Prevalence and clinico-pathology of PSOROPTIC mange in buffaloes of the Amazon region.

Scabies is an important skin disease in several species of domestic and wild animals; however, few reports in Brazil have emphasized its occurrence in buffaloes. This article describes the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects and diagnosis of psoroptic mange in buffaloes in a property in the municipality of Castanhal, PA, Amazon region. Of the 41 buffaloes examined, 38 males and females of the Murrah, Baio, Mediterranean and Carabao breeds and their crossbreeds, aged between 2 and 20 years, had a history of pruritus. Clinical examination was performed to map the lesions, skin scrapings were collected to identify the mites, and a biopsy was performed for histopathological examination. Clinical signs, from mild to severe intensity, varied according to the system of creation and handling of the animals and were more severe in buffaloes raised in bays than those raised under a collective regime (pastures and collective troughs). The characteristic clinical signs were intense itching, extensive areas of alopecia, periocular edema, and thickening of the epidermis with exudative crusts covering the face, chamfer, neck, scapular region, back, base of the horn, thoracic and pelvic limbs and chest. The behavior of rubbing the affected regions of the body against structures (troughs, fence posts, gates) or with the horns was frequently observed and provided relief from itching. In the most severe cases, mites were also noted in the crusts, which were identified as Psoroptes natalensis. Histological skin lesions exhibited alterations consistent with immune-mediated dermatitis, which is typical of hypersensitivity to mite-derived allergens.

Lateral rectus pulley concerning the orbital wall. Area of a stereotyped bony insertion.

Purpose: To examine the lateral rectus muscle pulley and its bony insertion concerning the orbital rim and periorbita. Design: Prospective. An observational anatomic study. Methods: Study population: Twenty postmortem orbits (10 right, 10 left) of 10 Caucasian cadavers (8 females, 2 males; age range at death, 57-100 years; median age, 79.5 years) fixed by the Thiel method.Intervention: The floor of the temporal fossa was exposed, and a bone window on the lateral wall of the orbit, posterior to the sphenozygomatic suture, was created, keeping the periorbita intact. The lateral canthus and lateral palpebral ligament were isolated and opened, and the eyelids were folded back. The frontozygomatic suture was identified, and the orbital septum opened adjacent to the orbital rim. The conjunctiva was opened at the limbus, and the lateral rectus insertion was isolated. The bone pillar containing the frontozygomatic suture and the insertion of the periorbita and the pulley was isolated and removed en bloc. The lateral rectus muscle was isolated and excised.Main outcome measures: Position of the pulley ring on the lateral rectus muscle belly and its bony attachment area in the lateral wall of the orbit. Results: The pulley bony attachment was roughly quadrilateral with an approximate area of 90 mm2, 3 mm (mean, range 1-5 mm) posteroinferior to the frontozygomatic suture and 1 mm posterior to the orbital rim. The anterior margin of the pulley sleeve was found at 21.0 mm (median, p25-75 20.0-22.8) from the scleral insertion. Conclusions: The lateral rectus pulley is stereotyped in its position in the muscle belly and its bony insertion, coinciding with the point of greatest adhesion of the periorbita to the anterior part of the lateral wall of the orbit.

Allergic Dermatitis in Pêga Breed Donkeys (Equus asinus) Caused by Culicoides Bites in the Amazon Biome, Pará, Brazil.

An allergy to bites from Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) occurs because of a hypersensitivity reaction caused by the inoculation of insect salivary antigens during the bite, resulting in immune-mediated dermatitis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on allergic dermatitis in donkeys in Brazil. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinicopathological, and therapeutic aspects of allergic dermatitis in donkeys and to identify the insects involved in its epidemiology. This study reported the occurrence of dermatitis in 17 animals. The clinical signs were restlessness and severe itching. Skin lesions were found on the head, depigmented areas of the muzzle and cheeks, flanks, pelvic and thoracic limbs, and the scrotal sac. The lesions were characterized by areas of alopecia with crusts accompanied by serosanguineous exudates. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as moderate superficial dermatitis with irregular epidermal acanthosis and pronounced diffuse orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis. In total, 378 Culicoides specimens were collected, with Culicoides ocumarensis Ortiz being the most abundant species. The combined application of copaiba oil and a multivitamin emulsion exhibited potential for topical treatment of allergic dermatitis caused by insect bites in donkeys. Our study revealed an association between allergic dermatitis in donkeys and Culicoides.

