40 Years after the Registration of Acyclovir: Do We Need New Anti-Herpetic Drugs?

Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 HSV1 and 2, namely varicella-zoster VZV and cytomegalovirus CMV, are among the most common pathogens worldwide. They remain in the host body for life. The course of infection with these viruses is often asymptomatic or mild and self-limiting, but in immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, the course can be very severe or even life-threatening. Unfortunately, in the latter group, the highest percentage of infections with strains resistant to routinely used drugs is observed. On the other hand, frequent recurrences of genital herpes can be a problem even in people with normal immunity. Genital herpes also increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection and, if present in pregnant women, poses a risk to the fetus and newborn. Even more frequently than herpes simplex, congenital infections can be caused by cytomegalovirus. We present the most important anti-herpesviral agents, the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs, and the associated mutations in the viral genome. Special emphasis was placed on newly introduced drugs such as maribavir and brincidofovir. We also briefly discuss the most promising substances in preclinical testing as well as immunotherapy options and vaccines currently in use and under investigation.     

Growth Performance,Carcass Characteristics,Fatty Acid Composition,and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Lamb Fed Diet with the Addition of Lingonberry Leaves and Oak Bark

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of natural additives supplemented to the lamb diet on lamb performance, fatty acid (FA) composition of edible parts of lambs, and biochemical plasma indices. The study is carried out on 18 male lambs, allocated to three groups in a randomized complete block design. Control animals (CON) are fed a basic diet, while the experimental lambs additionally receive lingonberry leaves (VVI) or oak bark (QUE) (10 g d^?1), as a different source of tannins. Supplementing lambs with the VVI diet decreases fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (MLD). The VVI diet decreases monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) concentration (including C18:1 cis‐9) in the MLD, increases the proportion of C16:0, C16:1, C17:1, and C22:6 n‐3 in the semitendinosus muscle, as well as increases the n‐6/n‐3 ratio and thrombogenic index in the liver. The addition of QUE to lamb diets decreases C17:1 concentration and increases the content of C18:1 trans‐11 in the MLD. Tannins‐enriched diets increase low density lipoprotein concentrations in the blood plasma. The VVI diet increases the activity of alkaline phosphatase, while QUE supplementation decreases gamma‐glutamyl transferase activity in blood plasma. Modifications of FA composition in lamb tissues may suggest an indirect effect of tannins on FA ruminal biohydrogenation. Practical Applications: The use of VVI and QUE in lamb nutrition as natural resources is of a great interest to scientists. The present study shows that primarily VVI addition to lamb diets affects the quality of meat, due to higher proportion of catechin than QUE. Decreased concentration of fat, as well as increased proportion of C22:6 n‐3 and desirable fatty acids (including MUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid, C18:0) after VVI supplementation increases health‐promoting properties of lamb meat and is related to humans. However, the presence of biologically active substances (tannins) in the examined additives makes it necessary to further research and discover their full potential in many areas.     

Development of monolithic porous composites using carbonized coals as block porous supports, and poly(furfuryl alcohol) and chitosan as fillers

In this study, monolithic block cokes have been used as supports to develop carbon–carbon and carbon–polymer monolithic block composites using poly(furfuryl alcohol) and chitosan as fillers. Cokes were produced from single coals and coal blends by carbonization at 950 °C. The supports and the resultant composites were characterized by means of elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen—CHN), low-temperature physical adsorption of nitrogen, gas helium densitometry, electric and ultrasonic measurements. Morphology of the supports and the composites was observed using scanning electronic microscope. The supports were found to be porous carbon materials of high C content within the range of 97.6–98.5 wt%, of porous structure characterized by macropores, with low contribution of mesopores with diameters of 17–25 nm. The resultant composites were found to be porous light materials with apparent density of less than 1 g/cm³, and bulk porosity ranging from 35 to 54 %, with high stiffness evidenced by dynamic elastic moduli reaching values up to ~5 GPa. Addition of the polymers to the cokes (block supports) was found to worsen electrical properties giving the electrical conductivity values ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 S/cm for all composites studied.     

Hydrocephalus in premature infants

In the light of personal observations from the years 1948-1974 the author discusses the incidence of hydrocephalus in premature babies. The material observed confirms the generally accepted view that the incidence of hydrocephalus is higher in premature babies than in full-term babies. The author analyzes the causes which may be responsible for this finding and concludes that noxious factors during early or late pregnancy are the main cause although perinatal injuries play also a significant role.     

Parenteral nutrition in postoperative period

Results of surgical procedures in malnutrished patients are worse than in well-nutrished patients. Perioperative nutritional treatment lead to diminished percentage of postoperative complications and mortality. Authors presents the influence of early postoperative enteral nutrition in 35 malnutrished patients on body composition and anthropometrical and biochemical parameters of their nutritional status. Results shows that enteral nutrition in postoperative phase can decrease catabolic effect of surgical treatment.     

The influence of brewing method on bioactive compounds residues in spent coffee grounds of different roasting degree and geographical origin

The content of bioactive compounds in spent coffee grounds (SGC) was studied. SGC were obtained from Coffea arabica beans of different roasting degrees (light and dark) and different geographical origins (Nicaragua, Columbia and Mexico) processed using four brewing methods (mocha, filtered, drip and infusion). The highest caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents were determined in filtered spent coffee extracts. All extracts of light roasted spent coffee grounds showed lower browning index levels in comparison to that from dark roasted spent coffee grounds. Generally, the highest content of total polyphenolic compounds and highest antioxidant capacity were determined in extracts prepared in drip. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that the spent coffee grounds produced of domestic levels, especially those obtained from filter coffeemaker, could be considered as a good source of natural antioxidants.     

Physicochemical characteristics,proximate analysis and mineral composition of ostrich meat as influenced by muscle

The influence of muscle on the physicochemical characteristics, proximate analysis, and mineral composition of meat from 10 ostriches (10–12 months old), slaughtered according to commercial abattoir procedures, were evaluated. Muscle had no influence (p > 0.05) on L*-values (32.5), a*-values (11.9), water-holding capacity (11.9%), final pH (pH₂₄) values (6.07), and ash contents (1.12 g/100 g edible meat). However, intramuscular lipid contents varied (p < 0.05) from 0.88 (M. fibularis longus) to 1.44 (M. flexor cruris lateralis) g/100 g edible meat, at a mean value of 1.16 g/100 g edible meat for 10 different muscles. Sodium (34.7 mg/100 g edible meat) and iron (3.14 mg/100 g edible meat) contents, both influenced (p < 0.05) by muscle, possessed substantially lower and higher values, respectively, than values reported for beef and chicken.