Update on the status of the contamination by organotin compounds in sediment of Nuevo Gulf, Argentina. Insights from field and experimental studies.

Organotin compounds are persistent pollutants and are considered chemicals of high environmental concern. In the present study, the distribution and degradation of tributyltin were evaluated in field sediments and through an ex situ experiment. For this, sediment samples from two locations were analysed: Luis Piedrabuena Harbour, with higher maritime traffic, and Cerro Avanzado, which receives less impact from anthropogenic activities. The results indicated that pollution levels at Luis Piedrabuena Harbour have decreased compared with studies performed 9 years ago for the same area. On the contrary, traces of organotin compounds have been found for the first time at Cerro Avanzado. Moreover, the butyltin degradation index indicated that organotin compounds undergo an advanced degradation process in the collected samples at both sites. Ex situ experiments revealed a limited capacity of sediments to retain tributyltin, and suggested an active role of bioturbation activity in the degradation of these compounds. In addition, visualisation using chemometric techniques (principal components analysis) allowed a simpler analysis of two sediment characteristics: the degree of contamination and the degradation levels of organotin compounds.

Bee-Plant Interaction Networks in a Seasonal Dry Tropical Forest of the Colombian Caribbean.

Mutualistic interactions between bees and flowering plants have been widely recognized as one of the most important for the maintenance of these communities throughout ecosystems. Consequently, understanding how these interactions occur is highly important, especially in seasonal dry tropical forest (SDTF), one of the most endangered ecosystems in northern South America. In this study, we analyzed the changes between interaction networks across two well-defined seasons, dry and wet, in a SDTF of the Colombian Caribbean in Taganga, Magdalena. We also determined changes in species composition and their role in interaction networks. To study this system, we compared two approaches: (1) networks constructed with data from direct collections in flowering plants, and (2) networks constructed with pollen data obtained from bees' bodies. A total of 44 species were collected in 18 species of flowering plants; also, we registered 16 additional plants presented in the records only as pollen types. We found that network metrics, connectance, nestedness, specialization (H2'), and interaction strength asymmetry remain stable through seasons. However, when the two types of approximations were compared, there were significant differences. Networks constructed with pollen data are more connected, less specialized, and with lower values of interaction strength asymmetry. The major difference between seasons relied on the interacting species composition, due to a high species turnover. Bee community was more diverse in dry season. Apidae family, mainly eusocial species, persisted in the community, being more abundant and relevant in wet season. For dry season, Megachile and other solitary species from Apidae and Halictidae families were better represented and relevant for the community. We found that Fabaceae is an important resource for bees in both seasons. In addition, herbaceous species from Asteraceae and Convolvulaceae were preferred in wet season, while shrub and tree species from Fabaceae and Polygonaceae were the main resource in dry season.

Simultaneous intercalated assembly of mesostructured hybrid carbon nanofiber/reduced graphene oxide and its use in electrochemical sensing.

Polyacrylonitrile nonwovens intercalated with graphene oxide (GO) sheets were prepared by a simultaneous electrospinning-spray deposition system. These hybrid nonwovens were carbonized in a two-stage process to obtain a mesostructured hybrid carbon containing carbon nanofibers (CNF) and reduced GO sheets (CNF/RGO). During the carbonization process, the CNF act as spacers between the RGO layers to prevent their compactation and restacking resulting in a three-dimensional structure. The presence of RGO increases the electrical conductivity in the CNF/RGO material. The resulting hybrid carbon is nitrogen-doped as indicated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. This N-doped porous carbon was used to prepare electrodes with improved sensitivity for the electrochemical detection of L-cysteine.

Three-dimensional spheroid culture of adipose stromal vascular cells for studying adipogenesis in beef cattle.

Protocols designed for the adipogenic differentiation of human and mouse cells are commonly used for inducing the adipogenesis of bovine stromal vascular cells. However, likely due to metabolic differences between ruminant and non-ruminant animals, these methods result in only few cells undergoing complete adipogenesis with minimal lipid droplet accumulation. Here, we discuss the development of an adipogenic differentiation protocol for bovine primary cells through a three-dimensional spheroid culture. Stromal vascular cells derived from bovine intramuscular fat were isolated and stored in liquid nitrogen before culturing. Cells were cultured in hanging drops for 3 days to allow for the formation of spherical structures. The spheroids were then transferred to cell culture plates with endothelial basal medium-2 for 3 days and in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) supplemented with a standard adipogenic cocktail for 3 additional days, which were then allowed to fully differentiate for 3 days in DMEM supplemented with insulin. Compared with conventional two-dimensional culture, cells in a three-dimensional spheroid culture system had higher adipogenic gene expression and consequently contained more adipocytes with larger lipid droplets. In addition, endothelial induction of spheroids prior to adipogenic differentiation is essential for efficient induction of adipogenesis of bovine stromal vascular cells, mimicking in vivo adipose development. In summary, the newly developed three-dimensional spheroid culture method is an efficient way to induce adipogenic differentiation and study adipose development of cells derived from ruminant animals, which also can be used for studying the role of angiogenesis in adipose development.

