ABSTRACT
The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is attracting increasing interest for its ability to convert low-value substrates into highly nutritious feed. This study aimed at evaluating grape pomace from two varieties (Becuet - B; Moscato - M) as rearing substrates for black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), focusing on the related effects on larval growth performance, proximate composition, and fatty acid profile. A total of six replicates per treatment, and 1 000 BSFL per replica, were used. Larval development was assessed by larvae weight, which was recorded eight times during the trial: the day after the beginning of the trial, and then on days 5, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, and 27 (day in which the 30% of BSFL reached the prepupal stage). Production and waste reduction efficiency parameters, namely the growth rate, substrate reduction and substrate reduction index, were calculated. The two grape pomace varieties were analysed for their proximate composition and fatty acid profile; the same analyses were conducted on BSFL (30 larvae per replica) that were collected at the end of the trial (day 27). The growth rate of BSFL showed a higher value when the larvae were reared on B substrate (4.4 and 3.2 mg/day for B and M, respectively; P < 0.01). The rearing substrate did not significantly affect the proximate composition of BSFL. The percentage of total lipids (TL) in M-fed BSFL was significantly higher than in B ones. Total saturated (P < 0.001) and monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in M-fed BSFL, while an opposite trend was observed for total branched-chain (P < 0.001) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.001). Interestingly, some conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers [i.e., C18:2 c9t11(+t7c9+t8c10) and t9t11] were detected in low amounts in both rearing substrates (total CLA equal to 0.085 and 0.16 g/100 g TL in B and M substrate, respectively). Some CLA isomers (i.e., C18:2 c9t11, t7c9, and t10c12) were also found in BSFL, reaching a total CLA concentration equal to 2.95 and 0.052 g/100 g of TL in B-fed and M-fed BSFL, respectively. This study demonstrates that winery by-products from different grape varieties can significantly affect the development and lipid composition of BSFL. The CLA biosynthesis potential of BSFL opens newsworthy perspectives for a new valorisation of winery by-products to produce full-fat black soldier fly meal and black soldier fly oil enriched in specific fatty acids of potential health-promoting interest.
ABSTRACT
Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL) can transform organic wastes into nutritional biomass useful in animal feeding. The aim of this work was to study the effect of five diets (meat, fruit, vegetable substrates, a mix of them and control) on the profile of fatty acids (FAs) and sterols of BSFL. For a more exhaustive characterization of the nutritional properties, the profile of esterified FAs in the sn-2 position of the triglycerides, the most absorbed lipid component during animal digestion was evaluated. The dietary effect was estimated on two different Hermetia illucens populations (Greek - UTH and Italian - UNIPI). The diet affected all the lipid fractions examined. Regardless of diet, the fat was characterized mainly of lauric acid and other saturated FAs, which were found to be synthesized by the larvae, as it was not present in any of the five substrates. In general, UTH larvae contained a higher level of lipids (7.38 vs 2.48â¯g/100â¯g of larvae; Pâ¯<â¯0.001) and saturated FAs (49.71 vs 36.10â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids; Pâ¯<â¯0.001) and a lower percentage of monounsaturated FAs (14.74 vs 26.70â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids), C18:3n-3 (0.67 vs 1.13â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids; Pâ¯<â¯0.001), and C18:2c9t11 (2.02 vs 2.80â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids; Pâ¯<â¯0.001). Irrespective of the populations, BSFL reared on control and fruit substrates showed higher level of lipids (8.06 and 5.61â¯g/100â¯g of larvae, respectively), and saturated FA (38.99 and 71.19â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids, respectively), while the presence of meat increased the level of C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:5n-3 (0.70, 0.13 and 0.45â¯g/100â¯g of Total Lipids, respectively). The results confirmed that BSFL accumulate phytosterols in their lipid fraction. The sterol profile was strongly influenced by the substrate on which the larvae were reared, with higher levels of cholesterol in the larvae of the meat group (38.55â¯mg/100â¯g of Total Lipids) and of stigmasterol and campesterol (9.04 and 15.23â¯mg/100â¯g of Total Lipids, respectively) in those of the vegetable group. The sterol content between the two populations was significantly different, with a higher percentage in UTH larvae (113.28 vs 34.03â¯mg/100â¯g of Total Lipids; Pâ¯<â¯0.001). Finally, BSFLs showed a high plasticity of the lipid profile depending on both the substrate and the metabolism linked to the different populations. This variability allows the nutritional characteristics of the BSFL to be shaped by modifying the substrate, to adapt it to the technological and feeding needs to which the larvae are destined.