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8 Pág., Sperm cryopreservation is the most common procedure used to establish germplasm banks for endangered species - but sometimes sperm cells cannot be obtained. In such cases, freezing testicular tissue may be the only option. The testes contains germ cells at different stages of differentiation, including spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa, among which differences in cryoresistance might be expected. The present work compares the viability and DNA integrity of 'rounded' cells, and of elongated spermatids and spermatozoa, from the dog and wild boar, following the cryopreservation of testicular tissue by slow freezing or vitrification. Cell viability was analyzed by PI/SYBR14 staining, and DNA integrity via the TUNEL technique. For wild boar, no significant differences were seen between the two methods with respect to the percentage of viable cells, nor in the percentage of cells with DNA damage. In the dog, the percentage of viable rounded germ cells (65.0 ± 2.4%) was higher (P, This study was funded by grant PID2020-113288RB-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

SUMMARYSeeds slowly accumulate damage during storage, which ultimately results in germination failure. The seed coat is the barrier between the embryo and the external environment, and its composition is critical for seed longevity. Flavonols accumulates in the outer integument, but the effect of altering flavonol composition on outer integument development has not been explored.Genetic, biochemical, ultrastructural and transcriptomics assays on a battery of loss-of-function mutants in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were used to study the effect of altered flavonoid composition in seed development and seed longevity.Controlled deterioration assays indicate that loss-of-function of the flavonoid 3’ hydroxylase TT7 gene dramatically affects seed longevity and seed development. Seed outer integument differentiation is compromised from nine days after pollination in tt7 seeds, with a defective suberine layer and incomplete degradation of seed-coat starch. These distinctive phenotypes are not shared by other mutants showing also altered flavonoid composition. Double-mutant analysis indicate that over-accumulation of kaempferol is the primary cause of the observed phenotypes. Expression analysis suggest that the tt7 flavonoid pattern affects transcriptional and non-transcriptional levels of regulation.The increase of kaempferols in the seed coat influences seed development. This positions TT7 as an essential player modulating seed coat development and seed longevity.

The physical and mechanical properties of prefabricated plaster materials prepared with large quantities of white slag as an aggregate replacement are studied in the form of plasterboards for use in construction. The initial characterization results show a reduction in the mechanical strength of the specimens as the amount of white slag increases, but the material maintains flexural values over 260 N with a 60% substitution of gypsum by white slag when a plasticizer additive is incorporated. The flexural values reach a level well above the 100 N needed per international standards. The thermal behavior at different doses of white slag is also studied with plasterboard specimens with dimensions of (300 × 400 × 15) mm. The heat transference coefficient by wall-air convection has values from 2.76 W/m2°C to 12.01 W/m2°C, which allows assessment of the thermal conductivity of these materials as a function of the amount of slag present in the mixtures. Non combustibility is discussed on the basis of experimental data obtained from two standard test methods: EN ISO 1716 with an oxygen bomb calorimeter and EN ISO 1182 with a cylindrical furnace. The fire response improves substantially as the slag byproduct from the steelmaking industry is incorporated compared to that of the behavior of the reference plaster, although there is a reduction in mass loss of up to 50%. This result could indicate an important advantage for these products for partitions or protection in areas with aggressive thermal requirements.

Background and purpose Synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) accounts for 1–3.5% of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate dosimetric issues, clinical outcomes, and acute toxicities for SBBC patients receiving synchronous bilateral hypofractionated radiotherapy (SBHRT) and to compare them with patients treated with synchronous bilateral normofractionated RT schedule (SBNRT). Materials and methods From April 2016 to March 2020, 39 SBBC patients were referred to our institution. Patients were divided according to their prescription dose: Group A: 50 Gy/25fx (fractions), B: 60–64 Gy/25fx, C: 40.05 Gy/15fx; D: 48 Gy/15fx. Toxicity was evaluated using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)v.5.0. Results 34 patients were finally evaluated. Median follow-up was 24 months for NF schedule and 9 months for HF schedule. In the HF schedule, no acute side-effects > G2 were observed and no dermatitis was reported in 6th month´s assessments. 95% of patients have no evidence of disease and only 1 patient presented local relapse in the first mammography after RT. No distant failures or deaths were observed. Regarding dosimetric issues, the inter-patient average Dmean for the heart was: Group A: 5.0 Gy (4.6–5.5), Group B: 4.4 Gy (4.1–5.4), Group C: 4.8 Gy (4.5–5.1) and Group D: 5.3 Gy (4.4–5.6). For the lungs, the inter-patient average Dmean was: Group A: 10.8 Gy (9.8–12.2), Group B: 11.5 Gy (11.3–12), Group C: 9.8 Gy (9.3–10.5) and Group D: 10.5 Gy (10–11.3). Conclusions This is the first study reporting the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of 40.05 Gy/15fx over 3 weeks for the treatment of SBBC patients. Further study with larger accrual is mandatory.

