Growth dynamic of Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup in different media formulae.

The culturing of Leptospira strains from bovine clinical samples is challenging and has resulted in some gaps in securing an epidemiological understanding. Strains related to chronic reproductive leptospirosis in cattle belong to the Sejroe serogroup - not only Hardjoprajitno and Hardjobovis but also Guaricura genotypes. This study analyses the growth of Leptospira strains from serogroup Sejroe in different culture media, with the aim of suggesting better culturing approaches. To meet this objective, two culture media were applied: EMJH and T80/40/LH. In addition, three different cocktails of selective agents were chosen. The combinations of medium and selective additives resulted in 10 different tested formulae. The poor performance of Hardjobovis in EMJH indicated that its growth may represent a possible bias when culturing these strains from bovine samples. The most efficient medium for culturing Hardjobovis was T80/40/LH, while T80/40/LH medium + STAFF combination proved to be the best choice for growth, being recommended for obtaining a higher number of these strains from bovines.

Individuals with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis walk with lower hip joint contact forces despite higher levels of muscle co-contraction compared to healthy individuals.

OBJECTIVE: To compare hip joint contact forces (HJCF), hip muscle forces, and hip muscle co-contraction levels between individuals with mild-to-moderate hip osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls during walking. DESIGN: Eighteen participants with mild-to-moderate hip OA and 23 healthy controls walked at a self-selected speed while motion capture and electromyographic data were synchronously collected. HJCF were computed using a calibrated electromyography-informed neuromusculoskeletal model. Hip joint contact forces, muscle forces, and co-contraction indices for flexor/extensor and adductor/abductor muscle groups were compared between groups using independent sample t-tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no between-group difference in self-selected walking speed. On average, participants with hip OA walked with 11% lower first peak (mean difference 235 [95% confidence interval (CI) 57-413] N) and 22% lower second peak (mean difference 574 [95%CI 304-844] N) HJCF compared to controls. Hip muscle forces were also significantly lower in the hip OA compared to control group at first (mean difference 224 [95%CI 66-382] N) and second (mean difference 782 [95%CI 399-1164] N) peak HJCF. Participants with hip OA exhibited higher levels of hip muscle co-contraction in both flexor/extensor and adductor/abductor muscle groups. Consistent with existing literature, hip joint angles (extension, adduction) and external moments (flexion, extension, adduction) were lower in hip OA compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Lower HJCF were detected in mild-to-moderate hip OA, primarily due to lower hip muscle force production, and despite higher levels of hip muscle co-contraction. Findings suggest that lower loading of the hip joint during walking is a feature of mild-to-moderate hip OA, which could have implications for the pathogenesis of hip OA and/or disease progression.

Reduced susceptibility in leptospiral strains of bovine origin might impair antibiotic therapy.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease determined by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. The control of bovine leptospirosis involves several measures including antibiotic treatment of carriers. Despite its importance, few studies regarding antimicrobial susceptibility of strains from bovine origin have been conducted. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of Leptospira strains obtained from cattle in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, against the main antibiotics used in bovine veterinary practice. A total of 23 Leptospira spp. strains were investigated for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) using broth macrodilution. At the species level, there were not differences in MIC susceptibility except for tetracycline (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, at the serogroup level, differences in MIC were observed among Sejroe strains, mainly for ceftiofur, doxycycline and in MBC for streptomycin (P < 0.05). One strain presented MBC values above maximum plasmatic concentration described for streptomycin and was classified as presenting reduced susceptibility. Efficacy of antimicrobial therapy on bovine leptospirosis could be compromised due to occurrence of infection by Leptospira strains presenting reduced susceptibility.

VNTR analysis demonstrates new patterns and high genetic diversity of Leptospira sp. of animal origin in Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis with a broad host range, including humans and domestic and wild animals. The taxonomic classification of Leptospira species is complex. More recently, several molecular tools have been employed in the attempt to group the different strains of leptospires. The objective of this study was the genetic characterization of Brazilian Leptospira sp. isolates obtained from wild and domestic animals. The genotyping of the strains was performed by the variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) technique, using the Leptospira interrogans/Leptospira kirschneri and Leptospira santarosai protocols. A total of 27 novel strains were characterized and 22 novel VNTR patterns were described. This study suggests a high genetic diversity among the strains obtained from different wild and domestic animals, and reinforces the need for a broad approach aligned to the One Health concept for leptospirosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Animal leptospirosis is an important cause of reproductive failure in livestock and economic losses to producing countries. This study describes several novel variable-number tandem repeats patterns and points out the high genetic diversity of Brazilian strains. Understanding the circulation of strains between animals is essential for the control of leptospirosis in livestock.