Effects of long-term, near-term, and real-time energy balance, and blood progesterone concentrations, on the pregnancy rate of contemporary dairy cows.

This study aimed to contribute to understanding the interface between reproductive and nutritional energetic physiology in contemporary dairy cattle. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 32) between 70 and 180 days in milk were used in a study starting 10 d prior to the artificial insemination (AI) date and were estrous synchronized using a hormonal regimen. Fourteen cows were determined pregnant on day 39 post-AI. Coccygeal blood samples of all cows were collected on d -10 and -3 prior to AI to determine estrous cyclicity, as well as at AI and at 6, 13 and 20 d post-AI. Milk progesterone was measured 20 d post-AI, and body condition was scored (BCS; 1-5 scale) on days -10, 0, 13 and 27 relative to AI. Blood non-esterified fatty acid concentrations, measured on the same days as BCS, and changes of BCS from d -10 to AI were not predictive of pregnancy outcome. The BCS of cows on the day of AI was greater (P = 0.02) for pregnant cows with an approximate minimum BCS for a high probability of conception being 2.50. Serum progesterone concentrations of pregnant cows were greater (P < 0.05) on days 6, 13 and 20 post-AI, as was milk progesterone at day 20 post-AI (P < 0.01). Pregnant cows had greater (P = 0.02) net energy output (NEL), which is inconsistent with a common belief that low pregnancy rates in contemporary dairy cows are due to excessive milk production, but is consistent with published studies in this study area. The present research indicates that current low pregnancy rates in commercial high-producing multiparous dairy cattle may be partly due to breeding cows that have insufficient BCS to support pregnancy.

Precision-feeding dairy heifers a high rumen-undegradable protein diet with different proportions of dietary fiber and forage-to-concentrate ratios.

The addition of dietary fiber can alter nutrient and N utilization in precision-fed dairy heifers and may further benefit from higher inclusion levels of RUP. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding a high-RUP diet when dietary fiber content was manipulated within differing forage-to-concentrate ratios (F:C) on nutrient utilization of precision-fed dairy heifers. Six rumen-cannulated Holstein heifers (555.4 ± 31.4 kg BW; 17.4 ± 0.1 mo) were randomly assigned to 2 levels of forage, high forage (HF; 60% forage) or low forage (LF; 45% forage), and to a fiber proportion sequence (low fiber: 100% oat hay and silage [OA], 0% wheat straw [WS]; medium fiber: 83.4% OA, 16.6% WS; and high fiber: 66.7% OA, 33.3% WS) administered according to a split-plot 3 × 3 Latin square design (21-d periods). Similar levels of N intake (1.70 g N/kg BW) and RUP (55% of CP) were provided. Data were analyzed as a split-plot, 3 × 3 Latin square design using a mixed model with fixed effects of period and treatment. A repeated measures model was used with data that had multiple measurements over time. No differences were observed for DM, OM, NDF, or ADF apparent digestibility coefficients (dC) between HF- and LF-fed heifers. Heifers receiving LF diets had greater starch dC compared to HF heifers. Increasing the fiber level through WS addition resulted in a linear reduction of OM dC. There was a linear interaction for DM dC with a concurrent linear interaction in NDF dC. Nitrogen intake, dC, and retention did not differ; however, urine and total N excretion increased linearly with added fiber. Predicted microbial CP flow (MP) linearly decreased with WS inclusion mainly in LF heifers, as indicated by a significant interaction between F:C and WS. Rumen pH linearly increased with WS addition, although no F:C effect was detected. Ruminal ammonia concentration had an opposite linear effect with respect to MP as WS increased. Diets with the higher proportion of fiber benefited the most from a high RUP supply, complementing the substantial reduction in predicted MP caused by the incremental dietary fiber concentration. These results suggest that RUP supplementation is a practical method for reestablishing optimal ruminal N balance in the event of increased dietary fiber through forage inclusion in precision-fed dairy heifer diets.

Rectum leiomyoma in a 10-month-old female.

An unexpected case of leiomyoma (LM) of the rectum in a 10-month-old female patient. The patient presented with a palpable mass and symptoms of intestinal obstruction, constipation and rectal discomfort. Rectal examination revealed a clearly visible mass. The treatment consisted of a surgical resection with wide margins. Pathology reported a leiomyoma. The patient was submitted to a careful clinical evaluation and a continuous follow up.

Use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube and patch in the repair of a difficult duodenal stump.

