Gas exchange and osmotic adjustment in cotton cultivars subjected to severe salt stress.

Salinity is harmful to crops when the concentration of soluble salts overcomes the salinity threshold of the crop, causing osmotic stress and limitations in plant growth. In this scenario, adopting tolerant cultivars is the most adequate strategy to minimize agricultural losses. However, the inheritance of tolerance depends on the genotype. From this perspective, this study assessed the tolerance to severe salt stress in 11 cotton cultivars based on gas exchange parameters and the free proline content. The cultivars were grown in a greenhouse and subjected to 34 days of saline irrigation (10 dS m-1), starting 45 days after seedling emergence (B1 phase). Plant growth was monitored weekly until the end of the salt stress period. The treatments consisted of a combination of two factors: eleven cultivars associated with two electrical conductivity levels of irrigation water (ECw: 0.3 and 10.0 dS m-1). The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 11 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replications (66 plots), with the experimental unit consisting of one plant per plot. Salinity impacted plant growth, being reflected on the gas exchange and free proline data of most cultivars. However, BRS 286, FMT 705, BRS 416, and BRS Acácia, and CNPA 7MH withstood the effects of stress and osmotically adjusted to the salt stress conditions, thus minimizing the damage to growth. Those cultivars are the most indicated for improvement programs aiming at tolerance to salt stress based on the results found in this research.

Endovascular Treatment of Cerebrovascular Lesions Using Nickel- or Nitinol-Containing Devices in Patients with Nickel Allergies.

Nickel is used in many cerebral endovascular treatment devices. However, nickel hypersensitivity is the most common metal allergy, and the relative risk of treatment in these patients is unknown. This retrospective analysis identified patients with nickel or metal allergies who underwent cerebral endovascular treatment with nickel-containing devices. Seven patients with nickel and/or other metal allergies underwent treatment with 9 nickel-containing devices. None experienced periprocedural complications. No patient received treatment with corticosteroids or antihistamines. At a mean clinical follow-up for all patients of 22.8 months (range, 10.5-38.0 months), no patients had symptoms attributable to nickel allergic reactions. The mean radiographic follow-up for all patients at 18.4 months (range, 2.5-37.5 months) showed successful treatment of the targeted vascular pathologies, with no evidence of in-stent stenosis or other allergic or hypersensitivity sequelae. The treatment of cerebrovascular lesions with a nickel-containing device resulted in no adverse outcomes among these patients and was safe and effective.

Emergency Department Visits for Chronic Subdural Hematomas within 30 Days after Surgical Evacuation with and without Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Middle meningeal artery embolization after surgical evacuation of a chronic subdural hematomas is associated with fewer treatment failures than surgical evacuation. We compared emergency department visits within 30 days for patients with chronic subdural hematomas with and without adjunctive middle meningeal artery embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of chronic subdural hematoma treated from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment was classified as surgery only or surgery combined with middle meningeal artery embolization. The primary outcome was 30-day emergency department presentation and readmission. RESULTS: Of 137 patients who met the study criteria, 28 (20%) underwent surgery combined with middle meningeal artery embolization. Of these 28 patients, 15 (54%) underwent planned middle meningeal artery embolization and 13 (46%) underwent embolization after surgical failure. The mean chronic subdural hematoma size at presentation in the group with surgery only (n = 109, 20.5 [SD, 6.9] mm) was comparable with that in the combined group (n = 28, 18.7 [SD, 4.5] mm; P = .16). A significantly higher percentage of the surgery-only group presented to the emergency department within 30 days compared with the combined group (32 of 109 [29%] versus 2 of 28 [7%] patients; P = .02). No significant difference was found with respect to readmission (16 [15%] versus 1 [4%] patient; P = .11). Nine patients (8%) in the surgery-only group were readmitted for significant reaccumulation or residual subdural hematoma compared with only 1 patient (4%) in the combined group (P = .40). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical evacuation combined with middle meningeal artery embolization in patients with chronic subdural hematoma is associated with fewer 30-day emergency department visits compared with surgery alone.

Safety evaluation of design alternatives to separate freeway-opposing traffic.

