Proton spectroscopy in Alzheimer`s disease and cognitive impairment no dementia: A community-based study

Objective: To describe the findings of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-1-MRS) in Alzheimer`s disease (AD) and cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) elderly from a community-based sample. Methods: Thirteen patients with AD, 12 with CIND and 15 normal individuals were evaluated. The H-1-MRS was performed in the right temporal, left parietal and medial occipital regions studying the metabolites N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho) and myoinositol (ml). The clinical diagnosis was based on standardized cognitive tests - MMSE and CAMDEX - and the results correlated with the H-1-MRS. Results: Parietal Cho was higher in control individuals and lower in CIND subjects. AD and control groups were better identified by temporal and parietal ml combined with the temporal NAA/Cr ratio. CIND was better identified by parietal Cho. Conclusion: The H-1-MRS findings confirmed the hypothesis that metabolic alterations are present since the first symptoms of cognitively impaired elderly subjects. These results suggest that combining MRS from different cerebral regions can help in the diagnosis and follow-up of community elderly individuals with memory complaints and AD. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Functional association of human Ki-1/57 with pre-mRNA splicing events

The cytoplasmic and nuclear protein Ki- 1 / 57 was first identified in malignant cells from Hodgkin`s lymphoma. Despite studies showing its phosphorylation, arginine methylation, and interaction with several regulatory proteins, the functional role of Ki- 1 / 57 in human cells remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the relationship of Ki- 1 / 57 with RNA functions. Through immunoprecipitation assays, we verified the association of Ki- 1 / 57 with the endogenous splicing proteins hnRNPQ and SFRS9 in HeLa cell extracts. We also found that recombinant Ki- 1 / 57 was able to bind to a poly- U RNA probe in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In a classic splicing test, we showed that Ki- 1 / 57 can modify the splicing site selection of the adenoviral E1A minigene in a dose- dependent manner. Further confocal and. uorescence microscopy analysis revealed the localization of enhanced green. uorescent protein - Ki- 1 / 57 to nuclear bodies involved in RNA processing and or small nuclear ribonucleoprotein assembly, depending on the cellular methylation status and its N- terminal region. In summary, our findings suggest that Ki- 1 / 57 is probably involved in cellular events related to RNA functions, such as pre- mRNA splicing.

In pursuit of prognostic factors in children with pilocytic astrocytomas

This study described a 23-year experience in the treatment of children with pilocytic astrocytomas (piloA) with the aim of identifying putative clinical, histopathological, and/or immunohistochemical features that could be related to the outcome of these patients. Clinical data of 31 patients under 18 years of age with piloA were obtained from 1984 to 2006. The mean age at the time of surgery was 7.8 +/- 4.2 years (1 to 17 years), and the mean follow-up was 5.7 +/- 5.4 years (1 to 20 years). The most common site of tumor formation was the cerebellum (17), followed by brainstem (4), optic chiasmatic hypothalamic region (4), cerebral hemisphere (3), cervical spinal cord (2), and optic nerve (1). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 23 (74.1%), mainly in those with tumors located in the cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres (P = 0.02). The global mortality rate was 6.4%. Nine patients were reoperated. Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies, microvascular proliferation, and lymphocytic infiltration were observed in most cases. The mean Ki-67LI was 4.4 +/- 4.5%. In all cases, Gal-3 expression in tumor cells was observed with variable staining pattern. Aside from GTR, no other clinical, histopathological, or immunohistochemical features were found to be related to the prognosis. We postulate that strict follow-up is recommended if piloA is associated with high mitotic activity/Ki67-LI, or if GTR cannot be achieved at surgery. Tumor recurrence or progression of the residual lesion should be strictly observed. In some aspects, childhood piloA remains an enigmatic tumor.

Histoplasma capsulatum Cell Wall beta-Glucan Induces Lipid Body Formation through CD18, TLR2, and Dectin-1 Receptors: Correlation with Leukotriene B(4) Generation and Role in HIV-1 Infection

Histoplasma capsulatum (Hc) is a facultative, intracellular parasite of worldwide significance. Infection with Hc produces a broad spectrum of diseases and may progress to a life-threatening systemic disease, particularly in individuals with HIV infection. Resolution of histoplasmosis is associated with the activation of cell-mediated immunity, and leukotriene B(4) plays an important role in this event. Lipid bodies (LBs) are increasingly being recognized as multifunctional organelles with roles in inflammation and infection. In this study, we investigated LB formation in histoplasmosis and its putative function in innate immunity. LB formation in leukocytes harvested from Hc-infected C57BL/6 mice peaks on day 2 postinfection and correlates with enhanced generation of lipid mediators, including leukotriene B(4) and PGE(2). Pretreatment of leukocytes with platelet-activating factor and BLT1 receptor antagonists showed that both lipid mediators are involved in cell signaling for LB formation. Alveolar leukocytes cultured with live or dead Hc also presented an increase in LB numbers. The yeast alkali-insoluble fraction 1, which contains mainly beta-glucan isolated from the Hc cell wall, induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in LB numbers, indicating that beta-glucan plays a signaling role in LB formation. In agreement with this hypothesis, beta-glucan-elicited LB formation was inhibited in leukocytes from 5-LO(-/-), CD18(low) and TLR2(-/-) mice, as well as in leukocytes pretreated with anti-Dectin-1 Ab. Interestingly, human monocytes from HIV-1-infected patients failed to produce LBs after beta-glucan stimulation. These results demonstrate that Hc induces LB formation, an event correlated with eicosanoid production, and suggest a role for these lipid-enriched organelles in host defense during fungal infection. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 182: 4025-4035.

