Phase IV PROVE study: Perampanel in real-world clinical care of pediatric patients with epilepsy.

INTRODUCTION: The non-interventional Phase IV PROVE study (NCT03208660) assessed retention, efficacy, safety and tolerability, and perampanel dosing in patients with epilepsy during routine clinical care. This analysis evaluated final data from patients aged <4 years and 4-<12 years. METHODS: Data were obtained retrospectively from medical/pharmacy records of patients in the United States initiating perampanel after January 1, 2014, according to treating clinician recommendations. Retention rate was the primary endpoint. Secondary assessments included median percent changes in seizure frequency, seizure-freedom rates, investigator impression of seizure effect, and safety and tolerability. RESULTS: The Safety Analysis Set (SAS) included 41 patients (<4 years; mean maximum dose, 3.5 mg/day) and 203 patients (4-<12 years; mean maximum dose, 5.3 mg/day); 24-month retention rates were 35.7% (n = 5/14) and 42.0% (n = 47/112), respectively. In the Full Analysis Set, during Months 1-3, median percent reductions in seizure frequency were 33.3% (n = 8 [<4 years]) and 26.0% (n = 32 [4-<12 years]), and seizure-freedom rates were 12.5% in both groups (n = 1/8 and n = 4/32); patient numbers were low at later time points. Most patients showed improvements in seizure control (45.9% [<4 years] versus 52.4% [4-<12 years]) or no change (45.9% versus 34.5%) (SAS). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 12 (<4 years: 29.3%; most common, irritability [7.3%]) and 64 patients (4-<12 years: 31.5%; most common, aggression [6.9%]). CONCLUSIONS: Perampanel was generally well tolerated with <21% of TEAEs leading to withdrawal at 24 months, had favorable retention rates (≥50% and >35% at 12 and 24 months, respectively), and sustained efficacy in pediatric patients during routine clinical care.

Resistance of dwarf Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) cultivars to Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) and has caused problems in coconut production worldwide. Research has been carried out aiming at controlling the mite through chemical, biological, alternative, and host plant resistance methods. Identifying coconut palm cultivars resistant to R. indica is important to reduce the problems caused to plantations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of R. indica in six dwarf coconut palm cultivars, to identify sources of resistance. The cultivars of the sub-varieties green, red, and yellow evaluated were Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui (BGDJ), Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame (BRDG), Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame (BYDG), and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD). Confinement and free choice tests of R. indica on the cultivars were performed, in which biological parameters and preference were evaluated. Mite performance was different in the cultivars evaluated. In the confinement bioassay, R. indica had the worst performance in the cultivar BGDJ, the best performance in CRD, MRD, and BRDG, and intermediate performance in BYDG and MYD. In the free choice test, the cultivars MRD and MYD were preferred in relation to BGDJ, and CRD was less preferred in relation to BGDJ. Therefore, we considered that the cultivar BGDJ is the most resistant to R. indica, by antibiosis and antixenosis; CRD has resistance by antixenosis; and MRD, BRDG, BYDG, and MYD are susceptible.

Inhibition of the NMDA Currents by Probenecid in Amygdaloid Kindling Epilepsy Model.

Epilepsy is characterized by a sustained depolarization and repeated discharge of neurons, attributed to overstimulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAr). Herein, we propose that probenecid (PROB), an inhibitor of the activity of some ATP binding-cassette transporters (ABC-transporters) can modify NMDAr activity and expression in amygdaloid kindled model. Some studies have suggested that NMDAr expression could be regulated by inhibiting the activity of P-glycoprotein (MDR1) and drug resistance protein-1 (MRP1). Besides, PROB was found to interact with other proteins with proven activity in the kindling model, such as TRPV2 channels, OAT1, and Panx1. Administering PROB at two doses (100 and 300 mg/kg/d) for 5 d decreased after-discharge duration and Racine behavioral scores. It also reduced the expression of NR2B and the activity of total NOS and the expression of nNOS with respect to the kindling group. In a second protocol, voltage-clamp measurements of NMDA-evoked currents were performed in CA1 hippocampal cells dissociated from control and kindled rats. PROB produced a dose-dependent reduction in NMDA-evoked currents. In neurons from kindled rats, a residual NMDA-evoked current was registered with respect to control animals, while a reduction in NMDA-evoked currents was observed in the presence of 20 mM PROB. Finally, we evaluated the expression of MRP1 and MDR1 in order to establish a relationship between the reduction of kindling parameters, the inhibition of NMDA-type currents, and the expression of these transporters. Based on our results, we conclude that at the concentrations used, PROB inhibits currents evoked by NMDA in dissociated neurons of control and kindled rats. In the kindling model, at the tested doses, PROB decreases the after-discharge duration and Racine behavioral score in the kindling model. We propose a mechanism that could be dependent on the expression of ABC-type transporters.

