Search

In the present study we propose a procedure for estimating the tensile strength of thin ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced cement-based composite (UHPFRC) layers, which eliminates the need of extracting cores or samples from the structure. This procedure relies on a non-destructive testing (NDT) method based on the ferromagnetic properties of the steel fibres for estimating the parameters of the underlying physical model, namely, the fibre content and the fibre orientation factor, and on laboratory tensile tests for estimating the equivalent rigid-plastic fibre-to-matrix bond strength. An experimental program was developed for establishing the relation between the NDT measurements and the orientation parameters determined from image analysis. Following the proposed procedure, the tensile strength of 36 specimens with varying fibre content and fibre orientation distributions is estimated based on the magnetic measurements and compared to experimental results. The good correlation that is found demonstrates the significance of the proposed NDT method in the implementation of quality control procedures of thin UHPFRC elements/layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rifaximin has demonstrated efficacy and safety for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).Aim: To determine the rifaximin repeat treatment effect on fecal bacterial antibiotic susceptibility.Methods: Patients with IBS in Trial 3 (TARGET 3) study who responded to open-label rifaximin 550 mg three times daily for 2 weeks, with symptom recurrence within 18 weeks, were randomized to double-blind treatment: two 2-week repeat courses of rifaximin or placebo, separated by 10 weeks. Prospective stool sample collection occurred before and after open-label rifaximin, before and after the first repeat course, and at the end of the study. Susceptibility testing was performed with 11 antibiotics, including rifaximin and rifampin, using broth microdilution or agar dilution methods.Results: Of 103 patients receiving open-label rifaximin, 73 received double-blind rifaximin (n = 37) or placebo (n = 36). A total of 1429 bacterial and yeast isolates were identified, of which Bacteroidaceae (36.7%) and Enterobacteriaceae (33.9%) were the most common. In the double-blind phase, Clostridium difficile was highly susceptible to rifaximin [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range 0.008-1 µg/mL] and rifampin (MIC range 0.004-0.25 µg/mL). Following double-blind rifaximin treatment, Staphylococcus isolates remained susceptible to rifaximin at all visits (MIC50 range ≤0.06-32 µg/mL). Rifaximin exposure was not associated with long-term cross-resistance of Bacteroidaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Enterococcaceae to rifampin or nonrifamycin antibiotics tested.Conclusions: In this study, short-term repeat treatment with rifaximin has no apparent long-term effect on stool microbial susceptibility to rifaximin, rifampin, and nonrifamycin antibiotics. CLINICALTRIALS.Gov Identifier: NCT01543178. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Jackhammer esophagus ( JE) is a rare esophageal motility disorder defined in the Chicago Classification of Esophageal Motility by presence of excessively high distal contractile integral ( DCI) on high-resolution manometry ( HRM), with unknown natural manometric course. We examined the development of achalasia over time in patients with JE. Methods Through a retrospective longitudinal design, patients with Jackhammer contractions who had more than one HRM between 2005 and 2015 were identified. Any change in manometric finding was assessed for the presence of achalasia. Demographic and manometric risk factors for this progression were then sought in univariate analysis. Key Results Of 3363 HRM studies, 229 subjects had multiple manometries, accounting for 528 studies. Twelve subjects met our inclusion criteria for JE on any of the multiple tests, represented by 27 studies for a total of 347 patient-months of manometric follow-up. Subjects with JE whose manometry included impedance demonstrated consistent esophageal bolus clearance. Of 12 subjects with Jackhammer contractions, three subjects progressed to type III achalasia, over a mean of 24 months (range: 19-31 months). At the time of diagnosis with JE, impaired esophago-gastric junction relaxation was seen in all three subjects and was the only risk factor that could predict progression to achalasia ( P<.01). Conclusions & Inferences In this unique study of the natural course of JE, we have shown that JE can progress to achalasia. Manometric findings at the time of JE diagnosis might predict this progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) is supported by various lines of evidence, including differences in mucosal and faecal microbiota between patients with IBS and healthy individuals, development of post-infectious IBS, and the efficacy of some probiotics and nonsystemic antibiotics (e.g. rifaximin). Aim To review the literature regarding the role of rifaximin in IBS and its potential mecha-nism(s) of action. Methods A literature search was conducted using the terms 'rifaximin', 'irritable bowel syndrome' and 'mechanism of action'. Results Rifaximin was approved in 2015 for the treatment of IBS with diarrhoea. In contrast to other currently available IBS therapies that require daily administration to maintain efficacy, 2-week rifaximin treatment achieved symptom improvement that persisted ≥12 weeks post-treatment. The mechanisms of action of rifaximin, therefore, may extend beyond direct bactericidal effects. Data suggest that rifaximin may decrease host proinflammatory responses to bacterial products in patients with IBS. In some cases, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO) may play a role in the clinical symptoms of IBS. Because of the high level of solubility of rifaximin in the small intestine, rifaximin may reset microbial diversity in this environment. Consistent with this hypothesis, rifaximin has antibiotic efficacy against isolates derived from patients with SIBO. Conclusion Resetting microbial diversity via rifaximin use may lead to a decrease in bacterial fermentation and a reduction in the clinical symptoms of IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The efficacy of rifaximin, a nonsystemic, gut-targeted antibiotic for reducing non-constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (non-C IBS) symptoms, has been demonstrated in one phase 2b and two phase 3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, but detailed data about rifaximin safety and tolerability during treatment and subsequent follow-up periods are lacking. Aim To assess and determine the frequency of rifaximin and placebo adverse events ( AEs) in phase 2b and phase 3 non -C IBS trials. Methods A post hoc pooled safety analysis of the phase 2b (rifaximin 275, 550, and 1100 mg twice daily for 2 weeks; 550 mg twice daily for 4 weeks) and phase 3 (rifaximin 550 mg three times daily for 2 weeks) studies was performed. Data on treatment and post-treatment AEs were collected. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks and 10 weeks post-treatment in the phase 2b and phase 3 trials, respectively. Results Patients receiving rifaximin ( n = 1103) and placebo ( n = 829) had a similar incidence of drug-related AEs (12.1% vs. 10.7%), serious AEs (1.5% vs. 2.2%), drug-related AEs resulting in study discontinuation (0.8% vs. 0.8%), gastrointestinal-associated AEs (12.2% vs. 12.2%) and infection-associated AEs (8.5% vs. 9.5%). There were no cases of Clostridium difficile colitis or deaths. Conclusions The safety and tolerability profile of rifaximin during treatment and post-treatment was comparable to placebo. Future research should define the safety and tolerability profile, including risk of C. difficile colitis and microbial antibiotic resistance, with repeated courses of rifaximin in patients with non-constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00269412, NCT00731679, and NCT00724126). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The recent FDA provisional endpoint incorporates a one-tailed measure of improvement for IBS based on the underlying motility complaint. However, motility exists along a spectrum. Patients may experience diarrhoea resulting from therapy for their constipation-predominant IBS ( IBS-C) or constipation during treatment for diarrhoea-predominant IBS ( IBS-D), but still meet a unidirectional motility-based FDA endpoint. Aim To weigh the reported efficacy of existing therapies based on patient-reported outcomes with negative intestinal side effects in controlled clinical trial data. Methods We analysed the difference between 'attributable risk' of efficacy based on number needed to treat ( NNT) in the literature and percentage of adverse events ( AE) of opposite intestinal complaints in placebo-controlled trials identified through a literature search of IBS trials. This calculation was coined 'functional net value' ( FNV) or net benefit of the given drug. Results For treating IBS-C, lubiprostone caused diarrhoea in excess of placebo in 3.9% of patients, leading to a FNV of 3.9 percentage units. Linaclotide caused diarrhoea in 15.3% resulting in negative FNV (−1.0 percentage unit). For IBS-D, alosetron and tricyclic anti-depressants caused constipation among a respective 16.9% and 13.0% resulting in a FNV of −3.6 and −0.5 percentage units. Among all therapies, only rifaximin did not cause the adverse event opposite the underlying motility complaint and the drug only had benefit, not detriment. Conclusions Functional net value ( FNV) offers a method of evaluating the net benefit of a drug in IBS. Most IBS treatments have a negative effect on IBS that exceeds the benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a parametric study on the fatigue life of short-span reinforced concrete railway bridges is presented. Only reinforcement steel fatigue damage is considered. The objective of this work is to assess the factors that may have a decisive influence on reinforcement fatigue life, to evaluate the consequences of the increasing traffic loads and to identify the research needs so as to allow more accurate fatigue examinations of existing bridges under more demanding traffic conditions. It is concluded that reinforcement fatigue life is mainly governed by the existence of heavy traffic (freight trains) and that it is highly sensitive both to the axle loads increase and to the accuracy in the reinforcement stress range calculation. It is also shown that the current analysis procedures may suffice for economic design of new bridges, whereas in the case of existing bridges more elaborate analysis procedures may be necessary to prove fatigue safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida rugosa lipase has been covalently immobilized on ferromagnetic azide polyethyleneterepthalate (Dacron) with specific activity retention of 16% for 4-nitrophenyl palmitate and 24% for hydrolysis of triolein in hexane. The immobilized enzyme was more thermal stable than the soluble one, retaining 78.8% of the activity after 1 h at 60°C. Also, this immobilized derivative was stable at the storage at 4°C. It has been used 5 cycles for pNPP hydrolysis without loss of activity. Soluble and immobilized Candida rugosa lipase showed a Michaelian behavior for fatty acid 4-nitrophenyl esters and different apparent KM values: 0.110 mM and 0.124 mM (4-nitrophenyl palmitate - C16); 0.193 mM and 0.235 mM (4-nitrophenyl laurate - C12) and 0.206 mM and 0.119 mM (4-nitrophenyl butyrate - C4), respectively. The immobilized lipase was more efficient for catalyzing the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl esters with short chain length fatty acid (4-NPB - C4) than soluble enzyme. The ferromagnetic Dacron-lipase derivative was able to catalyze the synthesis of triolein from glycerol and oleic acid with 50% of conversion after 72 h at 40°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant evidences have brought new insights on the mechanisms by which epigenetic machinery proteins regulate gene expression, leading to a redefinition of chromatin regulation in terms of modification of core histones, DNA methylation, RNA-mediated silencing pathways, action of methylation-dependent sensitive insulators and Polycomb/Trithorax group proteins. Consistent with these fundamental aspects, an increasing number of human pathologies have been found to be associated with aberrant epigenetics regulation, including cancer, mental retardation, neurodegenerative symptoms, imprinting disorders, syndromes involving chromosomal instabilities and a great number of human life-threatening diseases. The possibility of reversing epigenetic marks, in contrast to genetic code, may provide new pharmacological targets for emerging therapeutic intervention.European Journal of Human Genetics (2007) 15, 10–17. doi:10.1038/sj.ejhg.5201727; published online 18 October 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations in gut flora may be important in the pathophysiology of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Objective: To determine whether the nonabsorbed antibiotic rifaximin is more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms in adults with IBS.Design: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.Setting: 2 tertiary care medical centers.Participants: 87 patients who met Rome I criteria for IBS and were enrolled from December 2003 to March 2005.Interventions: Participants who met enrollment criteria were randomly assigned to receive 400 mg of rifaximin 3 times daily for 10 days (n = 43) or placebo (n = 44). Eighty participants completed rifaximin therapy or placebo, and follow-up data were available for at least 34 participants per study group at any time point thereafter.Measurements: A questionnaire was administered before treatment and 7 days after treatment. The primary outcome was global improvement in IBS. Patients were then asked to keep a weekly symptom diary for 10 weeks.Results: Over the 10 weeks of follow-up, rifaximin