Methodology for the Generation of High-Quality Ultrasonic Images of Complex Geometry Pieces Using Industrial Robots.

Industrial robotic arms integrated with server computers, sensors and actuators have revolutionized the way automated non-destructive testing is performed in the aeronautical sector. Currently, there are commercial, industrial robots that have the precision, speed and repetitiveness in their movements that make them suitable for use in numerous non-destructive testing inspections. Automatic ultrasonic inspection of complex geometry parts remains one of the most difficult challenges in the market. The closed configuration, i.e., restricted access to internal motion parameters, of these robotic arms makes it difficult for an adequate synchronism between the movement of the robot and the acquisition of the data. This is a serious problem in the inspection of aerospace components, where high-quality images are necessary to assess the condition of the inspected component. In this paper, we applied a methodology recently patented for the generation of high-quality ultrasonic images of complex geometry pieces using industrial robots. The methodology is based on the calculation of a synchronism map after a calibration experiment and to introduce this corrected map in an autonomous, independent external system developed by the authors to obtain precise ultrasonic images. Therefore, it has been shown that it is possible to establish the synchronization of any industrial robot with any ultrasonic imaging generation system to generate high-quality ultrasonic images.

Geothermal food dehydrator system, operation and sensory analysis, and dehydrated pineapple quality.

Food dehydration is a preservation technique that guarantees its supply. Food like vegetables and fruits are traditionally dehydrated with natural gas or solar energy, however, this work demonstrates the feasibility of doing it with energy from a geothermal power plant in Nayarit, Mexico. Different species of pineapple (Miel, Cayenne, and Esmeralda) were dehydrated at different temperatures from 64 to 80°C and the safety of the product was subsequently verified, for these aerobic mesophiles (<230 ufc/g), total coliforms (<0.3 s.m.), molds and yeasts (<120 v.e.), and salmonella spp (Absent in 25 g), and results were obtained within the proposed specifications, which were generated taking as reference the national and international guidance standards. A sensory evaluation, a modified Flash Profile (mFP), was carried out with a group of judges trained in descriptive methodology, since a better consensus of responses was obtained, thus demonstrating the usability of mFP for food dehydration. The studies of pineapple allowed the evaluation of production with the DGA 200 technology, and the microbiological standards, as well as sensory and physicochemical parameters, were considering just to verify that product is suitable for human consumption. The technology is a system that takes advantage of the heat of the earth, with which it is possible to work 7 days a week or the entire pineapple season. Physicochemical changes caused by its dehydration with respect to the content of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber in the three species of dehydrated pineapple were measured. In the fresh samples, an average concentration of vitamin C 9 mg/100 g, carbohydrates 11.6 g sugar/100 g, and dietary fiber 0.96% were measured. The dehydrated samples presented an average value of vitamin C of 95 mg/100 g, carbohydrates 72.6 g sugar/100 g, and dietary fiber 8.6%, these results were similar to Mühlbauer and Müller, 2020, Drying atlas, drying kinetics and quality of agricultural products, Elsevier.

The impact of COVID-19 on consumer evaluation of authentic advertising messages.

This study investigates the relationship between the COVID-19 threat and consumer evaluation of a product with authenticity appeals in advertisements. We propose that threatening situations like COVID-19 motivate consumers to lower their uncertainty and increase their preference for products with authentic advertising messages. Because individuals react differently to threatening environments according to their early-life experiences, commonly reflected in childhood socioeconomic status, we examined whether childhood socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between threat and consumer evaluation of authenticity in advertisements. First, secondary data from Google Trends provided empirical support for our predictions. In additional experimental studies, participants evaluated different target products in four studies that either manipulated (Studies 2 and 3) or measured (Studies 4 and 5) COVID-19 threat. Our results provide converging evidence that consumers positively evaluate products with authentic advertising messages under the COVID-19 threat. Consumers' motivation to lower their uncertainty underlies the effect of COVID-19 threat on their evaluation of authentic messages (Study 3). This attempt to reduce uncertainty is more likely to occur for consumers with relatively higher childhood socioeconomic status (Studies 4 and 5). These findings suggest that using authenticity appeals during a pandemic could effectively reduce consumers' perceived uncertainty and generate positive consumer evaluations.

Magnesium-based biodegradable microelectrodes for neural recording.