Introduction:The use of polymer wastes in pavement as road is an increasing trend in the road construction sector. Those new pavements reduce the amount of solid waste disposed into landfills and provide more sustainable construction due to the use of in-situ materials. Polyurethane foam waste is a thermostable polymer being used in the form of a grey-coloured foam, a by-product of the automobile industry.Aim:The focus of this work centers on the exploitation of polyurethane foam waste in full or partial substitution of the fines and the mineral powder that form the bituminous mixtures to produce a sustainable alternative for bituminous asphalt used in pavement construction.Methods:A series of specimens were manufactured and tested for the Marshall test, with different percentages of polyurethane foam waste aggregates (50% and 100%), calculating their apparent densities.Results:The results show acceptable compatibility between the elements of bituminous concrete and the polyurethane waste, producing a reduction in both the apparent density and Marshall stability, as well as an increase in volume and an increase in deformation with higher volumes of waste in the mixture.

Ladle furnace slags have successfully been used in the manufacture of masonry mortars. However, this type of steelmaking waste is not easily mixed with the other components, resulting in separation of the mix water and insufficient hydration, which prevents proper setting and hardening of the mixes. Two types of new-generation admixtures were used, in order to facilitate the interaction of the LFS with the cement paste: polyacrylic ester PAE polymers and a polymeric emulsion with a high molecular weight in different proportions. Their influence on the mortar properties in the fresh state, dosed with variable amount of LF slag, is studied. The results show the greater efficiency of the polyacrylic ester PAE admixtures at retaining the mix water, guaranteeing proper hydration of the mortar components and dispersion of the cement paste and the complete hydration of the LF slag.

The characterization of a new gypsum mortar-based composite material that incorporates various combinations of polyurethane waste in its matrix is reported in this paper. The new material, a lightweight plate for use in internal ceilings, is characterized in a series of standardized tests: bulk density, mechanical behavior, and the reaction to fire test. Moreover, the study details the industrial manufacturing process linked to the integration of waste from the plastics industry. Increased quantities of polymer waste caused significant reductions in bulk density and mechanical strength, although with reasonable behavior of the plates up to substitution levels of 50%. The non-combustibility test demonstrated the potential of the new material for interior use in buildings. The technology of the new gypsum mortar-based material and polyurethane waste could potentially maximize the reuse and the life-span of this type of waste that would otherwise be incinerated or dumped on landfill sites.

The durability of using cement mortars lightened with rigid polyurethane foam waste is analysed, adding to previous research on their characterization, preparation, and manufacture carried out by the Construction Materials Research Group, University of Burgos. For this work a storage hut was built. The mortars used two types of cement: CEM II and IV; the sand was partially substituted by shredded rigid polyurethane foam waste (PFW), with substitutions by volume of sand of 50% and 75%, in accordance with the use and application of the mortar. Suitability tests were performed, after 28 days had elapsed, in relation to adhesion and, after 3 months, in relation to hardness. Once the investigation was finished, it was concluded that the mortars made with aggregates of rigid polyurethane foam waste easily mixed and placed on-site. At 28 days from application of the mortars, a tile coating was executed on one wall and on the floor. Adherence tests and surface hardness test were performed on the “in situ” rendering. Four years later new tests sustain that the adherence and the surface hardness of the mortars applied on-site was similar to laboratory levels and is sufficient for the application of these commonly used mortars.

The advantageous influence of two different polycarboxylate and melamine superplasticizers is studied in relation to the properties of blended mortar plaster made with recycled polymers (polyamide powder and polyurethane foam). The characteristics of the test specimens are defined and tested in both a fresh and a hardened state. The influence of the additives on the microstructure of the lightweight mortar plaster is defined through an analysis of the compatibility of the interface zone of the materials using Fast Scanning Electron Microscopy (FSEM).Our results show that the addition of additives influences the properties of the mortar plaster, enhances its mechanical properties, and increases its adherence with ceramic materials. These results confirm that superplasticizers (depending on the type and dosage) enhance both the properties of the mortar plasters produced with recycled polymers and the rheological properties of the mortars that include polyamide waste.

