Summary
What is known and objective
Sofosbuvir(SOF)‐based regimens have been administrated with excellent efficacy in chronic hepatitis C. Few uncontrolled (“real‐life”) studies consider the ...assessment of renal function when evaluating their post‐treatment outcomes. This study aims to evaluate renal biomarkers in a “real‐life” experience with chronic hepatitis C patients treated with SOF therapy in a long‐term follow‐up.
Methods
Serum and urinary biomarkers were analysed before, at the end of therapy (EoT), after 12 weeks (sustained virological response—SVR) and one year (1y) post‐treatment. Patients were categorized according to baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR—cut‐off 45 mL/min/1.73 m2).
Results
Ninety‐four patients with a mean age of 59.9 ± 8.5 years were included; 98.9% of patients reached SVR. Significant improvement in renal biomarkers was observed in patients with GFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2, as indicated by a progressive increase in mean GFR values until 1y. No evidence of tubular dysfunction was identified. Patients with baseline GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 did not experience alterations in renal biomarkers; however, a mean change of +10.7 in GFR values was observed. We noticed significant upper stage transition in the CKD classification, and 58.7% of patients achieved G1 stage at 1y (P < .0001).
What is new and conclusion
In a “real‐life experience” of a Brazilian centre, SOF therapy appears to guarantee renal safety for patients with chronic hepatitis C followed until one year after treatment.
Our proposal was to evaluate renal function in Brazilian chronic HCV patients submitted to sofosbuvir (SOF) therapy in a “real‐life” experience during a long‐term follow‐up. Besides the excellent efficacy, we found that SOF‐based regimens appear to have good renal safety for patients with chronic HCV. Furthermore, we observed that patients whom presented mild to moderate renal impairment at baseline experienced an improvement in renal biomarkers until one year post‐treatment.
Aim To evaluate the flow characteristics of AH Plus, Epiphany Root Canal Sealant, Endométhasone, Pulp Canal Sealer (EWT) and Sealapex and their ability to fill artificial lateral canals and prevent ...microleakage.
Methodology Flow of the sealers was analysed using the American Dental Association (ADA) 57 and the International Standards Organization (ISO) 6876 specifications. Two lateral canals were produced in the middle and apical third of 64 roots using 0.1 mm cylindrical drills. Lateral condensation of gutta‐percha or Resilon and one or other of the sealers were used to fill the root canals. Buccal‐lingual digital radiographs were exposed. After the sealer had set, the roots were immersed in Indian ink and cleared in methyl salicylate. The extent of filling and dye penetration were measured on the buccal and lingual root surfaces under 30× magnification with a stereoscope.
Results AH Plus, Epiphany and Pulp Canal Sealer (EWT) complied with ADA 57 and ISO 6876 specifications. Sealapex complied with the ADA 57 specification but not with ISO 6876. Endométhasone did not comply with either specification. Filling of lateral canals was similar for the five sealers tested. Dye leakage demonstrated that AH Plus, Epiphany and Sealapex permitted less leakage than Pulp Canal Sealer (EWT) (P < 0.05).
Conclusions All the sealers flowed into the 0.1 mm artificial lateral canals. AH Plus, Epiphany and Sealapex allowed less linear leakage than Pulp Canal Sealer (EWT). The flow of Endométhasone did not comply with either ADA 57 or ISO 6876 specifications and Sealapex did not comply with ISO 6876.
Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examined neural activity responses to emotive stimuli in healthy individuals after acute/subacute administration of antidepressants. We ...now report the effects of repeated use of the antidepressant clomipramine on fMRI data acquired during presentation of emotion-provoking and neutral stimuli on healthy volunteers. A total of 12 volunteers were evaluated with fMRI after receiving low doses of clomipramine for 4 weeks and again after 4 weeks of washout. Fear-, happiness-, anger-provoking and neutral pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) were used. Data analysis was performed with statistical parametric mapping (P < 0.05). Paired t-test comparisons for each condition between medicated and unmedicated states showed, to negative valence paradigms, decrease in brain activity in the amygdala when participants were medicated. We also demonstrated, across both positive and negative valence paradigms, consistent decreases in brain activity in the medicated state in the anterior cingulate gyrus and insula. This is the first report of modulatory effects of repeated antidepressant use on the central representation of somatic states in response to emotions of both negative and positive valences in healthy individuals. Also, our results corroborate findings of antidepressant-induced temporolimbic activity changes to emotion-provoking stimuli obtained in studies of subjects treated acutely with such agents.
The antioxidant properties of Amburana cearensis extract may be a useful substitute for standard cell culture medium. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this extract, with or ...without supplementation, on in vitro survival and development of sheep isolated secondary follicles. After collection of the ovaries, secondary follicles were isolated and cultured for 18 days in α-MEM+ supplemented with bovine serum albumin, insulin, transferrin, selenium, glutamine, hypoxanthine and ascorbic acid (control medium) or into medium composed of different concentrations of A. cearensis extract without supplements (Amb 0.1; 0.2 or 0.4 mg/ml) or A. cearensis extract supplemented with the same substances described above for α-MEM+ supplementation. The A. cearensis supplemented medium was named Amb 0.1+; 0.2+ or 0.4+ mg/ml. There were more morphologically normal follicles in Amb 0.1 or Amb 0.4 mg/ml than in the control medium (α-MEM+) after 18 days of culture. Moreover, the percentage of antrum formation was significantly higher in Amb 0.1 or Amb 0.2 mg/ml than in α-MEM+ and Amb 0.1+ mg/ml, and similar to the other treatments. All A. cearensis extract media induced a progressive and significant increase in follicular diameter throughout the culture period. In conclusion, this study showed that 0.1 mg/ml of this extract, without supplementation, maintains follicular survival and promotes the development of ovine isolated secondary follicles in vitro. This extract can be an alternative culture medium for preantral follicle development.
1 Center of Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
2 Centro de Recursos Microbiológicos (CREM), Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Sciences and ...Technology, New University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
3 Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Correspondence M. J. Sousa mjsousa{at}bio.uminho.pt
The highly osmo- and cryotolerant yeast species Torulaspora delbrueckii is an important case study among the non- Saccharomyces yeast species. The strain T. delbrueckii PYCC 5321, isolated from traditional corn and rye bread dough in northern Portugal, is considered particularly interesting for the baking industry. This paper reports the sugar utilization patterns of this strain, using media with glucose, maltose and sucrose, alone or in mixtures. Kinetics of growth, biomass and ethanol yields, fermentation and respiration rates, hydrolase activities and sugar uptake rates were used to infer the potential applied relevance of this yeast in comparison to a conventional baker's strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The results showed that both maltase and maltose transport in T. delbrueckii were subject to glucose repression and maltose induction, whereas invertase was subject to glucose control but not dependent on sucrose induction. A comparative analysis of specific sugar consumption rates and transport capacities suggests that the transport step limits both glucose and maltose metabolism. Specific rates of CO 2 production and O 2 consumption showed a significantly higher contribution of respiration to the overall metabolism in T. delbrueckii than in S. cerevisiae . This was reflected in the biomass yields from batch cultures and could represent an asset for the large-scale production of the former species. This work contributes to a better understanding of the physiology of a non-conventional yeast species, with a view to the full exploitation of T. delbrueckii by the baking industry.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Offshore wind turbine application has been widespread in the last years, with an estimation that in 2030 will reach a total capacity of 234GW. Offshore wind farms introduce advantages in terms of ...environmental impact (noise, impact on birds, disrupted landscapes) and energy production (34% onshore and 43% offshore). Still, they also introduce scientific challenges in developing methodologies that allow wind farm inspection (preventive maintenance) safety for humans. This paper presents a UAV approach for autonomous inspection of inland wind-turbine and describes the field tests in Penela, Portugal. From the state-of-the-art available wind turbine inspection, in 2015, we carried out the first autonomous inspection with a UAV. The inspection of wind blades offshore is an ongoing project; therefore, the paper also presents the preliminary results with a simulation environment to validate the 3D LiDAR and the inspection procedure with new challenges effects: floating platform, wind gusts, and unknown initial blade position.
Abstract
Iberian (IB, n = 60) and crossbred Large White × Landrace (F1, n = 58) pigs were slaughtered at 160 kg, after finishing under intensive conditions or on pasture and acorns. The study was ...carried out as a factorial arrangement of treatments, and physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of meat were assessed in Longissimus thoracis samples. Physical characteristics included the assessment of drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and color coordinates in meat samples processed at 2 and 9 d postmortem. The interactions of genetic group and finishing system were significant (P < 0.05) for cooking loss in meat aged for 9 d and for sensorial tenderness and global acceptability of meat, but none of the other physicochemical, color coordinates, and sensory variables analyzed showed a significant interaction. Genetic group was the main factor influencing the variables analyzed, with a major (P < 0.01) influence on all meat physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes. Relative to F1 pigs, the IB produced meat with higher intramuscular fat content and marbling score, more appealing color coordinates, lower shear force, and higher sensorial tenderness. The finishing systems affected (P < 0.05) most physical characteristics, but not chemical composition of meat and their impact on sensory properties was small. The tenderness, juiciness, and global acceptability of meat were much higher in IB pigs, and flavor was also more desirable, but the difference was smaller. The differences in sensory properties between meats originating from the two genetic groups were largely explained by the higher fat deposition in IB pigs, such that a higher level of marbling was positively associated with all the sensory attributes evaluated. Ageing meat for up to 9 d postmortem benefited pork quality, improving meat tenderness, and color, particularly in crossbred pigs and those finished intensively.
The administration of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) by different routes involves technological challenges, particularly those associated with sterilization and stability. Publications suggest that the ...stability of LNP formulations throughout the harsh production conditions involved in pharmaceutical procedures is highly dependent on the type of surfactant used. Therefore, the capacity of tripalmitin‐based LNP to withstand moist heat sterilization and freeze‐drying has been evaluated using poly (vinyl alcohol), soya lecithin, polysorbate 20, and sodium deoxycholate as emulsion stabilizers. For comparison purposes, a formulation containing diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (Transcutol® CG) was also studied. Formulations were submitted to autoclaving (at 105 or 121°C), fractional sterilization (80 or 60°C/30 min/3 days), freeze‐drying, and stored at 5 ± 3°C for 6 months. Physical stability was evaluated using relevant parameters such as particle size, polydispersion index (PI), and ζ potential. Thermal analysis and dynamic light‐scattering studies were performed and the effect of parabens was also investigated to assess its influence on physical stability. The type of emulsifier plays a crucial role in the physical stability of LNP exposed to moist‐heat sterilization and freeze‐drying, but the inclusion of a liquid lipid had a clear stabilizing effect. Stability also improved after the addition of parabens, especially the formulation containing lecithin. Practical applications: The physical stability of LNP throughout relevant harsh processes, such as moist heat sterilization and freeze‐drying, is still an issue that needs further technological studying. Nevertheless, this work demonstrates that suitable and stable LNP may be prepared and exposed to moist heat sterilization and freeze‐drying, depending on the type of emulsifier. The use of a liquid lipid contributed to the stabilization of tripalmitin‐based LNP. Finally, formulations prepared with parabens present during emulsification were more stable than those supplemented with preservatives after preparation. The physical stability of tripalmitin lipid nanoparticles throughout pharmaceutically relevant manufacturing processes, such as moist heat sterilization and freeze‐drying was addressed. Stability depends on the presence of important components such as liquid lipids and on the type of emulsifier used. Lecithin and parabens play a crucial role in LNP stabilization throughout moist heat sterilization and freeze‐drying.
The economic recession produced a rapid rise of unemployment rates that was more visible in Southern European countries. There is evidence that unemployment correlates highly with individuals' poor ...life satisfaction.
To analyse the relationship between life satisfaction, household composition and socioeconomic deprivation in people facing unemployment during the economic recession.
A sample of 748 unemployed people from Lisbon (Portugal) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Cantril's ladder of life scale, and the latent and manifest benefits of work scale (LAMB). Multiple regression analyses were used to test the associations between life satisfaction and all other variables.
Partnered people report higher life satisfaction compared to singles. Financial deprivation and lack of structured time were the strongest factors negatively related to life satisfaction in both partnered and single people. Having children had a particular negative effect on the life satisfaction of partnered men; and living with an unemployed partner together with lack of social contact and high enforced activity had a negative effect on life satisfaction in partnered women.
The heterogeneity of socioeconomic needs found by household composition bring practical policy implications for support actions targeting unemployed individuals in the unique context of economic recession.
Single-blind randomized, controlled clinical study.
To evaluate, using kinematic gait analysis, the results obtained from gait training on a treadmill with body weight support versus those obtained ...with conventional gait training and physiotherapy.
Thirty patients with sequelae from traumatic incomplete spinal cord injuries at least 12 months earlier; patients were able to walk and were classified according to motor function as ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) impairment scale C or D.
Patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 patients by the drawing of opaque envelopes: group A (weight support) and group B (conventional). After an initial assessment, both groups underwent 30 sessions of gait training. Sessions occurred twice a week, lasted for 30 min each and continued for four months. All of the patients were evaluated by a single blinded examiner using movement analysis to measure angular and linear kinematic gait parameters. Six patients (three from group A and three from group B) were excluded because they attended fewer than 85% of the training sessions.
There were no statistically significant differences in intra-group comparisons among the spatial-temporal variables in group B. In group A, the following significant differences in the studied spatial-temporal variables were observed: increases in velocity, distance, cadence, step length, swing phase and gait cycle duration, in addition to a reduction in stance phase. There were also no significant differences in intra-group comparisons among the angular variables in group B. However, group A achieved significant improvements in maximum hip extension and plantar flexion during stance.
Gait training with body weight support was more effective than conventional physiotherapy for improving the spatial-temporal and kinematic gait parameters among patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries.
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