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According to the current pathological classification, lung adenocarcinoma includes histological subtypes with significantly different prognoses, which may require specific surgical approaches. The aim of the study was to assess the role of CT and PET parameters in stratifying patients with stage I adenocarcinoma according to prognosis.

Summary: Using high-resolution quantitative mass spectrometry, we present comprehensive human and mouse microglia proteomic datasets consisting of over 11,000 proteins across six microglia groups. Microglia share a core protein signature of over 5,600 proteins, yet fundamental differences are observed between species and culture conditions. Mouse microglia demonstrate proteome differences in inflammation- and Alzheimer’s disease-associated proteins. We identify differences in the protein content of ex vivo and in vitro cells and significant proteome differences associated with protein synthesis, metabolism, microglia marker expression, and environmental sensors. Culturing microglia induces rapidly increased growth, protein content, and inflammatory protein expression. These changes are restored by engrafting in vitro cells into the brain, with xenografted human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived microglia closely resembling microglia from the human brain. These data provide an important resource for the field and highlight important considerations needed when using model systems to study human physiology and pathology of microglia.

The potential zones of gold mineralization were identified in this study using aeromagnetic and aero-radiometric methods. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) provided half-degree airborne magnetic and radiometric datasets covering the southern part of Kebbi State. Magnetic data were subjected to first vertical derivative (1VD), total gradient amplitude (TGA), total horizontal derivative (THD), source edge detection (SED), center for exploration targeting (CET), Euler deconvolution (ED) and source parameter imaging (SPI) to identify favourable structures to gold mineralization. Aero-radiometric data delineation of the region of hydrothermal alteration zones through the K/eTh ratio, K_deviation, F_parameters, and Ternary image analyses were successful. The results of the magnetic data techniques revealed the regions of major structures/or lineaments with gold mineralization attributes, trending in the NE to SW directions and the SE to NE parts of the study area. The depth to the structures of the magnetic source hosting gold mineralization was less than 5 m using algorithm ED and SPI techniques. Normalized radiometric data showed the area of anomalously high and moderate hydrothermal altered zones. The region's designation as a gold field is supported by major fault lines observed on the 1VD, a sequence of bristle fractures from the CET analysis, and high values of K_deviation and F_parameter, all of which are were visible on the Ternary images. The integrated results revealed zones of major structures and hydrothermal regions of gold fields at Agwara, Western Magama, Rijau, Fakai, Bukkuyum, and Borgu in the SE of the study area.

The demand for probiotics is increasing, providing opportunities for food and beverage products to incorporate and market these foods as a source of additional benefits. The most commonly used probiotics belong to the genera of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and traditionally these bacteria have been incorporated into dairy products, where they have a wider history and can readily survive. More recently, there has been a desire to incorporate probiotics into various food products, including baked goods. In recent years, interest in the use of Bacillus species as probiotics has greatly increased. The spores of various Bacillus species such as Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis, have significantly improved viability and stability under harsher conditions during heat processing. These characteristics make them very valuable as probiotics. In this review, factors that could affect the stability of Bacillus probiotics in food products are highlighted. Additionally, this review features the existing research and food products that use Bacillus probiotics, as well as future research opportunities.

The impact of obesity on adipose tissue function is well acknowledged, but the role of physical exercise in regulating inflammatory markers and gene expression in obese individuals remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic exercise on inflammatory gene expression in adipose tissue and to explore sex differences in response to exercise. The study involved 29 obese participants (13 men, 16 women) aged 38 to 54 years with a mean BMI of 36.05 ± 4.99 kg/m2. Participants underwent an 8-week concurrent training program comprising three weekly sessions of ~60 min each. The sessions included joint mobility exercises, cardiovascular activation, and cardiorespiratory resistance exercises at medium to low intensity. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed for gene expression analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The study demonstrated that chronic exercise modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly ADIPOR2 (p = 0.028), leptin (p = 0.041), and IFNg (p = 0.040) (downregulated). Interestingly, regardless of sex, the exercise programs had an independent effect on pro-inflammatory genes. Overall, this study provides insight into the role of chronic exercise in modulating adipose tissue gene expression in obese individuals. Further research involving both sexes is recommended to tailor exercise interventions for better outcomes.

Background: A sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is an illness that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. There are around 30 different species of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, that can be transmitted through sexual activity without protection. The most prevalent conditions include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, genital herpes, HIV, and hepatitis B. Within society, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most prevalent form of infection. Aims: The objective of this study is to ascertain the direct and indirect impact on the prevention of sexually transmitted illnesses in the city of Makassar. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The study collected samples from 45 consenting individuals who agreed to participate. This study used a structure equation model as an analysis method using Smart PLS 2.0. Results: The findings demonstrated a significant correlation between the support of fellow female sex workers (FSWs) and the practice of STDs prevention, with a direct impact of 10.26%. Additionally, there was a direct influence of STDs prevention behavior on motivation, accounting for 10.84%. Furthermore, the support of fellow FSWs had a substantial impact on motivation, with a direct influence of 29.16%. The overall direct effects have increased by 50.26%. The support of fellow FSWs has an indirect influence on STDs prevention behavior, increasing motivation by 5.77%. The cumulative impact, both direct and indirect, amounts to 56.03%. The Q-Square analysis model accounts for 44.1% of the variability in the data and specifically investigates the phenomenon studied. The remaining 55.9% of variability is attributed to other variables that were not addressed in this study. Conclusion: Hence, the research findings indicate that various factors, including the assistance from fellow female sex workers and motivation, contribute to the promotion of STDs prevention behavior. Received: 14 December 2023, Reviewed: 25 December 2023, Revised: 06 January 2024, Accepted: 16 January 2024.

Background: Gender aspects hold an important role in forming strategies for teenagers to get their acceptance in the neighborhood, especially at the beginning of teenage life development. One of the negative conditions if the development cannot be well developed is violence in dating. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the direct and indirect effects, as well as the amounts of resources, role of family, knowledge, and self-concept, against the prevention of violence in dating at SMK Wijaya Kusuma in South Jakarta in 2016. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design. The population consisted of students in the 9th and 10th grades, and 65 students were selected as respondents. This study used a structure equation model as an analysis method using Smart PLS 2.0 and SPSS 18.0. Results: The hypothesis testing produced findings that all independent variables have an effect on dependent variables: resources by 16.14%, role of family by 11.38%, knowledge by 15.95%, and self-concept by 20,38%. The self-concept variable was the dominant factor in influencing the preventive behavior of violence in dating. Model analysis results can explain 95% of the diversity of this research and the ability to assess the phenomenon, while 5% are described by other components that do not exist in this study. Conclusion: In sum, there was an influence-relationship between resources, the role of family, knowledge, and self-concept in preventing violence in dating. We suggest that schools should provide education about violence prevention strategies so that they are well-informed about violence in dating. Received: 07 December 2023, Reviewed: 12 December 2023, Revised: 06 January 2024, Accepted: 14 January 2024.

