Efficient P(3HB) extraction from Burkholderia sacchari cells using non-chlorinated solvents

© 2015. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Clinical Studies on conformal radiotherapy combined with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor in second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose: To study the effect of conformal radiotherapy combined with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) in the second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 316 patients attending Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated to Tongji University, were divided into two groups: 106 patients were treated with conformal radiotherapy combined with EGFR-TKI (gefitinib, 250 mg/day; or erlotinib, 150 mg/day), while 210 patients were treated with EGFRTKI alone. Some factors, including adverse reactions (AR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and one-year and two-year survival rate, were evaluated. Results: No obvious difference was observed in AR between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the combination therapy group, complete response (CR) was 5 cases, partial response (PR) 43 cases, and stable disease (SD) 47 cases, progressive disease (PD) was 11 cases, response rate (RR) was 45.3 %, and DCR 89.6 %. Median PFS in the combination therapy group and targeted therapy group was 6.5 and 5.0 months, respectively. On the other hand, median OS in the combination therapy group and targeted group was 14.1 and 12.6 months, respectively. One-year survival rate of the combination therapy group and EGFR-TKI group was 60.3 and 50.0 %, respectively, while the two-year survival rate was 26.3 and 19.0 %, respectively. Conclusion: Conformal radiotherapy combined with EGFR-TKI can be used as an effective second-line treatment for NSCLC.

Lipschitz regularity for weak solutions of parabolic p-Laplacian type equations in certain subriemannian structures

The main aim of the thesis is to prove the local Lipschitz regularity of the weak solutions to a class of parabolic PDEs modeled on the parabolic p-Laplacian. This result is well known in the Euclidean case and recently has been extended in the Heisenberg group, while higher regularity results are not known in subriemannian parabolic setting. In this thesis we will consider vector fields more general than those in the Heisenberg setting, introducing some technical difficulties. To obtain our main result we will use a Moser-like iteration. Due to the non linearity of the equation, we replace the usual parabolic cylinders with new ones, whose dimension also depends on the L^p norm of the solution. In addition, we deeply simplify the iterative procedure, using the standard Sobolev inequality, instead of the parabolic one.

Egfr Activating Mutations And Their Association With Response To Platinum-doublet Chemotherapy In Brazilian Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

The aim of the study was to analyze the frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in Brazilian non-small cell lung cancer patients and to correlate these mutations with response to benefit of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our cohort consisted of prospective patients with NSCLCs who received chemotherapy (platinum derivates plus paclitaxel) at the [UNICAMP], Brazil. EGFR exons 18-21 were analyzed in tumor-derived DNA. Fifty patients were included in the study (25 with adenocarcinoma). EGFR mutations were identified in 6/50 (12 %) NSCLCs and in 6/25 (24 %) adenocarcinomas; representing the frequency of EGFR mutations in a mostly self-reported White (82.0 %) southeastern Brazilian population of NSCLCs. Patients with NSCLCs harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or the exon 21 L858R mutation were found to have a higher chance of response to platinum-paclitaxel (OR 9.67 [95 % CI 1.03-90.41], p = 0.047). We report the frequency of EGFR activating mutations in a typical southeastern Brazilian population with NSCLC, which are similar to that of other countries with Western European ethnicity. EGFR mutations seem to be predictive of a response to platinum-paclitaxel, and additional studies are needed to confirm or refute this relationship.

Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors Induce Apoptosis In Non-tumorigenic Melan-a Cells Associated With Inhibition Of Mitochondrial Respiration.

The metabolic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FASN) is responsible for the endogenous synthesis of palmitate, a saturated long-chain fatty acid. In contrast to most normal tissues, a variety of human cancers overexpress FASN. One such cancer is cutaneous melanoma, in which the level of FASN expression is associated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. We previously reported that two FASN inhibitors, cerulenin and orlistat, induce apoptosis in B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Here, we investigated the effects of these inhibitors on non-tumorigenic melan-a cells. Cerulenin and orlistat treatments were found to induce apoptosis and decrease cell proliferation, in addition to inducing the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c and activating caspases-9 and -3. Transfection with FASN siRNA did not result in apoptosis. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that treatment with the FASN inhibitors did not alter either the mitochondrial free fatty acid content or composition. This result suggests that cerulenin- and orlistat-induced apoptosis events are independent of FASN inhibition. Analysis of the energy-linked functions of melan-a mitochondria demonstrated the inhibition of respiration, followed by a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the stimulation of superoxide anion generation. The inhibition of NADH-linked substrate oxidation was approximately 40% and 61% for cerulenin and orlistat treatments, respectively, and the inhibition of succinate oxidation was approximately 46% and 52%, respectively. In contrast, no significant inhibition occurred when respiration was supported by the complex IV substrate N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD). The protection conferred by the free radical scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine indicates that the FASN inhibitors induced apoptosis through an oxidative stress-associated mechanism. In combination, the present results demonstrate that cerulenin and orlistat induce apoptosis in non-tumorigenic cells via mitochondrial dysfunction, independent of FASN inhibition.