OBJECTIVES: Different design alternatives used to separate freeway-opposing traffic may produce varying safety levels. State-of-the-art design guidelines have provided guidance in respect to a number of median features such as width, slope, and barrier installation. Guidance provided has been based on benefit-cost procedures; however, because project costs may significantly vary across different countries/jurisdictions, findings from benefit-cost procedures may be meaningless on a broader geographical scope. The objective of this study is to quantify the safety level of a number of design alternatives commonly used to separate opposing freeway traffic based solely on annualized crash costs. METHODS: The safety performance of 14 design alternatives were assessed using the Roadside Safety Analysis Program (RSAPv3). RESULTS: A test-level 3, low-tension cable barrier installed in the middle of a wide, hazard-free median was found to be the safest design alternative. Road sections containing: i) cable barriers were found to be safer than those containing w-beam guardrails, ii) low-tension cable barriers installed in the middle of the median were found to be safer than those containing high-tension cable barriers installed on one side of the median, regardless of median width, iii) wide, hazard-free medians were found to be safer than those containing WB guardrails, and iv) concrete barrier installations were found to be only safer than those containing unshielded medians, except when the median was 20 meters wide and hazard-free. CONCLUSIONS: This paper not only provides evidence that some of the design alternatives often installed in real-world scenarios are not the safest, but it also discusses how some of these alternatives may not be the most cost-effective either. These findings make this study relevant and timely, as designers and policy/decision makers should always seek to maximize safety while optimizing the allocation of limited public funds.

Considerations for Antiplatelet Management of Carotid Stenting in the Setting of Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Delphi Consensus Statement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are only few data and lack of consensus regarding antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular stroke treatment. We aimed to develop a consensus-based algorithm for antiplatelet management in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment and simultaneous emergent carotid stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a literature search and a modified Delphi approach used Web-based questionnaires that were sent in several iterations to an international multidisciplinary panel of 19 neurointerventionalists from 7 countries. The first round included open-ended questions and formed the basis for subsequent rounds, in which closed-ended questions were used. Participants continuously received feedback on the results from previous rounds. Consensus was defined as agreement of ≥70% for binary questions and agreement of ≥50% for questions with >2 answer options. The results of the Delphi process were then summarized in a draft manuscript that was circulated among the panel members for feedback. RESULTS: A total of 5 Delphi rounds were performed. Panel members preferred a single intravenous aspirin bolus or, in jurisdictions in which intravenous aspirin is not available, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as intraprocedural antiplatelet regimen and a combination therapy of oral aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period. There was no consensus on the role of platelet function testing in the postprocedural period. CONCLUSIONS: More and better data on antiplatelet management for carotid stent placement in the setting of endovascular treatment are urgently needed. Panel members preferred intravenous aspirin or, alternatively, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor as an intraprocedural antiplatelet agent, followed by a dual oral regimen of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor in the postprocedural period.

Antiplatelet Management for Stent-Assisted Coiling and Flow Diversion of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A DELPHI Consensus Statement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data regarding antiplatelet management strategies in the setting of stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. This study aimed to identify current challenges in antiplatelet management during stent-assisted coiling/flow diversion for ruptured intracranial aneurysms and to outline possible antiplatelet management strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modified DELPHI approach with an on-line questionnaire was sent in several iterations to an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 neurointerventionalists. The first round consisted of open-ended questions, followed by closed-ended questions in the subsequent rounds. Responses were analyzed in an anonymous fashion and summarized in the final manuscript draft. The statement received endorsement from the World Federation of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy, and the Chinese Neurosurgical Society. RESULTS: Data were collected from December 9, 2019, to March 13, 2020. Panel members achieved consensus that platelet function testing may not be necessary and that antiplatelet management for stent-assisted coiling and flow diversion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms can follow the same principles. Preprocedural placement of a ventricular drain was thought to be beneficial in cases with a high risk of hydrocephalus. A periprocedural dual, intravenous, antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was preferred as a standard approach. The panel agreed that intravenous medication can be converted to oral aspirin and an oral P2Y12 inhibitor within 24 hours after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: More and better data on antiplatelet management of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing stent-assisted coiling or flow diversion are urgently needed. Panel members in this DELPHI consensus study preferred a periprocedural dual-antiplatelet regimen with aspirin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor.