This paper presents an investigation into the incorporation of polyamide powder waste in mortars with a polymeric organic soluble non-ionic surfactant. Several samples were prepared by replacing the aggregate with amounts of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % polyamide powder, to obtain lightweight materials. It was found that the presence of powder waste modifies the characteristics of fresh and hardened mortar while maintaining suitable properties such as workable life, water retention, vapour permeability and bonding in mixtures with up to 50 % of sand replaced by polyamide. The surfactant modifies the matrix microstructure and contributes to the hydration of the various cement phases. The assessed mechanical strength after performing the accelerating ageing tests remains sufficient with moderate amounts of waste, meaning that these mortars possess good overall durability. The experimental results showed that the addition of polyamide waste makes it possible to obtain lightweight materials more environmentally sustainable for use as masonry mortars.

This paper presents the results obtained in the production of lightweight mortars where different amounts of sand were replaced by polyamide powder wastes. The characterization of the materials obtained was carried out in fresh and hardened state, considering especially the vapor permeability and micro and macroporosity properties. It has been found that the progressive increase of polymer influences the behavior of the mortar, increasing the water vapour permeability as well as the total porosity of the material, which carried on a decrease in the density of the composites fabricated. These results suggest the employment of polyamide powder residue as sand could be useful with the aim of manufacture recycled lightweight masonry mortar.

Our presentation develops the study of cement mortars manufactured with melamine waste, either in the form of powder or cellulose paper, taken from the industrial production of particle boards, characterizing all of their properties and comparing them with traditional cement mortars. The objective is to determine in what way the addition of melamine powder and melamine paper will modify traditional mortar, once these materials have been subjected to a polymerization process under pressure and under increased temperature, in order to assess the possibility of using these new materials for applications in the construction industry. The behaviour of mortar in the fresh state is studied, determining the variations produced with the addition of melamine powder and melamine paper on the workability and the on-site use of these mortars. Likewise, their mechanical properties under flexion, compression, and adherence to a ceramic surface are studied and compared with those obtained from the reference mortar. Water absorption by capillary action and vapour permeability are also studied, in order to understand the interaction of the polymerized melamine in the capillary network of the mortar. Dosages were prepared for a reference mortar and a further two series of mortars with different quantities of melamine powder and melamine paper, together with cement, sand and water. In this first phase, the use of additives in the mixtures was not considered. The process of selecting the materials and the dosage criteria of the mixtures are subsequently described. The results of the study show that the use of powder melamine and paper cellulose melamine can be used to manufacture mortars with properties that are equivalent to traditional mortars, although further studies with greater precision will be needed on the contribution of the melamine polymerization process to the internal structural cohesion of the mortar.

This study investigates the influence of polyamide powder waste on the rheological properties of plaster pastes. Plaster blends are prepared using different volumetric proportions of polyamide by fixing the water/conglomerate ratio. A rotational viscometer is used to determine the yield shear stress and the plastic viscosity of the pastes. These results correlate with the data obtained with the paste fluidity test. Moreover, the effect of the polyamide on the thixotropy of the mixtures is analysed. The yield shear stress and the viscosity of the pastes decrease and increase respectively as a function of the amount of polyamide waste used in the mix. A strong correlation between the results of fluidity and plastic viscosity indicates the amount of polyamide waste influences directly the fluidity of the paste. The relation between shear rate and shear stress provides insight into the effects of the polyamide on plaster paste thixotropy.

Masonry mortars made with Portland cement, sand, water and white recycled polyurethane foam from industrial waste are examined in this study. Different mixtures were firstly prepared through the substitution of different amounts of sand by equivalent volumes of polyurethane and then, with different ratios of cement/aggregates. The comparative study was carried out on the effect that different ageing tests have on the mechanical properties of these mortars under flexion and compression. For this purpose, the samples were exposed to different corrosion and hardness tests: resistance to dry heat, hot water, salt spray test and Kesternich testing. After ageing, a small reduction in compressive strength was observed. However, in all the samples, the strength values were sufficiently high to consider that these types of recycled materials remain practically unaffected when compared with the reference specimens. Finally, alkali-silica reaction tests were performed to determine the chemical stability of these mortars.

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the use of polyamide powder waste to produce a new lightweight plaster material with improved thermal properties. Plaster blends were prepared using different volumetric proportions of polyamide. The characteristics of the tests specimens were defined and tested by fixing the consistency at a good workability and then determining the mechanical properties, Shore C hardness and the water vapour permeability that correlates with the pore structure obtained with Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP). The compatibility of the interface zone of materials was analysed using Fast Scanning Electron Microscopy (FSEM), in order to define the effect of the polyamide on the microstructure of the lightweight plaster. Moreover, its thermal behaviour was examined by thermogravimetry and thermal conductivity analysis. Our results show that an increase in the amount of polyamide affects the properties of the plaster, decreasing its density and mechanical properties, as well as increasing its permeability and its thermal resistance. These results confirm that plasters produced with recycled polyamide are comparable to lightweight plasters made with traditional materials.

