Correction: Emerging pollutants in the Esmeraldas watershed in Ecuador: discharge and attenuation of emerging organic pollutants along the San Pedro-Guayllabamba-Esmeraldas rivers.

Correction for 'Emerging pollutants in the Esmeraldas watershed in Ecuador: discharge and attenuation of emerging organic pollutants along the San Pedro-Guayllabamba-Esmeraldas rivers' by A. Voloshenko-Rossin et al., Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2015, 17, 41-53, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4EM00394B.

Optimized Gaussian model for non-uniform heating compensation in pulsed thermography.

This paper presents a new, to the best of our knowledge, methodology for the thermal compensation of background heating in thermograms of composites. The technique analyzes the spatial data of the thermal images obtained from a pulsed thermography inspection and automatically calculates the optimal parameters of a predefined objective function. These parameters are obtained by curve fitting using the least squares method and model the temperature distribution of the image background using the proposed objective function. To verify the methodology, we use real and synthetic images of a sample of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with defects, with diameter/depth ratios that range between 15.0 and 75.0 and between 1.7 and 90.0, respectively. The performance of the method is tested using a local and a global definition of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and is statistically validated by analysis of variance. The average performance values obtained were 55.0dB and 7.0dB on synthetic images and real images, respectively. The proposed method provides superior and statistically significant differences compared to techniques reported in the literature for contrast enhancement [e.g., differential absolute contrast (DAC) and background thermal compensation by filtering (BTCF)]. Unlike contrast normalization (CN), the proposed technique stands out since it does not need to predefine variables, select reference regions, have prior knowledge of the partial (or complete) state of the material, or analyze totally (or partially) the temporal evolution of the temperature or any characteristic derived from it.

Hazardous alcohol consumption and risk of alcohol dependence present different neurophysiological correlates. / El consumo de riesgo de alcohol y el riesgo de dependencia al alcohol presentan correlatos neurofisiologicos diferentes.

INTRODUCTION: Hazardous alcohol consumption (HAC) is a pattern of alcohol use that may result in harm for the user and/or for those around them. Prior research has suggested that HAC and alcohol dependence share some neurophysiological features but differ in others. AIM: To determine whether HAC and alcohol dependence presented different neurophysiological correlates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred subjects were screened for HAC or alcohol dependence. A quantitative electroencephalo-graphic analysis of delta, theta, alpha and beta absolute power, relative power and mean frequency in subjects with HAC but not alcohol dependence, subjects with risk of alcohol dependence and controls was performed. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen subjects met inclusion criteria. The HAC group presented with higher beta absolute power and relative power, as well as a lower beta mean frequency than the control group, while the group with risk of alcohol dependence presented lower delta absolute power than controls. CONCLUSIONS: HAC and risk of alcohol dependence present different neurophysiological correlates. There is an important effect of the severity of alcohol dependence on neurophysiological correlates of this condition. Our results support the existence of two different types of behavioral disinhibition.

TITLE: El consumo de riesgo de alcohol y el riesgo de dependencia al alcohol presentan correlatos neurofisiologicos diferentes.Introduccion. El consumo de riesgo de alcohol (CRA) es un patron de consumo que puede resultar dañino para el usuario o para los demas. Investigaciones previas sugieren que el CRA y la dependencia al alcohol comparten algunas caracteristicas neurofisiologicas, pero difieren en otras. Objetivo. Determinar si el CRA y la dependencia al alcohol presentan correlatos neurofisiologicos diferentes. Sujetos y metodos. Doscientos sujetos realizaron la prueba de deteccion de CRA y riesgo de dependencia al alcohol (DEP). Se realizo un estudio de electroencefalografia cuantitativa para determinar la potencia absoluta, la potencia relativa y la frecuencia media de las bandas delta, theta, alfa y beta en sujetos con CRA, con DEP y controles. Resultados. Un total de 114 sujetos cumplio los criterios de inclusion. El grupo con CRA presento mayor potencia absoluta, mayor potencia relativa y menor frecuencia media de la banda beta en comparacion con los controles, mientras que el grupo con DEP presento menor potencia absoluta de la banda delta que los controles. Conclusiones. El DEP y el CRA presentan diferentes correlatos neurofisiologicos. Hay un efecto importante de la gravedad de la dependencia al alcohol sobre sus correlatos neurofisiologicos. Nuestros resultados apoyan la existencia de dos tipos distintos de desinhibicion conductual.

