Unveiling the Anatomical and Functional Attributes of Stipular Colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla Cham. & Schltdl. and Palicourea rudgeoides (Müll. Arg.) Standl. (Rubiaceae).

The characterization of colleters in Rubiaceae is crucial for understanding their role in plant function. Analyzing colleters in Palicourea tetraphylla and Palicourea rudgeoides aims to deepen the understanding of these structures morphoanatomical and functional characteristics. The study reveals colleters with palisade epidermis and a parenchymatic central axis, classified as standard type, featuring vascularization and crystals. Colleter secretion, abundant in acidic mucopolysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic compounds, protects against desiccation. The ontogenesis, development, and senescence of the colleters are quite rapid and fulfill their role well in biotic and abiotic protection because these structures are present at different stages of development in the same stipule. Pronounced protrusions on the colleters surface, coupled with the accumulation of secretion in the intercellular and subcuticular spaces, suggest that the secretory process occurs through the wall, driven by pressure resulting from the accumulation of secretion. The microorganisms in the colleters' secretion, especially in microbiota-rich environments such as the Atlantic Forest, provide valuable information about plant-microorganism interactions, such as resistance to other pathogens and organisms and ecological balance. This enhanced understanding of colleters contributes to the role of these structures in the plant and enriches knowledge about biological interactions within specific ecosystems and the family taxonomy.

Effect of TiO2 Microparticles in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Seeds and Seedlings.

The particle size reduction technology is used in several segments, including sunscreens and new techniques and product improvement. One of the main particles used in the sunscreens formulation is titanium dioxide (TiO2). This formulation allows for better characteristics of these products. Perspectives like incorporation of the particles by other biological systems beyond humans and their effects should be observed. This work aimed to evaluate the titanium dioxide microparticles phytotoxicity on Lactuca sativa L. plants through tests of germination, growth, and weight analysis using microscopy techniques: optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Some of the results showed cellular and morphological damage, mainly in the roots and 50 mg L-1 TiO2 concentration, confirmed by SEM. Additionally, anatomical damages like vascular bundle disruption and irregularity in the cortex cells were confirmed by SEM. Additionally, anatomical damages were observed on the three main organs (root, hypocotyl, and leaves) evidenced by the OM. Perspectives to confirm new hypotheses of the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems are necessary.

Linfadenectomía mediastinal por muestreo vs. linfadenectomía completa en el cáncer pulmonar / Sampling Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy versus Complete Lymphadenectomy in Lung Cancer

Introducción: El muestreo y la linfadenectomía completa son técnicas de acceso al mediastino. Su evaluación permite definir la conducta en el enfermo con cáncer del pulmón. Objetivo: Determinar los resultados de supervivencia en los enfermos con lesiones resecables por cáncer de pulmón con linfadenectomía completa o linfadenectomía por muestreo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal tipo serie de casos en 118 pacientes con lesiones resecables de cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas. El total de pacientes se subdividieron en dos grupos. A los 73 enfermos pertenecientes al grupo A se les realizó linfadenectomía por muestreo (1996-2010), mientras que a los 45 del grupo B se les realizó linfadenectomía completa (2011-2019). Se analizaron las complicaciones y la supervivencia a los cinco años. Resultados: Se resecaron mayor cantidad de ganglios por paciente y por regiones en la linfadenectomía completa, con una supervivencia de 50,6 por ciento, superior al 39,7por ciento obtenido en el grupo donde se realizó un muestreo. No se recogieron complicaciones inherentes a las técnicas quirúrgicas. Conclusiones: Los pacientes operados con resección y linfadenectomía completa tuvieron mayor sobrevida que los intervenidos mediante resección y linfadenectomía por muestreo(AU)

Introduction: Sampling or complete lymphadenectomy are techniques for accessing the mediastinum. Their assessment allows to define the approach in patients with lung cancer. Objective: To determine survival outcomes in ill patients with resectable lesions due to lung cancer after complete or sampling lymphadenectomies. Methods: A longitudinal case series study was performed in 118 patients with resectable lesions of nonsmall-cell lung cancer. All the patients were divided into two groups. The 73 ill patients from group A underwent sampling lymphadenectomy (1996-2010), while the 45 patients from group B underwent complete lymphadenectomy (2011-2019). Complications and five-year survival were analyzed. Results: A higher amount of nodes were resected per patient and per region in complete lymphadenectomy, with a survival of 50.6 por ciento, higher than the 39.7 por ciento corresponding to the sampling group. No complications inherent to the surgical techniques were collected. Conclusions: Patients operated on by resection and complete lymphadenectomy had higher survival figures than those operated on by resection and sampling lymphadenectomy(AU)

Assessing the Fate of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Carrying Usnic Acid as Chemical Cargo on the Soil Microbial Community.

