Severity of restless legs syndrome is inversely correlated with echogenicity of the substantia nigra in different neurodegenerative movement disorders. A preliminary observation

Objective: Hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra is a frequent observation on transcranial sonography in Parkinson's disease and Machado-Joseph disease patients. Additionally, restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder that is also frequently found in both diseases. Autopsy studies have demonstrated increased SN iron content in hyperechogenic substantia nigra. Iron storage is also known to be involved in restless legs syndrome. We formally compared echogenicity of the substantia nigra with restless legs syndrome in Parkinson's disease and Machado-Joseph disease patients. Methods: Transcranial brain sonography was performed in a sample of Parkinson's disease and Machado-Joseph disease patients, and findings then correlated with the presence and severity of restless legs syndrome. Results: There was a continuum of substantia nigra echogenicity among groups (Parkinson's disease versus Machado-Joseph disease versus controls) and sub-groups (Parkinson's disease with and without restless legs syndrome versus Machado-Joseph disease with and without restless legs syndrome) as well as a statistically significant negative correlation between restless legs syndrome severity and substantia nigra echogenicity (p<0.001). Conclusions: These preliminary observations demonstrate that the severity of RLS may be influenced by nigral iron load reflected by substantia nigra echogenicity in different neurodegenerative movement disorders. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new Comanthera (Eriocaulaceae) from the Espinha double dagger o Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

We describe and illustrate the new species Comanthera brunnea (Eriocaulaceae: Paepalanthoideae). This species is endemic to the sandy fields of the campos rupestres of the northeastern Espinha double dagger o range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. We compare it with Comanthera suberosa, the morphologically most similar species, and with C. brasiliana, which also has similar features. The morphological variation, habitat, geographic distribution, and conservation status of this new species are discussed.

Subgroup-specific structural variation across 1,000 medulloblastoma genomes

Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant paediatric brain tumour, is currently treated with nonspecific cytotoxic therapies including surgery, whole-brain radiation, and aggressive chemotherapy. As medulloblastoma exhibits marked intertumoural heterogeneity, with at least four distinct molecular variants, previous attempts to identify targets for therapy have been underpowered because of small samples sizes. Here we report somatic copy number aberrations (SCNAs) in 1,087 unique medulloblastomas. SCNAs are common in medulloblastoma, and are predominantly subgroup-enriched. The most common region of focal copy number gain is a tandem duplication of SNCAIP, a gene associated with Parkinson's disease, which is exquisitely restricted to Group 4 alpha. Recurrent translocations of PVT1, including PVT1-MYC and PVT1-NDRG1, that arise through chromothripsis are restricted to Group 3. Numerous targetable SCNAs, including recurrent events targeting TGF-beta signalling in Group 3, and NF-kappa B signalling in Group 4, suggest future avenues for rational, targeted therapy.

12 item Allodynia Symptom Checklist/Brasil: cross-cultural adaptation, internal consistency and reproducibility

Since there was no Portuguese questionnaire to evaluate cutaneous allodynia, which has been pointed out as a risk factor of migraine, we aimed to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the 12 item Allodynia Symptom Checklist for the Brazilian population and to test its measurement properties. It consisted in six stages: translation, synthesis, back translation, revision by a specialist committee, pretest and submission the documents to the committee. In the pretest stage, the questionnaire was applied to 30 migraineurs of both sexes, who had some difficulty in understanding it. Thus, a second version was applied to 30 additional subjects, with no difficulties being reported. The mean filling out time was 3'36", and the internal consistency was 0.76. To test reproducibility, 15 other subjects filled out the questionnaire at two different times, it was classified as moderate (weighted kappa=0.58). We made available to Brazilian population an easy, quick and reliable questionnaire.

