Planetary influences on the solar cycle: A nonlinear dynamics approach.

We explore the effect of some simple perturbations on three nonlinear models proposed to describe large-scale solar behavior via the solar dynamo theory: the Lorenz and Rikitake systems and a Van der Pol-Duffing oscillator. Planetary magnetic fields affecting the solar dynamo activity have been simulated by using harmonic perturbations. These perturbations introduce cycle intermittency and amplitude irregularities revealed by the frequency spectra of the nonlinear signals. Furthermore, we have found that the perturbative intensity acts as an order parameter in the correlations between the system and the external forcing. Our findings suggest a promising avenue to study the sunspot activity by using nonlinear dynamics methods.

The Effect of Month of Harvesting and Temperature-Humidity Index on the Number and Quality of Oocytes and In Vitro Embryo Production in Holstein Cows and Heifers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the month of oocyte harvesting and the temperature-humidity index on oocyte number and quality harvested from Holstein cows and heifers, oocyte developmental competence, and total embryos produced in an area of intense ambient temperature for most of the year. A total of 5064 multiparous lactating cows and 2988 nulliparous heifers were used as oocyte donors and distributed across the months of the year. Overall, total oocytes per collection did not differ (p > 0.05) between cows (16.6 ± 2.7) and heifers (15.1 ± 1.8), but oocyte developmental competence was lower (p < 0.05) in cows (21.3 ± 5.4) than heifers (25.5 ± 4.0). For cows, the total number of oocytes harvested was two-fold higher (p < 0.05) in November than in May. For heifers, the total number of oocytes harvested was highest in April (17.19 ± 0.53) and lowest in May (10.94 ± 0.32; p < 0.05). For cows, total embryos were highest in November (2.58 ± 0.42) and lowest in August (1.28 ± 0.10; p < 0.05). Thus, taken together, these results indicate that severe heat stress impaired the number and quality of oocytes harvested from donor Holstein multiparous cows and heifers, oocyte developmental competence, and total embryos produced in this area of intense ambient temperature for most of the year.

Melanoma cells with acquired resistance to vemurafenib have decreased autophagic flux and display enhanced ability to transfer resistance.

Over the last years, the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has risen significantly. Nearly half of the melanoma patients exhibit the BRAFV600E mutation. Although the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi and MEKi) showed an impressive success rate in melanoma patients, durability of response remains an issue because tumor quickly becomes resistant. Here, we generated and characterized Lu1205 and A375 melanoma cells resistant to vemurafenib (BRAFi). Resistant cells (Lu1205R and A375R) exhibit higher IC50 (5-6 fold increase) and phospho-ERK levels and 2-3 times reduced apoptosis than their sensitive parents (Lu1205S and A375S). Moreover, resistant cells are 2-3 times bigger, display a more elongated morphology and have a modulation of migration capacity. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of sphingosine kinases, that prevents sphingosine-1-phosphate production, reduces migration of Lu1205R cells by 50 %. In addition, although Lu1205R cells showed increased basal levels of the autophagy markers LC3II and p62, they have decreased autophagosome degradation and autophagy flux. Remarkably, expression of Rab27A and Rab27B, which are involved in the release of extracellular vesicles are dramatically augmented in resistant cells (i.e. 5-7 fold increase). Indeed, conditioned media obtained from Lu1205R cells increased the resistance to vemurafenib of sensitive cells. Hence, these results support that resistance to vemurafenib modulates migration and the autophagic flux and may be transferred to nearby sensitive melanoma cells by factors that are released to the extracellular milieu by resistant cells.

Efficiency of hCG for Inducing Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity and Synchronized Ovulations during the Seasonal Anestrous in Sheep.

This research aimed to evaluate whether the administration of hCG at the time of removal of a progesterone device may be effective at inducing estrus and ovulations in sheep during the natural seasonal anestrous, by comparing reproductive outputs (induction and duration of estrus, follicle development, ovulation, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rates) in ewes treated with eCG or only saline solution at the time of CIDR removal. Whereas results demonstrated no response in the control non-treated group, the largest rate of narrowly synchronized estrus signs and ovulations occurred in the eCG-group. The administration of hCG was effective at inducing estrus, promote follicular growth and a delayed yet significant ovulation (>84%) on day 10 after CIDR removal; moreover, an increased embryonic implantation rate was also observed. Moreover, if the hCG ewes remain exposed to active males for some days, said strategy could be adopted, aiming to induce pregnancies by natural mating in a short period of time.

