Helminth infection in horses - a cross-sectional study from stables in Lower Silesia (Poland)

Parasitosis in horses may be uncontrolled and expose breeders and owners to serious financial losses or, possibly, to the loss of animals. Therefore, the prevention and monitoring of the development of parasitic diseases should play an important role in the breeding process. The aim of this study was to confirm the influence of factors such as age, breed, herd size, deworming program, and type of anthelmintics, on the prevalence and intensity of parasites (helminths) in domestic horses in Lower Silesia. The study was carried out between August and November of 2020. The samples of horse feces were collected from 50 different stables in the area of Lower Silesia, Poland. A total of 286 individuals from various breeds were examined. Detailed analysis revealed that the mean age of infected horses was significantly lower than in uninfected horses. The mean time since the last deworming procedure was almost twice as low in uninfected horses than in infected ones. Additionally, the deworming agent affects the prevalence of infection. The analysis was also performed for the same factors in reference to quantitative data. The mean EPG was four-fold higher in juvenile horses than in adults and three-fold higher when the horses were dewormed with the use of fenbendazole instead of ivermectin or ivermectin with praziquantel combined.

Electrochemical, optical and mass-based immunosensors: A comprehensive review of Bacillus anthracis detection methods

A biosensor is an analytical device whose main components include transducer and bioreceptor segments. The combination of biological recognition with the ligand is followed by transformation into physical or chemical signals. Many publications describe biological sensors as user-friendly, easy, portable, and less time-consuming than conventional methods. Among major categories of methods for the detection of Bacillus anthracis, such as culture-based microbiological method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microarray-based techniques sensors with bioreceptors have been highlighted which particular emphasis is placed on herein. There are several types of biosensors based on various chemical or physical transducers (e.g., electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, thermal or magnetic electrodes) and the type of biological materials used (e.g., enzymes, nucleic acids, antibodies, cells, phages or tissues). In recent decades, antibody-based sensors have increasingly gained popularity due to their reliability, sensitivity and rapidness. The fundamental principle of antibody-based sensors is mainly based on the molecular recognition between antigens and antibodies. Therefore, immunosensors that detect B. anthracis surface antigens can provide a rapid tool for detecting anthrax bacilli and spores, especially in situ. This review provides a comprehensive summary of immunosensor-based methods using electrochemical, optical, and mass-based transducers to detect B. anthracis.

The Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) on the Skin Surface Temperature of the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle in Clinically Healthy Racing Thoroughbreds: A Preliminary Study

Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is increasingly being used to treat musculoskeletal injuries in horses. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of rESWT on the skin surface temperature of the longissimus dorsi muscle in clinically healthy racing horses. A total of 24 thoroughbreds were divided into a study group (n = 12) and an rESWT-sham group (n = 12). The study group underwent rESWT, whereas the rESWT-sham group had rESWT without probe activation in the treated area. Both groups underwent thermographic examination before and just after rESWT to determine and compare skin surface temperatures. Palpation examination was performed after the first and second thermography examination to assess longissimus dorsi muscle tone. Additionally, thermographic examination was repeated 10 min after the rESWT. In both groups, there was an increase in skin surface temperature just after rESWT, and a decrease 10 min after it to below the initial value. In the study group, the skin surface temperature just after rESWT was higher than in the rESWT-sham group. Additionally, in the study group the average muscle tone before rESWT was significantly higher than just after the procedure, whereas in the rESWT-sham group the average change in muscle tone was not significant. The results proved that rESWT increases skin surface temperature of the longissimus dorsi muscle in clinically healthy horses. Further research is necessary in order to configure shockwave treatment with appropriate parameters for effective and safe therapy.

Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on Skin Surface Temperature and Vein Diameter in Healthy Racehorses with Clipped and Non-Clipped Coat

The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on skin surface temperature and vein diameter in the carpal joint region in racehorses with clipped and non-clipped treatment areas. The study included 20 Thoroughbreds split into two equal groups: clipped coat and non-clipped coat. Horses underwent thermographic examination to detect changes in skin surface temperature at the medial surface of the carpal joint, followed by ultrasonographic examination to assess changes in the diameter of the medial palmar vein before and after HILT. The increase in skin surface temperature after HILT was significantly lower in the group with clipped coat than in the non-clipped group. The group with clipped coat showed a greater increase in vessel diameter. There was a significantly weak negative correlation between the changes in average skin surface temperature and vein diameter in both groups. In conclusion, an efficient photothermal effect can be achieved in skin with a non-clipped coat and clipping the treatment area increases photobiostimulation of the tissue, while reducing the photothermal effect. Further research is needed to specify the parameters for the treatment of skin with clipped and non-clipped coat in order to perform effective laser therapy.