Multicenter Postmarket Analysis of the Neuroform Atlas Stent for Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Neuroform Atlas is a new microstent to assist coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms that recently gained FDA approval. We present a postmarket multicenter analysis of the Neuroform Atlas stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of retrospective chart review from 11 academic centers, we analyzed patients treated with the Neuroform Atlas after FDA exemption from January 2018 to June 2019. Clinical and radiologic parameters included patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, stent parameters, complications, and outcomes at discharge and last follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 128 aneurysms in 128 patients (median age, 62 years) were treated with 138 stents. Risk factors included smoking (59.4%), multiple aneurysms (27.3%), and family history of aneurysms (16.4%). Most patients were treated electively (93.7%), and 8 (6.3%) underwent treatment within 2 weeks of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Previous aneurysm treatment failure was present in 21% of cases. Wide-neck aneurysms (80.5%), small aneurysm size (<7 mm, 76.6%), and bifurcation aneurysm location (basilar apex, 28.9%; anterior communicating artery, 27.3%; and middle cerebral artery bifurcation, 12.5%) were common. A single stent was used in 92.2% of cases, and a single catheter for both stent placement and coiling was used in 59.4% of cases. Technical complications during stent deployment occurred in 4.7% of cases; symptomatic thromboembolic stroke, in 2.3%; and symptomatic hemorrhage, in 0.8%. Favorable Raymond grades (Raymond-Roy occlusion classification) I and II were achieved in 82.9% at discharge and 89.5% at last follow-up. mRS ≤2 was determined in 96.9% of patients at last follow-up. The immediate Raymond-Roy occlusion classification grade correlated with aneurysm location (P < .0001) and rupture status during treatment (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter analysis provides a real-world safety and efficacy profile for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Neuroform Atlas stent.

Prophylactic Use of Laser Light and Methylene Blue on Ischemia and Liver Reperfusion Injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hepatic preconditioning with laser light in the presence of methylene blue (MB) in the liver ischemia-reperfusion injury process. METHOD: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 8 experimental groups (n = 5). Saline (.5 mL) or MB (15 mg/kg) was injected intravenously (inferior vena cava). After 2 minutes, 660 nm laser light was applied at a dose of 112.5 DE. Fifteen minutes after the application of saline or MB, 1 hour partial ischemia followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion was applied when the rats were sacrificed. The mitochondrial function parameters (O2 consumption rates in states 3 and 4 and the respiratory control ratio), osmotic swelling, and determination of malondialdehyde were evaluated. Hepatic function was studied using the serum determination of the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: MB therapy alone showed the capacity of preserving the rate of oxygen consumption in the mitochondrial respiratory state of the group submitted to ischemia compared to the sham group. However, when combined with low-intensity laser therapy, it failed to replicate the relevant protective effects in relation to oxidative phosphorylation or the mitochondrial membrane ischemia/reperfusion injury. Whether or not MB was combined with laser treatment, it was shown to be efficient in reducing oxidative stress. In relation to alanine aminotransferase enzymes, whether or not laser treatment was combined with MB had a protective effect on the hepatic lesion, whereas in relation to aspartate aminotransferase enzymes only laser treatment was able to provide this protection.

Curative cerebrovascular reconstruction with the Pipeline embolization device: the emergence of definitive endovascular therapy for intracranial aneurysms.

Endovascular, endosaccular, coil embolization has emerged as an established therapy for both ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, many aneurysms are not cured using conventional endovascular techniques. Coil embolization often results in incomplete aneurysm occlusion or recanalization in the ensuing months after treatment. The Pipeline embolization device (PED; Chestnut Medical) represents a new generation endoluminal implant which is designed to treat aneurysms by reconstructing the diseased parent artery. Immediately after implantation, the PED functions to divert flow from the aneurysm, creating an environment conducive to thrombosis. With time, the PED is incorporated into the vessel wall as neointimal-endothelial overgrowth occurs along the construct. Ultimately, this process results in the durable complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the cerebrovasculature and a definitive endoluminal reconstruction of the diseased parent artery.

Computational Modeling of Venous Sinus Stenosis in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been associated with dural venous sinus stenosis in some patients, but the hemodynamic environment of the dural venous sinuses has not been quantitatively described. Here, we present the first such computational fluid dynamics model by using patient-specific blood pressure measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and at least 1 stenosis or atresia at the transverse/sigmoid sinus junction underwent MR venography followed by cerebral venography and manometry throughout the dural venous sinuses. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models were created by using MR venography anatomy, with venous pressure measurements as boundary conditions. Blood flow and wall shear stress were calculated for each patient. RESULTS: Computational models of the dural venous sinuses were successfully reconstructed in all 6 patients with patient-specific boundary conditions. Three patients demonstrated a pathologic pressure gradient (≥8 mm Hg) across 4 dural venous sinus stenoses. Small sample size precludes statistical comparisons, but average overall flow throughout the dural venous sinuses of patients with pathologic pressure gradients was higher than in those without them (1041.00 ± 506.52 mL/min versus 358.00 ± 190.95 mL/min). Wall shear stress was also higher across stenoses in patients with pathologic pressure gradients (37.66 ± 48.39 Pa versus 7.02 ± 13.60 Pa). CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic environment of the dural venous sinuses can be computationally modeled by using patient-specific anatomy and physiologic measurements in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. There was substantially higher blood flow and wall shear stress in patients with pathologic pressure gradients.

