Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu.

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.

Extraction and characterization of collagen from the skin of Amazonian freshwater fish pirarucu

The need to fully exploit fishing resources due to increasing production and consequent waste generation requires research to promote the sustainability of the fishing industry. Fish waste from the industry is responsible for relevant environmental contamination. However, these raw materials contain high amounts of collagen and other biomolecules, being attractive due to their industrial and biotechnological applicability. Thus, to reduce the waste from pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) processing, this study aimed to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin tissue. The extraction process used 0.05 M sodium hydroxide, 10% butyl alcohol, and 0.5 M acetic acid, with extraction temperature of 20°C. The obtained yield was 27.8%, and through sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), it was determined that the collagen obtained was type I. This study showed that collagen solubility was highest at pH 3 and the lowest solubility was at concentrations of 3% sodium chloride. The denaturation temperature of collagen was 38.1°C, and its intact molecular structure was observed using the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry technique with an absorption radius of 1. The results showed that it was possible to obtain collagen from pirarucu skin at 20°C, which has the typical characteristics of commercial type I collagen. In conclusion, the procedures used may be considered to be an interesting alternative for collagen extraction, a new product obtained from the processing of fish waste.

Cast iron street furniture: A historical review.

The term "street furniture" indicates objects mostly made of cast iron alloys and aimed to improve the quality of life in urban settlements, such as street lamps, fountains and gazebos. These objects are often ancient and relevant as cultural heritage. Despite the constant presence of street furniture in urban settlements, studies of its evolution along centuries are limited. Since functional aspects have been often considered prevalent against artistic and historical values, many objects have been considered obsolete, thus replaced or re-melted. Street furniture rarely received attention by scholars, and studies on this topic have been often incomplete. This study reviews the history of street furniture made of cast iron (CI street furniture), first examining the reasons behind the choice of this material, closely related to its diffusion during the First Industrial Revolution. The review discusses the relationship between CI street furniture and cultural heritage based on artistic, aesthetic and ethical issues, also examining historical catalogs. The development of CI street furniture in United Kingdom, France and Italy is reported, together with their local aspects. The production technique is discussed and the importance of preservation of CI street furniture is highlighted, emphasizing the need for globally planned interventions in this field.

Histopathology of the muscle in rheumatic diseases.

The presence of muscular symptoms is common in rheumatological clinical practice, but often the differential diagnosis between muscular involvement in connective tissue diseases, vasculitis and drug-induced myopathy may be difficult. In addition to clinical assessment, laboratory analysis and instrumental examinations, muscle biopsy may help to clarify the diagnosis in patients with muscular involvement. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the current medical literature on muscular histopathology, to help clinicians to identify when to perform muscular biopsy and to provide a practical guide to a better understanding of the pathology report. Moreover, we provide an overview of the muscular involvement and the most common histopathological findings in rheumatic diseases.

The use of rituximab in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: description of a monocentric cohort and review of the literature.

Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeted against CD20, has been used to treat refractory inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively assess the efficacy of RTX in reducing disease activity in patients with IIM refractory to conventional therapy. Secondary aim was the evaluation of adverse events (AE) during the treatment period. We examined 26 patients with a diagnosis of IIM, referred to our Rheumatology Unit and treated with RTX for active refractory disease. Patients were treated with RTX 1000 mg i.v., twice, with a 2-week interval. RTX treatment was associated with a significant reduction of creatine kinase (p=0.001) after six months compared to the baseline, an improved muscular strength measured with MMT8 (p<0.001) and a reduction of the extramuscular activity of the disease measured with MYOACT (p<0.001). In particular, RTX improved DM skin rash, arthritis and pulmonary manifestations. Autoantibody positivity (in particular antisynthetase, anti- SRP and antiRo/SSA), and a disease duration <36 months at the moment of the treatment are associated with a better response rate. Treatment with RTX was also associated with a reduction of the mean daily dose of steroids needed to control disease activity (p=0.002). Our results have confirmed that RTX is efficacious in the treatment of refractory IIM. Ad hoc controlled trials are needed to better clarify the specific subset of patients who may better respond to the treatment and the optimal therapeutic schedule.

