion, our multiplex real-time PCR assay represents a fully controlled, high-throughput diagnostic tool for the rapid detection of Myobacterium presence directly in animal clinical specimens, which could be a practical tool in the context of bovine tuberculosis abattoir surveillance programs and granuloma submission programs.

Anti-hepatitis C virus-positive blood donors: are women any different?

We sought to assess clinical, epidemiological, biochemical, serological and histological characteristics of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive female blood donors and compare them with men. As women are frequently the minority among blood donors, studies evaluating this population usually reflect characteristics of male gender. This retrospective study included 380 blood donors with confirmed positive anti-HCV. The mean age was 36.9 +/- 11.3 years and 33.2% were women. Compared with men, female donors showed higher prevalence of prior transfusion of blood products (P = 0.031) and lower prevalence of intravenous drug use (P = 0.001) and alcohol abuse (P < 0.001). Women exhibited lower medians of alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (P < 0.001). They also showed higher platelet count (P < 0.001) and prothrombin activity (P = 0.049), and a lower frequency of antibody against core antigen of hepatitis B virus (anti-HBc) positivity (P = 0.032). A higher proportion of spontaneous viral clearance (P = 0.001) and a lower frequency of viraemia (P < 0.001) were observed among women. On liver biopsy, women had lower prevalence of fibrosis stage > or = 2. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR = 1.050, 95% CI: 1.019-1.081, P = 0.001) and anti-HBc positivity (OR = 2.184, 95% CI: 1.010-4.722, P = 0.047) as independent predictors of significant fibrosis. Female blood donors presented higher prevalence of spontaneous viral clearance as well as biochemical and histological evidence of less advanced liver disease. These findings could be because of intrinsic characteristics of female gender or secondary to associated factors such as younger age or anti-HBc positivity.

Characterization of Aspergillus flavus strains from Brazilian Brazil nuts and cashew by RAPD and ribosomal DNA analysis.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability in Aspergillus flavus populations from Brazil nut and cashew and develop a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chomatography analysis of 48 isolates identified 36 as aflatoxigenic (75%). One hundred and forty-one DNA bands were generated with 11 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers and analysed via unweighted pair group analysis, using arithmetic means (UPGMA). Isolates grouped according to host, with differentiation of those from A. occidentale also according to geographical origin. Aspergillus flavus-specific PCR primers ASPITSF2 and ASPITSR3 were designed from ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS 1 and 2), and an internal amplification control was developed, to prevent false negative results. Specificity to only A. flavus was confirmed against DNA from additional aspergilli and other fungi. CONCLUSIONS: RAPD-based characterization differentiated isolates according to plant host. The PCR primer pair developed showed specificity to A. flavus, with a detection limit of 10 fg. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Genetic variability observed in A. flavus isolates from two Brazilian agroecosystems suggested reproductive isolation. The PCR detection method developed for A. flavus represents progress towards multiplex PCR detection of aflatoxigenic and nonaflatoxigenic strains in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point systems.

Constructed wetland treatment system in textile industry and sustainable development.

This study focuses on the evaluation of the adequacy and sustainability of a constructed wetland (CW), with vertical flow (VF) design to treat a strongly coloured textile wastewater.Secondly an accidental AO7 overloaded discharge (700 mg l(-1)) was studied. A set of three similar VFCW beds (3x1 m2), operating in series, allowed also the efficient treatment of the AO7 heavy loaded wastewaters. The treated effluent quality enables water reuse for irrigation purposes or within the process.

Antibacterial activity of plant extracts from Brazil against fish pathogenic bacteria.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Brazilian plants extracts against fish pathogenic bacteria. Forty six methanolic extracts were screened to identify their antibacterial properties against Streptococcus agalactiae, Flavobacterium columnare and Aeromonas hydrophila. Thirty one extracts showed antibacterial activity.

Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938) teniente coronel médico. Carrera militar, sanitaria, social y política / Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938) medical lieutenant colonel. Military, health, social and political career

Revisión de la biografía militar y civil del doctor Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938), desde su nacimiento, en La Habana, hasta su fallecimiento, en Vigo. Estudios, carrera militar, participación en la Guerra de Cuba y Marruecos, pasó por Santiago, La Coruña, Madrid, Huesca, Pontevedra y Vigo. Describimos su activa participación en la sociedad de las ciudades en las que residió y citamos a personajes destacados que le influyeron. Cumplió un importante papel en la defensa de la salud pública municipal en Vigo, donde fue alcalde (1929-1930). Ocupó el cargo de gobernador civil en Huesca (1931) y el de director del Hospital Militar de Vigo (1917-1931). Sin descendencia, sus escasas cargas familiares le permitieron volcarse en una brillante carrera profesional, militar y política. (AU)

