Reconstruction of Palatal Defects Using a Composite Chondromucosal Nasoseptal Flap and Comparative Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The use of composite chondromucosal nasal septal flaps (ccNSF) has been demonstrated to be effective in cadaveric studies for the anterior skull base and the orbit. However, their application in the clinical setting remains unexplored. Our study aims to introduce a new method for treating palatal defects using ccNSF. Additionally, we studied the average NSF area and compared it to the average palate area. METHODS: We collected 108 CT scans from the medical records of patients without head and neck pathologies from a tertiary medical institution. We quantified the quadrangular (septal) cartilage and palate areas. Furthermore, we included a clinical case in which we used the ccNSF for the palatal defect reconstruction. This was to compare the mean area between the palate and the septal cartilage. RESULTS: The ccNSF covered the palatal defect without any significant complications for the first 9 months of follow-up. A total of 102 CT scans met the inclusion criteria and were measured. We found that the mean quadrangular cartilage had a length of 2.50 (±0.52) cm, a width of 2.28 (±0.51) cm, and an area of 5.43 (±1.68) cm2. The mean palate length was 2.73 (±0.44) cm, with a width of 3.13 (±0.34) cm, and area of 7.87 (±1.43) cm2. CONCLUSIONS: The ccNSF proved successful in palatal defect reconstruction, resulting in positive outcomes and no major complications until the 9-month follow-up. The ccNSF is a useful flap that avoids the use of free flap transfer and its associated morbidities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Effect of tobacco use on Zenker's diverticulotomy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes in patients with and without history of tobacco use who underwent Zenker's diverticulotomy (ZD). STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent ZD via an open stapler, rigid endoscopic CO2 laser, stapler or harmonic scalpel, and flexible endoscopic technique from January 2006 to December 2020 was performed. Data were abstracted for patient demographics, diverticular features, and rates of adverse events and symptomatic recurrence. RESULTS: Out of 424 patients, 146 (34.4 %) had a history of tobacco use: 126 (29.7 %) were former smokers, and 20 (4.7 %) were active smokers. In univariable cross-sectional analyses, the likelihood of postoperative bleeding, perforation, emergency department visits, unplanned readmission, or recurrence did not demonstrate an association with tobacco use history even after adjustment for age, sex, and surgical approach. Similarly, in Cox Proportional Hazards regression, tobacco use was not associated with an increased risk of recurrence, even after correcting for age, sex, and type of surgery. The median time to recurrence observed in our cohort was 11.5 years amongst non-smokers, 8.7 years amongst former smokers, and 1.2 years amongst active smokers (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in post-operative adverse events or frequency of recurrence of ZD between active, former, and non-smokers. Although underpowered and not statistically significant, median time to recurrence appears to be shorter in smokers when compared with former and non-smokers following surgery.

Current management of cervicofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in the pediatric population.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to analyze and consolidate recently published literature to provide updated guidelines on the diagnosis and management of nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis (NTM LAD) in the pediatric population and to suggest areas of further research. RECENT FINDINGS: Diagnosis of NTM LAD relies on a detailed clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques. Treatment strategies vary widely, with a shift towards complete surgical excision being observed due to its higher cure rate, improved aesthetic outcomes, and lower recurrence rates. However, patient-specific factors must be considered. The role of genetic factors, such as Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD), is being increasingly recognized and could lead to targeted therapies. SUMMARY: Despite strides in the understanding and management of NTM LAD, substantial gaps remain in key areas such as the role of diagnostic imaging, optimal treatment parameters, postoperative care, and surveillance strategies. In this article, we explain our approach to NTM using the most relevant evidence-based medicine while offering directions for future work.

