Histological, physiological and molecular investigations of Fagus sylvatica seedlings infected with Phytophthora citricola

P>The aim of the work was to shed light into histological, physiological and molecular changes of Fagus sylvatica seedlings infected with the root pathogen Phytophthora citricola with the final goal to distinguish between local and systemic responses. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis proved that P. citricola was able to grow from infected roots into hypocotyl and epicotyl tissue of F. sylvatica seedlings. Light microscopy showed many collapsed parenchyma cells of the cortex without being penetrated by the pathogen. Hyphae were mainly growing intracellular in parenchyma and xylem tissue. Transmission electron microscopy displayed disintegration of xylem vessels and of parenchyma cells. Inhibition of water uptake of infected beech seedlings was positively correlated with the concentration of zoospores used in the experiment. In addition, a split root experiment indicated that invertases were possibly involved locally and systemically in the conversion of sucrose of P. citricola infected roots. During the growth of the pathogen in roots, a transient expression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-oxidase gene was quantified in leaves which was detected in parallel with the first peak of a biphasic ethylene outburst. Additionally a systemic upregulation of aquaporin transcripts was mainly detected in leaves of beech seedlings infected with P. citricola.

Meat Quality of Lambs Fed on Palm Kernel Meal, a By-product of Biodiesel Production

This study aimed to establish the optimum level of palm kernel meal in the diet of Santa Ines lambs based on the sensorial characteristics and fatty acid profile of the meat. We used 32 lambs with a starting age of 4 to 6 months and mean weight of 22 2.75 kg, kept in individual stalls. The animals were fed with Tifton-85 hay and a concentrate mixed with 0.0, 6.5, 13.0 or 19.5% of palm kernel meal based on the dry mass of the complete diet. These levels formed the treatments. Confinement lasted 80 days and on the last day the animals were fasted and slaughtered. After slaughter, carcasses were weighed and sectioned longitudinally, along the median line, into two antimeres. Half-carcasses were then sliced between the 12th and 13th ribs to collect the loin (longissimus dorsi), which was used to determine the sensorial characteristics and fatty acid profile of the meat. For sensorial evaluation, samples of meat were given to 54 judges who evaluated the tenderness, juiciness, appearance, aroma and flavor of the meat using a hedonic scale. Fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. The addition of palm kernel meal to the diet had no effect on the sensorial characteristics of meat juiciness, appearance, aroma or flavor. However, tenderness showed a quadratic relationship with the addition of the meal to the diet. The concentration of fatty acids C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 increased with the addition of palm kernel meal, as did the sum of medium-chain fatty acids and the atherogenicity index. Up to of 19.5% of the diet of Santa Ines lambs can be made up of palm kernel meal without causing significant changes in sensorial characteristics. However, the fatty acid profile of the meat was altered.

Abnormal Neurovascular Control in Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Users

NUNES ALVES, M. J. N., M. R. DOS SANTOS, R. G. DIAS, C. A. AKIHO, M. C. LATERZA, M. U. P. B. RONDON, R. L. DE MORAES MOREAU, and C. E. NEGRAO. Abnormal Neurovascular Control in Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Users. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 865-871, 2010. Purpose: Previous studies showed that anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) increase vascular resistance and blood pressure (BP) in humans. In this study, we tested the hypotheses 1) that AAS users would have increased muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and reduced forearm blood flow (FBF) compared with AAS nonusers and 2) that there would be an association between MSNA and 24-h BP. Methods: Twelve AAS users aged 31 +/- 2 yr (means +/- SE) and nine age-matched AAS nonusers aged 29 T 2 yr participated in the study. All individuals were involved in strength training for at least 2 yr. AAS was determined by urine test (chromatography-mass spectrometry). MSNA was directly measured by microneurography technique. FBF was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. BP monitoring consisted of measures of BP for 24 h. Results: MSNA was significantly higher in AAS users than that in AAS nonusers (29 +/- 3 vs 20 +/- 1 bursts per minute, P = 0.01). FBF (1.92 +/- 0.17 vs 2.77 +/- 0.24 mL.min(-1).100 mL(-1), P = 0.01) and forearm vascular conductance (2.01 +/- 0.17 vs 2.86 +/- 0.31 U, P = 0.02) were significantly lower in AAS users than that in AAS nonusers. Systolic (131 +/- 4 vs 120 +/- 3 mm Hg, P = 0.001), diastolic (74 +/- 4 vs 68 +/- 3 mm Hg, P = 0.02), and mean BP (93 +/- 4 vs 86 +/- 3 mm Hg, P = 0.005) and heart rate (74 +/- 3 vs 68 +/- 3 bpm, P = 0.02) were significantly higher in AAS users when compared with AAS nonusers. Further analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between MSNA and 24-h mean BP (r = 0.75, P = 0.002). Conclusions: AAS increases MSNA and reduces muscle blood flow in young individuals. In addition, the increase in BP levels in AAS users is associated with augmented sympathetic outflow. These findings suggest that AAS increases the susceptibility for cardiovascular disease in humans.

