Anti-adhesion bioactivity of tempeh against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli can be improved through the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum culture during fermentation

Diarrhoea is prevalently widespread in developing countries and can lead to death. This disease could be caused by a prerequisite attachment of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) on human intestinal epithelial cells and followed by toxin production. Several antibiotics have been developed to reduce diarrhoeal severity. However, the use of antibiotics could also disrupt the balance of gut microbiota. This research found that tempeh fermented with the addition of Lactobacillus plantarum culture could decrease the adhesion of ETEC to the intestinal epithelial cells. This study measured the ability of L. plantarum to produce exopolysaccharide (EPS) and examined the effect of L. plantarum addition to tempeh, particularly its effect on anti-adhesion activity against ETEC. By using yeast agglutination assay to observe anti-adhesion activity, the data showed that soybean tempeh fermented with the addition of L. plantarum at OD600 of 0.5 had an increase of anti-adhesion bioactivity against ETEC nearly three times compared to tempeh without the addition of L. plantarum culture. Moreover, the exclusion test showed that EPS from L. plantarum could act as a preventive agent against ETEC adhesion to eukaryotic cells. Our finding indicated that the addition of lactic acid bacteria culture can be considered to augment the anti-adhesion bioactivity in soybean tempeh against ETEC.

The Influence of Asian Subgroup and Acculturation on Colorectal Cancer Screening Knowledge and Attitudes Among Chinese and Korean Americans

Understanding how knowledge and attitudes about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening differs among Asian immigrants is important for informing targeted health interventions aimed at preventing and treating CRC in this diverse population. This study examines how Asian subgroup and acculturation are associated with CRC knowledge and attitudes among Chinese and Korean immigrants in the United States (U.S.). Data come from the baseline survey of a randomized controlled trial to increase CRC screening among Chinese and Korean American immigrants living in the Baltimore-Washington DC Metropolitan Area (n = 400). We use linear regression to examine how Asian subgroup, time in the U.S., English-speaking proficiency, and ethnic identity are associated with CRC knowledge and screening attitudes, accounting for demographic variables, socioeconomic status, and health insurance status. Results show that greater socioeconomic status was associated with higher CRC knowledge, and socioeconomic status explained more of the variance in CRC knowledge than acculturation factors. Additionally, attitudes varied by Asian subgroup, with Chinese reporting lower CRC screening salience, worry, response efficacy, and social influence compared to Koreans. Findings suggest that in-language interventions aimed at increasing CRC knowledge and capitalizing on attitudes about screening can help to bridge disparities in CRC screening by socioeconomic status and country of origin. We discuss implications for future interventions to increase CRC screening uptake among Chinese and Korean immigrants in the U.S.

Developing Electrospun Ethylcellulose Nanofibrous Webs: An Alternative Approach for Structuring Castor Oil

The development of environment-friendly natural polymer gel-like dispersions in oil media, with functional properties, in terms of formulation design and synthesis protocol, is still a cutting-edge research area for many applications. The aim of this work was to study the manufacture of electrospun ethylcellulose (EC) nanofibrous webs and to examine their usage to thicken vegetable oils as an alternative approach. The role of concentration, molecular weight (Mw), and binary solvent systems on the electrospinnability of EC and subsequently on the rheological properties of EC nanofiber dispersions in castor oil was investigated. It was observed that, for each Mw, defect-free nanofibers were produced above a critical concentration, corresponding to about 2.5 the entanglement concentration (Ce). The average fiber diameter increased with both Mw and EC concentrations. Dielectric constant and dipole moment of binary solvent systems influenced the morphology of the EC nanofiber web. The morphology of the micro- and nanoarchitectures generated played a key role in the physical stabilization and rheological behavior of electrospun EC dispersions. The storage modulus (G') of EC dispersions was correlated with both the spinning solution concentration and average fiber diameter. Furthermore, electrospun EC nanofiber dispersions were compared with EC oleogels obtained by traditional thermogelation from thermorheological and tribological points of view. Overall, this work proposes an efficient and innovative approach to produce bio-based oleogel-like dispersions with great potential in different sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, or lubricants.