Effect of Functional Stabilization Training on Lower Limb Biomechanics in Women

BALDON, R. D. M., D. F. M. LOBATO, L. P. CARVALHO, P. Y. L. WUN, P. R. P. SANTIAGO, and F. V. SERRAO. Effect of Functional Stabilization Training on Lower Limb Biomechanics in Women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 1, pp. 135-145, 2012. Purpose: This study aimed to verify the effects of functional stabilization training on lower limb kinematics, functional performance, and eccentric hip and knee torques. Methods: Twenty-eight women were divided into a training group (TG; n = 14), which carried out the functional stabilization training during 8 wk, and a control group (CG; n = 14), which carried out no physical training. The kinematic assessment of the lower limb was performed during a single-leg squat, and the functional performance was evaluated by way of the single-leg triple hop and the timed 6-m single-leg hop tests. The eccentric hip abductor, adductor, lateral rotator, medial rotator, and the knee flexor and extensor torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: After 8 wk, the TG significantly reduced the values for knee abduction (from -6.86 degrees to 1.49 degrees), pelvis depression (from -10.21 degrees to -7.86 degrees) and femur adduction (from 7.08 degrees to 5.19 degrees) as well as increasing the excursion of femur lateral rotation (from -0.55 degrees to -3.67 degrees). Similarly, the TG significantly increased the values of single-leg triple hop (from 3.52 to 3.92 m) and significantly decreased the values of timed 6-m single-leg hop tests (from 2.43 to 2.14 s). Finally, the TG significantly increased the eccentric hip abductor (from 1.31 to 1.45 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), hip lateral rotator (from 0.75 to 0.91 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), hip medial rotator (from 1.45 to 1.66 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), knee flexor (from 1.43 to 1.55 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)), and knee extensor (from 3.46 to 4.40 N center dot m center dot kg(-1)) torques. Conclusions: Strengthening of the hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles associated with functional training improves dynamic lower limb alignment and increases the strength and functional performance.

Postactivation potentiation: effect of various recovery intervals on bench press power performance

Ferreira, SLA, Panissa, VLG, Miarka, B, and Franchini, E. Postactivation potentiation: effect of various recovery intervals on bench press power performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 739-744, 2012-Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is a strategy used to improve performance in power activities. The aim of this study was to determine if power during bench press exercise was increased when preceded by 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the same exercise and to determine which time interval could optimize PAP response. For this, 11 healthy male subjects (age, 25 +/- 4 years; height, 178 +/- 6 cm; body mass, 74 +/- 8 kg; bench press 1RM, 76 +/- 19 kg) underwent 6 sessions. Two control sessions were conducted to determine both bench press 1RM and power (6 repetitions at 50% 1RM). The 4 experimental sessions were composed of a 1RM exercise followed by power sets with different recovery intervals (1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes), performed on different days, and determined randomly. Power values were measured via Peak Power equipment (Cefise, Nova Odessa, Sao Paulo, Brazil). The conditions were compared using an analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by a Tukey test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. There was a significant increase in PAP in concentric contractions after 7 minutes of recovery compared with the control and 1-minute recovery conditions (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that 7 minutes of recovery has generated an increase in PAP in bench press and that such a strategy could be applied as an interesting alternative to enhance the performance in tasks aimed at increasing upper-body power performance.

The contribution of HGAL/GCET2 in immunohistological algorithms: a comparative study in 424 cases of nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can be subclassified into at least two molecular subgroups by gene expression profiling: germinal center B-cell like and activated B-cell like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Several immunohistological algorithms have been proposed as surrogates to gene expression profiling at the level of protein expression, but their reliability has been an issue of controversy. Furthermore, the proportion of misclassified cases of germinal center B-cell subgroup by immunohistochemistry, in all reported algorithms, is higher compared with germinal center B-cell cases defined by gene expression profiling. We analyzed 424 cases of nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with the panel of markers included in the three previously described algorithms: Hans, Choi, and Tally. To test whether the sensitivity of detecting germinal center B-cell cases could be improved, the germinal center B-cell marker HGAL/GCET2 was also added to all three algorithms. Our results show that the inclusion of HGAL/GCET2 significantly increased the detection of germinal center B-cell cases in all three algorithms (P<0.001). The proportions of germinal center B-cell cases in the original algorithms were 27%, 34%, and 19% for Hans, Choi, and Tally, respectively. In the modified algorithms, with the inclusion of HGAL/GCET2, the frequencies of germinal center B-cell cases were increased to 38%, 48%, and 35%, respectively. Therefore, HGAL/GCET2 protein expression may function as a marker for germinal center B-cell type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Consideration should be given to the inclusion of HGAL/GCET2 analysis in algorithms to better predict the cell of origin. These findings bear further validation, from comparison to gene expression profiles and from clinical/therapeutic data. Modern Pathology (2012) 25, 1439-1445; doi: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.119; published online 29 June 2012

Determination of Opiates in Whole Blood and Vitreous Humor: A Study of the Matrix Effect and an Experimental Design to Optimize Conditions for the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Glucuronides