Synergistic activity between conventional antifungals and chalcone-derived compound against dermatophyte fungi and Candida spp.

The scarce antifungal arsenal, changes in the susceptibility profile of fungal agents, and lack of adherence to treatment have contributed to the increase of cases of dermatomycoses. In this context, new antimicrobial substances have gained importance. Chalcones are precursors of the flavonoid family that have multiple biological activities, have high tolerability by humans, and easy synthesis. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity, alone and in combination with conventional antifungal drugs, of the VS02-4'ethyl chalcone-derived compound against dermatophytes and Candida spp. Susceptibility testing was carried out by broth microdilution. Experiments for determination of the target of the compound on the fungal cell, time-kill kinetics, and toxicity tests in Galleria mellonella model were also performed. Combinatory effects were evaluated by the checkerboard method. Results showed high activity of the compound VS02-4'ethyl against dermatophytes (MIC of 7.81-31.25 µg/ml). The compound targeted the cell membrane, and the time-kill test showed the compound continues to exert gradual activity after 5 days on dermatophytes, but no significant activity on Candida. Low toxicity was observed at 250 mg/kg. Excellent results were observed in the combinatory test, where VS02-4'ethyl showed synergistic interactions with itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, and griseofulvin, against all isolates tested. Although further investigation is needed, these results revealed the great potential of chalcone-derived compounds against fungal infections for which treatments are long and laborious.

Unveiling a Listeria monocytogenes Outbreak in a Rabbit Farm: Clinical Manifestation, Antimicrobial Resistance, Genomic Insights and Environmental Investigation.

Listeria monocytogenes poses a threat to both human and animal health. This work describes an L. monocytogenes outbreak in a Portuguese rabbit farm, detailing the isolates' clinical manifestations, necropsy findings, and phenotypic and genomic profiles. Clinical signs, exclusively observed in does, included lethargy and reproductive signs. Post-mortem examination of does revealed splenomegaly, hepatomegaly with a reticular pattern, pulmonary congestion, and haemorrhagic lesions in the uterus, with thickening of the uterine wall and purulent greyish exudates. Positive L. monocytogenes samples were identified in fattening and maternity units across different samples, encompassing does and environmental samples. Core-genome Multi Locus Sequence Typing (cgMLST) analysis confirmed the outbreak, with the 16 sequenced isolates (lineage II, CC31, and ST325) clustering within a ≤2 allelic difference (AD) threshold. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for five antibiotics revealed that 15 out of 19 outbreak isolates were resistant to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT). Concordantly, all SXT-resistant sequenced isolates were found to exclusively harbour a plasmid containing a trimethoprim-resistance gene (dfrD), along with loci linked to resistance to lincosamides (lnuG), macrolides (mphB), and polyether ionophores (NarAB operon). All sequenced outbreak isolates carried the antibiotic resistance-related genes tetM, fosX, lin, norB, lmrB, sul, and mprF. The outbreak cluster comprises isolates from does and the environment, which underscores the ubiquitous presence of L. monocytogenes and emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures. Despite limited data on listeriosis in rabbit farming, this outbreak reveals its significant impact on animal welfare and production.