Comparing Open Versus Rigid Endoscopic and Flexible Endoscopic Techniques for the Treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of patients undergoing open stapler versus transoral rigid and flexible endoscopic therapies for symptomatic Zenker's diverticulum. STUDY DESIGN: Single institution retrospective review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 424 consecutive patients who underwent Zenker's diverticulotomy via an open stapler, rigid endoscopic CO2 laser, rigid endoscopic stapler, rigid endoscopic harmonic scalpel, or flexible endoscopic technique from January 2006 to December 2020. RESULTS: A total of 424 patients (173 females, mean age 73.1 ± 11.2 years) from a single institution were included. A total of 142 patients (33%) underwent endoscopic laser treatment, 33 (8%) underwent endoscopic harmonic scalpel, 92 (22%) underwent endoscopic stapler, 70 (17%) underwent flexible endoscopic, and 87 (20%) underwent open stapler. All open and rigid endoscopic procedures and most of the flexible endoscopic procedures (65%) were performed under general anesthesia. The flexible endoscopic group had a higher percentage of procedure-related perforation, defined as subcutaneous emphysema or contrast leak on imaging (14.3%). The recurrence rates were higher in the harmonic stapler, flexible endoscopic, and endoscopic stapler groups at 18.2%, 17.1%, and 17.4%, respectively, and lower in the open group (1.1%). Length of hospital stay and return to oral intake were similar among groups. CONCLUSION: The flexible endoscopic technique was associated with the highest rate of procedure-related perforation, while the endoscopic stapler had the lowest number of procedural complications. Recurrence rates were higher among the harmonic stapler, flexible endoscopic, and endoscopic stapler groups and lower in the endoscopic laser and open groups. Prospective comparative studies with long-term follow-up are needed.

Development and piloting of an instructional video quality checklist (IVQC).

PURPOSE: Medical education instructional videos are more popular and easier to create than ever before. Standard quality measures for this medium do not exist, leaving educators, learners, and content creators unable to assess these videos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Drawing from the literature on video quality and popularity, reusable learning objects, and multimedia and curriculum development principles, we developed a 26-item instructional video quality checklist (IVQC), to capture aspects of educational design (six items), source reliability (four items), multimedia principle adherence (10 items), and accessibility (six items). Two raters applied IVQC to 206 videos from five producers across topics from two organ systems (cardiology and pulmonology) encompassing four disciplines (anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology). RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability was strong. According to two-rater means, eight multimedia items were present in over 80% of videos. A minority of videos included learning objectives (46%), alternative language translations (41%), when the video was updated (40%), analogies (37%), or references (9%). Producer ratings varied significantly (p < .001) across 17 of 26 items. There were no significant differences according to the video topic. CONCLUSIONS: IVQC detected differences in elements of instructional video quality. Future work can apply this instrument to a broader array of videos and in authentic educational settings.

Student Hotline Improves Remote Clinical Skills and Access to Rural Care.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools needed to redirect students to alternative educational opportunities. The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine addressed this issue by forming a partnership with rural counties in northern Nevada to create a multicounty COVID-19 hotline clinical experience. Medical students staffed the hotline and assisted the underserved rural populations of northern Nevada by providing counseling and education via telehealth. With the support of preceptors, students completed screening forms with patients, utilized audio-only physical exam skills and clinical decision making to triage potential patients to the appropriate level of care. METHODS: We utilized retrospective pre- and postassessments to assess medical students' comfort level with several hotline tasks before and after their experience as a hotline volunteer. RESULTS: Results indicate significant improvements after hotline training and experience in students' comfort level with answering questions about SARS-CoV-2 (P=.006); screening patients for SARS-CoV-2 (P=.0446); assessing exam findings using audio only format ( P=.0429); triaging patients (P=.0103); and addressing financial access to care barriers ( P=.0127). CONCLUSION: Participation in the multicounty COVID-19 hotline improved students' comfort levels in all areas, with significant improvement in answering questions about SARS-CoV-2, conducting audio-only exams, screening and triaging patients, and addressing financial barriers to care. Participation allowed students to further hone their clinical skills during a pandemic. This experience can serve as a model for similar projects for other academic institutions to train their medical students while providing outreach, particularly to underserved populations such as rural communities.