Emerging pollutants in the Esmeraldas watershed in Ecuador: discharge and attenuation of emerging organic pollutants along the San Pedro-Guayllabamba-Esmeraldas rivers.

Water quality characteristics and emerging organic pollutants were sampled along the San Pedro-Guayllabamba-Esmeraldas River and its main water pollution streams in the summer of 2013. The annual flow rate of the stream is 22 000 Mm(3) y(-1) and it collects the wastewater of Quito-Ecuador in the Andes and supplies drinking water to the city of Esmeraldas near the Pacific Ocean. The most persistent emerging pollutants were carbamazepine and acesulfame, which were found to be stable along the San Pedro-Guayllabamba-Esmeraldas River, whereas the concentration of most other organic emerging pollutants, such as caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, venlafaxine, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, and steroidal estrogens, was degraded to a large extent along the 300 km flow. The mass rate of the sum of cocaine and benzoylecgonine, its metabolite, was increased along the stream, which may be attributed to coca plantations and wild coca trees. This raises the possibility of using river monitoring as an indirect way to learn about changes in coca plantations in their watersheds. Several organic emerging pollutants, such as venlafaxine, carbamazepine, sulphamethoxazole, and benzoylecgonine, survived even the filtration treatment at the Esmeraldas drinking water system, though all except for benzoylecgonine are found below 20 ng L(-1), and are therefore not likely to cause adverse health effects. The research provides a way to compare drug consumption in a major Latin American city (Quito) and shows that the consumption of most sampled drugs (carbamazepine, venlafaxine, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, sulphamethoxazole, ethinylestradiol) was below their average consumption level in Europe, Israel, and North America.

On the mechanism underlying tellurite reduction by Aeromonas caviae ST dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase.

The dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (LpdA) from the tellurite-resistant bacterium Aeromonas caviae ST reduces tellurite to elemental tellurium. To characterize this NADH-dependent activity, the A. caviae lpdA gene was subjected to site-directed mutagenesis and genes containing C45A, H322Y and E354K substitutions were individually transformed into Escherichia coli Δlpd. Cells expressing the modified genes exhibited decreased pyruvate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and TR activity regarding that observed with the wild type A. caviae lpdA gene. In addition, cells expressing the altered lpdA genes showed increased oxidative stress levels and tellurite sensitivity than those carrying the wild type counterpart. The involvement of Cys residues in LpdA's TR activity was analyzed using specific inhibitors that interact with catalytic cysteines and/or disulfide bridges such as aurothiomalate, zinc or nickel. TR activity of purified LpdA was drastically affected by these compounds. Since LpdA belongs to the flavoprotein family, the involvement of the FAD/NAD(P)(+)-binding domain in TR activity was determined. FAD removal from purified LpdA results in loss of TR activity, which was restored with exogenously added FAD. Substitutions in E354, involved in FAD/NADH binding, resulted in low TR activity because of flavin loss. Finally, changing H322 (involved in NAD(+)/NADH binding) by tyrosine also resulted in altered TR activity.

Effect of repeated Campylobacter jejuni infection on gut flora and mucosal defense in a rat model of post infectious functional and microbial bowel changes.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter jejuni infection is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and post infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). Unanswered questions include the role of cytokines, effects on gut flora, and why IBS is not more prevalent in countries with higher gastroenteritis rates. Therefore, we determined the effects of early and repeat C. jejuni infections on post infectious phenotypes, gut flora, and cytokine levels in a rat model of functional bowel and microbial changes. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with 10(8)  cfu C. jejuni as juveniles and again as adults (J+/A+), as adults only (J-/A+), or vehicle (controls). Stool consistency during acute colonization, post infectious stool wet weight, total bacteria and Methanobrevibacter smithii levels in bowel segments, and ileal cytokines were evaluated. KEY RESULTS: C. jejuni colonization was longer for first exposures as juveniles (43.4 ± 1.7 days) vs. adults (30.4 ± 3.5 days) (P < 0.01) and shortest for second exposures (10.5 ± 1.7 days, P < 0.05). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) was more prevalent in J+/A+ (47%) than J-/A+ rats (26%) (P = 0.019), but J-/A+ rats had greater stool consistency alterations (P < 0.01). Ileal ß-defensin 2, TLR-4, IL-8, and ß-defensin 6 levels were increased in J-/A+ rats and further increased in J+/A+ rats; TNF-α was highest and IL6 lowest in J-/A+ rats. Total bacteria increased, and M. smithii decreased, with successive infections. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: We conclude that C. jejuni infection results in long-term alterations in small bowel flora, including methanogens. Mucosal defense mediators appear related to the number of infections, but not to SIBO development or the development of functional bowel phenotypes.

