Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

Expression of Fc gamma and complement receptors in monocytes of X-linked agammaglobulinaemia and common variable immunodeficiency patients.

Recently we reported that monocyte phagocytosis and chemotaxis are impaired in X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) and common variable immunodeficiency (CVI) patients. Few data exist on the in vivo expression of receptors for the constant region of immunoglobulin (IgG) (Fc gammaR) and complement receptors (CR) in these patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of Fc gammaR and CR on monocytes from XLA and CVI patients and compare it to that of healthy controls. Whole blood samples were obtained from 10 patients with XLA, 12 with CVI and 18 healthy controls. Monocyte phenotype was determined by flow cytometry with gating on CD14+ cells. Surface expression of Fc gammaRI (CD64), Fc gammaRII (CD32) and Fc gammaRIII (CD16), CR1 (CD35) and CR3 (CD11b and CD18) was measured by determination of the proportion of CD14+ cells positive for each receptor and by receptor density. Compared to controls, a significantly higher percentage of CD16 and CD35+ monocytes from XLA (P = 0.002 and P = 0.007, respectively) were observed. The relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) expression of Fc gammaRII (CD32) and Fc gammaRIII (CD16) were significantly lower on CVI monocytes compared to controls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively). XLA patients, who have a reduction of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), showed normal or increased percentages of monocytes expressing Fc gamma and complement receptors. CVI patients, who have normal expression of Btk, showed reduced expression of CD16 and CD32 on monocytes. Inefficient chemotaxis and phagocytosis, reported previously in XLA patients, could be due to defects of cytoplasmatic transduction mechanisms.

Isolation of Candida dubliniensis from the oral cavity of an HIV-positive child in Brazil.

Candida dubliniensis is a newly-recognized Candida species and an important infectious pathogen, particularly for HIV-positive patients. >From oral smear samples from the radix linguae of 173 HIV-positive children, we obtained four yeast isolates which took a blue-green color on CHROMagar Candida plate at 37 degrees C for 48 hours from one HIV-positive 3-year-old boy in Brazil. The isolates were difficult to grow on potato dextrose agar plate at 42 degrees C, produced abundant chlamydospores on a cornmeal agar plate with Tween 80, and sprouted germ tubes in saline with horse serum, and the antigenic profile by CANDIDA CHECK test was useless. Carbohydrate assimilation tests by ID32C showed no reference code number in the reference book. The isolates were subjected to molecular biological assay of the DNA sequence of the large-subunit ribosomal DNA region (D1/D2) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The DNA sequence agreed with those of standard C. dubliniensis strains, and therefore, the isolates were identified as C. dubliniensis. RAPD band pattern analysis indicated that the clinical isolates might summarize one genotype. Although the child did not present oral lesions, the fungus might be latent for opportunistic infection.

[Global aphasia without hemiparesis: case report]. / Afasia global sem hemiparesia: relato de caso.

Symptoms and signs of a stroke indicate which areas of the brain are affected and may also suggest the pathophysiology. We report herein a case of global aphasia without hemiparesis due to embolic infarct. Our case suggests that this situation may be an important sign for embolic cerebral infarction, as reported in literature.

[Brazilian Nursing Magazine--a history of resistance]. / Revista brasileira de enfermagem--uma história de resistência.

Part of the conquest of ANEDB, since 1920 the REBEn itself inserting in the professional dispute about the diffusion of the nursing facts. Ought to Edith Magalhães Fraenkel and Rachel Haddock Lobo the inspiration and initiative for the creation, since 1929, within the participation in the I Quadrienal of ICN congress, in Montreal where were discussed facilities, difficulties and advance of nursing newspaper. The ANNAES of nursing, edited by the newspaper "Journal do Brasil--R.J.", in 1932, was the precursor of the REBEn. With her existence, readers, students and Professionals greediness for extend his specifics knowledge, constructors of the historic documentation and the knowledge profession, responsible by the scientific and technologic development and by the concept emission of different period of the Brazilian nursing, has learned to take advantage on his benefits. With more of 50 volumes and 200 edited copies the REBEn has acquired a reference status in the domestic and international of health and human science areas. Already consolidate; spread dissertation results, thesis, and work papers, presented or showed in Brazilian congresses of nursing. It's the most consulted newspaper as source and field scientific investigation. It provides the readers growth, organizer in the editorial process and counselors formation "ad hoc" through the permanent criticism and evaluation.

