Low levels of miR-143-3p are associated with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene expression. Accumulating evidence suggests their involvement in regulating various biological and pathological processes, including inflammation. Studies have revealed distinct expression patterns of miRNAs in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with (CRSwNP) and without (CRSsNP) nasal polyps (1). Specifically, miR-155 and miR-21 have been observed to be upregulated in CRSwNP, increasing and attenuating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively (2,3). Conversely, the downregulation of miR-34, miR-449, and members of the miR-200 family has been associated with impaired ciliogenesis and the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, respectively (4,5). Nonetheless, the direct role of miRNAs in CRSwNP is still being investigated.

Identification of common cricket (Acheta domesticus) proteins, extracted by acid and alkaline methods

Edible insects currently represent an interesting alternative protein source to the animal ones. The objective of the present wok is to characterize proteins isolated from common cricket (Acheta domesticus). Powder samples of this insect-based flour were obtained using two extraction methods, i.e. acid and alkaline. Subsequently, the proteins isolated have been characterized. The fractionation of proteins in the flour of Acheta domesticus by acid or alkaline-based methods, gave rise to isolates with up to 71.6% in protein content. Extraction in an alkaline medium of insoluble proteins (pellet) resulted in the best performance on protein recovery. These isolates present a wide variety of peptides and proteins, having identified the following ones in the pellet fraction obtained with the acid method: myosin heavy-chain isoforms C, E and Miosin heavy chain (Mhc); tropomyosin; troponin; α and β actin, and some enzymes such as the β subunit ATP synthetase. The characterization results provide information which will enable us to predict the possible physicochemical (gel formation, solubility, water retention capacity, etc.) changes that could take place in the cricket protein during processing in the food and feed industry.

Impact of genetic diversity and antibiotic-resistance of Salmonella isolated from feral cats: One Health approach

Free-living cats usually live in colonies in urban areas, especially close to parks and neighbourhoods where people feed them without any sanitary control. This can pose a human, animal and environmental health concern due to the close contact between uncontrolled colonies, the population and other domestic and/or wild animals. Thus, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica strains isolated from feral cats in a previous epidemiological study in the Gran Canaria island (Spain). A total of nineteen Salmonella isolates were obtained from November 2018 to January 2019 in a Salmonella epidemiological study in feral cats. All isolates obtained were genotyped by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PGFE) and were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, in accordance with Decision 2013/652/EU. PFGE analysis revealed isolates clustering by serovar, with identical clones for serovars Bredeney and Grancanaria, while differing pulsotypes were observed for serovars Florida (88.89 % similarity) and Nima (83.23 % similarity). All but two isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The results obtained demonstrate that feral cats in the region investigated are a reservoir of Salmonella strains resistant to gentamicin (94.1 %) and of the critically important antimicrobial tigecycline (23.5 %). Hence, they could excrete AMR strains through their faeces and contaminate the environment, favoring the spread of such bacteria to cohabiting pets. Moreover, this widespread presence of AMR Salmonella clones across various serovars highlights the urgent need to implement efficient antimicrobial stewardship and control programs by the local governments due to the ongoing need to protect human and animal health under a One Health concept.

Validation of Visual Analogue Scale for loss of smell as a quick test in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Diagnostic criteria of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) include, among others, olfactory dysfunction (OD). We hypothesize that patients suffering with CRSwNP are good at self-assessing their sense of smell through visual analogue scale (VAS) compared to smell tests.

METHODS

A controlled cross-sectional study was planned. Adults diagnosed with severe CRSwNP waiting for endoscopic sinus surgery were included. A cohort of healthy controls was also studied. All participants performed Barcelona smell test (BAST-24), sinonasal outcomes test 22 (SNOT-22), and VAS for loss of smell. CRSwNP underwent blood test (eosinophils count, total serum IgE), CT scan (Lund-Mackay Score), and nasal endoscopy.

RESULTS

138 severe CRSwNP and 40 controls subjects were included. The BAST-24 identification score was strongly correlated with the VAS score in the CRSwNP group (rho=-0.79, p<0.001) but not in the control group (rho=-0.14; p=0.39), this difference between groups being statistically significant (p<0.001). A significant correlation of SNOT-22 item 21 (loss of smell) was also found with BAST-24 identification (rho=-0.65, p<0.001), this difference being statistically significant (Z=-2.43; p=0.015). In the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 with 72.5% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a potential role of the VAS score for the screening of OD in severe CRSwNP in daily clinical practice.