Use of the frontal assessment battery in evaluating executive dysfunction in patients with Huntington`s disease

The frontal assessment battery (FAB) is a bedside cognitive scale designed to measure executive functions. Huntington`s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, behavioral, and cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study was to check the validity of the FAB for the evaluation of cognitive impairment in patients with HD. Forty-one patients diagnosed with HD and 53 healthy controls matched by education, sex and age were evaluated with a validated Brazilian version of the UHDRS, the VFT, the SDMT, the SIT, the MMSE, and the FAB. The diagnosis of HD was made by DNA analysis. FAB scores were lower in patients than in the controls (p < 0.001) and had significant correlations with the VFT (r = 0.79; p < 0.05), the SDMT (r = 0.80; p < 0.05), the SIT (r = 0.72; p < 0.05), the MMSE (r = 0.83; p < 0.05), the FCS (r = 0.79; p < 0.05) and the motor section of the UHDRS (r = -0.80; p < 0.05). The FAB differentiated between HD patients in the initial and later stages of the disease. The one-year longitudinal evaluation revealed a global trend toward a worsening in the second score of the FAB. The results demonstrate that the FAB presents good internal consistency and also convergent and discriminative validity; therefore it is a useful scale to assess executive functions and to evaluate cognitive impairment in patients with HD.

Validation of the Brazilian version of the quality of life scale for patients with Alzheimer`s disease and their caregivers (QOL-AD)

Quality of life (QOL) has been extensively studied in clinical trials and in research on chronic degenerative diseases and dementia. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the QOL scale in Alzheimer`s disease (AD; QOL-AD). The QOL-AD was administered to 60 patients with mild or moderate AD and to their caregivers. The construct validation was accomplished through correlations amongst total scores of patients` and caregivers` reports on patients` quality of life (PQOL and C-PQOL, respectively), and data related to cognitive impairment, depressive symptoms, functional performance, behavioral disturbances and a generic instrument of quality of life (WHOQOL-brief), as well as correlation of total score of caregivers` reports on their own quality of life (CQOL) with the measurements cited above, QOL-AD patient reports, and depressive symptoms. The reliability was high for PQOL, C-PQOL, and CQOL versions (Cronbach`s alpha = 0.80, 0.83, and 0.86, respectively). We observed significant correlations in the construct validity of all three versions regarding the variables associated with the disease and also with WHOQOL-brief. The scale took, on average, six min for each version. The results indicate reliability and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the QOL-AD in the studied sample.

Removal of a Partial Denture from the Esophagus with the Aid of an Endoscope

Swallowed prostheses have been described in the literature, and in some cases, the diagnosis can be challenging, especially if the partial or complete denture is metal-free. This article presents a case of a swallowed partial denture and points to the importance of early diagnosis. A man was admitted to the emergency room complaining of progressive breathing difficulty while presenting with an extra volume in his neck. After inconclusive image examinations, endoscopy under sedation was used to identify and retrieve the foreign object, which was a metal-free acrylic partial denture. Early diagnosis and the correct treatment can avoid serious sequelae, such as edematous reactions, mucosal infection, and necrosis. Patients should be scheduled for regular recall visits for evaluation of prosthesis fit and retention, condition of the abutments, and nocturnal wear. Int J Prosthodont 2010;23:339-341.

Synthesis of chitosan/hydroxyapatite membranes coated with hydroxycarbonate apatite for guided tissue regeneration purposes

Chitosan, which is a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer, has been widely researched for several applications in the field of biomaterials. Calcium phosphate ceramics stand out among the so-called bioceramics for their absence of local or systemic toxicity, their non-response to foreign bodies or inflammations, and their apparent ability to bond to the host tissue. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most important bioceramics because it is the main component of the mineral phase of bone. The aim of this work was to produce chitosan membranes coated with hydroxyapatite using the modified biomimetic method. Membranes were synthesized from a solution containing 2% of chitosan in acetic acid (weight/volume) via the solvent evaporation method. Specimens were immersed in a sodium silicate solution and then in a 1.5 SBF (simulated body fluid) solution. The crystallinity of the HA formed over the membranes was correlated to the use of the nucleation agent (the sodium silicate solution itself). Coated membranes were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy - SEM, X-ray diffraction - XRD, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy - FTIR. The results indicate a homogeneous coating covering the entire surface of the membrane and the production of a semi-crystalline hydroxyapatite layer similar to the mineral phase of human bone. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A systematic revision of Goniosomatinae (Arachnida : Opiliones : Gonyleptidae), with a cladistic analysis and biogeographical notes

