Salt tolerance in a neotropical orchid in the absence of local adaptation to salt spray.

PREMISE: Salt tolerance has rarely been investigated regionally in the neotropics and even more rarely in Orchidaceae, one of the largest families. Therefore, investigating local adaptation to salt spray and its physiological basis in Epidendrum fulgens, a neotropical orchid species, brings important new insights. METHODS: We assessed the degree of salt tolerance in E. fulgens by testing whether coastal populations are more tolerant to salt, which could point to local adaptation. To understand the physiological basis of such salt tolerance, we exposed wild-collected individuals to salt spray for 60 days, then measured leaf expansion, osmotic potential, sodium leaf concentration, chlorophyll leaf index, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative growth rate, and pressure-volume curves. RESULTS: There is no local adaptation to salt spray since both inland and coastal plants have a high tolerance to salt stress. This tolerance is explained by the ability to tolerate high concentrations of salt in leaf tissues, which is related to the high succulence displayed by this species. CONCLUSIONS: We showed an unprecedented salt tolerance level for an orchid species, highlighting our limited knowledge of that trait beyond the traditional studied groups. Another interesting finding is that salt tolerance in E. fulgens is linked to succulence, is widespread, and is not the result of local adaptation. We suggest that E. fulgens and its allied species could be an interesting group to explore the evolution of important traits related to tolerance to salt stress, like succulence.

Rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism and pit membrane thickness in Citrus scions.

Embolism resistance of xylem tissue varies among species and is an important trait related to drought resistance, with anatomical attributes like pit membrane thickness playing an important role in avoiding embolism spread. Grafted Citrus trees are commonly grown in orchards, with the rootstock being able to affect the drought resistance of the whole plant. Here, we evaluated how rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism resistance of the scion using several rootstock/scion combinations. Scions of 'Tahiti' acid lime, 'Hamlin', 'Pera' and 'Valencia' oranges grafted on a 'Rangpur' lime rootstock exhibit similar vulnerability to embolism. In field-grown trees, measurements of leaf water potential did not suggest significant embolism formation during the dry season, while stomata of Citrus trees presented an isohydric response to declining water availability. When 'Valencia' orange scions were grafted on 'Rangpur' lime, 'IAC 1710' citrandarin, 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin or 'Swingle' citrumelo rootstocks, variation in intervessel pit membrane thickness of the scion was found. The 'Rangpur' lime rootstock, which is known for its drought resistance, induced thicker pit membranes in the scion, resulting in higher embolism resistance than the other rootstocks. Similarly, the rootstock 'IAC 1710' citrandarin generated increased embolism resistance of the scion, which is highly relevant for citriculture.

Seminal glucose levels: a prognostic factor of sperm survival to cryopreservation?

OBJECTIVE: Considering that glucose is an important component of seminal plasma and is a cryoprotectant at high concentrations, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of glucose levels in fresh semen with the sperm survival and motility rates following cryopreservation. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 149 men undergoing semen analysis due to male and/or female infertility. The seminal samples were analyzed according to the World Health Organization standards and glucose concentrations were measured using a dipstick glucometer. Samples were cryopreserved with Test Yolk Buffer-Gentamicine freezing medium under liquid nitrogen for an average of 120 days. The frozen aliquots were thawed at 37°C for 10 minutes and analyzed using the same methods and protocols used pre-freezing. RESULTS: Glucose levels ranged from 14 to 99 mg/dL and were similar in individuals with normal (n=100) vs. abnormal (n=49) semen analysis. The rates of sperm recovery (total, alive or motile sperm) in the cryopreserved samples did not change among samples with different glucose levels (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Spearman's correlation coefficient). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no association between glucose levels in human semen samples and their resistance to cryopreservation.

Characteristics, prevalence and sources of stress in individuals who discontinue assisted reproductive technology treatments: a systematic review.

