Lactose-crosslinked fish gelatin-based porous scaffolds embedded with tetrahydrocurcumin for cartilage regeneration

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is one of the major colourless metabolites of curcumin and shows even greater pharmacological and physiological benefits. The aim of this work was the manufacturing of porous scaffolds as a carrier of THC under physiological conditions. Fish-derived gelatin scaffolds were prepared by freeze-drying by two solutions concentrations (2.5% and 4% w/v), cross-linked via addition of lactose and heat-treated at 105 °C. This cross-linking reaction resulted in more water resistant scaffolds with a water uptake capacity higher than 800%. Along with the cross-linking reaction, the gelatin concentration affected the scaffold morphology, as observed by scanning electron microscopy images, by obtaining a reduced porosity but larger pores sizes when the initial gelatin concentration was increased. These morphological changes led to a scaffold's strength enhancement from 0.92 ± 0.22 MPa to 2.04 ± 0.18 MPa when gelatin concentration was increased. THC release slowed down when gelatin concentration increased from 2.5 to 4% w/v, showing a controlled profile within 96 h. Preliminary in vitro test with chondrocytes on scaffolds with 4% w/v gelatin offered higher metabolic activities and cell survival up to 14 days of incubation. Finally the addition of THC did not influence significantly the cytocompatibility and potential antibacterial properties were demonstrated successfully against Staphylococcus aureus.

Variability in biological behaviour, pathogenicity, protectotype and induction of virus neutralizing antibodies by different vaccination programmes to infectious bronchitis virus genotype Q1 strains from Chile

In the period from July 2008 to 2010, a disease episode resulting in serious economic losses in the major production area of the Chilean poultry industry was reported. These losses were associated with respiratory problems, increase of condemnations, drops in egg production and nephritis in breeders, laying hens and broilers due to infections with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Twenty-five IBV isolates were genotyped and four strains were selected for further testing by pathotyping and protectotyping. Twenty-four IBV isolates were of the Q1 genotype. The experiments also included comparing the ability of six vaccination programmes to induce virus neutralizing antibodies (VNA) in layers against four selected Chilean strains. Despite the high genetic homology in the S1 gene between the four strains, the heterogeneity in biological behaviour of these different Q1 strains was substantial. These differences were seen in embryonated eggs, in cell culture, in pathogenicity and in level of cross-protection by IBV Massachusetts (Mass) vaccination. This variability underlines the importance of testing more than one strain per serotype or genotype to determine the characteristics of a certain serotype of genotype. The combination of Mass and 793B vaccine provided a high level of protection to the respiratory tract and the kidney for each strain tested in the young birds. The combination of broad live priming using Mass and 793B vaccines and boosting with multiple inactivated IBV antigens induced the highest level of VNA against Q1 strains, which might be indicative for higher levels of protection against Q1 challenge in laying birds.

Osmotic Dehydration and Freezing as Combined Processes on Apple Preservation

Combined processes effects of osmotic dehydration in sucrose solutions and freezing on apple cubes preservation were analysed. Two multifactorial experimental designs, in two levels, were conducted consecutively to quantify the effects of the following factors: temperature, osmotic dehydration time, concentration of the osmotic medium and freezing rate. The response variables considered were: sensory evaluation, colour, texture, water activity ( aw) and reducing and total sugars. The first experimental design selected fast freezing as the best process to preserve texture and colour of the fruit. From the second experimental design, under fast freezing, were obtained the following optimal levels: 55 ºBx for the concentration of the osmotic medium, 35 ºC for the syrup temperature and 60 min for the osmotic dehydration time. A test of acceptability was performed under these conditions with 80 potential consumers on a 7-point hedonic scale, which gave 93% acceptance. Glass transition temperature (Tg') of the maximally cryoconcentrated liquid was –41.89 ºC for the product processed under optimum conditions. Significant correlations ( P= 0.05) were found between sensory and instrumental responses.