Keratin-based particles for protection and restoration of hair properties.

OBJECTIVE: Human hair is an element with unquestionable relevance in society both for women and men. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop new cosmetic products for hair care capable to restore and improve hair's characteristics. Here, we explore the potential of keratin-based particles in the protection and recovery of hair mechanical properties and thermal stability. METHODS: Keratin-based particles were obtained by high pressure homogenization (HPH) using keratin and silk fibroin. The particles were characterized regarding size, superficial charge and polydispersity index. Their safety to cells was assessed using human skin keratinocytes. Virgin and overbleached Asian hair were treated with eight keratin-based formulations. The effect of particles on hair's mechanical properties was evaluated in terms of stiffness and tensile strength. The impact of treatments in hair thermal performance was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). RESULTS: Keratin-based particles were capable to recover and/or improve the mechanical properties of virgin and overbleached hair. Virgin hair treated with K80 SF20 P particles presented an improvement in the mechanical properties of around 40%. An increase in keratin α-helix denaturation enthalpy and in surface smoothness for both types of hair was also verified after treatment. These particles demonstrated stability over time and proved to be safe when tested in human keratinocytes. CONCLUSION: The keratin-based particles here presented have the potential to be incorporated in the development of new and effective hair care cosmetic formulations.

A breath ammonia analyser for monitoring patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: Breath ammonia measurement has attracted increasing interest for clinical diagnosis and metabolic status monitoring. This pilot study aims to evaluate a simple detection method to measure breath ammonia levels in haemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 44 adults undergoing haemodialysis and a control group of 44 age- and sex-matched individuals with a glomerular filtration rate >90 mL/min. To measure breath ammonia concentration, we designed a device based on that used to monitor atmospheric air, which uses a specific colorimetric tube. A single operator took two readings from each haemodialysis patient (one predialysis and one postdialysis) and one reading from each control. The results were compared with the urea concentrations in blood and saliva. RESULTS: Breath ammonia concentration correlated significantly with blood urea both predialysis (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.55) and postdialysis (P = 0.009; R2 = 0.25), as well as with predialysis saliva urea concentration (P < 0.001; R2 = 0.24). Ammonia was not detectable in breath of any of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The collection of breath samples in polyvinyl fluoride bags and their subsequent analysis using colorimetric tubes is a simple, noninvasive method that enables variations in breath ammonia concentration to be measured rapidly in haemodialysis patients. Using this method, we found that the breath ammonia concentration correlated significantly with the blood urea concentration before and after haemodialysis.

Early tooth loss in end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article sets out to evaluate the prevalence and aetiopathogenesis of edentulism in patients on haemodialysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised 44 adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis. A control group was formed of 44 individuals matched for age and sex and with a glomerular filtration rate >90 ml min(-1) . All participants underwent intra-oral examination, gathering information on dental and periodontal status, and a saliva sample was taken to determine saliva debit and its biochemical composition. RESULTS: The average number of missing teeth was higher in ESRD patients than in controls (P = 0.018). Six (13.6%) fully edentulous individuals were detected in the study group and 1 (2.2%) in the control group. Some of the clinical and biochemical variables with statistically significant differences between the study group and the control group showed a significant relationship with the number of missing teeth, but the depth of the periodontal pockets presented the highest coefficient of determination (OR = 3511.1; 95%CI = 82.2-6834.3; P < 0.001; R(2)  = 0.827). CONCLUSIONS: Premature tooth loss is common in haemodialysis patients. Although the aetiology and pathogenesis of this finding has still not been fully clarified, it appears that severe periodontal disease may play a relevant role.

High intake of heterocyclic amines from meat is associated with oxidative stress.

High meat intake has been related to chronic diseases such as cancer and CVD. One hypothesis is that heterocyclic amines (HCA), which are formed during the cooking process of meat, can generate reactive species. These compounds can cause oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, resulting in oxidative stress, cell damage and loss of biological function. This association has been seen in vitro; however, it remains unclear in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between oxidative stress and HCA intake, and oxidative stress and meat intake. Data were from the Health Survey for Sao Paulo--ISA-Capital (561 adult and elderly). Food intake was estimated by one 24-h dietary recall (24HR) complemented by a detailed FFQ with preferences of cooking methods and level of doneness for meat. HCA intake was estimated linking the meat from the 24HR to a database of HCA. Oxidative stress was estimated by malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the plasma, after derivatisation with thiobarbituric acid and quantification by HPLC/diode array. Analyses were performed using multivariate logistic regressions adjusted for smoking, sex, age, BMI, skin colour, energy intake, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. A positive association between HCA intake and MDA concentration (OR 1·17; 95% CI 1·01, 1·38) was observed, showing that HCA from meat may contribute to increase oxidative stress, and may consequently increase the risk of chronic diseases.