Biological implications of selenium and its role in trypanosomiasis treatment.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for several organisms and is present in proteins as selenocysteine (Sec or U), an amino acid that is chemically distinct from serine and cysteine by a single atom (Se instead of O or S, respectively). Sec is incorporated into selenoproteins at an in-frame UGA codon specified by an mRNA stem-loop structure called the selenocysteine incorporating sequence (SECIS) presented in selenoprotein mRNA and specific selenocysteine synthesis and incorporation machinery. Selenoproteins are presented in all domains but are not found in all organisms. Although several functions have been attributed to this class, the majority of the proteins are involved in oxidative stress defense. Here, we discuss the kinetoplastid selenocysteine pathway and how selenium supplementation is able to alter the infection course of trypanosomatids in detail. These organisms possess the canonical elements required for selenoprotein production such as phosphoseryl tRNA kinase (PSTK), selenocysteine synthase (SepSecS), selenophosphase synthase (SelD or SPS), and elongation factor EFSec (SelB), whereas other important factors presented in mammal cells, such as SECIS binding protein 2 (SBP) and SecP 43, are absent. The selenoproteome of trypanosomatids is small, as is the selenoproteome of others parasites, which is in contrast to the large number of selenoproteins found in bacteria, aquatic organisms and higher eukaryotes. Trypanosoma and Leishmania are sensitive to auranofin, a potent selenoprotein inhibitor; however, the probable drug mechanism is not related to selenoproteins in kinetoplastids. Selenium supplementation decreases the parasitemia of various Trypanosome infections and reduces important parameters associated with diseases such as anemia and parasite-induced organ damage. New experiments are necessary to determine how selenium acts, but evidence suggests that immune response modulation and increased host defense against oxidative stress contribute to control of the parasite infection.

Selenocysteine biosynthesis and insertion machinery in Naegleria gruberi.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element primarily found in selenoproteins as the 21st amino acid (selenocysteine, Sec, or U). Selenoproteins play an important role in growth and proliferation and are typically involved in cellular redox balance. Selenocysteine is encoded by an in-frame UGA codon specified by a stem-loop structure, the Sec insertion sequence element (SECIS), which, in eukaryotes, is located in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). The availability of the Naegleria gruberi (ATCC 30224) genome sequence and the use of this organism as a model system for the pathogenic amoeba N. fowleri allowed us to investigate the Sec incorporation pathway in this primitive eukaryote. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified gene sequences encoding PSTK (O-phosphoseryl-tRNA(Sec) kinase), SepSecS (O-phosphoseryl-tRNA:selenocysteinyl-tRNA synthase), SelD/SPS2 (selenophosphate synthetase), EFSec (selenocysteine-specific elongation factor) and SBP (SECIS binding protein). These findings were confirmed by RT-PCR and by sequencing. A potential tRNA(Ser)Sec (SelC) gene and a putative selenoprotein with sequence similarity to a mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase (TR3) were also identified. Our results show that the selenocysteine incorporation machinery is indeed present in N. gruberi. Interestingly, the SelD/SPS2 gene is 2214 bp in length and contains two distinct domains. The N-terminal region shows sequence similarity to predicted methyltransferase proteins, and the C-terminal region is homologous to prokaryotic SelD/SPS2. Our results suggest the possibility of novel selenoproteins.

Abnormalities in body composition and nutritional status in HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare growth, nutritional status and body composition outcomes between a group of 94 HIV-infected children and adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 364 healthy controls, and to evaluate their association with clinical and lifestyle variables within the HIV-infected group. When compared with the control group, HIV patients had higher risk of stunting (odds ratio [OR] 5.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.83-10.04) and thinness (OR 4.7, 95% CI: 2.44-9.06), higher waist-to-hip ratios (medians 0.89 versus 0.82 for boys and 0.90 versus 0.77 for girls, P < 0.001), and lower prevalence of overweight or obesity (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14-0.78). Protease inhibitor usage was associated with thinness (OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.07-11.44) and lipoatrophy (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.37-8.95). HIV-infected children on ART showed significant nutritional status and body composition abnormalities, consistent with the severity of vertical HIV infection and the consequences of prolonged ART.

Determination of glyphosate in water samples by IC.

