Pyloric Sympathectomy: A Novel Way to Get Pylorus Relaxation? Report of Two Bariatric Cases

Objective: This case report aimed to demonstrate a possible neuromuscular effect of pyloric sympathectomy on the pylorus motility, leading to its permanent relaxation, observed in two bariatric surgical cases, one primary and the other, revisional. Background: Pyloric sphincter is a physiological barrier to free gastric emptying. In sleeve gastrectomy and in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass revisions, that put the remnant stomach in transit, the pylorus can contribute to generate a high intragastric pressure, which could lead to acute gastric fistulas and/or chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. The possibility of functionally relaxing the pylorus, promoting intragastric pressure reduction, could represent a protective maneuver against these complications. Methods: We describe herein a surgical maneuver applied in two cases of bariatric surgeries, with the intention of facilitating antrum-duodenal region exposure, in a sleeve gastrectomy and in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass conversion to SADI-S. For this, a ligation of terminal peripyloric vessels was done, allowing a passage of a tape, which surrounded the pylorus, for its traction. In both cases, 30-day and 1-year endoscopic evaluations were done, to assess esophagitis signs, anastomosis healing and anatomical pouch aspect. A clinical evaluation was also done, to assess gastroesophageal symptoms (validated questionnaire). Results: In the postoperative endoscopic evaluations, no esophagitis were observed in any case and the gastric pouches had normal aspect, with the expected anatomical findings, compatible with the surgeries performed. The anastomosis healed without problems, in the revisional case. Interestingly, in both cases, it was observed a complete pyloric sphincter relaxation, which lasted until 1-year endoscopic evaluation. There were no fistulas, nor esophagitis in any of these cases. Clinically, there were no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (validated questionnaire). Conclusion: The observation of a pyloric durable atomy, that followed peripyloric dissection and vessels ligation (arterial branches), with its concomitant sympathectomy, can represent a new way of decompressing gastric chamber, either in primary or revisional bariatric surgeries. This maneuver can be protective against acute fistulas and gastroesophageal disease. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Gene Expression:A Review on Methods for the Study of Defense-Related Gene Differential Expression in Plants

The plant genes involved in cellular signaling and metabolism have not been fully identified, while the function(s) of many of those which have are as yet incompletely characterized. Gene expression analysis allows the identification of genes and the study of their relationship with cellular processes. There are several options available for studying gene expression, including the use of cDNA and microarray libraries and techniques such as suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), differential display (DD), RNA fingerprinting by arbitrary primed PCR (RAP), expressed sequence tags (EST), serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE), representational difference analysis (RDA), cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Focusing on defense-related processes in plants, we present a brief review and examples of each of these methodologies and their advantages and limitations regarding the study of plant gene expression.

Update on endoscopic diagnosis, management and surveillance strategies of esophageal diseases

In the last few decades, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has become the most complementary test for investigation of esophageal diseases. Its accessibility and safety guarantee wide clinical utilization in patients with suspected benign and malignant diseases of the esophagus. Recent technological advances in endoscopic imaging and tissue analysis obtained from the esophagus have been useful to better understand and manage highly relevant diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal cancer. Using endoscopy to elucidate esophageal disorders in children has been another field of intensive and challenging research. This editorial highlights the latest advances in the endoscopic management of esophageal diseases, and focuses on Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, eosinophilic esophagitis, as well as esophageal disorders in the pediatric population.

Chemical Bromatological Evaluation of Biomass for Silage of the Winter Cereals

Winter cereals are cultivated in order to produce grain for food and feed, green forage and haylage for cattle. The objectives of this study are to assay the production and chemical characteristics bromatological of winter cereal forages. The factorial arrangement of treatments 5 × 2 （5 cultivars and two cutting heights--low 7-10 cm and 20 cm from the soil surface） harvested when the grain was at the dough stage. Genetic materials tested were rye BRS Serrano, wheat BRS Umbu and BRS Pastoreio, triticale BRS Saturno, barley BRS Aliensa and Brevis oats BRS Centauro. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. The assay carried out to forage, BRS Centauro showed oat forage yield higher than the other genotypes. Barley BRS Aliensa stood out for DMD （dry matter digestibility） and CP （crude protein） for the two tested cutting heights. BRS Pastoreio wheat had lower NDF （neutral detergent fiber） concentration than BRS Serrano rye.

