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Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): An update (2014-2018) (vol 131, pg 474, 2020)
Get PDFComparison of dietary and plasma phospholipid fatty acids between normal weight and overweight black South Africans according to metabolic health: The PURE study
No full textBackground: Information regarding circulating fatty acids (FA) in association with metabolic health in black Africans is scarce, while the usefulness of circulating FAs as biomarkers of dietary fat intake and predictors for medical conditions is increasing. Objective: We compared eleven dietary and the levels of 26 plasma phospholipid FAs in metabolically healthy and unhealthy phenotypes in black South African adults. Methods: Adults from the South African arm of the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology study baseline (n = 711) were categorised into four groups, namely normal weight without metabolic syndrome (MetS) (MHNW), normal weight with MetS (MUNW), metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUO). Dietary and plasma phospholipid FAs were measured by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. We compared dietary FAs, plasma phospholipid FAs, and estimated desaturase activity between the metabolic status groups using ANCOVA adjusted for age and energy intake. Results: MetS was diagnosed in 35% of the participants. After adjustment for age and total energy intake, in comparison to the MHNW reference group, saturated dietary FAs (C14:0 to C18:0) and alpha-linolenic acid intakes were higher in both overweight/obese groups (MHO and MUO), while linoleic acid intakes were higher in the MUO group only. Plasma levels of most saturated FAs (C18:0 to C22:0) and PUFAs were higher, whereas selected MUFAs, palmitic acid, and estimated desaturase activities were lower in the overweight/obese groups. Conclusions: The overweight groups generally had higher fat intakes than normal-weight groups, but lower plasma levels of palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, cis-vaccenic and estimated desaturase activities. Therefore, in this population, lower plasma levels of palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and cis-vaccenic acids and decreased estimated desaturase activities may be biomarkers of abnormal metabolic health in overweight/obese study participants
Toxicological Profile of Nanostructured Bone Substitute Based on Hydroxyapatite and Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) after Subchronic Oral Exposure of Rats
Get PDFNovel three-dimensional (3D) nanohydroxyapatite-PLGA scaffolds with high porosity was developed to better mimic mineral component and microstructure of natural bone. To perform a final assessment of this nanomaterial as a potential bone substitute, its toxicological profile was particularly investigated. Therefore, we performed a comet assay on human monocytes for in vitro genotoxicity investigation, and the systemic subchronic toxicity investigation on rats being per oral feed with exactly administrated extract quantities of the nano calcium hydroxyapatite covered with tiny layers of PLGA (ALBO-OS) for 120 days. Histological and stereological parameters of the liver, kidney, and spleen tissue were analyzed. Comet assay revealed low genotoxic potential, while histological analysis and stereological investigation revealed no significant changes in exposed animals when compared to controls, although the volume density of blood sinusoids and connective tissue, as well as numerical density and number of mitosis were slightly increased. Additionally, despite the significantly increased average number of the Ki67 and slightly increased number of CD68 positive cells in the presence of ALBO-OS, immunoreactive cells proliferation was almost neglected. Blood analyses showed that all of the blood parameters in rats fed with extract nanomaterial are comparable with corresponding parameters of no feed rats, taken as blind probe. This study contributes to the toxicological profiling of ALBO-OS scaffold for potential future application in bone tissue engineering
Sustainable food systems for healthy diets in Europe and Central Asia: Introduction to the special issue
Get PDFThis Special Issue highlights various good practices and food policy discussion in relation to the transformation of current food systems toward their social, environmental and economical sustainability. The papers describe policies, programmes and initiatives in developing and advanced economies of Europe and Central Asia that refer to the core elements of food systems, such as food supply, food environments, and consumers. The shared opinions, analyses, studies and approaches, experiences and insights contribute to a better understanding of regional specificities and support the efforts to guide the complex food systems' transformation for their improved capacity to deliver healthy diets
Inflammatory niche: Mesenchymal stromal cell priming by soluble mediators
Get PDFMesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells of stromal origin that possess self-renewal capacity and the ability to differentiate into multiple mesodermal cell lineages. They play a critical role in tissue homeostasis and wound healing, as well as in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment through interactions with immune cells. Hence, MSCs have garnered great attention as promising candidates for tissue regeneration and cell therapy. Because the inflammatory niche plays a key role in triggering the reparative and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs, priming of MSCs with bioactive molecules has been proposed as a way to foster the therapeutic potential of these cells. In this paper, we review how soluble mediators of the inflammatory niche (cytokines and alarmins) influence the regenerative and immunomodulatory capacity of MSCs, highlighting the major advantages and concerns regarding the therapeutic potential of these inflammatory primed MSCs. The data summarized in this review may provide a significant starting point for future research on priming MSCs and establishing standardized methods for the application of preconditioned MSCs in cell therapy