Urease inhibitors technologies as strategy to mitigate agricultural ammonia emissions and enhance the use efficiency of urea-based fertilizers.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the stability and degradation of NBPT under storage conditions and to quantify urease activity, ammonia losses by volatilization, and agronomic efficiency of urea treated with different urease inhibitors, measured in the field. Experiments included urea treated with 530 mg NBPT kg-1 (UNBPT) in contact with six P-sources (monoammonium phosphate-MAP; single superphosphate; triple superphosphate; P-Agrocote; P-Phusion; P-Policote), with two P-concentrations (30; 70%); the monitoring four N-technologies (SoILC; Limus; Nitrain; Anvol); and the application of conventional urea (UGRAN) or urea treated with urease inhibitors as topdressing in three maize fields, at three N rates. It is concluded that: the mixture of UNBPT and P-fertilizers is incompatible. When MAP granules were coated to control P-release (P-Agrocote), the degradation of NBPT was moderate (approximately 400 mg kg-1 at the end of the storage test). SoILC and Limus solvent technologies extended the NBPT half-life by up to 3.7 and 4.7 months, respectively. Under field, each inhibition technology reduced urease activity, and lowered the intensity of ammonia emission compared to UGRAN by 50-62%. Our results show that the concentration of NBPT is reduced by up to 53.7% for mixing with phosphates. In addition, even with coatings, the storage of mixtures of urea with NBPT and phosphates should be for a time that does not reduce the efficiency of the inhibitor after application, and this time under laboratory conditions was 168 h. The reduction of NBPT concentration in urea is reduced even in isolated storage, our results showed that the half-life time is variable according to the formulation used, being 4.7, 3.7, 2.8 and 2.7 days for Limus, SoILC, Nitrain and Anvol, respectively. The results of these NBPT formulations in the field showed that the average losses by volatilization in the three areas were: 15%, 16%, 17%, 19% and 39% of the N applied, for SoILC, Anvol, Nitrain, Limus and urea, respectively. The rate of nitrogen application affected all agronomic variables, with varied effects in Ingaí. Even without N, yields were higher than 9200 kg ha-1 of grains. The increase in nitrogen rates resulted in linear increases in production and N removal in Luminárias and Ingaí, but in Lavras, production decreased above 95.6 kg ha-1 of N. The highest production in Lavras (13,772 kg ha-1 of grains) occurred with 100 kg ha-1 of N. The application of Anvol reduced the removal of N in Ingaí.

MALDI mass spectrometry-based identification of antifungal molecules from endophytic Bacillus strains with biocontrol potential of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a grapevine trunk pathogen in Peru.