An exacerbated metabolism and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species contribute to mitochondrial alterations and apoptosis in CD4 T cells during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasite is an endemic infection in America. It is well known that T. cruzi causes a strong immunosuppression during the acute phase of infection. However, it is not clear whether T. cruzi infection is related to metabolic alterations in CD4 T cells that prevent downstream effector function. Here, we evaluated the CD4 T cell metabolic and mitochondrial profiles from non-infected (NI), acute phase (AP) and chronic phase (CP) T. cruzi infected mice. CD4 T cells from all groups showed increased glucose uptake after stimulation. Moreover, the bioenergetic analysis revealed a rise in glycolysis and a higher oxidative metabolism in CD4 T cells from the AP. These cells showed increased proton leak and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) expression that correlated with mitochondrial ROS (mROS) accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization and expression of PD-1. In addition, CD4 T cells with mitochondrial alteration displayed an activated phenotype, and were less functional and more prone to apoptosis. In contrast, mitochondrial alterations were not observed during in vivo activation of CD4 T cells in a model of OVA-immunization. The Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression, which is involved in mROS detoxification, was increased during the AP and CP of infection. Remarkably, the apoptosis observed in CD4 T cells with MMP depolarization was prevented by incubation with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Thus, our results showed that infection triggered an exacerbated metabolism together with mROS production in CD4 T cells from the AP of infection. However, antioxidant availability may not be sufficient to avoid mitochondrial alterations rendering these cells more susceptible to apoptosis. Our investigation is the first to demonstrate an association between a disturbed metabolism and an impaired CD4 T cell response during T. cruzi infection.

Monitoring serologic response to single in ovo vaccination with an immune complex vaccine against infectious bursal disease in broilers

The infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus is one of the most resistant and prevalent virus worldwide in the poultry industry, being vaccination the main tool to control the disease. For this reason, consistent and uniform immunization of broiler flocks against IBD is necessary to avoid the disease spreading. The aim of this study was to apply and assess an epidemiologic mapping tool focused on the immunization by in ovo single broiler vaccination using an immune complex IBD vaccine. With this regard, 7,576 serum samples were collected from 603 broiler flocks raised in 354 Spanish farms. To do so, blood samples were randomly collected from birds with ages between 35 to 51 d, and the serum was analyzed by ELISA. The results obtained from this study suggested a high uniform immunization against IBDV and a protective immunization between 35 and 51 d of age, with mean titer values ranging between 6,331 and 7,426. In addition, seroprevalence titer data of this large-scale monitoring study fitted a polynomial equation with a R² value of 0.77, helping to explain and predict the humoral response to IBD vaccination. This seroprevalence map was applied to broiler production and was based on business intelligence tool that incorporates newly developed mapping tool to cover the need of having real-time information of humoral response to IBD vaccination and could be an effective tool for veterinary services to control and prevent IBD.

Probing insulators under pressure

Applying pressure on a material can reveal many physical properties and is a very efficient tool to understand its physics. Resistivity measurements have been the ideal probe to study metals under pressure. However, in the case of insulators, resistivity, or conductivity, it is often not the appropriate quantity characterizing the material. In this work, we present a newly developed in situ pressure tuning system that can be used over a wide temperature range (2 K-300 K) and allows changing the pressure at any temperature. We also present AC calorimetry and capacitance/loss measurements under pressure and demonstrate how this combination can be used to characterize a material that is too insulating for standard resistivity techniques.

Genotyping and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance in thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from poultry breeders and their progeny in Eastern Spain

Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. are recognized as a major cause of acute bacterial diarrhea in humans, with broiler meat being the most common source of human infection. Antibiotic therapy is usually necessary for severe or prolonged infections, especially in immunocompromised populations such as young or elderly individuals. However, different studies have demonstrated a close association between antibiotic use in animal production and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans. In this sense, there is social pressure to reduce antibiotic administration and find adequate alternatives to control the presence of bacterial infections in farms. However, there is a lack of information related to Campylobacter AMR dynamics through the entire production system from breeders to their progeny. It is unknown if resistance genes are a result of adaptation through chromosomal mutation or through horizontal gene transfer, instead of vertical transmission of DNA from the parent to their progeny. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to assess the main AMR rates present in a poultry production system, to study the relationship between Campylobacter AMR profiles from breeders and their progeny, and to study the presence and distribution of antibiotic resistance genes in poultry production. Regarding AMR rates, ciprofloxacin was classified as extremely high, followed by nalidixic acid and tetracyclines that were classified as very high. Moreover, this study demonstrated a relationship between the AMR patterns and genes found from Campylobacter strains isolated in breeders and those present in their progeny.

Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Enteritidis specific bacteriophages isolated form poultry faeces as a complementary tool for cleaning and disinfection against Salmonella

Salmonellosis represents an important public health concern. Several authors point out the inefficiency of the cleaning and disinfection protocols to remove the bacteria from the field. For this reason, innovative techniques, as bacteriophages, could be implemented to control the bacteria. The main objectives of this study were to assess the effect of bacteriophages against Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Enteritidis on farm surfaces, and to evaluate bacteriophage procedure application as sanitiser against Salmonella in field conditions. Thus, most prevalent serovars in poultry production were selected (Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Enteritidis) to contaminate farm facilities. Then, two specific bacteriophages isolated from poultry faeces were applied against them. Results showed Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Enteritidis decreased of 4.55 log₁₀CFU/mL and 3.85 log₁₀CFU/mL, respectively; the maximum reduction in Salmonella was the 5^th day, after 10⁸ PFU/mL and 10³ PFU/mL bacteriophage application. These results highlight bacteriophages as a promising tool together with cleaning and disinfection.

Self-perception of olfactory dysfunction is associated with history of Traumatic Brain Injury: post-hoc analysis from the OLFACAT survey

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of smell loss. However, epidemiological studies evaluating the incidence in general population are scarce. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the prevalence of TBI-induced olfactory dysfunction (OD) in a general-based population study. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional population-based survey was distributed to general population (260,000 households) through the newspaper. The survey included four microencapsulated odorants (smell test) to assess smell loss and two self-administered questionnaires (odour description and epidemiology/health status). Participants were divided into two groups, with or without a history of TBI. RESULTS: From 10,783 returned surveys, 9,348 were analysed. The survey profile was a 43-year old woman with medium-high educational level, living in a city. The overall prevalence of TBI was 5% (N=464, 44.5±14.1 years old, 57% females). Recorded causes of TBI were traffic, domestic, or work accidents. Subjects with TBI reported a poorer subjective smell self-perception compared to non-TBI participants, and a decreases ability to identify mercaptan (odour added to gas used in cities). Although, using the smell test, both groups showed similar smell capacities. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with TBI history report a higher frequency of self-perceived OD, and a decrease ability to smell the odour added to domestic gas. Having said that, the prevalence of OD, according to the smell test, was similar in both groups.

The use of dynamic prevalence maps to assess the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler flocks in the Valencian Community, Spain

The aim of this study was to design and implement a dynamic prevalence map for managing the data collected within the framework of the Salmonella spp. National control plan in broiler flocks, using a data set from the Valencian Community, Spain. Such a map would be a useful tool for veterinarians seeking to define control options. The development of the mapping tool for this study involved three main phases: data collection, data analysis and data representation. The data used were obtained from the results of the National Control Programme (based on European Commission [EC] Regulation No. 2160/2003). The Salmonella prevalence data were represented on a map of the Valencian Community, which included geographical information on flock locations to facilitate the interpretation of the results from monitoring. The average prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 2.74% from 2009 to 2013. Moreover, the proportion of broiler flocks that remained positive for the target serovars according to EC Regulation No. 2160/2003 (S. Enteritidis and/orS. Typhimurium [including monophasic S. Typhimurium]) was less than 1%. Over the five-year period of the study (2009-2013), the area of Bajo Maestrazgo had the highest level of Salmonella spp. prevalence every year, thereby validating the usefulness of this mapping tool. The aim of the study is to detect geographical 'highpressure' Salmonella zones over time and make suggestions on where efforts should be focused in this region to reduce future Salmonella spp. prevalence. Local Veterinary Services could, using the map, identify the infection pressure of Salmonella in the geographical areas where farms are located. Proximity to higher prevalences may imply an increased risk of flock contamination. Although annual data are represented, data can be presented in real time with regular frequency (daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly) or even over periods of several years. Therefore, the dynamic prevalence map provides extremely useful epidemiological information to veterinarians on the prevention of Salmonella.

Evaluation of neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve after intraoral verticosagittal ramus osteotomy

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence of neurosensory disturbances (NSD) of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) after Intraoral verticosagittal ramus osteotomy (IVSRO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sensibility of the chin and lower lip of ten consecutive patients undergoing IVSRO was assessed. Evaluations were performed at 7 days preoperatively, 7 days, one month and six months postoperatively. The chin was divided into four quadrants, which were tested separately. The tests used were: two-point discrimination (2-P), brush stroke direction discrimination (BSD) and thermal stimuli (TH). Postoperatively, patients also answered a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The values for 2-P showed statistically significant difference when compared to preoperative measurements (P>0.05) in all quadrants, with exception to quadrant D. There was no statistically significant difference among preoperative values and 7 days, 1 month and 6 months postoperative values. For BSD and TH tests, no differences were found among time points. None of the 10 patients reported complete numbness after 1 week. After 6 months, complete recovery of the chin sensibility was reported in all 10 cases.