Characterization of digestive enzymes from captive Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus / Caracterização de enzimas digestivas do linguado brasileiro de cativeiro Paralichthys orbignyanus

Abstract Knowledge of specific enzyme activity, along with animal habits and digestive capacity is essential in formulating an appropriate diet for any species. In this study, we evaluated and characterized the activity of digestive enzymes present in the liver, intestine, and stomach of Paralichthys orbignyanus. The effects of pH and temperature on enzyme activity were also evaluated via the use of specific substrates. The use of specific substrates and inhibitors showed strong evidence of the presence of trypsin (BApNA= 0.51 ± 0.2 mU mg-1), chimotrypsin (SApNA= 2.62 ± 1.8 mU mg-1), and aminopeptidases (Leu-p-Nan =0.9709 ± 0.83 mU mg-1) in the intestine. Optimum pH for the activity of trypsin, chemotrypsin, leucino aminopeptidase, amilase, and pepsin were 9.5, 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, and 3.5, respectively, while optimum temperatures were 50, 50, 50, 40, and 45 °C, respectively. These results provide additional information regarding the biology of Brazilian flounder and can be used as a basis for further studies regarding fish feeding physiology.

Resumo O conhecimento da atividade enzimática é essencial para formular uma correta dieta específica para espécie, além de estarem correlacionadas com o hábito da alimentação e capacidade digestive. Neste estudo determinamos e caracterizamos a atividade enzimática presente no intestino, estômago e fígado do linguado Paralichthys orbignyanus. Os efeitos da temperatura e pH sobre a atividade enzimática também foram avaliados utilizando substratos específicos. O uso de substratos e inibidores específicos mostrou uma forte evidência da presença da tripsina (BApNA = 0,51 ± 0,2 mU mg-1), quimotripsina (SAPNA = 2,62 ± 1,8 mU mg-1), e as aminopeptidases (Leu-p-Nan = 0,97 ± 0,83 mU mg-1) no intestino. O pH ótimo observado para a atividade de tripsina, quimotripsina, leucino aminopeptidase, amilase e pepsina foi 9,5, 9,0, 8,0, 7,5 e 3,5, respectivamente. A temperatura ótima observada foi 50, 50, 50, 40 e 45 °C, respectivamente. Estes resultados fornecem informações adicionais sobre a biologia do linguado brasileiro e pode ser usado como base para novos estudos sobre fisiologia alimentar.

Characterization of digestive enzymes from captive Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus.

Knowledge of specific enzyme activity, along with animal habits and digestive capacity is essential in formulating an appropriate diet for any species. In this study, we evaluated and characterized the activity of digestive enzymes present in the liver, intestine, and stomach of Paralichthys orbignyanus. The effects of pH and temperature on enzyme activity were also evaluated via the use of specific substrates. The use of specific substrates and inhibitors showed strong evidence of the presence of trypsin (BApNA= 0.51 ± 0.2 mU mg-1), chimotrypsin (SApNA= 2.62 ± 1.8 mU mg-1), and aminopeptidases (Leu-p-Nan =0.9709 ± 0.83 mU mg-1) in the intestine. Optimum pH for the activity of trypsin, chemotrypsin, leucino aminopeptidase, amilase, and pepsin were 9.5, 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, and 3.5, respectively, while optimum temperatures were 50, 50, 50, 40, and 45 °C, respectively. These results provide additional information regarding the biology of Brazilian flounder and can be used as a basis for further studies regarding fish feeding physiology.

Sub-arcsecond imaging of the water emission in Arp 220.

