[Result of 12 years of non-surgical treatment of pectus carinatum]

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience in the treatment of pectus carinatum by using the dynamic compression system.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study during the period from January 2005 to September 2017. Patients with typical condrogladiolar pectus carinatum and correction pressure (PC) ≤ 14 PSI (pound square inch) were included. Exclusion criteria: patients with previous thoracic surgery, mixed malformations and chondromanubrial pectus carinatum. For the treatment, the Dynamic Thoracic Compressor System (FMF) with pressure meter in PSI was used. The PC, the treatment pressure (PT), the correction time (TC) and the maintenance time (TM), recurrences and complications were analyzed. A qualitative scale was measured in three grades: where A is excellent or very good, B is regular and C is bad.

RESULTS

We treated 104 patients under 18 years of age. The PT was 2.26. The average of the TC was 8.8 months. The TM was on average 8 months. 36.5% of the patients finished the treatment, 36.5% still continue in treatment and 26.9% of the patients lost the follow-up due to desertion. The qualitative assessment was positive in 95.5% of our patients, and unfavourable in 4.5%.

CONCLUSION

The non-surgical treatment of pectus carinatum is efficient, non-invasive and of low morbidity. Regarding the high dropout rate, we must analyze the variables to be modified to reduce it. This treatment should be considered as the first option to correct pectus carinatum in patients with flexible thorax.

Nanocrystalline silicon optomechanical cavities

Silicon on insulator photonics has offered a versatile platform for the recent development of integrated optomechanical circuits. However, there are some constraints such as the high cost of the wafers and limitation to a single physical device level. In the present work we investigate nanocrystalline silicon as an alternative material for optomechanical devices. In particular, we demonstrate that optomechanical crystal cavities fabricated of nanocrystalline silicon have optical and mechanical properties enabling non-linear dynamical behaviour and effects such as thermo-optic/free-carrier-dispersion self-pulsing, phonon lasing and chaos, all at low input laser power and with typical frequencies as high as 0.3 GHz.

Demonstration of Single-Barium-Ion Sensitivity for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Using Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging

A new method to tag the barium daughter in the double-beta decay of ^{136}Xe is reported. Using the technique of single molecule fluorescent imaging (SMFI), individual barium dication (Ba^{++}) resolution at a transparent scanning surface is demonstrated. A single-step photobleach confirms the single ion interpretation. Individual ions are localized with superresolution (∼2  nm), and detected with a statistical significance of 12.9σ over backgrounds. This lays the foundation for a new and potentially background-free neutrinoless double-beta decay technology, based on SMFI coupled to high pressure xenon gas time projection chambers.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Pepsinogen C in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

Pepsinogen C is an aspartyl-proteinase usually involved in the digestion of proteins in the stomach, and an androgen- inducible protein in breast cancer cells. In this study we evaluated its expression and clinical significance in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Pepsinogen C expression was examined by immunohistochemical methods in a series of 73 pancreatic carcinomas. The prognostic value of pepsinogen C was retrospectively evaluated by multivariate analysis. A total of 21 (28.8%) pancreatic carcinomas stained positively for pepsinogen C. The percentage of pepsinogen C-positive tumors was significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors (38.3%) than in moderately differentiated (15.8%) and poorly differentiated (0%) tumors (p<0.05). In addition, statistical analysis revealed that pepsinogen C expression was associated with clinical outcome. Thus, patients with pepsinogen C-negative tumors have a poorer overall survival than those with pepsinogen C-positive tumors. Our results led us to consider that the expression of pepsinogen C may represent a useful biological marker in pancreatic cancer. Expression of this protein may be a marker of gastric-type differentiation of the tumors and it might also reflect the existence of a complete hormone receptor pathway in a subset of pancreatic carcinomas.