resulted in greater improvement in IBS symptoms (P = 0.020). In addition, rifaximin recipients had a lower bloating score after treatment.Limitations: The major limitations of the study were its modest sample size and short duration and that most patients were from 1 center.Conclusions: Rifaximin improves IBS symptoms for up to 10 weeks after the discontinuation of therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents two methodologies for monitoring the service condition of diesel-engine lubricating oils on the basis of infrared spectra. In the first approach, oils samples are discriminated into three groups, each one associated to a given wear stage. An algorithm is proposed to select spectral variables with good discriminant power and small collinearity for the purpose of discriminant analysis classification. As a result, a classification accuracy of 93% was obtained both in the middle (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) ranges. The second approach employs multivariate calibration methods to predict the viscosity of the lubricant. In this case, the use of absorbance measurements in the NIR spectral range was not successful, because of experimental difficulties associated to the presence of particulate matter. Such a problem was circumvented by the use of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) measurements in the MIR spectral range, in which an RMSEP of 3.8cSt and a relative average error of 3.2% were attained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of silicone for detection of aromatic hydrocarbons in water using near-infrared spectroscopy is proposed. A sensing phase of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was prepared, and a rod of this material was adapted to a transfiectance probe for measurements from 850 to 1800 nm. Deionized water samples contaminated separately' with known amounts of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene were used for evaluation of the PDMS sensing phase, and measurements were made in a closed reactor with constant stirring. Equilibrium states were obtained after 90, 180, 360, and 405 mm for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene, respectively. The PDMS sensing phase showed a reversible response, presenting linear response ranges up to 360,290, 100, and 80 mg L-1, with detection limits of 8.0, 7.0,2.6, and 3.0 mg L-1 for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene, respectively. Reference spectra obtained with different rods showed a relative standard deviation of 0.5%, indicating repeatability in the sensing phase preparation. A relative standard deviation of 6.7% was obtained for measurements performed with six different rods, using a 52 mg L-1 toluene aqueous solution. The sensing phase was evaluated for identification of sources of contamination of water in simulated studies, employing Brazilian gasoline type A (without ethanol), gasoline type C (with 25% of anhydrous ethanol), and diesel fuel. Principal component analysis was able to classify the water in distinct groups, contaminated by gasoline A, gasoline C, or diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ATR-FTIR spectroscopy detects forgeries by analyzing paper aging. • SIMCA models classify paper samples by their age. • Chemometric models distinguish between artificial and natural aging. • Artificially aged paper with UV radiation closely resembles naturally aged samples. One of the great challenges of document analysis is determining document forgeries. The present work proposes a non-destructive approach to discriminate natural and artificially aged papers using infrared spectroscopy and soft independent modeling by class analogy (SIMCA) algorithms. This is of particular interest in cases of document falsifications made by artificial aging, for this study, SIMCA, and Data-Driven SIMCA (DD-SIMCA) classification models were built using naturally aged paper samples, taken from three time periods: 1st period from 1998 to 2003; 2nd period from 2004 to 2009; and 3rd period from 2010 to 2015. Artificially aged samples (exposed to high temperature or UV radiation) were used as test sets. Promising results in detecting document falsifications related to aging were obtained. Samples artificially aged at high temperature were correctly discriminated from the authentic samples (naturally aged) with 100% accuracy. In contrast, the samples under the photodegradation process showed a lower classification performance, with results above 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DIARRHEAL COMPONENT (IBS-D/M) A novel second-generation blood test quantifies anti-vinculin and anti-CdtB biomarkers to rule-in a diagnosis of IBS-D/M. This study seeks to estimate the economic impact associated with the second-generation blood test compared to the standard exclusionary approach for diagnosing IBS-D/M. Methods A cost-minimization decision tree was constructed in TreeAge Pro 2019. The budget impact model determined savings of $0.52 per-member-per-month when 50% of patients with possible IBS-D/M take the second-generation blood test. Conclusions This model demonstrates potential savings of $253 - $1446 per patient for the second-generation blood test compared to exclusionary diagnosis of IBS-D/M by reducing the need for expensive diagnostic procedures, with annual aggregate plan savings of $6.2M possible when 50% of potential IBS-D/M patients utilize the second-generation blood test. [Extracted from the article]

The effects of parameters such as concentration of water, ammonia, ethanol and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) on the size of silica nanoparticles synthesised according to the Stöber method have been evaluated according to a multivariate approach. A 24 factorial design was employed in order to evaluate the magnitude of the effects and their interactions on the average size of nanoparticles, aimed at explaining the controversial results described in the literature. Silica spheres ranging from 9 to 800 nm, depending on the experimental conditions, were obtained. Univariate and multivariate studies indicated that ammonia, water and TEOS showed significant effects on the size of the nanoparticles, which, on average, increases as the concentrations of these reagents increase. The Pareto chart indicates that all reagents present significant mean interaction effects at 95% of confidence. The strategy employed in the present work allowed to conclude that effect of each variable on particle size depends on the levels of other ones, that is, a given reagent can affect positively or negatively the particle size, depending on the synthesis conditions. Therefore, the effect of each variable on the particle size found in the present work as well as those already described in the literature must be taken with caution because their values depends on the concentration ranges under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the potential role of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in irritable bowel syndrome in the 2008 issue.

