PSV-3 Ovarian dynamics of brahman cows submitted to five-day or twelve-day progesterone-based estrus synchronization protocol

The aim of this study was to investigate the ovarian response of Brahman cows submitted to two different estrus synchronization protocols and to determine the estrus response and ovulation time. A total of 153 Brahman cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the following estrus synchronization protocols: 1) CIDR insert and an injection of prostaglandin F2α (25 mg, PGF) on Day -5 and CIDR removal with PGF on Day 0 (CIDR5; n = 77); 2) CIDR insert on Day -12 and an injection of PGF on Day -12, Day -5 and Day 0 upon CIDR removal (CIDR12; n = 76). Estrotect breeding indicator patches were placed on Day 0 and cows were artificially inseminated (AI) 12h after estrus detection; cows not detected in estrus after 96h received TAI coupled with 100 µg of GnRH. Ovarian dynamics were observed during the protocol and follicular diameter were measured every 12h after AI until ovulation. Cows synchronized with CIDR12 had increased follicular diameter (CIDR5, 10.19 ± 0.51 vs. CIDR12, 13.12 ± 0.52 mm; P = 0.01) and decreased serum concentrations of progesterone (CIDR5, 1.68 ± 0.12 vs. CIDR12, 0.81 ± 0.12 ng/ml; P < 0.01) at CIDR removal. The percentage of cows exhibiting estrus did not differ between treatments (CIDR5, 66.2 vs. CIDR12, 64.5%; P = 0.25). No difference was observed in ovulation rate (CIDR5, 94.1 vs. CIDR12, 94.1%; P = 0.6). Time of estrus expression and ovulation time after CIDR removal did not differ (CIDR5, 59.9 ± 2.3 vs. CIDR12, 61.5 ± 2.3h; P = 0.71 and CIDR5, 88.1 ± 2.6 vs. CIDR12, 90.9 ± 2.6h; P = 0.75; respectively). In conclusion, extended length of CIDR with additional PGF increased follicular diameter and decreased concentrations of progesterone but did not influence estrus response and ovulation time in Brahman cows.

Technical variables influencing the seed germination of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) seed

The demand for sprouted seeds as dietetics and exotic healthy foods has recently increased. Winged bean seeds contain both nutritional composition and antinutrients. In order to convert this seed into healthy food, the winged bean was germinated into a vegetable sprout. In this research, the influence of soaking and sprouting conditions on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of sprouts was observed. Results showed that winged bean should be soaked in water at 34oC in 7 hrs, water to solid 3/1. The soaked seed was drained for 15 mins and incubated at temperature 36oC for 18 hrs. Following these parameters, the winged bean sprout achieved extended length (46.25±0.02 mm), vitamin C (124.13±0.01 mg/100 g), total phenolic content (997.34±1.14 mg GAE/100 g) and overall acceptance (8.94±0.02). Soaking terms for sprouting could improve the nutritional attribute of the winged bean as a functional foodstuff

Older fusion-surgery age in congenital scoliosis patients is a risk factor for extended length of stay, more estimated blood loss, longer fused segments and higher medical costs: a retrospective study

Background Contradictory opinions about whether early correction and fusion surgeries should be performed for congenital scoliosis (CS) patients at a young age exist. The objectives of this study were to analyze the association between patient characteristics and fusion-surgery outcomes in CS patients treated with spinal correction and fusion surgeries and to report risk factors for extended length of stay (LOS), more estimated blood loss (EBL), longer fused segments and higher medical costs. Methods We analyzed data of 1,207 CS inpatients treated with fusion surgeries in our institute from January 2010 - December 2019. All patients underwent spinal X-ray, CT, MRI, echocardiogram and urogenital ultrasound. We analyzed demographic and clinical information and outcome measures, including LOS, EBL, fused segments and medical costs. Results Age at fusion (OR = 1.053; p < 0.001), musculoskeletal defects (OR = 1.670; p = 0.004) and thoracic deformity (OR = 1.519; p = 0.03) were risk factors for extended LOS. Age at fusion (OR = 1.117; p < 0.001), male sex (OR = 1.813; p < 0.001), mixed defects (OR = 1.662; p = 0.027) and failure of formation (OR = 1.718; p = 0.021) were risk factors for more EBL. Age at fusion (OR = 1.213; p < 0.001) was a risk factor for longer fused segments. Age at fusion (OR = 1.091; p < 0.001) and thoracic deformity (OR = 1.853; p = 0.004) were risk factors for higher medical costs. Conclusions We found that older age at fusion in CS patients is a risk factor for extended LOS, more EBL, longer fused segments and higher medical costs with the risk increasing by 5–21 % for each year of age. Other identified risk factors include thoracic deformity for extended LOS; longer fused segments, higher medical costs, and musculoskeletal defects for extended LOS; and CS type (FF and MD) and sex (male) for more EBL.

Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula in a pregnant patient with COVID-19 pneumonia on prolonged invasive ventilation

A previously healthy pregnant woman was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and was subsequently intubated. Throughout the course of her illness, the patient was treated for recurrent bouts of pneumonia. A high-resolution chest and neck CT scan confirmed the presence of a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), which may have been caused by the presence of the overinflated endotracheal cuff, prolonged steroid use, hypoxic injury and possible direct injury of the tracheal mucosa from COVID-19 itself. A temporising procedure, involving tracheostomy with an extended-length tracheal tube, was performed. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to infection prior to definitive repair. This case highlights the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion for tracheal injury in patients who experience prolonged periods of intubation. It also underlies the high morbidity and mortality rate associated with TEF, although being a rare disease.