AIMS: Extragalactic observations of water emission can provide valuable insights into the excitation of the interstellar medium. In particular they allow us to investigate the excitation mechanisms in obscured nuclei, i.e. whether an active galactic nucleus or a starburst dominate. METHODS: We use sub-arcsecond resolution observations to tackle the nature of the water emission in Arp 220. ALMA Band 5 science verification observations of the 183 GHz H2O 313-220 line, in conjunction with new ALMA Band 7 H2O 515-422 data at 325 GHz, and supplementary 22 GHz H2O 616 - 523 VLA observations, are used to better constrain the parameter space in the excitation modelling of the water lines. RESULTS: We detect 183 GHz H2O and 325 GHz water emission towards the two compact nuclei at the center of Arp 220, being brighter in Arp 220 West. The emission at these two frequencies is compared to previous single-dish data and does not show evidence of variability. The 183 and 325 GHz lines show similar spectra and kinematics, but the 22 GHz profile is significantly different in both nuclei due to a blend with an NH3 absorption line. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the most likely scenario to cause the observed water emission in Arp 220 is a large number of independent masers originating from numerous star-forming regions.

ALMA high spatial resolution observations of the dense molecular region of NGC 6302.

CONTEXT: The mechanism behind the shaping of bipolar planetary nebulae is still poorly understood. It is becoming increasingly clear that the main agents must operate at their innermost regions, where a significant equatorial density enhancement should be present and related to the collimation of light and jet launching from the central star preferentially towards the polar directions. Most of the material in this equatorial condensation must be lost during the asymptotic giant branch as stellar wind and later released from the surface of dust grains to the gas phase in molecular form. Accurately tracing the molecule-rich regions of these objects can give valuable insight into the ejection mechanisms themselves. AIMS: We investigate the physical conditions, structure and velocity field of the dense molecular region of the planetary nebula NGC 6302 by means of ALMA band 7 interferometric maps. METHODS: The high spatial resolution of the 12CO and 13CO J=3-2 ALMA data allows for an analysis of the geometry of the ejecta in unprecedented detail. We built a spatio-kinematical model of the molecular region with the software SHAPE and performed detailed non-LTE calculations of excitation and radiative transfer with the shapemol plug-in. RESULTS: We find that the molecular region consists of a massive ring out of which a system of fragments of lobe walls emerge and enclose the base of the lobes visible in the optical. The general properties of this region are in agreement with previous works, although the much greater spatial resolution of the data allows for a very detailed description. We confirm that the mass of the molecular region is 0.1 M⊙. Additionally, we report a previously undetected component at the nebular equator, an inner, younger ring inclined ~60° with respect to the main ring, showing a characteristic radius of 7.5×1016 cm, a mass of 2.7×10-3 M⊙, and a counterpart in optical images of the nebula. This inner ring has the same kinematical age as the northwest optical lobes, implying it was ejected approximately at the same time, hundreds of years after the ejection of the bulk of the molecular ring-like region. We discuss a sequence of events leading to the formation of the molecular and optical nebulae, and briefly speculate on the origin of this intriguing inner ring.

Characterization of digestive enzymes from captive Brazilian flounder Paralichthys orbignyanus

Abstract Knowledge of specific enzyme activity, along with animal habits and digestive capacity is essential in formulating an appropriate diet for any species. In this study, we evaluated and characterized the activity of digestive enzymes present in the liver, intestine, and stomach of Paralichthys orbignyanus. The effects of pH and temperature on enzyme activity were also evaluated via the use of specific substrates. The use of specific substrates and inhibitors showed strong evidence of the presence of trypsin (BApNA= 0.51 ± 0.2 mU mg-1), chimotrypsin (SApNA= 2.62 ± 1.8 mU mg-1), and aminopeptidases (Leu-p-Nan =0.9709 ± 0.83 mU mg-1) in the intestine. Optimum pH for the activity of trypsin, chemotrypsin, leucino aminopeptidase, amilase, and pepsin were 9.5, 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, and 3.5, respectively, while optimum temperatures were 50, 50, 50, 40, and 45 °C, respectively. These results provide additional information regarding the biology of Brazilian flounder and can be used as a basis for further studies regarding fish feeding physiology.

