Anti-inflammatory effect of parenteral fish oil lipid emulsion on human activated mononuclear leukocytes

Background & aim: To compare the effect of fish oil-based (FO) lipid emulsions (LE) for parenteral administration with standard LE and a new FO containing LE composed of four different oils on the antigen presentation and inflammatory variables. Methods: Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) activated human mononuclear leukocytes were cultured with different LE - Control: without LE; SO: soybean oil; SO/FO: soybean and FO (4:1); MCT/SO: medium chain triglycerides and SO (1:1); MCT/SO/FO: MCT/SO and FO (4:1) and SMOF: a new LE containing FO. Cytokine production was evaluated by ELISA, the expression of antigen-presenting and co-stimulatory surface molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry and lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by H(3)-Thymidine incorporation, after tetanus toxoid-induced activation. Results: All LE decreased the HLA-DR and increased CD28 and CD152 expression on monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes surface (p < 0.05). SO/FO and MCT/SO/FO decreased lymphocyte proliferation (p<0.05). All LE decreased IL-2 product ion, but this effect was enhanced with MCT/SO/FO and SMOF (p < 0.05). MCT/SOTO decreased IL-6 and increased IL-10, whereas SO had the opposite effect (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FO LE inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and had an anti-inflammatory effect. These effects seem to be enhanced when FO is mixed with MCT/SO. SMOF had a neutral impact on lymphocyte proliferation and IL-6 and IL-10 production.

Disruption of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle and evaluation of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate biosynthesis suggest alternate catabolic pathways of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the relevance of the 2-methylcitric acid cycle (2MCC) to the catabolism of propionate in Burkholderia sacchari. Two B. sacchari mutants unable to grow on propionate were obtained: one disrupted in acnM, and the other in acnM and prpC deleted. An operative 2MCC significantly reduces the bacterial ability to incorporate 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) into a biodegradable copolyester accumulated from carbohydrates plus propionate. The efficiency of the mutants in converting propionate to 3HV units (Y(3HV/prp)) increased from 0.09 g.g(-1) to 0.81-0.96 g.g(-1), indicating that acnM and prpC are both essential for growth on propionate. None of the mutations resulted in achievement of the maximum theoretical Y(3HV/prp) (1.35 g.g(-1)). When increasing concentrations of propionate were supplied, decreasing values of Y(3HV/prp) were observed. The results obtained corroborate the hypothesis of the presence of other propionate catabolic pathways in B. sacchari. The 2MCC would be the more operative pathway, but a second pathway, which remains to be elucidated, would assume more importance under propionate concentrations of 1 g.L(-1) or higher. The efficiency in converting propionate to 3HV units can be improved by decreasing the propionate concentrations, owing to the role of the 2MCC.

Anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin ameliorates insulin resistance in monosodium glutamate-treated obese mice

Considering that inflammation contributes to obesity-induced insulin resistance and that statins have been reported to have other effects beyond cholesterol lowering, the present study aimed to it whether atorvastatin treatment has anti-inflammatory action in white adipose tissue of obese mice, consequently improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin sensitivity in vivo (by insulin tolerance test); metabolic-hormonal profile; plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and adiponectin; adipose tissue immunohistochemistry; glucose transporter (GLUT) 4; adiponectin; INF-alpha; IL-1 beta; and IL-6 gene expression; and I kappa B kinase (IKK)-alpha/beta activity were assessed in 23-week-old monosodium glutamate induced obese mice untreated or treated with atorvastatin for 4 weeks. Insulin-resistant obese mice had increased plasma triglyceride, insulin, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 plasma levels. Adipose tissue of obese animals showed increased macrophage infiltration, IKK-alpha (42%, P < .05) and IKK-beta (73%, P < .05) phosphorylation, and INF-alpha and IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) (similar to 15%, P < .05) levels, and decreased GLUT4 mRNA and protein (30%, P < .05) levels. Atorvastatin treatment lowered cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin, INF-alpha, and IL-6 plasma levels, and restored whole-body insulin sensitivity. In adipose tissue, atorvastatin decreased macrophage in and normalized IKK-alpha/beta phosphorylation; INF-alpha, IL-6, and GLUT4 mRNA; and GLUT4 protein to control levels. The present findings demonstrate that atorvastatin has anti-inflammatory effects on adipose tissue of obese mice, which may be important to its local and whole-body insulin-sensitization effects. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effect of Short-term High-Dose Creatine Supplementation on Measured GFR in a Young Man With a Single Kidney

