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Background: During COVID-19 and reported prevalence of self-medication practices dup to 88.35 % of the overall population which included mainly acetaminophen, antibiotics, chloroquine and ivermectin. Pointless prophylaxis, prevention and treatment protocols for COVID-19 pushed people to adopt self-medication and more concerning, self-dosing without prescription. The present study was designed to detect the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 treatment protocols (ivermectin) followed by the administration of lactoferrin on biochemical as well as haematological parameters in experimental Albino rats. Material and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were carried out in the present study; rats were randomly assigned to different control and treatment groups. The experimental groups in common were divided into three groups (Each group have10 rats) as the following: Group I: Rats received saline solution orally); Group II: Rats Ivermectin intraperitoneal (ip) at (15 mg/kg B.W) at a single dose weekly for 6 weeks; Group III: Rats administrated to Ivermectin intraperitoneal (ip) at (15 mg/kg B.W) followed by treatment of Lactoferrin per orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected under diethyl ether anaesthesia for further determination of hematological and biochemical parameters. Results: Following the present results, the administration of therapeutic ivermectin produced alterations in some biochemical parameters which correlated with hematological parameters in the positive untreated group as compared to the normal control group. In contrast, a group of rats administrated lactoferrin caused a reduction in urea, and creatinine levels in the positive treated group in comparison to the positive untreated group. Consequently, it could be concluded that it is not preferable to use ivermectin, particularly without any recommendation or evidence of parasitic exposure while lactoferrin need to be used for prophylaxes prior to oral intake in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weathering and environmental factors to which components are exposed during their useful life can promote damage and, consequently, premature failure in service. Thus, through the morphological analysis of fracture surfaces, it is possible to identify the failure modes and the main fractographic aspects present on the fracture surface. From these data, it is possible to increase the knowledge of the behavior of the material in service or even to have information for preventive corrections in the processing and use of material. Fractographic studies of carbon fiber (CF)/thermoplastic matrix composites are still little explored in the literature and can bring important contributions to understanding the failure mode of this class of materials. The objective of this work is to study the fractographic aspects of CF/polyamide 6 (PA6) composite exposed to two different conditionings, that is, distilled water at 80 ºC and saline solution, tested in tensile. Scanning electron microscopy analyses showed that the CF/PA6 laminate has a good consolidation and an excellent CF/matrix interface. Plastic deformations and fiber bridging are present in the fracture surface of the unconditioned specimens. However, after conditioning in distilled water at 80 ºC, the matrix became more fragile and the interface weaker. The conditioning in saline solution was less aggressive due to the salt effect that decreased the water migration into the specimens. The fractographic study performed shows in detail the influence of environmental deterioration using accelerated weathering on the fracture surface of thermoplastic laminates tested in tensile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type of gynecological tumor, presenting poor prognosis at diagnosis and with recurrences being frequently observed. Reactive species generated by physical plasma and transferred into liquids have shown promising results in cancer therapy. Recently, Ringer's lactate solution was exposed to plasma showing selective anticancer activity on EOC cells. In this work, we compared the effect of plasma treatment, using the kINPen plasma jet, on Ringer's saline and Ringer's lactate solution. These two plasma‐treated liquids were analyzed chemically by quantifying reactive species and the extent of lactate oxidation. The biological efficiency of the plasma‐treated liquids was explored in EOC cells. The results show that lactate is affected by plasma treatment, displaying a reduction of cytotoxic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water, energy, and minerals are fundamental pillars for the future of humankind. Sustainable and renewable productive processes and resources are the only possibility to face the continuously growing global population and high living standards requirements. The present work introduces a proof of concept for the pilot scale production of magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2, from waste saltworks bitterns located in the district of Trapani, Italy. Mg(OH)2 was produced by adopting a proprietary "Magnesium Crystals Granulometry Controlled Reactor", Mg-CGCR. The influence of several parameters was investigated on Mg(OH)2 suspensions and powders characteristics: (i) the bittern flow rate, (ii) alkaline sodium hydroxide, NaOH, concentrations solutions (adopted as the precipitant agent) and (iii) the final suspension pH value (stoichiometric or OH- excess amounts). A Mg2+ recovery >99 % can be achieved thanks to the adoption of a product recycling strategy in the reactor. Furthermore, highly pure Mg(OH)2 powders, addressed by cationic purity, were synthesized. Results demonstrate the possibility of producing highly pure Mg(OH)2 products from waste-concentrated saline solutions, thus turning waste into valuable compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination polymer (CP)-type adsorbents impregnated with ionic liquids that are used to remove phenol from wastewater must be regenerated. A simple washing of the adsorbent releases about 70% from the spent adsorbent. In order to increase and study the phenol release, an electrochemical method was used. For this purpose, an electrochemical commercial graphite electrode was used as the working electrode, and the electrolyte support was a 3% NaCl solution. During the electrochemical investigation, the spent CP was immersed in a saline solution. The PH content in the electrolyte affected the direct electrooxidation (EO); the formation of BQ appeared to be accelerated by a lower concentration and a slower release of PH. After 90 min, an efficiency of PH electrooxidation (EOPH) of 36.22% from Cu-PA and EOPH of 42.14% from Cu-PA-IL, respectively, was achieved. These results were significantly higher than the EOPH of the solution resulting from washing the wasted adsorbent with a saline solution (22.58%). This work highlights the potential for the simultaneous electrooxidation of desorbed PH and the recovery of spent adsorbent in this situation. The number of cycles in which the adsorbent can be used without losing its absorbance ability is three. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the operational challenges regarding the use of bentonite pellets as sealing materials in the abandonment of offshore fields consists of their placement inside the well. This study aimed to analyze the interaction of fluid media, consisting of saline solutions (NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl) and organic compounds (diesel, glycerin and olefin), with bentonite pellets, for their applications as displacement fluids in offshore oil well abandonment operations. The physical integrity of the bentonite pellets in contact with the fluids was verified through visual inspections and dispersibility tests. Linear swelling tests were also performed to evaluate the swelling potentials of the pellets in deionized water after their contact with the fluid media. The results indicated that the NaCl, CaCl2 and KCl solutions completely compromised the physical integrity of the pellets, while diesel and olefin showed the best responses regarding the structural preservation. Furthermore, the linear swelling tests showed that, even after the contact with diesel and olefin for 1 h, the bentonite pellets reached a total swelling of 78% in water after 24 h. In this way, diesel and olefin proved to be highly promising alternatives to be used as displacement fluids for bentonite pellets in wells that will be abandoned in a submarine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of