10178 research outputs found
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Microbial and antimicrobial resistance profiles of microbiota in common carps (Cyprinus carpio) from aquacultured and wild fish population
No full textIn this study we analyzed differences in microbial composition and antimicrobial resistance profiles in common carp living in two different environments: fish ponds, where carp have been kept under the same growing conditions over the last 50 years, and from the wild. The results demonstrated that wild fish carry a great variety of bacterial species (448 species with a prevalence of at least 0.01% from the total number of reads). Aquacultured individuals harbored 2.56 times fewer species in their gut. Significant microbial differences were observed in all taxonomic ranks, including bacterial classes and phyla. Besides bacterial variety, it was determined that aquacultured fish harbored more bacteria that are considered pathogens or opportunistic pathogens, such as Moraxellaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcaceae. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial indicators was more common in aquacultured fish than in wild fish, therefore fish farming may be a potential source of environmental contamination with antimicrobial resistant bacteria
Differences between men and women in treatment and outcome after traumatic brain injury
No full textTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of disability, but little is known about sex and gender differences after TBI. We aimed to analyze the association between sex/gender, and the broad range of care pathways, treatment characteristics, and outcomes following mild and moderate/severe TBI. We performed mixed-effects regression analyses in the prospective multi-center Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI) study, stratified for injury severity and age, and adjusted for baseline characteristics. Outcomes were various care pathway and treatment variables, and 6-month measures of functional outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), post-concussion symptoms (PCS), and mental health symptoms. The study included 2862 adults (36% women) with mild (mTBI; Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 13-15), and 1333 adults (26% women) with moderate/severe TBI (GCS score 3-12). Women were less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU; odds ratios [OR] 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-0.8) following mTBI. Following moderate/severe TBI, women had a shorter median hospital stay (OR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-1.0). Following mTBI, women had poorer outcomes; lower Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE; OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6), lower generic and disease-specific HRQoL, and more severe PCS, depression, and anxiety. Among them, women under age 45 and above age 65 years showed worse 6-month outcomes compared with men of the same age. Following moderate/severe TBI, there was no difference in GOSE (OR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7-1.2), but women reported more severe PCS (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6). Men and women differ in care pathways and outcomes following TBI. Women generally report worse 6-month outcomes, but the size of differences depend on TBI severity and age. Future studies should examine factors that explain these differences
The impact of intensive fish farming on pond sediment microbiome and antibiotic resistance gene composition
No full textAquaculture is a fast-growing animal food sector, and freshwater fish farming is particularly common in Central and Eastern Europe. As the biodiversity of fishery ponds is changed toward fulfilling the industrial needs, precautions should be taken to keep the system sustainable and protect the adjacent environment from possible damage. Due to risk of infectious diseases, antibiotics are used in aquaculture production systems. The constant exposure to antimicrobials can contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture products and the adjacent ecosystems, with possibility of dissemination to the wider environment as well as between animals and humans. Even though previous studies have found antibiotic resistance genes in the sediments and water of farming ponds, the tendency and direction of spreading is not clear yet. The objective of this project was to evaluate the influence of intensive fish farming on the condition of water bodies used for the aquaculture and the environment, concentrating on the impact of the aquaculture on the surrounding water ecosystems as well as the possibility of transferring the pollutants and antibiotic resistance genes to both environment and the human hosts. Combined measurement of antibiotic and heavy metal contamination, toxicity assessment, microorganism diversity, and the detection of common antibiotic resistance genes was performed in the sediments of one fishery farm ponds as well as sampling points upstream and downstream. All the tested sediment samples did not show significantly elevated heavy metal concentrations and no substantial veterinary antibiotic pollution. From the antibiotic resistance genes tested, the presence of aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance determinants as well as the presence of integrons could be of concern for the possibility of transfer to humans. However, despite the lack of heavy metal and antibiotic pollution, the sediments showed toxicity, the cause of which should be explored more
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Lithuanian-NOSE scale
