Predictors of Conversion from Radial Into Femoral Access in Cardiac Catheterization

Background: Fewer bleeding complications and early ambulation make radial access a privileged route for cardiac catheterization. However, transradial (TR) approach is not always successful, requiring its conversion into femoral access. Objectives: To evaluate the rate of conversion from radial into femoral access in cardiac catheterization and to identify its predictors. Methods: Prospective dual-center registry, including 7632 consecutive patients undergoing catheterization via the radial access between Jan/2009 and Oct/2012. We evaluated the incidence of conversion into femoral access and its predictors by logistic regression analysis. Results: The patients’ mean age was 66 ± 11 years, and 32% were women. A total of 2969 procedures (38.4%) were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and the most used first intention arterial access was the right radial artery (97.6%). Radial access failure rate was 5.8%. Independent predictors of conversion from radial into femoral access were the use of short introducer sheaths (OR 3.047, CI: 2.380-3.902; p < 0.001), PCI (OR 1.729, CI: 1.375-2.173; p < 0.001), female sex (OR 1.569, CI: 1.234-1.996; p < 0.001), multivessel disease (OR 1.457, CI: 1.167-1.819; p = 0.001), body surface area (BSA) ≤ 1.938 (OR 1.448, CI: 1.120-1.871; p = 0.005) and age > 66 years (OR 1.354, CI: 1.088-1.684; p = 0.007). Conclusion: Transradial approach for cardiac catheterization has a high success rate and the need for its conversion into femoral access in this cohort was low. Female sex, older age, smaller BSA, the use of short introducer sheaths, multivessel disease and PCI were independent predictors of conversion into femoral access.

First- Versus Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents in Acute Coronary Syndromes (Katowice-Zabrze Registry)

Abstract Background: There are sparse data on the performance of different types of drug-eluting stents (DES) in acute and real-life setting. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of first- versus second-generation DES in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: This all-comer registry enrolled consecutive patients diagnosed with ACS and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention with the implantation of first- or second-generation DES in one-year follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization and stroke. The primary safety outcome was definite stent thrombosis (ST) at one year. Results: From the total of 1916 patients enrolled into the registry, 1328 patients were diagnosed with ACS. Of them, 426 were treated with first- and 902 with second-generation DES. There was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCE between two types of DES at one year. The rate of acute and subacute ST was higher in first- vs. second-generation DES (1.6% vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001, and 1.2% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.025, respectively), but there was no difference regarding late ST (0.7% vs. 0.2%, respectively, p = 0.18) and gastrointestinal bleeding (2.1% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.21). In Cox regression, first-generation DES was an independent predictor for cumulative ST (HR 3.29 [1.30-8.31], p = 0.01). Conclusions: In an all-comer registry of ACS, the one-year rate of MACCE was comparable in groups treated with first- and second-generation DES. The use of first-generation DES was associated with higher rates of acute and subacute ST and was an independent predictor of cumulative ST.

Ueber muskeln und sehnen der beine einiger amphipoden-arten

Es werden die Muskeln, Sehnen und das Skelett der Fangbeine dreier Amphipoden-Arten verschiedener Gattungen beschrieben und mit einader verglichen. Es ergibt sich: 1 - dass in allen drei Arten der in der Basis gelegene Adduktor des Ischiums eine verlaengerte Sehne besizt, die bis zum proximalen rand des Merus reicht. Das ischium hat keinen Adduktor fuer den Merus in seinem Inneren. 2 - Dass bei phronima der Abduktor fuer das ischium (in der Basis gelegen) typisch ausgebildet ist; seine Sehne traegt eine Fissur. 3 - dass bei Hyperia der in der Basis gelegene Abduktor des Ischiums eine gegabelte Sehne besitzt, von der beide Aeste am Proximal-Rand des Ischiums inserieren. Im Ischium ist die Sehne des Abduktors des Merus fast bis zum Insertionspunkt des vorderen Astes der gegabelten Sehne der basis verlaengert. Ein Muskelband ist seitwaerts an der Sehne in ihrer ganzen Laenge befestigt, ein anderes liegt als sehnenloses band daneben. 4 - dass bei Themisto die Gabelung der Abduktorsehne ebenfalss zu beobachten ist, doch setzt sich der vordere Ast bis zum Proximalrand des Merus fort; vermutlich ist die Sehne des Abduktors des Merus (im Ischium gelegen) in diese Bildung eingegangen. 5 - dass diese eigenartige Sehnenbildung mit der funktion der Beine bei den drei verschiedenen Arten in direktem Zusammenhang steht.

