Biochemical characterization of ecuadorian wild Solanum lycopersicum Mill. plants produced from non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved seeds.

This paper presents some of the effects of cryopreservation of wild Solanum lycopersicum Mill. seeds on the early stages of germination post liquid nitrogen exposure. Percentage of germination, conversion into plantlets and plant fresh mass were evaluated after cryostorage. Levels of chlorophyll pigments (a, b, total), malondialdehyde, other aldehydes, phenolics (cell wall-linked, free, and total) and proteins were determined. Peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were recorded. Liquid nitrogen exposure increased the percentage of seed germination at 5 days but at 7 days, the conversion into plantlets and the plant fresh mass were not statistically different between non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved samples. Several significant effects of cryopreservation were recorded at the biochemical level at 7 days of germination under controlled conditions. Highly significant effects due to liquid nitrogen exposure were observed in leaves: increased levels of peroxidase enzymatic and specific activities and cell wall-linked phenolics. Very remarkable effects were also recorded in roots: decreased contents of chlorophylls and cell wall-linked phenolics.

Maternal milk concentration of zinc, iron, selenium, and iodine and its relationship to dietary intakes.

The dietary intake of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and iodine (I) of 31 lactating Mexican-American women attending the Hidalgo County WIC program in Rio Grande Valley (RGV), Texas was estimated from 24-h dietary recall interviews. Milk samples were obtained from lactating mothers who had infants 3 months of age and younger. Milk samples were collected in two visits to assess change in breast milk composition after 1-3 months postpartum: group A--after 30-45 days and group B--75-90 days. Dietary intakes indicated that the study participants had significantly inadequate percent energy intakes than the DRI (Dietary Recommended Intakes) percent recommended kilocalorie values but protein intakes were substantially higher than the percent recommended values. The estimated percent Zn, Fe, Se, and I intakes were also significantly lower than the DRI percent recommended values. The lactating mothers consumed significantly less Zn, Se, and I when compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) even though Fe intake was higher than the RDA value. Breast milk concentration of Zn, Fe, and Se were in agreement within the range of representative values for Constituents of Human Milk but I has significantly less concentration than the representative value. There was no statistically significant correlation observed between dietary intake and milk concentration of Zn, Fe, Se, and I. This study compares the estimated dietary intake of zinc, iron, selenium, and iodine to the concentration of these trace elements in the maternal milk of lactating women of Mexican-American heritage who attend the Rio Grande Valley WIC clinic.

[The predictive factors of intra-stent restenosis]. / Factores predictores de reestenosis intra-stent.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Stenting has contributed to improve the early angiographic result, the restenosis rate and the problem of acute and subacute coronary occlusion. In spite of this, the restenosis phenomenon still remains a problem to be completely solved. The aim of the study was to identify clinical, angiographical and procedural factors that are predictive of in-stent restenosis after successful implantation of coronary stent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 202 lesions, in 176 consecutive patients who underwent stent implantation with success in our hospital between January 1995 and August 1998. All patients had a clinical follow-up and an angiography after six months of stent implantation. RESULTS: From 202 lesions evaluated, 47 evolved with restenosis (23%). The only independent predictive variables were: to be receiving hypolipemiant treatment before stenting (OR: 0.3; IC: 0.1-0.8), the use of high pressure for stent implantation (OR: 0.4; IC: 0.2-0.9), to implant stent in < 3.1 mm (OR: 2.2; IC: 1.1-4.5) and to have a residual stenosis > 30% after stenting (OR: 13; IC: 1.5-120). CONCLUSIONS: The only statistical variables associated with in-stent restenosis phenomenon were: be under hypolipemiant treatment before the procedure and the use of high pressures for stent implantation; while risk factors arose: to implant stent in vessels < 3.1 mm and suboptimal angiography result after stenting.

Prophylactic cryoprecipitate in congenital afibrinogenemia.

Two siblings with congenital afibrinogenemia received prophylactic infusions of cryoprecipitate in order to prevent serious hemorrhage during early childhood. Three bags (units) of this fibrinogen-containing blood product were administered every 7-10 days for 15 months in one case and 24 months in the other. Hemorrhage was nearly completely prevented during the period of prophylaxis. Side effects from cryoprecipitate were not observed. Prophylactic infusion of cryoprecipitate, made practical by the relatively long half-life of fibrinogen, should be considered in other patients with this disorder.