Induced reproduction of yellow-tailed lambari (Astyanax lacustris) with Ovopel® and buserelin acetate as alternatives to the protocol with carp pituitary extract.

The objective of this study was to evaluate reproductive traits in adults of Astyanax lacustris subjected to different spawning inducers. The study involved 240 females (12.54 g ± 2.33 and 7.66 cm ± 0.63 cm) and 240 males (5.83 g ± 0.39 g and 6.14 cm ± 0.64 cm), all at reproductive age. Three different inducers were evaluated: (i) 0.4 pellets of Ovopel®/kg of body weight; (ii) 0.5 ml of buserelin acetate/kg of body weight; and (iii) carp pituitary extract (CPE) (5.5 mg CPE/kg body weight for females and 2.5 mg CPE/kg body weight for males), as well as saline solution (without hormone). The degree-hours for spawning were greater (P<0.05) for the Ovopel® treatment (with 204.93) than in the treatment with CPE (183.2). Ovary weight and gonadosomatic index were higher (P<0.05) in CPE and Ovopel® treatments when compared to buserelin acetate. The number of oocytes per female, absolute and relative fecundity were greater (P<0.05) for Ovopel® and CPE treatments. Fertilization rate was higher (P<0.05) in treatment with buserelin acetate (82.3%) in relation to Ovopel® (72.33%) and CPE (62.40%) treatments, and the highest (P<0.05) hatching rates were achieved with buserelin acetate and Ovopel®. The number of larvae per female body weight was greater (P<0.05) when Ovopel® was used. In conclusion, Ovopel® proves to be a more effective reproductive inducer for induced reproduction of A. lacustris when compared to CPE and buserelin acetate.

A case of breast milk-acquired cytomegalovirus infection in an extremely low birth weight infant.

INTRODUCTION: Although breast milk is considered the optimal nutrition for infants, it is also the primary cause of postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Preterm infants with postnatal CMV infections are susceptible to a variety of life-threatening conditions. CASE SUMMARY: Twin male infants were delivered via emergency caesarian section at 27 weeks' gestation secondary to maternal complete uterine rupture. The Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were 1 and 1 for the older twin (Twin A) and 0 and 3 for the younger twin (Twin B). Their birth weights were 1203 g (+ 0.65SD) and 495 g (- 3.79SD) respectively. On day 41, laboratory blood test results for Twin B showed a moderate elevation in C-reactive protein (CRP), thrombocytopenia. CMV quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests in Twin B's urine and blood as well as in the mother's breast milk were positive, but stored, dried umbilical cord CMV qPCR tests were negative. Twin B was diagnosed with a postnatal CMV infection secondary to infected breast milk and ganciclovir was commenced on day 52. Treatment was switched to valganciclovir at 74 days of age, but a negative CMV-DNA level in the blood was not achieved. Postnatal CMV infection in this infant led to an exacerbation of pre-existing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and he demised at 182 days of age. CONCLUSION: Postnatal cytomegalovirus infections may lead to exacerbations of BPD. Early use of raw breast milk in preterm infants should be done with careful consideration of this potential complication.

Knee extensor muscular activity estimation during different walking patterns: flat normal and brisk walking, stair climbing.

Preserving mobility, the ability to keep a correct posture and dynamic balance in order to walk properly, is fundamental to maintain autonomy in daily life. Based on the correlation between muscle groups and autonomy, previous research has suggested that maintaining muscular tone in knee extensors is critical. Continuous training of knee extensors during aging is therefore essential to maintain independence. In this work, it is hypothesized that it is possible to estimate knee extensor activity only from IMU data based on a simple lower limbs model. The accuracy of the knee extensor activity estimation algorithm has been tested using sEMG measurements as control data on three different walking patterns: normal walk, fast walk and stair climbing. Estimated knee torque area and measured muscular activity for each step were compared confirming a high estimation accuracy with a correlation efficient R=0.80. Moreover, muscular activity can be divided based on intensity in three groups of statistically significant difference confirmed by the Steel-Dwass method. Future works should test the usability of the algorithm for different walking patterns, and use the collected data and the refined algorithm to implement a smart resistive device to increase knee extensor exertion during each walking pattern to the level necessary for sufficient extensor training.