different irrigation protocols on debris extrusion. Single‐rooted teeth were distributed into groups based on the irrigation protocols (n = 40): 2.5% NaOCl (biomechanical preparation: 20 mL and final irrigation: 5 mL); 2.5% NaOCl (biomechanical preparation: 20 mL) + 17% EDTA (final irrigation: 2 mL) + 2.5% NaOCl (final irrigation: 3 mL); and a mixture of 5% NaOCl +18% HEDP (biomechanical preparation: 20 mL and final irrigation: 5 mL). The canals were prepared using a reciprocating instrument size 40/0.06. For final irrigation, the groups were reassigned based on the agitation methods (n = 10): (a) no agitation; (b) ultrasonic; (c) sonic; and (d) continuous rotation. The control group (n = 10) received saline solution without agitation. The amount of debris extruded was measured by weight and analysed using One‐way ANOVA (α < 0.05). The subgroups treated with NaOCl + HEDP mixture showed a significantly higher amount of extruded debris (p < 0.05), while there was no difference among agitation methods in all groups (p > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to investigate a potential preventive effect of phycocyanin extract from Spirulina platensis against ethanol- induced hepatorenal toxicity and cognitive behavior impairment in male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly and equally divided into four groups (six animals each): control group received saline solution, ethanol (EtOH) group was injected intraperitoneally with 1 ml/kg of ethanol solution 38% (w/v), phycocyanin groups were treated with 25 (PC1) or 50 (PC2) mg/kg phycocyanin extract followed by ethanol administration. All treatments were conducted for 14 successive days. Results revealed that ethanol induced oxidative stress in brain, liver, and kidney by increasing lipid peroxidation level and SOD and CAT activities. Serum biochemical perturbations were also observed in EtOH group, which was indicated by a significant elevation in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea levels. Combined exposure to EtOH with phytocyanin contracted these biochemical alterations. Phycocyanin decreased also EtOH-induced anxiety and ameliorated exploratory behavior assessed by the elevated-plus maze and open field tests respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new low-toxicity nanocontainer is proposed to functionalize an epoxy coating. The nanocontainer is made up of 1) a hierarchical mesoporous structure of ZnO, 2) the Mimosa tenuiflora [Mt] extract, and 3) a tannic acid-iron complex (Fe-TA). The performance of the modified coating with ZnO/[Mt]@Fe-TA nanocontainers sprayed on low-carbon steel in a saline solution of NaCl (3.5%) is evaluated. The characterization of the hierarchical mesoporous structure of ZnO includes the specific surface area and adsorption/desorption isotherms obtained by BET method. Likewise, the chemical composition of the extract of the [Mt] bark is determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and 13 C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The nanocontainers are characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electronic Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The performance of the coating added with ZnO/[Mt]@Fe-TA nanocontainers is carried out by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The results exhibit that although ionic permeability occurs in the coating, the ZnO/[Mt]@Fe-TA nanocontainers are responsible for the formation of an oxide layer that mitigates the degradation of the coating. In addition, the electrochemical parameters show oscillations throughout the entire exposure time, suggesting that ZnO/[Mt]@Fe-TA nanocontainers could be potential pigments for a self-healing coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Acute subdural hematoma (ASH) is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the elderly. As military neurosurgeons, we perform a simplified technique using a linear skin incision and a small craniotomy bone flap in order to ease perioperative tolerance. Methods: The patient lies supine, a pad under the shoulder ipsilateral to the ASH, the head completely rotated on the other side and placed on a circular pad, without head clamp. The linear frontotemporal skin incision should be twice the size of the bone flap's diameter, allowing to access the whole subdural space. Care is taken to obtain complete decompression of the temporal fossa in order to alleviate uncal herniation. A subdural drain can be placed, and the subdural space is filled with warm saline solution in order to create a closed drainage system. Conclusion: The patient is allowed to sit at postoperative day 1 and to walk at postoperative day 2. Simplified craniotomy for ASH allows to reduce operative time and provides faster functional recovery [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sore throat is a common complication after general anesthesia. Oral care solutions have been used to reduce the incidence of oral complications or ventilator-associated pneumonia, but their effect on postoperative sore throat (POST) is unclear. This study aims to investigate whether oral care solution can alleviate POST in patients undergoing i-gel laryngeal mask general anesthesia.Methods: A total of 120 patients who were scheduled for elective surgery under laryngeal mask general anesthesia were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (oral care solution) and a control group (0.9% saline) and gargled for 1 min with 10mL of oral care solution or saline 5 min before anesthesia induction. The primary outcomes were the overall incidence of sore throat within 24 h and incidence at 20 min, 1 h, 6 h, 24 h after removal of i-gel. The secondary outcomes were the severity of sore throat at the four time points and incidence of hoarseness, cough within 24 h after removal of i-gel.Results: A total of 111 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of sore throat within 24 h in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group, as was the incidence at four time points (P< 0.05). The VAS scores at the four time points in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P< 0.05), and the results of repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that time effect and intergroup effect were statistically significant (P< 0.001). No differences were found between the groups in the incidence of hoarseness and cough.Conclusion: Gargling with oral care solution before anesthesia induction can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of POST in patients undergoing i-gel laryngeal mask general anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, it is a challenge for a bone scaffold to achieve controllable drug release and a porous structure at the same time. Herein, we fabricated hydroxyapatite/poly (butylene succinate)/metoprolol tartrate (HA/PBS/MPT) composites via melt blending, aiming to provide the option of an in situ pore-forming strategy. The introduction of HA not only significantly improved the hydrophilicity of the PBS matrix by reducing the hydrophilic contact angle by approximately 36% at a 10% content, but also damaged the integrity of the PBS crystal. Both were beneficial for the penetration of phosphate-buffered saline solution into matrix and the acceleration of MPT release. Accompanied with MPT release, porous structures were formed in situ, and the HA inside the matrix was exposed. With the increase in HA content, the MPT release rate accelerated and the pore size became larger. The in vitro cytocompatibility evaluation indicated that HA/PBS/MPT composites were conductive to the adhesion, growth, and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells due to the HA being exposed around the pores. Thus, the MPT release rate, pore size, and cell induction ability of the HA/PBS/MPT composites were flexibly and effectively adjusted by the composition at the same time. By introducing HA, we innovatively achieved the construction of porous structures during the drug release process, without the addition of pore-forming agents. This approach allows the drug delivery system to combine controllable drug release and biocompatibility effectively, offering a novel method for bone repair material preparation. This work might provide a convenient and robust strategy for the fabrication of bone scaffolds with controllable drug release and porous structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine if initial fluid resuscitation with balanced crystalloid (e.g., multiple electrolytes solution [MES]) or 0.9% saline adversely affects kidney function in children with septic shock. DESIGN: Parallel-group, blinded multicenter trial. SETTING: PICUs of four tertiary care centers in India from 2017 to 2020. PATIENTS: Children up to 15 years of age with septic shock. METHODS: Children were randomized to receive fluid boluses of either MES (PlasmaLyte A) or 0.9% saline at the time of identification of shock. All children were managed as per standard protocols and monitored until discharge/death. The primary outcome was new and/or progressive acute kidney injury (AKI), at any time within the first 7 days of fluid resuscitation. Key secondary outcomes included hyperchloremia, any adverse event (AE), at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and all-cause ICU mortality. INTERVENTIONS: MES solution (n = 351) versus 0.9% saline (n = 357) for bolus fluid resuscitation during the first 7 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age was 5 years (interquartile range, 1.3-9); 302 (43%) were girls. The relative risk (RR) for meeting the criteria for new and/or progressive AKI was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.49-0.80; p < 0.001), favoring the MES (21%) versus the saline (33%) group. The proportions of children with hyperchloremia were lower in the MES versus the saline group at 24, 48, and 72 hours. There was no difference in the ICU mortality (33% in the MES vs 34% in the saline group). There was no difference with regard to infusionrelated AEs such as fever, thrombophlebitis, or fluid overload between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among children presenting with septic shock, fluid resuscitation with MES (balanced crystalloid) as compared with 0.9% saline resulted in a significantly lower incidence of new and/or progressive AKI during the first 7 days of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred research on the persistence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogates, including bacteriophage Phi6, in environmental reservoirs. Despite the wide use of Phi6, side-by-side comparisons between Phi6 and SARS-CoV-2 are limited. Here, we quantified the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and Phi6 on surfaces (PVC plastic and stainless steel), using an initial inoculum of 103 plaque forming unit per surface, and evaluated the influence of four commonly used deposition solutions on viral persistence. In addition, we quantified the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and Phi6 in water. Our findings revealed that Phi6 had a significantly longer half-life than SARS-CoV-2 in water and on surfaces. Phi6 persisted 34 hours in water compared with 13 hours for SARS-CoV-2. Viral persistence on surfaces was significantly influence d by the virus used and the deposition solution but not by the surface material. Phi6 remained infectious significantly longer than SARS-CoV-2 when the inoculation solution was culture media and saliva, leading to half-lives between 9 hours and 2 weeks for Phi6, compared to 0.5-2 hours for SARS-CoV-2. Using phosphate-buffered saline as a deposition solution led to half-lives shorter than 4 hours for both viruses on all surfaces. Our results indicate that bacteriophage Phi6 may lead to an overestimate of infectiousness for studies quantifying SARS-CoV-2 persistence on surfaces and water and highlight the importance of using appropriate deposition solutions when evaluating viral persistence on surfaces. IMPORTANCE The COVID-19 pandemic spurred research on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 and its surrogates. Here we highlight the importance of evaluating viral surrogates and experimental methodologies when studying pathogen survival in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the intra and postoperative analgesic effects of sacrococcygeal epidural levobupivacaine with those of lumbosacral levobupivacaine in feline ovariohysterectomy. Thirty-six cats were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) and meperidine (6 mg/kg). Anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The cats were randomly assigned one of the three treatments receiving 0.33% levobupivacaine (0.3 mL/kg) into the sacrococcygeal (S-C group, n=12) or lumbosacral (L-S group, n=12) epidural space, or the same volume of 0.9% saline solution into one of the epidural approaches (Control group, n=12). Intraoperatively, cardiorespiratory variables, end-tidal isoflurane concentration (FE'ISO), and fentanyl requirements were recorded. Postoperative pain was assessed by the UNESP (Universidade Estadual Paulista)-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale and the Glasgow feline composite measure pain scale up to 8 hr post-extubation. Morphine was administered as rescue analgesia. Overall FE'ISO and fentanyl requirements were lower in the L-S and S-C compared to the Control (P=0.002-0.048, respectively). There was no significant difference in the cardiorespiratory variables during anesthesia, postoperative pain and rescue analgesia among groups. The time to standing after anesthesia was prolonged in the L-S and S-C groups than in the Control (P<0.001). Lumbosacral and sacrococcygeal epidural levobupivacaine resulted in similar decreases in isoflurane requirements and intraoperative fentanyl supplementation in the cats, with no postoperative benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study aimed to assess the clinical utility of a multiparametric approach to measure the impact of bilateral ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks (RSB) on heart rate, serum cortisol concentrations, and pain in calves undergoing herniorraphy. Fourteen calves were randomly assigned to receive either the RSB (RSB group, n = 7, injected with 0.3 mL/kg of bupivacaine 0.25% and 0.15 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine per side) or a sham injection (CG group, n = 7, injected with an equivalent volume of sterile saline solution). Monitoring included (i) continuous Holter recording from 120 min pre-surgery to 120 min post-surgery; (ii) serum cortisol concentration (SC) at -150 min pre-surgery (baseline), induction time, skin incision, end of surgical procedure (EP-t), and then 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 120 min, 360 min after recovery; (iii) UNESP-Botucatu pain evaluation at -150 min pre-surgery and 30 min, 45 min, 60 min, 120 min, 240 min, 360 min after recovery. Results: A significant difference in the heart rate was observed within the RSB group, in the time frame between 120 min to induction compared to the time frame between induction to EP-t period. The SC concentration was significantly higher in the CG at the skin incision. Calves in the RSB group recorded significantly lower pain scores at 45 min, 60 min, 120 and 240 min after recovery. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that monitoring heart rate and serum cortisol concentrations effectively quantified the effects of RSB during surgery. At the same time, the UNESP-Botucatu pain scale identified effects post-surgery when the calves regained consciousness. Overall, ultrasound-guided RSB appeared to enhance the well-being of calves undergoing herniorrhaphy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone therapy (OT), a medical procedure, has been showing good results during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to build an evidence and gaps map (EGM) of OT in the COVID-19 ranking the articles found according to levels of evidence and outcomes. The EGM brings bubbles of different sizes and different colors according to the articles. The OT intervention used was major or minor autohemotherapy, rectal insufflation and ozonized saline solution. EGM was based on 13 clinical studies using OT for COVID-19 involving a total of 271 patients. We found 30 outcomes related to OT in COVID-19. Our EGM divided the outcomes into six groups: 1-clinical improvement; 2-hospitalization; 3-inflammatory, thromboembolic, infectious, or metabolic markers; 4-radiological aspects, 5-viral infection and 6-adverse events. Major autohemotherapy was present in 19 outcomes, followed by rectal insufflation. Improvement in clinical symptoms of COVID-19, improvement of respiratory function, improvement of oxygen saturation, reduction in hospital internment, decrease in C-reactive protein, decrease in ferritin, decrease in lactate dehydrogenase, decrease in interleukin 6, decrease in D-dimer, radiological improvement of lung lesions and absence of reported adverse events were related in the papers. The most commonly used concentrations of OT in major autohemotherapy and in rectal insufflation were 40 µg/mL and 35 µg/mL, respectively. Here, we bring the first EGM showing the efficacy and safety of OT in the treatment of COVID-19. OT can be used as integrative medical therapy in COVID-19 at a low cost and improve the health conditions of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 82Sr/82Rb generator is used to produce a radiopharmaceutical rubidium-82 chloride in saline solution for PET imaging. In this work, we studied the effect of the amount of stable strontium and calcium delivered to the sorbent (on the basis of hydrated tin dioxide) on the maximum volume of radiopharmaceutical solution that can be obtained from the generator. Sr and Ca may be delivered to the sorbent from the initial solution of strontium-82 chloride or from the eluent (0.9% NaCl) during medical application of the generator. It is shown that this volume depends on the value CSr + 0.11CCa, where CSr and CCa are molar concentrations of the elements in 1 g of the sorbent. The obtained results make it possible to increase significantly the productivity and reliability of the used generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most critical issues in tendon healing include tendon adhesions and a loss of tendon strength. Adhesions result from fibrotic tissues developing in both surrounding tissues and tendons. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into two groups. Their Achilles tendons were cut 4 mm proximal to the calcaneal insertion and sutured with 6 / 0 monofilament nonabsorbable sutures. In the control group, saline solution was applied to the surgical field. In the experimental group, pirfenidone was applied to the surgical field locally and given orally for each rat to provide both local and systemic effects for 14 days following surgery. After a gait analysis, rats were sacrificed during the 4th postoperative week, and macroscopical, histopathological, and biomechanical analyses were performed. Results were compared with the statistical analyses. Results: The macroscopic scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.007). The Achilles functional index scores were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.55). Histopathological scores were substantially closer to healthy tendons in the experimental group (P = 0.004). Biomechanically, the force required to rupture the tendons and tendon stiffness was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.028 for both). Conclusion: This study shows that tendons healed better with pirfenidone treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antinociceptive efficacy of SC administration of hydromorphone hydrochloride and buprenorphine hydrochloride in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). ANIMALS: 14 healthy adult ferrets (6 neutered males, 8 spayed females). METHODS: In a randomized, blind, controlled, complete crossover design, all 14 ferrets received a single, SC injection of hydromorphone low dose (0.1 mg/kg), hydromorphone high dose (0.2 mg/kg), buprenorphine low dose (0.02 mg/kg), buprenorphine high dose (0.04 mg/kg), or saline solution (0.2 mL/kg). Sedation and forelimb withdrawal latency from a noxious thermal stimulation were evaluated, and behavior was recorded for a total of 8 hours postinjection. RESULTS: Compared to saline, administration of hydromorphone at 0.2 mg/kg resulted in an estimated increase of withdrawal latencies of 7.4 seconds (95% CI, 3.2 to 11.6) at 60 minutes, of 6.6 seconds (2.4 to 10.8) at 90 minutes, of 6.0 seconds (1.8 to 10.2) at 120 minutes, of 7.0 seconds (2.9 to 11.1) at 180 minutes, and of 4.5 seconds (0.5 to 8.6) at 240 minutes. These differences were statistically significant. Hydromorphone administered at a lower dose and buprenorphine at either dose did not increase withdrawal latencies compared to saline. Based on the sedation score used in this study, signs of sedation increased over time in a similar fashion with all treatments, including saline. Erratic dysphoric-like behaviors occurred in all groups except for saline. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SC administration of hydromorphone at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg provided antinociception from 1 to 4 hours postinjection. Further validation of sedation scores in ferrets is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studying primary and secondary melt inclusions within olivine macrocrysts and groundmass minerals from monticellite–nepheline damtjernites of the Victoria pipe (Anabar diamondiferous province, Siberia craton) are presented. They were used to reconstruct the evolution of the ultramafic alkaline melt during the formation of the pipe. It is shown that the primary damtjernite melts were K–Na bearing carbonate–silicate in composition. Here, K and Na in the primary melt inclusions within olivine macrocrysts enter the composition of essentially silicate daughter phases. According to this, they are different in composition from similar inclusions in olivine from aillikites and kimberlites and emphasize the more alkaline character of the damtjernitic parental melts. At the subsequent stages of melt evolution during pipe formation, Na and K in the studied inclusions not only enter silicate daughter phases but can also form alkaline phosphates, carbonates, sulfates, and halides. This leads to the formation of alkaline carbonate and saline sulfate–phosphate–chloride–carbonate solutions. According to this, the evolution of the damtjernitic melt is similar to that of aillikite and carbonatite melts and can serve as a uniform mechanism of evolution of alkaline–ultramafic melts. The further reactionary interaction of the fluid phase with olivine led to the formation of monticellite and processes of degassing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nosemosis is a microsporidian disease caused by Nosema ceranae and N. apis and transmitted via oral-fecal and oral-oral routes. It is globally distributed among adult bees in honeybee colonies. Considering the health importance of nosemosis in honeybees, the study aims to determine the frequency of Nosema spp. infection in migratory apiaries in Hormozgan province by microscopic and molecular methods. In the present study, 20 bees from ten randomly selected hives in 84 migratory apiaries were collected. In the laboratory, the abdomen of the bees was separated from the rest of the body with entomological tweezers and scissors and then ground up in a mortar containing saline serum. The prepared suspension was filtered by passing through a sieve, then the prepared suspension was transferred to test tubes and centrifuged. The pellets were repeatedly washed by saline solution and centrifuged. Finally, the pellets were examined for spores of Nosema spp. by light microscopy and conventional PCR. In microscopy, 38.2 % of apiaries were positive for Nosema spp. spores. By PCR however, DNA of N. ceranae was detected in 39.2. % of apiaries with no samples positive for N. apis. Due to the considerable frequency of infection in migratory apiaries in Hormozgan province, it is necessary to carry out appropriate health measures such as screening of apiaries with appropriate diagnostic methods and training of beekeepers to disinfect hives in order to control Nosema infection in Iranian apiaries by the veterinary health officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The onset of solutal-capillary instability driven by evaporation through the solution–air interface is investigated theoretically and numerically in thin saline water. A scaling analysis shows that the development of the surface tension gradient is mainly driven by evaporative mass flux rather than evaporative heat flux, leading to the onset of solutal-capillary instability. The onset time of instability is theoretically analyzed through a linear stability analysis with newly derived stability equations that consider variations in the evaporative concentration, concluding that Ma · α is the most important parameter governing the onset of solutal-capillary convection, rather than Ma or α. Correspondingly, a nonlinear numerical simulation demonstrates that as evaporation proceeds, a nonvolatile salt accumulates near the evaporating interface and inhomogeneity of the concentration along the interface, which induces solutal-capillary motion, develops. The critical onset time determined from the linear stability analysis is in good agreement with the numerical simulation outcomes. The present theoretical and numerical study provides a better understanding of the evaporation-driven instability that develops in thin liquid films under the given temperature variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) remains a