Histologic and inflammatory lamellar changes in horses with oligofructose-induced laminitis treated with a CXCR1/2 antagonist

Abstract: With the hypothesis that blocking chemokine signaling can ameliorate acute laminitis, the aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intravenous DF1681B, a selective antagonist for CXCR1 and CXCR2 (chemokine receptors), in an oligofructose equine laminitis model. To twelve mixed breed clinically healthy hoses with no previous history of hoof-related lameness was administered oligofructose (10g/kg given by nasogastric tube) and divided into two groups: treated (intravenous DF1681B at 30mg/kg 6, 12, 18, and 24h after oligofructose) and non-treated groups. Laminar biopsies were performed before and 12, 36, and 72h after administering oligofructose. Samples were stained with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and scored from 0 to 6 according to epidermal cell and basal membrane changes. The IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL1 RNA expressions were determined by RT-PCR. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare times within each group (P<0.05). The PAS grades and IL-1β and IL-6 RNA expression increased in the non-treated group, but remained constant in the treated horses. In conclusion, DF1681B therapy reduced laminar inflammation and epidermal deterioration in treated horses. CXCR1/2 blockage should be considered therapeutically for equine acute laminitis.

Lysozyme plays a dual role against the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

In order to determine the role of lysozyme, an antimicrobial peptide belonging to the innate immune system, against the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, co-cultures of the MH-S murine alveolar macrophages cell line with P. brasiliensis conidia were done; assays to evaluate the effect of physiological and inflammatory concentrations of lysozyme directly on the fungus life cycle were also undertaken. We observed that TNF-α-activated macrophages significantly inhibited the conidia to yeast transition (p = 0.0043) and exerted an important fungicidal effect (p = 0.0044), killing 27% more fungal propagules in comparison with controls. Nonetheless, after adding a selective inhibitor of lysozyme, the fungicidal effect was reverted. When P. brasiliensis propagules were exposed directly to different concentrations of lysozyme, a dual effect was observed. Physiologic concentrations of the enzyme facilitated the conidia-to-yeast transition process (p < 0.05). On the contrary, inflammatory concentrations impaired the normal temperature-dependant fungal transition (p < 0.0001). When yeast cells were exposed to lysozyme, irrespective of concentration, the multiple-budding ability was badly impaired (p < 0.0001). In addition, ultra-structural changes such as subcellular degradation, fusion of lipid vacuoles, lamellar structures and interruption of the fibrilar layer were observed in lysozyme exposed conidia. These results suggest that lysozyme appears to exert a dual role as part of the anti-P. brasiliensis defense mechanisms.

Schistosoma mansoni granuloma in late evolutive phase, in a case of tumoral form in man

INTRODUCTION: Authors describe human schistosomal granuloma in late chronic phase, from the morphological and evolutionary viewpoints. METHODS: The study was based on a histological analysis of two fragments obtained from a surgical biopsy of peritoneum and large intestine of a 42-year-old patient, with a pseudotumoral form mimicking a peritoneal carcinomatosis associated to the schistosomiasis hepatointestinal form. RESULTS: Two hundred and three granulomas were identified in the pseudotumor and 27 in the intestinal biopsy, with similar morphological features, most in the late chronic phase, in fibrotic healing. A new structural classification was suggested for granulomas: zone 1 (internal), 2 (intermediate) and 3 (external). CONCLUSIONS: Regarding granuloma as a whole, we may conclude that fibrosis is likely to be controlled by different and independent mechanisms in the three zones of the granuloma. Lamellar fibrosis in zone 3 seems to be controlled by matrix mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts and myoepithelial cells) and by inflammatory exudate cells (lymphocytes, plasmocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils). Annular fibrosis in zone 2, comprising a dense fibrous connective tissue, with few cells in the advanced phase, would be controlled by epithelioid cells involving zone 1 in recent granulomas. In zone 1, replacing periovular necrosis, an initialy loose and tracery connective neoformation, housing stellate cells or with fusiform nuclei, a dense paucicellular nodular connctive tissue emerges, probably induced by fibroblasts. In several granulomas, one of the zones is missing and granuloma is represented by two of them: Z3 and Z2, Z3 and Z1 or Z2 and Z1 and, ultimately, by a scar.

Anphira branchialis GEN. ET SP. NOV. (CRUSTACEA, ISOPODA, CYMOTHOIDAE) A GILL CAVITY PARASITE OF PIRANHAS (Serrasalmus SPP.) IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Anphira branchialisgen. et sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cymothoidae) is described from the dorsal areas of the gill chambers of three species of piranhas (Serrasalmusspp.). The fishes were caught in rivers near Manaus, Amazonas State and on Maracá island, Federal Territory of Roraima, Brasil. The new genus and species is characterized by having large, flat coxal plates on ail 7 pereonites. These plates usually extend beyond the margins of the following segments and the 7th ones extend nearly to the pleotelson and cover the lateral margins of the pleonites. The mandible of this species is rounded, "foot shaped" and without incisor. The mandibular palp is short and stout. The maxillules have 3 terminal and 2 subterminal spines. The pleopods are simple lamellar structures with rounded tips. Evidence is presented that these parasites feed on gill filaments.