O presente trabalho possui o objetivo de analisar questões atinentes ao regime de separação obrigatória de bens instituído no artigo 1.641, inciso II do Código Civil de 2002. Apesar do aumento da expectativa de vida dos brasileiros, somado a chegada da sociedade pós-moderna o legislador civilista decidiu pela manutenção de algumas normas do século passado que destoam do atual texto constitucional. À vista disso, há posicionamentos contrários e favoráveis à referida norma, tanto na seara doutrinária quanto na jurisprudencial. Propostas serão lançadas no intuito de mitigar a limitação gerada pela imposição do regime de separação obrigatória de bens, vez que o idoso é sujeito de direitos e, portanto, deve o Código Civil vigente acompanhar a evolução da sociedade idosa respeitando a sua liberdade, por se tratar de um direito fundamental previsto na Constituição Federal vigente. Assim, baseando-se em posições doutrinárias e jurisprudenciais analisar-se- á os efeitos jurídicos gerados pela imposição do regime de bens ao nubente septuagenário, realizando-se considerações acerca de eventual inconstitucionalidade que acomete o aludido dispositivo. A pesquisa apoiou-se em bibliografias, artigos científicos e jurisprudências atualizadas.

Embryonic zebrafish represent a useful test system to screen substances for their ability to perturb development. The exposure scenarios, endpoints captured, and data analysis vary among the laboratories who conduct screening. A lack of harmonization impedes the comparison of the substance potency and toxicity outcomes across laboratories and may hinder the broader adoption of this model for regulatory use. The Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology (SEAZIT) initiative was developed to investigate the sources of variability in toxicity testing. This initiative involved an interlaboratory study to determine whether experimental parameters altered the developmental toxicity of a set of 42 substances (3 tested in duplicate) in three diverse laboratories. An initial dose-range-finding study using in-house protocols was followed by a definitive study using four experimental conditions: chorion-on and chorion-off using both static and static renewal exposures. We observed reasonable agreement across the three laboratories as 33 of 42 test substances (78.6%) had the same activity call. However, the differences in potency seen using variable in-house protocols emphasizes the importance of harmonization of the exposure variables under evaluation in the second phase of this study. The outcome of the Def will facilitate future practical discussions on harmonization within the zebrafish research community.

Self-esteem is a concept that refers to a person's self-evaluation that can be related to the person’s success in interacting with other people and the world around them. The self-esteem of a person is built over a lifetime, influenced by experiences, social interactions, and sense-making about the world based on self-perception of life. As people, technology and society are increasingly connected, technology may also influence its user’s self-esteem. In this paper, we investigate the subject through the lens of the Self-determination Theory, by analyzing literature work addressing the relation between technology design and self-esteem impact. Based on a meta-analysis of 21 papers previously selected from literature, we present, as result, 18 design recommendations to digital and physical artefact solutions; these recommendations are classified according to their main content, purpose, and aspect (personal, social, and technical). We could verify the recommendations completeness and analyze how they encompass the capacity of influencing self-esteem in four systems raised from literature and in one system developed considering these recommendations. With results of this work, we aim at providing technical support to guide designers in improving their system towards users’ motivation and self-esteem, favoring a designer’s reflection about how the systems they develop may affect the user’s life.

This study examined the impact of synthesis parameter on Cobalt-Molybdenum supported with magnesium oxide (Co-Mo/MgO) catalyst yield in production of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Wet impregnation was used to synthesis the Co-Mo/MgO bimetallic catalyst, while a catalytic chemical vapour deposition reactor (CCVD) was used for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Factorial and central composite design techniques were used to optimise the catalyst and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Thermogravimetric analysis/ Differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) were used to characterise the catalyst and MWCNTs that were produced. The Co-Mo/MgO catalyst had an optimal yield of 93.22%, 247.30 m2/g of specific surface area at 120 oC drying temperature, 16 g of mass support, and a 10-hour drying time. The maximum catalyst yield of 40.62% was obtained at calcination temperature of 500 oC and a holding period of 2 hours. The catalyst with the highest degradation temperature of 398.21 oC was observed at 600 oC, when calcined for 4 hours. It was discovered that the surface area of Co-Mo/MgO catalyst from the BET analysis under ideal conditions varied depending on the holding time. The XRD and SAED revealed the growth of CNTs of concentric graphene pattern with the Co-Mo/MgO catalyst.

Aim To determine whether thyroid hormone levels are associated with a specific clinical phenotype in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Methods Ninety-eight inpatients experiencing FEP and with less than 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment were included in the study and were followed up for one year. Baseline psychiatric evaluation included assessment of prodromal symptoms, positive and negative symptoms, depressive symptoms, stressful life events and cycloid psychosis criteria. Thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (FT4)) was determined at admission. Partial correlation analysis was conducted to analyse the correlation between levels of TSH/FT4 and symptoms. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between psychopathological symptoms, 12-month diagnoses and thyroid hormones while adjusting for covariates. Results Patients with prodromal symptomatology showed lower baseline FT4 levels (OR = 0.06; p = 0.018). The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was inversely associated with FT4 concentrations (r = − 0.243; p = 0.039). FEP patients with sudden onset of psychotic symptoms (criteria B, cycloid psychosis) showed higher FT4 levels at admission (OR = 10.49; p = 0.040). Patients diagnosed with affective psychotic disorders (BD or MDD) at the 12-month follow-up showed higher FT4 levels at admission than patients diagnosed with nonaffective psychosis (schizophrenia, schizoaffective) (OR = 8.57; p = 0.042). Conclusions Our study suggests that higher free-thyroxine levels are associated with a specific clinical phenotype of FEP patients (fewer prodromal symptoms, shorter DUP duration and sudden onset of psychosis) and with affective psychosis diagnoses at the 12-month follow-up.

The search for viable alternatives to conventional materials in biomedical applications is as important as the movement for the adoption of a sustainability approach in the production of polymer nanocomposites for prosthetic purposes. Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer nanocomposites have become the center of the present prosthetic industry due to their unparalleled strength-to-weight characteristics. However, the categories of polymers used for this purpose and their long-term impact on the environment have generated controversies among researchers. The adequacy, affordability, and sustainability of materials for the development of prosthetics are some of the common concerns. Consequently, this review addresses concerns about the adherence to SDGs in biomedical manufacturing which focuses on material selection considering environmental impacts. In addition, contributions from previous research were reviewed based on the remarkable increase in the number of publications on CNT-reinforced polymer nanocomposites over the last 10 years. Various findings by researchers in the field who used natural rubber and other polymers as host matrices were analyzed from the perspective of sustainability. While considerable progress has been made in the use of other polymers in the biomedical field, only a few publications have targeted natural rubber. This review provides insights into opportunities for sustainable production and consumption of devices with biodegradable CNT/natural rubber nanocomposites.

