Probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C biofilm formation on AGS and Caco-2 cells and Helicobacter pylori inhibition

The ability of the human isolate Lactobacillus fermentum UCO-979C to form biofilm and synthesize exopolysaccharide on abiotic and biotic models is described. These properties were compared with the well-known Lactobacillus casei Shirota to better understand their anti-Helicobacter pylori probiotic activities. The two strains of lactobacilli synthesized exopolysaccharide as detected by the Dubois method and formed biofilm on abiotic and biotic surfaces visualized by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy. Concomitantly, these strains inhibited H. pylori urease activity by up to 80.4% (strain UCO-979C) and 66.8% (strain Shirota) in gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells, but the two species showed equal levels of inhibition (~84%) in colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. The results suggest that L. fermentum UCO-979C has probiotic potential against H. pylori infections. However, further analyses are needed to explain the increased activity observed against the pathogen in AGS cells as compared to L. casei Shirota.

Trypanosoma cruzi diversity in infected dogs from areas of the north coast of Chile

As part of a multi-site research program on the eco-epidemiology and control of Chagas disease in northern Chile, we sought to identify the Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) infecting rural and peridomestic dogs, using direct methods without grown of the parasite in the laboratory and thus to assess the use of this species as a sentinel of the disease in well-defined endemic areas of T. cruzi in Chile. Infected dogs (35) from three villages were included in the study. The studied villages were Caleta Río Seco and Caleta San Marcos, both in the Tarapacá Region, and La Serena in the Coquimbo Region. These villages were selected based on previous evidence of Mepraia infection reports of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Amplicons from nested-PCR positive samples were used as targets to determine the infective T. cruzi DTUs circulating in blood using PCR-DNA blotting and hybridization assays with five specific DNA probes (TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcV and TcVI). Results of hybridization with dog samples from Caleta Rio Seco showed single infections in 2 out of 16 and mixed infections in 14 out of 16. TcVI was the most frequent DTU found in this area. A highlight is that for the first time the presence of TcIII is reported in this area. Samples from Caleta San Marcos showed single infections in 5 out of 9 and mixed infections in 4 out of 9. TcVI was the most frequent DTU found in this area. Samples from La Serena showed single infections in 5 out of 10 and mixed infections in 2 out of 10; we were unable to genotype the other 3 samples. Our results indicate that infection by T. cruzi DTUs in dogs is not homogeneously distributed but rather specific to each region of our country, as demonstrated by the differences in the T. cruzi DTU distribution in some localities.

El papel de la mujer en la explotación de ganado bovino de doble propósito en Ecuador

Uno de los objetivos estratégicos para FAO es disminuir la brecha de género en aras del desarrollo rural. El presente trabajo se planteó para conocer la percepción que tienen los productores del sistema de doble propósito ecuatoriano sobre las diferencias de género, tanto en el ámbito familiar como en la unidad de producción. Se tomó una muestra aleatoria de 132 unidades familiares–productivas del bosque tropical de Manabí. La información fue obtenida a través de una encuesta cara a cara, donde se preguntaron cuestiones relacionadas con el perfil socioeconómico de la familia, el sistema de producción y la percepción del papel de los distintos géneros. Los resultados muestran que existen importantes diferencias de género en el mundo rural ecuatoriano. Los productores tienen fuertes creencias en las diferencias sociales y biológicas entre sexos. El trabajo y rol de mujer es percibido únicamente relevante en el ámbito doméstico. Mientras que en la unidad productiva apenas asume responsabilidades. La toma de decisiones es exclusiva del hombre cuando se trata del ámbito empresarial; mientras que la mujer participa junto a él en decisiones del hogar, aunque nunca asume un papel predominante.

