Outcomes of Arteriotomy Closure Technique for Carotid Endarterectomy: Bovine Pericardial Patch Closure versus Primary Closure

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of our study was to compare the primary closure (PRC) and patch angioplasty closure (PAC) of carotid artery following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Data of patients who underwent CEA in the period from January 2005 to June 2020 were reviewed through files. Demographic characteristics, information about the operation, and postoperative follow-up outcomes of the patients were compared. Results: Of the 144 CEA cases included in the study, PRC and PAC were applied to 62 (43.7%) and 82 (56.3%) patients, respectively, for the carotid artery closure. Duration of surgery and carotid artery clamping time were not different between the PRC and PAC groups (106.73±17.13 minutes vs. 110.48±20.67 minutes, P=0.635; 24.25±11.56 minutes vs. 25.19±8.99 minutes, P=0.351, respectively). Postoperative respiratory impairment was more common in the PRC group (P=0.012); however, nerve injuries (P=0.254), surgical wound hematomas (P=0.605), surgical site infections (P=0.679), and mortality (P=0.812) were not significantly different between the groups. During the mean patient follow-up time of 26.13±19.32 months, restenosis was more common in the PRC group than in the PAC group (n=26, 41.9% vs. n=4, 4.9%, respectively; P=0.003). Frequencies of stroke (n=4, 2.8% vs. n=2, 2.4%, respectively; P=0.679), transient ischemic attacks (n=2, 1.4% vs. n=0, 0%, respectively; P=0.431), and mortality (n=4, 6.5% vs. n=4, 4.9%, respectively; P=0.580) were not significantly different between the PRC and PAC groups. Conclusion: We are of the opinion that the PAC method is effective and safe for carotid artery closure in patients undergoing CEA.

The Relationship Between Mitral Annular Calcification and Controlling Nutritional Status Score

ABSTRACT Introduction: The relationship between mitral annular calcification (MAC) and the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score has not been previously studied. In this study, we investigated the relationship between MAC and CONUT score to evaluate the nutritional status of patients with MAC. Methods: A total of 275 patients, including 150 patients with MAC and 125 patients without MAC, who presented to a cardiology outpatient clinic were enrolled in the study. Results: There was no difference in the CONUT score between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that CONUT score was positively correlated with left atrial (LA) diameter (r=0.190, P=0.020) and interventricular septum thickness (r=0.179, P=0.028) in the MAC+ group. In multivariate regression analysis, only LA diameter (odds ratio 95% confidence interval = 1,054-1,189, P=0.0001) was independently associated with MAC. Conclusion: The present study investigated the relationship between CONUT score and MAC for the first time in the literature. We demonstrated that CONUT score was not significantly higher in patients with MAC without chronic diseases. However, CONUT score was correlated with LA diameter in patients with MAC. We therefore conclude that, for patients admitted with MAC and high LA diameter, CONUT is a valuable nutritional and inflammatory status index.

Development of a microwave-assisted extraction method for the recovery of bioactive inositols from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) byproducts.

A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed for the extraction of bioactive inositols (D-chiro- and myo-inositols) from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves as a strategy for the revalorization of these agrofood residues. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was selected for the simultaneous determination of inositols and sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) in these samples. A Box-Behnken experimental design was used to maximize the extraction of inositols based on the results of single factor tests. Optimal conditions of the extraction process were as follows: liquid-to-solid ratio of 100:1 v/w, 40°C, 30 min extraction time, 20:80 ethanol:water (v/v), and one extraction cycle. When compared with conventional solid-liquid extraction (SLE), MAE was found to be more effective for the extraction of target bioactive carbohydrates (MAE 5.42 mg/g dry sample versus SLE 4.01 mg/g dry sample). Then, MAE methodology was applied to the extraction of inositols from L. sativa leaves of different varieties (var. longifolia, var. capitata and var. crispa). D-chiro- and myo-inositol contents varied between 0.57-7.15 and 0.83-3.48 mg/g dry sample, respectively. Interfering sugars were removed from the extracts using a biotechnological procedure based on the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 24 h. The developed methodology was a good alternative to classical procedures to obtain extracts enriched in inositols from lettuce residues, which could be of interest for the agrofood industry.