Influence of surfactants on the electrospinnability of lignin-PVP solutions and subsequent oil structuring properties of nanofiber mats

This work focuses on the improvement of the electrospinnability of low-sulfonate lignin (LSL)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions by the addition of surfactants (SDS, CTAB and Tween-20) as well as on the ability of resulting nanofibers to structure castor oil. Solutions with two LSL/PVP weight ratios (70:30 and 90:10) in DMF were prepared by adding variable surfactant concentrations (0–1 wt.%), and physicochemically characterized. Electrical conductivity, surface tension and rheological measurements were performed. Variations of these physicochemical properties were explained on the basis of surfactant-polymer interactions. The addition of surfactants to LSL/PVP solutions improves electrospinnability, producing more compact and uniform fiber mats in 70:30 LSL/PVP systems, generally reducing the average diameter of the nanofibers and the number of beads. In contrast, nanofiber mats were not obtained with 90:10 LSL/PVP solutions, but different nanostructures composed of particle clusters. Dispersions of nanofiber mats obtained by electrospinning from 70:30 LSL/PVP solutions in castor oil were able to generate physically stable strong oleogels. In general, linear viscoelastic functions of oleogels increased with surfactant concentration. In addition, these oleogels exhibited excellent lubrication performance in a tribological contact, with extremely low values of the friction coefficient and wear diameters, which may lead to potential applications as lubricants.

Abstract WP225: Composition Of Egocentric Networks Among Stroke Survivors

Background: Social networks provide emotional and social support that may help prevent the onset of secondary stroke. Little is known about egocentric networks among stroke survivors and the type of support they provide.

Objective: To develop an understanding of the supportive role alters or personal contacts provide to stroke survivors and gain insight of participants' egocentric network.

Methods: Data obtained from the Discharge Educational Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events (DESERVE) trial, a skills-based, culturally tailored discharge educational intervention. Participants (n=552) identified up to 5 alters. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between participants and alters.

Results: Approximately, 34% of participants identified as Non-Hispanic (NH) Black followed by Hispanic (33%), NH White (28%), NH Asian Pacific Islanders (API) (3%). Majority of participants (n=462, 83%) reported having at least one alter. Most participants with ≥1 alter (92%) indicated talking to alter every day or several times a week. Yet all with an alter stated that they can talk to alter about an important health problem or medical decision. Among participants (n=543, p=.002), NH Blacks (n=38, 45%) and Hispanic (n=33, 39%) were more likely to report no alters compared to NH White (n=14, 16%; Figure).

Conclusions: Majority of participants reported having at least one person within their social network that they can talk to about their health problems. We are unable to determine if the first person that participants indicated may be the most influential person in health-related matters. The implications of these results may be relevant for future stroke interventions. Additional studies are needed to understand the type of influence alters have on stroke survivors in health-related behaviors and decisions that may help improve post-stroke outcomes. Further studies are also needed to assess health outcomes among isolated stroke patients by race.

Correlates of Undiagnosed Hypertension Among Chinese and Korean American Immigrants

Asian Americans are more likely to be unaware that they have hypertension compared to non-Hispanic white Americans, despite having higher risk of hypertension at lower body-mass indices. Furthermore, immigrants are more likely than their United States (U.S.)-born counterparts to have undiagnosed hypertension, placing them at greater risk of subsequent morbidity and mortality. This study examines the social determinants of undiagnosed hypertension among Asian American immigrants. Using a study of foreign-born Chinese and Korean Americans between the ages of 50-75 years-old recruited from physicians' clinics in the Baltimore-Washington DC Metropolitan Area (n = 355), we used blood pressure readings measured by trained staff members, self-reported diagnosis by a medical professional, and self-reported hypertension medication use to determine hypertension status-whether patients were non-hypertensive, had diagnosed hypertension, or had undiagnosed hypertension. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined how demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration-related factors were associated with hypertension status. Results indicated that older age, male gender, Korean subgroup, and marital status were associated with having diagnosed hypertension compared to being non-hypertensive. Lack of health insurance was the strongest predictor of having undiagnosed hypertension compared to being non-hypertensive. Acculturation variables had no strong associations with hypertension status. We then explored correlates of health insurance status for Chinese and Korean American immigrants. Those without health insurance were more likely to have lower income and to be not currently employed. Our findings point to the importance of increasing health insurance access for Asian American immigrant groups to ensure that hypertension is not left undiagnosed and untreated.