In the present study we evaluate the effect of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) carrying usnic acid (UA) as chemical cargo on the soil microbial community in a dystrophic red latosol (oxysol). Herein, 500 ppm UA or SPIONs-framework carrying UA were diluted in sterile ultrapure deionized water and applied by hand sprayer on the top of the soil. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber at 25 °C, with a relative humidity of 80% and a 16 h/8 h light-dark cycle (600 lx light intensity) for 30 days. Sterile ultrapure deionized water was used as the negative control; uncapped and oleic acid (OA) capped SPIONs were also tested to assess their potential effects. Magnetic nanostructures were synthesized by a coprecipitation method and characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, magnetic measurements, and release kinetics of chemical cargo. Uncapped and OA-capped SPIONs did not significantly affect soil microbial community. Our results showed an impairment in the soil microbial community exposed to free UA, leading to a general decrease in negative effects on soil-based parameters when bioactive was loaded into the nanoscale magnetic carrier. Besides, compared to control, the free UA caused a significant decrease in microbial biomass C (39%), on the activity of acid protease (59%), and acid phosphatase (23%) enzymes, respectively. Free UA also reduced eukaryotic 18S rRNA gene abundance, suggesting a major impact on fungi. Our findings indicate that SPIONs as bioherbicide nanocarriers can reduce the negative impacts on soil. Therefore, nanoenabled biocides may improve agricultural productivity, which is important for food security due to the need of increasing food production.

Acute toxicity of titanium dioxide microparticles in Artemia sp. nauplii instar I and II.

In this study, the toxicity effects of titanium dioxide (MTiO2 ) microparticles on Artemia sp. nauplii instar I and II between 24 and 48 h was evaluated. The MTiO2 were characterized using different microscopy techniques. MTiO2 rutile was used in toxicity tests at concentration of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. No toxicity was observed in Artemia sp. nauplii instar I at the time of 24 and 48 h. However, Artemia sp. nauplii instar II toxicity was observed within 48 h of exposure. MTiO2 at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 ppm was lethal for Artemia sp. with a significant difference (p ≤ .05) in relation to the control artificial sea water with LC50 value at 50 ppm. Analysis of optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed tissue damage and morphological changes in Artemia sp. nauplii instar II. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy, cell damage was observed due to the toxicity of MTiO2 at a concentration of 20, 50, and 100 ppm. The high mortality rate is related to the filtration of MTiO2 by Artemia sp. nauplii instar II due to the complete development of the digestive tract.

Optimization of Sonication Parameters to Produce a Cashew Apple Bagasse Puree Rich in Superoxide Dismutase.

The effects of ultrasound processing parameters on the extraction of antioxidative enzymes and a toxicity assessment of cashew apple bagasse puree were investigated. Ultrasound directly affects the formation of reactive oxygen species such as H2O2, and consequently, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities. S.O.D. activity increased up to 280% after U.S. processing at 75 W/cm2, 1:3 bagasse: water ratio, and 10 min compared to non-processed bagasse. Therefore, the effect of ultrasound in delaying browning could be correlated to the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease in peroxidase activity. At center point conditions (226 W/cm2, 1:3 bagasse: water ratio; 6 min), a decrease of 20% and 50% on POD and PPO activities was observed, respectively. No significant acute toxicity or protective effect was observed in unprocessed and sonicated cashew apple bagasse. Although cashew bagasse processed at 75 W/cm2 prevented nauplii death after 24 h of exposure, this data cannot assure the protective effect once the number of dead nauplii on 100 µg/mL was similar. However, these data indicate a possible protective effect, especially in higher cashew bagasse concentrations. The results suggest that sonicated cashew apple bagasse puree, a coproduct obtained from a traditional valued fruit in Brazil, may be used as a source of antioxidative enzymes, which further has great importance in therapeutics.