Influence of anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibody in the repair of post-extraction sockets of ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of an anti-sclerostin monoclonal antibody (Scl-Ab)-based osteoporosis drug on the post-extraction alveolar repair of ovariectomized rats. DESIGN: Fifteen female rats were randomly distributed into three groups: CTR (healthy animals), OST (osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy), and OST+Scl-Ab (osteoporosis induction followed by Scl-Ab treatment). Ovariectomy or sham surgery was performed 30 days before baseline, and Scl-Ab or a vehicle was administered accordingly in the groups. After seven days, all rats underwent the first lower molar extraction and were euthanized 15 days later. Computed microtomography, histological analysis, and collagen content measurement were performed on post-extraction sockets and intact mandibular and maxillary bone areas. RESULTS: Microtomographic analyses of the sockets and mandibles did not reveal significant differences between groups on bone morphometric parameters (p > 0.05), while maxillary bone analyses resulted in better maintenance of bone architecture in OST+Scl-Ab, compared to OST (p < 0.05). Descriptive histological analysis and polarization microscopy indicated better post-extraction socket repair characteristics and collagen content in OST+Scl-Ab compared to OST (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Scl-Ab-based medication did not accelerate alveolar bone formation but exhibited better post-extraction repair characteristics, and collagen content compared to ovariectomized animals only.

Trends and patterns in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgeries: a decade review from a leading Portuguese university hospital.

PURPOSE: Strabismus and Pediatrics Ophthalmology surgeries are pivotal in addressing early-onset visual disorders. An 11-year retrospective study at a tertiary hospital center aimed to elucidate evolving surgical trends, focusing on esotropia cases. METHODS: The surgical records from January 2009 to January 2020 were analyzed according to the baseline diagnosis. Esotropia cases were evaluated based on the patients' deviation types, surgical techniques, and pre-operative characteristics. A total of 2050 surgeries were performed over the study period. RESULTS: Strabismus surgery accounts for 70% of the department's surgical activity. A trend toward a decrease in esotropia surgeries and a proportional increase in exotropia surgeries was noticeable. Esotropia cases, with a median surgical age of 6 years (p25-p75, 4-10) and uniform gender distribution (females, 54.8%), predominantly involved high angular deviations. Posterior fixation sutures emerged as the preferred surgical technique for esotropia. CONCLUSION: The study's insights, while aligning with prior European research, introduce new dimensions to the understanding of strabismus surgeries, emphasizing the significance of early interventions, evolving surgical preferences, and the challenges posed by severe deviations.

Antibacterial Potential of Symmetrical Twin-Drug 3,6-Diaminoxanthones.

Global health faces a significant issue with the rise of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. The increasing number of multi-drug resistant microbial pathogens severely threatens public health worldwide. Antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, in particular, present a significant challenge. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new potential antimicrobial targets and discover new chemical entities that can potentially reverse bacterial resistance. The main goal of this research work was to create and develop a library of 3,6-disubstituted xanthones based on twin drugs and molecular extension approaches to inhibit the activity of efflux pumps. The process involved synthesizing 3,6-diaminoxanthones through the reaction of 9-oxo-9H-xanthene-3,6-diyl bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate) with various primary and secondary amines. The resulting 3,6-disubstituted xanthone derivatives were then tested for their in vitro antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogenic strains and their efficacy in inhibiting the activity of efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and quorum-sensing. Several compounds have exhibited effective antibacterial properties against the Gram-positive bacterial species tested. Xanthone 16, in particular, has demonstrated exceptional efficacy with a remarkable MIC of 11 µM (4 µg/mL) against reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and 25 µM (9 µg/mL) against methicillin-resistant S. aureus 272123. Furthermore, some derivatives have shown potential as antibiofilm agents in a crystal violet assay. The ethidium bromide accumulation assay pinpointed certain compounds inhibiting bacterial efflux pumps. The cytotoxic effect of the most promising compounds was examined in mouse fibroblast cell line NIH/3T3, and two monoamine substituted xanthone derivatives with a hydroxyl substituent did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. Overall, the nature of the substituent was critical in determining the antimicrobial spectra of aminated xanthones.

Functional anatomy of the orbit in strabismus surgery: Connective tissues, pulleys, and the modern surgical implications of the "arc of contact" paradigm.