The central role of social support in the health of Chinese and Korean American immigrants

Prior research contends that social support positively influences health by optimizing individuals' psychological processes such as appraisals, emotions, and sense of control-known as stress-buffering effects. This study tests this theoretical concept by examining whether the association between social support and health can be explained by the psychological processes of perceived stress and distress among Chinese and Korean American immigrants. Furthermore, we examine what predicts social support in this population, with a particular focus on factors related to immigration. Using a total sample of 400 Chinese and Korean American immigrants, we examine the association between social support and self-rated health (SRH), accounting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, perceived stress, and perceived distress using multivariable logistic regression models. We conducted a mediation analysis using the Karlson, Holm, and Breen (KHB) method to determine whether perceived stress and distress partly explained the association between social support and SRH. Findings showed a strong total effect of higher social support on better SRH. Furthermore, mediation was detected, with perceived stress and distress explaining 42.98% of the total effect of social support on SRH. Multivariable linear regression models revealed that social support among Chinese and Korean American immigrants was associated with marital status, employment, ethnic identity, and acculturative stress. This study highlights the centrality of social support for Chinese and Korean American immigrants, which lowers perceived stress and distress, leading to better overall health. By confirming these stress-buffering effects, our findings suggest that bolstering social support among vulnerable Chinese and Korean American immigrant populations can have a positive effect on health by optimizing stress appraisals.

Cognitive Factors Associated with Frequency of Eating Out and Eating Takeout among Latinas

Higher frequency of eating outside the home can be an unhealthy behavior that may contribute to higher rates of obesity among Latinas, a disproportionately affected group. There is a growing need to understand potentially modifiable factors (eg, dispositional mindfulness, self-efficacy, nutrition knowledge) associated with higher frequency of eating outside the home in this population. This study assessed associations of cognitive factors (ie, dispositional mindfulness, self-efficacy of eating and purchasing healthy foods, nutrition knowledge) with frequency of eating out among Latinas. A secondary analysis was performed of data from a cross-sectional study of Latinas between February and May 2015. The study comprised a convenience sample of 218 Spanish- or English-literate Latinas, between the ages of 18 and 55 years, who lived in South or East Los Angeles and self-identified as the primary person responsible for grocery shopping in the household. Most participants identified as foreign-born Mexican Americans. Frequency of eating out was assessed as the outcome variable, and three cognitive variables (mindfulness disposition, self-efficacy, nutrition knowledge) served as independent variables. Multinomial models assessed the association between cognitive factors and frequency of eating out. Models were adjusted for age, English-speaking ability, income, having an obesity-related disease (ie, overweight or obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease), household size, and education level. For every 1-unit increase in mindfulness disposition, the risk of a participant eating out every week compared with every month decreased by a factor of 0.42 (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.58, P < 0.01). For every 1-unit increase in self-efficacy, the risk of a participant eating out every week compared with every month decreased by a factor of 0.32 (RRR = 0.68, P < 0.05), and the risk of a participant eating out every 2 weeks compared with every month decreased by a factor of 0.44 (RRR = 0.56, P < 0.05). For every 1-unit increase in nutrition knowledge, the risk of a participant eating out every week compared with every month increased by a factor of 1.42 (RRR = 1.42, P < 0.01). Lower dispositional mindfulness was associated with higher frequency of eating out when comparing individuals who ate out at least every week with those who ate out once a month or less or every 2 weeks. Lower self-efficacy was associated with eating out more when comparing those who ate out once a month or less with those who ate out at least every week or every 2 weeks. Lower nutrition knowledge was associated with lower frequency of eating out for participants who ate out once a month or less compared with those who ate out at least every week.

Disturbed testicular expression of the estrogen-metabolizing enzymes CYP1A1 and COMT in infertile men with primary spermatogenic failure: possible negative implications on Sertoli cells

