Retinal thickness profiles in patients with Behçet uveitis during remission / Perfis de espessura da retina em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet durante remissão

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraretinal layer thickness in the macular region and its correlation with the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in patients with Behçet uveitis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 93 eyes of 57 patients with Behçet uveitis and 100 eyes of 50 healthy individuals admitted to a tertiary center from January to September 2017. We performed macular measurements in all subjects via spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and divided the retina into layers using automated segmentation software on the SD-OCT device. We then compared layer thicknesses between the patient and control groups and evaluated the correlation between OCT parameters and the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in the patient group. Results: Our records show a mean age of 37.9 ± 10.8 (18-64) years and 37.7 ± 12.2 (21-61) years in the patient and control groups (p=0.821), respectively. Meanwhile, data reveal a mean duration of uveitis of 6.9 ± 4.7 (1-20) years. We found a reduction in the total outer layer thickness in the patient group (p<0.001). However, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the inner retinal layers except in the inner nuclear layer. The duration of uveitis negatively correlated with the outer retinal layer's thickness (correlation coefficient = -0.250). On the other hand, visual acuity positively correlated with the central macular, the total inner layer, and the outer retinal layer thicknesses (correlation coefficients: 0.194, 0.154, and 0.364, respectively). However, the inner nuclear layer negatively correlated with visual acuity. Conclusions: Using retinal segmentation via SD-OCT for follow-ups can help estimate visual loss in patients with Behçet uveitis, which can cause significant changes in intraretinal layers in the macular region.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura das camadas intraretinianas na região macular e sua relação com a duração da uveíte e acuidade visual em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 93 olhos de 57 pacientes com uveíte de Behçet e 100 olhos de 50 indivíduos saudáveis que foram admitidos em um hospital terciário entre janeiro de 2017 e setembro de 2017. As medições maculares foram realizadas com tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT) em todos os pacientes. A retina foi dividida em camadas usando software de segmentação automatizado no dispositivo SD-OCT. As espessuras da camada foram comparadas entre os pacientes e os grupos controle. No grupo de pacientes, foi avaliada a correlação entre os parâmetros obtidos na OCT e a duração da uveíte e acuidade visual. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 37,9 ± 10,8 (18-64) no grupo de pacientes e 37,7 ± 12,2 (21-61) no grupo controle (p=0,821). A duração média da uveíte foi de 6,9 ± 4,7 (1-20) anos. A espessura total das camadas externas no grupo de pacientes foi reduzida (p<0,001). Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa não foi encontrada nas camadas internas da retina, exceto na camada nuclear interna. Uma correlação negativa foi detectada entre a duração da uveíte e a espessura da camada externa da retina (coeficiente de correlação = -0,250). Uma correlação positiva significativa foi detectada entre a acuidade visual e a espessura macular central bem como a espessura total das camadas internas e externas da retina (coeficientes de correlação 0,194; 0,154 e 0,364, respectivamente). A camada nuclear interna foi negativamente correlacionada com a acuidade visual. Conclusões: A uveíte de Behçet pode causar alterações significativas nas camadas intraretinianas na região macular. A segmentação da retina com SD-OCT pode ser útil para acompanhamentos e para estimar a perda visual em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet.

Indistinct retinal outer layers in the walls of the idiopathic full-thickness macular hole - A potential predictive biomarker for surgical outcomes

Purpose: To evaluate the absence of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (indistinct retinal outer layers, I?ROL) in the walls of idiopathic full?thickness macular holes (FTMHs) circumferentially on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its correlation with surgical outcome. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, OCT images of patients undergoing vitrectomy for FTMHs with at least 3?months of postoperative follow?up were analyzed for preoperative circumferential extent of I?ROL. Derived macular hole indices such as hole form factor (HFF), macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI), and hole diameter ratio (HDR) were also calculated. The circumferential extent of I?ROL was correlated with derived hole indices as well as anatomical closure, foveal architecture, and restoration of ELM following surgery. Results: All nine eyes (eight patients) with FTMH (mean size: 610.11 ± 122.95 microns) in the study showed I?ROL in ?1 quadrant. The mean HFF, MHI, THI, and HDR values were 0.72 ± 0.09, 0.35 ± 0.05, 0.71 ± 0.24, and 0.53 ± 0.14, respectively. All eyes achieved type?1 hole closure with improvement in best?corrected visual acuity to 0.58 ± 0.32 LogMAR from 0.81 ± 0.26 LogMAR. Regular foveal architecture was achieved in six eyes. Out of these, five eyes had I?ROL in ?2 quadrants, and one eye had I?ROL in <2 quadrants (P = 0.0476). Restoration of ELM was seen in aforementioned six eyes (complete = 5, partial = 1). Out of the five eyes with complete ELM restoration, four had a circumferential extent of I?ROL in ?2 quadrants (P = 0.0476). Complete restoration of ELM was associated with the complete restoration of the ellipsoid zone in three eyes. Conclusion: Preoperative circumferential extent of I?ROL in FTMH walls can be a potential predictive OCT marker for the type of closure, postoperative foveal architecture, and ELM restoration.

