Chitosan/copper nanocomposites: Correlation between electrical and antibacterial properties.

Correlation between electrical and antibacterial properties of chitosan/copper nanocomposites (CS/CuNPs) is investigated. We aim at achieving the minimum CuNPs concentration in a CS-matrix while keeping high antibacterial activity. UV-vis, TEM and XRD measurements confirms the formation of polygonal metallic CuNPs (ca. 30-50 nm). Interactions between NH2/OH groups of CS and CuNPs were determined by FTIR and XPS suggesting Cu chelation-induced mechanism during the CuNPs formation. DC electrical conductivity measurements reveals a percolation threshold at CuNPs volumetric concentration of ca. 0.143%. Antibacterial assays against Gram-positive bacteria and DC measurements helps correlate the antibacterial potency to the electron transfer between the negatively charged bacteria and CuNPs. Our study suggests that nanocomposite's maximum antibacterial activity is obtained below the electrical percolation threshold at extremely low CuNPs concentrations; this fact may prove useful in the design of nontoxic nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

Evaluation of the resistance to bacterial growth of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) grafted onto functionalized carbon nanotubes nanocomposites.

Nanocomposites of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTsf) as nanofillers, and a copolymer of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone) (stPCL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a polymeric matrix were synthesized, characterized, and their resistance to the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated. CNTsf contain hydroxyl, carboxyl and acyl chloride groups attached to their surface. Nanocomposites were prepared by mixing CNTsf to a solution of stPCL-PEG copolymer. Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies confirm the functionalization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Star-shaped PCL-PEG copolymer was characterized by Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that CNTsf are grafted to the stPCL-PEG copolymer. Crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites depends on the amount of CNTsf used in their preparation, detecting nucleation (nanocomposites prepared with 0.5 wt.% of CNTsf) or anti-nucleation (nanocomposites prepared with 1.0 wt.% of CNTsf) effects. Young's Moduli and thermal stability of nanocomposites were higher, but their resistence to the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was lower than the observed for their pure polymer matrix.

Primary diagnosis of angiosarcoma by fine needle aspiration: Lessons learned from 3 cases.

Angiosarcomas are rare malignancies arising from cells of endothelial origin and are aggressive sarcomas that can occur in any anatomic site. They are reported to have predilection for the scalp, extremities and breasts. The incidence of these tumors is increasing, which has been suggested to be attributable to the growing use of radiotherapy to treat breast and other malignancies. There is currently limited literature describing the primary cytologic diagnosis of angiosarcoma on fine needle aspirate material. We describe the findings of three cases of angiosarcoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration. Our three cases offer distinct radiologic, clinical and cytopathologic points-of-view: a thyroid angiosarcoma, a mediastinal angiosarcoma and a skin angiosarcoma. The cytomorphology of angiosarcoma is characterized by large highly atypical spindle to epithelioid cells with abundant cytoplasm in dispersed single cells or loose aggregates. The nuclei are large and pleomorphic with vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Mitoses are readily identified. The background can be bloody and/or necrotic. Occasional intracytoplasmic lumens are a helpful morphologic feature suggesting vascular differentiation. HHV-8 immunostaining may aid in the differential diagnosis with Kaposi sarcoma while epithelioid hemangioendothelioma can be distinguished based on morphologic features. Given the metastatic potential and high mortality rate associated with these tumors, this entity is an important consideration in the contexts herein described.

Fine social aspiration: Twitter as a voice for cytopathology.

Social media is an influential tool that has the power to transform cytopathology. Twitter is being used more and more to share cutting-edge updates from pathology meetings ("live-tweeting"). Modern smartphones can now take high resolution microscopic photographs and easily transmit them worldwide via Twitter, Facebook, and other social media, allowing cytopathologists to share educational pearls and discuss difficult cases on a global scale like never before. Social media also allows cytopathologists to share a behind-the-scenes look at their subspecialty with other physicians and even the non-medical public, helping them to better understand the crucial importance of cytopathology in modern medicine. This could positively impact rapport with other specialties, influence policy making, and possibly even improve delivery of patient care. Rare disease patient communities are being formed by patients on Facebook. By joining and volunteering with these patient groups, cytopathologists would have further opportunity to interact directly with patients and their family members, explaining the role of cytopathology in patient care and helping patients to better understand their own diseases. Social media enables cytopathologists and their colleagues in other pathology subspecialties to easily and rapidly form a broad and diverse worldwide network with one another. The authors believe that this is the key to a bright future for our specialty, a strong unified global community of pathologists all working together for education, patient advocacy, and outstanding patient care. Social media can allow us to build that community, strengthen its bonds, and harness its power like never before in history. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:705-713. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-term efficacy of high-protein diets: a systematic review / Eficacia a largo plazo de las dietas altas en proteínas: revisión sistemática