No full textPurpose: To evaluate validity and reliability of Lithuanian version of Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale (L-NOSE), designed for the assessment of nasal obstruction. Methods: Cross-cultural adaptation of L-NOSE was accomplished according to generally accepted methodology. L- NOSE was tested for its reliability, validity, and responsiveness in the group of 50 septoplasty patients and 100 healthy volunteers' controls. Results: L- NOSE showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient 0.796 for test, 0.791 for retest, 0.792 for post-operative group, and 0.817 for control group) scores and high test-retest reliability (r = 0.94, p < 0.01) scores. In patients' group, positive moderate correlations between L-NOSE scores and Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22 logically similar domain scores were found, thus indicating good convergent construct validity. L-NOSE scores for control subjects were generally lower than for patients with nasal obstruction (p < 0.001), thereby indicating good discriminant validity of questionnaire. The exploratory factor analysis confirmed one-factor structure of questionnaire. The component matrix of L-NOSE ranged from 0.667 to 0.781 (KMO = 0.754, p < 0.0001). The mean L-NOSE score improved from 58.4 ± 18.2 points to 11.1 ± 9.5 points after septoplasty (p < 0.0001), indicating good responsiveness of q
Gender, marital and educational inequalities in mid- to late-life depressive symptoms: cross-cohort variation and moderation by urbanicity degree
No full textBackground: Although ageing populations are increasingly residing in cities, it is unknown whether depression inequalities are moderated by urbanicity degree. We estimated gender, marital and educational inequalities in depressive symptoms among older European and Canadian adults, and examined whether higher levels of urbanicity, captured by population density, heightened these inequalities. Methods: Harmonised cross-sectional data on 97 826 adults aged ≥50 years from eight cohorts were used. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated for probable depression, depressed affect and depressive symptom severity by gender, marital status and education within each cohort, and combined using random-effects meta-analysis. Using a subsample of 73 123 adults from six cohorts with available data on population density, we tested moderating effects measured by the number of residents per square kilometre. Results: The pooled PRs for probable depression by female gender, unmarried or non-cohabitating status and low education were 1.48 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.72), 1.44 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.61) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.41), respectively. PRs for depressed affect and high symptom severity were broadly similar. Except for one Dutch cohort with findings in an unexpected direction, there was no evidence that population density modified depressive symptom inequalities. Conclusions: Despite cross-cohort variation in gender, marital status and educational inequalities in depressive symptoms, there was weak evidence that these inequalities differed by levels of population density
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: age and disease severity differences in the levels of inflammatory markers
No full textBackground and objectives: The aim of our study was to analyze the concentrations of inflammatory markers in the nasal tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) and controls of different age groups, as well as to find associations between age, inflammation development, and NPs. Materials and methods: Patients were divided into two groups—patients with CRSwNPs and control subjects who had nasal surgery for another reason beside CRS. Our analysis was performed across three different age groups (18–30 years, 31–50 years, and 51 years and more). Tissue biopsies from the sinus cavity for all study participants were taken and frozen at −80 °C, until use. The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-13, IL-21, and IL-22, were quantified using a magnetic bead-based multiplex assay. Results: In the group aged 18–30 years, the levels of inflammatory markers IL-1, IL-2, IL-5, and IL-22 were significantly higher in patients with CRSwNPs than the control subjects. Among patients aged 31–50 years, significantly higher concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-22 were recorded in patients with CRSwNPs, as compared to the control subjects. In the oldest group (aged 51 years and more), patients with CRSwNPs had significantly higher concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-22, as compared to the control group. In the CRSwNP group, only the concentration of IL-21 was significantly higher among patients aged 31–50 years, as compared with those aged 51 years and older (p = 0.013). Conclusions: IL-2 and IL-22 levels were significantly higher in patients with CRSwNP than the control, across all age groups. Only the concentration of IL-21 was higher among patients with CRSwNP in the middle age group, as compared to the oldest group. IL-2, IL-4, and IL-22 levels correlated with the severity of CRSwNPs. Elevated concentrations of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-22 were determined in patients’ groups with higher sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) scores, pointing to more severe clinical symptoms
Integration of ultrasound into the development of plant-based protein hydrolysate and its bio-stimulatory effect for growth of wheat grain seedlings In vivo
