Apolipoprotein CIII polymorphism and triglyceride levels of a Japanese population living in Southern Brazil

Apolipoprotein CIII (apo-CIII) participates in the regulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism. Several polymorphic sites have been detected within and around the apo-CIII gene. Here, we examined the relationship between apo-CIII SstI polymorphism (CC, CG, GG genotypes) and plasma triglyceride (TG) levels in a group of 159 Japanese individuals living in Southern Brazil. The sample was divided into a group of Japanese descendants (N = 51) with high TG (HTG; >200 mg/dL) and a group of Japanese descendants (N = 108) with normal TG (NTG; <200 mg/dL). TG and total cholesterol levels were analyzed by an enzymatic method using the Labtest-Diagnostic kit and high- and low-density lipoproteins by a direct method using the Labtest-Diagnostic kit and DiaSys Diagnostic System International kit, respectively. A 428-bp sequence of apo-CIII gene was amplified using oligonucleotide primers 5' GGT GAC CGA TGG CTT CAG TTC CCT GA 3' and 5' CAG AAG GTG GAT AGA GCG CTG GCC T 3'. The PCR products were digested with a restriction endonuclease SstI. Rare G allele was highly prevalent in our study population (0.416) compared to Caucasians (0.00-0.11). G allele was almost two times more prevalent in the HTG group compared to the NTG group (P < 0.001). The genotype distribution was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was a significant association between rare G allele and HTG in Japanese individuals living in Southern Brazil as indicated by one-way ANOVA, P < 0.05.

The immunomodulator glatiramer acetate influences spinal motoneuron plasticity during the course of multiple sclerosis in an animal model

The immunomodulador glatiramer acetate (GA) has been shown to significantly reduce the severity of symptoms during the course of multiple sclerosis and in its animal model - experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Since GA may influence the response of non-neuronal cells in the spinal cord, it is possible that, to some extent, this drug affects the synaptic changes induced during the exacerbation of EAE. In the present study, we investigated whether GA has a positive influence on the loss of inputs to the motoneurons during the course of EAE in rats. Lewis rats were subjected to EAE associated with GA or placebo treatment. The animals were sacrificed after 15 days of treatment and the spinal cords processed for immunohistochemical analysis and transmission electron microscopy. A correlation between the synaptic changes and glial activation was obtained by performing labeling of synaptophysin and glial fibrillary acidic protein using immunohistochemical analysis. Ultrastructural analysis of the terminals apposed to alpha motoneurons was also performed by electron transmission microscopy. Interestingly, although the GA treatment preserved synaptophysin labeling, it did not significantly reduce the glial reaction, indicating that inflammatory activity was still present. Also, ultrastructural analysis showed that GA treatment significantly prevented retraction of both F and S type terminals compared to placebo. The present results indicate that the immunomodulator GA has an influence on the stability of nerve terminals in the spinal cord, which in turn may contribute to its neuroprotective effects during the course of multiple sclerosis.

Surfactant protein B gene polymorphism in preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome

The etiology of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is multifactorial and multigenic. Studies have suggested that polymorphisms and mutations in the surfactant protein B (SP-B) gene are associated with the pathogenesis of RDS. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the frequencies of SP-B gene polymorphisms in preterm babies with and without RDS. We studied 151 neonates: 79 preterm babies without RDS and 72 preterm newborns with RDS. The following four SP-B gene polymorphisms were analyzed: A/C at -18, C/T at 1580, A/G at 9306, and G/C at nucleotide 8714. The polymorphisms were detected by PCR amplification of genomic DNA and genotyping. The genotypes were determined using PCR-based converted restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The control group consisted of 42 (53%) girls and 37 (47%) boys. Weight ranged from 1170 to 3260 g and mean gestational age (GA) was 33.9 weeks (range: 29 to 35 weeks and 6 days). The RDS group consisted of 31 (43%) girls and 41 (57%) boys. Weight ranged from 614 to 2410 g and mean GA was 32 weeks (range: 26 to 35 weeks). The logistic regression model showed that GA was the variable that most contributed to the occurrence of RDS. The AG genotype of the A/G polymorphism at position 9306 of the SP-B gene was a protective factor in this population (OR = 0.1681; 95%CI = 0.0426-0.6629). We did not detect differences in the frequencies of the other polymorphisms between the two groups of newborns.

