Density functional theory of alkali metals at the IL/graphene electrochemical interface.

The mechanism of charge transfer between metal ions and graphene in the presence of an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) is investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. For that purpose, two different comparisons are established: (i) the behavior of Li+ and K+ when adsorbed onto the basal plane of graphene and (ii) the differences between Li+ approaching the carbon surface from the basal plane and being intercalated through the edge plane of trilayer graphene. In the first case, it is found that the metal ions must overcome high energy barriers due to their interaction with the ionic liquid before reaching an equilibrium position close to the interface. In addition, no significant charge transfer between any of the metals and graphene takes place until very close energetically unfavorable distances. The second configuration shows that Li+ has no equilibrium position in the proximity of the interface but instead has an equilibrium position when it is inside the electrode for which it has to cross an energy barrier. In this case, the formation of a LiC12 complex is observed since the charge transfer at the equilibrium distance is achieved to a considerable extent. Thus, the interfacial charge transfer resistance on the electrode in energy devices based on ionic liquids clearly depends not only on the binding of the ionic liquid to the metal cations and their ability to form a dense solvation shell around them but also on the surface topography and its effect on the ion packing on the surface.

Synthesis and characterization of a bovine collagen: GAG scaffold with Uruguayan raw material for tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine offer strategies to improve damaged tissues by using scaffolds and cells. The use of collagen-based biomaterials in the field of TE has been intensively growing over the past decades. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are promising cell candidates for development of clinical composites. In this study, we proposed the development of a bovine collagen type I: chondroitin-6-sulphate (CG) scaffold, obtained from Uruguayan raw material (certified as free bovine spongiform encephalopathy), with CG crosslinking enhancement using different gamma radiation doses. Structural, biomechanical and chemical characteristics of the scaffolds were assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, axial tensile tests, FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy, respectively. Once we selected the most appropriate scaffold for future use as a TE product, we studied the behavior of MSCs and DPSCs cultured on the scaffold by cytotoxicity, proliferation and differentiation assays. Among the diverse porous scaffolds obtained, the one with the most adequate properties was the one exposed to 15 kGy of gamma radiation. This radiation dose contributed to the crosslinking of molecules, to the formation of new bonds and/or to the reorganization of the collagen fibers. The selected scaffold was non-cytotoxic for the tested cells and a suitable substrate for cell proliferation. Furthermore, the scaffold allowed MSCs differentiation to osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Thus, this work shows a promising approach to the synthesis of a collagen-scaffold suitable for TE.

Red meat consumption and metabolic syndrome in the Costa Rica Heart Study.

PURPOSE: Several epidemiologic investigations have found associations between the consumption of red meat and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Very few studies have looked at populations undergoing the nutrition transition with smaller levels of red meat consumption than those in Westernized countries. In this population-based cross-sectional study, we examined the association between red meat consumption and MetS in Costa Rican adults, a population with comparably lower consumption of red meat. METHODS: Prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unprocessed, and processed red meat consumption were estimated with log-binomial regression models among 2058 adults from the Costa Rican Heart Study. Least-squares mean values of individual components of MetS across quintiles of red meat consumption were estimated with linear regression models. RESULTS: We observed a significant positive association between total red meat consumption and MetS (PR for highest compared to lowest quintile: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.42; P for trend = 0.0113) but not for unprocessed or processed red meat consumption when analyzed separately after mutual adjustments. We additionally observed a significant positive association between total, unprocessed, and processed red meat consumption and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: In this Hispanic population undergoing the nutrition transition, total red meat intake may have an impact on MetS. Based on the relatively low consumption of red meat in Costa Rica compared to other Westernized countries, we hypothesize that a "threshold effect" may exist for unprocessed and processed red meat.