Lasiodiplodia theobromae, a grapevine trunk pathogen, is becoming a significant threat to vineyards worldwide. In Peru, it is responsible for Botryosphaeria dieback in many grapevine-growing areas and it has spread rapidly due to its high transmissibility; hence, control measures are urgent. It is known that some endophytic bacteria are strong inhibitors of phytopathogens because they produce a wide range of antimicrobial molecules. However, studies of antimicrobial features from endophytic bacteria are limited to traditional confrontation methods. In this study, a MALDI mass spectrometry-based approach was performed to identify and characterize the antifungal molecules from Bacillus velezensis M1 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M2 grapevine endophytic strains. Solid medium antagonism assays were performed confronting B. velezensis M1 - L. theobromae and B. amyloliquefaciens M2 - L. theobromae for antifungal lipopeptides identification. By a MALDI TOF MS it was possible identify mass spectra for fengycin, iturin and surfactin protoned isoforms. Masses spectrums for mycobacillin and mycosubtilin were also identified. Using MALDI Imaging MS we were able to visualize and relate lipopeptides mass spectra of fengycin (1463.9 m/z) and mycobacillin (1529.6 m/z) in the interaction zone during confrontations. The presence of lipopeptides-synthesis genes was confirmed by PCR. Liquid medium antagonism assays were performed for a proteomic analysis during the confrontation of B. velezensis M1 - L. theobromae. Different peptide sequences corresponding to many antifungal proteins and enzymes were identified by MALDI TOF MS/MS. Oxalate decarboxylase bacisubin and flagellin, reported as antifungal proteins, were identified at 99 % identity through peptide mapping. MALDI mass spectrometry-based identification of antifungal molecules would allow the early selection of endophytic bacteria with antifungal features. This omics tool could lead to measures for prevention of grapevine diseases and other economically important crops in Peru.

Fish Oil Supplementation Improves the Repeated-Bout Effect and Redox Balance in 20-30-Year-Old Men Submitted to Strength Training.

Herein, we investigated the effect of fish oil supplementation combined with a strength-training protocol, for 6 weeks, on muscle damage induced by a single bout of strength exercise in untrained young men. Sixteen men were divided into two groups, supplemented or not with fish oil, and they were evaluated at the pre-training period and post-training period. We investigated changes before and 0, 24, and 48 h after a single hypertrophic exercise session. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the redox imbalance were increased in response to the single-bout session of hypertrophic exercises at baseline (pre-training period) and decreased during the post-training period in the control group due to the repeated-bout effect (RBE). The fish oil supplementation exacerbated this reduction and improved the redox state. In summary, our findings demonstrate that, in untrained young men submitted to a strength-training protocol, fish oil supplementation is ideal for alleviating the muscle injury, inflammation, and redox imbalance induced by a single session of intense strength exercises, highlighting this supplementation as a beneficial strategy for young men that intend to engage in strength-training programs.

Chloride Applied via Fertilizer Affects Plant Nutrition and Coffee Quality.

The present study had the objective to evaluate the effect of blends of KCl and K2SO4 fertilizers and their influence on the yield and the nutritional state of coffee plants, as well as on the chemical composition and quality of the coffee beverage. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four repetitions and six treatments (T1: 100% KCl; T2: 75% KCl + 25% K2SO4; T3: 50% KCl + 50% K2SO4; T4: 25% KCl + 75% K2SO4; T5: 100% K2SO4; and a control, without application of K). The following analyses were performed: K and Cl content in the leaves and the soil, stocks of Cl in soil, yield, removal of K and Cl with the beans, cup quality of the beverage, polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO), electric conductivity (EC), potassium leaching (KL), the content of phenolic compounds, the content of total sugars (TS), and total titratable acidity (TTA). The stocks of Cl in the soil decreased as the proportion of KCl in the fertilizer was reduced. The fertilization with KCl reduces the cup quality and the activity of the polyphenol oxidase, probably due to the ion Cl. The increase in the application of Cl directly relates to the increase in potassium leaching, electric conductivity, and titratable acidity. Indirectly, these variables indicate damages to the cells by the use of Cl in the fertilizer. The activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme and the cup quality indicate that the ion Cl- reduces the quality of the coffee beverage. K content in the leaves was not influenced by the application of blends of K fertilizer while Cl content increased linearly with KCl applied. The application of KCl and K2SO4 blends influenced coffee yield and the optimum proportion was 25% of KCl and 75% of K2SO4. The highest score in the cup quality test was observed with 100% K2SO4.

