Subcellular localization and interactions among TGB proteins of cowpea mild mottle virus.

Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV) is a flexuous filamentous virus that belongs to the genus Carlavirus (family Betaflexiviridae). The CPMMV genome contains six open reading frames (ORFs), among which the triple gene block (TGB), encoded by ORFs 2 to 4, has been reported to encode movement proteins for different viruses. The subcellular localization of the TGB proteins of CPMMV isolate CPMMV:BR:MG:09:2 was analysed by transient expression of each protein fused to a fluorophore. Overall, the accumulation pattern and interactions among CPMMV TGB proteins (TGBp) were similar to those of their counterparts from the potex-like group. Considering these similarities, we evaluated the potential interactions between the TGB proteins of CPMMV and of potato virus X, which could complement cell-to-cell movement. The TGBp2 and TGBp3 of PVX had an effect on CPMMV TGBp1, directing it to the plasmodesmata, but the reverse was not true.

Role of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid in kiwifruit plants further subjected to Psa infection: biochemical and genetic responses.

The use of plant elicitors for controlling Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the etiological agent of the kiwifruit bacterial canker (KBC), has been analysed in the past and, while salicylic acid (SA) seems to decrease disease susceptibility, methyl jasmonate (MJ) shows an opposite effect. However, the metabolic and genomic responses of Psa-infected plants following elicitation with these two compounds, as compared with non-elicited Psa-inoculated plants, are poorly understood, being the focus of this study. Micropropagated A. chinensis 'Hayward' plants were elicited with MJ or SA, and further inoculated with Psa. Fifteen days post-inoculation, Psa population in MJ-treated plants was increased by 7.4-fold, whereas SA elicitation led to decreased Psa colonization (0.5-fold), as compared with non-elicited inoculated plants. Additionally, elicitation with MJ or SA generally decreased polyphenols and lignin concentrations (by at least 20%) and increased total proteins (by at least 50%). MJ led to the upregulation of SOD, involved in plant antioxidant system, and reporter genes for the jasmonic acid (JA) (JIH and LOX1), abscisic acid (SnRK), SA (ICS1), and ethylene (ACAS1, ETR1 and SAM) pathways. Moreover, it increased ABA (40%) and decreased carotenoids (30%) concentrations. Contrastingly, comparing with non-elicited Psa-inoculated plants, SA application resulted in the downregulation of antioxidant system-related genes (SOD and APX) and of reporter genes for ethylene (ETR1) and JA (JIH and ETR1). This study contributes to the understanding of potential mechanisms involved in kiwifruit plant defences against Psa, highlighting the role of the JA, ABA and ethylene in plant susceptibility to the pathogen.

Survival and prognostic factors in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing overall survival (OS) in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical charts of 547 patients with OSCC from a public hospital in northeastern Brazil seen between 1999 and 2013 were evaluated. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The influence of age, sex, ethnicity, clinical stage, anatomical location, type of treatment, and comorbidities on the patients' prognosis was evaluated. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: The 5-year OS was 39%. Multivariate analysis showed that age < 40 years (HR = 2.20; 95%CI: 1.02-4.72) and a single treatment modality (HR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.37-2.67) were associated with a poor prognosis, while early clinical stage resulted in better outcomes (HR = 0.38; 95%CI: 0.25-0.58). CONCLUSIONS: OSCC patients in advanced clinical stages, diagnosed at a younger age, and submitted to a single therapeutic modality have a poorer prognosis.

Gold nanoparticle-carboxymethyl cellulose nanocolloids for detection of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) using laser light scattering immunoassay.

