Increased EBV Reactivation in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Early Multiple Sclerosis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been consistently associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but whether this virus is a trigger of MS remains undetermined. Recently, EBV-infected B cells recognized by activated CD8_ T cells have been detected in the meninges of autopsied MS patients. In addition, a strong EBV-specific CD8_ T cell response in the blood of patients with MS of recent onset was reported. Here, to further explore the putative relationship between MS and EBV, we assessed the EBV-specific cellular and humoral immune responses in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with early MS or other neurological diseases, separated into inflammatory (IOND) and non-inflammatory (NIOND) groups. The MS non-associated neurotropic herpesvirus cytomegalovirus (CMV) served as a control. Fifty-eight study subjects were enrolled, including 44 patients (13 with early MS (onset of MS less than one year prior to the assay), 15 with IOND and 16 with NIOND) in the immunological arm of the study. The cellular immune response was investigated using a functional CFSE cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assay performed with short-term cultured EBV- or CMVspecific effector T cells from the CSF and the blood. The humoral immune response specific for these two viruses was also examined in both the blood and the CSF. The recruitment of a given virusspecific antibody in the CSF as compared to the blood was expressed as antibody indexes (AI). We found that, in the CSF of early MS patients, there was an enrichment in EBV-, but not CMV-specific, CD8_ CTL as compared to the CSF of IOND (P_ 0.003) and NIOND patients (P_0.0009), as well as compared to paired blood samples (P_0.005). Additionally, relative viral capsid antigen (VCA)-, but not EBV encoded nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1)- or CMV-specific, AI were increased in the CSF of early MS as compared to IOND (P_0.002) or NIOND patients (P_0.008) and correlated with the EBVspecific CD8_ CTL responses in the CSF (rs_0.54, P_0.001). Fourteen additional patients were enrolled in the virological arm of the study: using semi-nested PCR, EBV-encoded nuclear RNA1 (EBER1)-a transcript expressed during all stages of EBV infection-was detected in the CSF of 2/4 early MS, but only 1/6 IOND and 0/4 NIOND patients. Altogether, our data suggest that a reactivation of EBV, but not CMV, is taking place in the central nervous system of patients with MS of recent onset. These data significantly strengthen the link between EBV and MS and may indicate a triggering role of EBV in this disease. This work was supported by grants from the Swiss National Foundation and from the Swiss Society for Multiple Sclerosis.

Vitamin D levels and associated factors: a population-based study in Switzerland.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: To update the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and to identify factors associated with vitamin D status in the Swiss adult population. METHODS: Data from the 2010-2011 Swiss Study on Salt intake, a population-based study in the Swiss population, was used. Vitamin D concentration in serum was measured by liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry. Major factors that influence vitamin D levels were taken into account. Survey statistical procedures were used to estimate means and prevalences of vitamin D levels and status. Monthly-specific tertiles of vitamin D and ordinal logistic regression were used to determine the associations of covariates of interest with vitamin D status. RESULTS: The prevalences of vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D: 20-29.9 ng/ml) and deficiency (<20 ng/ml) were the highest in the January-March period; 26.4% (95%CI: 21.6-31.7) and 61.6% (95%CI: 56.0-67.0), respectively. In the same period, more than 9 of ten men were vitamin D insufficient or deficient. Each unit increase of Body Mass Index was associated with an 8% decreased likelihood of being in a higher vitamin D tertiles. Oral contraceptive, altitude, urinary excretion of calcium, use of vitamin D supplement or treatment, high wine consumption, physical activity were associated with vitamin D tertiles. Compared to the French-speaking region, the Italian-speaking region was independently associated with a higher likelihood of being in higher vitamin D tertiles (OR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.14-2.43). CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of vitamin D are common among Swiss adults, in particular during winter months and outside the Italian-speaking region.