Characterization of agar/soy protein biocomposite films: Effect of agar on the extruded pellets and compression moulded films

Agar/soy protein biocomposite films were successfully processed by extrusion and compression moulding, obtaining transparent and homogeneous films. The conformational changes occurred during the extrusion process and the effect of agar on the final properties were analyzed. As shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and specific mechanical energy (SME) values, during the extrusion process protein denatured and unfolded protein chains could interact with agar. These interactions were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the secondary structure was determined from the amide I band. Those interactions were supported by the decrease of film solubility. Furthermore, the good compatibility between agar and soy protein was confirmed by the images from scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Mesoscopic and continuum modelling of angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones in response to chemical signals secreted by, for example, a wound or a tumour. In this paper, we propose a mesoscopic lattice-based model of angiogenesis, in which processes that include proliferation and cell movement are considered as stochastic events. By studying the dependence of the model on the lattice spacing and the number of cells involved, we are able to derive the deterministic continuum limit of our equations and compare it to similar existing models of angiogenesis. We further identify conditions under which the use of continuum models is justified, and others for which stochastic or discrete effects dominate. We also compare different stochastic models for the movement of endothelial tip cells which have the same macroscopic, deterministic behaviour, but lead to markedly different behaviour in terms of production of new vessel cells.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium BaeSR two-component system positively regulates sodA in response to ciprofloxacin

In response to antibiotics, bacteria activate regulatory systems that control the expression of genes that participate in detoxifying these compounds, like multidrug efflux systems. We previously demonstrated that the BaeSR two-component system from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) participates in the detection of ciprofloxacin, a bactericidal antibiotic, and in the positive regulation of mdtA, an efflux pump implicated in antibiotic resistance. In the present work, we provide further evidence for a role of the S. Typhimurium BaeSR two-component system in response to ciprofloxacin treatment and show that it regulates sodA expression. We demonstrate that, in the absence of BaeSR, the transcript levels of sodA and the activity of its gene product are lower. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and transcriptional fusions, we demonstrate that BaeR regulates sodA by a direct interaction with the promoter region.

Spatial distribution of dorylaimid and mononchid nematodes from the southeast iberian peninsula: environmental characterization of chorotypes

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of 18 environmental variables in the spatial distribution of 30 chorotypes (species groups with significantly similar distribution patterns) of dorylaimid and mononchid nematodes by means of logistic regression in a natural area in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. Six variables (elevation, color chroma, clay content, nitrogen content, CaCO, and plant community associated) were the most important environmental factors that helped explain the distribution of chorotypes. The distribution of most chorotypes was characterized by some (one to three) environmental variables; only two chorotypes were characterized by five or more variables, and four have not been characterized.

[Ethical issues of diagnostic tests in neurology]

The presence of ethical issues in the diagnostic testing process is a common experience in Neurology. Pacient Ls consent has often some difficulties because of the limited capacity of neurological patients due to cognitive impairment, neurological deficits or emotional disturbances. An explicit assessment of capacity should be performed, including the analysis of patient Ls ability to make complex decisions and its operational components. The consent must also include other ethical and legal considerations. When neurologists make the election of diagnostic tests, they have two obligations: being beneficent with their patients and using health resources properly because of distributive justice. Diagnostic necessities and knowledge of efficiency of tests must be defined in order to make beneficent and just diagnostic decisions.

The effect of hypertension on the response to blood loss in a rodent model

OBJECTIVE

Hypertensive patients having higher baseline peripheral resistance and sympathetic tone than normotensive patients may have aberrant responses to hemorrhage. In an attempt to further characterize this clinical observation, the authors compared the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to hemorrhage between spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive rats (NTR).

METHODS

Twenty adult rats (10 NTR and 10 SHR) were anesthetized with althesin via the intraperitoneal route. Femoral arteries were cannulated by cutdown. Twelve (6 SHR and 6 NTR) rats underwent controlled catheter hemorrhage of 25% of their total blood volumes. Eight rats (4 SHR and 4 NTR) served as nonhemorrhage controls. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and base excess (BE) were measured prehemorrhage and then every 15 minutes for the next 120 minutes. Data were reported as mean +/- standard error of the mean (SEM). Group comparisons were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated values post-hoc by Bonferroni. Statistical significance was defined by an alpha = 0.05.

