Participation of kinin receptors on memory impairment after chronic infusion of human amyloid-beta 1-40 peptide in mice

Chronic infusion of human amyloid-beta 1-40 (A beta) in the lateral ventricle (LV) of rats is associated with memory impairment and increase of kinin receptors in cortical and hippocampal areas. Deletion of kinin B1 or B2 receptors abolished memory impairment caused by an acute single injection of A beta in the LV. As brain tissue and kinin receptors could unlikely react to acute or chronic administration of a similar quantity of A beta, we evaluated the participation of B1 or B2 receptors in memory impairment after chronic infusion of A beta. Male C57BI/6 J (wt), knock-out B1 (koB1) or B2 (koB2) mice (12 weeks of age) previously trained in a two-way shuttle-box and achieving conditioned avoidance responses (CAR, % of 50 trials) were infused with AB (550 pmol, 0.12 mu L/h, 28 days) or vehicle in the LV using a mini-osmotic pump. They were tested before the surgery (TO), 7 and 35 days after the infusion started (T7; T35). In T0, no difference was observed between CAR of the control (Cwt = 59.7 +/- 6.7%; CkoB1 = 46.7 +/- 4.0%; CkoB2 = 64.4 +/- 5.8%) and A beta (A beta wt = 66.0 +/- 3.0%; A beta koB1 = 66.8 +/- 8.2%; A beta koB2 = 58.7 +/- 5.9%) groups. In T7, A beta koB2 showed a significant decrease in CAR (41.0 +/- 8.6%) compared to the control-koB2 (72.8 +/- 2.2%, P <0.05). In T35, a significant decrease (P <0.05) was observed in A beta wt (40.7 +/- 3.3%) and A beta koB2 (41.2 +/- 10.7%) but not in the A beta koB1 (64.0 +/- 14.0%) compared to their control groups. No changes were observed in the controls at T35. We suggest that in chronic infusion of BA, B1 receptors could playan important role in the neurodegenerative process. Conversely, the premature memory impairment of koB2 suggests that it may be a protective factor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-organized criticality and the predictability of human behavior

The behavior of normal individuals and psychiatric patients vary in a similar way following power laws. The presence of identical patterns of behavioral variation occurring in individuals with different levels of activity is suggestive of self-similarity phenomena. Based on these findings, we propose that the human behavior in social context can constitute a system exhibiting self-organized criticality (SOC). The introduction of SOC concept in psychological theories can help to approach the question of behavior predictability by taking into consideration their intrinsic stochastic character. Also, the ceteris paribus generalizations characteristic of psychological laws can be seen as a consequence of individual level description of a more complex collective phenomena. Although limited, this study suggests that, if an adequate level of description is adopted, the complexity of human behavior can be more easily approached and their individual and social components can be more realistically modeled. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Time course proteomic profiling of human myocardial infarction plasma samples: An approach to new biomarker discovery

Background: The aim of this study was to identify novel candidate biomarker proteins differentially expressed in the plasma of patients with early stage acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using SELDI-TOF-MS as a high throughput screening technology. Methods: Ten individuals with recent acute ischemic-type chest pain (< 12 h duration) and ST-segment elevation AMI (1STEMI) and after a second AMI (2STEMI) were selected. Blood samples were drawn at six times after STEMI diagnosis. The first stage (T(0)) was in Emergency Unit before receiving any medication, the second was just after primary angioplasty (T(2)), and the next four stages occurred at 12 h intervals after T(0). Individuals (n = 7) with similar risk factors for cardiovascular disease and normal ergometric test were selected as a control group (CG). Plasma proteomic profiling analysis was performed using the top-down (i.e. intact proteins) SELDI-TOF-MS, after processing in a Multiple Affinity Removal Spin Cartridge System (Agilent). Results: Compared with the CG, the 1STEMI group exhibited 510 differentially expressed protein peaks in the first 48 h after the AMI (p < 0.05). The 2STEMI group, had similar to 85% fewer differently expressed protein peaks than those without previous history of AMI (76, p < 0.05). Among the 16 differentially-regulated protein peaks common to both STEMI cohorts (compared with the CG at T(0)), 6 peaks were persistently down-regulated at more than one time-stage, and also were inversed correlated with serum protein markers (cTnI, CK and CKMB) during 48 h-period after IAM. Conclusions: Proteomic analysis by SELDI-TOF-MS technology combined with bioinformatics tools demonstrated differential expression during a 48 h time course suggests a potential role of some of these proteins as biomarkers for the very early stages of AMI, as well as for monitoring early cardiac ischemic recovery. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modulation of human neutrophil oxidative metabolism and degranulation by extract of Tamarindus indica L. fruit pulp