Operative Results and Clinical Features of Chronic Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection: Examination of 234 Patients Over 6 Years.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Recently, the indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have been expanding, and the applicability of TEVAR for acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is proposed with regard to the high mortality of open surgery for chronic TBAD. TEVAR in the acute phase may lead to remodeling of the false lumen (FL), but it is controversial whether it completely resolves the aortic expansion in the chronic phase. In this study, operative results and the relationship between FL status and the time before surgical intervention were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: From January 2008 to September 2013, 234 patients underwent open surgery for chronic TBAD. Most patients were on left heart bypass. By considering Japanese aortic disease treatment guidelines and the smaller physique of Japanese patients, operative indications were aneurysm >50 mm in diameter or rapid aneurysm enlargement of >5 mm in a 6 month period. RESULTS: In 180 cases, the FL was patent. The mean interval between onset of TBAD and operation was 61 ± 54 months. There was no significant difference between patients in the patent FL group and those in the thrombosed FL group (p = .44). Mean ratio of FL diameter to maximum aortic diameter (FL/AD) was 0.64 ± 0.21. There was no correlation between FL and AD before the operation (r = .12). Descending thoracic aortic replacement (DTAR) was performed in 127 cases and thoracic ascending aortic replacement (TAAR) in 107 cases (Crawford type I, n = 9; Crawford type II, n = 65; Crawford type III and IV, n = 22, respectively; Safi type V, n = 11). The overall operative mortality was 6.8%: 3.9% (5/127) for DTAR and 10.3% (11/107) for TAAR. The three year survival was 86.7, and the freedom from re-intervention rate was 97.0%. CONCLUSION: Enlargement of uncomplicated TBAD in the chronic phase was poorly related to FL status and the results of open repair have improved. However, further prospective study is necessary.

Pilocytic astrocytomas in elderly adults.

Pilocytic astrocytomas are classified as WHO grade I gliomas that occur predominantly in children and young adults. Reports of the tumors in elderly adults are extremely rare. We describe two cases of pilocytic astrocytoma in elderly adults, a 68-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman. Brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed well-circumscribed lesions associated with contrast enhancement and minimal surrounding edema. Pathological studies revealed findings consistent with pilocytic astrocytomas. Although these tumors are rarely found in elderly adults, pilocytic astrocytomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis if the radiographic features of the tumors are characteristic of pilocytic astrocytomas.

Monoterpene glucosides from Origanum syriacum.

From the aerial parts of Origanum syriacum, three new monoterpene glucosides thymoquinol 2,5-O-beta-diglucopyranoside (3), carvacrol 2-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-glucopyranoside (4) and p-menth-1-ene-3,4-diol 4-O-beta-glucopyranoside (5) together with two known monoterpene glucosides thymoquinol 2-O-beta-glucopyranoside (1), thymoquinol 5-O-beta-glucopyranoside (2) have been isolated. The structures of the isolated compounds were verified by means of MS and NMR spectral analyses.

Megastigmane, aliphatic alcohol and benzoxazinoid glycosides from Acanthus ebracteatus.

From the aerial part of Acanthus ebracteatus, a megastigmane glycoside (ebracteatoside A), three aliphatic alcohol glycosides (ebracteatosides B-D), as well as 7-chloro-(2R)-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-4-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (7-Cl-DIBOA-Glc) were isolated together with 22 known compounds. Structural elucidations were based on analyses of spectroscopic data.

[Bilateral progressive supra-fixing eyes with congenital misinsertion of inferior rectus muscles--a case report].

BACKGROUND: We report on a rare case with misinsertion of the inferior rectus muscles, that showed bilateral progressive supra-fixing eyes. CASE: A 68-year-old woman showed bilateral progressive supra-fixing eyes with low vision that was caused by microcorneas and retionochoroidal atrophy. Passive infraduction was restricted bilaterally, but the right inferior rectus muscle was innervated normally. Magnytic resonance imaging(MRI) demonstrated nasal misposition of bilateral inferior rectus muscles. The patient's eye position was improved after combined transposition of the inferior rectus muscles that were misinserted nasally to the inferior poles of the eyes and superior rectus muscle recession, without any complications. CONCLUSION: A dysfunction of bilateral depressor muscles and low vision may cause this condition. Accurate diagnosis with MRI and correction of the affected muscles to the normal anatomical position produces satisfying results in such cases.

Cardiac glycosides from Cryptostegia grandiflora.

From the leaves of Cryptostegia grandiflora, four new cardiac glycosides oleandrigenin 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-digitoxopyranoside, cryptostigmin I, oleandrigenin 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside, cryptostigmin II, 16-propionylgitoxigenin 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside, cryptostigmin III and oleandrigenin 3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-digitoxopyranoside, cryptostigmin IV have been isolated together with two known cardenolides subalpinosid and 16-O-acetyl-digitalinum verum. The structures of the isolated compounds were verified by means of MS and NMR spectral analyses.

Benzoxazinoid glucosides from Acanthus ilicifolius.