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed , Diet , Fatty Acids , Larva , Animals , Larva/growth & development , Larva/physiology , Fatty Acids/analysis , Diet/veterinary , Animal Feed/analysis , Diptera/growth & development , Diptera/physiology , Sterols/analysis , Fruit/chemistry , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Meat/analysisABSTRACT
Pacific young people living in Aotearoa New Zealand experience disparities in their sexual and reproductive health outcomes, thought to stem from cultural differences and educational inequities. Although these barriers have been characterised in literature, their influence on Pacific youth's understandings of sexual and reproductive health have been relatively unexplored. This study investigated the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of Pacific students enrolled at a university in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020 and where they gained this knowledge. The study used the theoretical framework of the (revitalised) Fonofale health model and was guided by the Kakala research methodology. Data were collected by means of an online survey comprised of open-ended questions and Likert scales, completed by eighty-one eligible students. Open-ended questions were analysed for general themes and responses to Likert scale items are reported using descriptive statistical analysis. The study found that Pacific youth have strong foundations of health knowledge that is heavily influenced by Polynesian cultural beliefs. Both formal and non-formal learning environments were important in developing participants' health knowledge of these topics and for encouraging independent help-seeking behaviours. This is the first reported study to investigate the sexual and reproductive health knowledges of a pan-Pacific tertiary cohort of young people.
Subject(s)
Reproductive Health , Sexual Health , Adolescent , Humans , New Zealand , Sexual Behavior , StudentsABSTRACT
Mastitis, especially the subclinical form, is the most common economic and health problem in dairy cows. Little is known about changes in milk fatty acid (FA) composition according to infection/inflammation status of the mammary gland. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between naturally occurring subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) from different pathogens, i.e. Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and Prototheca spp., and the detailed milk FA profile assessed at quarter level in Holstein cows. After an initial bacteriological screening (T0) on 450 Holstein cows reared in three dairy herds, we identified 78 cows positive at the bacteriological examination. These animals were followed up at the quarter level two weeks (T1) and six weeks (T2) after T0. In total, 600 single-quarter samples were obtained at T1 and T2. Individual FAs were determined using the gas chromatography analytical method. Investigated traits were 70 individual FAs, 12 FA groups, and six desaturation indices. The associations between subclinical IMI combined with somatic cell count (SCC) and milk FA profile were investigated using a hierarchical linear mixed model (i.e., observational unit was quarter within cow) with the following fixed effects: days in milk (DIM), parity, herd, SCC, bacteriological status (BACT, positive and negative), and the SCC × BACT interaction. The random effect of individual cow nested within herd, DIM and parity was used as the error term for the latter effects. The most significant associations were detected at T2. Notably, IMI reduced the proportions of individual short-chain FA, especially 4:0 and 6:0 (-14%), but increased the proportion of the most abundant medium-chain FA (MCFA), 16:0 (+4%). A reduction in the desaturation indices was observed mostly for 14:1 index (-9%), in line with the reduction in 14:1 (-10%). Somatic cell count significantly affected 14 individual FAs. In particular, samples with high SCC (≥200 000) had significantly lower proportions of 8:0, 10:0, 11:0, 12:0, and 13:0 compared with samples with low SCC (<200 000). Increasing SCC in animals positive at the bacteriological examination were associated with a reduction in total MCFA at T2 (while in negative animals, they remained constant across SCC classes), possible evidence that elongation of the FA chain from 11 to 16 carbons is affected by a combination of infection and SCC. This study showed that subclinical IMI and SCC are mainly associated with reductions in the synthesis of FA and the desaturation process in the mammary gland.