Faculty of Medicine University of Sao Paulo

Protective effects of bone marrow mononuclear cell therapy on lung and heart in an elastase-induced emphysema model

We hypothesized that bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMDMC) therapy protects the lung and consequently the heart in experimental elastase-induced emphysema. Twenty-four female C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with saline (C group) or porcine pancreatic elastase (E group) once a week during 4 weeks. C and E groups were randomized into subgroups receiving saline (SAL) or male BMDMCs (2 x 10(6), CELL) intravenously 3 h after the first saline or elastase instillation. Compared to E-SAL group, E-CELL mice showed, at 5 weeks: lower mean linear intercept, neutrophil infiltration, elastolysis, collagen fiber deposition in alveolar septa and pulmonary vessel wall, lung cell apoptosis, right ventricle wall thickness and area, higher endothelial growth factor and insulin-like growth factor mRNA expressions in lung tissue, and reduced platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, and caspase-3 expressions. In conclusion, BMDMC therapy was effective at modulating the inflammatory and remodeling processes in the present model of elastase-induced emphysema. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Viability, production and morphology of pollen grains for different species in the genus Manihot (Euphorbiaceae)

(Viability, production and morphology of pollen grains for different species in the genus Manihot (Euphorbiaceae)). The objective of this work was to characterize the viability, production and morphology of pollen for different species in the genus Manihot. Floral buds from Manihot accessions were collected from two germplasm banks at Embrapa Cassava & Fruits. The viability of the pollen was assessed via colorimetric, in vitro and in vivo assays. The diameter of the pollen grains was determined by measuring the transversal length of the grain. The experimental design was entirely randomized. Studies on pollen ultrastructure were performed via scanning electron microscopy. Pollen viability was high in the colorimetric tests and intermediate in vivo tests; there was no germination in the in vitro tests. The average production for all accessions was 1,253 pollen grains per floral bud. The size of the pollen grains varied from 132 to 163 pm in the wild accessions, and 129 to 146 pm in the cultivated accessions. The pollen grains for all accessions were very large, apolar, spherical as well as inaperturate, with an exine ornamented with pila organized in a Croton pattern. The wild accessions, in general, produced more and larger pollen grains compared with the cultivated accessions.

Vitamin E Alters Inflammatory Gene Expression in Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of vitamin E supplementation on pancreatic gene expression of inflammatory markers in rats with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. Methods: Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: control (1), alcoholic chronic pancreatitis without (2) and with (3) vitamin E supplementation. Pancreatitis was induced by a liquid diet containing ethanol, cyclosporin A and cerulein. a-tocopherol content in plasma and liver and pancreas histopathology were analyzed. Gene expression of inflammatory biomarkers was analyzed by the quantitative real-time PCR technique. Results: The animals that received vitamin E supplementation had higher alpha-tocopherol amounts in plasma and liver. The pancreas in Group 1 showed normal histology, whereas in Groups 2 and 3, mild to moderate tissue destruction foci and mononuclear cell infiltration were detected. Real-time PCR analysis showed an increased expression of all genes in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1. Vitamin E supplementation decreased the transcript number of 5 genes (alpha-SMA, COX-2, IL-6, MIP-3 alpha and TNF-alpha) and increased the transcript number of 1 gene (Pap). Conclusion: Vitamin E supplementation had anti-inflammatory and beneficial effects on the pancreatic gene expression of some inflammatory biomarkers in rats with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis, confirming its participation in the inflammatory response mechanisms in the pancreas. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel

Development of Plurimetallic Electrocatalysts Prepared by Decomposition of Polymeric Precursors for EtOH/O-2 Fuel Cell

This work aimed to develop plurimetallic electrocatalysts composed of Pt, Ru, Ni, and Sn supported on C by decomposition of polymeric precursors (DPP), at a constant metal: carbon ratio of 40:60 wt.%, for application in direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC). The obtained nanoparticles were physico-chemically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). XRD results revealed a face-centered cubic crystalline Pt with evidence that Ni, Ru, and Sn atoms were incorporated into the Pt structure. Electrochemical characterization of the nanoparticles was accomplished by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA) in slightly acidic medium (0.05 mol L-1 H2SO4), in the absence and presence of ethanol. Addition of Sn to PtRuNi/C catalysts significantly shifted the ethanol and CO onset potentials toward lower values, thus increasing the catalytic activity, especially for the quaternary composition Pt64Sn15Ru13Ni8/C. Electrolysis of ethanol solutions at 0.4 V vs. RHE allowed determination of acetaldehyde and acetic acid as the main reaction products. The presence of Ru in alloys promoted formation of acetic acid as the main product of ethanol oxidation. The Pt64Sn15Ru13Ni8/C catalyst displayed the best performance for DEFC.

Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils against Streptococcus mutans and their Antiproliferative Effects

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of essential oils (EOs) against Streptococcus mutans biofilm by chemically characterizing their fractions responsible for biological and antiproliferative activity. Twenty EO were obtained by hydrodistillation and submitted to the antimicrobial assay (minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations) against S. mutans UA159. Thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used for phytochemical analyses. EOs were selected according to predetermined criteria and fractionated using dry column; the resulting fractions were assessed by MIC and MBC, selected as active fractions, and evaluated against S. mutans biofilm. Biofilms formed were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Selected EOs and their selected active fractions were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against keratinocytes and seven human tumor cell lines. MIC and MBC values obtained for EO and their active fractions showed strong antimicrobial activity. Chemical analyses mainly showed the presence of terpenes. The selected active fractions inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation (P < 0.05) did not affect glycolytic pH drop and were inactive against keratinocytes, normal cell line. In conclusion, EO showed activity at low concentrations, and their selected active fractions were also effective against biofilm formed by S. mutans and human tumor cell lines.

Atypical manifestations in Brazilian patients with neuro-Behcet's disease

Type and frequency of systemic and neurologic manifestations of Beh double dagger et's disease (BD) vary with ethnicity. In Brazil, BD occurs as sporadic cases. We describe clinical and radiological features of 36 Brazilian patients of mixed ethnicity with neuro-Beh double dagger et's disease (NBD). Medical records of 178 BD patients were reviewed and 36 (20%) NBD patients were identified. Twenty-one NBD patients (58.3%) were female and 27 (75%) presented with parenchymal manifestations. Brainstem involvement was the most common neurologic syndrome (41.7%). Seizures (27.8%), isolated aseptic meningitis (16.7%), optic neuropathy (ON) (16.7%), cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) (8.3%), peripheral neuropathy (2.8%), and spinal cord involvement (5.6%) were other neurologic manifestations observed among Brazilian NBD patients. Eighteen (50%) had at least one relapse, and isolated aseptic meningitis was the most common relapsing manifestation. No significant differences concerning the number of relapses between parenchymal and non-parenchymal groups were found. A multivariate model including disease duration, cell count in spinal fluid, cyclosporine use, immunosuppressive use at disease onset, age at NBD onset, and ON did not reveal any significant associations with NBD relapse. There was a low frequency of CVT and an unexpected higher number of isolated aseptic meningitis. Brazilian NBD patients present more parenchymal and atypical manifestations, and relapse more often than NBD patients from other populations.

Interleukin-4 Modulates the Inflammatory Response in Ifosfamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

We investigated whether interleukin-4 (IL-4) is present and capable of reducing inflammatory changes seen in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Male Swiss mice were treated with saline or ifosfamide alone or ifosfamide with the classical protocol with mesna and analyzed by changes in bladder wet weight (BWW), macroscopic and microscopic parameters, exudate, and hemoglobin quantification. In other groups, IL-4 was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before ifosfamide. In other experimental groups, C57BL/6 WT (wild type) and C57BL/6 WT IL-4 (-/-) knockout animals were treated with ifosfamide and analyzed for changes in BWW. Quantification of bladder IL-4 protein by ELISA in control, ifosfamide-, and mesna-treated groups was performed. Immunohistochemistry to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) as well as protein identification by Western blot assay for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was carried out on ifosfamide- and IL-4-treated animals. In other experimental groups, antiserum against IL-4 was given 30 min before ifosfamide. In IL-4-treated animals, the severity of hemorrhagic cystitis was significantly milder than in animals treated with ifosfamide only, an effect that was reverted with serum anti-IL-4. Moreover, knockout animals for IL-4 (-/-) exhibit a worse degree of inflammation when compared to C57BL/6 wild type. Exogenous IL-4 also attenuated TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, iNOS, and COX-2 expressions in ifosfamide-treated bladders. IL-4, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, attenuates the inflammation seen in ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.