Cohesive behaviors of hydrogel under large-scale bridging

It has been recently revealed that large-scale bridging mechanism can be invoked to drastically improve the debonding resistance of hydrogel adhesion, but the optimization of the improvement remains elusive. Aiming at shedding light on the optimization, the present paper investigates the cohesive behaviors of hydrogel under the condition of large-scale bridging in 90-degree peel. A quasi-static model is established based on the principle of minimum potential energy, with the traction-separation law determined from experiments. The model is proved reliable in predicting the force-displacement response and the backing profile up to the peak peel force. Further theoretical analyses indicate that, within the range of interest, the peak peel force decreases with the extended length, increases with the Young's modulus of backing, increases then plateaus with the adhesion length and the thickness and bending stiffness of backing. In addition, the vertical displacement at peak peel force escalates with the extended length, remains mostly constant with varying adhesion length, declines with the Young's modulus of backing, and declines then stabilizes with increasing thickness and bending stiffness of backing. These theoretical insights may help tailor the material properties and geometric parameters for on-demand design of hydrogel adhesion as well as other soft adhesives for biomedicine and engineering.

The Structure of Scares: Art, Horror, and Immersion in Marisha Pessl's Night Film

Is immersion merely a subjective response to a work, or can it be an objective formal feature of the work itself? This article examines the unique situation of horror as a genre that demands a substantial level of immersion in order to be successful and will begin to answer this question through a close reading of Marisha Pessl's Night Film (2013). Through the novel's intricate staging of different forms of immersion that is made possible by its extended length, this article argues that Pessl and the horror genre more generally seek to establish a difference between something like literal immersion, which requires the engrossment of a reader or viewer in the world of the story, and immersion as a formal technique, which is for the most part indifferent to the actual engagement of the audience and instead produces a claim immanent to the work itself.

Thirty-day morbidity and mortality following revision total shoulder arthroplasty in octogenarians

Background Octogenarians are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality following various surgeries, but this has not yet been well explored in octogenarians undergoing revision total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze whether octogenarians undergoing RTSA are at an increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and mortality relative to the younger geriatric population. Methods Data of patients who underwent RTSA from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from a large de-identified database. Patients were divided into two cohorts: ages 65–79 and ages 80–89. Demographic data, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were collected and compared between the two cohorts. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results On bivariate analyses, patients aged 80–89 were more likely to develop pulmonary embolism (p = 0.014) and extended length of stay more than 3 days (p = 0.006) compared to the cohort aged 65–79. Following adjustment on multivariate analyses, 80–89 years old patients no longer had an increased likelihood of pulmonary embolism or extended length of stay compared to the 65–79 age group. Octogenarians were not found to have higher rates of 30-day readmissions (p = 0.782), mortality (p = 0.507), reoperation (p = 0.785), pneumonia (p = 0.417), urinary tract infection (p = 0.739), or sepsis (p = 0.464) compared to the cohort aged 65–79 following RTSA. Conclusion Age greater than 80 should not be used independently as a factor for evaluating whether a geriatric patient is a proper candidate for RTSA.

Immediate rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxilla using trans-sinus nasal protocol and extended-length subcrestal angulated implants. Case series with one-year follow-up

&lt;p&gt;Immediate fixed full arch rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla eliminates the use of a tissue supported prosthesis during the healing phase and maximises patient comfort and quality of life.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The surgical treatment options available for immediate rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla are dependent on the location and availability of the residual alveolar ridge. When bone is only available in the inter canine region, a graftless approach using tilted distal implants may not provide adequate distance between implants for favourable biomechanics. Subsequently, zygomatic implants are the alternative to provide adequate posterior occlusal support. &nbsp;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The use of extended length sub crestal angulated implants offers an additional implant option for the clinician to restore the severely atrophic maxilla immediately. The treatment protocol involves anchorage of the implant fixture to the lateral wall of the nasal bone. The distally tilted implant transverses an augmented sinus cavity and extends to the site of the first permanent molar.&nbsp;The novel implant sub crestal angulation and use of a multi-unit abutment promotes passivity of fit of a full arch fixed immediate prosthesis.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Five clinical case reports from private practice&nbsp;are presented which outline the clinical value of the novel implant design in the rehabilitation&nbsp;the severely&nbsp;atrophic maxilla. In each case, the use of zygomatic implants would&nbsp;conventionally have been prescribed due to the absence&nbsp;of residual alveolar bone in the maxilla&nbsp;premolar and molar regions. Alternatively,&nbsp;the use of extended length subcrestally angulated implants with straight of angulated multi-unit abutments have successfully restored the arch immediately.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Energy conservation at high power consuming holding furnace with modified coil design and electrical circuits

This paper deals with high energy consuming induction holding furnace. The improved version of coil design along with additional electrical interlocks and alarm, modified hydraulic controls, strengthening mechanical structures and energy saving proposals at holding furnace fume extraction system ensures trouble free operation of furnace and hence continuity of production at all the planned plant operational days. This project involves in purchasing of D-section copper extruded coil from Europe–Switzerland for its extended length from existing 3 meters long to 9 Meters which enables in reduction of coil joints. The performance of the holding furnace has improved in terms ofits energy consumption per ton of liquid metal. The payback period for the estimated investment will be less than 2 years.