Human Milk Oligosaccharide 2′-Fucosyllactose Modulates Local Viral Immune Defense by Supporting the Regulatory Functions of Intestinal Epithelial and Immune Cells

Human milk contains bioactive components that provide protection against viral infections in early life. In particular, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) have key regulatory roles in the prevention of enteric viral infections. Here we established an in vitro model to study the modulation of host responses against enteric viruses mimicked by poly I:C (pIC). The effects of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL), abundantly present in human milk, were studied on IEC and/or innate immune cells, and the subsequent functional response of the adaptive immune cells. IEC were pre-incubated with 2′FL and stimulated with naked or Lyovec™-complexed pIC (LV-pIC). Additionally, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) alone or in co-culture with IEC were stimulated with LV-pIC. Then, conditioned-moDC were co-cultured with naïve CD4⁺ T helper (Th)-cells. IEC stimulation with naked or LV-pIC promoted pro-inflammatory IL-8, CCL20, GROα and CXCL10 cytokine secretion. However, only exposure to LV-pIC additionally induced IFNβ, IFNλ1 and CCL5 secretion. Pre-incubation with 2′FL further increased pIC induced CCL20 secretion and LV-pIC induced CXCL10 secretion. LV-pIC-exposed IEC/moDC and moDC cultures showed increased secretion of IL-8, GROα, IFNλ1 and CXCL10, and in the presence of 2′FL galectin-4 and -9 were increased. The LV-pIC-exposed moDC showed a more pronounced secretion of CCL20, CXCL10 and CCL5. The moDC from IEC/moDC cultures did not drive T-cell development in moDC/T-cell cultures, while moDC directly exposed to LV-pIC secreted Th1 driving IL-12p70 and promoted IFNγ secretion by Th-cells. Hereby, a novel intestinal model was established to study mucosal host-defense upon a viral trigger. IEC may support intestinal homeostasis, regulating local viral defense which may be modulated by 2′FL. These results provide insights regarding the protective capacity of human milk components in early life.     

Dental luting agents: A review of the current literature

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The practice of fixed prosthodontic has changed dramatically with the introduction of innovative techniques and materials. Adhesive resin systems are examples of these changes that have led to the popularity of bonded ceramics and resin-retained fixed partial dentures. Today's dentist has the choice of a water-based luting agent (zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate, glass ionomer, or reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol) or a resin system with or without an adhesive. Recent formulations of glass ionomer luting agents include resin components (resin-modified glass ionomers), which are increasingly popular in clinical practice. PURPOSE: This review summarizes the research on these systems with the goal of providing information that will help the reader choose the most suitable material. MATERIAL: The scientific studies have been evaluated in relation to the following categories: (1) biocompatibility, (2) caries or plaque inhibition, (3) microleakage, (4) strength and other mechanical properties, (5) solubility, (6) water sorption, (7) adhesion, (8) setting stresses, (9) wear resistance, (10) color stability, (11) radiopacity, (12) film thickness or viscosity, and (13) working and setting times. In addition, guidelines on luting-agent manipulation are related to available literature and include: (1) temporary cement removal, (2) smear layer removal, (3) powder/liquid ratio, (4) mixing temperature and speed, (5) seating force and vibration, and (6) moisture control. Tables of available products and their properties are also presented together with current recommendations by the authors with a rationale.     

Changes in the microbial flora,chlorophenols and chloroanisoles in broiler house litter during a chicken rearing cycle

The changes in the microbial flora, chlorophenol loss, and chloroanisole production have been studied in the litter from four broiler houses through a single rearing cycle. An increase in species of Scopulariopsis and Aspergillus over the first 4 to 5 weeks of the rearing cycle coincided with a decrease in the levels of 2, 4, 6-tri-, 2, 3, 4, 6-tetra-, and pentachlorophenols, a rise in p^H and moisture content of the litter and a decline in the fungal species normally present in the fresh shavings. The maximum levels of chloroanisoles occurred at approximately the same stage of the rearing cycle as the highest viable count of the predominant litter fungi.     

Dicationic furans inhibit development of Cryptosporidium parvum in HSD/ICR suckling Swiss mice

The efficacy of dicationic diarylfurans was evaluated against Cryptosporidium parvum by a suckling murine model. Candidate drugs were solubilized or suspended in deionized water and administered orally at a constant dose rate on days 0-5 (treatment day 0) to suckling ICR Swiss mice experimentally inoculated with oocysts of C. parvum. Efficacy was based on numbers of oocysts recovered from the intestinal tracts of mice subjected to necropsy examination on day 6. Numerous candidate furans significantly reduced the numbers of oocysts recovered from treated mice compared with control mice. Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 9 demonstrated superior efficacies (10% of controls or better) against C. parvum. Compounds 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 17, 18, and 19 also significantly reduced the numbers of oocysts recovered from treated mice but demonstrated efficacies ranging from 17 to 65% of controls. Compound 4 was particularly efficacious against C. parvum at a dosage as low as 8.5 mg/kg of body weight. Compound 4 is identified as a lead compound for additional studies in other animal models.     

Chlorophenols from wood preservatives in broiler house litter

A survey of fresh shavings from 32 commercial broiler houses for 2,3,4,6-tetra-and pentachlorophenols has shown levels of 4 to 307 parts/million (mean 53) and 1 to 83 parts/million (mean 12), respectively. Most of this was lost during the period of growth of the chickens, residual levels of 0 to 5.6 parts/million (mean 0.7) and 0 to 4.1 parts/million (mean 0.3), respectively, being present in the spent litter. Only traces of the corresponding anisoles were found in a few samples. Observations on the source of these chlorophenols, their implications in relation to musty taint in chickens and the route by which they are lost from the litter are discussed.     

Simultaneous analysis of 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole, pentachloroanisole and the corresponding chlorophenols in biological tissue

A method has been developed for the analysis of 2,3,4,6-tetrachloro- and pentachloroanisoles and the corresponding chlorophenols in biological extracts. Ethylation followed by separation of the preformed anisoles from the corresponding phenetoles (ethyl phenyl ethers) by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector provides a sensitive method of analysis. The extraction method of Likens and Nickerson, whilst satisfactory for the chloroanisoles in all the samples investigated, was not adequate for quantitative recovery of chlorophenols from muscle or fatty tissue. An alternative extraction method, not applicable to chloroanisoles, was satisfactory for muscle but was not suitable for skin or fatty tissue.     

Mitochondrial myopathy. Biochemical studies revealing a deficiency of NADH--cytochrome b reductase activity

This paper presents biochemical data upon a young male with a mitochondrial myopathy characterised by weakness, severe exercise intolerance, muscle wasting and exercise-induced lactic acidaemia. Two similar cases have been previously documented (Morgan-Hughes et al. 1979). This report more precisely locates the mitochondrial defect. In vitro mitochondrial studies show markedly decreased respiratory rates with all NAD-linked substrates whilst that with flavin-linked succinate is normal. Oxidative phosphorylation is normally coupled. Mitochondrial cytochrome components as determined by low temperature spectroscopy are normal. NADH-ferricyanide reductase and primary dehydrogenase activities are present at levels far in excess of that required to support normal NAD-linked substrate oxidation rates. Intramitochondrial NAD levels are similar to those found in other mammalian muscle. It is proposed therefore that the mitochondrial defect is situated between NADH dehydrogenase and the CoQ--Cytochrome b complex; possibly being a derangement of a non-haem iron sulphur centre.     

Radiometer input circuit requirements for microwave thermography

Radiometer system performance requirements and problems relevant to the technique of medical microwave thermography are briefly reviewed. The Dicke-type radiometer input circuit normally used for this application is analysed to determine the factors limiting measurement performance. It is shown that input circuit losses combined with aerial to body impedance mismatch can cause significant measurement errors.     

Associated factors to dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in Bucaramanga, Colombia

The objective of this study was to determine associated factors to the consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in the adult population of each socioeconomic status (SES) in Bucaramanga, Colombia. We conducted a cross-sectional in a sample of 317 people and we measured socio-demographic, economic and anthropometric variables and dietary factors related to the purchase and consumption of FV. We made a survey, a 24-Hour dietary recall and we did anthropometric measurements. Portion sizes were estimated with a standardized set of utensils and food-photography atlas. Frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion were established and Logistic Regression models were used for the bi and multivariate analysis. Average consumption of FV was 162.6 g/day (188.5 g in high SES and 145.7 g in low SES, p = 0.056). On average 2 servings per day of FV (2.3 servings in high SES and 1.5 in low SES, p = 0.055). The prevalence of adequate intake of FV (more than 5 servings / day) was 8.6% (8.9% in high SES and 8.4% in low SES, p = 0.896). The associated factor to consumption of FV was BMI > or =25 (OR: 0.31, CI (95%): 0.11-0.89, p = 0.030), adjusted for occupation, income, SES, and number of family members. FV consumption is low; excess weight is the only variable associated to no-consumption of five or more servings; causes: cost to the consumption of fruit and flavor in the case of vegetables.