Hemodiafiltration: a synergy yet to be convincing / Hemodiafiltração: uma sinergia ainda não convincente

ABSTRACT The desperate attempt to improve mortality, morbidity, quality of life and patient-reported outcomes in patients on hemodialysis has led to multiple attempts to improve the different modes, frequencies, and durations of dialysis sessions in the last few decades. Nothing has been more appealing than the combination of diffusion and convection in the form of hemodiafiltration. Despite the concrete evidence of better clearance of middle weight molecules and better hemodynamic stability, tangible evidence to support the universal adoption is still at a distance. Survival benefits seen in selected groups who are likely to tolerate hemodiafiltration with better vascular access and with lower comorbid burden, need to be extended to real life dialysis patients who are older than the population studied and have significantly higher comorbid burden. Technical demands of initiation hemodiafiltration, the associated costs, and the incremental benefits targeted, along with patient-reported outcomes, need to be explored further before recommending hemodiafiltration as the mode of choice.

RESUMO A tentativa desesperada de melhorar a mortalidade, morbidade, qualidade de vida e desfechos relatados pelos pacientes em indivíduos em hemodiálise levou a diversas tentativas de aprimorar os diferentes modos, frequências e durações das sessões de diálise nas últimas décadas. Nada foi mais atrativo do que a combinação de difusão e convecção na forma de hemodiafiltração. Apesar das evidências concretas de melhor depuração de moléculas de peso médio e melhor estabilidade hemodinâmica, evidências tangíveis para apoiar a adoção universal ainda estão distantes. Os benefícios de sobrevida observados em grupos selecionados que provavelmente toleram a hemodiafiltração com melhor acesso vascular e com menor carga de comorbidades precisam ser estendidos aos pacientes reais em diálise, que são mais velhos do que a população estudada e apresentam uma carga de comorbidades significativamente maior. As exigências técnicas do início da hemodiafiltração, os custos associados e os benefícios incrementais almejados, juntamente com os desfechos relatados pelos pacientes, precisam ser melhor explorados antes de se recomendar a hemodiafiltração como o modo de escolha.

Lumbar Core Muscle Stability Training Combined with Kinesiology Taping Technique in Rehabilitation Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of lumbar disc herniation （LDH）. MethodsA total of 99 LDH patients treated in Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected and divided into control group （n=49） and observation group （n=50）. Kinesiology taping technique was applied to patients in the control group and patients in the observation group were treated with lumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique， then we compared the therapeutic effect， lumbar function and pain degree， surface electromyography of lumbar extensor muscles， lumbar range of motion， LDH recurrence and skin allergies before and after the treatment between the two groups. ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment， compared with those in the control group， in the observation group， the visual analogue scale （VAS） and Oswestry disability index （ODI） scores were significantly lower （P<0.05）； the Japanese Orthopaedic Association （JOA） score， mean power frequency of lumbar extensor muscles， integral electromyography value and lumbar function score were significantly higher （P<0.05）. During the treatment， there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between two groups （P>0.05）. After 4 weeks of treatment， the observation group had a significantly lower LDH recurrence rate than the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionLumbar core muscle stability training combined with kinesiology taping technique achieves a significantly better therapeutic effect than kinesiology taping technique in the rehabilitation treatment of LDH and can effectively relieve muscle fatigue， help alleviate lumbar spine pain and improve the function of lumbar spine.

Structural stability of Hib capsular polysaccharide in vaccine manufacturing / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To evaluate the stability of polyribosylribitol phosphate(PRP),the basic structure of capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib),in the preparation of Hib conjugate vaccine.Methods The structures of the prepared Hib polysaccharides,polysaccharide derivatives and protein-conjugated polysaccharides were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR).Results The detection results of the prepared Hib polysaccharides,polysaccharide derivatives and protein-conjugated polysaccharides all met the requirements of relevant standards of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(VolumeⅢ,2020 edition),and the NMR spectra showed no significant change.Conclusion The basic structure PRP of the main carbohydrate antigen of Hib conjugate vaccine had no change during the vaccine manufacturing.

Comparison of clinical efficacy and stability of Toric implantable collamer lens implantation in different orientations / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy, vault, and rotational stability of horizontal, oblique, and vertical implantation of Toric implantable collamer lens(TICL).METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. A total of 92 cases(120 eyes)who underwent TICL implantation from July 2018 to March 2022 and had regular follow-up for at least 1 a postoperatively(1 d, 1 wk, 1, 3, 6 mo, and 1 a)at Wuhan Bright Eye Hospital were collected. The patients were divided into three groups, with 34 cases(45 eyes)in horizontal implantation group, 25 cases(29 eyes)in oblique implantation group(29 cases), and 33 cases(46 eyes)in vertical implantation group. Uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA), diopters, vault, and rotation angle(deviation of the actual axis of TICL from the expected axis).RESULTS: All surgeries were uneventful, and there were no complications such as infection, secondary glaucoma, or cataract opacity. Safety and efficacy of the surgery: the CDVA of the three groups of patients was better than or equal to the preoperative CDVA at 1 a postoperatively, and there was no statistically significant differences in postoperative UDVA and CDVA of the three groups(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). The safety index at 1a postoperatively was 1.34±0.21, 1.34±0.17, and 1.31±0.18 for the horizontal, oblique, and vertical groups, respectively. The efficacy index was 1.26±0.21, 1.33±0.18, and 1.27±0.16 for the three groups, respectively, both with no statistically significant differences(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). Vault: there was a significant difference in postoperative vault among the three groups(P=0.003), with the vertical group having the lowest vault, followed by the horizontal group and the oblique group. The vaults at different follow-up time points within each group showed significant differences(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), and all decreased over time. Residual astigmatism: there was no significant difference in residual astigmatism among the three groups(P=0.130), but there were differences at different follow-up time points within each group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001). Rotation angle: no significant differences in rotation angle were observed among the three groups(P=0.135), but there were differences at different follow-up time points within each group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: The implantation of TICL in different orientations has good safety and efficacy, the postoperative rotational stability is good, and the appropriate angle can be selected to implant TICL according to the clinical situation.