The tamarind (Tamarindus indica L) is indigenous to Asian countries and widely cultivated in the American continents. The tamarind fruit pulp extract (ExT), traditionally used in spices, food components and juices, is rich in polyphenols that have demonstrated anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. This study evaluated the modulator effect of a crude hydroalcoholic ExT on some peripheral human neutrophil functions. The neutrophil reactive oxygen species generation, triggered by opsonized zymosan (OZ), n-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and assessed by luminol- and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (LumCL and LucCL, respectively), was inhibited by ExT in a concentration-dependent manner. ExT was a more effective inhibitor of the PMA-stimulated neutrophil function [IC(50) (in mu g/10(6)cells) = 115.7 +/- 9.7 (LumCL) and 174.5 +/- 25.9 (LucCL)], than the OZ- [IC(50) = 248.5 +/- 23.1 (LumCL) and 324.1 +/- 34.6 (LucCL)] or fMLP-stimulated cells [IC(50) = 178.5 +/- 12.2 (LumCL)]. The ExT also inhibited neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity (evaluated by O(2) consumption), degranulation and elastase activity (evaluated by spectrophotometric methods) at concentrations higher than 200 mu g/10(6) cells, without being toxic to the cells, under the conditions assessed. Together, these results indicate the potential of ExT as a source of compounds that can modulate the neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strongyloides venezuelensis: The antigenic identity of eight strains for the immunodiagnosis of human strongyloidiasis

The antigens of eight strains of Strongyloides venezuelensis were identified by means of the indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot (IB) tests. Infective larvae (L3) from these strains were obtained from Rattus norvegicus feces cultures. For IFAT, sections of U were used while the ELISA and IB, tests were conducted with alkaline extract. Ninety serum samples were tested: 30 from patients with S. stercoralis, 30 from patients with other parasitic diseases, and 30 from healthy subjects (free of parasites). Average sensitivity and specificity among all eight strains, both for IFAT and ELISA, were, respectively, 93% and 100%. In the IB, anti-S. stercoralis IgG recognized a single antigenic fraction with 45 kDa. Serum samples from patients with S. stercoralis revealed antigens from different strains of S. venezuelensis, indicating antigenic identity for possible use in the synthesis of recombinant antigen that could be useful in immunodiagnosis and vaccine against this parasite. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Education in Human Rights: Reflections on Power, Violence and Authority in the School

This article explores human rights and education based on an intervention experience conducted in three schools located in Sao Paulo City, which had as its main goal a substantial reduction in violence (2004-2005). The guideline was that education should be considered a basic human right, taking into consideration the power and authority relations that exist within this institution. What are the problems that we face, nowadays, to consider education as a human right, in the difficult Brazilian history? Is it possible to think about some kind of democratic authority within the school, when our vision of authority is linked to despotic leaders, or even when there is no space for any authority? How does this discussion associate with the violence in our daily life in school? These are some of the questions included in the debate proposed by this article.

Preliminary study of human breast tissue using synchrotron radiation combining WAXS and SAXS techniques

Using synchrotron radiation, we combined simultaneously wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to obtain the scattering profiles of normal and neoplastic breast tissu-es samples at the momentum transfer range 6.28 nm(-1) <= Q(=4 pi.sin(theta/2)lambda) <= 50.26 nm(-1) and 0.15 nm(-1) <= Q <= 1.90 nm(-1), respectively. The results obtained show considerable differences between the scattering profiles of these tissues. We verified that the combination of some parameters (ratio between glandular and adipose peak intensity and third-order axial peak intensity) extracted from scattering profiles can be used for identifying breast cancer. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What needs to be done? Occupational therapy responsibilities and challenges regarding human rights

Background: Addressing human rights issues brings forth ethical and political responsibilities for occupational therapists and requires new epistemological and educational approaches. The way occupational therapists have faced these challenges has depended upon historical, cultural and social contexts. Aim and method: By means of literature review and historical analysis, this paper reflects on how occupational therapists have dealt with human matters issues and on the contemporary changes within the profession. Results and discussion: The paper portrays how Latin American occupational therapists have engaged in social transformation by choosing not to transform ethical and political problems into technical matters. Taking into account experiences and views from South Africa, Brazil and Chile, the paper outlines the importance of developing political literacy and interdisciplinary professional/postprofessional education to prepare the new generation of occupational therapists to engage in social transformation. Addressing issues of invisibility and lack of access to human rights, the paper reflects on the need of developing conceptual tools and strategies for change, and discusses the transformations being produced in contemporary occupational therapy. Conclusion: Occupational therapists and scientists need to be attentive to human rights issues. They also need to answer the call for interconnectedness in the present-day complex societies, and engage in networking and a cross-bordering dialogue. Nevertheless, although necessary and welcome, international cooperation requires a permanent exercise of cultural sensitivity, political awareness and self-awareness.