145 Effect of Dietary Organic Zinc Levels on Boar (Sus scrofa domesticus) Sperm DNA Fragmentation Dynamics

Zinc (Zn) is essential for the development and activity of sperm, although its cytotoxic effect on sperm has been little studied. This study evaluated the effect of organic Zn; that is, Zn-methionate (Zn-Met), on the DNA fragmentation of boar sperm. Domestic boars (York × Landrace, Sus scrofa domesticus; n = 15) were randomly allocated into 3 levels of Zn dietary concentrations: 25 (Control), 150, or 200 ppm. Sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics were evaluated over an 8-wk period after Zn-Met supplementation. The Sperm-Sus-Halomax® Kit (Halosperm SL, Madrid, Spain), a 1:1 mixture of SYBR I (10×; Invitrogen Molecular Probes, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) in Vectashield Mounting Medium (Vector Laboratories Inc., Burlingame, CA, USA) for DNA staining, and fluorescence microscopy (Nikon Eclipse 80i; Nikon, Tokyo, Japan) were used to analyse DNA fragmentation dynamics; that is, sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test, of the boar sperm. Samples were diluted 2:10 (v:v) in either (a) Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) extender, or (b) PBS, to determine the effects, if any, of extender. Extended sperm were stored at 15°C for 8 days for daily SCD testing. Data were analysed as a completely randomised design with repeated-measures serially in time (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Main effects of the variables (i.e. dietary Zn and extender) and their interaction were studied. Means were compared using Tukey´s test, with significance set at the <0.05 α-level. Supplementation of the diet with 200 ppm of Zn-Met had an adverse effect on the integrity of pig sperm DNA from the beginning of supplementation to the last day of the experiment (i.e. fresh ejaculate 0 h = 9.44% fragmented, motility = 79.6%). However, Control and 150 ppm Zn-Met dietary levels did not significantly affect sperm DNA integrity (i.e. fresh ejaculate 0 h = 1.43% and 1.73% fragmented and motility = 84.1% and 84.5%, respectively). With regard to the semen extenders BTS and PBS, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics for the first 3 days in extender: Day 3 = 4.09 and 6.45%, respectively. However, the sperm DNA fragmentation index was different (P < 0.05) between extenders BTS and PBS based on extended sperm for Day 4: 4.28 and 7.28%, respectively, through Day 8 (5.52 and 10.02%). These results demonstrated the importance of providing the correct amount of organic Zn in boar diets and potential impacts on reproduction.

Differential distribution of Y-chromosome haplotypes in Swiss and Southern European goat breeds

The analysis of Y-chromosome variation has provided valuable clues about the paternal history of domestic animal populations. The main goal of the current work was to characterize Y-chromosome diversity in 31 goat populations from Central Eastern (Switzerland and Romania) and Southern Europe (Spain and Italy) as well as in reference populations from Africa and the Near East. Towards this end, we have genotyped seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), mapping to the SRY, ZFY, AMELY and DDX3Y Y-linked loci, in 275 bucks from 31 populations. We have observed a low level of variability in the goat Y-chromosome, with just five haplotypes segregating in the whole set of populations. We have also found that Swiss bucks carry exclusively Y1 haplotypes (Y1A: 24%, Y1B1: 15%, Y1B2: 43% and Y1C: 18%), while in Italian and Spanish bucks Y2A is the most abundant haplotype (77%). Interestingly, in Carpathian goats from Romania the Y2A haplotype is also frequent (42%). The high Y-chromosome differentiation between Swiss and Italian/Spanish breeds might be due to the post-domestication spread of two different Near Eastern genetic stocks through the Danubian and Mediterranean corridors. Historical gene flow between Southern European and Northern African goats might have also contributed to generate such pattern of genetic differentiation.

Antimicrobial potential of macro and microalgae against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in food

Algae are a valuable and never-failing source of bioactive compounds. The increasing efforts to use ingredients that are as natural as possible in the formulation of innovative products has given rise to the introduction of macro and microalgae in food industry. To date, scarce information has been published about algae ingredients as antimicrobials in food. The antimicrobial potential of algae is highly dependent on: (i) type, brown algae being the most effective against foodborne bacteria; (ii) the solvent used in the extraction of bioactive compounds, ethanolic and methanolic extracts being highly effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; and (iii) the concentration of the extract. The present paper reviews the main antimicrobial potential of algal species and their bioactive compounds in reference and real food matrices. The validation of the algae antimicrobial potential in real food matrices is still a research niche, being meat and bakery products the most studied substrates.