First Detection of Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908) (Eucoccidiorida: Sarcocystidae) in River Waters in Serbia
No full textToxoplasma gondii is one of the most successful parasites in the world. Its life form found in the environment, where it may stay viable for a year or more, is the oocyst, excreted by members of the family Felidae as the definite host. During the past decades, several waterborne epidemics of toxoplasmosis worldwide indicated the importance of water as a source of T. gondii infection. In Serbia, detection of oocysts in water has not been previously performed and, therefore, there are no data regarding the presence of T. gondii in Serbian rivers. To fill this gap, surface water samples (n=20) were collected from four major rivers and their tributaries throughout Serbia. The samples were concentrated by filtration and total DNA was extracted from the pellet using a commercial kit. Next, the samples were screened for T. gondii DNA by amplification of the 529 bp repeat fragment by conventional PCR. Three positive samples were detected and all three were confirmed by amplification of GRA6 and SAG2 genes. This first detection of T. gondii in river waters in Serbia suggests that the examined rivers are contaminated with this protozoan, which makes them a potential source of infection. In addition, this study has shown that the used PCR methodology can successfully detect T. gondii in water samples
Brucella, Un Genre Bactérien En Expansion : Nouvelles Especes, Nouveaux Réservoirs
Get PDFOver the past twenty years, the number of species of the genus Brucella has doubled, with the identification of six acterial species together with an enlarged range of mammalian hosts (baboons, foxes, marine mammals) and, more surprisingly, in several species of anurans. The phenotypic study of these bacteria species shows sometimes original characteristics (negative oxidase reactions), different growth curves and improved survival capacities in certain nutrient-depleted environments or acidic conditions. This article presents the knowledge acquired recently on these species and the investigations carried out recently in anurans, the first non-mammalian reservoir harboring bacteria of this genus and being associated with rare human infection cases. © 2020 Academie Veterinaire de France
Spatiotemporal gait characteristics of Huntington's disease during dual-task walking
No full textPurpose: Huntington's disease (HD) is an neurodegenerative genetic disorder with characteristic gait changes. HD also results in a range of cognitive impairments, such as difficulties to divide attention, or simultaneously monitoring two tasks. Aim: The impact of cognitive and/or motor tasks on HD gait has not been fully elucidated. The aim was to examine gait in HD patients while performing motor and/or cognitive dual-task walking. Methods: Gait was measured with and without performing concurrent cognitive and/or motor tasks. Sixteen HD patients and 24 healthy control (HC) subjects performed a self-paced basic walking task, a dual motor, a dual mental and a combined motor and mental task while walking. Results: Base walk gait parameters are significantly different between HD and HC groups. Same is true for motor, mental and combined tasks comparisons of HD and HC subjects. Gait velocity is also significantly reduced in HD compared to HC for all experimental conditions. Comparison of base walk and mental task performance showing differences in cycle time, stride length, double support time and CV of stride length, while base walk to motor task comparison is different only in stride length. No differences were found when motor and combined tasks were compared to mental task in HD patients. Conclusion: Gait pattern in HD patients while performing motor and/or cognitive dual tasks walking is remarkably preserved. Gait parameters are changed in order to reduce possible falls, and lack of differences of dual tasks gait parameters variability is attributed that patients minimizing risk of falling and preserving stability
Inhibitorni efekat propafenonskih derivata na produkciju biofilma i piocijanina kod bakterije Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Get PDFIntroduction/Objective Biofilm and pyocyanin production are essential components of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and antibiotic resistance. Our objective was to examine inhibitory effect of synthetized propafenone derivatives 3-(2-Fluorophenyl)-1-(2(2-hydroxy-3-propylamino-propoxy)-phenyl)-propan-1-one hydrochloride (5OF) and 3-(2-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-1-(2-(2-hydroxy-3-propylamino-propoxy)-phenyl)-propan-1-one hydrochloride (5CF3) on biofilm and pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains. Methods Effects were tested on nine clinical isolates and one control laboratory strain of P. aeruginosa. In vitro analysis of biofilm growing was performed by incubating bacteria (0.5 McFarland) with 5OF and 5CF3 (500-31.2 µg/ml) and measuring optical density (OD) at 570 nm. Bacteria in medium without compounds were positive control. Blank