Hyaluronic acid biomaterial for human tissue-engineered skin substitutes: Preclinical comparative in vivo study of wound healing.

BACKGROUND: There is not an ideal biomaterial for tissue-engineered skin substitutes (TESSs), and most of the studies or existing therapies use xenogeneic origin natural biomaterials or biosynthetic scaffolds. OBJECTIVE: To analyse clinical, histological integration and homeostasis parameters of a human TESS manufactured with fibrin-hyaluronic acid biomaterial (HA-Skin), grafted in immunodeficient mice for 8 weeks, and compared with the gold standard treatment (Autograft), a human TESS manufactured with fibrin-agarose biomaterial (AG-Skin) and secondary wound healing dressings. METHODS: Human TESSs and autografts were implanted into BALB/c mice after surgical excision. Secondary wound healing approach was achieved with biosynthetic collagen wound dressing (Biobrane® ) and fibrin-hyaluronic acid or fibrin-agarose biomaterial without cells (Total N = 44). Clinical integration and homeostasis parameters were evaluated every two weeks for two months. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed four and eight weeks after grafting. RESULTS: HA-Skin, AG-Skin and Autograft groups showed a proper clinical integration and epithelization eight weeks later. Scar evaluation revealed better results for Autograft and HA-Skin. Homeostasis analysis indicated similar values of transepidermal water loss and elasticity between HA-Skin (6.42 ± 0.75 g/h/m2 , 0.42 ± 0.08 AU), Autograft (6.91 ± 1.28 g/h/m2 , 0.40 ± 0.08 AU) and healthy mouse skin (6.40 ± 0.43 g/h/m2 , 0.35 ± 0.03 AU). Histological results showed that human TESSs and autografts presented better skin structuration and higher expression of cytokeratins. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that human TESS based on fibrin-hyaluronic acid biomaterial could be suitable for clinical application in the treatment of several dermatological pathologies (wound healing).

Prediction of pregnancy viability in bovine in vitro-produced embryos and recipient plasma with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

We analyzed embryo culture medium (CM) and recipient blood plasma using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) metabolomics to predict pregnancy outcome. Individually cultured, in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts were transferred to recipients as fresh and vitrified-warmed. Spent CM and plasma samples were evaluated using FTIR. The discrimination capability of the classifiers was assessed for accuracy, sensitivity (pregnancy), specificity (nonpregnancy), and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Within all IVP fresh embryos (birth rate=52%), high AUC were obtained at birth, especially with expanded blastocysts (CM: 0.80±0.053; plasma: 0.89±0.034). The AUC of vitrified IVP embryos (birth rate = 31%) were 0.607±0.038 (CM, expanded blastocysts) and 0.672±0.023 (plasma, all stages). Recipient plasma generally predicted pregnancy outcome better than did embryo CM. Embryos and recipients with improved pregnancy viability were identified, which could increase the economic benefit to the breeding industry.

New europium-doped carbon nanoparticles showing long-lifetime photoluminescence: Synthesis, characterization and application to the determination of tetracycline in waters.

The growing appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms originated from the widespread use and ubiquitous presence of such drugs is a major concern in the world. The development of methodologies able to detect such substances at low concentration in real water samples is mandatory to overcome this problem. Europium(III) is known to form complexes with tetracycline (TC) with photoluminescent characteristics useful for TC determination. In the present work, we synthesized for the first time carbon nanoparticles (CN) showing delayed photoluminescence using a Europium(III) doping synthesis. The new material (PCNEu) was characterized both morphologically and spectroscopically, showing an analytical photoluminescent signal in presence of TC, arising from the 5D0→7F2 transition of europium, one hundred times higher than that of the europium salt alone in presence of the antibiotic. This enhancement is a consequence of the amplifying effect exerted by nanoparticle structure itself, leading to an efficient synergistic "antenna effect" in the system PCNEu - TC. The analytical signal is affected both by pH and the nature of the buffer used, and it allows the detection of tetracycline in waters with a limit of detection of 2.18 nM and recoveries between 90 and 110%. The analytical performance of the developed methodology enables having lower limits of detection than other luminescent and chemiluminescent reported methodologies.

A satellite DNA evolutionary analysis in the North American endemic dioecious plant Rumex hastatulus (Polygonaceae).