Study of factors influencing the germination of Apera spica-venti(L.) P. Beauv. in controlled conditions.

Apera spica-venti (L.) P. Beauv. is a common weed of cereal crops widely spread in Northern and Eastern Europe, Northern Asia, Siberia and Canada. Given the ability of Apera spica-venti to grow and develop in Wallonia and lack of scientific knowledge of its biology, germination tests were performed on four populations. These laboratory tests were carried on according to the standards of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) in order to study three key factors (composition of water solution, presence/absence of pre-chilling and temperature) influencing the germination of the seeds. Germination tests showed that a solution containing 2 g/L of KNO3 and alternating night/day temperatures between 10 degrees C and 30 degrees C favorably influence the germination of Apera spica-venti. These results in controlled conditions are a premise for greenhouse and field tests.

Melanocitosis dérmica adquirida extrafacial / Acquired Nonfacial Dermal Melanocytosis

No disponible

The role of Doppler studies in predicting individual intrauterine fetal demise after laser therapy for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Doppler studies in predicting individual fetal demise in patients scheduled for selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels (SLPCV) for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: Doppler studies of the umbilical artery, umbilical vein, ductus venosus, tricuspid valve regurgitation and middle cerebral artery were performed in the donor and recipient twins before and 24 hours after SLPCV. Results were analyzed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. As multiple comparisons were made, an a priori alpha rejection was set at P < 0.001. RESULTS: One hundred and ten consecutive patients were available for analysis. Overall fetal survival was 68.6% (151/220) with at least one survivor in 88.2% (97/110) of cases. Absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery of the donor twin was the only preoperative Doppler result predictive of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) (10/15, 66.7%, P < 0.001). Postoperatively, reversed flow during atrial contraction in the ductus venosus of the donor twin showed a trend towards prediction of IUFD of this fetus (4/5, 80%, P = 0.007). No other Doppler studies, including the longitudinal analyses, were predictive of IUFD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that preoperative absent or reversed end-diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery may be useful in predicting individual fetal demise of the donor twin in TTTS patients scheduled for SLPCV. This may reflect the role of decreased individual placental mass that may be associated with some donor twins. The inability of other Doppler studies to predict individual IUFD may be explained preoperatively by the effect of the interfetal vascular connections on the individual Doppler signals and postoperatively by the effect of surgery or the timing of the assessment. Our findings may be important in patient counseling, in furthering understanding of the disease, and perhaps in improving surgical technique.

Selective photocoagulation of communicating vessels in the treatment of monochorionic twins with selective growth retardation.

OBJECTIVE: Current treatment of patients with selective intrauterine growth retardation in monochorionic twins includes expectant management, termination of pregnancy, or umbilical-cord occlusion. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth retardation who were treated with selective laser photocoagulation of the communicating vessels. STUDY DESIGN: Monochorionic twin pregnancies with selective intrauterine growth retardation at less than 26 weeks were eligible for the study. Selective intrauterine growth retardation was defined as <10th percentile for gestational age. Absent or reverse end-diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery of the twin with selective intrauterine growth retardation was required for eligibility after January 2000. RESULTS: Thirty patients met the criteria for the study: 17 patients were treated expectantly (group I); 2 patients underwent umbilical-cord ligation of the twin with selective intrauterine growth retardation, and 11 patients underwent selective laser photocoagulation of the communicating vessels (group II). Survival rates for at least 1 fetus were no different between groups I and II (14/17 [82.3%] vs 8/11 [72.3%]; P = .4). However, concomitant demise of the co-twin occurred in 4 of 7 patients, and iatrogenic premature delivery for deterioration of the twin with selective intrauterine growth retardation was necessary in 2 patients in group I, which resulted in significant neonatal morbidity. Of the live-born babies, neurologic handicap was present in 3 of 22 babies (13.6%) versus 0 of 12 in groups I and II, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Selective intrauterine growth retardation in monochorionic twins can be effectively treated with selective laser photocoagulation of the communicating vessels. By unlinking the circulations between the fetuses, the pregnancy is rendered "functionally" dichorionic, which improves pregnancy treatment and results in decreased neonatal morbidity. This approach constitutes a new valuable alternative in the treatment of monochorionic twin pregnancies with selective intrauterine growth retardation. A randomized clinical trial of expectant treatment versus selective laser photocoagulation of the communicating vessels for monochorionic selective intrauterine growth retardation can be considered.