It is estimated that over 100 million people have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) resulting in approximately 30 million deaths globally. Herein, we designed and developed novel nano-immunoconjugates using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) biopolymer, which performed simultaneously as an eco-friendly in situ reducing agent and surface stabilizing ligand for the aqueous colloidal process. These AuNPs-CMC nanocolloids were biofunctionalized with the gp41 glycoprotein receptor (AuNPs-CMC-gp41) or HIV monoclonal antibodies (AuNPs-CMC_PolyArg-abHIV) for detection using the laser light scattering immunoassay (LIA). These AuNPs-CMC bioengineered nanoconjugates were extensively characterized by morphological and physicochemical methods, which demonstrated the formation of spherical nanocrystalline colloidal AuNPs with the average size from 12 to 20 nm and surface plasmon resonance peak at 520 nm. Thus, stable nanocolloids were formed with core-shell nanostructures composed of AuNPs and biomacromolecules of CMC-gp41, which were cytocompatible based on in vitro cell viability results. The AuNPs-CMC-gp41 nanoconjugates were tested against HIV monoclonal antibodies conjugates (AuNPs-CMC_PolyArg-abHIV) using the light scattering immunoassay (LIA) where they behaved as active nanoprobes for the detection at nM level of HIV-1 antigenic proteins. This strategy offers a novel nanoplatform for creating bioprobes using green nanotechnology for the detection of HIV-1 and other virus-related diseases.

Influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistent and recurrent disease in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy / Influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de doença persistente e recorrente em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados após a terapia inicial

Abstract Introduction In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have negative serum thyroglobulin after initial therapy, the risk of structural disease is higher among those with elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies compared to patients without antithyroglobulin antibodies. Other studies suggest that the presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistence/recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Objective This prospective study evaluated the influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistence and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with negative thyroglobulin but elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy. Methods This was a prospective study. Patients with clinical examination showing no anomalies, basal Tg < 1 ng/mL, and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies 8-12 months after ablation were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on histology; Group B, without histological chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Results The time of follow-up ranged from 60 to 140 months. Persistent disease was detected in 3 patients of Group A (6.6%) and in 6 of Group B (8.8%) (p = 1.0). During follow-up, recurrences were diagnosed in 2 patients of Group A (4.7%) and in 5 of Group B (8%) (p = 0.7). Considering both persistent and recurrent disease, structural disease was detected in 5 patients of Group A (11.1%) and in 11 of Group B (16.1%) (p = 0.58). There was no case of death related to the disease. Conclusion Our results do not support the hypothesis that chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistent or recurrent disease, at least in patients with persistently elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Resumo Introdução Em pacientes com carcinoma papilífero de tireoide e com tireoglobulina sérica negativa após a terapia inicial, o risco de doença estrutural é maior entre aqueles com anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados em comparação com pacientes sem anticorpos antitireoglobulina. Outros estudos sugerem que a presença de tireoidite linfocítica crônica está associada a um menor risco de persistência/recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de teireoide. Objetivo Este estudo prospectivo avaliou a influência da tireoidite linfocítica crônica sobre o risco de persistência e recorrência do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide em pacientes com tireoglobulina negativa, mas com anticorpos antitireoglobulinas elevados após a terapia inicial. Método Esse foi um estudo prospectivo, no qual foram selecionados pacientes com exame clínico sem anomalias; tireoglobulina basal < 1 ng/mL e anticorpos antitireoglobulina elevados 8-12 meses após ablação. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo A, com tireoidite linfocítica crônica no exame histológico; Grupo B, histologicamente sem tireoidite linfocítica crônica. Resultados O tempo de seguimento variou de 60 a 140 meses. Doença persistente foi detectada em 3 pacientes do Grupo A (6,6%) e em 6 do Grupo B (8,8%) (p = 1,0). Durante o seguimento, as recidivas foram diagnosticadas em 2 pacientes do Grupo A (4,7%) e em 5 do Grupo B (8%) (p = 0,7). Considerando tanto a doença persistente quanto a recorrente, doença estrutural foi detectada em 5 pacientes do Grupo A (11,1%) e em 11 do Grupo B (16,1%) (p = 0,58). Não houve nenhum caso de óbito relacionado à doença. Conclusão Nossos resultados não apoiam a hipótese de que a tireoidite linfocítica crônica esteja associada a um menor risco de doença persistente ou recorrente, pelo menos em pacientes com anticorpos antitireoglobulina persistentemente elevados após a terapia inicial do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide.