Fish oil supplementation improves the repeated-bout effect and redox balance in 20-30 year old men submitted to strength training

Herein, we investigated the effect of fish oil supplementation combined with a strength-training protocol, for 6 weeks, on muscle damage induced by a single bout of strength exercise in untrained young men. Sixteen men were divided into two groups, supplemented or not with fish oil, and they were evaluated at the pre-training period and post-training period. We investigated changes before and 0, 24, and 48 h after a single hypertrophic exercise session. Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the redox imbalance were increased in response to the single-bout session of hypertrophic exercises at baseline (pre-training period) and decreased during the post-training period in the control group due to the repeated-bout effect (RBE). The fish oil supplementation exacerbated this reduction and improved the redox state. In summary, our findings demonstrate that, in untrained young men submitted to a strength-training protocol, fish oil supplementation is ideal for alleviating the muscle injury, inflammation, and redox imbalance induced by a single session of intense strength exercises, highlighting this supplementation as a beneficial strategy for young men that intend to engage in strength-training programs.

Painful behavior and medicinal cannabis / Comportamento doloroso e cannabis medicinal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is defined as a complex sensory and emotional experience, and it is one of the most common causes for seeking health care, being the chronic pain one of the most prevalent health conditions in the world today, with millions of people debilitated by symptomatic conditions. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system and its organic effects on pain modulation, especially chronic pain, represented an unknown source of possibilities for the production of drugs that, theoretically, would have great potential to improve the quality of life of individuals with chronic pain. Given this, the general objective of this work was to search the literature for studies that investigated the use of medicinal cannabinoids for the treatment of chronic pain and pain behavior. CONTENTS: This is a narrative review of the literature in which aspects of painful behavior are presented, such as cognitive distortions associated with the experience of pain, and the influence of trauma, stress and psychiatric comorbidities on pain outcomes. The endocannabinoid system influences the modulation of all these points and also the regulation of pain itself. CONCLUSION: This study provides perspectives on painful behavior and how the endocannabinoid system can interfere with different aspects of pain and with the way the patient perceives pain. Further studies on this issue are extremely important.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dor é definida como uma experiência sensitiva e emocional complexa, e está entre as principais causas de busca por atendimento médico, sendo a dor crônica um dos problemas de saúde mais prevalentes no mundo atual, com milhões de pessoas debilitadas por condições sintomáticas. A descoberta do sistema endocanabinoide e seus efeitos orgânicos na modulação da dor, especialmente a crônica, representou uma fonte desconhecida de possibilidades para a produção de fármacos que, teoricamente, possuiriam grande potencial de melhorar a qualidade de vida de indivíduos portadores de dor crônica. Diante disso, o objetivo geral deste trabalho foi buscar na literatura estudos que investigaram o uso de canabinoides medicinais para o tratamento da dor crônica e do comportamento doloroso. CONTEÚDO: Trata-se de um estudo de revisão narrativa da literatura em que são apresentados aspectos do comportamento doloroso, como as distorções cognitivas associadas à experiência de dor, e a influência do trauma, do estresse e de comorbidades psiquiátricas nos desfechos de dor. O sistema endocanabinoide tem influência na modulação de todos esses pontos e também na própria regulação da dor. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo traz perspectivas sobre o comportamento doloroso e de como o sistema endocanabinoide pode interferir em diversos aspectos da dor e da forma como o paciente percebe a dor. Mais estudos sobre o assunto são de extrema relevância.

Technologies for Fertilizers and Management Strategies of N-Fertilization in Coffee Cropping Systems to Reduce Ammonia Losses by Volatilization.

The aim of this study was to quantify NH3-N losses from conventional, stabilized, slow-release, and controlled-release N fertilizers in a coffee field. The N fertilizers analyzed were prilled urea, prilled urea dissolved in water, ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium nitrate (AN), urea + Cu + B, urea + adhesive + CaCO3, and urea + NBPT (all with three split applications), as well as blended N fertilizer, urea + elastic resin, urea-formaldehyde, and urea + polyurethane (all applied only once). NH3-N losses (mean of two crop seasons) were statistically higher for urea + adhesive + CaCO3 (27.9% of applied N) in comparison with the other treatments. Loss from prilled urea (23.7%) was less than from urea + adhesive + CaCO3. Losses from urea + NBPT (14.5%) and urea + Cu + B (13.5%) were similar and lower than those from prilled urea. Urea dissolved in water (4.2%) had even lower losses than those treatments, and the lowest losses were observed for AS (0.6%) and AN (0.5%). For the single application fertilizers, higher losses occurred for urea + elastic resin (5.8%), blended N fertilizer (5.5%), and urea + polyurethane (5.2%); and urea-formaldehyde had a lower loss (0.5%). Except for urea + adhesive + CaCO3, all N-fertilizer technologies reduced NH3-N losses compared to prilled urea.