We studied the evolution of RAE180 satellite DNA family in the North American endemic dioecious plant Rumex hastatulus. In this species, the Texas race is characterized by a single XX/XY sex chromosome system, whereas the North Carolina race has evolved a derived complex XX/XY(1)Y(2) sex chromosome system. RAE180 repeats were autosomic and poorly represented (2 × 10(-4)% of the genome) with no differences between individuals of different genders or different races of R. hastatulus. In fact, the sex chromosomes of the North Carolina race are still euchromatic, and they have not accumulated satellite DNA sequences, which contrasts with that occurring in the rest of dioecious XX/XY(1)Y(2) Rumex species. In R. hastatulus, we detected the existence of three RAE180 subfamilies. Notwithstanding, while in the Texas race the TX1/NC1 subfamily is the most frequent, the TX2/NC2 subfamily is the most abundant in the North Carolina race. Additionally, the third, less represented subfamily (TX3/NC3) appears currently as relict sequences in both genomes. A common feature of RAE180 satellite is the sudden replacement of one sequence variant by another in different species (or populations as in R. hastatulus races). Thus, the phylogenetic analysis of RAE180 repeats from six dioecious Rumex species supports the "library" hypothesis. According to this hypothesis, we assume that a set of divergent RAE180 variants were present in the ancestral genome of dioecious Rumex species, from which novel tandem arrays originated by the amplification of different variants in different lineages. Differential levels of RAE180 satellite DNA amplification in each lineage, at different evolutionary times, and in different chromosomal positions gave rise to differential patterns of sequence evolution.

Structures of relevant ammonium salts in fertilizers.

The crystal structures of two double salts of ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium sulfate (AS) are reported. The double salts 2NH(4)NO(3).(NH(4))(2)SO(4) (2AN.AS) and 3NH(4)NO(3).(NH(4))(2)SO(4) (3AN.AS) show a very similar crystal structure packing with alternating layers of anions and cations. The solid-state ionic distribution is controlled by an extensive hydrogen-bonding network with ammonium groups as the donors and O atoms acting as the acceptors. Crystallographic studies were conducted at both room temperature (293 K) and 100 K. Increasing the temperature involves shortening the b axis in the case of the 3AN.AS salt. Quantification of fertilizer mixtures using the Rietveld method was also carried out by means of the structural models reported in this paper for both salts.

[Epidemiology and etiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Spanish and immigrants' women in Fuenlabrada (Madrid)]. / Epidemiología y etiología de la candidiasis vaginal en mujeres españolas e inmigrantes en Fuenlabrada (Madrid).

OBJECTIVE: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infection. Risk factors include diabetes, antibiotic use and pregnancy. Candida albicans is the most common species identified but non-C. albicans species appear to be more commonly associated with VVC in some Asian and African countries. We had studied the distribution of Candida species in Spanish and immigrants' women residents in Spain. METHODS: Retrospective study of vaginal yeast cultures between 2015 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 2,283 vaginal yeast cultures were collected. Candida spp. was detected in 25.7% from Spanish women and in 28.5% from immigrants (no significant differences). Immigrants have higher rates of vaginal candidiasis compared other studies in Spain. C. albicans was the most common species isolated (82.4%). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in vaginal candidiasis rate between Spanish and immigrants' women. Immigrants consulted proportionally more compared with the Spanish women.

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to traumatic bronchial fistula closure. / Membrana de oxigenación extracorpórea venovenosa como puente a la reparación de una fístula bronquial traumática.

Traumatic tracheobronchial injuries occur in 1% of patients with thoracic trauma, most of them dying at the site of the trauma. In this case report, we present a 26-year-old female patient admitted to the ICU due to a blunt chest trauma causing life threatening hypoxaemia and acidosis; deciding to implant percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The use of percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, implemented with a lower anticoagulation target, allowed the diagnosis and treatment of a bronchopleural fistula under conditions of respiratory and hemodynamic stability without haemorrhagic complications, obtaining a fast and adequate assistance achieving the survival of the patient.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation mediated changes in rhizosphere bacterial community structure while promoting revegetation in a semiarid ecosystem.