Resumo O conhecimento da atividade enzimática é essencial para formular uma correta dieta específica para espécie, além de estarem correlacionadas com o hábito da alimentação e capacidade digestive. Neste estudo determinamos e caracterizamos a atividade enzimática presente no intestino, estômago e fígado do linguado Paralichthys orbignyanus. Os efeitos da temperatura e pH sobre a atividade enzimática também foram avaliados utilizando substratos específicos. O uso de substratos e inibidores específicos mostrou uma forte evidência da presença da tripsina (BApNA = 0,51 ± 0,2 mU mg-1), quimotripsina (SAPNA = 2,62 ± 1,8 mU mg-1), e as aminopeptidases (Leu-p-Nan = 0,97 ± 0,83 mU mg-1) no intestino. O pH ótimo observado para a atividade de tripsina, quimotripsina, leucino aminopeptidase, amilase e pepsina foi 9,5, 9,0, 8,0, 7,5 e 3,5, respectivamente. A temperatura ótima observada foi 50, 50, 50, 40 e 45 °C, respectivamente. Estes resultados fornecem informações adicionais sobre a biologia do linguado brasileiro e pode ser usado como base para novos estudos sobre fisiologia alimentar.

High spatial resolution imaging of SO and H2CO in AB Auriga: The first SO image in a transitional disk.

CONTEXT: Transitional disks are structures of dust and gas around young stars with large inner cavities in which planet formation may occur. Lopsided dust distributions are observed in the dust continuum emission at millimeter wavelengths. These asymmetrical structures can be explained as being the result of an enhanced gas density vortex where the dust is trapped, potentially promoting the rapid growth to the planetesimal scale. AIMS: AB Aur hosts a transitional disk with a clear horseshoe morphology which strongly suggests the presence of a dust trap. Our goal is to investigate its formation and the possible effects on the gas chemistry. METHODS: We used the NOEMA (NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array) interferometer to image the 1mm continuum dust emission and the 13CO J=2 →1, C18OJ=2 →1, SO J=56 →45, and H2CO J=303 →202 rotational lines. RESULTS: Line integrated intensity ratio images are built to investigate the chemical changes within the disk. The I(H2CO J=303 →202)/I(C18O J=2→1) ratio is fairly constant along the disk with values of ~0.15±0.05. On the contrary, the I(SO J=56 →45)/I(C18O J=2 →1) and I(SO J=56 →45)/I(H2CO J=303 →202) ratios present a clear northeast-southwest gradient (a factor of 3-6) with the minimum towards the dust trap. This gradient cannot be explained by a local change in the excitation conditions but by a decrease in the SO abundance. Gas densities up to ~109 cm-3 are expected in the disk midplane and two-three times larger in the high pressure vortex. We have used a single point (n,T) chemical model to investigate the lifetime of gaseous CO, H2CO, and SO in the dust trap. Our model shows that for densities >107 cm-3, the SO molecules are depleted (directly frozen, or converted into SO2 and then frozen out) in less than 0.1 Myr. The lower SO abundance towards the dust trap could indicate that a larger fraction of the gas is in a high density environment. CONCLUSIONS: Gas dynamics, grain growth and gas chemistry are coupled in the planet formation process. We detect a chemical signature of the presence of a dust trap in a transitional disk. Because of the strong dependence of SO abundance on the gas density, the sulfur chemistry can be used as a chemical diagnostic to detect the birthsites of future planets. However, the large uncertainties inherent to chemical models and the limited knowledge of the disk's physical structure and initial conditions are important drawbacks.

Development of de novo major involvement during follow-up in Behçet's syndrome.