It currently is unknown whether creatine supplementation is safe for people with or at risk of kidney disease. We report on the short-term effects of creatine supplementation on kidney function in a young man with a single kidney and mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A 20-year-old man who had undergone unilateral nephrectomy and presented with mildly decreased GFR without kidney damage underwent a trial with 35 days of creatine supplementation (20 g/d for 5 days followed by 5 g/d for the next 30 days) and had his kidney function monitored. After the intervention, (51)Cr-EDTA clearance (pre, 81.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 82.0 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), proteinuria (protein excretion: pre, 130 mg/d; post, 120 mg/d), and electrolyte levels were unchanged. Albuminuria, serum urea level, and estimated creatinine clearance were decreased (pre, 4.6 mg/d; post, 2.9 mg/d; pre, 37 mg/d; post, 28 mg/dL; and pre, 88 mL/min/1.73 m(2); post, 71 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively), whereas serum creatinine level was slightly increased (pre, 1.03 mg/dL; post, 1.27 mg/dL), falsely suggesting kidney function impairment. This prospective report suggests that short-term creatine supplementation may not affect kidney function in an individual with a single kidney, mild decreased GFR, and ingesting a high-protein diet (ie, 2.8 g/kg/d). This finding has great relevance considering that creatine-induced kidney disease has been a growing concern, even for healthy people. Am J Kidney Dis 55: e7-e9. (C) 2010 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

First order reversal curve analysis of nanocrystalline Pd(80)Co(20) alloy films

Films of isotropic nanocrystalline Pd(80)Co(20) alloys were obtained by electrodeposition onto brass substrate in plating baths maintained at different pH values. Increasing the pH of the plating bath led to an increase in mean grain size without inducing significant changes in the composition of the alloy. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant was estimated and the value was of the same order of magnitude as that reported for samples with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. First order reversal curve (FORC) analysis revealed the presence of an important component of reversible magnetization. Also, FORC diagrams obtained at different sweep rate of the applied magnetic field, revealed that this reversible component is strongly affected by kinetic effect. The slight bias observed in the irreversible part of the FORC distribution suggested the dominance of magnetizing intergrain exchange coupling over demagnetizing dipolar interactions and microstructural disorder. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Associating biosensing properties with the morphological structure of multilayers containing carbon nanotubes on field-effect devices

The control of molecular architecture provided by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique has led to enhanced biosensors, in which advantageous features of distinct materials can be combined. Full optimization of biosensing performance, however, is only reached if the film morphology is suitable for the principle of detection of a specific biosensor. In this paper, we report a detailed morphology analysis of LbL films made with alternating layers of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, which were then covered with a layer of penicillinase (PEN). An optimized performance to detect penicillin G was obtained with 6-bilayer SWNT/PAMAM LbL films deposited on p-Si-SiO(2)-Ta(2)O(5) chips, used in biosensors based on a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) and a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) structure, respectively. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images indicated that the LbL films were porous, with a large surface area due to interconnection of SWNT into PAMAM layers. This morphology was instrumental for the adsorption of a larger quantity of PEN, with the resulting LbL film being highly stable. The experiments to detect penicillin were performed with constant-capacitance (Con Cap) and constant-current (CC) measurements for EIS and LAPS sensors, respectively, which revealed an enhanced detection signal and sensitivity of ca. 100 mV/decade for the field-effect sensors modified with the PAMAM/SWNT LbL film. It is concluded that controlling film morphology is essential for an enhanced performance of biosensors, not only in terms of sensitivity but also stability and response time. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structures functionalised with a polyelectrolyte/enzyme multilayer: New strategy for enhanced field-effect biosensing

A novel strategy for enhanced field-effect biosensing using capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) structures functionalised with pH-responsive weak polyelectrolyte/enzyme or dendrimer/enzyme multilayers is presented. The feasibility of the proposed approach is exemplarily demonstrated by realising a penicillin biosensor based on a capacitive p-Si-SiO(2) EIS structure functionalised with a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/penicillinase and a poly(amidoamine) dendrimer/penicillinase multilayer. The developed sensors response to changes in both the local pH value near the gate surface and the charge of macromolecules induced via enzymatic reaction, resulting in a higher sensitivity. For comparison, an EIS penicillin biosensor with adsorptively immobilised penicillinase has been also studied. The highest penicillin sensitivity of 100 mV/dec has been observed for the EIS sensor functionalised with the PAH/penicillinase multilayer. The lower and upper detection limit was around 20 mu M and 10 mM, respectively. In addition, an incorporation of enzymes in a multilayer prepared by layer-by-layer technique provides a larger amount of immobilised enzymes per sensor area, reduces enzyme leaching effects and thus, enhances the biosensor lifetime (the loss of penicillin sensitivity after 2 months was 10-12%). (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Carbon nanotubes in nanostructured films: Potential application as amperometric and potentiometric field-effect (bio-)chemical sensors

The assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into nanostructured films is attractive for producing functionalized hybrid materials and (bio-)chemical sensors, but this requires experimental methods that allow for control of molecular architecturcs. In this study, we exploit the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique to obtain two types of sensors incorporating CNTs. In the first, LbL films of alternating layers of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) dispersed in polyarninoamide (PAMAM) dendrimers and nickel phthalocyanine (NiTsPc) were used in amperometric detection of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA). The electrochemical properties evaluated with cyclic voltammetry indicated that the incorporation of MWNTs in the PAMAM-NT/NiTsPc LbL films led to a 3-fold increase in the peak current, in addition to a decrease of 50 mV in the oxidation potential of DA. The latter allowed detection of DA even in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA), a typical interferent for DA. Another LbL film was obtained with layers of PAMAM and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) employed in field-effect-devices using a capacitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure (EIS). The adsorption of the film components was monitored by measuring the flat-band voltage shift in capacitance-voltage (C-P) curves, caused by the charges from the components. Constant capacitance (ConCap) measurements showed that the EISPAMAM/SWNT film displayed a high pH sensitivity (ca. 54.5 mV/pH), being capable of detecting penicillin G between 10(-4) mol L(-1) and 10(-2) mol L-1, when a layer of penicillinase was adsorbed atop the PAMAM/SWNT film. (C) 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analysis of the combined effect of lasers of different wavelengths for PDT outcome using 600, 630, and 660 nm

We investigated the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) outcome when combining three laser systems that produce light in three different wavelengths (600, 630, and 660 nm). Cooperative as well as independent effects can be observed. We compared the results of the combined wavelengths of light with the effect of single laser for the excitation of the photosensitizer. In the current experiment, the used photosensitizer was Photogem (R) (1.5 mg/kg). Combining two wavelengths for PDT, their cumulative dose and different penetrability may change the overall effect of the fluence of light, which can be effective for increasing the depth of necrosis. This evaluation was performed by comparing the depth and specific aspect of necrosis obtained by using single and dual wavelengths for irradiation of healthy liver of male Wistar rats. We used 15 animals and divided them in five groups of three animals. First, Photogem (R) was administered; follow by measurement of the fluorescence spectrum of the liver before PDT to confirm the level of accumulation of photosensitizer in the tissue. After that, an area of 1 cm(2) of the liver was illuminated using different laser combinations. Qualitative analysis of the necrosis was carried out through histological and morphological study. [GRAPHICS] (a) - microscopic images of rat liver cells, (b) - superficial necrosis caused by PDT using dual-wavelength illumination, (c) - neutrophilic infiltration around the vessel inside the necrosis, and (d) - neutrophilic infiltration around the vessel between necrosis and live tissue (C) 2011 by Astro Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA

High specific surface area LaFeCo perovskites-Synthesis by nanocasting and catalytic behavior in the reduction of NO with CO

LaFe(1-x)CO(x)O(3) perovskites were conventionally or nanocasting synthesized. The nanocasting involved the preparation of a micro-mesoporous carbon mould using a Silica Aerosil 200 and a carbon source. Then, perovskites were carbon cast at 800 degrees C. The solids were characterized by XRD, N(2) sorption, FTIR, TGA/DTG, SEM and TEM. N(2) sorption evidenced that the nanocast perovskites did not show significant intraparticle porosity in despite of their enhanced (30-50 m(2)/g) specific surface area (SSA). Nevertheless, TEM images, XRD and Rietveld refinement data showed that the solids are constituted at least by 97 wt% of perovskite phase and by agglomerates smaller than 100 nm constituted by crystallites of about 6 nm. TGA/DTG results demonstrated carbon oxidation during the perovskite formation, thus eliminating the template effect and facilitating the occurrence of sintering, which limited the SSA increase. The nanocast perovskites were more active in the reduction of NO than the uncast ones, behavior that was attributed to the increase in their SSA that allows the exposure of a higher number of accessible active sites. However, the perovskite composition and the presence of impurities can reduce the effect of the improvement of the textural properties. The nanocast perovskites also showed high thermal and catalytic stability, corroborating their potential as catalysts for the studied reaction. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

THE EFFECT OF CORTICO-THALAMIC CONNECTIONS ON THE DIVERSITY OF CORTICAL ACTIVATIONS AS MODELED BY THE ISING MODEL

The influence of the thalamus on the diversity of cortical activations is investigated in terms of the Ising model with respect to progressive levels of cortico-thalamic connectivity. The results show that better diversity is achieved at lower modulation levels, being higher than those obtained with counterpart network models.