Pengembangan inovasi terbaru dibidang komposit yang menggunakan serat alam merupakan bahan alternatif terbaik dalam pembuatan komposit, salah satu serat alam yang digunakan adalah serat tandan sawit dengan proses melalui perendaman asap cair. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh variasi fraksi volume dan lama perbedaan perendaman serat tandan sawit menggunakan asap cair terhadap kekuatan tarik dan impak. Proses pengujian yang dilakukan yaitu pengujian tarik dengan spesimen berstandar ASTM D-638 dan pengujian impak dengan spsimen berstandar ISO 179 dan fraksi volume serat 15%, 20%, 25% dengan perendaman asap cair selama 1, 2, dan 3 jam. . Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa nilai kekuatan tarik tertinggi yang didapatkan ialah 25.83 MPa dan nilai kekuatan impak tertinggi yaitu 156.97 kJ/m² terdapat pada spesimen fraksi volume serat 25% dengan perendaman asap cair selama 3 jam. Sedangkan nilai kekuatan tarik terendah yang didapatkan ialah 13.53 Mpa dan nilai kekuatan impak terendah yaitu 41.97 kJ/m² terdapat pada spesimen dengan fraksi volume serat 15% dengan perendaman asap cair selama 1 jam. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi fraksi volume serat digunakan maka semakin tinggi nilai kekuatan tarik dan kekuatan impak, serta serat yang direndam dalam asap cair dapat menjadi bahan alternatif untuk meningkatkan sifat mekanik pada komposit.

Chronic administration of a high-fat diet in mice has been established to influence the generation and trafficking of immune cells such as neutrophils in the bone marrow, the dysregulation of which may contribute to a wide range of diseases. However, no studies have tested the hypothesis that a short-term, high-fat diet could early modulate the neutrophil release from bone marrow at fasting and at postprandial in response to a high-fat meal challenge, and that the predominant type of fatty acids in dietary fats could play a role in both context conditions. Based on these premises, we aimed to establish the effects of different fats [butter, enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), olive oil, enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and olive oil supplemented with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids] on neutrophil navigation from bone marrow to blood in mice. The analysis of cellular models for mechanistic understanding and of postprandial blood samples from healthy volunteers for translational purposes was assessed. The results revealed a powerful effect of dietary SFAs in promotion the neutrophil traffic from bone marrow to blood via the CXCL2-CXCR2 axis. Dietary SFAs, but not MUFAs or EPA and DHA, were also associated with increased neutrophil apoptosis and bone marrow inflammation. Similar dietary fatty-acid-induced postprandial neutrophilia was observed in otherwise healthy humans. Therefore, dietary MUFAs might preserve bone marrow health and proper migration of bone marrow neutrophils early in the course of high-fat diets even after the intake of high-fat meals.

O presente trabalho expõe uma análise de desenhos de circuitos elétricos, elaborados por estudantes do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública estadual localizada na cidade de Foz do Iguaçu no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Ocorrido em atividades experimentais de Física, a partir das quais se objetivou observar características descritas por Vigotski referentes ao processo de aprendizagem de conhecimentos científicos, como a relação entre os conhecimentos espontâneos e científicos e a influência dos diferentes níveis culturais nessa mesma relação. A metodologia da pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa e empírica, contando também com procedimentos de pesquisa documental. Os dados consistem em 36 desenhos desenvolvidos pelos estudantes durante atividades de ensino por investigação que demandavam a montagem de circuitos elétricos e a sua posterior discussão. Os dados foram analisados mediante a técnica de análise de conteúdo, especificamente análise categorial. Os resultados indicam que os desenhos têm potencial para evocar os conceitos espontâneos dos estudantes e revelar indícios de um processo relacional desses conceitos com os conhecimentos científicos estudados.

Aerosolized anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against Bacillus thuringiensis spores, which served as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations. This technology removed Bacillus thuringiensis spores from the air in 20 min with just a 1 min application of fog. The dynamics and characteristics of the fog, related to aerosol and surface interactions, proved to be critical for optimal performance and decontamination. An optimal configuration could provide effective disinfection even on indirectly reached surfaces. In all cases, 8% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) provided a higher disinfection rate than 2% glutaraldehyde.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk 1) mengetahui dan mengidentifikasi profil miskonsepsi peserta didik kelas VIII menggunakan soal esai terbatas dengan skoring skala Guttman pada materi fotosintesis di SMP N 1 dan SMP N 2 Sumberejo , 2) untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan terjadinya miskonsepsi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel peserta didik dalam penelitian ini adalah Random sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada materi fotosintesis di SMP N 1 Sumberejo mengalami miskonsepsi dengan persentase 38,33%, paham konsep 37,66% dan tidak paham konsep 24%. Sedangkan di SMP N 2 Sumberejo mengalami miskonsepsi dengan persentase 38,34%, paham konsep 35,83% dan tidak paham konsep 25,83%. Penyebab miskonsepsi yang dialami pada peserta didik SMP N 1 Sumberejo dan SMP N 2 Sumberejo, diperoleh dari hasil wawancara pendidik dan peserta didik. Penyebab miskonsepsi antara lain pengetahuan awal yang dimiliki peserta didik tidak sesuai dengan konsep yang sudah disepakati ahli, penjelasan yang mereka dapat dari internet belum tentu benar, pendidik yang tidak menguasai konsep dengan baik sehingga salah pengertian dan diteruskan kepada peserta didik, peserta didik yang tidak memahami materi yang disampaikan oleh pendidik dalam proses pembelajaran, dan penggunaan bahasa dalam buku pelajaran tersebut sulit dipahami oleh pendidik dan peserta didik. Keywords: Fotosintesis, Miskonsepsi, Soal Esai

Toxicological evaluation of chemicals using early-life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) involves the observation and recording of altered phenotypes. Substantial variability has been observed among researchers in phenotypes reported from similar studies, as well as a lack of consistent data annotation, indicating a need for both terminological and data harmonization. When examined from a data science perspective, many of these apparent differences can be parsed into the same or similar endpoints whose measurements differ only in time, methodology, or nomenclature. Ontological knowledge structures can be leveraged to integrate diverse data sets across terminologies, scales, and modalities. Building on this premise, the National Toxicology Program’s Systematic Evaluation of the Application of Zebrafish in Toxicology undertook a collaborative exercise to evaluate how the application of standardized phenotype terminology improved data consistency. To accomplish this, zebrafish researchers were asked to assess images of zebrafish larvae for morphological malformations in two surveys. In the first survey, researchers were asked to annotate observed malformations using their own terminology. In the second survey, researchers were asked to annotate the images from a list of terms and definitions from the Zebrafish Phenotype Ontology. Analysis of the results suggested that the use of ontology terms increased consistency and decreased ambiguity, but a larger study is needed to confirm. We conclude that utilizing a common data standard will not only reduce the heterogeneity of reported terms but increases agreement and repeatability between different laboratories. Thus, we advocate for the development of a zebrafish phenotype atlas to help laboratories create interoperable, computable data.