Mapping the thickness of retinal layers using Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography in Indian eyes

Purpose: This study aimed at establishing the normative data for the thickness of macular layers on Spectralis Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in healthy Indian eyes and testing the effects of age, gender, central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) on such values. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 308 eyes of 159 healthy subjects. OCT scans were obtained using the posterior pole asymmetry scan protocol. From the thickness map, data were grouped into nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) macular sectors. Correlation between retinal thickness and age/IOP/CCT was done using Pearson correlation. Correcting for age as a covariate, multivariate regression analysis was done to know which retinal layers showed significant differences in thickness between males and females. Results: The mean age was 46.06 ± 13.06 years (range: 20–75 years). Significant central subfield (CSF) thickening with age was noted in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), inner nuclear layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), and outer nuclear layer (ONL) (P < 0.04). The average thickness of the outer ring reduced with age in the ganglion cell layer (GCL)/IPL/INL (P = 0.001). Women had thinner inner and outer retinal thickness than men in all ETDRS rings (P < 0.001). There was no interocular asymmetry (P > 0.05) and no correlation between IOP/CCT and retinal layer thickness. Conclusion: In CSF, age-related thickening was noted in RNFL, IPL, INL, OPL, and ONL. The average inner ring thickness decreased with age in GCL and IPL and increased in the RPE layer. The average outer ring thickness decreased with age in GCL, IPL, and INL layers and increased in OPL. The average IR and OR thickness was significantly less in women compared to men in all sub-fields. There was no correlation between IOP/CCT and retinal layer thickness.

Study on transport of small molecule rhodamine B within different layers of cartilage / 生物医学工程学杂志

The small molecule nutrients and cell growth factors required for the normal metabolism of chondrocyte mainly transport into the cartilage through free diffusion. However, the specific mass transfer law in the cartilage remains to be studied. In this study, using small molecule rhodamine B as tracer, the mass transfer models of cartilage were built under different pathways including surface pathway, lateral pathway and composite pathway. Sections of cartilage at different mass transfer times were observed by using laser confocal microscopy and the transport law of small molecules within different layers of cartilage was studied. The results showed that rhodamine B diffused into the whole cartilage layer through surface pathway within 2 h. The fluorescence intensity in the whole cartilage layer increased with the increase of mass transfer time. Compared to mass transfer of 2 h, the mean fluorescence intensity in the superficial, middle, and deep layers of cartilage increased by 1.83, 1.95, and 3.64 times, respectively, after 24 h of mass transfer. Under lateral path condition, rhodamine B was transported along the cartilage width, and the molecular transport distance increased with increasing mass transfer time. It is noted that rhodamine B could be transported to 2 mm away from cartilage side after 24 h of mass transfer. The effect of mass transfer under the composite path was better than those under the surface path and the lateral path, and especially the mass transfer in the deep layer of cartilage was improved. This study may provide a reference for the treatment and repair of cartilage injury.

Uso de argilas expansivas em camadas de impermeabilização de coberturas de aterros sanitários no Nordeste do Brasil / Use of expansive clays in waterproofing layers of landfill of the final cover in Northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Os aterros sanitários são obras construídas para o confinamento seguro dos resíduos sólidos e, entre seus elementos de projeto, destaca-se a camada de impermeabilização da cobertura final, frequentemente construída com solo argiloso, que deve, entre outras funções, minimizar ao máximo a infiltração de águas pluviais para o interior do aterro e o fluxo de gases com o meio ambiente. As características físicas, químicas e mineralógicas dos materiais dessa camada devem ser analisadas para a avaliar seu potencial de utilização. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho de argilas expansivas, sujeitas à variação de umidade, como material impermeabilizante de cobertura de aterros sanitários, sendo caracterizadas duas amostras por meio de ensaios geotécnicos. As características foram compatíveis com os requisitos exigidos nas normas consultadas. A parte superior de uma camada de argila compactada foi reproduzida com uma das amostras em um modelo experimental, sujeita à secagem, com observação da formação de trincas e medições do teor de umidade ao longo do tempo e profundidade. A formação de trincas na superfície se iniciou para teores de umidade acima do limite de plasticidade. A aplicação de uma carga hidráulica na superfície após a etapa de secagem resultou em um fechamento das trincas em razão da expansão da argila, indicando eficiência na restrição de entrada de águas pluviais. No entanto, o uso de material expansivo para esse fim deve ser investigado quanto ao seu desempenho em campo, tanto na fase de construção, durante a compactação, quanto de operação, quando estará sujeito às variações climáticas.

ABSTRACT Solid waste landfills are works built to contain solid urban waste, being the most used final disposal method in Brazil. One of the most important components of the project is the final cover, the low hydraulic conductivity layer, with clayey materials, which has the function of minimizing the infiltration of rainwater into the landfill and the entry and exit of gases. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of clayey materials must be analyzed for potential use as a cover layer. The present work aimed to evaluate the use of clays, with expansive characteristics, subject to water content variations, as cover material in landfills, being characterized two clay samples through geotechnical tests. The characterization indicated samples with characteristics compatible with the requirements demanded by the consulted standards. One of them was used in a laboratory model and reproduced the upper part of a layer of compacted clay, subject to drying on the surface, with observation of the formation of cracks, and with measurements of the water content over time and depth. Cracks on the clay surface occurred during the drying process, starting for water contents above the limit of plasticity of the clay. The application of a hydraulic head on the surface, after the drying step, resulted in cracks closure, due to the expansion of the clay, indicating efficiency in the restriction of rainwater entry. However, the use of expansive material for this purpose should be investigated regarding its performance in the field, both in the construction phase, during compaction, and in operation, subject to climatic variations.