Does Size Matters? Relationships among Social Dominance and Some Morphometric Traits upon Out-of-Season Reproductive Outcomes in Anestrus Dairy Goats Treated with P4 + eCG.

The possible role of the social rank (R) (i.e., low-LSR, middle-MSR, or high-HSR) in anestrus goats exposed to a P4 + eCG (D) (i.e., 100 or 350 IU) estrus induction protocol (EIP) was evaluated. Goats (Alpine-Saanen-Nubian × Criollo; n = 70; 25° North) managed under stall-fed conditions were all ultrasound evaluated to confirm anestrous status, while the social rank was determined 30 d prior to the EIP. The response variables included estrus induction (EI, %), duration of estrus (DUR, h), ovulation rate (OR, n), live weight (LW, kg), thoracic perimeter (TP, cm), thoracic diameter (TD, cm), body length (BL, cm), height at withers (HW, cm), beard length (BEA, cm), compactness index (COM, cm), and anamorphosis index (ANA, cm), as affected by R, D, and the R × D interaction were evaluated, while the correlation coefficients among reproductive and morphometric variables were quantified. An R × D interaction (p < 0.05) affected the response variables EI, DUR, and OR. While the largest (p < 0.05) EI% occurred in the HSR goats, irrespective of eCG (i.e., 100 or 350 IU), both the shortest estrus duration (DUR, h) and the lowest ovulation rate (OR, n) occurred in the LSR + D100 combination, with no differences among HSR and MSR either with D100 or D350. Regarding the LW and morphometric response variables, (i.e., LW, TP, TD, BL, HW, BEA, COM, and ANA) all of them favored either the HSR and MSR groups, with the lowest phenotypic values occurring in the LSR-goats. The EI% was observed to be positively correlated (p < 0.05) with DUR (0.71), LW (0.28), TP (0.31), TD (0.34), BL (0.33), HW (0.35), COM (0.23), and ANA (0.23). While DUR was correlated (p < 0.05) with TP (0.26) and ANA (0.24), OR demonstrated no-correlation (p > 0.05) with any response variable, either reproductive or morphometric. As expected, LW had high correlation coefficients (p < 0.01) with TP (0.86), TD (0.88), BL (0.82), HW (0.75), BEA (0.51), COM (0.97), and ANA (0.75). In general, the morphometric variables as a whole demonstrated important correlation coefficients among them (p < 0.01), ranging from 0.38 up to 0.84. To estimate the importance of the morphometric differences between social rank upon estrus induction, a principal component (PC) analysis was performed based on the correlation matrix derived from the corporal measurements. The PC1 and PC2 explained 70.3% and 17.6% of the morphometric variation, respectively. The PC1 was a measure of the goat size (i.e., small, medium, large) and its association with estrus occurrence was evaluated using a logistic regression model; the bigger the goat, the increased probability of being in estrus, by up to five times compared to small goats. Our results confirm that the higher social ranked, larger goats amalgamated some fundamental factors to be successful: aggressiveness, primacy to food access, augmented live weight, and corporal size; all of these were able to modulate out-of-season reproductive success in crossbred dairy goats subjected to an estrus induction protocol and managed under stall-fed conditions in Northern Mexico.

The Effect of P4 + eCG Estrus Induction Protocol during the Deep and the Transition Anestrous Period on the Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Dairy Goats.