Co-stressors chilling and high light increase photooxidative stress in diuron-treated red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii but with lower involvement of H(2)O(2)

Diuron is one of the most commonly found N-phenylurea herbicides in marine/estuarine waters that promotes toxic effects by inhibiting photosynthesis and affecting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in autotrophs. Since photo- and thermoacclimation are also ROS-mediated processes, this work evaluates a hypothetical additive effect of high light (HL) and chilling (12 degrees C) on 50 nM diuron toxicity to the highly-photosynthetically active apices of the red alga Kappaphycus alvarezii. Additive inhibition of photosynthesis was mainly evidenced by significant decreases of quantum yield of photosystem II and electron transfer rates upon co-stressors exposure to diuron-treated algae. Under extreme 12 degrees C/HL/diuron conditions, unexpected lower correlations between H(2)O(2) concentrations in seawater and radical-sensitive protein thiols were concomitantly measured with the highest indexes of photoinhibition (parameter beta). Altogether, these data support the hypothesis that co-stressors chilling/HL additively inhibit photosynthesis in diuron-exposed K. alvarezii but with less involvement of H(2)O(2) in injury effects than with only chilling or HL. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of some antioxidants on oxidative DNA damage induced by autoxidation of microquantities of sulfite in the presence of Ni(II)/Gly-Gly-L-His

Ni(II)GGH (GGH, glycylglycyl-L-histidine) reacts rapidly with S(IV), in air-saturated solution, to produce Ni(III)GGH. A mechanism is proposed where Ni(III) oxidizes SO(3)(2-) to SO(3)(center dot-), which reacts with dissolved oxygen to produce SO(5)(center dot-), initiating radical chain reactions. DNA strand breaks and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-20-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) formation were observed in air-saturated solutions containing micromolar concentrations of nickel(II) and S(IV). The efficacies of melatonin, (-)-epigallocatechin-gallate (from green tea), resveratrol, tannic, and ascorbic acids in terms of their inhibitory activities of DNA strand breaks and 8-oxodGuo formation were evaluated.

Group 11 (Cu, Ag, Au) promotion of 15%Co/Al(2)O(3) Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts

Co/Al(2)O(3) Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts promoted with different quantities of Group 11 metals (Cu, Ag, Au) were characterized and tested. The presence of relatively small quantities of such metals enhanced Co reducibility and, in the cases of Ag and Au, improved the surface Co metal active site densities. EXAFS experiments with the most loaded catalyst samples show that only Co-Co and Me-Me (Me = Cu, Ag and Au) coordination could be observed. This suggests that the greater fraction of the metals form different phases. However, the reduction promoting effect of the Group 11 metal is severely hampered once the catalyst receives a mild passivation treatment following primary reduction. An explanation in terms of promoter segregation during primary reduction is proposed. At lower promoter levels (0.83%Ag and 1.51%Au) and higher Ag levels (2.76%), significant gains in Co active site densities were achieved resulting in improved CO conversion levels relative to the unpromoted catalyst. Moreover, slight decreases in light product (e.g., CH(4)) selectivity and slight increases in C(5)+ selectivity were achieved. At high Au loading (5.05%), however, too much Au was loaded which, although significantly increasing the fraction of Co reduced, blocked Co surface sites and resulted in decreased Co conversion rates. While Cu facilitated Co reduction, the increased fraction of reduced Co did not translate to improved active site densities. It appears that a fraction of Cu tended to cover the rim of Co clusters, resulting in decreases in CO conversion rates and detrimental increases in light product selectivity. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Calcium Pre-rinse and Fluoride Dentifrice on Enamel and on Dental Plaque Formed In Situ

Purpose: The aim of this in situ double-blind randomised crossover study was to investigate the effect of calcium (Ca) pre-rinse on the composition of plaque and on enamel prior to the use of fluoride (F) dentifrice. Materials and Methods: During four phases (14 days each) of this study, 10 volunteers had agreed to wear dental appliances containing two healthy bovine enamel blocks. A fresh solution containing 20% weight/volume (w/v) sucrose was dripped on the enamel blocks ex vivo for 5 min three times a day. Subsequently, the appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with 10 mL of a Ca (150 mmol/L) or a placebo rinse (1 min). In sequence, a slurry (1:3 w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks ex vivo for 1 min. During this time, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliances were replaced in the mouth, and the volunteers rinsed their mouth with water. The plaque formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. The enamel demineralisation as well as the incorporation of F on enamel was evaluated by cross-sectional microhardness and alkali-soluble F analysis, respectively. Data were tested using analysis of variance (P < 0.05). Results: The Ca pre-rinse prior to the use of the F dentifrice led to a three- and sixfold increase in the plaque F and Ca concentrations, respectively. It also did not have any additive effect on the F content on the enamel and the demineralisation of the enamel, in comparison with the use of F dentifrice alone. Conclusions: A Ca lactate rinse used prior to the F dentifrice was able to change the mineral content in the plaque, but it was unable to prevent enamel demineralisation.