Adipose tissue palmitoleic acid is inversely associated with nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in Costa Rican adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Animal models have shown that adipose-derived palmitoleic acid may act as a lipokine by conferring resistance to diet-induced obesity; however, human epidemiologic studies investigating this relationship thus far have not provided data in support of this hypothesis. Because metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease are intricately linked with the former being a major risk factor for the latter, we hypothesized that adipose-derived palmitoleic acid may be inversely associated with myocardial infarction. We examined whether adipose tissue palmitoleic acid was associated with nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in a representative population of Costa Rican adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: Odds ratios of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction by quintiles of adipose tissue palmitoleic acid were calculated using conditional logistic regression in a case-control study of 1828 cases and 1828 controls matched by age, sex, and area of residence. We observed an inverse relationship between nonfatal acute myocardial infarction and adipose tissue palmitoleic acid (OR for highest quintile compared to lowest quintile of palmitoleic acid: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.75; P for trend: <0.0001). We additionally observed a significant positive association between adipose tissue palmitoleic acid and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate an inverse association between adipose tissue palmitoleic acid and nonfatal acute myocardial infarction; however, further research is required in order to better understand the opposing associations between palmitoleic acid and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.

Biomarkers of dairy intake and the risk of heart disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite their relatively high content of saturated fat, studies of dairy product intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease have often yielded null or inverse results. The use of fatty acid biomarkers to reflect dairy intake could elucidate this association. This study aims to evaluate the association between dairy intake, assessed by adipose pentadecanoic (15:0) and heptadecanoic (17:0) fatty acids and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), in a matched case-control study of Costa Rican adults (n=3630). METHODS AND RESULTS: The association was examined using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders. The associations of adipose tissue 15:0 and 17:0 with the risk of MI were not statistically significant (for 15:0: multivariate-adjusted OR for 5th quintile vs. 1st=1.14 (95% CI=0.85, 1.53), p-value for linear trend=0.77; for 17:0: multivariate-adjusted OR for 5th quintile vs. 1st=1.15 (95% CI=0.88, 1.51), p-value for linear trend=0.18). The association between the FFQ measure of dairy intake and MI showed evidence of a possible threshold effect, with a protective association observed for all but the top quintile of the exposure distribution. CONCLUSION: Dairy product intake as assessed by adipose tissue 15:0, 17:0, and by FFQ is not associated with a linear increase in the risk of MI in the study population. It is possible that the adverse effect of saturated fat in dairy products on cardiovascular health is offset by presence of beneficial nutrients.

An educational international partnership responding to local needs: process evaluation of the Brazil FAIMER Regional Institute.

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian public health system requires competent professionals sensitive to the needs of the population. The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) provides a two-year faculty development programme for health professions educators, aiming to build leadership in education to improve health. A partnership with governmental initiatives and FAIMER was established for meeting these needs. This paper describes the initial process evaluation results of the Brazilian FAIMER Institute Fellowship (FAIMER BR). METHODS: Data were analysed for the classes 2007-2010 regarding: application processes; innovation project themes; retrospective post-pre self-ratings of knowledge acquisition; and professional development portfolios. RESULTS: Seventeen of 26 Brazilian states were represented among 98 Fellows, predominantly from public medical schools (75.5%) and schools awarded Ministry of Health grants to align education with public health services (89.8%). One-third (n = 32) of Fellows' innovation projects were related to these grants. Significant increases occurred in all topic subscales on self-report of knowledge acquisition (effect sizes, 1.21-2.77). In the follow up questionnaire, 63% of Fellows reported that their projects were incorporated into the curriculum or institutional policies. The majority reported that the programme deepened their knowledge (98%), provided new ideas about medical education (90%) and provided skills for conflict management (63%). One-half of the Fellows reported sustained benefits from the programme listserv and other communications, including breadth of expertise, establishment of research collaboration and receiving emotional support. CONCLUSION: Contributors to initial programme success included alignment of curriculum with governmental initiatives, curriculum design merging educational technology, leadership and management skills and central role of an innovation educational project responding to local needs.

Behavioral effects of a low molecular weight peptide fraction from Phaseolus vulgaris in rats.