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Objetivos: Analizar la supervivencia en el grupo de pacientes con gliomas de alto grado tratados de forma consecutiva en un mismo centro a lo largo de 10 años. Establecer la relevancia de los factores asociados y el papel de la cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión.MétodosFueron analizados de forma retrospectiva los pacientes con gliomas grado III y IV de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) diagnosticados en el Hospital Gregorio Marañón desde el 1 de enero de 2008 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2017. Se obtuvieron de la historia clínica los datos clínicos, radiológicos y anatomopatológicos.ResultadosSe completó el seguimiento en 233 pacientes con diagnóstico de glioma de alto grado (III o IV de la OMS). La edad media fue de 62,2 años. La mediana de supervivencia se situó en 15,4 meses. De los 133 pacientes (59,6%) que habían sido intervenidos mediante cirugía resectiva en el momento del diagnóstico, en 43 (32,3%) se efectuó cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión. La supervivencia global, así como la supervivencia tras la progresión, resultó mayor en este subgrupo de pacientes. Otras variables relacionadas con una mayor supervivencia fueron la puntuación en la escala de Karnofsky, el grado de resección quirúrgica y el diagnóstico inicial de grado III de la OMS.ConclusionesAlrededor de una tercera parte de los pacientes con gliomas de alto grado pueden ser candidatos a una cirugía de rescate en el momento de la progresión. Ello está asociado a una mayor supervivencia. (AU)
Objectives: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories.ResultsFollow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival.ConclusionsAbout one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Glioma , Reoperation , General Surgery , SurvivorshipABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG) treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival.
Subject(s)
Brain Neoplasms , Glioma , Humans , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Glioma/surgery , Glioma/diagnosis , Glioma/pathology , Survival Analysis , SpainABSTRACT
Angiosarcoma is an infrequent tumor among sarcomas, especially presenting as a primary tumor within the central nervous system, which can lead to a rapid neurological deterioration and death in few months. We present a 41-year old man with a right frontal enhancing hemorrhagic lesion. Surgery was performed with histopathological findings suggesting a primary central nervous system angiosarcoma. He was discharged uneventfully and received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At 5 months, the follow-up MRI showed two lesions with an acute subdural hematoma, suggesting a relapse. Surgery was again conducted finding tumoral membranes attached to the internal layer of the duramater around the right hemisphere. The patient died a few days later due to the recurrence of the subdural hematoma.This case report illustrates a rare and lethal complication of an unusual tumor. The literature reviewed shows that gross-total resection with adjuvant radiotherapy seems to be the best treatment of choice (AU)
El angiosarcoma es un tumor infrecuente entre los sarcomas, especialmente cuando se trata de una lesión primaria en el sistema nervioso central, que puede conducir a un rápido deterioro neurológico y a la muerte en pocos meses. Se presenta a un varón de 41 años con una lesión hemorrágica frontal derecha. Se realiza cirugía con resultados histopatológicos que sugieren un angiosarcoma cerebral primario. El paciente recibió tratamiento complementario con quimioterapia y radioterapia. A los cinco meses, el seguimiento con RM mostró dos lesiones y un hematoma subdural agudo, sugiriendo recaída. Se realizó una nueva cirugía hallando membranas tumorales unidas a la cara interna de la duramadre, alrededor del hemisferio derecho. El paciente acabó falleciendo debido a la recurrencia del hematoma subdural. Este caso ilustra una complicación rara y letal de un tumor infrecuente. La literatura revisada muestra que su tratamiento de elección es la resección completa y la radioterapia adyuvante (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Hemangiosarcoma/surgery , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Hematoma, Subdural, Acute/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Fatal OutcomeABSTRACT
The rumen is characterised by a complex microbial ecosystem, which is particularly active in lipid metabolism. Several studies demonstrated a role of diet and breed on bacterial community profile, with the effect on metabolic pathways. Despite the knowledge achieved on metabolism and the bacterial profile, little is known about the relationship between individual bacteria and metabolic pathways. Therefore, a multivariate approach was used to search for possible relationships between bacteria and products of several pathways. The correlation between rumen bacterial community composition and rumen lipid metabolism was assessed in 40 beef steers (20 Maremmana and 20 Aubrac) reared with the same system and fed the same diet. A canonical discriminant analysis combined with a canonical correlation analysis (CCA) was performed to explore this correlation. The variables showing a Pearson correlation higher than 0.6 as absolute value and significant were retained for CCA considering the relationship of bacterial composition with several metabolic pathways. The results indicated that some bacterial genera could have significant impacts on the presence of several fatty acids. However, the relationship between genera and fatty acid changes according to the breed, demonstrating that the metabolic pathways change according to the host genetic background, related to breed evolution, although there is also an intra-breed genetic background which should not be ignored. In Maremmana, Succiniclasticum and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group showed a high positive correlation with dimethylacetals (DMAs) DMAC13:0, DMAC14:0, DMAC14:0iso, DMAC15:0, DMAC15:0iso, and DMAC18:0. Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 correlates with C18:3c9c12c15 and C18:1t11, while Fibrobacter and Succiniclasticum correlate with C18:2c9t11 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group correlates with C18:1c12. Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, and Oribacterium showed a positive correlation with C13:0iso, and C17:0. Conversely, in Aubrac, Treponema_2 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated with DMAC14:0iso, DMAC16:0iso, DMAC17:0iso, while Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group correlated with DMAC18:1t11, DMAC14:0, DMAC18:1c12. Acetitomaculum correlated with C18:2c9c12, C18:1c12, C18:1c13, C18:1t12 and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group with C18:1t6-8 and C18:1t9. Saccharofermentas, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated with C18:2c9t11 while, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Ruminococcus_1 correlated with C14:0iso, C15:0, C15:0iso, C17:0. Saccharofermentans, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 correlated with C13:1c12 and C16:0iso. These results lead to hypothesise a possible association between several metabolic pathways and one or a few bacterial genera. If these associations are confirmed by further investigations that verify the causality of a bacterial genus with a particular metabolic process, it will be possible to deepen the knowledge on the activity of the rumen population in lipid metabolism. This approach appears to be a promising tool for uncovering the correlation between bacterial genera and products of rumen lipid metabolism.
Subject(s)
Lipid Metabolism , Rumen , Animals , Bacteria/genetics , Cattle , Diet , Ecosystem , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Rumen/metabolismABSTRACT
La aparición de complicaciones graves, como el neumotórax o las cavitaciones pulmonares, en pacientes con infecciones recientes por el SARS-CoV-2 aumenta la morbi-mortalidad, y supone un reto diseñar la estrategia terapéutica más adecuada que permita mejorar su pronóstico. Las cavitaciones pulmonares se suelen asociar a complicaciones secundarias como la hemoptisis y el neumotórax, y confieren mal pronóstico. Se presenta el caso de dos pacientes con enfermedad COVID-19 confirmada por PCR nasofaríngea y que, tras evolución inicialmente satisfactoria, reingresaron con afectación pulmonar compatible con cavitaciones pulmonares y con insuficiencia respiratoria. Las lesiones cavitadas pulmonares en pacientes que hayan sufrido COVID-19 deben identificarse de forma precoz y realizar las determinaciones y cultivos necesarios para descartar sobreinfecciones añadidas que puedan empeorar el pronóstico.(AU)
Patients who have recently suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infections may suffer serious complications, such as pneumothorax or pulmonary cavitations that increase morbi-mortality and imply a challenge for the design of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy to improve their prognosis. Pulmonary cavities are usually associated with secondary complications such as hemoptysis and pneumothorax, and so offer a poor prognosis. We present the case of two patients with COVID-19 disease confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR who showed satisfactory evolution before readmission with pulmonary involvement compatible with pulmonary cavitation and respiratory failure. Cavitated lesions in the lungs of patients who recently suffered COVID-19 must be identified early in order to discard additional superinfections that may worsen the prognosis.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Sciences , Coronavirus , Cavitation , Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus , Superinfection , PneumothoraxABSTRACT
Patients who have recently suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infections may suffer serious complications, such as pneumothorax or pulmonary cavitations that increase morbi-mortality and imply a challenge for the design of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy to improve their prognosis. Pulmonary cavities are usually associated with secondary complications such as hemoptysis and pneumothorax, and so offer a poor prognosis. We present the case of two patients with COVID-19 disease confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR who showed satisfactory evolution before readmission with pulmonary involvement compatible with pulmonary cavitation and respiratory failure. Cavitated lesions in the lungs of patients who recently suffered COVID-19 must be identified early in order to discard additional superinfections that may worsen the prognosis.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pneumothorax , COVID-19/complications , Humans , Lung , Pneumothorax/etiology , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
The global consumption, notably in developing countries, and production of beef are increasing continuously, and this requires the industry to improve performance and to reduce the environmental impact of the production chain. Since the improvement in efficiency and the highest impacts occur at farm level, it is appropriate to focus on the profitability and environmental sustainability of these enterprises. In many areas of the world, beef production is economically and socially relevant because it accounts for a significant portion of the agricultural production and represents a vital economic activity in mountain and hill districts of many regions, where few alternatives for other agricultural production exist. Due to the important role in the agricultural and food economy worldwide, the future of the beef industry is linked to the reduction of ecological impacts, mainly adopting the agroecological mitigation practices, and the simultaneous improvement of production performances and of product quality. This review analyses the technical and managerial solutions currently available to increase the efficiency of the beef industry and, at the same time, to reduce its environmental impacts in response to the growing concerns and awareness of citizens and consumers.
