Detection of a novel Chlamydia species in captive spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in southeastern Spain and proposal of Candidatus Chlamydia testudinis.

The spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) is an endangered Mediterranean tortoise that lives in North Africa, Southern Europe and Southwest Asia. In the wake of recent legislation making their keeping as domestic animals illegal, many of these animals have been returned to wildlife recovery centers in Spain. In the present study, a population of such tortoises showing signs of ocular disease and nasal discharge was examined for the presence of Chlamydia spp. Cloacal, conjunctival and/or choanal swabs were collected from 58 animals. Using a real-time PCR specific for the family Chlamydiaceae, 57/58 animals tested positive in at least one sample. While only a few samples proved positive for C. pecorum, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a sequence identical to previously published sequences from specimens of German and Polish tortoises. Whole-genome sequences obtained from two conjunctival swab samples, as well as ANIb, TETRA values and a scheme based on 9 taxonomic marker genes revealed that the strain present in the Spanish tortoises represented a new yet non-classified species, with C. pecorum being its closest relative. We propose to designate the new species Candidatus Chlamydia testudinis.

A new tooth brushing approach supported by an innovative hybrid toothbrush-compared reduction of dental plaque after a single use versus an oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush.

BACKGROUND: An innovative hybrid toothbrush was designed functioning either in manual mode, in powered mode (sonic) or in combined mode (manual and powered). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of this first hybrid toothbrush (Elgydium Clinic/Inava Hybrid) used in combined mode to a marketed oscillating-rotating powered toothbrush (Oral-B Vitality) in the reduction of dental plaque after a single use. The secondary aims were to evaluate the tolerance and acceptability of each device. METHODS: It was a randomized, examiner-blind, single-center study performed on two parallel groups: hybrid toothbrush (n = 33) versus oscillating-rotating toothbrush (n = 33). A brushing exercise was conducted for two minutes on subjects presenting a "Silness and Löe Plaque Index" (PI) between 1.0 and 2.0 and a "Modified Gingival Index" between 1.0 and 2.0. They were not to have ever used an electric toothbrush. To assess the device effect after brushing, a paired t-test was applied on the change outcome (After-Before brushing). An unpaired t-test was used to compare the efficacy of both devices. A global tolerance assessment of each powered toothbrush was done on all the subjects. The number and percentage of reactions related to each toothbrush was collected and the final tolerance assessment was estimated. RESULTS: After a single use, the hybrid toothbrush used in combined mode presented a global anti-plaque efficacy characterized by a significant decrease of the global PI of 45% on average (p < 0.0001; paired t-test). It was as effective as the oscillating rotating toothbrush in plaque removal (p > 0.05; unpaired t-test). The global tolerance of both toothbrushes was judged as "Good" and they were equally appreciated by the users. CONCLUSION: The results of this one-time use trial demonstrate the efficacy of the hybrid toothbrush used in combined mode for plaque removal. The hybrid toothbrush design allows each user to adapt tooth brushing to his preference (manual / sonic / combined), his skills or his mouth condition. We hypothesize that such an individualized approach can favor long term compliance with oral health recommendations and improve global oral wellness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN12394494 , 20/02/2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Long-term Outcomes in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant Recipients: Single-center Experience From Poland.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Since the 1980s, pancreas transplantation has become the most effective strategy to restore normoglycemia in patients with DM1. The aim of this study was to present long-term outcomes data for SPKT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 73 SPKT recipients followed in our outpatient center who underwent transplantation between 1988 and 2015. RESULTS: A total of 50.7% of the patients were male. At the time of surgery, patients' mean age was 37.38 ± 7.44 years. Patients were diagnosed with DM1 at an average of 25 ± 6.08 years before SPKT. For 21.9% of patients, the transplant was done preemptively. Most (91.8%) had enteric drainage. All patients received induction of immunosuppression (either polyclonal immunoglobulins anti-thymocyte globulin or thymoglobulin [64.4%] or monoclonal globulins daclizumab or basiliximab [35.6%]). Patient survival at 1, 5, 10, 15 years was 99%, 97%, 89%, and 75%; kidney survival was 99%, 96%, 84%, and 67%; and pancreas survival was 95%, 92%, 84%, and 64%, respectively. There was a notable tendency toward increased creatinine level (from 1.18 at 1 year to 1.78 at 15 years) and decreased hemoglobin level (from 13.84 at 1 year to 12.65 at 15 years). CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with ESRD have a poor prognosis without transplantation. SPKT provides marked prolongation of the patient's life and freedom from insulin injections. Enteric drainage is currently the surgical technique of choice. SPKT should remain as the treatment of choice in this patient population.