Stability study of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells formulation in large-scale production / 药学学报

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have been widely used in regenerative medicine, but there is limited research on the stability of UC-MSCs formulation during production. This study aims to assess the stability of the cell stock solution and intermediate product throughout the production process, as well as the final product following reconstitution, in order to offer guidance for the manufacturing process and serve as a reference for formulation reconstitution methods. Three batches of cell formulation were produced and stored under low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) during cell stock solution and intermediate product stages. The storage time intervals for cell stock solution were 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, while for intermediate products, the intervals were 0, 1, 2, and 3 h. The evaluation items included visual inspection, viable cell concentration, cell viability, cell surface markers, lymphocyte proliferation inhibition rate, and sterility. Additionally, dilution and culture stability studies were performed after reconstitution of the cell product. The reconstitution diluents included 0.9% sodium chloride injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 2% human serum albumin, with dilution ratios of 10-fold and 40-fold. The storage time intervals after dilution were 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 h. The reconstitution culture media included DMEM medium, DMEM + 2% platelet lysate, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection + 1% human serum albumin, and the culture duration was 24 h. The evaluation items were viable cell concentration and cell viability. The results showed that the cell stock solution remained stable for up to 6 h under both low temperature (2-8 ℃) and room temperature (20-26 ℃) conditions, while the intermediate product remained stable for up to 3 h under the same conditions. After formulation reconstitution, using sodium chloride injection diluted with 1% or 2% human serum albumin maintained a viability of over 80% within 4 h. It was observed that different dilution factors had an impact on cell viability. After formulation reconstitution, cultivation in medium with 2% platelet lysate resulted in a cell viability of over 80% after 24 h. In conclusion, the stability of cell stock solution within 6 h and intermediate product within 3 h meets the requirements. The addition of 1% or 2% human serum albumin in the reconstitution diluent can better protect the post-reconstitution cell viability.

Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fibular notch typing and its clinical significance based on CT / 解剖学报

Objective To investigate the morphological typing and clinical significance of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fibular notch based on CT images. Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion ceiteria‚ the imaging data of patients undergoing ankle joint CT examination were analyzed‚ and the inferior tibiofibular joint fibula notch was classified according to the morphological characteristics. The measurements included 8 distances. There were 123 males and 102 females‚ all of whom were Han nationality‚ aged 18-60 years old. Results Retrospectively analyzed the result of 225 patients from December 2013 to December 2022. The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fibular notch was divided into four types according to morphological characteristics‚ C-shaped (50. 67%)‚ V-shaped (26. 67%)‚ flat-shaped (15. 11%) and L-shaped (7. 56%). The angle between the anterior and posterior facets of the flat shape (145. 56 ± 9. 25)° was the largest and the angle between the anterior and posterior facets of the L shape (125. 07 ± 13. 54)° was the smallest(P< 0. 05); the depth of the notch in the flat shape (3. 11 ± 0. 83) mm was the smallest and in the L shape (4. 47±1. 11) mm was the largest(P<0. 05);The posterior facet length (13. 06 ± 3. 56) mm and anterior tibiofibular gap (3. 83±1. 49) mm on left were larger than on the right side (P<0. 05); The posterior facet length (13. 36 ± 3. 46) mm‚ fibular notch depth (3. 93 ± 1. 10) mm and vertical distance of tibiofibular overlap (9. 10 ± 2. 55) mm larger in men than in women (P<0. 05). Conclusion In this study‚ the data related to the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis notch were measured and divided into four types according to the shape. The flat inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis notch is more likely to have chronic ankle instability‚ and the fibula is more likely to move forward during anatomical reduction. The inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis of L-shaped and C-shaped notches is more prone to posterior displacement of fibula or poor rotation reduction during anatomical reduction.

Analysis of factors affecting stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To explore the factors affecting the stability of high concentration variable domain of heavy-chain antibody-Fc(VHH-Fc) fusion protein.Methods Three groups of forced degradation experiments,shaking,light and 40℃ high temperature were set up.Differential scanning fluorimetry,dynamic light scattering(DLS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS) were used to detect the effects of the three forced degradation conditions on the conformational stability,colloidal stability,average hydrodynamic diameter and post-translational modifications of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein.Results Under the light condition,the onset temperature of unfolding(T_(onset)),melting temperature(T_m) and aggregation onset temperature(T_(agg)) of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein decreased the most,and the oxidation ratio of Met160 and Met266 increased significantly.Under the condition of shaking,the variation of the diffusion interaction parameter(k_D) and the average hydrodynamic diameter was the largest.Conclusion Light can significantly reduce the conformational stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein and induce methionine oxidation.Shaking has the most significant effect on its colloidal stability and promotes aggregation.

Changes of binocular surface indexes after unilateral endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the effect of unilateral endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy on binocular surface indexes.METHODS: Totally 45 cases with monocular primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction(PANDO)who successfully underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy between 1 December 2022 and 31 July 2023 were enrolled in the study. Ocular surface indexes, including the non-invasive tear break-up time(NIBUT), Sj&#x0026;#xF6;gren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance ocular staining score(SICCA OSS), Korb score of lid wiper and Schirmer test scores, were collected preoperatively and at 0.5, 1 and 3 mo post-operatively. Subsequently, various indexes were compared at each time point between the operated and healthy eyes pre- and post-operatively.RESULTS: There was no significant differences between operated and healthy eyes in NIBUT, SICCA OSS, Korb scores and Schirmer test(all P&#x003E;0.05). Furthermore, the Korb scores of operated eye at 0.5, 1 and 3 mo post-operatively were significantly lower than the preoperative value(P=0.034, 0.044, 0.027). Moreover, the Schirmer test score of the operated eye at 1 mo post-operatively was significantly lower than the preoperative value(P=0.0461).CONCLUSION:After a successful endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, tear drainage is restored, however, ocular surface damage worsens. These changes typically peak at 1 mo post-operatively before gradually improving.

GLUL stabilizes N-Cadherin by antagonizing β-Catenin to inhibit the progresses of gastric cancer

Glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL, also known as glutamine synthetase) is a crucial enzyme that catalyzes ammonium and glutamate into glutamine in the ATP-dependent condensation. Although GLUL plays a critical role in multiple cancers, the expression and function of GLUL in gastric cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we have found that the expression level of GLUL was significantly lower in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, and correlated with N stage and TNM stage, and low GLUL expression predicted poor survival for gastric cancer patients. Knockdown of GLUL promoted the growth, migration, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and vice versa, which was independent of its enzyme activity. Mechanistically, GLUL competed with β-Catenin to bind to N-Cadherin, increased the stability of N-Cadherin and decreased the stability of β-Catenin by alerting their ubiquitination. Furthermore, there were lower N-Cadherin and higher β-Catenin expression levels in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. GLUL protein expression was correlated with that of N-Cadherin, and could be the independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Our findings reveal that GLUL stabilizes N-Cadherin by antagonizing β-Catenin to inhibit the progress of gastric cancer.

Distributions of Visual Receptive Fields from Retinotopic to Craniotopic Coordinates in the Lateral Intraparietal Area and Frontal Eye Fields of the Macaque / 神经科学通报·英文版

Even though retinal images of objects change their locations following each eye movement, we perceive a stable and continuous world. One possible mechanism by which the brain achieves such visual stability is to construct a craniotopic coordinate by integrating retinal and extraretinal information. There have been several proposals on how this may be done, including eye-position modulation (gain fields) of retinotopic receptive fields (RFs) and craniotopic RFs. In the present study, we investigated coordinate systems used by RFs in the lateral intraparietal (LIP) cortex and frontal eye fields (FEF) and compared the two areas. We mapped the two-dimensional RFs of neurons in detail under two eye fixations and analyzed how the RF of a given neuron changes with eye position to determine its coordinate representation. The same recording and analysis procedures were applied to the two brain areas. We found that, in both areas, RFs were distributed from retinotopic to craniotopic representations. There was no significant difference between the distributions in the LIP and FEF. Only a small fraction of neurons was fully craniotopic, whereas most neurons were between the retinotopic and craniotopic representations. The distributions were strongly biased toward the retinotopic side but with significant craniotopic shifts. These results suggest that there is only weak evidence for craniotopic RFs in the LIP and FEF, and that transformation from retinotopic to craniotopic coordinates in these areas must rely on other factors such as gain fields.

Development of chitosan based microencapsulated spray dried powder of tuna fish oil: oil load impact and oxidative stability

Abstract The impact of fish oil concentration on the oxidative stability of microcapsules through the spray drying process using chitosan and maltodextrin as wall material was studied. Emulsions were prepared with different Tuna fish oil (TFO) content (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%) while wall material concentration was kept constant. Microencapsulated powder resulting from emulsion prepared with high fish oil load have high moisture content, wettability, total oil and low encapsulation efficiency, hygroscopicity and bulk tapped density. Oxidative stability was evaluated periodically by placing microcapsules at room temperature. Microcapsules prepared with TFO-10% presented high oxidative stability in terms of peroxide value (2.94±0.04) and anisidine value (1.54±0.02) after 30 days of storage. It was concluded that optimal amounts of fish oil for microencapsulation are 10% and 20% using chitosan and maltodextrin that extended its shelf life during study period.