Subject(s)
Agriculture , Environment , Animals , Cattle , Farms , FoodABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study addresses the survival of consecutive patients with high-grade gliomas treated at the same institution over a period of 10 years. We analyse the importance of associated factors and the role of salvage surgery at the time of progression. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a series of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV gliomas treated between 2008 and 2017 at Hospital Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain). Clinical, radiological, and anatomical pathology data were obtained from patient clinical histories. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 233 patients with HGG. Mean age was 62.2 years. The median survival time was 15.4 months. Of 133 patients (59.6%) who had undergone surgery at the time of diagnosis, 43 (32.3%) underwent salvage surgery at the time of progression. This subgroup presented longer overall survival and survival after progression. Higher Karnofsky Performance Status score at diagnosis, a greater extent of surgical resection, and initial diagnosis of WHO grade III glioma were also associated with longer survival. CONCLUSIONS: About one-third of patients with HGG may be eligible for salvage surgery at the time of progression. Salvage surgery in this subgroup of patients was significantly associated with longer survival.
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The present study investigated whether the fatty acid composition of milk changes in relation to an increase in the milk somatic cell count (SCC) of separate udder quarters. We investigated the potential of multivariate factor analysis to extract metabolic evidence from data on the quantity and quality of milk of quarters characterized by different SCC levels. We collected data from individual milk samples taken from single quarters of 49 Italian Holstein cows from the same dairy farm. Factor analysis was carried out on 64 individual fatty acids. In line with a previous study on multivariate factor analysis, a variable was considered to be associated with a specific factor if the absolute value of its correlation with the factor was ≥0.60. Seven factors were extracted that explained the following groups of fatty acids or functions: de novo synthesis, energy balance, uptake of dietary fatty acids, biohydrogenation, short-chain fatty acids, very long chain fatty acids, and odd- and branched-chain fatty acids. An ANOVA of factor scores highlighted the significant effects of the SCC level on de novo fatty acids and biohydrogenation. The de novo fatty acid factor decreased significantly with a high level of SCC, from just 10,000 cells/mL, whereas the biohydrogenation factor showed a significantly higher level in quarters with SCC levels greater than 400,000 cells/mL. This statistical approach enabled us to reduce the number of variables to a few latent factors with biological significance and to represent groups of fatty acids with a common origin and function. Multivariate factor analysis could therefore be key to studying the influence of SCC on the lipid metabolism of single quarters. This approach also demonstrated the metabolic differences between quarters of the same animal showing a different level of SCC.
Subject(s)
Fatty Acids/metabolism , Mammary Glands, Animal/cytology , Milk/chemistry , Animals , Cattle , Cell Count/veterinary , Energy Metabolism , Female , Italy , Mammary Glands, Animal/metabolism , Milk/metabolism , Multivariate AnalysisABSTRACT
Carvacrol (Carv) and thymol (TOH), components of essential oils, are known by their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. However, Carv but not TOH seems to be the responsible of anti-inflammatory and inhibition of Cu corrosion properties. Since Carv and TOH are positional isomers, their identification is tricky and GC-MS is usually required. To find simple and inexpensive methods that allow the detection of Carv in presence of TOH (e.g. essential oils), cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests using Pt and Cu as electrodes in TOH and Carv containing mixtures and essential oils were made. Electrochemical and ATR-FTIR results show that pure phytocompounds and mixtures lead to the formation of polymeric layers on both metallic surfaces. Results show that only Cu is suitable for Carv detection. Potentiostatic and potentiodynamic detection is simple and conclusive in Carv + TOH mixtures and in essential oils due to the formation of a homogeneous blocking Carv electropolymeric layer on Cu.