Seasonal reproduction restricts the offering of goat commodities across the year. Therefore, it is crucial to improve diverse strategies to induce the reproductive response in goats during the anestrus stage. The effectiveness of a short P4 + eCG-based estrus induction protocol during both the deep anestrous (March) or the reproductive transition period (June) upon the reproductive performance of crossbred dairy goats was assessed. Adult, anestrous, 24-30-month- old dairy crossbred (Saanen-Alpine-Nubian × Criollo) goats (n = 123) from two commercial herds and 10 sexually active goat bucks were used. Before the trials, the anestrous status of goats was confirmed. Then, goats were randomly allocated into two different experiments. In Exp. 1, we tested the effect of different doses (D) of intramuscular progesterone (P4; 10 or 20 mg + eCG (100 UI)) and type of breeding (TB), natural mating (NM), or artificial insemination (AI), on two commercial goat herds (H1 & H2), in March (deep anestrous). In Exp. 2, we evaluated the effect of D (P4; 10 or 20 mg + 100 UI eCG) in goats subjected to NM, and either during deep anestrous (March; M) or transitional anestrous (June; J), in two commercial herds. After breeding, conception and pregnancy were diagnosed with ultrasound scanning. The response variables were estrus induction (EI; %), estrus latency (EL; h), ovulation (OVP; %), ovulation rate (OR; units), fertility (FERT; %), and pregnancy (PREG; %). No differences (p > 0.05) in live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS) occurred between herds in both trials. In Exp. 1, EI, EL, OVP, OR, FERT, and PREG were affected (p < 0.05) by the H-TB-D interaction, whereas in H1 + P4-20 combination had the highest (p < 0.05) EI, EL, and OVP values. Irrespective of TB, H1 had the largest (p < 0.05) OR, independently of TB or D. Also, the lowest (p < 0.05) OVP occurred in the AI + P4-10 group, while the AI had the lowest (p < 0.05) FERT, irrespective of D. FERT and PREG were two-fold higher (p < 0.05) in NM compared with AI. In Exp. 2, EI, EL, OVP, OR, FERT, and PREG were affected (p < 0.05) by the H-M-D interaction. In general, H2 + P4-10 had the lowest (p < 0.05) reproductive outcomes in March, whereas H1 had the largest (p < 0.05) values in either month. No differences (p > 0.05) between P4 doses occurred for EI, OVP, OR, FERT, and PREG. Yet, the largest (p < 0.05) EL occurred with P4-20 in June. No correlations (p > 0.05) occurred between LW and all the reproductive variables. BCS was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with EI (0.34), OVP (0.44), OR (0.58), and PREG (0.20). Also, positive correlations (p < 0.05) occurred between EI with EL (0.83), OVP (0.80), OR (0.64), and PREG (0.56); EL with OVP (0.58), OR (0.44), and PREG (0.42); OVP with OR (0.79) and PREG (0.70), as well as OR and PREG (0.63). Results of these studies confirm a multidimensional response regarding the effectiveness of P4 + eCG for estrus induction in goats mainly modulated by a specific time within the anestrous season, or even by specific management or a particular environment at the herd level (H1), although quite remarkably independent of the animal's LW or BCS at herd level. Moreover, the best reproductive outcomes occurred with NM in June. The most reproductive variables were similar using either 10 or 20 mg P4 + 100 IU eCG, giving the possibility to lessen the scale in the use of exogenous hormones while obtaining acceptable out of season reproductive response.

The Opuntia Effect Improves Dam-Kid Metabolic Markers, Augments Colostrum Quality and Enhances Kid-To-Dam Behavioral Interactions in Crossbred Goats and their Offspring under Semiarid-Rangeland Conditions.

The possible effect of protein-enriched Opuntia cladode supplementation during the pre- and post-partum stages (-25 days to +15 days; day 0 = kidding) upon dam-kid metabolic status, colostrum-milk quality, and some behavioral kid-to-dam interaction in goats managed under rangeland extensive conditions was evaluated. Multiparous crossbred goats (n = 30), homogeneous regarding live weight (LW; 55.9 ± 1.03 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 2.5 ± 0.2 units), were randomly assigned to (1) protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n = 10; 29.8% crude protein (CP), 2.2 Mcal ME kg-1), (2) non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 10; 6.4% CP, 2.1 Mcal ME kg-1), and (3) control (CON; n = 10, non-supplemented). The PEO and NEO goats were individually supplemented with Opuntia cladodes (250 g day-1; 09:00-10:00 a.m.; 25 days pre- and 15 days post-partum); then, all groups grazed in a marginal rangeland (10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.). LW, BCS, and blood samples to quantify serum glucose (GLU) levels were collected weekly from day -25 up to day +15 in both dams (pre- and post-partum) and kids (post-partum). At 4h and 8h post-partum, kid-to-dam behavioral tests were performed; approaches (APRO, units), animal-to-animal contact (ACONT, s), latency-to-contact (LCONT, s), and high (HPB) and low (LPB) bleats were registered. The response variables LW (58.2 ± 3.5 kg), GLU from does (66.4 ± 3.3 mg/dL), colostrum fat (12.3 ± 1.15%), non-fatty solids (20.9 ± 2.1%), density (64.4 ± 7.0%), and protein (8.1 ± 0.8%), as well as milk density (31.2 ± 1.7%) and protein (3.9 ± 0.3%), favored the PEO group. Moreover, the dam-to-kid 4 h LPB (34.5 ± 4.6 frequency), as well as kid-to-dam 8 h LCONT-own (100 ± 35.5 s) and LPB (25.2 ± 6.9 frequency) also favored the PEO group. To conclude, peripartum supplementation with protein-enriched Opuntia cladodes emerged as a key alternative to enhance the dam-kid metabolic status, to improve colostrum quality and some milk components (density and protein), as well as to expand the kid-to-dam bond in goat production systems under marginal extensive conditions.