Apoptosis induction by 4-nerolidylcatechol in melanoma cell lines

Pothomorphe umbellata, a native Brazilian plant, is popularly known to be effective in the treatment of skin lesions. This benefit is attributed to 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) a compound extracted from P. umbellata. Since melanomas show prominent resistance to apoptosis and exhibit extreme chemoresistance to multiple forms of therapy, novel compounds addressing induction of cell death are worth investigating. Here, we evaluated effects on cell cycle progression and possible cytotoxic activity of 4-NC in melanoma cell lines as well as human dermal fibroblasts. Inhibitory effects on cell invasion and MMP activity were also investigated. 4-NC showed cytotoxic activity for all melanoma cell lilies tested (IC(50) = 20-40 mu M, 24 h for tumoral cell lines: IC(50) = 50 mu M for fibroblast cell line) associated with its capacity to induce apoptosis. Furthermore, this is the first time that 4-NC is described as an inhibitor of cell invasiveness, due mainly to a G I cell cycle arrest and inhibition of MMP-2 activity in melanoma cell lines. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A survey on the sanitary condition of commercial foods of plant origin sold in Brazil

The objective of the study was to evaluate the hygienic conditions and practices of commercial foods of plant origin in establishments and street marketed by street vendors in cities in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Forty different sales points were evaluated (establishments that prepared and sold fruit juices and street vendors that commercialized fresh coconut water, sugarcane juice and orange juice) using a questionnaire with 12 items, divided into three blocks (salesmen/handlers, operations, installations). The results indicated that the activities related to the commerce of fruit beverages in the cities of Sao Goncalo and Rio de Janeiro required the elaboration of a set of actions by the Sanitary Vigilance Agency in order to improve the hygienic and sanitary level and minimize health risk to consumers. Important requirements in the legislation relevant to this type of food are still not followed; adequate packaging and storage of the raw material, obtaining the raw material from registered suppliers, hygiene of the handlers and adequate management of wastes produced during the activities in question are amongst the main items deserving attention. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

W/O/W multiple emulsions obtained by one-step emulsification method and evaluation of the involved variables

The effects of some composition variables on the development of multiple emulsions by one-step method were evaluated and their morphology characterized. The formulations that remained stable during the period of the test were submitted to centrifugation and thermal stress tests. The stability and the morphology of multiple droplets were affected not only by the type and concentration of the surfactants employed, but also by the water/oil ratios used. The results suggest that the formation of multiple droplets could involve a combination of transitional and catastrophic phase inversions. The results provide improved knowledge about the one-step emulsification method, a simplified process to prepare multiple emulsions when compared to the two-steps method.

INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE MONITORING IN CHILDREN WITH FULMINANT HEPATIC FAILURE

Introduction. We describe a series of 10 children with intracranial hypertension complicating fulminant hepatic failure submitted to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring for intensive care an transplantation management. Patients and methods. Information from pediatrics patients acute liver failure admitted to our hospital was collected in a standard protocol form. We analyzed data from 10 patients, medium age 5.2 years old. In this period we studied aspects as ICP transducer used, number of days with ICP monitoring and complications of ICP monitoring. Results. Hepatitis A was diagnosed in five patients and hepatitis B in two cases. The initial ICP were 2 to 24 mmHg in transducer Seven patients died, four due to intracranial hypertension, included the patient operated for subdural hematoma, and three with transplantation failure. Only, a case of hematoma was verified. Conclusions. The application of ICP monitoring allows intensive care for aggressive ICP management. It can be used in children without adaptations. [REV NEUROL 2009: 48: 134-6]

Idiopathic spinal epidural hematoma in patients with sudden paraplegia: A case report

Introduction. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) represents 0.3-0.9% of spinal epidural space-occupying lesions, and most surgeons advocate aggressive and early surgical intervention. In. this paper we describe a patient with SEH with sudden paraplegia. Case report. This 30-year-old man had experienced one prior episode of sudden dorsal pain two days before the current admission and while he waited medical attendance, his legs suddenly became weak, and immediately afterwards, he became completely paraplegic in minutes. The patient had complete paraplegia, analgesia below the T4 level and urinary retention. He had no anticoagulant agent and no coagulopathic disease. He was submitted to computerized tomography that demonstrated a dorsally located epidural hematoma extending from the T3 to the T6 level with spinal cord compression. A laminectomy from T3 to T7 was performed four hours after the onset of the symptom. In postoperative time the patient presented the partial sensorial recovery and motor force grade II. The patient was directed to a neurorehabilitation program and in the last medical evaluation he presented recovery for motor grade III-IV without pain. Conclusion. The SHE is rare, with severe neurological consequences for patients and early surgical treatment persist as essential for motor recovery.

Oral ingestion of a hydrolyzed gelatin meal in subjects with normal weight and in obese patients: Postprandial effect on circulating gut peptides, glucose and insulin

Gut hormones Ighrelin, peptide YY (PYY) and ghrcagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)] are an important group of hormones that target appetite control. They are released from endocrine L cells of the small bowel in proportion to the volume, components and calories in a meal. In the current study, 20 g of gelatin (flavored and sweetened) were given to obese patients (n=12) and lean subjects (n=10). Subsequently, plasma samples were collected at-30-minute intervals rip to 180 minutes and glucose, insulin, PYY, GLP-1 and ghrelin were assayed using specific and sensitive immunofluorometric and radioimmunoassays. As expected, obese patients had normal serum glucose levels, higher serum insulin, and lower plasma concentration of ghrelin at all times compared to lean subjects. GLP-1 plasma levels were significantly elevated at 60 minutes, peaking at 120 minutes in obese patients and lean subjects. As a consequence, there was a significant rise in serum insulin levels with a significantly higher peak level at 60 min (obese) and 30 min (lean). There were no significant changes in PYY plasma concentrations and no correlation was found between body mass index and concentrations of ghrelin, PYY and GLP-1 in the group of obese patients. In conclusion, a single gelatin meal induces a rise in plasma GLP-1 followed by an increase in serum levels of insulin. These findings may be applied to maximize satiety in obese patients as a means of improving adherence to calorie-controlled diets as well as provide better control of diabetic patients.

Tamoxifen inhibits transforming growth factor-alpha gene expression in human breast carcinoma samples treated with triiodothyronine