A Case Series of 11 Horses Diagnosed with Bone Spavin Treated with High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT)

The aim of this work was to characterize and describe the effect of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) used in the treatment of chronic osteoarthritis in horses. Over a 2 year period, 11 horses with diagnosed bone spavin were treated with HILT as a monotherapy. The horses chosen for this report presented hind limb lameness, were positive in a spavin flexion test and showed improvement after intra-articular anesthesia of the tarsometatarsal joint. Additionally, all the horses presented radiological signs of tarsus osteoarthritis and had not been treated for bone spavin for a minimum of 6 months. Each horse received 10 HILT therapies over 14 days' treatment time with the same laser protocol. At post-treatment orthopedic examination, 4 horses (36%) had improved 2 lameness grades (in the 5 grade American Association of Equine practitioners lameness scale), 4 horses (36%) had improved 1 lameness grade and 3 horses (28%) did not improve. Additionally, 3 horses were totally sound after HILT. Post-treatment spavin test result improvement was observed in 5 horses (45%), and 6 horses (55%) showed the same spavin test grade as before treatment. There were no horses that were sound in the spavin test performed after HILT. Therefore, it seems probable that the application of HILT in horses suffering from bone spavin may decrease joint pain, which influences visual lameness reduction.

Evaluation of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Supplementation on the Blood Parameters of Young Thoroughbred Racehorses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) supplementation on the hematology and biochemical blood parameters of young Thoroughbred racehorses. The study was conducted with 20 horses divided into two groups: the supplemented and the control group. The supplemented group was given 30 g of L. edodes daily for four months. One blood sample was collected four times from each horse at four-week intervals. The hematology analysis in the supplemented group showed a higher level of monocytes at day 56 when compared to the control group (p = 0.000986). Biochemical analysis showed that alkaline phosphatase is most sensitive to shiitake mushroom supplementation, with statistically significant lower levels in supplemented group compared to the control group on all individual days of blood sampling. It was also found that supplementation had an effect on the decrease of glucose levels on days 28 (p = 0.009109) and 56 y (p = 0.025749), on reduction aspartate aminotransferase level on day 56 (p = 0.017258) and a decrease of lactic acid on day 28 of sampling (p = 0.037636). Cholesterol levels decreased consistently in all individual days of blood sampling. Further studies are needed to show the influence of supplementation with shiitake mushroom in larger groups of horses over a longer period.

Effect of Lentinula edodes on Morphological and Biochemical Blood Parameters of Horses

Shiitake mushrooms have been highly regarded as possessing enormous nutritive and medicinal values. No clinical studies have yet investigated the effect of shitake supplementation on the health of horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shiitake mushroom supplementation on the morphological and biochemical blood properties in horses. A total of 17 adult horses were divided into two groups: supplemented and control. The supplemented group was fed 60 g of shiitake mushrooms per day for 5 months. Blood samples were collected in five sessions. Blood morphological analysis showed higher levels of lymphocytes in session 3 and monocytes in session 4 in the supplemented group. In addition, basophils, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were elevated compared to the control group. Biochemical analysis showed that the shiitake mushrooms affected a large number of parameters. In particular, alkaline phosphatase was found to be the most sensitive to shitake mushroom supplementation, for which the statistical differences were significant for sessions 2, 4, and 5. Furthermore, calcium was found to be affected by supplementation only in session 4, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in session 2. In addition, the bilirubin and glucose levels were lower in the supplemented group, and the albumin/globulin ratio was higher compared to the control group. The differences between the supplement and the control group in various sessions suggest that shiitake mushrooms are a beneficial nutritional supplement for horses.