By considering the reasons behind discontinuing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, several studies have indicated that 'stress' is an important issue, but the prevalence of stressors and stress responses, either acute or chronic, remains unclear. In this systematic review, we evaluated the characteristics, prevalence and causes of what was perceived and reported as 'stress' by couples who discontinued ART treatment. Electronic databases were systematically searched, and studies were considered eligible if they evaluated stress as a possible reason for ART discontinuation. Twelve studies were included, with 15,264 participants from eight countries. In all studies, 'stress' was assessed through generic questionnaires or medical records, not by validated stress questionnaires or biomarkers. The prevalence of 'stress' ranged from 11-53%. When the results were pooled, 'stress' was cited as a reason for ART discontinuation by 775 out of 2507 participants (30.9%). Clinical factors associated with worse prognosis, physical discomfort due to treatment procedures, family demands, time pressure and economic burden were identified as sources of 'stress' that contributed to ART discontinuation. Precisely knowing the characteristics of the stress associated with infertility is essential to devise preventive or supportive interventions to help patients to cope and endure the treatments. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether the mitigation of stress factors can reduce ART discontinuation rates.

Angioplastia coronária com stent em pacientes operados de cardiopatias congênitas / Coronary angioplasty with stent in patients operated on for congenital heart disease

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Anomalias congênitas da origem ou trajeto das coronárias podem necessitar correção cirúrgica. Outras cardiopatias congênitas requerem translocação das coronárias na cirurgia corretiva (ex: transposição das grandes artérias [TGA]). Compressão extrínseca, acotovelamentos, retração cicatricial entre outros podem causar insuficiência coronária (ICo) no pós-operatório (PO) precoce ou tardio. O manejo terapêutico destas situações não é bem estabelecido na literatura. Objetivo é relatar nossa experiência com a angioplastia coronária nestes pacientes e seus desfechos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de pacientes previamente operados de cardiopatias congênitas que necessitaram de reimplante de uma ou 2 coronárias. ICo foi suspeitada clinicamente e confirmada por angiografia, ultra-som (US) ou angiotomografia coronária (TC). Confirmada a obstrução, procedeu-se com implante de stent eluído seguido de reavaliação clínica, métodos de imagem intra-coronário e exames de rastreamento para ICo. Dupla antiagregação foi mantida por 3 meses e o AAS indefinidamente. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quatro pacientes (lactente, criança, adolescente e adulto jovem) previamente operados (TGA [n=2], origem anômala da coronária esquerda [CE], trajeto maligno da CE) foram submetidos com sucesso a angioplastia com stent. No caso da TGA do lactente, o procedimento foi realizado por via carotídea em ECMO no PO precoce. Neste, o stent foi implantado no tronco da coronária direita. Nos 3 casos eletivos com angina estável no PO tardio, mecanismos diversos de estenose foram observados no US e/ou na TC. Nestes, os stents foram implantados via femoral no tronco da coronária esquerda. Não houve complicações dos procedimentos. Stents compatíveis com o diâmetro de coronária do adulto foram usados. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica e laboratorial imediata e se mantiveram sem ICo no seguimento. O lactente permaneceu com acinesia na parede inferior. CONCLUSÕES: A angioplastia coronária deve ser considerada no manejo de pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas que necessitaram de reimplante das coronárias e que apresentam ICo precoce ou tardia. Nesta experiência inicial, o procedimento se mostrou factível, seguro e eficaz.

Experiência inicial com o implante percutâneo da prótese S3 Edwards na posição pulmonar / Initial experience with percutaneous implantation of the S3 Edwards prosthesis in the pulmonary position