The main goal of this study was to assess the effect of the inoculation of four autochthonous shrub species with the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus intraradices on the rhizosphere bacterial community and to ascertain whether such an effect is dependent on the host plant species. Additionally, analysis of rhizosphere soil chemical and biochemical properties was performed to find relationships between them and the rhizosphere bacterial communities. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and subsequent permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed differences in bacterial community composition and structure between non-inoculated and inoculated rhizospheres. Moreover, an influence of the plant species was observed. Different bacterial groups were found to be indicator taxonomic groups of non-inoculated and inoculated rhizospheres, Gemmatimonadetes and Anaerolineaceae, respectively, being the most notable indicators. As shown by distance based redundancy analysis, the shifts in bacterial community composition and structure mediated by the inoculation with the AM fungus were mainly related to changes in plant nutrients and growth parameters, such as the shoot phosphorus content. Our findings suggest that the AM fungal inoculum was able to modify the rhizosphere bacterial community assemblage while improving the host plant performance.

Intracardiac thrombi after orthotopic heart transplantation: clinical significance and etiologic factors.

The frequency and clinical significance of intracardiac thrombi after orthotopic heart transplantation are still not fully understood. The aim of this article is to present five patients with heart transplants with intracardiac thrombi and to subject the possible cause, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of this phenomenon to scrutiny. The frequency of intracardiac thrombi may well be higher than anticipated, with emboli occurring only in a small proportion of cases. Hematologic, anatomic, and hemodynamic factors seem to have a bearing on thrombogenesis. Further multicenter studies are required to gain a better understanding of this disorder.

Eosinophilic myocarditis in patients waiting for heart transplantation.

We report three patients waiting for heart transplantation who suddenly worsened clinically. All three explanted hearts showed a myocarditis with a dense eosinophilic infiltrate. Follow-up biopsies and necropsies showed no further evidence of cardiac eosinophilic infiltrates. The possible relationship between drugs administered before transplantation and clinico-pathological findings is discussed.

Blunt traumatic rupture of the right hemidiaphragm and Budd-Chiari syndrome.

We present 2 cases of delayed diagnosis of rupture of the right hemidiaphragm caused by blunt thoracic trauma, in which herniation of the liver toward the thoracic cavity had occurred. Both patients showed signs of noncardiogenic hepatic venous outflow obstruction. Venous outflow returned to normal on reintroduction of the liver into the abdominal cavity and closure of the defect in the diaphragm. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of this problem are discussed.

Assessment of molecularly imprinted sol-gel materials for selective room temperature phosphorescence recognition of nafcillin.

Sol-gel imprinted materials were prepared against nafcillin, a semisynthetic beta-lactamic antibiotic employed in the treatment of serious infections caused by penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Two approaches were addressed for preparation of the imprinted materials and the controls: as conventional monoliths, which were ground and sieved to a desired particle size for rebinding analysis, and as films on supporting glass slides. The specific binding sites that are created during the imprinting process are analyzed via selective room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) (sol-gel films) measurements as well as via competitive room temperature phosphorescence ligand assay. Results demonstrated the importance of the physical configuration of the imprinted material for minimizing non-specific binding. The close similarities between the structures of different beta-lactamic antibiotics made it possible to interpret the roles of the template structure on specific molecular recognition. In this article, we introduce the use of room temperature phosphorescence as selective transduction method for the template. The imprinted sol-gel films displayed enhanced specific binding characteristics respect to the monolithic sol-gel and can be envisaged for the use as recognition matrices for the screening and rapid selection of antibiotics from a combinatorial library or for the rapid control of nafcillin in biological samples (e.g. milk, serum, urine).

Comparative study of the micellar enhanced spectrophotometric determination of beta-lactamic antibiotics by batch and flow injection analysis using a multisimplex design.

A study has been made on the spectrophotometric determination of the beta-lactamic antibiotics, amoxicillin and ampicillin, in micellar media using Cu ions as catalyst. Batch and flow injection approaches were compared. Multisimplex design was used to determine the optimal values of the flow injection analysis (FIA) system. Chemical (buffer, pH and Cu(II) concentrations) and physical (flow rate, temperature and reaction coil length) variables were considered. The analytical performance characteristics were as follows: the detection limits for batch and flow-through systems were 2.5 x 10(-7) and 2 x 10(-6) M, respectively, and a relative standard deviation less than 1% was found for both methods. The proposed FIA methodology was satisfactorily applied to the determination of the antibiotics in pharmaceutical formulations.