No full textThis study was dedicated to increasing the efficiency of producing plant-based protein hydrolysate using traditional and non-traditional treatments. Low- and high frequency ultrasound (US) at different intensities were applied to corn steep liquor (CSL) at 50 °C for 30 min, and enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using industrially produced alkaline protease. The efficiency of US and enzymatic treatments was characterized by protein solubility (soluble protein (SP) content, hydrolyzed protein (HP) concentration, and free amino acid (FAA) profile) and kinetic parameters: Michaelis–Menten constant (KM) and apparent breakdown rate constant (kA). A significant effect of 37 kHz US pre-treatment for CSL enzymatic hydrolysis was found and resulted in the highest HP concentration (17.5 g/L) using the lowest enzyme concentration (2.1 g/L) and the shortest hydrolysis time (60 min). By using US pre-treatment, on average, a 2.2 times higher FAA content could be achieved compared to traditional hydrolysis. Additionally, results for the kinetic parameters kM and kA confirmed the potential of applying US treatment before hydrolysis. The effect of CSL protein hydrolysate on plant growth was tested in vivo on wheat grain seed germination and resulted in the significant increase in germination parameters compared to the control treatment. These findings indicate that by-products of starch industry could be a promising source for the production of low-cost sustainable biostimulants
Literature review of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage: treatment management and prevention (Part II)
No full textThe most effective treatments for intracranial aneurysms are surgical clipping and endovascular coiling. Endovascular treatment has a lower risk of early death and complications, especially in the case of posterior circulation aneurysms, whereas the risk of recanalization and rupture of the aneurysm remains high therefore long-term follow-up is needed. Meanwhile, the long-term benefits of clipping are very important for younger patients, and in some cases it is a first-line treatment option. Interventional treatment of aneurysms is recommended as early as feasible. To avoid complications, all patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage are recommended to undergo transcranial dopplerography daily or every other day, as well as head computed tomography, computed tomography angiography (CTA), computed tomography perfusion or digital subtraction angiography on the day of hospitalization, 3-5 and 7-10 days. For the prevention of late cerebral ischemia, it is recommended to administer calcium channel blocker nimodipine and to maintain euvolemia. If cerebral vasospasm occurs, euvolemic-induced hypertension and, in some cases, endovascular treatment such as intra-arterial vasodilator therapy or/and angioplasty are recommended. The choice of treatment tactics for unruptured intracranial aneurysms depends on the natural course of the disease and the risk of rupture, which can be assessed using various scales. Following monitoring tactics, it is recommended to repeat CTA or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in 6 to 12 months after the aneurysm is detected to evaluate changes over time. CTA and MRA are also recommended for people with two or more family members with unruptured intracranial aneurysms or the diagnosis of SAH and other risk factors. Patients who are accidentally diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm are recommended to quit smoking, have their blood pressure measured periodically, and avoid heavy weights
Etiology, diagnostics and treatment possibilities of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
No full textSystemic nephrogenic fibrosis is a disease, originated at the beginning of this millennium and caused by the use of a contrast agent with gadolinium in radiological studies. The main risk factor for the development of this pathology is kidney disease. Systemic nephrogenic fibrosis usually develops due to an exaggerated fibrogenic response. The specific methods of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology are not known at present, therefore it is very important to delve into the recently identified new risk factors, vulnerable groups of people in order to prevent this pathology. Aim: To select and analyze expert presented causes, diagnostics and recommendations for the treatment of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. Methods: the review of literature was conducted using the „PubMed“ medical database, selecting publications, investigating the burden of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. Conclusions: After analysis of the literature main causes, diagnostics and treatments methods of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis are presented
Investigation of in vitro and in vivo digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae protein
No full textIn this work, the in vitro and in vivo digestibility of the dried and low-fat black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens L.) larvae was carried out. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that the digestibility of the dried larvae protein was only 48%. Meanwhile, the protein digestibility of the defatted larvae biomass reached 75%. Based on these findings, the experimental feeds were composed: (a) control feed containing casein, (b) test feed containing defatted larvae biomass and (c) protein-free feed. For protein digestibility studies, experimental feeds were tested in vitro and in vivo. It was found that digestibility of larvae protein in vivo and in vitro reached 85% and 41% respectively. The DIAAS value (73%) for BSF larvae protein digestibility in vivo was determined for the first time. The obtained results suggest that larvae possess an easy digestible AA, therefore, they can be used as highly bio-available protein source for human nutrition