[Scenarios of Typical Occupational Injuries in Lumber Industry]

Revista De Saúde Pública. Dec, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12488936

To describe the scenarios of typical occupational injuries in lumber industry.

Cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine) Therapy in Hairy Cell Leukemia Variant. A Report of Three Cases

Haematologica. Jan, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11801472

A Preventative Foot Care Programme for People with Diabetes with Different Stages of Neuropathy

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. Aug, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12062856

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a preventative foot care programme, applied in a normal outpatient setting to decrease the incidence of foot ulcers in people with diabetes diagnosed as having neuropathy by neuropathy disability score (NDS), in relation to the severity of neuropathy based on the vibration perception threshold (VPT). A structured continuous preventative foot care programme was designed to ensure proper footwear, walking foot hygiene, callus care, nailcutting, water temperature checks, use of warming devices, bathroom surgery, foot care products and self-inspection. Continual foot-care education and treatment, including podiatry, were available. Evaluation was at least every 6 months. Diabetic patients (n=308) with neuropathy (NDS > or =6), 72.3+/-10.7 years old, 45% men, 10.9+/-8.8 years duration of diabetes, and HbA(1c) 6.5+/-1.3%, without a history of foot lesions were recruited over 3 years and followed-up for 4.6 (3-6) years. A low risk group (n=124) had a VPT<25 V while 184 had a VPT > or =25 V (high risk). In all 220 patients (71%) complied with the programme, compliance being 76 and 68% in low and high risk groups. The low risk group developed nine ulcers in nine patients, and the high risk group 24 ulcers in 19 patients. Of these eight and 19 ulcers, respectively, were in the non-compliant patient group, giving relative risk of 22 and eight compared with people attending the programme. Thus compliance with a preventative foot programme reduces the incidence of foot ulceration in people with diabetes with neuropathy. This decrease is relatively greater in patients with less severity of neuropathy. The simple design should be widely generalisable.

Trafficking of Ganglioside GD3 to Mitochondria by Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Sep, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12118012

The interaction of mitochondria with proapoptotic proteins activates apoptosis pathways. Previous findings have identified ganglioside GD3 (GD3) as an emerging apoptotic lipid intermediate that targets mitochondria in response to death signals. Using immunoelectron and laser scanning confocal microscopy, we characterize the trafficking of GD3 to mitochondria in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in rat hepatocytes. In control hepatocytes, GD3 is present predominantly at the plasma membrane as well as in the endosomal/Golgi network, as verified by its colocalization with the asialoglycoprotein receptor. Following TNF-alpha exposure, GD3 undergoes a rapid cellular redistribution with a gradual loss from the plasma membrane before its colocalization with mitochondria. This process is mimicked by acidic sphingomyelinase and ionizing radiation but not by neutral sphingomyelinase or staurosporin. TNF-alpha stimulated the colocalization of GD3 with early and late endosomal markers, Rab 5 and Rab 7, whereas perturbation of plasma membrane cholesterol or actin cytoskeleton or inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase prevented the trafficking of GD3 to mitochondria. Finally, prevention of the TNF-alpha-stimulated neosynthesis of GD3, cyclosporin A, and latrunculin A or filipin protected sensitized hepatocytes from TNF-alpha-mediated cell death. Thus, the intracellular redistribution and mitochondrial targeting of GD3 during TNF-alpha signaling occurs through actin cytoskeleton vesicular trafficking and contributes to TNF-alpha-mediated hepatocellular cell death.

[Intra-urban Differentials in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, and Their Potential Use in Health Services Planning]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Sep-Oct, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12244366

Based on the premise that spatial occupation by the population is a socially constructed process, the present study identified and grouped homogeneous sectors vis-à-vis living conditions in the municipality of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Among socioeconomic variables from the Brazilian national census, the study identified and selected those which best represent the intra-urban differentials in living conditions in Florianópolis. The variables were categorized according to uniformity in the groups and orientation from the literature. Factor correspondence analysis was used for sector grouping. High income, low income, high schooling, illiteracy, and sub-standard garbage collection were the variables used to define grouping. As a result, the authors were able to divide the municipality into four homogeneous groups: two opposite groups having the best and worst schooling and income, and two median groups in which access to public services defines the hierarchical level. The northern and southern regions of Florianópolis were identified as receiving the greatest attention from the city administration. A heterogeneous distribution of households within sectors was identified, whereby Florianópolis was characterized as not presenting large agglomerations of poverty; however, this should not be interpreted as the absence of a poor population in the municipality.

Non-neoplastic Mediastinal Cysts

European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. Nov, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12414035

The non-neoplastic mediastinal cysts (NNMCs) form a group of uncommon benign lesions of a congenital origin. The significant controversy regarding these cysts is whether to manage with observation or surgical resection. The aim of this study is to analyse the utility of thoracic computed axial tomography (CT) in imaging diagnosis of the NNMCs and the results of surgery in these lesions.

Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter (rCNT1) is Targeted to the Apical Membrane Through the Hepatic Transcytotic Pathway

Experimental Cell Research. Nov, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12441131

The Na+-dependent nucleoside transporter CNT1 has been identified in a caveolin-enriched plasma membrane fraction (CEF), in transcytotic endosomes, and in canalicular membranes isolated from quiescent rat liver in which the transporter appears to be biologically active. CNT1 was also detected, albeit in small amounts, in the early/sorting endosomes. Plasma membrane preparations enriched in basolateral markers showed Na+-dependent nucleoside transport activity that is mostly, if not exclusively, accounted for by CNT2, a transporter protein which was not detected in CEF nor in the endosomal fractions. These data are consistent with different localization and trafficking pathways of the two isoforms in hepatocytes. CNT1 is the first transporter which is reported to follow the transcytotic pathway to be inserted on the apical side of liver parenchymal cells.

The Accessory Molecules CD5 and CD6 Associate on the Membrane of Lymphoid T Cells

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Mar, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12473675

CD5 and CD6 are closely related lymphocyte surface receptors of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily, which show highly homologous extracellular regions but little conserved cytoplasmic tails. Both molecules are expressed on the same lymphocyte populations (thymocytes, mature T cells, and B1a cells) and share similar co-stimulatory properties on mature T cells. Although several works have been reported on the molecular associations and the signaling pathway mediated by CD5, very limited information is available for CD6 in this regard. Here we show the physical association of CD5 and CD6 at the cell membrane of lymphocytes, as well as their localization at the immunological synapse. CD5 and CD6 co-immunoprecipitate from Brij 96 but not Nonidet P-40 cell lysates, independently of both the co-expression of other lymphocyte surface receptors and the integrity of CD5 cytoplasmic region. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis, co-capping, and co-modulation experiments demonstrate the physical in vivo association of CD5 and CD6. Analysis of T cell/antigen-presenting cells conjugates shows the accumulation of both molecules at the immunological synapse. These results indicate that CD5 and CD6 are structurally and physically related receptors, which may be functionally linked to provide either similar or complementary accessory signals during T cell activation and/or differentiation.

Defective TNF-alpha-mediated Hepatocellular Apoptosis and Liver Damage in Acidic Sphingomyelinase Knockout Mice

The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Jan, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12531875

This study addressed the contribution of acidic sphingomyelinase (ASMase) in TNF-alpha-mediated hepatocellular apoptosis. Cultured hepatocytes depleted of mitochondrial glutathione (mGSH) became sensitive to TNF-alpha, undergoing a time-dependent apoptotic cell death preceded by mitochondrial membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. Cyclosporin A treatment rescued mGSH-depleted hepatocytes from TNF-alpha-induced cell death. In contrast, mGSH-depleted hepatocytes deficient in ASMase were resistant to TNF-alpha-mediated cell death but sensitive to exogenous ASMase. Furthermore, although in vivo administration of TNF-alpha or LPS to galactosamine-pretreated ASMase(+/+) mice caused liver damage, ASMase(-/-) mice exhibited minimal hepatocellular injury. To analyze the requirement of ASMase, we assessed the effect of glucosylceramide synthetase inhibition on TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis. This approach, which blunted glycosphingolipid generation by TNF-alpha, protected mGSH-depleted ASMase(+/+) hepatocytes from TNF-alpha despite enhancement of TNF-alpha-stimulated ceramide formation. To further test the involvement of glycosphingolipids, we focused on ganglioside GD3 (GD3) because of its emerging role in apoptosis through interaction with mitochondria. Analysis of the cellular redistribution of GD3 by laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed the targeting of GD3 to mitochondria in ASMase(+/+) but not in ASMase(-/-) hepatocytes. However, treatment of ASMase(-/-) hepatocytes with exogenous ASMase induced the colocalization of GD3 and mitochondria. Thus, ASMase contributes to TNF-alpha-induced hepatocellular apoptosis by promoting the mitochondrial targeting of glycosphingolipids.

Importance of the Phase and Amplitude in the Fractional Fourier Domain

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, Image Science, and Vision. Mar, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12630839

The importance of the amplitude and phase in the fractional Fourier transform (FT) domain is analyzed on the basis of the rectangular signal and the real-world image. The quality of signal restoration from only the amplitude or from only the phase of its fractional FT by applying the inverse fractional FT is considered. It is shown that the signal reconstructed from the amplitude of the fractional FT usually reveals the main features of the original signal only for relatively low fractional orders. On the basis of phase information in the fractional FT domains, significant details of the signal can be obtained for nearly all fractional orders.

Massive Hemoptysis Caused by Tracheal Hemangioma Treated with Interventional Radiology

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Apr, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12683580

Capillary hemangiomas of the tracheobronchial tree are extremely rare in adults, with hemoptysis being one of the most serious forms of presentation. An operation has been the treatment of choice, although it does involve high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially in emergency situations such as massive hemoptysis, which has led to the search for other therapeutic alternatives. There is no experience with embolization by interventional radiology when the hemoptysis is tracheal in origin, caused partly because the infrequency of this pathology; however, the foundations for it have been laid with the development of embolization for bronchopulmonary pathology. We report a case of a tracheal capillary hemangioma in a 66-year-old woman diagnosed with idiopathic thrombopenic purpura, which began as a massive hemoptysis and was treated successfully with embolization by interventional radiology. There has been no recurrence of the bleeding after 1 year's follow-up, and the patient's control fibrobronchoscopy is normal.

Early Use of Corrective Lenses in Spanish Colonies of the Americas Including Parts of the Future United States: Reference to Viceroy Luis De Velasco (the Son)

Optometry and Vision Science : Official Publication of the American Academy of Optometry. Oct, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 14560118

We discuss many aspects of a reproduction of a formal painting from the XVIth century. It is a portrait of Viceroy of New Spain Luis de Velasco, El Joven or Hijo (son-see text), found at the Museum of the Pecos National Monument (near Pecos and Santa Fe, New Mexico). A formal portrait of each Viceroy of New Spain was created, and this one was painted during de Velasco's first term as Viceroy (1590 to 1595 AD). In this depiction, he is seen wearing spectacles. To our knowledge, this is the first known reference suggesting the introduction of this form of visual correction in the Spanish Colonies in the Americas and in the future United States. There are three known portraits of Luis de Velasco (son): One painting, which included his father and significant others, hangs in the Colegiata (a small cathedral) de San Luis near Valladolid, Spain. In this portrayal, he was shown as a young man without a spectacle correction. And there are two viceregal portraits (Term 1, 1590 to 1595; Term 2, 1607 to 1611) in which he wears the same spectacle correction (these are located in Mexico City).

Pharmacokinetic Basis for the Use of Extended Interval Dosage Regimens of Gentamicin in Neonates

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Jul, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15150171

To analyse the pharmacokinetic basis for the use of extended-interval dosage regimens of gentamicin in neonates using population pharmacokinetics.

Focusing Properties of Fractal Zone Plates: Experimental Implementation with a Liquid-crystal Display

Optics Letters. Jun, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15233422

We report the first experimental results, to our knowledge, with fractal zone plates implemented in a liquid-crystal display. Our results largely agree with theory for the axial irradiance distribution of these lenses. The dependence of the shape and size of the focus points on critical design parameters is discussed. Additional unpredicted features are also described.

In Vitro Conidial Germination in Arthrinium Aureum and Arthrinium Phaeospermum

Mycopathologia. May, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15281397

This paper describes the microscopic details of conidial germination and the influence of pH, sodium chloride concentration, 3% glucose, 3% saccharose and ultraviolet irradiation on the conidial germination in Arthrinium species. Under laboratory conditions, germination started after an incubation period of 90 minutes in 2% malt extract broth at 25 degrees C. In vitro, the conidia of Arthrinium species have a very low percentage of germination (A. phaeospermum: 7.9%; A. aureum: 15.8%). Conidia of this genus have a characteristic equatorial slit. Conidia may break spontaneously at this slit, releasing their cytoplasmic contents. Arthrinium phaeospermum attains its optimum germination percentage when its conidia are suspended in a sterile saline solution (pH 3.5) in a water bath at 20 degrees C for 15 minutes before being inoculated on 2% malt extract agar. Conidial suspensions of A. aureum may be held in the same conditions, but for 30 minutes.

