In vitro screening of technical lignins to determine their potential as hay preservatives.

Our objectives were to evaluate technical lignins for their antifungal properties against 3 molds and 1 yeast causing hay spoilage, and their ability to preserve ground high-moisture alfalfa hay nutritive value in vitro. In experiment 1, 8 technical lignins and propionic acid (PRP; positive control) were tested at a dose of 40 mg/mL. The experiment had a randomized complete block design (RCBD, 4 runs) and a factorial arrangement of 3 molds × 10 additives (ADV). The effects of the ADV on yeast were evaluated separately with a RCBD. Sodium lignosulfonate (NaL) and PRP were the only treatments with 100 ± 2.8% inhibition of fungi. In experiment 2, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for selected lignins and PRP were determined. At pH 4, NaL had the lowest MIC across the molds (20-33.3 mg/mL) and magnesium lignosulfonate (MgL) for the yeast (26.7) among the lignins. However, PRP had MIC values that were several-fold lower across all fungi (1.25-3.33). In experiment 3, a RCBD (5 blocks) with a 3 (ADV; NaL, MgL, and PRP) × 4 (doses: 0, 0.5, 1, and 3% wt/wt fresh basis) factorial arrangement of treatments was used to evaluate the preservative effects of ADV in ground high-moisture alfalfa hay inoculated with a mixture of the fungi previously tested and incubated under aerobic conditions in vitro. After 15 d, relative to untreated hay (14.9), dry matter (DM) losses were lessened by doses as low as 1% for NaL (3.39) and 0.5% for PRP (0.81 ± 0.77%). The mold count was reduced in both NaL at 3% (3.92) and PRP as low as 0.5% (3.94) relative to untreated hay (7.76 ± 0.55 log cfu/fresh g). Consequently, sugars were best preserved by NaL at 3% (10.1) and PRP as low as 0.5% (10.5) versus untreated (7.99 ± 0.283% DM), while keeping neutral detergent fiber values lower in NaL (45.9) and PRP-treated (45.1) hays at the same doses, respectively, relative to untreated (49.7 ± 0.66% DM). Hay DM digestibility was increased by doses as low as 3% for NaL (67.5), 1% MgL (67.0), and 0.5% PRP (68.5) versus untreated hay (61.8 ± 0.77%). The lowest doses increasing neutral detergent fiber digestibility relative to untreated hay (23.3) were 0.5% for MgL and PRP (30.5 and 30.1, respectively) and 1% for NaL (30.7 ± 1.09% DM). Across technical lignins, NaL showed the most promise as a potential hay preservative. However, its effects were limited compared with PRP at equivalent doses. Despite not having an effect on preservation, MgL improved DM digestibility by stimulating neutral detergent fiber digestibility. This study warrants further development of NaL under field conditions.

Embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate in patients with hemoptysis: A retrospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in patients with hemoptysis. METHODS: We analyzed a total of 55 consecutive patients with hemoptysis (14 mild, 31 moderate, and 10 massive) treated with the embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate between November 2013 and January 2020. The main variables analyzed were the rates of technical success, of clinical success, of recurrence, and of complications. Statistics included a descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Embolization was a technical success in 55 (100%) and a clinical success in 54 (98.2%). During follow-up (mean, 23.8 months; interquartile range, 9.7-38.2 months), hemoptysis recurred in 5 (9.3%) patients. The nonrecurrence rate was 91.9% one year after the initial procedure and 88.7% two years and four years after the initial procedure. Minor complications related with the procedure occurred in 6 (10.9%); no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The embolization of bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries with n-butyl-cyanoacrylate is safe and efficacious for controlling hemoptysis, resulting in low recurrence rates.

[Changes in oxidative stress biomarkers induced by puberty]. / Cambios en biomarcadores del estrés oxidativo inducidos por la pubertad.

AIM: Evaluate the influence of puberty in oxidative stress. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 38 prepubescent males with Tanner G(1)-P(1) and 32 healthy pubescent boys with Tanner G(3-4)-P(3-4). Weight, height and body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure values were within the 50 percentile 50+/-1SD for their age. The biomarkers were measured in saliva, as a good correlation between saliva and plasma levels has been reported in lipoperoxidation products, reduced glutathione and catalase. RESULTS: Pubescent boys had significantly higher levels of lipoperoxidation products (P<0.001) compared with the prepubertal group, with no significant differences in the other parameters measured. There was a significant positive correlation between lipoperoxides and reduced glutathione in these children. CONCLUSION: It is the first time that an increase of lipoperoxidation products has been reported in pubertal boys and this biomarker could play a role in the development of oxidative stress in this stage of life.