Analysis of bacteria distribution characteristics in different layers of agarwood based on Hiseq sequencing / 中国中药杂志

To explore the diversity of bacterial community structure between different layers of agarwood, Hiseq(high-throughput sequencing) was used to analyze the bacterial community structure of samples from different layers of agarwood. Our results showed that 1 150 096 optimized sequences and 9 690 OTUs were obtained from 15 samples of 5 layers of agarwood, which belonged to 28 bacterial phyla, 61 classes, 110 orders, 212 families and 384 genera. Further analysis revealed that the normal layer(NL) had the lowest bacterial species richness and the smallest number of OTUs. And the total number of OTUs of the agarwood layer(AL) and NL was zero, which was quite different.At the same time, there were significant differences in bacterial community structure and species diversity between NL and the other four layers. While there were some common dominant bacterial genera in both transition layer(TL) and NL. The similarity of bacterial distribution in 4 non-NL layers was relatively high, which had four common genera, such as Acidibacter, Bradyrhizobium, Acidothemus and Sphingomonas. While Acidibacter, Bradyrhizobium and Acidothemus were the dominant bacterial genus of DA and AL, and all of these layers contained volatile oil. In addition, the Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant in agarwood layer. Our results showed that bacterial community diversity and abundance were decreasing from DL to AL, and different layers showed significant differences in bacterial enrichment. It provided the clues to investigate how bacteria participate in the formation of agarwood.

Layers-strain on assessing myocardial function in acute coronary syndrome patients after percutaneous coronary intervention / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To explore the clinical value of longitudinal layers-strain technology for assessing myocardial function in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Twenty-five ACS patients who underwent successful PCI (PCI group) and 25 normal subjects (control group) were collected. M-mode echocardiography, biplane Simpson, tissue Doppler imaging and longitudinal layers-strain were used to analyze left ventricular function and myocardial function respectively in both groups. Results: Longitudinal layers strain and global longitudinal layers strain in PCI group decreased gradually from endocardium to epicardium, and all parameters reduced compared with those of control group (all P<0.05). The gradient of global longitudinal strain between endocardium and epicardium (△GLS) existed in both groups, while the absolute value of △GLS apparently reduced in PCI group compared with control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Longitudinal strain decreased from endocardium to epicardium in ACS patients after PCI. Longitudinal layers-strain might be a sensitive index of myocardial and left ventricular dysfunction in ACS patients after PCI.

The effects of dietary hot pepper Capsicum annuum waste powder supplementation on egg production traits of Japanese quail layers / Efeitos da suplementação de pó de Capsicum annuum na dieta sobre a produção de ovos de codornas japonesas

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) waste supplementation on egg production performance and quality in Japanese quail hens (Coturnix coturnix japonica). A total of 192, seven-week-old Japanese quail layers were divided into 4 treatment groups of similar mean weight (304±0.5 g), each comprising 12 subgroups (including 1 male and 3 females). Treatment birds were fed on experimental basal layer diet supplemented with 1, 2 or 4 g hot pepper waste powder (HPWP) per kg diet. The laying performance was determined by recording feed intake, egg weight, daily egg production, and biweekly egg quality. Results showed that HPWP supplementation to layer diet did not have any significant (P>0.05) effects on body weight and feed conversion ratio, while it had significant effects on feed intake (P<0.01), and laying egg weight, average egg weight, total egg yield (P<0.05). A 2 g HPWP supplementation resulted in the highest total egg yield (P<0.05) with quadratic effects on egg shape index (P<0.05) and albumen pH (P<0.01). According to the values in the study, the egg shape index of 2 g HPWP group was circular and; therefore, attractive to consumers. We highly recommend the non-economic value of 2 g/kg supplementation of hot pepper waste powder, especially for egg production. To conclude, HPWP can be used for quail layer diets due to its beneficial effects on egg quality since it is an economic and easy agricultural by-product obtained from red pepper paste industry waste.