From the aerial parts of Acanthus ilicifolius, two benzoxazinoid glucosides, 7-chloro-(2R)-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one and (2R)-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one have been isolated, together with six known compounds. The structural elucidations were based on the analyses of spectroscopic data.

Acetylated triterpene saponins from the Thai medicinal plant, Sapindus emarginatus.

From the pericarps of Sapindus emarginatus (Sapindaceae), three new acetylated triterpene saponins were isolated together with hederagenin and five known triterpene saponins, as well as one known sweet acyclic sesquiterpene glycoside, mukurozioside IIb. The structures of new compounds were elucidated as hederagenin 3-O-(2-O-acetyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, 23-O-acetyl-hederagenin 3-O-(4-O-acetyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and oleanolic acid 3-O-(4-O-acetyl-beta-D-xylopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside by chemical and spectroscopic data.

Megastigmane and iridoid glucosides from Clerodendrum inerme.

From the aerial parts of Clerodendrum inerme, two megastigmane glucosides (sammangaosides A and B) and a iridoid glucoside (sammangaoside C) were isolated together with 15 known compounds. The structural elucidations were based on analyses of physical and spectroscopic data.

Iridoid glucosides from Barleria lupulina.

From the aerial part of Barleria lupulina, 8-O-acetyl-6-O-trans-p-coumaroylshanzhiside, saletpangponosides A-C and 8-O-acetylmussaenoside were isolated together with 13 known compounds. The structural elucidations were based on analyses of physical and spectroscopic data.

Quassinoids from Eurycoma harmandiana.

Three quassinoids, iandonosides A and B and iandonone, were isolated from the root of Eurycoma harmandiana, along with five known quassinoids, casteloside B, 13 beta, 21-dihydroeurycomanone, chaparrinone, glaucarubolone and ailanquassin B as well as the coumarin, scopoletin. The structural elucidations were based on analyses of spectroscopic data.

Lignan and phenylpropanoid glycosides from Fernandoa adenophylla.

From the leaves and branches of Fernandoa adenophylla, a lignan glycoside (fernandoside) and a phenylpropanoid glycoside (2"-O-beta-apiosylverbascoside) were isolated together with 12 known compounds. The structural elucidations were based on analyses of physical and spectroscopic data.

Acylated flavonoid glycosides from Bassia muricata.

From the arial parts of Bassia muricata, two acylated flavonoid glycosides quercetin-3-O-(6"-caffeoyl)-sophoroside and quercetin-3-O-(6"-feruloyl)-sophoroside have been isolated together with two known flavonoid glycosides quercetin-3-O-sophoroside and quercetin-3,7-O-beta-diglucopyranoside, as well as four known triterpenoidal saponins, oleanolic acid-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside, chikusetsusaponin IVa, chikusetsusaponin IVa methyl ester and oleanolic acid-3,28-beta-diglucopyranoside. The structures of the isolated compounds were verified by means of MS and NMR spectral analyses.

Sweet pregnane glycosides from Telosma procumbens.

An intensely sweet polyoxypregnane glycoside, telosmoside A15 (15), was isolated from an Asian Asclepiadaceae plant, Telosma procumbens, collected in Vietnam. This is the first time a sweet pregnane glycoside has been found, and its sweetness intensity is 1000 times greater than that of sucrose. From the same plant, 17 other new glycosides were isolated, having the same aglycone; they are named telosmosides A1-A14 (1-14) and A16-A18 (16-18). Some of these glycosides are also sweet, but others are tasteless or bitter. Chemical structures of the 18 glycosides were determined, and the structure-taste relationship was discussed.

Lignan glucosides from Acanthus ilicifolius.

From the aerial part of Acanthus ilicifolius, two lignan glucosides, (+)-lyoniresinol 3a-[2-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy)-benzoyl]-O-beta-glucopyranoside, and dihydroxymethyl-bis(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl) tetrahydrofuran-9(or 9')-O-beta-glucopyranoside have been isolated, together with eight known compounds. The structural elucidations were based on the analyses of physical and spectroscopic data.

Canthin-6-one and beta-carboline alkaloids from Eurycoma harmandiana.

Two alkaloids, canthin-6-one 9-O-beta-glucopyranoside and 7-hydroxy-beta-carboline 1-propionic acid, were isolated from the roots of Eurcoma harmandiana together with the five known canthin-6-one alkaloids, 9-hydroxycanthin-6-one, 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, 9,10-dimethoxycanthin-6-one, canthin-6-one and canthin-6-one N-oxide, and the two known beta-carboline alkaloids, beta-carboline 1-propionic acid and 7-methoxy-beta-carboline 1-propionic acid. Their structures were based on analyses of spectroscopic data.