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: O implante percutâneo da valva pulmonar foi iniciado com valva Melody há mais de 20 anos. Esta é adequada para condutos e biopróteses na via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD) com diâmetros internos de 16-22 mm. A valva Sapien S3 (Edwards), comumente usada para TAVIs, foi recentemente aprovada no Brasil para a posição pulmonar. O objetivo é relatar a experiência inicial com esta nova bioprótese. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes com disfunção (estenose e/ou insuficiência) em biopróteses, condutos e VSVD nativas ou modificadas por retalhos. O procedimento foi realizado sob anestesia geral e a prótese S3 foi colocada através de bainha DrySeal 24 F após teste de complacência da VSVD e de compressão coronária. Fraturas intencionais nas biopróteses com balões de ultra alta pressão foram realizadas previamente de acordo com o operador. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sete pacientes (11 a 35 anos; 26-80 kgs) com VSVD disfuncional (2 nativas, 1 conduto; 3 biopróteses; 1 retalho transanular) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso. As 3 biopróteses foram fraturadas com sucesso. Foram usadas próteses de 23 a 29 mm (estas nas VSVD mais dilatadas). Houve dificuldades para avanço do sistema em 2 pacientes. O implante no local desejado foi obtido em todos os casos com redução significativa do gradiente e/ou abolição da insuficiência. Não houve complicações. Em um seguimento variando de 1-6 meses a função valvar permanece preservada na ecocadiografia e houve melhora significativa da classe funcional. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta experiência inicial, o implante da prótese S3 na posição pulmonar foi factível, seguro e eficaz no curto prazo. Esta reprodutibilidade dos resultados já descritos na literatura é importante para que possamos continuar expandindo as indicações e absorver melhoramentos futuros no nosso meio.

Experiência nacional com o implante percutâneo da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar / National experience with the percutaneous implantation of the MyVal prosthesis in the pulmonary position

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: O implante percutâneo da valva pulmonar tem sido realizado há mais de 20 anos, principalmente nos condutos e biopróteses na via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD). Algumas limitações são observadas com os sistemas disponíveis atuais incluindo diâmetros finais limitados a 22 mm (Melody) e/ou necessidade de bainhas de alto perfil (22-24 F) e rigidez do sistema (Sapien S3). O objetivo é avaliar a factibilidade, segurança e eficácia do implante da prótese MyVal (Meril) na posição pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo observacional de pacientes com disfunção da VSVD (estenose e/ou insuficiência) necessitando de revalvularização segundo critérios clínicos. O procedimento foi realizado sob anestesia geral e a prótese MyVal colocada através de sistema 14-16 Fr após teste de complacência da VSVD e de compressão coronária. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Oito pacientes (5 a 67 anos; 15-80 kgs) com VSVD disfuncional (2 condutos; 3 biopróteses; 2 com retalho transanular e uma nativa) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso. Foram usadas próteses de 20 a 32 mm (estas nas VSVD mais dilatadas). Com exceção da criança de 15 kgs, não houve dificuldades para avanço do sistema. O implante no local desejado foi obtido em todos os casos com redução significativa do gradiente e/ou abolição da insuficiência. A criança de 15 kgs apresentou trombose femoral após. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 1 ano e meio a função valvar permanece preservada na ecocadiografia. Houve melhora significativa da classe funcional. CONCLUSÕES: O implante da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar foi factível, seguro e eficaz no curto prazo nesta experiência inicial. O sistema de menor perfil e mais flexível se mostrou versátil permitindo também abordar crianças pequenas. As VSVD dilatadas com ou sem retalhos puderam ser revalvularizadas com próteses 32 mm. Estudos com mais pacientes e com maior seguimento são necessários.

Implante percutâneo valvar em biopróteses cirúrgicas na posição tricúspide em pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas / Percutaneous valve implantation in surgical bioprostheses in the tricuspid position in patients with congenital heart disease

