In vitro effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on inflammatory functions of bovine monocytes.

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, a group of naturally occurring isomers of the essential fatty acid (FA) linoleic acid, have received special attention in animal and human nutrition. Although they have long been used as dietary integrators in dairy cows, the effects of CLA isomers on bovine immune cells remain mostly undisclosed. The present study aimed to cover this gap and investigate the in vitro effects of CLA on inflammatory functions, including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, killing capability, and extracellular respiratory burst of purified bovine monocytes (CD14+). The apoptosis rate of monocytes was addressed as well. Once assessed, the effects of different concentrations (10, 50, 100, and 500 µM) of the 2 main CLA isomers, namely cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12, the experiments were carried out using a concentration of 50 µM of the CLA isomers, both individually and in a mixture (50:50). The immunomodulatory activities of linoleic acid, an essential FA, and stearic acid, a saturated FA, were also investigated. Only the 50:50 CLA mixture was able to reduce monocyte apoptosis and to increase the extracellular respiratory burst during experimental proinflammatory conditions, as assessed by measuring production of reactive oxygen species. Linoleic acid and CLA had no effects on chemotaxis, phagocytosis, or killing capability. Remarkably, treatment of monocytes with stearic acid significantly reduced their chemotactic capability. The present results demonstrated that CLA isomers do have immunomodulatory effects on some functions of bovine monocytes, and that the mixture of the 2 CLA isomers is more effective than the CLA isomers individually.

Linking genotype to phenotype in a changing ocean: inferring the genomic architecture of a blue mussel stress response with genome-wide association.

A key component to understanding the evolutionary response to a changing climate is linking underlying genetic variation to phenotypic variation in stress response. Here, we use a genome-wide association approach (GWAS) to understand the genetic architecture of calcification rates under simulated climate stress. We take advantage of the genomic gradient across the blue mussel hybrid zone (Mytilus edulis and Mytilus trossulus) in the Gulf of Maine (GOM) to link genetic variation with variance in calcification rates in response to simulated climate change. Falling calcium carbonate saturation states are predicted to negatively impact many marine organisms that build calcium carbonate shells - like blue mussels. We sampled wild mussels and measured net calcification phenotypes after exposing mussels to a 'climate change' common garden, where we raised temperature by 3°C, decreased pH by 0.2 units and limited food supply by filtering out planktonic particles >5 µm, compared to ambient GOM conditions in the summer. This climate change exposure greatly increased phenotypic variation in net calcification rates compared to ambient conditions. We then used regression models to link the phenotypic variation with over 170 000 single nucleotide polymorphism loci (SNPs) generated by genotype by sequencing to identify genomic locations associated with calcification phenotype, and estimate heritability and architecture of the trait. We identified at least one of potentially 2-10 genomic regions responsible for 30% of the phenotypic variation in calcification rates that are potential targets of natural selection by climate change. Our simulations suggest a power of 13.7% with our study's average effective sample size of 118 individuals and rare alleles, but a power of >90% when effective sample size is 900.

Qualitative characterization of a transesterification product of coconut oil by FIA-APCI-MS.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this work was the qualitative characterization of a recently transesterification product obtained from the coconut oil in the presence of polyglycerol-6 to produce a new PEG-free secondary surfactant. The purpose of a secondary surfactant is to reduce the harshness of a skin cleanser. METHODS: The transesterification product was qualitatively characterized in our laboratory by flow injection analysis-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (FIA-APCI-MS). The mass spectrum of the transesterification product was compared to those of the starting materials (polyglycerol and coconut oil). RESULTS: The analyses highlighted the disappearance of the starting oil peaks and the appearance of new peaks assignable to the reaction products, mainly corresponding to diesters of polyglycerol. Additionally, peaks of unreacted polyglycerol are present as well as peaks of cyclization products derived from the polyglycerol starting material. CONCLUSIONS: The development of this fast and easy analytical method, requesting only few minutes to be performed, represents a very useful tool for the characterization of transesterification products during the quality control of batches under production.

[Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normative data for Rosario metropolitan area population, Argentina]. / Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normas para la población del área metropolitana de Rosario, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Population aging is a global phenomenon linked to increased life expectancy. In Argentina, it is expected that by 2025 those over 60 will represent 17.3% of the population, while by 2050 it will rise to 25.3%. Among the pathologies associated with aging, cognitive impairment and dementias represent an important problem for public health and demand effective instruments for their early detection. OBJECTIVE: Obtain normative data for the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Argentine adults and seniors in the Rosario Metropolitan Area. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The MoCA-Spanish version was administered according to the instructions published in the original version. An ad hoc survey was also administered to collect sociodemographic information and medical history. The influence of some sociodemographic variables on performance was analyzed. 225 adult residents of the Rosario Metropolitan Area participated in the final sample (age: M = 66.1, standard deviation = 8.7). RESULTS: Educational level predicted 13% of the variance of the total MoCA score, -F (3, 221) = 12.11; p < 0.01-. Other variables considered, such as age and sex, were not significant for predicting the score. CONCLUSION: The normative data obtained suggest a cut-off point of 18 for people with primary education and of 22 for people with secondary or higher education. It should be noted that they are below those indicated in the pre-existing regulatory data. The importance of using norms adjusted to the sociocultural context is highlighted.

TITLE: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normas para la población del área metropolitana de Rosario, Argentina.Introducción. El envejecimiento poblacional es un fenómeno de alcance global ligado al incremento de la expectativa de vida. En Argentina, se prevé que para 2025 los mayores de 60 años representarán el 17,3% de la población, mientras que para 2050 serán el 25,3%. Entre las patologías asociadas al envejecimiento, el deterioro cognitivo y las demencias representan un importante problema para la salud pública y demandan instrumentos eficaces para su detección temprana. Objetivo. Obtener datos normativos para el Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) en adultos y mayores argentinos del área metropolitana de Rosario. Sujetos y métodos. Se administró el MoCA-versión en español, según las instrucciones publicadas en la versión original. Se administró, además, una encuesta ad hoc para el relevamiento de información sociodemográfica e historial médico. Se analizó la influencia de algunas variables sociodemográficas sobre el desempeño. Participaron en la muestra definitiva 225 adultos residentes del área metropolitana de Rosario (edad: media = 66,1; desviación estándar = 8,7). Resultados. El nivel educativo predijo el 13% de la varianza de la puntuación total del MoCA ­F (3, 221) = 12,11; p menor de 0,01­. Otras variables consideradas, como la edad y el sexo, no resultaron significativas para la predicción de la puntuación. Conclusión. Los datos normativos obtenidos sugieren un punto de corte de 18 para personas con estudios primarios y de 22 para personas con estudios secundarios o superiores. Cabe destacar que éstos se encuentran por debajo de los indicados en los datos normativos preexistentes. Se resalta la importancia de utilizar normas ajustadas al contexto sociocultural.

[Three tasks for the exploration of verbal fluency: evidence of test-retest reliability in Argentine adults]. / Tres tareas para la exploración de la fluidez verbal: evidencias de su fiabilidad test-retest en adultos argentinos.

INTRODUCTION: The phonological and semantic verbal fluency tasks are frequently used in neuropsychological assessment due to their easy application and good sensitivity to dementia. In Argentina, the psychometric evidence for these tasks is limited, with a special lack of knowledge of the temporal stability of its measurements. The psychometric production is even lower for the action fluency variant (emission of verbs in the infinitive in one minute). In effect, this research analyzes the test-retest reliability of three verbal fluency tasks in Argentine adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample was made up of 85 Argentine (average age, 63.7 years), 75,3% women and with a medium-high educational level. A prospective longitudinal design was carried out, administering phonological, semantic and action fluency tasks at two different times with an interval of up to four months. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), a statistical method suggested for test-retest reliability studies, was analyzed. For the interpretation of the ICC, the Fleiss criteria were adopted. RESULTS: The phonological and semantic fluency tasks showed good reliability, with ICCs of 0.77 and 0.79. The fluidity of action variant yielded ICC of 0.90, indicating excellent reliability. CONCLUSIONS: All fluency tasks have appropriate temporal stability, and their use is recommended when prospective neuropsychological research is planned (with language evaluation at different times) or as a method of monitoring the evolution of aphasic patients undergoing neurorehabilitation. Based on its excellent reliability, it is recommended to use the action variant more frequently.

