New Isomers in the Full Seniority Scheme of Neutron-Rich Lead Isotopes: The Role of Effective Three-Body Forces

The neutron-rich lead isotopes, up to Pb-216, have been studied for the first time, exploiting the fragmentation of a primary uranium beam at the FRS-RISING setup at GSI. The observed isomeric states exhibit electromagnetic transition strengths which deviate from state-of-the-art shell-model calculations. It is shown that their complete description demands the introduction of effective three-body interactions and two-body transition operators in the conventional neutron valence space beyond Pb-208.

Discovery and cross-section measurement of neutron-rich isotopes in the element range from neodymium to platinum with the FRS

Using the high-resolution performance of the fragment separator FRS at GSI we have discovered 60 new neutron-rich isotopes in the atomic number range of 60 <= Z <= 78. The new isotopes were unambiguously identified in reactions with a U-238 beam impinging on a Be target at 1 GeV/nucleon. The production cross-section for the new isotopes have been measured down to the pico-barn level and compared with predictions of different model calculations. For elements above hafnium fragmentation is the dominant reaction mechanism which creates the new isotopes, whereas fission plays a dominant role for the production of the new isotopes up to thulium. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of anabolic androgenic steroids on chylomicron metabolism

Objective: To evaluate the effects of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on chylomicron metabolism. Methods: An artificial lipid emulsion labeled with radioactive cholesteryl ester (CE) and triglycerides (TG) mimicking chylomicrons was intravenously injected into individuals who regularly weight trained and made regular use of AAS (WT + AAS group), normolipidemic sedentary individuals (SDT group) and individuals who also regularly weight trained but did not use AAS (WT group). Fractional clearance rates (FCR) were determined by compartmental analysis for emulsion plasma decay curves. Results: FCR-CE for the WT + AAS group was reduced (0.0073 +/- 0.0079 min(-1), 0.0155 +/- 0.0100 min(-1), 0.0149 +/- 0.0160 min(-1), respectively; p<0.05), FCR-TG was similar for both the WT and SDT groups. HDL-C plasma concentrations were lower in the WT + AAS group when compared to the WT and SDT groups (22 +/- 13; 41 +/- 38 +/- 13 mg/dL, respectively; p<0.001). Hepatic triglyceride lipase activity was greater in the WT + AAS group when compared to the WT and SDT groups (7243 +/- 1822; 3898 +/- 1232; 2058 +/- 749, respectively; p<0.001). However, no difference was observed for lipoprotein lipase activity. Conclusions: Data strongly suggest that AAS may reduce the removal from the plasma of chylomicron remnants, which are known atherogenic factors. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Platelet-rich plasma stimulates cytokine expression and alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblast-derived osteosarcoma cells

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of PRP on SAOS-2 cells in terms of cytokine expression, cell activity and oxidative stress. Design: Cell line SAOS-2 (1 x 10(5) cells/mL) were grown in culture medium alpha-MEM with 10% FBS for 24 h and stimulated (or not) with PRP at concentrations of 3, 10 and 20%, LPS (E. coli, 10 g/mL) and IL-1 beta (1 mg/mL) for 24 h. The supernatant was collected and analyzed for the expression of cytokines in a panel array, ALP using a commercial kit and NO2- with Griess reaction method. Also, the cells were analyzed using Western blot for RANKL and slot blotting for nitrotyrosine expression. Result: There were no significant differences amongst the groups in terms of NO2-, protein nitrotyrosine content and RANKL expression. However, all stimuli increased ALP activity and in case of PRP, it was in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001). Also, all stimuli induced an increase in cytokines and chemokines expression, but only PRP promoted an increase of component C5, sICAM-1 and RANTES expression. Whilst IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) expression was down-regulated by PRP, both LPS and IL-1 beta caused up-regulation of this cytokine. Conclusions: PRP can stimulate osteoblast activity and cytokine/chemokine release, as well as indicate some of the mediators that can (and cannot) be involved in this activation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Liquid-liquid equilibria for systems composed of rice bran oil and alcohol-rich solvents: Application to extraction and deacidification of oil