Management of unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma

The diagnosis of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC) requires confirmation, through imaging tests, of the unfeasibility of achieving a complete surgical resection, in the absence of metastatic spread. The increase in overall survival (OS), together with an appropriate symptom management is the therapeutic target in LAPC, maintaining an acceptable quality of life and, if possible, increasing the time until the appearance of metastasis. Chemoradiation (CRT) improves OS compared to best support treatment or radiotherapy (RT) but with greater toxicity. No significant increase in OS has been achieved with CRT when compared to chemotherapy (QT) alone in patients without disease progression after four months of treatment with QT. However, a significantly better local control, that is, a significant increase in the time to disease progression was associated with this approach. The greater effectiveness of the schemes FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine (Gem) + Nab-paclitaxel compared to gemcitabine alone, has been extrapolated from metastatic disease to LAPC, representing a possible alternative for patients with good performance status (ECOG 0-1). In the absence of randomized clinical trials, Gem is the standard treatment in LAPC. If disease control is achieved after 4-6 cycles of QT, the use of CRT for consolidation can be considered an option vs QT treatment maintenance. Capecitabine has a better toxicity profile and effectiveness compared to gemcitabine as a radiosensitizer. After local progression, and without evidence of metastases, treatment with RT or CRT, in selected patients, can support to maintain the regional disease control.

Prevalence of optimal valve morphology for MitraClip in patients with mitral regurgitation

AIMS

To evaluate how often patients with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) meet the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant and to examine the role of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for this task.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From February to June 2015, all patients undergoing a TTE in nine Spanish hospitals were prospectively included. Patients with moderate-to-severe and severe mitral regurgitation were selected for analysis. Anatomical eligibility criteria for MitraClip were defined according to the EVEREST trial. A total of 39 855 consecutive TTE were reviewed, and 1403 patients with moderate-to-severe and severe MR were finally included. Primary MR was found in 779 patients (56%). Only in 74 patients (16%), all anatomical criteria for MitraClip could be assessed by TTE. Of these, 56% of patients had optimal valve morphology. Secondary MR was described in 361 patients (26%), and at least 249 of these (69%) had a high surgical risk. All five criteria for MitraClip were adequately assessed by TTE in 299 patients (83%). Of them, 118 patients (39%) had optimal valve morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of patients have optimal mitral valve morphology for MitraClip. Moreover, TTE was particularly useful in determining whether or not the anatomical criteria for MitraClip implant were met in the majority of patients with secondary MR but in only a minority of those with primary MR.

Consensus guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with pancreatic cancer in Spain

The management of patients with pancreatic cancer has advanced over the last few years. We convey a multidisciplinary group of experts in an attempt to stablish practical guidelines for the diagnoses, staging and management of these patients. This paper summarizes the main conclusions of the working group. Patients with suspected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma should be rapidly evaluated and referred to high-volume centers. Multidisciplinary supervision is critical for proper diagnoses, staging and to frame a treatment plan. Surgical resection together with chemotherapy offers the highest chance for cure in early stage disease. Patients with advanced disease should be classified in treatment groups to guide systemic treatment. New chemotherapeutic regimens have resulted in improved survival. Symptomatic management is critical in this disease. Enrollment in a clinical trial is, in general, recommended.