Oculomotricity is a multidimensional domain characterised by a delicate interplay of anatomical structures and physiological processes. This manuscript meticulously dissects the nuances of this interplay, bringing to the fore the integral role of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) and their intricate relationship with the myriad orbital connective tissues as it harmoniously orchestrates binocular movements, ensuring synchronised and fluid visual tracking. Historically, the peripheral oculomotor apparatus was conceptualised as a rudimentary system predominantly driven by neural directives. While widely accepted, this perspective offered a limited view of the complexities inherent in ocular movement mechanics. The twentieth century heralded a paradigm shift in this understanding. With advances in anatomical research and imaging techniques, a much clearer picture of the gross anatomy of the EOMs emerged. This clarity challenged traditional viewpoints, suggesting that the inherent biomechanical properties of the EOMs, coupled with their associated tissue pulleys, play a pivotal role in dictating eye movement dynamics. Central to this revised understanding is the "arc of contact" paradigm. This concept delves deep into the mechanics of eye rotation, elucidating the significance of the point of contact between the EOMs and the eyeball. The arc of contact is not just a static anatomical feature; its length and orientation play a crucial role in determining the effective torque generated by a muscle, thereby influencing the amplitude and direction of eye rotation. The dynamic nature of this arc, influenced by the position and tension of the muscle pulleys, offers a more comprehensive model for understanding ocular kinematics. Previously overlooked in traditional models, muscle pulleys have now emerged as central players in the biomechanics of eye movement. These anatomical structures, formed by dense connective tissues, guide the paths of the EOMs, ensuring that their pulling angles remain optimal across a range of gaze directions. The non-linear paths resulting from these pulleys provide a more dynamic and intricate understanding of eye movement, challenging two-dimensional, linear models of orbital anatomy. The implications of these revelations extend beyond mere theoretical knowledge. The insights garnered from this research promise transformative potential in the realm of strabismus surgery. Recognising the pivotal role of muscle pulleys and the "arc of contact" paradigm allows for more precise surgical interventions, ensuring better post-operative outcomes and minimising the risk of complications. Surgical procedures that previously relied on basic mechanical principles now stand to benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the underlying anatomical and physiological dynamics. In conclusion, this manuscript serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of scientific knowledge. Challenging established norms and introducing fresh perspectives pave the way for more effective and informed clinical interventions in strabismus surgery.

Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

AIM: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that employed probiotics and symbiotics for treating infantile colic. METHODS: We performed electronic systematic literature searches in Embase, PubMed and Web of Science, to identify articles published between 1950 and April 2023. Only RCT involving infants with infantile colic under 3 months were included. The treatment plan comprised 15 probiotics, which included Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12. The probiotics were administered alone or in combination with a prebiotic, vs. no intervention or a placebo. RESULTS: Probiotics resulted in an average reduction of 51 min of crying per day (p = 0.001). Further analysis of subgroups showed that the reduction was -39.30 min for vaginal delivery (p = 0.003), -64.66 min for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (p = 0.03), -40.45 min for other strains (p < 0.00001), -74.28 min for exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.0003) and -48.04 min for mixed feeding (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: All probiotic strains seem effective in treating infantile colic. Exclusively breastfed infants have demonstrated more significant reduction in crying time. However, the available evidence on the effectiveness of probiotics in formula-fed and caesarean-born infants is limited.

Synthesis and antifungal evaluation against Candida spp. of the (E)-3-(furan-2-yl)acrylic acid.

Infections of fungal origin are mainly caused by Candida spp. Some species, such as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, stand out as promoters of diseases in humans. This study evaluated the synthesis and antifungal effects of (E)-3-(furan-2-yl)acrylic acid. The synthesis of the compound showed a yield of 88%, considered high. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthetic compound, amphotericin B, and fluconazole isolated against four Candida species ranged from 64 to 512 µg/mL, 1 to 2 µg/mL, and 32 to 256 µg/mL, respectively. The synergistic effect of the test compound was observed when associated with amphotericin B against C. albicans and C. tropicalis, with no antagonism between the substances against any of the strains tested. The potential drug promoted morphological changes in C. albicans, decreasing the amount of resistance and virulence, and reproduction structures, such as the formation of pseudohyphae, blastoconidia, and chlamydospores. Furthermore, it was also possible to identify the fungistatic profile of the test substance by studying the growth kinetics of C. albicans. Finally, it was observed that the test compound stimulated ergosterol biosynthesis by the yeast, probably by activating microbial resistance responses.

What to expect from primary inferior oblique overaction after esotropia surgery : Primary inferior oblique overaction in esotropia.