The rationale for the use of high-protein diets is that they offer a higher level of satiety for a longer period of time when compared with carbohydrates or fats; this diminishes calorie consumption in the long-run. The purpose of this review was to assess the efficacy of long-term randomized clinical trials. We used Pubmed, EBSCO and SCIELO to conduct our searches. Inclusion criteria were: randomized clinical trials conducted in adults, with an intervention/follow-up of at least 24 weeks, stating the specific amount of energy protein (in percentages) in the diet; with a control group with either a conventional energy restricted diet or a high-fat/high-carbohydrate diet, also the studies should provide at least body weight or body mass index (BMI) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. A total of 481 studies were found. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Weight loss difference in those with the highest weight loss with the high protein diet ranged from 3.7 kg in a six month trial to 1.2kg in a 17 month trial. The average weight loss of the eight studies in the high-protein diet was 6.3 kg and in the standard diet was 5.0 kg. Although half of the studies showed a higher weight loss with a high-protein diet, three out of four studies with the longest intervention show no statistical difference in weight loss. In this systematic review it was observed that the long-term effect of high-protein diets is neither consistent nor conclusive (AU)

La justificación para el uso de dietas altas en proteínas(DAP) es que las proteínas ofrecen una mayor saciedad por un periodo prolongado de tiempo comparado con carbohidratos o lípidos, lo que disminuye la ingesta calórica a largo plazo. El propósito de esta revisión fue evaluar la eficacia a largo plazo de las DAP, en ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (RCT en inglés). Se realizaron las búsquedas en Pubmed, EBSCO y SCIELO. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: RCT, adultos, intervención y seguimiento igual o mayor de 24 semanas, estudios que presentaran la cantidad de proteína (en porcentajes) en la dieta, la presencia de un grupo control con una dieta convencional restringida en energía o una dieta alta en lípidos/carbohidratos. Además, la inclusión de peso corporal o índice de masa corporal al inicio y al final de la intervención. Se encontraron 481 estudios. Ocho estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La diferencia de la pérdida de peso en aquellos con la mayor pérdida con la DAP varió de 3,7 kg en un estudio de seis meses a 1,2 kg en un estudio de diecisiete meses. La pérdida de peso promedio de los ocho estudios en el grupo de DAP fue 6,3 kg y en la dieta estándar fue 5,0 kg. La mitad de los estudios mostró una mayor pérdida de peso en la DAP, tres de los cuatro estudios con mayor tiempo de intervención no muestran diferencia significativa en la pérdida de peso. En conclusión, se observó que el efecto a largo plazo de las DAP no es consistente ni concluyente. (AU)

Effect of maternal obesity on lactation: systematic review / Efecto de la obesidad materna sobre la lactancia: revisión sistemática

Objective: The short duration or lack of breastfeeding has been associated with maternal obesity. The purpose of this study was to systematically review prospective studies that assessed the effect of maternal obesity on lactation. Methods: A search of studies was conducted in Pubmed, these included prospective studies on maternal obesity and initiation, intention and duration of breastfeeding: 653 articles were found, only seven were prospective studies. After adding other studies found by hand, a total of nine studies were analyzed. Results: Three out of four papers observed a higher risk for delay lactogenesis among obese mothers, oddsratio ranging from 1.02 to 1.10. The study assessing the initiation of lactation showed that non-obese mothers initiated lactation sooner, OR: 0.39 (95% CI: 0.25-0.62). The overall risk for cessation of breastfeeding showed that obese mothers had higher risks of early cessation, HR:1.50 (CI 95% 1.11-2.04). In one study it was observed that obese mothers were not more likely to never breastfeed, OR = 1.56 (95% CI: 0.97-1.50). Conclusions: This review shows that in prospective studies, obese mothers are more likely to have delayed lactogenesis and reduced lactation. Therefore, weight control and breastfeeding promotion should be reinforced before and during pregnancy. In overweight and obese mothers, breastfeeding should be closely monitored after birth (AU)