Sustentabilidad social de agroecosistemas bovinos de doble propósito en México

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las diferencias existentes en la sustentabilidad social, de los pequeños productores de ganado de doble propósito en el trópico mexicano. En dos zonas ecológicas definidas: Trópico Seco (TS) y Húmedo (TH). Para ello se analizaron las variables socioeconómicas y los indicadores de desarrollo humano establecidos por el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD). Se encontraron diferencias significativas; tanto en los objetivos de la producción (carne y leche) y en los indicadores de desarrollo humano y marginación (p<0,05). Las diferencias encontradas han de ser consideradas para establecer distintas estrategias y políticas públicas para cada una de las zonas ecológicas del trópico mexicano.

Clinical protocol for the management of malignant hyperthermia

Malignant hyperthermia is a hypermetabolic syndrome that appears in susceptible patients after exposure to certain anaesthetic drugs (succinylcholine, inhalation anaesthetics). Its incidence in Spain is 1 in 40,000 adults, with a 10% mortality rate. It is induced by an abnormal regulation of the ryanodine receptors, producing a massive release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the striate muscle. Clinical manifestations include: CO₂ increase, tachycardia, haemodynamic instability, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, profuse sweating, hyperpyrexia, CPK increase, myoglobinuria, kidney failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and ending in cardiac arrest. Dantrolene sodium is a ryanodine receptor antagonist, and inhibits the release of intracellular calcium. Definitive diagnosis is achieved by the exposure of muscle fibres to caffeine and halothane. Protocols can help guarantee a reliable and secure management when this severe event occurs.

Complications Associated With Liver Transplantation in Recipients With Body Mass Index >35 kg/m(2): Would It Be a Poor Prognosis Predictive Factor?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global epidemic that continues to increase in a great number of countries, and it has become a major public health problem in Spain. Unfortunately, the impact of obesity on survival in liver transplantation (LT) recipients is underestimated and controversial. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality after LT.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort study of the records of 180 consecutive patients who had undergone to LT from 2007 to 2013, 11 obese patients with body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m(2) were identified. Their data have been compared with recipients with BMI 20-25 kg/m(2).

RESULTS

There were no differences in demographic data, Child-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, or cause of liver failure. BMI >35 kg/m(2) recipients had a significantly higher rate of portal vein thrombosis before LT, compared with the BMI 20-25 kg/m(2) group (36.5% vs 13.9%; P = .041). There were also no differences in development of post-reperfusion syndrome. The groups were also comparable concerning morbidity rate after LT, stay in the intensive care unit, and global hospital stay. However, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the obese group compared with the nonobese group (72.7% vs 38.9%; P = .032).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study clearly demonstrate higher mortality rates in obese patients undergoing LT; thus, it is fair to consider obesity as a poor prognosis predictive factor concerning mortality rate.

Gauge-Based Tip Position Control of a New Three-Degree-of-Freedom Flexible Robot

Flexible robots have given rise to numerous investigations, and their use is easily justified in two main cases: (1) when the weight of the robot has to be minimized and (2) when collisions of the robot with the environment are foreseen, as a flexible lightweight robot delivers less impact energy. Much work has been done by different authors on the position control of flexible robots using feedback of the tip position or tip acceleration. However, the use of these sensing devices is problematic in practical applications of flexible arms: three-dimensional tip position sensing is expensive, and occlusions appear at some arm configurations. Accelerometers cannot be used when contact of the tip with the environment is expected because these sensors cannot stand the high negative accelerations produced at the impact (unless very low speed motions are performed). This paper studies the possibility of carrying out the tip position control of a three-degree-of-freedom flexible arm using sensing devices placed far away from the tip (where contact is expected) in such way that they can easily stand the impact, which will be needed in the development of a position/force control for flexible robots. A control scheme based on motor position sensing plus some strain gauges placed on the arm structure is proposed. Stability of this control scheme is proven and is experimentally verified on a flexible manipulator prototype that was developed in the authors’ laboratory.

Recreational Physical Activity and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Risk: A Pooled Analysis of Two Case-Control Studies

PURPOSE

Physical activity has been hypothesized to influence cancer occurrence through several mechanisms. To date, its relation with thyroid cancer risk has been examined in relatively few studies. We pooled 2 case-control studies conducted in Cuba and Eastern France to assess the relationship between self-reported practice of recreational physical activity since childhood and thyroid cancer risk.