Estradiol (E₂ ) is normally metabolized to hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols by CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT. However, an altered production of these metabolites by a disturbed expression of these enzymes is associated with reproductive and non-reproductive pathologies. In vitro studies suggest that increased hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols intratesticular generation is related to male infertility, but no studies have explored whether infertile men have a disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes that generate these E₂ metabolites. The aim of this study was to assess CYP1A1, CYP1B1 and COMT testicular expression at mRNA and protein level in men with spermatogenic impairment. Seventeen men with primary spermatogenic failure (13 with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and four with maturation arrest) and nine controls with normal spermatogenesis were subjected to testicular biopsy. mRNA was quantified using real-time RT-PCR and protein expression was evaluated using western blot and immunohistochemistry followed by integrated optic density analysis. Besides, the effects of hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols on testosterone-induced transcriptional activity were evaluated in TM4 cells using a luciferase reporter assay system. Our results show that patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome had significantly elevated COMT expression at the mRNA level, higher COMT immunoreactivity in their seminiferous tubules and increased protein expression of the soluble COMT isoform (S-COMT), whereas patients with maturation arrest had significantly elevated CYP1A1 mRNA levels and higher CYP1A1 immunoreactivity in interstitial space. Finally, 2-hydroxyestradiol decreased testosterone-induced transcriptional activity in Sertoli cells in vitro. In conclusion, male infertility is related to disturbed testicular expression of the enzymes responsible for producing hydroxyestradiols and/or methoxyestradiols. If these changes are related with increased intratesticular hydroxyestradiols and methoxyestradiols concentrations, they could elicit an impaired Sertoli cell function. Our results suggest CYP1A1 and COMT as new potential targets in treating male infertility.

Erratum to: 36th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine: Brussels, Belgium. 15-18 March 2016

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13054-016-1208-6.].

Influence of Tomato Paste Processing on the Linear Viscoelasticity of Tomato Ketchup

Tomato paste is used as an ingredient for the manufacture of tomato ketchup. This paper deals with the influence that some tomato paste processing variables (finisher screen opening and breaking temperature) and tomato variety exert on the linear viscoelastic properties of tomato ketchup. Two tomato varieties (H-282 and H-282F) were used. H-282 is a commercial variety whilst H-282F is a variety with a lower content in polygalacturonase (PG). Dynamic viscoelastic tests and particle size distribution measurements were carried out. Viscoelastic properties of tomato ketchup were mainly related to their mean volume diameter, tomato paste water-insoluble solids content (that depended on the tomato paste processing) and tomato variety.

Histological changes in the rat brain and spinal cord following prolonged intracerebroventricular infusion of cerebrospinal fluid from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are similar to those caused by the disease

INTRODUCTION

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients induces cytotoxic effects in in vitro cultured motor neurons.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We selected CSF with previously reported cytotoxic effects from 32 ALS patients. Twenty-eight adult male rats were intracerebroventricularly implanted with osmotic mini-pumps and divided into 3 groups: 9 rats injected with CSF from non-ALS patients, 15 rats injected with cytotoxic ALS-CSF, and 4 rats injected with a physiological saline solution. CSF was intracerebroventricularly and continuously infused for periods of 20 or 43days after implantation. We conducted clinical assessments and electromyographic examinations, and histological analyses were conducted in rats euthanised 20, 45, and 82days after surgery.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical studies revealed tissue damage with similar characteristics to those found in the sporadic forms of ALS, such as overexpression of cystatinC, transferrin, and TDP-43 protein in the cytoplasm. The earliest changes observed seemed to play a protective role due to the overexpression of peripherin, AKTpan, AKTphospho, and metallothioneins; this expression had diminished by the time we analysed rats euthanised on day 82, when an increase in apoptosis was observed. The first cellular changes identified were activated microglia followed by astrogliosis and overexpression of GFAP and S100B proteins.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that ALS could spread through CSF and that intracerebroventricular administration of cytotoxic ALS-CSF provokes changes similar to those found in sporadic forms of the disease.

2-hydroxyoestradiol and 2-methoxyoestradiol, two endogenous oestradiol metabolites, induce DNA fragmentation in Sertoli cells