Imported Malaria In A Non-endemic Area: The Experience Of The University Of Campinas Hospital In The Brazilian Southeast.

Although malaria in Brazil almost exclusively occurs within the boundaries of the Amazon Region, some concerns are raised regarding imported malaria to non-endemic areas of the country, notably increased incidence of complications due to delayed diagnoses. However, although imported malaria in Brazil represents a major health problem, only a few studies have addressed this subject. A retrospective case series is presented in which 263 medical charts were analysed to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characterization of malaria cases that were diagnosed and treated at Hospital & Clinics, State University of Campinas between 1998 and 2011. Amongst all medical charts analysed, 224 patients had a parasitological confirmed diagnosis of malaria. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum were responsible for 67% and 30% of the infections, respectively. The majority of patients were male (83%) of a productive age (median, 37 years old). Importantly, severe complications did not differ significantly between P. vivax (14 cases, 9%) and P. falciparum (7 cases, 10%) infections. Severe malaria cases were frequent among imported cases in Brazil outside of the Amazon area. The findings reinforce the idea that P. vivax infections in Brazil are not benign, regardless the endemicity of the area studied. Moreover, as the hospital is located in a privileged site, it could be used for future studies of malaria relapses and primaquine resistance mechanisms. Finally, based on the volume of cases treated and the secondary complications, referral malaria services are needed in the non-endemic areas of Brazil for a rapid and efficient and treatment.

Evaluation Of Fe Uptake And Translocation In Transgenic And Non-transgenic Soybean Plants Using Enriched Stable (57)fe As A Tracer.

A tracer experiment is carried out with transgenic T (variety M 7211 RR) and non-transgenic NT (variety MSOY 8200) soybean plants to evaluate if genetic modification can influence the uptake and translocation of Fe. A chelate of EDTA with enriched stable (57)Fe is applied to the plants cultivated in vermiculite plus substrate and the (57)Fe acts as a tracer. The exposure of plants to enriched (57)Fe causes the dilution of the natural previously existing Fe in the plant compartments and then the changed Fe isotopic ratio ((57)Fe/(56)Fe) is measured using a quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer equipped with a dynamic reaction cell (DRC). Mathematical calculations based on the isotope dilution methodology allow distinguishing the natural abundance Fe from the enriched Fe (incorporated during the experiment). The NT soybean plants acquire higher amounts of Fe from natural abundance (originally present in the soil) and from enriched Fe (coming from the (57)Fe-EDTA during the experiment) than T soybean ones, demonstrating that the NT soybean plants probably absorb higher amounts of Fe, independently of the source. The percentage of newly incorporated Fe (coming from the treatment) was approximately 2.0 and 1.1% for NT and T soybean plants, respectively. A higher fraction (90.1%) of enriched Fe is translocated to upper parts, and a slightly lower fraction (3.8%) is accumulated in the stems by NT plants than by T ones (85.1%; 5.1%). Moreover, in both plants, the Fe-EDTA facilitates the transport and translocation of Fe to the leaves. The genetic modification is probably responsible for differences observed between T and NT soybean plants.

[factors Associated With Satisfaction With Life Among Elderly Caregivers And Non-caregivers].

This article seeks to investigate associations between satisfaction with life and sociodemographic variables, health conditions, functionality, social involvement and social support among elderly caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as between satisfaction and the intensity of stress in the caregiver group. A sample of 338 caregivers was selected according to two items of the Brazilian version of the Elders Life Stress Inventory. A comparison-group of elderly non-caregivers was selected at random, with a similar gender, age and income profile. Data were derived from self-reported questionnaires and scales. Elderly caregivers with low levels of satisfaction and high levels of stress revealed more symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, diseases and worse IADL performance. Those with greater satisfaction and less stress revealed a good level of social support. Insomnia, depression and fatigue were associated with low satisfaction among caregivers, and with fatigue, depression and low social support among non-caregivers. It was considered relevant that instrumental, psychological and informative support can improve the quality of life and the quality of care provided by elderly caregivers, especially if they are affected by unfavorable health and psychosocial conditions and low satisfaction with life.

