Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of the Origanum vulgare L essential oil on strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Bacteria may be the initial cause of certain pathologies as well as a secondary agent responsible for the development of complications such as pressure ulcer infections. Pressure ulcers are a persistent health problem, especially in immunocompromised patients, and associated with infection by opportunistic microorganisms with antimicrobial resistance, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, highlight the need for the development of new antimicrobial approaches. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti-adherent activity of Origanum vulgare L. (oregano) essential oil against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, as well as the effect of its association with synthetic antimicrobials. To this end, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analyses were performed on microdilution plates. The assay of the Minimum Inhibitory Adherence Concentration (MIAC), with test tubes. As well as, the association study through the infusion disc method containing ampicillin (AMP), gentamicin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Therefore, it was possible to obtain that the essential oil of oregano presents antimicrobial and bactericidal activity, with MIC ranging between 128µg/mL and 256 µg/mL and MBC between 256 µg/mL and 512 µg/mL, on the tested K. pneumoniae strains. When used in association with ampicillin and gentamicin, oregano essential oil showed synergistic effect for some strains. Therefore, it is observed that the tested essential oil can act as a promising antibacterial in the treatment of diseases caused by K. pneumoniae.

Morphogenesis of stockpiled Marandu, Piatã, Xaraés and Paiaguás brachiaria grass cultivars / [Morfogênese de cultivares de capins marandu piatã, xaraés e paiaguás diferidos]

The objective this study was to identify differences in the morphogenic patterns of four Urochloa brizantha cultivars (marandu, piatã, xaraés and paiaguás grasses) during the stockpiling period. A completely randomized design was used, with three replications, in experimental plots of 9m². The evaluations took place over 2 years. The grasses were stockpiled for 92 (Year 1) and 95 (Year 2) days. The leaf appearance rate of paiaguás grass was higher, compared to other grasses. In Year 1, the stem elongation rate of xaraés grass was higher than other grasses. At the end of stockpiling period of Year 1, the tiller population density (TPD) was higher in the paiaguás grass, intermediate in the xaraés and marandu grasses and lower in the piatã grass. At the end of the stockpiling period in Year 2, TPD was higher in the paiaguás grass canopy, intermediate in the marandu and piatã grasses canopies, and lower in the xaraés grass canopy. Paiaguás grass has greater leaf growth during the stockpiling period and is therefore suitable for use under stockpiled grazing. Xaraés grass has high stem elongation during the stockpiling period, which is why its use under stockpiled grazing must be accompanied by adjustments in pasture management.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar diferenças nos padrões morfogênicos de quatro cultivares de Urochloa brizantha (marandu, piatã, xaraés e paiaguás) durante o período de diferimento. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições, em parcelas experimentais de 9m². As avaliações ocorreram por dois anos. Os capins foram diferidos por 92 (Ano 1) e 95 (Ano 2) dias. A taxa de aparecimento foliar do capim-paiaguás foi maior, em comparação aos demais capins. No Ano 1, a taxa de alongamento do colmo do capim-xaraés foi superior aos demais capins. No final do diferimento do Ano 1, a densidade populacional de perfilho (DPP) foi maior no capim-paiaguás, intermediária nos capins xaraés e marandu e inferior no capim-piatã. No fim do período de diferimento do Ano 2, a DPP foi superior no dossel de capim-paiaguás, intermediária nos dosséis dos capins marandu e piatã, e menor no dossel de capim-xaraés. O capim-paiaguás tem maior crescimento foliar durante o período de diferimento, sendo, portanto, apropriado para uso sob pastejo diferido. O capim-xaraés apresenta elevado alongamento de colmo durante o período de diferimento, razão pela qual seu uso sob pastejo diferido deve vir acompanhado de ajustes no manejo da pastagem.(AU)

Does the lowering strategy before the stockpiling period modify the marandu palisade grass production and structure? / [A estratégia de desfolhação prévia ao período de diferimento modifica a produção e a estrutura do capim-marandu?]

The objective was to identify lowering strategies for Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in the beginning of the stockpiling period that increase forage production and improve the structure of stockpiled canopies. Three lowering strategies were evaluated: maintenance of marandu palisade grass with 15cm four months before the stockpiling period; maintenance of palisade grass with 30cm for four months, and lowering to 15cm before the stockpiling period; and maintaining of palisade grass at 45cm for four months, and lowering to 15cm before the stockpiling period. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. At the end of stockpiling, the number of reproductive tillers and forage mass were higher in the canopy under 15/15cm than in the others; the percentage of live leaf was higher in the canopy under 45/15cm than under 15/15cm. Forage production during the stockpiling period was higher in the canopy under 15/15cm and lower in the under 45/15cm. Maintaining 15cm marandu palisadegrass for four months before the stockpiling period increases forage production during this period. The lowering of the marandu palisadegrass from 45 to 15cm at the beginning of the stockpiling period improves the structure of the stockpiled canopy.(AU)

Objetivou-se identificar estratégias de rebaixamento da Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu no início do diferimento, as quais resultem em aumento da produção e em melhoria da estrutura do dossel diferido. Foram avaliadas três estratégias de rebaixamento no início do diferimento: manutenção do capim-marandu com 15cm por quatro meses antes do início do diferimento; manutenção do capim-marandu com 30cm por quatro mese, e rebaixamento para 15cm no início do diferimento; e manutenção do capim com 45cm por quatro meses e rebaixamento para 15cm no início do diferimento. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições. No fim do diferimento, o número de perfilho reprodutivo e a massa de forragem foram superiores no dossel sob 15/15cm do que nos demais; a percentagem de folha viva foi maior no dossel sob 45/15cm do que sob 15/15cm. A produção de forragem durante o diferimento foi superior no dossel sob 15/15cm e inferior no sob 45/15cm. A manutenção do capim-marandu com 15cm por quatro meses antes do período de diferimento aumenta a produção de forragem neste período. O rebaixamento do capim-marandu de 45 para 15cm no início do diferimento melhora a estrutura do dossel diferido.(AU)

Adrenal glands of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831): morphological and morphometric aspects / Glândulas adrenais de preás (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831): aspectos morfológicos e morfométricos

Abstract Considering the physiological importance and need of greater morphophysiological knowledge of adrenal glands, the aims of present study were compare the morphometric data between left and right adrenal of male and female; perform a histological, scanning and transmission electron microscopy study showing tissue constitution of glands; finally, in order to define the presence and correct site of the cytochrome P450c17 expression in adrenal glands, immunohistochemical study of this enzyme was performed in 18 adrenal glands (right n=9 and left n=9) of nine adult Galea spixii (four males and five females). Right adrenal was more cranially positioned than left adrenal; dimensions (weight, length and width) of right adrenal was larger than left adrenal; no differences between male and female body and adrenal measurements were found; the morphology of cells and different amounts of lipid droplets may be related to the different demands of steroid hormones production, related to each zone of the adrenal cortex; and, the cytochrome P450c17 immunolocalization in fasciculate and reticular zone may be related with synthesis of 17-hydroxy-pregnenolone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone or androstenedione.

Resumo Considerando a importância fisiológica e a necessidade de melhor conhecimento morfofisiológico das glândulas adrenais, os objetivos do presente estudo foram comparar dados morfométricos entre adrenais direitas e esquerdas de machos e fêmeas; realizar estudos histológicos e microscopia eletrônica de varredura e transmissão revelando a constituição tecidual das glândulas; finalmente, foi realizado estudo imunohistoquímico com objetivo de definir a presença e correto sítio de expressão da citocromo P450c17 nas glândulas adrenais em 18 glândulas adrenais (direita n=9 e esquerda n=9) de nove Galea spixii adultos (quatro machos e cinco fêmeas). A glândula adrenal direita estava posicionada mais cranialmente que a adrenal esquerda; as dimensões (peso, comprimento e largura) da glândula adrenal direita foram maiores que as da esquerda; não houve diferença entre as medidas corpóreas e das adrenais entre machos e fêmeas; a morfologia das células e diferentes quantidades de gotículas lipídicas podem estar relacionadas a diferentes demandas na produção de hormônios esteroides relacionados a cada zona do córtex adrenal; e, a imunolocalização da citocromo P450 na zona fasciculada e reticular pode estar relacionado com a síntese de 17-hidroxi-pregnenolona, 17-hidroxi-progesterona, dehidroepiandrosterona ou androstenediona.

