Soumbala is a highly loved alkaline traditional fermented food condiment in Burkina Faso. It harbors various microbiota dominated by fermentative Bacillus spp. as functional microorganism with little ...confirmed health-promoting properties.
The present study aimed to evaluate six Bacillus strains previously isolated and identified from soumbala. These strains were selected as presumptively safe bacteria for probiotic and technological characteristics. These strains were assessed for in vitro probiotic criteria (tolerance to acidic pH, gastric juice, 0.3% (m/v) bile salts, intestinal juice and 0.4% (w/v) phenol, cell surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation capacity, antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, antibiotic susceptibility and biofilm production) and technological properties, including protease, amylase, lipase, and tannase activity, as well as poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) production and thermo-tolerance.
All tested Bacillus strains (B54, F20, F24, F21, F26 and F44) presented variable relevant probiotic properties (good tolerance to pH 2 and pH 4, gastric juice, bile salts, intestinal juice and phenol), with marked differences in hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation capacity ranging from 73.62-94.71% and 49.35-92.30%, respectively. They exhibited a broad spectrum of activity against foodborne pathogens depending on target pathogen, with the highest activity exhibited by strain F20 (29.52 mm) against B. cereus 39 (p < 0.001). They also showed good biofilm production as well as variable hydrolytic enzyme activities, including protease (43.00-60.67 mm), amylase (22.59-49.55 mm), lipase (20.02-24.57 mm), and tannase (0-10.67 mm). All tested Bacillus strains tolerated temperature up to 50 °C, while only strains F26 and F44 showed the best PGA production.
Overall, the tested cultures exhibiting potential probiotic and technological characteristics; particularly B. cereus F20, B. benzoevorans F21, B. cabrialessi F26, and B. tequilensis F44 could be a source of probiotic-starters of commercial interest in the production of high-quality soumbala.
Few data are available on long-term fatigue (LTF) and quality of life (QoL) among epithelial ovarian cancer survivors (EOCS). In this case–control study, we compared LTF, symptoms and several QoL ...domains in EOCS relapse-free ≥3years after first-line treatment and age-matched healthy women.
EOCS were recruited from 25 cooperative GINECO centers in France. Controls were randomly selected from the electoral rolls. All participants completed validated self-reported questionnaires: fatigue (FACIT-F), QoL (FACT-G/O), neurotoxicity (FACT-Ntx), anxiety/depression (HADS), sleep disturbance (ISI), and physical activity (IPAQ). Severe LTF (SLTF) was defined as a FACIT-F score <37/52. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to analyze SLTF and its influencing factors in EOCS.
A total of 318 EOCS and 318 controls were included. EOCS were 63-year-old on average, with FIGO stage I/II (50%), III/IV (48%); 99% had received platinum and taxane chemotherapy, with an average 6-year follow-up. There were no differences between the two groups in socio-demographic characteristics and global QoL. EOCS had poorer FACIT-F scores (40 versus 45, P<0.0001), lower functional well-being scores (18 versus 20, P=0.0002), poorer FACT-O scores (31 versus 34 P<0.0001), and poorer FACT-Ntx scores (35 versus 39, P<0.0001). They also reported more SLTF (26% versus 13%, P=0.0004), poorer sleep quality (63% versus 47%, P=0.0003), and more depression (22% versus 13%, P=0.01). Fewer than 20% of EOCS and controls exercised regularly. In multivariate analyses, EOCS with high levels of depression, neurotoxicity, and sleep disturbance had an increased risk of developing SLTF (P<0.01).
Compared with controls, EOCS presented similar QoL but persistent LTF, EOC-related symptoms, neurotoxicity, depression, and sleep disturbance. Depression, neuropathy, and sleep disturbance are the main conditions associated with severe LTF.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nervous system. It is inhibited by organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. However, this enzyme is only ...slightly inhibited by organophosphorothionates, which makes the detection of these pesticides analytically very difficult. A new enzymatic method for the activation and detection of phosphorothionates was developed with the capability to be used directly in food samples without the need of laborious solvent extraction steps. Chloroperoxidase (CPO) from Caldariomyces fumago was combined with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and two halides. Chlorpyrifos and triazophos were completely oxidized. Fenitrothion, methidathion and parathion methyl showed conversion rates between 54 and 61%. Furthermore, the oxidized solution was submitted to an AChE biosensor assay. Chlorpyrifos spiked in organic orange juice was oxidized, where its oxon product was detected in concentrations down to 5 μg/L (final concentration food sample: 25 μg/L). The complete duration of the method takes about 2 h.
We have previously shown that epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its treatments have negative effects on long-term quality of life (QoL) and fatigue. The present multicenter study investigated the ...main menopausal symptoms and gynecological management of EOC survivors (EOCS).
166 patients with relapse-free ≥3 years after the end of treatment attended a consultation with a gynecologist, including a questionnaire related to vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and sexuality, a clinical examination, a blood sample and an osteodensitometry. QoL, fatigue, insomnia and mood disorders were measured with validated questionnaires and correlated to VMS. VMS and QoL were assessed according to natural menopause (NM) or surgical menopause (SM).
Mean age at the survey was 62 21–83 years and stage III/IV (48%). Mean delay since the end of treatment was 6 years. Fifty-nine patients (36%) had SM. Half of patients reported VMS. Seventy-two percent of EOCS with SM had VMS compared to 41% with NM (P < .001). VMS were not associated with poor global QoL, fatigue, insomnia or mood disorders. Two-thirds of EOCS reported a decrease in libido. Patients with SM showed a greater decrease in libido than NM (P < .02). Fourteen percent of them had osteoporosis and 50% osteopenia. Among the 85 patients with VMS, 80 did not receive HRT after cancer treatment. At the time of the survey, only 7 (4%) patients were receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
VMS and sexual disorders are frequently reported by EOCS, particularly among patients with SM. Most EOCS with menopausal symptoms could benefit from HRT to improve these symptoms.
•≥3 years after treatment, more than half of epithelial ovarian cancer survivors EOCS had vasomotor symptoms.•Two thirds of the EOCS reported a decrease in libido and, 1/3 sexually active EOCS complained of dyspareunia.•EOCS with surgical menopause reported more vasomotor symptoms and sexual disorders than those with natural menopause.•Very few patients received hormone replacement therapy after cancer treatment.
Purpose
Oral anticancer therapies have an important place in the therapeutic arsenal, but factors influencing adherence to oral treatment are poorly documented in oncology. The objective of this ...study was to assess the impact of anxio-depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning on oral medication adherence.
Methods
This prospective study included cancer patients initiating a first oral therapy. Before initiation of treatment, an assessment of depression, anxiety, and cognition was performed. Using self-report questionnaires, we collected information on socio-demographic conditions and the non-adherence at 1 (M1) and 3 months (M3) after the beginning of treatment.
Results
Among 129 patients enrolled, median age was 70 years and 81% of patients were treated for metastatic cancer. Before initiating treatment, 16% and 8% of patients presented respectively depression and anxiety symptoms. Global cognitive impairment was observed in 51% of patients. Ten percent of the patients were non-adherent at M1 and 13% at M3. Depression was strongly associated with non-adherence at M1 (
P
= 0.046) and M3 (
P
= 0.014), but not anxiety. Non-adherence was associated with lower working memory (
P
= 0.037) and digit memory (
P
= 0.018) at M1 and short-term memory (
P
= 0.04) at M3. Patients with more than eight co-medications were more often non-adherents (
P
= 0.055).
Conclusions
Non-adherence to oral anticancer therapies was mainly associated to depression. Focusing on depressive symptoms before initiation of oral anticancer therapy could help to identify patient profiles more likely to fail self-management. Working memory, digit memory, and short-term memory also seem to play a role in non-adherence. Further studies should include a more specific population, especially according to age.
To cite this article: Herr M, Clarisse B, Nikasinovic L, Foucault C, Le Marec A-M, Giordanella J-P, Just J, Momas I. Does allergic rhinitis exist in infancy? Findings from the PARIS birth cohort. ...Allergy 2011; 66: 214-221. ABSTRACT: Background: Early onset of allergic rhinitis (AR) is poorly described, and rhinitis symptoms are often attributed to infections. This study analyses the relations between AR-like symptoms and atopy in infancy in the PARIS (Pollution and Asthma Risk: an Infant Study) birth cohort. Methods: Data on AR-like symptoms (runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing apart from a cold) were collected using a standardized questionnaire administered during the health examination at age 18 months included in the follow-up of the PARIS birth cohort. Parental history of allergy and children's atopy blood markers (blood eosinophilia ≥470 eosinophils/mm³, total immunoglobulin E ≥45 U/ml and presence of allergen-specific IgE) were assessed. Associations were studied using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Prevalence of AR-like symptoms in the past year was 9.1% of the 1850 toddlers of the study cohort. AR-like symptoms and dry cough apart from a cold were frequent comorbid conditions. Parental history of AR in both parents increased the risk of suffering from AR-like symptoms with an OR 2.09 (P = 0.036). Significant associations were found with the presence of concurrent biological markers of atopy, especially blood eosinophilia and sensitization to house dust mite (OR 1.54, P = 0.046 and OR 2.91, P = 0.042) whereas there was no relation with sensitization to food. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that AR could begin as early as 18 months of life. Suspicion of AR should be reinforced in infants with parental history of AR or biological evidence of atopy, particularly blood eosinophilia and sensitization to inhalant allergens.
Brain metastases (BMs) are associated with a poor prognosis. Standard treatment comprises whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). As neo-angiogenesis is crucial in BM growth, combining angiogenesis ...inhibitors such as bevacizumab with radiotherapy is of interest. We aimed to identify the optimal regimen of bevacizumab combined with WBRT for BM for phase II evaluation and provide preliminary efficacy data.
In this multicentre single-arm phase I study with a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design, patients with unresectable BM from solid tumours received three cycles of bevacizumab at escalating doses 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg every 2 weeks at dose levels (DL) 0, 1 and 2, respectively and WBRT (30 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks) administered from day 15. DL3 consisted of bevacizumab 15 mg/kg with WBRT from day 15 in 30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks. Safety was evaluated using NCI-CTCAE version 3. BM response (RECIST 1.1) was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at 6 weeks and 3 months after WBRT.
Nineteen patients were treated, of whom 13 had breast cancer. There were no DLTs. Grade 1–2 in-field and out-field toxicities occurred for five and nine patients across all DLs, respectively, including three and six patients (including one patient with both, so eight patients overall) of nine patients in DL3. One patient experienced BM progression during treatment (DL0). At the 3-month post-treatment assessment, 10 patients showed a BM response: one of three treated at DL0, one of three at DL1, two of three at DL2 and six of seven at DL3, including one complete response. BM progression occurred in five patients, resulting in two deaths. The remaining patient died from extracranial disease progression.
Bevacizumab combined with WBRT appears to be a tolerable treatment of BM. DL3 warrants further efficacy evaluation based on the favourable safety/efficacy balance.
NCT01332929.
Patient education constitutes a relevant strategy to improve pain management. In the field of therapeutic patient education (TPE), we aimed 1) to assess pain impact in cancer patients, 2) to identify ...patients' educative needs in pain management, and 3) to refine research criteria for its future evaluation.
Pain intensity, relief and interference were assessed in 75 cancer patients with unbalanced background pain. Self-assessment questionnaire evaluated i) patients' pain management and ii) their knowledge and needs in TPE.
Most patients experienced pain for more than 6 months and 41.6% reported adequate pain relief. Understanding pain and pain management were major patients' preferences (>58%). Most patients declared they knew their pain treatments, but fewer than half of them were able to name them. However, education concerning pain treatment was considered as essential in <30% of patients. Almost all patients (97.1%) stated pain education as beneficial, with a preference for individualized sessions (41.2%). In addition, the assessment criteria for its future evaluation were refined.
Targeted population mainly concerned patients with persistent pain. Only half of patients reported pain relief despite antalgics. Patient education was declared as beneficial for almost all participants.
Tailoring a pain TPE on patients' needs has the potential to help them to optimally manage their pain daily.
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