Influence of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity of the freshwater snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes)

To note the effect of temperature on survival, growth and fecundity, newly hatched (zero day old) snails Indoplanorbis exustus were cultured at 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degreescentigrades constant temperatures and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades). Individuals exposed to 10 degrees centigrades died within 3 days while those reared at 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature survived for a period of 6, 27, 18, 16, 12 and 17 weeks respectively. An individual added on an average 0.21 mm and 0.45 mg, 0.35 mm and 7.94 mg, 0.63 mm and 15.5 mg, 0.81 mm and 27.18 mg, 1.07 mm and 41.48 mg and 0.78 mm and 31.2 mg to the shell diameter and body weight respectively at those temperatures per week. The snails cultured at 15 degrees centigrades died prior to attainment of sexual maturity. On an average, an individual produced 31.9 and 582.77, 54.86 and 902.18, 56.01 and 968.45, 49.32 and 798.68 and 62.34 and 1143.97 capsules and eggs respectively at 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees centigrades and room temperature (17.5 degrees - 32.5 degrees centigrades).

Efficacy of Citrus reticulata and Mirazid in treatment of Schistosoma mansoni

This work has been carried out to investigate the effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on mice livers after treatment with the ethanolic extract of Citrus reticulata root or the oleo-resin extract from Myrrh of Commiphora molmol tree (Mirazid), as a new antishistosomal drug. Marker enzymes for different cell organelles were measured; succinate dehydrogenase (SDH); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes; glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase); acid phosphatase (AP) and 5'- nucleotidase. Liver function enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also estimated. Parasitological studies through ova count and worm burden will also be taken into consideration. The results showed a marked reduction in SDH, LDH, AST, and ALT enzyme activities and a significant increase in G-6-Pase, AP, 5'- nucleotidase, and ALP after S. mansoni infection. A noticeable alteration in LDH subunits were also noticed. Treatment with C. reticulata or Mirazid improved all the previous enzyme activities with a noticeable reduction in ova count and worm burden.

Development of physiological resistance and its stage specificity in Culex quinquefasciatus after selection with deltamethrin in Assam, India

The study investigated the development and stage specificity of physiological resistance to insecticides in a colony of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes, which are vectors of bancroftian filariasis in India, after selection with deltamethrin. Resistance was selected by exposing the larvae to the concentration of deltamethrin that caused 50% mortality in the tested population (i.e., LC50). Under continuous selection pressure, the LC50 increased steadily in subsequent generations. The estimated LC50 for the F0 generation was 0.409 μg/L; the LC50 first displayed a substantial increase in the F5 generation (5.616 μg/L) and reached 121.902 μg/L in the F10 generation. The objective of this study was to establish a deltamethrin-resistant colony to develop a research programme that will study the evolution of physiological resistance patterns and stage-specific resistance responses in Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae and adults under laboratory conditions. An approximately 298-fold increase in resistance was recorded after 10 generations, as evidenced by the resistance ratio (RR50). The progress and effect of the selection pressure in the adult stage was monitored with the World Health Organisation (WHO) diagnostic test. The mortality, as observed using the WHO diagnostic test, declined significantly from the F5 generation (85%) onwards and the highest rate of survival (65%) was observed in the F10 generation.

Correlation of biological serum markers with the degree of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in hepatitis C and schistosomiasis patients

Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method to stage fibrosis; however, it is an invasive procedure and is potentially dangerous. The main objective of this study was to evaluate biological markers, such as cytokines IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β, platelets, bilirubins (Bil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total proteins, γ-glutamil transferase (γ-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP), that could be used to predict the severity of hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis and hepatitis C (HC) as isolated diseases or co-infections. The following patient groups were selected: HC (n = 39), HC/hepatosplenic schistosomiasis (HSS) (n = 19), HSS (n = 22) and a control group (n = 13). ANOVA and ROC curves were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. With HC patients we showed that TNF-α (p = 0.020) and AP (p = 0.005) could differentiate mild and severe fibrosis. With regard to necroinflammatory activity, AST (p = 0.002), γ-GT (p = 0.034) and AP (p = 0.001) were the best markers to differentiate mild and severe activity. In HC + HSS patients, total Bil (p = 0.008) was capable of differentiating between mild and severe fibrosis. In conclusion, our study was able to suggest biological markers that are non-invasive candidates to evaluate fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in HC and HC + HSS.

Detection of rifampin-resistant genotypes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by reverse hybridization assay

We used a colorimetric reverse dot blot hybridization (CRDH) assay to detect the presence of mutations in a specific region of the rpoB gene, associated with rifampin (RIF) resistance, in a panel of 156 DNAs extracted from 103 RIF-sensitive and 53 RIF-resistant cultures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When compared with the antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST), the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 92.3% and 98.1%, respectively. When compared with sequencing, the sensitivity and specificity of the CRDH were 90.6% and 100%, respectively. To evaluate the performance of the assay directly in clinical specimens, 30 samples from tuberculosis patients were used. For these samples, the results of the CRDH were 100% consistent with the results of the AST and sequencing. These results indicate that the rate of concordance of the CRDH is high when compared to conventional methods and sequencing data. The CRDH can be successfully applied when a rapid test is required for the identification of RIF resistance in M. tuberculosis.