Relevance of CD6-mediated Interactions in T Cell Activation and Proliferation

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). Aug, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15294938

CD6 is a cell surface receptor expressed on immature thymocytes and mature T and B1a lymphocytes. The ultimate function of CD6 has not been deciphered yet, but much evidence supports a role for CD6 in T cell activation and differentiation. In this study, we show that a fraction of CD6 molecules physically associates with the TCR/CD3 complex by coimmunoprecipitation, cocapping, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments. Image analysis of Ag-specific T-APC conjugates demonstrated that CD6 and its ligand, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (CD166), colocalize with TCR/CD3 at the center of the immunological synapse, the so-called central supramolecular activation cluster. The addition of a soluble rCD6 form significantly reduced the number of mature Ag-specific T-APC conjugates, indicating that CD6 mediates early cell-cell interactions needed for immunological synapse maturation to proceed. This was in agreement with the dose-dependent inhibition of CD3-mediated T cell proliferation induced by soluble rCD6. Taken together, our data illustrate the important role played by the intra- and intercellular molecular interactions mediated by CD6 during T cell activation and proliferation processes.

Neutron Fibres and Possible Applications to NCT

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine. Nov, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15308154

We summarize previous researches regarding neutron guides of small transverse cross-section (neutron fibres), smaller than those of the standard hollow guides and collimators employed currently. Those studies may not be widely known in the neutron capture therapy (NCT) community, but they may be interesting for it. Such neutron fibres could allow to deliver and concentrate neutron beams selectively in regions of size smaller than 1mm. We present new estimates and point out and discuss some new possible specific applications of those neutron fibres, which would not replace standard NCT but could supplement it. Thus, we entertain the possibility that neutron fibres could be useful for additional therapies (in typical NCT durations) of: (i) rather small tumours, (ii) thin borders of tumours. The use of these neutron fibres could reduce the undesirable delivery of radiation to healthy tissue around regions with malignant tissue.

Protein KinaseCdelta-calmodulin Crosstalk Regulates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Exit from Early Endosomes

Molecular Biology of the Cell. Nov, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15342779

We have recently shown that calmodulin antagonist W13 interferes with the trafficking of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and regulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrate that in cells in which calmodulin is inhibited, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors rapidly restore EGFR and transferrin trafficking through the recycling compartment, although onward transport to the degradative pathway remains arrested. Analysis of PKC isoforms reveals that inhibition of PKCdelta with rottlerin or its down-modulation by using small interfering RNA is specifically responsible for the release of the W13 blockage of EGFR trafficking from early endosomes. The use of the inhibitor Gö 6976, specific for conventional PKCs (alpha, beta, and gamma), or expression of dominant-negative forms of PKClambda, zeta, or epsilon did not restore the effects of W13. Furthermore, in cells treated with W13 and rottlerin, we observed a recovery of brefeldin A tubulation, as well as transport of dextran-fluorescein isothiocyanate toward the late endocytic compartment. These results demonstrate a specific interplay between calmodulin and PKCdelta in the regulation of the morphology of and trafficking from the early endocytic compartment.

Activation of AMP-dependent Protein Kinase by Hypoxia and Hypothermia in the Liver of Frog Rana Perezi

Cryobiology. Oct, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15351690

We have investigated different signaling molecules that could be activated by temperature acclimation and hypoxia, using an experimental approach consisting in submerging frogs in a water-filled box maintained at 2-4 degrees C at ambient oxygen levels or supplied with 98% N2:2% CO2 for normoxia or hypoxia conditions, respectively. The results obtained showed no significant changes in the expression of heat shock protein 70. The phosphorylation state of AMP-dependent activated protein kinase, the down-stream component of a protein kinase cascade that acts as an intracellular energy sensor, was significantly increased in both experimental conditions, showing higher values in the absence of oxygen. Similarly, the phosphorylation state of one of its known substrates, elongation factor 2, was also increased, consistent with the arrest of protein synthesis. These results point out an important role of this kinase, adjusting the rates of ATP-consuming and ATP-generating pathways, in the survival strategies to hypoxia and hypothermia.

Establishing Sustainable Strategies in Urban Underground Engineering

Science and Engineering Ethics. Jul, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15362708

Growth of urban areas, the corresponding increased demand for utility services and the possibility of new types of utility systems are overcrowding near surface underground space with urban utilities. Available subsurface space will continue to diminish to the point where utilidors (utility tunnels) may become inevitable. Establishing future sustainable strategies in urban underground engineering consists of the ability to lessen the use of traditional trenching. There is an increasing interest in utility tunnels for urban areas as a sustainable technique to avoid congestion of the subsurface. One of the principal advantages of utility tunnels is the substantially lower environmental impact compared with common trenches. Implementing these underground facilities is retarded most by the initial cost and management procedures. The habitual procedure is to meet problems as they arise in current practice. The moral imperative of sustainable strategies fails to confront the economic and political conflicts of interest. Municipal engineers should act as a key enabler in urban underground sustainable development.

First Prenatal Diagnosis for Wolfram Syndrome by Molecular Analysis of the WFS1 Gene

Prenatal Diagnosis. Oct, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15503287

Wolfram syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by early onset diabetes mellitus and progressive optic atrophy in the first decade of life. Other clinical features such as diabetes insipidus, deafness, renal tract abnormalities or psychiatric illnesses are often present. The sequence of the Wolfram syndrome gene (WFS1) was described in 1998, and mutations in the gene have been reported in many populations. To date, the function of the putative protein remains unknown. Here we report prenatal diagnosis by analysing the WFS1 gene, in a foetus belonging to a family with a child diagnosed for Wolfram syndrome. The parents are carriers of the c.2206G > C (G736R) mutation. To our knowledge this is the first description of prenatal diagnosis for Wolfram syndrome, based on the molecular analysis of the WFS1 gene.

CD229 (Ly9) Lymphocyte Cell Surface Receptor Interacts Homophilically Through Its N-terminal Domain and Relocalizes to the Immunological Synapse

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). Jun, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15905546

CD229 is a member of the CD150 family of the Ig superfamily expressed on T and B cells. Receptors of this family regulate cytokine production and cytotoxicity of lymphocytes and NK cells. The cytoplasmic tail of CD229 binds to SAP, a protein that is defective in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. To identify the CD229 ligand, we generated a soluble Ig fusion protein containing the two N-terminal extracellular domains of human CD229 (CD229-Ig). CD229-Ig bound to CD229-transfected cells, whereas no binding was detected on cells expressing other CD150 family receptors, showing that CD229 binds homophilically. Both human and mouse CD229 interacted with itself. Domain deletion mutants showed that the N-terminal Ig-domain mediates homophilic adhesion. CD229-CD229 binding was severely compromised when the charged amino acids E27 and E29 on the predicted B-C loop and R89 on the F-G loop of the N-terminal domain were mutated to alanine. In contrast, one mutation, R44A, enhanced the homophilic interaction. Confocal microscopy image analysis revealed relocalization of CD229 to the contact area of T and B cells during Ag-dependent immune synapse formation. Thus, CD229 is its own ligand and participates in the immunological synapse.

First Report of Two Independent Point FactorVIII Mutations in a Family with Haemophilia A: a Word of Caution for Carrier Diagnosis

Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Sep, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16268489

Fourier Series Analysis of Fractal Lenses: Theory and Experiments with a Liquid-crystal Display

Applied Optics. Feb, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16523781

We report on a Fourier series approach that predicts the focal points and intensities produced by fractal zone plate lenses. This approach allows us to separate the effects of the fractal order from those of the lens aperture. We implement these fractal lenses onto a liquid-crystal display and show experimental verification of our theory.

A 37-year-old Woman with Celiac Disease, Recurrent Psychosis, and Parkinsonism

Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society. May, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16547920

[Blastic NK-cell Lymphoma]

Actas Dermo-sifiliográficas. May, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16801018

Blastic NK () cell lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma, recognized as an independent entity in the new World Health Organization-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHO-EORTC) classification for cutaneous lymphomas. Its clinical, morphological and immunophenotypical characteristics are relatively well defined. It frequently starts with extranodal involvement (primarily cutaneous), often presents with splenomegaly and pancytopenia, and initially responds well to chemotherapy, although the medium-term prognosis is usually poor. It was first considered to originate from immature NK lymphocytes, but now its origin is thought to be plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursors. We present the clinicopathological characteristics of a new case of this entity in a 78-year-old male patient.

Oral Condition and Its Relationship to Nutritional Status in the Institutionalized Elderly Population

Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16815129

The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between the oral condition and nutritional status of all institutionalized elderly people in Florianópolis, Brazil. Of the population of 232 institutionalized individuals, the sample consisted of 187 elderly people. In the oral evaluation, the criteria used was the number of functional units present in the oral cavity, classifying the participants as those with highly compromised dentition (48%) and those with less-compromised dentition (52%). Diagnosis of nutritional status was carried out according to body mass index, observing a prevalence of 14% thin, 45% eutrophic, 28% overweight, and 13% obese. Statistical analysis of the variables studied was carried out by means of chi(2) association tests. There was a statistically significant association between highly compromised dentition and thinness (P=0.007) and among those who presented less-compromised dentition and the nutritional status of overweight, including obesity (P=0.014). It was concluded that compromising of the teeth could contribute to a tendency toward inadequate nutritional status.

The Structural and Functional Units of Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters. The Heavy Subunit RBAT Dictates Oligomerization of the Heteromeric Amino Acid Transporters

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Sep, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16825196

Heteromeric amino acid transporters are composed of a catalytic light subunit and a heavy subunit linked by a disulfide bridge. We analyzed the structural and functional units of systems b0,+ and xC-, formed by the heterodimers b0,+ AT-rBAT and xCT-4F2hc, respectively. Blue Native gel electrophoresis, cross-linking, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer in vivo indicate that system b0,+ is a heterotetramer [b0,+ AT-rBAT]2, whereas xCT-4F2hc seems not to stably or efficiently oligomerize. However, substitution of the heavy subunit 4F2hc for rBAT was sufficient to form a heterotetrameric [xCT-rBAT]2 structure. The functional expression of concatamers of two light subunits (which differ only in their sensitivity to inactivation by a sulfhydryl reagent) suggests that a single heterodimer is the functional unit of systems b0,+ and xC-.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme Inhibitors Slow Recovery from Anemia Following Cardiac Surgery

Chest. Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16840386

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are frequently administered in patients with heart disease, have a known inhibitory effect on erythropoiesis. The aim of this study was to detect whether early ACE inhibitor administration slows recovery from anemia following recent cardiac surgery.

Optical System Design for Orthosymplectic Transformations in Phase Space

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, Image Science, and Vision. Oct, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16985534

On the basis of a matrix formalism, we analyze the paraxial optical systems composed by generalized lenses and fixed free-space intervals, suitable for orthosymplectic transformations in phase space. Flexible configurations to perform the attractive operations for optical information processing such as image rotation, separable fractional Fourier transformation, and twisting for different parameters are proposed.

Experimental Detection of the Optical Pendellösung Effect

Physical Review Letters. Aug, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17026308

We report observations of periodic oscillatory behavior of the angular selectivity, near the Bragg angle, in volume holographic gratings recorded in a new photopolymerizable glass with high refractive index modulation. We have detected the presence of overmodulation in the intensity distribution of the first diffraction order. The results reported here were achieved by incorporating in the photopolymerizable sol-gel glass zirconium-based high refractive index species at the molecular level. This is the first time that this effect is observed for light diffraction in an amorphous material.

Mediators of Rat Ischemic Hepatic Preconditioning After Cold Preservation Identified by Microarray Analysis

Liver Transplantation : Official Publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17058268

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury associated with liver transplantation is an as yet unresolved problem in clinical practice. Preconditioning protects the liver against the deleterious effects of ischemia, although the mechanism underlying this preconditioning is still unclear. To profile gene expression patterns involved in hepatic ischemic preconditioning, we analyzed the changes in gene expression in rat livers by DNA microarray analysis. Approximately 116 genes were found to have altered gene expression after 8 hours of cold ischemia. Moreover, the expression of 218 genes was modified by classic preconditioning followed by the same ischemia process. Given the importance of the effects of ischemic preconditioning (IP) in minimizing the liver damage induced by sustained ischemia before reperfusion, this study analyzed the putative genes involved in the beneficial role of IP in liver grafts undergoing cold ischemia before its implantation in the recipient (IP+I). Great differences were found in the gene expression pattern of ischemic preconditioning + long cold ischemia (IP+I) group when compared with the long cold ischemia alone condition (I), which could explain the protective regulatory mechanisms that take place after preconditioning. Twenty-six genes that were downregulated in cold ischemia were found upregulated after preconditioning preceding a long cold ischemia period. These would be genes activated or maintained by preconditioning. Heat shock protein genes and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase are among the most markedly induced transcripts.