A new bioinspired peptide on defensin from C. annuum fruits: Antimicrobial activity, mechanisms of action and therapeutical potential.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides, natural or synthetic, appear as promising molecules for antimicrobial therapy because of their both broad antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action. Herein, we determine the anti-Candida and antimycobacterial activities, mechanism of action on yeasts, and cytotoxicity on mammalian cells in the presence of the bioinspired peptide CaDef2.1G27-K44. METHODS: CaDef2.1G27-K44 was designed to attain the following criteria: high positive net charge; low molecular weight (<3000 Da); Boman index ≤2.5; and total hydrophobic ratio ≥ 40%. The mechanism of action was studied by growth inhibition, plasma membrane permeabilization, ROS induction, mitochondrial functionality, and metacaspase activity assays. The cytotoxicity on macrophages, monocytes, and erythrocytes were also determined. RESULTS: CaDef2.1G27-K44 showed inhibitory activity against Candida spp. with MIC100 values ranging from 25 to 50 µM and the standard and clinical isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC50 of 33.2 and 55.4 µM, respectively. We demonstrate that CaDef2.1G27-K44 is active against yeasts at different salt concentrations, induced morphological alterations, caused membrane permeabilization, increased ROS, causes loss of mitochondrial functionality, and activation of metacaspases. CaDef2.1G27-K44 has low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained showed that CaDef2.1G27-K44 has great antimicrobial activity against Candida spp. and M. tuberculosis with low toxicity to host cells. For Candida spp., the treatment with CaDef2.1G27-K44 induces a process of regulated cell death with apoptosis-like features. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: We show a new AMP bioinspired with physicochemical characteristics important for selectivity and antimicrobial activity, which is a promising candidate for drug development, mainly to control Candida infections.

Effect of preservation solution and distension pressure on saphenous vein's endothelium.

OBJECTIVES: Approaches to improve saphenous vein (SV) patency in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery remain relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different preservation solutions and different pressures of intraluminal distention on the endothelium of SV segments in CABG. METHODS: Forty-two SV segments obtained from 12 patients undergoing CABG were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 (control) was prepared without preservation or intraluminal distension, while the other 6 groups were preserved in autologous heparinized autologous arterial blood or normal saline (NS), with distention pressures 30, 100 and 300 mmHg. To assess the effects of using these solutions and pressures on the endothelium, the grafts were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, with the measurement of endothelial damage degree. RESULTS: Segments in group 1 showed minimal endothelial damage. SV grafts preserved with NS had significantly greater endothelial damage both compared to the control group and compared to groups preserved with autologous arterial blood (P < 0.001). Segments distended with pressures up to 100 mmHg showed less damage when compared to those distended at 300 mmHg, with the ones subjected to higher pressures presenting a maximum degree of damage, with considerable loss and separation of endothelial cells, extensive foci of exposure of the basement membrane and numerous fractures of the intimate layer, without differences regarding the solution used. CONCLUSIONS: Preparation of SV using NS and with intraluminal distension pressures above 100 mmHg is factors related to increased damage to the venous endothelium.

Caracterización de pacientes operados por cáncer pulmonar en el Hospital Universitario "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" / Characterization of Patients Operated on for Pulmonary Cancer at Manuel Ascunce Domenech Pulmonary Cancer