In the cases where a primary anastomosis is unable after a duodenal resection, special care must be taken to avoid any complication in the duodenal stump such as suture dehiscence. Wall inflammation is an important factor in the development of this complication. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who had previously undergone to pyloric exclusion due to a wall defect occurred after a bilio-digestive anastomosis, which complicated with a posterior duodenal stump dehiscence. The acute edema of the stump walls that resulted after it because exposure to bile conducted to heroic measures for its closure: first, the use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube as duodenostomy and posteriorly a patch of the same material for its final closure. Both gave successful results in the repair of a refractory duodenal stump dehiscence.

Use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube and patch in the repair of a difficult duodenal stump

In the cases where a primary anastomosis is unable after a duodenal resection, special care must be taken to avoid any complication in the duodenal stump such as suture dehiscence. Wall inflammation is an important factor in the development of this complication. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who had previously undergone to pyloric exclusion due to a wall defect occurred after a bilio-digestive anastomosis, which complicated with a posterior duodenal stump dehiscence. The acute edema of the stump walls that resulted after it because exposure to bile conducted to heroic measures for its closure: first, the use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube as duodenostomy and posteriorly a patch of the same material for its final closure. Both gave successful results in the repair of a refractory duodenal stump dehiscence.

Use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube and patch in the repair of a difficult duodenal stump

In the cases where a primary anastomosis is unable after a duodenal resection, special care must be taken to avoid any complication in the duodenal stump such as suture dehiscence. Wall inflammation is an important factor in the development of this complication. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who had previously undergone to pyloric exclusion due to a wall defect occurred after a bilio-digestive anastomosis, which complicated with a posterior duodenal stump dehiscence. The acute edema of the stump walls that resulted after it because exposure to bile conducted to heroic measures for its closure: first, the use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube as duodenostomy and posteriorly a patch of the same material for its final closure. Both gave successful results in the repair of a refractory duodenal stump dehiscence. (AU)

Use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube and patch in the repair of a difficult duodenal stump.

In the cases where a primary anastomosis is unable after a duodenal resection, special care must be taken to avoid any complication in the duodenal stump such as suture dehiscence. Wall inflammation is an important factor in the development of this complication. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who had previously undergone to pyloric exclusion due to a wall defect occurred after a bilio-digestive anastomosis, which complicated with a posterior duodenal stump dehiscence. The acute edema of the stump walls that resulted after it because exposure to bile conducted to heroic measures for its closure: first, the use of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube as duodenostomy and posteriorly a patch of the same material for its final closure. Both gave successful results in the repair of a refractory duodenal stump dehiscence.

[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (GEP): designed reusable (NAGEP) for one time endoscopic technique. Experimental study in dogs]. / Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP): dispositivo diseñado reutilizable (NAGEP) en técnica endoscópica de un tiempo. Estudio experimental en perros.

INTRODUCTION: This aim of our experimental study was to demonstrate the versatility of our designed reusable device for PEG and its future application in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 mongrel dogs received enteral nutrition by a Foley tube placed by a single endoscopic technique using a reusable stainless steel designed device, three reusable stainless steel designed device, three reusable stainless steel dilators, an Olympus XQ20 video gastrointestinal endoscope, basic surgical equipment and surgical material. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in all dogs under general anaesthesia. The duration of the whole procedure ranged from 10 to 18 min. The complications regardless by the PEG procedure were minimal. The Foley tube was retained by 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the stainless steel reusable designed device for the PEG is safe, and presents several advantages. This technique for PEG placement could be used in the future due the characteristics of the designed device: durable and reusable for unlimited number of procedures.

Gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP): dispositivo diseñado reutilizable (NAGEP) en técnica endoscópica de un tiempo. Estudio experimental en perros. / [Percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (GEP): designed reusable (NAGEP) for one time endoscopic technique. Experimental study in dogs]

INTRODUCTION: This aim of our experimental study was to demonstrate the versatility of our designed reusable device for PEG and its future application in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 mongrel dogs received enteral nutrition by a Foley tube placed by a single endoscopic technique using a reusable stainless steel designed device, three reusable stainless steel designed device, three reusable stainless steel dilators, an Olympus XQ20 video gastrointestinal endoscope, basic surgical equipment and surgical material. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in all dogs under general anaesthesia. The duration of the whole procedure ranged from 10 to 18 min. The complications regardless by the PEG procedure were minimal. The Foley tube was retained by 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the stainless steel reusable designed device for the PEG is safe, and presents several advantages. This technique for PEG placement could be used in the future due the characteristics of the designed device: durable and reusable for unlimited number of procedures.

[Amebic liver abscess in newborn. Report of a case]. / Absceso hepático amebiano neonatal. Presentación de un caso.