Shear Bond Strength of Different Adhesive Systems to Primary Dentin and Enamel

The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17091656

The aims of this study were to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) off our adhesive systenms applied to primary dentin and enamel and verify, after SBS testing, the failure mode of the adhesive interface. Sixty extracted sound primary molars were selected and crowns were sectioned in a mesial-distal direction. Specimens were randomly assigned into two groups (adhesion to enamel and adhesion to dentin) and then subdivided into four subgroups according to the adhesive system (n=15). Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SMP)--Single Bond (SB)--Clearfil SE Bond (and Adper Prompt L-Pop (APL)--SBS tests were performed and the obtained values were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The failure mode analysis was performed with a Scanning Electron Microscope (XL-30, Philips). SBS mean values on enamel were [MPa (SD)]: SMP--2789 (749); SB--23.92 (8.8); CSB--24.36 (6.69), APL--25.96 (4.08); and on dentin: SMP--17.29 (4.25) SB--18.2 (8.74); CSB--16.13 (714); APL--6. 04 (3.35). The predominant failure mode was cohesive (primarily of the bonding agent). On enamel SBS was statistically similar for all four adhesives. On dentin SBS ofAPL was lower than the other tested adhesives.

[Let's Base Primary Care Guidelines on Pragmatic Studies]

Atencion Primaria / Sociedad Española De Medicina De Familia Y Comunitaria. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17194367

Presence, Quantitation and Characterization of JC Virus in the Urine of Italian Immunocompetent Subjects

Journal of Medical Virology. Apr, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17311343

Human polyomavirus JC (JCV) infects the worldwide population, remains latent in the kidney, and is excreted in the urine. A longitudinal study was performed in order to evaluate JCV excretion, to characterize molecularly the virus and to determine if its presence in urine is a consequence of viral reactivation or merely of epithelial squamous cell shedding. The presence of cellular sediment and the JCV genome were examined in 333 urine samples collected periodically for 3 months from 17 healthy subjects; molecular characterization, and quantitation of the virus were also undertaken. JCV DNA was detected in 40.2% of the samples, with a significant difference (P<0.001) observed between males and females. JCV shedding was independent of the presence of cellular sediment in every individual. JCV genotype 1 was the genome detected most frequently, while all of the amplified strains showed archetypal organization of the transcriptional control region (TCR). No clinical symptoms have been associated with JCV excretion and no microbial load was detected in the urine samples. The lack of correlation between JCV DNA detection and the presence of squamous cells in urine sediment indicates that viruria is regulated by the life cycle of JCV. Thus, the virus is eliminated as consequence of its reactivation.

Analyzing Factors That Influence the Folk Use and Phytonomy of 18 Medicinal Plants in Navarra

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17433105

This article analyzes whether the distribution or area of use of 18 medicinal plants is influenced by ecological and cultural factors which might account for their traditional use and/or phytonymy in Navarra. This discussion may be helpful for comparative studies, touching as it does on other ethnopharmacological issues: a) which cultural and ecological factors affect the selection of medicinal plants; b) substitutions of medicinal plants in popular medicine; c) the relation between local nomenclature and uses. To analyze these questions, this paper presents an example of a species used for digestive disorders (tea and camomile: Jasonia glutinosa, J. tuberosa, Sideritis hyssopifolia, Bidens aurea, Chamaemelum nobile, Santolina chamaecyparissus...), high blood pressure (Rhamnus alaternus, Olea europaea...) or skin diseases (Hylotelephium maximum, H. telephium, Anagallis arvensis, A. foemina).

First Comprehensive Contribution to Medical Ethnobotany of Western Pyrenees

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17553138

An ethnobotanical and medical study was carried out in the Navarre Pyrenees, an area known both for its high biological diversity and its cultural significance. As well as the compilation of an ethnopharmacological catalogue, a quantitative ethnobotanical comparison has been carried out in relation to the outcomes from other studies about the Pyrenees. A review of all drugs used in the area has also been carried out, through a study of the monographs published by the institutions and organizations responsible for the safety and efficacy of medicinal plants (WHO, ESCOP, and the E Commission of the German Department of Health) in order to ascertain the extent to which the Navarre Pyrenees ethnopharmacology has been officially evaluated.

[Compliance with Constitutional Amendment 29 in Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Jul, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17572810

Constitutional Amendment 29, passed in 2000, set the minimum percentages of budget resources that the Federal, State, and Municipal governments are required to spend on public health. Taking a descriptive approach, this article aims to verify the compliance with Amendment 29 at various levels of government, from 2000 to 2003. Data were obtained from the Public Health System Budget Database (SIOPS). From 2000 to 2003, there was a cumulative deficit with the Unified National Health System (SUS) of R$1.8 billion on the part of the Federal government and R$5.29 billion by the States. In 2000, 59% of the States complied with Amendment 29. In 2001, only 33% complied. Some 41% reached the target in 2002 and 52% in 2003. The SIOPS database showed that the average spending on health by Municipalities reached 13.67%, 14.82%, 16.54%, and 17.4% in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Variable Actin Dynamics Requirement for the Exit of Different Cargo from the Trans-Golgi Network

FEBS Letters. Aug, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17651738

Efficient post-Golgi trafficking depends on microtubules, but actin filaments and actin-associated proteins are also postulated. Here we examined, by inverse fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, the role of actin dynamics in the exit from the TGN of fluorescent-tagged apical or basolateral and raft or non-raft-associated cargoes. Either the actin-stabilizing jasplakinolide or the actin-depolymerising latrunculin B variably but significantly inhibited post-Golgi traffic of non-raft associated apical p75NTR and basolateral VSV-G cargoes. The TGN-exit of the apical-destined VSV-G mutant was impaired only by latrunculin B. Strikingly, the raft-associated GPI-anchor protein was not affected by either actin toxin. Results indicate that actin dynamics participates in the TGN egress of both apical- and basolateral-targeted proteins but is not needed for apical raft-associated cargo.

[Silent Brain Metastasis in the Initial Staging of Lung Cancer: Evaluation by Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging]

Archivos De Bronconeumología. Jul, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17663891

Brain metastases are common in patients with lung cancer and influence both prognosis and treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of silent brain metastasis during the initial staging of lung cancer using cranial computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Annexin A6-induced Alterations in Cholesterol Transport and Caveolin Export from the Golgi Complex

Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark). Nov, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17822395

Annexin A6 (AnxA6) belongs to a family of Ca(2+)-dependent membrane-binding proteins and is involved in the regulation of endocytic and exocytic pathways. We previously demonstrated that AnxA6 regulates receptor-mediated endocytosis and lysosomal targeting of low-density lipoproteins and translocates to cholesterol-enriched late endosomes (LE). As cholesterol modulates the membrane binding and the cellular location of AnxA6, but also affects the intracellular distribution of caveolin, we investigated the localization and trafficking of caveolin in AnxA6-expressing cells. Here, we show that cells expressing high levels of AnxA6 are characterized by an accumulation of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in the Golgi complex. This is associated with a sequestration of cholesterol in the LE and lower levels of cholesterol in the Golgi and the plasma membrane, both likely contributing to retention of caveolin in the Golgi apparatus and a reduced number of caveolae at the cell surface. Further strengthening these findings, knock down of AnxA6 and the ectopic expression of the Niemann-Pick C1 protein in AnxA6-overexpressing cells restore the cellular distribution of cav-1 and cholesterol, respectively. In summary, this study demonstrates that elevated expression levels of AnxA6 perturb the intracellular distribution of cholesterol, which indirectly inhibits the exit of caveolin from the Golgi complex.

Experimental Implementation of the Gyrator Transform

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, Image Science, and Vision. Oct, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17912303

The gyrator transform (GT) promises to be a useful tool in image processing, holography, beam characterization, mode transformation, and quantum information. We introduce what we believe to be the first flexible optical experimental setup that performs the GT for a wide range of transformation parameters. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is demonstrated on the gyrator transformation of Hermite-Gaussian modes. For certain parameters the output mode corresponds to the Laguerre-Gaussian one.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-rhizopus Activities of Lamiaceae Herbal Extracts

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands). Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17912643

Eighty-eight extracts of different polarity obtained from 18 Lamiaceae medicinal and aromatic plants were screened for their antioxidant and antifungal properties. A TLC analysis combined with two bioassays were used to detect these activities. In most cases the highest radical scavenger capacity was detected in methanolic and aqueous extracts and polyphenols may be responsible. The most interesting antioxidant activity was observed in polar extracts obtained from Lycopus europaeus, Melissa officinalis, Origanum vulgare subsp. virens and Lavandula latifolia. On the contrary, the best results for the antifungal test against Rhizopus stolonifer were produced by non-polar herbal extracts. Phlomis lychnitis, Salvia pratensis and Calamintha sylvatica caused the highest inhibition on Rhizopus growth.

[Reproducibility and Validity of a Food Consumption Questionnaire for Schoolchildren]

Revista De Saúde Pública. Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18066474

The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility and validity of the previous day food questionnaire (PDFQ) for schoolchildren. The questionnaire is illustrated with 21 foods and was designed for use at group level. The participants were 131 schoolchildren aged eight to ten years who were studying full-time in a public school in a city of Southern Brazil, in 2005. Reproducibility was assessed by applying the questionnaire twice on the same day. Validity was assessed by comparing the food items selected on the questionnaire and direct observations from three school meals on the previous day. The questionnaire presented high sensitivity, ranging from 73.4% (beans) to 95.5% (rice), and high specificity, ranging from 87.3% (fruits) to 98.8% (beans). It was concluded that the questionnaire was capable of generating reproducible and valid data for assessing the food intake of schoolchildren on the previous day.

A Comparative Study of the Breathing Pattern and Amount of Nasopharynx Obstruction by the Pharyngeal Tonsil in HIV Infected and Non Infected Children

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. Sep-Oct, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18094798

the goal of the present investigation was to study the association between breathing pattern and pharyngeal tonsil size in 122 children (60 HIV infected and 62 without such infection).

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic Analysis of Vancomycin in ICU Patients

Intensive Care Medicine. Feb, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17165021

To identify the variables affecting vancomycin pharmacokinetics in medical ICU patients and to evaluate the potential efficacy of dosage schedules by PK/PD analysis.

The Approach of Fused Fissures with Fissureless Technique Decreases the Incidence of Persistent Air Leak After Lobectomy

European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery : Official Journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. Feb, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17175163

To evaluate two different approaches used to perform fused fissures in lobectomies in terms of persistent air leak (PAL) and their impact on length of hospital stay.

Increased Prevalence of Varicella Zoster Virus DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Journal of Medical Virology. Feb, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17177306

In order to investigate the possible involvement of viruses in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the study evaluated the presence of viral genomic sequences in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as markers of viral replication within the central nervous system (CNS). A total of 85 CSF samples were collected from 38 MS patients, 28 patients with other neurological diseases and 19 subjects without neurological diseases. Using nested-PCR, the investigation focused on the presence of human herpes virus DNA, including herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and JC virus (JCV). All the CSF samples from the individuals without neurological diseases were negative for viral DNA. Genomic sequences of HSV-1, HCMV, EBV, HHV6, and JCV were found in patients with MS and other neurological diseases without significant differences between the two groups. VZV DNA was detected more frequently (P < 0.05) in the MS group (31.6%), particularly among the relapsing-remitting MS patients (43.5%), compared with patients with other neurological diseases (10.7%). In addition, the results indicated that JCV and HHV-6 were replicating actively in the CNS of a small, but significant number of patients with MS and other neurological diseases. Most importantly, the study revealed a high frequency of VZV DNA in the CSF of patients with MS, suggesting a possible role of this virus in the pathogenesis of MS.

Gyrator Transform: Properties and Applications

Optics Express. Mar, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 19532455

In this work we formulate the main properties of the gyrator operation which produces a rotation in the twisting (position - spatial frequency) phase planes. This transform can be easily performed in paraxial optics that underlines its possible application for image processing, holography, beam characterization, mode conversion and quantum information. As an example, it is demonstrated the application of gyrator transform for the generation of a variety of stable modes.

[Standardization and Reliability of Anthropometric Measurements for Population Surveys]

Archivos Latinoamericanos De Nutrición. Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18524317

In this paper we describe the standardization and reliability of anthropometric measurements carried out by five population survey anthropometrists. For the standardization of anthropometric measurement techniques, one expert anthropometrist conducted two theoretical and practical workshops, in September 2006 and March 2007, where the intra- and interobserver technical errors of measurement (TEMs) were assessed, respectively. For the intraobserver assessment of anthropometric measurements, we studied 121 schoolchildren on two different days. For interobserver assessment, we studied 22 schoolchildren that were measured, during the same period, once by each of the five anthropometrists and by an expert anthropometrist. For skinfold thickness, intraobserver TEMs in general were smaller than 1 mm; for circumferences, TEMs in general were smaller than 1 cm. For the subscapular, suprailiac and calf skinfolds, the intraobserver relative TEMs were greater than the acceptable limit for beginner anthropometrists. Intraobserver reliability for skinfold thickness was greater than 0.95 and for circumferences was greater than 0.99 in almost all cases. The results of interobserver TEMs and reliability were similar to intraobserver assessment. The anthropometrists performed better in the intraobserver relative TEMs because their values were smaller than the acceptable limit. We conclude that the anthropometrists showed a better performance after two assessments of the error of measurement. This suggests that the standardization process of anthropometric measurements was carried out with success.