Ethanolic extract of Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt. inhibits HIV-1 replication in vitro through the activity of terpenes and flavonoids on viral entry and NF-κB pathway.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Artemisia spp. is well known for its anti-infectious properties and its high content in anti-infectious compounds, like the well-known sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.). Another Artemisia species, Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt., field wormwood, has been traditionally used as medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-HIV activity of field wormwood, to identify the compounds responsible for this activity and their structure and mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiviral activity of isolated compounds and extracts was evaluated in HIV-1 infections of lymphoblastoid cells. We also evaluated the mechanism of action of isolated compounds. Viral entry was studied comparing the inhibitory effect of isolated compounds on wild type HIV-1 and VSV pseudotyped HIV-1. To assess the viral transcriptional effect, plasmids encoding luciferase reporter genes under the control of the whole genome of HIV-1 or NF-κB or Sp1 transcription factors were transfected in the presence of the compounds under evaluation. Finally, antioxidant activity was assessed by quantitation of reduced and total glutathione in treated cell cultures. RESULTS: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt. subsp. glutinosa displayed anti-HIV activity in vitro, although ethanolic extract was more powerful (IC50 14.62 µg/mL). Bio-guided ethanolic extract fractionation leads to the isolation and characterization of two terpenes, damsin and canrenone, and four flavonoids, 6, 2', 4'-trimethoxyflavone, acerosin, cardamonin and xanthomicrol. All the isolated compounds inhibited HIV-1 replication in vitro with IC50 values between the middle nanomolar and the low micromolar range. Their anti-HIV mechanism of action is due to the bloking of viral entry and/or transcription inhibition, without correlation with the antioxidant activity, through interference with the cellular transcription factors NF-κB and Sp1, which are targets that are not currently reached by antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: We describe here the anti-HIV activity of field wormwood, Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt., and the isolation and study of the mechanism of action of two terpenes and four flavonoids, responsible, at least in part, for its activity, through the inhibition of two different cellular targets affecting the HIV replication cycle. The activity of these compounds in cellular targets could explain why plant extracts can be used in the treatment of different diseases. Besides, the presence of several compounds with dual and different mechanisms of action could prove useful in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, since it could aid to overcome drug resistances and simplify drug therapy. This work is a further step in understanding the anti-infectious activity of wormwood species and their use in treating infectious diseases.

Erratum: Flores, J., et al. Effective Parameters for 1D Photonic Crystals with Isotropic and Anisotropic Magnetic Inclusions: Coherent Wave Homogenization Theory. Materials 2020, 13, 1475.

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: replace: (37) 1 ε z = f ε m = 1 - f ε d and (39) 1 µ z = f µ m = 1 - f µ d with the correct expressions: (37) 1 ε z = f ε m + 1 - f ε d and (39) 1 µ z = f µ m + 1 - f µ d [...].

Anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of tumor cell lines of different origin.

BACKGROUND: Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity and have been recognized by their health promoting properties. AIM: In vitro study of the anti-proliferative effects of a blueberry extract on a panel of cancer cells from different origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A blueberry extract was produced using ethanol as extracting solvent. The anti-proliferative activity of the extract was evaluated against seven tumor cell lines. The properties of blueberry extract to decrease cell adhesion and migration were also investigated. RESULTS: Blueberry extract showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell proliferation for all cell lines. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extract decreased cell adhesion in five of seven cell lines studied and inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and PC-3 tumor cells. CONCLUSION: This work provides additional evidence regarding the ability of blueberry extract to inhibit the growth and decrease cell adhesion and migration of different cancer cell lines in vitro.

Effective Parameters for 1D Photonic Crystals with Isotropic and Anisotropic Magnetic Inclusions: Coherent Wave Homogenization Theory.

A homogenization theory that can go beyond the regime of long wavelengths is proposed, namely, a theory that is still valid for vectors of waves near the edge of the first zone of Brillouin. In this paper, we consider that the displacement vector and the magnetic induction fields have averages in the volume of the cell associated with the values of the electric and magnetic fields in the edges of the cell, so they satisfy Maxwell's equations. Applying Fourier formalism, explicit expressions were obtained for the case of a photonic crystal with arbitrary periodicity. In the case of one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals, the expressions for the tensor of the effective bianisotropic response (effective permittivity, permeability and crossed magneto-electric tensors) are remarkably simplified. Specifically, the effective permittivity and permeability tensors are calculated for the case of 1D photonic crystals with isotropic and anisotropic magnetic inclusions. Through a numerical calculation, the dependence of these effective tensors upon the filling fraction of the magnetic inclusion is shown and analyzed. Our results show good correspondence with the approach solution of Rytov's effective medium. The derived formulas can be very useful for the design of anisotropic systems with specific optical properties that exhibit metamaterial behavior.

