Heavy metal pollution in selected upland tributaries of Sri Lanka: comprehension towards the localization of sources of pollution.

This study aimed to assess the heavy metal (HM) profile of the main upland tributaries of three major rivers, the Mahaweli, the Deduru and the Gin Rivers, which are commonly used for urban water supply in Sri Lanka. The HM profiles of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) were investigated by ICP-MS. Land-use classification was performed to locate the main sources of pollution. Mean pH, TDS and conductivity showed significant inter-site mean differences (p < 0.001). The mean contents of the HMs, considering all rivers, were observed in the order [Hg] > [As] > [Pb] > [Cd] at the sources and [As] > [Hg] > [Pb] > [Cd] at the river mouths. Particularly, in the Mahaweli River, the mean As content was 0.08 ± 0.05 µg·L-1 and showed an increasing trend from the source to the river mouth. In the Deduru River, the mean Hg content was 0.14 ± 0.15 µg·L-1, and of all rivers studied, the highest content of 0.50 ± 0.17 µg·L-1 was recorded. The Gin River showed significant inter-site mean differences (p < 0.05) in [Pb], [As] and [Hg]. In all rivers studied, [As] was significantly higher in water samples collected near agricultural lands and urban areas as compared with the other land-use/cover types, which was further proved by a significant positive correlation (coefficient = 0.479, p = 0.0325). We, therefore, emphasized that HM pollution is more likely due to anthropogenic activities in the upper catchment with less lithogenic contamination. However, national water quality management should be further strengthened and new policy enforcement is emphasized.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based micro- and nanostructures for encapsulation of melanoidins: Effect of electrohydrodynamic processing variables on morphological and physicochemical properties.

Electrohydrodynamic processing (EHDP) allows the use of a wide range of biopolymers and solvents, including food-grade biopolymers and green solvents, for the development of micro- and nanostructures. These structures present a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and different shapes and morphologies. The aim of this work was to design and produce hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based micro- and nanostructures through EHD processing using green solvents, while exploring the influence of process and solution parameters, and incorporating a bioactive extracted from a food by-product. Low (LMW) and high (HMW) molecular weight HPMC have been used as polymers. The design-of-experiments methodology was used to determine the effects of process parameters (polymer concentration, flow rate, tip-to-collector distance, and voltage) of EHDP on the particle and fibre diameter, aspect ratio, diameter distribution, aspect ratio distribution, and percentage of fibre breakage. Additionally, melanoidins extracted from spent coffee grounds were encapsulated into the HPCM-based structures at a concentration of 2.5 mg melanoidins/mL of the polymer solution. Polymer solutions were characterised regarding their viscosity, surface tension and conductivity, and showed that the incorporation of melanoidins increased the viscosity and conductivity values of the polymer solutions. The developed structures were characterised regarding their thermal properties, crystallinity and morphology before and after melanoidin incorporation and it was observed that melanoidin incorporation did not significantly influence the characteristics of the produced micro- and nanostructures. Based on the results, it is possible to envision the use of the produced micro- and nanostructures in a wide range of applications, both in food and biomedical fields.

Antibacterial effects of the lectin from pomegranate sarcotesta (PgTeL) against Listeria monocytogenes.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of the lectin from Punica granatum sarcotesta (PgTeL) on growth, viability, cell structure, biofilm formation and chitinase activity of Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, the effect of PgTeL on the adhesion and invasion of human cells (HeLa) was determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: PgTeL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on the strains L. monocytogenes N53-1 and EGD-e, causing morphometric alterations, cell aggregation, strong deformation and cell disruption. PgTeL inhibited biofilm formation by EGD-e and N53-1 and also interfered with the adhesion and invasion processes of EGD-e and N53-1 in HeLa cells. Finally, the chitinase activity of L. monocytogenes EGD-e was reduced in the presence of PgTeL, which can be involved in the inhibition of adhesion process. CONCLUSION: PgTeL is an antibacterial agent against L. monocytogenes, inhibiting growth and promoting cell death, as well as impairing biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion and invasion into human cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results stimulate future investigations on the potential of PgTeL for protection of contamination in food products.