[Oral Health and Daily Performance in Adults in Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18709225

The use of subjective indicators in dentistry has been increasing. This was a population-based cross-sectional study in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, analyzing the relationship between oral health conditions and quality of life in 35-44-year-old adults (n = 622). A further objective was to observe the influence of habits, dental visits, self-evaluation of health status, and socio-demographic characteristics in this process. The sample was selected using a multiple-stage approach. Trained professionals collected the data. A multiple non-conditional, hierarchical logistic regression model was used to analyze the determinants of low (Oral Impact on Daily Performance - OIDP or= 10) interference of oral health in daily routine. The response rate was 81%. Oral health status was found to interfere in the daily routine of 20.7% of participants and was more severe for 11.4%. Household crowding, low-income neighborhoods, female gender, and orofacial pain in the previous six months were associated with higher interference in quality of life. The use of subjective indicators in public health services planning and definition of priority groups for delivery of oral health services is highly recommended.

[Evaluation of Productive Efficiency in the Unified National Health System Hospitals in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Oct, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18949242

This study evaluated the productive efficiency of 112 hospitals under the Unified National Health System (SUS) in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The objective was to verify which hospitals apply the available resources efficiently. The research was based on data from 2003 collected from the SUS Hospital Data System (SIH-SUS). Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied under the assumption of variable returns to scale. The study focused exclusively on general hospitals with similar characteristics in terms of size and specialization. The results identified 23 efficient hospitals and efficiency targets for each hospital. According to the empirical model, the number of hospitalizations with discharges could be increased by 15%. Application of an input reduction model would result in savings of 25% on human resources (physicians and nurse technicians), 17% on hospital beds, and 13% on admissions costs for the overall hospital system.

Identification of Essential Interacting Elements in K-Ras/calmodulin Binding and Its Role in K-Ras Localization

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Apr, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18182391

We previously showed that K-Ras is a calmodulin-binding protein. Involvement of this interaction in anterograde and retrograde transport of K-Ras was then suggested. To test this we have analyzed here the domains of K-Ras essential for the interaction with calmodulin. At least three different regions in the K-Ras molecule were important; they are the hypervariable region, the alpha-helix between amino acids 151 and 166, and the Switch II. Within the hypervariable region, both the hydrophobic farnesyl group and the positive-charged amino acids were essential for the interaction between K-Ras and calmodulin in cellular extracts. Consistently, K-Ras S181D, which mimics phosphorylation of Ser-181 of K-Ras, also completely abolished binding to calmodulin. K-Ras mutants correctly farnesylated that did not bind calmodulin were all located at plasma membrane, showing that calmodulin interaction was not required for the transport of K-Ras to plasma membrane. In NIH3T3 cells, K-Ras and calmodulin colocalized mainly in the plasma membrane even after the addition of Ca(2+) ionophore, indicating that interaction did not directly lead to K-Ras internalization. Furthermore, using a K-Ras with impaired binding to calmodulin but with membrane localization, we could demonstrate in striatal neurones that interaction between K-Ras and calmodulin was not required for Golgi K-Ras translocation induced by Ca(2+) influx.

Kv1.5 Association Modifies Kv1.3 Traffic and Membrane Localization

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Mar, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18218624

Kv1.3 activity is determined by raft association. In addition to Kv1.3, leukocytes also express Kv1.5, and both channels control physiological responses. Because the oligomeric composition may modify the channel targeting to the membrane, we investigated heterotetrameric Kv1.3/Kv1.5 channel traffic and targeting in HEK cells. Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 generate multiple heterotetramers with differential surface expression according to the subunit composition. FRET analysis and pharmacology confirm the presence of functional hybrid channels. Raft association was evaluated by cholesterol depletion, caveolae colocalization, and lateral diffusion at the cell surface. Immunoprecipitation showed that both Kv1.3 and heteromeric channels associate with caveolar raft domains. However, homomeric Kv1.3 channels showed higher association with caveolin traffic. Moreover, FRAP analysis revealed higher mobility for hybrid Kv1.3/Kv1.5 than Kv1.3 homotetramers, suggesting that heteromers target to distinct surface microdomains. Studies with lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages further supported that different physiological mechanisms govern Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 targeting to rafts. Our results implicate the traffic and localization of Kv1.3/Kv1.5 heteromers in the complex regulation of immune system cells.

[Prevalence of Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa and Dissatisfaction with Body Image Among Female Adolescents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Mar, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18327438

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of symptoms of anorexia nervosa (EAT+) and dissatisfaction with body image among female adolescents in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The proportional sample (1,148 adolescents) was stratified according to position of schools in the socio-geographic regions and public/private school classification, and was subsequently distributed according to primary and secondary schools. EAT+ was identified through the Eating Attitudes Test and evaluation of body image through the Body Shape Questionnaire. Prevalence rates for EAT+ and dissatisfaction with body image were 15.6% and 18.8%, respectively. EAT+ was associated with age (10-13y) (OR = 1.542; p = 0.046); overweight/obesity (OR = 2.075; p < 0.001); dissatisfaction with body image (OR = 14.392; p < 0.001); and public schools (OR = 1.423; p = 0.041). Multiple logistic regression showed dissatisfaction with body image as the strongest independent risk factor for symptoms of anorexia nervosa (OR = 16.7; p < 0.001). Adolescents in Florianópolis show EAT+ rates similar to those observed in other regions of Brazil.

Ex Vivo Study of Manual and Rotary Instrumentation Techniques in Human Primary Teeth

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Apr, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18329573

This study aimed to evaluate, ex vivo, time and dentin removal by manual and rotary instrumentation in human primary teeth.

Calmodulin Modulates H-Ras Mediated Raf-1 Activation

Cellular Signalling. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18356021

We have previously demonstrated that, in COS-1 cells, inhibition of calmodulin increases Ras-GTP levels although it decreases Raf-1 activity and consequently MAPK. The present study analyzes the role of calmodulin in the regulation of Raf-1. First we show, using FRET microscopy, that inhibition of Raf-1 was not a consequence of a decreased interaction between H-Ras and Raf-1. Besides, the analysis of the phosphorylation state of Raf-1 showed that calmodulin, through downstream PI3K, is essential to ensure the Ser338-Raf-1 phosphorylation, critical for Raf-1 activation. We also show that the expression of a dominant negative mutant of PI3K impairs the calmodulin-mediated Raf-1 activation; in addition, both calmodulin and PI3K inhibitors decrease phospho-Ser338 and Raf-1 activity from upstream active H-Ras (H-RasG12V) and this effect is dependent on endocytosis. Importantly, in H-Ras depleted COS-1 cells, calmodulin does not modulate MAPK activation. Altogether, the results suggest that calmodulin regulation of MAPK in COS-1 cells relies upon H-Ras control of Raf-1 activity and involves PI3K.

[Recommendations for Antibiotic Monitoring in ICU Patients]

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiología Clínica. Apr, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18381043

Monitoring plasma concentrations of antimicrobial agents used to treat infection in critically ill patients is one of the recommended strategies for improving clinical outcome. Drug monitoring has a double AIM: to limit adverse events and to increase the effectiveness of the drugs. In clinical practice, however, this approach is mainly limited to monitoring plasma concentrations of vancomycin and aminoglycosides, although future extension to other antimicrobial agents would be desirable. Application of this technique varies considerably between hospitals, and this makes interpretation and comparison of the results obtained difficult. For this reason, representatives of various scientific societies related to the pharmacokinetic area have developed a series of recommendations for monitoring plasma concentrations of antimicrobials using vancomycin and several aminoglycosides as the reference. The recommendations are based on 14 questions encompassing all steps of the process: indication for the test, blood sampling (timing of blood collection, blood volume, tubes), transport to the laboratory, techniques applied, normal values, dose adjustment, and reporting the RESULTS: The purpose of these guidelines is to develop a process of monitoring plasma antimicrobial concentrations that is as homogeneous as possible to facilitate the design of multicenter studies, as well as the interpretation and comparison of results.

[Assessment of the Family Health Program in Municipalities in Santa Catarina State, Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Apr, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18392358

This evaluative study aimed to classify the municipalities (counties) in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, as to implementation of the Family Health Program, using three categories (satisfactory, intermediate, and unsatisfactory) and two different periods (2001 e 2004). The indicators were coverage, evidence of change in the healthcare model, and impact. According to the results, coverage increased significantly from 2001 to 2004 (p<0.0001). Evidence of change in the healthcare model and impact did not change significantly. In 2001, 48% of the municipalities showed an unsatisfactory situation, as compared to 45% with intermediate and 7% satisfactory performance, while in 2004 the figures were 29%, 58%, and 13%, respectively. Improvement in classification from 2001 to 2004 was statistically significant (p=0.0061). Analysis of the data as a whole showed that changes in the final classification resulted basically from the coverage indicator, demonstrating effective expansion in access. However, these indicators did not show significant changes in the healthcare model during the period analyzed.

Reduced-intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Transplantation from Unrelated Donors: Evaluation of Mycophenolate Mofetil Plus Cyclosporin A As Graft-versus-host Disease Prophylaxis

Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation : Journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18489992

In the current study, we have analyzed the efficacy of cyclosporine A (CSA) plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in the fludarabine plus melphalan or busulfan reduced intensity regimen (RIC) setting in a series of 44 patients receiving allogeneic transplantation from an unrelated donor. Only 23% were in the first complete remission at the time of transplant. Cumulative incidence of grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) was 53% and 23%, respectively. Fifty-six percent had equal to or greater than grade 2 gut involvement. Cumulative incidence of overall and extensive chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 93% and 63%, respectively. Ninety-two percent of patients who were evaluable +100 days after transplant were in complete remission. Relapse rate was 25% at 2 years. Event free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 2 years were 52%. Pharmacokinetic assays of mycophenolic acid (MPA) showed a therapeutic area under the curve (AUC) at the dosage of 3 g daily, although a large inter- and intraindividual variations of MPA plasma levels were found. In conclusion, the combination of CSA plus MMF in the fludarabine plus melphalan or busulfan RIC setting is feasible. Regarding GVHD, this combination allowed to control aGVHD but lead to a high incidence of cGVHD, so that newer strategies are required, especially in trying to decrease gastrointestinal involvement.

Bipolar Disorders and Affective Temperaments: a National Family Study Testing the "endophenotype" and "subaffective" Theses Using the TEMPS-A Buenos Aires

Journal of Affective Disorders. May, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18006072

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of affective temperaments between clinically unaffected relatives of bipolar patients and secondarily to investigate the impact of these "subaffective" forms on their quality of life (QoL).

Assay Conditions and Validation of a New UV Spectrophotometric Method Using Microplates for the Determination of Polyphenol Content

Fitoterapia. Dec, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19540907

A new spectrophotometric assay for the quantification of polyphenolic content has been validated. It is based on Prussian Blue method and adapted to microplate spectrophotometry. Prussian Blue reaction is critically dependent on reaction time, but microplate spectrophotometry permits exact measures of many samples at the same time. This new method is precise, reproducible, repeatable and exact.

[A New Bioethical View on Brazilian Dental Researches]

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. Jul-Aug, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19721960

This article discusses some issues related to Brazilian dental researches having the bioethics as the rationale for appraising the adequacy of the scientific production in relation to the social context, aiming to contribute to a shift of the professional health formation. From a search in journals database and CAPES ranking instrument (Qualis) it was observed that most journals are aimed to publish dental materials and techniques of limited social range. This result reflects a trend of the scientific knowledge in this field to focus the market rather than national and regional needs which should be the priority under the bioethical point of view. The lack of room available for publication of researches of Preventive and Social Dentistry and relative areas is an invitation to reflect about a scientific production capable to construct an ethical and socially compromised professional training.

The Role of Surface Treatments on the Bond Between Acrylic Denture Base and Teeth

Brazilian Dental Journal. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19738950

The aim of this study was to compare the bond strength between acrylic denture base and teeth subjected to 6 surface treatments. Ninety-six specimens were made with poly(methylmethacrylate) teeth bonded to a microwave-polymerized acrylic denture base material. The specimens were distributed into 6 groups (n=16) according to surface treatments: CT - no treatment (control); MN - methylmethacrylate monomer etching; AO - 50-microm-particle aluminum oxide air abrasion; BR - glaze removal with a round bur; ST - surface grinding with an aluminum oxide abrasive stone; group CV - cavity preparation (diatorics). The control and surface-treated groups were subjected to a compressive load at 45 masculine angle to the long axis of the teeth. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Scheffé's test (p<0.05). Bond strength means and (SD) in kgf for groups were: CT: 18.19 (7.14), MN: 18.34 (5.28), AO: 23.82 (5.40), BR: 23.30 (4.79), ST: 25.39 (7.80) and CV: 17.48 (7.17). There was statistically significant difference (p=0.037997) only between ST and CV. In conclusion, ridge lap surface grinding with an aluminum oxide abrasive stone provided the highest bond strength, though it differed significantly only when compared to diatorics. The other surface treatments provided similar bond between the acrylic denture base and teeth.