Mandibular and temporomandibular morphologic characteristics of patients with suspected unilateral condylar hyperplasia: a CT study.

INTRODUCTION: Facial asymmetry associated with unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is a complicated clinical condition. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe morphological characteristics of the mandible and the temporomandibular joint in patients with facial asymmetry, using computed tomography and 3D reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed with patients displaying facial asymmetry evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT analysis, for suspected UCH, between 2015 and 2018. The following variables were compared between the affected side (producing the asymmetry) and the contralateral side (side to where the jaw is deflected): condylar length, condylar medial and lateral pole length, mandibular ramus length, intra-articular spaces, articular eminence height and position of the posterior wall of the glenoid fossa. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (21 women, mean age: 20.7 ± 7.25 years) with facial asymmetry were included, 19 patients presented right side deviation and 24 patients had left side deviation. Condylar length, lateral pole length, the sum of maximum values and articular eminence height were greater in the affected side (p< 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the position of the posterior wall of the glenoid fossa and the articular eminence height in the affected side (r = 0.442). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected UCH, evaluated through CT, craniofacial measurements showed significantly larger condylar length and the condylar sum of maximum values in the affected side. A positive correlation was found between the increased dimensions of the articular eminence and the more posterior position of the glenoid fossa in the affected side.

Mandibular and temporomandibular morphologic characteristics of patients with suspected unilateral condylar hyperplasia: a CT study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Facial asymmetry associated with unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) is a complicated clinical condition. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe morphological characteristics of the mandible and the temporomandibular joint in patients with facial asymmetry, using computed tomography and 3D reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed with patients displaying facial asymmetry evaluated by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT analysis, for suspected UCH, between 2015 and 2018. The following variables were compared between the affected side (producing the asymmetry) and the contralateral side (side to where the jaw is deflected): condylar length, condylar medial and lateral pole length, mandibular ramus length, intra-articular spaces, articular eminence height and position of the posterior wall of the glenoid fossa. Results: Forty-three patients (21 women, mean age: 20.7 ± 7.25 years) with facial asymmetry were included, 19 patients presented right side deviation and 24 patients had left side deviation. Condylar length, lateral pole length, the sum of maximum values and articular eminence height were greater in the affected side (p< 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the position of the posterior wall of the glenoid fossa and the articular eminence height in the affected side (r = 0.442). Conclusions: In patients with suspected UCH, evaluated through CT, craniofacial measurements showed significantly larger condylar length and the condylar sum of maximum values in the affected side. A positive correlation was found between the increased dimensions of the articular eminence and the more posterior position of the glenoid fossa in the affected side.

RESUMO Introdução: A assimetria facial associada à hiperplasia condilar unilateral (HCU) é uma condição clínica complexa. Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever as características morfológicas da mandíbula e da articulação temporomandibular de pacientes com assimetria facial, usando tomografia computadorizada e reconstruções tridimensionais. Métodos: Esse estudo observacional retrospectivo foi realizado em pacientes com assimetria facial e suspeita de HCU, avaliados por meio da análise de tomografia computadorizada de emissão de fóton único (SPECT)/TC, entre os anos de 2015 e 2018. As seguintes variáveis foram comparadas entre o lado afetado (responsável pela assimetria) e o lado contralateral (lado para onde a arcada estava desviada): comprimento condilar, comprimento dos polos medial e lateral do côndilo, comprimento do ramo mandibular, espaços intra-articulares, altura da eminência articular e posição da parede posterior da fossa glenoide. Resultados: A amostra constituiu-se de 43 pacientes (21 mulheres, idade média: 20,7 ? 7,25 anos) com assimetria facial, da qual 19 pacientes apresentavam desvio do lado direito e 24, do lado esquerdo. O comprimento condilar, o comprimento do polo lateral, a soma dos valores máximos e a altura da eminência articular foram maiores no lado afetado (p< 0,05). Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre a posição da parede posterior da fossa glenoide e a altura da eminência articular no lado afetado (r = 0,442). Conclusão: Em pacientes com suspeita de HCU, avaliados por meio de TC, as medidas craniofaciais mostraram um comprimento condilar e a soma dos valores condilares máximos significativamente maiores no lado afetado. Foi encontrada uma correlação positiva entre as dimensões aumentadas da eminência articular e a posição mais posterior da fossa glenoide no lado afetado.