¿Puede el Líquıdo Amnıótıco Ser una Solucıón Alternatıva de Conservacıón de Órganos para el Almacenamıento Renal en Frío? / Can Amniotic Fluid Be an Alternative Organ Preservation Solution for Cold Renal Storage?

Abstract Introduction: Kidney-transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for patients with chronic renal failure. Preserving the viability of the organ from the removal of the organ until transplantation into the recipient is one of the most essential factors affecting postransplant success. Kidney tissue is exposed to ischemia following removal of the organ from the donor, initiating some cellular events. Amniotic fluid (AF) was previously reported as a preservation solution for the liver, but not for the kidney yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of AF as a preserving solution for rat kidneys compared with the University of Wisconsin (UW) and Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK), which are reported to be the most commonly used and preferred preserving solutions. Methods: Forty male Wistar albino rats were used in this study in four experimental groups. Group 1: Ringer Lactate (RL, Control) group, Group 2: HTK group, Group 3: UW group, and Group 4: AF group. A midline incision was performed, and the renal artery was isolated under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia. Solutions relevant for groups (cooled to + 4°C) were used for kidney perfusion. Nephrectomy was applied, and the removed kidneys were placed into + 4°C standard organ storage solution and stored at + 4° C for 12 hours. After 12 hours of storage, samples from the kidney tissues were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Histopathological, immunohistochemistry evaluation and apoptosis detection via TUNEL method were performed. Results: The results of the AF group were close to those of the UW and HTK groups. Tubular necrosis and vacuolization were high in the RL solution group when compared to the other ‎experimental groups. Immunohistochemistry staining for all three markers (TNF-alpha, IL-18, and iNOS) was decreased in the amniotic fluid group, similar to the UW and HTK groups. Also, the number of apoptotic cells was decreased in the AF group compared to control. Conclusions: UW, HTK, and AF had similar and higher protective effects compared to the RL solution. Thus, AF may be used as an inexpensive and readily available alternative natural tissue preservation solution.

Resumen Introducción: El trasplante de riñón es una opción de tratamiento que puede salvar la vida de pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica. Preservar la viabilidad del órgano desde su extracción hasta el momento del trasplante en el receptor es uno de los factores principales que influyen en el éxito postrasplante. El tejido renal está expuesto a la isquemia después de la extracción del órgano del donante, lo cual da inicio a algunos eventos celulares. Existen estudios que indican que el líquido amniótico (LA) funciona como una solución de conservación para el hígado, pero aún se desconoce si sucede lo mismo con el riñón. El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la efectividad del LA como solución conservadora para los riñones de ratas, en comparación con la solución de Wisconsin (UW) y la solución de histidina-triptófano-cetoglutarato (HTK), que son los conservantes más utilizados y preferidos. Material y métodos: Se emplearon cuarenta ratas albinas macho de la cepa Wistar en este estudio, en cuatro grupos experimentales. Grupo 1: grupo solución de lactato sódico compuesta (LSC, Control); Grupo 2: grupo HTK; Grupo 3: grupo UW y Grupo 4: grupo LA. Habiendo aplicado anestesia con ketamina y xilazina, se realizó una incisión en la línea media y se aisló la arteria renal. Se utilizaron soluciones relevantes para grupos (enfriadas a + 4° C) para perfusión renal. Se realizó una nefrectomía, y los riñones extraídos fueron colocaron en una solución estándar de almacenamiento de órganos a + 4° C y se conservaron así durante 12 horas. Después de dicho periodo de almacenamiento, las muestras de los tejidos renales se fijaron en formalina tamponada neutra al 10%. Se llevaron a cabo una evaluación histopatológica e inmunohistoquímica y una detección de apoptosis mediante el método TUNEL. Resultados: Los resultados del grupo LA fueron cercanos a los de los grupos UW y HTK. La necrosis tubular y la vacuolización fueron más altas en el grupo de la solución LSC que en los otros grupos experimentales. La tinción inmunohistoquímica para los tres marcadores (TNF-alfa, IL-18 e iNOS) disminuyó en el grupo de líquido amniótico, similar a los grupos UW y HTK. Además, el número de células apoptóticas menguó en el grupo LA, en comparación con el de control. Conclusiones: UW, HTK y LA tuvieron efectos protectores similares y superiores en comparación con la solución LSC. Por lo tanto, el LA puede usarse como una solución alternativa de bajo costo para la preservación de tejidos naturales.