Choice of Initial Combination Antiretroviral Therapy in Individuals With HIV Infection: Determinants and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND Current guidelines give recommendations for preferred combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We investigated factors influencing the choice of initial cART in clinical practice and its outcome. METHODS We analyzed treatment-naive adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection participating in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and starting cART from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2009. The primary end point was the choice of the initial antiretroviral regimen. Secondary end points were virologic suppression, the increase in CD4 cell counts from baseline, and treatment modification within 12 months after starting treatment. RESULTS A total of 1957 patients were analyzed. Tenofovir-emtricitabine (TDF-FTC)-efavirenz was the most frequently prescribed cART (29.9%), followed by TDF-FTC-lopinavir/r (16.9%), TDF-FTC-atazanavir/r (12.9%), zidovudine-lamivudine (ZDV-3TC)-lopinavir/r (12.8%), and abacavir/lamivudine (ABC-3TC)-efavirenz (5.7%). Differences in prescription were noted among different Swiss HIV Cohort Study sites (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, compared with TDF-FTC-efavirenz, starting TDF-FTC-lopinavir/r was associated with prior AIDS (relative risk ratio, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.78-4.35), HIV-RNA greater than 100 000 copies/mL (1.53; 1.07-2.18), and CD4 greater than 350 cells/μL (1.67; 1.04-2.70); TDF-FTC-atazanavir/r with a depressive disorder (1.77; 1.04-3.01), HIV-RNA greater than 100 000 copies/mL (1.54; 1.05-2.25), and an opiate substitution program (2.76; 1.09-7.00); and ZDV-3TC-lopinavir/r with female sex (3.89; 2.39-6.31) and CD4 cell counts greater than 350 cells/μL (4.50; 2.58-7.86). At 12 months, 1715 patients (87.6%) achieved viral load less than 50 copies/mL and CD4 cell counts increased by a median (interquartile range) of 173 (89-269) cells/μL. Virologic suppression was more likely with TDF-FTC-efavirenz, and CD4 increase was higher with ZDV-3TC-lopinavir/r. No differences in outcome were observed among Swiss HIV Cohort Study sites. CONCLUSIONS Large differences in prescription but not in outcome were observed among study sites. A trend toward individualized cART was noted suggesting that initial cART is significantly influenced by physician's preference and patient characteristics. Our study highlights the need for evidence-based data for determining the best initial regimen for different HIV-infected persons.

Produção e qualidade do milheto semeado em duas épocas e adubado com nitrogênio

O trabalho foi conduzido na FCAV-UNESP, câmpus de Jaboticabal, com o objetivo de avaliar as características fisiológicas de crescimento, produção de matéria seca (MS) e teores de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de dois genótipos de milheto (Pennisetum americanum) cultivar Comum e CMS 02/EMBRAPA, semeados em duas épocas (23/11/94 e 10/3/95) e submetidos a quatro doses de N (0; 75; 150 e 225 kg ha-1). O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas, e três repetições. Na primeira época de semeadura, a cv. Comum apresentou produção de MS total significativamente superior (6.995 kg ha-1) à do genótipo CMS 02 (6.177 kg ha-1), e a aplicação de 150 kg ha-1 foi a dose mais adequada nesse período. Na segunda época de semeadura, a produção de MS total dos genótipos foi, em média, de 2.799 kg ha-1, e a adubação nitrogenada não revelou efeito significativo. Plantas da primeira época de semeadura apresentaram, nos dois primeiros cortes, alta produção de folhas, cujos teores de PB foram superiores a 20%, e os valores de DIVMS em torno de 70%.

Repetibilidade e respostas de características morfofisiológicas e produtivas de capim-elefante de porte baixo sob pastejo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade, de determinação (R²) e o número mínimo de medições necessárias para predizer o valor real de variáveis morfofisiológicas e produtivas, bem como as respostas do capim-elefante de porte baixo ao pastejo com ovinos. O experimento foi realizadoem blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos - Taiwan A-146 2.27, Taiwan A-146 2.37, Taiwan A-146 2.114, Merker México MX 6.31 e Mott - e quatro repetições, ao longo de cinco ciclos de pastejo entre setembro de2008 e abril de 2009. Foram avaliados a altura média de plantas, o índice de área foliar (IAF), a interceptação luminosa (IL), os ângulos foliares médios (AFM), o acúmulo de forragem (AF) e a taxa de acúmulo de forragem(TAF). Para as variáveis IAF, IL e altura média de plantas, nos ciclos longos, foi necessária apenas uma medição (R² = 80%) para classificá-las como de mais fácil predição em clones de capim-elefante. Avaliações de AF e de TAF necessitam de períodos experimentais mais longos, para maior confiabilidade na estimativa dessas variáveis resposta. Dosséis de capim-elefante de porte baixo interceptam maior quantidade de radiação incidente, quanto maior for a altura média das plantas e o IAF.