This paper presents a study of the properties and thermal behaviour of plaster with polyurethane foam wastes. Plaster mixtures, prepared using differing volumes of polyurethane foam waste from two different sources, were ground to different granulometric sizes. The characteristics of the specimens were defined and tested by fixing the consistency at a good workability and then studying the mechanical properties, Shore C hardness and adherence to ceramic materials after both 7 and 28 days. The thermal behaviour was examined via thermogravimetry and thermal conductivity analysis, correlating the latter with the apparent density values of the plaster polyurethane material. The interface of materials was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results show that increasing the polyurethane quantity decreases the density and mechanical properties of the plaster while increasing its thermal resistance proportionally to the reduction in density. These results suggest that the use of plaster containing polyurethane foam waste is comparable to that of plaster lightened with conventional materials.

This paper presents results of an experimental study on the use of rigid polyurethane foam wastes with cement-based mixtures to produce lightweight mortar. Several mortar grades were obtained by mixing cement with different amounts of polyurethane, aggregate and water. Dosages were varied to replace aggregates with recycled polyurethane, while the amount of water was optimized to obtain good workability. Rigid polyurethane was ground to particle sizes of less than 4 mm prior to use as an aggregate substitute. The characteristics of the test specimens were defined and they were tested in both a fresh and a hardened state. Results show that an increase in the amount of polyurethane affects the mortar, decreasing its density and mechanical properties while increasing its workability, permeability, and occluded air content. These results confirm that mortar produced with recycled polyurethane is comparable to lightweight mortar made with traditional materials.

The aim of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of the interactions between aggregates and the components of the interstitial phase of concrete and to determine whether those aggregates that are subsequently used in the manufacture of concrete are reagents and are therefore likely to undergo a progressive deterioration of their initial properties. An initial petrographic study of each aggregate is performed in order to be able to determine its subsequent behaviour and reactivity under the influence of various factors. The potential reactivity of different silicaceous aggregates (slates, gneiss, hornfels, granites, quartzite and serpentine) is then determined by a chemical method for evaluating the potential reactivity of aggregates and an accelerated method in mortar specimens, and finally the surface reactivity is investigated. The results of these studies suggest that some aggregates are able to react with the components of the interstitial phase of concrete. The existence of this kind of interaction is confirmed by the results of the surface investigations before and after the basic reaction., Este trabajo pretende contribuir al conocimiento de las reacciones de interacción entre los áridos y los componentes de la fase intersticial del hormigón y determinar si estos áridos, empleados posteriormente en la fabricación del hormigón, son reactivos y por tanto susceptibles de provocar una disminución progresiva de sus propiedades iniciales. Para la caracterización de cada árido se ha realizado un estudio petrográfico, fundamental a la hora de determinar su posterior comportamiento en términos de reactividad frente a diversos factores. Seguidamente, se ha analizado la reactividad potencial de diferentes áridos silicatados (pizarras, gneis, corneanas, granitos, cuarcita y serpentina) mediante los dos métodos normalizados existentes: el método químico para la determinación de la reactividad potencial de áridos y el método acelerado en probetas de mortero; y para contrastar ambos hemos seguido el método de la reactividad superficial. Los resultados determinan que algunos áridos son susceptibles de reaccionar con los componentes de la fase intersticial de hormigón. La observación de su textura antes y después del ataque denota la existencia de esta interacción.

Siliceous aggregates are characterized for presenting certain chemical reactivity opposite to the calcium hydroxide liberated in the hydration of the Portland cement. The consequence of this reaction between the aggregate and the components of the intermediate concrete phase is the formation of gels very eager for water that can generate important disruptive pressures in the deeper structure of concrete. We have assessed the potential reactivity of several siliceous aggregates (granites, gneiss, hornfels, granites, quartzite and serpentine) by means of the accelerated method in concrete bars (normalized method) and the superficial reactivity method, observing by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the formation of silica calcium alkaline gels. On the other hand, we explore the way of minimizing this disruptive reaction employing ground clay bricks and cement type CEM IV UNE-EN 197-1.Los áridos silíceos se caracterizan por reaccionar con el hidróxido cálcico liberado en el proceso de hidratación del cemento, lo que debido a su elevada avidez por el agua genera geles expansivos, que provocan importantes tensiones disruptivas en el seno del hormigón. En este trabajo hemos evaluado la reactividad potencial de varios áridos silíceos (granitos, gneis, corneanas, granitos, cuarcita y serpentina) mediante el método acelerado de barras de mortero (normalizado), y el método de reactividad superficial, observando los geles silicocalcoalcalinos formados mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM). Por otra parte, aportamos dos vías de minimización de esta reacción disruptiva, empleando ladrillo cerámico molido en un caso, y cemento CEM IV UNE-EN 197-1 en el otro.