Pipeline Embolization Device with or without Adjunctive Coil Embolization: Analysis of Complications from the IntrePED Registry.

Flow diversion to treat cerebral aneurysms has revolutionized neurointerventional surgery. Because the addition of coils potentially increases the time and complexity of endovascular procedures, we sought to determine whether adjunctive coil use is associated with an increase in complications. Patients in the International Retrospective Study of Pipeline Embolization Device registry were divided into those treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device alone (n = 689 patients; n = 797 aneurysms; mean aneurysm size, 10.3 ± 7.6 mm) versus those treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device and concurrent coil embolization (n = 104 patients; n = 109 aneurysms; mean aneurysm size, 13.6 ± 7.8 mm). Patient demographics and aneurysm characteristics were examined. Rates of neurologic morbidity and mortality were compared between groups. The Pipeline Embolization Device with versus without coiling required a significantly longer procedure time (135.8 ± 63.9 versus 96.7 ± 46.2 min; P < .0001) and resulted in higher neurological morbidity (12.5% versus 7.8%; P = .13). These data suggest that either strategy represents an acceptable risk profile in the treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms and warrants further investigation.

Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Patency after Flow-Diverting Stent Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The rate of PICA occlusion after flow-diverting stent placement for vertebral and vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms is not known. The purpose of this study is to determine the medium-term rate of PICA patency and risk factors for occlusion after such aneurysm treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were identified who had vertebral or vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms and who were treated by placing a flow-diverting stent across the PICA ostium. Demographic and procedural factors associated with stent placement were recorded. Patency of the PICA was evaluated immediately after stent placement and on follow-up angiography. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with vertebral or vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms were treated in the study period, of whom 4 presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The average number of devices that spanned the PICA ostium was 1.77 (range, 1-3), with no immediate PICA occlusions. There were no postoperative strokes in the treated PICA territory, although there was 1 contralateral PICA-territory stroke of unclear etiology without clinical sequelae. In 11 patients with follow-up angiography at a mean of 10.6 months (range, 0.67-27.9 months), the PICA patency rate remained 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Flow-diverting stent placement across the PICA ostium in the treatment of vertebral and vertebrobasilar artery aneurysms may not result in immediate or midterm PICA occlusion.

Identification and functional characterization of esterases in Euschistus heros (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) and their relationship with thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin.

The brown stink bug Euschistus heros is the most abundant species of the soybean-sucking bugs, and causes large economic losses. Applying different chemical groups of organosynthetic insecticides for its control increases the potential for resistance. Esterases are a group of enzymes that play a variety of roles in insects, and some of them are related to the metabolism of xenobiotics. The aim of this study was to analyze the esterase isoenzyme system of this species and investigate its response to Engeo™ Pleno (thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin), which is the most widely used pesticide in soybean crops. Two strains were analyzed: the EB strain, which had been free of insecticides for several generations; and the MA strain, which was collected in a location exposed to agrochemicals. By analyzing the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profile, seven different esterases in adults and nymphs of both strains were found. Eight gene loci were responsible for the synthesis of these enzymes. The differences in esterases between the two strains and enzyme changes in insects exposed to Engeo™ Pleno suggest that EST-2 and EST-4 are related to the metabolism of the agrochemical used and are mechanisms of resistance.

International retrospective study of the pipeline embolization device: a multicenter aneurysm treatment study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flow diverters are increasingly used in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Our aim was to determine neurologic complication rates following Pipeline Embolization Device placement for intracranial aneurysm treatment in a real-world setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device between July 2008 and February 2013 in 17 centers worldwide. We defined 4 subgroups: internal carotid artery aneurysms of ≥10 mm, ICA aneurysms of <10 mm, other anterior circulation aneurysms, and posterior circulation aneurysms. Neurologic complications included spontaneous rupture, intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, permanent cranial neuropathy, and mortality. Comparisons were made with t tests or ANOVAs for continuous variables and the Pearson χ(2) or Fisher exact test for categoric variables. RESULTS: In total, 793 patients with 906 aneurysms were included. The neurologic morbidity and mortality rate was 8.4% (67/793), highest in the posterior circulation group (16.4%, 9/55) and lowest in the ICA <10-mm group (4.8%, 14/294) (P = .01). The spontaneous rupture rate was 0.6% (5/793). The intracranial hemorrhage rate was 2.4% (19/793). Ischemic stroke rates were 4.7% (37/793), highest in patients with posterior circulation aneurysms (7.3%, 4/55) and lowest in the ICA <10-mm group (2.7%, 8/294) (P = .16). Neurologic mortality was 3.8% (30/793), highest in the posterior circulation group (10.9%, 6/55) and lowest in the anterior circulation ICA <10-mm group (1.4%, 4/294) (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm treatment with the Pipeline Embolization Device is associated with the lowest complication rates when used to treat small ICA aneurysms. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality are higher in the treatment of posterior circulation and giant aneurysms.

Prospecting of popcorn hybrids for resistance to fall armyworm.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is the pest that causes the greatest economic losses for both common corn and popcorn crops, and the use of resistant plant genotypes is an important tool for integrated pest management. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the damage caused by S. frugiperda on single-cross popcorn hybrids under field conditions with natural infestation as well as to study the effect of 11 popcorn hybrids on the S. frugiperda life cycle under laboratory conditions. A completely randomized block design with 4 replicates was used for the field experiment, and a completely randomized design with 10 replicates was used for the laboratory experiment. In the field experiment, the damage caused by fall armyworm, grain yield, and popping expansion were quantified, and a diallel analysis was performed to select the best hybrids. For the laboratory experiment, caterpillars were obtained from laboratory cultures kept on an artificial diet and were fed with leaves from the 11 hybrids. Hybrids P7.0 x P9.4, P7.1 x P9.6, P7.2.0 x P9.3, P7.4.0 x P9.1 and P7.4.1 x P9.4 exhibited negative specific combining ability for injury by fall armyworm and positive specific combining ability for yield and popping expansion. In the laboratory experiment, the hybrids influenced the mean larval stage duration, mean larval mass, final larval mass, pupal stage duration, mean pupal mass, and adult longevity.

Viabilidade econômica da terceira ordenha em sistemas de produção de leite com ordenhadeira tipo circuito aberto / Economic viability of the third milking in milk production systems using open circuit type milking mechanics

Objetivou-se analisar a viabilidade econômica da terceira ordenha em sistemas de produção de leite que utilizam ordenhadeira mecânica, do tipo circuito aberto, visando fornecer aos técnicos e pecuaristas informações que os auxiliem no processo de tomada de decisões. Especificamente pretendeu-se ainda: a) estimar o custo de uma ordenha; b) estimar, por meio de simulação, o custo da terceira ordenha; c) desenvolver uma equação matemática que permita estimar a quantidade mínima de leite produzido em duas ordenhas, a partir da qual será viável economicamente a realização da terceira ordenha. Os dados foram coletados em três sistemas de produção de leite, em uma rotina de duas ordenhas diárias, sendo realizadas três coletas de dados em cada um, perfazendo um total de nove. Considerando-se os dados médios, seria viável a realização da terceira ordenha se a produtividade média diária das vacas em lactação em duas ordenhas fosse igual ou superior a 38,13kg de leite. A equação matemática desenvolvida pode auxiliar o técnico e o pecuarista a estimarem a quantidade mínima de leite produzido por uma vaca em duas ordenhas, a partir da qual será viável economicamente a realização da terceira ordenha, com precisão e considerável rapidez.

This study aims to analyze the economic viability of the third milking in milk production systems using open circuit milking mechanics, aiming to provide technicians and farmers with information to help in the decision-making process. Specifically intend to a) estimate the cost of a milking; (b) estimate, by means of simulation, the cost of the third milking; (c) develop a mathematical equation that allows estimating the minimum amount of milk produced in two milkings, from which it will be economically feasible to hold the third milking. The data were collected in three milk production systems, in a routine of two milkings per day, with three collections of data in each, a total of nine collections. Considering the average data, it would be feasible to hold the third milking if the productivity of daily average lactating cows is equal or greater than 38.13 kg of milk. The mathematical equation developed may help the technician and the farmer to estimate the minimum quantity of milk produced by a cow in two milkings, from which it will be economically feasible to hold the third milking with precision and considerable speed.