[Macrovipera lebetina obtusa Snake Venom as a Modulator of Antitumor Effect in S-180 Sarcoma Mouse Model]

Macrovipera lebetina obtusa (MLO) is a venomous snake endemic to Middle East. Here we describe the therapeutic potential of the MLO snake venom. In S-180 sarcoma-bearing mouse model, we showed that the MLO snake venom inhibits tumour growth by 50%. In human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-D), treatment with the MLO snake venom lead to an increase of expression levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), while the level of the expression of caspase 8 did not change. In HMVEC-D cells MLO snake venom induces necroptosis, rather than apoptosis. In the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, exposure to MLO snake venom inhibited bFGF-induced angiogenesis by 22%. Taken together, these results indicate that the MLO snake venom has a potent cytotoxic activity. Regulated necroptic cell death pathway, which is engaged by MLO snake venom, may become a promising novel target for antitumor therapies.

Sleep scoring based on video-electroencephalography monitoring in an Epileptology Unit: Comparison with polysomnography

The aim of the study was to compare the performance of video- electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring and standard polysomnography for sleep scoring in an Epileptology Unit. We calculated the level of agreement between two methods of sleep scoring, using either 27-electrode video-EEG or polysomnography for 1 night in 22 patients admitted to our Epileptology Unit. Independent experts manually scored sleep using the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 2017 guidelines. We evaluated the number of sleep cycles and their distribution on hypnogram, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep and rapid eye movement sleep-onset latency, wake after sleep-onset, and sleep stages. We then extracted sub-samples of recordings to examine the agreement in microarousal and rapid eye movement scoring. We used Bland and Altman plots and Cohen's kappa test to measure agreement. Bland and Altman plots showed at least 95% agreement for all studied sleep parameters with the exception of wake after sleep onset, where there was an 11 min difference. Cohen's kappa test showed an agreement for the recognition of microarousal (0.89) and of rapid eye movements (0.96) in sub-samples. Video-EEG represents an acceptable alternative tool for sleep architecture study in patients admitted to an Epileptology Unit.

Eficacia clínica de levofloxacina en el tratamiento de caninos con procesos infecciosos cutáneos y urinarios

<p>La eficacia y tolerancia de levofloxacina (Floxaday®, Holliday-Scott) para el tratamiento de infecciones dérmicas y de vías urinarias, fue evaluada en caninos. Se incluyeron 26 casos clínicos que fueron tratados con 10 mg/kg vía oral cada 24 horas durante 14 y hasta 21 días. De los 14 casos de afecciones a nivel dérmico, 4 fueron severos y los restantes de severidad intermedia. De los 12 casos de infecciones a nivel urinario, 8 fueron procesos severos, 3 intermedios y uno bajo. La eficacia de los tratamientos fue evaluada aplicando una escala ad-hoc. El tratamiento fue exitoso en el 99% de los casos, observándose curación clínica al día 4 en el 6,25% y al día 7 en el 43,75%. En el día 14 la curación clínica fue registrada en el 99% de los pacientes; solamente uno de ellos requirió un tratamiento de 21 días para alcanzarla. En la población con infecciones urinarias todos los pacientes respondieron satisfactoriamente al tratamiento (curación clínica), el 42% lo hizo hacia el día 4 y el 83% al día 7. Al día 14, la curación clínica fue constatada en el 100% de los casos. No se observaron efectos secundarios en ninguno de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio. En caninos, levofloxacina administrada por vía oral a la dosis de 10 mg/kg una vez al día, demostró una excelente eficacia y nula aparición de efectos adversos.</p><p> </p>

Evaluation of the biocompatibility and skin hydration potential of vitamin E-loaded lipid nanosystems formulations: In vitro and human in vivo studies

Lipid-based nanosystems, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsions (NE) have been described as promising alternatives to conventional formulations for increase skin hydration. Besides, these systems have been used as efficient vehicles for lipophilic molecules that improve skin properties (e.g. vitamin E). In this study, we performed comparative investigations between hydrogels formulations containing vitamin E-loaded NLC (HG-NLC_VE) and vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsion (HG-NE_VE). The experiments started with particle size measurements, which showed no significant differences between nanoparticles/nanodroplets sizes after incorporation in the hydrogel net (386 nm vs. 397 nm for HG-NLC_VE and 402 nm vs. 514 nm for HG-NE_VE). Afterwards, in vitro biocompatibility studies in human keratinocytes were carried out, being observed that the lipid-based nanosystems were more cytotoxic for the cells before incorporation in the hydrogel. Finally, the formulations hydration potential and sensory attributes for skin application were evaluated by in vitro occlusion tests and in vivo human experiments. The results showed that the HG-NLC_VE exhibited the best occlusive properties, whereas the HG-NE_VE performed a faster skin hydration effect. Furthermore, the latter was selected as the most attractive for skin application, although the HG-NLC_VE was described as more suitable to obtain a long-lasting effect. This study demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo safety and hydration potential of hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded lipid-based nanosystems. These results establish a basis to assess the cutaneous use of these systems, despite more in vivo experiments, for longer periods and in more volunteers, are required before commercialization.