Valores bioquímicos sanguíneos en hembras brahman bajo condiciones de pastoreo

Con el objeto de establecer un rango de referencia para diferentes metabolitos en hembras bovinas B. indicus, se tomaron 5-10 mL de suero sanguíneo a 21 hembras bovinas Brahman registradas en el departamento de Caldas, Colombia. Se determinó la concentración de los diferentes metabolitos que forman parte de un perfil metabólico estándar, como beta-hidroxibutirato, proteína total, albúmina, globulinas, urea, aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), calcio y magnesio. Los resultados fueron analizados mediante la obtención del rango, promedio y desviación estándar (DE). El intervalo de referencia se estableció en el 95% (x±2DE). El promedio y la DE obtenidos para cada metabolito fueron: beta-hidroxibutirato 0,34±0,15 mmol/L; proteína total 81±9 g/L; albúmina 41±3 g/L; globulinas 40±10 g/L; urea 3,31±1,43 mmol/L; AST 158±34 U/L; Ca 2,50±0,21 mmol/L y Mg 1,40±0,44 mmol/L. Se observó que las alteraciones más frecuentes fueron aumento en la concentración de butiratos y globulinas y aumento en la actividad de AST. Según los resultados obtenidos, se puede señalar que los valores encontrados para la concentración de diferentes metabolitos séricos en hembras Brahman mantenidas en pastoreo, son similares a los valores descritos para bovinos B. taurus.

Valores de transaminasas en cabras criollas infectadas con Trypanosoma vivax

La presente comunicación reporta los valores de las enzimas transaminasas, Aspartatoaminotransferasa (AST) y Alaninaaminotransferasa (ALT) encontrados en sueros de cabras infectadas con la cepa de Trypanosoma vivax Stock (TvIIV) y sus controles. Las determinaciones se realizaron durante un lapso experimental de diez semanas, divididos en dos períodos iguales (pre y post-infección) por intermedio de un método colorimétrico, utilizando kits comerciales. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la prueba t Student's. En el caso de la AST, la comparación de las medias parciales de ambos grupos infectado y control, no indicó diferencias estadísticas. Con respecto a la ALT, la contrastación de las medias parciales de pre y post-infección del grupo de cabras infectadas, señaló diferencias significativas (P<0,01).

Seleção de isolados de Verticillium lecanii para o controle de Cinara atlantica

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a patogenicidade de isolados de Verticillium lecanii, sobre Cinara atlantica, e estimar a CL50 do melhor isolado. No teste de seleção, utilizaram-se mudas de pinus com ninfas do pulgão, 20 isolados do fungo e um controle, num total de 21 tratamentos e dez repetições. Na CL50 do isolado CG 904, utilizaram-se seis concentrações, com dez repetições. VL 6, CG 902 e VL 2 apresentaram os mais altos índices de mortalidade, 72,22%, 67,34% e 67,31%, respectivamente. A testemunha apresentou mortalidade de 15,6%. Nos bioensaios de CL50, a concentração de 10(8) conídios mL-1 , do isolado CG 904, causou mortalidade de 100%, CL50 de 2x10(5) conídios mL-1 e TL50 de 4,4 dias.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO PÓS-COLHEITA DE SEIS CULTIVARES DE CARAMBOLA (Averrhoa carambola L.)

Avaliaram-se as qualidades física e química dos frutos de seis cultivares de carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.), propagadas pela Estação Experimental de Citricultura de Bebedouro, São Paulo, objetivando a obtenção de informações sobre a qualidade dos frutos produzidos nesta região. Foram utilizados frutos das cultivares Tean-ma, Fwang Tung, Arkin, Malásia, Golden Star e Nota-10. Os frutos foram analisados quanto à massa fresca, comprimento, largura, volume, porcentagem de suco, polpa e semente, número de sementes, coloração (L, Cromaticidade e ângulo Hue). Na polpa, determinou-se o pH, assim como o teor de umidade, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), vitamina C, açúcares solúveis totais e redutores, cinzas, proteína, pectina total e solúvel, e minerais (Ca, P, K, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn). Os resultados foram avaliados estatisticamente através de um delineamento inteiramente casualizado e revelaram que os melhores frutos são os originários das cultivares Arkin, Tean-ma e Nota-10, pois são os maiores, os mais pesados e apresentam os maiores teores de sólidos solúveis totais (SST) e açúcares solúveis (AST), assim como boa relação SST/ATT. Os frutos da 'Arkin' mostraram coloração mais amarela, enquanto os da 'Golden Star' foram considerados de coloração mais clara, ou com maior translucidez. A textura foi menor nos frutos da 'Arkin', e se relacionou com a maior solubilização de suas pectinas