Goniosomatine harvestmen have strongly armed pedipalps, generally large bodies and, commonly, very long legs (sometimes more than 20 cm), and are distributed in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, from southern Bahia to Santa Catarina. Since they are conspicuous animals and individuals of some species tend to concentrate in caves (and also under rock boulders), they have been (and still are) the target of several studies, especially those focusing on reproductive and defensive behavior, population ecology, physiology, chromosomes, etc. In spite of their importance for biological studies (some species constitute important and frequently used models for these studies), the taxonomy of Goniosomatinae has faced some problems, including misidentification, a large number of undescribed species and the lack of a phylogenetic hypothesis for the relationships among its species (which would allow evolutionary studies to be made). The last taxonomic changes in the subfamily were made 60 years ago. Considering a taxonomic revision and cladistic analysis of the subfamily to be of paramount importance, the main scope of the present paper is to provide a cladistic analysis and taxonomic revision of the species of Goniosomatinae and a new arrangement of genera (and species). The main taxonomic changes are given as follows. Six genera are recognised within the subfamily: Goniosoma; the newly described genus Pyatan; the reestablished genera Serracutisoma, Heteromitobates and Mitogoniella; and Acutisoma. New generic synonyms include: Glyptogoniosoma = Goniosomella = Lyogoniosoma = Metalyogoniosoma = Xulapona = Goniosoma, Acutisomelloides = Pygosomoides = Spelaeosoma = Serracutisoma; and Acutisomella = Heteromitobates. Newly described species include: Goniosoma capixaba; G. apoain; Pyatan insperatum DaSilva, Stefanini-Jim & Gnaspini; Serracutisoma pseudovarium; S. fritzmuelleri; S. guaricana; Heteromitobates anarchus; H. harlequin; H. alienus; Mitogoniella taquara; M. unicornis; and Acutisoma coriaceum. New combinations include: Goniosoma macracanthum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); G. unicolor (Mello-Leitao, 1932); G. carum (Mello-Leitao, 1936); Serracutisoma proximum (Mello-Leitao, 1922); S. banhadoae (Soares & Soares, 1947); S. molle (Mello-Leitao, 1933); S. thalassinum (Simon, 1879); S. catarina (Machado, Pinto-da-Rocha & Ramires, 2002); S. inerme (Mello-Leitao, 1927); S. spelaeum (MelloLeitao, 1933); Heteromitobates inscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1922); H. albiscriptus (Mello-Leitao, 1932); Mitogoniella modesta (Perty, 1833); and M. badia (Koch, 1839). Reestablished combinations include: Mitogoniella indistincta MelloLeitao, 1936 and Acutisoma longipes Roewer, 1913. New speci. c synonyms include: Acutisomella cryptoleuca = Acutisomella intermedia = Goniosoma junceum = Goniosoma patruele = Goniosoma xanthophthalmum = Metalyogoniosoma unum = Goniosoma varium, Goniosoma geniculatum = Goniosoma venustum; Goniosomella perlata = Progoniosoma minense = Goniosoma vatrax, Glyptogoniosoma perditum = Progoniosoma cruciferum = Progoniosoma tijuca = Goniosoma dentipes; Leitaoius iguapensis = Leitaoius viridifrons = Serracutisoma proximum; Acutisoma marumbicola = Acutisoma patens = Serracutisoma thalassinum; Progoniosoma tetrasetae = Serracutisoma inerme; and Acutisoma monticola = Leitaoius nitidissimus = Leitaoius xanthomus = Mitogoniella mutila = Acutisoma longipes. The following species are considered species inquirenda: Goniosoma lepidum Gervais, 1844; G. monacanthum Gervais, 1844; G. obscurum Perty, 1833; G. versicolor Perty, 1833; and Mitogoniella badia (Koch, 1839). The monotpic genus Goniosomoides Mello-Leitao, 1932 (and its species, G. viridans Mello-Leitao, 1932) is removed from Goniosomatinae and considered incertae sedis.

Cambrian mafic to felsic magmatism and its connections with transcurrent shear zones of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil): Implications for the late assembly of the West Gondwana

New U-Pb (SHRIMP) and (40)Ar/(39)Ar isotopic data of igneous rocks and mylonites of the Borborema Province (NE Brazil) show that a wide range of tectonothermal events affected the province during the transition from the Precambrian to the Cambrian. Concordant zircon U-Pb data constrained the crystallization age of mafic stocks, mafic to felsic dikes and granite batholiths between 548 and 533 Ma. These bodies were emplaced in a regional strain field combining extension and dextral shearing. The ductile shear deformation overprinted an older basement fabric to develop a low- to medium metamorphic grade vertical mylonite belt that cut the province in the E-W direction. Magnetic fabrics of the Cambrian batholiths determined by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility are consistent with syntectonic emplacement. The magmatic pulses and shear deformation would have supplied enough heat to reset the synkinematic micas of mylonites to yield (40)Ar/(39)Ar plateau cooling ages between ca. 550 and 510 Ma. These results provide evidence that emplacement of Early Cambrian mafic and felsic magmas were accompanied by regional-scale shear deformations, probably in the consequence of late collisions along the West Gondwana margin. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.