Aortobronchial fistula secondary to chronic post-traumatic thoracic aneurysm.

A few patients with traumatic aortic laceration remain undiagnosed and survive long enough to develop a chronic aneurysm. Such aneurysms are frequently asymptomatic; alternatively, they may manifest themselves in the form of chest pain, dysphonia, dysphagia, bronchial irritation, or sudden death. A case of aortobronchial fistula secondary to a chronic post-traumatic aneurysm of the aortic isthmus is presented. Hemoptysis was the main sign. The affected segment of the thoracic aorta was replaced with a Dacron graft and a left superior lobectomy was performed. Nevertheless, the patient died during the postoperative period due to adult respiratory distress syndrome. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of aortobronchial fistulae are discussed.

[The expression of atrial natriuretic peptide in the cardiomyocytes of left ventricular aneurysms]. / Expresión del péptido natriurético auricular en los cardiomiocitos de aneurismas de ventrículo izquierdo.

We report three patients with left ventricular aneurysm who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and resection of the ventricular aneurysm. The walls of the aneurysms were immunohistochemically investigated to study whether atrial natriuretic peptide was present or not. Immunoreactivity for atrial natriuretic peptide was observed in some of the viable cardiomyocytes within the scar tissue. Mechanisms of regulation of the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide are discussed.

[Aneurysm of the ascending aorta in patients with a prior aortic valve replacement]. / Aneurisma de aorta ascendente en pacientes con sustitución valvular aórtica previa.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to show our experience in the treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta in patients with previous aortic valve surgery. METHODS: We studied retrospectively the clinical characteristics and operative methods of 9 patients who underwent surgery for aneurysm of the ascending aorta after previous aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: Time interval between the first and subsequent reoperation was 8.4 +/- 3.5 years (range 4-15 years). During the first operation there were 5 cases who presented with aortic regurgitation and dilatation of the ascending aorta. Isolated valvular aortic replacement was performed in these patients. Two patients underwent valvular replacement and implantation of supracoronary aortic graft. In two other cases valvular replacement was done with wedge resection of the aortic sinuses. Reoperation was performed because to the following reasons: valvular prosthesis disfunction and aneurysm of the ascending aorta (3), valvular prosthesis disfunction and aneurysm of the aortic remnant located between the prosthesis and the supracoronary aortic graft (2), thrombosis of the prosthesis (1), dissection of the ascending aorta (2) and superior vena cava syndrome (1). There was one hospital death. Another patient died after 26 months because of graft infection. The other 7 patients are in functional class I. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that an aggressive surgical approach should be adopted in patients with degenerative aortic regurgitation and moderate dilatation of the ascending aorta because of the rapid progression of the aortic disease. We advise complete replacement of the aortic root.