O uso de plantas medicinais por moradores de Quixadá­Ceará / The use of medicinal plants to habitants from Quixada-Ceara

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo observar o uso de plantas medicinais por moradores de Quixadá-Ceará. A amostragem adotada foi 5% da população urbana adulta na sede do município, o que resultou em 263 domicílios visitados, onde foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado. De acordo com os resultados ainda temos um número expressivo de pessoas que fazem uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Quixadá-Ceará (57,41%), e que a maioria dos entrevistados (97%) considera que o uso indiscriminado de plantas medicinais não causa nenhum problema à saúde. A maioria dos entrevistados foram mulheres (63,57%) e o maior número de informações e conhecimentos sobre plantas medicinais concentrou-se na faixa de 51-60 anos (24,71%). Com relação ao nível de escolaridade, 34,22% dos entrevistados afirmou ter ensino médio completo. A família botânica mais representativa foi a Lamiaceae (21,05%) e a espécie mais citada foi a erva-cidreira. Dos entrevistados 93,37% consideraram utilizar o chá como medicamento e 6,63% alegaram fazer a utilização do mesmo como alimento. Quanto à frequência do uso de plantas medicinais de forma contínua, 27% alegaram fazer o uso diariamente.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to observe the use of medicinal plants by residents from Quixada-Ceara. The sample used was 5% of the adult urban population in the county seat, which resulted in 263 households visited, where we applied a semi-structured questionnaire. According to the results, there is still a significant number of people who uses medicinal plants in the city of Quixada-Ceara (57.41%), and the majority of participants (97%) consider that the indiscriminate employment of medicinal plants do not cause any health problem. Most respondents were female (63.57%) and the highest number of information and knowledge about medicinal plants were concentrated among 51-60 years old individuals (24.71%). In regard of the educational level, 34.22% of the participants claimed to have completed high school. The botanical family Lamiaceae was the most representative (21.05%) and the most cited specie was the lemongrass. 93.37% of the respondents pledged to use tea as medicine and 6.63% claimed to use it as food. Regarding the employment frequency of the medicinal plants, 27% claimed to take them daily.

Morphologic features frommdxmice spleens, used for duchenne muscular dystrophy studies

The mdx mice model is widely used for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) studies, which is present in a high percentage from newborns human males. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible morphological changes from spleens in these mice and to compare with normal mice (Mus musculus) in contribution to DMD understanding and its consequences on immune system by affected individuals. The study was performed by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques beyond immunohistochemistry. Was found microscopically an increased number of lymph nodes and decreased in red pulp region by mdx, beyond a larger VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C) expression stimulates lymphangiogenesis in red pulp region from spleen. These findings suggest a spleen adaptation in order to supply immunological demand due upper respiratory infection, which are common in individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Comparative study of the kidneys from dystrophic mice

The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a recessive genetic disease linked to chromosome X. Thisdisease is characterized by an absence or dysfunction in the expression of dystrophin. Experimental modelsmdxare widely used for the development of research addressing the DMD. The objective of this research is tocontribute to a detailed study of possible renal morphological changes resulting from DMD. We used five pairsof kidneys frommdxmice and five from normal mice, which were subjected to measurement, light microscopy,and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological findings of kidneys frommdxmice are within thepatterns described in animal studies with severe dehydration, which exhibit signs of diffuse hemorrhage inthe cortical and medullary area, while the glomeruli in the cortical region showed a decrease in urinary space,located between the Bowman’s capsule and the inner cell mass of the glomeruli. However, future experimentswith animals in different ages can assist in the proving of the morphological changes found here.