Objetivo: La falta de lactancia o su corta duración has ido asociada con la obesidad materna. El propósito de este estudio fue realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios prospectivos que estudiaron el efecto de la obesidad materna sobre la lactancia. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed, se incluyeron estudios prospectivos del efecto de la obesidad materna sobre la iniciación, la intención y la duración dela lactancia: se encontraron 653 artículos, y siete fueron estudios prospectivos. Después de agregar otros estudios seleccionados a mano, se analizaron nueve estudios. Resultados: Tres de cuatro estudios observaron un mayor riesgo de retraso de la lactogénesis en madres obesas, OR:1,02 a 1,10. El estudio que analizó la iniciación de la lactancia describió que las madres no obesas iniciaron la lactancia más temprano, OR: 0,39 (95% CI: 0,25-0,62). El riesgo determinación temprana de la lactancia fue mayor en madres obesas, HR: 1,50 (CI 95% 1,11-2,04). En un estudio se observó que las madres obesas no tenían más probabilidades de no lactar, OR = 1,56 (95% CI: 0,97-1,50). Conclusiones: Esta revisión realizada en estudios prospectivos indica que, es más probable que las madres obesas tengan lactogénesis atrasada o un periodo corto de lactancia. Por lo tanto, el control de peso y la promoción de la lactancia deben reforzarse antes y durante el embarazo. Enmadres con sobrepeso y obesidad, la lactancia debe de ser promovida y supervisada después de nacimiento (AU)

Long-term efficacy of high-protein diets: a systematic review.

The rationale for the use of high-protein diets is that they offer a higher level of satiety for a longer period of time when compared with carbohydrates or fats; this diminishes calorie consumption in the long-run. The purpose of this review was to assess the efficacy of long-term randomized clinical trials. We used Pubmed, EBSCO and SCIELO to conduct our searches. Inclusion criteria were: randomized clinical trials conducted in adults, with an intervention/follow-up of at least 24 weeks, stating the specific amount of energy protein (in percentages) in the diet; with a control group with either a conventional energy restricted diet or a high-fat/high-carbohydrate diet, also the studies should provide at least body weight or body mass index (BMI) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. A total of 481 studies were found. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Weight loss difference in those with the highest weight loss with the high-protein diet ranged from 3.7 kg in a six month trial to 1.2 kg in a 17 month trial. The average weight loss of the eight studies in the high-protein diet was 6.3 kg and in the standard diet was 5.0 kg. Although half of the studies showed a higher weight loss with a high-protein diet, three out of four studies with the longest intervention show no statistical difference in weight loss. In this systematic review it was observed that the long-term effect of high-protein diets is neither consistent nor conclusive.

Effect of maternal obesity on lactation: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The short duration or lack of breastfeeding has been associated with maternal obesity. The purpose of this study was to systematically review prospective studies that assessed the effect of maternal obesity on lactation. METHODS: A search of studies was conducted in Pubmed, these included prospective studies on maternal obesity and initiation, intention and duration of breastfeeding: 653 articles were found, only seven were prospective studies. After adding other studies found by hand, a total of nine studies were analyzed. RESULTS: Three out of four papers observed a higher risk for delay lactogenesis among obese mothers, odds ratio ranging from 1.02 to 1.10. The study assessing the initiation of lactation showed that non-obese mothers initiated lactation sooner, OR: 0.39 (95% CI: 0.25-0.62). The overall risk for cessation of breastfeeding showed that obese mothers had higher risks of early cessation, HR: 1.50 (CI 95% 1.11-2.04). In one study it was observed that obese mothers were not more likely to never breastfeed, OR = 1.56 (95% CI: 0.97-1.50). CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that in prospective studies, obese mothers are more likely to have delayed lactogenesis and reduced lactation. Therefore, weight control and breastfeeding promotion should be reinforced before and during pregnancy. In overweight and obese mothers, breastfeeding should be closely monitored after birth.

Field evaluation against Aedes aegypti larvae of aluminum-carboxymethylcellulose-encapsulated spore-toxin complex formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis.