Evaluation of survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparative analysis of prognostic systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are several prognostic systems that address different aspects of the patient and the tumour and can guide the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate and compare the eight staging systems for a group of patients in a public service in Brazil. METHODS: Patients with HCC were retrospectively analysed between 2000 and 2012. The prognostic systems Okuda, The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP), the Chinese University Prognostic Index (CUPI), Groupe d'Etude et de Traitément du Carcinome Hepatocellulaire (GRETCH), the modified TNM-based Japan Integrated Score (JIS) combined with alpha-fetoprotein and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), the TNM system, and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification (BCLC) were applied to these patients and compared through model fit measurements, likelihood scores, and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were studied. The average survival time was 60 months. The TNM, Okuda, CLIP, GRETCH, modified JIS, and BCLC systems were well correlated with one another and individually important to the prediction of survival among the patients studied. However, in the statistical analysis, the CUPI delivered the best predictive performance (AIC = 566; log-likelihood = -281,240). CONCLUSION: Although the CUPI system was demonstrated to be the most appropriate HCC staging system for the studied population, the choice of an ideal system is a controversial subject, and future studies with larger numbers of patients are necessary for the validation of the CUPI system as the method of choice for other populations.

Evaluation of third treatment week as temporal window for assessing responsiveness on repeated FDG-PET-CT scans in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Early assessment of tumour response to treatment with repeated FDG-PET-CT imaging has potential for treatment adaptation but it is unclear what the optimal time window for this evaluation is. Previous studies indicate that changes in SUVmean and the effective radiosensitivity (αeff, accounting for uptake variations and accumulated dose until the second FDG-PET-CT scan) are predictive of 2-year overall survival (OS) when imaging is performed before radiotherapy and during the second week. This study aims to investigate if multiple FDG-PET-derived quantities determined during the third treatment week have stronger predictive power. METHODS: Twenty-eight lung cancer patients were imaged with FDG-PET-CT before radiotherapy (PET1) and during the third week (PET2). SUVmean, SUVmax, SUVpeak, MTV41%-50% (Metabolic Tumour Volume), TLG41%-50% (Total Lesion Glycolysis) in PET1 and PET2 and their change (), as well as average αeff (α¯eff) and the negative fraction of αeff values [Formula: see text] ) were determined. Correlations were sought between FDG-PET-derived quantities and OS with ROC analysis. RESULTS: Neither SUVmean, SUVmax, SUVpeak in PET1 and PET2 (AUC = 0.5-0.6), nor their changes (AUC = 0.5-0.6) were significant for outcome prediction purposes. Lack of correlation with OS was also found for α¯eff (AUC = 0.5) and [Formula: see text] (AUC = 0.5). Threshold-based quantities (MTV41%-50%, TLG41%-50%) and their changes had AUC = 0.5-0.7. P-values were in all cases ≫0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The poor OS predictive power of the quantities determined from repeated FDG-PET-CT images indicates that the third week of treatment might not be suitable for treatment response assessment. Comparatively, the second week during the treatment appears to be a better time window.

Influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistent and recurrent disease in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who have negative serum thyroglobulin after initial therapy, the risk of structural disease is higher among those with elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies compared to patients without antithyroglobulin antibodies. Other studies suggest that the presence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistence/recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: This prospective study evaluated the influence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on the risk of persistence and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with negative thyroglobulin but elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy. METHODS: This was a prospective study. Patients with clinical examination showing no anomalies, basal Tg<1ng/mL, and elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies 8-12 months after ablation were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A, with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis on histology; Group B, without histological chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. RESULTS: The time of follow-up ranged from 60 to 140 months. Persistent disease was detected in 3 patients of Group A (6.6%) and in 6 of Group B (8.8%) (p=1.0). During follow-up, recurrences were diagnosed in 2 patients of Group A (4.7%) and in 5 of Group B (8%) (p=0.7). Considering both persistent and recurrent disease, structural disease was detected in 5 patients of Group A (11.1%) and in 11 of Group B (16.1%) (p=0.58). There was no case of death related to the disease. CONCLUSION: Our results do not support the hypothesis that chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is associated with a lower risk of persistent or recurrent disease, at least in patients with persistently elevated antithyroglobulin antibodies after initial therapy for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Carcaça e componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento com caroço de algodão na dieta / Carcass and non carcass components of lambs finished in feedlot with cottonseed on the diet

