Influence of dexamethasone and gamithromycin on the acute phase response in LPS-challenged calves

Introduction : Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of the bovine acute phase response and has been widely used in research to provoke acute inflammation. An intravenous challenge with LPS elicits the endogenous synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These cytokines initiate fever and stimulate the hepatic production of acute phase proteins, such as Serum Amyloid A (SAA). Regarding the fact that immunomodulating drugs are able to influence this acute phase response, the aim of the present research was to study the potentials of dexamethasone and gamithromycin in a standardized LPS-inflammation model. Dexamethasone was applied as a positive control, due to its major anti-inflammatory effects. The novel azalide gamithromycin on the other hand, was selected since macrolide antibiotics have been reported to exert immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, the combination of both drugs was studied for possible additive and/or synergistic effects. Materials and Methods : A standardized and reproducible inflammation model was developed by challenging twelve 4-week-old calves intravenously with a single dose of LPS (E. coli serotype O111:B4, 0.5 µg/kg body weight (BW)). Three control animals on the other hand received an equivalent volume of 0.9% NaCl. Rectal body temperature was measured and plasma samples were collected at several points in time until 72h p.a. These samples were analyzed using ELISAs for TNF-α, IL-6 and SAA. As part of the immunomodulation study, eighteen different calves were randomly divided in three groups, each group consisting of six calves. The groups received a single bolus of respectively 0.3 mg/kg BW dexamethasone i.m. (Dexa 0.2%®, Kela), 6 mg/kg BW gamithromycin s.c. (Zactran®, Merial) and the combination of both drugs. At Tmax of the drug (time at which the maximum plasma concentration is reached) the LPS-bolus was administered, followed by a similar experimental design as for the inflammation model. Results and Conclusions : In comparison with the results obtained in LPS-administered animals which did not receive any treatment, dexamethasone and the combination of dexamethasone and gamithromycin significantly inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-6 and SAA after an LPS-challenge. The administration of gamithromycin solely did not affect the cytokine and acute phase protein concentrations. Regarding the course of the body temperature, neither dexamethasone, nor the combination had a major influence, while gamithromycin alone induced a remarkable delay of the maximum body temperature. In other words, these results demonstrate the possible additive effect of a combined administration of an antibiotic with a corticosteroid in the acute phase of a bacterial infection, which could contribute to a better clinical condition of the animal

Acute hemorrhagic syndrome by bracken poisoning in cattle in Belgium

In August 2007, two Belgian Blue cows which had been on pasture for three months showed high fever (41.4°C), epistaxis, melena, cutaneous bleeding, a stiff gait and red lesions on the udder. Blood examination revealed severe pancytopenia and bluetongue virus serotype 8 could be demonstrated by PCR. Despite blood transfusion and supportive treatment, both animals died within 6 days after the initial symptoms. At necropsy, an explicit case of a blood coagulation disorder was observed. Inspection at pasture, one week later, showed the presence of numerous regenerated young fronds of Pteridium aquilinum. Whereas the stiff gait and the red lesions on the udder are likely bluetongue virus associated, other symptoms are consistent with acute bracken poisoning (acute hemorrhagic syndrome). The present report illustrates that also in Belgium, where the density of bracken fern is relatively low, pastures should be carefully screened for the presence of young fronds

Passive Sampling as a Tool to Assess Atmospheric Pesticide Contamination Related to Vineyard Land Use

The massive use of pesticides in agriculture has led to widespread contamination of the environment, particularly the atmospheric compartment. Thirty-six pesticides, most used in viticul-ture, were monitored in ambient air using polyurethane foams as passive air samplers (PUF-PAS). Spatiotemporal data were collected from the samplers for 10 months (February–December 2013), using two different sampling times (1 and 2 months) at two different sites in a chateau vineyard in Gironde (France). A high-volume active air sampler was also deployed in June. Samples were extracted with dichloromethane using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) (PUFs from both passive and active) or microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) (filters from active sampling). Extracts were analyzed by both gas and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 23 airborne pesticides were detected at least once. Concentrations in PUF exposed one month ranged from below the limits of quantification (LOQs) to 23,481 ng PUF−1. The highest concentrations were for folpet, boscalid, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and metalaxyl-m—23,481, 17,615, 3931, and 3324 ng PUF−1. Clear seasonal trends were observed for most of the pesticides detected, the highest levels (in the ng m−3 range or the µg PUF−1 range) being measured during their application period. Impregnation levels at both sites were heterogeneous, but the same pesticides were involved. Sampling rates (Rs) were also estimated using a high-volume active air sampler and varied significantly from one pesticide to another. These results provide preliminary information on the seasonality of pesticide concentrations in vineyard areas and evidence for the effectiveness of PUF-PAS to monitor pesticides in ambient air. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.COntinental To coastal Ecosystems: evolution, adaptability and governanc