The insecticidal activity after field exposure of an aluminum-carboxymethylcellulose microencapsulated formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) spore-toxin complex, with malachite green as photoprotective agent, was evaluated using third-instar Aedes aegypti (L.) larvae in laboratory bioassays in Veracruz, México. Four insecticide treatments and an untreated control were compared at low and high doses over 96 d of field exposure under full sun or full shade conditions: 1) microencapsulated Bti spore-toxin complex, 2) nonmicroencapsulated Bti spore-toxin complex, 3) a commercial Bti formulation, 4) a commercial formulation of temephos, and 5) an untreated control. The low and high doses corresponded to the LC50 and LC90 concentrations for the Bti insecticides and to 0.5 and 1.0 mg/liter for temephos; the corresponding values for the microencapsulated Bti and commercial Bti, estimated in this study, were 0.061 and 0.14 mg/ml and 0.13 and 0.30 mg/ml, respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated that microencapsulation with aluminum-carboxymethylcellulose improved the activity against Ae. aegypti larvae of B. t. israelensis spore-toxin complex over that of a nonmicroencapsulated spore-toxin complex and that the improvement was particularly important under full sun and high dose. Moreover, insecticidal activity of the microencapsulated B. thuringiensis israelensis spore-toxin complex was superior to that of a commercial B. thuringiensis israelensis formulation and comparable to that of the chemical insecticide temephos. Finally, it was suggested that the microencapsulated B. thuringiensis israelensis formulation should be evaluated for field use in Veracruz because its activity against Ae. aegypti larvae remained high through 31 d and this would allow halving of the current insecticide application frequency.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding during pregnancy.

Treatment of bleeding esophageal varices during pregnancy is a rare clinical dilemma. Primary therapy remains endoscopy and band ligation. Refractory variceal hemorrhage treated with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure potentially exposes the fetus to radiation. The present report describes a TIPS procedure performed at 22 weeks gestation with the use of radiation-sparing maneuvers in a patient with recurrent esophageal variceal hemorrhage. The TIPS procedure delivered an estimated fetal dose of 5.49 mSv (0.549 Rad), much less than the dose threshold thought to induce biologic effects and only slightly greater than annual background radiation. The interventional radiologist should not hesitate to perform a TIPS procedure for refractory variceal hemorrhage with use of strategies aimed at minimizing radiation.

Expression of a novel protein by regenerating hepatocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) is a protein with immunosuppressive activity and is normally present in the thymus and placenta. RTF was measured in the livers of patients with regenerating nodules due to alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatitis C. RTF was expressed in the regenerating nodules of 26 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. All patients with chronic hepatitis C without cirrhosis failed to express RTF. Flow cytometry revealed upregulation of RTF on the lymphocytes from alcoholic cirrhosis and downregulation in hepatitis C disease.

Expression of regeneration and tolerance factor correlates directly with human immunodeficiency virus infection and inversely with hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause two of the most prevalent debilitating viral infections. HIV appears to induce a skewing toward a Th2 response, while in HCV infection a Th1 response appears to dominate. Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) may participate in driving or sustaining a Th2 cytokine response. The expression of RTF on CD3(+) T cells of HIV-seropositive (HIV(+)) individuals is increased. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of RTF during HIV infections with that during HCV infections. Three-color flow-cytometric analysis of peripheral blood collected from HIV(+) HCV-seropositive (HCV(+)), HIV- and HCV-seropositive (HIV(+) HCV(+)), and HIV- and HCV-seronegative (HIV(-) HCV(-)) individuals was performed. Levels of RTF expression on T-lymphocyte subsets from these groups were compared, as were levels of RTF expression on activated T cells expressing CD38 and HLA-DR, to determine the relationship of RTF expression to these infections. We demonstrated that the expression of RTF on surfaces of T cells from HIV(+) individuals is upregulated and that its expression on T cells from HCV(+) individuals is downregulated. A twofold increase in the mean channel fluorescence of RTF on CD3(+) T cells was seen in both HIV(+) and HIV(+) HCV(+) individuals compared to HIV(-) HCV(-) individuals. HCV(+) individuals had lower levels of RTF expression than HIV(-) HCV(-) individuals (P < 0.005 for CD4(+); P < 0.0005 for CD8(+)). In terms of percentages of T cells expressing RTF, the groups were ranked as follows: HIV(+) > HIV(+) HCV(+) > HIV(-) HCV(-) > HCV(+). The results indicate that RTF expression correlates with HIV-associated immune activation and may be associated with Th2-type responses.