Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT2) Expression and Activity in Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells after Transient Ischemia in Mice

Expression and transport activity of Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT2) was shown in various tissues and organs. Vitamin C was shown to be cerebroprotective in several animal models of stroke. Data on expression, localization and transport activity of SVCT2 after cerebral ischemia, however, has been scarce so far. Thus, we studied the expression of SVCT2 after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice by immunohistochemistry. We found an upregulation of SVCT2 after stroke. Co-stainings with Occludin, Von-Willebrand Factor and CD34 demonstrated localization of SVCT2 in brain capillary endothelial cells in the ischemic area after stroke. Time-course analyses of SVCT2 expression by immunohistochemistry and western blots showed upregulation in the subacute phase of 2–5 days. Radioactive uptake assays using 14C-labelled ascorbic acid showed a significant increase of ascorbic acid uptake into the brain after stroke. Taken together, these results provide evidence for the expression and transport activity of SVCT2 in brain capillary endothelial cells after transient ischemia in mice. These results may lead to the development of novel neuroprotective strategies in stroke therapy

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Functional disorders of F0F1-ATPase in submitochondrial particles obtained from platelets of patients with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease [Alteraci�n funcional de la F0F1-ATPasa en part�culas submitocondriales obtenidas de plaquetas de pacientes con diagn�stico de enfermedad de Alzheimer probable]

Introduction. Recent studies indicate that decreased energy generation by mitochondria is a feature that is common across neurodegenerative diseases. Patients and methods. In order to obtain direct evidence that mitochondrial functioning is altered, we measured the hydrolytic activity of F 0F1-ATPase and its capacity to generate a stable proton gradient in submitochondrial particles in 29 patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Submitochondrial particles were obtained from platelets of patients with a diagnosis of probable AD and from clinically healthy controls. Results. Data revealed that the hydrolytic activity of F 0F1-ATPase increases significantly in patients with probable AD (41.7 � 4.3 nmol PO4 min-1 [mg protein]-1, n = 29) as compared to the control subjects (29.1 � 1.9 nmol PO4 min-1 [mg protein]-1, n = 29). It is important to note that, in the male population with probable AD, we found that hydrolytic activity of F0F1-ATPase increased as cerebral deterioration progressed. We also detected a lower pH gradient in the submitochondrial particles of patients with probable AD (0.28 � 0.08 pH units, n = 25) as compared to the controls (0.5 � 0.1 pH units, n = 20). Conclusions. Overall, these data point to an alteration in the functioning of the enzyme. � 2005, Revista de Neurolog�a

Functional disorders of F0F1-ATPase in submitochondrial particles obtained from platelets of patients with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease [Alteración funcional de la F0F1-ATPasa en partículas submitocondriales obtenidas de plaquetas de pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad de Alzheimer probable]

Introduction. Recent studies indicate that decreased energy generation by mitochondria is a feature that is common across neurodegenerative diseases. Patients and methods. In order to obtain direct evidence that mitochondrial functioning is altered, we measured the hydrolytic activity of F 0F1-ATPase and its capacity to generate a stable proton gradient in submitochondrial particles in 29 patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). Submitochondrial particles were obtained from platelets of patients with a diagnosis of probable AD and from clinically healthy controls. Results. Data revealed that the hydrolytic activity of F 0F1-ATPase increases significantly in patients with probable AD (41.7 ± 4.3 nmol PO4 min-1 [mg protein]-1, n = 29) as compared to the control subjects (29.1 ± 1.9 nmol PO4 min-1 [mg protein]-1, n = 29). It is important to note that, in the male population with probable AD, we found that hydrolytic activity of F0F1-ATPase increased as cerebral deterioration progressed. We also detected a lower pH gradient in the submitochondrial particles of patients with probable AD (0.28 ± 0.08 pH units, n = 25) as compared to the controls (0.5 ± 0.1 pH units, n = 20). Conclusions. Overall, these data point to an alteration in the functioning of the enzyme. © 2005, Revista de Neurología

Scanning electron microscopy of the orbital harderian gland in the male atlantic bottlenose dolphin (tursiops truncatus)

The ultrastructure of the Harderian gland of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We found the following surface features: the typical round appearance of the ascinar glandular unit with a finely granular surface, a thin cortex and immediately below two types of cells: type I cells (characterized by small lipid vacuoles) and type II cells (characterized by large lipid vacuoles). It has been suggested that different cells forms represent a single cell type in varying activity states. Additionally, a coalescent tubular complex, a small balloon-like structures and large globular structures were observed. These structures may be reservoirs of secretion products. � 2009 Blackwell Verlag GmbH

Monosodium glutamate-induced damage in liver and kidney: A morphological and biochemical approach

It has been demonstrated that high concentrations of monosodium glutamate in the central nervous system induce neuronal necrosis and damage in retina and circumventricular organs. In this model, the monosodium glutamate is used to induce an epileptic state; one that requires highly concentrated doses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of the monosodium glutamate in liver and kidney after an intra-peritoneal injection. For the experiment, we used 192 Wistar rats to carry out the following assessments: a) the quantification of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, b) the quantification of the lipid peroxidation products and c) the morphological evaluation of the liver and kidney. During the experiment, all of these assessments were carried out at 0, 15, 30 and 45 min after the intra-peritoneal injection. In the rats that received monosodium glutamate, we observed increments in the concentration of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase at 30 and 45 min. Also, an increment of the lipid peroxidation products, in kidney, was exhibited at 15, 30 and 45 min while in liver it was observed at 30 and 45 min. Degenerative changes were observed (edema-degeneration-necrosis) at 15, 30 and 45 min. Zapotitlán 2006 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved

Altered β-Amyloid Precursor Protein Isoforms in Mexican Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

Objective: To determine the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) isoforms ratio as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease and to assess its relationship with demographic and genetic variables of the disease