Resumo Foi estudado o impacto da concentração de óleo de peixe na estabilidade oxidativa de microcápsulas por meio do processo de secagem por atomização, utilizando quitosana e maltodextrina como material de parede. As emulsões foram preparadas com diferentes teores de óleo de atum (TFO) (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%), enquanto a concentração de material de parede foi mantida constante. O pó microencapsulado resultante da emulsão preparada com alta carga de óleo de peixe tem alto teor de umidade, molhabilidade e óleo total e baixa eficiência de encapsulação, higroscopicidade e densidade extraída a granel. A estabilidade oxidativa foi avaliada periodicamente colocando microcápsulas à temperatura ambiente. As microcápsulas preparadas com TFO-10% apresentaram alta estabilidade oxidativa em termos de valor de peróxido (2,94 ± 0,04) e valor de anisidina (1,54 ± 0,02) após 30 dias de armazenamento. Concluiu-se que as quantidades ideais de óleo de peixe para microencapsulação são de 10% e 20% usando quitosana e maltodextrina que prolongaram sua vida útil durante o período de estudo.

Increased yield performance of mutation induced Soybean genotypes at varied agro-ecological conditions

Abstract In soybean breeding program, continuous selection pressure on traits response to yield created a genetic bottleneck for improvements of soybean through hybridization breeding technique. Therefore an initiative was taken to developed high yielding soybean variety applying mutation breeding techniques at Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Bangladesh. Locally available popular cultivar BARI Soybean-5 was used as a parent material and subjected to five different doses of Gamma ray using Co60. In respect to seed yield and yield attributing characters, twelve true breed mutants were selected from M4 generation. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for plant height, branch number and pod number were considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement that ensure expected yield. The mutant SBM-18 obtained from 250Gy provided stable yield performance at diversified environments. It provided maximum seed yield of 3056 kg ha-1 with highest number of pods plant-1 (56). The National Seed Board of Bangladesh (NSB) eventually approved SBM-18 and registered it as a new soybean variety named Binasoybean-5 for large-scale planting because of its superior stability in various agro-ecological zones and consistent yield performance.

Resumo No programa de melhoramento da soja, a pressão pela seleção contínua para a resposta das características de rendimento criou um gargalo genético para melhorias da soja por meio da técnica de melhoramento por hibridação. Portanto, foi desenvolvida uma variedade de soja de alto rendimento, aplicando técnicas de reprodução por mutação, na Divisão de Melhoramento de Plantas, no Instituto de Agricultura Nuclear de Bangladesh (BINA), em Bangladesh. A cultivar popular BARI Soybean-5, disponível localmente, foi usada como material original e submetida a cinco doses diferentes de raios gama usando Co60. Em relação ao rendimento de sementes e às características de atribuição de rendimento, 12 mutantes genuínos foram selecionados a partir da geração M4. Altos valores de herdabilidade e avanço genético com alto coeficiente de variância genotípico (GCV) para altura da planta, número de ramos e número de vagens foram considerados atributos favoráveis ao melhoramento da soja, garantindo, assim, a produtividade esperada. O mutante SBM-18, obtido a partir de 250Gy, proporcionou desempenho de rendimento estável em ambientes diversificados e produtividade máxima de sementes de 3.056 kg ha-1 com o maior número de vagens planta-1 (56). O Conselho Nacional de Sementes de Bangladesh (NSB) finalmente aprovou o SBM-18 e o registrou como uma nova variedade de soja, chamada Binasoybean-5, para plantio em larga escala por causa de sua estabilidade superior em várias zonas agroecológicas e desempenho de rendimento consistente.

Effect of different thread configurations on hydrophilic implant stability. A split-mouth RCT