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

[Tandem mass spectrometry as screening for inborn errors of metabolism]. / Tamiz de los errores innatos del metabolismo por espectrometría de masas en tándem: principales biomarcadores.

The use of tandem mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism has the potential to expand the newborn screening panel to include a vast number of diseases. This technology allows the detection, in the same spot of dried blood on filter paper and during one single analytical run, of different metabolic diseases. Tandem mass spectrometry is rapidly replacing the classical screening techniques approach of one-metabolite detected per analysis per disease by its ability of simultaneous quantification of several metabolites as markers of many diseases, such as acylcarnitines and amino acids. It is clear that a single metabolite can be a biomarker for several diseases, so the multiplex approach of using tandem mass spectrometry enhances, on average, the sensitivity and specificity of the screening. However, there are differences for particular metabolites and the diseases they detect within the same method. Disorders such as the tyrosinemias and among the organic acidemias, the methylmalonic acidemias, have a substantially higher false-positive rate than other more common metabolic diseases such as medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency and phenylketonuria. Before introducing this technology into routine newborn screening programs it is necessary to consider the frequency of each disease, as well as the response to early treatment or variables related to the collection of the sample.

Coexistence of genetically modified seed production and organic farming in Chile.

The seed industry in Chile has thrived since the implementation of a stringent, voluntarily self-imposed coexistence strategy between genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and non-GMO seed activities. GMO varieties of maize, soybean, and canola represent the vast majority of biotech seeds produced in Chile. Chile's exports of genetically modified (GM) seeds and organically grown food products (which excludes GM seeds and materials) continue to expand. Organic Chilean farmers predominantly produce and export fruits such as blueberries, wine grapes, and apples. Under normal agricultural conditions, the inadvertent presence of GMOs in non-GMO or organic crops cannot be ruled out. Producers of organic foods are required to implement stringent measures to minimize contact with any non-organic crop, regardless of whether these crops are GM. Only very small amounts of organic maize, soybean, and canola - if any - have been produced in Chile in recent years. Given the characteristics and nature of Chile's agriculture, the direct impact of the GM seed industry on organic farming in Chile is likely to be negligible. The Chilean experience with coexistence between GM seed and organic industries may inform other countries interested in providing its farmers with alternative agricultural production systems.

Association between hepatic lipase -514 C/T promoter polymorphism and myocardial infarction is modified by history of hypercholesterolemia and waist circumference.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To examine whether the association between the -514 C/T polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene and myocardial infarction (MI) is modified by history of hypercholesterolemia and increased waist circumference. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1940 pairs of nonfatal MI cases and population-based controls were genotyped. Multiple conditional logistic regression was used for data analyses. The -514T variant was not associated with MI in the whole population. However, among people with history of hypercholesterolemia the T allele increased MI risk for heterozygous and homozygous carriers, respectively [OR=1.25 (95%CI=0.92-1.70) and OR=1.59 (95%CI=1.09-2.32). In contrast, the T allele decreased MI risk among people with no history of hypercholesterolemia [OR=0.85 (95%CI=0.70-1.03) and OR=0.76 (95%CI=0.60-0.97)], p for interaction=0.004. Among subjects with normal waist circumference there was no association between the -514T allele and MI for heterozygous and homozygous carriers, respectively [OR=1.04 (95%CI=0.86-1.25) and OR=0.96 (95%CI=0.77-1.21)], while among subjects with waist circumference above the limits of the metabolic syndrome definition there was a protective association [OR=0.63 (95%CI=0.45-0.90) and OR=0.81 (95%CI=0.53-1.25) p for interaction=0.04]. CONCLUSION: The -514T allele is associated with MI in opposite directions depending on the background of the studied population. This could explain what seem like inconsistent results across studies.

Interventional radiologic procedures in the treatment of complications after liver transplantation.