This article reports fabrication, characterization, degradation and electrical properties of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) microwires coated with two functional polymers, and the first in vivo evidence on the feasibility of Mg-based biodegradable microelectrodes for neural recording. Conductive poly(3,4­ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coating was first electrochemically deposited onto Mg microwire surface, and insulating biodegradable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) was then spray-coated onto PEDOT surface to improve the overall properties of microelectrode. The assembled PGS/PEDOT-coated Mg microelectrodes showed high homogeneity in coating thickness, surface morphology and composition before and after in vivo recording. The charge storage capacity (CSC) of PGS/PEDOT-coated Mg microwire (1.72 mC/cm2) was nearly 5 times higher than the standard platinum (Pt) microwire widely used in implantable electrodes. The Mg-based microelectrode demonstrated excellent neural-recording capability and stability during in vivo multi-unit neural recordings in the auditory cortex of a mouse. Specifically, the Mg-based electrode showed clear and stable onset response, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio during spontaneous-activity recordings and three repeats of stimulus-evoked recordings at two different anatomical locations in the auditory cortex. During 10 days of immersion in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) in vitro, PGS/PEDOT-coated Mg microelectrodes showed slower degradation and less change in impedance than PEDOT-coated Mg electrodes. The biodegradable PGS coating protected the PEDOT coating from delamination, and prolonged the mechanical integrity and electrical properties of Mg-based microelectrode. Mg-based novel microelectrodes should be further studied toward clinical translation because they can potentially eliminate the risks and costs associated with secondary surgeries for removal of failed or no longer needed electrodes.

Antimicrobial Bioresorbable Mg-Zn-Ca Alloy for Bone Repair in a Comparison Study with Mg-Zn-Sr Alloy and Pure Mg.

Magnesium-zinc-calcium (Mg-Zn-Ca) alloys have attracted increasing attention for biomedical implant applications, especially for bone repair, because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and similar mechanical properties to human bone. The objectives of this study were to characterize Mg-2 wt % Zn-0.5 wt % Ca (named ZC21) alloy pins microstructurally and mechanically, and determine their degradation and interactions with host cells and pathogenic bacteria in vitro and in vivo in comparison with the previously studied Mg-4 wt % Zn-1 wt % strontium (named ZSr41) alloy and Mg control. Specifically, the in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility of ZC21 pins with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were investigated using both direct culture and direct exposure culture methods. The adhesion density of BMSCs on ZC21 pins (i.e., direct contact) was significantly higher than on pure Mg pins in both in vitro culture methods; the cell adhesion density around ZC21 pins (i.e., indirect contact) was similar to the cell-only positive control in both in vitro culture methods. Interestingly, ZC21 showed a higher daily degradation rate, crack width and crack area ratio in the direct exposure culture than in the direct culture, suggesting different culture methods did affect its in vitro degradation behaviors. When cultured with Gram-positive bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ZC21 reduced bacterial adhesion on the surface more significantly than that of ZSr41 and Mg. The in vivo degradation and biocompatibility of the ZC21 pins for bone regeneration were studied in a mouse femoral defect model. The in vivo degradation rate of ZC21 pins was much slower than that of ZSr41 alloy and Mg control pins. After 12 weeks of implantation in vivo, the ZC21 group showed the shortest gap at the femoral defect, indicating that ZC21 pins promoted osteogenesis and bone healing more than ZSr41 and Mg control pins. Overall, the ZC21 alloy is promising for bone repair, while providing antibacterial activities, and should be further studied toward clinical translation.

Evaluation of growth production factors as predictors of the incidence and severity of white striping and woody breast in broiler chickens.

White striping (WS) and woody breast (WB) have been previously associated with older and heavier birds. However, there is limited information supporting the association between these 2 muscle conditions and growth parameters. The objectives of this study were 1) to investigate the relationship between WS and WB using different growth production factors and 2) to propose a predictive model that uses growth production factors to investigate the incidence and severity of WS and WB. A combined database of 4,332 broilers pooled from 7 research experiments conducted from 2016 to 2017 at Texas A&M University was used in this study. Parameters such as sex, age (4 wk, 6 wk, and 8 wk), strain (standard A vs. high-breast-yield [B and C]), live weight categories (500 g increments), and breast weight categories (250 g increments) were included in the model. Results showed that WS was 12% more likely to be present in non-WB fillets. The association between WS and WB suggests a moderate relationship between the ranks of both outcome variables (ρ = 0.57, P < 0.0001). Variables such as age, live weight, and sex were not as important as breast weight and strain in the severity prediction of WS and WB. Butterfly fillets above 750 g and with high-breast-yielding strains were more likely associated with higher severity of WS and WB scores. No post hoc variable selection was performed. Both models show good discrimination. The WS model produced an uncorrected area under the curve (AUC) of 0.739, with a bootstrap corrected estimate of 0.736. The WB model produced an uncorrected AUC of 0.753 and a bootstrap corrected estimate of 0.752. Therefore, the growth production factors analyzed in this study indicated that there is a moderate relationship between WS and WB myopathies and were jointly predictive of the severity of WS and WB. Potentially other factors not included in this study may play a major role in the relationship of these 2 myopathies. More research should be done to investigate this possibility.

Impacts of Dietary Protein and Prebiotic Inclusion on Liver and Spleen Gene Expression in Hy-Line Brown Caged Layers.