Biocrust cover and successional stages influence soil bacterial composition and diversity in semiarid ecosystems.

Biocrusts are an important drylands landscape component, which enriches the upper millimeters of the soil with organic matter and initiates biogeochemical cycles. However, little is known about the influence of biocrusts on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Different biocrust types representing a successional gradient were studied. This gradient, from the earliest to the latest successional stages, consisted of an incipient cyanobacterial biocrust < mature cyanobacterial biocrusts < biocrust dominated by the Squamarina lentigera and Diploschistes diacapsis lichens < Biocrust characterized by the Lepraria isidiata lichen. Moreover, in each biocrust type, four different percentages of biocrust cover were also selected. Soil diversity gradually increased with biocrust successional stage and percentage of biocrust cover. The biocrust cover had an important role in the total abundance of bacteria, generally increasing in soils colonized by the highest percentages of cover. Biocrust successional stage was the most important factor, significantly influencing 108 soil bacteria genera, whereas biocrust cover showed significant differences in only 10 genera. Principal Component Analysis showed contrasting microbial composition across the biocrust successional gradient. Some bacterial taxa were dominant in the soil colonized by different biocrust types. Thus, Leptolyngbya, Rubrobacter, Solirubrobacter, Geodermatophilus, etc., were more abundant in incipient cyanobacteria; Nostocales, Chroococcidiopsaceae, Coleofasciculaceae etc., under mature cyanobacterial biocrusts; Truepera, Sphingobacteriaceae, Actinophytocola, Kribella, etc., below the S. lentigera and D. diacapsis community, and Bryobacter, Ohtaekwangia, Opitutus, Pedosphaeraceae, etc., in soils colonized by L. isidiata. Several soil bacteria taxa showed significant correlations (p < 0.05) with chemical soil properties (pH, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, available phosphorous and electrical conductivity). We discuss the role of biocrusts influencing these chemical soil parameters, including the presence of certain metabolites secreted by biocrusts, and also their effects on soil moisture and several physical soil features, as well as their association with different microclimates, all of which could favor a more selective environment for certain bacteria.

Tratamiento de la agudización de la EPOC / Treatment of exacerbations OF COPD

En la agudización de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), se produce un empeoramiento agudo de los síntomas respiratorios, que necesita un tratamiento adicional. Las causas más frecuentes son las infecciones de la vía respiratoria. Según sea la gravedad de la exacerbación, puede tratarse de manera ambulatoria o por ingreso hospitalario. El tratamiento farmacológico incluye broncodilatadores, corticoides y antibióticos; el no farmacológico incluye oxigenoterapia, rehabilitación respiratoria y ventilación mecánica no invasiva o invasiva

In exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), occurs an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that needs an additional treatment. The most frequent causes are respiratory tract infections. According to the severity of exacerbation, it can be treated on an outpatient basis or by hospital admission. The pharmacological treatment includes bronchodilators, corticosteroids and antibiotics; the non-pharmacological treatment includes oxygen therapy, respiratory rehabilitation, and non-invasive or invasive mechanical ventilation

Insoluble fiber sources in mash or pellets diets for young broilers. 2. Effects on gastrointestinal tract development and nutrient digestibility1.

The effects of feed form and dietary fiber on the development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and nutrient digestibility were studied in broilers at 8 and 21 d of age. The experiment included 14 treatments arranged as a 2 × 7 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. pellet) and 7 diets that consisted in a low fiber diet and 6 extra diets resulting from the combination of 3 insoluble fiber sources [oat hulls (OH), rice hulls, and sunflower hulls] and 2 levels of inclusion (2.5 and 5.0%). Pelleting decreased the relative weight (% BW) of the full GIT, and empty gizzard (P < 0.001) and the relative length (cm/kg empty BW) of the small intestine and ceca (P < 0.001) and increased full crop (P < 0.001) and liver (P < 0.05) weights. Fiber inclusion increased the empty weight and the fresh digesta content of the gizzard (P < 0.001) but had limited and inconsistent effects on the weight of the full GIT or the length of the small intestine and ceca. Gizzard pH decreased with mash feeding and fiber inclusion (P < 0.001). Pelleting decreased ether extract retention (P < 0.05) but did not affect N retention or AMEn of the diets. Fiber inclusion improved nutrient retention (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) with more pronounced effects with OH than with sunflower hulls or rice hulls inclusion. The AMEn of the diets increased (P < 0.05) with 2.5% of fiber inclusion but no extra benefits were obtained with a further increase to 5.0%. Starch ileal digestibility increased with mash feeding (P < 0.001) and fiber supplementation (P < 0.05). In summary, pelleting increases full crop weight and gizzard pH and decreased full gizzard weight and starch ileal digestibility. Moderate amounts of insoluble fiber, especially OH, increases gizzard weight, reduces gizzard pH, and improves nutrient digestibility in young broilers.