Ultrasound prenatal diagnosis of fetus in fetu.

A case of fetus in fetu was diagnosed prenatally using ultrasound. The differential diagnosis between a fetus in fetu and a highly differentiated teratoma is discussed. The importance of prenatal diagnosis of fetus in fetu and the effect on subsequent management are described.

Fetal hydrolaparoscopy and endoscopic cystotomy in complicated cases of lower urinary tract obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Vesicoamniotic shunting may be difficult or impossible in selected cases of fetal lower obstructive uropathy. The purpose of this article is to describe the performance of fetal hydrolaparoscopy and endoscopic fetal cystotomy in two fetuses with complicated lower obstructive uropathy. STUDY DESIGN: Fetal hydrolaparoscopy-endoscopic fetal cystotomy was performed in a patient with a markedly thickened bladder that could not be entered percutaneously. A peritoneoamniotic (bridge) shunt was also placed. Fetal hydrolaparoscopy-endoscopic fetal cystotomy was performed in a second patient with a collapsed bladder from a previous vesicocentesis, because vesicoinfusion resulted in further ascites. Fetal cystoscopy was performed after endoscopic fetal cystotomy, and posterior urethral valves were ablated with neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser energy. A vesicoamniotic shunt was left in place. RESULTS: Adequate bladder drainage was obtained in both cases. The first baby required bilateral nephrotomy and a permanent cystotomy at birth and is scheduled for a bladder expansion procedure at the age of year. The second patient had premature rupture of membranes and fetal death from treatment of this complication 5 days after the original procedure. CONCLUSION: Fetal hydrolaparoscopy-endoscopic fetal cystotomy can be performed in complicated cases of lower obstructive uropathy. The procedure involves the creation of a defect in the bladder dome under direct endoscopic visualization within a spontaneous or intentional hydroperitoneum. Peritoneoamniotic shunting, vesicoamniotic shunting, or ablation of posterior urethral valves may then be performed. Fetal hydrolaparoscopy-endoscopic fetal cystotomy should be reserved only for complicated cases of lower obstructive uropathy in which conventional vesicoamniotic shunting is not safely possible. Further experience with fetal hydrolaparoscopy-endoscopic fetal cystotomy is necessary to establish its risks and benefits.

In utero diagnosis of trichothiodystrophy by endoscopically-guided fetal eyebrow biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prenatal diagnosis of trichothiodystrophy (TTD) through endoscopically-guided fetal eyebrow biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 32-year-old patient, gravida 4, para 3, with a history of 2 previous infants affected with TTD was referred at 17(5)/(7) weeks for fetal hair biopsy. DNA repair studies had been normal in the previous children. Four 1-mm biopsies were obtained from the external aspect of the fetal eyebrows under direct endoscopic guidance. Fetal hair samples were assessed with polarized microscopy, electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and were also sent for analysis of sulfur content (cystine levels). RESULTS: The fetal eyebrows were the only adequate source of hair in the early second trimester. The biopsy samples yielded adequate material for all tests. Polarized microscopy showed characteristic banding patterns, but trichoschisis was not apparent. Cystine levels (19 micromol/l) in the biopsy sample were significantly lower than an age-matched (fresh spontaneous abortion) control (368 micromol/l). CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of TTD is possible in the second trimester through endoscopically-guided eyebrow biopsy. An adequate amount of hair is present in the eyebrows by then, and the disease is already manifest. Analysis of sulfur content of the hair samples is preferred over polarized or electron microscopy, as many classic microscopic findings of TTD may not be present in the early second trimester.