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características de carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento, com diferentes proporções de caroço de algodão na dieta. Foram utilizados 45 cordeiros, machos, não castrados, da raça Ile de France. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por níveis de inclusão de caroço de algodão na matéria seca (MS) da dieta total (0%; 10%; 20%; 30% ou 40%), sendo a dieta composta por silagem de milho (Zea mays L.), grão de milho triturado (Zea mays L.), farelo de soja (Glycine max L.), caroço de algodão (Gossypium hirsutum L.), calcário calcítico e sal mineral, em proporção de volumoso:concentrado de 40:60. Os animais foram abatidos com peso de abate preestabelecido. O peso de carcaça quente e o peso de carcaça fria, bem como o índice de quebra ao resfriamento, o índice de compacidade, a conformação e o estado de engorduramento da carcaça, não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelo nível de inclusão de caroço de algodão na dieta. As características de rendimento de carcaça quente e rendimento de carcaça fria diminuíram linearmente (P≤0,05) à medida que se incluiu caroço de algodão na dieta. Com relação à medida de espessura de gordura de cobertura, pode-se observar que houve comportamento quadrático crescente e, em relação à variável área de olho de lombo, o comportamento observado foi o linear decrescente. Quanto às proporções dos cortes comerciais da carcaça, o peso de perna diminuiu linearmente (P≤0,05) enquanto a porcentagem de perna foi influenciada de forma quadrática (P≤0,05) pela inclusão de caroço de algodão nas dietas. O trato gastrointestinal cheio e o conteúdo do trato gastrointestinal aumentam linearmente (P≤0,05) com o incremento do nível de inclusão de caroço de algodão na dieta. Algumas das características de carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça tiveram influência negativa da elevação do teor de fibra e de lipídios da dieta à medida que se incluiu caroço de algodão na dieta total.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and non carcass components characteristics of lambs finished in feedlot with different proportions of cottonseed on the diet. Forty five lambs, non castrated males, from Ile de France race. The treatments were constituted by levels of inclusion of cottonseed on dry matter (DM) of the total diet (0%; 10%; 20%; 30% or 40%), being the diet composed by corn silage (Zea mays L.), ground corn grain (Zea mays L.), soybean meal (Glycine max L.), cottonseed (Gossypiumhirsutum L.), limestone and mineral salt in a roughage: concentrate proportion of 40:60. The animals were slaughtered with a pre- established slaughter weight. The hot and cold carcass weight, as well as the carcass chilling index, the compactness index, the conformation and the fattening state of the carcass were not influenced (P> 0.05) by the level of inclusion of cottonseed on the diet. The hot and cold carcass yield decreased linearly (P≤ 0.05) as the cottonseed was included on the diet. Regarding the subcutaneous fat thickness it is possible to observe that there was a crescent quadratic behavior and in relation to the rib eye area variable, the behavior observed was linear decrescent. Regarding the proportions of the commercial cuts of the carcass, the leg weight decreased linearly (P≤ 0.05) while the percentage of leg was quadratic influenced (P≤ 0.05) by the inclusion of cottonseed on the diets. The full gastrointestinal tract and the gastrointestinal tract content increased linearly (P≤ 0.05) with the increase on the level of inclusion of cottonseed on the diet. Some of the carcass and non carcass components characteristics had negative influence of level fiber content and dietary lipids as it included cottonseed in the total diet.(AU)

Resíduo úmido de cervejaria na terminação de cordeiros em confinamento e seus efeitos sobre as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça / Wet brewery residue in the finishing of feedlot lambs and its effects on the carcass characteristics and non-carcass components