The liquid-liquid equilibria of systems composed of rice bran oil, free fatty acids, ethanol and water were investigated at temperatures ranging from 10 to 60 degrees C. The results of the present study indicated that the mutual solubility of the compounds decreased with an increase in the water content of the solvent and a decrease in the temperature of the solution. The experimental data set was correlated by applying the UNIQUAC model. The average variance between the experimental and calculated compositions was 0.35%, indicating that the model can accurately predict behavior of the compounds at different temperatures and degrees of hydration. The adjustment of interaction parameters enables both the simulation of liquid-liquid extractors for deacidification of vegetable oil and the prediction of phase compositions for the oil and alcohol-rich phases that are generated during cooling of the stream exiting the extractor (when using ethanol as the solvent). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxidized low-density lipoproteins and their antibodies: Relationships with the reverse cholesterol transport and carotid atherosclerosis in adults without cardiovascular diseases

Background: Metabolic predictors and the atherogenicity of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and the specific antibodies against oxLDL (oxLDL Ab) are unclear and controversial. Methods: In 107 adults without atherosclerotic manifestations, we measured oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and also the activities of CETP. PLTP, lipases and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Comparisons were performed for the studied parameters between the lowest and the highest tertile of oxLDL and oxLDL Ab, and the relationships between studied variables were evaluated. Results: Subjects with higher oxLDL Ab present reduced hepatic lipase activity and borderline increased cIMT. In the highest oxLDL tertile, besides the higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and apoB100, we found reduced CETP activity and higher cIMT. A significant correlation between oxLDL Ab and cIMT, independent of oxLDL, and a borderline correlation between oxLDL and cIMT independent of oxLDL Ab were found. In the multivariate analysis, apoAl was a significant predictor of oxLDL Ab, in contrast to regulation of oxLDL by apoB100, PLTP and inverse of CETP. Conclusions: In adults without atherosclerotic disease, the metabolic regulation and carotid atherosclerosis of oxLDLAb and oxLDL groups, characterized a dual trait in oxLDL Ab, as a contributor to carotid atherosclerosis, much less so than oxidized LDL, and with a modest atheroprotective role. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Association between hepatic cholesterol and oleic acid in the liver of rats treated with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the lipid profiles of the hepatic and adipose tissues of Wistar rats treated for 21 days with a diet high in saturated fat (high saturated fat, n=6) or high in hydrogenated fat, that is, having 50% partially hydrogenated vegetable oil in its composition (high hydrogenated fat, n=6), and compare them to those of a control group (control group, n=6). Methods Adipose tissue and total hepatic fat were higher in the saturated fat group than in the hydrogenated fat group. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was greatest in the saturated fat group, with consequent lower hepatic vitamin E and A levels. In contrast, serum vitamin A was highest in the saturated fat group. Analysis of hepatic lipid fractions found more cholesterol and less high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in the hydrogenated fat group. The hydrogenated fat group had the highest levels of triacylglycerols, followed by the saturated fat group. Results Significant amounts of trans fatty acids were detected in the hepatic and adipose tissues of the hydrogenated fat group. Among the identified fatty acids, 18:1n9 had a higher positive association with hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerols, and a higher negative association with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil promotes greater accumulation of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the liver than saturated fats. Conclusion Trans fatty acids were incorporated into hepatocytes and adipocytes in a highly efficient manner.