First isolation of Leptospira noguchii serogroups Panama and Autumnalis from cattle.

Prevention and control of leptospirosis are based on the knowledge of locally circulating strains. Thus, efforts to obtain local isolates are paramount to the epidemiological understanding of leptospirosis. We report and discuss here the first isolation of members of serogroups Autumnalis and Panama from cattle, both belonging to Leptospira noguchii species. Urine samples (n = 167) were collected directly by puncture of the bladder from randomly selected cows from a slaughterhouse in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for bacteriological culture. Isolates were characterized by serogrouping and sequencing (rrs and secY genes). Overall, 10/167 positive urine samples (6%) were obtained. Sequencing of amplicons targeting for both rrs and secY genes identified two of them (2013_U73 and 2013_U232) as L. noguchii. Serogrouping of those strains indicated that 2013_U73 belonged to the Panama serogroup (titre 1600), and 2013_U232 to the Autumnalis serogroup (titre 12800). Both Panama and Autumnalis are known agents of incidental leptospirosis in cattle. This group of leptospires could be particularly important in tropical countries. This is the first report of members of serogroups Autumnalis and Panama belonging to L. noguchii species from cattle. Although related to previously reported strains, these isolates have been shown to be genetically diverse from them.

Distribution and pharmacokinetics of etamicastat and its N-acetylated metabolite (BIA 5-961) in dog and monkey.

1. The disposition etamicastat was evaluated in the Cynomolgus monkey after intravenous and oral administration of [(14)C]-etamicastat. The pharmacokinetics of etamicastat and its N-acetylated metabolite BIA 5-961 were also evaluated in monkeys and dogs. 2. In the monkey, 7 days after intravenous and oral administration of [(14)C]-etamicastat, 76.6-91.1% of the etamicastat-related radioactivity had been excreted mainly in urine. The radioactivity peaked in plasma between 4- and 8-h post-dosing followed by a quick decline and a slow terminal phase (half-life of 68.7 h). The calculated oral bioavailability for etamicastat was 46.1%. Etamicastat was quickly absorbed in monkeys and dogs with a half-life ranging from 5.2 to 9.9 h in monkeys and 6.9 to 11.4 h in dogs over. 3. The N-acetylated metabolite of etamicastat, represented 4-7% of the extent of exposure of etamicastat in the monkey, but was not found detectable in dogs. Gender did not influence etamicastat exposure and the concentration versus time curves fitted a dose-dependent pharmacokinetics in the dog, but not in the monkey. 4. In conclusion, etamicastat is rapidly absorbed and primarily excreted via urine in monkeys. Similarly, to humans, monkeys, unlike dogs, N-acetylate etamicastat and evidence that etamicastat pharmacokinetics is less than dose proportional.

Usage of a selective media (EMJH-STAFF) in primary culturing of pathogenic leptospires from bovine clinical samples.

UNLABELLED: Isolation of local strains is mandatory for the success of control programs. However, clinical samples are typically contaminated by other bacteria, which impair leptospires growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a previously reported EMJH-STAFF media in the recovery of pathogenic leptospires from bovine clinical samples, namely urine (n = 123) and vaginal fluid-VF (n = 102). EMJH-STAFF presented less contamination than EMJH (<0·005), which was more evident in VF culture tubes. Nine pure leptospires cultures were obtained, six from urine (4·9%) and three from VF (2·9%). From those, seven grew on EMJH-STAFF, one on EMJH and one in both media. All the isolates were confirmed as pathogenic leptospires by lipL32-PCR, and sequencing of partial rrs showed them to belong to Leptospira noguchii, Leptospira santarosai and Leptospira interrogans species. EMJH-STAFF media was an important tool in the recovery of leptospires from bovine clinical samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The slow growth of leptospires and overgrowth of co-existing micro-organisms from environmental and microbiota are the major difficult to recovery Leptospira from animal clinical samples. Implementing an efficient control programme is essential to determine circulating leptospires in the region and their reservoirs. This study evaluated the relationship of a selective media (EMJH-STAFF) on the recovery of pathogenic leptospires (Leptospira noguchii, Leptospira santarosai and Leptospira interrogans), from bovine clinical samples (urine and vaginal fluid). EMJH-STAFF seems to be an important tool in obtaining local strains for epidemiological and control purposes.