Paleogenetic and taphonomic analysis of human bones from Moa, Beirada, and Zé Espinho Sambaquis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The present paper discusses mtDNA and taphonomy of human remains from Moa, Beirada, and Zé Espinho sambaquis of Saquarema, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. New human bone dating by 14C-AMS for Moa archeological site (3810+50 BP - GX-31826-AMS) is included. Preservation of microscopic lamellae and DNA is not related to the macroscopic integrity of the bones. Results here suggest that the preservation of amplifiable DNA fragments may have relation to the preservation of the lamellar arrangement as indicated by optical microscopic examination (polarized light). In 13 human bone fragments from Moa, Beirada, and Zé Espinho it was possible to sequence mtDNA from the 3 individuals of Moa, and from 1 of 4 individuals of Beirada, whose bones also show extensive areas with preserved lamellar structures. The 6 human bone fragments of Zé Espinho and 3 of the 4 fragments of Beirada showed extensive destruction of cortical microstructure represented by cavities, intrusive minerals, and agglomerated microscopic bodies of fungi and bacteria; it was not possible to extract mtDNA from these samples. The results support the hypothesis that the preservation of the microscopic osteon organization is a good predictor for DNA preservation. It was also confirmed the C haplogroup antiquity in Brazil.

Computed tomography findings of paracoccidiodomycosis in musculoskeletal system

Objective: To evaluate musculoskeletal involvement in paracoccidioidomycosis at computed tomography. Materials and Methods: Development of a retrospective study based on a review of radiologic and pathologic reports in the institution database. Patients with histopathologically confirmed musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis and submitted to computed tomography were included in the present study. The imaging findings were consensually described by two radiologists. In order to avoid bias in the analysis, one patient with uncountable bone lesions was excluded from the study. Results: A total of seven patients were included in the present study. A total of 18 bone lesions were counted. The study group consisted of 7 patients. A total number of 18 bone lesions were counted. Osteoarticular lesions were the first manifestation of the disease in four patients (57.14%). Bone lesions were multiple in 42.85% of patients. Appendicular and axial skeleton were affected in 85.71% and 42.85% of cases, respectively. Bone involvement was characterized by well-demarcated osteolytic lesions. Marginal osteosclerosis was identified in 72.22% of the lesions, while lamellar periosteal reaction and soft tissue component were present in 5.55% of them. One patient showed multiple small lesions with bone sequestra. Conclusion: Paracoccidioidomycosis can be included in the differential diagnosis of either single or multiple osteolytic lesions in young patients even in the absence of a previous diagnosis of pulmonary or visceral paracoccidioidomycosis

O relevante papel do agente sililante na modificação de superfícies de polímeros

The applicability of the silylant agents of the general formula Y3Si-R-X, depends on the reactivity of Y group (halide or alcoxide) attached to silicon and the organic function X (halide, amine, thiol, cyanide, etc) in the extreme position of the chain. Both groups are linked together by an organic chain R, containing usually three methylene groups. A series of these agents can be covalently bonded to an inorganic matrix, since the available OH groups are distributed on the surface, making silica gel the most common support. However, other inorganic oxides, zeolites, lamellar inorganic phosphates and chrysotile can also have these agents anchored. Some illustration are presented for immobilized surface in the use as extractors of cations from dilute aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, catalysts agents, ionic exchanged materials, support for enzyme immobilization, chromatographic applications, use in some industrial features and in many other areas. The evolution of this exciting research field to produce new materials, for many tecnological applications, is strongly dependent on the development of a sensible systematic process for the synthesis of a series of new specific silylant agents.

Termoquímica na Unicamp: depoimento sobre uma jornada de 25 anos

This article describes the progress of a group of investigation on thermochemistry, which started in 1972. A homemade calorimeter was employed to provide quantitative support to the information on interative effect between lanthanide cations and halides or pseudohalides, in non-aqueous solvents, previously derived from conductometric titrations. However, the features of this instrument were not able to detect the thermal effects. Therefore, the great input to the group came from the acquisition of an LKB commercial apparatus, by the University in 1975. Considering the historical development of the coordination chemistry in Brazil, which was previously dedicated to strutural features of adducts, without focusing the energetic envolved in any coordinationcompound. Since starting the thermochemistry study, numerous masters and doctoral thesis covering more than a hundred adducts and a reasonable number of chelates, were presented systematizing data in order to understand the behavior of this kind of coordination compounds (C. Airoldi and A. P. Chagas, Coord. Chem. Rev. 1992, 119, 29). This knowledge enabled an extension of the study to include some heterogeneous systems formed by natural or synthetic materials like immobilized silica gel, lamellar phosphate, phosphonate or sulphate compounds, clays, polysaccharides, chrysotile, soils, etc. Many students are now engaged as staff members in Universities, Research Instituitions or other private institutions, developing many activities. Due to a multiplying effect on the formation of researchers, the group is now reaching the fourth generation.

