Active coatings based on oxidized chitin nanocrystals and silk fibroins for the control of anthracnose in 'Hass' avocados.

Postharvest avocado losses are mainly due to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Chemical fungicides are effective, but their negative effects on health and the environment have led to the search for sustainable alternatives such as biopolymer-based coatings and natural compounds. Therefore, chitin nanocrystals (NCChit) were extracted using a sustainable deep eutectic solvent (DES) and chemically modified into oxidized chitin nanocrystals (O-NCChit) or deacetylated chitin nanocrystals (D-NCChit) to modulate and increase the charge surface density and the dispersibility of the crystals. The modified NCChits were dispersed with silk fibroins (SF), essential oil (EO), melatonin (MT) and/or phenylalanine (Phe) to elaborate active coatings. Antioxidant and antifungal in vitro analyses showed that the O-NCChit/SF-based coating had the best performance. In addition, in vivo tests were carried out through the artificial inoculation of C. gloeosporioides on coated avocados. O-NCChit/SF/MT-based coatings reduced the severity of anthracnose by 45 %, the same effect as the chemical fungicide (Prochloraz®). Moreover, avocado quality parameters during cold storage and the shelf-life period were also evaluated, where nonsignificant differences were observed. Therefore, this study demonstrates the great potential of O-NCChit and SF in combination with active compounds for the control of anthracnose in 'Hass' avocados.

Putative intestinal permeability markers do not correlate with cardiometabolic health and gut microbiota in humans, except for peptides recognized by a widely used zonulin ELISA kit.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiometabolic diseases refer to a group of interrelated conditions, sharing metabolic dysfunctions like insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The gut microbiota has been associated with CMD and related conditions. Alterations in the intestinal epithelium permeability triggered by chronic stress and diet could bridge gut microbiota with inflammation and CMD development. Here, we assessed the relationship between intestinal permeability and circulating SCFAs with cardiometabolic health status (CMHS) and gut microbiota in a sample of 116 Colombian adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP), claudin-3, and purported zonulin peptides (PZP) were measured by ELISA, whereas plasmatic levels of acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and valerate were measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. In addition, for further statistical analysis, we took data previously published by us on this cohort, including gut microbiota and multiple CMD risk factors that served to categorize subjects as cardiometabolically healthy or cardiometabolically abnormal. From univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, we found the levels of I-FABP, LBP, and PZP increased in the plasma of cardiometabolically abnormal individuals, although only PZP reached statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results did not confirm the applicability of I-FABP, LBP, claudin-3, or SCFAs as biomarkers for associating intestinal permeability with the cardiometabolic health status in these subjects. On the other hand, the poorly characterized peptides detected with the ELISA kit branded as "zonulin" were inversely associated with cardiometabolic dysfunctions and gut microbiota. Further studies to confirm the true identity of these peptides are warranted.

Experiencias de cuidadores frente a un programa integral en salud para niños con cardiopatías congénitas

Las enfermedades congénitas complejas son un grave problema de salud pública que afecta a millones de niños y sus cuidadores en el mundo, razón por la cual es necesario generar programas de apoyo formal para favorecer el seguimiento en casa de estos menores y así, incrementar la adherencia al tratamiento y reducir la mortalidad interestadio. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la percepción de los cuidadores frente a un programa integral en salud, planeado sobre la educación y el uso extenso de las herramientas de telecomunicación para el seguimiento en casa de niños con cardiopatías congénitas complejas, en el marco del proyecto Promesa de la Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, a partir de un enfoque cualitativo de diseño fenomenológico. La muestra seleccionada estuvo compuesta por 12 cuidadores con quienes se realizó entrevista a profundidad y grupo focal. Los datos fueron analizados a través del software para el análisis de estudios cualitativos Atlas.ti, estableciendo las siguientes categorías: Valoración del proyecto y del programa integral, Experiencias con el uso de dispositivos médicos, tecnologías de la información y de la comunicación, Comunicación y relación con profesionales, Apoyo institucional y Redes de cuidadores. Se concluye que implementar las Tic en el tratamiento de cardiopatías congénitas complejas es una estrategia novedosa y aceptada por los cuidadores, que se ajusta a las condiciones del sistema de salud colombiano y a las necesidades de los usuarios.