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Algumas cardiopatias congênitas cursam com anormalidades na valva tricúspide que requerem plastia ou troca valvar. A durabilidade das biopróteses na posição tricúspide é baixa com necessidade de reintervenção de cerca 50% em 5 anos. O implante percutâneo valvar dentro destas próteses ("valve-in-valve") tem sido descrito com resultados animadores. O objetivo é relatar a experiência inicial com este procedimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes previamente operados de cardiopatias congênitas com bipróteses com disfunção (estenose e/ou insuficiência) em posição tricúspide submetidos a revalvularização percutânea. Foram utilizadas as próteses Melody, Sapien XT e S3 e MyVal por via femoral ou jugular. A escolha do diâmetro foi 1-3 mm maior que o anel interno protético. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sete pacientes (11 a 35 anos; 32-80 kgs) previamente operados (4 Ebstein, 2 Fallot e 1 EPV crítica) com bioprótese tricúspide foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e implante na posição desejada. A valva Melody implantada a 24 mm apresentou insuficiência moderada. Nas 3 biopróteses S3 e MyVal implantadas a 26-30 mm o funcionamento valvar foi adequado com abolição do gradiente e da insuficiência. Uma paciente apresentou bloqueio AV total revertido com corticóide 2 semanas após. Um paciente (da Melody) com anemia falciforme faleceu de sepsis 1 ano depois. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 3 anos a função valvar permaneceu preservada na ecocadiografia nos 6 pacientes com melhora significativa da classe funcional. Conclusões: Nesta experiência inicial, a revalvularização percutânea da bioprótese tricúspide foi factível, segura e eficaz no curto prazo. Próteses disponíveis em diâmetros maiores (S3 e MyVal) parecem ser mais adequadas.

Reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíacos no PO tardio de Fontan. Para que esperar por complicações? / Percutaneous rehabilitation of extracardiac conduits in the late postoperative period of Fontan. Why wait for complications?

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de Fontan podem apresentar complicações tardias que incluem congestão venosa crônica, hepatopatia, enteropatia perdedora de proteínas, bronquite plástica entre outros. Com o crescimento somático, os condutos colocados aos 2-5 anos de idade com diâmetros entre 16-20 mm se alongam longitudinalmente causando redução progressiva do diâmetro interno. Tal fenômeno pode estar envolvido nas complicações descritas. Objetivo é relatar nossa experiência com a reabilitação percutânea tardia destes condutos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de pacientes com complicações tardias de Fontan com redução significativa do diâmetro do conduto externo na angiografia em PA ou perfil. A presença de gradientes não foi considerada como parâmetro para intervenção. Stents implantados com diâmetros de 18-20 mm foram usados. O seguimento constou de reavaliação clínica e laboratorial. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quatro pacientes (mediana idade 18 anos) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e sem complicações. Três deles apresentavam sinais e sintomas de enteropatia perdedora de proteínas e o outro congestão venosa crônica e hepatopatia. Não foram observados gradientes de pressão no conduto. Entretanto, todos apresentavam dilatação significativa da VCI e supra-hepáticas com estase local. Os diâmetros médios dos condutos aumentaram de 12 +/- 3 para 19 +/- 2 mm. Alta hospitalar foi dada no dia seguinte. Todos apresentaram melhora dos parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais no seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíaco usados na Cirurgia de Fontan é uma modalidade terapêutica simples, segura e eficaz no manejo de possíveis complicações tardias. Postulamos que todos os pacientes no PO tardio de Fontan devam ser submetidos a investigação da redução do lumen do conduto após o estirão da puberdade e submetidos a este tipo de tratamento antes que possíveis complicações tardias se instalem. Esta conduta profilática mais agressiva deve ser investigada em experiências futuras com maior número de pacientes.

Non-agreement between 2 serologic techniques for detecting antibody to Brucella ovis in naturally infected sheep.

Brucella ovis is the causative agent of ovine brucellosis, which is an important infectious disease in sheep farming worldwide and is responsible for economic losses because of its negative effect on the reproductive system of rams and ewes. Serologic tests are the main tools for detection of infection; however, these tests commonly yield a high frequency of false-negative results. We compared 2 serologic tests, agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and ELISA, for the detection of anti-B. ovis antibodies in naturally infected sheep. Of the 728 serum samples analyzed, 0.3% were positive by AGID and 9.2% by ELISA. Positive results were obtained for different animals and flocks. There was no statistical difference between the detection frequency of the 2 methods (p = 0.674), and the kappa test indicated low concordance (κ = 0.005). The lack of agreement between results obtained using AGID and ELISA, associated with the absence of clinical signs, makes it difficult to detect ovine brucellosis efficiently, and demonstrates the need for effective tests for the definitive detection of B. ovis infection.

