ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Organotin Compounds , Trialkyltin Compounds , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Organotin Compounds/analysis , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , Argentina , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Trialkyltin Compounds/analysisABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Bees/physiology , Forests , Pollen/classification , Seasons , Animals , Bees/classification , Caribbean Region , Colombia , Plants/classification , Tropical ClimateABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Leiomyoma/surgery , Rectal Neoplasms/surgery , Female , Humans , Infant , Leiomyoma/pathology , Rectal Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Cholangitis/surgery , Duodenum/surgery , Polytetrafluoroethylene/therapeutic use , Surgical Wound Dehiscence/surgery , Sutures , Acute Disease , Adult , Duodenoscopy/methods , Female , Humans , Pyloric Antrum/surgery , Suture Techniques , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
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)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Surgical Wound Dehiscence/surgery , Polytetrafluoroethylene/therapeutic use , Cholangitis/surgery , Duodenum/surgery , Sutures , Pyloric Antrum/surgery , Duodenoscopy/methods , Treatment Outcome , Suture Techniques , Acute DiseaseABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Cholangitis , Duodenum , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Surgical Wound Dehiscence , Acute Disease , Duodenoscopy , Pyloric Antrum , Suture Techniques , Sutures , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal/methods , Enteral Nutrition/methods , Gastrostomy/methods , Animals , Dogs , Equipment Design , Equipment ReuseABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Liver Abscess, Amebic/surgeryABSTRACT
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)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnostic imaging , Liver Abscess, Amebic/surgery , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant, Newborn , Liver Abscess, Amebic/diagnosis , Liver Abscess, Amebic , Liver Abscess, Amebic/surgery , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Bile/diagnostic imaging , Gallbladder Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Gallbladder Diseases/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Palate , Rectal Diseases/microbiology , Syphilis/complications , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mouth Diseases/microbiology , Palatal Obturators , Sigmoidoscopy , Syphilis/diagnosis , Syphilis/drug therapyABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Endoscopy, Digestive System , Parasympatholytics/therapeutic use , Premedication , Quaternary Ammonium Compounds/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Digestive System/drug effects , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Parasympatholytics/pharmacology , Prospective Studies , Quaternary Ammonium Compounds/pharmacologyABSTRACT
We report a case of an esophagic squamous papilloma (SP) in a 90 year old patient. This pathology is benign and its diagnosis is generally a finding during an upper digestive endoscopy. Only 150 cases have been reported in the world's medical literature. Treatment consists in an endoscopic resection with diathermic snare or a conservative approach with periodical endoscopic control and observation depending of the type of patient.
Subject(s)
Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology , Papilloma/pathology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Female , HumansABSTRACT
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 advise six years later with the former complication. He tested positive for syphilis and appropiate treatment was performed. In addition, the ORL department recommended a palate prosthesis. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Syphilis/complications , Palate/pathology , Mouth Diseases/pathology , Rectal Diseases/etiology , Syphilis/drug therapy , Syphilis/diagnosis , Palatal Obturators , SigmoidoscopyABSTRACT
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 advise six years later with the former complication. He tested positive for syphilis and appropiate treatment was performed. In addition, the ORL department recommended a palate prosthesis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mouth Diseases/pathology , Palate/pathology , Rectal Diseases/etiology , Syphilis/complications , Palatal Obturators , Sigmoidoscopy , Syphilis/diagnosis , Syphilis/drug therapyABSTRACT
The case of a 57-year-old woman admitted with symptoms and signs suggesting an intestinal infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, and who also developed a clinical picture compatible with acute cholecystitis, is presented. Cholera was diagnosed by examining a fresh sample of stools and cultures. An abdominal sonogram disclosed signs of acute acalculous cholecystitis. She underwent cholecystectomy, and cultures of a clear fluid and a "milky" sediment found within the gallbladder were also positive for V. cholerae. This microorganism was seen at the gallbladder mucosa microscopically. The strain was serotyped V. cholerae 01 (El Tor) Ogawa and was the etiology of the acute acalculous cholecystitis in this patient.