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of de novo major involvement during follow-up in a cohort of patients with Behçet's syndrome (BS); the secondary aim was to analyse the epidemiological profile and the long-term outcome of those patients who developed new major involvement. Among our cohort of 120 BS patients, we evaluated all subjects who had no major organ involvement during the early years of their disease; specifically, at disease onset, the 52% of the cohort presented a prevalent mucocutaneous involvement. The primary outcomes were represented by the following: Hatemi et al. (Rheum Dis Clin North Am 39(2):245-61, 2013) the incidence of de novo major involvement during the follow-up and Hatemi et al. (Clin Exp Rheumatol 32(4 Suppl 84):S112-22, 2014) the use of immunosuppressive drugs during the follow-up. We have defined the development of de novo major involvement during the follow-up as the occurrence of severe ocular, vascular or CNS involvement after a latency period from the diagnosis of at least 3 years. Among 62 patients characterized by a mild onset of disease, we observed that after at least 3 years from the diagnosis, 21 BS patients (34%) still developed serious morbidities. Specifically, three patients developed ocular involvement, nine patients developed neurological involvement and nine patients presented vascular involvement. Comparing main epidemiological and clinical findings of the two groups, we observed that patients who developed de novo major involvement were more frequently males and younger; furthermore, 95% of these patients were characterized by a young onset of disease (p < 0.001). Being free of major organ complication in the first years of BS is not necessary a sign of a favourable outcome. Globally, the development of de novo major involvement during the coursfce of BS suggests that a tight control is strongly recommended during the course of the disease.

The alexander surgical technique for the treatment of severe burns.

The extensive loss of skin in burned patients is a critical clinical condition, and the choice of an effective technique to cover and protect the damaged area has always been a challenge in the surgical field. Despite its wide clinical use, there is little data in the literature on using the Alexander technique to treat severe burns, while several studies have focused on alternative approaches. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Alexander surgical technique on 117 patients with severe burns. The characteristics of the burned patients, factors related to etiology of burns as well as adverse prognostic factors and their incidence in discharged versus deceased patients were also taken into account. Finally, a comparison is made with an alternative surgical procedure described in the literature. Our results show a satisfactory level of survival for patients with severe burns surgically treated with the Alexander technique, accounting for 63% of all clinical cases reported here. This treatment is also less expensive and more rapid than the alternative approach we compared it with. The Alexander technique is a lifesaving method for the treatment of severe burns that provides a satisfactory chance of survival at lower cost than the alternative surgical procedure examined.

Une vaste perte de substance cutanée chez les brûlés détermine un état clinique critique, et le choix d'une technique efficace pour couvrir et protéger les zones détruites a toujours été un challenge chirurgical. Malgré sa large utilisation, il y a peu de références dans la littérature sur l'utilisation de la technique d'Alexander dans le traitement les brûlures graves, alors que différentes études insistent sur d'autres approches. Cette étude a pour but d'évaluer l'efficacité de la technique chirurgicale d'Alexander sur 117 patients présentant des brûlures graves. Les caractéristiques de ces brûlés (étiologie, facteurs pronostiques défavorables et leur incidence sur la sortie de l'hôpital) ont été prises en compte, comme celles des patients décédés. Enfin, la comparaison est faite avec les autres procédés alternatifs chirurgicaux décrits dans la littérature. Nos résultats montrent un taux satisfaisant de survie chez les patients présentant des brûlures graves traitées par la technique d'Alexander: 63% de tous les cas cliniques rassemblés ici. Le traitement est aussi moins cher et plus rapide que dans les techniques alternatives. La technique d'Alexander est une méthode de sauvetage pour le traitement des brûlures graves qui offre une chance satisfaisante de survie à un coût moindre que les autres techniques alternatives.

Bone density assessment in a cohort of pediatric patients affected by 22q11DS.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia are two of the most frequent clinical characteristics of 22q11-deletion syndrome (22q11DS). The aim of this study was to evaluate bone metabolism and density in a cohort of patients affected by 22q11DS. METHODS: In 8 pediatric patients (mean age 11.5 years; range 7-16.4) affected by 22q11DS, creatinine, albumin, total and ionized calcium, phosphate, 25(OH) vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide and interleukin 6 were assessed. Furthermore, bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry procedure. 14 healthy children were considered as controls. RESULTS: Most of the studied subjects were overweight and lacked quality physical activity. 40 % of the subjects had reduced calcium levels in the absence of related clinical symptoms and all patients also had inadequate levels of Vitamin D. The values of L1-L4 BMD were within the reference range in all patients (z score <2). However, after comparing the age-matched indexes of bone mineralization of patients with those of controls, the former had lower bone mineralization indexes than the latter. CONCLUSIONS: In pediatric patients with 22q11DS, an initial and slight bone loss is evident. The incidence of hypocalcemia is underestimated because hypocalcemia is asymptomatic. Several factors contribute to bone impairment in children who still have to achieve bone mass peak. Therefore, we suggest strict monitoring of bone metabolism as well as BMD measurement in patients affected by 22q11DS.