Mindfulness-based program to support lifestyle modification and weight loss in infertile women: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the short-term effects of a mindfulness-based program (MBP) on weight loss through lifestyle modification in infertile women who were overweight or obese. METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to 8 consecutive weekly sessions of MBP plus diet or diet alone. Both groups received a customized dietary plan. Body measures were taken and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate dietary habits at baseline and three months later. RESULTS: The study was completed by 28 women in the MBP group and 24 in the control group. Body weight decreased 1.8 kg (2.1%) in the MBP group (p = 0.001, follow-up vs. baseline) and 1.7 kg (1.9%) in the control group (p = 0.035). There was an average reduction of 2.9 cm of waist circumference in the MBP group (p = 0.008) and 0.3 cm in the control group (p = 0.633). There was a significant reduction in the daily energy intake of the women attending the MBP (mean difference -430 Kcal/day, p=0.010) whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: In the short term, this MBP did not affect weight loss in infertile women, but the MBP intervention contributed to reduce waist circumference, possibly due to a significant decrease in food energy intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-7by76r.

Characterization and frequency of foot injuries and foot-related lameness in a sheep herd with prophylactic measures for foot-related diseases / Caracterização e frequência de lesões podais e da claudicação em rebanho ovino com medidas profiláticas de doenças podais

Foot lesions in sheep herds are responsible for great economic losses, because pain during locomotion interferes with feeding and behavior, leading productivity losses. The objective of this work was to describe the main foot disease found in sheep herd that uses prophylactic measures against foot diseases. A total of 346 ewes of different ages, with or without lameness, were assessed for the presence of foot lesions in all limbs, digits and adjacent structures. Among all the 2768 digits evaluated, 103 (29.76%) had lesions, representing 1.04 lesion per animal. 41.75% (43/103) had only one lesion, 39.81% (41/103) had two lesions, 16 (15.53%) had three lesions, and only 2.91% (3/103) had four or more lesions. Hind limbs were the most affected and the most frequent diseases were white line disease (40.05%), interdigital dermatitis (33.70%) and footrot (12.15%). It was concluded that foot disease in sheep is frequent and constitute a health problem for herds, even on farms that use strategies to prevent it. Therefore, it is essential to classify the lesions, as well as the adoption of effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures.

Lesões podais em ovinos são responsáveis por grandes perdas econômicas, pois a dor durante a locomoção interfere na alimentação e no comportamento, levando à perda de produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as principais doenças podais encontradas em rebanho ovino, que utiliza medidas profiláticas contra as doenças podais. Foram examinadas 346 ovelhas quanto à presença de lesões podais em todos os membros, dígitos e estruturas adjacentes. Entre os 2.768 dígitos avaliados, 103 (29,76%) apresentavam lesões, representando 1,04 lesões por animal. 41,75% (43/103) apresentavam apenas uma lesão, 39,81% (41/103) tinham duas lesões, 16 (15,53%) tinham três lesões, e apenas três animais apresentavam quatro ou mais lesões. Os membros posteriores foram os mais afetados e as doenças mais frequentes foram a doença da linha branca (40,05%), dermatite interdigital (33,70%) e footrot (12,15%). Pode-se concluir que as lesões podais em ovinos são frequentes e constituem um problema sanitário para os rebanhos, mesmo em propriedade que realiza medidas profiláticas. Portanto, é fundamental classificar as lesões, assim como adotar as medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas eficazes.

Human Blood Meals in Sylvatic Triatomines Challenges Domestic-Centered Strategies for Prevention of Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission in Ecuador.

Transmission risk of Chagas disease has been associated with human-vector contacts and triatomines colonizing dwellings, but alternative scenarios, independent of domestic colonization, are poorly documented. In the present work, we estimated the frequency of human blood meals in triatomines from domicile, peridomicile, and sylvatic environments in two endemic regions in Ecuador. Blood meal origins were identified by sequencing a cytb gene fragment. Human blood meals were detected in 42% of the triatomines among 416 analyzed, including 48% of sylvatic triatomines (both adults and nymphs). In triatomines from domicile and peridomicile, Trypanosoma cruzi infection rate was > 20%, and reached 48% in sylvatic triatomines. Human is a common source of blood for triatomines whether they live in or near dwellings in both regions, and the high rate of T. cruzi infection represents an important risk of transmission of Chagas disease. Consequently, control strategies should also take into account possible nondomestic transmission.

Enhanced ligand-free attachment of osteoblast to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) nanoparticles.

Polymeric nanoparticles have previously been used as substrates for cell attachment and proliferation due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, but in general, they require surface chemical modifications to achieve this purpose. In this study, polymeric nanoparticles were developed and used without any matrix ligands functionalized on their surface to promote cell attachment and proliferation of human osteoblasts (MG63s). First, telechelic, reduced molar mass and diol-functionalized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol. Then, PHBV-diol was used to prepare biodegradable nanoparticles via the solvent evaporation technique. MG63s were cultured in the presence of PHBV nanoparticles and growth kinetics were compared to that on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Cell attachment on non-tissue culture polystyrene pre-coated with nanoparticles was assessed and compared to attachment on TCPS. The cell attachment study demonstrated that cells readily attached and were well spread onto the nanoparticle surfaces compared to non-tissue culture polystyrene. These findings reveal the potential of PHBV nanoparticles for cell attachment and growth to be used in tissue engineering.

Recent advances in the production of biomedical systems based on polyhydroxyalkanoates and exopolysaccharides.

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to naturally occurring biological macromolecules and their ensuing application in agriculture, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. They inherently have antigenicity, low immunogenicity, excellent biocompatibility and cytocompatibility, which are ideal properties for the design of biomedical devices, especially for the controlled delivery of active ingredients in the most diverse contexts. Furthermore, these properties can be modulated by chemical modification via the incorporation of other (macro)molecules in a random or controlled way, aiming at improving their functionality for each specific application. Among the wide variety of natural polymers, microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) are often considered for the development of original biomaterials due to their unique physicochemical and biological features. Here, we aim to fullfil a gap on the present associated literature, bringing an up-to-date overview of ongoing research strategies that make use of PHAs (poly (3-hydroxybutyrate), poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly (3-hydroxyoctanoate), poly(3-hydroxypropionate), poly (3-hydroxyhexanoate-co-3-hydroxyoctanoate), and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)) and EPS (bacterial cellulose, alginates, curdlan, pullulan, xanthan gum, dextran, hyaluronan, and schizophyllan) as sources of interesting and versatile biomaterials. For the first time, a monograph addressing the properties, pros and cons, status, challenges, and recent progresses regarding the application of these two important classes of biopolymers in biomedicine is presented.

Sink strength of citrus rootstocks under water deficit.

Carbon allocation between source and sink organs determines plant growth and is influenced by environmental conditions. Under water deficit (WD), plant growth is inhibited before photosynthesis and shoot growth tends to be more sensitive than root growth. However, the modulation of the source-sink relationship by rootstocks remains unsolved in citrus trees under WD. Citrus plants grafted on Rangpur lime are drought tolerant, which may be related to a fine coordination of the source-sink relationship for maintaining root growth. Here, we followed 13C allocation and evaluated physiological responses and growth of Valencia orange trees grafted on three citrus rootstocks (Rangpur lime, Swingle citrumelo and Sunki mandarin) under WD. As compared with plants on Swingle and Sunki rootstocks, ones grafted on Rangpur lime showed higher stomatal sensitivity to the initial variation of water availability and less accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates in roots under WD. High 13C allocation found in Rangpur lime roots indicates this rootstock has high sink demand associated with high root growth under WD. Our data suggest that Rangpur lime rootstock used photoassimilates as sources of energy and carbon skeletons for growing under drought, which is likely related to increases in root respiration. Taken together, our data revealed that carbon supply by leaves and delivery to roots are critical for maintaining root growth and improving drought tolerance, with citrus rootstocks showing differential sink strength under WD.

Seminal protein levels assessed with dipstick test correlate with sperm recovery after cryopreservation.