Does chlorhexidine mouthwash reduce the rate of oral colonization bygram-negative bacteria in patients with chemotherapy? Aplacebo-controlled trial.

The presence of gram-negative bacteria in the oral cavity is an undesirable occurrence in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Our aim was to investigate the antibacterial effect of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in chemotherapypatients with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. There were no significant differences between oral colonization rates; there may be local factors that interfere with chlorhexidine activity.

Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty: comparison of 3 intraoperative measurement methods.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is 1 of the most successful and frequent orthopaedic procedures around the world. Leg length discrepancy is reported in 1% to 60% of cases and is 1 of the most frequent causes of patient dissatisfaction and a common reason for litigation. The aim of this study was to compare leg length discrepancies following THA using 3 different intraoperative measuring methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present a prospective cohort study of 454 hips undergoing THA for osteoarthritis between January 2009 and August 2016. We compared postoperative leg length discrepancy using 1 of the following 3 measurement methods: (1A) direct intraoperative comparison of the legs; (1B) measurement with a compass-like device with supra-acetabular fixation, involving length and offset; (1C, D) an intraoperative device that measures the trochanteric/joint ratio. RESULTS: Leg length discrepancy >5 mm was present in 26% of the total study population. Direct intraoperative leg-to-leg assessment resulted in the greatest proportion of leg length discrepancy >5 mm (31%), followed by the compass group (27%) and the least discrepancy was observed in the trochanteric/joint ratio group (15%). The trochanteric/joint ratio assessment method resulted in the greatest reduction in discrepancy when compared to the other methods: discrepancies of 5-10 mm fell by 48% (relative risk [RR] 0.40 CI [confidence interval [CI] 95%, 0.22-0.74), and discrepancies of ≥10 mm fell by 59% (RR 0.52; CI 95%, 0.32-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of an intraoperative measurement device can reduce the leg length discrepancy, with best results when using the trochanteric/joint ratio device.

Reproductive outcomes of anestrous goats supplemented with spineless Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck protein-enriched cladodes and exposed to the male effect.

The possible influence of the "male effect" upon reproductive outcomes of adult anestrous goats under marginal rangeland conditions and supplemented with protein-enriched Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck was evaluated. Reproductive variables included: estrus percentage (EST, %), estrus latency (ESL, hours), ovulation percentage (OP, %), ovulation rate (OR, units), average largest follicle at ovulation (LFO, mm), largest corpus luteum (LCL, mm), embryo number (EBN, units), and embryo implantation percentage (EIP, %). During early May, anestrous mix-breed adult goats (Criollo x Alpine-Saanen-Nubian; n = 38, 26° N) were randomly distributed to (1) Control (CC; n = 12), (2), Non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 14), and (3) Protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO; n = 12). Neither LW (P > 0.05) nor BCS (P > 0.05) or any of the evaluated ovarian variables differed (P > 0.05) among treatments; EST = 89.66%, ESL = 53.66 h, OP = 70.33%, OR = 1.07 units, LFO = 4.5 mm, LCL = 9.6 mm, EBN = 0.94 embryos, and EIP = 48.66%. Irrespective of nutritional supplementation regime, all goats denoted an increased response to the male effect just in the middle of the anestrous season and managed under marginal grazing conditions during the dry season (May to June; 26° N). The use of the male effect successfully invoked neurophysiological pathways to re-activate ovarian follicular and luteal pathways during the natural anestrous season in the female goat. Yet, such successful physiological scenario was not equally exerted to promote an increased embryo implantation rate; this issue claims further consideration. Therefore, it is essential to align not only the peri-conceptional but also the peri-implantation stages to the best suited environmental conditions in the rangeland, in order to increase both reproductive and economic efficiency while promoting sustainability in those rangeland-based marginal goat production systems.