Efecto biológico de la hipertermia hídrica controlada sobre hueso sano de conejos / Biological effect of controlled fluid hyperthermia on rabbit healthy bones

La hipertermia hídrica se ha utilizado para tratamientos de diversas formas de cáncer, en hueso aún no se ha determinado cuál es su efecto; se realizó este estudio prospectivo para demostrar los cambios estructurales y metabólicos y los efectos en la consolidación de hueso expuesto a hipertermia hídrica. Se utilizaron 30 conejos de raza New-Zealand. Con peso entre 2.8 y 3.2 kg divididos en 9 grupos y 3 subgrupos, se realizó osteotomía en el tercio medio del fémur derecho; este segmento fue expuesto a hipertermia a 15, 20 y 25 grados centígrados, durante 50, 60 y 70 minutos, gammagrafía ósea cada cuatro semanas y radiográficos cada semana hasta la semana 13. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba de post-hoc y test de Tukey, encontrando diferencias en las concentraciones de elementos químicos a temperaturas superiores a 60 grados durante 20 minutos con significancia estadística, retardo en la consolidación y evidencia de actividad metabólica. Se concluye que con la exposición a temperaturas de 60 grados durante 20 minutos se presentaron alteraciones morfológicas en potasio, magnesio, azufre y fósforo y retardo en la consolidación ósea. Estos resultados son usados como parámetros para el tratamiento con hipertermia hídrica controlada en tumores óseos.

Fluid hyperthermia has been used to treat various types of cancers, but its effects on bone have not been determined. The purpose of this prospective study was to show the structural and metabolic changes of bone exposed to fluid hyperthermia and the effects of the latter on bone healing. Thirty New Zealand rabbits were used, weighting 2.8-3.2 kg; they were divided into 9 groups and 3 subgroups. An osteotomy was performed in the mid third of the right femur and this segment was exposed to hyperthermia at 15, 20 and 25 degrees centigrade for 50, 60 and 70 minutes. A bone scan was performed every 4 weeks and X-rays were taken every week up to week 13. The post-hoc Tukey test was used for the statistical analysis. Differences were found in the concentration of chemicals at temperatures above 60 degrees for 20 minutes with statistical significance; bone healing was delayed and there was evidence of metabolic activity. We conclude that exposure to temperatures above 60 degrees for 20 minutes resulted in morphologic alterations in potassium, magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus, and delayed bone healing. These results are used as parameters for the treatment of bone tumors with fluid hyperthermia.

Abnormal lactate levels in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis: the benefits of a specific rehabilitative program.

BACKGROUND: Polymyositis (PM) and Dermatomyositis (DM) are chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune skeletal muscle disorders characterized by reduced muscle strength, fatigue and myalgia. While inflammation causes muscle damage in the early phase, metabolic alterations such as an impairment of oxidative metabolism seem to be responsible for the disability in the chronic phase of the disease. AIM: To assess muscle oxidative efficiency and to test the effect of aerobic training in a group of PM/DM patients. DESIGN: A case-control study and a within-group comparison. SETTING. Outpatients of the Unit of Neurorehabilitation of the University Hospital of Pisa. POPULATION: 20 patients with myositis (15 PM and 5 DM) and 15 healthy subjects as a control group. METHODS: The test consisted of an incremental, sub-maximal aerobic exercise on a treadmill; haematic lactate was assessed at rest and after 1', 5', 10' and 30' minutes from the end of the exercise. A within-group comparison was conducted on four of the PM patients (P group). They were subjected to six weeks aerobic training. Lactate curve and functional tests were assessed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: A precocious fatigability and significantly higher values of lactate at rest and after the exercise were observed in patients. In the P group mean lactate levels were significantly decreased after the treatment and an improvement of muscle performance was observed. CONCLUSION: Abnormal blood lactate levels suggested an impaired muscle oxidative efficiency in PM/DM patients. A specific aerobic training program reduced lactate levels and relieved fatigue symptoms in a within-group of four of the PM patients. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Such a specific aerobic training program could be introduced in everyday practice for the rehabilitative treatment of PM/DM patients.