Oxidative Stress And Susceptibility To Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Precedes The Onset Of Diabetes In Autoimmune Non-obese Diabetic Mice.

Beta cell destruction in type 1 diabetes (TID) is associated with cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway of cell death. The aim of this study was to determine whether oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are present in T1D model (non-obese diabetic mouse, NOD) and if they are related to the stages of disease development. NOD mice were studied at three stages: non-diabetic, pre-diabetic, and diabetic and compared with age-matched Balb/c mice. Mitochondria respiration rates measured at phosphorylating and resting states in liver and soleus biopsies and in isolated liver mitochondria were similar in NOD and Balb/c mice at the three disease stages. However, NOD liver mitochondria were more susceptible to calcium-induced mitochondrial permeability transition as determined by cyclosporine-A-sensitive swelling and by decreased calcium retention capacity in all three stages of diabetes development. Mitochondria H2O2 production rate was higher in non-diabetic, but unaltered in pre-diabetic and diabetic NOD mice. The global cell reactive oxygen species (ROS), but not specific mitochondria ROS production, was significantly increased in NOD lymphomononuclear and stem cells in all disease stages. In addition, marked elevated rates of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (H2DCF) oxidation were observed in pancreatic islets from non-diabetic NOD mice. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) and lipidomic approach, we identified oxidized lipid markers in NOD liver mitochondria for each disease stage, most of them being derivatives of diacylglycerols and phospholipids. These results suggest that the cellular oxidative stress precedes the establishment of diabetes and may be the cause of mitochondrial dysfunction that is involved in beta cell death.

Preserved Fertility In A Patient With Gynecomastia Associated With The P.pro695ser Mutation In The Androgen Receptor.

The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is described as a dysfunction of the androgen receptor (AR) in 46,XY individuals, which can be associated with mutations in the AR gene or can be due to unknown mechanisms. Different mutations in AIS generally cause variable phenotypes that range from a complete hormone resistance to a mild form usually associated with male infertility. The purpose of this study was to search for mutations in the AR gene in a fertile man with gynecomastia and to evaluate the influence of the mutation on the AR transactivation ability. Sequencing of the AR gene revealed the p.Pro695Ser mutation. It is located within the AR ligand-binding domain. Bioinformatics analysis indicated a deleterious role, which was verified after testing transactivation activity and N-/C-terminal (N/C) interaction by in vitro expression of a reporter gene and 2-hybrid assays. p.Pro695Ser showed low levels of both transactivation activity and N/C interaction at low dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conditions. As the ligand concentration increased, both transactivation activity and N/C interaction also increased and reached normal levels. Therefore, this study provides functional insights for the p.Pro695Ser mutation described here for the first time in a patient with mild AIS. The expression profile of p.Pro695Ser not only correlates to the patient's phenotype, but also suggests that a high-dose DHT therapy may overcome the functional deficit of the mutant AR.

Development And Characterization Of A Cationic Lipid Nanocarrier As Non-viral Vector For Gene Therapy.

The aim of the present work was to produce a cationic solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) as non-viral vector for protein delivery. Cationic SLN were produced by double emulsion method, composed of softisan(®) 100, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), Tween(®) 80, Span(®) 80, glycerol and lipoid(®) S75 loading insulin as model protein. The formulation was characterized in terms of mean hydrodynamic diameter (z-ave), polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), stability during storage time, stability after lyophilization, effect of toxicity and transfection ability in HeLa cells, in vitro release profile and morphology. SLN were stable for 30days and showed minimal changes in their physicochemical properties after lyophilization. The particles exhibited a relatively slow release, spherical morphology and were able to transfect HeLa cells, but toxicity remained an obstacle. Results suggest that SLN are nevertheless promising for delivery of proteins or nucleic acids for gene therapy.

Water Stress Reveals Differential Antioxidant Responses Of Tolerant And Non-tolerant Sugarcane Genotypes.