METHODS

This pooled study included 1,008 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) matched with 1,088 controls (age range 9-35 and 17-60 years in the French and Cuban studies, respectively). Risk factors associated with the practice of recreational physical activity were estimated using OR and 95% CI. Logistic regressions were stratified by age class, country, and gender and were adjusted for ethnic group, level of education, number of pregnancies for women, height, BMI, and smoking status.

RESULTS

Overall, the risk of thyroid cancer was slightly reduced among subjects who reported recreational physical activity (OR = 0.8; 95% CI 0.5-1.0). The weekly frequency (i.e. h/week) seems to be more relevant than the duration (years).

CONCLUSION

Long-term recreational physical activity, practiced since childhood, may reduce the DTC risk. However, the mechanisms whereby the DTC risk decreases are not yet entirely clear.

Insulin resistance in prepubertal obese children correlates with sex-dependent early onset metabolomic alterations

Background:

Insulin resistance (IR) is usually the first metabolic alteration diagnosed in obese children and the key risk factor for development of comorbidities. The factors determining whether or not IR develops as a result of excess body mass index (BMI) are still not completely understood.

Objectives:

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the predisposition toward hyperinsulinemia-related complications in obese children by using a metabolomic strategy that allows a profound interpretation of metabolic profiles potentially affected by IR.

Methods:

Serum from 60 prepubertal obese children (30 girls/30 boys, 50% IR and 50% non-IR in each group, but with similar BMIs) were analyzed by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry following an untargeted metabolomics approach. Validation was then performed on a group of 100 additional children with the same characteristics.

Results:

When obese children with and without IR were compared, 47 metabolites out of 818 compounds (P<0.05) obtained after data pre-processing were found to be significantly different. Bile acids exhibit the greatest changes (that is, approximately a 90% increase in IR). The majority of metabolites differing between groups were lysophospholipids (15) and amino acids (17), indicating inflammation and central carbon metabolism as the most altered processes in impaired insulin signaling. Multivariate analysis (OPLS-DA models) showed subtle differences between groups that were magnified when females were analyzed alone.

Conclusions:

Inflammation and central carbon metabolism, together with the contribution of the gut microbiota, are the most altered processes in obese children with impaired insulin signaling in a sex-specific fashion despite their prepubertal status.

Microstructural quantification of collagen fiber orientations and its integration in constitutive modeling of the porcine carotid artery

BACKGROUND

Mechanical characteristics of vascular tissue may play a role in different arterial pathologies, which, amongst others, requires robust constitutive descriptions to capture the vessel wall's anisotropic and non-linear properties.Specifically, the complex 3D network of collagen and its interaction with other structural elements has a dominating effect of arterial properties at higher stress levels.The aim of this study is to collect quantitative collagen organization as well as mechanical properties to facilitate structural constitutive models for the porcine carotid artery.This helps the understanding of the mechanics of swine carotid arteries, being a standard in clinical hypothesis testing, in endovascular preclinical trials for example.

METHOD

Porcine common carotid arteries (n=10) were harvested and used to (i) characterize the collagen fiber organization with polarized light microscopy, and (ii) the biaxial mechanical properties by inflation testing.The collagen organization was quantified by the Bingham orientation density function (ODF), which in turn was integrated in a structural constitutive model of the vessel wall.A one-layered and thick-walled model was used to estimate mechanical constitutive parameters by least-square fitting the recorded in vitro inflation test results.Finally, uniaxial data published elsewhere were used to validate the mean collagen organization described by the Bingham ODF.