TITLE: Tres tareas para la exploración de la fluidez verbal: evidencias de su fiabilidad test-retest en adultos argentinos.Introducción. Las tareas de fluidez fonológica y semántica son de uso frecuente en la evaluación neuropsicológica por su fácil aplicación y buena sensibilidad al deterioro cognitivo. En Argentina es limitado el cuerpo de evidencia psicométrica para dichas tareas, con especial desconocimiento de la estabilidad temporal de sus medidas. La producción psicométrica es aún menor para la variante fluidez de acción (emisión de verbos en infinitivo en un minuto). En efecto, este estudio analiza la fiabilidad test-retest de tres tareas de fluidez en adultos argentinos. Sujetos y métodos. La muestra se compuso de 85 argentinos (medida de edad, 63,7) de población general no clínica, un 75,3% mujeres, de nivel de instrucción medio-alto. Se efectuó un diseño longitudinal-prospectivo administrando tareas de fluidez fonológica, semántica y de acción en dos momentos distintos con un intervalo hasta de cuatro meses. Se analizó el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI), método estadístico sugerido para estudios de fiabilidad test-retest. Para interpretar el CCI se adoptaron los criterios de Fleiss. Resultados. Las tareas de fluidez fonológica y semántica demostraron buena fiabilidad, con un CCI de 0,77 y 0,79. La fluidez de acción obtuvo excelente fiabilidad, con un CCI de 0,9. Conclusión. Las tareas de fluidez relevadas poseen apropiada estabilidad temporal, por lo que se sugiere su uso en investigaciones neuropsicológicas prospectivas (cuando se evalúe el lenguaje en distintos momentos) o cuando se requiera un seguimiento de la evolución de pacientes afásicos en neurorrehabilitación. Basándose en su excelente fiabilidad, se recomienda utilizar con más frecuencia la variante de acción.

[Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire: psychometric analysis from the item response theory]. / Cuestionario de reserva cognitiva: análisis psicométrico desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive reserve is the ability to better tolerate brain damage through pre-existing and compensatory cognitive resources. One assessment method is the Rami CRQ-Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire. The objective was to carry out an analysis of the informative quality of the CRQ from the item response theory (IRT), in order to provide more precise data on the reliability of internal consistency. Convergent validity was also tested with measures of attention, working memory, and fluency. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 210 Argentines from the general population (mean age, 66.8 years) participated. The CRQ was administered together with the digits test and three fluency tasks. A graded response model was fitted from IRT with estimation of discrimination parameters (a) and difficulty (b), and a CRQ information curve was created. Bivariate and partial correlations were made. RESULTS: The IRT indicated high discrimination for the CRQ items 'Education' and 'Occupation level' (both for the 8-item version and the 6-item version). In the CRQ of 8 items, low discrimination was obtained for 'Musical training' and 'Intellectual games'. In both versions of the CRQ, the curve indicates greater informational value at a low level of the construct. There was a correlation with the digits test and with fluency tasks, even when controlling for age. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first analysis of CRQ from IRT, concluding that the instrument is more reliable when applied to subjects with less reserve. The CRQ has acceptable convergent validity.

TITLE: Cuestionario de reserva cognitiva: análisis psicométrico desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem.Introducción. La reserva cognitiva es la capacidad para tolerar mejor el daño cerebral mediante recursos cognitivos preexistentes y compensatorios. Un método de evaluación es el cuestionario de reserva cognitiva (CRC) de Rami. El objetivo fue realizar un análisis de la calidad informativa del CRC desde la teoría de respuesta al ítem (TRI), con el fin de aportar datos más precisos sobre la fiabilidad de consistencia interna. Se probó, además, la validez convergente con medidas de atención, memoria de trabajo y fluidez. Sujetos y métodos. Participaron 210 argentinos de población general (media edad, 66,8 años). El CRC se administró junto con el test de dígitos y tres tareas de fluidez. Se ajustó un modelo de respuesta graduada desde la TRI con estimación de parámetros de discriminación (a) y dificultad (b), y se elaboró una curva de información del CRC. Se efectuaron correlaciones bivariadas y parciales. Resultados. La TRI indicó una alta discriminación para los ítems del CRC 'Escolaridad' y 'Nivel de ocupación' (tanto para la versión de ocho ítems como para la versión de seis ítems). En el CRC de ocho ítems se obtuvo una baja discriminación para 'Formación musical' y 'Juegos intelectuales'. En ambas versiones del CRC, la curva indica mayor valor informacional a bajo nivel del constructo. Hubo correlación con el test de dígitos y con las tareas de fluidez, incluso al controlar por edad. Conclusiones. El presente estudio es el primer análisis del CRC desde la TRI, que concluye que el instrumento resulta más confiable cuando se aplica a sujetos con menor reserva. El CRC posee aceptable validez convergente.