Effect of JJYMD-C, a novel synthetic derivative of gallic acid, on proliferation and phenotype maintenance in rabbit articular chondrocytes in vitro

Tissue engineering encapsulated cells such as chondrocytes in the carrier matrix have been widely used to repair cartilage defects. However, chondrocyte phenotype is easily lost when chondrocytes are expanded in vitro by a process defined as “dedifferentiation”. To ensure successful therapy, an effective pro-chondrogenic agent is necessary to overcome the obstacle of limited cell numbers in the restoration process, and dedifferentiation is a prerequisite. Gallic acid (GA) has been used in the treatment of arthritis, but its biocompatibility is inferior to that of other compounds. In this study, we modified GA by incorporating sulfamonomethoxine sodium and synthesized a sulfonamido-based gallate, JJYMD-C, and evaluated its effect on chondrocyte metabolism. Our results showed that JJYMD-C could effectively increase the levels of the collagen II, Sox9, and aggrecan genes, promote chondrocyte growth, and enhance secretion and synthesis of cartilage extracellular matrix. On the other hand, expression of the collagen I gene was effectively down-regulated, demonstrating inhibition of chondrocyte dedifferentiation by JJYMD-C. Hypertrophy, as a characteristic of chondrocyte ossification, was undetectable in the JJYMD-C groups. We used JJYMD-C at doses of 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 µg/mL, and the strongest response was observed with 0.25 µg/mL. This study provides a basis for further studies on a novel agent in the treatment of articular cartilage defects.

ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for glycyrrhizic acid-mediated neuroprotection against glutamate-induced toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells

The present study focuses on the neuroprotective effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA, a major compound separated from Glycyrrhiza Radix, which is a crude Chinese traditional drug) against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 (DPC12) cells. The results showed that GA treatment improved cell viability and ameliorated abnormal glutamate-induced alterations in mitochondria in DPC12 cells. GA reversed glutamate-suppressed B-cell lymphoma 2 levels, inhibited glutamate-enhanced expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, and reduced cytochrome C (Cyto C) release. Exposure to glutamate strongly inhibited phosphorylation of AKT (protein kinase B) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs); however, GA pretreatment enhanced activation of ERKs but not AKT. The presence of PD98059 (a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase [MEK] inhibitor) but not LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor) diminished the potency of GA for improving viability of glutamate-exposed DPC12 cells. These results indicated that ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for the neuroprotective effect of GA against glutamate-induced toxicity in DPC12 cells. The present study provides experimental evidence supporting GA as a potential therapeutic agent for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Efeito da impregnação a vácuo na transferência de massa durante o processo de salga de cortes de peito de frango

A impregnação a vácuo (IV) tem sido estudada como uma alternativa para reduzir o tempo dos processos de salga aplicados a diversos alimentos. Neste trabalho, foi investigada a influência da aplicação de vácuo no processo de salga de cortes de peito de frango. Os cortes foram submersos em soluções com diferentes concentrações de NaCl para a avaliação de dois processos distintos de impregnação de sal: a) processo inteiramente a pressão atmosférica (IPA); e b) com aplicação de vácuo seguido do restabelecimento da pressão atmosférica (IV). A transferência de massa entre a amostra e a solução salina foi avaliada através das determinações de ganho de água (GA), ganho de sal (GS) e ganho de massa total (GM) pelas amostras submetidas à IV e à IPA. A comparação entre os processos de IV e IPA, com 6 horas de imersão, indicou que a utilização de um período inicial de vácuo pode incrementar o GA, GS e GM em 78, 25 e 54%, respectivamente. Isso se deve à contribuição sinérgica do mecanismo hidrodinâmico (HDM) aos mecanismos osmóticos e difusivos existentes. Deste modo, a IV pode ser considerada como uma alternativa de processo para a salga de cortes de carne de frango. No entanto, deve-se estar atento para que os ganhos de água e sal sejam compatíveis com as exigências legais e tecnológicas.