Molecular evidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) infections in HTLV seroindeterminate individuals from Sao Paulo, Brazil

Background: Using enzyme immunoassays and Western blot (Wb) tests, HTLV serodiagnosis yields indeterminate results in a significant number of cases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HTLV infection among HTLV-seroindeterminate individuals. Study design: We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 65 anti-HTLV Wb-seroindeterminate individuals by attempting to amplify proviral DNA sequences (tax and pot) to identify HTLV-I and HTLV-2 infections. Results: These 65 specimens exhibited predominantly (43%) anti-HTLV antibodies to gag-coded antigens in the absence of anti-p24 on Wb analysis. Tax proviral sequences were detected in 6 (9.2%) samples. According to restricted fragment polymorphism analysis (RFLP), we identified HTLV-1 proviral DNA in 4 samples. HTLV-2 in one and sequences from both in another. Nested PCR for the pot region was positive in 3 (4.6%) specimens, which were also positive for tax sequences. After hybridization HTLV-1 infection was confirmed in 2 samples (3.1%) and HTLV-2 in another (1.5%). Detection of a single HTLV DNA sequence may be due to infection by defective provirus, but its significance remains undefined. In this cohort, no Wb reactivity pattern was predictive of proviral detection. HTLV-I infection was demonstrated in an individual who had Wb reactivity to gag-coded antigens only. Conclusions: This emphasizes the importance of clinical and laboratory follow-up of HTLV-seroindeterminate individuals from endemic areas. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Limited Ca(2+) and PKA-pathway dependent neurogenic differentiation of human adult mesenchymal stem cells as compared to fetal neuronal stem cells

The ability of mesenchymal stem cells to generate functional neurons in culture is still a matter of controversy. In order to assess this issue, we performed a functional comparison between neuronal differentiation of human MSCs and fetal-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) based on morphological, immunocytochemical, and electrophysiological criteria. Furthermore, possible biochemical mechanisms involved in this process were presented. NF200 immunostaining was used to quantify the yield of differentiated cells after exposure to CAMP. The addition of a PKA inhibitor and Ca(2+) blockers to the differentiation medium significantly reduced the yield of differentiated cells. Activation of CREB was also observed on MSCs during maturation. Na(+)-, K(+)-, and Ca(2+)-voltage-dependent currents were recorded from MSCs-derived cells. In contrast, significantly larger Na(+) currents, firing activity, and spontaneous synaptic currents were recorded from NSCs. Our results indicate that the initial neuronal differentiation of MSCs is induced by CAMP and seems to be dependent upon Ca(2+) and the PKA pathway. However, compared to fetal neural stem cells, adult mesenchymal counterparts are limited in their neurogenic potential. Despite the similar yield of neuronal cells, NSCs achieved a more mature functional state. Description of the underlying mechanisms that govern MSCs` differentiation toward a stable neuronal phenotype and their limitations provides a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of stem cell plasticity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A prospective study on the dynamics of the clinical and immunological evolution of human Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in the Brazilian Amazon region

This prospective study was carried out from October 2003 to December 2005 and involved a cohort of 946 individuals of both genders, aged 1-89 years, from an endemic area for American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), in Para State, Brazil. The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of the clinical and immunological evolution of human Leishmania ( L.) infantum chagasi infection represented by the following clinical-immunological profiles: asymptomatic infection (AI); symptomatic infection (SI = AVL); subclinical oligosymptomatic infection (SOI); subclinical resistant infection (SRI); and indeterminate initial infection (III). Infection diagnosis was determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test and leishmanin skin test. In total, 231 cases of infection were diagnosed: the AI profile was the most frequent (73.2%), followed by SRI (12.1%), III (9.9%), SI (2.6%) and SOI (2.2%). The major conclusion regarding evolution dynamics was that the III profile plays a pivotal role from which the cases evolve to either the resistant, SRI and AI, or susceptible, SOI and SI, profiles; only one of the 23 III cases evolved to SI, while most evolved to either SRI (nine cases) or SOI (five cases) and eight cases remained as III. (C) 2010 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A cross-sectional study on the clinical and immunological spectrum of human Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in the Brazilian Amazon region

The objectives of this study were to identify individuals with symptomatic and/or asymptomatic infection due to Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi; to study the two types of infection, both clinically and immunologically, and to determine the prevalence rate of infection at the beginning of the study. This was a cross-sectional study with a cohort of 946 individuals, of both genders, from the age of 1 year, living in the municipality of Barcarena, PA, Brazil, an area endemic for American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). The leishmanin skin test (LST) and the indirect fluorescent test (IFAT), were used for the diagnosis of infection. One hundred and twenty cases of infection were diagnosed, with a prevalence rate of 12.6%; eight cases showed high seroreactivity (1280-10240, IgG) in IFAT and no LST reaction; four of these cases were typical AVL and four had subclinical oligosymptomatic infection. Using two immunological methods with a clinical examination of the infected individuals enabled the identification of five clinical-immunological profiles which may promote a better understanding of the interaction between L. (L.) i. chagasi and the human immune response: asymptomatic infection (AI) 73.4%; subclinical resistant infection (SRI) 15%; subclinicat oligosymptomatic infection (SOI) 3%; symptomatic infection (AVL) 3% and indeterminate initial infection (III) 5%. (C) 2009 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological analysis of human and bovine dentine by scanning electron microscope investigation

