Cord lipoma in minimally invasive surgical repairs of inguinal hernias: a prospective study.

Cord lipomas are frequent findings in laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgeries in male patients. The symptoms of lipoma and the potential benefits of removing them are often overlooked because the focus is on the primary pathology of the hernia itself. Current recommendations are to reduce this fatty content, when present. When inguinal cord lipomas are left untreated in inguinal hernia surgery they can potentially cause symptoms and be detected in follow-up imaging exams. The objective of this study was to study incidence of cord lipomas in a cohort operated on by a single group specializing in abdominal wall surgery, as well as to analyze the possible relationship of this finding with the patient's symptoms, the characteristics of the operated hernia and postoperative outcome. This is a prospective study of male patients operated on for inguinal hernia laparoscopically or robotically in a single reference center. Of the total of 141 hernias, the distribution according to European Hernia Society classification showed that 45.4% were lateral, 19.1% medial and 35.5% mixed, highlighting a variety in the presentation of hernias. Analysis of the size of the hernias revealed that the majority (35.5%) were ≤ 1.5 cm. Inguinal cord lipoma was present in 64.5% of the samples, with no statistically significant association between the presence of the lipoma and an indirect hernia sac or obesity. The incidence of surgical site occurrences (SSO) was 9,2%, with seroma and hematoma. No recurrences were observed during follow-up, indicating a successful approach. There were no statistically significant relationships between SSO, the presence of lipoma and indirect hernial sac.

Volumetry after botulinum toxin A: the impact on abdominal wall compliance and endotracheal pressure.

PURPOSE: Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) is an adjuvant tool used in the preoperative optimization of complex hernias before abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). This study aims to investigate changes in the abdominal cavity and hernia sac dimensions after BTA application. METHOD: A prospective study with 27 patients with a hernia defect of ≥ 10 cm and loss of domain (LOD) ≥ 20% underwent AWR. Computed tomography (CT) measurements and volumetry before and after the application of BTA were performed. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Imaging post-BTA revealed hernia width reduction of 1.9 cm (p = 0.002), lateral abdominal wall muscle elongation of 3.1 cm (p < 0.001), hernia volume reduction (HV) from 2.9 ± 0.9L to 2.4 ± 0.8L (p < 0.001), increase in abdominal cavity volume (ACV) from 9.7 ± 2.5L to 10.3L ± 2.4L (p = 0.003), and a reduction in the HV/ACV ratio from 30.2 ± 5% to 23.4 ± 6% (p < 0.001). Fascial closure was achieved in 92.6% of cases and component separation was required in 78%. The average variation in pulmonary plateau pressure was 3.53 cmH2O, and there were no postoperative respiratory failure recorded. At the 90-day follow-up, the wound morbidity rate was 25%, unplanned readmissions were 11%, and hernia recurrence 7.4%. CONCLUSION: BTA produces measurable volumetric changes in abdominal wall and appears to facilitate fascial closure. Further studies are required to determine the role of BTA in the surgical armamentarium for complex hernia repair.

Ferulic acid as major antioxidant phenolic compound of the Tetragonisca angustula honey collected in Vera Cruz - Itaparica Island, Bahia, Brazil / Ácido ferúlico como principal composto fenólico antioxidante do mel de Tetragonisca angustula coletado em Vera Cruz - Ilha de Itaparica, Bahia, Brasil

Abstract The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH● assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS●+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

Resumo A atividade antioxidante do mel de Tetragonisca angustula (TAH) e seu extrato etanólico (TAEE) foram investigados. Os níveis totais de fenólicos (TPC) e flavonóides (TFC) também foram avaliados. Os resultados para TPC foram 19,91 ± 0,38 e 29,37 ± 1,82 mg GAE g-1 e para TFC 0,20 ± 0,02 e 0,14 ± 0,01 mg QE g-1 de TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. As atividades antioxidantes foram 73,29 ± 0,49% e 93,36 ± 0,27% no ensaio DPPH● e 71,73 ± 4,07% e 97,86 ± 0,35% no ABTS●+ para TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. A atividade redutora total foi determinada pelo método de poder redutor (PR) e íon ferrico (Fe III) e os resultados variaram em PR de 151,7 ± 25,7 e 230,7 ± 25,2 mg GAE L-1, para TAH e TAEE respectivamente e para (Fe III) em EC50 0,284 em TAEE e 0,687 em TAH. A análise química por HPLC-DAD do extrato etanólico (TAEE) revelou a presença de ácido ferúlico como componente majoritário no extrato. A análise de RMN 1H confirmou esta estrutura e mostrou a presença de glicose, ácido cítrico, ácido succínico, prolina e derivados de hidrocarbonetos no TAEE. Além disso, a origem botânica também foi investigada e apresentou característica multifloral, tendo encontrado 19 tipos polínicos com predomínio botânico da família Anacardiaceae, sendo o pólen Tapirira predominante (42,6%) e o Schinus secundário (25,7%). Os resultados mostraram que o mel de T. angustula é uma interessante fonte de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes devido à sua origem floral e pode atuar como protetor da saúde humana quando consumido.