Metabolic and immune/inflammatory alterations induced by a triathlon under extreme conditions.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of triathlon racing under extreme conditions on metabolic and immune/inflammatory responses. Methods: Thirteen amateur athletes participated in an extreme triathlon competition (swim - 3.8 km; cycling - 180 km; running - 4 2 km; with a 3,700 m accumulated altitude). Blood samples were collected on three different occasions: pre-competition (baseline), immediately post-competition (IM), and 12 h post-competition (12 h) to evaluate glycemic and lipid profiles, leukocytes count, and cytokines levels in plasma and in whole-blood cell culture supernatant stimulated or not with LPS. Results: Decreased glucose and triglycerides levels, increased LDL, and a significant leukocytosis were observed at IM and 12 h compared to baseline. In addition, higher serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were found at IM than in baseline and post-12 h. Whereas increased IL-12p40 levels were observed for 12 h compared to baseline. At baseline, in LPS-stimulated cell culture, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 were higher, while IL-12p40 levels were lower than non-stimulated cell culture. At IM, IL-12p40 levels were unchanged, while higher levels of other cytokines were found in LPS-stimulated cell culture compared to non-stimulated cell culture. The 12 h results showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated cell culture than in non-stimulated cell culture. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between circulating glucose levels and IL-6 was found. Conclusion: The triathlon competition's performance under extreme conditions has remarkable impacts on the lipid profile and systemic immune/inflammatory responses. For the first time, significant alterations in the cytokine responses of whole blood cell culture to LPS-stimulation in baseline, IM, and 12h were demonstrated.

Perfil antropométrico de crianças ribeirinhas de 5 a 10 anos que vivem na ilha de Cotijuba - Pará / Perfil antropométrico de niños ribereños de 5 a 10 años -isla Cotijuba/Pará / Anthropometric profile of riverside childrenfrom 5 to 10 years -Cotijuba island/Pará

RESUMO O objetivo foi estudar o perfil antropométrico de crianças ribeirinhas de 5 a 10 anos que vivem na ilha de Cotijuba - Pará - Brasil. A metodologia utilizada foi uma pesquisa de campo transversal com abordagem quantitativa e características descritivas, composta por 60 crianças de 5 a 10 anos. Em relação à massa corporal, 5% do total da amostra estudada apresentou a maior massa corporal. Nos resultados obtidos a partir do Z-score, por faixa etária, todas as idades listadas na pesquisa tiveram classificação adequada. Em relação à altura, 5% apresentaram a maior estatura. Em relação ao índice de massa corporal (IMC), 5% apresentaram maior massa corporal. Observou-se que as crianças ribeirinhas que participaram do estudo apresentam tendência a baixos índices de obesidade, e possuem um estilo de vida que favorece a prática de atividades físicas.

RESUMEN El objetivo fue estudiar el perfil antropométrico de niños ribereños de 5 a 10 años que viven en la isla de Cotijuba - Pará - Brasil. La metodología utilizada fue una investigación de campo transversal con enfoque cuantitativo y características descriptivas, conformada por 60 niños de 5 a 10 años. En relación a la masa corporal, el 5% del total de la muestra estudiada tuvo la mayor masa corporal. En los resultados obtenidos del Z-score, por grupo de edad, todas las edades enumeradas en la encuesta tenían una clasificación adecuada. En relación a la altura, el 5% tuvo la mayor altura. En cuanto al índice de masa corporal (IMC), el 5% tuvo mayor masa corporal. Se pudo observar que los niños ribereños que participaron del estudio tienen tendencia a bajos índices de obesidad, y tienen un estilo de vida que promueve la práctica de actividades físicas.

ABSTRACT The objective was to study the anthropometric profile of riverine children aged 5 to 10 years who live on the island of Cotijuba - Pará - Brazil. The methodology used was a cross-sectional field investigation with a quantitative approach and descriptive characteristics, made up of 60 children from 5 to 10 years old. Results: in relation to body mass, 5% of the total sample studied had the highest body mass. In the results obtained from the Z-score, by age group, all the ages listed in the survey had an adequate classification. In relation to height, it can be observed that 5% of the total sample studied had the highest height. Regarding the body mass index (BMI), it can be observed that 5% of the total sample studied had the highest body mass. Conclusion: It was observed that the riverine children who participated in the study have a tendency to low obesity rates, but the riverine children, according to the collection of this study, realized that they have a lifestyle that promotes the practice of physical activities.

Simultaneous occurrence of inflammatory bowel disease and trichomonosis in a Maine coon cat.

A 2-year-old, 4.2 kg, spayed female, Maine coon cat was referred to the veterinary hospital for evaluation of hyporexia, slow growth, and chronic, intermittent, mucoid, bloody, voluminous, and fetid diarrhea. The diarrhea had been observed since the cat was acquired from a cattery at 4 months of age; with acute worsening in the 5 d before presentation. Abdominal palpation revealed moderate pain. Ultrasonographic examination showed thickening of the jejunal wall and ileal loops, increased echogenicity of the jejunal mucosa, and enlargement of the jejunal and ileocolic lymph nodes. Histopathology of full-thickness intestinal biopsies showed moderate, diffuse, lymphoplasmacytic, erosive enteritis with hemorrhage and edema. Diffuse, lymphoplasmacytic, erosive colitis with mild, interstitial fibrosis and hemorrhage was also noted. The ileocecal lymph node biopsy showed eosinophilic lymphadenitis. Based on the immunohistochemical evaluation of intestinal samples with CD3 and CD79a antibodies, a diagnosis of lymphoma was ruled out. Fecal polymerase chain reaction testing was positive for Tritrichomonas foetus. Based on these results, inflammatory bowel disease and trichomonosis were diagnosed. Treatment for the cat included a hypoallergenic diet and an oral omega-3 fatty acid supplement, in conjunction with prednisolone, to manage the inflammatory bowel disease. Ronidazole was administered to target the Tritrichomonas foetus. The cat was clinically normal during a follow-up examination after 6 months of treatment.

Apparition simultanée d'une maladie inflammatoire de l'intestin et d'une trichomonose chez un chat Maine coon. Une chatte Maine coon de 2 ans, pesant 4,2 kg, stérilisée, a été référée à l'hôpital vétérinaire pour une évaluation d'hyporexie, de croissance lente et de diarrhée chronique, intermittente, mucoïde, sanglante, volumineuse et fétide. La diarrhée avait été observée depuis que le chat avait été acquis en chatterie à l'âge de 4 mois; avec une aggravation aiguë dans les 5 jours avant la présentation. La palpation abdominale a révélé une douleur modérée. L'examen échographique a montré un épaississement de la paroi jéjunale et des anses iléales, une augmentation de l'échogénicité de la muqueuse jéjunale et une hypertrophie des ganglions lymphatiques jéjunaux et iléocoliques. L'histopathologie des biopsies intestinales de pleine épaisseur a montré une entérite modérée, diffuse, lymphoplasmocytaire, érosive avec hémorragie et oedème. Une colite érosive diffuse, lymphoplasmocytaire avec fibrose interstitielle légère et hémorragie a également été notée. La biopsie ganglionnaire iléo-caecale montrait une lymphadénite à éosinophiles. Sur la base de l'évaluation immunohistochimique d'échantillons intestinaux avec des anticorps CD3 et CD79a, un diagnostic de lymphome a été écarté. Le test de réaction en chaîne par la polymérase sur les matières fécales était positif pour Tritrichomonas foetus. Sur la base de ces résultats, une maladie inflammatoire de l'intestin et une trichomonose ont été diagnostiquées. Le traitement du chat comprenait un régime hypoallergénique et un supplément oral d'acides gras oméga-3, en association avec de la prednisolone, pour gérer la maladie inflammatoire de l'intestin. Le ronidazole a été administré pour cibler Tritrichomonas foetus. Le chat était cliniquement normal lors d'un examen de suivi après 6 mois de traitement.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Interfaces between biodegradable organic matrices coating and MAP fertilizer for improve use efficiency.