CONCLUSION

This study showed, objectively and subjectively, a low incidence of NSD after IVSRO. Further studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm these results.

[Diagnostic issues of lymphogranuloma venereum: A case series of 5 patients]

INTRODUCTION

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LG) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis L serovar.

METHODS

These five consecutive cases aim to highlight the risk of LG misdiagnosis, in case of initial presentation with isolated inguinal adenitis.

RESULTS

Five men (mean age: 30±7 years) were seen in an internal medicine department, for inguinal adenopathy. One patient had clinical signs of urethritis. None presented an associated rectitis. Three patients had a history of STI, and two had a discovery of related HIV disease. Urinary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for the symptomatic patient and negative for the others. Lymph node PCR was positive in all patients within a L2b serotype (searched in 4 out of 5 cases).

CONCLUSION

LG should be evoked in any patient with inguinal adenomegaly, particularly in case of STI history or risk factors. Negativity of urinary PCR should lead to further investigations, essentially a lymph node cytopuncture to evidence C. trachomatis.

Short- and long-term effects induced by repeated 6-OHDA intraventricular administration: A new progressive and bilateral rodent model of Parkinson's disease

The pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and the resulting striatal dopamine deficiency, which are responsible for the classic motor features. Although a diagnosis of PD relies on the clinical effects of dopamine deficiency, this disease is also associated with other neurotransmitter deficits that are recognized as causing various motor and non-motor symptoms. However, the cause of dopaminergic nigral neurodegeneration in PD and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. While animal models are considered valuable tools with which to investigate dopaminergic cell vulnerability, rodent models usually fail to mimic the neurodegeneration progression that occurs in human PD. To find a convenient rat model for studying the progression of dopaminergic cell degeneration and motor signs, we have developed a progressive rodent model using a repeated daily, intraventricular administration of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) (100µg/day) in awakened rats for 1 to 10 consecutive days. The short- (6-day) and long-term (32-day) progression of motor alterations was studied. This model leads to a bilateral and progressive increase in catalepsy (evident from the 3rd infusion in the short-term groups (p<0.01) and from the 7th infusion in the long-term groups (p<0.01), which was associated with a progressive nigrostriatal dopaminergic deficit. All together this makes the new model an interesting experimental tool to investigate the mechanisms involved in the progression of dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Changes in bone macro- and microstructure in diabetic obese mice revealed by high resolution microfocus X-ray computed tomography

High resolution microfocus X-ray computed tomography (HR-microCT) was employed to characterize the structural alterations of the cortical and trabecular bone in a mouse model of obesity-driven type 2 diabetes (T2DM). C57Bl/6J mice were randomly assigned for 14 weeks to either a control diet-fed (CTRL) or a high fat diet (HFD)-fed group developing obesity, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. The HFD group showed an increased trabecular thickness and a decreased trabecular number compared to CTRL animals. Midshaft tibia intracortical porosity was assessed at two spatial image resolutions. At 2 μm scale, no change was observed in the intracortical structure. At 1 μm scale, a decrease in the cortical vascular porosity of the HFD bone was evidenced. The study of a group of 8 week old animals corresponding to animals at the start of the diet challenge revealed that the decreased vascular porosity was T2DM-dependant and not related to the ageing process. Our results offer an unprecedented ultra-characterization of the T2DM compromised skeletal micro-architecture and highlight an unrevealed T2DM-related decrease in the cortical vascular porosity, potentially affecting the bone health and fragility. Additionally, it provides some insights into the technical challenge facing the assessment of the rodent bone structure using HR-microCT imaging.

Campylobacter epidemiology from breeders to their progeny in Eastern Spain

While horizontal transmission is a route clearly linked to the spread of Campylobacter at the farm level, few studies support the transmission of Campylobacter spp. from breeder flocks to their offspring. Thus, the present study was carried out to investigate the possibility of vertical transmission. Breeders were monitored from the time of housing day-old chicks, then throughout the laying period (0 to 60 wk) and throughout their progeny (broiler fattening, 1 to 42 d) until slaughter. All samples were analyzed according with official method ISO 10272:2006. Results revealed that on breeder farms, Campylobacter isolation started from wk 16 and reached its peak at wk 26, with 57.0% and 93.2% of positive birds, respectively. After this point, the rate of positive birds decreased slightly to 86.0% at 60 wk. However, in broiler production all day-old chicks were found negative for Campylobacter spp, and the bacteria was first isolated at d 14 of age (5.0%), with a significant increase in detection during the fattening period with 62% of Campylobacter positive animals at the end of the production cycle. Moreover, non-positive sample was determined from environmental sources. These results could be explained because Campylobacter may be in a low concentration or in a non-culturable form, as there were several studies that successfully detected Campylobacter DNA, but failed to culture. This form can survive in the environment and infect successive flocks; consequently, further studies are needed to develop more modern, practical, cost-effective and suitable techniques for routine diagnosis.

Effect of low speed drilling on osseointegration using simplified drilling procedures

Our aim was to find out whether simplified drilling protocols would provide biological responses comparable to those of conventional drilling protocols at the low rotational speed of 400rpm. Seventy-eight root form endosseous implants with diameters of 3.75, 4.2, and 5mm were placed into canine tibias and allowed to heal for 3 and 5 weeks. After the dogs had been killed, the samples of implanted bone were retrieved and processed for non-decalcified histological sectioning. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) analyses were made on the histological sections. Implants treated by the simplified protocol resulted in BIC and BAFO values comparable to those obtained with the conventional drilling protocol, and there were no significant differences in the technique or diameter of the drilling. The results suggest that the simplified procedure gives biological outcomes comparable to those of the conventional procedure.

Comparison of different sampling types across the rearing period in broiler flocks for isolation of Campylobacter spp

Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of human gastrointestinal disease in most developed countries. It is generally accepted that poultry products are a significant source of foodborne Campylobacter infections in humans. Assessing the effectiveness of any potential intervention at farm level requires monitoring of the Campylobacter status of broiler flocks, using appropriate sampling methods. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the sample type across the rearing period for the detection of Campylobacter spp. at farm level. During this study, 21 commercial broiler farms were intensively sampled. Each farm was visited and sampled at different times during the rearing period (d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42). On the first day of rearing, the status of the house and the day-old flock was evaluated, and environmental and cecal samples were collected. During rearing, 4 different sample types were collected: feces with sock swabs (sock swabs), feces directly from the litter (feces), cloacal swabs, and cecal content. All samples were analyzed according to ISO 10272-1:2006 (Annex E) and also by direct culture. The results of this study showed that Campylobacter spp. were detected in all of the sample types on d 14 of rearing. From this point on, the detection increased significantly, with a maximum detection rate by the end of rearing, regardless of the sample type. All samples that were negative upon direct culture were also negative after pre-enrichment. At the end of rearing, the percentage of samples positive for Campylobacter spp. was 71.4% for cecal samples, 61.9% for cloacal swabs, 45.2% for sock swabs, and 69.1% for fecal samples. C. jejuni was detected in all the sample types, with positive rates ranging from 67.1 to 76.0% for cecal samples and cloacal content, respectively. Cecal samples, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples cultured by direct plating onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) without pre-enrichment have the same sensitivity for detection of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks independent of the day of rearing.

Oncoplastic breast surgery: initial experience at the Centro Clinico de Estereotaxia-CECLINES, Caracas, Venezuela

BACKGROUND

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) may sometimes lead to deformities in the remaining breast. Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) aims to improve our aesthetic results even in the case of major volume resections. The purpose of this study is to provide an objective evaluation of our initial experience with OPS, mainly based on the levels of satisfaction reported by both patients and surgeons.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was performed at CECLINES in Caracas, Venezuela, between January 2011 and October 2012. It involved 107 consecutive patients in two groups: 52 patients with level II OPS versus 55 patients with 'standard' BCS (SBCS). We evaluated the level of satisfaction and cosmetic outcome at 6 and 12 months post-operation using a score from 1 (bad) to 5 (excellent). The cosmetic score was recorded during the follow-up by the surgeon, by phone calls, and photographs were reviewed by a panel of four observers.

RESULTS

The participation rate in the cosmetic outcome/level of satisfaction evaluation was 100% at 6 months and 96.2% at 12 months. The average tumour size was 23 mm [standard deviation (SD): 13.5] for the OPS group versus 17.6 mm (SD: 8.3) for the SBCS group (p = 0.017). The average weight for the surgical specimen was 101 g (range: 30-512 g) in the OPS group versus 60.4 g (range: 20-135 g) in the SBCS group (p = 0.004). The OPS techniques most performed were round block 40.3% (21/52), inverted T mammoplasty 26.8% (14/52) and vertical scar mammoplasty 15.3% (8/52). Of all the patients, 51.9% (27/52) had symmetrisation procedures performed distributed according to the period of the study: 77.2% (17/22) in 2011, 56.6% (17/30) in 2012, and 18.1% (6/33) in 2013. The rate of complications was 5.7% (3/52) in the OPS group and 0% for the SBCS group (p < 0.005). The average cosmetic score at 6 months by patients in the OPS group was 4.4; patient satisfaction scores of 4 (good) and 5 (excellent) were 88.4%. In the SBCS group at 6 months, the mean score reported by patients was 4.2, with scores 4-5 being 83.4% (p = 0.644). The cosmetic score by surgeons in the OPS group at 6 months was 4.5; the surgeon satisfaction scores of 4-5 were 94.2%. In the SBCS group, the surgeons' mean score at 6 months was 4.1, with 84.5% of scores being 4 or 5 (p < 0.005). The final cosmetic score by patients in the OPS group at 12 months was 4.5; patient satisfaction scores of 4-5 were 90.4%. In the SBCS group, the final mean score at 12 months by patients was 4.2, with 77.5% of scores being 4 or 5 (p < 0.005). The final cosmetic score by surgeons in the OPS group at 12 months was 4.5; surgeon satisfaction scores of 4-5 were 92.3%. In the SBCS group, the surgeons' final mean score at 12 months was 4.1, with 84.5% of scores being 4 or 5 (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

OPS provides good satisfaction rates. An SBCS when an OPS is not indicated mostly results in good satisfaction levels and cosmetic scores. Usually, the results remain stable after 6 months. The use of OPS allows the excision of bigger lesions and surgical specimens. Symmetrisation procedures are not always required. With the appropriate patient selection, the rate of complications is low for both OPS and SBCS.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is inversely related to development of adiposity in school-age children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Studies in adults indicate that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition may play a role in development of adiposity. Because adipocyte quantity is established between late childhood and early adolescence, understanding the impact of PUFAs on weight gain during the school-age years is crucial to developing effective interventions.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

We quantified N-3 and N-6 PUFAs in serum samples of 668 Colombian schoolchildren aged 5-12 years at the time of recruitment into a cohort study, using gas-liquid chromatography. Serum concentrations of N-3 (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) and N-6 PUFAs (linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid) were determined as percentage total fatty acids. Children's anthropometry was measured annually for a median of 30 months. We used mixed-effects models with restricted cubic splines to construct population body mass index-for-age z-score (BAZ) growth curves for age- and sex-specific quartiles of each PUFA.

RESULTS

N-3 ALA was inversely related to BAZ gain after adjustment for sex, baseline age and weight status, as well as household socioeconomic level. Estimated BAZ change between 6 and 14 years among children in the highest quartile of ALA compared with those in the lowest quartile was 0.45 (95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.83) lower (P-trend=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

N-3 ALA may be protective against weight gain in school-age children. Whether improvement in PUFA status reduces adiposity in pediatric populations deserves evaluation in randomized trials.

Quantification of rat brain SPECT with (123)I-ioflupane: evaluation of different reconstruction methods and image degradation compensations using Monte Carlo simulation

SPECT studies with (123)I-ioflupane facilitate the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The effect on quantification of image degradations has been extensively evaluated in human studies but their impact on studies of experimental PD models is still unclear. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of compensating for the degrading phenomena on the quantification of small animal SPECT studies using (123)I-ioflupane. This assessment enabled us to evaluate the feasibility of quantitatively detecting small pathological changes using different reconstruction methods and levels of compensation for the image degrading phenomena. Monte Carlo simulated studies of a rat phantom were reconstructed and quantified. Compensations for point spread function (PSF), scattering, attenuation and partial volume effect were progressively included in the quantification protocol. A linear relationship was found between calculated and simulated specific uptake ratio (SUR) in all cases. In order to significantly distinguish disease stages, noise-reduction during the reconstruction process was the most relevant factor, followed by PSF compensation. The smallest detectable SUR interval was determined by biological variability rather than by image degradations or coregistration errors. The quantification methods that gave the best results allowed us to distinguish PD stages with SUR values that are as close as 0.5 using groups of six rats to represent each stage.

The combined effects of undersized drilling and implant macrogeometry on bone healing around dental implants: an experimental study

This study investigated the effect of undersized preparations with two different implant macrogeometries. There were four experimental groups: group 1, conical implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.2mm; group 2, conical implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.5mm; group 3, cylindrical implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.2mm; group 4, cylindrical implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.5mm. Implants were placed in one side of the sheep mandible (n=6). After 3 weeks, the same procedure was conducted on the other side; 3 weeks later, euthanasia was performed. All implants were 4mm×10mm. Insertion torque was recorded for all implants during implantation. Retrieved samples were subjected to histological sectioning and histomorphometry. Implants of groups 1 and 2 presented significantly higher insertion torque than those of groups 3 and 4 (P<0.001). No differences in bone-to-implant contact or bone area fraction occupied were observed between the groups at 3 weeks (P>0.24, and P>0.25, respectively), whereas significant differences were observed at 6 weeks between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 3 and 4 (P<0.01). Undersized drilling affected the biological establishment of bone formation around both dental implant macrogeometries.

Subthalamic 6-OHDA-induced lesion attenuates levodopa-induced dyskinesias in the rat model of Parkinson's disease

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) receives direct dopaminergic innervation from the substantia nigra pars compacta that degenerates in Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of dopaminergic denervation of STN in the origin of levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Rats were distributed in four groups which were concomitantly lesioned with 6-OHDA or vehicle (sham) in the STN and in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) as follows: a) MFB-sham plus STN-sham, b) MFB-sham plus STN-lesion, c) MFB-lesion plus STN-sham, and d) MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion. Four weeks after lesions, animals were treated with levodopa (6mg/kg with 15mg/kg benserazide i.p.) twice daily for 22 consecutive days. Abnormal involuntary movements were measured. In situ hybridization was performed measuring the expression of striatal preproenkephalin, preprodynorphin, STN cytochrome oxidase (CO) and nigral GAD67 mRNAs. STN 6-OHDA denervation did not induce dyskinesias in levodopa-treated MFB-sham animals but attenuated axial (p<0.05), limb (p<0.05) and orolingual (p<0.01) dyskinesias in rats with a concomitant lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway. The attenuation of dyskinesias was associated with a decrease in the ipsilateral STN CO mRNA levels (p<0.05). No significant differences between MFB-lesion plus STN-sham and MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion groups in the extent of STN dopaminergic denervation were observed. Moreover, intrasubthalamic microinfusion of dopamine in the MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion group triggered orolingual (p<0.01), but not axial or limb, dyskinesias. These results suggest that dopaminergic STN innervation influences the expression of levodopa-induced dyskinesias but also the existence of non dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms. STN noradrenergic depletion induced by 6-OHDA in the STN needs to be taken in account as a possible mechanism explaining the attenuation of dyskinesias in the combined lesion group.

What basal ganglia changes underlie the parkinsonian state? The significance of neuronal oscillatory activity

One well accepted functional feature of the parkinsonian state is the recording of enhanced beta oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia. This has been demonstrated in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in animal models such as the rat with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesion and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated monkeys, all of which are associated with severe striatal dopamine depletion. Neuronal hyper-synchronization in the beta (or any other) band is not present despite the presence of bradykinetic features in the rat and monkey models, suggesting that increased beta band power may arise when nigro-striatal lesion is advanced and that it is not an essential feature of the early parkinsonian state. Similar observations and conclusions have been previously made for increased neuronal firing rate in the subthalamic and globus pallidus pars interna nuclei. Accordingly, it is suggested that early parkinsonism may be associated with dynamic changes in basal ganglia output activity leading to reduced movement facilitation that may be an earlier feature of the parkinsonian state.

Effect of surface polishing and oxidization induced strain on electronic order at the Verwey transition in Fe3O4

Following the controversy between two previous publications (Lorenzo et al 2008 Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 226401 and Garcia et al 2009 Phys. Rev. Lett. 102 176405), we report on the influence of mechanical polishing, and subsequent sample storage, on the electronic order at the Verwey transition of highly pure magnetite, Fe(3)O(4), by resonant x-ray scattering. Contrary to expectations, mechanically polishing the surface induces an inhomogeneous micron deep dead layer, probably of powdered Fe(3)O(4). In addition, we have found that polishing the sample immediately before the experiment influences and favors the appearance of long range order electronic correlations, whereas samples polished well in advance have their electronic order quenched. Conversely, lattice distortions associated with the Verwey transition appear less affected by the surface state. We conclude that mechanical polishing induces stresses at the surface that may propagate into the core of the single crystal sample. These strains relax with time, which affects the different order parameters, as measured by x-ray resonant diffraction.

Phonon energy gaps in the charged incommensurate planes of the spin-ladder Sr14Cu24O41 compound by Raman and infrared spectroscopy

The terahertz (THz) excitations in the quantum spin-ladder system Sr14Cu24O41 have been determined along the c axis using THz time-domain, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy. Low-frequency infrared and Raman active modes are observed above and below the charge-ordering temperature T(co) is approximately equal to 200 K over a narrow interval approximately equal to 1-2 meV approximately equal to 8-16 cm(-1)). A new infrared mode at approximately equal to 1 meV develops below approximately equal to 100 K. The temperature dependence of these modes shows that they are coupled to the charge- and spin-density-wave correlations in this system. These low-energy features are conjectured to originate in the gapped sliding motion of the chain and ladder subsystems, which are both incommensurate and charged.

Body mass interacts with fat quality to determine the postprandial lipoprotein response in healthy young adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Postprandial lipemia predicts the evolution of cardiovascular disease. Obesity is associated with an increase in the magnitude of postprandial lipemia. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the effects of acute ingestion of different types of fat on the postprandial lipemic response.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-one healthy men followed a 4-week baseline diet and then consumed three fat-loaded meals that included 1g fat/kg body wt (65%fat) according to a randomized crossover design. The compositions of the three meals were olive oil meal (22% saturated fatty acids (SFA), 38% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 4% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)); butter meal (35% SFA, 22% MUFA, 4% PUFA); walnuts meal (20% SFA, 24% MUFA, 16% PUFA, and 4% α-linolenic acid). Higher-weight (HW) subjects (BMI greater than the median 26.18 kg/m(2), n = 11) presented higher incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for triglycerides (TG), both in large- and small-TG rich lipoproteins (TRL) than lower-weight (LW) subjects (BMI<26.18 kg/m(2), n = 10) (p<0.05), and a similar trend for plasma TG (p = 0.084). Moreover, HW subjects presented higher concentrations for small TRL-cholesterol and small TRL-TG in different timepoints of the postprandial lipemia after the intake of enriched walnuts or butter meals compared with the olive oil-enriched meal (p < 0.05) No significant differences were observed between the three types of meals in the postprandial response of LW subjects.

CONCLUSION

HW subjects present a greater postprandial response than LW subjects, and they benefit from the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids from olive oil, to lower their levels of TRL particles during the postprandial state.

Persistence of microbial and chemical pig manure markers as compared to faecal indicator bacteria survival in freshwater and seawater microcosms

Natural seawater and freshwater microcosms inoculated with pig manure were set up to determine the persistence of pig faecal microbial and chemical markers in these two types of surface water. The concentrations of Lactobacillus amylovorus, the Bacteroidales Pig-2-Bac 16S rRNA genetic marker, five stanols and the evolution of two ratios of stanols, R1 (coprostanol to the sum of coprostanol and 24-ethylcoprostanol) and R2 (sitostanol to coprostanol) were analyzed during two months along with the concentration of Faecal Indicator Bacteria (FIB). Pig manure was inoculated to unfiltered water microcosms incubated aerobically at 18 °C in the dark. The faecal contamination load represented by the concentrations of culturable Escherichia coli and/or enterococci remained for two months in the freshwater and seawater microcosms water column. These concentrations followed a biphasic decay pattern with a 97% reduction of the initial amount during a first rapid phase (<6 days) and a remaining proportion undergoing a slower or null second decline. The L. amylovorus marker and five stanols persisted as long as the indicators in both treatments. The Pig-2-Bac marker persisted 20 and 27 days in seawater and freshwater, respectively. The ratios R1 and R2 were in the range specific to pig manure until day 6 in both types of water. These results indicate that Pig-2-Bac, L. amylovorus and stanol ratios might be used in combination to complement FIB testing to determine the pig source of fecal pollution. However, stanol ratios are to be used when the time point of the discharge is known.

Increased levels of microparticles originating from endothelial cells, platelets and erythrocytes in subjects with metabolic syndrome: relationship with oxidative stress

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Circulating microparticles (MP) are involved in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic disorders and are raised in individual with CVD. We measured their level and cellular origin in subjects with MetS and analyzed their associations with 1/anthropometric and biological parameters of MetS, 2/inflammation and oxidative stress markers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-eight subjects with the MetS according to the NCEP-ATPIII definition were enrolled in a bicentric study and compared to 27 healthy controls. AnnexinV-positive MP (TMP), MP derived from platelets (PMP), erythrocytes (ErMP), endothelial cells (EMP), leukocytes (LMP) and granulocytes (PNMP) were determined by flow cytometry. MetS subjects had significantly higher counts/μl of TMP (730.6±49.7 vs 352.8±35.6), PMP (416.0±43.8 vs 250.5±23.5), ErMP (243.8±22.1 vs 73.6±19.6) and EMP (7.8±0.8 vs 4.0±1.0) compared with controls. LMP and PNMP were not statistically different between groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that each criterion for the MetS influenced the number of TMP. Waist girth was a significant determinant of PMP and EMP level and blood pressure was correlated with EMP level. Glycemia positively correlated with PMP level whereas dyslipidemia influenced EMP and ErMP levels. Interestingly, the oxidative stress markers, plasma glutathione peroxydase and urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2) α, independently influenced TMP and PMP levels whereas inflammatory markers did not, irrespective of MP type.

CONCLUSION

Increased levels of TMP, PMP, ErMP and EMP are associated with individual metabolic abnormalities of MetS and oxidative stress. Whether MP assessment may represent a marker for risk stratification or a target for pharmacological intervention deserves further investigation.