Keratin-based peptide: biological evaluation and strengthening properties on relaxed hair.

A peptide based on a fragment of hair keratin type II cuticular protein, keratin peptide (KP), was studied as a possible strengthening agent for weakened relaxed hair. The peptide was prepared both in aqueous water formulation (WF) and organic solvent formulations (OF), to determine the effect of organic solvents on peptide interaction with hair and the differences in hair recovery. Both peptide formulations were shown to improve mechanical and thermal properties of weakened hair with peptide in OF showing the stronger effect. As a potential new hair care product, and so would necessitate contact with skin, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the peptide were also evaluated through different methodologies (Alamar Blue assay, 2'-7'-dichlorofluorescein probe, cell morphology and growth and evaluation of DNA damage by an alkaline version of the comet assay) in skin fibroblasts. These tests are indicators of the potential of peptide to cause irritation on skin or to be carcinogenic, respectively. The peptide in WF did not cause cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in any of the concentrations tested. The presence of OF, however, induced a 20% decrease in cell viability in all of the range of concentrations used after 72-h incubation. Moreover, OF inhibited cell growth and was considered genotoxic at first contact with cells. The peptide was therefore considered a promising strengthening agent for hair and was shown to be innocuous when applied in WF.

WATSU therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease to improve quality of sleep and quality of life: A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Sleep disorders are one of the most frequent non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to verify whether adding WATSU to land-based therapy leads to additional beneficial therapeutic effects regarding quality of sleep and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with PD. MATERIALS & METHODS: A randomized control trial design was used. Participants completed nine-week interventions. The control group (CG) received land-based therapy, while the intervention group (IG) received the same land-based therapy and additionally WATSU. Sleep quality and QOL were measured at baseline and post-interventions by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Nottingham Health Profile, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants completed the study. In contrast to CG, the IG presented with significant improvements in both, quality of sleep and QOL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WATSU has the potential to be an attractive adjunct therapy for producing positive health impacts regarding sleep quality, which may translate to an overall improvement in QOL of individuals with PD.

Factors associated with length of stay and readmission in acute psychiatric inpatient services in Portugal.

Assessing the factors that influence duration and number of hospitalizations may support mental health services planning and delivery. This study examines the factors associated with length of stay and readmission in Portuguese psychiatric inpatient services during 2002, 2007 and 2012. Data from all admissions were extracted from clinical files. Logistic regression models estimated the association between length of stay (<17 vs ≥17 days) and number of admissions per year (1 vs >1 admission) with sociodemographic, clinical, and contextual factors. Older age, a diagnosis of psychosis, and compulsory admission were associated with higher odds of longer length of stay. Being married, secondary education, suicide attempt, a diagnosis of substance use and "other mental disorders", being admitted in 2012, and two of the psychiatric inpatient services associated with lower odds of longer length of stay. Being retired (or others), a diagnosis of psychosis, compulsory admission, and psychiatric service were associated with increased odds of readmission. Older age, and secondary and higher education were associated with lower odds of readmission. The findings indicate that multiple factors influence length of stay and readmission. Identifying these factors provides useful evidence for clinicians and policy makers to design more targeted and cost-effective interventions.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs desloratadine 5 mg in seasonal allergic rhinitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Bilastine is a novel, nonsedating H(1)-antihistamine developed for symptomatic treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg vs placebo and desloratadine 5 mg in subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). METHODS: This randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicentre study evaluated the effect of 2 weeks' treatment with bilastine 20 mg, desloratadine 5 mg or matched placebo once daily, in 12-70 years old symptomatic SAR patients. All subjects assessed the severity of nasal (obstruction, rhinorrhoea, itching, and sneezing) and nonnasal (ocular itching, tearing, ocular redness, itching of ears and/or palate) symptoms on a predetermined scale to provide a total symptom score (TSS), composed of nasal and nonnasal symptom scores (NSS and NNSS, respectively). The primary efficacy measure was the area under the curve (AUC) for the TSS over the entire treatment period. RESULTS: Bilastine 20 mg significantly reduced the AUC of TSS to a greater degree from baseline compared to placebo (98.4 with bilastine vs 118.4 with placebo; P < 0.001), but not compared to desloratadine 5 mg (100.5). Bilastine 20 mg was not different from desloratadine 5 mg but significantly more effective than placebo in improving the NSS, NNSS, and rhinitis-associated discomfort scores (P < 0.05), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire total (P < 0.005) and four out of seven individual domain (P < 0.05) scores. The incidence of treatment emergent adverse events was similar for bilastine (20.6%), desloratadine (19.8%), and placebo (18.8%). CONCLUSION: Bilastine 20 mg once daily was efficacious, safe and not different from desloratadine 5 mg once daily in the treatment of SAR symptoms.