The amebic liver abscess in newborns is an uncommon disease. There are few cases reported in the literature. This is a case of a 20 day-old female newborn who presented an abdominal mass, yellowish diarrheic depositions and jaundice. An abdominal CT scan showed a cystic mass located in the right hepatic lobe. The laboratory exams confirmed the amebic etiology. The clinical treatment failed and the surgery was decided. The pathologic results confirmed the diagnosis of an amebic liver abscess. Eight days after the resection the patient died because of a necrotizing enterocolitis.

Absceso hepático amebiano neonatal: presentación de un caso / Amebic liver abscess in newborn: report of a case

El abseso Hepático Amebiano (AHA) en neonatos es una patología no muy frecuentes. Existen pocos casos relatados en la literatura mundial. Se trata de un paciente de 20 días de nacido, femenino que presentó una masa abdominal palpable, deposiciones diarreicas amarillentas e icte'ricia. Una tomografía abdominal demostró una masa quistica localizada en el lóbulo hepático derecho. Los exámenes de laboratorio confirmaron la etiología amebiana. El tratamiento clínico instaurado fracasó y se procedió al tratamiento quirúrgico. Los resultados de patología confirmaron el diagnóstico de (AHA). Ocho días después de la resección quirúrgica el paciente falleció debido a una enterocolitis necrotizante.

Absceso hepático amebiano neonatal: presentación de un caso / Amebic liver abscess in newborn: report of a case

El abseso Hepático Amebiano (AHA) en neonatos es una patología no muy frecuentes. Existen pocos casos relatados en la literatura mundial. Se trata de un paciente de 20 días de nacido, femenino que presentó una masa abdominal palpable, deposiciones diarreicas amarillentas e ictericia. Una tomografía abdominal demostró una masa quistica localizada en el lóbulo hepático derecho. Los exámenes de laboratorio confirmaron la etiología amebiana. El tratamiento clínico instaurado fracasó y se procedió al tratamiento quirúrgico. Los resultados de patología confirmaron el diagnóstico de (AHA). Ocho días después de la resección quirúrgica el paciente falleció debido a una enterocolitis necrotizante. (AU)

Biliary sludge: a well defined sonographic entity.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the present of biliary sludge (BS) in our patients, since different authors have concluded that this entity may be an etiologic agent of biliary colic, gallbladder stones and some complications such as acute pancreatitis and acalculous cholecystitis. METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the abdominal sonographic reports of 2802 patients of our gastroenterologic unit, with an average age of 40.5 years. The variables of the protocol were: gallbladder stones, BS and acute and chronic gallbladder inflammation. RESULTS: Considering the mentioned criteria, we entered to the study 2682 patients, 17.8% (n = 479) had lithiasis, 13.2% (n = 356) had BS, 2% (n = 54) had acute gallbladder inflammation and 2.3% (n = 64) had chronic gallbladder inflammation. Of the group of patients with BS 42.7% (n = 152) were female and 57.3% (n = 204) were males. 52% of the patients with BS were between the ages of 26 to 45 years. CONCLUSIONS: In our study we found an important prevalence of BS that was over 13% which is higher than the results reported by additional series. Its early sonographic detection, follow-up, removal of precipitating factors and treatment are all adequate measures in order to achieve its elimination.

Syphilitic rectal ulcer associated with perforation of the hard palate: case report.

We report a case of a patient that presented with a perforated hard palate as a late complication due to an unsuspected syphilis. This disease first presented as a rectal ulcer which was misdiagnosed as an amebic proctitis. The patient received antiamebic treatment with a satisfactory outcome. He did not return for late control of the latter treatment and returned seeking medical advice six years later with the former complication. He tested positive for syphilis and appropriate treatment was performed. In addition, the ORL department recommended a palate prosthesis.

[Use of spasmolytic agent otilonium bromide (spasmomen) in digestive endoscopy: a prospective study in 63 patients]. / Uso del agente espasmolítico otilonio bromuro (spasmomen) en endoscopía digestiva: estudio prospectivo en 63 pacientes.

Otilonium bromide is a calcium antagonist with a direct myolytic effect, that is indicated in spastic conditions and functional dyskinesias of the gastroenteric apparatus (irritable bowel syndrome) and as a premedication for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. The present study assessed otilonium bromide 40 mg PO the night before and 40 mg PO the morning in 49 upper and 14 lower flexible endoscopies in 63 patients, to determine the presence or absence of peristalsis and relaxation of the pylorus. No side effects were observed due to the medication. In 46 (93.8%) upper endoscopies marked relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract and also pylorus relaxation were observed. In 13 (92.8%) lower endoscopies, marked relaxation of the colonic tract was also seen. All patients tolerated well the endoscopies. Otilonium bromide was useful as premedication in order to enable upper and lower endoscopic explorations, because of its spasmolytic effect.