Introducción: La cirugía es el tratamiento de elección que ofrece la curación a un grupo de pacientes afectados de cáncer pulmonar, aun así, la supervivencia global para todos los estadios a 5 años se mantiene baja. Objetivo: Caracterizar los pacientes operados de cáncer pulmonar en el período comprendido desde el 1ro de marzo del 2015 hasta el 1ro de agosto del 2020. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio, observacional, retrospectivo de corte transversal, para describir el comportamiento de la morbimortalidad quirúrgica de los pacientes portadores de cáncer pulmonar en el Hospital Provincial Universitario "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" de la ciudad de Camagüey, desde marzo del 2015 y agosto del 2020. El universo de estudio se conformó por 211 pacientes operados con diagnóstico de cáncer pulmonar. Resultados: La edad que predominó fue entre 61 a 70 años y el sexo masculino. El adenocarcinoma y el carcinoma epidermoide fueron los diagnósticos histológicos más frecuentes. La lobectomía superior derecha fue la resección que con más frecuencia se realizó, así como algún tipo de linfadenectomía mediastinal fue realizada en más de la mitad de los casos. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las relacionadas con la fuga de aire. El índice de fallecidos fue bajo encontrándose las complicaciones cardiovasculares y el tromboembolismo pulmonar, las causas de mayor frecuencia. Conclusiones: La cirugía en el cáncer pulmonar es el tratamiento de elección en etapas tempranas con una baja morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes que reúnan las condiciones de operabilidad(AU)

Introduction: Surgery is the treatment of choice that offers cure to a group of patients affected by pulmonary cancer; yet five-year overall survival for all stages remains low. Objective: To characterize the patients operated on for pulmonary cancer in the period from March 1, 2015 to August 1, 2020. Methods: An observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out to describe the behavior of surgical morbidity and mortality since March 2015 and August 2020 in patients with pulmonary cancer at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Provincial Hospital in Camagüey City. The study universe was made up of 211 patients operated on with a diagnosis of pulmonary cancer. Results: There was a predominance of the age 61-70 years and the male sex. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most frequent histological diagnoses. Right upper lobectomy was the most frequently performed resection, as well as some type of mediastinal lymphadenectomy, performed in more than half of the cases. The most frequent complications were those related to air leakage. The death rate was low, with cardiovascular complications and pulmonary thromboembolism being the most frequent causes. Conclusions: Surgery is the treatment of choice for pulmonary cancer in early stages, with low morbidity and mortality in patients who meet operability conditions(AU)

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) internalization and passage through the Lactuca sativa (Asteraceae) outer cell wall.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) toxicity is related to nanoparticle interaction with the cell wall of microorganisms and plants. This interaction alters cell wall conformation with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell. With the increase of ROS in the cell, the dissolution of zero silver (Ag0) to ionic silver (Ag+) occurs, which is a strong oxidant agent to the cellular wall. AgNP interaction was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on Lactuca sativa roots, and the mechanism of passage through the outer cell wall (OCW) was also proposed. The results suggest that Ag+ binds to the hydroxyls (OH) present in the cellulose structure, thus causing the breakdown of the hydrogen bonds. Changes in cell wall structure facilitate the passage of AgNPs, reaching the plasma membrane. According to the literature, silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 15nm are transported across the membrane into the cells by caveolines. This work describes the interaction between AgNPs and the cell wall and proposes a transport model through the outer cell wall.

Evaluación de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades benignas y malignas del tórax / An Assessment of Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Thoracic Diseases

Introducción: Los cambios en la tecnología médica abarcan todas las especialidades y dentro de ellas, en la cirugía general. Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas han ocupado un papel cimero en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades en la cavidad torácica. Objetivo: Describir el uso de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de enfermedades intratorácicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo de corte transversal para evaluar el uso de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades intratorácicas en el Hospital Universitario "Manuel Ascunce Domenech" desde enero de 2017 hasta mayo de 2020. El universo estuvo compuesto por 104 pacientes con sospecha diagnóstica de enfermedades benignas o malignas del tórax. Resultados: La mayor parte de los pacientes con enfermedades benignas y malignas del tórax tenían una edad de 49 (±7,05) años, sin significación intersexo. La hipertensión arterial predominó como principal comorbilidad. La videotoracoscopia fue la técnica mínimamente invasiva más empleada y la sospecha de cáncer pulmonar y enfermedad pleural constituyeron las indicaciones más frecuentes que motivaron el proceder. El diagnóstico posoperatorio que predominó en la serie fue el cáncer pulmonar. Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas empleadas mostraron una alta validez. La mayoría de los pacientes egresaron vivos y sin complicaciones. Conclusiones: El uso de técnicas mínimamente invasivas en varias enfermedades intratorácicas son de vital importancia para definir diagnóstico y tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Changes in medical technology cover all specialties and, within them, general surgery. Minimally invasive techniques have played a paramount role in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic cavity diseases. Objective: To describe the use of minimally invasive techniques in the diagnosis of intrathoracic diseases. Methods: An observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out, from January 2017 to May 2020, in order to assess the use of minimally invasive techniques in the diagnosis of intrathoracic diseases at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital. The universe was made up of 104 patients with suspected benign or malignant diseases of the chest. Results: Most of the patients with benign and malignant chest diseases were 49 (± 7.05) years old, without intersex significance. Arterial hypertension predominated as the main comorbidity. Videothoracoscopy was the most widely used minimally invasive technique, while suspicion of lung cancer and pleural disease were the most frequent indications that motivated the procedure. The postoperative diagnosis that predominated in the series was lung cancer. The minimally invasive techniques used showed high validity. Most of the patients were discharged alive and without complications. Conclusions: The use of minimally invasive techniques in various intrathoracic diseases are of vital importance to define diagnosis and treatment(AU)