In this paper it is studied the reactivity of the slates with alkali hydroxides released by the cements in concretes and mortars. For this purpose several essays were performed under different conditions to a selection of slates of different origins and composition. It has been shown that all the tested slates are susceptible to alkali-silica and alkali-silicate reactivity with the alkalis of the cement and that not all the tests routinely performed to detect such reactions are reliable. Verified the reactivity of these rocks, the causes of observed behaviours and the possibilities to minimize or eliminate this reactivity are studied so that the slates could be in use in contact with cement in composite materials. The use of pozzolanic cements turns out to be effective for the elimination of this type of reactions.En este trabajo se ha estudiado la reactividad de las pizarras con los hidróxidos alcalinos liberados por los cementos en hormigones y morteros. Para ello se han realizado diferentes ensayos en distintas condiciones, a una selección de pizarras de distinto origen y composición. Se ha constatado que todas las pizarras ensayadas son susceptibles de sufrir reactividad álcali-sílice álcali-silicato con los álcalis de los cementos y que no todos los ensayos que se realizan de forma rutinaria para detectar este tipo de reacciones en los áridos son igual de fiables. Comprobada la reactividad de estas rocas se estudian las causas de los comportamientos observados y las posibilidades de minimizar o eliminar estas reactividades de tal manera que se puedan utilizar las pizarras en contacto con los cementos en materiales compuestos. El uso de cementos puzolánicos se revela como eficaz a la hora de eliminar este tipo de reacciones.

Resume Les ruptures de la coiffe des rotateurs sont des lesions a prendre en compte dans la pathologie du rugby moderne. Elles representent 3 a 10 % des lesions traumatiques de l'epaule dans cette population et semblent en constante augmentation du fait de la croissance du nombre de pratiquants et de l'intensite du jeu. Un bilan clinique permettra d'orienter le bilan d'imagerie a la recherche de ce type de lesion. L'analyse des resultats a propos d'une serie de 29 ruptures traitees chez des joueurs professionnels du championnat de France de 1996 a 2006 a permis d'approfondir l'epidemiologie de ces lesions et de preciser les indications therapeutiques. Le traitement chirurgical et, en particulier, arthroscopique s'est avere efficace face aux lesions partielles et transfixiantes, permettant en particulier une reprise du rugby dans 83 % des cas avec un delai moyen de 5,5 mois et un examen clinique strictement normal dans plus de 75 % des cas.

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de un proceso experimental de reutilización de residuos obtenidos de desechos de placas de yeso laminado elaboradas con residuos poliméricos de origen industrial (espuma de poliuretano) y reforzadas con fibras de polipropileno, para la fabricación de nuevas placas de yeso laminado. Para ello, se expone la metodología de reciclado de placas prefabricadas buscando de esta forma aumentar el ciclo de vida del yeso y de los residuos de poliuretano empleados. Para ello se detalla el proceso de fabricación las nuevas placas así como su caracterización mediante ensayos físicos y mecánicos a través de ensayos normalizados para placas de yeso laminado (densidad aparente, resistencia a flexión, absorción total en agua y dureza superficial). Los resultados obtenidos indican que es posible reciclar este tipo de prefabricados de una manera sencilla. De la misma forma se ha demostrado que las nuevas placas fabricadas con el residuo recuperado, presentan un buen comportamiento mecánico, a la par que se reduce su capacidad de absorción de agua y se aumenta su dureza su superficial. Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental process of reusing waste obtained from waste gypsum plasterboard made from polymeric industrial waste (polyurethane foam) and polypropylene fibers whit the aim to manufacturer new gypsum plasterboards. Therefore, a methodology to recycle is presented to increase the life cycle of waste gypsum. The manufacturing process of the plates is detailed as well as their physical and mechanical characterization by means of standardized for gypsum plasterboard (bulk density, flexion strength, total water absorption and surface hardness). The results indicate that it is possible to recycle this type of prefabricated in a simple way. Likewise it has been demonstrated that new plates made with the residue reusing, have good mechanical strength, at the same time reduce the capacity of water absorption and increase its surface hardness.