[The Degree of Implementation of the Family Health Program and Social Indicators]

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva. Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19750344

This research analyzes the relationship between social indexes and the implementation level of the Family Health Program (PSF) in cities of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The social indexes applied were: total population, human development index (HDI), per capita expenses with health and political party at local administration. Findings have shown a strong relationship between the population number and the implementation of the PSF in the cities, with a higher number of smaller cities (up to 50,000 inhabitants) presenting a satisfactory or intermediate implementation level (p=0.0006). On the other hand, populous cities have presented a condition which is considered unsatisfactory for the PSF implementation. The HDI helped to detect a reverse correlation among the investigated factors (p=0.0264). This may be explained by the fact that the implementation has been put into practice mainly in small cities with scant aid resources. No correlation has been observed among the PSF implementation, the per capita expenses with health and the political group at local administration, suggesting that the isolated assessment of these indexes is not enough to understand the development of the public policies of the cities. Lastly, one may infer that local characteristics of the cities in which the program is implemented can interfere with the results, suggesting that changes and adaptations at city level are necessary to reach an adequate program implementation.

Neuroprotective and Neurological Properties of Melissa Officinalis

Neurochemical Research. Nov, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19760174

Melissa officinalis has traditionally been used due to its effects on nervous system. Both methanolic and aqueous extracts were tested for protective effects on the PC12 cell line, free radical scavenging properties and neurological activities (inhibition of MAO-A and acetylcholinesterase enzymes and affinity to the GABA(A)-benzodiazepine receptor). The results suggest that the plant has a significant (P < 0.05) protective effect on hydrogen peroxide induced toxicity in PC12 cells. The radical scavenging properties were also investigated in cells and in cell free systems, where this plant was shown to be a good free radical scavenger. The MAO-A bioassay was also performed to detect possible antidepressant activities demonstrating that both extracts inhibited this enzyme, which has a key role in neurotransmitters metabolism. However, no activity was detected in the acetylcholinesterase and GABA assays. In general, the methanolic extract was more effective than the aqueous.

KCNE4 Suppresses Kv1.3 Currents by Modulating Trafficking, Surface Expression and Channel Gating

Journal of Cell Science. Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19773357

Voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) play a crucial role in the activation and proliferation of leukocytes. Kv channels are either homo- or hetero-oligomers. This composition modulates their surface expression and serves as a mechanism for regulating channel activity. Kv channel interaction with accessory subunits provides mechanisms for channels to respond to stimuli beyond changes in membrane potential. Here, we demonstrate that KCNE4 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E member 4), but not KCNE2, functions as an inhibitory Kv1.3 partner in leukocytes. Kv1.3 trafficking, targeting and activity are altered by the presence of KCNE4. KCNE4 decreases current density, slows activation, accelerates inactivation, increases cumulative inactivation, retains Kv1.3 in the ER and impairs channel targeting to lipid raft microdomains. KCNE4 associates with Kv1.3 in the ER and decreases the number of Kv1.3 channels at the cell surface, which diminishes cell excitability. Kv1.3 and KCNE4 are differentially regulated upon activation or immunosuppression in macrophages. Thus, lipopolysaccharide-induced activation increases Kv1.3 and KCNE4 mRNA, whereas dexamethasone triggers a decrease in Kv1.3 with no changes in KCNE4. The channelosome composition determines the activity and affects surface expression and membrane localization. Therefore, KCNE4 association might play a crucial role in controlling immunological responses. Our results indicate that KCNE ancillary subunits could be new targets for immunomodulation.

Negative Evidence for Stachydrine or Galeopsis Ladanum L. Seeds As the Causal Agents of Coturnism After Quail Meat Ingestion

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Nov, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19860419

Quail poisoning is known to produce an acute myoglobinuric syndrome called coturnism. The cause of this syndrome is still unknown, although it has been postulated that Galeopsis ladanum L. seeds, in particular lipidic compounds or stachydrine, are responsible for this toxicity. Thus, we aimed to study the implication of this plant in coturnism in order to explore the physiopathology of the disease, especially with regard to stachydrine and lipidic compounds extracted from seeds. For this purpose, Wistar rats were fed with G. ladanum seed extracts or with quail meat. However, the rhabdomyolysis outbreak could not be reproduced in any case. Therefore, in view of our results and experimental conditions, seeds of G. ladanum and stachydrine do not appear to be the responsible agents of the myopathic outbreak. This conclusion is supported by the following facts: direct administration of extracts of seeds of G. ladanum or stachydrine produces no myotoxicity in rats; G. ladanum seeds are not toxic to quails and meat from quails fed G. ladanum seeds is not toxic to rats.

Homoisoflavanones from Ledebouria Floribunda

Fitoterapia. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19027834

The bulbs of Ledebouria floribunda (Baker) Jessop have yielded two novel compounds, 7-O-[alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-glucopiranosyl]-5-hydroxy-3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (1) and 7-O-[alpha-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-glucopiranosyl]-5-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (2) along with five other known compounds, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one or 3,9-dihidroeucomin (3), 5,7-dihidroxy-6-methoxy-3-(4'-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (4), 5,7-dihidroxy 3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one or 4,4'-demethyl-3,9-dihydropuctatin (5), 5,7-dihidroxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-6-methoxy-chroman-4-one or 3,9-dihydroeucomnalin (6) and 7-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-5-methoxy-chroman-4-one (7). Their structures were elucidated by spectra analysis. The seven homoisoflavanones were found to be antioxidant against DPPH radical and beta-carotene/linoleic acid system.

The Prosthetic Need WHO Index: a Comparison Between Self-perception and Professional Assessment in an Elderly Population

Gerodontology. Sep, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19040428

The purpose of this study was to consider the criteria for establishing the need for prosthesis, by comparing the need perceived subjectively by a patient (self-perception) with that assessed by an examiner according to the WHO diagnosis criteria. The proposed domiciliary sample comprised 270 elderly (aged 60 years or older) residents in a municipality in southern Brazil. The interviews and oral examinations were conducted by two dentists following a period of training and calibration. The criteria used conformed to the WHO and FDI standards. Statistical treatment of data included bivariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS 10.0. Only five patients identified the need for a prosthesis when not identified by the examiner. In the case of 172 elderly subjects, there was agreement in the self-perceived and observed treatment needs. The need for prosthesis was found in 93 elderly subjects who did not perceive any need for prosthetic treatment. The multivariate analysis showed that the variables age, gender, residential area and form of service most sought after during their lives were significantly associated with a better self-perception of oral health. The professional criteria based on WHO guidelines differed from the self-perceived need. Elderly male subjects who lived in a rural area and were 70 years of age or more, who did not participate in third age groups, and who had not sought dental services for most of their lives were the least likely to perceive the need for prosthetic treatment, thereby underestimating their oral health needs.

Activated Spinal Cord Ependymal Stem Cells Rescue Neurological Function

Stem Cells (Dayton, Ohio). Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19259940

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of paralysis. Currently, there are no effective therapies to reverse this disabling condition. The presence of ependymal stem/progenitor cells (epSPCs) in the adult spinal cord suggests that endogenous stem cell-associated mechanisms might be exploited to repair spinal cord lesions. epSPC cells that proliferate after SCI are recruited by the injured zone, and can be modulated by innate and adaptive immune responses. Here we demonstrate that when epSPCs are cultured from rats with a SCI (ependymal stem/progenitor cells injury [epSPCi]), these cells proliferate 10 times faster in vitro than epSPC derived from control animals and display enhanced self renewal. Genetic profile analysis revealed an important influence of inflammation on signaling pathways in epSPCi after injury, including the upregulation of Jak/Stat and mitogen activated protein kinase pathways. Although neurospheres derived from either epSPCs or epSPCi differentiated efficiently to oligodendrocites and functional spinal motoneurons, a better yield of differentiated cells was consistently obtained from epSPCi cultures. Acute transplantation of undifferentiated epSPCi or the resulting oligodendrocyte precursor cells into a rat model of severe spinal cord contusion produced a significant recovery of motor activity 1 week after injury. These transplanted cells migrated long distances from the rostral and caudal regions of the transplant to the neurofilament-labeled axons in and around the lesion zone. Our findings demonstrate that modulation of endogenous epSPCs represents a viable cell-based strategy for restoring neuronal dysfunction in patients with spinal cord damage.

A Clathrin-dependent Pathway Leads to KRas Signaling on Late Endosomes En Route to Lysosomes

The Journal of Cell Biology. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19289794

Ras proteins are small guanosine triphosphatases involved in the regulation of important cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Understanding the intracellular trafficking of Ras proteins is crucial to identify novel Ras signaling platforms. In this study, we report that epidermal growth factor triggers Kirsten Ras (KRas) translocation onto endosomal membranes (independently of calmodulin and protein kinase C phosphorylation) through a clathrin-dependent pathway. From early endosomes, KRas but not Harvey Ras or neuroblastoma Ras is sorted and transported to late endosomes (LEs) and lysosomes. Using yellow fluorescent protein-Raf1 and the Raichu-KRas probe, we identified for the first time in vivo-active KRas on Rab7 LEs, eliciting a signal output through Raf1. On these LEs, we also identified the p14-MP1 scaffolding complex and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Abrogation of lysosomal function leads to a sustained late endosomal mitogen-activated protein kinase signal output. Altogether, this study reveals novel aspects about KRas intracellular trafficking and signaling, shedding new light on the mechanisms controlling Ras regulation in the cell.

Programmable Two-dimensional Optical Fractional Fourier Processor

Optics Express. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19333257

A flexible optical system able to perform the fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) almost in real time is presented. In contrast to other FRFT setups the resulting transformation has no additional scaling and phase factors depending on the fractional orders. The feasibility of the proposed setup is demonstrated experimentally for a wide range of fractional orders. The fast modification of the fractional orders, offered by this optical system, allows to implement various proposed algorithms for beam characterization, phase retrieval, information processing, etc.

Polarization and Phase-shift Properties of High Spatial Frequency Holographic Gratings in a Photopolymerizable Glass

Optics Letters. Feb, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19373349

Polarization properties of transmission volume holographic phase gratings recorded in a photopolymerizable glass modified with high refractive index species are reported. The gratings are recorded by the interference of two parallel s-polarized writing beams with orthogonal propagation directions. High optical quality, low scattering, and diffraction efficiency of 99.4% are achieved. Degrees of polarization of 0.987 and 0.999 are obtained for transmitted and diffracted light, respectively. Furthermore, phase analysis of the transmitted light reveals a phase discontinuity of pi at the Bragg angle.

Study of Apoptosis and Related Proteins, CRH and HpGH in Placentas of Newborns Small for Gestational Age (SGA)

Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews : PER. Feb, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19404232

The aim of this study is to quantify the expression of apoptotic genes and genes related to the development and growth in placentas of pregnancies with IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and normal placentas. We studied the expression of Bcl-2, Caspase3, hpGH (human placental growth hormone) and CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone) genes in normal and IUGR placentas. In addition we have demonstrated this expression by immunohistochemical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Placentas of newborns with intrauterine infections, complicated pregnancies, congenital malformations and birth asphyxia were excluded. RNA extraction and purification. Total RNA was extracted and cleansed from the lysate using RNA wiz (Ambion) and Qiagen Rneasy Mini (Qiagen). cDNA synthesis. This assay was performed using the Retroscript Kit, Ambion. RT-PCR was performed with the LightCycler System 2.0 (Roche Diagnostics) and the LightCycler FastStart DNA Master Plus SYBR Green I. An immunochemical study was performed using the Envision Plus Dako protocol. RESULTS: Bcl-2, hpGH and CRH are down regulated in the SGA group in comparison to the control group. Caspase3 is up regulated in the SGA group in comparison to the control group. We demonstrated that in placentas from pregnancies with IUGR, expression of Bcl-2is diminished and expression of caspase 3 is augmented compared to normal placentas.

Caveolin-1 Loss of Function Accelerates Glucose Transporter 4 and Insulin Receptor Degradation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Endocrinology. Aug, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19406948

Caveolae are a specialized type of lipid rafts that are stabilized by oligomers of caveolin protein. Caveolae are particularly enriched in adipocytes. Here we analyzed the effects of caveolin-1 knockdown and caveolae ablation on adipocyte function. To this end, we obtained several multiclonal mouse 3T3-L1 cell lines with a reduced expression of caveolin-1 (95% reduction) by a small interfering RNA approach using lentiviral vectors. Control cell lines were obtained by lentiviral infection with lentiviral vectors encoding appropriate scrambled RNAs. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed a drastic reduction in the number of caveolae (95% decrease) and cholera toxin labeling was reorganized in dynamic plasma membrane microdomains. Caveolin-1 depletion caused a specific decrease in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor protein levels. This reduction was not the result of a generalized defect in adipocyte differentiation or altered gene expression but was explained by faster degradation of these proteins. Caveolin-1 knockdown adipocytes showed reductions in insulin-stimulated glucose transport, insulin-triggered GLUT4 recruitment to the cell surface, and insulin receptor activation. In all, our data indicate that caveolin-1 loss of function reduces maximal insulin response through lowered stability and diminished expression of insulin receptors and GLUT4. We propose that caveolin-1/caveolae control insulin action in adipose cells.