Cervical dilatation and preparation prior to outpatient hysteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are uncertainties about the benefit of routine cervical preparation and/or cervical dilatation before outpatient hysteroscopy. OBJECTIVE: To determine if cervical preparation and/or routine mechanical dilatation reduces pain during outpatient hysteroscopy. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched on 19 October 2020, using keywords 'hysteroscopy', 'cervical preparation', 'cervical ripening', 'cervical dilatation', 'outpatient', 'office' and/or 'ambulatory' and associated medical subject headings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials investigating the benefit of cervical preparation and/or cervical dilatation on pain in women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two independent reviewers selected eligible trials and extracted data on pain, feasibility, adverse events and satisfaction/acceptability for meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS: The literature search yielded 807 records, of which 24 were included for review and 19 provided data for meta-analysis. No trials investigated the role of routine mechanical cervical dilatation. Cervical preparation significantly reduced pain during outpatient hysteroscopy; standard mean difference (SMD) -0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.05 to -0.29. Feasibility also improved as priming provided significantly easier hysteroscopic entry (SMD 0.89, 95% CI 0.32-1.46), greater cervical dilatation (SMD 0.81, 95% CI 0.08-1.53) and shorter procedural times (SMD -0.51, 95% CI -0.88 to -0.13). Cervical preparation, however, incurred significantly more adverse effects, mainly comprising genital tract bleeding, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms (odds ratio 2.94, 95% CI 1.58-5.47). There were limited data regarding satisfaction, acceptability and complications. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical preparation reduces pain and improves feasibility associated with outpatient hysteroscopy but increases the risk of adverse effects. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Cervical preparation before outpatient hysteroscopy reduces pain, enhances feasibility but increases adverse effects.

Anti-Candida activity of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL).

This work reports the effects of the water-soluble lectin from Moringa oleifera seeds (WSMoL) on growth and survival of Candida species. In addition, cellular alterations linked to the antifungal effect were investigated. The minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations were determined and 24-h growth curves in absence and presence of lectin were established. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the induction of apoptosis/necrosis, alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and occurrence of lysosomal damage. WSMoL inhibited the growth of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis with MIC of 20µg/mL. The lowest MFC (20µg/mL) was detected for C. glabrata and the highest (80µg/mL) for C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The inhibitory effect started from the ninth to nineteenth hour of incubation depending on the fungal species. Incubation with the lectin at the MIC for 24h increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis. Hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was detected after 12-h treatment, followed by reduction of ΔΨm or depolarization after 24h. No lysosomal damage was detected in treated cells. In conclusion, WSMoL is a fungistatic and fungicide agent against Candida with differential effects depending on the species.

Latrodectus geometricus (Aranea: Theridiidae) envenoming: Rapid resolution of symptoms following F(ab')2 antivenom therapy.

The Brown Widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) is an invasive species whose geographic range has been expanding worldwide. It is a relative species of the Black Widow and Red-backed spiders of the genus Latrodectus. Despite its broad geographic distribution cases of Brown Widow envenomation have rarely been documented. The venom of L. geometricus is similar to the venom of L. mactans with the primary venom component being alpha-latrotoxin, and consequent envenoming by L. geometricus to humans has resulted in symptoms similar to those reported for other Latrodectus spp. Specific FDA approved Latrodectus antivenom (IgG) available in North America has been effectively used in treating venom-induced symptoms following L. mactans envenoming. The patient reported here involved a confirmed L. geometricus envenoming who was efficaciously treated with an alternately available F(ab')2 antivenom from Mexico.