Chlorhexidine avoids skin bacteria recolonization more than triclosan.

BACKGROUND: We do not know whether differences exist between the residual effect of 2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol when compared with 1% triclosan in 70% isopropyl alcohol. METHODS: Using an analytic, longitudinal, controlled, and comparative experimental trial, with blinded measurements, we recruited healthy, adult volunteers from the University of Guanajuato who completed a stabilization phase of skin microbiota and had no history of skin allergies. Four 25-cm2 areas of the inner surface of the forearms were designated for study: unscrubbed control for establishing baseline bacterial counts, scrubbed control with tridistilled water, scrubbed with chlorhexidine, and scrubbed with triclosan. Quantitative cultures were taken of all the areas at 0, 3, and 24 hours, using agar plates with neutralizing agents. RESULTS: A total of 135 healthy volunteers were tested. At 24 hours, the unscrubbed control counts were 288 CFU/cm2, whereas the scrubbed control counts were 96 CFU/cm2; 24 CFU/cm2 for chlorhexidine and 96 CFU/cm2 for triclosan (Kruskal-Wallis χ2H = 64.27; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Chlorhexidine is the best antiseptic option when a prolonged antiseptic effect is needed; for instance, when implanting medical devices or performing surgical procedures.

Stethoscopes as potential intrahospital carriers of pathogenic microorganisms.

Stethoscopes can take part in the transmission of health care-associated infections. We cultured 112 stethoscopes by direct imprint on blood agar to estimate the prevalence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Forty-eight (47%) produced 50 potentially pathogenic microorganisms; from these, 43 (86%) were Staphylococcus aureus, of which 18 (42%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. We concluded that stethoscopes should be considered as potential fomites and must be disinfected routinely before and after each patient contact.

Antimicrobial activity of copper against organisms in aqueous solution: a case for copper-based water pipelines in hospitals?

BACKGROUND: An association exists between water of poor quality and health care-associated infections. Copper shows microbiocidal action on dry surfaces; it is necessary to evaluate its antimicrobial effect against organisms in aqueous solution. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of copper against common nosocomial pathogens in aqueous solution. METHODS: Copper and polyvinyl chloride containers were used. Glass was used as control material. Fourteen organisms isolated from hospital-acquired infections, and 3 control strains were tested. Inocula were prepared by direct suspension of colonies in saline solution and water in each container tested. Bacterial counts in colony-forming units (CFU)/mL were determined at the beginning of the experiment; at 30 minutes; and at 1, 2, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS: Organisms in glass and polyvinyl chloride remained viable until the end of the experiment. Organisms in copper showed a reduction from more than 100,000 CFU/mL to 0 CFU/mL within the first 2 hours of contact (F > 4.29, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Copper containers show microbiocidal action on organisms in aqueous solution. Copper may contribute to the quality of water for human use, particularly in hospitals.

Autofluorescence Images with Carl Zeiss versus Topcon Eye Fundus Camera: A Comparative Study.

Purpose. To compare the autofluorescence images of the Zeiss versus Topcon eye fundus cameras and design an objective way to quantify it. Procedures. The IMAGEJ software was used to determine the gray level corresponding to the darkest veins and the peripapillary ring (thresholds), the level of white of the brightest perifoveal area, their difference (contrast level), and the suprathreshold area for each photograph. Results. Carl Zeiss has higher contrast values than Topcon. The Topcon contrast presented a crest with further decline as the suprathreshold area continued to increase. On the contrary, the Zeiss profile did not decline in contrast. Conclusions and Message. The Carl Zeiss camera showed superior contrast ability over the Topcon when performing autofluorescence imaging. We set objective parameters to compare fundus cameras FAF images. These parameters could be the base to objectively measure and determine changes and realize followup to areas of hyper- or hypofluorescence.

Chlorhexidine is a better antiseptic than povidone iodine and sodium hypochlorite because of its substantive effect.