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PURPOSE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is employed in patients with breast cancer (BC) with the aim of reducing tumor burden and improving surgical outcomes. We evaluated the levels of energy metabolites pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer (BC) patients who previously received NACT and investigated the alterations of these metabolites in relation to the patient achieving a pathologic complete response to NACT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 37 BC patients who were treated with NACT following surgery and analyzed the concentrations of energy balance-related metabolites using targeted metabolomics before and one month after the end of RT. The control group was composed of 44 healthy women. RESULTS: Pre-radiotherapy, patients had significant decreases in the plasma levels of 12 metabolites. RT corrected these alterations and the improvement was superior in patients with a pathologic complete response. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of metabolism in the outcomes of patients with BC.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism , Carcinoma, Lobular/metabolism , Energy Metabolism , Mastectomy , Radiotherapy, Adjuvant , Radiotherapy, Conformal , Adult , Aged , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology , Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Lobular/pathology , Carcinoma, Lobular/radiotherapy , Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Female , Humans , Lymph Node Excision , Mastectomy, Segmental , Metabolomics , Middle Aged , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Neoplasm Staging , Paclitaxel/administration & dosage , Prospective Studies , Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy , Trastuzumab/administration & dosage , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Two case reports of advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with lenvatinib (Lenvima®) are presented; the drug's effect on muscle loss and duration of treatment are discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2014 and December 2017, at the Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, two male patients with advanced HCC enrolled in the lenvatinib arm of the REFLECT trial received the drug over 24 cycles (almost 2 years). We reviewed the clinical charts from baseline, when lenvatinib was started, through 24 months of treatment. The changes in the skeletal mass area (SMA), as assessed by computed tomography (CT) at the third lumbar level (L3), between baseline and month 24 into treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Case 1: SMA decreased by 2.8 cm2 between baseline and month 24 (134 cm2 vs. 131.2 cm2), with a muscle loss of 2.13%. Case 2: SMA decreased by 13 cm2 between baseline and month 24 (133 cm2 vs. 120 cm2), with a muscle loss of 10.83%. CONCLUSIONS: The disease remained stable for over 2.5 years in both patients. A minimal loss of muscle mass was noted at 24 months of treatment. The minimum effect on muscle loss may be correlated with the positive clinical response and the drug's low toxicity. Our findings may help to elucidate the effect of lenvatinib on muscle mass and inform the development of the targeted nutritional support for HCC patients.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Muscle, Skeletal/diagnostic imaging , Phenylurea Compounds/administration & dosage , Quinolines/administration & dosage , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging , Clinical Trials as Topic , Duration of Therapy , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Muscle, Skeletal/drug effects , Phenylurea Compounds/adverse effects , Quinolines/adverse effects , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Since the introduction of genetic and molecular criteria in the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of brain tumours, there has been a diagnostic reclassification between certain astrocytomas and oligodendro-gliomas with histological and genetic discordances, the prognosis of which is unknown. AIM: To analyse the implications of the diagnostic reclassification of brain gliomas according to the 2016 WHO criteria, especially depending on isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and 1p19q codeletion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of gliomas treated from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016, with analyses of clinicoradiological aspects and prognoses, and with available and complete follow-up until 31 March 2019. RESULTS: From a total of 147 brain gliomas, a molecular diagnosis and a diagnostic re-evaluation were carried out in 69 cases (grade II-IV astrocytomas or oligodendrogliomas). Twenty-four reclassified gliomas were detected, usually oligodendro-gliomas that became astrocytomas, and which showed greater survival, derived from their not being classified as grade IV. The reclassified gliomas, all grades II/III, mostly began with seizures, without focus, with single lesions, < 17 cm3 and with oedema, although with similar survival rates. The prognostic factors were: young age, focus, grade II and no contrast enhancement or necrosis, or multiplicity. No variations were detected according to the molecular pattern with IDH mutation or codeletion. CONCLUSION: The changes in diagnosis after the WHO classification of 2016 present specific clinical-radiological characteristics in this series, but no greater survival, although, due to the habitual survival in these cases, they would require a longer follow-up time.