The presence of Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri in semen samples taken from asymptomatic bucks placed in artificial insemination centres has been confirmed in the last years. The ability of Mycoplasma spp. to cause adverse effects on sperm quality has been also demonstrated in several animal species including humans. In this sense, the risk of venereal transmission and the effects of mycoplasmas on sperm quality could affect goat breed improvement programs based on artificial insemination. The present study was conducted to develop an experimental model useful to study the effect of Mycoplasma spp. in goat semen. We evaluated the viability and motility of seminal doses maintained during two hours at 37 oC in semen samples previously kept under two temperature conditions (4-5 °C or 15-16 oC). The effect of PPLO medium in sperm motility, in which Mycoplasma spp. inocula are prepared, was also studied. Motility results registered in semen samples incubated at 37 oC during 120 minutes are better in seminal doses kept at 4-5 oC. PPLO medium had no significant effect on live or motile spermatozoa percentages registered after 150 minutes. Sperm viability and motility values (total and progressive) higher than 50% during the 150 and 60 minutes of incubation respectively were obtained using this medium. Overall, the present model is useful to conduct experimental contamination of goat semen doses with Mycoplasma spp. in order to evaluate its effect on spermatic viability and motility.

In this study, the karyotypes of 14 piglets from four different litters produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer were analysed. The chromosome analysis was based on a classical cytogenetic examination following the standard protocols of lymphocyte cultures. Two cases of reciprocal translocation [(4; 7)(p+; q-) and (2; 8)(q-; q+)] were detected in two female transgenic piglets. These animals showed neither anatomical nor physiological alterations and had normal growth. To our knowledge, this is the first karyotype study of piglets produced by ICSI.

At present, no reports are available regarding the hemodynamic assessment and survival of patients undergoing valve replacement with HP-Biplus prostheses. Hence, the present study was designed to acquire this information. The aim was to assess: (i) any potential hemodynamic differences between the HP-Biplus prosthesis and the 'standard' bileaflet mechanical valves (SJM, ATS, Sorin Bicarbon and CarboMedics); and (ii) the incidence of postoperative complications and long-term mortality.The data from 242 patients (139 males, 103 females; mean age 58.4 +/- 14.0 years) who survived mitral or aortic valve surgery with mechanical bileaflet standard prostheses (SJM, ATS, Sorin Bicarbon or CarboMedics), between January 1985 and December 2005, were analyzed retrospectively. Evaluations were conducted consecutively with Doppler echocardiography, and compared with 35 patients (20 males, 15 females; mean age 52.2 +/- 12.8 years) who received an HP-Biplus prosthesis and underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2005.At seven years after surgery, actuarial survival was 40% for the HP-Biplus prosthesis and 84% for the 'standard' prostheses (p0.0001). The HP-Biplus prostheses had a higher rate of reoperations for aortic valves (15.2% versus 1.7%; p0.003, OR 10.2), a higher rate of prosthesis dysfunction (62.9% versus 7.8%; p0.00001, OR 25), and a higher rate of total events (72% versus 21.8%; p0.0001, OR 11).The present study was the first to compare long-term results of the HP-Biplus prostheses with those obtained with 'standard' mechanical prostheses. Valve replacement with standard prostheses was shown to carry low morbidity and mortality (21.8%), whereas the HP-Biplus prosthesis showed high morbidity and mortality (92%). The data acquired may be very important when selecting prostheses with better hemodynamic characteristics, and show that the HP-Biplus prosthesis, in the authors' opinion, is not suitable for clinical use.

The aim of this study was to address the question of whether differences in farrowing rate and litter size after the use of different ejaculates could be predicted using the standard semen parameters under commercial conditions. In this study, a total of 1818 sows were used to evaluate the fertility predictive value of different sperm parameters. Logistic regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) was used to correlate the dichotomous farrowing rate data to the sperm parameters. Linear regression was also used to determine the relationship between litter size and semen parameters (Pearson correlation and multiple regression). Receiver-operating curves (ROC) were used to determine the overall performance characteristics of each semen variable in the logistic regression model. Semen analysis, under commercial conditions, allows to identify ejaculates with very low fertility potential but the pre-selection of the samples, the high number of sperm per doses and the high quality of the semen used in artificial insemination (AI) programmes reduces the variability. Therefore, it is unlikely to detect fertility differences associated with seminal parameters.