[Dynamic cardiomyoplasty. Preliminary experience]. / Cardiomioplastia dinámica. Experiencia preliminar.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to show our experience in clinical dynamic cardiomyoplasty. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with end-stage heart failure and 2 patients with left ventricular aneurysm underwent dynamic cardiomyoplasty using the latissimus dorsi muscle. The latissimus dorsi was electrically conditioned before the procedure through a lead placed under local anesthesia and connected to an external cardiac pace-maker. Surgical technique--including dissection of the latissimus dorsi and encircling of the ventricles with the muscle flap--was performed in general terms as described at the Broussais Hospital. In the first 3 patients a bipolar lead connected to a single impulse generator was used. In the other 5 patients a train of impulses cardiomyostimulator was used. Changes in systolic function were studied through Doppler-echocardiography and radionuclide studies. Changes in diastolic function were evaluated through E wave velocity and deceleration time. RESULTS: Mean follow up was 9 +/- 5.7 months. No early deaths were recorded. One patient underwent emergency surgery, one week after the procedure, because of a tear of the patch used to close the wall defect after left ventricular aneurysm resection. In 2 patients a subcutaneous serous collection secondary to muscle dissection was evacuated. One patient died due to a stroke 4 months after the procedure. Another patient died after an unsuccessful coronary transluminal percutaneous angioplasty 11 months after the procedure. An improved functional class was observed in all patients. No changes in systolic function were observed after surgery when the cardiomyoestimulator was turned-off either with echocardiography (26.7 +/- 8.6 vs 24.8 +/- 5.8% [NS]) or radionuclides (24.5 +/- 9.5 vs 20.2 +/- 8.3% [NS]). When the cardiomyostimulator was turned-on a statistically significant increase of the left ventricular ejection fraction was observed either with echocardiography (24.8 +/- 5.8 vs 37 +/- 10.3%; p < 0.05) or radionuclides (20.2 +/- 8.3 vs 33.3 +/- 12.2%; p < 0.05). This significant increase of the ejection fraction has been observed in subsequent studies. Nevertheless the differences when the cardiomyostimulator is turned-on and turned-off have decreased several months after the procedure. A significant increase of the left ventricular outflow velocity (cm/seg) was observed when the generator was turned-on (57.7 +/- 20.4 vs 75.1 +/- 17.8%; p < 0.01). A significant increase of the dP/dt (mmHg/seg) was observed when the generator was turned-on (706.3 +/- 291.5 vs 592.6 +/- 181.6%; [NS]). No significant changes were observed on E wave velocity. A significant decrease of the deceleration time was observed several months after the procedure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that dynamic cardiomyoplasty is a safe and valid surgical procedure for some patients with end stage cardiomyopathies as well as in association with Jatene's technique for the management of left ventricular aneurysms. An improvement in functional class is present and a significant increase of the left ventricular systolic function. Nevertheless it is necessary to find new systolic parameters, independent of volumetric calculations, to evaluate the mechanical support of the muscle as well as to determine the long-term pattern of electrical stimulation.

[Somatometry and lipid profile in smokers. Modifications after smoking withdrawal]. / Somatometría y perfil lipídico en el fumador. Modificaciones tras la deshabituación.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine the somatometric and lipidic profile in a group of 90 smokers and to carry out a prospective study on modifications due to smoking withdrawal. METHODS: A somatometric and lipidic profile was performed to 90 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Afterwards smokers were included in a smoking withdrawal program. One year later all subjects who stopped smoking as well as 10 of the smokers who failed in smoking withdrawal underwent a new blood analysis and somatometric study. RESULTS: Initial somatometry showed that smokers had a significantly higher (p less than 0.05) overweight and endomorphic index, based on somatometric characteristics. In addition, smokers showed significant lower level of HDL-cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) than non-smokers (p less than 0.001). Somatometric and lipidic profile performed one year after smoking cessation showed a statistically significant increase on HDL-cholesterol (p less than 0.05). Somatometric and lipidic profile of the subjects who failed in smoking withdrawal showed no significant changes in relation to the study made the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: From these data we suggest that modifications of lipidic profile induced by tobacco consumption can be reverted, at least in part, after smoking cessation. In addition smokers present higher overweight when theoretic weight is based on somatometric characteristics.

[24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic registry: differences between smokers and non-smokers and habit breaking effects]. / Registro electrocardiográfico ambulatorio de 24 horas: diferencias entre fumadores y no fumadores y efectos de la deshabituación.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this work was to determine the prevalence of arrhythmias in a group of 90 smokers and to carry out a prospective study on electrocardiographic modifications due to smoking withdrawal. METHODS: A Holter study was performed to 90 smokers and 30 non-smokers. Afterwards smokers were included in a smoking withdrawal program. One year later all subjects who stopped smoking underwent a new Holter study as well as 10 of the smokers who failed in smoking withdrawal. RESULTS: Initial Holter study revealed that smokers had a significantly higher mean cardiac rate (p < 0.001), prevalence of supraventricular arrhythmias (p < 0.01) and ventricular premature complexes (p < 0.05) than non-smokers. Holter study performed after smoking cessation, showed a statistically significant decrease of mean cardiac rate (p < 0.001) and supraventricular arrhythmias (p < 0.001). Holter study performed to the subjects who failed in smoking withdrawal showed no significant changes in relation to the study made the previous year. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers present a higher cardiac rate and prevalence of arrhythmias than non-smokers. From these data it could be suggested that tobacco consumption has an arrhythmogenic effect that can be reverted, at least in part, after smoking withdrawal.