Qualidade de pedúnculo de cajueiro-anão precoce cultivado sob irrigação e submetido a difrentes sistemas de condução e espaçamento

Este trabalho teve com objetivo estudar a influência do espaçamento sobre as características químicas e físico-químicas em pedúnculos de cajueiro-anão precoce (Anacardium occidentale L) irrigado. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Vale do Curu, no município de Paraipaba-Ce, ocupando uma área de 1,57 ha. Foram estudados 4 espaçamentos, sendo um convencional (6,0 x 8,0 m) e três adensados (4 x 3, 6 x 3 e 8 x 3 m), onde foram aplicadas podas e desbastes. Os pedúnculos para a realização das análises foram colhidos em agosto de 1998 e encaminhados ao Laboratório de Fisiologia e Tecnologia Pós-Colheita da Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical. Para a caracterização química e físico-química, foram analisados: sólidos solúveis totais (SST), açúcares solúveis totais (AST), acidez total titulável (ATT), relação SST/ATT, vitamina C e taninos (poliméricos, dímeros e oligoméricos). Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos com relação às variáveis estudadas, como também os valores encontrados para essas variáveis são semelhantes àqueles encontrados na literatura.

Caracterização dos frutos de goiabeira e seleção de cultivares na Região do Submédio São Francisco

O estudo visou a caracterizar frutos de goiabeira e selecionar cultivares produzidas na Região do Submédio São Francisco. Os frutos, colhidos na maturidade fisiológica, foram provenientes da Estação Experimental de Bebedouro, pertencente à Embrapa Semi-Árido e avaliados em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos compreenderam genótipos de polpa branca (Alabama Safed, Lucknow 49, Banahas, White Selection of Florida e Seleção IPA B 38.1) e vermelha (Paluma, Patillo 2.1, Surubim, Red Selection of Florida e Seleção IPA B 14.3). Avaliaram-se: massa, diâmetro longitudinal (DL), diâmetro transversal (DT), relação DL/DT, espessura da casca, espessura da polpa, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), relação SST/ATT, pH, açúcares solúveis totais (AST) e vitamina C. Os genótipos de polpa branca, exceto Seleção IPA B 38.1, tiveram maiores massas (acima de 145,0 g). As menores relações DL/DT foram observadas em Banahas (0,98) e Lucknow 49 (1,00), caracterizando frutos redondos. Estas cultivares tiveram também maior espessura da polpa. Os maiores valores de SST foram observados em Paluma (10,4 ºBrix) e Lucknow 49 (10,9 ºBrix). A ATT foi baixa na maioria dos genótipos, exceto Surubim e Seleção IPA B 14.3, e o pH variou de 3,72 a 4,22. Em geral, os genótipos de polpa branca tiveram os maiores teores de AST (5 a 7 %) e vitamina C, atingindo 200 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 g.

Ponto de colheita ideal de mangas 'Tommy Atkins' destinadas ao mercado europeu

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido em um pomar comercial do Pólo Agrícola Mossoró-Assu, localizado no município de Assu-RN. Teve como objetivo caracterizar e determinar o melhor estádio de maturação para a colheita de mangas 'Tommy Atkins' destinadas ao mercado Europeu. Os frutos foram marcados e avaliados aos 82 (E1), 89 (E2), 96 (E3) e 103 (E4) dias após a floração plena (DFP) e no estádio de colheita comercial (EC)., As avaliações foram feitas por ocasião da colheita e após 21 dias de armazenamento refrigerado (13 ± 1° C e 99 % UR). As variáveis analisadas foram cor da casca e da polpa do fruto, perda de massa, firmeza, sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT), relação SST/ATT, açúcares solúveis totais (AST), amido e atividade respiratória. Observou-se que, os picos climatéricos ocorreram aos 10 dias após a colheita nos frutos colhidos no estádio E2 e aos 7 dias nos colhidos nos estádios E3 e EC. Os frutos colhidos nos estádios E2, E3, E4 e EC amadureceram normalmente após 21 dias de armazenamento refrigerado. Sendo que os colhidos nos estádios E3 e EC se apresentaram muito semelhantes e alcançaram melhor qualidade, indicando que a colheita pode ser realizada nesses estádios, e que o período de 96 DFP pode ser considerado como mais um indicador do ponto de colheita.