To maintain internal balance is a complex process that requires the activation of neuroendocrine mechanisms that allows organisms to conserve the systemic, tissular and cellular homeostasis. One of the most important pathways of the immune regulation in gut is through the Acetylcholine (ACh) release, which not only modules inflammation by suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway); but also modulates IgA secretion by muscarinic receptors, in accordance with studies made in small and large intestine. As the last response has been poorly studied in animal models, we made a truncal vagotomy in BALB/c mice in order to know if vagus nerve module the IgA secretion. Twenty male mice underwent sham or sub-diaphragmatic truncal vagotomy, on 14th postoperative day were collected plasma, lymphocytes of Peyer’s patches and lamina propria and intestinal fluid in order to determine total secretory IgA by ELISA, plasmatic cells IgA+ and intracellular cytokines (TGF-b, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10) by flow cytometry. The vagotomy group showed a decrease in levels of SIgA in intestinal fluid and TGF-b, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10 compared with SHAM group. Moreover, further studies are needed to clarify whether the changes in small intestine IgA and cytokine levels are induced by vagotomy directly or produced by some other indirect effects. This work was supported by SIP-COFAA-IPN . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors comment on the criticisms about the tolerability and safety of rifaximin as treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the U.S. The authors appreciated the comments but disagree with some of the criticisms. Moreover, they stated the absence of difference regarding the tolerability and safety of rifaximin irrespective of doses.

Aim Endoanal ultrasound (EAUS) is the gold standard for detecting anal sphincter defects in patients with faecal incontinence (FI), while anorectal manometry evaluates sphincter function. Three-dimensional high-resolution anorectal manometry (3D HRAM) is a newer modality with the potential to assess both sphincter function and anatomy. The purpose of the present study was to compare 3D HRAM with 3D EAUS for the detection of anal sphincter defects in patients with FI. Method A linkage analysis was performed between the 3D HRAM and 3D EAUS databases of a tertiary referral centre to identify patients with FI who underwent both 3D EAUS and 3D HRAM. With 3D HRAM, a defect was defined as any pressure measurement below 25 mmHg at rest with at least 18° of continuous expansion. The 3D HRAM findings were compared with those of 3D EAUS. Results The study cohort included 39 patients with a mean age of 64.7 ± 15.2 years (SD); and 31 (79%) were female. Eight (21%) patients had an anal sphincter defect on EAUS with a median size of 93° (range 40°-136°). Fourteen (36%) had a defect shown by 3D HRAM with a median size of 144° (36°-180°). The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 3D HRAM in detecting a sphincter defect were 75%, 74%, 43% and 92%, respectively. Conclusion With a negative predictive value of 92%, 3D HRAM may be a useful screening method for ruling out a sphincter defect in patients with FI, thereby avoiding both EAUS and manometry in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic solid waste (PSW) presents challenges and opportunities to society regardless of their sustainability awareness and technological advances. A special emphasis is paid on waste generated from polyolefin sources, which makes up a great percentage of our daily commodities' plastic products. In Mexico 7.6 millions of tons of plastic in 2012 were wasted, which low density polyethylene LDPE, and high density polyethylene HDPE were the most abundant. Increasing cost, and decreasing space of landfills are forcing considerations of alternative options for PSW disposal. Years of research, study and testing have resulted in a number of treatment, recycling and recovery methods for plastics that can be economically, and environmentally viable. The following work studies the possibilities of polyethylene recycling. Nowadays, non-catalytic thermal cracking (Pyrolysis) is receiving renewed attention, due to the fact of added value on a crude oil barrel and its very valuable yielded products, but a fact remains that advanced thermo-chemical recycling of polyolefin still lacks the proper design, and kinetic background to target certain desired products and/or chemicals. On the other hand some research have shown a good performance that can be used in a real plant. ASPEN Plus is used to simulate a non-catalytic thermal cracking process. The process behavior of simulation is similar to the experimental data from other authors. Using gibbs free energy to identify the chemical equilibrium in system, its global minimization allows identifying the amount of substances present in the process. The simulation results demonstrate that it could be produced 49% and 34% wt of ethylene and propylene respectively from gas yield at 850 °C. Then scale the plant to produce ethylene and propylene from the pyrolysis and ethanol from a direct hydration of ethylene. Aspen Process Economics Analyzer is used in order to find the feasibility of the pyrolysis and ethanol production. The total sales/total production cost ratio obtained for the integrated process approaches was 2.55. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines newborns with haemophilia due to mode of delivery and perinatal complications. The study conducted an analysis of mother's records and child's records from five centres of the Andalusian region. Results indicate incidence of head bleeding (ICH and ECH) in vaginal deliveries in neonates with haemophilia, particularly those assisted with vacuum or forceps.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis ( CL) is an important public health issue worldwide. The control of Leishmania infection depends on cellular immune mechanisms, and the inflammatory response may contribute to pathogenesis. A beneficial role of CD8+ T lymphocytes has been proposed; nevertheless, other studies suggest a cytotoxic role of CD8+ T lymphocytes involved in tissue damage, showing controversial role of these cells. The goal of the current study was to understand the immunopathology of CL and determine the profile of cytotoxic cells - such as CD4+ T, natural killer and natural killer T cells - that might be involved in triggering immunological mechanisms, and may lead to cure or disease progression. The frequencies of cytotoxic cell populations in peripheral blood, obtained from patients with active disease, during treatment and after clinical healing, were assessed by flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity could not be related to a deleterious role in Leishmania braziliensis infection, as patients with active CL showed similar percentages of degranulation to healthy individuals (HI). Cured patients exhibited a lower percentage of degranulating cells, which