Analysis of Hospitalizations in Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-center Experience in Poland.

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease due to type 1 diabetes mellitus appears to be a regular indication for simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKT). Although transplantation improves a patient's health condition, it does not mean that all complications will be eliminated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 73 patients who underwent SPKT and follow-up between 1988 and 2015 at our institute. The number, duration, and reasons for hospitalization at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years after SPKT were analyzed. RESULTS: The average number of hospitalizations at 1, 5, 10, 15 years after SPKT were 1.66, 0.39, 0.36, and 0.33, respectively. The main reason for hospitalization over the 15-year period was infections, at 32.4% (SD, 6.8%). Within the first year after SPKT, 6.8% of hospital admissions were caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Over time, the percentage of hospitalizations for cardiovascular complications increased from 0.6% at 1 year to 29% at 12-15 years. Incidence of hospitalization due to cardiovascular complications correlated with a longer period of dialysis and a diagnosis of ischemic heart disease before transplant (r = 0.56, P = .004; r = 0.54, P < .0001, respectively). At 12-15 years after transplantation, 18.2% of hospitalizations were caused by secondary complications of diabetes. CONCLUSION: The most common reason for hospitalization after SPKT is infectious complications. In the first year posttransplant, there is a high percentage of CMV infections. Hospitalization associated with cardiovascular complications was found to be most common in the latter follow-up period and showed a correlation with longer dialysis period.

Does Low Birthweight Have an Impact on Living Kidney Donor Outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: Because nearly 30,000 people worldwide become living kidney donors each year, donor safety is of the utmost importance. Recent studies have shown that living kidney donation is associated with an increased relative risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is essential to determine which donors will be more likely to develop ESRD. One of the risk factors for ESRD in living kidney donors is hypertension and, because there are studies demonstrating that low birthweight is a risk factor for developing hypertension in adult life, we hypothesized that donors with low birthweight may be at higher risk of developing renal disease after donation. METHODS: Seventy-three living kidney donors were examined. Donors were divided into 2 cohorts: a group with low birthweight and group with normal birthweight. We checked whether the donor birthweight has an impact on the outcome of donor renal function and on the development of hypertension. RESULTS: Hypertension was observed statistically more frequent in the group with low birthweight (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Glomerular filtration rate before kidney donation was found to be lower in the low-birthweight group.

Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii among domestic ruminants and horses in Poland.

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. The cases of the disease are recorded in various species, including domestic animals. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Totally, 2082 serum samples from 936 goats, 933 cattle, 89 sheep, and 124 horses, including various horse breeds, were tested by ELISA or complement fixation test. The examination revealed that Polish horses are seronegative while in the populations of cattle and small ruminants, seropositive animals are presented. The percentage of seropositive cattle, goats and sheep was 4.18, 6.30, and 13.48, respectively.

Hydroxycinnamoyl derivatives and secoiridoid glycoside derivatives from Syringa vulgaris flowers and their effects on the pro-inflammatory responses of human neutrophils.