Claude bernard: médico, fisiólogo, biólogo y creador de la medicina experimental (parte i) / No disponible

Claude Bernard, médico, fisiólogo y biólogo francés, se le considera como el Fundador de la Medicina Experimental. Fue uno de los fundadores de la de la Sociedad Francesa de Biología, catedrático de Fisiología en la Sorbona y miembro de la Academia de las Ciencias. Realizó importantes aportaciones en el campo de la fisiología, de la clínica y sobre todo en la investigación médica, donde defendió que las hipótesis científicas deben ser verificadas a través de los experimentos. Sus conocimientos filosóficos tuvieron aplicación en el método experimental. Muchas de sus aportaciones tienen vigencia actual a pesar del paso del tiempo

Claude Bernard, a French physician, physiologist and biologist, is considered the Founder of Experimental Medicine. He was one of the founders of the French Society of Biology, Professor of Physiology at the Sorbonne and a member of the Academy of Sciences. He made important contributions in the field of physiology, clinic and especially in medical research, where he argued that scientific hypotheses should be verified through experiments. Many of their contributions are valid today despite the passage of time

Claude bernard: médico, fisiólogo, biólogo y creador de la medicina experimental (parte II) / No disponible

Claude Bernard habría realizado el sorprendente descubrimiento de que la "materia inerte" y los "cuerpos vivos" no son la misma cosa. En los seres vivos, ocurren reacciones orgánicas intrínsecas a las que Bernard llamó "medio interior", estas reacciones ocurren a nivel celular y están orientadas a la propia conservación de los seres vivos. Claude Bernard, dio a la biología carta de naturaleza como auténtica ciencia, sin embargo, le impuso unos límites claros, jamás podrá pronunciarse acerca de la esencia de la vida, si bien será capaz de elaborar leyes relativas a sus condiciones físico-químicas. Para Claude Bernard, las hipótesis constituirían la auténtica teoría científica. El pensamiento de Bernard y su filosofía de la experimentación queda reflejada en la Introducción al estudio de la medicina experimental

Claude Bernard would have made the surprising discovery that "inert matter" and "living bodies" are not the same thing. To the intrinsic organic reactions that occur in living beings, Bernard called "internal mediu", these reactions occur at the cellular level and are aimed at the conservation of living beings. Claude Bernard, gave biology a letter of nature as a true science, however, imposed some clear limits, he can never pronounce on the essence of life, although he will be able to develop laws related to their physical-chemical conditions. Claude Bernard, considered the hypotheses as the true scientific theory. Bernard’s thinking and his philosophy of experimentation is reflected in the Introduction to the study of experimental medicine

Análisis de la composición corporal empleando parámetros bioeléctricos en la población deportiva cubana / Body composition analysis using bioelectrical parameters in Cuban sporting population