may be due to a downregulation of the immune response. The understanding of the immunopathological mechanisms involved in CL and the commitment of cytotoxic cells enables improvements in therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work describes the use of a silicone sensing phase for the detection of aromatic hydrocarbons in water employing near infrared spectroscopy and the exploitation of the salting-out effect as a means of improving the limits of detection of the method. Sensing phases of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were prepared from Silastic T2 (Dow Corning). Determinations were carried out by immersing a disk in a flask containing an aqueous solution of aromatic hydrocarbon (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and the xylenes, commonly called BTEX) and left under constant stirring. Afterwards, the disk was removed from the contaminated water, dried and placed in a home-made holder for absorbance measurements from 800 to 2500nm, employing an MB 160 Bomem spectrophotometer. By employing a 2.0-mm height disk, measurements performed in water provided detection limits (3s blank/sensitivity) of 1.1, 1.8, 1.1 and 1.1mgL−1 for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, respectively, while LOD values of 0.6, 0.7, 0.6 and 0.7mgL−1 were obtained when sample solutions contained 2.0molL−1 sodium chloride. Detection limits of 0.080, 0.12, 0.14 and 0.27mgL−1 were obtained with the use of a 5.0-mm height disk and 2.0molL−1 sodium chloride. Sodium chloride improves the limits of detection due to its salting out effect; however, headspace in the flask must be avoided during measurements, as the hydrocarbons are preferentially lost to the air. The precision of the proposed method was evaluated by constructing three analytical curves for toluene, providing average slopes and linear coefficients with relative standard deviations of 5.8 and 3.8%, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A flow-batch manifold coupled to a flame atomic absorption spectrometer was evaluated to assess the iron content by the internal standard method in hydrated ethanol used as fuel in automotive industry. For this assessment official methods require calibration procedures with matrix matching, making it difficult to obtain accurate results for samples adulterated by the addition of water. Nickel was selected as the internal standard since it is usually absent in samples and because it requires similar conditions of atomization. After procedure optimization, which requires about 4.25mL of sample and standard per measurement, it was possible to get linear analytical response for iron concentrations between 0.12 and 1.40mgL−1 and a detection limit of 0.04mgL−1. Eighteen samples were collected randomly from fuel stations in Pernambuco (Brazil) and iron concentration was determined using the proposed procedure. Comparison of results obtained (0.20–1.50mgL−1) showed a mean standard error of 3.9%, with 3.8% and 2.3% calculated for the mean variation coefficients of the proposed method and the reference procedure, respectively. For adulterated samples (0.12–0.64mgL−1), the mean standard error was 4.8% when compared with the standard addition method. These results allowed concluding that the proposed procedure is adequate to accomplish the determination of iron in ethanol fuel in a large scale basis with a sampling rate of about 10h−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Obesity is recognized as "the great epidemic" of the 21st century. The first treatments were focused on medical management, failing to achieve the expected results, which is why bariatric surgery (BC) emerges as the best alternative. Obesity was initially conceived as a power figure in the Egyptian empire, later as a disease by Galen and Hippocrates, later reappearing as a symbol of fertility in Europe. The first techniques were the jejuno-colonic bypass by Payne and De Wind, later modified by Scopinaro, to finally consolidate as the current bypass by Mason, Wittgrove and Higa. For its part, sleeve gastrectomy was conceived by Gagner as a bridge for biliopancreatic diversion, but given its excellent results, it is consolidated as a technique by itself. In turn, BC shows unexpected metabolic effects, currently positioning itself as the best treatment for both obesity and metabolic syndrome. In Chile, BC started in 1986 with González at the Van Buren Hospital with his experience in jejuno-ileal bypass, continuing with Awad and Loehnert at the San Juan de Dios Hospital. Later, it was consolidated with the development of modern BC both at the Catholic University and at the University of Chile, currently becoming a widely disseminated procedure throughout the country. The main objective of the following review is to analyze the concept of obesity in history and the evolution of BC in Chile and the world, recalling its beginnings and highlighting its continuous development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A female Poodle dog showing an extensive area of a contaminated cutaneous wound on the cranio-lateral surface of the right arm was take care in a veterinary clinic on Maceio city. The injury was washed and then a clinical protocol of treatment was used with the buffering of a 0,5% Sodium Hypochlorite solution to promote antisepsis and improve the removal of necrotical debris and crusts. The treatment was conduced for twenty days and was observed the complete recover of the animal skin at the end of it. On this work the use of Hypochlorite can be considered an alternative treatment method for contaminated cutaneous wound by its efficient action, low costs and easy application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the reference ranges for clinical and biochemical parameters in different species and the influence of race and age on them is a fundamental tool for the veterinarian. In this sense, the aim of this study was to describe the clinical and biochemical parameters of newborn Pegasus donkeys. Thus, 10 newborn donkeys at birth (M0), 7 days of life (M1), 14 days (M2), 21 days (M3), 28 days (M4) and 35 days (M5) were evaluated, in addition to the determination of concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and albumin (ALB). Regarding the clinical examination, statistical differences were observed in the values of respiratory rate (RR, mpm) and rectal temperature (ToC), which changed in the studied neonates. Among the biochemical analyses, the AST values showed statistical significance, with values higher than those described in the consulted literature. Although there is great inter-individual variation for some parameters, this study demonstrated that interval references should be directed not only to different species, but also to specific races and the neonatal period, this being the first study to describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of newborns of the Pega race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of electrostatic discharge on n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors using the thermoreflectance microscopy. The gate terminals of the transistors were submitted to electrostatic pulses on a zap system that respects the human body model. The pulse intensity varied from 40 to 140 V in a cumulative sequence. Electrical characterization showed that the transistor threshold voltage was no longer positive for pulses of 110 V and higher. No significant changes in the thermoreflectance maps were observed in these cases. For pulses of 140 V a large leakage current appeared, and the thermoreflectance maps revealed strong peaks (localized spot) associated with the induced damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective. Tangential debridement and autograft have been the gold standard surgical treatment of deep burns. Nowadays, the availability of non surgical enzymatic debridement techniques, such as Nexobrid® has introduced a new concept in the treatment of burn patients, allowing an increase in the selectivity for the scar removal leading to the preservation of healthy dermis, reducing scarring, improving cosmetic outcome, and even more, minimizing aggression to the patient. Prontosan® Wound Gel is a hydrogel with antibacterial properties that can be used to keep wound bed moist, without interfering epithelialization. We present our experience with these combined products in deep dermal and/or subdermal burns affecting face, upper and lower extremities, perineal and trunk. Methods. All patients with deep dermal and/or subdermal burns treated with Nexobrid ® in our Burn Unit between December 2015 and February 2017 were included. Enzymatic debridement was performed within the first 24 hours, applied up to 15% of body surface. After that, Prontosan® was applied and Varihesive® was used as a sealed dressing. Whenever grafting was necessary, it was performed in operating room adding split thickness grafts. Variables collected were: age, sex, agent, extension, location and depth of the burn, period of hospitalization, location, extension and depth of the burn in the area where Nexobrid ® was applied, efficacy of enzymatic debridement, needing for surgical debridement, needing of grafting, time to epithelialization and complications. Results. Seventeen patients with 3 to 55% burn body surface were included. Initial enzymatic debridement was complete in all patients. Only 5 patients needed split thickness grafting. Complete epithelialization was achieved on an average of 15 days. Histopathology studies were performed on 3 patients. Histopathology findings correlated to the clinical efficacy of the debridement in 1 out of the 3 cases, and to the clinical diagnosis of the burn in the 3 cases. After 7 months follow up, no patients required surgery for correction of sequelae. Conclusions. In our preliminary experience, combines use of Nexobrid® and Prontosan ®Wound Gel seems a feasible alternative in the treatment of facial, upper and lower extremities and trunk burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Achalasia is the most common primary motor disorder of the esophagus. The current standard of treatment is laparoscopic Heller's myotomy. Recently the development of advanced endoscopic techniques has allowed the positioning of the POEM (per-oral endoscopic myotomy) technique as a new therapeutic alternative with promising results. Objective: To present our clinical experience in POEM, with description of the technique used, peri-operative results and short-term follow-up in the development of this therapeutic alternative. Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of data obtained prospectively from 15 patients undergoing POEM in three clinical centers in our country. Preoperative demographic variables, intraoperative detail, and operative morbidity and mortality were collected. Clinical follow-up was performed with controls recording Eckardt score and presence of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Results: Between August 2015 and November 2016, 15 POEM were performed, six of these patients were women, average age was 49 years. The average operative time was 110 min, we did not have any perioperative morbimortality. Hospital stay was 2.8 days. Follow-up was between 1 and 15 months, Eckardt's preoperative and postoperative score was on average 10.5 and 0.4 points, respectively. Three patients had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms at the time of follow-up. Conclusion: Our results support the effectiveness and security of POEM in short-term follow up. Further monitoring is required to determine the definitive role of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Observational studies show a strong association between delayed intestinal transit and the production of methane. Experimental data suggest a direct inhibitory activity of methane on the colonic and ileal smooth muscle and a possible role for methane as a gasotransmitter. Archaea are the only confirmed biological sources of methane in nature and Methanobrevibacter smithii is the predominant methanogen in the human intestine. Aim To review the biosynthesis and composition of archaeal cell membranes, archaeal methanogenesis and the mechanism of action of statins in this context. Methods Narrative review of the literature. Results Statins can inhibit archaeal cell membrane biosynthesis without affecting bacterial numbers as demonstrated in livestock and humans. This opens the possibility of a therapeutic intervention that targets a specific aetiological factor of constipation while protecting the intestinal microbiome. While it is generally believed that statins inhibit methane production via their effect on cell membrane biosynthesis, mediated by inhibition of the HMGCoA reductase, there is accumulating evidence for an alternative or additional mechanism of action where statins inhibit methanogenesis directly. It appears that this other mechanism may predominate when the lactone form of statins, particularly lovastatin lactone, is administered. Conclusions Clinical development appears promising. A phase 2 clinical trial is currently in progress that evaluates the effect of lovastatin lactone on methanogenesis and symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. The review concludes with an outlook for the future and subsequent work that needs to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information about pilomatricoma. A 53-year-old man with history of oral pemphigus and receiving azathioprine and prednisone treatment presented with an asymptomatic, erythematous papule on the retroauricular area, which had developed over the past 3 years. Pilomatricoma may appear at any age with a double peak incidence in the first two decades and the sixth decade. In the patient the presentation age coincided with the second peak of incidence but the clinical aspect was unusual. Clinical differential diagnosis of lymphangiectatic pilomatricoma might be performed with basocellular carcinoma, dermatofibroma, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and other vascular lesions.