serious public health concern in endemic areas and a challenge for clinicians. Here a confirmed case of human AE in a patient from Armenia who had not visited a known Echinococcus multilocularis endemic area is reported. In October 2012, a 12- year-old girl from a little Armenian village, presented with paroxysmal pain in the right lumbar area to the children's medical center (MC). The girl mentioned having close contact with an animal, like a cat. She was admitted to the surgical department with a diagnosis of a malignant liver tumor in the right lobe. In November 2012, the patient underwent laparotomy, removal of the hepatic lesion and abdominal cavity drainage. The histopathological examination of the biopsy material confirmed the main diagnosis of liver AE with suppurative lesions. The patient was given albendazole (ABZ) following 20 days in the hospital, but she stopped receiving the preventive chemotherapy at home and even missed the dispensary visits. It later caused complications, and in July 2016, the child had once again surgery. In January 2017, the child was readmitted to the MC with no content from the external biliary drainage tube in the previous 6 hours. Bile flow improved after flushing the drainage with saline solution and suturing the enterostomy tube. In February 2017, the child visited MC for examination, and the drainage of the bile ducts was blocked, although she had neither discomfort nor jaundice. It was recommended to continue the patient's follow-up, to receive ABZ and to undergo a liver transplant surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effects of denture adhesives on denture retention and occlusal force in complete denture wearers in a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. Methods: Two hundred edentulous patients wearing complete dentures were allocated to three groups: powder-type denture adhesive, cream-type denture adhesive, and control (saline solution). Denture adhesives and saline solution were applied to the dentures for 4 days. The retentive force of the dentures and occlusal force were measured using a force transducer occlusal force meter at baseline and after 4 days of intervention. In addition to between-group comparisons, subgroup analyses of denture retention and occlusal force were performed based on the level of difficulty of the edentulism treatment. The levels were ranked as I (easy), II, III, and IV (difficult). Results: Cream-type denture adhesives significantly improved the retentive force of the dentures (P<0.01) and occlusal force (P<0.05), with no significant differences between baseline and post-intervention forces in the powder-type denture adhesive and control groups. In within-group comparisons, cream-type denture adhesives improved both the retentive and occlusal forces at Level II (P<0.05), and powder-type denture adhesives improved the occlusal force at Level II (P<0.01). Conclusions: Application of cream-type denture adhesives effectively improves the denture retention and occlusal force in complete denture wearers with a moderate degree of difficulty during edentulism treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Zn-CeO2 nanocomposite coatings were deposited onto mild steel substrates by electrodeposition process. Our study highlights the effect of ceria nanoparticles embedded into a metallic matrix on the corrosion behavior in saline environment. The experimental results show that the ceria incorporation and dispersion depend on the particles concentration in the electrolyte. High concentrations of particles favor agglomeration and adsorption of agglomerates on the surface of the zinc coating. A slight improvement of the corrosion resistance compared to pure electrodeposited zinc coatings is observed. The beneficial effect seems to be dependent on the dispersion of the nanoparticles embedded inside the mela matrix. The distribution of nanoparticles seems to be the key-parameter influencing the corrosion behavior, permitting to improve the corrosion behavior during extended immersion test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is commonly performed using membrane‐based TPE (mTPE) and is prone to filter failure. Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: We report on 46 patients, with a total of 321 mTPE treatments using the NxStage machine. This was a retrospective study with an aim to evaluate the effect of heparin, pre‐filter saline dilution and the impact of total plasma volume exchanged (< 3 L vs. ≥3 L) on the rate of filter failure. Primary outcome was the overall rate of filter failure. Secondary outcomes included factors that may have indirectly influenced the rate of filter failure, including hematocrit, platelet count, replacement fluid (Fresh Frozen Plasma vs. albumin), and access type. Results: We found that treatments that received both pre‐filter heparin and saline had a statistically significant decrease in filter failure rate as compared to those that received neither (28.6% vs. 5.3%, P =.001), and compared to the treatments that received pre‐filter heparin alone (14.2% vs. 5.3%, P =.015). In treatments that received both pre‐filter heparin and saline predilution, we noted a significantly higher filter failure rate when the plasma volume exchanged was ≥3 L as compared to those that had <3 L exchanged (12.2% vs. 0.9%, P =.001). Conclusions: Rate of filter failure in mTPE can be reduced by implementing several therapeutic interventions including pre‐filter heparin and pre‐filter saline solution. These interventions were not associated with any clinically significant adverse events. Despite the above‐mentioned interventions, large plasma volume exchanges of ≥3 L can negatively impact filter life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim. Research into the change in enzymatic indicators of cell activity during the aging of human dermal fibroblasts in culture from 3 to 15 passages to determine the most optimal terms for cell transplantation to patients for further cell therapy. Methods. Fibroblasts were obtained from the dermis of donors A, B, and C aged 40 to 60 years and cultured in MEM Alpha сulture medium containing 5% FBS, 1% antibiotic/antimycotic, 5ng bFGF until they reached 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 passages (s1p3-s1p15). When fibroblasts that had reached the required passage were removed, the cells were washed with saline solution and precipitated on a centrifuge. Fixation was carried out with a 0.1% solution of formalin. At the end of the fixation time, the cells were centrifuged and left in 70% ethanol at –20 °C. At least after 3 hours, the cells were washed twice with saline and centrifuged. To determine number of cells at stages of the cell cycle by the quantitative content of DNA, fibroblasts were stained with propidium iodide/RNase buffer. At the end of the sample preparation, the sample was analyzed on a flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter, China). To study the enzymatic activity of mitochondria, fibroblasts were seeded in a sterile 96-well microplate and cultured for 72 hours. As a control, wells without fibroblasts were subjected to the same manipulations as the experimental wells. After that 0.3 mg/ml MTT was added to the wells. In four hours’ time DMSO and 0.015 mg/ml glycine were added to all wells. The contents of the wells were homogenized and measured with a photometer (BioSan, Latvia) at 490 nm. To determine the activity of lysosomal enzymes of fibroblasts cultured in Petri dishes for 72 hours, cells were washed with saline and fixed with formalin. After the end of fixation, fibroblasts were again washed several times with saline solution and stained with the addition of synthetic dye (1.25% reagent C, 1.25% reagent B, 2.5% X-Gal and 95% X-Gal buffer) for at least 2 hours at 37 °C. Cells were washed with saline from dye residues and photographed the results. The results of the groups were compared using the ANOVA test. Differences were observed at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results and Discussion. It is well known that aging cells can be characterized by cell cycle arrest, affecting the phenomenon of cell proliferation (3). Dermal fibroblasts maintain their mitotic activity even up to the 15th passage (Fig. 1). In addition, the average percentage of fibroblasts that were at the stage of mitosis 58.88±4.49% was higher than the average value of indicators at the stages of interphase (41.17±2.72%). Conclusions. Thus, using various cytochemical methods, it has been proven that the culture of human dermal fibroblasts from donors of the age group from 40 to 60 years