BACKGROUND: Overelevation in adduction is common in patients with primary esotropia. This study evaluates the variation in ocular motility pattern in patients with primary inferior oblique (IO) muscle overaction after esotropia surgery. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for infantile, partially accommodative, and basic esotropia over eleven years and had at least one year of follow-up were reviewed. Patients with primary inferior oblique muscle overaction (IOOA) presented at baseline or during follow-up were selected and divided according to the first surgery performed concurrently with horizontal rectus surgery: without IO recession (NO-recess), with unilateral IO recession (UNIL-recess), and with bilateral IO recession (BIL-recess). The success (version normalisation or at least 2 points upgrade in severity scale [0-4] in the operated eye), recurrence rates, and the evolution of the non-operated IO muscles were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients were included - 53 NO-recess, 26 UNIL-recess, and 31 BIL-recess. Medial rectus muscle posterior fixation sutures surgery (PFS) was performed in 88.2% of patients for esotropia. A recession with graded anterior transposition was the weakening IO procedure. In the NO-recess group, 28 (52.8%) patients normalised their mild IOOA after PFS surgery alone. In the UNI-recess group, the success rate was 88.5%, with 16 (61.5%) patients showing worsened IO muscle of the fellow eye, which prompted additional surgery in 10 patients. In the BIL-recess group, all 31 patients improved the adduction pattern of the operated eye for an 80.6% success rate (6 improved marginally). CONCLUSION: Graded anterior transposition of the inferior oblique muscle effectively normalises versions. However, it's frequent for a contralateral overaction to become manifest after unilateral IO surgery.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as Robust Systems for Lupeol Delivery in the Treatment of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people around the world. Available therapy causes severe side effects, has unacceptable prices for some specific formulations, and the existence of drug-resistant parasites limits the use of the currently available arsenal of antiparasitic drugs. Therefore, natural products serve as one of the main sources to develop new and effective alternative drugs against leishmaniasis. In this sense, the present study evaluated the potential of the triterpene Lupeol (Lu) entrapped in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for the treatment of experimental visceral leishmaniasis. The therapeutic efficacy of Lu or Lu entrapped in NLC (Lu-NLC) was investigated in golden hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Lu-NLC presented a mean particle size of 265.3 ± 4.6 nm, a polydispersity index of <0.25 and a zeta potential of -37.2 ± 0.84 mV; the efficacy of encapsulation was 84.04 ± 0.57%. Studies on hamsters showed that Lu-NLC (5 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally for 10 consecutive days caused a reduction of 99.9% in the number of parasites in the spleen and liver compared to the untreated infected control. On the contrary, Lu-treated animals (5 mg/kg) had 94.4 and 90.2% less parasites in the spleen and liver, respectively, than the infected group. Additionally, a significant preservation of splenic and hepatic tissues was observed in animals treated with Lu-NLC or Lu. Furthermore, Lu-NLC-treated animals produced high levels of anti-Leishmania IgG2 isotype. These data indicate that NLC potentialized Lu efficacy in experimental visceral leishmaniasis. This work suggests that Lu and nanoformulations carrying this compound may be considered as an important tool to be included in the alternative therapy of leishmaniasis.

Environmental and behavioral factors associated with household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents.

Objective: To analyze the association between risk behaviors and environmental factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents in the family environment. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 267 children and adolescents aged 5-19 years who have contact with COVID-19-positive essential workers were tested between June and October 2020. Behavioral and environmental variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were investigated. Association between these variables was performed using Poisson regression. Results: SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 25.1%. Following the confirmation of COVID-19 diagnosis of the index case, 92.1% of adults reported hand hygiene and 83.5% showed habits of respiratory etiquette. However, 12.7% wore masks in common areas of the residence before COVID-19. Sharing common objects was a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the sample. Conclusion: Sharing objects among family members was identified as a risk factor associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents who lived with infected adults. There was high frequency of hand hygiene and low prevalence of mask use.

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in Rio De Janeiro City, Brazil.