Objetivos: La propuesta de este estudio es proveer datos de parámetros bioeléctricos de la población deportiva cubana, particularmente: resistencia (R), reactancia (Xc), impedancia (Z), ángulo de fase (AF), y los componentes del vector impedancia de acuerdo al análisis del vector bioeléctrico (BIVA), estableciendo valores de referencia en atletas de alto rendimiento. Material y método: Se les realizó el análisis de bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIA) a 943 deportistas cubanos (620 masculinos, 323 femeninos) de 26 deportes diferentes. Los parámetros bioeléctricos R, Xc, Z y PA fueron obtenidos a una frecuencia de 50-kHz y en la gama de 1 a 1.000 kHz usando un analizador multifrecuencia. De estos parámetros, fueron calculados cinco índices (R/Estatura, Xc/ Estatura, Z/Estatura, reactancia en paralelo, y resistencia en paralelo) a 50 kHz. Se obtuvo el análisis del vector de bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIVA) y se realizó un modelado Cole-Cole. Una vez estimado R/Estatura y Xc/Estatura, fue realizado el análisis de BIVA. La media y la desviación estándar fueron calculadas para todas las variables. La prueba t fue usada para detectar las diferencias entre ambos sexos.Los BIVA fueron comparados usando la T2 de Hotelling. Para contrastar la hipótesis nula de igualdad entre los parámetros examinados, se empleó el nivel de significación de p <0,05. Resultados: En comparación a la población masculina, la población femenina tuvo mayor R, R/Estatura, Xc, Xc/Estatura, Z, Z/Estatura y menor PA (p<0,05). La precisión de BIVA fue diferente entre los sexos (p <0,05) y de acuerdo al índice de masa corporal (≤25 y >25). Las diferencias entre deportes estuvieron relacionadas al valor de Z y AF. Conclusiones: El estudio mostró que la variabilidad de R, Xc, Z y AF dependió del género, de las características de la masa corporal de la población estudiada, y del deporte

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide data on bioelectrical parameters in Cuban sport population, particularly: resistance (R), reactance (Xc), impedance (Z), impedance vector component according to bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and phase angle (PhA), establishing references values on athletes of high performance level. Material and method: We performed bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 943 Cuban athletes (620 male, 323 female) of 26 sports modalities. Bioelectric parameters R, Xc, Z and PhA were obtained at 50-kHz frequency and multi-frequency from 1 to 1000 kHz using a multi-frequency measuring device. From these parameters, five bioimpedance ratios were calculated (R/Height, Xc/ Height, Z/ Height, the reactance paralate, and resistence paralate) at 50 kHz. Bioelectrical impedance vectors analysis (BIVA) and Cole-Cole modeled were performed. Once R/Height and Xc/Height were estimated, the BIVA was performed. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for all variables. Unpaired t-test was used to detect differences between sexes. BIVA vectors were compared using Hotelling’s T2 test. To eliminate a null hypothesis about the equality of the examined parameters, we used the level of probability of p<0.05. Results: Compared to male population, female population had higher R, R/ Height, Xc, Xc/ Height, Z, Z/ Height and lower PhA. The accuracy of specific BIVA was different in the two sexes (p<0.05) and according to the Body Mass Index (≤25 and >25). Differences between sports were found in order to Z and PhA. Conclusions: The study showed that variability of R, Xc, Z and PhA measures depends on gender, body mass characteristics of the study population, and sport

Influence of freezing temperatures prior to freeze-drying on viability of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria isolated from wine.

AIMS: To determine the effect of three different freezing temperatures on post-freeze-drying survival rates of wine yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To know if a similar freeze-drying protocol can be used for both micro-organisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cells from liquid culture media were recovered and concentrated in appropriate lyoprotectants. Aliquots of each strain were frozen at -20, -80 and -196°C before vacuum drying. Viable cell counts were done before freezing and after freeze-drying. Survival rates were calculated. Freezing temperatures differently affected yeast and bacteria survival. The highest survival rates were obtained at -20 and -80°C for yeasts, but at -196°C for LAB. Major differences in survival rates were recorded among freeze-dried yeasts, but were less drastic for LAB. Yeasts Pichia membranifaciens, Starmerella bacillaris and Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and LAB Lactobacillus paracasei, Pediococcus parvulus and Lactobacillus mali, were the most tolerant species to freeze-drying, regardless of freezing temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Yeast and LAB survival rates differed for each tested freezing temperature. For yeasts, -20°C ensured the highest post-freeze-drying viability and -196°C for LAB. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Freezing temperature to freeze-dry cells is a crucial factor for ensuring good wine yeast and LAB survival. These results are important for appropriately preserving micro-organisms and for improving starter production processes.

Administration of Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785 to chickens affects colonisation by Campylobacter jejuni and the intestinal microbiota.