Review of the military and civil biography of Dr. Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938), from his birth in Havana to his death in Vigo. Studies, military career, participation in the wars of Cuba and Morocco, passing through Santiago, La Coruña, Madrid, Huesca, Pontevedra and Vigo. We describe his active participation in the society of the cities he lived and we quote prominent figures who influenced him. In Vigo, where he was mayor (1929-1930), he played a very important role in defending municipal public health. He was civil governor of Huesca (1931) and director of the Military Hospital of Vigo (1917-1931). Without children, his few family responsibilities allowed him to concentrate on a brilliant professional, military and political career. (AU)

Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938) teniente coronel médico. Carrera militar, sanitaria, social y política / Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938) medical lieutenant colonel. Military, health, social and political career

Revisión de la biografía militar y civil del doctor Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938), desde su nacimiento, en La Habana, hasta su fallecimiento, en Vigo. Estudios, carrera militar, participación en la Guerra de Cuba y Marruecos, pasó por Santiago, La Coruña, Madrid, Huesca, Pontevedra y Vigo. Describimos su activa participación en la sociedad de las ciudades en las que residió y citamos a personajes destacados que le influyeron. Cumplió un importante papel en la defensa de la salud pública municipal en Vigo, donde fue alcalde (1929-1930). Ocupó el cargo de gobernador civil en Huesca (1931) y el de director del Hospital Militar de Vigo (1917-1931). Sin descendencia, sus escasas cargas familiares le permitieron volcarse en una brillante carrera profesional, militar y política. (AU)

Review of the military and civil biography of Dr. Alfredo Pérez Viondi (1871-1938), from his birth in Havana to his death in Vigo. Studies, military career, participation in the wars of Cuba and Morocco, passing through Santiago, La Coruña, Madrid, Huesca, Pontevedra and Vigo. We describe his active participation in the society of the cities he lived and we quote prominent figures who influenced him. In Vigo, where he was mayor (1929-1930), he played a very important role in defending municipal public health. He was civil governor of Huesca (1931) and director of the Military Hospital of Vigo (1917-1931). Without children, his few family responsibilities allowed him to concentrate on a brilliant professional, military and political career. (AU)

Vertical flow constructed wetland for textile effluent treatment.

A pulse feed vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) proved to be efficient in the treatment of a textile effluent being able to buffer, dilute and treat an Acid Orange (AO7) accidental discharge. The influence of the flooding level (FL) and pulse feed (PF) duration on the removal efficiencies of a VFCW was examined. Average AO7 removal efficiencies of 70% were achieved for an AO7 Inlet concentration of 700 mgl(-1) applied during 15 min cycle(-1) (every three hours) at a hydraulic load of 13 lm(-2) cycle(-1) and an FL of 21%. The VFCW was modelled by analogy with a combination of ideal reactors. The simplest combination that best reproduced the experimental results was an association of 2 reactors in series plus 1 reactor accounting the dead volumes. The model parameters helped to understand the hydrological and kinetic processes occurring in VFCW. Through the model simulation it was shown that 3 VFCW in series were enough to efficiently treat an organic mass load of 76 gAO7 m(-2) day(-1) in 9 hours and fulfil the discharge legislation. In this work it was possible to establish that the overall degradation kinetics was of first order.

Moisture adsorption and desorption behavior of sludge powder.

In this work, the moisture adsorption and desorption isotherms were determined with the aim of defining the range of moisture content for storage of sludge powder. Equilibrium moisture content provides the basis for information not only on how much water has been taken out of a system but also on how fast drying is taking place (drying rate). Once the drying process is accomplished, the main concern rests on the storage of the dried final product. Still, the equilibrium moisture content is valuable information in that it has a major effect on the product physical and chemical properties. The present work also addresses the problem of selecting the best fit for equilibrium moisture content of sludge powder out of six well-known correlations for moisture sorption isotherms of solids: Henderson, Henderson-Thompson, Chung-Pfost, Chen-Clayton, Modified Halsey and Oswin. The equilibrium moisture content was determined by the static method (saturated salt solutions), in which the atmosphere surrounding the product is in equilibrium with the product without mechanical movement of the air or the product. Experiments were carried out under isothermal conditions at 20 and 40 degrees C. By calculating the regression coefficient, the residuals and the bias measure of Box for the equilibrium moisture content, the study showed that the Oswin Model was the most suitable. The range enclosed within the adsorption isotherm at 40 degrees C and the desorption isotherm at 20 degrees C defines the moisture extremes for storage in most tropical areas of the world.