Concentração de minerais no tecido queratinizado podal de equinos jovens da raça Crioula em diferentes fases de crescimento / [Mineral concentrations in the keratinized tissue on the feet of young Crioulo horses at different stages of growth]

O presente estudo avaliou o perfil mineral de Cálcio (Ca), Cobre (Cu) e Zinco (Zn) no estojo córneo pré e pós-desmame e sua associação com pigmentação, gênero e idade de potros da raça Crioula criados em pastagens nativas no Rio Grande do Sul. Foram coletadas amostras do casco de potros da raça Crioula 41 dias pré e 28 dias pós-desmame. Os teores de Ca, Cu e Zn variaram no casco fetal (571,0±39,4; 14,5±7,6 e 130,0±30,5mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05) e no definitivo (653,0±169,2; 33,8±11,5 e 69,3±36,8mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05), no pré (620,0±184; 17,2±21,2 e 103,0±75,5mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05) e no pós-desmame (517,5±181; 0 e 79,0±41,7mg/kg, respectivamente; P<0,05). Houve associação positiva (P<0,05) com a faixa etária no pré-desmame para Ca (r=0,5) e Cu (r=0,57), e negativa para Zn (r=-0,69; P<0,05). No pós-desmame, houve associação positiva (P<0,05) para Ca (r=0,36) e Zn (r=0,64) e negativa para Cu (r=-0,39; P<0,05). Tanto a pigmentação quanto o gênero não afetaram o perfil mineral. Conclui-se que há diferenças nas concentrações de Ca, Cu e Zn na epiderme do casco de potros da raça Crioula no pré e pós-desmame, independentemente da pigmentação e do gênero, onde as concentrações de Ca e Cu aumentam com a idade, enquanto as de Zn diminuem.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral profile of Ca, Cu and Zn in the hoof horny capsule at pre and post-weaning and its association with pigmentation, gender and age range of Crioulo foals raised in native pastures in RS. Samples were collected from the epidermis of the Crioulo foal's hoof at two times, 41 pre and 28 post-weaning. The contents of Ca, Cu, Zn Varied in the fetal hoof ( 571.0±139.4, 14.5±7.6 and 130.0±30.5mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05) and definitive (653.0±169.2, 33.8±11.5 and 69.3±36.8mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05), in the pre (620.0±184, 17.2±21.2 and103.0±75.5mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05) and post-weaning (517.5±181, 0.1 and 79.0±41.7mg/kg, respectively, P<0.05).There was a positive association (P<0.05) with a preweaning age for Ca (r=0.5) and Cu (r=0.57) and negative for Zn (r=-0.69, P<0.05). In the post weaning there was a positive association (P<0.05) for Ca (r=0.36) and Zn (r=0.64) and negative for Cu (r=-0.39; P<0.05). Neither pigmentation nor gender affected the mineral profile. It is concluded that there are differences in Ca, Cu, Zn concentrations in the epidermis of foals of the crioulo breed at the pre and post weaning, regardless of pigmentation and sex, where Ca and Cu concentrations increase with age, while Zn concentrations decrease.(AU)

Divergência fenotípica entre éguas Crioulas das linhagens uruguaia "La invernada", argentina "Cardal" e chilena / [Phenotypic divergence between Criollo mares lines of the Uruguayan "La invernada", Argentine "Cardal" and Chilean]

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a dissimilaridade fenotípica de amostras populacionais de três linhagens de éguas Crioulas, uruguaia (La Invernada), argentina (Cardal) e chilena, para caracteres morfológicos, apontando as características de maior variância intra e entre as diferentes linhagens que são passíveis de seleção. Foram avaliadas 22 características morfológicas de 113 éguas da linhagem uruguaia "La Invernada", 38 argentinas "Cardal" e 73 chilenas puras, totalizando 224 éguas de cria pertencentes à raça Crioula. Para determinação das variáveis lineares e de perímetro, foi utilizada fita métrica, prumo, paquímetro e hipômetro. Verificou-se variabilidade nas características morfológicas entre as três linhagens (P<0,05), incluindo as características lineares altura, perímetro de tórax e perímetro de canela (P<0,01), consideradas de caráter impositivo para fins de registro. Maior variação fenotípica foi observada nas éguas da linhagem chilena em relação aos outros dois grupos genéticos (P<0,01). As características morfológicas altura garupa, perímetro rostral pescoço, comprimento metatarso, largura garupa, profundidade do tórax, comprimento dorsal pescoço e comprimento do corpo foram passíveis de seleção entre as éguas Crioulas pertencentes às linhagens argentina (Cardal), uruguaia (La Invernada) e chilena. Em conclusão, não há homogeneidade entre as linhagens estudadas, o que identifica a diversidade entre as linhagens de éguas Crioulas estudadas.(AU)