Effectiveness and Economic Analysis of the Whole Cell/recombinant B Subunit (WC/rbs) Inactivated Oral Cholera Vaccine in the Prevention of Traveller's Diarrhoea

BMC Infectious Diseases. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19445712

Nowadays there is a debate about the indication of the oral whole-cell/recombinant B-subunit cholera vaccine (WC/rBS) in traveller's diarrhoea. However, a cost-benefit analysis based on real data has not been published.

Three New Homoisoflavanones from the Bulbs of Ledebouria Floribunda

Fitoterapia. Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19446611

Three new homoisoflavanones, namely ledebourin A (1), ledebourin B (2) and ledebourin C (3) were isolated from the bulbs of Ledebouria floribunda. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detail spectroscopic analyses. This is the first report of this type of homoisoflavanones. Ledebourin B (2) and ledebourin C (3) exhibited potent antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging compared to the positive controls, the well-known antioxidant BHT and BHA.

Phase Space Tomography Reconstruction of the Wigner Distribution for Optical Beams Separable in Cartesian Coordinates

Journal of the Optical Society of America. A, Optics, Image Science, and Vision. Jun, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19488170

We propose a simple approach for the phase space tomography reconstruction of the Wigner distribution of paraxial optical beams separable in Cartesian coordinates. It is based on the measurements of the antisymmetric fractional Fourier transform power spectra, which can be taken using a flexible optical setup consisting of four cylindrical lenses. The numerical simulations and the experimental results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.

A Temperature-controlled Amplicon System Derived from Plum Pox Potyvirus

Plant Biotechnology Journal. Jan, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 18801011

The control of replication can facilitate a viral amplicon to reach high expression levels by enabling the virus to escape host defence mechanisms and reducing the deleterious effects of viral infection. We have developed a novel system to regulate amplicon expression by controlling the temperature of plant growth. Nicotiana benthamiana plants were transformed at two different temperatures with a cDNA copy of the Plum pox potyvirus genome harbouring the open reading frame 2 of Porcine circovirus 2 between the nuclear inclusion protein b and coat protein coding sequences. Although transformation at 27 degrees C mainly yielded nonexpressing amplicons, lines with a tight control of amplicon expression were obtained. Viral replication was not detected in these plants when germinated at 28 degrees C, but was observed when the plants were shifted to 20 degrees C. In lines transformed at 24 degrees C, although the amplicon was expressed at 28 degrees C, viral accumulation was low and caused only minor growing defects. Viral replication was enhanced in these plants by shifting the temperature to 20 degrees C; under such conditions, the amplicon reached higher and more persistent expression levels than in plants transformed at 27 degrees C. These results demonstrate the utility of temperature regulation to control viral amplicon expression.

Neuroprotective and Neurochemical Properties of Mint Extracts

Phytotherapy Research : PTR. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19943334

Mints are aromatic plants with a tradition as medicinal remedies and culinary herbs. With the aim of investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of traditional medicinal plants, four species and one hybrid of the genus Mentha (M. aquatica, M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. suaveolens and M. x piperita) were selected. Methanolic extracts of the plants were tested for protective effects against hydrogen-peroxide-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, antioxidant activity (by ABTS and X/XO methods) and neurochemical properties (MAO-A inhibition, AChE inhibition and affinity to the GABA(A) receptor). Mentha x piperita and Mentha aquatica produced significant (p < 0.05) protection of the PC12 cells against oxidative stress. All the plants exhibited antioxidant and MAO-A inhibitory activities, M. x piperita being the most active. M. aquatica showed the highest affinity to the GABA(A)-receptor assay. Results demonstrate that mints might have effect on the CNS.

Clinical Repercussions of Analytical Interferences Due to Aldosterone Antagonists in Digoxin Immunoassays: an Assessment

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. Apr, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20216123

Analytical interferences in digoxin immunoassays constitute a well-known problem, with repercussions for therapeutic drug monitoring. Clinically effective doses of spironolactone and potassium canrenoate cross-react in several digoxin immunoassays, producing falsely elevated or lowered concentrations. This study evaluates the interferences caused by these drugs in the microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA III) in comparison with another 3 immunoassays used for digoxin therapeutic drug monitoring: MEIA II, fluorescence polarization immunoassay, and enzyme multiplied immunoassay. The potential clinical implications of assay discrepancies in patient care are also assessed. To evaluate assay performance, in vitro specimens and real patient samples were measured using the 4 assays. Five serum pools were spiked with digoxin to achieve concentrations of 1 and 2.25 ng/mL digoxin and measured with the immunoassays before and after supplementation. Real samples from patients receiving digoxin (n = 39), digoxin and spironolactone (n = 35), or digoxin and potassium canrenoate (n = 4) were also quantified. The influence of ultrafiltration was evaluated in 3 pools from 29 additional patients. The implications of assay discrepancies for dose recommendations were also evaluated. In general, the results obtained for the in vitro and in vivo approaches coincided, confirming statistically significant differences in the assays regardless of the type of sample. MEIA III showed positive interference against the well-known negative interference attributed to MEIA II. According to Bland-Altman analysis, it is not possible to assume the interchangeability of the immunoassays evaluated. Thus, individual patients must be monitored with the same technique even in the absence of potential interferences. Discordant digoxin dose recommendations were estimated in 31% of patients not treated with interfering drugs and in 43% of cotreated patients. From a clinical perspective, analytical interferences in digoxin immunoassays are a real and frequent problem, which seems even more important in view of the lower therapeutic range now recommended.

Nucleolar Disruption Ensures Nuclear Accumulation of P21 Upon DNA Damage

Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark). Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20331843

p21(cip1) is a protein with a dual function in oncogenesis depending mainly on its intracellular localization: tumor suppressor in the nucleus and oncogenic in the cytoplasm. After DNA damage, p21(cip1) increases and accumulates in the nucleus to ensure cell cycle arrest. We show here that the nuclear accumulation of p21(cip1) is not only a consequence of its increased levels but to a DNA damage cellular response, which is ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR)/ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and p53 independent. Furthermore, after DNA damage, p21(cip1) not only accumulates in the nucleoplasm but also in the disrupted nucleolus. Inside the nucleolus, it is found in spherical structures, which are not a protrusion of the nucleoplasm. The steady-state distribution of p21(cip1) in the nucleolus resulted from a highly dynamic equilibrium between nucleoplasmic and nucleolar p21(cip1) and correlated with the inhibition of p21(cip1) nuclear export. Most interestingly, inhibition of ribosomal export after expressing a dominant-negative mutant of nucleophosmin induced p21(cip1) accumulation in the nucleus and the nucleolus in the absence of DNA damage. This proved the existence of a nucleolar export route to the cytoplasm for p21(cip1) in control conditions that would be inhibited upon DNA damage leading to nuclear and nucleolar accumulation of p21(cip1).

Selenium, Iodine, Omega-3 PUFA and Natural Antioxidant from Melissa Officinalis L.: a Combination of Components from Healthier Dry Fermented Sausages Formulation

Meat Science. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20374898

A new formulation of dry fermented sausage, including ingredients that improve the nutritional and health benefits of this type of product is presented. Se yeast (2g/kg), iodized salt (26g/kg), linseed:algae (3:2) emulsion (62.5g/kg), and lyophilized water extract of Melissa officinalis L. as a source of natural antioxidants (686mg/kg), yielded dry fermented sausages with technological and sensory properties similar to traditional ones. From the nutritional standpoint, a 50g portion of this product would give 100% of the recommended daily intake for Se, 70% of DRI for iodine, and 40% and 100% of the reference intake for alpha-linolenic and EPA+DHA, respectively. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio decreased from 15.7 in the control product to 1.96 in the modified one. Despite the high PUFA content, no oxidation was detected by TBARS (<0.15mgMDA/kg) and volatile compounds, showing the effectiveness of the natural antioxidants from M. officinalis. The modified formulation presented good acceptability for panelists with similar appearance, odor, taste and juiciness as the control products.

Effect of Lyophilized Water Extracts of Melissa Officinalis on the Stability of Algae and Linseed Oil-in-water Emulsion to Be Used As a Functional Ingredient in Meat Products

Meat Science. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20374914

Previous work pointed out the possibility to enhance the nutritional value of meat products using long chain omega-3 PUFA enriched emulsions. Oil-in-water emulsions elaborated with a mixture of algae and linseed oils (15:10) in order to be used as functional ingredient were stabilized with BHA (butylhydroxyanisol) or with a lyophilized water extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm). The lipid profile of the oil mixture showed a high amount of DHA (31.7%), oleic (25.4%) and alpha-linolenic acid (12.7%) resulting in a very low omega-6/omega-3 ratio (0.12). The lyophilized extract of M. officinalis showed a high antioxidant activity (being 62ppm of the lyophilized water extract of Melissa equivalent to 200ppm of BHA, using the DPPH assay as reference), and high total phenolic content. Studying the oxidation process in the emulsions during 15days at room temperature, it could be concluded that this extract was as efficient as BHA in order to control the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation.

Nutrition Markers in Patients After Heart Surgery

JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Mar-Apr, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20375421

Nutrition support is an important aspect of multidisciplinary approaches in cardiology rehabilitation. However, little is known about the impact of a patient's nutrition status on recovery after elective heart surgery. The authors assessed changes in nutrition markers in patients undergoing postsurgical rehabilitation, and tested their correlation with systemic inflammatory responses and clinical outcomes to determine the adequacy of the prescribed dietary regimen.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenylpropanoids of Phlomis Lychnitis L.: a Traditional Herbal Tea

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands). Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20422294

Phlomis lychnitis L. (Lamiaceae) is consumed as a traditional herbal tea in Spain. The antioxidant-protective effects as well as its phytoconstituents have never been established. The ability of the methanolic extract to protect cells from oxidative stress was evaluated in rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) using hydrogen peroxide as toxic agent. The viability of PC12 cells pre-treated with the methanolic extract of Phlomis lychnitis, determined by the MTT and LDH assays, was significantly improved at the highest dose (p < 0.01). The antioxidant activity was confirmed evaluating the capacity of the plant to scavenge ABTS, DPPH, O(2) . (-) radicals and to inhibit XO. Bioassay guided fractionation led to antioxidant compounds. Qualitative HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS analysis reported phenylpropanoids, verbascoside being the major antioxidant constituent.

[Evaluation Model for Human Resource Management in Health]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20464078

This paper presents an assessment model for human resource management in health. This methodological research was structured through indicators tested in evaluative research. The Basic Operational Standard for Human Resources in the Unified National Health System (NOB/RH-SUS) was used as the baseline, and the following dimensions were analyzed: work management, workers' development, workers' health, and social control. The model was discussed and refined during a consensus workshop involving experts in human resources evaluation and management, by defining an assessment matrix with 12 indicators. The model was applied to 15 municipalities in Greater Metropolitan Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, and proved applicable to municipalities with different population sizes and administrative structures. Data were obtained from local information systems and official documents from the municipal health departments. The model's validity was demonstrated by the results of its application, consistent with data from the literature.

Constraints to Virus Infection in Nicotiana Benthamiana Plants Transformed with a Potyvirus Amplicon

BMC Plant Biology. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20604920

Plant genomes have been transformed with full-length cDNA copies of viral genomes, giving rise to what has been called 'amplicon' systems, trying to combine the genetic stability of transgenic plants with the elevated replication rate of plant viruses. However, amplicons' performance has been very variable regardless of the virus on which they are based. This has boosted further interest in understanding the underlying mechanisms that cause this behavior differences, and in developing strategies to control amplicon expression.

PD1 Negative and PD1 Positive CD4+ T Regulatory Cells in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease

Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20634592

Regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) play a fundamental importance in modulating the relative balance between inflammation and immune tolerance, and alterations of these cells are observed in inflammatory diseases. To better characterize the neuroinflammatory processes suggested to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to clarify the possible role of Treg cells in this process, we extensively analyzed these cells (CD4 + CD25highFoxp3+) in patients with either severe AD (n=25) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n=25), comparing the results with those of two groups of healthy controls (HC) (n=55). Because the intra- or extracellular expression of programmed death receptor 1 (PD1) identifies functionally diverse subsets of Treg we also analyzed such subpopulations. Results showed that, whereas both Treg and PD1pos Treg are increased in MCI and AD patients compared to HC, PD1neg Treg, the subpopulation of Treg cells endowed with the strongest suppressive ability, are significantly augmented in MCI patients alone. In these patients amyloid-β-stimulated-T cells proliferation was reduced and Treg-mediated suppression was more efficient compared to both AD and HC. The observation that PD1neg Treg, cells are increased in MCI patients reinforces the inflammatory origin of AD and supports a possible beneficial role of these cells in MCI that is lost in patients with full-blown AD.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Jungia Paniculata

Pharmaceutical Biology. Aug, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20673177

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Jungia paniculata (DC.) A. Gray (Asteraceae), used traditionally in Peru. The dry leaves were extracted with methanol, 50% methanol, and water. The anti-inflammatory activity of this plant was studied using in vitro (nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and sPLA(2) inhibition assay) and in vivo (carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and TPA-induced ear edema in mice) model systems. The antioxidant activity of extracts was studied using three in vitro model systems (DPPH(*) radical-scavenging assay, ABTS(*+) assay, and superoxide radical-scavenging activity). The results have been correlated with total phenolics and total flavonoids contents. In the NO test of the extracts of Jungia paniculata, no significant cytotoxicities were observed at the concentrations determined by MTT assay. Only the MeOH50 extract of Jungia paniculata significantly inhibited PLA(2) enzyme activity (82.3 +/- 2.6%). At 3 h, the 50% methanol extract of Jungia paniculata at an oral dose of 500 mg/kg showed significant suppression of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (36.36%). The same extract induced a 93.99% reduction in TPA-induced edema in topical administration. The extracts exhibited a high antioxidant activity and contained high total levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. There was a significant linear correlation between total phenolics and flavonoids contents and antioxidant activity in the three models used. In conclusion, Jungia paniculata possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which confirm the use of this plant in folk medicine as a topical anti-inflammatory herbal.