[Cognitive reserve questionnaire: the psychometric properties in an Argentinian population]. / Cuestionario de reserva cognitiva: propiedades psicométricas en población argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive reserve is the brain's capacity to actively overcome damage by means of pre-existing cognitive resources and compensatory processes. This capacity is enhanced by education, occupational attainment, learning languages and the habit of reading, among other important factors. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of Rami et al's Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire in an Argentinian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample that participated in the study comprised 203 Argentinian adult volunteers from the general population (mean age, 66.1; standard deviation, 8.1). The Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire was administered together with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to test the unidimensionality of the questionnaire. In addition, reliability was estimated by the categorical omega coefficient and associative validity was analysed by means of bivariate correlations. RESULTS: Factor analysis confirms the unidimensionality of the questionnaire with good fit indices. Items 5 (musical training) and 8 (intellectual games), however, show low factor loadings. The test has acceptable reliability, with a categorical omega coefficient = 0.72, although it should be noted that the average variance extracted (0.41) is below the recommended criterion of 0.5. Good associative validity is observed: r (200) = 0.4; p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire is an instrument with acceptable psychometric properties for use in an Argentinian population. More research is required to further investigate the low factor loadings of items 5 and 8 and to strengthen the evidence of reliability.

TITLE: Cuestionario de reserva cognitiva: propiedades psicométricas en población argentina.Introducción. La reserva cognitiva es la capacidad del cerebro para superar activamente el daño por intermedio de recursos cognitivos preexistentes y procesos compensatorios. Dicha capacidad es incrementada por la educación, el logro ocupacional, el aprendizaje de idiomas y el hábito de lectura, entre otros importantes factores. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Reserva Cognitiva de Rami et al en población argentina. Sujetos y métodos. Participaron 203 personas voluntarias adultas argentinas de población general (edad media, 66,1; desviación estándar, 8,1). Se administró el Cuestionario de Reserva Cognitiva junto con la Evaluación Cognitiva de Montreal. Se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para poner a prueba la unidimensionalidad del cuestionario. Además, se estimó la confiabilidad por el coeficiente omega categórico y se analizó la validez asociativa mediante correlaciones bivariadas. Resultados. El análisis factorial confirma la unidimensionalidad del cuestionario con buenos índices de ajuste. Sin embargo, los ítems 5 (formación musical) y 8 (juegos intelectuales) presentan baja carga factorial. La prueba posee una aceptable confiabilidad, con un coeficiente omega categórico = 0,72, aunque cabe advertir que la varianza extraída promedio (0,41) se ubica por debajo del criterio recomendado de 0,5. Se observa una buena validez asociativa ­r (200) = 0,4; p menor de 0,001­. Conclusiones. El Cuestionario de Reserva Cognitiva es un instrumento con aceptables propiedades psicométricas para su uso en población argentina. Serán convenientes nuevas investigaciones que profundicen en la baja carga factorial de los ítems 5 y 8 y refuercen las evidencias de fiabilidad.

Statistics of seismicity to investigate the Campi Flegrei caldera unrest.

The knowledge of the dynamic of the Campi Flegrei calderic system is a primary goal to mitigate the volcanic risk in one of the most densely populated volcanic areas in the world. From 1950 to 1990 Campi Flegrei suffered three bradyseismic crises with a total uplift of 4.3 m. After 20 years of subsidence, the uplift started again in 2005 accompained by a low increment of the seismicity rate. In 2012 an increment in the seismic energy release and a variation in the gas composition of the fumaroles of Solfatara (in the central area of the caldera) were recorded. Since then, a slow and progressive increase in phenomena continued until today. We analyze the INGV - Osservatorio Vesuviano seismic catalogue of Campi Flegrei from 2000 to 2020 in order to look for any variation in the seismic parameters and compare them with geochemical monitored ones. A remarkable correlation between independent variables of earthquake cumulative number, CO/CO2 values and vertical ground deformation reveals a likely common origin. Moreover the correlation between all the variables here analysed enlightens that the same origin can cause the temporal behavior of all these variables. We interpret the seismological, geochemical and geodetic observable in terms of the injection of magmatic fluids into the hydrothermal system or its pressurization.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and De Novo Assembly of 61 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Pyoderma.