Partial Replacement of omega-6 Fatty Acids With Medium-Chain Triglycerides, but Not Olive Oil, Improves Colon Cytokine Response and Damage in Experimental Colitis

Background: Soybean oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are associated with higher incidence and more severe cases of inflammatory bowel diseases. The authors evaluated whether partial replacement of soybean oil by medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or olive oil influenced the incidence and severity of experimental ulcerative colitis by using different parenteral lipid emulsions (LEs). Methods: Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomized to receive parenteral infusion of the following LE: 100% soybean oil (SO), 50% MCT mixed with 50% soybean oil (MCT/SO), 80% olive oil mixed with 20% soybean oil (OO/SO), or saline (CC). After 72 hours of infusion, acetic acid experimental colitis was induced. After 24 hours, colon histology and cytokine expression were analyzed. Results: SO was not significantly associated with overall tissue damage. MCT/SO was not associated with necrosis (P < .005), whereas OO/SO had higher frequencies of ulcer and necrosis (P < .005). SO was associated with increased expression of interferon-gamma (P = .005) and OO/SO with increased interleukin (IL)-6 and decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression (P < .05). MCT/SO appeared to decrease IL-1 (P < .05) and increase IL-4 (P < .001) expression. Conclusions: Parenteral SO with high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids was not associated with greater tissue damage in experimental colitis. SO partial replacement with MCT/SO decreased the frequency of histological necrosis and favorably modulated cytokine expression in the colon; however, replacement with OO/SO had unfavorable effects. (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012; 36: 442-448)

Low fatness, reduced fat intake and adequate plasmatic concentrations of LDL-cholesterol are associated with high bone mineral density in women: a cross-sectional study with control group

Background: Several parameters are associated with high bone mineral density (BMD), such as overweight, black background, intense physical activity (PA), greater calcium intake and some medications. The objectives are to evaluate the prevalence and the main aspects associated with high BMD in healthy women. Methods: After reviewing the database of approximately 21,500 BMD scans performed in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil, from June 2005 to October 2010, high BMD (over 1400 g/cm(2) at lumbar spine and/or above 1200 g/cm2 at femoral neck) was found in 421 exams. Exclusion criteria were age below 30 or above 60 years, black ethnicity, pregnant or obese women, disease and/or medications known to interfere with bone metabolism. A total of 40 women with high BMD were included and matched with 40 healthy women with normal BMD, paired to weight, age, skin color and menopausal status. Medical history, food intake and PA were assessed through validated questionnaires. Body composition was evaluated through a GE-Lunar DPX MD + bone densitometer. Radiography of the thoracic and lumbar spine was carried out to exclude degenerative alterations or fractures. Biochemical parameters included both lipid and hormonal profiles, along with mineral and bone metabolism. Statistical analysis included parametric and nonparametric tests and linear regression models. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age was 50.9 (8.3) years. There was no significant difference between groups in relation to PA, smoking, intake of calcium and vitamin D, as well as laboratory tests, except serum C-telopeptide of type I collagen (s-CTX), which was lower in the high BMD group (p = 0.04). In the final model of multivariate regression, a lower fat intake and body fatness as well a better profile of LDL-cholesterol predicted almost 35% of high BMD in women. (adjusted R2 = 0.347; p < 0.001). In addition, greater amounts of lean mass and higher IGF-1 serum concentrations played a protective role, regardless age and weight. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the potential deleterious effect of lipid metabolism-related components, including fat intake and body fatness and worse lipid profile, on bone mass and metabolism in healthy women.

Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium Data for the System Lard plus Oleic Acid plus Ethanol + Water at 318.2 K: Cholesterol Distribution Coefficients

This research reports liquid liquid equilibrium data for the system lard (swine fat), cis-9-octadecenoic acid (oleic acid), ethanol, and water at 318.2 K, as well as their correlation with the nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL) and universal quasichemical activity coefficient (UNIQUAC) thermodynamic equations, which have provided global deviations of 0.41 % and 0.53 %, respectively. Additional equilibrium experiments were also performed to obtain cholesterol partition (or distribution) coefficients to verify the availability of the use of ethanol plus water to reduce the cholesterol content in lard. The partition experiments were performed with concentrations of free fatty acids (commercial oleic acid) that varied from (0 to 20) mass % and of water in the solvent that varied from (0 to 18) mass %. The percentage of free fatty acids initially present in lard had a slight effect on the distribution of cholesterol between the phases. Furthermore, the distribution coefficients decreased by adding water in the ethanol; specifically, it resulted in a diminution of the capability of the solvent to remove the cholesterol.