Suspended solids moderate the degradation and sorption of waste water-derived pharmaceuticals in estuarine waters.

This study focuses on the fate of pharmaceuticals discharged into an estuarine environment, particularly into the Turbidity Maximum Zone (TMZ). Batch experiments were set up to investigate the factors regulating the degradation of 53 selected pharmaceuticals. Treated effluents from Bordeaux city (France) were mixed with water from the estuarine Garonne River during 4weeks under 6 characterized conditions in order to assess the influence of suspended particulates, sterilization, untreated wastewater input and dilution on the degradation kinetics. Of the 53 pharmaceuticals monitored, 43 were quantified at the initial time. Only 7 exhibited a persistent behavior (e.g. carbamazepine, meprobamate) while biotic degradation was shown to be the main attenuation process for 38 molecules (e.g. abacavir, ibuprofen highly degradable). Degradation was significantly enhanced by increasing concentrations of suspended solids. A persistence index based on the half-lives of the compounds has been calculated for each of the 43 pharmaceuticals to provide a practical estimate of their relative stability. The stability of pharmaceuticals in estuarine environments is likely to be highly variable and attenuated primarily by changes in suspended solid concentration

Integration of oncology and palliative care : a Lancet Oncology Commission

Full integration of oncology and palliative care relies on the specific knowledge and skills of two modes of care: the tumour-directed approach, the main focus of which is on treating the disease; and the host-directed approach, which focuses on the patient with the disease. This Commission addresses how to combine these two paradigms to achieve the best outcome of patient care. Randomised clinical trials on integration of oncology and palliative care point to health gains: improved survival and symptom control, less anxiety and depression, reduced use of futile chemotherapy at the end of life, improved family satisfaction and quality of life, and improved use of health-care resources. Early delivery of patient-directed care by specialist palliative care teams alongside tumour-directed treatment promotes patient-centred care. Systematic assessment and use of patient-reported outcomes and active patient involvement in the decisions about cancer care result in better symptom control, improved physical and mental health, and better use of health-care resources. The absence of international agreements on the content and standards of the organisation, education, and research of palliative care in oncology are major barriers to successful integration. Other barriers include the common misconception that palliative care is end-of-life care only, stigmatisation of death and dying, and insufficient infrastructure and funding. The absence of established priorities might also hinder integration more widely. This Commission proposes the use of standardised care pathways and multidisciplinary teams to promote integration of oncology and palliative care, and calls for changes at the system level to coordinate the activities of professionals, and for the development and implementation of new and improved education programmes, with the overall goal of improving patient care. Integration raises new research questions, all of which contribute to improved clinical care. When and how should palliative care be delivered? What is the optimal model for integrated care? What is the biological and clinical effect of living with advanced cancer for years after diagnosis? Successful integration must challenge the dualistic perspective of either the tumour or the host, and instead focus on a merged approach that places the patient's perspective at the centre. To succeed, integration must be anchored by management and policy makers at all levels of health care, followed by adequate resource allocation, a willingness to prioritise goals and needs, and sustained enthusiasm to help generate support for better integration. This integrated model must be reflected in international and national cancer plans, and be followed by developments of new care models, education and research programmes, all of which should be adapted to the specific cultural contexts within which they are situated. Patient-centred care should be an integrated part of oncology care independent of patient prognosis and treatment intention. To achieve this goal it must be based on changes in professional cultures and priorities in health care