We have de novo assembled and polished 61 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius genome sequences with Nanopore-only long reads. Completeness was 99.25%. The average genome size was 2.70 Mbp, comprising 2,506 coding sequences, 19 complete rRNAs, 56 to 59 tRNAs, and 4 noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), as well as CRISPR arrays.

The diagnostic accuracy of the immunocytochemical markers in the pre-operative evaluation of follicular thyroid lesions.

UNLABELLED: Aim of the study was to consider the diagnostic accuracy of galectine-3 (GAL3) in the pre-operative cytological evaluation of follicular lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 100 patients suffering from thyroid nodular disease submitted to thyroidectomy from 2006 to 2007 in our Institution. Before surgery all patients underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy. The immunocytochemical analysis was performed on fine needle aspiration specimens using species-specific monoclonal antibodies and a biotin-free detection system. Based on preoperative cytological reports, 40 patients had pre-operative malignant results, and 60 patients (46 females and 14 males) showed follicular lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of GAL3 was evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test was used to compare frequencies of GAL3 expression between the different hystopathological groups. RESULTS: GAL3 proved to have 55% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 70% negative predictive value, and 78% diagnostic accuracy. The GAL3 expression in neoplastic and benign lesions was significantly different (GAL3+ in 16 out of 29 neoplastic lesions, GAL3+ 0 out of 31 benign lesions, p<0.01). Even comparing the GAL3 positivity between the follicular adenomas (0 GAL3+ out of 20) and the group of follicular carcinomas (5 GAL3+ out of 6), we found a statistically significant difference (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data from our experience, the patients with a cytological diagnosis of GAL3 positive follicular neoformation should be referred for surgery without any further immunocytological testing.

Characterization of the biofouling and cleaning efficiency of nanofiltration membranes.

The nanofiltration (NF) drinking water production unit of the Mery-sur-Oise plant (Val d'Oise, France) consists of eight identical filtration trains composed of three stages positioned in steps for a production capacity of 140,000 m(3) day(-1). To gain a better understanding of the irreversible fouling of the NF membranes, spiral wound modules in operation for 8 years from each of the three stages of the plant were autopsied before and after chemical cleaning and analysis by Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Inductive Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry, contact angles, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content measurements, and rheometry. The fouled membranes from the three stages had similar contact angles of approximately 60 degrees . Relative infrared signals typical of biofilms were classified in descending order from stage 1 to stage 3. The foulant matter of stages 1 and 2 contained similar but weaker ATP concentrations than stage 3. During rheometry experiments, rotation and oscillation analyses demonstrated that the biofilm of stage 3 was less viscous and less elastic than the biofilms of stages 1 and 2. After cleaning, all the parameters analyzed demonstrated a quantitative decrease in the fouling matter at the NF membrane surface, but a biofilm with intact viscoelastic properties (unchanged G' and G'' values) remained at the membrane surface for the three stages. The persistence of biofilm material with intact mechanical properties at the NF membrane surface after chemical cleaning may result in permanent permeability decreases.

Effect of lycopene on semen quality, fertility and native immunity of broiler breeder.

1. The effect of drinking water supplementation with lycopene on the semen quality, fertility and immunity of broiler breeders was evaluated. 2. Broiler breeder males were individually caged from 25 to 42 weeks old and divided into two group: L group, treated birds (lycopene 0.5 g/l) and C group, control birds. Laying hens were divided into two groups and artificially inseminated. 3. Semen variables were evaluated and daily fertility recorded. Serum bactericidal activity was tested. 4. Semen production and viability were affected by lycopene supplementation. Serum bactericidal activity was better in L than in C group. The fertility rate curve of the L group displayed a positive trend.