The aim of this study is to report our interventional radiologic procedures (IRP) in liver transplant (LTX) patients. These include procedures for biliary, arterial, venous, and portal complications, as well as the treatment of infected and non-infected fluid collections. This retrospective study covered 583 patients (mean age: 44 +/- 14 yr) in whom a total of 685 LTX were performed from August 1987 to April 2005. Overall, 182 LTX patients underwent a total of 428 IRP, including digital subtraction angiography (n = 152/35.51%), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (n = 4/0.93%) and PTA + stent (n = 7/1.63%) of arterial anastomosis, PTA + stent of the celiac trunk (n = 2/0.46%), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) (n = 2/0.46%), arterial lysis (n = 4/0.93%), venous lysis (n = 2/0.46%), inferior vena cava stenting (n = 2/0.46%), percutaneous biliary drainage (n = 34/7.94%), percutaneous transluminal dilatation (PTD) of the choledocho-enteric anastomosis (n = 16/3.73%), biliary stent (n = 5/1.16%), intrahepatic biliary flushing treatment, stone and cast biliary extraction (n = 27/6.30%), other interventions (e.g., embolization in other regions, transjugular liver biopsies, lymphangiographies) (n = 9/2.10%), and ultrasound- and computer tomography-guided biopsies and percutaneous drainage (n = 153/35.74%). The overall success rate was 85.7%. Technical improvements in LTX and interventional radiology permit vascular and biliary complications to be treated successfully by interventional radiology.

The impact of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) program on radiation and tissue banking in Uruguay: development of tissues quality control and quality management system in the National Multi-Tissue Bank of Uruguay.

BNOT was created and regulated in 1977 and started its operation in 1978 according to the Decree No. 86/1977. By the Decree 248/005 is transformed in the National Institute of Donation and Transplantation of Cells, Tissues and Organs (Instituto Nacional de Donación y Trasplante de Células, Tejidos y Organos--INDT). The organisation has been operating within the State University Medical School and the Public Health Secretary and it is the governmental organisation responsible for the regulation, policy and management of donation and transplantation in Uruguay. By the Decree 160/2006 is responsible for human cells and tissues regulation too. The participation of the INDT in the IAEA program facilitated the introduction of the radiation sterilisation technique for the first time in the country. The radiation sterilisation of tissues processed by INDT (ex BNOT), was initially carried out in the 60 Cobalt Industrial Plant in the National Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina and now is carried out in INDT, using a Gamma Cell 220 Excel, which was provided by the IAEA through the national project URU/7/005. The results of the implementation of tissues, quality control and quality management system, are showed.

Control of cryopreservation procedures on blood vessels using fiber x-ray diffraction.

AIM: We sought to determine variations in fiber organization at the molecular level using x-ray diffraction analyses on human blood vessel specimens after cryopreservation processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diffractometric profiles were performed on aortic and carotid cryopreserved-thawed vessel samples (CVS) versus the same fresh vessel samples (FVS). X-ray diffraction was performed on vascular tissues from 17 cadaveric donors after informed consent. Measurements utilized a Seifert Scintag PAD-II powder diffractometer with CuK(a) radiation; lambda = 1.5418 A. Scans were evaluated in the 5 degrees to 60 degrees range in theta -2theta mode, in the 5 degrees to 60 degrees range in 2-theta, with steps 0.1 degrees and 10 seconds per step. Ten aortic and 8 carotid diffractometric profiles were analyzed, using differential planimetric surfaces measured under x-ray diffraction curve. Diffractographic profiles were analyzed according to intervals based upon the ages of the donors. An ordering profile coefficient (OPC) was obtained as the quotient between the differential planimetric surface (DPS) of FVS versus CVS vessel ordering diffraction. RESULTS: There was a decreased ordering profile according to age: older donors showed less ordering than younger ones. Clear peaks at d-spacing of 2.86 A and 2.15 A (2-theta = 31.3 degrees and 42.0 degrees , respectively) were always confirmed despite the different profiles of samples. OPC showed a higher ordering profile among the CVS than FVS: 70% aortas and 62.5% carotids. CONCLUSION: The cryopreserved-thawed procedure does not damage the fibrillar organization of vessels.