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de níveis crescentes de substituição da silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria sobre as características da carcaça e dos componentes não carcaça de cordeiros terminados em confinamento. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos, não castrados, oriundos de parto simples e mantidos em baias individuais. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por quatro níveis de substituição de silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria, sendo: 0%; 33,5%; 66,5% e 100% de substituição. Utilizou-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, com base na matéria seca. O concentrado era constituído por milho desintegrado, farelo de soja e mistura mineral. As dietas eram isoproteicas, contendo 18,81% de proteína bruta. Os cordeiros foram abatidos quando atingiram o escore de condição corporal estabelecido em 3 (escala de 1 a 5). As características de carcaça analisadas não foram influenciadas significativamente (P>0,05) pela substituição de silagem de sorgo por resíduo úmido de cervejaria, sendo obtidos valores médios de 18,92kg para peso de carcaça quente, 18,22 kg para peso de carcaça fria, 47,03% para rendimento de carcaça quente, 45,29% para rendimento de carcaça fria e 3,41% para índice de quebra ao resfriamento. Quanto às proporções dos diferentes cortes comerciais avaliados, em relação ao peso de carcaça fria, foram verificados valores médios de 31,86% para perna, 18,12% para paleta, 39,46% para costilhar e 9,08% para pescoço. As proporções de diafragma, omaso cheio e omaso vazio, em relação ao peso vivo ao abate dos cordeiros, diminuíram linearmente (P≤0,05). As demais variáveis dos componentes não carcaça avaliadas não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos níveis de resíduo úmido de cervejaria das dietas. Pode-se recomendar o uso de resíduo úmido de cervejaria como fonte exclusiva de alimento volumoso quando se utiliza uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 50:50, em base de matéria seca, para terminação de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of substitution of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue as forage food on carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty four non castrated male lambs, Suffolk breed, single birth were maintained in individual stalls. The treatments consisted of four substitution levels of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue (0%; 33.5%; 66.5% or 100% of substitution). Roughage and concentrate were used at a 50:50 ratio, based on dry matter. The concentrate was composed of ground corn, soybean meal and mineral mixture. The diets were isoproteic containing 18.81% crude protein. The lambs were slaughtered when they reached the body condition score of 3 (ranging from 1 to 5). The carcass traits were not affected significantly (P>0,05) by substitution of sorghum silage by wet brewery residue. The average values of hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield and cooling weight losses were 18.92 kg, 18.22 kg, 47.03%, 45.29%, 3.41%, respectively. The proportion of commercial cuts in relation to the cold carcass weight, was 31.86% for leg, 18.12% for shoulder, 39.46% for ribs and 9.08% for neck. The proportion of diaphragm, omasum full and empty omasum in relation to body weight at slaughter decreased linearly (P≤0.05). The remaining variables of non-carcass components were not affected (P>0.05) by wet brewery residue inclusion. We recommend the use of wet brewery residue as exclusive source of roughage food when using roughage:concentrate at 50:50 ratio on a dry matter basis, for finishing feedlot lambs.(AU)

Physical and electrocardiographic evaluation of horses used for wagon traction / Avaliação física e eletrocardiográfica de cavalos utilizados para tração de carroças

The objective of this research was to evaluate the electrocardiogram (ECG) of horses used for wagon traction and to compare the results with the parameters obtained from inactive horses or horses submitted to a training routine. Fifty-six 3-15-year-old healthy horses (22 females and 34 males) were divided into three groups: control (without a work routine; N=21), wagon traction (N=25) and athlete (N=10) and submitted to physical examination and ECG (at rest). The rhythm, heart rate (HR), amplitude and duration of ECG waveforms and intervals were obtained from the frontal plane and base-apex leads. Heart score (HS) was calculated using the arithmetic mean of QRS duration in LI, LII and LIII. Measurements of ECG waves were smaller in control group, in comparison with wagon traction and athlete groups, suggesting that exercise can change ECG. Similar results were observed in the wagon traction and athlete groups, but the electrophysiological adjustments to exercise were not the same for these groups.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o eletrocardiograma (ECG) de cavalos que tracionavam carroças (carroceiros; N=25), comparando os resultados com os parâmetros de cavalos que não realizavam essa atividade (controles; N=21), ou que apresentavam uma rotina de treinamento (atletas; N=10). O ECG foi precedido pelo exame físico do animal e, a partir das derivações no plano frontal e na base-ápice, determinou-se o ritmo, a frequência cardíaca, a amplitude e a duração das ondas e dos intervalos, em repouso. O escore cardíaco foi calculado pela média aritmética da duração do complexo QRS em DI, DII e DIII. O grupo controle apresentou menores valores de amplitude e duração das ondas do ECG, em comparação aos grupos carroceiro e atleta, sugerindo que o exercício pode alterar o ECG. Resultados semelhantes foram observados nos grupos carroceiro e atleta; contudo, os ajustes eletrofisiológicos ao exercício não foram os mesmos para esses dois grupos.(AU)

In vitro and in vivo assessment of nanotoxicity of CdS quantum dot/aminopolysaccharide bionanoconjugates.

The nanotoxicity of Cd-containing quantum dots (QDs) for biomedical applications is very controversial and not completely understood. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of surface-biofunctionalized CdS QDs with chitosan directly synthesized via aqueous route at room temperature. These core-shell CdS-chitosan nanoconjugates showed different degrees of cytotoxic responses using MTT cell proliferation assay toward three human cell cultures, human osteosarcoma cell line (SAOS), non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma (Toledo), and human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK293T), under three exposure times (1, 3, and 5days) and three colloidal concentrations (10nM, 50nM, and 100nM). The results clearly demonstrated that the CdS QDs, regardless to the fact that they were coated with a biocompatible aminopolysaccharide shell, induced a severe dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability. In addition, the HEK293T and SAOS cell lines showed much more sensitive response compared to Toledo, which indicated that the cytotoxicity was also cell-type dependent. The exceptional resistance of Toledo cells to toxic effects of CdS nanoconjugates even at severe test conditions was assigned to specific role of B-lineage cells of the immune defense system. Remarkably, no conclusive evidence of toxicity of CdS nanoconjugates was observed in vivo using intravenous injections of CdS nanoconjugates in BALB/c mouse animal models for 30days, but localized fluorescence was detected in ex-vivo liver tissue samples. Therefore, these results prove that there is no guarantee of "risk-free" use of CdS nanoconjugates for in vivo applications, even when functionalized with biopolymer ligands, as they can pose an excessive threat due to unpredicted and uncorrelated responses under in vitro and in vivo biological assays with highly toxic cadmium ions.

Retrospective evaluation of COX-2 expression, histological and clinical factors as prognostic indicators in dogs with renal cell carcinomas undergoing nephrectomy.

Limited veterinary literature is available regarding prognostic markers for canine renal cell carcinoma (CRCC). We retrospectively evaluated COX-2 expression, histological and clinical features associated with prognosis of CRCC. Sixty-four cases post-nephrectomy were included, 54 had histopathological assessment and 30 had COX-2 immunostaining performed. Eight dogs (13%) had metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. Twenty-seven dogs (42%) received adjuvant therapy after nephrectomy. On univariate analysis, COX-2 expression, mitotic index (MI), histologic type, vascular invasion, neoplastic invasiveness and metastasis at diagnosis were significantly associated with overall median survival time (MST). COX-2 score (COX-2 score > 3 MST 420 days versus 1176 days if COX-2 score <3; P = 0.011) and MI (MI > 30 MST 120 days versus 540 days for MI < 30; P = 0.003) were the only variables associated with CRCC outcome on multivariate analysis. The addition of MI and COX-2 immunostaining to standard histopathological evaluation would help predicting outcome in CRCC patients.

Papain wound dressings obtained from poly(vinyl alcohol)/calcium alginate blends as new pharmaceutical dosage form: Preparation and preliminary evaluation.