[Biological effect of controlled fluid hyperthermia on rabbit healthy bones]. / Efecto biológico de la hipertermia hídrica controlada sobre hueso sano de Conejos.

Fluid hyperthermia has been used to treat various types of cancers, but its effects on bone have not been determined. The purpose of this prospective study was to show the structural and metabolic changes of bone exposed to fluid hyperthermia and the effects of the latter on bone healing. Thirty New Zealand rabbits were used, weighting 2.8-3.2 kg; they were divided into 9 groups and 3 subgroups. An osteotomy was performed in the mid third of the right femur and this segment was exposed to hyperthermia at 15, 20 and 25 degrees centigrade for 50, 60 and 70 minutes. A bone scan was performed every 4 weeks and X-rays were taken every week up to week 13. The post-hoc Tukey test was used for the statistical analysis. Differences were found in the concentration of chemicals at temperatures above 60 degrees for 20 minutes with statistical significance; bone healing was delayed and there was evidence of metabolic activity. We conclude that exposure to temperatures above 60 degrees for 20 minutes resulted in morphologic alterations in potassium, magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus, and delayed bone healing. These results are used as parameters for the treatment of bone tumors with fluid hyperthermia.

The rapid assembly of an elliptical galaxy of 400 billion solar masses at a redshift of 2.3.

Stellar archaeology shows that massive elliptical galaxies formed rapidly about ten billion years ago with star-formation rates of above several hundred solar masses per year. Their progenitors are probably the submillimetre bright galaxies at redshifts z greater than 2. Although the mean molecular gas mass (5 × 10(10) solar masses) of the submillimetre bright galaxies can explain the formation of typical elliptical galaxies, it is inadequate to form elliptical galaxies that already have stellar masses above 2 × 10(11) solar masses at z ≈ 2. Here we report multi-wavelength high-resolution observations of a rare merger of two massive submillimetre bright galaxies at z = 2.3. The system is seen to be forming stars at a rate of 2,000 solar masses per year. The star-formation efficiency is an order of magnitude greater than that of normal galaxies, so the gas reservoir will be exhausted and star formation will be quenched in only around 200 million years. At a projected separation of 19 kiloparsecs, the two massive starbursts are about to merge and form a passive elliptical galaxy with a stellar mass of about 4 × 10(11) solar masses. We conclude that gas-rich major galaxy mergers with intense star formation can form the most massive elliptical galaxies by z ≈ 1.5.

A dust-obscured massive maximum-starburst galaxy at a redshift of 6.34.

Massive present-day early-type (elliptical and lenticular) galaxies probably gained the bulk of their stellar mass and heavy elements through intense, dust-enshrouded starbursts--that is, increased rates of star formation--in the most massive dark-matter haloes at early epochs. However, it remains unknown how soon after the Big Bang massive starburst progenitors exist. The measured redshift (z) distribution of dusty, massive starbursts has long been suspected to be biased low in z owing to selection effects, as confirmed by recent findings of systems with redshifts as high as ~5 (refs 2-4). Here we report the identification of a massive starburst galaxy at z = 6.34 through a submillimetre colour-selection technique. We unambiguously determined the redshift from a suite of molecular and atomic fine-structure cooling lines. These measurements reveal a hundred billion solar masses of highly excited, chemically evolved interstellar medium in this galaxy, which constitutes at least 40 per cent of the baryonic mass. A 'maximum starburst' converts the gas into stars at a rate more than 2,000 times that of the Milky Way, a rate among the highest observed at any epoch. Despite the overall downturn in cosmic star formation towards the highest redshifts, it seems that environments mature enough to form the most massive, intense starbursts existed at least as early as 880 million years after the Big Bang.