Abstract This split-mouth randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the primary and secondary stability of hybrid implants with different thread configurations and hydrophilic surfaces. Twenty patients with a partially edentulous maxilla were selected. These patients received two types of implants with the same hydrophilic surface: CTP group: Cylindrical-Tapered implant with perforating threads; CTH: Cylindrical-Tapered implant with hybrid threads configuration (perforating and condensing threads). The primary and secondary stability parameters were measured by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis at the time of implant placement and 7, 28, 56, and 90 days after the surgical procedure. The paired t-test was used to compare the data on the implant's stability between the groups. The statistical analysis was performed with a confidence level set at 95%. It was found that the implants in the CTH group presented higher primary stability values ​​at the time of implant placement, due to the higher ISQ (63.61 ± 9.44 vs. 40.59 ±7.46) and insertion torque (36.92 ± 16.50 Ncm vs. 28.00 ± 14.40 Ncm), than the implants in the CTP group. The CTH group presented higher ISQ values ​​in all follow-up periods: 7 days (68.67 ± 7.60 vs. 41.55 ± 9.07), 28 days (68.61 ± 5.98 vs. 47.90 ±13.10), 56 days (74.09 ± 3.96 vs. 55.85 ± 13.18), and 90 days (75.45 ± 4.02 vs. 63.47 ± 6.92) after implant placement. Hybrid implants with perforating and condensing threads demonstrated greater stability than hybrid implants with only perforating threads.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo controlado randomizado de boca dividida foi avaliar a estabilidade primária e secundária de implantes híbridos com diferentes configurações de rosca e superfícies hidrofílicas. Vinte pacientes com maxila parcialmente edêntula foram selecionados. Esses pacientes receberam dois tipos de implantes com a mesma superfície hidrofílica: Grupo CTP: Implante cilíndrico-cônico com roscas perfurantes; Grupo CTH: Implante cilíndrico-cônico com roscas perfurantes e condensadoras. Os parâmetros de estabilidade primária e secundária foram medidos por análise de torque de inserção e frequência de ressonância no momento da colocação do implante e 7, 28, 56 e 90 dias após o procedimento cirúrgico. O teste t-pareado foi utilizado para comparação dos dados de estabilidade entre os grupos. A análise estatística foi executada levando-se em consideração um nível de confiança de 95%. Constatou-se que os implantes do grupo CTH apresentaram maiores valores de estabilidade primária no momento da colocação do implante, devido ao maior ISQ (63.61 ± 9.44 vs. 40.59 ±7.46) e torque de inserção (36.92 ± 16.50 Ncm vs. 28.00 ± 14.40 Ncm), do que os implantes do grupo CTP. Implantes do grupo CTH apresentaram valores de ISQ superiores em todos os períodos de acompanhamento: 7 dias (68.67 ± 7.60 vs. 41.55 ± 9.07), 28 dias (68.61 ± 5.98 vs. 47.90 ±13.10), 56 dias (74.09 ± 3.96 vs. 55.85 ± 13.18) e 90 dias (75.45 ± 4.02 vs. 63.47 ± 6.92). Os implantes híbridos com roscas perfurantes e condensantes demonstraram maior estabilidade do que os implantes híbridos com apenas roscas perfurantes.

Development of chitosan based microencapsulated spray dried powder of tuna fish oil: oil load impact and oxidative stability / Desenvolvimento de pó microencapsulado por pulverização de óleo de atum à base de quitosana: impacto da carga de óleo e estabilidade oxidativa

Abstract The impact of fish oil concentration on the oxidative stability of microcapsules through the spray drying process using chitosan and maltodextrin as wall material was studied. Emulsions were prepared with different Tuna fish oil (TFO) content (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%) while wall material concentration was kept constant. Microencapsulated powder resulting from emulsion prepared with high fish oil load have high moisture content, wettability, total oil and low encapsulation efficiency, hygroscopicity and bulk tapped density. Oxidative stability was evaluated periodically by placing microcapsules at room temperature. Microcapsules prepared with TFO-10% presented high oxidative stability in terms of peroxide value (2.94±0.04) and anisidine value (1.54±0.02) after 30 days of storage. It was concluded that optimal amounts of fish oil for microencapsulation are 10% and 20% using chitosan and maltodextrin that extended its shelf life during study period.

Resumo Foi estudado o impacto da concentração de óleo de peixe na estabilidade oxidativa de microcápsulas por meio do processo de secagem por atomização, utilizando quitosana e maltodextrina como material de parede. As emulsões foram preparadas com diferentes teores de óleo de atum (TFO) (TFO-10%, TFO20%, TF030% TF0-40%), enquanto a concentração de material de parede foi mantida constante. O pó microencapsulado resultante da emulsão preparada com alta carga de óleo de peixe tem alto teor de umidade, molhabilidade e óleo total e baixa eficiência de encapsulação, higroscopicidade e densidade extraída a granel. A estabilidade oxidativa foi avaliada periodicamente colocando microcápsulas à temperatura ambiente. As microcápsulas preparadas com TFO-10% apresentaram alta estabilidade oxidativa em termos de valor de peróxido (2,94 ± 0,04) e valor de anisidina (1,54 ± 0,02) após 30 dias de armazenamento. Concluiu-se que as quantidades ideais de óleo de peixe para microencapsulação são de 10% e 20% usando quitosana e maltodextrina que prolongaram sua vida útil durante o período de estudo.

Increased yield performance of mutation induced Soybean genotypes at varied agro-ecological conditions / Aumento no desempenho de rendimento de genótipos de soja induzidos por mutação em condições agroecológicas variadas

Abstract In soybean breeding program, continuous selection pressure on traits response to yield created a genetic bottleneck for improvements of soybean through hybridization breeding technique. Therefore an initiative was taken to developed high yielding soybean variety applying mutation breeding techniques at Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Bangladesh. Locally available popular cultivar BARI Soybean-5 was used as a parent material and subjected to five different doses of Gamma ray using Co60. In respect to seed yield and yield attributing characters, twelve true breed mutants were selected from M4 generation. High values of heritability and genetic advance with high genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for plant height, branch number and pod number were considered as favorable attributes for soybean improvement that ensure expected yield. The mutant SBM-18 obtained from 250Gy provided stable yield performance at diversified environments. It provided maximum seed yield of 3056 kg ha-1 with highest number of pods plant-1 (56). The National Seed Board of Bangladesh (NSB) eventually approved SBM-18 and registered it as a new soybean variety named 'Binasoybean-5' for large-scale planting because of its superior stability in various agro-ecological zones and consistent yield performance.