Congenital heart disease are a serious public health problem that affects millions of children and their caregivers around the world, which is why it is necessary to generate formal support programs to promote follow-up at home for these minors and thus increase adherence to treatment and reduce interstage mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the perception of caregivers regarding a comprehensive health program, planned on education and the extensive use of telecommunication tools for home monitoring of children with complex congenital heart disease, within the framework of the project Promise of the Cardiovascular Foundation of Colombia, based on a qualitative approach of phenomenological design. The selected sample consisted of 12 caregivers with whom an in-depth interview and focus group were conducted. The data was analyzed through the software for the analysis of qualitative studies Atlas.ti, establishing the following categories: Assessment of the project and the comprehensive program, Experiences with the use of medical devices, information and communication technologies, Communication and relationship with professionals, institutional support and networks of caregivers. It is concluded that implementing ICTs in the treatment of complex congenital heart diseases is a novel strategy accepted by caregivers, which is adjusted to the conditions of the Colombian health system and the needs of users.

The human liver: vascular anatomy to determine its segments and divisions / El hígado humano: anatomía vascular para determinar sus segmentos y divisiones

This study aims at understanding the vascularization of the human liver to determine the correct way to divide it into "divisions" (sectors) and segments, for which we dissected 250 livers using the acrylic resin injection method. The results showed the role of the "Porta hepatis" in the hepatic vascular distribution, the existence of seven vascular pedicles for seven portal segments, and the role of portal fissures in the parenchymal division of the liver. Our research provides the definition of a portal segment and demonstrates the role of the hepatic portal vein in originating any liver parenchymal division.

Quisimos estudiar la vascularización del hígado humano para determinar la forma correcta de dividirlo en "divisiones" y segmentos, para lo cual disecamos 250 hígados usando técnicas de inyección acrílica. Los resultados mostraron la función de la Porta hepatis en la distribución vascular del hígado, la existencia de siete pedículos vasculares para siete segmentos portales, y el rol de las fisuras portales en la división parenquimal del hígado. Ofrecemos la definición de lo que es un segmento portal y demostramos el rol de la vena porta hepática en originar cualquier división parenquimal del hígado.

Seven segmental pedicles at the porta hepatis / Siete pedículos segmentarios en la porta hepatis

SUMMARY: We wanted to know how many segmental portal branches were born from the primary branches of the hepatic portal vein in the porta hepatis, in order to determine the number of portal segments in human liver. We studied 286 human livers, age groups ranging from fetuses to octogenarians, both sexes and all races, using dissection, colored acrylic injection and reconstituted tomographic images. We found the porta hepatis channel formed by each and every portal segment; we found seven segmental terminal pedicles for seven portal segments, three planes of vertical and three planes of horizontal portal fissures. There are seven terminal portal pedicles that are formed in the porta hepatis from the right and left branches of the hepatic portal vein. The only variation was portal branch V emerging from the right branch in 79 % of cases or from the left branch in 21 %. The definition of hepatic portal segment is: Portion of parenchyma irrigated by terminal branches of the portal vein and the hepatic artery proper, isolated from the other segments by planes of portal fissures and forms the parenchymal channel of the porta hepatis where it receives its vascularization. We propose a new and simple portal segmentation based on the previous definition.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en conocer el número de ramas portales segmentarias que nacen de las ramas primarias de la vena porta hepática en la Porta hepatis, con la finalidad de determinar el número de segmentos portales en el hígado humano. Estudiamos 286 hígados, los grupos etarios fueron desde fetos hasta octogenarios, ambos sexos y todas las razas, usamos la disección en fresco, inyección de acrílico coloreado e imágenes tomográficas reconstituidas. El canal de la Porta hepatis estuvo formado por todos y cada uno de los segmentos portales, encontramos siete pedículos terminales segmentarios para siete segmentos portales, el pedículo portal para el segmento V nació de la porta derecha en 79 % de casos y de la porta izquierda en 21 %, encontramos tres planos de fisuras portales verticales y tres horizontales. Existen siete pedículos segmentarios portales terminales que se forman en la Porta hepatis a partir de las ramas derecha e izquierda de la vena porta hepática. La única variación fue que la rama portal para el segmento V nació de la rama derecha en 79 % de casos y de la rama izquierda en 21 %. Concluimos que la definición de segmento portal hepático es: Porción de parénquima irrigado por ramas terminales de la vena porta y la arteria hepática propia, aislada de los otros segmentos por planos de fisuras y que llega a conformar el canal parenquimal de la Porta hepatis donde recibe su vascularización. Proponemos una nueva y sencilla segmentación portal basada en la definición previa.

