Influence of a probiotic soy product on fecal microbiota and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in an animal model

Background: Previous work showed that daily ingestion of an aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416, supplemented or not with isoflavones, reduced the total cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels, increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration and inhibited the raising of autoantibody against oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL Ab) and the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota in order to investigate the possible correlation between fecal microbiota, serum lipid parameters and atherosclerotic lesion development in rabbits with induced hypercholesterolemia, that ingested the aqueous soy extract fermented with Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 and Lactobacillus helveticus 416. Methods: The rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental groups (n = 6): control (C), hypercholesterolemic (H), hypercholesterolemic plus unfermented soy product (HUF), hypercholesterolemic plus fermented soy product (HF) and hypercholesterolemic plus isoflavone-supplemented fermented soy product (HIF). Lipid parameters and microbiota composition were analyzed on days 0 and 60 of the treatment and the atherosclerotic lesions were quantified at the end of the experiment. The fecal microbiota was characterized by enumerating the Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp., Enterobacteria and Clostridium spp. populations. Results: After 60 days of the experiment, intake of the probiotic soy product was correlated with significant increases (P < 0.05) on Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Enterococcus spp. and a decrease in the Enterobacteria population. A strong correlation was observed between microbiota composition and lipid profile. Populations of Enterococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (ox-LDL Ab) and lesion size. HDL-C levels were positively correlated with Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Enterococcus spp. populations. Conclusion: In conclusion, daily ingestion of the probiotic soy product, supplemented or not with isoflavones, may contribute to a beneficial balance of the fecal microbiota and this modulation is associated with an improved cholesterol profile and inhibition of atherosclerotic lesion development.

Comparative analysis of the gas-phase reactions of cylindrospermopsin and the difference in the alkali metal cation mobility

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) belongs to a group of toxins produced by several strains of freshwater cyanobacteria. It is a compact zwitterionic molecule composed of a uracil section and a tricyclic guanidinium portion with a primarily hepatotoxic effect. Using low multi-stage and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the gas-phase reactions of this toxin have been investigated. Our data show that collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of CYN are dominated by neutral losses, and three major initial fragmentation pathways are clearly distinguishable. Interestingly, comparative analysis of protonated and cationizated molecules showed a significant difference in the balance of the SO(3) and terminal ring elimination. These data indicate that the differential ion mobility of H(+), Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) leads to different fragmentation pathways, giving rise to mass spectra with different profiles. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

O/W Nanoemulsion After 15 Years of Preparation: A Suitable Vehicle for Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications

The application of nanoemulsions is due to have good stability, uniform spreading and enhance active penetration upon skin. Nanometer emulsions can be obtained by low-energy emulsification method. The required hydrophilic and lipophilic balance indicates the better balance of emulsifier for optimum system emulsification. Emulsion stability is evidently controlled for the properties of the adsorbed layer formed in the surface of its globules, know as potential zeta. The aim of this work was to evaluate the oil/water nanoemulsion of formulation obtained after 15 years of preparation. The results suggested that the nanoemulsion have performed stability for many years.

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) and benznidazole treatments during acute infection of two different Trypanosoma cruzi strains

A significant role for hormones in regulating the balance of Th1- and Th2-associated cytokines with a role in modulating diseases has been accumulating. Previously, we reported that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the most abundant steroid hormone synthesized by the adrenal cortex, markedly reduced the blood and tissue parasites in experimentally Trypanosoma cruzi-infected rats. Based on these findings, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate ester (DHEA-S) therapy alone or in combination with benznidazole (BNZ) (recommended in Brazil for the treatment of T. cruzi infection) will be effective during the acute phase of two different lineages of T. cruzi strains: type I (Y strain) and type II (Bolivia strain) of T. cruzi. Administration of either DHEA-S or BNZ alone or in combination significantly reduced the Y strain parasite load as compared with untreated. Furthermore treatment with DHEA-S resulted in Bolivia strain clearance. This protective effect of DHEA-S was associated with the host`s immune response, as evidence by enhanced levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2. DHEA-S treatment also increased peritoneal macrophages levels and nitrite production. DHEA-S treatment was effective in reducing the mortality rate as compared to BNZ alone or to combiner DHEA-S+BNZ treatment of T. cruzi Bolivia strain infected animals. These findings suggest that hormonal therapy may have a protective effect in the treatment of T. cruzi infection. (C) 2009 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Phase II Trial of Infusional Fluorouracil, Irinotecan, and Bevacizumab for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Efficacy and Circulating Angiogenic Biomarkers Associated With Therapeutic Resistance