The 795CT polymorphism in osteopontin gene is not associated with multiple sclerosis in a Spanish population

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease affecting the central nervous system. The dysregulation of the cytokine network is an important component of its pathogenesis. One of the cytokines produced by activated T-cells is osteopontin (OPN). OPN enhances the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma, while reducing interleukin-10 levels. Therefore, OPN is considered a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and could play a key role in MS pathogenesis. The OPN gene contains several common polymorphisms, distributed in two main haplotypes, which may modulate its production or activity. A total of 326 MS patients and 484 healthy controls were typed for 795CT OPN polymorphism. In order to perform a familial study, 51 progenitor pairs were also included. No difference was found in the case-control or family study. This negative finding is inconsistent with a previous haplotype study in an Italian population, where the haplotype associated carried the low-frequency allele in position 795. In a Japanese population, a similar study yielded no association with this polymorphism. In conclusion, our data suggest that the 795 polymorphism does not play an etiological role per se and the haplotype structure may differ from one population to another. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 250–252. http://msj.sagepub.com

Genetic diversity and patterns of population structure in Creole goats from the Americas

Biodiversity studies are more efficient when large numbers of breeds belonging to several countries are involved, as they allow for an in-depth analysis of the within- and between-breed components of genetic diversity. A set of 21 microsatellites was used to investigate the genetic composition of 24 Creole goat breeds (910 animals) from 10 countries to estimate levels of genetic variability, infer population structure and understand genetic relationships among populations across the American continent. Three commercial transboundary breeds were included in the analyses to investigate admixture with Creole goats. Overall, the genetic diversity of Creole populations (mean number of alleles = 5.82 ± 1.14, observed heterozygosity = 0.585 ± 0.074) was moderate and slightly lower than what was detected in other studies with breeds from other regions. The Bayesian clustering analysis without prior information on source populations identified 22 breed clusters. Three groups comprised more than one population, namely from Brazil (Azul and Graúna; Moxotó and Repartida) and Argentina (Long and shorthair Chilluda, Pampeana Colorada and Angora-type goat). Substructure was found in Criolla Paraguaya. When prior information on sample origin was considered, 92% of the individuals were assigned to the source population (threshold q ≥ 0.700). Creole breeds are well-differentiated entities (mean coefficient of genetic differentiation = 0.111 ± 0.048, with the exception of isolated island populations). Dilution from admixture with commercial transboundary breeds appears to be negligible. Significant levels of inbreeding were detected (inbreeding coefficient > 0 in most Creole goat populations, P < 0.05). Our results provide a broad perspective on the extant genetic diversity of Creole goats, however further studies are needed to understand whether the observed geographical patterns of population structure may reflect the mode of goat colonization in the Americas.

Forage intake, digestibility and performance of cattle, horses, sheep and goats grazing together on an improved heathland

A mixed herd of five cows, five mares, 32 ewes and 32 goats was managed with their offspring during two consecutive years in a paddock (22.3 ha) with 76% of heathlands and 24% of improved pasture area, with the aim of studying their differences in ingestive behaviour and performance. Diet composition, dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility (DMD) were estimated on three occasions using the alkane technique, and all animals were periodically weighed to calculate bodyweight (BW) changes per livestock unit (LU). Goats selected higher proportions of shrubs than the other herbivore species (P < 0.001). Overall, daily DMI was higher (P < 0.001) in equines (218 g/kg BW0.75) than in ruminants (174, 121 and 80 g/kg BW0.75 for cattle, goats and sheep, respectively), whereas DMD was lower (P < 0.001) in equines (569 g/kg DM) compared with ruminants (733–791 g/kg DM). During the first half of the grazing season (from late April to mid-July), dams’ BW changes per LU did not differ between species. However, during late summer–autumn lower (P < 0.001) BW losses per LU were observed in sheep and goats (–89 g/day) than in cattle (–534 g/day), being intermediate in horses (–254 g/day). For the overall grazing season, ewes and goats showed greater (P = 0.056) BW gains per LU (338 g/day) than cows and mares (178 g/day). Regarding the offspring, BW gains per LU were greater (P < 0.001) in lambs (3612 g/day) than in other species. Calves presented greater gains than kids (2647 vs 1909 g/day.LU), whereas foals showed intermediate gains (2385 g/day.LU). Therefore, under these conditions of partially improved heathlands, sheep was the most productive species. However, looking at the diet selection and digestibility, goats could complement sheep or cattle herds by achieving a more efficient utilisation of heathland vegetation, and increasing overall productivity per hectare. By contrast, horses, having high levels of grass intake, compete with cattle and sheep for pasture utilisation.