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the superficial morphology of bovine and human sclerotic dentine. Design: For the morphological analysis, bovine (n = 3) and human (n = 3) incisors exhibiting exposed dentine were used. Dentine presented characteristics of sclerosis: brownish, smooth and shiny-the vitreous appearance. The teeth were prepared for assessment on a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three pre-determined areas of each sample were submitted to SEM. The number of open tubules per area was obtained from the electron micrographs (n = 9 per group) for comparison purposes. Results: The number of open tubules in both species compared were similar (p > 0.05). Human dentine presented 31.89 +/- 23.94 open tubules per area, whereas bovine dentine showed 30.33 +/- 18.14 open tubules per area. Conclusion: Based on the results, we concluded that dentine exposed at the incisal surface of human and bovine teeth presented similar clinical and micro-morphological aspects, represented by surfaces with equivalent numbers of open dentinal tubules. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

GP5+/6+ SYBR Green methodology for simultaneous screening and quantification of human papillomavirus

Background: Detection and quantification of human papillomavirus (HPV) may help in predicting the evolution of HPV infection and progression of associated lesions. Objectives: We propose a novel protocol using consensus primers GP5+/6+ in a SYBR Green quantitative real-time (Q-RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The strategy permits screening for HPV infection and viral load quantification simultaneously. Study design: DNA from 153 archived cervical samples, previously tested for HPV detection by GP5+/6+ PCR and typed by EIA-RLB (enzyme immunoassay-reverse line blot) or sequence analysis, was analysed using SYBR Green Q-RT PCR. Melting temperature assay (T(m)) and cycle threshold (C(t)) were used to evaluate HPV positivity and viral load. The T(m) in the range of 77-82 degrees C was considered to be positive for HPV-DNA. HPV results generated through GP5+/6+ conventional PCR were considered the gold standard against which sensitivity and specificity of our assay were measured. Results: Out of 104 HPV positive samples, 100 (96.2%) were also determined as positive by SYBR Green Q-RT PCR; of the 49 HPV-negative samples, all were determined as negative. There was an excellent positivity agreement (K = 0.94) between the SYBR Green Q-RT and the previous methods employed. The specificity and sensitivity were 100% and 96.2%, respectively. Comparison of SYBR Green Q-RT and TaqMan oligo-probe technologies gave an excellent concordance (pc = 0.95) which validated the proposed strategy. Conclusions: We propose a sensitive and easy-to-perform technique for HPV screening and viral load quantification simultaneously. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vitro biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate composite using cultures of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and keratinocytes

The mm of this work was to evaluate the biocompatibility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)/barium titanate (P(VDF-TrFE)/BT) membrane to be used in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) Fibroblasts from human periodontal ligament (hPDLF) and keratinocytes (SCC9) were plated on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT and polytetrafluorethylene membranes at a cell density of 20.000 cells well(-1) and Cultured for up to 21 days Cell morphology, adhesion and proliferation were evaluated in hPDLF and keratinocytes, while total protein content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were assayed only for hPDLF Using a higher cell density. real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to assess the expression of typical genes of hPDLF, such as periostin, PDLs17, S100A4 and fibromodulin, and key phenotypic markers of keratinocytes, including involucrin, keratins 1. 10 and 14 Expression of the apoptotic genes bax, bcl-2 and Survivin was evaluated for both cultures hPDLF adhered and spread more oil P(VDF-TrFE)/BT, whereas keratinocytes showed a round shape on both membranes. hPDLF adhesion was greater oil P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 2 and 4 h, while keratinocyte adhesion was similar for both membranes. Whereas proliferation was significantly higher for hPDLF on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at days 1 and 7. no signs of keratinocyte proliferation could be noticed for both membranes Total protein content was greater on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 7, 14 and 21 days, and higher levels of ALP activity were observed oil P(VDF-TrFE)/BT at 21 days. Real-time PCR revealed higher expression of phenotypic markers of hPDLF and keratinocytes as well as greater expression of apoptotic genes in cultures grown on P(VDF-TrFE)/BT. These results indicate that, by favoring hPDLF adhesion. spreading. proliferation and typical mRNA expression, P(VDF-TrFE)/BT membrane should be considered an advantageous alternative for GTR (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc Published by Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved