Experimental evidence for clothianidin deposition in feathers of house sparrows after ingestion of sublethal doses treated seeds.

Bird feathers are commonly used to assess environmental contamination by chemical pollutants. However, although neonicotinoid insecticides are widely applied worldwide, feathers have rarely been used to survey the contamination by neonicotinoids in birds. To investigate whether clothianidin, one compound of the neonicotinoid class, is deposited into birds' feathers, we conducted an experiment with 56 wild male and female house sparrows dispatched in 7 aviaries. During this experiment, house sparrows were fed with certified organic seeds treated with clothianidin at an estimated concentration of 0.25 µg/g BW per day and per individual. We collected blood samples and plucked four tail feathers at the onset of the experiment to confirm that no birds were previously exposed to clothianidin. 35 days later, we collected blood samples and the newly grown feathers. Before exposure, a small number of birds showed very low clothianidin concentrations in plasma and feathers. After exposure, the plasma and the newly grown feathers of all birds contained clothianidin. Clothianidin concentrations in feathers were similar in both sexes, but the plasma of males contained clothianidin at higher concentrations than that of females. Our results confirm that ingested clothianidin transits in the plasma and is deposited in feathers during their growth. They also suggest substantial individual variation in the amounts of clothianidin transiting in the plasma and being deposited in feathers that may reflect variation in metabolism and/or access to food in relation to sex, social hierarchy and group dynamics. Whether increasing levels of exposure translate linearly or non-linearly (e.g. saturation process) into increasing clothianidin concentrations in bird plasma and feathers remains to be investigated. To conclude, these results confirm the relevance of using feathers to biomonitor the presence of neonicotinoids, but the relationship between the level of exposure and the concentrations found in feathers remains to be established.

Photobiomodulation modulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines during the compensatory hypertrophy process in skeletal muscle.

Compensatory hypertrophy (CH) occurs due to excessive mechanical load on a muscle, promoting an increase in the size of muscle fibers. In clinical practice, situations such as partial nerve injuries, denervation, and muscle imbalance caused by trauma to muscles and nerves or diseases that promote the loss of nerve conduction can induce CH in muscle fibers. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated beneficial effects on muscle tissue during CH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of PBM on the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as well as type 2 metalloproteinases (MMP-2) during the process of CH due to excessive load on the plantaris muscle in rats. Forty-five Wistar rats weighing 250 g were divided into three groups: control group (n = 10), hypertrophy (H) group (n = 40), and H + PBM group (n = 40). CH was induced through the ablation of synergist muscles of the plantaris muscle. The tendons of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were isolated and sectioned to enable the partial removal of each of muscle. The preserved plantaris muscle below the removed muscles was submitted to excessive functional load. PBM was performed with low-level laser (AsGaAl, λ = 780 nm; 40 mW; energy density: 10 J/cm2; 10 s on each point, 8 points; 3.2 J). Animals from each group were euthanized after 7 and 14 days. The plantaris muscles were carefully removed and sent for analysis of the gene and protein expression of IL-6 and TNF-α using qPCR and ELISA, respectively. MMP-2 activity was analyzed using zymography. The results were submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA + Tukey's test, p < 0.05). The protein expression analysis revealed an increase in IL-6 levels in the H + PBM group compared to the H group and a reduction in the H group compared to the control group. A reduction in TNF-α was found in the H and H + PBM groups compared to the control group at 7 days. The gene expression analysis revealed an increase in IL-6 in the H + PBM group compared to the H group at 14 days as well as an increase in TNF-α in the H + PBM group compared to the H group at 7 days. Increases in MMP-2 were found in the H and H + PBM groups compared to the control group at both 7 and 14 days. Based on findings in the present study, it is concluded that PBM was able to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines that are essential for the compensatory hypertrophy process. However, it has not shown a modulation effect directly in MMP-2 activity during the same period evaluated.

Effects of photobiomodulation on experimental models of peripheral nerve injury.

Phototherapy has demonstrated positive effects in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, but there is a need to investigate the dosimetric parameters. Thus, the aim of the present study was to conduct a literature review on the effects of photobiomodulation with the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in experimental models. The databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and SPIE Digital Library were searched for articles on the use of LLLT in experimental models of peripheral nerve injury published in English between January 2007 and March 2016. The laser parameter variability was wavelength (632.8 to 980 nm), power (10 to 190 mW), and total energy (0.15 to 90 J) in pulsed or continuous wave and single or multiple points. Eighteen original articles demonstrating the effects of LLLT on the acceleration of functional recovery, morphological aspects as well as the modulation of the expression inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors were selected. LLLT is a viable phototherapeutic modality for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, demonstrating positive effects on the neuromuscular repair process using either red or infrared light. The majority of studies used a power of up to 50 mW and total energy of up to 15 J administered to multiple points. The determination of these parameters is important to the standardization of a LLLT protocol to enhance the regeneration process following a peripheral nerve injury.

Resultados del acceso vascular en mayores de 75 años / Vascular access outcome in patients aged over 75 years

Estudio retrospectivo de 30 meses sobre las fístulas autólogas (n = 132), prótesis vasculares (n = 12) y catéteres tunelizados (n = 27) de los 144 pacientes tratados en nuestra unidad en dicho periodo, comparando los resultados en función de la edad: mayores de 75 años (n = 58, 80,3 ± 3,5 años) vs menores de 75 años (n = 86, 59,5 ± 13,3 años) e incluyendo en el análisis las variables sexo, presencia de diabetes mellitus y tipo de fístula. Resultados: No hubo diferencias en las necesidades de uso de catéteres tunelizados o prótesis vasculares como acceso vascular definitivo entre mayores y menores de 75 años (8,6% vs 5,8% y 5,2% vs 10,5% respectivamente), tampoco en el fallo primario de fístulas autólogas (7,1% vs 25,5%), tasa de trombosis (0,03 vs 0,09/paciente y año) ni en los procedimientos percutáneos o quirúrgicos para mantener la permeabilidad de la fístula (0,11 vs 0,16/paciente y año). No hubo diferencias en función de la edad en las permeabilidades primaria, primaria asistida y secundaria de las fístulas autólogas. La edad media de realización de una fístula humerocefálica como primer acceso fue mayor que en las radiocefálicas (74,9 ± 9,3 vs 64,9 ± 16,2 años, p < 0,005). La diabetes fue un factor desfavorable en las permeabilidades primaria (RR Cox 2,08, p < 0,05) y secundaria (Log Rank p = 0,05). Conclusiones: Los accesos vasculares para hemodiálisis de los pacientes ancianos presentan una evolución similar a los de los más jóvenes si su realización se basa en un estudio exhaustivo, incluyendo el ecodoppler, de su árbol vascular y utilizando vasos más proximales si es preciso. Por lo tanto, no está justificado el uso de prótesis vasculares o catéteres con mayor frecuencia que en otros pacientes

We report a retrospective study on the results of 132 native fistulas, 12 grafts and 27 tunneled catheters followed during 30 months in 144 patients on hemodialysis. The results were compared according to patient age: 75 years or over (n = 58, 80.3 ± 3.5) vs below 75 years (n = 86, 59.5 ± 13.3). Gender, presence of diabetes and type of fistula were also included in the analysis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in the use of tunneled catheters or grafts (8.6% vs 5.8% y 5.2% vs 10.5% respectively), primary failure of native fistulas (7.1% in those aged 75 years or over vs 25.5% in patients below 75 years), rate of thrombosis (0.03 vs 0.09/patient year at risk respectively) or number of percutaneous or surgical procedures in order to maintain the fistula patency (0.11 vs 0.16/patient year at risk respectively). At the same time no differences were seen in the primary, primary assisted and secondary patency of the native fistulas. The mean age of the patients when the first access fistula was created was different according to the area of surgery (74.9 ± 9.3 for the elbow vs 64.9 ± 16.2 years for the forearm, p < 0.005). Diabetes was an unfavourable factor for primary (HR Cox 2.08, p < 0.05) or secondary (Log Rank, p < 0.05) patency. Conclusion: The vascular access for hemodialysis in elderly patients presents a similar evolution to that seen in younger populations if the access creation is based on an exhaustive study, including ecodoppler of the vascular map and the use of more proximal fistulas if necessary. Therefore the more frequent use of grafts or catheters in elderly patients is not justified

[Vascular access outcome in patients aged over 75 years]. / Resultados del acceso vascular en mayores de 75 anos.