Transparent, soft, flexible, mechanically resistant films, which are ideal for use as wound dressings were prepared in the presence of 2% papain, a proteolytic enzyme that can play a role in the chemical debridement of the skin and can accelerate the healing process. The films, based on poly(vinyl alcohol):calcium alginate blends with increasing concentrations of polysaccharide (10, 20, and 30% v/v), were obtained by casting method. FTIR and DSC analyses were performed to assess the composition and miscibility of blends. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and elongation at breakpoint were evaluated. The influence of different concentrations of calcium alginate on physical attributes of films like wettability, swelling capacity and mechanical properties was determined. The stability of papain in the films was assessed indirectly by hemolytic activity assay employing direct contact method and confirmed by technique based on blood agar diffusion. Preliminary cytotoxicity was evaluated with the XTT method. The results showed that at the polymer concentrations tested, the blends were miscible. The increase in the content of the calcium alginate increased the wettability and swelling capacity of the films, which is desirable in wound dressings. On the other hand, mechanical resistance decreased without causing breakage of the films during the swelling tests. The hemolytic activity of the films was maintained during the studied period, suggesting the stability of papain in the proposed formulations. Cellular viability indicated that the films were non-toxic. The analysis of the results showed that it is possible to prepare interactive and bioactive wound dressing containing papain from blends of PVA and calcium alginate polymers.

Consumo e desempenho de cordeiros e borregos alimentados com dietas de alto concentrado de milho ou sorgo / Intake and performance of lambs and hoggets fed high concentrate corn or sorghum diets

Objetivou-se avaliar os consumos de matéria seca, nutrientes e desempenho na terminação de cordeiros e borregos submetidos a dietas de alto concentrado de grão de milho ou sorgo. Foram utilizados 32 animais, sendo 16 cordeiros (dente de leite) e 16 borregos (dois dentes) da raça Corriedale. As dietas eram constituídas de feno de aveia- branca (Avena sativa), grão de milho (Zea mays) ou de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), farelo de soja (Glycine Max), calcário calcítico, bicarbonato de sódio e monensina. Os cordeiros apresentaram superioridade (P≤0,05) quanto ao CMS (% do PV e g/kg PV0,75), ao CPB (kg/dia, % do PV e g/kg PV0,75), ao CEE (% do PV), ao CFDN e ao CFDA (% do PV e g/kg PV0,75), ao CNDT (% do PV), ao ganho de peso médio diário, à conformação in vivo e à conversão alimentar. Por outro lado, o CEE, o CCHT e o CCNE (kg/dia), o peso vivo inicial, o peso vivo final e o peso vivo ao abate foram superiores (P≤0,05) na categoria dos borregos. Em relação aos grãos avaliados, verificou-se maior (P≤0,05) CEE (kg/dia, % do PV e g/kg PV0,75) e menor (P≤0,05) CFDN (% do PV) e CFDA (kg/dia, % do PV e g/kg PV0,75) para os animais alimentados com dieta de alto concentrado à base de grão de milho em relação àqueles alimentados com grão de sorgo. Os cordeiros apresentam consumos relativos superiores aos borregos, porém sua resposta zootécnica é maior. O uso de dietas de alto concentrado de sorgo ou de milho proporcionou resultados semelhantes.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter, nutrient intake, and performance on feedlot of lambs and hoggets submitted to corn or sorghum high concentrate diets. Thirty-two Corriedale animals, being 16 lambs (milk teeth) and 16 hoggets (two teeth) were used. The diets were composed of white oat hay (Avena sativa), corn (Zea mays) or sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), soybean meal (Glycine Max), limestone, sodium bicarbonate, and monensin. The lambs presented a superiority (P≤0.05) regarding the DMI (% of LW and g/kg LW0.75), CPI (kg/day, % of LW and g/kg LW0.75), EEI (% of LW), NDFI and ADFI (% of LW and g/kg LW0.75), TDNI (% of LW), daily average weight gain, conformation in vivo and feed conversion. On the other hand, the EEI, TCI, and NSCI (kg/day), the initial live weight, final live weight and the live weight at slaughter were superior (P≤0.05) in the hoggets category. In relation to the evaluated grains, a higher (P≤0.05) EEI (kg/day, % of LW and g/kg LW0.75) and a lower (P≤0.05) NDFI (% of LW) and ADFI (kg/day, % of LW and g/kg LW0.75) were verified for the animals fed with high concentrate diets based on corn grain in relation to those fed with sorghum grain. The lambs presented an intake relatively superior to the hoggets, however their zootechnical response is higher. The use of high concentrate diets of sorghum or corn provides similar results.