Corticosteroid reduction with tacrolimus (CORRETA) TRIAL: a prospective Brazilian multicenter, randomized trial of early corticosteroid reduction versus regular corticosteroid dosage maintenance on a tacrolimus (Prograf) and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) immunosuppression regimen in kidney transplant recipients: interim analysis.

Corticosteroids are a cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation despite their side effects and morbidity. Newer immunosuppressive agents may be more effective to allow corticosteroid sparing. An interim analysis of 60 completed out of 100 planned primary kidney transplant recipients is presented. All patients on tacrolimus (Prograf) and MMF (Cellcept) were randomized into two groups following a 1:1 distribution for early steroid reduction at posttransplant day 7 (G1; n = 31) versus to long-term maintenance steroids (G2; n = 29). Primary efficacy endpoints were composite endpoint of death, graft loss, or severe acute rejection at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Safety evaluation included severity and frequency of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, leukopenia, infection, malignancy, and severe adverse events. Mean age was 39.1 years, with 45.0% males and 66.7% Caucasians. African-Americans were 25.8% in G1 and 27.6% in G2. One death occurred in each group, as well as one case of severe (Banff III) rejection in G1 (P = 1.00). The incidence of rejection episodes between groups was not significant, namely, 41.9% in G1 and 20.7% in G2 (P = .077). There were no differences between groups concerning mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, or creatinine at 12 months. This interim analysis showed no evidence of an increased risk of poorer performance among the early steroid reduction or safety differences in kidney transplant recipients versus a regular dosage steroid group of patients. Further analysis of the complete study data is underway.

Visceral leishmaniasis in renal transplant recipients: clinical aspects, diagnostic problems, and response to treatment.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic infection that uncommonly affects renal transplantation recipients, even in endemic areas. It may be associated with other infections, or masked by these, and may present subclinically and/or atypically for extended periods. The evolution may be particularly severe and diagnosis is often delayed. If not adequately diagnosed and treated, VL can be fatal and so should be suspected in renal transplantation recipients presenting unexplained fever, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. The authors report 8 cases of VL out of a total of 800 renal transplant recipients from two transplant hospitals centers in Brazil. The clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features are reviewed.

Snail knockdown reverses stemness and inhibits tumour growth in ovarian cancer.

To develop effective therapies for advanced high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), understanding mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis is necessary. In this study, we define the epithelial/mesenchymal status of cell lines that accurately model HGSOC, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting Snai1 (Snail), a master regulator of the epithelial/mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. The ratio of Snail to E-cadherin (S/E index) at RNA and protein levels was correlated with mesenchymal morphology in four cell lines. The cell lines with high S/E index (OVCAR8 and COV318) showed more CSC-like, motile, and chemoresistant phenotypes than those with low S/E index (OVSAHO and Kuramochi). We tested the role of Snail in regulation of malignant phenotypes including stemness, cell motility, and chemotherapy resistance: shRNA-mediated knockdown of Snail reversed these malignant phenotypes. Interestingly, the expression of let-7 tumour suppressor miRNA was upregulated in Snail knockdown cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Snail decreased tumour burden in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model. We conclude that Snail is important in controlling HGSOC malignant phenotypes and suggest that the Snail/Let-7 axis may be an attractive target for HGSOC treatment.