RESULTS

Immediately after hemorrhage, the SHR group experienced a significantly (p < 0.001) greater drop in MAP of 70 +/- 4% in the SHR vs 40 +/- 6% in the NTR. Blood pressure in the NTR returned to control values 15 minutes after hemorrhage, but the SHR remained relatively hypotensive for the entire length of the experiment. Base excess in the SHR decreased significantly (p < 0.004) by 8.2 +/- 2 mmol/L from control values, as compared with no changes in BE for the NTR.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors observed significant differences in the response to hemorrhage between hypertensive and normotensive rats. Hypertensive rats experienced a more profound hemorrhagic shock insult than normotensives for the same degree of blood loss.

[Side effects of antithrombotic treatment in the secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of adverse effects of antithrombotic drugs (platelet anti-aggregants and anticoagulants) in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and mild ischemic strokes (IL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical follow-up data on the patients with TIA and IL included in a community-based observational study undertaken in the province of Segovia. Adverse effects which led to suspension of treatment or were a potential danger for the patient's life were recorded.

RESULTS

The groups studied included 235 patients and the average initial age was 70.8 years. The average follow-up time was 3.6 years. The treatment initially given included: aspirin (75.7%), ticlopidine (12.8%) and acenocumarol (9.4%). Adverse effects led to suspension of treatment in 6% (5% with aspirin and acenocumarol, 17% with ticlopidine). The adverse effects of ticlopidine were mild and patients did not need admission to hospital (cutaneous exanthema, diarrhoea and reversible leucopenia). Aspirin was associated with digestive tract bleeding (2.8%) and cerebral hemorrhage (1.7%) which required hospital admission in most cases. One patient treated with acenocumarol presented with a retroperitoneal hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In general antithrombotic drugs are well-tolerated by patients with TIA and LI. Hemorrhagic complications, particularly of the digestive tract, associated with aspirin limit tolerance to it.

Sarcoidosis, sclerosing cholangitis, and chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis: a case of infiltrative sclerosing cholangitis

We report a patient in whom sarcoidosis coexisted with sclerosing cholangitis and chronic atrophic autoimmune gastritis. There are some autoimmune diseases associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis; the difference between sarcoidosis and all other autoimmune diseases associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis is the ability of the former to damage the biliary tree. Moreover, when sarcoidosis behaves like cholestasis it can damage the biliary tree, mimicking primary sclerosing cholangitis, with high immunoglobulin M but without inflammatory bowel disease and p-ANCAs negative. We believe that it should be regarded as a single disease "infiltrative sclerosing cholangitis" because this is not a primary disease and sarcoidosis would be responsible for a beaded biliary tree.

[Prospective study on the influence of gastroduodenal ulcer hemorrhage on the diagnostic methods in Helicobacter pylori infection]

BACKGROUND

To know the influence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in diagnostic methods of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

We prospectively studied patients with peptic ulcers: 55 with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and 62 without upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We analysed the results of culture, urease test, Gram, histology and serological test IgG and IgA in both groups. H. pylori infection was determined by a positive culture or positive urease test and histology.

RESULTS

Patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were older, but there were not statistical differences in sex, H. pylori prevalence infection or duodenal or gastric ulcers between patients with and without upper gastrointestinal bleeding. 78% having H. pylori infection. The urease test had a false negative rate in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding of 22% but only 3% in patients without upper gastrointestinal bleeding (p < 0.05). The culture, histology and Gram had higher false negative rate in upper gastrointestinal bleeding group than in non upper gastrointestinal bleeding group but without statistical significance. All patients with false negative urease test had antral culture positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Urease test has a high false negative rate when is studied in patients with peptic ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Caution should be made if urease test was used alone for diagnosis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Urease test and culture together could be a good diagnostic method.