Thirteen new compounds including caffeoyl-glucaric and p-coumaroyl-altraric acid derivatives, one monoterpenoid glucoside, four secoiridoid glycosides, and three hydroxycinnamoyl phenylpropanoid glycosides esterified with an oleoside 11-methyl ester along with fifteen known compounds were isolated from flowers of Syringa vulgaris L. (Oleaceae). Their structures were elucidated by high-resolution spectroscopic methods. The tested compounds were able to decrease the production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, oleoechinacoside (13), demethylhydroxyoleonuezhenide (14), demethyloleonuezhenide (15), syringaoleoacteoside (25) and oleoacteoside (26) at the concentration of 50µM, moderately suppressed the LPS-stimulated release of pro-inflammatory chemokine IL-8 and TNF-α from human neutrophils. Moreover, oleonuezhenide (12), oleoside 11-methyl ester (16) and oleoacteoside (26) at the concentration of 50µM were able to induce the surface expression of interleukin 10 receptor, which is suppressed by the incubation of monocyte/macrophage cells with LPS.

Urinary Tract Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients Hospitalized at a Transplantation and Nephrology Ward: 1-Year Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTI), the causative organisms of UTI and also their management and treatment. In addition, we evaluated the effects of UTI on renal graft function. METHODS: This analysis included 107 kidney transplant recipients (64% women) with a diagnosis of UTIs confirmed by positive results on urine culture. Type of pathogens, sensitivity to drugs, risk factors for infection, incidence of urosepsis, hospitalization period, treatment methods, and recurrence rates were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson's χ(2) test, Yates' χ(2) test, the Student t test, Welch's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. RESULTS: The most common species isolated from urine samples included Escherichia coli (42%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15%), and Enterococcus faecalis (10%). The percentage of multidrug-resistant strains was 31%, and urosepsis was diagnosed in 16% of patients. Recurrences developed in 76% of infected patients. Bricker ureterointestinal anastomosis was performed in 11% of patients. Risk factors for severe infections included: pre-transplantation urinary tract surgery (P = .02), double-J stent insertion (more common in men) during KTx (N = 34; 32%), (P = .021), reoperations following transplantation (P = .36), elevated tacrolimus levels at the time of infection (P = .024). Severe infections were diagnosed in patients with lower eGFRs, were associated with a need for longer hospitalization (P = .04) and escalation of antibacterial treatment. Carbapenems were used in 22 patients (20.5%). CONCLUSIONS: UTIs were more common in women, in patients with impaired function of the kidney transplant, and in those with a history of urinary tract interventions. Severe infections were associated with a risk of urosepsis, longer hospitalization, and a need for escalation of antibiotic treatment.

Renal Tumor in Allogeneic Kidney Transplant Recipient.

BACKGROUND: Malignancies will be a leading cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients in the next 20 years. Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the most common urologic cancer in kidney transplant recipients. The risk of RCC development in kidney transplant recipients is 15-100 times higher than in the general population. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to assess the frequency of nephrectomies performed because of renal tumors in the native kidneys in kidney transplant recipients in the Department of General and Transplantation Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw between 2010 and 2014 year; the identification of kidney recipients diagnosed with RCC; and epidemiologic, clinical, and histopathological aspects associated with RCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 319 nephrectomies were performed in the Department of General and Transplantation Surgery at the Medical University of Warsaw between 2010 and 2014 year. Renal tumors were diagnosed in 25 renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: Among malignant tumors, 13 cases of RCC and 1 case of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) were observed. There was no significant difference between age and duration of pretransplantation dialysis in patients with RCC and patients with benign tumors (P = .14 and P = .91, respectively). Body mass index was significantly higher in patients with RCC than in patients with benign tumors (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Renal cell cancer is more common among male kidney recipients. There is a good Polish screening system allowing detection of kidney cancer in native kidney. We recommend performing periodic screening for kidney cancers to obtain an early diagnosis.

Serological survey to determine the occurrence of respiratory Mycoplasma infections in the Polish cattle population.

Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (MmmSC) are causes of bovine mycoplasmosis and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), respectively, and are responsible for serious economic losses in cattle around the world. CBPP was last reported in Poland in 1939 but bovine mycoplasmosis is believed to be endemic. A survey of 3670 serum samples for antibodies to M bovis and MmmSC from 361 herds in 16 Polish provinces Poland between 2007 and 2010 found no evidence of CBPP. The seroprevalence of M bovis, however, appeared high with 76.7 per cent of samples giving a positive reaction in the ELISA test, which did not appear to reflect the clinical disease status of the cattle. Adjusting the sensitivity of the test reduced the prevalence to 28.2 per cent and reflects the levels reported in other European countries.

Distribution of 125J-labeled leucopyrokinin (LPK) in rats.

The distribution in parts of the brain and internal organs of 125J-labeled leucopyrokinin (LPK), an insect myotropic peptide injected into the lateral brain ventricle was determined in rats. A high accumulation of this peptide in adrenals and in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of the brain was found. A lesser but significant LPK accumulation in other internal organs and parts of the brain was also observed. The significance of this effect for the biological activity of LPK in rats is discussed.

The effect of the leucopyrokinin analogue: [2-8]-leucopyrokinin on central opioid receptors in rats.

The antinociceptive effect of intracerebroventricular injections of [2-8]-leucopyrokinin (LPK), a truncated leucopyrokinin analogue, was determined in rats, by means of a tail immersion test. We found a significant antinociceptive effect of three i.c.v. doses of [2-8]-LPK: 1, 5 and 10 nmol. Pre-treating animals with naloxone hydrochloride (1 mg/kg i.p.) completely blocked the effect of two high doses of [2-8]-LPK. To determine the sub-types of opioid receptors involved in [2-8]-leucopyrokinin-induced analgesia we injected specific blockers of mu-, delta- and kappa-receptors namely, beta-funaltrexamine hydrochloride, naltrindole hydrochloride and nor-binaltorphimine dihydrochloride, respectively, prior to [2-8]-leucopyrokinin at equimolar doses. We conclude that the antinociceptive effect of [2-8]-leucopyrokinin is mediated mainly by central mu- and delta-opioid receptors.

Insect neuropeptide leucopyrokinin analogues--synthesis and antinociceptive effect in rats.

The insect myotropic octapeptide leucopyrokinin Glp-Thr-Ser-Phe-Thr-Pro-Arg-Leu-amide (LPK or Lem-PK) (1) and its truncated analogues without the first N-terminal amino acids [2-8]-LPK (2) as well as devoid of the first, second and third N-terminal amino acids [4-8]-LPK (3) were prepared together with a series of the following modified [2-8]-LPK heptapetides such as: [Ala2] (4)-, [Ala3] (6)-, [D-Phe4] (7)-, [Ala5] (8)-, [D-Ala5] (9)-, [D-Thr5] (10)-, [Ser5] (11)-, [D-Pro6] (12)-, [Ala6] (13)- and [D-Arg7]-[2-8]-LPK (14) and [Pro1]-LPK (5). Bioassays were carried out by means of a hot-plate and a tail immersion tests in rats after i.c.v. and i.p. injections. Peptides 1 and 2 revealed prolonged high antinociceptive effects, while other peptides were practically inactive. [2-8]-LPK (2) probably crosses the blood-brain barrier in rats.

[The influence of environment complexity and individual's reactivity on the genesis of schizophrenic delusions and on the differences in their content]. / Wplyw zlozonosci srodowiska i reaktywnosci jednostki na geneze urojen schizofrenicznych i zróznicowanie ich tresci.

The present paper tries to answer two questions: 1. Is there a connection between the occurrence of delusions in paranoid schizophrenics and the lack of them in healthy people, and the complexity of their environment and the level of their reactivity? 2. Is there a connection between the differentiation of the delusion's content, and the level of reactivity of the examined schizophrenics? Examined were 26 paranoid schizophrenics (13 with delusions of grandeur and 13 with delusions of persecution) and 26 healthy people.