Availability of a rich source of sodium during the perinatal period programs the fluid balance restoration pattern in adult offspring

Osmoregulatory mechanisms can be vulnerable to electrolyte and/or endocrine environmental changes during the perinatal period, differentially programming the developing offspring and affecting them even in adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether availability of hypertonic sodium solution during the perinatal period may induce a differential programming in adult offspring osmoregulatory mechanisms. With this aim, we studied water and sodium intake after Furosemide-sodium depletion in adult offspring exposed to hypertonic sodium solution from 1 week before mating until postnatal day 28 of the offspring, used as a perinatal manipulation model [PM-Na group]. In these animals, we also identified the cell population groups in brain nuclei activated by Furosemide-sodium depletion treatment, analyzing the spatial patterns of Fos and Fos-vasopressin immunoreactivity. In sodium depleted rats, sodium and water intake were significantly lower in the PM-Na group vs. animals without access to hypertonic sodium solution [PM-Ctrol group]. Interestingly, when comparing the volumes consumed of both solutions in each PM group, our data show the expected significant differences between both solutions ingested in the PM-Ctrol group, which makes an isotonic cocktail: however, in the PM-Na group there were no significant differences in the volumes of both solutions consumed after Furosemide-sodium depletion, and therefore the sodium concentration of total fluid ingested by this group was significantly higher than that in the PM-Ctrol group. With regard to brain Fos immunoreactivity, we observed that Furosemide-sodium depletion in the PM-Na group induced a higher number of activated cells in the subfornical organ, ventral subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus and vasopressinergic neurons of the supraoptic nucleus than in the PM-Ctrol animals. Moreover, along the brainstem, we found a decreased number of sodium depletion-activated cells within the nucleus of the solitary tract of the PM-Na group. Our data indicate that early sodium availability induces a long-term effect on fluid drinking and on the cell activity of brain nuclei involved in the control of hydromineral balance. These results also suggest that availability of a rich source of sodium during the perinatal period may provoke a larger anticipatory response in the offspring, activating the vasopressinergic system and reducing thirst after water and sodium depletion, as a result of central osmosensitive mechanism alterations. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Treatment With Methotrexate Inhibits Atherogenesis in Cholesterol-Fed Rabbits

A decrease in the number of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis treated with methotrexate (MTX) has been observed in the literature. The aim of this study was to test whether MTX could promote anti-inflammatory effects and reduce the atherosclerotic lesions in rabbits with atherosclerosis induced by cholesterol feeding. Twenty male New Zealand rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 60 days. Starting from day 30 of cholesterol feeding, 10 animals were treated with 4 weekly intravenous injections of MTX (4 mg/kg) and 10 with 4 weekly saline solution injections for 30 days. MTX reduced the size of the lesion areas of cholesterol-fed animals by 75% and intima-media ratio 2- fold. The drug inhibited macrophage migration into the intima by 50% and the presence of apoptotic cells by 84% but did not inhibit the intimal proliferation of smooth muscle cells. MTX treatment also diminished the positive staining area of metalloproteinase 9 in the intima, which is probably beneficial. In the tumor necrosis factor-alpha-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell line, incubation with MTX led to downregulation of 5 pro-inflammatory genes, TNF-alpha, VAP-1, IL-1 beta, CXCL2, and TLR2, and upregulation of the antiinflammatory TGF-beta 1 gene, thus showing endothelium-protective properties. In conclusion, MTX showed direct in vivo anti-atherosclerotic action and may have potential in the treatment of this disorder.