Ferulic acid as major antioxidant phenolic compound of the Tetragonisca angustula honey collected in Vera Cruz - Itaparica Island, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

Resumo A atividade antioxidante do mel de Tetragonisca angustula (TAH) e seu extrato etanólico (TAEE) foram investigados. Os níveis totais de fenólicos (TPC) e flavonóides (TFC) também foram avaliados. Os resultados para TPC foram 19,91 ± 0,38 e 29,37 ± 1,82 mg GAE g-1 e para TFC 0,20 ± 0,02 e 0,14 ± 0,01 mg QE g-1 de TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. As atividades antioxidantes foram 73,29 ± 0,49% e 93,36 ± 0,27% no ensaio DPPH e 71,73 ± 4,07% e 97,86 ± 0,35% no ABTS+ para TAH e TAEE, respectivamente. A atividade redutora total foi determinada pelo método de poder redutor (PR) e íon ferrico (Fe III) e os resultados variaram em PR de 151,7 ± 25,7 e 230,7 ± 25,2 mg GAE L-1, para TAH e TAEE respectivamente e para (Fe III) em EC50 0,284 em TAEE e 0,687 em TAH. A análise química por HPLC-DAD do extrato etanólico (TAEE) revelou a presença de ácido ferúlico como componente majoritário no extrato. A análise de RMN 1H confirmou esta estrutura e mostrou a presença de glicose, ácido cítrico, ácido succínico, prolina e derivados de hidrocarbonetos no TAEE. Além disso, a origem botânica também foi investigada e apresentou característica multifloral, tendo encontrado 19 tipos polínicos com predomínio botânico da família Anacardiaceae, sendo o pólen Tapirira predominante (42,6%) e o Schinus secundário (25,7%). Os resultados mostraram que o mel de T. angustula é uma interessante fonte de compostos fenólicos antioxidantes devido à sua origem floral e pode atuar como protetor da saúde humana quando consumido.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the pre-operative application of botulinum toxin for ventral hernia repair.

PURPOSE: Surgical repair of large hernia defects requires detailed pre-operative planning, particularly in cases with loss of domain. This situation often hampers mid-line reconstruction, even after component separation, when the size of the hernia is disproportional to the volume of the abdominal area. In this case, other strategies may be needed to place the viscera back into the abdominal cavity after reducing the hernia sac. The administration of botulinum toxin prior to the surgical procedure has been indicated as an adjunct for more complex cases. This results in stretching of the lateral musculature of the abdomen, allowing midline approximation. In addition, the application of botulinum toxin alone has been investigated as a means of downstaging in the management of ventral hernias, thereby precluding component separation and enabling primary closure of the midline by placement of mesh within the retromuscular space using the Rives Stoppa technique. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature for observational studies involving patients undergoing pre-operative application of botulinum toxin for ventral hernia repair was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Advance of the lateral musculature of the abdomen by an average of 4.11 cm with low heterogeneity, as well as low rates of surgical site infection (SSI), surgical site occurrences (SSO) and recurrence, was shown. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative application of botulinum toxin for ventral hernia repair promoted an increase in the length of the lateral musculature of the abdomen which can help improve the outcomes of morbidity and recurrence.

Ferulic acid as major antioxidant phenolic compound of the Tetragonisca angustula honey collected in Vera Cruz - Itaparica Island, Bahia, Brazil.

The antioxidant activity of Tetragonisca angustula honey (TAH) and its ethanolic extract (TAEE) were investigated. The total levels of phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) were also evaluated. The results for TPC were 19.91 ± 0.38 and 29.37 ± 1.82 mg GAE g-1 and for TFC 0.20 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg QE g-1 of TAH and TAEE, respectively. Antioxidant activities were 73.29 ± 0.49% and 93.36 ± 0.27% in the DPPH● assay and 71.73 ± 4.07% and 97.86 ± 0.35% in ABTS●+ for TAH and TAEE, respectively. The total reducing activity was determined by the method of reducing power (PR) and iron ion (Fe III) and the results varied in PR from 151.7 ± 25.7 and 230.7 ± 25.2 mg GAE L-1, for TAH and TAEE respectively and for (Fe III) in EC50 0.284 in TAEE and 0.687 in TAH. Chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD of the ethanolic extract (TAEE) revealed the presence of ferulic acid as majority phenolic component in the extract. The 1H NMR analysis confirmed this structure and showed the also presence of glucose, citric acid, succinic acid, proline and hydrocarbon derivatives. In addition, the botanical origin was also investigated and showed a multifloral characteristic, having found 19 pollen types with a botanical predominance of the Anacardiaceae family, with Tapirira pollen occurring as predominant (42.6%) and Schinus as secondary (25.7%). The results showed that T. angustula honey is an interesting source of antioxidant phenolic compounds due to its floral origin and can act as a protector of human health when consumed.