Nile tilapia skin (Oreochromis niloticus) for burn treatment: ultrastructural analysis and quantitative assessment of collagen.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin is a well-known biomaterial used as an occlusive dressing for burn treatment. It is also an inexpensive and important source of collagen. This study aims to describe the ultrastructural aspects of Nile tilapia skin, assess its collagen amount and organization, and compare quantitative methods of histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis (in all sterilization steps for use in burn dressings). One sample (0.5 × 0.5 cm) of ten different fish skins was divided in four groups: in natura skin (IN), chemical sterilization (CH), additional irradiation (30 kGy) (IR), and skins used in burn treatment (BT) to compare histochemical and immunohistochemical findings of collagen amount and describe ultrastructural aspects through scanning electron microscopy. The amount of type I collagen decreased during sterilization and clinical use owing to gradual reduction of immunostaining (anti-collagen-I) and decreasing fiber thickness of the collagen, when compared to type III (Picrosirius-red-polarized light). The collagen fibers were rearranged at each sterilization step, with a low collagen percentage and large structural disorganization in BT. The amount of type-I collagen was further reduced after BT (p < 0.05). Both the methods did not exhibit a quantified value difference (p = 0.247), and a positive correlation (r = 0.927; 95 % CI = 0.720-0.983) was observed between them, with concordance for collagen quantification in similar samples, presenting a low systematic error rate (Dalberg coefficient: 6.70). A significant amount of type-I collagen is still observed despite sterilization, although clinical application further reduces type I collagen. Its quantification can be performed both by immunohistochemistry and/or Picrosirius Red reliably.

Corn starch based films treated by dielectric barrier discharge plasma.

Cold plasma is an innovative strategy to strengthen the polysaccharide-based films characteristics. This study evaluated the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the hydrophilic character, water vapor permeability (WVP), and tensile properties of corn starch-based films. Starch films were exposed to plasma processing operating at an excitation frequency of 200 Hz for 10, 15, and 20 min. DBD plasma resulted in further enhanced tensile strength and stiffness, and lower hydrophilicity and water solubility; however, it did not present significant effects on the WVP of the resulting films within the ranges studied. Higher hydrophobicity, strength, and stiffness were verified after 20 min. The results presented in this work suggest that the DBD plasma has the potential to make starch-based films a more suitable packaging material.

Osseointegration Improvement of Co-Cr-Mo Alloy Produced by Additive Manufacturing.

Cobalt-base alloys (Co-Cr-Mo) are widely employed in dentistry and orthopedic implants due to their biocompatibility, high mechanical strength and wear resistance. The osseointegration of implants can be improved by surface modification techniques. However, complex geometries obtained by additive manufacturing (AM) limits the efficiency of mechanical-based surface modification techniques. Therefore, plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is the best alternative, creating nanotopography even in complex structures. In the present study, we report the osseointegration results in three conditions of the additively manufactured Co-Cr-Mo alloy: (i) as-built, (ii) after PIII, and (iii) coated with titanium (Ti) followed by PIII. The metallic samples were designed with a solid half and a porous half to observe the bone ingrowth in different surfaces. Our results revealed that all conditions presented cortical bone formation. The titanium-coated sample exhibited the best biomechanical results, which was attributed to the higher bone ingrowth percentage with almost all medullary canals filled with neoformed bone and the pores of the implant filled and surrounded by bone ingrowth. It was concluded that the metal alloys produced for AM are biocompatible and stimulate bone neoformation, especially when the Co-28Cr-6Mo alloy with a Ti-coated surface, nanostructured and anodized by PIII is used, whose technology has been shown to increase the osseointegration capacity of this implant.