Comparison of stem cell properties of cells isolated from normal and inflamed dental pulps.

AIM: To compare cells from normal and inflamed human dental pulps regarding the presence of stem cells, their proliferation and differentiation potential. METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated from normal (DPSC-N) and inflamed dental pulps (DPSC-I). They were compared in respect to proliferation (MTT assay), morphology and STRO-1 expression. STRO-1-positive cells were subject to proliferation (MTT and CFU counting) and morphological analyses and then submitted to odonto-osteogenic, adipogenic and condrogenic differentiation. Differentiated cells were evaluated concerning morphology and the expression, by qRT-PCR, of BSP, LPL and SOX-9 genes. The amount of mineralized matrix produced after odonto-osteogenic differentiation was compared with quantitative Alizarin Red staining. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the morphology and in the proliferation rate of DPSC-N and DPSC-I either before or after separation of STRO-1-positive cells. These cells represented 0.46% (±0.14) and 0.43% (±0.19) of the cell population from normal and inflamed dental pulps, respectively. Both DPSC-N and DPSC-I were capable of differentiating under the three assayed conditions and presented similar patterns for BSP, LPL and SOX-9 expression. Mineralized matrix production was also compatible. In all the quantitative experiments, differences were found between cells from each patient, either from normal or from inflamed pulps. Nonetheless, there was no statistical difference between these two groups. CONCLUSION: The morphology, proliferation rate and differentiation potential of DPSC-I were similar to the observed in DPSC-N, thus demonstrating that the inflammatory process did not affect the stem cell properties that were assessed.

Use of rhBMP-2 to reconstruct a severely atrophic mandible: a modified approach.

This study reports the case of a patient with a severely resorbed mandible who was treated without a bone graft, using short implants, internal rigid fixation, rhBMP-2 and ß-tricalcium phosphate. A 76-year-old woman, with a severely resorbed mandible (less than 3mm), reported a history of nearly 25 years of complete edentulism and consecutive treatment failures, with total bilateral exposed inferior alveolar nerves and complete bone resorption of the inferior border in some areas. The treatment of choice was the placement of a 2.0mm thick unilock bone plate (MatrixMandible, Synthes Maxillofacial, Paoli, PA, USA), to reinforce the mandible. Eight short implants with a regular platform (Nobel Biocare, Goteborg, Sweden) were placed: three on the external oblique line on both sides and two on the symphysis. In order to augment mandible height and coat the exposed thread of the anterior implants, rhBMP-2 (Infuse Bone, Meditronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN, USA) and ß-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb; Curasan, Kleinostheim, Germany) were used. Four 1.3 mmL miniplates were placed to support the graft. 14 months after surgery, the patient was satisfied and had excellent function without complications.

Mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord blood: parameters for isolation, characterization and adipogenic differentiation.

Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) from full-term deliveries is a laborious, time-consuming process that results in a low yield of cells. In this study we identified parameters that can be helpful for a successful isolation of UCB-MSCs. According to our findings, chances for a well succeeded isolation of these cells are higher when MSCs were isolated from UCB collected from normal full-term pregnancies that did not last over 37 weeks. Besides the duration of pregnancy, blood volume and storage period of the UCB should also be considered for a successful isolation of these cells. Here, we found that the ideal blood volume collected should be above 80 mL and the period of storage should not exceed 6 h. We characterized UCB-MSCs by morphologic, immunophenotypic, protein/gene expression and by adipogenic differentiation potential. Isolated UCB-MSCs showed fibroblast-like morphology and the capacity of differentiating into adipocyte-like cells. Looking for markers of the undifferentiated status of UCB-MSCs, we analyzed the UCB-MSCs' protein expression profile along different time periods of the differentiation process into adipocyte-like cells. Our results showed that there is a decrease in the expression of the markers CD73, CD90, and CD105 that correlates to the degree of differentiation of UCB-MSCs We suggest that CD90 can be used as a mark to follow the differentiation commitment degree of MSCs. Microarray results showed an up-regulation of genes related to the adipogenesis process and to redox metabolism in the adipocyte-like differentiated MSCs. Our study provides information on a group of parameters that may help with successful isolation and consequently with characterization of the differentiated/undifferentiated status of UCB-MSCs, which will be useful to monitor the differentiation commitment of UCB-MSC and further facilitate the application of those cells in stem-cell therapy.