Live Performance, Carcass Yield, and Welfare of Broilers of Different Genetic Strains Reared at Different Housing Densities

This study evaluated the performance, carcass yield and quality, and physiological stress indicators of broilers of three genetic strains reared at three housing densities for 29 days. A total of 828 day-old male chicks, with average initial weight of 40.0± 2.0g were used. Three genetic strains (Cobb 500, Ross 808, and Ross 508, with 276 birds each) and three housing densities (17, 19, and 21 broilers/m²) were tested. A completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, with four replicates of 23 birds each, was applied. The following responses were evaluated: performance parameters (average weekly body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), physiological stress indicators (blood glucose levels, blood cell counts), and carcass yield and quality (dermatosis, bruising, dermatitis, and femoral degeneration scores). Average weekly body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) were not influenced by rearing density (p0.05), but Cobb 500 broilers were the heaviest during the analyzed period. In the second week, Ross 508 birds showed better feed conversion ratio (FCR) when housed at the density of 17 broilers/m² (p0.001), whereas the best FCR of Ross 808 and Cobb 500 broilers was obtained at 21 broilers/m² (p0.001). Carcass yield was not influenced by the treatments (p0.05). Physiological stress indicators were not affected by the treatments, and remained within normal ranges (p0.05). Dermatosis scores (scratches) increased (p0.05) when housing density increased from 17 to 19 broilers /m².(AU)

Live Performance, Carcass Yield, and Welfare of Broilers of Different Genetic Strains Reared at Different Housing Densities

This study evaluated the performance, carcass yield and quality, and physiological stress indicators of broilers of three genetic strains reared at three housing densities for 29 days. A total of 828 day-old male chicks, with average initial weight of 40.0± 2.0g were used. Three genetic strains (Cobb 500, Ross 808, and Ross 508, with 276 birds each) and three housing densities (17, 19, and 21 broilers/m²) were tested. A completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, with four replicates of 23 birds each, was applied. The following responses were evaluated: performance parameters (average weekly body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio), physiological stress indicators (blood glucose levels, blood cell counts), and carcass yield and quality (dermatosis, bruising, dermatitis, and femoral degeneration scores). Average weekly body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) were not influenced by rearing density (p0.05), but Cobb 500 broilers were the heaviest during the analyzed period. In the second week, Ross 508 birds showed better feed conversion ratio (FCR) when housed at the density of 17 broilers/m² (p0.001), whereas the best FCR of Ross 808 and Cobb 500 broilers was obtained at 21 broilers/m² (p0.001). Carcass yield was not influenced by the treatments (p0.05). Physiological stress indicators were not affected by the treatments, and remained within normal ranges (p0.05). Dermatosis scores (scratches) increased (p0.05) when housing density increased from 17 to 19 broilers /m².

Intestinal and multivisceral transplantation immunosuppression protocols--literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Currently the most used techniques for small bowel transplant are isolated intestinal transplantation, multivisceral transplantation (MVT), and modified multivisceral transplantation. One important factor is early diagnosis of acute cellular rejection (ACR). In addition, improvements in immunosuppression have recently reduced the number and enhanced treatment of ACR episodes, enabling graft recovery. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed immunosuppression protocols of leading transplantation centers in the last 5 years. METHOD: We reviewed papers published in PubMed from major multivisceral and intestinal transplantation centers from 2006 to 2010 in adult recipients. The 211 adults transplanted in seven centers were divided into three groups according to the immunosuppression protocol used: protocol 1: daclizumab induction with tacrolimus and steroid maintenance; protocol 2: alemtuzumab and tacrolimus; and protocol 3: thymoglobulin and rituximab and tacrolimus. RESULTS: Protocol 2 showed the lowest rate of ACR (34%). Protocols 1 and 3 displayed 54% and 48% ACR rates; respectively. However, protocol 1 patients developed only mild ACR, whereas those in protocols 2 and 3 developed moderate ACR in 26.3% and 11.7%, and severe ACR in 7.9% and 47% of cases, respectively. The infection rate was considerably lower in protocol 3 (7.4%). Protocols 1 and 2 showed infection rates of 62.5% and 52%, respectively. One-year patient survival rates were 70%, 79% and 81%, respectively. Three-year patient survival rates were 62%, 56%, and 78% for protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Protocol 2 was the strongest immunosuppressive regimen capable of reducing ACR rates when compared with the other protocols, but the strong effect resulted in high infection rate that impacts 1-year patient survival. Protocol 3 seems to be the best available one balancing ACR and infection rates.