The aim of the study was to analyze the phenotypic dissimilarity of morphological characteristics of three strains of Criollo mares, Uruguian (La Invernada), Argentine (Cardal), and Chilena, pointing to the characteristics of higher variance within and among the different strains that are selectable. We evaluated 22 morphological characteristics of 113 mares of the Uruguaian line, 38 Argentines and 73 pure Chilean, totaling 224 breeding mares belonging to the criollo breed. For the determination of the linear and perimeter variables, a metric tape, plumb, pachymeter and hypometer were used. There was variability in the morphological characteristics between the three strains (P<0.05), including the linear characteristics of height, chest circumference and perimeter of cinnamon (P<0.01), considered as taxation for registration purposes. Higher phenotypic variation was observed in the mares of the Chilean line in relation to the other two genetic groups (P<0.01). The morphological characteristics of height croup, rostral perimeter neck, metatarsal length, croup width, chest depth, dorsal neck length, and body length were the selectable characteristics among the breeding mares belonging to the Argentine (Cardal), Uruguaian (La Invernada) and Chilena strains. In conclusion, there is no homogeneity between the studied strains, which identifies the diversity among the lines of Criollo mares studied.(AU)

Desordens hematológicas em onças-pardas (Puma concolor; Linnaeus, 1771) infectadas por Citauxzoon felis / [Hematological disorders in Brown jaguars (Puma concolor; Linnaeus 1771) infected by Citauxzoon felis]

Este estudo objetivou descrever o aspecto hematológico de seis onças-pardas (Puma concolor) infectadas pelo Cytauxzoon felis. Os seis casos de infecção foram identificados durante o manejo sanitário de 11 animais de um centro de reabilitação de animais silvestres. Estruturas compatíveis com piroplasmídeos foram observadas durante a avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo e confirmadas como Cytauxzoon felis pela técnica de PCR. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa (P<0,05) no número absoluto dos linfócitos entre os grupos dos animais infectados e não infectados. Assim, expressivas alterações hematológicas e bioquímicas entre os grupos investigados alertam para a dificuldade de identificação de onças-pardas infectadas por C. felis, apoiada apenas em exames de rotina, bem como para o risco, sobretudo, da reintrodução desses animais na natureza.(AU)

This Cytauxzoon felis by the PCR technique. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference is study aimed to describe the hematological appearance of six puma (puma concolor) infected with cytauxzoon felis. The six cases of infection were identified during the sanitary management of 11 animals from a wild animal rehabilitation center. Piroplasmid compatible structures were observed during the blood smear evaluation and confirmed as (P<0.05) in the absolute number of lymphocytes between the groups of infected and uninfected animals. Thus expressive hematological and biochemical alterations between the groups investigated alert to the difficulty of identifying infected brown jaguars by C. felis, supported only by routine examinations, and the risk especially when aiming at the reintroduction of these animals in the wild.(AU)

Molecular identification of Ehrlichia sp. in a beef cattle from Brazilian Cerrado - case report / Identificação molecular de Ehrlichia sp em um bovino do Cerrado brasileiro - relato de caso

Ehrlichia infections in cattle are frequent in Africa but have also been reported in Brazil and North America. This paper reports natural infection by Ehrlichia sp. associated with Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in a calf in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, presenting polioencephalomalacia. The molecular evidence, based on a fragment of the dsb gene, indicates a species of Ehrlichia genetically related to Ehrlichia canis and other species of the genus found in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and a calf from Brazil (99 to 100% identity). It was not possible to associate the clinical signs with Ehrlichia infection due to co-infections and histological evidence of another disease. However, the circulation of the bacteria in bovines in Brazilian Cerrado was confirmed and more attention should be given to clinical suspicion of tick-borne pathogens in cattle to clarify the pathogenic potential of Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Infecções por Ehrlichia em bovinos são frequentes na África, mas também foram relatadas no Brasil e na América do Norte. Este artigo relata uma infecção natural por Ehrlichia sp. associado a Babesia bigemina e Anaplasma marginale em um bezerro, no município de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, o qual apresentava polioencefalomalácia. A evidência molecular, baseada em um fragmento do gene dsb, indica uma espécie de Ehrlichia geneticamente relacionada a Ehrlichia canis e outras espécies do gênero encontradas no carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus e em um bezerro do Brasil (99 a 100% de identidade). Não foi possível associar os sinais clínicos à infecção por Ehrlichia devido a coinfecções e evidências histológicas de outra doença. No entanto, a circulação da bactéria em bovinos no Cerrado brasileiro foi confirmada, e mais atenção deve ser dada à suspeita clínica de patógenos transmitidos por carrapatos em bovinos para esclarecer o potencial patogênico de Ehrlichia sp.(AU)