Improving phosphorus (P) use efficiency is a challenge to promote a circular economy and greening the phosphorus cycle towards planetary sustainability. The disruptive innovation for phosphate fertilizers may help to reduce some unwelcome reactions that occur to P in soils. Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) coating with biodegradable organic polymers and the addition of magnesium (Mg) - a nutrient with a synergistic effect on the uptake of P, zinc (Zn), and boron (B) - emerge as a smart strategy to applying these micronutrients uniformly in soils. The objectives of this study were: to characterize the coated-MAP with biodegradable organic polymers, quantify the diffusion and availability of P in the soil, and evaluate the corn crop nutrition and yield during two crop seasons. The treatments were: MAP, MAP coated with biodegradable organic polymer (BOP), MAP + BOP + 1.3% of Zn + 0.33% of B, and MAP + BOP + 1.76% of Mg. The laboratory tests showed that the diffusion of MAP-based fertilizers was: MOMg (7.86 mm) = MO (8.82 mm) = MAP (8.84 mm) = MOM (8.51 mm) after 432 h. Coatings did not cause delays in the P-release in water at 25 °C since more than 95% of P was released within 24 h. In the field trials, the application of Mg, Zn, and B in the MAP coating did not increase nutrient leaf concentration. In the summer crop season, grain yield increased up to the P-rates of 85 kg of P2O5 ha-1, reaching the value of 6731 kg ha-1. Physical and chemical characteristics of MAP-fertilizers tend to improve with the coatings. The addition of biodegradable organic polymers, Mg, B, and Zn, as MAP-coatings did not enhance P diffusion, release, and availability in the soil and the crop nutrition. Coated-MAP improved corn yield only in the 2nd crop season.

Numerosities are not ersatz numbers.

In describing numerosity as "a kind of ersatz number," Clarke and Beck fail to consider a familiar and compelling definition of numerosity, which conceptualizes numerosity as the cognitive counterpart of the mathematical concept of cardinality; numerosity is the magnitude, whereas number is a scale through which numerosity/cardinality is measured. We argue that these distinctions should be considered.

Comparative study of surgical and oncological outcomes in oncoplastic versus non oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Oncoplastic surgery has been increasingly used in breast cancer treatment and allows the performance of breast-conserving surgery in cases of larger tumors with unfavorable location or tumor-breast disproportion. PURPOSE: To compare surgical and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing oncoplastic and nononcoplastic breast-conserving surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with convenience sampling of 866 patients who consecutively underwent breast-conserving surgery from 2011 to 2015. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 50.4 months. Nononcoplastic breast conservation surgery was performed on 768 (88.7%) patients and oncoplastic surgery on 98 (11.3%) patients. Patients in the oncoplastic group were younger (p<0.0001) and most were premenopausal (p<0.0001). Comorbidities such as diabetes (p=0.003) and hypertension (p=0.0001) were less frequent in this population. Invasive carcinoma >2 cm (p<0.0001), multifocality (p=0.004), ductal in situ carcinoma (p=0.0007), clinically positive axilla (p=0.004), and greater weight of surgical specimens (p<0.0001) were more frequent in the oncoplastic group. A second surgery for margin re-excision was more frequently performed in the nononcoplastic group (p=0.027). There was more scar dehiscence in the oncoplastic group (p<0.001), but there was no difference in early major complications (p=0.854), conversion to mastectomy (p=0.92), or local recurrence (p=0.889). CONCLUSION: Although used for the treatment of larger and multifocal tumors, surgical re-excisions were performed less often in the oncoplastic group, and there was no increase in conversion to mastectomy or local recurrence. In spite of the higher rate of overall complications in the oncoplastic group, major complications were similar in both groups.

Features of Neutrophils From Atopic and Non-Atopic Elite Endurance Runners.