maintains stability during their cultivation from 3 to 15 passages. The cells of the culture do not show signs of aging and do not show significant changes in indicators during passaging: a consistently high percentage of mitotically active cells and the absence of a significant increase in the indicators of enzymatic activity of mitochondria and lysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A male langur weighing about 20 kg was presented with intestinal evisceration due to electrocution to the department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary College, Bidar. Langur was in the state of shock and was stabilized with fluid therapy, antibiotics and steroids. Eviscerated intestine was thoroughly cleaned with lukewarm normal saline solution and covered with moist gauze. Anaesthesia was achieved by intravenous administration of xylazine and ketamine. Eviscerated intestine was thoroughly examined for intestinal viability and removed unhealthy portion. End to end intestinal anastomosis was performed and rent in the mesentery was repaired. Animal recovered uneventfully from the anaesthesia and surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical impedance of dilute aqueous solutions containing extracts from five brands of canned tuna is analyzed using impedance spectroscopy in order to analyze their salt content and detect the potential presence of other salts beyond the well-stated NaCl. A complex electrical impedance is modeled with an equivalent electrical circuit, demonstrating good agreement with experimental data. This circuit accounts for the contribution of ions in the bulk solution, as well as those contributing to electrode polarization. The parameters describing the equivalent circuits, obtained through fitting data to the electrical impedance, are discussed in terms of the various ion contributions to both the electrical double layer at the electrode interface and the electrical conductivity of each solution. The ionic contribution to the electrical impedance is compared with that of a pure NaCl solution at the same concentration range. This comparison, when extended to real samples, allows for the development of a model to estimate the electrical conductivity of canned tuna samples, thereby determining the salt concentration in tuna. The model enables differentiation among the various samples of tuna studied. Subsequently, the potential presence of other ions besides Na+ and Cl− and their contribution to the electrical properties of each canned tuna extract is considered, especially for samples with a higher ratio of the sum of K+ and phosphates to Na+ concentration. This analysis shows the potential of impedance spectroscopy for on-site and rapid analysis of salt content and/or detection of additives in canned tuna fish.

Research into the corrosion behavior of a copper substrate with a graphene coating synthesized using the CVD method has been performed. The influence of various copper substrates with varying substrate thickness, time of high-temperature annealing and duration of graphene synthesis was investigated. Different synthesis durations allowed studying the corrosive current on the copper surface: (a) not fully covered with graphene, (b) completely covered with single-layer graphene and (c) when there are areas with several graphene layers on the surface. Electrochemical corrosion in saline solution was realized at high and low potentials of the working electrode, which enabled assessment of the limiting factors of corrosion. At a low potential, the mass of corrosion products decreased by an order of magnitude. A hypothesis explaining the formation of deep corrosion pits of rectangular shape was proposed. The energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) demonstrated that with a high potential of the working electrode, an essentially heterogeneous distribution of carbon and copper is realized (compared with a lower potential of the electrode). With the duration of graphene synthesis from 0 to 10 min, the corrosion current decreases almost 10 times. With a further increase in the duration of synthesis, the corrosion current drops slightly. The performed MD simulation on wettability corresponds to the experimental data. The obtained results may be useful for the development of the technology of defect-free graphene-based sensors that are less sensitive to corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D cauliflower-like Ni foam on titanium plate (Ni foam/TP) shows high electrocatalytic performance for ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis via nitrite (NO2−) reduction. In 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline solution with 0.1 M NO2−, such Ni foam/TP attains a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 95.9% and a large NH3 yield of 742.7 μmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.8 V. Its Zn–NO2− battery offers a high power density of 6.2 mW cm−2 and an NH3 FE of 90.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cystitis is a common clinical problem among cats and dogs and is one of the main reasons for the administration of antimicrobials. This can cause serious damage to public and animal health, as this practice facilitates the selection of bacteria that are multidrug-resistant to antibiotics. In this context, it is urgent to understand and validate therapeutic modalities that complement antimicrobial treatment in cystitis cases. Ozone therapy has been proposed by scientists owing to the various mechanisms of action in a range of pathologies, both in human and animal medicine. This paper describes the bactericidal action of two different protocols of bladder irrigation with ozonized saline solution (59 μg/mL) in a paraplegic canine with recurrent bacterial cystitis caused by Proteus spp. In the first protocol, the bladder instillations were applied once a day for three consecutive days while in the second, successive lavages were performed throughout the day until a significant reduction in the presence of bacteria in the urine sediment. In this study, we were able to demonstrate that repeated bladder instillation within 24 hours was the most effective treatment for Proteus compared to a single instillation on successive days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective　We sought to compare the local pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients in the skin after the transdermal administration of Dinggui San(powder made from cloves and cinnamon) on the CV8, the position beside the CV8, and oral administration using a microdialysis technique. Methods　Male SD rats in a SPF grade were divided into four groups(n =4 each):the group of normal rats administered Dinggui San on CV8(N-CV8), the group of ulcerative colitis rats administered on CV8 (UC-CV8), the group of ulcerative colitis rats administered on the position beside 2 mm CV8 group (UC-PA), and the group of ulcerative colitis rats administered orally (UC-oral). After modeling, the rats in the group received the corresponding administration with 0. 1 g each ( external use or oral). A microdialysis linear probe was implanted into the subcutaneous tissues of the corresponding external administration regions or CV8 in UC-oral, and perfused with 20% ethanolic saline solution at a flow rate of 0. 2 mL/ h. After 15 min of administration, the receiving fluid was collected every 30 min, and altogether collected 20 times, lasted 600 min. The receiving fluid was collected and directly analyzed by HPLC for the determination of cinnamic acid, a metabolite of cinnamaldehyde, and eugenol, as the main active ingredients in Dinggui San. The data obtained were fitted to a non-compartment model using the DAS 2. 1 pharmacokinetic analysis software to analyse and compare pharmacokinetic parameters. Results　The forward recovery rates in vitro of eugenol and cinnamic acid were 41. 4% ± 2. 6% or 51. 6%±2. 1%, and the reverse recovery rates in vitro were 45. 9% ±1. 5% or 50. 6% ± 0. 6%. The average recovery rates in vivo of eugenol and cinnamic acid were 40. 4%, 42. 8%. At each time point, the mass concentration in the skin of eugenol of all external administration groups were higher than that of UC-oral(less than 0. 15 mg/ L), and that of UC-CV8 was the highest. The area under the concentrationtime curve from time 0 to last time of quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t) and maximum concentration (Cmax) of eugenol increased significantly, compared with N-CV8,UC-PA and UC-oral (P<0. 05). At the most time points, the mass concentration in the skin of cinnamic acid of UC-oral were lower (less than 0. 