1. Campylobacter jejuni is the most common bacterial cause of human food-borne gastroenteritis in the world. A major source of human infection is the consumption of contaminated meat, particularly poultry. New control measures to reduce or eliminate this pathogen from the animal gastrointestinal tract are urgently required, and the use of probiotics as competitive exclusion agents is a promising biocontrol measure to reduce C. jejuni in the food chain. 2. In this study, we assessed the potential of Lactobacillus johnsonii FI9785, which has shown efficacy against Clostridium perfringens, to combat C. jejuni. The effect of prophylactic administration of L. johnsonii on the ability of C. jejuni to colonise chickens was determined. 3. Two doses of L. johnsonii given a week apart led to a reduction in C. jejuni colonisation in the caecal contents, but this biocontrol seemed reliant upon a high level of initial colonisation by the probiotic. 4. The microbial composition in the chicken gut was significantly altered by the probiotic treatment, as shown by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. 5. Together these results demonstrate the potential of this probiotic strain to be tested further as a competitive exclusion agent in poultry against C. jejuni.

Complex regional pain syndrome: medical and legal ramifications of clinical variability and experience and perspective of a practicing clinician.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ramifications of clinical variability of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and how they can affect the various aspects of this condition, favorably or unfavorably, for both patients and participating medical and legal professionals. METHODS: Twelve patients diagnosed with CRPS at different times in the past 25 years were followed up, and their signs and symptoms were reviewed for variability. None had preexisting or ongoing medical disorders and prior injury to the peripheral nerves or musculoskeletal tissues. None had been involved in litigation. Physical traumas that triggered CRPS were job-related, vehicular accidents, and personal injuries. The presence of vasomotor symptoms (eg, swelling, skin discoloration, and temperature changes) and allodynia in the affected extremity was the basis for clinical diagnosis in all the patients. The need for imaging studies was precluded in some patients owing to the presence of vasomotor symptoms, which either fluctuated or were steady. Seven of the patients had type 1 CRPS, and five patients had type 2 CRPS. RESULTS: Most patients encountered delay in diagnosis and treatment and legal obstacles owing to the lack of "typical" objective signs of CRPS. The patients' symptoms fluctuated at different times of the day. Eight patients experienced spread of vasomotor symptoms and varying degree of allodynia in the opposite extremity. One patient, who developed signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, 2 months after the injury, continued to have CRPS symptoms in the injured hand. Treatment modalities administered in all the patients were essentially ineffective. All the patients, except one, were unable to return to their original line of work, and their symptoms persisted regardless of the outcome of their legal claims. CONCLUSION: It is likely that patients who continue to complain of pain and vasomotor symptoms followed by a physical injury have CRPS. The complex interaction between the peripheral, autonomic, and central nervous system in this condition makes it challenging to diagnose, treat, and prognosticate.

Raman spectroscopy detection of biomolecules in biocrusts from differing environmental conditions.

Lichens and cyanobacteria colonize inhospitable places covering a wide climate range due to their different survival strategies, such as the synthesis of protective biomolecules. The effect of ecological factors on the synthesis of biomolecules has not been widely analysed. This study aimed to assess the effects of four factors (species, microclimate, seasonality and hydration state) and their interactions on the biomolecule frequency detected by Raman Spectroscopy. We included cyanobacterial biocrusts, and the lichens Diploschistes diacapsis, Squamarina lentigera, and Lepraria isidiata; two contrasted microclimates (typical and marginal), two contrasted seasons (hot and dry vs cool and wet) and two hydration states (dry and wet). "Species" was the most influential factor in the identity and frequency of the main biomolecules. Microclimatic differences in the range of the local specific habitats only influenced the biomolecules in cyanobacteria. There was a quadruple interaction among the factors, the effects being different mainly depending on the species. At D. diacapsis, the production of their main biomolecules depended on microclimate, although it also depended on seasonality. Nevertheless, in L. isidiata and S. lentigera microclimatic differences did not significantly affect the production of biomolecules. In the lichen species, the microhabitats exposed to relatively larger incident radiation did not show significantly larger relative frequency of photoprotective biomolecules. No clear connection between higher production of oxalates and drier microhabitats was found, suggesting that the synthesis of oxalates is not related to water reserve strategy. The pros and cons of monitor biomolecules in biocrust by Raman spectrometry were also discussed.