La video mediastinoscopía en el oncotórax / The video mediastinoscopy in oncological thorax

RESUMEN Fundamento: el avance exponencial de la cirugía torácica tiene un desarrollo paralelo a las técnicas anestésicas e imagenológicas, desde la antigüedad se recogen en diferentes manuscritos los intentos de abordar este espacio corporal. Objetivo: describir la técnica de videomediastinoscopía así como las referencias anatómicas para su realización. Métodos: se realizó una descripción de la técnica de la videomediastinoscopía para la exéresis y biopsia de alteraciones mediastinales, basado en la experiencia personal y consulta bibliográfica. Se consultaron los repositorios internacionales: Ebsco, Medline y Cochrane para la obtención de las referencias relacionadas con el tema. Conclusiones: la videomediastinoscopía es una vía segura y útil para la estadificación del cáncer pulmonar la cual brinda además una clasificación patológica más exacta que las toracotomías convencionales al permitir el acceso a las zonas ganglionares superiores, aórticas y subcarinal según corresponda.

ABSTRACT Background: the exponential progress of thoracic surgery has a parallel development to anesthetic and imaging techniques; since ancient times, attempts to address this body space are collected in different manuscripts. Objective: to describe the technique of video-mediastinoscopy, as well as the anatomical references for its performance. Methods: a description of the technique of video-mediastinoscopy for the excision and biopsy of mediastinal alterations was made, based on personal experience and bibliographic consultation. The international repositories Ebsco, Medline and Cochrane were consulted to obtain references related to the subject. Conclusions: video-mediastinoscopy is a safe and useful route for lung cancer staging which also provides a more accurate pathological classification than conventional thoracotomies by allowing access to the upper, aortic and subcarinal ganglionic areas as appropriate.

Histerectomía vaginal convencional y vaginal asistida por laparoscopia en pacientes sin prolapso uterino / Conventional and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in patients without uterine prolapse

RESUMEN Fundamento: la histerectomía es el procedimiento quirúrgico ginecológico más realizado a nivel mundial. En la actualidad no existe consenso sobre la vía de abordaje, donde es un problema a resolver. Objetivo: comparar los resultados de la aplicación de la histerectomía vaginal y la vaginal asistida por laparoscopia en pacientes con afecciones benignas del útero sin prolapso uterino. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech de la provincia Camagüey desde enero de 2017 a septiembre de 2019. El universo estuvo formado por todas las pacientes con enfermedades benignas del útero excluyendo el prolapso, operadas con las técnicas de histerectomía vaginal convencional y la asistida por laparoscopia en el período de estudio. Como fuente se utilizaron las historias clínicas y una planilla confeccionada para vaciar los datos. La variable dependiente fue: resultados que se clasificaron en satisfactorios o insatisfactorios. Las variables independientes fueron: edad, método quirúrgico, indicación quirúrgica, paridad, cirugías abdominales previas, tiempo quirúrgico, pérdidas sanguíneas transoperatorias, complicaciones y estadía hospitalaria. Resultados: predominó la histerectomía vaginal convencional a la asistida por laparoscopia. No existieron resultados insatisfactorios en ninguno de los dos grupos. El grupo de edad que prevaleció fue el de 40 a 49 años. La mayoría de las enfermas eran multíparas y sin antecedentes de cirugías previas. La histerectomía vaginal convencional mostró menor tiempo quirúrgico y las pérdidas sanguíneas fueron menores de 250 ml, con ambas técnicas. Las complicaciones de mayor frecuencia fueron las relacionadas con la cúpula vaginal, la estadía hospitalaria que predominó fue menor de 24 horas. Conclusiones: la histerectomía vaginal convencional, así como la asistida por la laparoscopia constituyen las técnicas quirúrgicas de elección ante las enfermedades benignas del útero que no sean el prolapso, en aquellas instituciones con personal entrenado y equipamiento necesario para su realización.