UNLABELLED: We report a retrospective study on the results of 132 native fistulas, 12 grafts and 27 tunneled catheters followed during 30 months in 144 patients on hemodialysis. The results were compared according to patient age: 75 years or over (n = 58, 80.3 +/- 3.5) vs below 75 years (n = 86, 59.5 +/- 13.3). Gender, presence of diabetes and type of fistula were also included in the analysis. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between both groups in the use of tunneled catheters or grafts (8.6% vs 5.8% y 5.2% vs 10.5% respectively), primary failure of native fistulas (7.1% in those aged 75 years or over vs 25.5% in patients below 75 years), rate of thrombosis (0.03 vs 0.09/patient year at risk respectively) or number of percutaneous or surgical procedures in order to maintain the fistula patency (0.11 vs 0.16/patient year at risk respectively). At the same time no differences were seen in the primary, primary assisted and secondary patency of the native fistulas. The mean age of the patients when the first access fistula was created was different according to the area of surgery (74.9 +/- 9.3 for the elbow vs 64.9 +/- 16.2 years for the forearm, p < 0.005). Diabetes was an unfavourable factor for primary (HR Cox 2.08, p < 0.05) or secondary (Log Rank, p <0.05) patency. CONCLUSION: The vascular access for hemodialysis in elderly patients presents a similar evolution to that seen in younger populations if the access creation is based on an exhaustive study, including ecodoppler of the vascular map and the use of more proximal fistulas if necessary. Therefore the more frequent use of grafts or catheters in elderly patients is not justified.

Drenaje no quirúrgico del pseudoquiste de páncreas / Non surgical draimage of pancreatic pseudocyst

No disponible

Short-term follow-up results in 795 nonpalpable probably benign lesions detected at screening mammography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term follow-up of nonpalpable probably benign lesions in a 2-year mammographic screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 13,790 women aged 45-65 years who underwent first-round screening, 795 (5.8%) underwent short-term mammographic follow-up (every 6 months for 2 years) of nonpalpable probably benign lesions (eg, masses, focal asymmetric densities, and calcifications) previously assessed at an additional imaging evaluation, including ultrasonography. When no changes were found at short-term mammographic follow-up, women were assigned to the 2-year screening interval. Needle localization and surgical biopsy were performed when the lesion progressed (was enlarged or had an increased number or size of calcifications or modification of their initial characteristics). The effectiveness of this approach was evaluated with statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 795 lesions, 788 (99%) remained stable, and seven (1%) had changes prompting surgical biopsy. Two cancers (0.3%), one microinvasive intraductal carcinoma and one 7-mm invasive ductal carcinoma without positive nodes, were found. Four of the five benign histologic results were probably benign calcifications with progression at short-term follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were 100%, 99%, 99%, 29%, and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The benign nature of most nonpalpable probably benign lesions can be typified with short-term mammographic follow-up. This approach permitted identification of a few low-stage carcinomas, but progression in the probably benign calcifications was usually unrelated to malignancy.

Elastic properties and scanning electron microscopic appearance of manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and vitrectorhexis in an animal model of pediatric cataract.