Purpose We investigated the efficacy of fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab (FOLFIRI + B) in a phase II trial in patients previously untreated for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), and changes during treatment in plasma cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAFs) as potential markers of treatment response and therapeutic resistance. Patients and Methods We conducted a phase II, two-institution trial of FOLFIRI + B. Each 14-day cycle consisted of bevacizumab (5 mg/kg), irinotecan (180 mg/m(2)), bolus FU (400 mg/m(2)), and leucovorin (400 mg/m(2)) followed by a 46-hour infusion of FU (2,400 mg/m(2)). Levels of 37 CAFs were assessed using multiplex-bead assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, during treatment, and at the time of progressive disease (PD). Results Forty-three patients were enrolled. Median progression-free survival (PFS), the primary end point of the study, was 12.8 months. Median overall survival was 31.3 months, with a response rate of 65%. Elevated interleukin-8 at baseline was associated with a shorter PFS (11 v 15.1 months, P = .03). Before the radiographic development of PD, several CAFs associated with angiogenesis and myeloid recruitment increased compared to baseline, including basic fibroblast growth factor (P = .046), hepatocyte growth factor (P = .046), placental growth factor (P < .001), stromal-derived factor-1 (P = .04), and macrophage chemoattractant protein-3 (P < .001). Conclusion Efficacy and tolerability of FOLFIRI + B appeared favorable to historical controls in this single arm study. Before radiographic progression, there was a shift in balance of CAFs, with a rise in alternate pro-angiogenic cytokines and myeloid recruitment factors in subsets of patients that may represent mechanisms of resistance.

Effects of sinoaortic Denervation on Hemodynamic parameters during natural sleep in rats

Study Objectives: To analyze the role of arterial baroreflex on hemodynamic changes during synchronized and desynchronized sleep phases of natural sleep in rats. Design: Experimental study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: Seventeen male Wistar rats. Interventions: No intervention (control, n = 8) or sinoaortic denervation (SAD, n = 9). Measurements and Results: Sleep phases were monitored by electrocorticogram, and blood pressure was measured directly by a catheter in the carotid artery. Cardiac output, as well as total and regional vascular resistances, were determined by measuring the subdiaphragmatic aorta and iliac artery flows with Doppler flow probes, respectively. In contrast to the control group, the SAD group had a strong reduction in blood pressure (-19.9% +/- 2.6% vs -0.7% +/- 2.1%) during desynchronized sleep, and cardiac output showed an exacerbated reduction (-10.4% +/- 3.5% vs 1.1% +/- 1.7%). In SAD rats, total vascular resistance decreased during desynchronized sleep (-10.1% +/- 3.5% vs -1.0% +/- 1.7%), and the increase in regional vascular resistance observed in the control group was abolished (27.5% +/- 8.3% vs -0.8% +/- 9.4%). Conclusions: SAD caused profound changes in blood pressure, cardiac output, and total vascular resistance, with a significant increase in muscle vascular resistance during synchronized sleep. Our results suggest that baroreflex plays an important role in maintaining the normal balance of cardiac output and total vascular resistance during sleep.