Chemical profiling of PM10 from urban road dust.

Road dust resuspension is one of the main sources of particulate matter with impacts on air quality, health and climate. With the aim of characterising the thoracic fraction, a portable resuspension chamber was used to collect road dust from five main roads in Oporto and an urban tunnel in Braga, north of Portugal. The PM10 samples were analysed for: i) carbonates by acidification and quantification of the evolved CO2, ii) carbonaceous content (OC and EC) by a thermo-optical technique, iii) elemental composition by ICP-MS and ICP-AES after acid digestion, and iv) organic speciation by GC-MS. Dust loadings of 0.48±0.39mgPM10m-2 were obtained for asphalt paved roads. A much higher mean value was achieved in a cobbled pavement (50mgPM10m-2). In general, carbonates were not detected in PM10. OC and EC accounted for PM10 mass fractions up to 11% and 5%, respectively. Metal oxides accounted for 29±7.5% of the PM10 mass from the asphalt paved roads and 73% in samples from the cobbled street. Crustal and anthropogenic elements, associated with tyre and brake wear, dominated the inorganic fraction. PM10 comprised hundreds of organic constituents, including hopanoids, n-alkanes and other aliphatics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), alcohols, sterols, various types of acids, glycerol derivatives, lactones, sugars and derivatives, phenolic compounds and plasticizers. In samples from the cobbled street, these organic classes represented only 439µgg-1PM10, while for other pavements mass fractions up to 65mgg-1PM10 were obtained. Except for the cobbled street, on average, about 40% of the analysed organic fraction was composed of plasticizers. Although the risk via inhalation of PAH was found to be insignificant, the PM10 from some roads can contribute to an estimated excess of 332 to 2183 per million new cancer cases in adults exposed via ingestion and dermal contact.

A batch and fixed bed column study for fluorescein removal using chitosan modified by epichlorohydrin.

This study evaluates the feasibility of commercial chitosan (CQ) and modified chitosan (MQ) by epichlorohydrin to be used as a solid phase to remove fluorescein (FSC) from aqueous solutions by two different approaches: in batch and on a fixed column bed. For the batch study, all parameters that influence sorption capacity were evaluated, such as: pH, mass, ionic strength, temperature and time of contact. In the optimized condition, 75% removal was obtained for FSC using CQ, while the modification allowed an increase up to 99%, as well as an increase in the stability of the polymer. In the fixed column bed study, the influence of all the parameters was evaluated through breakthrough curves, and the thermodynamics parameters of each approach were obtained. The results of these studies demonstrate that the modification with epichlorohydrin enhanced the sorptive properties (from 35% to 95% in fixed bed experiments) and the polymer stability (making it insoluble), making it suitable to be used in wastewater treatment.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis infections on implants.

Infections are one of the main reasons for removal of implants from patients, and usually need difficult and expensive treatments. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the most frequently detected pathogens. We reviewed the epidemiology and pathogenesis of implant-related infections. Relevant studies were identified by electronic searching of the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Academic Google, and CAPES Journal Portal. This review reports epidemiological studies of implant infections caused by S. aureus and S. epidermidis. We discuss some methodologies used in the search for new compounds with antibiofilm activity and the main strategies for biomaterial surface modifications to avoid bacterial plaque formation and consequent infection. S. aureus and S. epidermidis are frequently involved in infections in catheters and orthopaedic/breast implants. Different methodologies have been used to test the potential antibiofilm properties of compounds; for example, crystal violet dye is widely used for in-vitro biofilm quantification due to its low cost and good reproducibility. Changes in the surface biomaterials are necessary to prevent biofilm formation. Some studies have investigated the immobilization of antibiotics on the surfaces of materials used in implants. Other approaches have been used as a way to avoid the spread of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials, such as the functionalization of these surfaces with silver and natural compounds, as well as the electrical treatment of these substrates.