PURPOSE: To compare the tear resistance of anterior capsulotomies using manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and vitrector-cut capsulotomy (vitrectorhexis) techniques in an animal model of the pediatric eye and in 2 pairs of human infant eyes. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. METHODS: Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and automated vitrectorhexis capsulotomy techniques were performed in 20 pig eyes, 10 with each technique. The capsules were then stretched until they ruptured. The forces required for rupture after each technique were compared. The forces required for rupture of the pig eye lens capsule were also compared with those required for the human infant eye lens capsule. Scanning electron microscopy was performed in each group following intraocular lens (IOL) insertion. RESULTS: All capsules stretched adequately for IOL insertion. The percentage of stretch prior to rupture was higher in the capsulorhexis group (mean 157%, range 147% to 169%) than in the vitrectorhexis group (mean 135%, range 124% to 147%) (P < .001). The percentage of stretch in the human infant eyes was not statistically different from that in the porcine eyes (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The manual CCC offered greater resistance to capsule tearing than the vitrectorhexis and also revealed a more smooth, regular edge. It therefore remains the gold standard. However, the vitrectorhexis displayed more than adequate resistance to unwanted anterior capsule tears when used for IOL insertion through capsulotomy sizes currently used in clinical practice.

Predictive value of regression and theoretical IOL formulas in pediatric intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are being implanted in children with greater frequency and in a wider age range. The accuracy of available regression and theoretical formulas in predicting correct IOL power for pediatric eyes, however, has not been reported. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 47 consecutive pediatric IOL implantations after cataract extraction that met inclusion criteria. Age at surgery ranged from 2 months to 10 years, with measured axial lengths of the eye between 18.6 and 26.7 mm. For the purpose of this study, the 2-month postoperative refraction was considered the post-IOL refractive outcome. Using preoperative globe axial length, corneal curvature, IOL power, and the A constant for the lens provided by the manufacturer, we employed the four common IOL power formulas (one regression formula [SRK-II] and three theoretical formulas [SRK-T, Holladay, and Hoffer Q]) to predict refractive outcome. RESULTS: The average difference between predicted and actual postoperative refractive error ranged from 1.2 to 1.4 diopters (D) for all formulas. Predicted postoperative refraction was less than the actual in 89 calculations and greater in 99. No significant differences in predictive accuracy were found in any of the axial length groups (group 1 P = 0.79, group 2 P = 0.42, and group 3 P = 0.86). All formulas were slightly less accurate in group 3 patients (shortest eyes). In this group, the Hoffer Q formula had the lowest error (1.4 D) and the SRK-II had the highest error (1.8 D). The difference was not statistically significant (P = .86). CONCLUSIONS: In our pediatric study eyes, all four IOL power calculation formulas predicted mean refractive outcome within 1.4 D. Theoretical formulas did not outperform the regression formula.

5-Fluorouracil reduces scarring after strabismus surgery.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of topically administered 5-fluorouracil during strabismus surgery on post-operative scarring and the strength of the tendon-muscle union. METHODS: Bilateral superior and inferior rectus muscle recessions were performed on 10 Stauffland white rabbits. The operated muscles in one eye received a 5-min topical application of 50 mg/mL solution of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The fellow eye received placebo treatment with a 5-min application of balanced sterile saline. Both eyes were enucleated 29 days postoperatively and examined for evidence of scarring. The tensile strength of both treated and untreated muscles was measured. Two additional rabbits received no surgery but had their eyes enucleated to serve as controls for tensile strength measurements. RESULTS: A significant reduction (P = 0.0001) in the amount of scarring was noted in eyes treated with 5-FU. A reduction in the tensile strength of both operated groups compared with the unoperated groups (P = 2.72 x 10(-12)) was noted, with a small but significant difference between the two operated groups (P = 0.0423). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that 5-FU may be a useful adjunctive therapy in strabismus surgery, especially when extensive postoperative scarring is expected.

Long-term effects of hydrophilic contact lenses on myopia.

Myopic patients aged 14 to 19 years were divided randomly into two groups: those that wore contact lenses full time and those that wore spectacles only as age-matched controls. These two groups were analyzed statistically for any difference in the rate of progression of myopia. Refraction records were screened and analyzed using the unpaired Student's t test. We found no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There appears to be no effect of soft contact lens wear on the progression of myopia.