Comparison of the Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on Skin Surface Temperature and Vein Diameter in Pigmented and Non-Pigmented Skin in Healthy Racehorses

Simple Summary

High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is used in the treatment of horses, but little is known about the differences in the impact of HILT performed on pigmented and non-pigmented skin. The aim of this study was to assess differences in the influence of HILT on skin surface temperature and vein diameter in a group of healthy racehorses with pigmented and non-pigmented skin in the treatment area. The hypothesis was that HILT would cause a greater increase in skin surface temperature and vein diameter in horses with pigmented skin compared to non-pigmented skin. Ten Thoroughbreds with pigmented skin and ten Thoroughbreds with non-pigmented skin in the treatment area received HILT. Changes in the vein diameter and skin surface temperature of the irradiated area were measured before and after HILT. The HILT treatment caused an increase in the pigmented skin surface temperature and a decrease in the non-pigmented skin surface temperature, while the vein diameter increased in both groups. In conclusion, melanin content in the epidermis plays an important role in light energy absorption and photothermal effects. Determining the physiological and clinical effects of HILT performed on pigmented and non-pigmented skin will help clinicians choose appropriate HILT parameters.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess differences in the influence of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the skin surface temperature and vein diameter of the lateral fetlock joint region in a group of racehorses with pigmented and non-pigmented skin in the treatment area. Twenty Thoroughbreds were divided into two equal groups: pigmented and non-pigmented skin groups. Each horse received the same HILT treatment. Just before and immediately after HILT, thermographic examination was performed to measure the skin surface temperature and ultrasonographic examination assessed the lateral digital palmar vein diameter. After HILT, the pigmented skin surface temperature increased, while the non-pigmented skin surface temperature decreased, and the difference between both groups was significant (p < 0.001). The vein diameter increased after HILT in horses with pigmented and non-pigmented skin, but the difference between both groups was not significant (p = 0.14). In conclusion, melanin content in the epidermis plays an important role in light energy absorption and photothermal effects. The vein diameter changes after HILT application indicated that the increase in vessel diameter may partly depend on photothermal mechanisms occurring in irradiated tissue. Further research is necessary to describe the physiological and clinical effects of HILT performed on pigmented and non-pigmented skin.

Do Metal Shoes Contract Heels?-A Retrospective Study on 114 Horses

Heel contraction is an undesired but common condition in domestic horses. Some authors indicate shoeing as a risk factor. There is a correlation between shoeing and a restriction of heel expansion, but the clinical significance is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of shoeing and other risk factors, such as age, access to paddock, and breed, on heel contraction. This study included 114 horses, 55 of which were barefoot their whole life and 59 had been shod consistently for at least the previous year. The width and length of the frog were measured. Linear mixed-effects models were performed for the width:length ratio, where the fixed effects were age, sex, breed, pasture or paddock time, shoeing and its duration, and limb. The random effects included the horse and the yard. Although heel contraction occurs more often in shod horses compared with barefoot horses, the difference between the two conditions was not statistically significant, when other factors were considered. The most important factors that impacted contraction were individual horse features and breed (P < .001). The effect of age and a yard was noticed (P < 0,5). The sex, paddock time, and the shoeing and its duration were found not to have statistical significance. The study concluded that heel contraction is multifactorial problem, mainly caused by breed and unknown features correlated with individual. It was not confirmed that horseshoeing causes heel contraction. Because of significant difference in incidence of contraction between yards, there is a need to further investigation of environmental factors causing this hoof distortion.

Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Performance Horses

Simple Summary

High intensity laser therapy (HILT) has been introduced as a non-invasive therapy for musculoskeletal diseases in horses, but little is known about the impact of HILT in the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HILT on tendon and ligament injury treatment in horses. Twenty six horses with tendinopathies and desmopathies were randomly assigned to a HILT treated or to a non-treated group. Each horse from the treatment group underwent a series of fifteen HILT treatments. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were carried out. Clinical evaluation included: pain, swelling and lameness of the affected limb. The ultrasound examination evaluated lesion echogenicity and lesion percentage. In our study, HILT promoted analgesic and anti-oedema effects, with visual lameness reduction in horses with tendon and ligament injuries, and reduced lesion percentage but did not influence change in lesion echogenicity. HILT appears justifiable for its anti-inflammatory effects and can be used as a physiotherapeutic technique for supportive treatment of tendon and ligament injuries in horses. The introduction of laser therapy to veterinary medicine, particularly to analgesic therapy in horses, gives hope of improving the quality of life of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on tendon and ligament injury treatment in horses. Twenty six horses with tendinopathies were randomly assigned to a HILT treated or to a non-treated group. Each horse was subjected to the same rehabilitation programme. Horses from the treatment group underwent a series of fifteen HILT treatments with the same parameters. Clinical and ultrasound assessments were performed by the same veterinarian and were carried out before (day 0), during (day 13–15) and after treatment (day 38–40). Clinical evaluation included: pain, swelling and lameness of the affected limb. The ultrasound examination evaluated lesion echogenicity and lesion percentage. After the treatment, pain, swelling and lameness were significantly improved by HILT compared with the control group (p = 0.023, 0.008 and 0.044, respectively). No significant changes were found in lesion echogenicity degree between both groups in measurements taken during treatment (p = 0.188) and after treatment (p = 0.070). For lesion percentage reduction, the statistical modelling showed a significant improvement in the HILT group compared with the control group during (p = 0.038) and after treatment (p = 0.019). In conclusion, HILT promoted analgesic and anti-oedema effects, with visual lameness reduction in horses with tendon and ligament injuries, and reduced lesion percentage but did not influence change in lesion echogenicity.