Fallopian tube catheterization in the treatment of proximal tubal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Study question: What is the chance of clinical pregnancy when fallopian tube catheterization is used for proximal tubal obstruction? Summary answer: The pooled clinical pregnancy rate of tubal catheterization after proximal tubal obstruction is 27% (95% CI 25-30%). What is known already: Restoring fallopian tube patency by performing tubal catheterization has fallen out of favour since the increased availability of IVF. Our study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate reproductive outcomes following tubal catheterization for proximal tubal obstruction. Study design, size, duration: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 observational studies consisting of 1720 patients undergoing tubal catheterization for proximal tubal obstruction, who attempted to conceive naturally after the procedure. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Systematic literature searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. A total of 2195 titles and abstracts were reviewed. Only studies that reported outcomes when tubal catheterization was performed with no other tubal surgery were included. Twenty-seven cohort studies matched the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Main results and the role of chance: The meta-analysis showed a pooled clinical pregnancy rate of 27% (95% CI 25-30%) after the use of tubal catheterization for unilateral or bilateral proximal tubal obstruction (27 studies, 1556 patients). In women with bilateral obstruction (14 studies, 617 patients), the clinical pregnancy rate was 27% (95% CI 23-32%). Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled cumulative clinical pregnancy rates were 22.3% (95% CI 17.8-27.8%) at 6 months, 25.8% (95% CI 21.1-31.5%) at 9 months, 26.4% (95% CI 23.0-30.2%) at 12 months, 26.0% (95% CI 22.8-29.7%) at 18 months, 27.0% (95% CI 24.0-30.5%) at 24 months, 27.9% (95% CI 24.9-31.3%) at 36 months and 28.5% (95% CI 25.5-31.8%) at 48 months. The pooled live birth rate (14 studies, 551 patients) was 22% (95% CI 18-26%). The pooled ectopic pregnancy rate (27 studies, 1556 patients) was 4% (95% CI 3-5%). The included studies scored satisfactorily on the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. Limitations, reasons for caution: The pooled clinical pregnancy rate after tubal catheterization was found to be almost comparable to that after IVF. However, included studies were small, non-comparative series with significant clinical heterogeneity in population characteristics, follow-up and surgical equipment, technique and experience. Wider implications of the findings: These findings suggest fallopian tube catheterization as an alternative strategy to IVF in patients presenting with proximal tubal obstruction. Further research should focus on comparing different surgical techniques of fallopian tube catheterization with IVF and provide cumulative reproductive outcomes over long-term follow-up. Study funding/competing interest(s): No funding was required and the authors have no competing interests to declare. Registration number: N/A.

Day-restricted feeding during pregnancy and lactation programs glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion in male rat offspring.

AIM: The maternal environment during pregnancy and lactation plays a determining role in programming energy metabolism in offspring. Among a myriad of maternal factors, disruptions in the light/dark cycle during pregnancy can program glucose intolerance in offspring. Out-of-phase feeding has recently been reported to influence metabolism in adult humans and rodents; however, it is not known whether this environmental factor impacts offspring metabolism when applied during pregnancy and lactation. This study aims to determine whether maternal day-restricted feeding (DF) influences energy metabolism in offspring. METHODS: Pregnant and lactating Wistar rats were subjected to ad libitum (AL) or DF during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring born to the AL and DF dams were intra- and interfostered, which resulted in 4 group types. RESULTS: The male offspring born to and breastfed by the DF dams (DF/DF off) were glucose intolerant, but without parallel insulin resistance as adults. Experiments with isolated pancreatic islets demonstrated that the male DF/DF off rats had reduced insulin secretion with no parallel disruption in calcium handling. However, this reduction in insulin secretion was accompanied by increased miRNA-29a and miRNA34a expression and decreased syntaxin 1a protein levels. CONCLUSION: We conclude that out-of-phase feeding during pregnancy and lactation can lead to glucose intolerance in male offspring, which is caused by a disruption in insulin secretion capacity. This metabolic programming is possibly caused by mechanisms dependent on miRNA modulation of syntaxin 1a.