ABSTRACT Background: hysterectomy is the most widely performed gynecological surgical procedure worldwide. Currently, there is no consensus on when to use one or the other approach, which is a problem to solve. Objective: to compare the results of the application of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal and vaginal hysterectomy in patients with benign conditions of the uterus without uterine prolapse. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out at the Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital in the period from January 2017 to September 2019. The universe consisted of all patients with benign diseases of the uterus excluding prolapse, who underwent surgery with conventional vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic assisted techniques in the study period. The medical records and a prepared spreadsheet were used as a source to empty the data. The dependent variable was the results; it was classified as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Independents variables were: age, surgical method, surgical indication, parity, previous abdominal surgeries, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, and hospital stay. Results: the conventional vaginal hysterectomy technique predominated over the one assisted by laparoscopy. There were not unsatisfactory results in no one of the two groups. The age group that prevailed in the patients was that of 40 to 49 years. Most of the patients were multiparous and had no history of previous abdominal surgeries. Conventional vaginal hysterectomy showed less surgical time and blood losses were less than 250 ml, with both techniques. The most frequent complications were related to vaginal cupules, as well as the prevailing hospital stay was less than 24 hours. Conclusions: conventional vaginal hysterectomy, as well as laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy, are the surgical techniques of choice for patients with benign uterine diseases other than prolapse, in those institutions where there are trained personnel and the necessary equipment to carry them out.

Maniobras de movilización visceral en el trauma vascular abdominal / Visceral mobilization maneuvers in abdominal vascular trauma

RESUMEN Fundamento: el trauma vascular abdominal constituye un reto para el cirujano. El control vascular es una condición sine qua non en los pacientes que reciben intervención quirúrgica frente a esta letal enfermedad, donde las maniobras de movilización visceral constituyen una herramienta clave en el tratamiento. Objetivo: explicar las maniobras de movilización visceral que pueden auxiliar al cirujano frente a un trauma vascular abdominal. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos Scopus, Medline, Cochrane, Hinari y Redalyc se utilizaron los descriptores: trauma vascular, abdomen, maniobras, movilización visceral. Resultados: se abordaron las maniobras de movilización visceral a tener en cuenta en el trauma vascular abdominal con una explicación de los principales pasos técnicos en cada una de ellas. Conclusiones: el conocimiento y aplicación de las maniobras de movilización visceral constituyen una herramienta útil en el tratamiento de pacientes con trauma vascular abdominal.

ABSTRACT Background: abdominal vascular trauma is a challenge for the surgeon. Vascular control is a sine qua non condition in patients who receive surgical intervention against this lethal pathology, where visceral mobilization maneuvers are a key tool in treatment. Objective: to explain the visceral mobilization maneuvers that can help the surgeon against abdominal vascular trauma. Methods: a search of the Scopus, Medline, Cochrane, Hinari and Redalyc databases was performed using the descriptors: vascular trauma, abdomen, maneuvers, visceral mobilization. Results: visceral mobilization maneuvers to be taken into account in abdominal vascular trauma were addressed with an explanation of the main technical steps in each of them. Conclusions: the knowledge and application of visceral mobilization maneuvers constitute a useful tool in the treatment of patients with abdominal vascular trauma.

Morphological and ultrastructural changes in seminal coagulum of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri collinsi Osgood, 1916) before and after liquefaction.

Studies with squirrel monkey semen are of special interest due to the large amount of coagulation that is a component of the semen, which is a problem that has to be overcome when the objective is harvesting of gametes. In the present study, there was characterization of the seminal coagulum of captive S. collinsi. Four samples of ejaculates were collected using electroejaculation procedures from four animals. The aim in conducting this study was to evaluate seminal coagulum of S. collinsi using histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) procedures before and after semen liquefaction in an ACP-118® extender. Seminal coagulum of S. collinsi was composed of a superficial plate (external), which coats the spongy seminal plasma matrix of S. collinsi. Additionally, there were sperm in the external and internal components of the coagulum with these gametes being isolated or grouped and with there being a heterogeneous distribution of gametes. The supplementation of semen with ACP-118® resulted in a partial dissolution of the seminal plate and spongy matrix portions of the seminal coagulum within the first hour of incubation.

Resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con cáncer pulmonar / Results of surgical treatment of patients with lung cancer

RESUMEN Fundamento: la incidencia de cáncer de pulmón en la provincia Sancti Spíritus es alta y su diagnóstico por lo general, se realiza en etapas avanzadas por lo cual el tratamiento quirúrgico no siempre es posible. Objetivo: analizar las principales características y resultados de los pacientes operados por cáncer de pulmón. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal en el servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Universitario General Camilo Cienfuegos en la provincia Sancti Spiritus en el período comprendido entre enero de 1996 y diciembre de 2019. El universo consistió en 83 pacientes operados con cáncer de pulmón que se sometieron a resección acompañados de muestreo de ganglios linfáticos mediastinales. Resultados: el sexo masculino predominó en el grupo estudiado. Los grupos de edades más frecuentes para ambos sexos fueron los de 51 a 60 años y los mayores de 60 años. El hábito de fumar estuvo presente en la mayoría de los pacientes. La localización tumoral más predominó fue en los lóbulos superiores y la lobectomía fue la técnica más realizada. Las etapas patológicas que predominaron fueron la lB y llB, seguidas de la lllA. El carcinoma de células escamosas fue el tipo histológico más frecuente. Las atelectasias y las infecciones respiratorias fueron las complicaciones más frecuentes. Los fallecidos fueron pocos. Conclusiones: las características demográficas de los pacientes estudiados se corresponden a otras series de pacientes con cáncer del pulmón. La localización tumoral en los lóbulos superiores, el carcinoma epidermoide, así como las etapas tempranas, predominaron en la serie estudiada. La lobectomía fue la técnica quirúrgica que se utilizó con mayor frecuencia y dentro de las complicaciones, las respiratorias fueron las más frecuentes.

ABSTRACT Background: the incidence of lung cancer in the province of Sancti Spíritus is high and its diagnosis is usually made in advanced stages, for which surgical treatment is not always possible. Objective: to analyze the main characteristics and results of patients operated on for lung cancer. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out in the General Surgery service of the Camilo Cienfuegos General University Hospital in the Sancti Spiritus province in the period between January 1996 and December 2019. The universe consisted of 83 patients operated with lung cancer who underwent resection accompanied by mediastinal lymph node sampling. Results: the male sex predominated in the studied group. The most frequent age groups for both sexes were those from 51 to 60 years old and those over 60 years old. Smoking was present in most of the patients. The most frequent tumor location was in the upper lobes and lobectomy was the most performed technique. The pathological stages that predominated were lB and llB, followed by lllA. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histological type. Atelectasis and respiratory infections were the most frequent complications. The deceased were few. Conclusions: the demographic characteristics of the patients studied correspond to other series of patients with lung cancer. Tumor location in the upper lobes, squamous cell carcinoma, as well as early stages, predominated in the series studied. Lobectomy was the most frequently used surgical technique and among complications, respiratory ones were the most frequent.

H2O2 priming promotes salt tolerance in maize by protecting chloroplasts ultrastructure and primary metabolites modulation.

Hydrogen peroxide priming has emerged as a powerful strategy to trigger multiple responses involved in plant acclimation that reinforce tolerance to abiotic stresses, including salt stress. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of foliar H2O2 priming on the physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural traits related to photosynthesis of salt-stressed plants. Besides, we provided comparative leaf metabolomic profiles of Zea mays plants under such conditions. For this, H2O or H2O2 pretreated plants were grown under saline conditions for 12-days. Salinity drastically affected photosynthetic parameters and structural chloroplasts integrity, also increased reactive oxygen species contents promoting disturbance in the plant metabolism when compared to non-saline conditions. Our results suggest that H2O2-pretreated plants improved photosynthetic performance avoiding salinity-induced energy excess and ultrastructural damage by preserving stacking thylakoids. It displayed modulation of some metabolites, as arabitol, glucose, asparagine, and tyrosine, which may contribute to the maintenance of osmotic balance and reduced oxidative stress. Hence, our study brings new insights into an understanding of plant acclimation to salinity by H2O2 priming based on photosynthesis maintenance and metabolite modulation.