Assessment of Vein Diameter and Body Surface Temperature after High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on the Tarsal Joint in Healthy Horses

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on vein diameter and on body surface temperature changes in the tarsal joint area in a group of clinically healthy racehorses. The hypothesis of the study was that HILT increases vein diameter and body surface temperature in healthy tissue. The study involved 16 Thoroughbreds being subjected to ultrasonographic examination to assess changes of diameter of the cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein and thermographic examination to indicate temperature change of the dorsal surface of the tarsal joint, just before and immediately after HILT treatment. Vein diameter and mean surface temperature of the tarsal joint significantly increased after HILT treatment. In addition, the study was the first to describe the photothermal effect of HILT in healthy horses. More studies are necessary to specify the parameters of the procedure, that is, wavelength, energy density, or time of the procedure, depending on the patient's individual characteristics and type of tissue.

Emotional Burden and Perceived Social Support in Male Partners of Women with Cancer

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the correlations between the psychosocial burden on male caregivers and their perception of social support, as well as distress, anxiety, and depression among their partners in the first six months after a cancer diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional, longitudinal and observational study was conducted on a group of 61 couples, with the use of Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS), Berlín Social Support Scales (BSSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Distress Thermometer (DT). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica v.13. Results: A strong positive correlation between the ZBI and CBS, as well as between support-seeking and the emotional involvement of male partners, was documented. The negative correlation between the lack of instrumental support and a much greater burden on caregivers, in emotional, social, and family life was documented. The level of distress, anxiety, and depression, as well as family problems reported by female patients, were positively correlated with the male caregiver′s burden. A demographic analysis showed significant relationships between the number of offspring and the negative health indicators of patients and their partners. Implications: The obtained results encourage deeper reflection on the need to improve the availability of instrumental support for male caregivers and support for families with an oncological ill parent in caring for minor children, and to maintain the social activity of the caregiver.

Soy Preparations Are Potentially Dangerous Factors in the Course of a Food Allergy

The special properties of soy preparations make them common additives for food production and can be dangerous for sensitive individuals. Our aim was to check consumers’ awareness of potential risks of soy preparations added to numerous food products, depending on respondents’ education, and to evaluate immunoreactive properties of chosen soy preparations. A personal questionnaire was used. Respondents (n = 251) were aged 23–28 years old, lived in Poland, and were graduates or students in their last year of food technology, medicine, and university of technology. The slot blot and Western blotting methods were used to mark immunoreactivity of soy preparations. It was shown that most respondents often or usually read labels of food products they buy. The surveyed indicated protein is the allergenic component in soy. Almost half of them were of the opinion that hydrolysis removes the allergenic properties of soy. Most of the medical students surveyed thought that people allergic to soy may consume products that contain soy preparations. The analytical results indicated that soy preparation contained protein fractions that were immunoreactive with sera of allergenic patients. It was proven that preparations, even hydrolysates, contain immunoreactive proteins that may be the source of hidden allergens, even though they are not recognized as dangerous by well-educated respondents.

Profiles of empathic sensitivity in students of the last year of medicine

Developing the empathic attitude is one of the tasks of medical education as it affects the quality of therapeutic contact in the relationship between the doctor and the participant, conditioning the treatment process. According to Davis's concept, empathy is defined as an affective-cognitive reaction in the context of the other person's experience.