Resumo No programa de melhoramento da soja, a pressão pela seleção contínua para a resposta das características de rendimento criou um gargalo genético para melhorias da soja por meio da técnica de melhoramento por hibridação. Portanto, foi desenvolvida uma variedade de soja de alto rendimento, aplicando técnicas de reprodução por mutação, na Divisão de Melhoramento de Plantas, no Instituto de Agricultura Nuclear de Bangladesh (BINA), em Bangladesh. A cultivar popular BARI Soybean-5, disponível localmente, foi usada como material original e submetida a cinco doses diferentes de raios gama usando Co60. Em relação ao rendimento de sementes e às características de atribuição de rendimento, 12 mutantes genuínos foram selecionados a partir da geração M4. Altos valores de herdabilidade e avanço genético com alto coeficiente de variância genotípico (GCV) para altura da planta, número de ramos e número de vagens foram considerados atributos favoráveis ​​ao melhoramento da soja, garantindo, assim, a produtividade esperada. O mutante SBM-18, obtido a partir de 250Gy, proporcionou desempenho de rendimento estável em ambientes diversificados e produtividade máxima de sementes de 3.056 kg ha-1 com o maior número de vagens planta-1 (56). O Conselho Nacional de Sementes de Bangladesh (NSB) finalmente aprovou o SBM-18 e o registrou como uma nova variedade de soja, chamada 'Binasoybean-5', para plantio em larga escala por causa de sua estabilidade superior em várias zonas agroecológicas e desempenho de rendimento consistente.

Effects of environmental stability and phycoperiphyton structure on the macroinvertebrate community of regulated Andean rivers / Efectos de la estabilidad ambiental y estructura del ficoperifiton en la comunidad de macroinvertebrados en ríos andinos regulados

Introduction: The variability in the structure of aquatic communities is frequently attributed to environmental changes; however, in stable environments such as regulated rivers, trophic interactions could be another key environmental factor determining the structure of these communities. These alterations could cause a greater growth of algae, and in turn, changes in the functional groups and in the composition of the macroinvertebrate community favoring the dominance of certain groups of organisms. Objective: To identify the effects of environmental variations and changes in the structure of the phycoperiphyton on the macroinvertebrate community of regulated Andean rivers. Methods: We analyzed environmental and biological data collected in quarterly samples carried out between 2010 and 2018 in two rivers of the Central Andes (Antioquia - Colombia), for a total of 27 samples. Sample collections used standardized methods. Different statistical models were used to establish spatial and temporal patterns of the environmental variables, of the abundance and/or density and diversity of phycoperiphyton and macroinvertebrates, as well as the trophic relationships that exists between them. Results: We found that regulated rivers present relatively little environmental variability. The environmental parameters with the greatest variation were temperature, turbidity, and orthophosphates; these last two were the abiotic variables with the greatest contribution to benthic instability. Conclusion: The presence of scraping and foraging macroinvertebrates was more affected by the stability of the phycoperiphyton density than by environmental variables, showing the importance of trophic interactions in regulated rivers and the bottom up control in these ecosystems.

Introducción: La variabilidad en la estructura de las comunidades acuáticas se atribuye frecuentemente a cambios ambientales, no obstante, en ambientes estables como ríos regulados, las interacciones tróficas podrían ser otro factor ambiental clave determinante de la estructura de estas comunidades. Estas alteraciones podrían provocar un mayor crecimiento de algas y, a su vez, cambios en los grupos funcionales y en la composición de la comunidad de macroinvertebrados favoreciendo la dominancia de determinados grupos de organismos. Objetivo: Identificar el efecto de los cambios ambientales y de la estructura del ficoperifiton sobre la comunidad de macroinvertebrados de ríos Andinos regulados. Métodos: Se analizaron datos ambientales y biológicos recolectados en muestreos trimestrales realizados entre 2010 y 2018 en dos ríos de los Andes Centrales (Antioquia - Colombia), para un total de 27 muestras. La recolección de muestras empleó métodos estandarizados. Se utilizaron diferentes modelos estadísticos para establecer patrones espaciales y temporales de las variables ambientales, de la abundancia y/o densidad y diversidad de ficoperifiton y de los macroinvertebrados, así como las relaciones tróficas que existen entre ellos. Resultados: Se encontró que los ríos regulados presentan relativamente poca variabilidad ambiental. Los parámetros ambientales con mayor variación fueron: temperatura, turbidez y ortofosfatos; las dos últimas variables abióticas fueron las que más aportaron a la inestabilidad bentónica. Conclusión: La presencia de macroinvertebrados raspadores y recolectores fue más afectada por la estabilidad de la densidad del ficoperifiton que por las variables ambientales, evidenciando la importancia de las interacciones tróficas en ríos regulados y el control bottoom up en estos ecosistemas.