Elevated intratesticular levels of hydroxyoestradiols and methoxyoestradiols, two classes of endogenous oestradiol metabolites, have been associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of 2-hydroxyoestradiol (2OHE₂ ), 4-hydroxyoestradiol (4OHE₂ ), 2-methoxyoestradiol (2ME₂ ) and 4-methoxyoestradiol (4ME₂ ) on Sertoli cell viability. For this, TM4 cells were incubated with different concentrations of these metabolites for 24 h to then evaluate the viability and DNA integrity by MTS and TUNEL assay respectively. The participation of classical oestrogen receptors and the involvement of oxidative stress and apoptotic mechanisms were also evaluated co-incubating TM4 cells with these estradiol metabolites and with the drugs ICI182780, N-acetylcysteine and Z-VAD-FMK respectively. Only high concentrations of 2OHE₂ and 2ME₂ decreased cell viability inducing DNA fragmentation. In addition, ICI182780 did not block the effect of 2OHE₂ and 2ME₂ , while N-Acetylcysteine and Z-VAD-FMK only blocked the effect of 2OHE₂ . Moreover, 2OHE₂ but not 2ME₂ induced PARP and caspase-3 cleavage. Finally, lower 2OHE₂ and 2ME₂ concentrations (0.01-0.1-1.0 μmol l^-1 ) decreased Sertoli cell viability 48 h post-treatment. Our results support the hypothesis that elevated intratesticular 2OHE₂ or 2ME₂ concentrations could be related to male infertility since 2OHE₂ by apoptosis and 2ME₂ by undetermined mechanisms induce DNA fragmentation in Sertoli cells.

[Compliance with the PECARN and AEP guidelines in diagnostic approach of mild head trauma in patients younger than 24 months old]

INTRODUCTION

Mild head trauma is a frequent complaint in Pediatric Emergency Departments. Several guidelines have been published in the last few years. However, significant variability can be appreciated in terms of the demand for image tests. The aim of this study is to determine the level of compliance with PECARN and AEP guidelines in the management of patients younger than 24 months old in four different hospitals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting with mild head trauma between October 1st, 2011 and March 31st, 2013 in the Emergency Departments of four hospitals.

RESULTS

In the analysis of the results obtained, only one of the four hospitals complied with the AEP guidelines in more than 50% of the patients. The other three hospitals had a level of compliance lower than 50%. Management was more suitable according to PECARN guidelines, with 3 of the 4 hospitals having a level of compliance greater than 50%. However, the best compliance achieved by a hospital was only of 70%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that the level of compliance with guidelines for management of mild head trauma in patients younger than 24 months old is low.

Tandem ATRP/Diels–Alder synthesis of polyHEMA-based hydrogels

An efficient controlled process for the preparation of HEMA-based hydrogels by means of the Diels–Alder reaction.

Predictors of neonatal morbidity in fetuses with severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia undergoing fetoscopic tracheal occlusion

OBJECTIVES

To investigate neonatal morbidity in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) and compare it with historical controls with less severe forms of CDH that were managed expectantly.

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter study on neonatal outcomes and prenatal predictors in 90 FETO survivors (78 left-sided, 12 right) and 41 controls from the antenatal CDH registry with either severe or moderate hypoplasia who were managed expectantly. We also investigated early neonatal morbidity indicators, including the need for patch repair, duration of mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen, age at full enteral feeding and incidence of pulmonary hypertension.

RESULTS

Gestational age at delivery was predictive of duration of assisted ventilation (P = 0.046), days on supplemental oxygen (P = 0.019) and age at full enteral feeding (P = 0.020). When delivery took place after 34 weeks' gestation, neonatal morbidity of FETO cases was comparable with that of expectantly managed cases with moderate hypoplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal intervention for severe CDH is associated with neonatal morbidity that is comparable with that of an expectantly managed group with less severe disease.

[SOD1-N196 mutation in a family with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

INTRODUCTION

N19S mutation is produced by substitution in the 139 position of SOD1 and was described by Mayeux in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He suggested that it did not have a causal effect as it was found in asymptomatic and sporadic cases. Other authors in later articles did not agree.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe a family with 4 members with ALS patients and attempt to find the carrier of the N19S mutation of the propositus. Molecular studies were performed on 15 members of the family of a different order.

RESULTS

The ALS cases were found in the maternal line of the propositus. The presence of the mutation was detected in 3 people, the other two were asymptomatic. One of patients with ALS in the family, who died previously, did not have the mutation. Two of the sons of this case and another of the other case did not show it. On the other hand, N19S mutation was only present in paternal branch of the propositus, where there were no cases.

CONCLUSION

The described family supports the hypothesis by Mayeux and against that mutation N19S has pathological consequences, since mutation is only in the family line where there are no cases with ALS. In consequence, although the described case is included as a familiar form, it cannot be attributed to the mutation, and its relationship with N19S should be considered as casual.