medium (an uninoculated medium without test compounds) was used as negative control. Pyocyanin production was estimated by OD at 520 nm, after bacteria incubated with 5CF3 and 5OF (250 and 500 mg/ml), treated with chloroform, and chloroform layer mixed with HCl. Results A total of 500 µg/ml of 5OF and 5CF3 completely inhibited biofilm formation in 10/10 and 4/10 strains, respectively. A total of 250 µg/ml of 5OF and 5CF3 strongly inhibited biofilm formation in 7/10 strains, while inhibition with 125 µg/ml of 5OF and 5CF3 was moderate. Lower concentrations had almost no effect on biofilm production. Pyocyanin production was reduced to less than 40% of the control value in 6/9, and less than 50% of the control in 7/9 strains with 500 mg/ml of 5OF and 5CF3, respectively. At 250 µg/ml 5OF and 5CF3, most strains had pyocyanin production above 50% of the control value. Conclusion Synthetized propafenone derivatives, 5OF and 5CF3, inhibited biofilms and pyocyanin production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains. Presented results suggest that propafenone derivatives are potential lead-compounds for synthesis of novel antipseudomonal drugs.Uvod/Cilj Proizvodnja biofilma i piocijanina je važan faktor virulencije i antibiotske rezistencije bakterije Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cilj rada je bio da se ispita inhibitorni efekat sintetisanih propafenonskih derivata, 3-(2-fluoro-fenil)-1-[2-(2-hidroksi-3-propilamino-propoksi)-fenil]-propan-1-on-hidrohlorid) (5OF) i 3-(2-trifluorometilfenil)-1-[2-(2-hidroksi-3-propilamino-propoksi)-fenil]-propan-1-on-hidrohlorid) (5CF3), na produkciju biofilma i piocijanina kod kliničkih izolata bakterije Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Metode Efekat propafenonskih derivata ispitan je na devet kliničkih izolata i jednom standardnom soju bakterije P. aeruginosa. Uticaj na produkciju biofilma ispitan je in vitro, inkubacijom bakterija (0,5 po Makfarlandu) sa 5OF i 5CF3 (500-31,2 µg/ml), i merenjem optičke gustine na 570 nm. Bakterije u medijumu bez ispitivanih jedinjenja su bile pozitivna kontrola, a sam medijum negativna kontrola. Proizvodeni piocijanin, koji je određivan merenjem optičke gustine na 520 nm, na koinkubacije bakterija sa 5CF3 ili 5OF (250 i 500 mg/ml), tretiran je hloroformom i mešanjem hloroformskog sloja sa HCl. Rezultati Pri koncentraciji od 500 µg/ml 5OF je doveo do potpune inhibicije produkcije biofilma kod svih ispitivanih sojeva (10/10). Inhibicija biofilma sa 500 µg/ml 5CF3 bila je potpuna kod 4/10 sojeva. Pri koncentraciji 5OF i 5CF3 od 250 µg/ml produkcija biofilma kod većine ispitanih izolata bila je slaba, dok je pri koncentraciji 125 µg/ml 5OF odnosno 5CF3 produkcija bila umerena. Niže koncentracije 5OF i 5CF3 nisu imale inhibitorni efekat na formiranje biofilma. U prisustvu 500 mg/ml 5OF u 6/10 ispitivanih sojeva produkcija piocijanina pala je na manje od 40% u odnosu na kontrolnu vrednost. Ista koncentracija (500 mg/ml) 5CF3 snizila je produkciju piocijanina na manje od 50% od kontrole u 7/9 sojeva. Pri koncentraciji 250 µg/ ml 5OF ili 5CF3 većina sojeva produkovala je piocijanin iznad 50% u odnosu na pozitivnu kontrolu. Zaključak Sintetisani propafenonski derivati, 5OF i 5CF3, inhibiraju produkciju biofilma i piocijanina kod kliničkih sojeva bakterije Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dobijeni rezultati ukazuju na to da propafenonski derivati predstavljaju moguća polazna jedinjenja za sintezu novih antipseudomonasnih agenasa
Evidence-based guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): An update (2014-2018)
Get PDFA group of European experts reappraised the guidelines on the therapeutic efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) previously published in 2014 [Lefaucheur et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2014;125:2150-206]. These updated recommendations take into account all rTMS publications, including data prior to 2014, as well as currently reviewed literature until the end of 2018. Level A evidence (definite efficacy) was reached for: high-frequency (HF) rTMS of the primary motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the painful side for neuropathic pain; HF-rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a figure-of-8 or a Hl-coil for depression; low-frequency (LF) rTMS of contralesional M1 for hand motor recovery in the post-acute stage of stroke. Level B evidence (probable efficacy) was reached for: HF-rTMS of the left M1 or DLPFC for improving quality of life or pain, respectively, in fibromyalgia; HF-rTMS of bilateral M1 regions or the left DLPFC for improving motor impairment or depression, respectively, in Parkinson's disease; HF-rTMS of ipsilesional M1 for promoting motor recovery at the post-acute stage of stroke; intermittent theta burst stimulation targeted to the leg motor cortex for lower limb spasticity in multiple sclerosis; HF-rTMS of the right DLPFC in posttraumatic stress disorder; LF-rTMS of the right inferior frontal gyrus in chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia; LF-rTMS of the right DLPFC in depression; and bihemispheric stimulation of the DLPFC combining right-sided LF-rTMS (or continuous theta burst stimulation) and left-sided HF-rTMS (or intermittent theta burst stimulation) in depression. Level A/B evidence is not reached concerning efficacy of rTMS in any other condition. The current recommendations are based on the differences reached in therapeutic efficacy of real vs. sham rTMS protocols, replicated in a sufficient number of independent studies. This does not mean that the benefit produced by rTMS inevitably reaches a level of clinical relevance