Biltong is a South African air-dried beef product that does not have a heat lethality step, but rather relies on marinade chemistry (low pH from vinegar, ~2% salt, spices/pepper) in combination with drying at ambient temperature and low humidity to achieve microbial reduction during processing. Culture-dependent and culture-independent microbiome methodologies were used to determine the changes in the microbial community at each step during biltong processing through 8 days of drying. Culture-dependent analysis was conducted using agar-based methods to recover viable bacteria from each step in the biltong process that were identified with 16S rRNA PCR, sequencing, and BLAST searching of the NCBI nucleotide database. DNA was extracted from samples taken from the laboratory meat processing environment, biltong marinade, and beef samples at three stages of processing (post-marinade, day 4, and day 8). In all, 87 samples collected from two biltong trials with beef obtained from each of three separate meat processors (n = six trials) were amplified, sequenced with Illumina HiSeq, and evaluated with bioinformatic analysis for a culture-independent approach. Both culture-dependent and independent methodologies show a more diverse population of bacteria present on the vacuum-packaged chilled raw beef that reduces in diversity during biltong processing. The main genera present after processing were identified as Latilactobacillus sp., Lactococcus sp., and Carnobacterium sp. The high prevalence of these organisms is consistent with extended cold-storage of vacuum-packaged beef (from packers, to wholesalers, to end users), growth of psychrotrophs at refrigeration temperatures (Latilactobacillus sp., Carnobacterium sp.), and survival during biltong processing (Latilactobacillus sakei). The presence of these organisms on raw beef and their growth during conditions of beef storage appears to ‘front-load’ the raw beef with non-pathogenic organisms that are present at high levels leading into biltong processing. As shown in our prior study on the use of surrogate organisms, L. sakei is resistant to the biltong process (i.e., 2-log reduction), whereas Carnobacterium sp. demonstrated a 5-log reduction in the process; the recovery of either psychrotroph after biltong processing may be dependent on which was more prevalent on the raw beef. This phenomenon of psychrotrophic bloom during refrigerated storage of raw beef may result in a natural microbial suppression of mesophilic foodborne pathogens that are further reduced during biltong processing and contributes to the safety of this type of air-dried beef.

In recent years, the consumption of blue-green algae (BGA) dietary supplements is increasing because of their health benefits. However, cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins, which present serious health risks. In this work we propose hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) to determine cyanotoxins in BGA dietary supplements. Target toxins, including microcystin-leucine-arginine (MC-LR) and microcystin-arginine-arginine (MC-RR), nodularin, anatoxin-a and three non-protein amino acids, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG), were separated using a SeQuant ZIC-HILIC column. Cyanotoxin extraction was based on solid–liquid extraction (SLE) followed by a tandem-solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure using Strata-X and mixed-mode cation-exchange (MCX) cartridges. The method was validated for BGA dietary supplements obtaining quantification limits from 60 to 300 µg·kg−1. Nine different commercial supplements were analyzed, and DAB, AEG, and MCs were found in some samples, highlighting the relevance of monitoring these substances as precaution measures for the safe consumption of these products.

For over a century now, asbestos has been used as friction material in the manufacture of brake pads but its use is currently been avoided due to its carcinogenic nature and potential to cause cancer. This study is focused on development of a new brake pad using sheanut shell (SNS) which is an eco-friendly material as the reinforcement and epoxy resin as the binder. Other constituents used are calcium carbonate (CaCO3), graphite and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). Five compositions were formulated with the epoxy resin and reinforcement varied at interval of 5 wt% while CaCO3, graphite and Al2O3 remain constant at 30, 10 and 10 wt% respectively. The developed brake pads were subjected to compressive, abrasive and water absorption tests while their densities were also measured. The results showed that the compressive strength, abrasive strength and the density of the samples decreased as the reinforcement content increased while the water absorption rate increased as the reinforcement content increased. The value of the compressive strength ranged from 64.88 – 93.04Mpa, wear rate from 3.13 – 6.25mg/m, water absorption from 0.899 – 2.722% and density from 0.764 – 1.487g/m3. The result of this research indicates that SNS particles can be used as a replacement for asbestos in brake pad production.

Validation studies conducted within a food processing facility using surrogate organisms could better represent the manufacturing process than controlled laboratory studies with pathogenic bacteria on precision equipment in a BSL-2 lab. The objectives of this project were to examine potential surrogate bacteria during biltong processing, conduct biltong surrogate validation lethality studies, and measure critical factors and intrinsic parameters during processing. Beef pieces (1.9 cm × 5.1 cm × 7.6 cm) were inoculated with four-strain mixtures of Carnobacterium divergens/C. gallinarum, Pediococcus acidilactici/P. pentosaceous, and Biotype 1 E. coli ATCC BAA (-1427, -1428, -1429, and -1430), as well as a two-strain mixture of Latilactobacillus sakei and other commercially available individual bacterial cultures (P. acidilactici Saga200/Kerry Foods; Enterococcus faecium 201224-016/Vivolac Cultures). Inoculated beef was vacuum-tumbled in marinade and dried in a humidity-controlled oven for 8–10 days (24.9 °C; 55% relative humidity). Microbial enumeration of surviving surrogate bacteria and evaluation of intrinsic factors (water activity, pH, and salt concentration) were performed post inoculation, post marination, and after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days of drying. Trials were performed in duplicate replication with triplicate samples per sampling time and analyzed by one-way RM-ANOVA. Trials conducted with E. faecium, Pediococcus spp., and L. sakei never demonstrated more than 2 log reduction during the biltong process. However, Carnobacterium achieved a >5 log (5.85 log) reduction over a drying period of 8 days and aligned with the reductions observed in previous trials with pathogenic bacteria (Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus) in biltong validation studies. Studies comparing resuspended freeze-dried or frozen cells vs. freshly grown cells for beef inoculation showed no significant differences during biltong processing. Carnobacterium spp. would be an effective nonpathogenic in-plant surrogate to monitor microbial safety that mimics the response of pathogenic bacteria to validate biltong processing within a manufacturer’s own facility.