Vernonanthura polyanthes leaves aqueous extract enhances doxorubicin genotoxicity in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster and presents no antifungal activity against Candida spp / O extrato aquoso das folhas de Vernonanthura polyanthes potencializa a genotoxicidade da doxorrubicina em células somáticas de Drosophila melanogaster e não apresenta atividade antifúngica contra Candida spp

Abstract Vernonanthura polyanthes (Spreng.) A.J. Vega & Dematt. (Asteraceae), known as “assa-peixe”, has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, hemoptysis, persistent cough, internal abscesses, gastric and kidney stone pain. Moreover, some studies demonstrated that species of Genus Vernonia present antifungal activity. Due to the biological relevance of this species, the aim of this study was to investigate the toxic, genotoxic, antigenotoxic and antifungal potential of V. polyanthes leaves aqueous extract in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster or against Candida spp. The aqueous extract of the plant showed no toxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity in the experimental conditions tested using the wing somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART/wing). However, when the extract was associated with doxorubicin, used in this work as a positive control, the mutagenic potential of doxorubicin was enhanced, increasing the number of mutations in D. melanogaster somatic cells. In the other hand, no inhibitory activity against Candida spp. was observed for V. polyanthes leaves aqueous extract using agar-well diffusion assay. More studies are necessary to reveal the components present in the V. polyanthes leaves aqueous extract that could contribute to potentiate the doxorubicin genotoxicity.

Resumo Vernonanthura polyanthes (Spreng.) A.J. Vega & Dematt. (Asteraceae), conhecida como “assa-peixe”, tem sido utilizada na medicina popular para o tratamento de várias doenças, como bronquite, pneumonia, hemoptise, tosse persistente, abcessos internos, afecções gástricas e cálculo renal. Além disso, alguns estudos já demonstraram que espécies do Gênero Vernonia apresentam atividade antifúngica. Devido à relevância biológica dessa espécie, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos citotóxico, genotóxico, antigenotóxico e antifúngico do extrato aquoso das folhas de V. polyanthes em células somáticas de Drosophila melanogaster ou contra Candida spp. O extrato aquoso da planta não apresentou atividade citotóxica, genotóxica e antigenotóxica nas condições experimentais testadas usando o teste de recombinação e mutação somática em asa (SMART-asa). No entanto, quando o extrato foi associado com a doxorrubicina, utilizada neste trabalho como controle positivo, o potencial mutagênico da doxorrubicina foi potencializado, aumentando o número de mutações em células somáticas de D. melanogaster. Por outro lado, nenhuma atividade inibitória contra Candida spp. foi observada utilizando o extrato aquoso das folhas de V. polyanthes por meio do método de difusão em ágar. Mais estudos são necessários para desvendar os componentes presentes no extrato aquoso das folhas de V. polyanthes que possam contribuir para potencializar a genotoxicidade da doxorrubicina.

Plasmablastic lymphoma: an atypical cutaneous presentation of a rare entity.

Plasmablastic lymphoma is a very rare B-cell lymphoma typically associated with immunosuppression: It occurs primarily in the oral cavity, although some cases were reported in other organs and tissues.To date, only 10 cases of primary cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma have been described. Clinically, primary cutaneous plasmablastic lymphoma presents as non-specific cutaneous lesions (purple nodules, erythematous infiltrated plaques). In previously described cases, as in this case, histology and immunohistochemistry are required to make the diagnosis. Owing to the rarity of this entity, there is no established therapy, which makes its management an individualized, patient-based decision.