Objectives: To examine the effects of triiodothyronine (T(3)), 17 beta-estradiol (E(2)), and tamoxifen (TAM) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha gene expression in primary breast cancer cell cultures and interactions between the different treatments. Methods and results: Patients included in the study (no.=12) had been newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Fresh human breast carcinoma tissue was cut into 0.3-mm slices. These slices were placed in six 35-mm dishes on 2-ml organ culture medium. Dishes received the following treatments: dish 1: ethanol; dish 2: T(3); dish 3: T(3)+TAM; dish 4: TAM; dish 5: E(2); dish 6: E(2)+TAM. TGF-alpha mRNA content was normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA levels. All tissues included in this study were positive for estrogen receptor (ER) and thyroid hormone receptor expression. Treatment with T(3) for 48 h significantly increased TGF-alpha mRNA levels compared to controls (15-fold), and concomitant treatment with TAM reduced expression to 3.4-fold compared to controls. When only TAM was added to the culture medium, TGF-alpha mRNA expression increased 5.3-fold, significantly higher than with all other treatment modalities. Conclusion: We demonstrate that TGF-alpha mRNA expression is more efficiently upregulated by T(3) than E(2). Concomitant treatment with TAM had a mitigating effect on the T(3) effect, while E(2) induced TGF-alpha upregulation. Our findings show some similarities between primary culture and breast cancer cell lines, but also some important differences: a) induction of TGF-alpha, a mitogenic protein, by TAM; b) a differential effect of TAM that may depend on relative expression of ER alpha and beta; and c) supraphysiological doses of T3 may induce mitogenic signals in breast cancer tissue under conditions of low circulating E(2).. Endocrinol. Invest. 31: 1047-1051, 2008) (c) 2008, Editrice Kurtis

Consumption of fruits and vegetables and C - reactive protein in women undergoing cosmetic surgery

Low-grade inflammation adversely influences metabolism and cardiovascular prognosis, nevertheless increased intake of fruits and vegetables has rarely been studied in this context. Objective: In a prospective controlled study, the effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels was assessed. Methodology: Sixty consecutive women undergoing cosmetic abdominal surgery were instructed to consume six servings each of fruits and vegetables during the first postoperative month. Detailed 24h interviewer-administered dietary recall was conducted at baseline and at the end of the study, with weekly returns to monitor unscheduled dietary changes and compliance with the protocol. Variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA) were evaluated to confirm significance and minimize confounding variables. Results: No differences concerning age (42.2 +/- 5.3 vs 41.1 +/- 6.0 years) or BMI (25.5 +/- 3.1 vs 25.0 +/- 3.0 kg/m(2)) occurred. Ingestion of fruits increased to approximately 5.2 vs 3.9 and of vegetables 5.9 vs 3.4 servings/ day, respectively. CRP decreased more conspicuously in the treated group (P = 0.028), and correlation between vitamin C input and CRP in supplemented participants was demonstrated (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Higher intake of antioxidant foods was feasible, and an antiinflammaotory effect occurred. Further studies with longer administration and follow-up period are recommended.

Mitochondrial DNA depletion and its correlation with TFAM, TFB1M, TFB2M and POLG in human diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations and their clinical and pathological implications have been analyzed in several human malignancies. A marked decrease in mtDNA copy number along with the increase in malignancy was observed in diffusely infiltrating astrocytomas (24 WHO grade II, 18 grade III, and 78 grade IV or GBM) compared to non-neoplastic brain tissues, being mostly depleted in GBM. Although high relative gene expression levels of mtDNA replication regulators (mitochondrial polymerase catalytic subunit (POLG), transcription factors A (TFAM), B1 (TFB1M) and B2 (TFB2M)) were detected, it cannot successfully revert the mtDNA depletion observed in our samples. On the other hand, a strong correlation among the expression levels of mitochondrial transcription factors corroborates with the TFAM role in the direct control of TFB1M and TFB2M during initiation of mtDNA replication. POLG expression was related to decreased mtDNA copy number, and its overexpression associated with TFAM expression levels also have an impact on long-term survival among GBM patients, interpreted as a potential predictive factor for better prognosis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease in children: efficacy of Nissen fundoplication in treating digestive and respiratory symptoms. Experience of a single center