RESUMO: Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de suplementação de resíduos de pimenta na dieta (Capsicum annuum L.), no desempenho e na qualidade da produção de ovos em codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Um total de 192 codornas japonesas com sete semanas de idade foram alocadas em 4 grupos com peso médio semelhante (304 ± 0.5 g), cada um compreendendo 12 subgrupos (incluindo 1 macho e 3 fêmeas). As aves tratadas foram alimentadas com dieta experimental basal suplementada com 1, 2 ou 4 g de pimenta em pó (HPWP) por kg de dieta. O desempenho da postura foi determinado pelo registro da ingestão de ração, peso dos ovos, produção diária de ovos e qualidade quinzenal dos ovos. Os resultados mostraram que a suplementação de HPWP à dieta não teve efeitos significativos (P> 0,05) no peso corporal e na taxa de conversão alimentar, enquanto teve efeitos significativos no consumo de ração (P <0,01) e no peso do ovo em postura, peso médio do ovo, produção total de ovos (P <0,05). Uma suplementação de 2 g de HPWP resultou na maior produção total de ovos (P <0,05) com efeitos quadráticos no índice de forma dos ovos (P <0,05) e no pH do albumen (P <0,01). De acordo com os valores do estudo, o índice de forma dos ovos de 2 g do grupo HPWP era circular e, portanto, atraente para os consumidores. É altamente recomendável o valor não-econômico de 2 g / kg de suplementação de pó de pimenta, especialmente para a produção de ovos. Para concluir, a HPWP pode ser usada para dietas de codorna devido aos seus efeitos benéficos na qualidade dos ovos, uma vez que é um subproduto agrícola obtido a partir de resíduos da indústria de pasta de pimenta vermelha de maneira econômica e fácil.

Prognosis and Disorganization of Retinal Inner Layers in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Dexamethasone Implantation

PURPOSE: To examine whether disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRILs) at baseline and after treatment was associated with visual acuity in patients with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) who were treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of records of 22 patients with treatment-naive CRVO with centrally involved macular edema treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implants. Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography images were obtained during each visit. The DRIL extent and additional parameters were evaluated in a 2,000 µm-wide foveal centered area. RESULTS: In the 22 patients (74.5 ± 8.92 years), baseline DRIL was observed in 21 eyes (94.5%). Using univariate analysis, baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly associated with the extent of baseline DRIL (p = 0.005, r = −0.58), and the extent of external limiting membrane disruption and ellipsoid zone (p = 0.015, r = −0.51; p = 0.011, r = −0.533, respectively). The final BCVA was significantly correlated with the baseline BCVA (p < 0.001, r = 0.74) and extent of DRIL (p = 0.04, r = −0.35). Changes in the BCVA were correlated with changes of DRIL between baseline and the final visit (p = 0.041, r = 0.439). CONCLUSIONS: The extents of baseline DRIL and DRIL changes after treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone implants for macular edema secondary to CRVO may be useful parameter for visual acuity improvement.

Baseline morphological characteristics as predictors of final visual acuity in patients with branch retinal vein occlusions: MARVEL report no. 3

Purpose: To determine the predictive values of baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormalities on 12-month visual acuity changes in eyes with macular edema (ME) caused by branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVO). Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of data from 75 participants in the 12-month MARVEL trial. OCT abnormalities at baseline, including ganglion cell layer cystoid spaces (GCL), intraretinal hyper-reflective dots, and central subfield thickness (CST), were correlated with improvements in visual acuity and the number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections required using a multivariate regression model. Results: Eyes with baseline CST > 500 ?m had greater visual gains compared to those with CST <500 ?m (+21.09 vs +16.08 letters, P = 0.04). Eyes with hyper-reflective dots (+13.97 vs +19.93 letters, P = 0.02), and GCL cysts (+9.8 vs +18.9, P = 0.003) had inferior gains in visual acuity. Neurosensory macular detachments at the baseline did not affect gains in visual acuity. Ninety percent of the gain in visual acuity was recorded after two injections and was maintained until month 12. Conclusion: Baseline OCT of <500 ?m, hyper-reflective dots, and GCL cystoid spaces are associated with poorer gains in visual acuity. Most of the visual gain occurs after two injections.

Use of liquid vinasse as a feed additive for Japanese quails / Uso de vinaza líquida como aditivo alimenticio para la codorniz japonesa / Vinhaça líquida como aditivo alimentar para codornas japonesas

Abstract Background: Liquid vinasse (LV) has probiotic properties and low pH. It is fed to animals as a solution to the disposal problem of this by-product. Objective: To evaluate the effects of increasing dietary levels of LV on growing performance, egg quality and economic viability for Japanese quails. Methods: One hundred sixty Japanese quails were included in a randomized study with five dietary treatments and four replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of adding 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10% LV to a commercial quail feed for 84 d. Results: The LV inclusion resulted in a linear decrease in daily intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy, calcium, phosphorus, and in the feed conversion ratio. However, it resulted in a linear increase in egg-specific weight, eggshell weight, CP content in the DM, and a quadratic change in the ether extract content of the egg. The price per dozen eggs decreased linearly with the inclusion of LV. Conclusion: The best results were obtained by adding 10% LV, which made egg production more profitable.

Resumen Antecedentes: La vinaza líquida (LV) tiene propiedades probióticas y bajo pH, por lo que se ha utilizado como alimento para animales como una solución para el problema de la eliminación de este sub-producto. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del aumento de los niveles de la LV en el desempeño productivo de la codorniz japonesa, la calidad interna y externa del huevo y la viabilidad económica de la utilización de este sub-producto. Métodos: Ciento sesenta codornices japonesas fueron incluidas en un estudio al azar con cinco tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones cada uno. Los tratamientos consistieron en la adición de 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 o 10% de LV a un alimento comercial para codornices durante 84 d. Resultados: La inclusión de LV resultó en una disminución lineal en la ingestión diaria de materia seca (DM), proteína bruta (CP), energía bruta, calcio, fósforo, y en la tasa de conversión del alimento. Sin embargo, dio lugar a un aumento lineal en el peso específico del huevo, el peso de la cáscara, el contenido de CP en la DM y cuadráticamente alteró el contenido de extracto etéreo de los huevos. El precio de una docena de huevos disminuyó linealmente con la inclusión de LV. Conclusión: Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron con un nivel de LV de 10%, que resultó en la producción de huevos más rentable.

Resumo Antecedentes: A vinhaça líquida (LV) tem propriedades probióticas e pH baixo, e tem sido utilizada como alimentos para animais; uma solução para o problema da eliminação deste co-produto. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de níveis crescentes de LV sobre o desempenho produtivo de codornas japonesas, qualidade interna e externa do ovo, e a viabilidade econômica da utilização deste coproduto. Métodos: cento e sessenta codornas japonesas foram utilizadas em delineamneto inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições cada um. Os tratamentos consistiram de adição 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 ou 10% LV à ração comercial para codornas, durante 84 d. Resultados: A inclusão de LV resultou em uma redução linear no consumo diário de matéria seca (DM), proteína bruta (CP), energia bruta, cálcio, fósforo, e da taxa de conversão alimentar. No entanto, resultou em um aumento linear no peso específico do ovo, peso da casca e teor de CP na DM e alterou de forma quadrática o teor de extrato etéreo dos ovos. O preço da dúzia de ovos dimuniu linearmente com a inclusão de LV. Conclusão: Economicamente, os melhores resultados foram obtidos com o nível de 10% de LV, o que tornou a produção de ovos mais rentável.

Sexual and vegetative propagation of the medicinal Mexican species Phyllonoma laticuspis (Phyllonomaceae) / Propagación sexual y vegetativa de la especie medicinal mexicana Phyllonoma laticuspis (Phyllonomaceae)

Abstract:Phyllonoma laticuspis leaves are used in Carrizal de Bravo, Guerrero, Mexico, to heal skin lesions such as injuries and smallpox sequelae and to treat diabetes mellitus type 2, and organic extracts of these leaves have been reported to exert antibacterial effects. High demand of P. laticuspis as a medicinal plant has decreased its natural populations, and propagation of the species has not yet been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the vegetative propagation of the species through cutting and air layering, as well as its sexual propagation in a preserved population. For this, concentrations of 1 000, 4 000 and 6 000 ppm of a commercial root enhancer, with indole butyric acid (IBA), and a control treatment without IBA, were applied to the cuttings and air layers. Germination was evaluated under light and dark conditions using lots of freshly collected seeds and lots of seeds that had been stored for three months at 4 °C or 24 ± 2 °C. All experiments were performed in a completely randomized design. The cuttings did not develop roots in any concentration, whereas 100 % of the air layers rooted, displaying vigorous roots in the presence of 4 000 ppm IBA, after four month of treatment application. Regarding germination, more than 60 % of the freshly collected seeds germinated, whereas less than 20 % of the seeds stored at 4 °C, and close to 50 % of the seeds stored at 24 ± 2 °C germinated under light and dark conditions. No significant differences were observed between light and dark conditions, so they were categorized as indifferent photoblastic seeds. The observed moisture content of 13.5 % and germination behaviour as the response to cold storage, suggest that the resultant seed quality was intermediate. P. laticuspis propagation for short-term foliage production can be carried out in air layers, in populations with a high density of adult plants as a source of plant material and for the restoration of disturbed areas, in the same locality. On the other hand, large-scale seedling production, medium-term foliage production and preservation of species variability can be achieved using seeds. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 9-19. Epub 2017 March 01.

ResumenLas hojas de Phyllonoma laticuspis se utilizan en Carrizal de Bravo, Gro. México, para curar lesiones de la piel como heridas, secuelas de viruela y afecciones de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Los extractos orgánicos de hojas, mostraron efectos antibacterianos. La gran demanda de P. laticuspis como planta medicinal, ha disminuido sus poblaciones naturales, y no existen reportes de la propagación de la especie. Por lo tanto, el propósito del presente trabajo fue evaluar la propagación vegetativa de la especie a través de estacas y acodos, y su propagación sexual en una población conservada. En la propagación por estacas y acodos se aplicaron concentraciones de 1 000, 4 000 y 6 000 ppm de un enraizador comercial con ácido indolbutírico (AIB), y un tratamiento control sin AIB. La germinación se evaluó en luz y oscuridad mediante el uso de lotes de semillas recién recolectadas y lotes de semillas almacenadas por tres meses a 4 °C y a 24 ± 2 ºC. Todos los experimentos se realizaron en un diseño completamente al azar. Las estacas no desarrollaron raíces en ninguna de las concentraciones, mientras que el 100 % de los acodos enraizaron, produciendo raíces vigorosas con la concentración de 4 000 ppm de AIB, a los cuatro meses de la aplicación. Con respecto a la germinación bajo condiciones de luz y oscuridad, las semillas recién recolectadas germinaron más del 60 %, mientras que las semillas almacenadas a 4 ºC menos del 20 % y las almacenadas a 24 ± 2 ºC cerca del 50 %. No hubieron diferencias significativas entre la germinación en luz y oscuridad, por lo que se consideraron como semillas fotoblásticas indiferentes. El contenido de humedad de 13.5 % y el comportamiento de la germinación en respuesta al almacenamiento en frío, sugieren la cualidad de semillas de tipo intermedias. La propagación de P. laticuspis para la producción de follaje a corto tiempo, puede hacerse por acodos en poblaciones con alta densidad de plantas adultas como fuente de material vegetal y para la restauración de áreas alteradas en la misma localidad. Mientras que la producción de follaje a mediano plazo y la conservación de la variabilidad de la especie, se puede lograr con la obtención masiva de plántulas a través de semillas.