RESULTS

Thick collagen fibers, i.e.the most mechanically relevant structure, in the common carotid artery are dispersed around the circumferential direction.In addition, almost all samples showed two distinct families of collagen fibers at different elevation, but not azimuthal, angles.Collagen fiber organization could be accurately represented by the Bingham ODF (κ1,2,3=[13.5,0.0,25.2] and κ1,2,3=[14.7,0.0,26.6]; average error of about 5%), and their integration into a structural constitutive model captured the inflation characteristics of individual carotid artery samples.Specifically, only four mechanical parameters were required to reasonably (average error from 14% to 38%) cover the experimental data over a wide range of axial and circumferential stretches.However, it was critical to account for fibrilar links between thick collagen fibers.Finally, the mean Bingham ODF provide also good approximation to uniaxial experimental data.

CONCLUSIONS

The applied structural constitutive model, based on individually measured collagen orientation densities, was able to capture the biaxial properties of the common carotid artery. Since the model required coupling amongst thick collagen fibers, the collagen fiber orientations measured from polarized light microscopy, alone, seem to be insufficient structural information. Alternatively, a larger dispersion of collagen fiber orientations, that is likely to arise from analyzing larger wall sections, could have had a similar effect, i.e. could have avoided coupling amongst thick collagen fibers.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The applied structural constitutive model, based on individually measured collagen orientation densities, was able to capture the biaxial and uniaxial properties of the common carotid artery. Since the model required coupling amongst thick collagen fibers, an effective orientation density that accounts for cross-links between the main collagen fibers has been porposed. The model provides a good approximation to the experimental data.

Cerebellar atrophy supporting diagnosis of alcohol dependence: A case report

Chronic use of alcohol is a known cause of cerebellar atrophy. This finding could be a valuable diagnosis support when there are not other information sources. In this case report, we describe a 65-year-old male patient who was referred from primary care to specialized consultation because a depressive syndrome it was unresponsive to treatment with desvenlafaxine and lorazepam. In psychopathological exploration we found overvalued ideas of suffering some kind of injury and damage by the family, which oriented the diagnostic hypothesis of delusional disorder with secondary mood symptoms, although the clinical suspicion of abuse of alcohol was proposed as a differential diagnosis. The continuing minimization and denial of consumption by the patient as well as their reluctance to incorporate an external informant made that the workup was a key element to elucidate the diagnosis. We found a discrete increase in transaminases, gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cerebellar atrophy (vermian and, in a lesser extent, in both hemispheres). Once the patient was confronted with these results, he agreed to disclose his problem, which fulfilled alcohol dependence criteria. After that, he accepted to initiate treatment and detoxification in a specialized unity.

Conclusions

Although psychiatric diagnosis is based on the clinical features and the exclusion of associated medical conditions, in this case the workup provided support to our clinical suspicion, favouring recognition of the problem and willingness to treatment by the patient.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Posterior vitreous detachment and electroconvulsive therapy: Insights from a case

A case of bilateral posterior vitreous detachment after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been reported previously in the literature. There is not enough evidence about ocular side effects of this treatment. The literature supports a slight increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), although no ocular complications have been reported in normal, glaucomatous or postsurgical eyes. In this case report, we describe a 73-year-old female patient suffering a recurrent depressive disorder, who was admitted to acute psychiatric unit because a treatment-resistant major depressive episode (after an adequate trial of antidepressant drugs and transcranial magnetic stimulation) and clinical suspicion of visual delusions by her reference psychiatrist. The nonpsychiatric history consisted of hypertension, glaucoma and ulcerative colitis in treatment with azathioprine and mesalazine. After a careful examination in the emergency room, we consulted to ophthalmologist because miodesopsias and glaucoma history. The IOP was normal, but a bilateral posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was identified. Because this entity is not an absolute contraindication for ECT, and there is scarce evidence, we informed the patient and her family. After that, and through informed consent, we decided to undergo ECT. After fourteen sessions, the patient could be discharged because significant clinical benefit and no ocular complications. Outpatient continuation ECT was indicated.