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective in reducing the risk of complications. However, the uptake is still below targets worldwide. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination uptake among pregnant women since data on this topic is scarce in low-to-middle-income countries. A retrospective cohort study included linked data on COVID-19 vaccination and pregnant women who delivered a singleton live birth from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022, in Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with vaccination during pregnancy, applying a hierarchical model and describing odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Of 65,304 pregnant women included in the study, 53.0% (95% CI, 52-53%) received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. Higher uptake was observed among women aged older than 34 (aOR 1.21, 95%CI 1.15-1.28), black (aOR 1.10, 1.04-1.16), or parda/brown skin colour (aOR 1.05, 1.01-1.09), with less than eight years of education (aOR 1.09, 1.02-1.17), living without a partner (aOR 2.24, 2.16-2.34), more than six antenatal care appointments (aOR 1.92, 1.75-2.09), and having a previous child loss (OR 1.06, 1.02-1.11). These results highlight the need for targeted educational campaigns, trustful communication, and accessibility strategies for specific populations to improve vaccination uptake during pregnancy.

Insights into the antimicrobial properties of a cationic steroid and antibiofilm performance in PDMS-based coatings to potentially treat urinary infections.

Currently, multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections are one of the most important threats, driving the search for new antimicrobial compounds. Cationic peptide antibiotics (CPAs) and ceragenins (CSAs) contain in their structures cationic groups and adopt a facially amphiphilic conformation, conferring the ability to permeate the membranes of bacteria and fungi. Keeping these features in mind, an amine steroid, DOCA-NH2, was found to be active against reference strains and MDR isolates of Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compound was active against all the tested microorganisms, having bactericidal and fungicidal activity, displaying minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 16 and 128 µg mL-1. No synergy with clinically relevant antibacterial drugs was found. However, the compound was able to completely inhibit the biofilm formation of bacteria exposed to the MIC of the compound. For E. coli and E. faecalis, inhibition of biofilm formation occurred at half the MIC. Besides, DOCA-NH2 inhibited the dimorphic transition of Candida albicans at concentrations 4 times lower than the MIC, and can reduce the microorganism virulence and biofilm formation was significantly reduced at both MIC and half the MIC. Polydimethylsiloxane-based coatings containing DOCA-NH2 (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt%) were prepared and tested against the E. coli biofilm formation under hydrodynamic conditions similar to those prevailing in ureteral stents. A biofilm reduction of approximately 80% was achieved when compared to the control.

Revisiting Posterior Fixation Sutures Surgery: Unveiling Novel Approaches for Primary Management of Diverse Esotropia Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Strabismus, specifically esotropia, presents a significant challenge in ophthalmic surgery, while several treatment options exist. This study aims to evaluate the results of posterior fixation sutures (PFS) on the medial rectus as a primary approach for some types of esotropia. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for esotropia over 11 years and had at least 1 year of follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were classified into one of three types of deviation: infantile (IE), partially accommodative (PAE) and basic (BE) esotropias. An alignment within 16 prism diopters (PD) of orthotropia was a successful outcome. RESULTS: A total of 404 patients were included: 67 IE, 180 PAE and 157 BE. Before surgery, a deviation greater than 30 PD was present in 88.1% and 80.1%, and a deviation greater than 50 PD was present in 66.5% and 52.9% of patients (near and distance, respectively). In the BE group, PFS was the baseline surgery in a smaller number of cases (75%) compared to the other two groups (versus 86.6% [IE] and 88.3% [PAE], p = 0.002). The need for an additional procedure was significantly higher in the infantile esotropia group (44.8% vs. 18.9% and 24.8%, p < 0.001). Final surgical success was achieved in 95.3% of all patients. Orthotropia was achieved in 19.4% (IE), 29.6% (PAE) and 25.5% (BE) of cases. CONCLUSION: PFS of the medial rectus without recession proved successful as a first-line procedure for esotropia in the subtypes of patients evaluated in this study.

Prospective cohort of parameters of glycemic and lipid metabolism after abdominoplasty in normal weight and formerly obese patiens.