TITLE: Análisis del impacto clínico de la reclasificación diagnóstica de gliomas cerebrales según la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (2016).Introducción. Desde la introducción de los criterios genéticos y moleculares en la clasificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de tumores cerebrales de 2016, se ha producido una reclasificación diagnóstica entre determinados astrocitomas y oligodendrogliomas con discordancias histológicas y genéticas, cuyo pronóstico se desconoce. Objetivo. Analizar las implicaciones de la reclasificación diagnóstica de los gliomas cerebrales según los criterios de la OMS de 2016, especialmente según la mutación de la isocitrato deshidrogenasa (IDH) y la codeleción 1p19q. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de los gliomas tratados desde el 1 de enero de 2012 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2016, con análisis de los aspectos clinicorradiológicos y pronósticos, y con seguimiento disponible y completo hasta el 31 de marzo de 2019. Resultados. De 147 gliomas cerebrales, en 69 (astrocitomas u oligodendrogliomas de grados II-IV) se realizaron un diagnóstico molecular y una reevaluación diagnóstica. Se detectaron 24 gliomas reclasificados, habitualmente oligodendrogliomas que pasaron a astrocitomas, y que mostraron mayores supervivencias, derivadas de la no reclasificación en grado IV. Los gliomas reclasificados, todos de grados II/III, comenzaron mayoritariamente con crisis, sin focalidad, con lesiones únicas, < 17 cm3 y con edema, aunque con similar supervivencia. Los factores pronósticos fueron: edad joven, focalidad, grado II y no captación de contraste o necrosis, o multiplicidad. No se detectaron variaciones según el patrón molecular con mutación en la IDH o codeleción. Conclusión. Los cambios diagnósticos tras la clasificación de la OMS de 2016 presentan características clinicorradiológicas específicas en esta serie, aunque no mayores supervivencias, si bien, por la supervivencia habitual en estos casos, precisarían un mayor tiempo de seguimiento.
Subject(s)
Astrocytoma/classification , Astrocytoma/diagnosis , Brain Neoplasms/classification , Brain Neoplasms/diagnosis , Oligodendroglioma/classification , Oligodendroglioma/diagnosis , Adult , Astrocytoma/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Female , Humans , Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Neoplasm Grading , Oligodendroglioma/genetics , Retrospective Studies , World Health OrganizationABSTRACT
The interest of the scientific community in the effects of plant polyphenols on animal nutrition is increasing. These compounds, in fact, are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, especially in some spontaneous plants exploited as feeding resources alternative to cultivated crops and in several agro-industry by-products. Polyphenols interact with rumen microbiota, affecting carbohydrate fermentation, protein degradation, and lipid metabolism. Some of these aspects have been largely reviewed, especially for tannins; however, less information is available about the direct effect of polyphenols on the composition of rumen microbiota. In the present paper, we review the most recent literature about the effect of plant polyphenols on rumen microbiota responsible for unsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation, fiber digestion, and methane production, taking into consideration the advances in microbiota analysis achieved in the last 10 yr. Key aspects, such as sample collection, sample storage, DNA extraction, and the main phylogenetic markers used in the reconstruction of microbial community structure, are examined. Furthermore, a summary of the new high-throughput methods based on next generation sequencing is reviewed. Several effects can be associated with dietary polyphenols. Polyphenols are able to depress or modulate the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids by a perturbation of ruminal microbiota composition. In particular, condensed tannins have an inhibitory effect on biohydrogenation, whereas hydrolyzable tannins seem to have a modulatory effect on biohydrogenation. With regard to fiber digestion, data from literature are quite consistent about a general depressive effect of polyphenols on gram-positive fibrolytic bacteria and ciliate protozoa, resulting in a reduction of volatile fatty acid production (mostly acetate molar production). Methane production is also usually reduced when tannins are included in the diet of ruminants, probably as a consequence of the inhibition of fiber digestion. However, some evidence suggests that hydrolyzable tannins may reduce methane emission by directly interacting with rumen microbiota without affecting fiber digestion.