Este ensayo visual es un mash-up de ilustraciones, una crítica cultural compuesta por una concatenación no narrativa de remakes a rotulador de portadas de discos y revistas, fotos de prensa, postales, anuncios y carteles de cine, todos ellos provenientes de las décadas de los 60, 70 y 80, que toma Benidorm como paradigma de la construcción masiva y de la transformación cultural y visual desde el tardofranquismo hasta el s. XXI. El recorrido gráfico conceptualiza un imaginario extractivista que analiza los cambios entre imagen, cultura y petromodernidad derivados del turismo, la globalización, el consumo masivo y el auge lo desechable, el imperio del souvenir y de lo kitsch, o la estética pop y del parque temático, en un entorno cada vez más artificial y menos sostenible. El juego etimológico entre apocalipsis y Calipso (género musical caribeño y ninfa hija del titán Atlas que reinaba en la isla de Ogigia, y hermana por tanto de las Hespérides, las Híades y las Pléyades), propicia, in crescendo, una reflexión entre lo velado y lo revelado, el bikini y el topless, lo idílico y lo contaminado, a través de la profecía retro-futurista de una catástrofe natural acuática pop. Este proyecto es una deriva, en tiempos del COVID-19, de nuestra serie Follarse la Ciudad vol III: We love Benidorm.

Primary chondrosarcoma of the trachea is an extremely rare tumor. We report two cases of tracheal chondrosarcoma describing the role of surgical and conservative treatment. Endoscopic treatment with rigid bronchoscopy was performed in both patients to restore airway patency and obtain histological specimens for diagnosis. One of the patients subsequently underwent successful tracheal resection and reconstruction. The other patient, who had a contraindication to surgical treatment due to associated diseases underwent iterative endoscopic LASER treatment and is alive three years after the first diagnosis. Surgical treatment remains the treatment of choice of tracheal chondrosarcoma. When surgery is contraindicated endoscopic treatment may allow relatively longterm survival due to the slow growth of these tumors.

Abstract Background The introduction of the new TNM staging system for thymic epithelial malignancies produced a significant increase in the proportion of patients with stage I disease. The identification of new prognostic factors could help to select patients for adjuvant therapies based on their risk of recurrence. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has recently gained popularity as reliable prognostic biomarker in many different solid tumors. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of NLR evaluation as a prognostic marker in patients with surgically-treated thymoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among patients who underwent resection for thymoma in a single center. Patients were divided in two groups, under (low-NLR-Group = 47 patients, 60%) and above (high-NLR-Group = 32 patients, 40%) a ROC-derived NLR cut-off (2.27). Associations with clinical-pathological variables were analyzed; disease-free survival (DFS) was identified as the primary endpoint. Results Between 2007 and 2017, 79 patients had surgery for thymoma. Overall 5-year DFS was 80%. Univariate survival analysis demonstrated that NLR was significantly related to DFS when patients were stratified for TNM stage (p = 0.043). Five-year DFS in the low-NLR-Group and in the high-NLR-Group were respectively 100 and 84% in stage I-II, and 66 and 0% in stage III. TNM stage resulted as the only independent prognostic factor at multivariate analysis, with hazard ratio of 3.986 (95% CI 1.644–9.665, p = 0.002). Conclusions High preoperative NLR seems to be associated to a shorter DFS in patients submitted to surgery for thymoma and stratified for TNM stage.

The impressive physical and mechanical properties achievable with organic fillers make them a good choice for polymer composite reinforcement. In this study, oil palm fibres (OPF), often hardly thought of as having any reasonable economic value in developing economy was used as reinforcing fillers in recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE). Thermal behaviour, physical and mechanical stability of rHDPE filled with OPF have been studied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results present band spectra characteristic of OH stretching vibration in the cellulose of the fibre material. The absorption bands of the spectra are attributed to the presence of stretching vibration of CO group mostly found in the form of hemicelluloses and lignin structure in the fibre. Upon examination of the test specimens produced through compression moulding technique, it was found that the addition of OPF (filler) into rHDPE (matrix) increased the composites’ water absorption rate linearly for the first 16 days of exposure to the water environment. Stability was achieved for all the materials after this period. Thermal studies of the various compositions (OPF/rHDPE: 5/95, 10/90, 15/85, 20/80 and 25/75) using derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA) showed two main degradation peaks at 490 °C and 380 °C. The mechanical study revealed that the composite with 20 wt% filler contents was the most eco-friendly and had the best mechanical properties while that with 25 wt% was the most thermally stable. This material was thermally stable up to approximately 330 °C. Microstructure examination of the different components of the composites further explains the reason for good physical and mechanical strength of the sample with 20 wt% filler. It can, therefore, be inferred from the results of the various analyses conducted that OPF is a good reinforcing phase for rHDPE and a potential material for construction and automotive industries.

Andrea Droghetti,1 Giuseppe Marulli,2 Jacopo Vannucci,3 Michele Giovanardi,1 Maria Caterina Bottoli,1 Mark Ragusa,3 Giovanni Muriana1 1Thoracic Surgery Division, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, 2Thoracic Surgery Division, University of Padova, Padova, 3Thoracic Surgery Division, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy Objective: We aimed to evaluate the direct costs of pulmonary lobectomy hospitalization, comparing surgical techniques for the division of interlobar fissures: stapler (ST) versus electrocautery and hemostatic sealant patch (ES). Methods: The cost comparison analysis was based on the clinical pathway and drawn up by collecting the information available from the Thoracic Surgery Division medical team at Mantova Hospital. Direct resource consumption was derived from a previous randomized controlled trial including 40 patients. Use and maintenance of technology, equipment and operating room; administrative plus general costs; and 30-day use of postsurgery hospital resources were considered. The analysis was conducted from the hospital perspective. Results: On the average, a patient submitted to pulmonary lobectomy costs €9,744.29. This sum could vary from €9,027 (using ES) to €10,460 (using ST). The overall lower incidence (50% vs 95%, P=0.0001) and duration of air leakage (1.7 days vs 4.5 days, P=0.0001) in the ES group significantly affects the mean time of hospital stay (11.0 days vs 14.3 days) and costs. Cost saving in the ES group was also driven by the lower incidence of complications. The main key cost driver was staff employment (42%), then consumables (34%) and operating room costs (12%). Conclusion: There is an overall saving of around €1,432.90 when using ES patch for each pulmonary lobectomy. Among patients undergoing this surgical procedure, ES can significantly reduce air leakage incidence and duration, as well as decrease hospitalization rates. However, further multicenter research should be developed considering different clinical and managerial settings. Keywords: pulmonary lobectomy, hemostatic sealant patch, TachoSil®, economic evaluation, cost analysis