Background: Obesity poses a major risk for cardiovascular diseases, while it is almost a consensus that intra-abdominal adiposity has a more deleterious effect for metabolic syndrome. In this sense, it is speculated that lipectomy or liposuction would be metabolically harmful, as it changes the abdominal-superficial adipose tissue ratio. However, the literature has shown conflicting evidence. Methods: In order to evaluate the possibility of metabolism alteration resulting from body coutouring surgery, a prospective cohort was implemented with 35 patients who underwent abdominoplasty, including some with a history of massive weight loss. Fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions were requested preoperatively and in the third postoperative month. The groups were also compared with each other. Results: No statistically significant variation between the exams collected in the preoperative period and those collected after abdominoplasty was found. There was a statistically significant difference in LDL (low-density lipoprotein; p = 0.033) and non-HDL (non-high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (p = 0.020) between the two control tests of the groups surveyed. There were also differences in comorbidities (p = 0.006) and complications (p <0.001) between the groups. Conclusions: Abdominoplasty was not able of changing tests that assess glycemic and lipid metabolism three months after the operation. Our attention was drawn to the fact that patients who had massive weight loss had better control of LDL cholesterol (p = 0.033) and non-HDL cholesterol (p = 0.020), despite having higher weight and body mass index (p <0.001).

Textbook Oncological Outcome in European GASTRODATA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate of textbook outcome (TO) and textbook oncological outcome (TOO) in the European population based on the GASTRODATA registry. BACKGROUND: TO is a composite parameter assessing surgical quality and strongly correlates with improved overall survival. Following the standard of treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer, TOO was proposed as a quality and optimal multimodal treatment parameter. METHODS: TO was achieved when all the following criteria were met: no intraoperative complications, radical resection according to the surgeon, pR0 resection, retrieval of at least 15 lymph nodes, no severe postoperative complications, no reintervention, no admission to the intensive care unit, no prolonged length of stay, no postoperative mortality and no hospital readmission. TOO was defined as TO with the addition of perioperative chemotherapy compliance. RESULTS: Of the 2558 patients, 1700 were included in the analysis. TO was achieved in 1164 (68.5%) patients. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy [odds ratio (OR) = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.04-1.70] and D2 or D2+ lymphadenectomy (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.10) had a positive impact on TO achievement. Older age (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94), pT3/4 (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.63-0.99), ASA 3/4 (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.86) and total gastrectomy (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.45-0.70), had a negative impact on TO achievement. TOO was achieved in 388 (22.8%) patients. Older age (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.53), pT3 or pT4 (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39-0.69), and ASA 3 or 4 (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.79) had a negative impact on TOO achievement. CONCLUSIONS: Despite successively improved surgical outcomes, stage-appropriate chemotherapy in adherence to the current guidelines for multimodal treatment of gastric cancer remains poor. Further implementation of oncologic quality metrics should include greater emphasis on perioperative chemotherapy and adequate lymphadenectomy.

An Exploratory Study on Spoilage Bacteria and Listeria monocytogenes in Fresh Salmon: Extending Shelf-Life Using Vacuum and Seasonings as Natural Preservatives.

A growing population increases the demand for food, but short shelf-lives and microbial hazards reduce supply and increase food waste. Fresh fish is highly perishable and may be consumed raw, such as salmon in sushi. This work aims to identify strategies to improve the shelf-life and safety of fresh salmon, using available methods (i.e., vacuum) and exploring the use of natural preservatives (i.e., seasonings). Vacuum packaging and good hygiene practices (which reduce initial flora) extended shelf-life up to 20 days. Carnobacterium maltaromaticum was dominant in vacuum packaging conditions and showed potential for inhibiting Listeria monocytogenes. For natural preservatives, L. monocytogenes required higher inhibitory concentrations in vitro when compared to the 10 spoilage bacteria isolated from fresh salmon fillets, presenting a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.13% for oregano essential oil (OEO), 10% for lemon juice, 50 mg mL-1 for garlic powder, and >10% for NaCl. A good bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect was observed for a mixture containing 5% NaCl, 0.002% OEO, 2.5% lemon juice, and 0.08 mg mL-1 garlic powder. Finally, using the salmon medium showed an adequate correlation with the commercial culture medium.