AIM

Analysis of profiles of empathic sensitivity in students of medicine. Group: Male and female students of the fifth year of medicine who agreed to participate in an anonymous study (n = 153; M = 57, F = 96; mean age: 23 years). Tools: The Empathetic Sensitivity Scale (EES), which is the Polish tool for Davis's Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was used. The ESS includes three sub-scales: Empathic Care (EC), Personal Distress (PD) and Adopting Perspective (AP).

RESULTS

The raw results were converted into sten scores and for sten scores for all three dimensions of empathetic sensitivity no differences were found between male and female students. Three clusters (1: n = 33%, 2: n = 39%, 3: n = 28%), which differ in terms of each distinguished indicator, were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The first cluster characterizes empathetic people, both in the affective and cognitive spheres, and those dealing well with unpleasant emotions in situations difficult to others. The second cluster characterizes participants with the ability to recognize the needs of others and to take into account their perspectives; the third cluster includes participants with a tendency to focus on own experiences emerging in response to other people's suffering but with the ability to understand a situation and show empathic concern for the other person. The most favourable profile - for a future doctor as well as for his participants - is the first cluster because the doctor, with his empathic sensitivity directed towardsthe other man, can deal with his own unpleasant emotions.

Psychooncology in Poland

Psycho-oncology is an interdisciplinary field of medicine that deals with the psychological aspects of cancer. Psycho-oncology is a sub-discipline of clinical oncology, psychiatry, clinical psychology and health psychology. It was formally established in 1975. In Poland, the Polish Psycho-Oncology Association deals with the issues of psycho-oncology since 1992. Despite the dynamic development of psycho-oncology, in Poland psychological help for people with cancer covered under the health insurance is not sufficient. The main tasks facing the Polish psycho-oncology is: to define psycho-oncologist profession and to make it administratively independent profession, to identify psycho-oncological benefits under the health insurance and to determine standards of psycho-oncological care in the National Program of Cancer Prevention.

Main communication barriers in the process of delivering bad news to oncological patients - medical perspective

Delivering bad news is a major aspect of a doctor's work. The literature most often refers to patient's expectations or needs, and methods of delivering bad news, while medical perspective is often skipped. The purpose of this paper is to examine competencies (knowledge, skills and experience) in delivering bad news by medical specialists in the areas related to the causal and symptomatic treatment of oncological patients; identification of major communication problems and obstacles in this specific situation and evaluation of teaching needs for delivering bad news. The study was performed on a group of 61 medical specialists in the areas related to the causal and symptomatic treatment of oncological patients, using a self-generated questionnaire based on other studies in the literature. Topics that are considered most demanding are: delivering news on the termination of causal treatment and preparing the patient/ close ones for death. The most difficult aspect of such discussions for the respondents was associated with the emotions manifested by the patient. On the other hand, doctors were mostly distressed by the feeling of taking the patient's hope away. The study points to the need for education of doctors in the eld of techniques for delivering bad news, particularly in the area of dealing with the emotions manifested by the patient and giving them real hope. The results encourage to conduct studies on a larger group of doctors.

The influence of breed, age, gender, training level and ambient temperature on forelimb and back temperature in racehorses

A previous thermographic study of racehorses identified 13 regions of interest (ROIs) for monitoring the impact of training. However, that investigation did not consider the influence of breed, age, gender or training intensity level on the temperature of ROIs. The present study adopted a multivariate analysis approach to determine whether the aforementioned factors, along with ambient temperature, significantly influenced ROI temperature in the key body regions. Thermography measurements were obtained from 53 racehorses of three breeds. Horses were in regular training for over 10 months, having 13 thermographic examinations in each racing season. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that ambient temperature and breed contributed significantly to the model for predicting ROI temperature at all 13 ROIs. Training intensity level contributed significantly to the model only at the thoracic vertebrae, the left third metacarpal bone and left fetlock joint. Neither gender nor age contributed to the model significantly at any ROI. Our data suggest that ambient temperature, breed and training level affect racehorse body surface temperature in some areas of the distal parts of the forelimbs and the back. This contributes to a better understanding of the normal range of thermographic findings in racehorses undergoing intensive training.

Association of Retinoid X Receptor Alpha Gene Polymorphism with Clinical Course of Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Background

Vitamin D (VD), VD binding protein, VD receptor (VDR), and retinoids are involved in pathogenesis of chronic glomerulonephritis (ChGN). We aimed to compare distribution of VD pathway gene polymorphisms in ChGN patients showing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) category 1–3, GFR category 5D, and healthy controls in order to elucidate the role of VD-related polymorphisms in the course of ChGN.

