Temporal relationship of serum markers and tissue damage during acute intestinal ischemia/reperfusion

OBJECTIVE: It is essential to identify a serological marker of injury in order to study the pathophysiology of intestinal ischemia reperfusion. In this work, we studied the evolution of several serological markers after intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. The markers of non-specific cell damage were aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase, the markers of inflammation were tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta, and the markers of intestinal mucosal damage were intestinal fatty acid binding protein and D-lactate. We used Chius classification to grade the histopathological damage. METHODS: We studied 35 Wistar rats divided into groups according to reperfusion time. The superior mesenteric artery was clamped for 30 minutes, and blood and biopsies were collected at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after reperfusion. We plotted the mean ¡ standard deviation and compared the baseline and maximum values for each marker using Student’s t-test. RESULTS: The maximum values of interleukin-1 beta and lactic dehydrogenase were present before the maximal histopathological damage. The maximum tumor necrosis factor alpha and D-lactate expressions coincided with histopathological damage. Alanine aminotransaminase and aspartate aminotransferase had a maximum expression level that increased following the histopathological damage. The maximum expressions of interluken-6 and intestinal fatty acid binding protein were not significantly different from the Sham treated group. CONCLUSION: For the evaluation of injury secondary to acute intestinal ischemia reperfusion with a 30 minute ischemia period, we recommend performing histopathological grading, quantification of D-lactate, which is synthesized by intestinal bacteria and is considered an indicator of mucosal injury, and quantification of tumor necrosis factor alpha as indicators of acute inflammation three hours after reperfusion

Effects on short term outcome of non-invasive ventilation use in the emergency department to treat patients with acute heart failure: A propensity score-based analysis of the EAHFE Registry

Objective: To assess the effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in emergency department (ED) patients with acute heart failure (AHF) on short term outcomes. Methods: Patients from the EAHFE Registry (a multicenter, observational, multipurpose, cohort-designed database including consecutive AHF patients in 41 Spanish EDs) were grouped based on NIV treatment (NIV+ and NIV–groups). Using propensity score (PS) methodology, we identified two subgroups of patients matched by 38 covariates and compared regarding 30-day survival (primary outcome). Interaction was investigated for age, sex, ischemic cardiomyopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, AHF precipitated by an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), AHF classified as hypertensive or acute pulmonary edema (APE), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission; mechanical ventilation; in-hospital, 3-day and 7-day mortality; and prolonged hospitalization (>7 days). Results: Of 11, 152 patients from the EAHFE (age (SD): 80 (10) years; 55.5% women), 718 (6.4%) were NIV+ and had a higher 30-day mortality (HR = 2.229; 95%CI = 1.861–2.670) (p 85 years, p < 0.001), AHF associated with ACS (p = 0.045), and SBP < 100 mmHg (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the secondary endpoints except for more prolonged hospitalizations in NIV+ patients (OR = 1.445; 95%CI = 1.122–1.862) (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The use of NIV to treat AHF in ED is not associated with improved mortality outcomes and should be cautious in old patients and those with ACS and hypotension

Influence of the length of hospitalisation in post-discharge outcomes in patients with acute heart failure: Results of the LOHRCA study

Objective: To investigate the relationship between length of hospitalisation (LOH) and post-discharge outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) patients and to ascertain whether there are different patterns according to department of initial hospitalisation. Methods: Consecutive AHF patients hospitalised in 41 Spanish centres were grouped based on the LOH (15 days). Outcomes were defined as 90-day post-discharge all-cause mortality, AHF readmissions, and the combination of both. Hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted by chronic conditions and severity of decompensation, were calculated for groups with LOH >6 days vs. LOH <6 days (reference), and stratified by hospitalisation in cardiology, internal medicine, geriatrics, or short-stay units. Results: We included 8563 patients (mean age: 80 (SD = 10) years, 55.5% women), with a median LOH of 7 days (IQR 4–11): 2934 (34.3%) had a LOH 15 days. The 90-day post-discharge mortality was 11.4%, readmission 32.2%, and combined endpoint 37.4%. Mortality was increased by 36.5% (95%CI = 13.0–64.9) when LOH was 11–15 days, and by 72.0% (95%CI = 42.6–107.5) when >15 days. Conversely, no differences were found in readmission risk, and the combined endpoint only increased 21.6% (95%CI = 8.4–36.4) for LOH >15 days. Stratified analysis by hospitalisation departments rendered similar post-discharge outcomes, with all exhibiting increased mortality for LOH >15 days and no significant increments in readmission risk. Conclusions: Short hospitalisations are not associated with worse outcomes. While post-discharge readmissions are not affected by LOH, mortality risk increases as the LOH lengthens. These findings were similar across hospitalisation departments