This current study explores the function of physical space as a metaphor for freedom and sexual expression in Benito Pérez Galdós's novel Tristana (1892) and Luis Buñuel's loose filmic adaptation (1970). The female walk, a foundational activity in the formative process of the subject, will serve Tristana as a path towards emancipation and freedom, and as an access to dangerous physical and social spaces. Tristana embodies a deviation from the "women belong in the home" cultural logic that existed in the late-nineteenth century and still prevailed in the first half of the twentieth century. The amputation marks a decisive turning point in the development of Tristana's journey. However, as I show, the powerful relation between the female and her dwelling space pre- and post-amputation, along with the role of disability, establish significant differences--explained to a certain extent by the historical conditions--between the literary and filmic enunciations: while for Galdós, deviance and restraint go together and disablement serves to incapacitate the able-bodied female and wed her to a life of domesticity, Buñuel enables the disability to provide an empowering physical and social environment and challenge the traditional order.

When considered separately, long-term immediate-release niacin and fatty meals enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decrease postprandial triglycerides, but their effects on postprandial inflammation, which is common in individuals with metabolic syndrome, are less known. Moreover, successful combination is lacking and its impact on acute disorders of the innate immune cells in the metabolic syndrome remains unclear. Here, we aimed to establish the effects from combination with niacin of different fats [butter, enriched in saturated fatty acids (SFA), olive oil, enriched in MUFA, and olive oil supplemented with eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids] on plasma inflammatory markers and circulating monocyte subsets, activation and priming at the postprandial period in individuals with metabolic syndrome. A random-order within-subject crossover experiment was performed, in which 16 individuals with metabolic syndrome and 16 age-matched healthy volunteers took 2 g immediate-release niacin together with the corresponding fatty meal or a meal with no fat as control. In total, 128 postprandial curves were analysed. We sampled hourly over 6 h for plasma concentrations of soluble inflammatory markers and triglycerides. Circulating monocyte subsets (CD14/CD16 balance), activation (CCL2/CCR2 axis) and priming (M1/M2-like phenotype) at the time of postprandial hypertriglyceridemic peak were also addressed. Dietary SFA (combined with niacin) promote postprandial excursions of circulating IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and CD14/CCR2-rich monocytes with a pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, dietary MUFA (combined with niacin) postprandially increased circulating CD16-rich monocytes with an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype. Omega-3 PUFA did not add to the effects of MUFA. The co-administration of a single-dose of immediate-release niacin with a fatty meal rich in MUFA, in contrast to SFA, suppresses postprandial inflammation at the levels of both secretory profile and monocyte response in individuals with metabolic syndrome. These findings highlight a potential role of combining niacin and dietary MUFA for the homeostatic control of inflammation and the innate immune system, identifying a new search direction for the management of disorders associated with the metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latar belakang. Mortalitas akibat meningitis bakterial menurun dengan ditemukan antibotik yang poten dan penanganan yang baik pada saat pasien kritis. Walaupun demikian, sekuele akibat meningitis bakterial masih tinggi, sekitar 50%-65% di negara berkembang. Tujuan. Mengetahui faktor risiko yang terkait dengan sekuele pada pasien meningitis bakterial yang bertahan hidup. Metode. Penelitian kasus kontrol dilakukan di RSUP Dr. Sardjito, RSUD Banyumas dan RSU Suradji Tirtonegoro Klaten. Kasus adalah pasien yang terdiagnosis meningitis bakterial pada tahun 2003 – 2006 yang hidup dengan sekuele. Kontrol adalah pasien meningitis bakterial yang hidup tanpa sekuele. Data diambil dari catatan medis, luaran ditetapkan setelah 6 bulan. Hasil. Terdapat 78 pasien yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi. Hasil analisis multivariat menunjukkan bahwa faktor risiko yang terkait dengan meningitis bakterial adalah kejang >30 menit saat masuk rumah sakit (OR 4,29; IK 95% 1,38–12,99), PCS (Pediatrics Coma Scale) 72 jam (OR 5,24 ; IK 95% 1,49–18,43). Onset - gejala >48 jam mempunyai OR 2,43 (IK 95% 0,73 – 8,13). Kesimpulan. Kejang >30 menit saat masuk rumah sakit, PCS 72 jam merupakan faktor risiko yang indipenden untuk menimbulkan sekuele.

Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is commonly used in ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products such as biltong, a South African style dried beef product for flavor, enhanced moisture loss, and reduction of microbial growth. However, increased consumption of high sodium content foods is commonly associated with high blood pressure and heart disease. This study evaluated the use of alternative salts, potassium chloride (KCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) in the biltong marinade to achieve a ≥ 5-log reduction of Salmonella, a pathogen of concern in beef products. Beef pieces (1.9 cm × 5.1 cm × 7.6 cm) were inoculated with a five-serovar mixture of Salmonella (Salmonella Thompson 120, Salmonella Enteritidis H3527, Salmonella Typhimurium H3380, Salmonella Heidelberg F5038BG1, and Salmonella Hadar MF60404), vacuum-tumbled in a traditional biltong marinade of salt, spices, and vinegar containing either NaCl, KCl or CaCl2 (2.2% concentration) followed by an 8–10 day drying period at 23.9 °C (75 °F) and 55% relative humidity. Microbial enumeration of Salmonella was conducted following inoculation, after marination, and after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days of drying in a humidity/temperature chamber. Biltong produced with CaCl2, NaCl, or KCl achieved a > 5-log reduction of Salmonella after 6, 7, and 8 days, respectively. The Salmonella reduction trends with biltong made with NaCl or CaCl2 were not significantly different (p < 0.05) while both were significantly different from that made with KCl (p > 0.05). Sodium, calcium, and potassium ion concentrations were measured using ion-specific electrode meters following biltong processing and drying. As expected, the biltong made with the corresponding salt had the most abundant ion in the sample. Regardless of the salt used in the marinade, the potassium ion levels were moderately elevated in all samples. This was determined to be from potassium levels naturally present in beef rather than from other ingredients. Sampling of several commercial brands of biltong for sodium content showed that some were significantly above the allowable level of claims made on package ingredient statements. The substitution of NaCl with KCl or CaCl2 during biltong processing can also provide a 5-log reduction of Salmonella to produce a safe product that can be marketed as a more healthy low-sodium food alternative that may appeal to consumers who need to reduce their blood pressure and are conscientious of sodium levels in their diet.