The process of freezing/thawing causes structural and functional damage to sperm samples, which can be mitigated by seminal plasma proteins. This study investigated the proposition that seminal protein measurements using a urinary dipstick prior to freezing could help predict the post-thaw recovery of live spermatozoa. This was a prospective study including 149 men undergoing semen analysis due to male and/or female infertility. The seminal samples were analysed according to World Health Organisation standards and protein concentrations were measured using a commercially available urinary dipstick following quantitative validation. The median live sperm recovery rates were 79%, 81% and 94%, respectively, in samples with protein concentrations of ≤1.0 g/L (+/++), 3.0 g/L (+++) and ≥20.0 g/L (++++) measured in fresh specimen dipstick analysis (p < 0.05) indicating that the probability of recovering at least 50% of frozen spermatozoa increased progressively with higher protein concentrations in the fresh sample (chi-square for linear association = 7.17. p = 0.007). In conclusion, fresh seminal protein concentration levels assessed with a dipstick test correlate with the proportion of live spermatozoa recovered from cryopreserved samples. This simple, low-cost test may add prognostic information to baseline semen analysis prior to sperm banking.

Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Poly(N-Vinylcaprolactam)-b-Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Block Copolymers via the Combination of RAFT/MADIX and Ring-Opening Polymerizations.

Well-defined amphiphilic, biocompatible and partially biodegradable, thermo-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PNVCL-b-PCL) block copolymers were synthesized by combining reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and ring-opening polymerizations (ROP). Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) containing xanthate and hydroxyl end groups (X-PNVCL-OH) was first synthesized by RAFT/macromolecular design by the interchange of xanthates (RAFT/MADIX) polymerization of NVCL mediated by a chain transfer agent containing a hydroxyl function. The xanthate-end group was then removed from PNVCL by a radical-induced process. Finally, the hydroxyl end-capped PNVCL homopolymer was used as a macroinitiator in the ROP of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) to obtain PNVCL-b-PCL block copolymers. These (co)polymers were characterized by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), UV-vis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the block copolymers in aqueous solution measured by the fluorescence probe technique decreased with increasing the length of the hydrophobic block. However, dynamic light scattering (DLS) demonstrated that the size of the micelles increased with increasing the proportion of hydrophobic segments. The morphology observed by cryo-TEM demonstrated that the micelles have a pointed-oval-shape. UV-vis and DLS analyses showed that these block copolymers have a temperature-responsive behavior with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) that could be tuned by varying the block copolymer composition.

Synthesis of amphiphilic pullulan-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) via click chemistry.

Chemical modification of natural polymers has been commonly employed for the development of new bio-based materials, aiming at adjusting specific properties such as solubility, biodegradability, thermal stability and mechanical behavior. Among all natural polymers, polysaccharides are promising materials, in which biodegradability, processability and bioreactivity make them suitable for biomedical applications. In this context, this work describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic pullulan-g-poly(ε-caprolactone) (Pull-g-PCL) graft copolymer. In a first step, pullulan was chemically modified with 2-bromopropionyl bromide to obtain bromo-functionalized pullulan (PullBr). Then, this precursor was modified with sodium azide, leading to azide pullulan (PullN3). In parallel, propargyl-terminated poly(ε-caprolactone) was prepared via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). These preliminary steps involved the synthesis of azide and alkyne compounds, capable of being linked together via alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction catalyzed by copper (Cu (I)), which leads to Pull-g-PCL. The chemical structures of the polymers were assessed by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR).

Fetal cardiac interventions

In the last 15­20 years, fetal cardiac interventions have become an accepted therapeutic modality for some complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) in utero, including aortic stenosis (AS) and evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), HLHS with intact or highly restrictive interatrial septum (IAS), and pulmonary atresia (PA) or critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS) with intact ventricular septum (IVS) and evolving hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS). The purpose of a fetal cardiac intervention is to remodel cardiac morphology and function and improve pre- and postnatal outcomes. Increased survival rates, reduced morbidity, and increased likelihood of achieving a biventricular (BV) circulation may all result from a successful fetal cardiac intervention in some scenarios. The objective of this chapter is to give an overview of these procedures with emphasis on pictures to illustrate how they are performed in a step-to-step fashion. (AU)