Qualitative Analysis of the Diet of a Probabilistic Sample of Schoolchildren from Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, Using the Previous Day Food Questionnaire

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20694361

A qualitative evaluation of the diet of a probabilistic sample of 7-10 year old schoolchildren (n=1,232) from Florianópolis (southern Brazil) was carried out by analyzing compliance with recommendations from the Brazilian Food Guidelines. The strengths and limitations of the Previous Day Food Questionnaire (PDFQ) are also presented. Frequencies of intake were defined as how many times per day the food group was reported on the PDFQ. The percentages of schoolchildren who met the minimum recommendations and who ate foods that were not recommended in the guidelines were compared for boys versus girls, private versus public school and by family income level. Although most of the children complied with the guidelines regarding consumption of meat/fish, dry beans, sweets, and eating three meals and two snacks, only 6.5% of the children met the recommendations for cereals, and 15% for fruit and vegetables. The PDFQ was confirmed as a practical and cost-effective method for the evaluation of compliance with health promotion targets.

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants in Nor-Yauyos, a Part of the Landscape Reserve Nor-Yauyos-Cochas, Peru

Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20837126

To collect, analyze and evaluate the ethnopharmacologic knowledge in Nor-Yauyos in order to protect it. This paper reports the results of an ethnopharmacological survey on the uses of medicinal plants by inhabitants of the Andean region Nor-Yauyos, Peru. In this region one surviving ethnic group, the Jaqaru-Quichuas, has been identified.

Strain-specific Spleen Remodelling in Plasmodium Yoelii Infections in Balb/c Mice Facilitates Adherence and Spleen Macrophage-clearance Escape

Cellular Microbiology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20923452

Knowledge of the dynamic features of the processes driven by malaria parasites in the spleen is lacking. To gain insight into the function and structure of the spleen in malaria, we have implemented intravital microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging of the mouse spleen in experimental infections with non-lethal (17X) and lethal (17XL) Plasmodium yoelii strains. Noticeably, there was higher parasite accumulation, reduced motility, loss of directionality, increased residence time and altered magnetic resonance only in the spleens of mice infected with 17X. Moreover, these differences were associated with the formation of a strain-specific induced spleen tissue barrier of fibroblastic origin, with red pulp macrophage-clearance evasion and with adherence of infected red blood cells to this barrier. Our data suggest that in this reticulocyte-prone non-lethal rodent malaria model, passage through the spleen is different from what is known in other Plasmodium species and open new avenues for functional/structural studies of this lymphoid organ in malaria.

Pharmacological Properties of Anagallis Arvensis L. ("scarlet Pimpernel") and Anagallis Foemina Mill. ("blue Pimpernel") Traditionally Used As Wound Healing Remedies in Navarra (Spain)

Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21237261

Anagallis arvensis and Anagallis foemina are traditionally used in Navarra (Spain) for dermatological purposes regarding wound healing properties. In some cases they are also used to threat internal infections although they are known to be toxic at high doses.

White Tea (Camellia Sinensis Kuntze) Exerts Neuroprotection Against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Toxicity in PC12 Cells

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands). Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21271291

Tea is a popular beverage whose consumption is associated with prevention of certain disorders. The objective of the study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of white tea extract (WTE) on hydrogen peroxide induced toxicity in PC12 cells. Cells were treated with various doses of WTE (10-250 μg/ml) before exposition to 250 μM hydrogen peroxide and cell survival was determined through the MTT and LDH assays. Oxidative stress was quantified in the cells after treatments as intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed in a cell free system in terms of free radical scavenging capacity. Results showed that WTE has a significant protective effect in the PC12 cell line against hydrogen peroxide as cell survival was significantly superior in WTE-treated cells compared to hydrogen peroxide-treated cells. A reduction on intracellular oxidative stress as well as radical scavenging properties were produced by WTE. Results suggest that WTE protects PC12 cells against H(2)O(2)-induced toxicity, and that an antioxidant mechanism through ROS scavenging may be in part responsible for cells neuroprotection.

MYADM Regulates Rac1 Targeting to Ordered Membranes Required for Cell Spreading and Migration

Molecular Biology of the Cell. Apr, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21325632

Membrane organization into condensed domains or rafts provides molecular platforms for selective recruitment of proteins. Cell migration is a general process that requires spatiotemporal targeting of Rac1 to membrane rafts. The protein machinery responsible for making rafts competent to recruit Rac1 remains elusive. Some members of the MAL family of proteins are involved in specialized processes dependent on this type of membrane. Because condensed membrane domains are a general feature of the plasma membrane of all mammalian cells, we hypothesized that MAL family members with ubiquitous expression and plasma membrane distribution could be involved in the organization of membranes for cell migration. We show that myeloid-associated differentiation marker (MYADM), a protein with unique features within the MAL family, colocalizes with Rac1 in membrane protrusions at the cell surface and distributes in condensed membranes. MYADM knockdown (KD) cells had altered membrane condensation and showed deficient incorporation of Rac1 to membrane raft fractions and, similar to Rac1 KD cells, exhibited reduced cell spreading and migration. Results of rescue-of-function experiments by expression of MYADM or active Rac1L61 in cells knocked down for Rac1 or MYADM, respectively, are consistent with the idea that MYADM and Rac1 act on parallel pathways that lead to similar functional outcomes.

Implementation of Virtual Patients in the Training for Occupational Health in Latin America

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. Jan-Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21344821

Health professionals trained in occupational health are essential to reduce the burden of occupational accidents and diseases. However, training resources are limited globally. We aimed to promote occupational health and safety (OHS) using virtual patients (VPs) in Brazil, Chile, and Germany. Virtual patients were created in three Latin-American health centers. So-called "partner VPs" comparing the distinct health care systems were designed. Translation, adaptation to different medical and legal systems, expert review, implementation into under- and postgraduate teaching, and user evaluation were performed. Twelve VPs covering traditional and contemporary OHS issues are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. Overall, 2371 students used the VPs. The number of Latin American users who evaluated VP content and relevance for their professional career was statistically significantly higher than the number of German students. VPs are a feasible learning method for OHS in middle-income countries. Partner VPs seem to be useful for teaching global aspects.

"High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids" Bologna-type Sausages Stabilized with an Aqueous-ethanol Extract of Melissa Officinalis

Meat Science. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21439735

A new formulation of bologna-type sausage enriched in ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (8.75% linseed oil) was developed, using a lyophilized aqueous-ethanolic extract of Melissa officinalis. A comparison with the effectiveness of butylhydroxy anisole (BHA) synthetic antioxidant to decrease the oxidation of PUFAs was performed. The formulation increased the ω-3 PUFAs content, especially α-linolenic acid, decreasing significantly the ω-6/ω-3 ratio from 17.3 to 1.9, and also the Atherogenic Index and Thrombogenic Index (0.38-0.31 and 1.03-0.54, respectively). Modified sausages with BHA and Melissa extract showed significantly lower peroxides value (2.62 and 6.11 meq O₂/kg) and thiobarbituric acid value (0.26 and 0.27 mg malondialdehyde/kg) and higher antioxidant capacity (hydrophilic fraction ABTS: 0.45 and 0.74 meq Trolox/g product; lipofilic fraction ABTS: 0.44 and 0.37 meq Trolox/g product) than those without these ingredients (16.49 meq O₂/kg, 2.08 mg malondialdehyde /kg, 0.26 and 0.27 meq Trolox/g product, respectively). Sensorial tests showed that acceptability of the new formulations was similar to control products.

Microparticle Movements in Optical Funnels and Pods

Optics Express. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21445160

Three-dimensional microparticle movements induced by laser beams with a funnel- and tubular pod-like structure, in the neighbourhood of the focal plane of an optical trapping setup, are experimentally studied. The funnel and pod beams constructed as coherent superpositions of helical Laguerre-Gaussian modes are synthesized by a computer generated hologram using a phase-only spatial light modulator. Particle tracking is achieved by in-line holography method which allows an accurate position measurement. It is experimentally demonstrated that the trapped particle follows different trajectories depending on the orbital angular momentum density of the beam. In particular applying the proposed pod beam the particle rotates in opposite directions during its movement in the optical trap. Possible applications of these single-beam traps for volumetric optical particle manipulation are discussed.

Characterization of Holographically Generated Beams Via Phase Retrieval Based on Wigner Distribution Projections

Optics Express. Mar, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21451630

In this work, we propose a robust and versatile approach for the characterization of the complex field amplitude of holographically generated coherent-scalar paraxial beams. For this purpose we apply an iterative algorithm that allows recovering the phase of the generated beam from the measurement of its Wigner distribution projections. Its performance is analyzed for beams of different symmetry: Laguerre-Gaussian, Hermite-Gaussian and spiral ones, which are obtained experimentally by a computer generated hologram (CGH) implemented on a programmable spatial light modulator (SLM). Using the same method we also study the quality of their holographic recording on a highly efficient photopolymerizable glass. The proposed approach is useful for the creation of adaptive CGH that takes into account the peculiarities of the SLM, as well as for the quality control of the holographic data storage.

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antifungal Activity of Chuquiraga Spinosa

Pharmaceutical Biology. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21554005

CONTEXt: Stem and leaves infusion of Chuquiraga spinosa (R&P) Don. (Asteraceae) is used in the Peruvian traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and for the treatment of vaginal infections.

Vaccination Strategies to Combat an Infectious Globe: Oral Cholera Vaccines

Journal of Global Infectious Diseases. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21572610

Cholera is a substantial health burden in many countries in Africa and Asia, where it is endemic. It is as well responsible for ongoing epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa which are becoming greater in terms of frequency, extension, and duration. Given the availability of two oral cholera vaccines and the new data on their efficacy, field effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptance in cholera-affected populations and in travelers, these vaccines should be used in endemic areas, in travelers for these areas and should be considered in areas at risk for outbreaks. The two vaccines currently available in worldwide are: (1) The killed oral vaccine (Dukoral, licensed by SBL-Sweden to Crucell-Holland) is recommended since 1999 by WHO and consists of a mixture of four preparations of heat or formalin killed whole cell Vibrio cholera O1 (Inaba and Ogaba serotypes, and classical and El Tor biotypes) that are then added with purified recombinant cholera toxin (CT) B subunit. Because CT cross-reacts with Escherichia coli LT the vaccine also provides short-term protection against ETEC (enterotoxigenic E. coli) which is of added benefit for travelers. It is available in more than 60 countries. (2) A bivalent O1 and O139 whole cell oral vaccine without CT B subunit (Shanchol) has been lately developed in Vietnam (licensed by VaBiotech-Viet Nam to Shantha Biotechnics-India. It is available in India and Indonesia. A structured search of papers in PubMed and reports on cholera vaccines by WHO and CDC, as well as critical reading and synthesis of the information was accomplished. Inclusion criteria were defined according to reports quality and relevance.

Late Gestation Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Total Lung Volume Predicts Postnatal Survival and Need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Isolated Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Journal of Pediatric Surgery. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21683216

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used as an imaging modality to assess pulmonary hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs). The objective of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between late gestational fetal MRI-derived total lung volumes (TLVs) and CDH outcomes.

[Clinical and Molecular Study of Five Families with Resistance to Thyroid Hormones]

Medicina Clínica. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21703645

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a syndrome mostly caused by mutations in thyroid hormone receptor beta gen (THRB). We present five families with RTH phenotype.

Phase-space Tomography with a Programmable Radon-Wigner Display

Optics Letters. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21725438

We show the adaptation of a multifunctional optical system consisting of two spatial light modulators for the optimal measurement of the Radon-Wigner transform of one-dimensional signals. The proposed Radon-Wigner display allows reconstructing the Wigner distribution and the phase or the mutual intensity of fully or partially coherent fields, respectively. It is also suitable for the analysis of two-dimensional rotationally symmetric or separable in Cartesian coordinates optical fields. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is experimentally demonstrated in several examples.