Evaluating and improving the cost-effectiveness of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an expensive, widely used device for severe ventricular arrhythmias. Marginal cost-effectiveness analysis is a technique to examine the incremental cost of treatment strategy in relation to its effectiveness. In this study, we used this technique to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the ICD compared with that of electrophysiology (EP)-guided drug therapy and examined ways in which it may be improved. We analyzed Michigan Medicare discharge abstracts (1989 to 1992) and local physician visit, test, and ICD charges. Effectiveness was from 218 previously described patients with ICDs in whom the time of first event (first appropriate shock or death) was determined and presumed to represent "control" (EP-guided drug therapy) mortality. We assumed a 4-year life cycle for the ICD generator and 3.4% operative mortality and used a 5% discount to prevent value. Data were analyzed in a 1-month cycle Markov decision model over a 6-year horizon, and results were updated to 1993 dollars. ICD effectiveness was an increase in discounted mean life expectancy of 1.72 years. Cost-effectiveness was $31,100/year of life saved (YLS). Results were minimally or modestly sensitive to variations in preoperative mortality; resource use; consideration only of patients with ICDs who were receiving any antiarrhythmic drug or specifically amiodarone; and to a decrease in the percentage of first shocks that would equal death without the ICD until the assumed percentage decreased to < 38%. At ejection fraction of < 0.25 and > or = 0.25, cost-effectiveness was $44,000/YLS and $27,200/YLS, respectively, and without preimplant EP study was $18,100/ YLS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Hepatic and blood lead levels in patients with chronic liver disease

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between lead levels in the liver and blood, liver function indices and other biological variables in patients with liver disease.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

METHOD

The levels of lead in blood and hepatic tissue was measured in 92 patients with different liver diseases and in a control group (n = 100). Lead levels were analysed by electrothermic atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

For controls, the mean lead level in blood was 175 +/- 87 micrograms/l. Blood lead levels were significantly linked with alcohol intake. They were raised in patients with alcoholic liver disease, including both those with cirrhosis (230 +/- 65 micrograms/l) and those with chronic non-cirrhotic liver disease (247 +/- 82 micrograms/l). The differences between these subgroups, the control group, and the patients with non-alcoholic liver disease were statistically significant. The mean hepatic lead level for patients was 2.30 +/- 1.40 micrograms/g dry weight (d.w.), and 2.15 +/- 1.71 micrograms/g d.w. for controls (not significant). Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had higher hepatic lead levels than non-alcoholic patients (2.62 +/- 1.48 micrograms/g d.w. versus 2.07 +/- 1.14 micrograms/g d.w., respectively), although the difference was not statistically significant. There was no relationship between blood and hepatic lead levels (r = 0.27; not significant). Blood lead levels correlated with phosphorus (r = -0.36; P < 0.001), and alcohol intake (g/day; r = 0.32; P < 0.001). Blood and hepatic lead levels in patients with cirrhosis were similar for patients with Child-Pugh class A, B and C disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased levels of lead were found in the blood of patients who consumed alcohol and those with alcoholic liver disease. Our data suggest that both blood and hepatic lead levels are not influenced by changes in liver function.

Correlation of the local and systemic cytokine response with clinical outcome following thermal injury

Eighty-eight patients with acute thermal injury were evaluated. Forty-eight hours after injury, TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly present in the systemic circulation, lung, normal skin, and thermally injured skin. The presence of TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 proteins in the lung, normal skin, and thermally injured skin were associated with TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA upregulation. Logistic regression analysis controlling for the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index demonstrated that the presence of IL-8 in the lung was associated with early pulmonary physiologic dysfunction (p = 0.006) and nosocomial pulmonary infection (p = 0.040). We conclude that acute thermal injury initiates an early systemic, lung, and skin response involving TNF, IL-6, and IL-8. The TNF, IL-6, and IL-8 protein present in the lung and skin in response to acute thermal injury are generated locally and do not originate from the systemic cytokine pool. The lung cytokine response to acute thermal injury may initiate local organ failure.

[Primary segmental sclerosing cholangitis associated with Sjögren's syndrome]

We report the case of a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis associated with Sjögren's syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon, an uncommon association. The presence of periportal lymph nodes with features similar to those described in autoimmune diseases suggests an immune pathogenesis of the disease. The localized and segmentary involvement of the common duct is also an uncommon finding. The pathogenetic and therapeutic aspects are discussed.

[Double esophageal membrane in a patient with Plummer-Vinson syndrome]

A case is presented of a 27-year-old patient with Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Radiological and endoscopic study detected a double membrane in the cervical esophagus. After esophageal dilation, dysphagia remitted and the patient remains asymptomatic.