Morphological variability of the shape of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus in relation to stock discrimination between the Bay of Biscay and the eastern English Channel

Truss analysis and length measurements were made on 168 striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus. Multivariate statistical analyses with principal component analysis and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) were used on these measurements to evaluate the influence of maturity, sex and geographical area distribution on body shape. Truss measurements were important to quantify and discriminate changing body shape, presumably due to changing environmental conditions. Sexual dimorphism was not observed and juveniles could be distinguished from adults based on their body shape. More importantly, M. surmuletus occurring in different geographical areas could be differentiated using this method. Based on pRDA, a significant difference of head morphological dimensions was observed between populations occurring in the eastern English Channel and those occurring in the Bay of Biscay, suggesting that fish from these areas could represent two subpopulations.

Subacromial impingement: influence of coracoacromial arch geometry on shoulder function

OBJECTIVE

To find correlations between radiological coracoacromial arch geometry and shoulder function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

During a prospective study of the efficacy of arthroscopic subacromial decompression, we evaluated the function of the treated and contralateral shoulders using Constant's functional score and confronted the results to several radiographic parameters reflecting coracoacromial arch geometry.

RESULTS

Constant's score values were low (42 +/- 15) because of pain and a low level of activity. Males had significantly higher scores than females. Constant's score was unaffected (P > 0.05) by patient age, the side, the level of activity, or the duration of symptoms, but was significantly influenced by the orientation of the acromion with respect to the scapular spine and to the vertical scapular axis. The preoperative Constant's score was significantly higher in patients with a more horizontal acromion (P = 0.01). A very tight correlation was found between the preoperative Constant's score and the angle between the acromion and scapular spine (P = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

Based on our results, we defined an open and a closed coracoacromial arch geometry. Coracoacromial arch geometry is correlated with shoulder function syndrome and can assist in the interpretation of rotator cuff impingement.

[Retro-lunar luxation of the carpus associated with a Benett's fracture, fracture of the second metacarpal and of the radial styloid]

The authors report a case of peri-lunar luxation of the carpus, associated with a Bennett's fracture, a fracture of the second metacarpal and with an avulsion of the radial styloid. Even if, each injury alone is commonplace, we did not find this combination, in the literature. It reiterates the importance of not ignoring, on X-rays, one of the four wounds, and the problem of the surgical strategy, for the treatment of all of the injuries at a time. Peri-lunar dislocation of the carpus is quite an unusual injury, affecting mainly young men. In one third of cases, the peri-lunar dislocation is unnoticed at first examination. This problem is even more acute when associated wounds, which are evident on X-rays, exist. The operative technique, used in the treatment of such wounds, depends on the severity. For peri-lunar luxation on the small curve, closed reduction is used. For one on the large curve, it is better to use open reduction, as for, most probably, for associated lesions, operated on late.

Cardiovascular risk factors in school children from low middle income families in Karachi, Pakistan

Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) were determined on 239 school children aged 5-19 years belonging to lower middle class families. The mean TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG ranged from 3.70-4.37 mmol/L, 2.17-2.70 mmol/L, 0.94-1.14 mmol/L, 1.07-1.26 mmol/L respectively. In general, girls had higher TC, LDL-C and HDL-C levels. There was no significant difference in the TG levels between boys and girls. Thirty-three percent of the girls and 22% of the boys had TC level > or = 4.4 mmol/L, the level at which dietary intervention is recommended for children. Fifty-three percent of the girls and 37% of the boys had TG levels > or = than the 90th percentile of the levels for children of similar age and sex in North America. The HDL-C levels were low with 37% of the girls and 44% of boys having values < or = the 10th percentile of levels for North American children. The mean daily intake of cholesterol ranged from 241 mg to 364 mg/day. Except for the 5-9 year olds, boys had a higher cholesterol intake than girls (P < 0.005). Twenty-two percent of the boys and 32% of the girls were overweight but weight status was significantly associated with elevated TC levels only in the boys (P < 0.05). Activity level was not significantly related to TC levels but girls who were active had significantly higher HDL-C levels than girls who were sedentary (P < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The impact of nutritional counselling on serum lipids, dietary and physical activity patterns of school children

Eighty-eight school children and their parents who had been counselled regarding appropriate dietary and activity patterns aimed at reducing serum cholesterol were followed-up 21 months later to determine changes in dietary and activity patterns and in serum lipid levels. The decline in serum total cholesterol ranged from 8 to 14% in the different age and sex groups (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides did not change significantly. Cholesterol intake decreased 36% and 54% in 10-14 year old boys and girls respectively (P > 0.001). The activity level increased significantly in both the 5-9 year and 10-14 year olds (P < 0.05 to P < 0.005). These results show that nutrition education can bring about a change in dietary and activity patterns, resulting in a decline in serum cholesterol levels.