Agricultural development and its associated impacts on the environment are resulting in increasingly restrictive guidelines and legislation concerning the use of chemicals in agro-ecosystems. The herbicide glyphosate is widely used for weed control in both cultivated and uncultivated areas and is considered to show low toxicity to mammals. It is highly water-soluble, and its monitoring in surface, underground, and potable waters is recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This work presents a method for the inclusion of glyphosate determination within routine anion analysis using ion chromatography in water sampler without any kind of extraction, clean-up, or preconcentration step. The equipment used was a Dionex Model ICS-3000 ion chromatograph fitted with a 25-microL loop, Ion Pac AG19 guard and AS19 analytical columns, ASRS-300 (2 mm) suppressor, and conductivity detector. The method showed a linear response to glyphosate between 0.05-0.75 mg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, and a detection limit below the maximum levels permitted by Brazilian legislation. Recoveries in the range 90-105% were achieved in tests using surface, well, potable, and ultrapure water samples.

Immunogenicity and safety of combined intradermal recombinant Hepatitis B with BCG vaccines at birth.

This randomized, prospective, non-inferiority study aimed to quantify anti-HBs titers induced by recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine from healthy infants vaccinated with combined Hepatitis B and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccines (HbsAg 10 microg plus BCG suspension 0.1mg) and compare them to titers obtained with separated vaccines. Infants were immunized at birth either with combined intradermal (ID) BCG and Hepatitis B or ID BCG alone and intramuscular (IM) Hepatitis B. Both groups received IM Hepatitis B at 1 and 6 months of age. After the third dose anti-HBs titers > or =10 IU/mL were observed in 99% of vaccinees and > or =1000 IU/mL in 71%. There were no adverse events in both groups. Combination of HbsAg with BCG as first dose did not modify the profile of the humoral immune response for Hepatitis B indicating safety and immunogenicity of this vaccine in newborn.

Robust gammadelta+ T cell expansion in infants immunized at birth with BCG vaccine.

Cell-mediated immune responses to BCG vaccine were evaluated in 7-month-old infants vaccinated with intradermal combined BCG and Hepatitis B or intradermal BCG and intramuscular Hepatitis B at birth. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures from both groups showed CD4(+), CD8(+) and remarkable gammadelta(+) T cell BCG-specific proliferation, without significant differences. Also, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha concentrations in culture supernatants, measured by ELISA, were similar. The results suggested that the combined BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine was as immunogenic as BCG separated from Hepatitis B vaccine.

Tepidimonas ignava gen. nov., sp. nov., a new chemolithoheterotrophic and slightly thermophilic member of the beta-Proteobacteria.

A bacterial isolate with an optimum growth temperature of about 55 degrees C was recovered on a medium composed of one part Kligler's iron agar and four parts of Thermus Agar from the host spring at São Pedro do Sul in central Portugal. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain SPS-1037T indicated that the new organism represented a new genus and species of beta-Proteobacteria. The major fatty acids of strain SPS-1037T are C16:0 and C17:0. Ubiquinone 8 is the major respiratory quinone, and the major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The new isolate is aerobic and chemolithoheterotrophic. Thiosulfate and tetrathionate were oxidized to sulfate. The growth yield of the organism was improved by the addition of thiosulfate to media containing organic carbon sources, but the organism did not grow autotrophically under the conditions examined. Heterotrophic growth of strain SPS-1037T occurs on amino acids and organic acids, but this organism does not assimilate carbohydrates. On the basis of the phylogenetic analyses, and physiological and biochemical characteristics, it is proposed that strain SPS-1037T represents a new genus and a new species for which the name Tepidimonas ignava is proposed.

Activation of rat synovium by iron.

We observed a consistent sequence of activation changes in rat knee synovia following a single intravenous injection of sterile ferric citrate at a dosage sufficient to cause a transient saturation of transferrin. The initial alteration, appreciated 2 hours postinjection, consisted of an expansion in the lumen of synovial lining and subsynovial tissue due to the hypervascularity and increased cellularity was noted, along with peaks in the mitotic activity of synovial cells (fourfold over baseline) and pinocytosis by endothelial cells. During the period of 8-24 hours, mature collagen appeared in the space between pericyte layers and between pericytes and endothelial cells, and 2-9-fold increases in ferritin +, W3/13+, W3/25+, Ox8+, and Ox26+ mononuclear cells occurred. In contrast to the action on synovial fibroblasts, iron injection did not affect the mitotic activity of fibroblasts within the serosa of the small intestine. These findings demonstrate that, under experimental conditions, iron can readily induce changes in the synovium that are reminiscent of early events occurring in response to antigen.