The biochemical responses of the enzymatic antioxidant system of a drought-tolerant cultivar (IACSP 94-2094) and a commercial cultivar in Brazil (IACSP 95-5000) grown under two levels of soil water restriction (70% and 30% Soil Available Water Content) were investigated. IACSP 94-2094 exhibited one additional active superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD VI) isoenzyme in comparison to IACSP 95-5000, possibly contributing to the heightened response of IACSP 94-2094 to the induced stress. The total glutathione reductase (GR) activity increased substantially in IACSP 94-2094 under conditions of severe water stress; however, the appearance of a new GR isoenzyme and the disappearance of another isoenzyme were found not to be related to the stress response because the cultivars from both treatment groups (control and water restrictions) exhibited identical changes. Catalase (CAT) activity seems to have a more direct role in H2O2 detoxification under water stress condition and the shift in isoenzymes in the tolerant cultivar might have contributed to this response, which may be dependent upon the location where the excessive H2O2 is being produced under stress. The improved performance of IACSP 94-2094 under drought stress was associated with a more efficient antioxidant system response, particularly under conditions of mild stress.

Direct And Non-destructive Proof Of Authenticity For The 2nd Generation Of Brazilian Real Banknotes Via Easy Ambient Sonic Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Using a desorption/ionization technique, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), documents related to the 2nd generation of Brazilian Real currency (R$) were screened in the positive ion mode for authenticity based on chemical profiles obtained directly from the banknote surface. Characteristic profiles were observed for authentic, seized suspect counterfeit and counterfeited homemade banknotes from inkjet and laserjet printers. The chemicals in the authentic banknotes' surface were detected via a few minor sets of ions, namely from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), most likely related to the official offset printing process, and other common quaternary ammonium cations, presenting a similar chemical profile to 1st-generation R$. The seized suspect counterfeit banknotes, however, displayed abundant diagnostic ions in the m/z 400-800 range due to the presence of oligomers. High-accuracy FT-ICR MS analysis enabled molecular formula assignment for each ion. The ions were separated by 44 m/z, which enabled their characterization as Surfynol® 4XX (S4XX, XX=40, 65, and 85), wherein increasing XX values indicate increasing amounts of ethoxylation on a backbone of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (Surfynol® 104). Sodiated triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (TBG) of m/z 229 (C10H22O4Na) was also identified in the seized counterfeit banknotes via EASI(+) FT-ICR MS. Surfynol® and TBG are constituents of inks used for inkjet printing.

Perianal Complete Remission With Combined Therapy (seton Placement And Anti-tnf Agents) In Crohn's Disease: A Brazilian Multicenter Observational Study.

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease is one of the most severe phenotypes of inflammatory bowel diseases. Combined therapy with seton placement and anti-TNF therapy is the most common strategy for this condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the rates of complete perianal remission after combined therapy for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease. This was a retrospective observational study with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease patients submitted to combined therapy from four inflammatory bowel diseases referral centers. We analyzed patients' demographic characteristics, Montreal classification, concomitant medication, classification of the fistulae, occurrence of perianal complete remission and recurrence after remission. Complete perianal remission was defined as absence of drainage from the fistulae associated with seton removal. A total of 78 patients were included, 44 (55.8%) females with a mean age of 33.8 (±15) years. Most patients were treated with Infliximab, 66.2%, than with Adalimumab, 33.8%. Complex fistulae were found in 52/78 patients (66.7%). After a medium follow-up of 48.2 months, 41/78 patients (52.6%) had complete perianal remission (95% CI: 43.5%-63.6%). Recurrence occurred in four (9.8%) patients (95% CI: 0.7%-18.8%) in an average period of 74.8 months. Combined therapy lead to favorable and durable results in perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

Non-gaussian Spatial Correlations Dramatically Weaken Localization.

We perform variational studies of the interaction-localization problem to describe the interaction-induced renormalizations of the effective (screened) random potential seen by quasiparticles. Here we present results of careful finite-size scaling studies for the conductance of disordered Hubbard chains at half-filling and zero temperature. While our results indicate that quasiparticle wave functions remain exponentially localized even in the presence of moderate to strong repulsive interactions, we show that interactions produce a strong decrease of the characteristic conductance scale g^{*} signaling the crossover to strong localization. This effect, which cannot be captured by a simple renormalization of the disorder strength, instead reflects a peculiar non-Gaussian form of the spatial correlations of the screened disordered potential, a hitherto neglected mechanism to dramatically reduce the impact of Anderson localization (interference) effects.