A new organ preservation solution for static cold storage of the liver. Amniotic fluid

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of amniotic fluid in liver preservation in organ transplantation, and compare it with standard preservation solutions. Methods: The groups consisted of Group 1: Ringer Lactate (RL) group, Group 2: HTK group, Group 3: UW group, Group 4: AF group. The livers of rats from Group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were perfused and placed into falcon tubes containing RL, HTK, UW, and AF solutions at +4°C, respectively. The tubes were stored for 12 hours in the refrigerator at +4°C. Tissue samples were taken at the 6th and 12th hours for histopathological examinations of the perfused livers, and storage solutions for biochemical analyzes at 6th and 12th hours. Results: AF was shown to maintain organ viability by reducing the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. Histopathological changes such as sinusoidal dilatation, hydropic degeneration, and focal necrosis were found to be similar to the groups in which the standard organ preservation solutions were used. Additionally, the results of INOS, IL-10, and TNF-,which were evaluated immunohistochemically, have been shown to be similar to the UW and HTK groups. Conclusions: AF provided conservation similar to UW and HTK in the 12-hour liver SCS process. The fact that apoptosis values are comparable to standard preservation solutions supports the success of AF in the cold storage of the liver.(AU)

Effects of thymoquinone against cisplatin-induced cardiac injury in rats

PURPOSE: T o investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in cisplatin (CP) induced myocardial injury. METHODS: A total of 28 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (CP at 15 mg/kg dose), Group 3 (TQ 40 mg/kg/day for two days prior to CP injection and on third day, CP at 15 mg/kg dose was intraperitoneally administered and TQ treatment continued until fifth day) and Group 4 (TQ at 40mg/kg/day dose for five days). RESULTS: There was a significant increment in CP group in terms of congestion, edema and pycnotic nuclei in myocardial fibers, comparing with other groups. TQ group exhibited significant increase in expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, comparing with CP group (p<0.05). In only CP administered group, expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was lowest comparing with other groups. CONCLUSION: Established data indicate that cisplatin is cardiotoxic and thymoquinone may be useful in treating CP-induced cardiac injury.

Effects of thymoquinone against cisplatin-induced cardiac injury in rats

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in cisplatin (CP) induced myocardial injury.METHODS:A total of 28 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (CP at 15 mg/kg dose), Group 3 (TQ 40 mg/kg/day for two days prior to CP injection and on third day, CP at 15 mg/kg dose was intraperitoneally administered and TQ treatment continued until fifth day) and Group 4 (TQ at 40mg/kg/day dose for five days).RESULTS:There was a significant increment in CP group in terms of congestion, edema and pycnotic nuclei in myocardial fibers, comparing with other groups. TQ group exhibited significant increase in expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, comparing with CP group (p<0.05). In only CP administered group, expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was lowest comparing with other groups.CONCLUSION:Established data indicate that cisplatin is cardiotoxic and thymoquinone may be useful in treating CP-induced cardiac injury.(AU)

[Anatomic characterization of growth-rings in 80 potential tree species for dendrocronological studies in the Central Forest, Perú]. / Anatomía de anillos de crecimiento de 80 especies arbóreas potenciales para estudios dendrocronológicos en la Selva Central, Perú.

The knowledge about the existence of annual tree rings in tropical trees, which was already found at the beginning of the last century, was ignored by many scientists for a long time. Wood samples of 80 tree species from seven different sites belonging to Satipo and Chanchamayo provinces in Central Forest, Perú. Wood slices were taken at 1.30 m height, following the Peruvian Technical Norms (NTP) 251-008, COPANT norms 30:1-019 and IAWA (1989). Results showed that 24 of the 80 tree species analyzed showed a potential for dendrocronological studies, 25 had problems for growth-rings analysis, and 31 did not have potential. The problems most frequently found were: barely visible or irregular ring growth, parenchyma bands and multiseriate rays difficult to be identified in rings growth. The "T" Student test showed that the significant variation in vessel and fiber diameters between growth zones (Early-wood and late-wood) of species with potential for dendrocronology, do have a periodic cells production, so is possible to suggest the annual formation of each growth-ring. However, those species without potential to dendrocronology may be influenced by of a lot of factors, such as biotic and abiotic conditions of environment, as well as the genetic aspect of each species.

Anatomía de anillos de crecimiento de 80 especies arbóreas potenciales para estudios dendrocronológicos en la Selva Central, Perú / Anatomic characterization of growth-rings in 80 potential tree species for dendrocronological studies in the Central forest, Perú

The knowledge about the existence of annual tree rings in tropical trees, which was already found at the beginning of the last century, was ignored by many scientists for a long time. Wood samples of 80 tree species from seven different sites belonging to Satipo and Chanchamayo provinces in Central Forest, Perú. Wood slices were taken at 1.30m height, following the Peruvian Technical Norms (NTP) 251-008, COPANT norms 30:1-019 and IAWA (1989). Results showed that 24 of the 80 tree species analyzed showed a potential for dendrocronological studies, 25 had problems for growth-rings analysis, and 31 did not have potential. The problems most frequently found were: barely visible or irregular ring growth, parenchyma bands and multiseriate rays difficult to be identified in rings growth. The “T” Student test showed that the significant variation in vessel and fiber diameters between growth zones (Early-wood and late-wood) of species with potential for dendrocronology, do have a periodic cells production, so is possible to suggest the annual formation of each growth-ring. However, those species without potential to dendrocronology may be influenced by of a lot of factors, such as biotic and abiotic conditions of environment, as well as the genetic aspect of each species.

El conocimiento acerca de la existencia de anillos anuales en árboles tropicales, se conoce desde principios del siglo pasado, pero fue ignorado por muchos científicos durante largo tiempo. La investigación fue realizada en el Laboratorio de Tecnología de la Madera e Industrias Forestales de la Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú, con la finalidad de caracterizar anatómicamente los anillos de crecimiento de 80 especies arbóreas potenciales para estudios dendrocronológicos; provenientes de las provincias de Satipo y Chanchamayo en la Selva Central del Perú. Para el estudio se consideraron las normas COPANT 30:1-019, Normas Técnicas Peruanas (NTP) 251-008 y la Lista Estándar de la IAWA 1989. Entre los resultados más sobresalientes tenemos: el 30% de las ochenta especies estudiadas tienen buen potencial para estudios dendrocronológicos. La mayoría de estas especies, están delimitadas por una banda de fibras acortadas radialmente. Entre los problemas encontrados, se puede destacar la presencia de anillos con dificultad para ser visualizados, la presencia de anillos irregulares y la presencia de parénquima en bandas. Las características microscópicas, muestran que la variación significativa en dimensiones de fibras y vasos entre zonas de crecimiento (madera temprana y madera tardía), de las especies potenciales para dendrocronología, tienen una producción de células en forma periódica, lo que podría sugerir la formación anual de cada anillo.