Propiedades termodinámicas de sorción de agua de la pulpa de lulo en polvo con encapsulantes

Datos de humedad de equilibrio de polvo de pulpa de lulo (PL) con y sin aditivos - 58% de maltodextrina (MD) o 58% de goma Arábiga (GA) - fueran determinados en las temperaturas de 20, 30, 40 y 50 °C utilizando el método estático gravimétrico para un rango de actividades de agua entre 0.06 y 0.90. Las isotermas presentaran formato sigmoidal del tipo III, y el modelo de Guggenhein-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) fue ajustado satisfactoriamente a los datos experimentales de humedad de equilibrio en función de la actividad de agua. La adición de encapsulantes afecto las isotermas de tal manera que en la misma actividad de agua, las muestras PL + GA y PL + MD presentaron un menor contenido de humedad de equilibrio y no fueron afectadas por la variación de temperatura. Los calores isostéricos de sorción de las pulpas en polvo con encapsulantes fueron mayores (menos negativos) con relación a las pulpas de lulo en polvo, sugiriendo la existencia de sitios polares más activos en el producto sin adición de GA o MD. Una relación exponencial empírica fue utilizada para describir la dependencia del calor de sorción con el contenido de humedad del material.

Production of glucose and fructose syrups from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch using enzymes produced by microorganisms isolated from Brazilian Cerrado soil

The high demands for sugars and the development of enzymatic technology have increased the production of sweeteners, especially for glucose and fructose syrups. This work describe a technology for glucose and fructose syrups from Brazilian cassava starch using enzymes produced by soil microrganisms isolated from the Brazilian Cerrado soil. Firstly, Aspergillus niger and Streptomyces sp. were isolated from the soil and used as glucoamylase (GA) and glucose isomerase (GI) producer sources. After characterization, GA and GI exhibited optimum pH 4.5 and 8.0, respectively. GA showed maximum activity at 60 ºC and GI at 85 ºC. GA and GI retained 65 and 80%, respectively, of initial activity after 180 minutes of incubation at 60 ºC. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmáx were 0.476 (mg.mL-1) and 8.58 (µmol/minute) for GA and 0.082 (M) and 48.20 (µmol/minute) for GI. The maximum glucose syrups production occurred after 24 hours of reaction with a 98% yield. The production of fructose syrups with 42% (w/v) was reached after 96 hours of reaction.

Mineral characterization of native fruits from the southern region of Brazil

Although the greatest variety of Brazilian flora is in the Amazon region, the Southern region of Brazil also has an estimated number of at least 5,000 species of vascular native plants. These species have been neglected as potential food sources, remaining unknown and under-utilized and limiting the potential variety in the diet of Brazilians and other peoples. Therefore the aim of this study was to characterize the mineral composition and content present in seven native fruit species of Southern Brazil using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The essential element concentrations in the fruit samples were higher or similar to the values reported for traditional fruits. The araticum-do-mato fruit samples had high concentrations of the elements Ca, K, and Cu, and trace elements such as Pb and Sr. Mandacaru-de-três-quinas had predominance of Ba, Bi, and Ga, and the essential elements Mg and Mn. Uvaia and guabiroba had the highest levels of Al and Cr, but uvaia had high levels of Fe and Zn. The pindo palm had high amounts of Cd and Ni, and the yellow guava had high concentrations of Na, while red guava had high levels of Co.

Physicochemical composition, minerals, and pesticide residues in organic grape juices

Demand for organic products is intensified in many countries each year. Following this trend, Brazil produces increasing volumes of organic grape juice. In this way, a survey of organic grape juices made from grapes produced according to this system was carried out where physicochemical composition, minerals, trace elements, and pesticide residues were determined. Variables related to grape juice composition were performed by physicochemical procedures; minerals and trace elements, by inductively plasma optical emission spectrometry; pesticide residues, by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Main results show that the physicochemical composition of organic grape juices was in general in accordance to the Brazilian legislation. The mean concentrations of trace elements were very low, varying from 0.002 (Cd) to 0.970 (Ba) mg L–1. Pesticide residues were not detected in any sample analyzed (MRL= 10 µg L–1). These results show that the Serra Gaúcha viticultural region present conditions to produce organic grape juices, despite the adverse climate factors that occurs in some years. Nevertheless, these products should be made with grape varieties, such as the labrusca ones, less susceptibles to the main grapevine pathogens.