Renal and cardiovascular risk predictive value of two different microalbuminuria screening methods in patients with hypertension with/without diabetes in Portugal.

MicRoAlbuminuria sCreening survEy (RACE) was a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study conducted in primary health-care settings of Portugal. Here, we present a post-hoc analysis from the RACE study, assessing the renal and cardiovascular (CV) risk predictive value of two different microalbuminuria (MA) screening methods, nephelometry with 24-h urine (MA-24 h) and Micral test with occasional urine (MicralA) in patients with hypertension (HTN) with/without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Out of 3065 patients, 1173 (38.3%) were in the HTN group without T2DM (HTN) and 1892 (61.7%) in the HTN group with T2DM (HTN+T2DM). The overall prevalence of MA was 50.6% determined by MicralA and 22.1% with MA-24 h. Urinary albumin excretion data obtained by both techniques correlated significantly (rs=0.586; P<0.001). In all subjects, MicralA showed a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 62% for detection of MA, with a positive predictive value of 41% and negative predictive value of 97%. With both methods, the presence of MA was independently associated with a higher risk (1.5- to 2.9-fold) of CV and renal organ damage in both HTN and HTN+T2DM groups. MicralA, due to its high sensitivity and negative predictive value, can be considered as a valid and reliable method for MA screening in patients with HTN with/without T2DM.

Reducing Emergency Medical Service response time via the reallocation of ambulance bases.

The demand for highly efficient and effective services and consumer goods is an essential prerequisite for modern organizations. In healthcare, efficiency and effectiveness mean reducing disabilities and maintaining human life. One challenge is guaranteeing rapid Emergency Medical Service (EMS) response. This study analyzes the EMS of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, using two modeling techniques: optimization and simulation. The optimization model locates ambulance bases and allocates ambulances to those bases. A simulation of this proposed configuration is run to analyze the dynamic behavior of the system. The main assumption is that optimizing the ambulance base locations can improve the system response time. Feasible solutions were found and the current system may be improved while considering economic and operational changes.

Annexin A1 mimetic peptide controls the inflammatory and fibrotic effects of silica particles in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endogenous glucocorticoids are pro-resolving mediators, an example of which is the endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein annexin A1 (ANXA1). Because silicosis is an occupational lung disease characterized by unabated inflammation and fibrosis, in this study we tested the therapeutic properties of the N-terminal ANXA1-derived peptide annexin 1-(2-26) (Ac2-26) on experimental silicosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Swiss-Webster mice were administered silica particles intranasally and were subsequently treated with intranasal peptide Ac2-26 (200 µg per mouse) or dexamethasone (25 µg per mouse) for 7 days, starting 6 h post-challenge. Ac2-26 abolished the leukocyte infiltration, collagen deposition, granuloma formation and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines evoked by silica; these variables were only partially inhibited by dexamethasone. KEY RESULTS: A clear exacerbation of the silica-induced pathological changes was observed in ANXA1 knockout mice as compared with their wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Incubation of lung fibroblasts from WT mice with Ac2-26 in vitro reduced IL-13 or TGF-ß-induced production of CCL2 (MCP-1) and collagen, but this peptide did not affect the production of CCL2 (MCP-1) by stimulated fibroblasts from formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1) knockout mice. Ac2-26 also inhibited the production of CCL2 (MCP-1) from fibroblasts of FPR2 knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Collectively, our findings reveal novel protective properties of the ANXA1 derived peptide Ac2-26 on the inflammatory and fibrotic responses induced by silica, and suggest that ANXA1 mimetic agents might be a promising strategy as innovative anti-fibrotic approaches for the treatment of silicosis.