Clinical feasibility of atlas-based auto-segmentation software in radiotherapy for cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the time efficiency and accuracy of atlas-based auto-segmentation ( ABAS ) software with different atlas template numbers and layers of computed tomography ( CT ) scans in delineation of the target tissues of cervical cancer patients receiving radiotherapy . Methods The CT images from 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 patients with cervical cancer were separately selected as atlas templates for MIM auto-segmentation software, and the CT-based tumor volumes of another 20 patients with cervical cancer were manually contoured by physicians. The quality of contours obtained automatically from the software and manual contouring was compared by one-way analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) , randomized block ANOVA, and least significant difference t test. The impact of atlas template numbers and layers of CT scans on the accuracy and time efficiency of MIM software was analyzed based on the time spent in delineation, dice similarity coefficient, and overlap index. Results Taking manual contouring as the reference, no significant differences were observed in the accuracy and time efficiency of auto-contouring when atlas template numbers ranged from 20 to 120(all P>005). The ABAS auto-contouring significantly shortened the time for target contours when the layers of CT scans were less than 65 ( all P>005 ) , but reduced the accuracy of rectal contours (P=0000), while CT scans with 67 layers achieved the highest accuracy of rectal contours ( P= 0037 ) . Conclusions The ABAS software shows an advantage in delineation of the target tissues of cervical cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, and 20 templates are suggested to construct this atlas. The CT scans with 65 layers are recommended for patients when target tissues include the bladder, femur, and spinal cord, and CT scans with 67 layers are recommended for patients when target tissues include the rectum.

Clinical feasibility of atlas-based auto-segmentation software in radiotherapy for cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To investigate the time efficiency and accuracy of atlas-based auto-segmentation ( ABAS ) software with different atlas template numbers and layers of computed tomography ( CT ) scans in delineation of the target tissues of cervical cancer patients receiving radiotherapy . Methods The CT images from 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 patients with cervical cancer were separately selected as atlas templates for MIM auto-segmentation software, and the CT-based tumor volumes of another 20 patients with cervical cancer were manually contoured by physicians. The quality of contours obtained automatically from the software and manual contouring was compared by one-way analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) , randomized block ANOVA, and least significant difference t test. The impact of atlas template numbers and layers of CT scans on the accuracy and time efficiency of MIM software was analyzed based on the time spent in delineation, dice similarity coefficient, and overlap index. Results Taking manual contouring as the reference, no significant differences were observed in the accuracy and time efficiency of auto-contouring when atlas template numbers ranged from 20 to 120(all P>005). The ABAS auto-contouring significantly shortened the time for target contours when the layers of CT scans were less than 65 ( all P>005 ) , but reduced the accuracy of rectal contours (P=0000), while CT scans with 67 layers achieved the highest accuracy of rectal contours ( P= 0037 ) . Conclusions The ABAS software shows an advantage in delineation of the target tissues of cervical cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, and 20 templates are suggested to construct this atlas. The CT scans with 65 layers are recommended for patients when target tissues include the bladder, femur, and spinal cord, and CT scans with 67 layers are recommended for patients when target tissues include the rectum.

Performance, serologic and tracheal responses of laying hens exposed to F strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum / Desempenho, sorologia e respostas traqueias de galinhas poedeiras expostas a cepa F de Mycoplasma gallisepticum

The F strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG-F) protects chickens against mycoplasma infections, in which monitoring is made by serology and histopathology of trachea. This trial used 90 chickens, being 30 unvaccinated (G1 group), 30 eye-drop vaccinated at 8 weeks of age with MG-F (Ceva Animal Health, São Paulo, SP, Brazil) (G2), and 30 immunized at 8 and 11 weeks of age (G3). Samples were obtained from chickens on the 8, 12, 15, 18, 20 and 24th weeks of age for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Tracheal fragments were collected after necropsies on the 15 and 24th weeks of age. Up to 12 weeks, the ELISA reactions in optical density (OD) were 0.165 (G1), 0.151 (G2) and 0.151(G3), all below 0.20 and with no significant difference among groups (p > 0.05). After the 15th week, the ELISA reactions rose, yielding the following group averages by collecting dates: G1 (0.18, 0.19, 0.18, and 0.16), G2 (0.36, 0.49, 0.47, and 0.44) and G3 (0.41, 0.52, 0.59, 0.60), being the means in G2 and G3 not significantly different between than, but significantly different from G1. The initial weight (592.71, 621.33, and 594.40), the final weight (1,932.58, 1,987.59, and 1,875.20) and the weekly weight gain (11.65, 11.90, and 11.14) were not significantly different among groups. At necropsy the gross tracheal score means by group and dates were: 15th week (0.25, 0.61, and 0.54) and 24th week (0.54, 0.58, and 0.67), being these difference not significantly (p > 0.05). On microscopy, the tracheal score averages by groups G1, G2 and G3, respectively, were: 15th week (0.25, 0.32, and 0.47) and 24th week (0.07, 0.75, and 0.08). G2 yielded higher score average than G1 and G3 on the 24th week. Higher tracheal changes for G2 and G3 as compared to G1 could be ascribed to MG-F infection. There were no evident prejudicial effects on live weight, weight gain and tissue changes by applying one or two vaccination doses.(AU)