Conclusions

ECT can be a safe treatment choice in cases of PVD.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Addictive behaviour and bariatric surgery: Case report and literature review

Even though the scientific evidence supports the benefits of bariatric surgery, its indications and contraindications must be continually revised in order to avoid psychiatric complications. Substance use is more common in patients subjected to bariatric surgery than in the general population. There are reports of increased incidence of alcohol abuse in patients after bariatric surgery.

Objective

To review the available evidence, after treat the case of a 50-year-old man with addiction history whose addictive behaviour worsened after undergoing bariatric surgery, with decreased tolerance to alcohol effect and increase of the intake, as well as changes in the graduation of alcohol used (including antiseptic). As a result, a dangerous revolving door that led him to repeated admissions, including Intensive Care Unit.

Results

The case is consistent with the literature that suggests that there is an increased risk of later alcohol-related problems after bariatric surgery. This risk is higher several years post surgery, in patients with previous history of problems related to alcohol, young, men, and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedure.

Conclusions

The indications for bariatric surgery should thoroughly consider the history of addiction, an adequate assessment of the patient's mental status and psychoeducation about the possible psychiatric side effects, in order to develop preventive strategies.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Quebec public funding facilitates fertility preservation for male cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Sperm cryopreservation remains the only clinically feasible option to preserve male fertility. The quality of counselling provided by the treating physicians and the cost of sperm cryopreservation can both influence a patient's decision about whether to preserve sperm. On 5 August 2010, the Quebec government introduced provincial coverage of assisted reproductive technologies, with sperm cryopreservation included as a covered service. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether and how such a program affects the behaviour of cancer patients with respect to sperm cryopreservation.

METHODS

We analyzed the database derived from male patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation from August 2008 to August 2012 at our centre. The retrieved data included patient age, male infertility or oncologic diagnosis, sperm quality parameters, and details about the number of visits for sperm cryopreservation.

RESULTS

The number of cancer patients who cryopreserved sperm before and after the policy change did not differ significantly, but a marked increase in the number of non-cancer patients was observed. Further analysis revealed that, after implementation of the public funding program, the total number of sperm cryopreservation sessions per patient increased significantly in cancer patients but not in non-cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that cancer patients who are willing to freeze sperm are keen to return for more sessions of sperm banking when no fees are associated with the service. Those findings suggest that cost reduction is an important factor for improving delivery of fertility preservation services to male cancer patients.

Influence of TiO2 nanostructures on anti-adhesion and photoinduced bactericidal properties of thin film composite membranes

This work investigates the influence of TiO₂ nanostructures on the anti-adhesion and photoinduced bactericidal properties of thin film composite (TFC) membranes.

Tenofovir/entecavir monotherapy after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal is safe and effective in the prevention of hepatitis B in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, use of lifelong HBIG has significant limitations. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) after withdrawal of HBIG in patients who had been under HBIG-regimen prophylaxis post LT.

METHODS

Patients at low risk of recurrence were eligible for HBIG discontinuation (fulminant HBV hepatitis, co-infection with hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis B e antigen-negative cirrhotic patients with HBV DNA levels <300 copies/mL). All patients had received HBIG, with or without NA, for at least 12 months after LT. After HBIG discontinuation, they continued with ETV or TDF monotherapy. Patients were followed up with HBV serum markers and evaluation of renal function.

RESULTS

Between September 2011 and June 2014, 58 liver transplant recipients were converted to TDF (31, 53%) or ETV (27, 47%). Mean follow-up after conversion was 28 ± 5 months (range 13-36 months). Five patients (8.6%) developed detectable hepatitis B surface antigen at 7, 9, 13, 15, and 22 months after HBIG discontinuation. However, in every case seroconversion was transitory, serum HBV DNA was undetectable, with no clinical manifestations of HBV recurrence. No adverse effects were observed or dose reductions required associated with ETV or TDF.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintenance therapy with newer NAs, after discontinuation of HBIG prophylaxis, was safe and effective, with a low rate of serological recurrence and no evident clinical, biochemical, or virological consequences.