The ingredients of poultry feeds are chosen based on the least-cost formulation to meet nutritional requirements. However, this approach can lead to the introduction of anti-nutritional ingredients in the feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of two diets (with or without prebiotic) on homeostatic genes in the liver and spleen of laying hens. Hy-Line Brown layers were raised either on a soybean meal or cottonseed meal-based diets with and without an added prebiotic (yeast cell wall), totaling four experimental diets. A total of 120, 63-week old layers were housed individually in a wire cage system. We investigated differences in the expression of select homeostatic marker genes in the liver and spleen of hens from each treatment. We then used the ΔΔCT and generalized linear models to assess significance. Results show that the inclusion of prebiotic yeast cell-wall (YCW) increased the expression of the BAK gene in the liver tissue for both the soybean meal (SBM) and cottonseed meal (CSM) diets. For splenic tissue, the combination of YCW with the CSM diet increased the POR gene over six log2 fold. Altogether, our results suggest altered homeostasis, which can have consequences for health and performance.

Un caso complejo de isquemia mesentérica crónica: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / A complex case of chronic mesenteric ischemia: Case report and literature review

Introducción. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una entidad infrecuente, con una prevalencia de 0,03 %, donde más del 90 % son debidas a enfermedad arterioesclerótica que compromete principalmente la arteria mesentérica superior. Sus síntomas son dolor abdominal crónico y pérdida de peso, asociado a alteraciones imagenológicas que hacen el diagnóstico. El tratamiento depende de las condiciones clínicas del paciente y el número de vasos comprometidos. Es claro que la enfermedad multivaso sintomática requiere revascularización. Caso clínico. Mujer de 67 años, fumadora activa con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y dislipidemia, con cuadro de crisis hipertensiva tipo urgencia que requirió manejo en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Se hizo diagnóstico de aneurisma toracoabdominal Crawford IV, oclusión aorto-ilíaca (TASC D) y oclusión crónica del tronco celíaco y la arteria mesentérica superior. Por los síntomas de isquemia mesentérica crónica fue llevada a tratamiento quirúrgico con baipás aorto-bifemoral más baipás retrógrado a la arteria mesentérica superior por vía abierta. Resultado. La paciente tuvo mejoría de la sintomatología y aumentó 13 % del peso al seguimiento a los 3 meses. Conclusión. La isquemia mesentérica crónica es una condición subdiagnosticada, marcador de riesgo cardiovascular, con alta carga de morbilidad y mortalidad, en la cual, con una identificación temprana se puede ofrecer una terapia de revascularización, sea por vía endovascular o abierta, con el fin de mejorar la calidad de vida y la ganancia de peso, y evitar la necrosis intestinal.

Introduction. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare entity, with a prevalence of 0.03%, where more than 90% are due to arteriosclerotic disease that mainly affects the superior mesenteric artery. Its symptoms are chronic abdominal pain and weight loss, associated with imaging alterations that make the diagnosis. Treatment depends on the patient's clinical conditions and the number of vessels involved. It is clear that symptomatic multivessel disease requires revascularization. Clinical case. A 67-year-old woman, an active smoker with a history of high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, presented with an emergency-type hypertensive crisis that required management in the Intensive Care Unit. A diagnosis of Crawford IV thoracoabdominal aneurysm, aorto-iliac occlusion (TASC D), and chronic occlusion of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery was made. Due to the symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia, she underwent surgical treatment with aorto-bifemoral bypass plus retrograde bypass to the superior mesenteric artery via an open approach. Result. The patient had improvement in symptoms and gained 13% weight at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion. Chronic mesenteric ischemia is an underdiagnosed condition, a marker of cardiovascular risk, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, in which, with early identification, revascularization therapy can be offered, either endovascularly or open, in order to improve quality of life and weight gain, and avoiding intestinal necrosis.

Evaluation of high dietary phytase supplementation on performance, bone mineralization, and apparent ileal digestible energy of growing broilers.