Subject(s)
Dietary Fiber/metabolism , Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/metabolism , Methane/metabolism , Microbiota/drug effects , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Rumen/microbiology , Animals , Diet/veterinary , Fermentation , Hydrogenation , Microbiota/physiology , Plants/chemistry , Tannins/administration & dosageABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to perform genetic, genome-wide association (GWAS), and gene-set enrichment analyses with latent variables related to milk fatty acid profile (i.e., fatty acids factor scores; FAF), milk composition, and udder health in a cohort of 1,158 Italian Brown Swiss cows. The phenotypes under study were 12 FAF previously identified through factor analysis and classified as follows: de novo FA (F1), branched-chain FA-milk yield (F2), biohydrogenation (F3), long-chain fatty acids (F4), desaturation (F5), short-chain fatty acids (F6), milk protein and fat contents (F7), odd fatty acids (F8), conjugated linoleic acids (F9), linoleic acid (F10), udder health (F11) and vaccelenic acid (F12). (Co)variance components were estimated for factor scores using a Bayesian linear animal model via Gibbs sampling. The animals were genotyped with the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip v.2 (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA). A single marker regression model was fitted for GWAS analysis. The gene-set enrichment analysis was run on the GWAS results using the Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway databases to identify the ontologies and pathways associated with the FAF. Marginal posterior means of the heritabilities of the aforementioned FAF ranged from 0.048 for F12 to 0.310 for F5. Factors F1 and F6 had the highest number of relevant genetic correlations with the other traits. The genomic analysis detected a total of 39 significant SNP located on 17 Bos taurus autosomes. All latent variables produced signals except for F2 and F10. The traits with the highest number of significant associations were F11 (17) and F12 (7). Gene-set enrichment analyses identified significant pathways (false discovery rate 5%) for F3 and F7. In particular, systemic lupus erythematosus was enriched for F3, whereas the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway was overrepresented for F7. The results support the existence of important and exploitable genetic and genomic variation in these latent explanatory phenotypes. Information acquired might be exploited in selection programs and when designing further studies on the role of the putative candidate genes identified in the regulation of milk composition and udder health.
Subject(s)
Genome-Wide Association Study/veterinary , Genomics , Mammary Glands, Animal/physiology , Mastitis, Bovine/genetics , Milk/chemistry , Animals , Bayes Theorem , Cattle , Cohort Studies , Fatty Acids/metabolism , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genotype , Italy , Linoleic Acid/metabolism , Milk/metabolism , Milk Proteins/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Recognizing and managing malnutrition among hospitalized children affected by cancer is a rising need. Awareness and consideration of malnutrition among clinicians are still largely insufficient. This can principally be explained by the lack of consciousness and the shortage of easy and objective tools to identify malnutrition status. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of malnutrition on survival and infections among a population of pediatric patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All children aged between 3 and 18 years, newly diagnosed with a malignancy between August 2013 and April 2018, were included in our study. We assessed nutritional risk at diagnosis (with STRONGkids), then we evaluated anthropometric measurements (BMI Z-scores and weight loss), data about survival and number of hospitalization for febrile neutropenia (FN) in the first year after diagnosis. Cut-off values for malnourishment were chosen as BMI Z-score ≤-2.0. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six pediatric cancer patients were included in the study. At diagnosis 36 pediatric cancer patients (28.6%) were at high risk of malnutrition (STRONGkids 4 or 5), whereas 6 (4.7%) others were malnourished (BMI Z-score≤-2.0). The risk of mortality and the rate of infections (≥3 hospitalizations for FN episodes) were significantly increased by malnutrition and rapid weight loss in the initial phase of treatment (3-6 months after diagnosis). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent effect of weight loss≥ 5% at 3 months on both survival and infections, and the independent impact of a high risk of malnutrition at diagnosis on infections. CONCLUSIONS: A personalized evaluation of nutritional risk at diagnosis and a close monitoring of nutritional status during the initial phase of treatment are crucial for ensuring a timely and personalized nutritional intervention, which may potentially improve tolerance to chemotherapy and survival, and prevent prolonged hospitalization for infections in childhood cancer patients.