Review and in silico analysis of fermentation, bioenergy, fiber, and biopolymer genes of biotechnological interest in Agave L. for genetic improvement and biocatalysis.

Several of the over 200 known species of Agave L. are currently used for production of distilled beverages and biopolymers. The plants live in a wide range of stressful environments as a result of their resistance to abiotic stress (drought, salinity, and extreme temperature) and pathogens, which gives the genus potential for germplasm conservation and biotechnological applications that may minimize economic losses as a result of the global climate change. However, the limited knowledge in the genus of genome structure and organization hampers development of potential improved biotechnological applications by means of genetic manipulation and biocatalysis. We reviewed Agave and plant sequences in the GenBank NCBI database for identifying genes with biotechnological potential for fermentation, bioenergy, fiber improvement, and in vivo plant biopolymer production. Three-dimensional modeling of enzyme structures in plant accessions revealed structural differences in sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase, fructan 1-fructosyltransferase, fructan exohydrolase (1-FEH), cellulose synthase (CES), and glucanases (EGases) with possible effects in fructan, sugar, and biopolymer production. Although the coding genes of FEH and enzymes involved in biopolymer production (CES, sucrose synthase, and EGases) remain unidentified in Agave L., our results could aid isolation of such genes in Agave. By comparing nucleotide and amino acid sequences in accessions of Agave and other plants, knowledge may be gained about transcriptional regulation and enzymatic activity factors. Future study is needed of biotechnological application of Agave genes for crop breeding aided by genetic engineering and biocatalysis. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:1314-1334, 2018.

Allergy to cassava: a new allergenic food with cross-reactivity to latex.

Patients who are allergic to latex (Hevea brasiliensis) may exhibit cross-hypersensitivity with foods. We present a case of anaphylaxis due to cassava in a patient suffering from pollinosis, latex allergy, and latex-fruit syndrome. We performed sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting with cassava, avocado, chestnut, banana, kiwi, and latex extracts in order to analyze the protein bands and their molecular weights, and identify immunoglobulin (Ig) E-binding bands. Immunoblot inhibition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition were performed with latex in order to assess cross-reactivity. Cassava exhibited numerous protein bands, 5 of which were IgE-binding (89.75, 46.28, 26.68, 21.38, and 19.49 kd). These cassava IgE-binding bands were 100% inhibited by preincubation of the patient's serum with latex extract. The ELISA inhibition between latex and cassava was 23%. Our results confirm cassava as another food with clinical cross-reactivity in patients suffering from latex allergy.

Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty: sutures versus glue.

INTRODUCTION: This was a prospective, randomised study undertaken from January 2001 to July 2003 firstly to assess the possibility of using glues to fix meshes, secondly to verify whether or not this leads to a higher hernia recurrence rate, and thirdly to assess post-operative pain. METHODS: This study covered a total of 55 patients with bilateral hernias who presented similar characteristics on both sides and on whom fixation of the mesh was undertaken differently, depending on the side. On the right side polypropylene sutures were used (prolene 2/0), while on the left, attachment was done using glue (Tissucol). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Results were similar in both inguinal regions, although there was less post-operative pain and less inflammatory reaction on the left side. There was no hernia recurrence in the follow-up at the end of 1 year.

Proposed technique for inguinal hernia repair with self-gripping mesh: avoiding fixation to undesired structures.

PURPOSE: Self-gripping meshes have been developed to avoid fixing sutures during inguinal hernia repair. Operative time is shorter when using a self-gripping mesh than with conventional Lichtenstein repair. However, these meshes can be difficult to handle because they fix to undesired structures. The aim of this report is to describe a new technique to avoid this problem. TECHNIQUE: Inguinal hernia dissection is made as usual. Once dissection is finished, a Parietex ProGrip(®) (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) flat sheet mesh is cut depending on the size needed. A small split is made between the lower and medium third of the mesh to mark where the split for the spermatic cord will be. Using this mark, the upper third of the mesh is folded over the medium third, hiding the microgrips that make this a self-gripping mesh. In this way, only the lower third of the mesh has the microgrips exposed and the mesh can be fixed to the pubic bone and inguinal ligament without fixation to undesired structures. Once the lower third of the mesh is fixed, the split for the spermatic cord is completed and the upper part of the mesh is passed below the spermatic cord. Then, the mesh is unfolded to expose the microgrips again and the medium and upper third of the mesh are descended to its final position. CONCLUSION: This proposed technique for inguinal hernia repair with self-gripping mesh makes the surgery easier, avoiding mesh fixation to undesired structures.