Effects of a Low-Protein Diet on Plasma Amino Acid and Homocysteine Levels and Oxidative Status in Rats

Background/Aims: Transmethylation reactions and antioxidant metabolism are linked by transsulfuration, where homocysteine (Hcy) is converted to cysteine and reduced glutathione (GSH). Low protein intake can modulate the balance of this metabolic reaction. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of a low-protein diet on Hcy metabolism by monitoring levels of the amino acids involved in these pathways, and relating these levels to GSH levels and lipid peroxidation in rats. Methods: Sixteen rats were divided into 2 groups: control (C; standard AIN-93 diet, 20% protein) and low-protein diet (LPD; 8% protein diet). Rats in both groups were placed on the diets for 28 days. Results: A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in plasma Hcy concentration was found in LPD rats (0.16 +/- 0.04 mu mol/mg protein) versus C rats (0.25 +/- 0.03 mu mol/mg protein). Methionine levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups (C: 1.24 +/- 0.22 mu mol/mg protein; LPD: 1.03 +/- 0.27 mu mol/mg protein). A significant reduction (p ! 0.05) in hepatic GSH concentrations (C: 44 8 10 mu mol/mg protein; LPD: 17.4 +/- 4.3 mu mol/mg protein) was accompanied by an increase in lipid peroxidation (C: 0.13 +/- 0.01 mu mol/mg protein; LPD: 0.17 +/- 0.02 mu mol/mg protein; r = -0.62, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Hcy levels were reduced under a low-protein diet, resulting in modulated methyl balance and reduced GSH formation leading to increased susceptibility of hepatic cells to oxidative events. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

Ontogenetic role of angiontensin-converting enzyme in rats: Thirst and sodium appetite evaluation

We investigated the influence of captopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) treatment during pregnancy and lactation period on hydromineral balance of the male adult offspring, particularly, concerning thirst and sodium appetite. We did not observe significant alterations in basal hydromineral (water intake, 0.3 M NaCl intake, volume and sodium urinary concentration) or cardiovascular parameters in adult male rats perinatally treated with captopril compared to controls. However, male offspring rats that perinatally exposed to captopril showed a significant attenuation in water intake induced by osmotic stimulation, extracellular dehydration and beta-adrenergic stimulation. Moreover, captopril treatment during perinatal period decreased the salt appetite induced by sodium depletion. This treatment also attenuated thirst and sodium appetite aroused during inhibition of peripheral angiotensin 11 generation raised by low concentration of captopril in the adult offspring. Interestingly. perinatal exposure to captopril did not alter water or salt intake induced by i.c.v. administration of angiotensin I or angiotensin II. These results showed that chronic inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme during pregnancy and lactation modifies the regulation of induced thirst and sodium appetite in adulthood. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Monitoring of protein catabolism in neonates and young infants post-cardiac surgery

Aims: To evaluate cell catabolism by balance of nitrogen and phosphate, and creatinine excretion in children post-cardiac surgery; to establish protein and energy requirements to minimize catabolism; and to assess nutritional therapy by following these parameters and serial anthropometric measurements. Methods: A prospective observational study of children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood samples and 24-h urine collections were obtained postoperatively for creatinine measurement and nitrogen and phosphate balance. Anthropometric measurements (weight, mid-arm muscle circumference and triceps skinfold thickness) were obtained preoperatively and at paediatric intensive care unit and hospital discharge. Results: Eleven children were studied for 3-10 postoperative days. Anabolism was associated with higher protein and energy intakes compared to catabolism (1.1 vs. 0.1 g/kg/day and 54 vs. 17 kcal/kg/day, respectively). On days with anabolism, phosphate balance was greater compared with that on days with catabolism. Daily creatinine excretion did not correlate with protein balance. Anthropometric measurements did not change significantly over time. Conclusions: Children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery achieved anabolism with > 55 kcal/kg/day and > 1 g/kg/day of protein. Balance of phosphate was useful to monitor cell breakdown. Anthropometric measurements were not valuable to evaluate nutritional therapy in this population.