This paper focuses on the experimental investigation of the time-averaged and time-resolved pressure field of a second stator tested in a one and a half stage high-pressure transonic turbine. The effect of clocking and its influence on the aerodynamic and mechanical behaviour are investigated. The test program includes four different clocking positions, i.e. relative pitch-wise positions between the first and the second stator. Pneumatic probes located upstream and downstream of the second stator provide the time-averaged component of the pressure field. For the second stator airfoil, both time-averaged and time-resolved surface static pressure fields are measured at 15, 50 and 85% span with fast response pressure transducers. Regarding the time-averaged results, the effect of clocking is mostly observed in the leading edge region of the second stator, the largest effects being observed at 15% span. The surface static pressure distribution is changed locally, which is likely to affect the overall performance of the airfoil. The phase-locked averaging technique allows to process the time-resolved component of the data. The pressure fluctuations are attributed to the passage of pressure gradients linked to the traversing of the upstream rotor. The pattern of these fluctuations changes noticeably as a function of clocking. Finally, the time-resolved pressure distribution is integrated along the second stator surface to determine the unsteady forces applied on the vane. The magnitude of the unsteady force is very dependent on the clocking position.

The purpose of this study was to analyse 5 cases of osteopetrosis: 2 dominant and 3 recessive forms.Among five cases of children suffering from osteopetrosis. There were three malignant and two benign forms. Three children affected by malignant form, received a bone marrow transplantation.Only one child who received a bone marrow transplantation was still alive and cured (one died due to transplantation complications, the other child died accidentally). The two children presenting a benign form were periodically followed for iterative fractures and did not present serious complications.Our analysis compared to literature review allows us to insist on bone marrow transplantation. This is the only possibility for these children who were condemned in the past. The frequency of iterative fractures on children presenting a dominant form necessitates medical and orthopedic follow-up. Narrowness of the medullary canal, bone fragility contra indicates intramedullary nailing when fixation is indicated.Osteopetrosis is an autosomal metabolic bone disease caused by an anomaly of osteoclasts action. Two main forms exist: the dominant form which is benign, and the recessive form which is malignant. Actually recessive forms can be treated and cured by bone marrow transplantation and the children who were in the past condemned are saved. Children with dominant form must be followed up by an orthopaedic surgeon because of bone weakness. The increase in number of cases detected in immigrant populations with a high rate of consanguineous marriages led us to present this study.

Type I primary hyperoxaluria is a rare autosomal recessive disease linked to a deficit in an hepatic enzyme. The purpose of this study was to analyze orthopedics problems caused by type I primary hyperoxaluria before and after liver and kidney transplantation.Two cases of children carrying this type I primary hyperoxaluria followed up after liver kidney transplantation are presented and compared to last publications.Combined transplantation progressively corrected osseous lesions and aspect of the stroma. However it did not provide protection against fractures particularly for femoral neck fractures.In type I hyperoxaluria overproduction of calcium oxalate causes its accumulation in the whole organism and particularly in bone. Osseous fragility favors pathological fractures. Only combined liverkidney transplantation can save and cure these children. Frequency of this fracture after transplantation indicates preventive plating at first pain, possibly at the same time as transplantation. Kidney transplant failure puts the patient in a "congealed" clinical state where the bone is very rich in oxalate and where the hemodialysis does not eliminate oxalate salts.Type I primary hyperoxaluria is a very rare disease. Fractures are very common even after liver and kidney transplantation and especialy femoral neck fractures. We think that preventive plating must be done at first pain. We do not have any explanation for bony weakness after liver-kidney transplantation.

Immunization with specific tumor-associated antigen (Ag) (TAA)-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) has proven to be efficacious in a variety of animal models and is being investigated for the treatment of cancer patients. Use of DC pulsed with specific peptides or transfected with TAA genes has been a focused area of investigation for the induction of potent tumor and viral immune responses. In this study we demonstrate transgene expression, including expression of the MART-1 gene, in DC transfected with plasmid DNA and cationic liposome complexes. These transiently transfected DC, derived from healthy donor monocytes cultured with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4, express the transgene and can stimulate naive CD8+ T cells to elicit an antitumor immune response. These cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were capable of recognizing both known and unknown TAA epitopes and were able to exhibit cytolytic activity against human histocompatibility leukocyte Ag-matched tumor cells expressing the Ag. In addition to their cytolytic function, the CTL displayed an oligoclonal T-cell receptor repertoire, indicating that the presented Ag induced alterations in the T-cell population. The ability to induce tumor-specific CTL in vitro using gene-modified DC transiently expressing TAAs demonstrates the potential use of these Ag-presenting cells to generate future in vivo cancer vaccine strategies.