Risk profiles and one-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in India: Insights from the GARFIELD-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD-Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) is an ongoing prospective noninterventional registry, which is providing important information on the baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 1-year outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This report describes data from Indian patients recruited in this registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 52,014 patients with newly diagnosed AF were enrolled globally; of these, 1388 patients were recruited from 26 sites within India (2012-2016). In India, the mean age was 65.8 years at diagnosis of NVAF. Hypertension was the most prevalent risk factor for AF, present in 68.5% of patients from India and in 76.3% of patients globally (P < 0.001). Diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) were prevalent in 36.2% and 28.1% of patients as compared with global prevalence of 22.2% and 21.6%, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Antiplatelet therapy was the most common antithrombotic treatment in India. With increasing stroke risk, however, patients were more likely to receive oral anticoagulant therapy [mainly vitamin K antagonist (VKA)], but average international normalized ratio (INR) was lower among Indian patients [median INR value 1.6 (interquartile range {IQR}: 1.3-2.3) versus 2.3 (IQR 1.8-2.8) (P < 0.001)]. Compared with other countries, patients from India had markedly higher rates of all-cause mortality [7.68 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval 6.32-9.35) vs 4.34 (4.16-4.53), P < 0.0001], while rates of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were lower after 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Compared to previously published registries from India, the GARFIELD-AF registry describes clinical profiles and outcomes in Indian patients with AF of a different etiology. The registry data show that compared to the rest of the world, Indian AF patients are younger in age and have more diabetes and CAD. Patients with a higher stroke risk are more likely to receive anticoagulation therapy with VKA but are underdosed compared with the global average in the GARFIELD-AF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01090362

Áreas potenciales para el cultivo de girasol en condiciones de temporal en Guanajuato, México

In Mexico, in the last five years, there was a 189.50 to 13 219.84 hectares increase in sunflower crop surface under rainfed conditions. Particularly, in 2016, in the state of Guanajuato, approximately 450 hectares were planted. Cultivation under rainfed conditions requires planning including bioclimatic variables to reach the optimal crop yield and development. This work aims to identify bioclimatic potential areas for sunflower cultivation under rainfed conditions in Guanajuato. In autumn-winter 2016, 45 sunflower fields (distributed in eleven towns) were monitored and stratified. Crop yield associated to maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, precipitation and evapotranspiration were recorded. The data from fields with higher yield than 1.89 t/ha were used to generate polygons with a saturation of 56 abundance points, to calculate the potential distribution using the Maxent software, with 23 bioclimatic variables as predictors. The variables with the highest contribution percentage to the potential distribution were: average temperature of the driest quarter, altitude, moisture regime, and edaphic profile. The potential areas for sunflower cultivation had a surface of 317 028 hectares where the predominant climate is sub-humid warm, the annual mean temperature is 20 °C, the annual mean rainfall is 600 to 800 mm, and the altitude ranges from 500 to 1500 masl.En los últimos cinco años en México se registró un incremento de 189,50 a 13 219,84 hectáreas, en la superficie de cultivo de girasol en temporal, particularmente en el estado de Guanajuato se sembró aproximadamente 450 hectáreas en 2016. Esta forma de cultivo requiere de planeación que contemple variables bioclimáticas para el óptimo desarrollo y rendimiento. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar las áreas con potencial bioclimático para el establecimiento del cultivo de girasol en temporal en el estado de Guanajuato. Durante el ciclo otoño-invierno del 2016 se monitorearon y se estratificaron 45 parcelas de girasol, distribuidas en once municipios, en las que se registró el rendimiento asociado a temperatura máxima y mínima, humedad relativa, radiación solar, precipitación y evapotranspiración. Los datos de parcelas con un rendimiento mayor a 1,89 t/ha se utilizaron para generar polígonos con una saturación de 56 puntos de abundancia, para calcular la distribución potencial mediante el programa Maxent, con 23 variables bioclimáticas como predictores. Las variables con mayor contribución porcentual a la distribución potencial fueron: temperatura promedio del cuatrimestre más seco, altitud, régimen de humedad y perfil edáfico. Las áreas potenciales para el establecimiento del cultivo suman una superficie total de 317 028 hectáreas, donde el clima predominante es semicálido subhúmedo, temperatura media anual de 20 °C, precipitación media anual de 600 a 800 mm y una altitud de 500 a 1500 msnm

Composición faunística en traspatios familiares de San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oaxaca

Analysis of the composition, structure and function of family gardens traditionally developed by farmers can generate knowledge about successful practices in animal breeding and plant cropping. The objective of this study was to characterize the domesticated fauna found in backyards of San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oaxaca, in relation to their composition, use and management. Interviews and participative visits were performed with key informants in the community. Fauna is considered as an asset in the family economy, since people can sell the animals to obtain an economic income, or else, consume the products derived from it. Breeding hens (in 93% of the gardens), followed by pigs (75%), cattle (56%), sheep (37%) and goats (18%) were common. The species of low relative frequency were donkeys and mules. Other species present and inedible were dogs and cats, in 52% of the gardens. Of all of these, sheep were appreciated for their high value. Animal breeding, in relation to their diet, diseases, population renovation and destination of the products, depended on the animal species. The contribution of women in animal breeding activities was key and relevant.El análisis de la composición, estructura y función de los huertos familiares, desarrollados tradicionalmente por agricultores, puede generar conocimiento de las prácticas exitosas en la crianza de animales y cultivo de plantas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la fauna domesticada presente en los traspatios de San Pedro Ixtlahuaca, Oaxaca, en relación con la composición, uso y manejo. Se realizaron entrevistas y recorridos participativos con informantes claves de la comunidad. La fauna es considerada como un activo en la economía familiar, ya que la gente puede vender los animales y obtener ingresos económicos, o bien, consumir los productos derivados de ella. Fue común la crianza de gallinas (en 93% de los huertos), seguido de porcinos (75%), bovinos (56%), ovinos (37%) y caprinos (18%). Las especies de baja frecuencia relativa fueron: asnos y mulas. Otras especies presentes y no comestibles fueron perros y gatos en 52% de los huertos. De todos, los borregos fueron apreciados por su mayor valor. La crianza de los animales en relación con su alimentación, enfermedades, renovación de las poblaciones y el destino de los productos, dependió de la especie animal. La contribución de la mujer en las actividades de crianza de animales fue clave y relevante

In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Study of the Electrocatalytic Effect of PtFe/C Nanocatalyst on Ethanol Electro-Oxidation in Alkaline Medium

Currently, the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction has attracted considerable attention in fuel cells because of new green ethanol synthetic methods based on biomass processes that have emerged. In this study, PtFe/C and Pt/C nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical reduction method and tested in the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic effect of the PtFe bimetallic catalyst was analyzed by in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled to an electrochemical cell. X-ray diffractograms showed typical face-centered cubic structures with crystallite sizes of 3.31 and 3.94 for Pt/C and PtFe/C, respectively. TEM micrographs revealed nanoparticle sizes of 2 ± 0.4 nm and 3 ± 0.6 nm for Pt/C and PtFe/C respectively. PtFe/C exhibited a Pt90Fe10 composition by both X-ray fluorescence and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A better electrocatalytic activity as function of concentration was obtained through the incorporation of a small amount of Fe into the Pt lattice and the presence of Fe2+/Fe3+ (observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). According to SERS experiments, the presence of these iron species promotes the chemisorption of ethanol, the formation of formic acid as main product and renewal of the catalytic sites, resulting in current densities that were at least three fold higher than the values obtained for the Pt/C nanocatalyst

Structure, Morphology and Electrical Properties of CaTiO3 Ceramics Synthesized by the Solid-State Reaction Method

In this paper, explain the preparation of CaTiO3 ceramics synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. Calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide were high energy mixed in stoichiometric amounts, and the obtained mixture was calcined at different temperatures (800, 900, 1000 and 1300ºC) for 2h. The obtained samples were characterized by measurement of particle size, Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis; differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and SEM images. XRD patterns indicated that CaTiO3 ceramics with the structure of perovskite is obtained from calcined powders at 1,300°C for 2h. SEM images show the formation of a very fine and homogeneous morphology. The measured values of electrical resistivity were within the typical range of insulating materials and approach values corresponding to insulating ceramics