Evaluation des campagnes de prévention du SIDA en Suisse : rapport intermédiaire : (juillet 1988)

Le présent rapport intermédiaire concerne l'impact de la suite de la campagne STOP-SIDA et des autres aspects de la prévention (actions multiplicatrices, compléments à la campagne STOP-SIDA), à partir du mois d'octobre 1987. Il fait référence entre autres à la phase III de STOP-SIDA: répétition des messages des phases I et II (usage du préservatif, non-échange de matériel d'injection, fidélité) et situations sans risque de contamination. Les données présentées sont le résultat d'une synthèse préliminaire basée sur des études en cours de réalisation, elles ne peuvent donc être interprétées qu'en termes de premières tendances ou impressions, qui devront encore être confirmées ou infirmées par l'achèvement des études. Elles permettent cependant de formuler quelques conclusions et recommandations. [Auteurs, p. 5-6]

Potential role for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) in preventing colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors involved in genetic control of many cellular processes. PPAR and PPAR have been implicated in colonic malignancy. Here we provide three lines of evidence suggesting an inhibitory role for PPAR in colorectal cancer development. METHODS: Levels of PPAR mRNA and protein in human colorectal cancers were compared with matched non-malignant mucosa using RNAse protection and western blotting. APC(Min)/+ mice were randomised to receive the PPAR activator methylclofenapate 25 mg/kg or vehicle for up to 16 weeks, and small and large intestinal polyps were quantified by image analysis. The effect of methylclofenapate on serum stimulated mitogenesis (thymidine incorporation), linear cell growth, and annexin V and propidium iodide staining were assessed in human colonic epithelial cells. RESULTS: PPAR (mRNA and protein) expression levels were significantly depressed in colorectal cancer compared with matched non-malignant tissue. Methylclofenapate reduced polyp area in the small intestine from 18.7 mm(2) (median (interquartile range 11.1, 26.8)) to 9.90 (4.88, 13.21) mm(2) (p=0.003) and in the colon from 9.15 (6.31, 10.5) mm(2) to 3.71 (2.71, 5.99) mm(2) (p=0.009). Methylclofenapate significantly reduced thymidine incorporation and linear cell growth with no effect on annexin V or propidium iodide staining. CONCLUSIONS: PPAR may inhibit colorectal tumour progression, possibly via inhibition of proliferation, and may be an important therapeutic target.

El trabajo cooperativo: una competencia básica para la transformación de los centros educativos de secundaria

Los cambios que se están produciendo en la sociedad influyen notablemente sobre todo lo que nos rodea, van cambiando criterios y modificando comportamientos. Una transformación se va produciendo sin pausa y de forma gradual. El artículo pone de manifiesto una investigación llevada a término entre más de 300 docentes de 31 centros de secundaria y en donde se establece un análisis comparativo entre los cambios sociales y educativos y el nivel de competencia de trabajo cooperativo que asumen los docentes. También destaca las variables y los factores que condicionan su comportamiento: variables de proceso y contexto referidas a criterios de liderazgo, participación e implicación, comunicación y diálogo, metodología y recursos. Finalmente se presenta una valoración global para poner de manifiesto el inicio de un camino de cambios que nos lleve a una transformación de nuestras instituciones educativas. La competencia de trabajo cooperativo genera compromisos de participación incorporando gente que va aceptando los cambios, fragua el espíritu de transformación porque la necesidad de cambio no dependen de un solo individuo sino de un equipo.

Prevalence and determinants of periodic limb movements in the general population.

OBJECTIVE: Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are sleep phenomena characterized by periodic episodes of repetitive stereotyped limb movements. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and determinants of PLMS in a middle to older aged general population. METHODS: Data from 2,162 subjects (51.2% women, mean age = 58.4 ± 11.1 years) participating in a population-based study (HypnoLaus, Lausanne, Switzerland) were collected. Assessments included laboratory tests, sociodemographic data, personal and treatment history, and full polysomnography at home. PLMS index (PLMSI) was determined, and PLMSI > 15/h was considered as significant. RESULTS: Prevalence of PLMSI > 15/h was 28.6% (31.3% in men, 26% in women). Compared to subjects with PLMSI ≤ 15/h, subjects with PLMSI > 15/h were older (p < 0.001), were predominantly males (p = 0.007), had a higher proportion of restless legs syndrome (RLS; p < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (p = 0.001), and had a lower mean glomerular filtration rate (p < 0.001). Subjects with PLMSI > 15/h also had a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and beta-blocker or hypnotic treatments. The prevalence of antidepressant use was higher, but not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within BTBD9 (rs3923809), TOX3 (rs3104788), and MEIS1 (rs2300478) genes were significantly associated with PLSMI > 15/h. Conversely, mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels were similar in both groups. In the multivariate analysis, age, male gender, antidepressant intake, RLS, and rs3923809, rs3104788, and rs2300478 SNPs were independently associated with PLMSI > 15/h. INTERPRETATION: PLMS are highly prevalent in our middle-aged European population. Age, male gender, RLS, antidepressant treatment, and specific BTBD9, TOX3, and MEIS1 SNP distribution are independent predictors of PLMSI > 15/h. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:464-474.