First measurement of beta decay half-lives in neutron-rich Tl and Bi isotopes

Neutron-rich isotopes around lead, beyond N = 126, have been studied exploiting the fragmentation of an uranium primary beam at the FRS-RISING setup at GSI. For the first time beta-decay half-lives of Bi-219 and Tl-211,Tl-212,Tl-213 isotopes have been derived. The half-lives have been extracted using a numerical simulation developed for experiments in high-background conditions. Comparison with state of the art models used in r-process calculations is given, showing a systematic underestimation of the experimental values, at variance from close-lying nuclei. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-atherogenic and anti-angiogenic activities of polyphenols from propolis

Propolis is a polyphenol-rich resinous substance extensively used to improve health and prevent diseases. The effects of polyphenols from different sources of propolis on atherosclerotic lesions and inflammatory and angiogenic factors were investigated in LDL receptor gene (LDLr-/-) knockout mice. The animals received a cholesterol-enriched diet to induce the initial atherosclerotic lesions (IALs) or advanced atherosclerotic lesions (AALs). The IAL or AAL animals were divided into three groups, each receiving polyphenols from either the green, red or brown propolis (250 mg/kg per day) by gavage. After 4 weeks of polyphenol treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their blood was collected for lipid profile analysis. The atheromatous lesions at the aortic root were also analyzed for gene expression of inflammatory and angiogenic factors by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. All three polyphenol extracts improved the lipid profile and decreased the atherosclerotic lesion area in IAL animals. However, only polyphenols from the red propolis induced favorable changes in the lipid profiles and reduced the lesion areas in AAL mice. In IAL groups. VCAM, MCP-1, FGF, PDGF, VEGF, PECAM and MMP-9 gene expression was down-regulated, while the metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP-1 gene was up-regulated by all polyphenol extracts. In contrast, for advanced lesions, only the polyphenols from red propolis induced the down-regulation of CD36 and the up-regulation of HO-1 and TIMP-1 when compared to polyphenols from the other two types of propolis. In conclusion, polyphenols from propolis, particularly red propolis, are able to reduce atherosclerotic lesions through mechanisms including the modulation of inflammatory and angiogenic factors. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

No evidence of selenosis from a selenium-rich diet in the Brazilian Amazon

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and a well-known anti-oxidant. In the Lower Tapajos River region of the Brazilian Amazon, biomarkers of Se range from normal to very high. The local traditional diet includes important Se sources such as Brazil nuts, chicken, game meat and certain fish species. Some studies have reported alterations in keratin structure, gastrointestinal problems and paresthesia in populations with high Se intake. The objective of the present study was to evaluate cutaneous and garlic odor of the breath signs and sentinel symptoms of Se toxicity (selenosis) in relation to Se status in communities along the Tapajos River. Participants (N = 448), aged 15-87 years, were recruited from 12 communities. Se concentrations were measured in blood (B-Se) and plasma (P-Se) by ICP-MS. A nurse performed an examination of the hair, nails, skin and breath for signs of Se toxicity. Interview-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on socio-demographics, medical history and possible symptoms of Se toxicity. In this population, the median levels of B-Se and P-Se were 228.4 mu g/L (range 103.3-1500.2 mu g/L) and 134.8 mu g/L (range 53.6-913.2 mu g/L) respectively. Although B-Se and P-Se surpassed concentrations considered toxic (B-Se: 1000 mu g/L (U.S. EPA, 2002)), no dermal or breath signs or symptoms of Se toxicity were associated with the biomarkers of Se status. In the present study population, where Se intake is mostly from traditional diet, there is no evidence of selenosis. These findings support the need to re-assess Se toxicity considering factors such as the chemical form of Se exposure, route of exposure (inhaled versus ingested), co-exposures to toxic elements such as mercury. Considering the current food transition towards a western diet in the Amazon, further studies should address the possible association between high Se status and cardiometabolic health in this study population. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.