The present study was conducted to evaluate four commercially available phytase sources supplemented at regular (R) and super-dose (S) levels on live performance, bone mineralization, and apparent ileal digestible energy. Broiler chickens were allocated in stainless steel battery brooders (six birds per cage and eight pen replicates per treatment). A basal diet formulated to contain 0.2% non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) and 0.7% Ca was subdivided to create 11 dietary treatments: (1) basal diet was kept as the negative control (NC); (2) NC + limestone and monoclacium phosphate to create positive controls 1 and 2 formulated to yield 0.3% and 0.4% NPP; (3) NC + phytase A (250 and 1,500 FTU/kg); (4) NC + phytase B (500 and 1,500 FTU/kg); (5) NC + phytase C (500 and 1,000 FTU/kg); (6) NC + phytase D (1,000 and 2,000 FYT/kg). Performance was evaluated on d 7, 14, and 22. Tibia bone ash, tibia breaking strength, bone mineral content, and bone mineral density were evaluated on d 22. Apparent energy digestibility was evaluated on d 24. At d 7, phytases A and C supplemented at S level improved (P < 0.05) body weight and weight gain when compared to the NC. At d 14 and 22, all phytase sources improved (P < 0.05) body weight, weight gain, and bone mineralization when compared to the chicks under the NC diet. Overall, phytase supplementation at S level improved 17% apparent ileal digestibility at 24 d. Throughout the grow out period, phytase super-dose yield (P < 0.05) better performance, bone characteristics, and energy digestibility than the regular dietary level. In conclusion, all phytase sources were able to compensate the phosphorus deficiency and promote performance and bone mineralization. High levels of phytase showed a higher response when compared to the lower levels of supplementation.

Performance of broilers fed diets supplemented with two yeast cell wall strains using two feeding strategies.

Different supplements or strategies have been proposed as alternatives to the use of antibiotics at sub-therapeutic levels in chickens. Mannan oligosaccharides and ß-glucans, yeast cell wall fractions (YCW), have been reported to beneficially influence broiler performance and health. Two differently produced yeast cell wall fractions derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were evaluated in this study using two different supplementation strategies offered to full-term broilers. The birds were placed in floor pens on used pine-shaving litter to increase potential microbial stress and mimic industry practice. The study utilized a three-phase feeding program with a 1- to 21-day starter, 21- to 35-day grower and 35- to 42-day finisher phases. Five dietary treatments were compared in this study. The experimental diets consisted of a control basal broiler diet; or the basal diet supplemented with the two differently produced fractions of YCW. The YCW products were supplemented at a constant 250 ppm or a decreasing concentration program (500, 250, 125 ppm) throughout the three feeding phases. Birds fed diets supplemented with either YCW products at any inclusion regimen demonstrated higher (P < 0.05) body weight (BW) in all three phases than control birds. The difference in final 42-day BW of the YCW treatments (3041 g) averaged 165 g higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. For all YCW treatments, productivity index was higher (P < 0.05) in the grower (418) and finisher phase (441) versus control birds (389 grower and 415 finisher). These results suggested that both YCW fractions prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve broiler performance when added at either a constant rate (250 ppm) or at a decreasing rate from 500 ppm for the starter to 125 ppm for the finisher phase.

Developing a novel oral vitamin D3 intake bioassay to re-evaluate the vitamin D3 requirement for modern broiler chickens.

The present study was conducted to develop a non-traditional vitamin D3 (D3) intake bioassay with the objective of increasing the precision of D3 delivery to the chickens. For this purpose, newly hatched chickens (5 birds per cage) were allocated in battery brooders and randomly distributed into 8 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment. A basal corn-soy diet devoid of D3 containing calculated calcium and non-phytate phosphorus concentrations of 0.90 and 0.45%, respectively, was fed throughout a 21-D period. The first 9 D of the study served to deplete the maternal stores of D3 followed by a 12-h fasting period. From day 10 to the end of the trial, the birds were gavaged with graded levels of D3 obtained from a highly purified pharmaceutical grade D3 standard (99.8%) purchased from Sigma-Aldrich and dissolved in corn oil. Daily gavage treatments were based on estimated intake of 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 IU D3/kg of feed consumed over the last 12 D of the study. Precise cholecalciferol intake per kg of diet was adjusted based on actual daily feed intake per pen of birds. Performance data were evaluated from day 10 to 21. Percent tibia bone ash (TBA), tibia breaking strength (TBS), total mineral content, and total bone mineral density were obtained at day 21. The D3 treatments improved (P < 0.05) weight gain and feed efficiency. There was no linear or quadratic effect for any of the productivity performance variables. Graded levels of D3 improved (P < 0.05) TBA and TBS. Both were linearly increased (P < 0.05) in response to graded levels of D3. A quadratic response was observed for TBS only. Under the conditions of the present experiment and the average of 3 regression models, the D3 requirement for starter broilers was estimated at 285 IU D3/kg of feed when bone mineralization responses (TBA and TBS) were used as criteria to estimate the requirement.

Analysis of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana antennal transcriptome and expression of odorant-binding and chemosensory proteins.

The grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana, is considered a harmful pest for vineyards in Chile as well as in North America and Europe. Currently, monitoring and control methods of L. botrana are based on its main sex pheromone component, being effective for low population densities. In order to improve control methods, antennal olfactory proteins in moths, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) have been studied as promising targets for the discovery of new potent semiochemicals, which have not been reported for L. botrana. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the repertoire of proteins related to chemoreception in L. botrana by antennal transcriptome and analyze the relative expression of OBPs and CSPs in male and female antennae. Through next-generation sequencing of the antennal transcriptome by Ilumina HiSeq2500 we identified a total of 118 chemoreceptors, from which 61, 42 and 15 transcripts are related to ORs, ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs), respectively. Furthermore, RNA-Seq data revealed 35 transcripts for OBPs and 18 for chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Analysis by qRT-PCR showed 20 OBPs significantly expressed in female antennae, while 5 were more expressed in males. Similarly, most of the CSPs were significantly expressed in female than male antennae. All the olfactory-related sequences were compared with homologs and their phylogenetic relationships elucidated. Finally, our findings in relation to the improvement of L. botrana management are discussed.

Sarcoidal granulomatous reaction due to tattoos: report of two cases.

Numerous infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic complications secondary to tattoo placement have been reported in the literature. Within inflammatory complications sarcoidal granulomatous reactions have been described. We report two cases, a 55-year-old woman with yellowish infiltrated plaques on bilateral ciliary region, 16 years after the placement of a permanent tattoo in the eyebrows, and a 20-year-old tattoo artist who developed orange papules on 3 of his tattoos. Histopathology in both cases confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidal granulomatous reaction due to tattoo pigment.

Silicon-Mediated Alleviation of Aluminum Toxicity by Modulation of Al/Si Uptake and Antioxidant Performance in Ryegrass Plants.

Silicon (Si) has been well documented to alleviate aluminum (Al) toxicity in vascular plants. However, the mechanisms underlying these responses remain poorly understood. Here, we assessed the effect of Si on the modulation of Si/Al uptake and the antioxidant performance of ryegrass plants hydroponically cultivated with Al (0 and 0.2 mM) in combination with Si (0, 0.5, and 2.0 mM). Exposure to Al significantly increased Al concentration, mainly in the roots, with a consequent reduction in root growth. However, Si applied to the culture media steadily diminished the Al concentration in ryegrass, which was accompanied by an enhancement in root dry matter production. A reduced concentration of Si in plant tissues was also observed when plants were simultaneously supplied with Al and Si. Interestingly, Si transporter genes (Lsi1 and Lsi2) were down-regulated in roots after Si or Al was applied alone; however, both Lsi1 and Lsi2 were up-regulated as a consequence of Si application to Al-treated plants, denoting that there is an increase in Si requirement in order to cope with Al stress in ryegrass. Whereas Al addition triggered lipid peroxidation, Si contributed to an attenuation of Al-induced oxidative stress by increasing phenols concentration and modulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase antioxidant enzymes. Differential changes in gene expression of SOD isoforms (Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, and Fe-SOD) and the profile of peroxide (H2O2) generation were also induced by Si in Al-stressed plants. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first study to present biochemical and molecular evidence supporting the effect of Si on the alleviation of Al toxicity in ryegrass plants.

Phenamil, an amiloride derivative, restricts long bone growth and alters keeled-sternum bone architecture in growing chickens.

"Broiler-type" chickens are fast-grow-ing, heavy-bodied birds with high demands on bone quality. Phenamil increased mineralization in cultured murine mesenchymal stem cells. Phenamil effects were tested in 2 groups of weight and gender matched day-old broiler chickens (n = 13). Oral administration of 30 mg phenamil/kg body weight d 1 to 13 reduced growth of chicks d 5 to 14 (P = 0.002); with phenamil-treated (PT) chick body weight being 84% of vehicle-treated (VT) chicks' body weight on d 14. Tissues collected on d 15 showed that femur lengths and widths did not differ, but tibias from PT chicks were 6% shorter (P = 0.002) and 13% narrower (P = 0.012) with 18% thinner tibial cross-sections (P < 0.008) than in VT chicks. Angles of the caudal aspect of the anterior surface of keeled-sternums were 166° in PT chicks, flatter than the 148° found in VT chicks (P = 0.000). Total mineral content of both tibia and femur were lower in PT chicks (P = 0.005 for both). Bone Ca, P, and Mg (ppm) in ash were similar, but Ca:P was lower (1.70 vs 1.75) in PT versus VT chicks (P < 0.05). Osteocalcin was ∼20% lower (P = 0.020), PINP was ∼45% higher (P = 0.000) in PT chicks. Carboxy-terminal telopeptide type I collagen (ICTP) and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX1) were similar in the 2 groups. Phenamil had unexpected and detrimental effects on bone formation in growing broiler chicks, reducing linear skeletal growth and markedly changing bone architecture.

Sarcoma de la vena pulmonar / Sarcoma of the pulmonary vein

Resumen Los sarcomas son neoplasias primarias, cuya ubicación es rara en grandes vasos y excepcional en las venas pulmonares. Los dos tipos más frecuentes en las venas pulmonares son el leiomiosarcoma y el fibrosarcoma, con una distribución alrededor de la cuarta a la quinta décadas de vida, un pronóstico de 23 meses y 60% de metástasis al momento del diagnóstico. La presentación clínica es inespecífica ya que simula situaciones como embolia pulmonar, falla cardiaca descompensada y masa en la aurícula izquierda. Para su diagnóstico se cuenta con diferentes herramientas, como la ecocardiografía, la tomografía computarizada, la angiografía coronaria, la resonancia magnética y la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET TC). El tratamiento incluye resección quirúrgica radical, manejo adyuvante con quimioterapia y radioterapia, e incluso, en casos seleccionados, trasplante de corazón. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico inicial de embolia pulmonar, con un episodio de edema pulmonar secundario a masa en la aurícula izquierda y extensión de un sarcoma de vena pulmonar derecha, con desenlace fatal. Se aporta a la literatura con el caso y la revisión de tema.

Abstract Sarcomas are primary neoplasms, whose location is rare in large vessels and in the pulmonary veins is exceptional. The two most frequent types in the pulmonary vein are leiomyosarcoma and fibrosarcoma, distribution around 4 and 5 decades of life, with a prognosis of 23 months and 60% metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The clinical presentation is nonspecific simulating situations such as pulmonary embolism, decompensated heart failure and mass in the left atrium. Different tools are available for its diagnosis, like echocardiography, computed tomography, coronary angiography, magnetic resonance imaging and PET CT. Treatment includes radical surgical resection, adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, even heart transplantation in selected cases. It is presented the case of a patient with an initial diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, with an episode of pulmonary edema secondary to a mass in the left atrium, extension of a sarcoma of the right pulmonary vein, with a fatal outcome. We contributed to the literature with the case and review of theme.

Effect of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on leg abnormalities and performance in broiler chickens

Background: Nutrient restriction is a common strategy to prevent metabolic disorders in fast growing broiler chickens, but limited information is available regarding the impact of diets with low protein and energy on leg abnormalities Objective: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels on gastrocnemius tendon (GTeBS) and tibia breaking strength (TiBS), gait score (GS) and valgus/varus angulation (VAng). Methods: In Experiment 1, eight-d-old Ross 308 broilers (n=90) were randomly assigned into three treatments: 13/2,900 (13% CP and 2,900 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), 17/3,000 (17% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), and 21/3,025 or control (21% CP and 3,025 kcal ME kg-1 of diet). In Experiment 2, six-d-old Ross 308 chickens (n=192) were randomly distributed into two treatments: 16/3,000; 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet and 21/3,000 or control; 21% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet. In both experiments data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA. Results: In Experiment 1, broilers in the 17/3,000 and control treatments had similar (p>0.05) GTeBS (202 and 224 N, respectively), and TiBS (338 and 332 N, respectively). Birds in the 13/2,900 treatment showed higher GS (lower walking ability; 80% of birds with score >3), and greater VAng (53% of birds with score >2) than broilers in the control treatment (0% of birds with GS score >3 and 0% of birds with VAng score >2). Experiment 2, broilers in the 16/3,000 showed similar VAng, GS and TiBS than birds in the control treatment. However, birds in the 16/3,000 treatment showed lower (-26%) GTeBS than birds in the control treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: Feeding broilers with 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet did not affect tibia breaking strength, gait score and valgus/varus angulation. A diet containing 16% CP or less and 2,900-3,000 kcal ME kg-1 reduces tendon and tibia breaking strength.

Antecedentes: La restricción de nutrientes es una estrategia común para prevenir trastornos metabólicos en pollos de engorde, sin embargo, se dispone de información limitada sobre el impacto de las dietas bajas en proteína y energía en las anomalías de piernas. Objetivo: Se llevaron a cabo dos experimentos para evaluar el efecto de niveles variables de proteína cruda (PC) y energía metabolizable (EM) en la fuerza de rotura del tendón del gastrocnemio (GTeBS) y tibia (TiBS), la evaluación de marcha (GS) y la angulación en valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: En el Experimento 1, pollos de engorde Ross 308 de ocho días de edad (n = 90) se asignaron al azar en tres tratamientos: 13/2.900; 13% PC y 2.900 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta, 17/3.000; 17% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.025 o control; 21% PC y 3.025 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En el Experimento 2, pollos Ross 308 de seis días de edad (n = 192) se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos tratamientos: 16/3.000; 16% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta y 21/3.000 o control; 21% PC y 3.000 kcal ME kg-1 de dieta. En ambos experimentos los datos se analizaron como ANOVA de una vía. Resultados: En el Experimento 1, los pollos de los tratamientos 17/3.000 y control tuvieron GTeBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) y TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente) similares (p>0,05). Las aves del tratamiento 13/2.900 mostraron mayor GS (menor capacidad para caminar; 80% de las aves con puntaje >3) y mayor VAng (53% de las aves con puntaje >2) que los pollos del tratamiento control (0% de aves con un puntaje GS >3 y 0% de aves con un puntaje VAng >2). En el Experimento 2, los pollos del 16/3.000 mostraron VAng, GS y TiBS similares a los de las aves del tratamiento control. Sin embargo, las aves del tratamiento 16/3.000 mostraron menor (-26%) GTeBS que las aves control (p<0,05). Conclusiones: La alimentación de pollos de engorde con 16% PC y 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 de dieta no afecta la resistencia a la ruptura de la tibia, la marcha y la angulación valgus/varus. La dieta formulada con 16% de PC o menos y 2.900-3.000 kcal de EM kg-1 reduce la resistencia a la ruptura del tendón y de la tibia.

Antecedentes: A restrição de nutrientes é uma estratégia comum para prevenir distúrbios metabólicos em frangos de corte, no entanto, há informações limitadas disponíveis sobre o impacto de dietas de baixa proteína e baixa energia nas anormalidades de pernas destas aves. Objetivo: Dois experimentos foram realizados para avaliar o efeito de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) e energia metabolizável (EM) em força de ruptura do tendão do músculo gastrocnêmio (GTeBS), forca de ruptura da tíbia (TiBS), gait score (GS) e angulação em valgus/varus (VAng). Métodos: Experimento 1, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte machos da linhagem Ross com oito dias de idade (n = 90) distribuidos aleatoriamente em três tratamentos: dieta controle com 21% PB e 3.025 kcal EM kg-1 13/2.900; dieta con 13% PB e 2.900 kcal EM kg-1, y 17% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Experimento 2, foram utilizados 308 frangos de corte da linhagem Ross com seis dias de idade (n = 192) distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos: dieta controle con 21% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 e dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 . Em ambos os experimentos, os dados foram submetidos a ANOVA. Resultados: Experimento 1, os frangos de corte submetidos ao dos tratamentos 17/3.000 e controle nao apresentaram diferencas significativas (p>0,05) para as variáveis GteBS (202 y 224 N, respectivamente) e TiBS (338 y 332 N, respectivamente). Os frangos submetidos ao 13/2.900 apresentaram maior frequência de GS (menor capacidade de locomocao; 80% das aves com pontuação>3) e maior VAng (53% das aves com pontuação>2) do que os frangos do tratamento controle (0% das aves com pontuação GS>3 e 0% das aves com pontuação VAng>2). Experimento 2, os frangos do 16/3.000 apresentaram VAng, GS e TiBS semelhantes aos das aves do tratamento controle. Entretanto, as aves do tratamento 16/3.000 apresentaram GTeBS mais baixo (-26%) em comparacao as aves do tratamento de controle (p<0,05). Conclusões: A dieta com 16% PB e 3.000 kcal EM kg-1 não afetou a forca de ruptura da tíbia, gaite score marcha e angulação em valgus/varus de frangos de corte. Uma dieta com níveis de 16% de PB ou menos e 2.900-3.000 kcal EM kg-1 reduziu a resistência à ruptura do tendão e a resistência de tibia de frangos de corte.

[Usefulness of bone marrow microscopic examination in HIV-infected patients with pancytopenia]. / Utilidad del estudio microscópico de medula ósea en pacientes con infección por VIH y pancitopenia.

INTRODUCTION: The role of bone marrow examination in the diagnosis of prolongedfever in HIV infected patients, has been well established, but the importance of the morphological and etiological analysis, obtained in patients with coexisting pancytopenia, has not been adequately described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, we recruited 31 HIV-infected patients with coexisting pancytopenia, with or withoutfever. Bone marrow examination was performed in all cases. Other studies were done to confirm diagnosis. RESULTS: Parvovirus infection was observed in 5 patients, Histoplasma capsulatum in 4, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 2, Mycobacterium avium complex in 3, HIV in 3, Salmonella typhi in 2, pneumonia and an unknown agent in 2 and intestinal infection and an unknown agent in 2. Only one patient was included in the following diagnostic etiologies: cytomegalovirus, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, Hodgkin's disease, hypersplenism, acinetobacter, appendicitis with an unknown agent, E. coli, and hemophagocytic syndrome. We obtained a probable diagnosis in 12 out of 31 patients (38.7), using bone marrow examination. CONCLUSION: In this subgroup of patients, the microscopic analysis of bone marrow is an important clinical approach that can lead to an early diagnosis of patients with and without fever.

Características clínicas y sociodemográficas de una población adulta con tumores neuroendocrinos

Introducción: Los tumores neuroendocrinos representan un grupo de neoplasias de baja incidencia que derivan de células neuroendocrinas distribuidas en todo el cuerpo en especial sistema respiratorio y gastrointestinal. Objetivo: Determinar las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de una población adulta con padecimiento de tumores neuroendocrinos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, se evaluaron 91 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de tumores neuroendocrinos confirmados por patología entre los años 2013 a 2020. Análisis realizado en Microsoft Excel 2013 y EpiInfo 7.2. Resultados: La media de edad fue 60 años, con predominio en hombres (57%). Los principales antecedentes fueron el tabaquismo (35%), hipertensión arterial (22%) y EPOC (9%). Los principales síntomas fueron el dolor abdominal (43%), pérdida de peso (31%) y tos (26%). Según el origen, fueron más frecuentes los de intestino anterior (75%), predominando los de tracto respiratorio (39,5%). En el 21,9%, el origen fue desconocido. Teniendo en cuenta la clasificación 2019 de la OMS, predominaron los carcinomas neuroendocrinos (56%), de los cuales el más frecuente fue el carcinoma de células pequeñas. Entre los bien diferenciados (44%), fueron más frecuentes los de bajo grado (58%) seguido grado intermedio (24%) y bajo grado (17%). Las metástasis se registraron en 37% de los casos con afectación principalmente hepática (49%), ganglios (21%) y sistema nervioso central (9%). La muerte se presentó en el 24% de los casos. Conclusiones: Los resultados del presente estudio concuerdan con lo reportado a nivel mundial, resaltando el predominio de los tumores de origen pulmonar, como también clínica semejante según los órganos afectados.

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors represent a group of low-incidence neoplasms derived from neuroendocrine cells distributed throughout the body, especially the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Objective: To determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of an adult population with neuroendocrine tumors. Materials and methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 91 medical records with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors confirmed by pathology were evaluated between the years 2013 and 2020. Analysis carried out in Microsoft Excel 2013 and EpiInfo 7.2. Results: The mean age was 60 years, with a predominance in men (57%). The main antecedents were smoking (35%), arterial hypertension (22%), and COPD (9%). The main symptoms were abdominal pain (43%), weight loss (31%), and cough (26%). According to the origin, those of the foregut were more frequent (75%), predominantly those of the respiratory tract (39.5%). In 21.9%, the origin was unknown. Taking into account 2019 WHO classification, neuroendocrine carcinomas predominated (56%), of which the most frequent was small cell carcinoma. Among the well-differentiated (44%), low-grade (58%) followed by intermediate grade (24%) and low-grade (17%). Metastases were registered in 37% of the cases with mainly liver involvement (49%), lymph nodes (21%), and central nervous system (9%). Death occurred in 24% of cases. Conclusions: The results of the present study coincide with those reported worldwide, highlighting the predominance of tumors of pulmonary origin, as well as similar clinical symptoms according to the affected organs

Laparoscopy for traumatic pancreatitis. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Traumatic pancreatitis (TP) comprises less than 10% of all abdominal traumas but can reach mortality and morbidity rates of up to 34% and 64%, respectively. The treatment of TP has a conservative approach, followed by minimally invasive procedures and surgery if the evolution is torpid. Case report: A 54-year-old male patient with blunt trauma in right hypochondrium due to a bovine kick developed moderate-severe TP and grade IV pancreatic injury (PI). He underwent laparoscopic surgery twice with adequate clinical evolution. He required antibiotic therapy for 19 days and hospitalization for 29 days, of which 9 were in the ICU. Conclusion: The diagnosis of TP is difficult to achieve due to the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas. The treatment of this condition is usually conservative, preferring clinical management with percutaneous or endoscopic drainage over surgical drainage due to its low morbidity and mortality. The recommended surgical approach to these patients is laparotomy; however, the laparoscopic approach is a therapeutic option to be considered for comprehensive management.

RESUMEN Introducción. La pancreatitis postraumática ocurre en menos del 10% de los traumas abdominales, pero su mortalidad y morbilidad llegan a ser de 34% y 64%, respectivamente. El abordaje de esta condición es conservador en primera instancia, seguido de técnicas mínimamente invasivas y finalmente cirugía si hay evolución pobre. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 54 años de edad con trauma cerrado en hipocondrio derecho por patada de bovino, quien presentó pancreatitis postraumática moderadamente severa y trauma pancreático grado IV. El sujeto, intervenido mediante laparoscopia en dos ocasiones con adecuada evolución clínica, requirió terapia con antibióticos por 19 días y hospitalización por 29 días. Conclusión. El diagnóstico de la pancreatitis postraumática es difícil dada la localización retroperitoneal del páncreas. La tendencia en el manejo de esta condición es conservadora, prefiriendo el manejo clínico acompañado de drenajes percutáneos o endoscópicos sobre el manejo quirúrgico. El abordaje quirúrgico recomendado en pacientes con pancreatitis postraumática es la laparotomía; sin embargo, el abordaje laparoscópico es una opción terapéutica a tener en cuenta dentro de las opciones del manejo integral.