Material/Methods

GFR category 1–3 ChGN patients (n=195), GFR category 5D ChGN patients (n=178), and controls (n=751) underwent testing for polymorphisms of genes encoding VD binding protein (GC, rs2298849, rs7041, rs1155563), VDR (VDR, rs2228570, rs1544410), and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA, rs10776909, rs10881578, rs749759).

Results

Among GFR 1–3 subjects possessing TT genotype of RXRA rs10776909, 75% of patients had nephrotic syndrome, and 37.5% had glomerular hyperfiltration defined as GFR >140 ml/min/1.73 m², and, consequently, serum creatinine was lower in these patients compared to the remaining subjects (0.67±0.26 vs. 0.94±0.34, P=0.014). In GFR category 5D ChGN patients, frequencies of RXRA rs10776909 allele T (25% vs. 19%) and CT+TT (46% vs. 34%) were higher compared to frequencies of respective variants in controls (P_trend=0.004, P_genotype=0.008).

Conclusions

RXRA rs10776909 allele T is specifically involved in the pathogenesis of ChGN. This risk allele may be also associated with worse clinical course of ChGN.

Design and studies of multiple mechanism of anti-Candida activity of a new potent Trp-rich peptide dendrimers

PURPOSE

Eight peptide dendrimers were designed as structural mimics of natural cationic amphiphilic peptides with antifungal activity and evaluated for their anti-Candida potential against the wild type strains and mutants.

METHODS

Dendrimer 14 containing four Trp residues and dodecyl tail and a slightly smaller dendrimer 9 decorated with four N-methylated Trp that displayed 100 and 99.7% of growth inhibition at 16 μg/mL respectively, were selected for evaluation against the Candida albicans mutants with disabled biosynthesis of aspartic proteases responsible for host tissue colonization and morphogenesis during biofilm formation (sessile model). Flow cytometry method was employed to detect apoptotic cells with membrane alterations (phosphatidylserine translocation), and differentiation of apoptotic from necrotic cells was also performed. Simultaneous staining of cell surface phosphatidylserine with Annexin-V-Fluorescein and necrotic cells with propidium iodide was conducted.

RESULTS

14 at 16 μg/mL caused C. albicans cells to undergo cellular apoptosis but its increasing concentrations induced necrosis. 14 influenced C. albicans biofilm viability as well as hyphal and cell wall morphology. Confocal microscopy and cell wall staining with calcofluor white revealed that in epithelial model the cell surface structure was perturbed at MIC of peptide dendrimer. It appears that tryptophan or 1-methyltryptophan groups displayed at the surface and positive charges hidden in the dendrimer tree along with hydrocarbon tail located at C-terminus are important for the anti-Candida activity since dendrimers containing tryptamine at C-terminus showed only a moderate activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that membranolytic dendrimer 14, targeting cellular apoptotic pathway and impairing the cell wall formation in mature biofilm, may be a potential multifunctional antifungal lead compound for the control of C. albicans infections.

T-cell cytokine gene polymorphisms and vitamin D pathway gene polymorphisms in end-stage renal disease due to type 2 diabetes mellitus nephropathy: comparisons with health status and other main causes of end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

T-cell cytokine gene polymorphisms and vitamin D pathway gene polymorphisms were evaluated as possibly associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) resulting from type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) nephropathy.

METHODS

Studies were conducted among hemodialysis (HD) patients with ESRD due to type 2 DM nephropathy, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic infective tubulointerstitial nephritis, and hypertensive nephropathy as well as in healthy subjects. A frequency distribution of T-cell-related interleukin (IL) genes (IL18 rs360719, IL12A rs568408, IL12B rs3212227, IL4R rs1805015, IL13 rs20541, IL28B rs8099917, IL28B, and rs12979860) and vitamin D pathway genes (GC genes: rs2298849, rs7041, and rs1155563; VDR genes: rs2228570, rs1544410; and RXRA genes: rs10776909, rs10881578, and rs749759) was compared between groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences in a frequency distribution of tested polymorphisms were shown between type 2 DM nephropathy patients and controls. A difference was found in IL18 rs360719 polymorphic distribution between the former group and chronic infective tubulointerstitial nephritic patients (P trend = 0.033), which also differed in this polymorphism from controls (P trend = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

T-cell cytokine and vitamin D pathway gene polymorphisms are not associated with ESRD due to type 2 DM nephropathy in Polish HD patients. IL18 rs360719 is probably associated with the pathogenesis of chronic infective tubulointerstitial nephritis.