Short term storage stability at room temperature of two different platelet-rich plasma preparations from equine donors and potential impact on growth factor concentrations.

BACKGROUND: The increasing interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) based therapies is as yet accompanied by inconsistent information regarding nearly all aspects of handling and application. Among these storage stability of processed platelet-rich products may be the basis for a more flexible application mode. The objective of this study was (1) to estimate the storage stability of growth factors platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in both, a single-step softspin centrifugation-based pure-PRP (P-PRP, ACP®), and a gravity filtration system-based leukocyte-rich-PRP (L-PRP, E-PET), over a six hours time span after preparation at room temperature and (2) to identify possible factors influencing these growth factor concentrations in an equine model. RESULTS: Growth factor concentrations remained stable over the entire investigation period in L-PRP as well as P-PRP preparations revealing a mean of 3569 pg/ml PDGF-BB for E-PET and means of 1276 pg/ml PDGF-BB and 5086 pg/ml TGF-ß1 for ACP®. Pearson correlations yielded no significant impact of whole blood platelet (PLT), white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts on resulting cytokine values. In case of ACP® no significant dependencies between PLT, WBC and RBC counts of the processed platelet-rich product and resulting cytokine content occurred with exception of TGF-ß1 concentrations showing a strong correlation with the WBC content. PDGF-BB content of E-PET preparations showed a strong positive correlation with PLT and a strong negative with WBC of these preparations but not with RBC. CONCLUSIONS: L-PRP ad modum E-PET and P-PRP ad modum ACP® are applicable over at least a six hours time span at room temperature without loss of growth factor content. Based on the results of this study factors influencing the resulting growth factor concentrations still remain questionable. Additional studies implicating a further standardization of preparation protocols are necessary to identify consistent impact on cytokine content after PRP processing.

A comparative study on the extractions of partially impacted mandibular third molars with or without a buccal flap: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The present report describes a flapless extraction method for partially impacted mandibular third molars and compares the effects of flap and flapless extractions of the teeth in terms of postoperative pain, swelling, and pocket depth of the second molar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed of 27 patients who underwent bilateral extraction of partially impacted mandibular third molars. Two molars in the same patient were extracted on each side, either with or without a buccal flap. RESULTS: The postoperative pain, swelling, and pocket depth of the second molar were all significantly greater on the side that underwent flap extraction than on the side that underwent flapless extraction (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the clinical use of flapless extractions when the distal surface of the crown is completely anterior to the anterior border of the mandibular ramus and the occlusal surface of the impacted tooth is level or nearly level with the occlusal plane of the second molar.

Uso do som crepitante grave, modelo vocal fry nas laringectomias parciais verticais / Use of grave crepitant sound, vocal fry model, in partial vertical laryngectomies

Objetiva comparar a configuração da laringe remanescente, antes e após o exercício de fonação crepitante em pacientes submetidos a esta modalidade cirúrgica