Consumption of trans fats and estimated effects on coronary heart disease in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the consumption of industrial trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in Iranian homes and the proportion of coronary heart disease (CHD) events in Iran attributable to such intake. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The consumption of industrial TFAs was determined using (1) detailed in-home assessments of dietary intake among 7158 urban and rural households containing 35 924 individuals and (2) gas chromatography to determine TFA contents of the most commonly consumed partially hydrogenated oils. The population-attributable risk for CHD owing to TFA consumption was calculated on the basis of (1) documented effects of TFAs on total:high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in randomized controlled dietary trials and (2) relationships of TFA intake with incidence of CHD in prospective observational studies. RESULTS: Partially hydrogenated oils were used extensively for cooking in Iranian homes with average per-person intake of 14 g/1000 kcal. TFAs accounted for 33% of fatty acids in these products, or 4.2% of all calories consumed (12.3 g/day). On the basis of total:HDL cholesterol effects alone, 9% of CHD events would be prevented by replacement of TFA in Iranian homes with cis-unsaturated fats (8% by replacement with saturated fats). On the basis of relationships of TFA intake with CHD incidence in prospective studies, 39% of CHD events would be prevented by replacement of TFA with cis-unsaturated fats (31% by replacement with saturated fats). These population-attributable risks may be overestimates owing to competing risks and because not all the fat used for cooking might actually be consumed. If actual TFA consumption were only half as large, the estimated proportion of CHD events prevented by TFA elimination would be 5% on the basis of total:HDL cholesterol effects and replacement with cis-unsaturated (4% for replacement with saturated fats), and 22% on the basis of prospective studies and replacement with cis-unsaturated fats (17% for replacement with saturated fats). These estimates do not include possible additional benefits derived from replacing TFAs with vegetable oils containing n-3 fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of TFAs is high in Iranian homes and contributes to a sizeable proportion of CHD events. Replacement of partially hydrogenated oils with unhydrogenated oils would likely produce substantial reductions in CHD incidence. SPONSORSHIP: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA. National Nutrition & Food Technology Research Institute, Tehran, Iran.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire measurement of selected nutrients using biological markers in African-American men.

OBJECTIVE: To validate selected nutrients assessed by the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) used in the Harvard cohort studies in an African-American group. DESIGN: Blood aliquots were pooled for each decile of intake of two carotenoids and alpha tocopherol as measured by FFQ. These pooled samples were analyzed for nutrient content, and the resultant blood levels were plotted against the median for each decile of intake. In addition, adipose tissue samples taken from each man were analyzed for content of specific fatty acids. We calculated the Spearman correlations comparing intakes of specific fatty acids as percent of total fat intake, adjusted for energy intake, as measured by FFQ, with the percentage of the corresponding fatty acid in adipose tissue. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: African-American men (N=104) with prostate cancer were recruited from a Detroit physician's practice and completed a detailed FFQ. RESULTS: Comparing decile 10 with decile 1 intake of nutrients as measured by FFQ, there was a 32% higher blood level of lycopene, a 288% higher blood level of beta carotene and a 100% higher blood level of alpha tocopherol. The Spearman correlation coefficients between intakes of linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, long-chain n-3 fatty acids and trans fatty acid measured by FFQ and the corresponding adipose tissue levels were between 0.10 and 0.47. CONCLUSION: The FFQ was able to distinguish meaningful differences in biochemical measurements of selected nutrients and presumably corresponding differences in the extremes of intake in African-American men with prostate cancer who were likely to be motivated to report accurately. However, the results found are similar to those found in other populations.

[Vertebroplasty: state of the art]. / Vertébroplastie: état de l'art.

Over the last 10 years, there has been much development in the management of metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures using vertebroplasty. This percutaneous image-guided interventional radiology procedure allows stabilization of a vertebral body by injection of an acrylic cement and frequently results in significant symptomatic relief. During cement polymerisation, an exothermic reaction may destroy adjacent tumor cells. Advances have been made to reduce complications from extravasation of cement in veins or surrounding soft tissues. Safety relates to experience but also to technical parameters: optimal cement radio-density, adequate digital fluoroscopy unit (single or bi-plane digital angiography unit), development of cements other than PMMA to avoid the risk of adjacent vertebral compression fractures. The rate of symptomatic relief from vertebroplasty performed for its principal indications (vertebral hemangioma, metastases, osteoporotic fractures) reaches 90-95%. The rate of complications is about 2% for metastases and less than 0.5% for osteoporotic fractures. Vertebroplasty plays a major role in the management of specific bone weakening vertebral lesions causing, obviating the need for kyphoplasty.

Behavioral effects of a low molecular weight peptide fraction from Phaseolus vulgaris in rats

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.