Detection of lytic antimycobacterial antibodies by immune lysis of liposomes sensitized to tuberculin.

Two procedures were used in order to incorporate purified protein derivative tuberculin (PPD) from M. tuberculosis, strain H37Rv, into calcein-containing liposomes: formation of multilamellar vesicles (MLV) in a PPD solution or exposure of preformed MLV to this solution. Immune lysis of these PPD-sensitized MLV was studied in the presence of a hyperimmune anti-M. tuberculosis sheep serum using a specific pathogen-free rabbit serum as a source of complement. A 50% release of encapsulated calcein was observed spectrofluorometrically after 30 min and remained unchanged up to 2 h. The release of calcein in the absence of complement or of anti-H37Rv serum or by liposomes which did not contain PPD never exceeded 1-2%. Liposomes formed in PPD solution were more sensitive to anti-H37Rv serum than preformed liposomes exposed to PPD. Trials with human sera from ten tuberculous patients revealed the presence of specific lytic immunoglobulins. In the presence of sera from skin test negative, non-tuberculous subjects, calcein release was significantly lower. This opens the way to a new method for the study of the humoral immunity in tuberculosis.

Congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis.

A 3-1/2-month-old girl presented with respiratory difficulty secondary to nasal obstruction. CT demonstrated stenosis of the nasal piriform aperture. The presentation of this entity is similar to that of posterior choanal atresia.

Salivatory neurons in the brainstem nucleus parvocellularis of the rat: effects of electrolytic lesions.

This study was based on several recent anatomical studies suggesting that the superior salivatory nucleus is located within the area parvocellularis of the brainstem reticular formation. The aforementioned zone was lesioned in order to observe the alterations produced in salivary secretion. Electrolytic lesion of the area parvocellularis was followed by salivary hypersecretion as an immediate and transitory effect of the stimulatory capacity of the electrolytic lesioning method. Some days later the animals presented a markedly impaired salivary secretion as shown by the appearance of inefficient feeding behavior and the development of a prandial drinking pattern. The prandial behavior, which was characterized by numerous drinking episodes during dry food intake, was reversed when wet food was offered, suggesting a true deficit in salivary secretion caused by the parvocellularis lesion. Following the administration of pilocarpine, the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands of experimental animals showed an increased capacity for response (postsynaptic supersensitivity) in comparison to the control group.

Effects of radiotherapy on mandibular reconstruction plates.

The radiation dose in the vicinity of metal mandibular implants was measured using lithium fluoride (TLD-100) thermoluminescent dosimeters. Dosimeters were positioned in contact with Vitallium and stainless steel (AO) reconstruction plates. Simple transmission was measured with a solid state detector removed from the implant at a depth of 2.5 cm in a polystyrene phantom. The measurements were made for a 6 mV photon beam from a linear accelerator. At points in front of, but in contact with the metal implants, the dose was greater by 23 percent for Vitallium and 17 percent for stainless steel than that with no implant. At contact behind the implant, the dose was reduced considerably: 14 percent for Vitallium and 13 percent for stainless steel. At remote points behind the implant, the dose was reduced due to attenuation.

Lamicel for induction of labor.

Lamicel is a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator currently used as a method of cervical dilation in first- and second-trimester pregnancy termination. It works by extracting fluid from the cervical tissue and softening the cervix. This study evaluated its effectiveness in nonelective medical induction of labor in high-risk patients. Forty inpatients who, for medical and obstetric reasons, required delivery within the next 24-48 hours were studied. Patients were evaluated to make certain that a 12- to 24-hour delay was safe for mother and child. The evening prior to the day of induction, a pelvic examination determined the Bishop score, and bacterial cultures were obtained from the endocervix. As many Lamicels as possible (usually one to three) were then placed in the endocervix without rupturing the membranes. The next morning the devices were removed, a repeat Bishop score obtained, amniotomy performed, internal monitors placed and oxytocin infusion initiated. Data were collected for preinsertion and postinsertion Bishop scores, induction-delivery times, duration of ruptured membranes, and cesarean and vaginal birth rates. Maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity was determined. A comparison group of patients with premature rupture of the membranes was selected. From data studied at our institution, patients were matched for parity and duration of labor (not significantly different from the Lamicel group). The study revealed that Lamicel can be an effective means of ripening the cervix for induction of labor.

Imaging of facial anomalies.

Anomalies of the face may occur in its lower or middle segments. Anomalies of the lower face generally involve the derivatives of the branchial apparatus and therefore manifest as defects in the mandible, pinnae, external auditory canals, and portions of the middle ears. These anomalies are occasionally isolated, but most of them occur in combination with systemic syndromes. These anomalies generally do not occur with respiratory compromise. Anomalies of the midface may extend from the upper lip to the forehead, reflecting the complex embryology of this region. Most of these deformities are isolated, but some patients with facial clefts, notably the midline cleft syndrome and holoprosencephaly, have anomalies in other sites. This is important because these patients will require detailed imaging of the face and brain. Anomalies of the midface tend to involve the nose and its air-conducting passages. We prefer to divide these anomalies into those with and without respiratory obstruction. The most common anomalies that result in airway compromise include posterior choanal stenoses and atresias, bilateral cysts (mucoceles) of the distal lacrimal ducts, and stenosis of the pyriform (anterior) nasal aperture. These may be optimally evaluated with computed tomography (CT) and generally require immediate treatment to ensure adequate ventilation. Rare nasal anomalies that also result in airway obstruction are agenesis of the pharynx, agenesis of the nose, and hypoplasia of the nasal alae. Agenesis of the nasopharynx and nose are complex anomalies that require both CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The diagnosis of hypoplasia of the nasal alae is a clinical one; these anomalies do not require imaging studies. Besides facial clefts, anomalies of the nose without respiratory obstruction tend to be centered around the nasofrontal region. This is the site of the most common sincipital encephaloceles. Patients with frontonasal and nasoethmoidal encephaloceles require both CT and MRI. In these patients, imaging of the brain is essential. Patients with suspected extranasal, intranasal, or mixed heterotopia may need images with CT or MRI or both. The last of the anomalies in this region is the presence of ectodermlined tracts and sinuses that may or may not be accompanied with masses. When these masses are located in the midline, they are almost always dermoids, whereas masses located off-midline may also be epidermoids. This latter group of anomalies is important because of its potential communication with the intracranial contents and the possibility of infection. Adequate imaging may require both CT and MRI. Midline facial clefts may be divided into common and complex. Common clefts represent the great majority and are isolated cosmetic defects that generally do not require imaging studies. Complex facial clefts with hypertelorism are almost always a part of the holoprosencephalies; imaging of the brain is more important than is imaging of the cleft proper. The studies should be obtained with MRI. Complex facial clefts in the presence of hypertelorism are most likely related to the midline cleft syndromes. This very rare and intricate group of disorders is generally accompanied with severe brain and eye anomalies. Imaging of these patients is better performed with both CT and MRI. We review common and uncommon facial anomalies. We have tried to approach them according to their clinical importance by dividing them into those with and without airway compromise.

Thickness measurement in composite materials using lamb waves viscoelastic effects.

Pulse propagation in plates has been investigated with the identification of Lamb modes. The application of this technique to the measurement of thickness in composite and coarse materials was previously evaluated. As a sequel, results of the application of this technique taking into account the viscoelastic properties of PVC and ferrocement are presented.

Class II composite marginal ridge failure: conventional vs. proximal box only preparation.

This study evaluated the force necessary to cause failure at the marginal ridge of teeth prepared with conventional class II cavity design and teeth prepared with proximal box-only or vertical slot preparation. The teeth were restored with Herculite XR or Tetric Ceram. Mean failure loads were not found to be statistically significant between conventional class II preparations and proximal box-only preparations. The teeth restored with Tetric Ceram were significantly more resistant to the vertical load than teeth restored with Herculite.

[Changes in gasometric values as a result of plastic syringes refrigeration]. / Alteración en valores gasométricos por refrigeración de jeringas de plástico.

With the objective to carry out a quality control check on the storage of arterial blood samples in order to take postponed gasometric measurements, the authors designed an experimental comparative study of paired blood samples, one in refrigerated plastic syringes and the other kept at room temperature to study the effectiveness or not of refrigerating this type of syringes. The results obtained in this study contradict the rules of protocols currently in use since these results, advise against the refrigeration of this material since that produces a significant increase in the values of partial oxygen pressure. However, the changes in pH and pCO2 do not show any significant statistical importance. The authors provide an explanation to this phenomenon and they recommend that working protocols be corrected to not refrigerate blood samples if these are taken with common plastic, polypropylene, syringes.