Efeito da hidratação e do condicionamento osmótico em sementes de pau-formiga

Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do condicionamento osmótico sobre a germinação de sementes de Triplaris americana, em condições normais e sob estresse. O primeiro experimento foi instalado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 50 sementes e constituído dos tratamentos: T1: água (7 dias a 25ºC), T2: -1,5pa (NaCl), T3: -1,5Mpa (NaCl) + 25mg.L-1 -ácido giberélico (GA), T4: -0,25Mpa - polietilenoglicol (PEG), T5: - 0,25Mpa (PEG) + 25mg.L-1 (GA) , T6: controle. O segundo experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 25 sementes, sob esquema fatorial 2x4, sendo duas condições de estresse e quatro condicionamentos. As condições de estresse foram envelhecimento acelerado (72 horas em BOD a 42ºC) e germinação à temperatura de 20ºC. Os tratamentos de condicionamentos utilizados foram: água, - 1,5Mpa (NaCl), -0,25Mpa (PEG), sem condicionamento (testemunha). Conclui-se que, em sementes não sujeitas à estresse, o condicionamento osmótico não aumenta o percentual de germinação e o peso seco de plântulas de pau-formiga, mas o condicionamento em água e em solução de PEG + GA proporciona maior velocidade de germinação. Em condições de estresse simulado, o condicionamento osmótico, principalmente em - 0,25Mpa (PEG), atua positivamente em aspectos relacionados à germinação de sementes de pau-formiga e o condicionamento em água apresenta potencial semelhante.

Biometria de frutos e sementes e germinação de Magonia pubescens ST.Hil (sapindaceae)

Magonia pubescens é uma espécie arbórea típica do cerrado com grande potencial de utilização tanto pelas suas características econômicas quanto ecológicas. O objetivo do trabalho foi o de avaliar as características biométricas de frutos e sementes dessa espécie e seu potencial germinativo. Para as avaliações de biometria, foram utilizados 28 frutos e 293 sementes provenientes de matrizes localizadas em Aquidauana - MS. O estudo foi realizado no laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal e em viveiro pertencentes à Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias (FCA) da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados (UFGD). Os frutos apresentam grande variação no tamanho, peso e no número de sementes, tendo em média 6,66 cm de comprimento; 8,14 cm de diâmetro; 248,21g de massa fresca e 13,14 sementes As sementes apresentam pequena variação no tamanho quando comparadas aos frutos, tendo em média 4,81 cm de comprimento; 8,44 cm de largura e 3,5g de massa fresca. Para o estudo da germinação as sementes receberam os seguintes tratamentos: 1) KNO3 1% 24h; 2) KNO3 2% 24h; 3) GA 500 mg. L -1 24h; 4) GA 250 mg. L -1 24h; 5) Água 24h; 6) Controle. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 6 tratamentos e 3 repetições de 30 sementes. O tratamento de imersão em água por 24 horas proporcionou os maiores valores de emergência (80%). As giberelinas promoveram os maiores valores de altura da parte aérea (média 14,7cm). Os maiores valores de massa fresca e seca da parte aérea foram observadas em plântulas originadas de sementes tratadas com GA 500 mg L-1 24h (1,26 e 0,24g respectivamente). Os maiores valores de massa fresca e massa seca dos cotilédones foram observados em plântulas oriundas de sementes tratadas com KNO3 1% 24h (7,63 e 1,81g respectivamente). Recomenda-se a pré-embebição das sementes em água ou GA por 24 horas para obtenção de maior número de plântulas.

Le discours de crise: La représentation des réfugiés dans le Figaro et Libération