Análisis In vitro de yesos dentales de alta resistencia y baja expansión disponibles en Perú / In vitro analysis of high resistance and low expansion dental plasters available in Peru

Objetivo. Comparar la dureza, estabilidad dimensional y resistencia a la compresión de los yesos dentales de alta resistencia y baja expansión disponibles en el Perú. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se confeccionaron muestras de forma cilíndrica (8) y rectangular (8), de siete yesos dentales de alta resistencia y baja expansión. Se evaluó la dureza utilizando el Durómetro Universal Identec, la estabilidad dimensional con un calibrador digital y la resistencia a compresión con la Máquina de Ensayo Universal. Para determinar si hay diferencia en cada una de estas propiedades se empleó el análisis de varianza, la prueba F y la prueba de Duncan. Además, se empleó la prueba de comparación de medias, t de Student, para evaluar si difieren con los valores de la ADA (Asociación Dental Americana). Resultados. La dureza, estabilidad dimen-sional y resistencia a la compresión promedio de los yesos dentales presentó diferencias significativas (p<0.05) entre cada uno con los promedios estándares establecidos por la ADA. Conclusiones. En relación resistencia a la compresión el 100% de los yesos analizados cumplen con los parámetros establecidos por la ADA, en relación estabilidad dimensional solo el 28.6% y el 100% no alcanzan los estándares de dureza promedio establecidos por la ADA.

Objective. To compare the hardness, dimensional stability, and compressive strength of high-strength, low-expansion dental plasters available in Peru, according to ADA criteria. Methods. A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was developed. A selection of 8 cylindrical-shaped samples and 8 rectangular- shaped ones, from seven high-resistance, low-expansion dental plasters were fabricated. The hardness was evaluated using the Identec Universal Durometer. Dimensional stability was evaluated with a digital caliper and compressive strength was evaluated with the Instron Universal Testing Machine. To determine if there is a difference in each of these properties, the analysis of variance, F test, and the Duncan's test were used. In addition, to assess whether these values differ from those of the ADA, the mean comparison test, student's t table, were used. Results. The hardness, dimensional stability and average compressive strength of the high-strength, low-expansion dental plasters showed that there are significant di-fferences (p<0.05) between each of the dental plasters and with the standard averages established by the American Dental Association. (ADA). Conclusions. 100% of the high-strength, low-expansion dental casts meet the parameters established by the ADA in terms of their compressive strength, only 28.6% of these comply with the ADA in terms of dimensional stability and that 100% of these do not meet the average hardness standards established by the ADA.

Antimicrobial effect of phytosphingosine in acrylic resin

Abstract This study evaluated color stability (CS), anti-adherence effect (AAE), and cell viability of microorganisms on acrylic resin (AR) surface, treated associated or not with sodium percarbonate (SP). AR specimens were prepared, and color analysis was performed before and after the treatments and the CS was calculated. For analysis of AAE, the samples were sterilized by radiation in a microwave oven. Then samples were randomly distributed: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS - control), 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (SH), phytosphingosine (PHS), and phytosphingosine + SP (PHS+Na2CO3). The specimens remained in contact with solutions for 30 minutes and were later contaminated by Candida albicans. Aliquots were seeded in Petri dishes with Sabouraud Dextrose agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. After the incubation, the number of colonies was counted. The cell viability of adhered microorganisms on the AR was evaluated and 20 fields were observed under an epifluorescence microscope, and the percentage of adhered viable cells was calculated. Data were compared (One-way ANOVA, Tukey, p<.05). As for CS, PHS+ Na2CO3 (0.4±0.1) resulted in less change than PBS (0.9±0.2), similar to the other groups (SH [1.0±0.3)]; PHS [0.9±0.2)]). There was no difference for all tested solutions regarding the ability to avoid microorganism adherence (p>0.05), but PHS (11.2±4.1) resulted in a smaller area of adhered viable cells, statistically different from SH (18.2±7.6) and PBS (26.4±10.8). It was concluded that PHS resulted in lower adhered viable cells and when associated with Na2CO3, also shows a lower effect on the CS of AR.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou estabilidade de cor (EC), efeito antiaderente (EAA) e viabilidade celular de microrganismos em superfície de resina acrílica (RA), tratada com solução de fitoesfingosina, associada ou não ao percarbonato de sódio (PS). Espécimes RA foram preparados e análise de cor foi realizada antes e após os tratamentos e EC foi calculada. Para análise de EAA, as amostras foram esterilizadas por radiação em forno de micro-ondas. Então foram distribuídas aleatoriamente: solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS - controle), hipoclorito de sódio 0,5% (SH), fitoesfingosina (PHS) e fitoesfingosina + SP (PHS+Na2CO3). Os espécimes permaneceram em contato com as soluções por 30 minutos e posteriormente foram contaminados por Candida albicans. Alíquotas foram semeadas em placas de Petri com ágar Sabouraud Dextrose e incubadas a 37°C por 24 horas. Após a incubação, o número de colônias foi contado. A viabilidade celular dos microorganismos aderidos na RA foi avaliada e 20 campos foram observados em microscópio de epifluorescência, e a porcentagem de células viáveis aderidas foi calculada. Os dados foram comparados (One-way ANOVA, Tukey, p<0,05). Quanto a EC, o PHS+ Na2CO3 [0,4 (0,1)] resultou em menor alteração que o PBS [0,9 (0,2)], semelhante aos demais grupos (SH [1,0 (0,3)]; PHS [0,9 (0,2)]). Não houve diferença para todas as soluções testadas quanto à capacidade de evitar a aderência de microorganismos (p>0,05), mas o PHS [11,2 (4,1)] resultou em uma área menor de células viáveis aderidas, estatisticamente diferente do SH [18,2 (7,6)] e PBS [26,4 (10,8)]. Concluiu-se que o PHS resultou em menor número de células viáveis aderidas e, quando associado ao Na2CO3, também apresenta menor efeito sobre o EC da RA.

Novel custom designed toric piggyback intraocular lens for the correction of residual postoperative astigmatism

We report the outcomes of a custom-designed toric piggyback intraocular lens in a patient with high postoperative residual astigmatism. A 60-year-old male patient underwent customized toric piggyback IOL for postoperative residual astigmatism of 13 D, with follow-up examinations for IOL stability and refractive outcomes. The refractive error stabilized at two months and remained stable at one year, with a correction of nearly 9 D of astigmatism. The IOP remained within normal limits, and there were no postoperative complications. The IOL remained stable in the horizontal position. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of correction of unusually high astigmatism by a novel smart toric design of piggyback IOL.

The effect of Phytosphingosine and bioactive glass-ceramics in preventing dental enamel erosion

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of phytosphingosine (PHS) and bioactive glass-ceramic (Biosilicate) on dental enamel in terms of color alteration (ΔE), microhardness, and surface roughness when submitted to erosive challenge (EC). Sixty specimens of bovine teeth (6×6×2mm) were obtained. Initial color (Easyshade, VITA), KHN (HMV-2, Shimadzu), and Ra (SJ-201P, Mitutoyo) measurements were performed. Specimens were separated into groups according to treatments: PHS, 10% Biosilicate, PHS+10% Biosilicate, and artificial saliva (control) and submitted to EC with Coca-Cola for 2 min. This cycle was repeated 4 times daily/15 days. Between cycles, specimens remained in artificial saliva (2 h/37°C). After daily cycles, they were also stored in artificial saliva at 37ºC. Final color, microhardness, and surface roughness measurements were done. Color and KHN data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test; and Ra, by 2-way ANOVA, repeated measures, and Tukey's test (p<.05). The highest ΔE occurred in Saliva+EC (p<.05). Groups treated with PHS presented lower color change than Saliva+EC (p<.05). All the groups presented mean values above the 50:50% perceptibility (50:50%PT) and acceptability (50:50%AT) thresholds, except for control that showed mean value above 50:50%PT but below 50:50%AT. Biosilicate+EC showed higher relative microhardness than Saliva+EC (p<.05), but was similar to PHS+EC and PHS+Biosilicate+EC. Final enamel surface roughness increased for all the groups (p<.05), except for the control. The Biosilicate may prevent enamel mineral loss induced by erosion better than saliva. The PHS associated or not to Biosilicate demonstrated better color stability than saliva.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito da Fitoesfingosina (PHS) e da vitrocerâmica bioativa (Biosilicato) sobre o esmalte dental em termos de alteração de cor (ΔE), microdureza (KHN) e rugosidade superficial, quando submetido a desafio erosivo (DE). Sessenta espécimes de dentes bovinos (6×6×2mm) foram obtidos. Foram realizadas leituras de cor inicial (Easyshade, VITA), microdureza (HMV-2, Shimadzu) e rugosidade superfícial (SJ-201P, Mitutoyo). Os espécimes foram separados em grupos de acordo com os tratamentos: PHS, Biosilicato a 10%, PHS+Biosilicato a 10%, e saliva artificial (controle). Em seguida, foram submetidos a DE com Coca-Cola por 2 min. Esse ciclo foi repetido 4 vezes/dia por 15 dias. Entre os ciclos, as amostras foram mantidas em saliva artificial (2 h/37°C). Após os ciclos diários, os espécimes também foram armazenados em saliva artificial a 37ºC. Foram realizadas leituras finais de cor, microdureza e rugosidade superficial. Os dados de cor e microdureza foram analisados ​​por ANOVA de uma via, teste de Tukey; e dados de rugosidade superficial, por ANOVA de duas vias, teste de Tukey (p<.05). A maior ΔE ocorreu em Saliva+DE (p<.05). Grupos tratados com PHS apresentaram menor alteração de cor do que Saliva+DE (p<.05). Biosilicate+DE demonstrou valores intermediários, similar (p>.05) aos outros grupos, exceto Saliva+DE. Todos os grupos presentaram média acima dos limites 50:50% de perceptibilidade (50:50%LP) e aceitabilidade (50:50%LA) exceto o controle que demonstrou média acima do 50:50%LA mas abaixo do 50:50%LP. Biosilicate+DE mostrou maior microdureza realativa do que Saliva+DE (p<.05), mas similar a PHS+DE e PHS+Biosilicato+DE. A rugosidade de superfície do esmalte aumentou para todos os grupos, exceto para o controle que presentou a menor alteração (p<.05). O Biosilicato apode prevenir perda mineral do esmalte indizido pela erosão melhor que a saliva. O PHS associado ou não ao Biosilicato demonstrou melhor estabilidade de cor que a saliva.