Estudo ab-initio da a-alanina em meio aquoso

Ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF), Density Functional (B3LYP) and electron correlation (MP2) methods have been used to caracterize the aqueous medium intramolecular hydrogen bond in a-alanine. The 6-31G* and 6-31++G** were taken from Gaussian94 library. We were concerned on the structure of three conformers of a-alanine, in their neutral form plus on the structure of the zwitterionic form (Z). The Z structure is a stationary point at the HF/6-31G* level but it is not when diffuse functions and electron correlation are included. This results shows that the Z form does not exist in the gas phase. The inclusion of solvent effects changed significantly the results obtained in gas phase, therefore this inclusion make the Z form a stationary point within all level of theory, and the relative energy depends dramatically on the level of calculation.

Cálculos teóricos de afinidades por próton de n-alquilaminas usando o método ONIOM

The ONIOM method was used to calculate the proton affinities (PA) of n-alkylamines (CnH2n+1NH2, n = 3 to 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18). The calculations were carried out at several levels (HF, MP2, B3LYP, QCISD(T), ...) using Pople basis sets and at the QCISD(T) level using basis sets developed by the generator coordinate method (GCM) and adapted to effective core potentials. PAs were also obtained through the GCM and high level methods, like ONIOM[QCISD(T)/6-31+G(2df,p):MP2/6-31G+G(d,p))//ONIOM[MP2/6-31+G(d,p):HF/6-31G]. The average error using the GCM, with respect to experimental data, was 3.4 kJ mol-1.

Reatividade em reações de Diels-Alder: uma prática computacional

A computational quantum chemistry experiment is described of Diels-Alder reactions between 2-cycloenones and cyclopentadiene. The effects of FMO-Frontier Molecular Orbitals (HOMO-LUMO) and of the withdrawing nature of substituents at the C=C bond of cycloenones were evaluated. The calculations were made using HF/STO-3G and B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) methods. The FMO based indexes are in agreement with the experimentally observed reactivity order. NBO - Natural Bond Orbitals - analysis was used to ascertain the effect of C=C substituents on the dienophile reactivity.

Heteropentámeros (etanol)4-agua: estudio estructural y termodinámico

Stochastic exploration of the potential energy surface of (ethanol)4-water heteropentamers through simulated annealing calculations was used to find probable structures of these clusters. Subsequent geometry optimization with the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) approach of these initial structures led to 13 stable heteropentamers. The strength of the hydrogen bonds of the type O"H-O (primary) and their spatial arrangements seem to be responsible for the geometric preferences and the high stability of these heteropentamers. This result is a consequence of the presence of the cooperative effects among such interactions. There is no significant influence of the secondary hydrogen bonds (C"H-O) on the stability of the heteropentamers.

Structural and reactivity analyses of 2-benzylamino-1,4-naphthoquinone by X-ray characterization, electrochemical measurements, and dft single-molecule calculations

This study represents an integrated approach towards understanding the electronic and structural aspects of 2-benzylamino-1,4-naphthalenedione, a representative 2-amino-napfthoquinone. To this end, theoretical calculations performed at the B3PW91/6-31+G(d) level of density functional theory, electrochemical and X-ray structural investigation were employed. Two intramolecular H-bonds and other two intermolecular H-bonds were observed, including non-classical interactions. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) show two pairs of peaks, being each one a monoelectronic process.

Determinação de nimesulida por análise por injeção em fluxo com detecção amperométrica de múltiplos pulsos

A simple and fast method for the determination of nimesulide (NI) using flow injection analysis with multiple-pulse amperometric (FIA-MPA) detection at a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was developed. The method was based mainly on the application of a four-potential waveform, E1(det) = -0.8 V / 30 ms, E2(det) = 0.6 V / 30 ms, E3(det) = -0.4 V / 30 ms and E4(cleaning) = -0.45 V / 300 ms versus Ag/AgCl (3.0 mol L-1 KCl). NI was detected at three different electrode potentials, at which the nitro group undergoes different redox reactions. The proposed method was selective and sensitive (detection limit of 81.0 nmol L-1), and successfully applied for the determination of NI in pharmaceutical formulations, yielding similar results to those obtained by the reference method.