Fundoplication has been commonly performed in neurologically impaired and normal children with complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease. The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease and respiratory diseases is still unclear. We aimed to compare results of open and laparoscopic procedures, as well as the impact of fundoplication over digestive and respiratory symptoms. From January 2000 to June 2007, 151 children underwent Nissen fundoplication. Data were prospectively collected regarding age at surgery, presence of neurologic handicap, symptoms related to reflux (digestive or respiratory, including recurrent lung infections and reactive airways disease), surgical approach, concomitant procedures, complications, and results. Mean age was 6 years and 9 months. Eighty-two children (54.3%) had neurological handicaps. The surgical approach was laparoscopy in 118 cases and laparotomy in 33. Dysphagia occurred in 23 patients submitted to laparoscopic and none to open procedure (P = 0.01). A total of 86.6% of patients with digestive symptoms had complete resolution or significant improvement of the problems after the surgery. A total of 62.2% of children with recurrent lung infections showed any reduction in the frequency of pneumonias. Only 45.2% of patients with reactive airway disease had any relief from bronchospasm episodes after fundoplication. The comparisons demonstrated that Nissen fundoplication was more effective for the resolution of digestive symptoms than to respiratory manifestations (P = 0.04). Open or laparoscopic fundoplication are safe procedures with acceptable complication indices and the results of the surgery are better for digestive than for respiratory symptoms.

Lung Pathology in Fatal Novel Human Influenza A (H1N1) Infection

Rationale: There are no reports of the systemic human pathology of the novel swine H1N1 influenza (S-OIV) infection. Objectives: The autopsy findings of 21 Brazilian patients with confirmed S-OIV infection are presented. These patients died in the winter of the southern hemisphere 2009 pandemic, with acute respiratory failure. Methods: Lung tissue was submitted to virologic and bacteriologic analysis with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy. Expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)-3, IFN-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, CD8(+) T cells and granzyme B(+) cells in the lungs was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Measurements and Main Results: Patients were aged from 1 to 68 years (72% between 30 and 59 yr) and 12 were male. Sixteen patients had preexisting medical conditions. Diff use alveolar damage was present in 20 individuals. in six patients, diffuse alveolar damage was associated with necrotizing bronchiolitis and in five with extensive hemorrhage. There was also a cytopathic effect in the bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, as well as necrosis, epithelial hyperplasia, and squamous metaplasia of the large airways. There was marked expression of TLR-3 and IFN-gamma and a large number of CD8(+) T cell sand granzyme B(+) cells within the lung tissue. Changes in other organs were mainly secondary to multiple organ failure. Conclusions: Autopsies have shown that the main pathological changes associated with S-OIV infection are localized to the lungs, where three distinct histological patterns can be identified. We also show evidence of ongoing pulmonary aberrant immune response. Our results reinforce the usefulness of autopsy in increasing the understanding of the novel human influenza A (H1N1) infection.

LICAVAL: combination therapy in acute and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder

Background: The challenge of Bipolar Disorder (BD) treatment is due to the complexity of the disease. Current guidelines represent an effort to help clinicians in their everyday practice but still have limitations, specially concerning to long term treatment. LICAVAL (efficacy and tolerability of the combination of LIthium and CArbamazepine compared to lithium and VALproic acid in the treatment of young bipolar patients) study aim to evaluate acute and maintenance phase of BD treatment with two combined drugs. Methods: LICAVAL is a single site, parallel group, randomized, outcome assessor blinded trial. BD I patients according to the DSM-IV-TR, in depressive, manic,/hypomanic or mixed episode, aged 18 to 35 years are eligible. After the diagnostic assessments, the patients are allocated for one of the groups of treatment (lithium + valproic acid or lithium + carbamazepine). Patients will be followed up for 8 weeks in phase I (acute treatment), 6 months in phase II (continuation treatment) and 12 months in phase III (maintenance treatment). Outcome assessors are blind to the treatment. The main outcome is the evaluation of changes in mean scores on CGI-BP-M between baseline and endpoint at the end of each phase of the study. Results: LICAVAL is currently in progress, with patients in phase I, II or III. It will extended until august 2012. Conclusions: Trials comparing specific treatments efficacy in BD (head to head) can show relevant information in clinical practice. Long term treatment is an issue of great important and should be evaluated carefully in more studies as long as BD is a chronic disease.