We collected peripheral blood from thirty-nine elite male endurance runners at rest (24 hours after the last exercise session) and used the Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes score and plasma specific IgE level to separate them into atopic and non-atopic athletes. Neutrophils obtained from atopic and non-atopic athletes were subsequently stimulated in vitro with fMLP (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine), LPS (lipopolysaccharide), or PMA (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate). Neutrophils from non-atopic runners responded appropriately to LPS, as evidenced by the production of pro (IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines. Neutrophils from atopic elite runners exhibited lower responses to LPS stimulus as indicated by no increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 production. Neutrophils from non-atopic and atopic runners responded similarly to fMLP stimulation, indicating that migration function remained unaltered. Both groups were unresponsive to PMA induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Training hours and training volume were not associated with neutrophil IgE receptor gene expression or any evaluated neutrophil function. Since non-atopic runners normally responded to LPS stimulation, the reduced neutrophil response to the stimuli was most likely due to the atopic state and not exercise training. The findings reported are of clinical relevance because atopic runners exhibit a constant decline in competition performance and are more susceptible to invading microorganisms.

How Are Clinicians Treating Children With Sepsis in Emergency Departments in Latin America?: An International Multicenter Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines adherence in emergency departments (EDs) relies partly on the availability of resources to improve sepsis care and outcomes. Our objective was to assess the management of pediatric septic shock (PSS) in Latin America's EDs and to determine the impact of treatment coordinated by a pediatric emergency specialist (PEMS) versus nonpediatric emergency specialists (NPEMS) on guidelines adherence. METHODS: Prospective, descriptive, and multicenter study using an electronic survey administered to PEMS and NPEMS who treat PSS in EDs in 14 Latin American countries. RESULTS: We distributed 2164 surveys with a response rate of 41.5%, of which 22.5% were PEMS. Overall American College of Critical Care Medicine reported guidelines adherence was as follows: vascular access obtained in 5 minutes, 76%; fluid infusion technique, 60%; administering 40 to 60 mL/kg within 30 minutes, 32%; inotropic infusion by peripheral route, 61%; dopamine or epinephrine in cold shock, 80%; norepinephrine in warm shock, 57%; and antibiotics within 60 minutes, 82%. Between PEMS and NPEMS, the following differences were found: vascular access in 5 minutes, 87.1% versus 72.7% (P < 0.01); fluid infusion technique, 72.3% versus 55.9% (P < 0.01); administering 40 to 60 mL/kg within 30 minutes, 42% versus 29% (P < 0.01); inotropic infusion by peripheral route, 75.7% versus 56.3% (P < 0.01); dopamine or epinephrine in cold shock, 87.1% versus 77.3% (P < 0.05); norepinephrine in warm shock, 67.8% versus 54% (P < 0.01); and antibiotic administration within first 60 minutes, 90.1% versus 79.3% (P < 0.01), respectively. Good adherence criteria were followed by 24%. The main referred barrier for sepsis care was a failure in its recognition, including the lack of triage tools. CONCLUSIONS: In some Latin American countries, there is variability in self-reported adherence to the evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of PSS during the first hour. The coordination by PEMS support greater adherence to these recommendations.

Recreational Dance Practice Modulates Lymphocyte Profile and Function in Diabetic Women.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 16-week dance-based aerobic exercise program on lymphocyte function in healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) women. We enrolled 23 women: 11 with T2DM and 12 non-diabetic controls. Initially, we performed anthropometry and body composition measurements, afterwards, plasma levels of C-reactive protein, lipids, and glucose were determined. We used flow cytometry to measure the CD25 and CD28 expression in circulating lymphocytes, T-regulatory (Treg) cell percentage, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokines released by cultured lymphocytes. The T2DM group had a lower proportion of CD28+ cells and a higher percentage of Treg lymphocytes and proliferative capacity at the baseline compared with the control group. After 16 weeks of the program, differences in lymphocytes between the T2DM and the control groups disappeared. The dance program promoted IL-10 increase in both groups. We found decreased IL-4, IL-2, and IL-6 secretion in lymphocytes from the control group and increased IL-17 secretion and IL-10/IL-17 ratio in the T2DM group after the program. The program promoted marked changes in lymphocytes in diabetic women, leading to a balance between the different profiles.