A cepa F de Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG-F) protege as galinhas de micoplasmose, e sua monitorização é feita por sorologia e histopatologia de traqueia. Este estudo utilizou 90 frangos, sendo 30 não vacinados (grupo G1); 30 vacinados via gota ocular a 8 semanas de idade com MG-F (Ceva Saúde Animal, São Paulo, SP, Brasil) (G2); e 30 imunizados em 8 e 11 semanas de idade (G3). As amostras foram obtidas nas 8ª, 12ª, 15ª, 18ª, 20ª e 24ª semanas para ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática (ELISA). Fragmentos traqueais foram coletados após necropsias nas 15ª e 24ª semanas. Até a 12ª semana, as reações de ELISA em densidade óptica (DO) foram 0,165 (G1), 0,151 (G2) e 0,151 (G3), todas abaixo de 0,20, e não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p > 0,05). Após a 15ª semana , a reação de ELISA subiu, produzindo as seguintes médias dos grupos por datas de coleta: G1 (0,18, 0,19, 0,18 e 0,16), G2 (0,36, 0,49, 0,47 e 0,44) e G3 (0,41, 0,52, 0,59, 0,60), sendo as médias de G2 e G3 não significativamente diferentes entre si, mas significativamente diferentes da de G1. O peso inicial (592,71, 621,33, 594,40), o peso final (1.932,58, 1.987,59, 1.875,20) e o ganho de peso semanal (11,65, 11,90, 11,14) não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos. Na necropsia, as médias do escore da macroscopia de traqueia por grupo e data foram: 15ª semana (0,25, 0,61 e 0,54) e 24ª semana (0,54, 0,58 e 0,67), e não se apresentou diferença significativa (p > 0,05). Na microscopia, a média de escores de traqueia por grupos G1, G2 e G3, respectivamente, foram: 15ª semana (0,25, 0,32 e 0,47) e 24ª semana (0,07, 0,75 e 0,08). G2 apresentou maior média de escore do que G1 e G3 na 24ª semana. Alterações traqueais mais elevadas para G2 e G3 em relação a G1 poderiam ser atribuídas à vacinação por MG-F. Não houve efeitos prejudiciais evidentes no peso vivo nem no ganho de peso, tampouco alterações teciduais na aplicação de uma ou duas doses de vacinação.(AU)

Morphological Variations in Fissures and Lobar Pattern in Human Lungs.

Background: Our study aims to study the variations in lobar pattern and fissures of both right and left human lungs. Methods: 41 formalin fixed cadaveric lungs were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, SRMS IMS. The lungs were studied to observe the variations of fissures and lobes. Abnormal or accessory lobes were also noted. Results: 18 right lung and 23 left lung specimens were obtained and studied. Among the right lungs studied one showed an incomplete oblique fissure, six showed incomplete horizontal fissures. The horizontal fissure was absent in three right lungs. In the left lung only one lung showed the presence of an incomplete oblique fissure. Conclusion: The lung is a vital organ for life. Hence, considering the clinical importance of such anomalies, we as anatomists suggest that awareness and knowledge of the variations in the lobes and fissures of the lungs may be important for surgeons planning lobectomies and surgical resections involving individual segments and for radiologists to accurately interpret radiological images. This knowledge has further become more significant with the increasing incidence of lung carcinomas.

Outer Retinal Layers Alterations in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Spectral Domain-OCT and Fundus Autofluorescence Findings

PURPOSE: To document alteration of the outer retinal layers and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) change in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). METHODS: Seventeen eyes of fifteen patients diagnosed with chronic CSCR from January 2014 to March 2015 with at least 6 months of follow-up and no history of surgery were enrolled in this study. Morphologic alterations in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction layer, and the outer retina were evaluated by Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The FAF images were obtained via Heidelberg Retina Angiogram using a view mode of 30° and were described using distribution patterns of retinal autofluorescence compared to background autofluorescence. After tomographic alignment of the FAF intensities with the OCT findings, we analyzed and assessed the alteration of the outer retinal layers and the characteristics of retinal autofluorescence. RESULTS: RPE detachment lesions in SD-OCT showed little or no change in autofluorescence pattern. Five of seven eyes with RPE humps in SD-OCT showed hyper-fluorescence in FAF. All of the eyes with defects or changes of the reflective line representing the IS/OS junction in SD-OCT correlated with hyper-fluorescence in FAF. Seven of nine eyes with persistent subretinal detachment (SRD) showed specific ring-shaped hyper-fluorescence in FAF matching up with the border of the SRD, and five eyes with photoreceptor OS elongation within SRD showed a granular type of hyper-fluorescence within the ring-shaped hyper-fluorescence in FAF. CONCLUSIONS: In chronic CSCR, we found that RPE humps, the lesion IS/OS junction defect, the border of SRD, photoreceptor OS elongation in SD-OCT correlate with hyper-fluorescence lesions in FAF. The areas of the autofluorescence changes in the FAF images are associated with the extent of change in the RPE and outer retina.

Qualidade da água de granjas de postura comercial da região Sul de Santa Catarina em relação ao Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008 / Water quality of commercial laying hen farms in the southern region of Santa Catarina regarding the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da água de granjas de postura comercial da região Sul de Santa Catarina e contextualizá-la com o Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008. Em fevereiro de 2012 foram coletadas amostras de água de 31 granjas localizadas nos municípios de São Ludgero, Orleans, Grão Pará e Braço Norte. Os parâmetros químicos e microbiológicos avaliados foram os estabelecidos no anexo II do Oficio Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008. Sendo assim foram analisados cloreto, dureza, nitrato, sulfato, pH e sólidos dissolvidos totais (SDT) e Escherichia coli no que se refere à análise bacteriológica. Quantificou-se a adequação das amostras em relação ao Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008 e avaliou-se a qualidade da água de acordo com o tipo de fonte e número de aves em produção por meio da análise de variância. Os resultados indicaram que as águas apresentaram adequação para SDT, cloreto e sulfato. Foi encontrada inadequação nos parâmetros: pH (em 26% das amostras), dureza (6,5%), nitrato (54,8%) e presença de Escherichia coli (46,2%). As análises de acordo com o número de aves e tipo de fonte não apresentaram diferença estatística significativa (p > 0,05). Observaram-se que 93,5% das amostras não se enquadraram em pelo menos um parâmetro. Concluíram-se que as águas das granjas da Região Sul de SC não estão totalmente de acordo com o Ofício Circular Conjunto DFIP/DSA nº 1/2008, apresentando problemas no que se refere ao pH, dureza, nitrato e E. coli; a qualidade da água independe do número de aves em produção e do tipo de fonte que abastece a granja.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of laying hen farms in the South of Santa Catarina and contextualize them with the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008. Water samples were collected in February, 2012, from 31 farms located in the cities of São Ludgero, Orleans, Grão Para and Braço Norte. The chemical and microbiological parameters were set out in Attachment II, in the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008. Thus, the following were analyzed: chloride, hardness, nitrate, sulfate, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) and Escherichia coli regarding the bacteriological analysis. The suitable samples were quantified for the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008 and water quality was evaluated according to the font type and number of birds in production by analysis of variance. The results indicated that water presented suitability to SDT, chloride and sulfate. Inadequacy was found in pH (in 26% of samples), hardness (6.5%), nitrate (54.8%) and the presence of Escherichia coli (46.2%). The analysis according to the number of birds and font type showed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). It was observed that 93.5% of the samples did not fit in at least one criterion. It is concluded that the waters from farms in the southern region of SC are not fully in accordance with the report DFIP/DSA 1/2008, presenting problems with regard to pH, hardness, nitrate and E. coli; the water quality is independent of the number of birds in production and type of source that supplies the farm.(AU)

Elevated level of renal xanthine oxidase mRNA transcription after nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus infection in growing layers

To assess relationships between xanthine oxidase (XOD) and nephropathogenic infectious bronchitis virus (NIBV) infection, 240 growing layers (35 days old) were randomly divided into two groups (infected and control) of 120 chickens each. Each chicken in the control and infected group was intranasally inoculated with 0.2 mL sterile physiological saline and virus, respectively, after which serum antioxidant parameters and renal XOD mRNA expression in growing layers were evaluated at 8, 15 and 22 days post-inoculation (dpi). The results showed that serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in the infected group were significantly lower than in the control group at 8 and 15 dpi (p < 0.01), while serum malondialdehyde concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.01). The serum uric acid was significantly higher than that of the control group at 15 dpi (p < 0.01). In addition, the kidney mRNA transcript level and serum activity of XOD in the infected group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 8, 15 and 22 dpi (p < 0.05). The results indicated that NIBV infection could cause the increases of renal XOD gene transcription and serum XOD activity, leading to hyperuricemia and reduction of antioxidants in the body.

Effects of Olive Mill Wastewater on Soil Nutrients Availability.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is one of complex wastewater generated by the olive oil extraction process. It is characterized by high values of COD, BOD and phytotoxic levels of polyphenols, but also by a high amount of organic compounds and plant mineral nutrients. Therefore, OMW field spreading may represent a low cost contribution to soil amendment. Olive mill wastewater (OMW) spraying effects onto soil physico-chemicals characteristics were investigated. Three OMW doses 50, 100 and 200 m3 ha-1 year-1 were applied for ten successive years on sandy soil. The findings showed that the pH of the soil, electrical conductivity and organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium soil contents increased with increased OMW supply. While, no variations were recorded in calcium and magnesium on soil contents.