BACKGROUND: The present study compared both the antiseptic efficacy of sodium hypochlorite against that of chlorhexidine gluconate in isopropyl alcohol and the substantive effect of chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, and sodium hypochlorite. METHODS: This was a 2-step study that included volunteers. In step 1, 4 skin areas were tested for bacteria in colony-forming units (CFU): 2 were controls to determine baseline bacteria or the effect of scrubbing, and 2 were treated with 10% hypochlorite or 2% chlorhexidine in isopropyl alcohol. Every subject was tested 4 times. The second step tested the substantive effect of 10% povidone-iodine and the aforementioned antiseptics. RESULTS: For the first step, 30 volunteers were studied, resulting in 120 determinations for each control and antiseptic. No differences between chlorhexidine gluconate (median 115 CFU/cm(2)) and sodium hypochlorite (median 115 CFU/cm(2)) were found. Both antiseptics were significantly different from rubbing control (317 CFU/cm(2)) and basal control (606 CFU/cm(2)). Only chlorhexidine showed a substantive effect. CONCLUSION: We consider that chlorhexidine gluconate in isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, and povidone-iodine is equally effective for procedures that do not require a long action. However, chlorhexidine is desirable for procedures such as catheter insertion, skin preparation for surgery, or handwashing prior to surgery.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in preadolescent girls.

BACKGROUND: The detection of asymptomatic bacteriuria in preadolescent girls may be important due to its effects on subsequent pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in preadolescent girls and the value of the nitrite test for screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study in girls aged 9 to 13 years. Bacteriuria was defined as the growth of > 100,000 CFU/mL in 2 consecutive urine specimens. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty seven girls were included. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found in 7 girls, so the prevalence was 2.1% (95% CI, 1 to 4.4%). Escherichia coli was the isolated agent in all the cases. Focused interrogatory found history of urinary symptoms in 6 girls. The utility values of the nitrite test were: sensitivity, 1; specificity, 0.9; positive likelihood ratio, 10; and negative predictive value, 1. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in preadolescent girls in this Mexican study is similar to the one reported internationally; it is reasonable to consider its early detection to avoid its effects on future pregnancies. Nitrite test seems to be good for screening.

Povidone-iodine against sodium hypochlorite as skin antiseptics in volunteers.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare the antiseptic efficacy of sodium hypochlorite of electrochemical production with that of povidone-iodine in human voluntaries. METHODS: Three areas of 25 cm(2) each were selected from the forearms; 1 was designated as control to determine the baseline bacterial count; and 2 more were selected to swab 10% povidone-iodine or 10% sodium hypochlorite. Every volunteer was studied on 3 separated occasions. Quantitative skin cultures were performed on agar plates containing a neutralizer. RESULTS: Forty-eight healthy subjects were enrolled for a total of 144 determinations for every antiseptic and control. The bacterial counts from the control areas showed a median of 1500 colony-forming units (CFU)/cm(2). For the areas treated with sodium hypochlorite, the median was 192 CFU/cm(2). For the areas treated with povidone-iodine, the median was 231 CFU/cm(2). When the colony counts for the areas treated with antiseptics were compared with those of the controls, the difference was significant (Kruskal-Wallis test (H) = 55.7, P < .001). The difference in counts between the areas treated with antiseptics was not significant (difference in z values <1960). CONCLUSION: The present study did not find differences in antiseptic action between 10% povidone iodine and 10% sodium hypochlorite.

Salvaging diabetic foot through debridement, pressure alleviation, metabolic control, and antibiotics.

There is a fatalist perception of diabetic foot because the argument of "small-vessel disease" prevails. This is the report of a cohort study of patients facing a formal recommendation for major foot amputation to assess how many can be saved with a conventional treatment, defined as debridement, pressure alleviation, metabolic control, and antibiotics. The primary efficacy measurement was the salvage of the limb at the follow-up visit between 25 and 35 days after the first consultation. The secondary efficacy measurement was the subsequent epithelization of the ulcerative lesions, following patients for up to 270 days. The cohort consisted of 105 type 2 diabetic patients; 87 (83%) had severe lesions. A total of 71 patients (68%) required hospitalization. By the intention-to-treat analysis, 89 patients (85%) avoided major amputation. A total of 88 patients were evaluated for complete epithelization, reaching median success by day 120. Overall, 51 patients (49%) underwent minor amputations. It was concluded that there is a high rate of unnecessary major foot amputations, because a diabetic foot can be salvaged across the continuum of severity when patients receive care in a multidisciplinary wound clinic.