MRI evaluation of the temporomandibular joints in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective review.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MRI findings of children with rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and correlate these findings with symptoms. MRI studies of the TMJ in 26 children with a clinical diagnosis of JRA were retrospectively reviewed. All studies included oblique and sagittal T1, T2*, proton density/T2, and coronal T1-weighted images. T1 and proton density/T2-images were repeated with the mouth open. Post contrast sagittal and coronal T1-images were obtained in 19 patients. All studies were done on either 1.5 Tesla or 3.0 Tesla units with dedicated surface coils. By consensus, two radiologists evaluated the studies for abnormal condyles, bone erosions, presence or absence of discs, effusions, contrast enhancement and pannus. Open mouth views were assessed for incomplete or abnormal translation. Clinical records were reviewed to correlate symptoms with MRI findings. Abnormal condyles were seen in 49%. Discs were identifiable in 71%. Abnormal translation was seen in 71% and pannus in 49%. Erosions were seen in 37%, effusions in 24% and contrast enhancement in 50%. Correlation with clinical examination showed that of five asymptomatic patients, three had abnormal translation. Fifteen patients presented joint asymmetry on clinical examination and all showed abnormal translation on MRI. Our findings suggest that abnormal translation and joint enhancement may be the most common MRI findings in JRA patients with TMJ arthritis. Abnormalities may occur even in the absence of symptoms and the most common finding in symptomatic patients is abnormal translation.

Interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-8 and interferon-alpha levels in gingival crevicular fluid.

Cytokines play an important role in the pathology associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. We measured the total amounts [picograms (pg)] and concentrations.(pg/microliter) of interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in 20 s gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples obtained from 2 diseased and 2 healthy sites in 20 subjects with periodontitis, and from 2 healthy sites in 20 subjects without disease. Both the mean amount and concentration of IL-1 alpha were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in diseased sites compared to healthy sites in subjects with disease. The results for IL-8 and IFN-alpha differed depending on the method of reporting. Whereas the amount of IL-8 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in diseased sites, the mean concentration of IL-8 was lower compared to healthy sites. The mean amount of IFN-alpha was similar in health and disease; however, the concentration of IFN-alpha was significantly lower in diseased sites (p < 0.001) corresponding to the significant increase in crevicular fluid volume (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the amount or concentrations of the 3 cytokines between healthy sites from subjects with disease and healthy sites from healthy controls. The total amounts of both IFN-alpha and IL-8 were correlated between healthy and diseased sites in subjects. These data suggest that, while the disease status of a site is the major determinant of the levels of these cytokines locally, subjects with high levels of IL-8 and IFN-alpha in healthy sites also tend to have high levels of these cytokines in diseased sites. Finally, both the concentrations and total amounts of IL-8 and IFN-alpha were significantly correlated in diseased sites, suggesting that levels of these two cytokines rise or fall in tandem. The combination of decreased IL-8 and decreased IFN-alpha concentrations at diseased sites may reflect the reduced anti-bacterial host defense activity at that site.

Acute neck infections: prospective comparison between CT and MRI in 47 patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess the advantages and disadvantages of MRI versus CT in the initial evaluation of acute infections involving the neck. METHOD: We prospectively evaluated 47 patients with neck infections. All patients underwent CT and MRI with contrast of the area of interest using similar slice thickness. Final diagnosis was achieved by percutaneous aspiration, surgical exploration and drainage, or follow-up after successful antibiotic therapy in all patients. Two radiologists reviewed all imaging studies with special attention to lesion conspicuity, location, extension, bone involvement, source of infection (odontogenic versus nonodontogenic), and presence of gas and/or calcium in the lesions. A 3 point scale was used to grade these parameters, and statistical comparison was done using paired t test. RESULTS: As used in our population, MRI was superior to CT in regard to lesion conspicuity, number of anatomic spaces involved, extension, and source. Additionally, although not statistically significantly, MRI detected a greater number of abscess collections. CT was superior to MRI in the detection of intralesional gas and calcium and showed fewer motion artifacts. These advantages of CT were, however, not significantly better than those of MRI. CONCLUSION: As used in our study, MRI was considered superior to CT in the initial evaluation of neck infections. Our findings suggest that MRI may be used as the first and perhaps the only modality to initially evaluate patients with neck infections when clinically feasible.