Differential Production of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1 alpha, Stromal-Derived Factor-1, and IL-6 by Human Cultured Periodontal Ligament and Gingival Fibroblasts Challenged With Lipopolysaccharide From P. gingivalis

Background: Fibroblasts are considered important cells in periodontitis. When challenged by different agents, they respond through the release of cytokines that participate in the inflammatory process. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the expression and production of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 alpha, stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1, and interleukin (IL)-6 by human cultured periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured from biopsies of gingival tissue and periodontal ligament of the same donors and used on the fourth passage. After confluence in 24-well plates, the culture medium alone (control) or with 0.1 to 10 mu g/ml of LPS from P. gingivalis was added to the wells, and after 1, 6, and 24 hours, the supernatant and the cells were collected and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Results: MIP-1 alpha, SDF-1, and IL-6 protein production was significantly greater in gingival fibroblasts compared to periodontal ligament fibroblasts. IL-6 was upregulated in a time-dependent manner, mainly in gingival fibroblasts (P<0.05), which secreted more MIP-1 alpha in the lowest concentration of LPS used (0.1 mu g/ml). In contrast, a basal production of SDF-1 that was inhibited with the increase of LPS concentration was detected, especially after 24 hours (P<0.05). Conclusion: The distinct ability of the gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts to secrete MIP-1 alpha, SDF-1, and IL-6 emphasizes that these cells may differently contribute to the balance of cytokines in the LPS-challenged periodontium. J Periodontol 2010;81:310-317.

Human monocytes but not dendritic cells are killed by blocking of autocrine cyclooxygenase activity

Dendritic cells (DCs), in peripheral tissues, derive mostly from blood precursors that differentiate into DCs under the influence of the local microenvironment. Monocytes constitute the main known DC precursors in blood and their infiltration into tissues is up-regulated during inflammation. During this process, the local production of mediators, like prostaglandins (PGs), influence significantly DC differentiation and function. In the present paper we show that treatment of blood adherent mononuclear cells with 10 mu M indomethacin, a dose achieved in human therapeutic settings, causes monocytes` progressive death but does not affect DCs viability or cell surface phenotype. This resistance of DCs was observed both for cells differentiated in vitro from blood monocytes and for a population with DCs characteristics already present in blood. This phenomenon could affect the local balance of antigen-presenting cells, influence the induction and pattern of immune responses developed under the treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, therefore, deserves further investigation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of complex networks measurements

Complex networks obtained from real-world networks are often characterized by incompleteness and noise, consequences of imperfect sampling as well as artifacts in the acquisition process. Because the characterization, analysis and modeling of complex systems underlain by complex networks are critically affected by the quality and completeness of the respective initial structures, it becomes imperative to devise methodologies for identifying and quantifying the effects of the sampling on the network structure. One way to evaluate these effects is through an analysis of the sensitivity of complex network measurements to perturbations in the topology of the network. In this paper, measurement sensibility is quantified in terms of the relative entropy of the respective distributions. Three particularly important kinds of progressive perturbations to the network are considered, namely, edge suppression, addition and rewiring. The measurements allowing the best balance of stability (smaller sensitivity to perturbations) and discriminability (separation between different network topologies) are identified with respect to each type of perturbation. Such an analysis includes eight different measurements applied on six different complex networks models and three real-world networks. This approach allows one to choose the appropriate measurements in order to obtain accurate results for networks where sampling bias cannot be avoided-a very frequent situation in research on complex networks.

Spectroscopic and theoretical studies of some N-methoxy-N-methyl-2-[(4 `-substituted) phenylsulfonyl]propanamides