In the US, dried beef products (beef jerky) are a popular snack product in which the manufacture often requires the use of a heat lethality step to provide adequate reduction of pathogens of concern (i.e., 5-log reduction of Salmonella as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS)). Biltong, a South African-style dried beef product, is manufactured with low heat and humidity. Our objectives were to examine processes for the manufacture of biltong that achieves a 5-log reduction of Salmonella without a heat lethality step and with, or without, the use of additional antimicrobials. Beef pieces (1.9 cm × 5.1 cm × 7.6 cm) were inoculated with a 5-serovar mixture of Salmonella (Salmonella Thompson 120, Salmonella Heidelberg F5038BG1, Salmonella Hadar MF60404, Salmonella Enteritidis H3527, and Salmonella Typhimurium H3380), dipped in antimicrobial solutions (lactic acid, acidified calcium sulfate, sodium acid sulfate) or water (no additional antimicrobial), and marinaded while vacuum tumbling and/or while held overnight at 5 °C. After marination, beef pieces were hung in an oven set at 22.2 °C (72 °F), 23.9 °C (75 °F), or 25 °C (77 °F) depending on the process, and maintained at 55% relative humidity. Beef samples were enumerated for Salmonella after inoculation, after dip treatment, after marination, and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 days of drying. Water activity was generally 10 reduction of Salmonella and was attributed to the manner of microbial enumeration eliminating the effects of microbial concentration on dried beef due to moisture loss. All trials were run as multiple replications and statistical analysis of treatments were determined by repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) to determine significant differences (p < 0.05). We believe this is the first published report of a biltong process achieving >5.0 log10 reduction of Salmonella which is a process validation requirement of USDA-FSIS for the sale of dried beef in the USA.

Process validation studies often require the inoculation of select foodborne pathogens into targeted foods to determine the lethality of the process or antimicrobial ingredients, and quantitative recovery of surviving inoculum bacteria helps to make those assessments. Such processes introduce various stressors on the inoculated challenge microorganisms whereby traditional selective media are too harsh to enumerate the remaining viable and injured population quantitatively. Innate antibiotic resistance of challenge organisms has often been used to establish simple selective media (i.e., Tryptic Soy Agar/TSA + antibiotics) for recovering inoculated strains, but sometimes antibiotic resistant background microorganisms are higher than desired. Salmonella Thompson 120, Salmonella Heidelberg F5038BG1, Salmonella Hadar MF60404, Salmonella Enteritidis H3527, and Salmonella Typhimurium H3380 were characterized for antibiotic resistance and acid adaptation in Tryptic Soy Broth containing 0%, 0.25%, or 1.0% glucose. Sodium pyruvate was evaluated for recovery after stress but no enhancing effect was observed, possibly because the strains were acid-adapted. Selenite Cystine Broth, traditionally used as a selective enrichment broth, was used as the basis for Selenite Cystine Agar (SCA) in combination with three antibiotics to which our Salmonella are resistant. Serovars of Salmonella, both individually and in mixtures, were enumerated on TSA, SCA, Xylose Lysine Desoxycholate (XLD), and Hektoen Enteric (HE) selective agars (all containing the same antibiotics) after conditions of nutrient starvation, desiccation, acid stress, and thermal stress. The data show that quantitative enumeration of our Salmonella serovars on SCA was not significantly different (p > 0.05) than those achieved on TSA for all tested stress categories. Levels of Salmonella enumerated on XLD and/or HE were significantly different (p < 0.05) than on TSA and SCA and often more than 1−2-log lower, consistent with the inhibition of injured cells. These data confirm that SCA (+ antibiotics) is a suitable selective medium for enumeration of these acid-adapted Salmonella serovars as challenge organisms recovered from various conditions of stress.

Transbronchial needle aspiration under endobronchial ultrasound guidance (EBUS-TBNA) is recommended for the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Major complications following EBUS-TBNA are uncommon. We report a case of isolated tension pneumoperitoneum following EBUS-TBNA under deep sedation in an 80-year-old male patient affected by a right hilar mass suspicious for lung cancer. At the end of the procedure, the patient suddenly manifested desaturation, severe bradycardia and hypotension, and abdominal distension. After resuscitation, in the suspect of intraperitoneal free air, needle decompression led to respiratory and hemodynamic improvement. A total body CT-scan showed isolated pneumoperitoneum without signs of gastrointestinal perforation, confirmed by a subsequent upper digestive contrast study. The patient recovered well without the need of surgical exploration. Isolated tension pneumoperitoneum can be an exceptional complication of EBUS-TBNA; a conservative treatment can avoid unnecessary surgery in the absence of peritonism.

Background: Risk of stroke soon after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is high. Urgent care can reduce this risk. Our aim is to describe and evaluate the efficacy of rapid assessment of TIA patients in a hospital without a neurologist available 24 h a day. Methods: In February 2007, we set up a protocol of rapid management of patients with symptoms consistent with acute TIA, with the aim of prioritising urgent care and reducing hospital admissions, without increasing risk of recurrences. We analyse our results since the protocol was implemented with particular focus on the analysis of delay in neurological and neurovascular assessment, percentage and reasons for hospitalisation, and stroke recurrence rates after 3 months. Results: Four hundred and eleven patients were studied, with a final diagnosis of TIA in 282 (68.6%). Among other diagnoses, the most frequent were a vasovagal reaction (5.6%), and a confusional syndrome (4.6%). Delay between emergency arrival and neurovascular assessment was

Resumen: Introducción: Los pacientes que presentan un ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT) tienen un alto riesgo de tener un ictus a corto plazo. Una atención urgente puede reducir dicho riesgo. El objetivo es describir y comprobar la eficacia de un protocolo de atención rápida a estos pacientes en un hospital sin guardias de neurología. Métodos: En febrero del 2007 se puso en marcha en nuestro hospital un protocolo de evaluación rápida del AIT, con el objetivo de priorizar la atención urgente y disminuir ingresos hospitalarios sin aumentar riesgo de recurrencias. Se analizan los resultados tras los primeros 5 años, incidiendo especialmente en los tiempos de valoración neurológica y neurovascular, motivos de ingreso y tasa de recurrencia a los 90 días. Resultados: Han sido evaluados 411 pacientes, de los cuales 282 (68,6%) fueron finalmente AIT. Entre los otros diagnósticos, los más frecuentes han sido el episodio vasovagal (5,6%) y el cuadro confusional (4,6%). La demora entre la llegada a Urgencias y la valoración del neurólogo fue