A study of small molecules by molecular beam and laser techniques

The work presented in this thesis covers the technical development and related experiments of a molecular beam and laser apparatus for the study of reaction dynamics in well defined conditions via the formation of van der Waals complexes as precursors. It also includes Raman experiment performed on nitrosyl chloride (NOC1). Development of the visible laser induced fluorescence (LIF) has been carried out using molecular iodine in a jet and improving the spectrometer senstivity by monitoring fluorescence emission from the van der Waals complexes of iodine and the rare gas atoms. Experiments with argon revealed sets of peaks which were thought to originate from complexes formed only with iodine (dimers) because of the correlation found between the shifts of two consecutive sets of peaks and the shift of two consecutive uncomplexed iodine transitions. To confirm such an hypothesis, we carried out experiments with a neon-helium mixture. The results proved the efficiency of the apparatus to produce van der Waals complexes in the expansion together with a good sensitivity but failed to confirm our hypothesis since no set of peaks was observed. Ultra-violet LIF was carried out by studying the photodissociation of hydrogen peroxide at 248 nm and optimising radical detection. Our experimental results agree well with previous studies even though alignment parameters were not included. Another photodissociation experiment was peformed, on hypochlorous acid (HOC1) at 248nm. We found that most of the available energy is found in the OH radicals as translational energy. We also find a preference for the II3/2 spin-orbit state and for the II(A') lambda doublet state. Dissociation of HOC1 would take place in the plane of the molecule. The results on NOC1 at 266 showed overtones and combination bands of the O-C1 stretching vibration and the N-O-C1 bending vibration, which were not observed in our previous study. The dissociation at the wavelength would originate from the A state and therefore be very fast.</p

Antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of chitosan-HPMC-based films.

To prepare composite films from biopolymers with anti-listerial activity and moisture barrier properties, the antimicrobial efficiency of chitosan-hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) films, chitosan-HPMC films associated with lipid, and chitosan-HPMC films chemically modified by cross-linking were evaluated. In addition, the physicochemical properties of composite films were evaluated to determine their potential for food applications. The incorporation of stearic acid into the composite chitosan-HPMC film formulation decreased water sensitivity such as initial solubility in water and water drop angle. Thus, cross-linking of composite chitosan-HPMC, using citric acid as the cross-linking agent, led to a 40% reduction in solubility in water. The water vapor transfer rate of HPMC film, approximately 270 g x m(-2) x day(-1) x atm(-1), was improved by incorporating chitosan and was further reduced 40% by the addition of stearic acid and/or cross-linking. Anti-listerial activity of films was determined on solid medium by a numeration technique. Chitosan-HPMC-based films, with and without stearic acid, inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes completely. On the other hand, a loss of antimicrobial activity after chemical cross-linking modification was observed. FTIR and 13C NMR analyses were then conducted in order to study a potential chemical modification of biopolymers such as a chemical reaction with the amino group of chitosan. To complete the study, the mechanical properties of composite films were determined from tensile strength assays

Biogas Upgrading Approaches with Special Focus on Siloxane Removal—A Review

Biogas, a product of anaerobic digestion process that consists mainly of methane and carbon dioxide is a suitable alternative fuel if unwanted impurities are removed as they have a negative impact on the equipment. The most significant technologically troublesome trace compounds that must be removed are siloxanes since they are converted into silica on gas surface engines and turbines resulting in equipment damage. The quality of the gas is certainly improved by reducing the amount of impurities and the end use determines the extent of biogas cleaning needed. The major aim of this study was to compile information that can assist researchers or even designers in selecting a suitable technology to remove siloxanes. Siloxane removal definitely can be achieved using different methods and the effectiveness of each method relies on careful consideration of the characteristics of both biogas and siloxane, as well as the technological aspects of the method. Herein, we review on different cleaning techniques for siloxanes in raw biogas, the negative effects they have, their levels and technologies to reduce their concentrations. This review also incorporates the sources of the siloxanes, the progress to date on their removal and possible ways of regenerating adsorbents. The reviewed literature suggests that biogas upgrading technology should be promoted and encouraged especially in siloxane removal as it has detrimental effects on engines. The parameters and effectiveness of adsorption processes are discussed, and individual adsorbents are compared