Hematological, biochemical and microbiological evaluation of feline whole blood units collected using an open system and stored for 35 days.

Despite the increasing availability of feline blood, which is collected and stored for transfusion purposes, few studies have assessed the effect of storage on feline whole blood (WB) units. The purpose of this study was to investigate selected hematologic and biochemical changes during storage of feline WB units and to determine when they occurred. Data from a quality control program for WB units was used in this study. Twelve feline WB units, collected using an open system, were sampled every 7 days from the point of collection to the end of storage at 35 days (D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, and D35). Measurements at each time point were: (1) hematologic parameters; (2) percentage hemolysis; (3) morphologic index scored at 0-3, based on echinocyte transformation of the erythrocytes; and (4) selected biochemical parameters. Aerobic and anaerobic culture was performed at D0 and D35. Results were compared statistically to D0 (statistical significance set at <0.01). Storage did not result in statistically significant changes in measured hematological parameters. There were statistically significant increases in percentage hemolysis and morphologic index, starting from D21 (P=0.000 and P=0.004, respectively). Glucose decreased significantly from D21 (P=0.003); potassium increased significantly from D7 (P=0.001); and sodium increased significantly, starting from D28 (P=0.009). Bacteria were not isolated. Blood in feline WB units collected using an open system underwent some significant storage changes that were time-dependent. As these changes could affect the quality and the utility of stored WB used in feline transfusion medicine, further study is required to determine their clinical importance.

pH-responsive poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles containing near-infrared dye for visualization and hyaluronic acid for treatment of osteoarthritis.

This study focuses on intra-articular (IA) drug delivery system for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). In osteoarthritic condition the synovial fluid presents pockets with lower pH environment. To take advantage of these pH differences, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) and pH- responsive PLGA NPs encapsulated with ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) were generated. The nanoparticles were loaded with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a possible model drug for OA and with near-infrared dye (NIR) that was used to visualize the NPs with molecular imaging techniques. These NPs were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and compared in in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments in the treatment of OA. The results indicate that the NPs were sufficiently small, displayed a uniform size distribution and were non-toxic both in vitro and in vivo. Both NPs treatment seem to induced a reduction in OA progression, with pH- responsive NPs showing the more pronounced effect. This is probably because the pockets of low pH environment in the synovial fluid trigger a burst release of the pH-responsive NPs. This result is corroborated by in vitro experiments since the pH- responsive NPs showed an extracellular burst release behavior and higher chondrocyte vitality than non-responsive NPs. This study demonstrates that PLGA NPs containing HA and NH4HCO3 are candidates for the treatment of knee OA.

Rheology of biofilms formed at the surface of NF membranes in a drinking water production unit.

In this study, the mechanical properties of biofilms formed at the surface of nano-filtration (NF) membranes from a drinking water plant were analysed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations revealed that the NF biofilms formed a dense and heterogeneous structure at the membrane surface, with a mean thickness of 32.5 +/- 17.7 mum. The biofilms were scraped from the membrane surface and analysed in rotation and oscillation experiments with a RheoStress 150 rotating disk rheometer. During rotation analyses, a viscosity decrease with speed of shearing characteristic of rheofluidification was observed (eta = 300 Pa s for ý = 0.3 s(-1)). In the oscillation analyses with a sweeping of frequency (1-100 Hz), elasticity (G') ranged from 3000 to 3500 Pa and viscosity (G'') from 800 to 1200 Pa. Creep curves obtained with an application of a shear stress of 30 Pa were viscoelastic in nature. The G(0) and eta values were, respectively, 1.4 +/- 0.3 x 10(3) Pa and 3.3 +/- 0.65 x 10(6) Pa s. The relationship between the characteristics of NF biofilms and the flow conditions encountered during NF is discussed.

Feasibility of biodegradable based packaging used for red meat storage during shelf-life: A pilot study.