Direct-indirect heat-cured occlusal splint fabrication for a patient with limited mouth opening.

There are several conditions that can cause limited mouth opening. Recent literature on some of the most common conditions is discussed in this article. The difficulty in making alginate impressions may prevent indirect laboratory fabrication of heat-cured occlusal splints for patients with limited mouth opening. This article presents a combined direct-indirect technique for fabricating a heat-cured laboratory-processed maxillary occlusal splint in a case where making a mandibular alginate impression would have been extremely difficult. An extra-hard baseplate wax interocclusal record was used as a template for occlusal splint fabrication. The wax record was fitted to the maxillary side, then the mandible was gently manipulated to provide light imprints of the opposing teeth. The wax record provided the therapeutic vertical dimension as well as the therapeutic interocclusal relationship for the occlusal splint. The wax record was seated and sealed to the maxillary cast and modified on the palatal and facial aspects for the appropriate splint shape. The splint was processed using clear heat-cured acrylic resin. It required minimum adjustment on delivery. This procedure spared the patient from having a lower impression, which would have been required for the traditional laboratory-made occlusal splint. Increased adjustment time and excessive exposure to unoccurred acrylic resin, which would have occurred with direct intraoral fabrication, were minimized or eliminated using this technique.

Treatment of iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes with intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate (amniopatch): preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the treatment of iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes with the intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate (amniopatch). STUDY DESIGN: Patients with iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes and without evidence of intra-amniotic infection underwent transabdominal intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate through a 22-gauge needle. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of St Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and all patients gave written informed consent. RESULTS: Seven patients with iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes underwent placement of an amniopatch. Membrane sealing was verifiable in 6 of 7 patients. Three patients had iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes after operative fetoscopy, 3 cases were after genetic amniocentesis, and 1 was after diagnostic fetoscopy. Three pregnancies progressed well, with restoration of the amniotic fluid volume and no further leakage. Two patients had unexplained fetal death despite successful sealing. One case of bladder outlet obstruction had no further leakage, but oligohydramnios persisted and did not allow unequivocal documentation of sealing. One patient miscarried from twin-twin transfusion, but the amniotic cavity was sealed. CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes can be treated effectively with an amniopatch. The technique is simple and does not require knowledge of the exact location of the defect. Unexpected fetal death from the procedure may be attributable to vasoactive effects of platelets or indigo carmine. Although the appropriate dose of platelets and cryoprecipitate needs to be established, the amniopatch may mean that iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes no longer needs to be considered a devastating complication of pregnancy.

Aggressive perinatal care for high-order multiple gestations: Does good perinatal outcome justify aggressive assisted reproductive techniques?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that must be considered for appropriate counseling of patients with high-order multiple gestations. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was carried out from all high-order multiple gestations that were managed by a single perinatology group from February 1993-June 1998. Twin pregnancies that did not result from fetal reduction procedures were used as a control group. RESULTS: Clinical outcome data were analyzed from 9 quadruplet, 25 triplet, 19 reduced twin, and 24 nonreduced twin pregnancies. Women with quadruplet pregnancies were admitted more frequently at an early gestational age, the infants were delivered earlier, and the maternal and neonatal hospital days were longer than for triplet and reduced and nonreduced twin gestations. Triplet pregnancies had an earlier gestational age at delivery (32.3 vs 34.2 weeks), a higher incidence of preterm labor (87% vs 68%), and a higher percentage of neonatal intensive care unit admissions (94% vs 59%) than reduced twin gestations. Reduced twins were hospitalized longer (16.4 vs 9.8 days), were delivered earlier (34.2 vs 36.2 weeks), had a higher incidence of preterm labor (68% vs 29%), and had a greater percentage of neonatal intensive care unit admissions (59% vs 21%), a greater percentage of birth weight <1500 g, and a greater frequency of respiratory distress syndrome (16% vs 2%) than nonreduced twins. There was no difference in neonatal survival and neurologic morbidity when all groups were compared. CONCLUSION: Although early delivery and prolonged (maternal and neonatal) hospitalization were common with quadruplets and triplets, maternal and neonatal outcomes were excellent. The decision for reduction from triplets to twins may not necessarily change pregnancy outcome but should still be discussed as an option for the parents. Continued efforts need to be made to reduce the overall number of iatrogenic high-order multiple gestations.