This work evaluates the feasibility of using NIR spectroscopy for quantification of three polymorphs of mebendazole (MBZ) in pharmaceutical raw materials. Thirty ternary mixtures of polymorphic forms of MBZ were prepared, varying the content of forms A and C from 0 to 100% (w/w), and for form B from 0 to 30% (w/w). Reflectance NIR spectra were used to develop partial least square (PLS) regression models using all spectral variables and the variables with significant regression coefficients selected by the Jack-Knife algorithm (PLS/JK). MBZ polymorphs were quantified with RMSEP values of 2.37% w/w, 1.23% w/w and 1.48% w/w for polymorphs A, B and C, respectively. This is an easy, fast and feasible method for monitoring the quality of raw pharmaceutical materials of MBZ according to polymorph purity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perforated marginal ulcer is a serious event that usually requires reoperation and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Characterization and management of these patients is still debated. Objective: To describe a series of patients subjected to a laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) that evolved with a perforated marginal ulcer. Material and Methods: Records of patients undergoing a LGBP the last 10 years and evolved with a perforated marginal ulcer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features, treatment and perioperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Results: During this period 2,095 patients were subjected to a LGBP, 12 of them presented a perforated marginal ulcer, corresponding to 10 women and 2 men. Mean age was 39 (21-60) and mean body mass index at the time of initial surgery was 34 (29.3 to 38.6). Ten patients were smoker at the moment of perforation. The occurrence of this happened at a mean of 27 months (range 3-54, median 23.5) after surgery. Eleven cases had a surgical resolution, with a laparoscopic approach in 9 of them and laparotomy on 2. In all cases, a perforated ulcer in the jejunal side of the gastrojejunal anastomosis was found. There was no mortality or morbidity associated with surgery. Conclusions: In our experience the occurrence of perforated marginal ulcer after a LGBP develops in a small percentage of patients. The laparoscopic approach is of choice, presenting a low morbidity and mortality. Smoking was present in most patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clinical trial design is challenging in irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS) due in part to a high placebo effect. We postulated that the mere presence of an adverse event ( AE) may unmask patients in clinical trials who are assigned to the active agent, and this may lead to higher reported efficacy. Methods We evaluated therapies receiving at least a Grade 1B from the American College of Gastroenterology Task Force for IBS or which passed recent phase III clinical trials. Therapies with AE data derived from less than 50 patients in each study arm were excluded. Statistically significant excess AE were identified, risk difference was calculated for each AE, and incidence of AE in the treatment arm was reported. We examined the relationship of attributable drug benefit, defined as the reciprocal of number-needed-to-treat found in literature, with various measures of AE incidence. Key Results Attributable drug benefit correlated significantly with average AE risk difference, calculated as treatment arm AE incidence minus placebo arm AE incidence (R2 = 0.70, p = 0.039), and also with highest treatment arm AE incidence (R2 = 0.70, p = 0.038) for each therapy. There were also trends toward correlation with average treatment arm AE incidence (R2 = 0.54, p = 0.096) and highest AE risk difference (R2 = 0.63, p = 0.059) for each therapy. Conclusions & Inferences Our study suggests that higher AE incidence on active therapy is associated with more beneficial patient-reported outcomes in IBS clinical trials. This raises the issue of spontaneous unblinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achalasia is the most common primary motor esophageal disturbance. The most recommended surgical treatment is laparoscopic surgical myotomy. In the last years a new endoscopic technique, called Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy, was developed for the treatment of the disease. Approximately 1.000 patients have been treated using this technique with good results and a low rate of complications. The five critical steps of the technique are elevation of esophageal mucosa, mucosal incision, creation of a submucosal tunnel, myotomy of internal circular muscular fibers of the esophageal wall, extending it to the stomach and closure of the mucosal wound. This article reports the technique and the implementation of an ex vivo swine training model to learn the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The propulsion of most of the operating satellites comprises monopropellant (hydrazine--NH) or bipropellant (monometilydrazine-MMH and nitrogen tetroxide) chemical systems. When some sample of the propellant tested fails, the entire sample lot shall be rejected, and this action has turned into a health problem due to the high toxicity of NH. Thus, it is interesting to know hydrazine thermal behavior in several storage conditions. The kinetic parameters for thermal decomposition of hydrazine in oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres were determined by Capela-Ribeiro nonlinear isoconversional method. From TG data at heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C min, kinetic parameters could be determined in nitrogen ( E = 47.3 ± 3.1 kJ mol, ln A = 14.2 ± 0.9 and T = 69 °C) and oxygen ( E = 64.9 ± 8.6 kJ mol, ln A = 20.7 ± 3.1 and T = 75 °C) atmospheres. It was not possible to identify a specific kinetic model for hydrazine thermal decomposition due to high heterogeneity in reaction; however, experimental f( α) g( α) master-plot curves were closed to F model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatolithiasis or intrahepatic lithiasis is defined as the presence of stones in the biliary ducts proximal to the biliary confluence. The pathogenesis can be primary or secondary, according to the anatomical site were stones are formed. The physiopathologies of primary and secondary hepatolithiasis differ. We have recently reported the results of hepatectomy for the treatment of hepatolithiasis. We have found a significant association between the history of cholecystectomy and the presence of stones in the posterior segments of the right liver lobe. We have also observed a weak association between hepatolithiasis and congenital cystic diseases of the intrahepatic bile ducts (Caroli disease). We herein review concepts and definitions of hepatolithiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and post infectious irritable bowel syndrome ( PI- IBS). Unanswered questions include the role of cytokines, effects on gut flora, and why IBS is not more prevalent in countries with higher gastroenteritis rates. Therefore, we determined the effects of early and repeat C. jejuni infections on post infectious phenotypes, gut flora, and cytokine levels in a rat model of functional bowel and microbial changes. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with 108 cfu C. jejuni as juveniles and again as adults (J+/A+), as adults only (J-/A+), or vehicle (controls). Stool consistency during acute colonization, post infectious stool wet weight, total bacteria and Methanobrevibacter smithii levels in bowel segments, and ileal cytokines were evaluated. Key Results C. jejuni colonization was longer for first exposures as juveniles (43.4 ± 1.7 days) vs. adults (30.4 ± 3.5 days) (P < 0.01) and shortest for second exposures (10.5 ± 1.7 days, P < 0.05). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( SIBO) was more prevalent in J+/A+ (47%) than J-/A+ rats (26%) (P = 0.019), but J-/A+ rats had greater stool consistency alterations (P < 0.01). Ileal β-defensin 2, TLR-4, IL-8, and β-defensin 6 levels were increased in J-/A+ rats and further increased in J+/A+ rats; TNF-α was highest and IL6 lowest in J-/A+ rats. Total bacteria increased, and M. smithii decreased, with successive infections. Conclusions & Inferences We conclude that C. jejuni infection results in long-term alterations in small bowel flora, including methanogens. Mucosal defense mediators appear related to the number of infections, but not to SIBO development or the development of functional bowel phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer is the leading cause of mortality in Chile and the survival rates are in direct relation with the stage of the disease. Early gastric cancer is defined as that confined to the mucosa or submucosa, regardless of the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastases and it is characterized for its great prognosis, with a survival rate of more than 90% at ten years of follow up. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a technique described and developed in Japan that allows the endoscopic complete en-bloc resection of lesions of more than 2 cm with tumor cell-negative margins. Method: Databases (Pubmed, EBSCO, Cochrane) were reviewed under the terms "gastric cancer", "early gastric cancer", "endoscopic submucosal dissection". Results: The results of published series demonstrate survival rates comparable to standard surgery with less morbidity and without mortality. The present revision describes the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique in early gastric cancer, its indications, the results, the analysis of the resected pieces, the complications and the follow up of the patients. Conclusion: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a feasible technique, with excellent oncologic results and low morbidity in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Whole-rock geochemistry, combined with Sr–Nd isotopic composition of pelitic sedimentary rocks, have been considered to be useful parameters to estimate not only their provenance but also to make inferences about their depositional environment as well as the weathering processes they have been through. The basal sedimentary units of the basins of the northeastern Brazilian continental margin, particularly those of the pre-rift sequence, have been subject of interest of studies based on chemical and isotopic data, since they lack fossil content to establish their age and, therefore, stratigraphic correlations are difficult. The major and trace element contents as well as Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of whole-rock shale samples from five outcrops attributed to the pre-rift supersequence of the Camamu Basin were analyzed with the purpose of characterizing and obtaining further information that would allow a better correlation between the sites studied. The geochemical data suggest that the rocks exposed in the studied outcrops are part of the same sedimentary unit and that they might be correlated to the Capianga Member of the Aliança Formation of the Recôncavo Basin, exposed to the north of the Camamu Basin. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) suggests conditions associated with a humid tropical/subtropical climate at the time of deposition. Nd isotopic compositions indicate provenance from the Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Sao Francisco craton. The results presented here, therefore, show that the combined use of chemical and isotopic analyses may be of great interest to characterize and correlate lithologically homogeneous clastic sedimentary sequences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background In the absence of a clear biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), clinical criteria are used. In this study, we conduct a systematic review to examine the validation and utilization of IBS criteria. Methods A systematic review was performed in two stages. The first was a review of literature from 1978 validating IBS diagnostic criteria. The second stage of review was to select studies published in IBS between 1992 and 2011. This time period was divided into three segments (Rome I era from 1992 to 1999, Rome II era from 2000 to 2006, and Rome III era from 2007 to 2011). The number and type of study (RCT or other) and criteria used were evaluated for each era. Key Results The first stage of the systematic review identified only 14 published studies validating diagnostic tests for IBS (with three studies evaluating more than one criterion). There were eight validations for Manning, three validations for Kruis, four validations for Rome I, three validations for Rome II, and no validation for Rome III. In the second review of utilization of Rome criteria, only 25.7% of published IBS papers used Rome III criteria during the Rome III era (Rome II was used most in 64.8% of studies). Conclusions & Inferences This review identified that comparator groups varied widely between studies making comparison of criteria impossible. Manning criteria are the most valid and accurate criteria. More importantly, Rome III is not validated and is poorly adopted in clinical research trial enrollment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]