Axonal Fluorescence Quantitation Provides a New Approach to Assess Cutaneous Innervation

Journal of Neuroscience Methods. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21740929

We present a novel approach to quantify skin innervation by measuring the PGP 9.5 immunoreactive (PGP-ir) fluorescence corresponding to axons within the epidermis and dermis. The skin biopsies from 35 controls and 45 small fiber neuropathy (SFN) patients were included. In 50-μm free-floating sections, we determined the intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) by direct fluorescence visualization and captured 2-μm thick individual optical sections using the same confocal microscope and magnification. We measured the fluorescence of the PGP-ir axons in both, epidermal and dermal area by using the ImageJ software. There was good interobserver and intraobserver reliability of PGP-ir measures, similar than for IENFD. The PGP-ir axons were found decreased in patients with SFN (1.1‰ and 9.0‰ respectively for epidermal and dermal area in contrast to 2.2‰ and 16.0‰, respectively to controls). The area under the ROC curve was 0.90 for the IENFD, 0.84 for epidermal PGP-ir axons and 0.70 for dermal PGP-ir axons. There was a positive correlation between the IENFD and the PGP-ir axons at epidermis (Spearman Rho=0.66, p<0.001) as well as for the dermal nerve length and the PGP-ir axons at dermis (Spearman Rho=0.45, p<0.05). This method is also particularly adequate for the quantitation of dermal nerve fibers. We conclude that quantifying the fluorescent PGP-ir axons could help to assess skin innervation (dermal and epidermal nerve fibers) in patients with SFN.

Efficacy of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Inhibitor 2,5-dihydroxyphenylsulfonate in Basal Cell Carcinoma: a Histopathological and Inmunohistochemical Study

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21756148

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are variously implicated in skin tumorigenesis where they may be involved in the enhancement of tumoral cell proliferation and viability, induction of angiogenesis, and stimulation of tumor invasiveness.

Regulation of SNAIL1 and E-cadherin Function by DNMT1 in a DNA Methylation-independent Context

Nucleic Acids Research. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21846773

Mammalian DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is essential for maintaining DNA methylation patterns after cell division. Disruption of DNMT1 catalytic activity results in whole genome cytosine demethylation of CpG dinucleotides, promoting severe dysfunctions in somatic cells and during embryonic development. While these observations indicate that DNMT1-dependent DNA methylation is required for proper cell function, the possibility that DNMT1 has a role independent of its catalytic activity is a matter of controversy. Here, we provide evidence that DNMT1 can support cell functions that do not require the C-terminal catalytic domain. We report that PCNA and DMAP1 domains in the N-terminal region of DNMT1 are sufficient to modulate E-cadherin expression in the absence of noticeable changes in DNA methylation patterns in the gene promoters involved. Changes in E-cadherin expression are directly associated with regulation of β-catenin-dependent transcription. Present evidence suggests that the DNMT1 acts on E-cadherin expression through its direct interaction with the E-cadherin transcriptional repressor SNAIL1.

Rac1 and Calmodulin Interactions Modulate Dynamics of ARF6-dependent Endocytosis

Traffic (Copenhagen, Denmark). Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21883766

The main cellular Ca(2+) sensor, calmodulin (CaM), interacts with and regulates several small GTPases, including Rac1. The present study revealed high binding affinity of Rac1 for CaM and uncovered two new essential binding domains in Rac1: the polybasic region, important for phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIP5K) interaction, and the adjacent prenyl group. CaM inhibition increased Rac1 binding to PIP5K and induced an extensive phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P(2) )-positive tubular membrane network. Immunofluorescence demonstrated that the tubules were plasma membrane invaginations resulting from an ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6)-dependent and clathrin-independent pathway. The role of Rac1 in this endocytic route was analyzed by expressing constitutively active and inactive mutants. While active Rac1 impaired tubulation, the inactive mutant enhanced it. Intriguingly, inactive mutant expression elicited tubulation by recruiting PIP5K and inhibiting Rac1 at the plasma membrane. Accordingly, CaM inhibition inactivated Rac1 and increased Rac1/PIP5K interaction. Therefore, our findings highlight an important new role for Rac1 and CaM in controlling clathrin-independent endocytosis.

Wavefield Imaging Via Iterative Retrieval Based on Phase Modulation Diversity

Optics Express. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21935231

We present a fast and robust non-interferomentric wavefield retrieval approach suitable for imaging of both amplitude and phase distributions of scalar coherent beams. It is based on the diversity of the intensity measurements obtained under controlled astigmatism and it can be easily implemented in standard imaging systems. Its application for imaging in microscopy is experimentally studied. Relevant examples illustrate the approach capabilities for image super-resolution, numerical refocusing, quantitative imaging and phase mapping.

Anti-proliferative Effect of Melissa Officinalis on Human Colon Cancer Cell Line

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21964875

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is consumed as a traditional herbal tea in the Mediterranean region. The cytotoxic effect of the 50% ethanolic and aqueous extract, determined by the MTT and NR assays, was evaluated in vitro on Human Colon Cancer Cell Line (HCT-116), using Triton 10% as positive control. The 50% ethanolic extract showed significant differences after 72 h of treatment, reducing cell proliferation to values close to 40%, even the lowest dose tested (5 μg/ml). In the MTT assay, the same extract caused the lowest cell viability with 13% at a concentration of 1,000 μg/ml after 72 h of treatment, being a value lower than Triton 10%. The antioxidant activity was also confirmed evaluating the capacity of the extracts to scavenge ABTS and DPPH radicals, and IC(50) values were highly correlated with the total phenolic and flavonoid content. Bioassay guided fractionation led to the isolation of an anti-proliferative compound, rosmarinic acid. Its structural elucidation was performed by HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS analysis. High dose of rosmarinic acid (1,000 μg/ml) was clearly cytotoxic against HCT-116 cells, with a significant decrease in cell number since the earliest time point (24 h).

[An Evaluation Model for Oral Health in Primary Care]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21986601

This paper presents a model for assessing the quality of primary dental care and tests its applicability in municipalities in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The model features two components: Management of Oral Health and Provision of Primary Oral Health Care. The first consists of the sub-components Inter-Sector Practice, Community Participation, Human Resources, and Infrastructure. The second includes the sub-components Promotion/Prevention and Diagnosis and Treatment throughout the life cycle (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age). Forty indicators were developed in workshops with a group of experts. 207 municipalities participated in the evaluation, yielding a response rate of 70.6%. The model proved to be applicable and highly beneficial to municipalities of different sizes, allowing the identification of areas in which municipal managers need to improve their oral health practices. Another important contribution relates to managers' awareness of the need to improve data recording.

[Prevalence and Factors Associated with Access to Medication Among the Elderly in a City in Southern Brazil: a Population-based Study]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22031198

This study aimed to describe the prevalence of access to prescription drugs for the elderly and associated factors in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A cross-sectional population-based household survey was performed in a sample of 1,469 individuals (non-response rate: 10.8%). The data were analyzed with Poisson regression, from two perspectives: access to medicines in general and access to medicines through the Unified National Health System (SUS). The results were, respectively, 95.8% (95%CI: 94.7-96.8) and 50.3% (95%CI: 47.7-52.8). Lower access to medicines was associated with functional dependence, chronic illness, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. Access to medicines through the National Health System was associated with black or mixed race, younger age, lower schooling, lower income, more chronic diseases, lack of private health insurance, and at least one medical visit in the previous three months. The results show that the National Health System has been successful in promoting universal access to medicines in Florianópolis.

[Evaluation Model for Municipal Health Planning Management]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22124492

This article presents an evaluation model for municipal health planning management. The basis was a methodological study using the health planning theoretical framework to construct the evaluation matrix, in addition to an understanding of the organization and functioning designed by the Planning System of the Unified National Health System (PlanejaSUS) and definition of responsibilities for the municipal level under the Health Management Pact. The indicators and measures were validated using the consensus technique with specialists in planning and evaluation. The applicability was tested in 271 municipalities (counties) in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, based on population size. The proposed model features two evaluative dimensions which reflect the municipal health administrator's commitment to planning: the guarantee of resources and the internal and external relations needed for developing the activities. The data were analyzed using indicators, sub-dimensions, and dimensions. The study concludes that the model is feasible and appropriate for evaluating municipal performance in health planning management.

[Effectiveness of Community Participation in Municipal Health Councils in Santa Catarina State, Brazil]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22218575

This article presents a model for the evaluation of community participation in municipal (county) health systems. The theoretical basis for this evaluative study was the existing Brazilian legislation on community participation in drafting health strategies and overseeing health policy implementation. The indicators and measures were validated using the expert consensus technique. The proposed model has 26 indicators divided into five evaluative dimensions that reflect the legislation's adequacy for the structure, organization, representativeness, health planning participation, and autonomy of the Municipal Health Councils. Its applicability was tested in 24 municipalities in Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The data analysis indicated the best results for the dimension "planning system in the Unified National Health System" and the worst for "structure" and "autonomy". Only two municipalities showed good results for the final summary indicator. The study demonstrated the feasibility and adequacy of the proposed evaluation model.

[Medicines Prescribed to the Elderly in a City in Southern Brazil and the Municipal Medicines List]

Cadernos De Saúde Pública / Ministério Da Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Escola Nacional De Saúde Pública. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22267065

The aim of this study was to describe the medicines prescribed to elderly residents of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in the 30 days prior to the interview, and to compare them with the Municipal Medicines List (REMUME). A cross-sectional population-based household survey was conducted, in which 1,705 elderly respondents reported having used a total of 5,458 prescription drugs meeting the study criteria and corresponding to 374 different active ingredients. The most frequently used medicines were for the cardiovascular system, among which the most prevalent pharmacological class was lipid-lowering drugs (although there were no examples of this drug class in the REMUME list). Despite some gaps, the majority of the drugs prescribed in Florianópolis coincided with the REMUME list. Prescriptions filled through the Unified National Health System were in greater conformity with the REMUME list.

Protoporphyrin IX-dependent Photodynamic Production of Endogenous ROS Stimulates Cell Proliferation

European Journal of Cell Biology. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22293959

Photodynamic therapy using methyl 5-aminolevulinate (MAL) as a precursor of the photosensitizing agent protoporphyrin IX is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of different pathologies, including cancer. In this therapeutic modality, MAL treatment promotes the forced accumulation of the endogenous photoactive compound protoporphyrin IX in target malignant cells. Subsequent irradiation of treated tissues with an appropriate visible light source induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that, once accumulated above a critical level, promote cell death. Here we demonstrate that a photodynamic treatment with low MAL concentrations can be used to promote a moderate production of endogenous ROS, which efficiently stimulates cell growth in human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). We also show that this proliferative response requires Src kinase activity and is associated to a transient induction of cyclin D1 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate for the first time that a combination of light and a photoactive compound can be used to modulate cell cycle progression through Src kinase activation and that a moderate intracellular increase of photogenerated ROS efficiently stimulates cell proliferation.

Ultracompact Polarization Converter with a Dual Subwavelength Trench Built in a Silicon-on-insulator Waveguide

Optics Letters. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22297354

The design and fabrication of an ultracompact silicon-on-insulator polarization converter is reported. The polarization conversion with an extinction ratio of 16 dB is achieved for a conversion length of only 10 μm. Polarization rotation is achieved by inducing a vertical asymmetry by forming in the waveguide core two subwavelength trenches of different depths. By taking advantage of the calibrated reactive ion etch lag, the two depths are implemented using a single mask and etching process. The measured converter loss is -0.7  dB and the 3 dB bandwidth is 26 nm.

A Palmitoylation Switch Mechanism Regulates Rac1 Function and Membrane Organization

The EMBO Journal. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22157745

The small GTPase Rac1 plays important roles in many processes, including cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, cell-cycle progression and gene expression. The initiation of Rac1 signalling requires at least two mechanisms: GTP loading via the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)/guanosine diphosphate (GDP) cycle, and targeting to cholesterol-rich liquid-ordered plasma membrane microdomains. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing this specific compartmentalization. We show that Rac1 can incorporate palmitate at cysteine 178 and that this post-translational modification targets Rac1 for stabilization at actin cytoskeleton-linked ordered membrane regions. Palmitoylation of Rac1 requires its prior prenylation and the intact C-terminal polybasic region and is regulated by the triproline-rich motif. Non-palmitoylated Rac1 shows decreased GTP loading and lower association with detergent-resistant (liquid-ordered) membranes (DRMs). Cells expressing no Rac1 or a palmitoylation-deficient mutant have an increased content of disordered membrane domains, and markers of ordered membranes isolated from Rac1-deficient cells do not correctly partition in DRMs. Importantly, cells lacking Rac1 palmitoylation show spreading and migration defects. These data identify palmitoylation as a mechanism for Rac1 function in actin cytoskeleton remodelling by controlling its membrane partitioning, which in turn regulates membrane organization.

Pentraxin-3 Predicts Functional Recovery and 1-year Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Rehabilitation of Cardiac Surgery Patients

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention. Jan-Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22193930

Inflammatory and vascular markers have proved to be predictors of outcome in myocardial infarction and heart failure. We evaluated several circulating markers of cardiac stress, inflammation, and endothelial function to investigate their ability to predict short-term functional recovery and long-term clinical outcome in heart surgery patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.