This study examined whether washing and preincubation of boar spermatozoa was necessary to achieve high in vitro penetration rates of pig oocytes. In experiment 1, diluted, sperm-rich fractions, stored for 24 h at 16 degrees C (stored diluted sperm) were used. After centrifugation once at 50 g for 3 min, the supernatant was concentrated at 1200 g for 3 min. The pellets were washed (1200 g for 3 min) 0, 1, or 2 times in saline-BSA solution and preincubated for 0, 20, or 40 min in modified Medium 199 before insemination of immature oocytes. In experiment 2, immature and ovulated oocytes were inseminated with untreated (unwashed and nonpreincubated sperm from concentrated pellet resulting from centrifugation of supernatant fraction obtained by initial low-speed centrifugation) or treated (washed 2 times in saline-BSA solution and preincubated for 40 min), diluted spermatozoa that had been stored and processed as described above. In experiment 3, freshly undiluted or stored diluted spermatozoa were untreated or treated and used to penetrate immature oocytes. In experiment 4, immature oocytes were exposed to freshly undiluted or stored diluted spermatozoa from untreated or treated samples, and, at various times after insemination, oocytes were examined for evidence of penetration. High penetrability rates were obtained when untreated, stored diluted spermatozoa were used. Type of oocyte (immature vs. ovulated) did not affect penetrability regardless of whether untreated or treated, stored diluted spermatozoa were used. Penetration rates and number of spermatozoa per oocyte were lower (p0.05) using stored diluted spermatozoa that were washed twice and preincubated 40 min than when freshly undiluted or untreated, stored diluted spermatozoa were used. First evidence of penetration of oocytes by untreated or treated spermatozoa (freshly undiluted or stored diluted) was observed 3 h after insemination. Results indicate that, under the in vitro conditions studied, boar spermatozoa undergoes capacitation and a true acrosome reaction during coincubation with oocytes even when not washed or preincubated.

The authors report their experience of the systematic use of a monobloc pin-plate in fractures of the trochanteric region in the elderly. The review of a series of 100 cases with a mortality of 16% demonstrates that this technique ensures excellent results compared with other published series. The biomechanical reliability of the monobloc pin-plate allows immediate weight-bearing in all patients. The technical simplicity and the better preoperative preparation of elderly patients allows an improvement in the postoperative course and consequently in patient survival. This operative technique can be proposed routinely with no restrictions.

The processes of cooling and freezing/thawing produce physical and chemical stress on the sperm membrane, and this stress is associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that further reduce sperm viability and fertilizing ability. It is known that the process of freezing is associated with a significant reduction of the intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The aim of these experiments was to investigate the effects of addition of GSH to thawing extenders on motility parameters and ROS generation in frozen-thawed ovine and caprine spermatozoa. Frozen spermatozoa from eight rams (Ovis aries) and eight bucks (Capra hircus) (generously provided by Ovigen, Zamora, Spain) were thawed in a water bath at 37�C for 30 s and resuspended in sperm-TALP medium (Parrish et al. 1986 Theriogenology 25, 591-600) without (control) and with addition of 1 mM or 5 mM GSH. After 30 min of incubation at 37�C, sperm motility was evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system (SCA, Microptic, Barcelona, Spain). The recorded parameters of motility were: % total, % progressive, curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, linearity of the curvilinear trajectory, straightness, amplitude of lateral head displacement, wobble of the curvilinear trajectory and beat cross frequency. Another set of sperm samples was incubated in the presence of (0.7 �M) 22,72-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (Gadea et al. 2005 J. Androl. 26, 396-404) to estimate production of ROS by flow cytometry. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, considering the specific sperm treatment (GSH addition) and the males as the main variables. In ram frozen spermatozoa, all of the motility parameters were significantly improved when the medium was supplemented with GSH (P < 0.01) with even better results when 5 mM GSH was used. As an example, progresive motility increased from 31.16% (control) to 39.17 and 43.97%, respectively, for 1 and 5 mM GSH. Despite of the male effect detected (P < 0.01), all eight rams studied presented a similar pattern (interaction P > 0.05). The generation of ROS was significantly reduced when GSH was added (6.23a for control vs. 5.32b and 3.85c for 1 and 5 mM, respectively; P < 0.01). In buck frozen spermatozoa, % motility and progressive motility were significantly higher in GSH groups than in the control (P < 0.01), with no differences between 1 and 5 mM GSH. However, for the other motility parameters, the differences were not significant, which probably could be related to differences in the pattern shown by different animals (interaction of buck by treatment P < 0.05). ROS generation was significantly reduced when GSH was added (7.50a for control vs. 4.32b and 2.70b for 1 and 5 mM, respectively; P < 0.01). The addition of GSH to the thawing medium had a positive influence on the parameters studied in both species, increasing the motility patterns and reducing the ROS generation. In conclusion, we can assume that the addition of reduced glutathione to the thawing medium exerts a protective effect on spermatozoa functionality. This work was supported by AGL-2003-03144.