A new curcuma extract (flexofytol(R)) in osteoarthritis: results from a belgian real-life experience.

This retrospective observational study summarizes the experiences of 820 patients treated with a new Curcuma extract (Flexofytol(R), 4-6 capsules per day), for more than 6 months for various forms of painful osteoarthritis. These experiences were reported by 110 Belgian general practitioners via a questionnaire that included quality-of-life parameters for assessing patient experience. Data were submitted to an independent statistician for analysis. Within the first 6 weeks, Flexofytol(R) improved patient pain, articular mobility, and quality of life. Excellent tolerance was reported, and more than half of these patients were able to discontinue analgaesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Patient satisfaction was confirmed by their decision to maintain Flexofytol(R) therapy for more than 6 months. These data must be confirmed with randomized controlled studies. We currently conclude that Flexofytol(R) which is based on a new preparation of curcumin, is as a potential neutraceutical for the care of patients complaining of joint problems, with excellent tolerance and rapid benefits for articular mobility, pain, and quality of life.Peer reviewe

sCD14 is not a bona-fide biomarker of microbial translocation in HIV-1 infected Africans living in Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: To compare microbial translocation and its biomarkers in HIV-1 infected African and Caucasian patients of the Liege AIDS Reference Center. DESIGN: The study is based on a cross-sectional dataset of HIV-infected patients treated at the Liege AIDS Reference Center. Groups of Caucasian and African patients have been randomly selected in order to be identical for sex, age and duration of treatment. METHODS: sCD14, Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and routine HIV-follow-up parameters were measured on plasma samples. RESULTS: High values of LPS and LBP were observed in both groups of patients without significant difference between them. High values of sCD14 were observed in 53.1% of Caucasians and only in 18.8% of African patients (p = 0.0042). A correlation between LPS and sCD14 was observed in Caucasians but not African patients. CONCLUSION: Our observation suggests that factors not related to microbial translocation are responsible for lower sCD14 value in Africans

Blood-brain barrier transport kinetics of NOTA-modified proteins : the somatropin case

BACKGROUND: Chemical modifications such as PEG, polyamine and radiolabeling on proteins can alter their pharmacokinetic behaviour and their blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport characteristics. NOTA, i.e. 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid, is a bifunctional chelating agent that has attracted the interest of the scientific community for its high complexation constant with metals like gallium. Until now, the comparative BBB transport characteristics of NOTA-modified proteins versus unmodified proteins are not yet described. METHODS: Somatropin (i.e. recombinant human growth hormone), NOTA-conjugated somatropin and gallium-labelled NOTA-conjugated somatropin were investigated for their brain penetration characteristics (multiple time regression and capillary depletion) in an in vivo mice model to determine the blood-brain transfer properties. RESULTS: The three compounds showed comparable initial brain influx, with Kin = 0.38 ± 0.14 µL/(g×min), 0.36 ± 0.16 µL/(g×min) and 0.28 ± 0.18 µL/(g×min), respectively. Capillary depletion indicated that more than 80% of the influxed compounds reached the brain parenchyma. All three compounds were in vivo stable in serum and brain during the time frame of the experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that modification of NOTA as well as gallium chelation onto proteins, in casu somatropin, does not lead to a significantly changed pharmacokinetic profile at the blood-brain barrier

Correlation between bacteriology of lymph nodes and serology for Salmonella diagnosis in slaughter pigs

Salmonella control programs in pigs are usually based on serological tests. The major objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the correlation between the serological results and the bacteriological results of Salmonella diagnosis in pigs at the herd level and at the animal level. From 60 farrow-to-finish herds, serum samples and mesenterial lymph nodes from 30 fattening pigs were taken in the slaughterhouse

Dynamics of subclinical Salmonella infections in farrow-to-finish pig herds

The study objective was to investigate patterns of Salmonella shedding in finishing pigs. In each of 3 farrow-to-finish herds (A, B, and C), one cohort of fattening pigs (n=102, n=120, n=96, respectively) was selected

Transmission of Salmonella from sows to piglets: a longitudinal study

The study objective was to investigate the probability of transmission of Salmonella from sows to their offspring. In each of 3 farrow-to-finish herds (A, B, and C), one cohort of sows (n=34, n=40, n=32, respectively), together with 3 piglets of their offspring (n=102, n=120, n=96, respectively) were selected

Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella strains from fattening pigs and sows

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and of different resistance patterns for Salmonella isolates collected from sows, from fattening pigs at different ages and at slaughter was determined

Adding a reward increases the reinforcing value of fruit

Adolescents' snack choices could be altered by increasing the reinforcing value (RV) of healthy snacks compared with unhealthy snacks. This study assessed whether the RV of fruit increased by linking it to a reward and if this increased RV was comparable with the RV of unhealthy snacks alone. Moderation effects of sex, hunger, BMI z-scores and sensitivity to reward were also explored. The RV of snacks was assessed in a sample of 165 adolescents (15.1 (SD 1.5) years, 39.4% boys and 17.4% overweight) using a computerised food reinforcement task. Adolescents obtained points for snacks through mouse clicks (responses) following progressive ratio schedules of increasing response requirements. Participants were (computer) randomised to three experimental groups (1: 1: 1): fruit (n 53), fruit + reward (n 60) or unhealthy snacks (n 69). The RV was evaluated as total number of responses and breakpoint (schedule of terminating food reinforcement task). Multilevel regression analyses (total number of responses) and Cox's proportional hazard regression models (breakpoint) were used. The total number of responses made were not different between fruit + reward and fruit (b -473; 95% CI -1152, 205, P=0.17) or unhealthy snacks (b 410; 95% CI -222, 1043, P = 0.20). The breakpoint was slightly higher for fruit than fruit + reward (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.00, 1.79, P=0.050), whereas no difference between unhealthy snacks and fruit + reward (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.62, 1.18, P=0.34) was observed. No indication of moderation was found. Offering rewards slightly increases the RV of fruit and may be a promising strategy to increase healthy food choices. Future studies should however, explore if other rewards, could reach larger effect sizes

Use of fitness and nutrition apps : associations with body mass index, snacking, and drinking habits in adolescents

Background: Efforts to improve snacking and drinking habits are needed to promote a healthy body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. Although commercial fitness and nutrition mobile phone apps are widely used, little is known regarding their potential to improve health behaviors, especially in adolescents. In addition, evidence on the mechanisms through which such fitness and nutrition apps influence behavior is lacking. Objectives: This study assessed whether the use of commercial fitness or nutrition apps was associated with a lower BMI and healthier snacking and drinking habits in adolescents. Additionally, it explored if perceived behavioral control to eat healthy; attitudes to eat healthy for the good taste of healthy foods, for overall health or for appearance; social norm on healthy eating and social support to eat healthy mediated the associations between the frequency of use of fitness or nutrition apps and BMI, the healthy snack, and beverage ratio. Methods: Cross-sectional self-reported data on snack and beverage consumption, healthy eating determinants, and fitness and nutrition app use of adolescents (N=889; mean age 14.7 years, SD 0.8; 54.8% [481/878] boys; 18.1% [145/803] overweight) were collected in a representative sample of 20 schools in Flanders, Belgium. Height and weight were measured by the researchers. The healthy snack ratio and the healthy beverage ratio were calculated as follows: gram healthy snacks or beverages/(gram healthy snacks or beverages+ gram unhealthy snacks or beverages) x100. Multilevel regression and structural equation modeling were used to analyze the proposed associations and to explore multiple mediation. Results: A total of 27.6% (245/889) of the adolescents used fitness, nutrition apps or both. Frequency of using nutrition apps was positively associated with a higher healthy beverage ratio (b=2.96 [1.11], P=.008) and a higher body mass index z-scores (zBMI; b=0.13 [0.05], P=.008. A significant interaction was found between the frequency of using nutrition and for the zBMI (b=-0.03 [0.02], P=.04) and the healthy snack ratio (b=-0.84 [0.37], P=.03). Attitude to eat healthy for appearance mediated both the fitness app use frequency-zBMI (a x b=0.02 [0.01], P=.02) and the nutrition app use frequency-zBMI (a x b= 0.04 [0.01], P=.001) associations. No mediation was observed for the associations between the frequency of use of fitness or nutrition apps and the healthy snack or beverage ratio. Conclusions: Commercial fitness and nutrition apps show some association with healthier eating behaviors and BMI in adolescents. However, effective behavior change techniques should be included to affect key determinants of healthy eating