15 mg/ L). Of all the four groups, AUC0-t and Cmax of cinnamic acid in UC-oral were the lowest and that in UC-CV8 highest. The differences of UC-oral to UC-CV8 were significant (P < 0. 05). Conclusion　The transdermal umbilical administration of Dinggui San improves the absorption and distribution of the active ingredients in the local skin tissues. The microdialysis technique seems to be suitable for evaluation of TCM compound prescription via percutaneous delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Europa lander is a concept for a potential future planetary exploration mission which purpose is to characterize the icy shell of Europa and to search for organics. To achieve this objective, the current concept of the lander includes a Raman spectrometer, such as RLS instrument, that could be able to analyze (sub) surface targets in their solid and liquid form. Knowing that ice and brines of Europa are potentially enriched by sulfate and chlorides, this work seeks to evaluate if Raman spectroscopy could be used to semi quantify the saline content of water solutions using space‐like instrumentation. To do so, MgSO4 and MgCl2 were used to prepare three sets of water solutions. Raman analyses were then performed by the laboratory simulator of the ExoMars Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS), which has been defined as the threshold system for the Europa Lander. After data analysis, two different semi‐quantification approaches were tested, and their results compared. Although univariate calibration curves proved to successfully quantify the content of SO42− and Cl− anions dissolved in mono‐analyte water solutions, this strategy provided very poor results when applied to binary saline mixtures. Overcoming this issue, the non‐linearity prediction ability of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) in combination with bandfitting allows to successfully resolve the complexity of the vibrational perturbation suffered by the OH region, which is caused by the cross interaction of H2O molecules with different anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been increasingly used to cut off the delivery of abnormal electrical signals in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. A successful cut off requires forming a layer of transmural damage on the heart wall, and this layer depends on the depth of ablation by PFA. Purpose: This study aims to propose a novel polarity configuration of PFA to increase the ablation depth in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Method: A novel polarity configuration was designed for a multi‐electrode system, where the number of electrodes is greater than two. The polarity configuration in such multi‐electrode system is called the paired‐electrode interlaced configuration (PIC). The existing configuration called the single‐electrode interlaced configuration (SIC) was used to compare with the PIC. To both the SIC and PIC, a full‐SIC or a full‐PIC is called when all electrodes (anode, cathode) in a catheter is used otherwise partial‐SIC or partial‐PIC is called. By the comparison between the full‐SIC and full‐PIC, the benefit of the PIC was exhibited as opposed to the SIC, but an extra ablation step was added in the PIC in order to form a continuous ablation zone. The other comparative study was taken between a partial‐PIC and a partial‐SIC with the same number of ablation step. In this study, a rabbit model was built by infusing 0.4% saline solution (at 37°C) into the rabbit's abdominal cavity which surrounds the liver. This model was considered as a biometric environment of the heart, namely cardiac‐mimetic model (CMM). Result: The experimental results have shown that the full‐PIC is superior to the full‐SIC in the ablation depth, specifically in both the maximum (4.14 ± 0.55 mm vs. 3.35 ± 0.26 mm, p < 0.01) and the minimum (3.18 ± 0.29 mm vs. 2.76 ± 0.28 mm, p < 0.05), and in the ablation width, specifically only in the maximum (8.27 ± 0.76 mm vs. 7.09 ± 0.51 mm, p = 0.019) under an identical ablation time (i.e., 5 s). It is noted that the minimum ablation width did not show a significant difference between the full‐PIC and full‐SIC (specifically, 5.61 ± 0.86 mm vs. 4.67 ± 0.73 mm, p = 0.069). Considering the lethal electric field threshold (LEFT) to be 600 V/cm for liver tissues, the maximum and minimum ablation depth generated by the full‐PIC was found larger than that by the full‐SIC (3.90 vs. 3.52 mm, and 3.03 vs. 2.48 mm, respectively) in the simulation. Meanwhile, similar experiment results by comparing the partial‐PIC and partial‐SIC have been obtained, which shows a significant increase in both the maximum ablation depth (4.81 ± 0.87 mm vs. 3.30 ± 0.73 mm, p < 0.001) and the maximum ablation width (8.19 ± 0.85 mm vs. 6.47 ± 1.13 mm, p = 0.001). Conclusions: (1) The electric field in the PIC is concentrated around the pair of electrodes, and the pattern of the field is a significant factor in the energy delivery along the direction of the depth. (2) The increase of the ablation depth can significantly expand the range of the tissue on the heart, where the PFA can apply, and can therefore readily form a layer of transmural damage on the heart wall at positions at which the wall is thicker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute ischemia of the glands is a severe complication after circumcision. We outline the challenging case of a seventeen-year-old boy with glandular ischemia (GI) that appeared shortly after circumcision. Methods: We present a case report and literature review related to glans ischemia, and the complications of circumcision are reviewed. We note that there are very few cases described in the literature. Our patient was successfully treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) after four days of no positive effect after all medical and surgical treatments written in the literature: Subcutaneous enoxaparin, local application of a glyceryl trinitrate, continuous epidural perfusion, intravenous pentoxifylline, alprostadil, intraoperative drainage, and aspiration with saline solution and epinephrine. Clinical improvement was noted at the first session of HBOT. A number of days after the operation, the penis looked normal and was healing. Complete healing of the penile glans was successfully realized one month after surgery. Conclusion: Based on the review and the case presented, we conclude that HBOT is the treatment of choice for acute ischemia of the penile glans, especially when other treatments do not work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of compatible solutes such as ectoine and hydroxyectoine (HOE), on bacterial cell viability during freeze-drying and storage (at 4 °C and 25 °C), in comparison to the well-established use of trehalose. Three strains, namely Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Levilactobacillus brevis SP-48, and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 were used as models demonstrating that the highest survival rate during freeze drying was observed for cells protected with HOE. Although trehalose was more effective during lyophilization, interestingly the combination of trehalose and HOE most efficiently preserved long-term cell viability (viability loss < 0.5 log units after 6 months of storage). Finally, the ability of HOE to contribute to strain resistance in simulated gastrointestinal juices was evaluated and the latter protected all the strains tested more efficiently than all the other solutes, in particular the viability was improved from 58%, 87.5%, and 94% when cells were dried with saline solution to 88%, 98.3%, and 98% when lyophilized with HOE for L. fermentum, L. brevis, and B. lactis, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of HOE to trehalose improves the stability of probiotics during storage and enhances the survivability in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation and pain are the initial response mechanisms to environmental aggression on the human body. The traditional use of plants such as Desmodium Molliculum (Kunth) DC, among the Peruvian population for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, has occurred since ancient times. The objective of this research was to determine the presence of secondary metabolites and evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Desmodium molliculum (EDM) leaves in rats with acute inflammation induced using carrageenan. The phytochemical profile was performed for the main secondary metabolites with biological activity. Subsequently, 25 rats were divided into 5 groups and treated as follows: Group I and II: Physiological Saline Solution (PSS) by oral administration. Group III: Sodium Diclofenac (25 mg/kg body weight) by intraperitoneal administration. Group IV and V: EDM at 250 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw by oral administration, respectively; 30 minutes after administration, acute inflammation was induced in Groups II, III, IV, and V using the subplantar edema technique with 1% w/v carrageenan. The volume displaced by the hind paw was evaluated in all 5 groups using a digital plethysmometer every 60 minutes for 5 hours. The results were obtained from the displaced volume (Mean ± SD), with the most representative values obtained at 240 minutes, where EDM at 250 mg/kg (0.57 ± 0.07 ml) bw and 500 mg/kg bw (0.578 ± 0.051 ml) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (ANOVA p<0.05). We concluded that Desmodium Molliculum has anti-inflammatory activity at doses of 250 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: perioperative anxiety in children may lead to psychological and physiological side effects. Clonidine is in increasing use in the pediatric population as an anxiolytic, sedative, and analgesic because of its central alpha2-adrenergic agonist effect. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of clonidine in the prevention of perioperative children's anxiety. Methods: we conducted a prospective controlled randomized double-blinded clinical trial including children aged between 2 and 15 years undergoing tonsillectomy surgery. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either an intranasal dose of clonidine (4 µg/kg) (clonidine group) or an equal volume dose of saline solution (control group) 30 minutes before entering the operating room. The level of anxiety assessed using the m-YPAS score was recorded before premedication, at the time of parent-child separation, and at the time of installation in the operating room. Acceptance of premedication, degree of sedation on entering the operating room as well as agitation on awakening, and sedation on arrival post-anesthesia care unit were noted. Adverse effects were recorded during the surgical procedure and in the postoperative recovery room. Results: the number of patients analyzed was 78 with 39 patients in each group. There were no signification differences in demographic data and premedication acceptance between the two groups. Levels of anxiety before any premedication were similar in the two groups. However, the anxiety level 30 minutes after premedication and in the operating room was significantly lower in the clonidine group (p<0.001). Children who received clonidine showed better sedation on entering the operating room (p=0.002) as well as postoperatively on entering the post-anesthesia unit care (p=0.006). The hemodynamic and respiratory parameters recorded were statistically comparable. Conclusion: intranasal clonidine is an interesting premedication to prevent perioperative children's anxiety with few side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare image quality and diagnostic performance of preoperative direct hip magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) performed with gadolinium contrast agent and saline solution. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective study of 140 age and sex-matched symptomatic patients with femoroacetabular impingement, who either underwent intra-articular injection of 15–20 mL gadopentetate dimeglumine (GBCA), 2.0 mmol/L ("GBCA-MRA" group, n = 70), or 0.9% saline solution ("Saline-MRA" group, n = 70) for preoperative hip MRA and subsequent hip arthroscopy. 1.5 T hip MRA was performed including leg traction. Two readers assessed image quality using a 5-point Likert scale (1–5, excellent-poor), labrum and femoroacetabular cartilage lesions. Arthroscopic diagnosis was used to calculate diagnostic accuracy which was compared between groups with Fisher's exact tests. Image quality was compared with the Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Mean age was 33 years ± 9, 21% female patients. Image quality was excellent (GBCA-MRA mean range, 1.1–1.3 vs 1.1–1.2 points for Saline-MRA) and not different between groups (all p > 0.05) except for image contrast which was lower for Saline-MRA group (GBCA-MRA 1.1 ± 0.4 vs Saline-MRA 1.8 ± 0.5; p < 0.001). Accuracy was high for both groups for reader 1/reader 2 for labrum (GBCA-MRA 94%/ 96% versus Saline-MRA 96%/93%; p > 0.999/p = 0.904) and acetabular (GBCA-MRA 86%/ 83% versus Saline-MRA 89%/87%; p = 0.902/p = 0.901) and femoral cartilage lesions (GBCA-MRA 97%/ 99% versus Saline-MRA 97%/97%; both p > 0.999). Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy and image quality of Saline-MRA and GBCA-MRA is high in assessing chondrolabral lesions underlining the potential role of non-gadolinium-based hip MRA. Key Points: • Image quality of Saline-MRA and GBCA-MRA was excellent for labrum, acetabular and femoral cartilage, ligamentum teres, and the capsule (all p > 0.18). • The overall image contrast was lower for Saline-MRA (Saline-MRA 1.8 ± 0.5 vs. GBCA-MRA 1.1 ± 0.4; p < 0.001). • Diagnostic accuracy was high for Saline-MRA and GBCA-MRA for labrum (96% vs. 94%; p > 0.999), acetabular cartilage damage (89% vs. 86%; p = 0.902), femoral cartilage damage (97% vs. 97%; p > 0.999), and extensive cartilage damage (97% vs. 93%; p = 0.904). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mackerel (Auxis thazard), a tropical dark-fleshed fish, has the potential to be used in the production of surimi. It is necessary to identify the optimal washing method to make better use of this species since efficient washing is the most important step in surimi processing to ensure maximal gelling and high-quality surimi. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of cold carbonated water (CW) with NaCl and antioxidants in washing media, so-called antioxidant-infused soda–saline solution, on lipid and myoglobin removal efficacy, biochemical characteristics, gelling properties, sensory features, and the oxidative stability of mackerel surimi in comparison with unwashed mince (T1) and conventional water washed surimi (T2). Mackerel mince was washed with CW in the presence of 0.6% NaCl at a medium to mince ratio of 3:1 (v/w) without antioxidant (T3) or with the addition of 1.5 mM EDTA plus 0.2% (w/v) sodium erythorbate and 0.2% sodium tripolyphosphate (T4), 100 mg/L gallic acid (T5), and 5 mM citric acid containing 8 mM calcium chloride (T6). During the first washing cycle, the antioxidants were mixed into the washing medium. The second and third washing cycles were then completed with cold water. The yields of all treatments were roughly 75–83%, based on the gross weight of the raw mince. The pH of the surimi was in a range of 5.47–6.46. All of the surimi had higher reactive sulfhydryl (SH) content and surface hydrophobicity but lower Ca2+-ATPase activity than unwashed mince (p < 0.05). After washing, lipids decreased significantly (p < 0.05), accounted for a 65–76% reduction. The T2 surimi had the highest peroxide value (PV). T1 had the lowest conjugated diene value. T1 and T4 surimi had the lowest TBARS value (p < 0.05). A lower non-heme iron level was found in all antioxidant-treated samples than in T1. Washing can increase the redox stability of myoglobin regardless of the washing media, as seen by the relatively low metmyoglobin levels. According to the dynamic viscoelastic behavior, all surimi and unwashed mince underwent the same degree of sol–gel transition following heat gelation. T1 showed the lowest breaking force, deformation, gel strength, and whiteness (p < 0.05). Surimi made from T4 or T5 had the highest gel strength when both breaking and deformation were considered, but the latter's expressible drip was noticeably higher. Surimi gel appears to be stabilized against lipid oxidation, as demonstrated by low PV and TBARS levels, when produced with T4. Because of the low level of TBARS, all 10 panelists rated rancid odor as low (~1 out of 4), with no significant variations across treatments. Only treatments with T4 and T6 tended to have a lower fishy odor score as compared to unwashed mince. Scanning electron microscope demonstrated that surimi gels washed with all washing media exhibited microstructures that were very comparable, with the exception of the T6 treatment, which had big pores and aggregates. Based on the quality features, T4 appeared to be the optimal medium to enhance the gel functionality of mackerel surimi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology / Shuiwendizhi Gongchengdizhi is the property of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)