Introduction: A prospective stroke registry leads to improved knowledge of the disease. We present data on the Mataró Hospital Registry. Methods: In February 2002 a prospective stroke registry was initiated in our hospital. It includes sociodemographic data, previous diseases, and clinical, topographic, aetiological and prognostic data. We have analysed the results of the first 10 years. Results: A total of 2165 patients have been included, 54.1% male, mean age 73 years. The most frequent vascular risk factor was hypertension (65.4%). Median NIHSS on admission: 3 (interquartile range, 1–8). Stroke subtype: 79.7% ischaemic strokes, 10.9% haemorrhagic, and 9.4% TIA. Among ischaemic strokes, the aetiology was cardioembolic in 26.5%, large-vessel disease in 23.7%, and small-vessel in 22.9%. The most frequent topography of haemorrhages was lobar (47.4%), and 54.8% were attributed to hypertension. The median hospital stay was 8 days. At discharge, 60.7% of the patients were able to return directly to their own home, and 52.7% were independent for their daily life activities. After 3 months these percentages were 76.9% and 62.9%, respectively. Hospital mortality was 6.5%, and after 3 months it was 10.9%. Conclusions: Our patient's profile is similar to those of other series, although the severity of strokes was slightly lower. Length of hospital stay, short-term and medium-term disability, and mortality rates are good, if we compare them with other series. Resumen: Introducción: Un registro prospectivo de ictus permite mejorar el conocimiento de la historia natural de la enfermedad. Presentamos los datos del Registro del Hospital de Mataró. Métodos: En febrero de 2002 se inició en nuestro hospital el registro prospectivo de pacientes ingresados con un ictus agudo. Se recogen variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes, clínicas, topográficas, etiológicas y pronósticas. Analizamos los resultados obtenidos después de los primeros 10 años de registro. Resultados: Se han registrado 2.165 pacientes, el 54,1% varones, con una edad media de 73 años. El factor de riesgo más frecuente es la hipertensión (65,4%). Mediana de la NIHSS al ingreso: 3 (rango intercuartílico, 1–8). Un 79,7% han sido infartos cerebrales, un 10,9% hemorragias y un 9,4% AIT. De los isquémicos, la etiología ha sido cardioembólica en el 26,5%, aterotrombótica en el 23,7% y lacunar en el 22,9%. La localización más frecuente de las hemorragias ha sido lobar (47,4%), y se han atribuido a hipertensión el 54,8%. La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria ha sido de 8 días. Al alta, un 60,7% pudieron volver directamente al domicilio y un 52,7% eran independientes para las actividades de la vida diaria. A los 3 meses, las cifras fueron 76,9 y 62,9% respectivamente. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria ha sido del 6,5% y a los 3 meses del 10,9%. Conclusiones: El perfil de los pacientes en nuestra área no difiere de las otras series, aunque la severidad de los ictus ha sido discretamente menor. Constatamos unas cifras óptimas de estancia hospitalaria y de discapacidad y mortalidad tanto a corto como a medio plazo. Keywords: Stroke, Stroke registry, Epidemiology, Prognosis, Outcome, Cerebrovascular disease, Palabras clave: Ictus, Registro de ictus, Epidemiología, Pronóstico, Evolución, Enfermedad cerebrovascular

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have historically been used in food fermentations to preserve foods and are generally-recognized-as-safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as food ingredients. In addition to lactic acid; some strains also produce bacteriocins that have been proposed for use as food preservatives. In this study we examined the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes 39-2 by neutralized and non-neutralized bacteriocin preparations (Bac+ preps) produced by Lactobacillus curvatus FS47; Lb. curvatus Beef3; Pediococcus acidilactici Bac3; Lactococcus lactis FLS1; Enterococcus faecium FS56-1; and Enterococcus thailandicus FS92. Activity differences between non-neutralized and neutralized Bac+ preps in agar spot assays could not readily be attributed to acid because a bacteriocin-negative control strain was not inhibitory to Listeria in these assays. When neutralized and non-neutralized Bac+ preps were used in microplate growth inhibition assays against L. monocytogenes 39-2 we observed some differences attributed to acid inhibition. A microplate growth inhibition assay was used to compare inhibitory reactions of wild-type and bacteriocin-resistant variants of L. monocytogenes to differentiate bacteriocins with different modes-of-action (MOA) whereby curvaticins FS47 and Beef3, and pediocin Bac3 were categorized to be in MOA1; enterocins FS92 and FS56-1 in MOA2; and lacticin FLS1 in MOA3. The microplate bacteriocin MOA assay establishes a platform to evaluate the best combination of bacteriocin preparations for use in food applications as biopreservatives against L. monocytogenes.

Bacteriocin-producing (Bac+) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from a variety of food products and animal sources. Samples were enriched in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) Lactocilli broth and plated onto MRS agar plates using a “sandwich overlay” technique. Inhibitory activity was detected by the “deferred antagonism” indicator overlay method using Listeria monocytogenes as the primary indicator organism. Antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes was detected by 41 isolates obtained from 23 of 170 food samples (14%) and 11 of 110 samples from animal sources (10%) tested. Isolated Bac+ LAB included Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus curvatus, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Pediococcus acidilactici, as well as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, and Enterococcus thailandicus. In addition to these, two Gram-negative bacteria were isolated (Serratia plymuthica, and Serratia ficaria) that demonstrated inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (S. ficaria additionally showed activity against Salmonella Typhimurium). These data continue to demonstrate that despite more than a decade of antimicrobial interventions on meats and produce, a wide variety of food products still contain Bac+ microbiota that are likely eaten by consumers and may have application as natural food preservatives.

Twenty-two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus isolates obtained from food and animal sources, and demonstrating activity against Listeria monocytogenes, were screened for bacteriocin-related genes using a bacteriocin PCR array based on known enterococcal bacteriocin gene sequences in the NCBI GenBank database. The 22 bacteriocin-positive (Bac+) enterococci included En. durans (1), En. faecalis (4), En. faecium (12), En. hirae (3), and En. thailandicus (2). Enterocin A (entA), enterocins mr10A and mr10B (mr10AB), and bacteriocin T8 (bacA) were the most commonly found structural genes in order of decreasing prevalence. Forty-five bacteriocin genes were identified within the 22 Bac+ isolates, each containing at least one of the screened structural genes. Of the 22 Bac+ isolates, 15 possessed two bacteriocin genes, seven isolates contained three different bacteriocins, and three isolates contained as many as four different bacteriocin genes. These results may explain the high degree of bactericidal activity observed with various Bac+ Enterococcus spp. Antimicrobial activity against wild-type L. monocytogenes and a bacteriocin-resistant variant demonstrated bacteriocins having different modes-of-action. Mixtures of bacteriocins, especially those with different modes-of-action and having activity against foodborne pathogens, such as L. monocytogenes, may play a promising role in the preservation of food.