Imaging of postoperative endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects primarily young women. Imaging plays a pivotal role for the diagnosis and pre-surgical mapping of the disease. By comparison, the role of imaging in the identification of disease recurrence and postoperative complications are not well established. The goal of this review is to report the postoperative findings, including normal postoperative findings, initial disease recurrence and complications, with a special emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in women who have undergone surgery for pelvic endometriosis. This review is based on a literature search of manuscripts published between 2000 and 2018. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and original scientific articles published in English language were included.

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetic profile of trans-resveratrol.

OBJECTIVE: It has been postulated that trans-resveratrol may act as an antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and cancer chemopreventive agent. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of food on the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol following oral administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-centre, open-label, randomized, 2-way crossover study on 24 healthy subjects. The study consisted of two consecutive treatment periods separated by a washout of 7 days or more. On each of the study periods subjects were administered a single-dose of 400 mg of trans-resveratrol following either a standard high fat content meal or 8 hs of fasting. RESULTS: There was a large interindividual variability in the trans-resveratrol pharmacokinetic parameters. Mean +/- SD maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 42.2 +/- 36.6 ng/ml in fed and 47.3 +/- 30.0 ng/ml in fasting conditions. Median time to Cmax (tmax) was 2.0 h in fed and 0.5 h in fasting (p < 0.0001). The fed/fasting geometric mean ratio (GMR) and 90% confidence interval (90% CI) were 79.4 and 53.8, 117.0% for Cmax, and 106.0 and 86.8, 128.0% for the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0- yen). The 90% CI for the GMR of AUC0- yen and Cmax fall outside the usual bioequivalence acceptance range of 80, 125%, but that of AUC0- yen was close to the bioequivalence standard. CONCLUSION: The rate of absorption of trans-resveratrol following an oral 400 mg single-dose was significantly delayed by the presence of food, as reflected by Cmax and tmax. However, the extent of absorption, as reflected by AUC- yen, was not affected in a relevant way.

Atomistic mesh generation for the simulation of nanoscale metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors.

We present a methodology for the finite-element discretization of nanoscaled semiconductor devices with atomic resolution. The meshing strategy is based on the use of patterns to decompose the unit cell of the underlying crystallographic structures producing unstructured tetrahedral meshes. The unit cells of the bulk semiconductors and, more importantly, of the interfaces between the substrate and the gate dielectric have been extracted from classical molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations. A Monte Carlo approach has been then used to place the dopants in nodes of the crystal, replacing silicon atoms. The thus created "atomistic" meshes are used to simulate an ensemble of microscopically different double-gate Si metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors and the transition region at the Si/SiO_{2} interface. In addition, a methodology to approximate amorphous dielectrics is also presented.

Cross-talk between inflammation,coagulation/fibrinolysis and vascular access in hemodialysis patients.

This work aimed to study the association between fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function and inflammatory markers in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapies, and its relationship with the type of vascular access (VA) used for the HD procedure. As fibrinolytic/endothelial cell function markers we evaluated plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and D-dimers, and as inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble interleukin (IL)-2 receptor (s-IL2R), IL-6 and serum albumin levels. The study was performed in 50 CKD patients undergoing regular HD, 11 with a central venous dialysis catheter (CVC) and 39 with an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), and in 25 healthy controls. Compared to controls, CKD patients presented with significantly higher levels of CRP, s-IL2R, IL-6 and D-dimers, and significantly lower levels of PAI-1. The tPA/PAI-1 ratio was significantly higher in CKD patients. We also found statistical significant correlations in CKD patients between D-dimerslevels and inflammatory markers: CRP, albumin, s-IL2R and IL-6. When comparing the two groups of CKD patients, we found that those with a CVC presented statistically significant lower levels of hemoglobin concentration and albumin, and higher levels of CRP, IL-6, D-dimers and tPA. Our results showed an association between fibrinolytic/ endothelial cell function and increased inflammatory markers in CKD patients. The increased levels of Ddimer, tPA and inflammatory markers in CKD patients using a CVC, led us to propose a relationship between the type of VA chosen for HD, and the risk of thrombogenesis.