This study was designated to ascertain the effectiveness of polylactic acid (PLA) based packaging solution to store red fresh meat during its refrigerated shelf-life. Recently the attention in the packaging industry regarding the use of bioplastics has been shifting from compostable/biodegradable materials toward biobased materials. Steaks obtained from semimembranous muscle of Piemontese beef were packaged in PLA trays closed with a lid made of PLA film and for comparison purposed in a conventional reference package consisting of a amorphous polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (APET/PET) trays and wrapped in plastic film of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The packaging under modified atmosphere MAP was carried out by using a gas mixture of 66% O2, 25% CO2 and 9%N2. By using PLA packaging combination it was possible to maintain an optimum red colour together with a reduced content of volatile compounds associated to off-flavours of meat samples particularly related to the oxidation phenomena.

The cerebellar fastigial nucleus contributes to CO2-H+ ventilatory sensitivity in awake goats.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an intact cerebellar fastigial nucleus (CFN) is an important determinant of CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity during wakefulness. Bilateral, stainless steel microtubules were implanted into the CFN (N=9) for injection (0.5-10 microl) of the neurotoxin ibotenic acid. Two or more weeks after implantation of the microtubules, eupneic breathing and CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity did not differ significantly (P>0.10) from pre-implantation conditions. Injection of ibotenic acid (50 mM) did not significantly alter eupneic Pa(CO2) (P>0.10). The coefficient of variation of eupneic Pa(CO2) was 4.0+/-0.6 and 3.7+/-0.4% over the 2 weeks before and after the lesion, respectively. CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity expressed as inspired ventilation/Pa(CO2) decreased from 2.15+/-0.17 pre-lesion to 1.58+/-0.26 l/(min mmHg) 3-6 days post-lesion (P<0.02, -27%). There was no significant (P>0.10) recovery of sensitivity between 7 and 10 days post-lesion. The lesion also increased (P<0.05) the day-to-day variability of this index by nearly 100%. When CO(2) sensitivity was expressed as elevated inspired CO(2)/room air V (I), values at 7%, but not 3 and 5% inspired CO(2), were reduced and more variable (P<0.05) after the ibotenic acid injections. We conclude that during wakefulness, the CFN contributes relatively more to overall ventilatory drive at high relative to low levels of hypercapnia.

Antibiotic resistance and adherence properties of Hafnia alvei clinical isolates: a 19-month study in the hospital of Orléans, France.

We studied the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance and adherence properties among all Hafnia alvei clinical isolates collected from August 2003 to February 2005 from patients hospitalized in the hospital of Orléans, France. The isolates were typed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), screened for antibiotic resistance and bacterial adherence to A549 respiratory and T24 bladder cells. Six intestinal, 3 respiratory, and 8 isolates from different body sites were collected. A total of 12 RAPD profiles were found, demonstrating a high genetic diversity. All the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin + clavulanate and cephalothin and sensitive to aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, cefepime and imipenem. Six isolates had a high-level and constitutive cephalosporinase production phenotype. Three independent isolates were resistant or had intermediate sensitivity to nalidixic acid, sulfonamide and trimethoprim or chloramphenicol. All the isolates adhered efficiently to the two cell lines with a higher effectiveness of adherence to bladder cells. The respiratory isolates adhered more efficiently to epithelial cells than intestinal isolates. No relationship was found between antibiotic resistance phenotypes, adherence properties, and RAPD types. In conclusion, H. alvei is an unusual nosocomial pathogen with little acquired antibiotic resistance able to adhere to human epithelial cells from different human body compartments.

[Helicobacter pylori and headache: a minireview]. / Helicobacter pylori e cefalea essenziale: minireview.

The interest that surrounds the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is due not only to its causal role in several gastroduodenal diseases, but also to its supposed involvement in the pathogenesis of extragastric manifestations. This review provides a literature update on the hypothetic correlation between H. pylori and headache. The authors examine three aspects of this potential association: epidemiology, intervention trials and pathogenesis. Regarding the first, apart in some subgroups, no difference in prevalence exists between patients and controls. Considering the intervention studies, it is documented that, at 6 and 12 months, bacterial eradication is associated to disappearance of symptoms in 23% and 28% of cases, and to a significant decrease of intensity, frequency and duration of acute attacks in the remaining patients. As to the pathogenetic aspect, if H. pylori has a role, it does not act through oxidative stress. In conclusion, the involvement of H. pylori infection in the pathogenesis of headache is unclear. Further investigations should focalize on particular subgroups of patients and, encouraged from data produced by intervention studies, evaluate the long-term benefit of eradication.