Under september månad 2015 gav sökordet ”kris” dagligen upphov till ett trettiotal träffar i sökmotorn till Frankrikes största dagstidningar. Dagspressen överflödas av kriser och i skrivande stund är den mest omtalade krisen de flyktingströmmar som når Europa som resultat efter flera års krig i Mellanöstern. Pro gradu-avhandlingen studerar flyktingkrisen som en diskursiv händelse, en social konstruktion av en företeelse som tar de aktuella personerna och deras åsikter i beaktande. Avhandlingen är uppbyggd som en linje som inleds med mediestrategier och går till iscensättandet av nyheten, för att sedan analysera de olika åsikterna och personerna som ger upphov till lingvistisk polyfoni och mångtydighet. Syftet med avhandlingen är att studera hur medierna påverkar vår förståelse av en kris. För att få en dynamisk bild av bevakningen av flyktingkrisen studeras rubriker till ett hundratal titlar som publicerats i september 2015 av två stora franska dagstidningar: Le Figaro och Libération. Tidningarnas motsatta politiska orientering står som grund för en heltäckande och varierande genomläsning av medieuppmärksamheten kring flyktingkrisen. Som metod utförs en diskursanalys på materialet för att få reda på hur de båda tidningarna framställer krisen. Skillnader och likheter studeras, såväl som förekommande teman och en karakteristisk vokabulär i anknytning till krisen. Hypotesen är att flyktingarnas egna åsikter kommer i skymundan i medierna. Som resultat har jag noterat element i krisen som tidigare framställts som viktiga ur lingvistisk synvinkel på krisdiskurs av lingvisten Marie Veniard. Utöver det observeras några kompletterande betydelsekomponenter som står i förbindelse med flyktingkrisens komplexa natur. Ett speciellt mönster för att framställa flyktingarna har visat sig vara ofta förekommande i de båda tidningarna. Flyktingarna nämns för att ge rubrikerna ett autentiskt värde men paradoxalt nog möjliggör de även otydlighet i fråga om vem som faktiskt yttrar sig, flyktingarna eller journalisterna?

Breastfeeding preterm infant from the delivery ward via nicu to home

The aim of this study was to examine how to support breastfeeding of preterm infants immediately after birth in the delivery ward, during their hospital stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and at home after hospital discharge. Specifically, the role of early physical contact, maternal breastfeeding attitude, and an internet-based peer support group were investigated. The delivery ward practices concerning the implementation of early physical contact between a mother and her infant admitted to a NICU were examined by a structured survey in two hospitals. An Internet-based, breastfeeding peer-support intervention for the mothers of preterm infants was developed and tested in a randomized controlled design with one year follow-up. The main outcomes were the duration of exclusive and overall breastfeeding, expressing milk, and maternal attitude. In addition, the perceptions of mothers of preterm infants were investigated by analyzing the peer-support group discussions with a qualitative approach. The implementation of early physical contact was different between the two hospitals studied and was based more on hospital routines than the physiological condition of the infant. Preterm infants, who were born before a gestational age (GA) of 32 weeks, were hardly ever allowed to have early contact with their mothers. Both, a higher GA and early physical contact predicted earlier initiation and increased frequency of breastfeeding in the NICU. A maternal breastfeeding-favorable attitude predicted increased frequency of breastfeeding in the NICU and also a longer duration of overall breastfeeding. The actual duration of breastfeeding was, however, shorter than the mothers intended in advance. The internet-based, peer-support intervention had no effect on the duration of breastfeeding, expressing milk, or maternal attitude. The participating mothers enjoyed the possibility of sharing their experiences of preterm infants with other mothers in similar situations. Some of the mothers also experienced being given useful advice for breastfeeding. Based on the mothers’ discussions, a process of breastfeeding preterm infants was created. This included some paradoxical elements in the NICU where, for example, breast milk was emphasized over breastfeeding and support in the hospital varied. Hospital discharge was a critical point, when the mothers faced breastfeeding in reality. Over time, the mothers assimilated their breastfeeding experience into part of being a mother. The care practices related to early physical contact in delivery wards need to be re-evaluated to allow more infants to have a moment with the mother. Maternal attitude could be screened prenatally and attitude-focused interventions developed. Breastfeeding support in the NICU should be standardized. Internet-based breastfeeding peer-support intervention was feasible but additional research is needed.

Oeuvres médicales de GUY DE CHAULIAC, et recettes diverses.

Contient : Recueil de « receptes » ou remèdes contre différentes maladies, parmi lesquelles (p. 42) : « Dix rigles par quoy l'on peult entendre pourquoy les femmes ont chascun mois leurs fleurs, selon Me Benard de Gourdon. Cy commence le secret des dames, que fait entendre legerement le gouvernement des fleurs des dames... » ; « Le formulaire des aides des appostumes et pustules, ordonné à Paris par Me Guidon de Cailhac, cirurgien et maistre en medecine à Montpellier, l'an mil IIIcXL. Pour ce que selon la doctrine de Ga[lien]... — ... Explicit parvus Guido »