The analysis of the IR carbonyl band of the N-methoxy-N-methyl-2-[(4`-substituted)phenyisulfonyI]propanamides Y-PhSO(2)CH(Me)C(O)N(OMe)Me (Y = OMe 1, Me 2, H 3, Cl 4, NO(2) 5), supported by HF/6-31G(d,p) calculations of 3,, indicated the existence of two gauche conformers (g(1) and g(2)), the g, conformer being the most stable and the least polar one (in gas phase and in solution). Both conformers are present in solution of the non polar solvent (CCl(4)) for 1-5 and in solution of the more polar solvents (CHCl(3)) for 1. 4, 5 and (CH(2)Cl(2)) for 5, while only the g(1) conformer is present in solution of the most polar solvent (CH(3)CN) for 1-5. The g, and g2 conformers correspond to the enantiomeric pairs of diastereomers (diast(1) and diast(2)) whose relative configurations are [C(3)(R)N(R)]/[C(3)(s)N(s)] and [C(3)(R)N(s)]/[C(3)(s)N(R)], respectively. The computed carbonyl frequencies for g(1) (diast(1)) and g(2) (diast(2)) stereoisomers of3 match well the experimental values. The NBO analysis, for 3 shows the important role of the orbital interactions in conformer stabilization and the overall balance of these interactions corroborates that the g, conformer is more stable than the 92 one. The observed abnormal solvent effect on the relative intensities of the carbonyl doublet components is attributed to the molecular crowding in the g2 conformer which hinders its solvation in comparison to the g, conformer (diast(1)). X-ray single crystal analysis performed for 3 shows the existence Of two 92, and g(1b) conformers of diastereomers (diast2, and diast(1b)) whose absolute configurations are [C(3)(R)N(s)] and [C(3)(R)N(R)], respectively. The larger population and. thus, the larger stabilization of the g(2), conformer over the gib form in the crystals may be associated with a larger energy gain deriving from dipole moment coupling in the former conformer along with a series of C-H center dot center dot center dot O electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions, (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Desempenho, qualidade dos ovos e balanço de nitrogênio de poedeiras comerciais alimentadas com rações contendo diferentes níveis de proteína bruta e lisina

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de rações com diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) e lisina sobre as características de desempenho, a qualidade interna dos ovos e o balanço/retenção do nitrogênio. Foram utilizadas 160 poedeiras Hisex White com 48 semanas de idade, alojadas individualmente em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 2, com quatro níveis de PB (12, 14, 16 e 18%) e dois de lisina (0,85 e 1,00%), totalizando oito rações com cinco repetições de quatro aves. O consumo de proteína bruta, o peso dos ovos, a massa de ovos e a porcentagem de albúmen apresentam resposta linear crescente aos níveis de PB na dieta. O balanço de nitrogênio não é alterado pelos níveis de proteína das rações.

Variação do equilíbrio muscular durante uma temporada em jogadores de futebol categoria sub-20

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o equilíbrio muscular dos flexores e extensores (RFE) de joelho ao longo de uma temporada de treinamento em jogadores de futebol categoria sub-20. Fizeram parte da amostra 15 sujeitos pertencentes à equipe sub-20 da Associação Atlética Ponte Preta de Campinas. Os atletas participaram de um macrociclo de preparação (MP) de 29 semanas, composto por período preparatório e competitivo que foram divididos em quatro mesociclos: etapa geral (M1), etapa especial (M2), etapa pré-competitiva (M3) e etapa competitiva (M4). A RFE de ambos os membros foi determinada em dinamômetro isocinético utilizando o pico de torque (PT) obtido em três séries consecutivas de cinco repetições com velocidade de 60º/s. Avaliação isocinética foi realizada em quatro momentos ao longo do MP, sempre ao final de cada mesociclo (M1, M2, M3 e M4). Para análise estatística, foi empregado teste Friedman de medidas repetidas, seguida do teste de Wilcoxon e teste U de Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de p<0,05. O PT nos músculos flexores de joelho, em ambos os membros, no M2 e M3 foram superiores aos observados em M1 e M4. O PT dos extensores de joelho em M1 foi significantemente inferior aos demais momentos do estudo (M2, M3 e M4), em ambos os membros. A RFE, em ambos os membros, foi inferior em M1 quando comparado a M2 e M3. A comparação da RFE entre os membros não revelou diferenças significantes em nenhum dos momentos do estudo (M1, M2, M3 e M4). Os resultados encontrados na presente investigação indicaram existência de alterações na magnitude da RFE, porém dentro da normalidade, e, manutenção da proporcionalidade entre os membros ao longo do MP. Esses resultados sugerem que não existem períodos sensíveis para a ocorrência de lesões em virtude de desequilíbrios musculares ao longo do MP em jogadores de futebol da categoria sub-20.