Síntese e reatividade de sílica lamelar

An overview of the experimental procedures to prepare lamellar samples of silica, as well as the reactivity and possible applications of this kind of material is presented. Special attention is focused on the obtained materials by using neutral dialkylamine route through sol-gel process.

Hidrogenofosfato de titânio lamelar: síntese, troca iônica e intercalação

The development associated with the research field involving crystalline inorganic lamellar titanium hydrogenphosphate, Ti(HPO4).H2O, synthesized as alpha or gamma forms, is directly linked to the huge number of reactions, that occur inside the free interlamellar space. Two distinguishable well-characterized features such as ion-exchange and intercalation reactions are explored here. From the interactive point of view, the acidic OH centres distributed on the lamella can interact with cations or with basic polar molecules to exchange or to intercalate them. These chemical reactions are normally followed by an expansion of the interlamellar space, proportional to the amount intercalated, reflecting in ion radii or organic molecule size lengths used in ion-exchange or insertion processes, respectively. The effectiveness of the exchange increased when the original matrix has the proton of OH group previously ion-exchanged by an alkaline or an alkylammonium cations. Monoalkyl-, dialkyl- and heterocyclic amines are focused in this revision as clear and elucidative examples of acid-base interactive processes, that come out inside of the well-formed infinite sequence of inorganic lamellar structure.

Síntese e caracterização de um composto VOPO4-DMA

A layered matrix, alpha-VOPO4.2H2O was used as host species to produce a VOPO4.dimethylacetamide intercalation compound. The oxovanadium matrix and the synthesized hybrid were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffractometry and SEM microscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns show that the VOPO4.dimethylacetamide compound is amorphous, but can be turned lamellar after a solubilization-crystallization process. The SEM micrographs obtained for the VOPO4-dimethylacetamide hybrid matrix show that the microstructure of VOPO4.2H2O is changed after reaction, with a delamination of the oxovanadium matrix.

Preparação de compostos lamelares: síntese do hidrogenofosfato de zircônio cristalino e sua intercalação com aminas. Um experimento para estudantes de graduação

The present paper describes the synthesis of crystalline zirconium hydrogen phosphate by direct precipitation and its intercalation with pyridine and n-butylamine. The simple experiment was tested in the undergraduate inorganic chemistry laboratory course for chemistry students at IQ-UNICAMP using inexpensive reagents. The materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and infrared analyses in order to obtain detailed information of the solid structure changes as a result of the intercalation process. Pyridine and n-butylamine are focused in this work as clear and elucidative examples leading to acid-base interactive processes that result in the well-formed infinite sequence of inorganic lamellar structures.

Double-bilayer: a new phase formed by lysophospholipids and the corresponding fatty acid

The product of catalytic activity of the enzyme phospholipase A2, which resembles the core unit of animal toxins, on phospholipids is a 1:1 mixture of lysolipid and fatty acid. This mixture was studied by time-resolved simultaneous small- and wide angle x-ray diffraction over the temperature range from 23 to 53.5ºC. An unusually large lamellar structure was observed, with d = 11 nm, contradicting the complex functional dimer model between lysolipid and fatty acid. It can be explained by formation of a "double-bilayer", a new phase consisting of two different bilayers, one formed by lysophospholipid and other by fatty acid, bound together by head group interactions. Its strucutre was confirmed by simulations of the X-ray scattering pattern.

Desenvolvimento de sistemas líquido-cristalinos empregando silicone fluido de co-polímero glicol e poliéter funcional siloxano

For the construction of the phase diagrams, the method of the aqueous titration was used. There were prepared 5 ternary diagrams, varying the surfactant and the oil phase. The liquid-crystalline phases were identified by polarized light microscopy. The formulations prepared with silicon glycol copolymer, polyether functional siloxane (PFS) and water (S1) and with diisopropyl adipate, PFS and water (S4) presented liquid-crystalline phases with lamellar arrangement. Moreover, after 15 days in hot oven (37 ºC), the formulations presented hexagonal arrangement, evidencing the influence of the temperature in the organization of the system.

Thermal and structural study of guava (Psidium guajava L) powders obtained by two dehydration methods

Two food products (powders) were obtained by hot-air drying or lyophilisation methods on the whole guava fruits. The powders were characterised by sensory and thermal analyses (TGA-DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal, morphological and structural characterisations showed a similar behaviour for the two solids. TGA-DSC and IR showed the presence of pectin as the main constituent of solids. A semi-crystalline profile was evidenced by XRD, and lamellar/spherical morphologies were observed by SEM. Sensory analyses revealed an aroma highly related to guava. These value-added food products are an alternative to process guava and avoid loss during postharvest handling.