The in vitro effects of new D186 dendrimer on virulence factors of Candida albicans

The emergence of drug-resistant Candida albicans strains necessitates identifying new antimycotics along with studying their modes of action. The influence of a new rationally designed dendrimer D186 containing N,N-dioctyl tail and four tryptophane residues on inhibition of planktonic cells, aspartic protease SAP5 expression and adhesion to epithelial cells was investigated. In vitro anti-Candida activities were determined against wild types, Δsap mutants and morphogenesis mutants: Δefg1, Δcph1 and Δcph1/Δefg1. MICs of D186 determined with M27-A3 protocol were in the range 2-16 μg ml(-1). Adherence assay of C. albicans to Caco-2 was performed in 24-well plate. Group I (MIC=8 μg ml(-1), inhibition=82.05-100%) was the most frequent followed by Group II (MIC=4 μg ml(-1), inhibition=99.64-100%) and Group III (MIC=2 μg ml(-1), inhibition=96.47-96.98%). SAP5 expression was analyzed using RT-PCR; relative quantification was normalized against ACT1 in cells after 18-h growth on Caco-2 cell line. D186 exhibited more potent inhibition activity (statistically significant P⩽0.05) against Δsap10 and Δsap9/Δsap10 (MIC=2 μg ml(-1)) than the remaining strains tested. Pretreating cells with D186 significantly inhibited adhesion of all Candida strains compared with their non-treated counterparts (P⩽0.05). D186 affected SAP5 expression of all strains suggesting that this gene is controlled by environmental conditions. A hypothesis can be formulated that the hydrophobicity of D186 and presence of four Trp residues favors its accumulation in the membrane causing membrane disruption, especially facilitated in mutants perturbed in the cell wall compositions. The D186 mode of action was attributed to reduced virulence in terms of adhesiveness and pathogenic potential related to SAP5 expression and morphogenesis.

Continuous flow atomic force microscopy imaging reveals fluidity and time-dependent interactions of antimicrobial dendrimer with model lipid membranes

In this paper, an amphiphilic peptide dendrimer with potential applications against multi-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus was synthesized and studied on model cell membranes. The combination of quartz crystal microbalance and atomic force microscopy imaging during continuous flow allowed for in situ monitoring of the very initial interaction processes and membrane transformations on longer time scales. We used three different membrane compositions of low and high melting temperature phospholipids to vary the membrane properties from a single fluid phase to a pure gel phase, while crossing the phase coexistence boundaries at room temperature. The interaction mechanism of the dendrimer was found to be time-dependent and to vary remarkably with the fluidity and coexistence of liquid-solid phases in the membrane. Spherical micelle-like dendrimer-lipid aggregates were formed in the fluid-phase bilayer and led to partial solubilization of the membrane, while in gel-phase membranes, the dendrimers caused areas of local depressions followed by redeposition of flexible lipid patches. Domain coexistence led to a sequence of events initiated by the formation of a ribbon-like network and followed by membrane solubilization via spherical aggregates from the edges of bilayer patches. Our results show that the dendrimer molecules were able to destroy the membrane integrity through different mechanisms depending on the lipid phase and morphology and shed light on their antimicrobial activity. These findings could have an impact on the efficacy of the dendrimers since lipid membranes in certain bacteria have transition temperatures very close to the host body temperature.

Surgical treatment of hypospadias. Techniques and results in six dogs

Various types of hypospadias and methods of surgical treatment of this anomaly in 6 dogs was described in this article. Methods of surgical treatment were set up individually for each case and depended on the type of hypospadias and coexisting anomalies. Shortening of the penis was performed in two dogs, amputation in three cases and an urethral reconstruction in one patient. Castration was performed in three cases. Persistent frenulum of the prepuce was found in two dogs. Additionally three patients were submitted to the plastic surgery of the prepuce anomalies. In one dog, the loose and free falling part of the prepuce was suspended and attached to the abdominal integument according to the original own method. In all dogs, uncomplicated wound healing was observed. Surgical procedures resulted in improved cosmesis with reducing clinical signs of hypospadias and other coexistent anomalies.