Germination Eco-physiology and Emergence of Physalis peruviana Seedlings

The genus Physalis belongs to the family Solanaceae,Physalis peruviana L.being the most cultivated species.As a newly explored crop in Brazil,little is known about its germination ecology and emergence under local conditions.The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of temperature,photoperiod,planting depth and seed dormancy on the establishment of Physalis seedlings.Tests were conducted on two Physalis biotypes from Sert?o(Rio Grande do Sul state―RS)and Capelinha(Minas Gerais state).Seeds incubated at 27°C and 32°C exhibited high germination percentages of 98%and 96%,respectively.Germination declined when seeds were incubated at 12,17,22 and 37°C.Photoperiods longer than 8 h are sufficient for seed germination,while the absence of light significantly reduces the germination percentage.Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm to ensure better seedling emergence.After 18 months of field work,81%of seeds had germinated and/or been predated prior to assessment,indicating low seed dormancy.As such,ideal conditions for Physalis seedling establishment are planting depth between 1 cm and 2 cm,temperatures ranging from 27°C to 32°C and a photoperiod longer than 8 h,with a postharvest seed shelf life of 12 months.

Sensory Evaluation of Winter Cereal Silage

Silage is aimed at conservation of green fodder, with minimal losses and that this kind of food, does not occur formation of toxic compounds for animals. Practical aspects become important when control ＂in loco＂, reflects management practiced in the property. There are different sensory evaluation techniques. The objective of this work was to study the applicability of the German system, now used in sensory evaluation of winter cereals （wheat silage and haylage oats）. For quantitative analysis of silage （pH） that was used potentiometer. In determining the qualitative analysis was used German method adapted. Relating them to sensory characteristics such as smell, texture and color of the fodder saved by assigning a score to each sensory： a ＂key＂ predetermined quality identification. For multiple comparisons for film types tested in oat silages BRS Centauro, the results show that the qualitative sensory attributes evaluated by rating corresponded to the quantitative attributes （pH） evaluated, with no difference. For multiple comparisons in the silages, for all test loads in both wheat genotypes results showed no difference between the qualitative evaluation （sensory） and quantitative.

Digital Micrometer Used in Thickness Measurement of Plastic Film Compared to Standardized Instrument

Different types of plastic films are used in agriculture to cover silos storing silage. The most important characteristics of a tarpaulin for sealing the silage are: thickness, color and polymer used in the manufacture of the film. The objective of this study is to measure and compare the thickness, the use of two instruments (digital micrometer and digital thickness gauge) in plastic films (polyethylene, polyester and polyester/vinyl). This methodological analysis for the use of micrometer digital, for future use (Agronomy and Veterinary sciences). In comparison the thickness of the three factors. 5% by Tukey test revealed that for polyethylene, there was no significant difference between factors. This methodology is satisfactory for the types of films and range of thicknesses studied.

Broad Antibacterial Activity of Bothrops jararaca Venom against Bacterial Clinical Isolates

Purpose: To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Bothrops jararaca venom against bacterial clinical isolates. Methods: Antibacterial activity of Bothrops jararaca venom was evaluated through agar diffusion method against the following bacteria: Acinetobacter baumannii, Oxacillinase-producing Acinetobacter baummanii, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL) Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli ESBL, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ESBL, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, metallo β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, oxacillin resistant Staphylococus aureus (ORSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, and oxacillin resistant Staphylococus epidermidis.?Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through microdilution plate protocol. Results: The venom presented antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. More pronounced results were observed to Gram- positive bacteria, especially against ORSA. Conclusion: The present study evidenced the great antibacterial potential of Bothrops jararaca venom showing promising results even with resistant bacterial clinical isolates.