Characterization of alpha thalassemic genotypes by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in the Brazilian population

Alpha-thalassemia is the most common inherited disorder of hemoglobin synthesis. Genomic deletions involving the alpha-globin gene cluster on chromosome 16p13.3 are the most frequent molecular causes of the disease. Although common deletions can be detected by a single multiplex gap-PCR, the rare and novel deletions depend on more laborious techniques for their identification. The multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique has recently been used for this purpose and was successfully used in the present study to detect the molecular alterations responsible for the alpha-thalassemic phenotypes in 8 unrelated individuals (3 males and 5 females; age, 4 months to 30 years) in whom the molecular basis of the disease could not be determined by conventional methods. A total of 44 probe pairs were used for MLPA, covering approximately 800 kb from the telomere to the MSLN gene in the 16p13.3 region. Eight deletions were detected. Four of these varied in size from 240 to 720 kb and affected a large region including the entire alpha-globin gene cluster and its upstream regulatory element (alpha-MRE), while the other four varied in size from 0.4 to 100 kb and were limited to a region containing this element. This study is the first in Brazil to use the MLPA method to determine the molecular basis of alpha-thalassemia. The variety of rearrangements identified highlights the need to investigate all cases presenting microcytosis and hypochromia, but without iron deficiency or elevated hemoglobin A2 levels and suggests that these rearrangements may be more frequent in our population than previously estimated.

Muscle strength, muscle balance, physical function and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

An increased circulating level of inflammatory cytokines has been associated with sarcopenia, functional disability, chronic diseases, and mortality in the elderly. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease common to this population, the seriousness of articular degeneration has been associated to the increase in some cytokines, IL-6 among them. The aim of the present study was to correlate IL-6 plasma levels with muscle strength, endurance, muscle balance hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) and physical function in 80 elderly women (71.2 ± 5.3) with knee OA. IL-6 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, endurance and hamstring-quadriceps muscle balance were assessed using a Biodex system 3 pro(®) isokinetic dynamometer. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between the outcomes at the significance level of α=0.05. IL-6 was inversely correlated to the endurance of the hamstring muscles (r=-0.232; p=0.03) and muscle balance (H/Q) on the lower right side at 180°/s (r=-0.254; p=0.023). No significant correlation between IL-6, muscle strength and physical function was found. Our results show that elevated levels of IL-6 may possibly contribute to the reduction of the endurance of hamstring muscles and H/Q muscle balance in the elderly studied.

Ensaio de dissolução de cápsulas de fluconazol: problemas encontrados na determinação por espectrofotometria na região do UV / Fluconazole capsule dissolution test: problems encountered in UV spectrophotometry determination

Entre as classes terapêuticas analisadas no Programa Nacional de Verificação da Qualidade de Medicamentos (PROVEME), o antifúngico fluconazol constava na apresentação de cápsulas de diferentes procedências. Na realização dos ensaios de dissolução conforme as técnicas dos fabricantes, constatou-se que os valores obtidos por espectrofotometria-UV foram superiores aos obtidos nos ensaios de teor e uniformidade de conteúdo, cuja determinação foi por CLAE-UV. Considerando este fato, foi objetivo deste trabalho realizar o ensaio de dissolução destas amostras pelos respectivos métodos dos fabricantes e o quantitativo do ensaio por espectrofotometria no UV e por CLAE-UV, a fim de avaliar as possíveis interferências dos excipientes nestas determinações. Os valores obtidos por espectrofotometria foram superiores aos obtidos por CLAE, confirmando a interferência dos excipientes. Concluiu-se que a metodologia a ser empregada na análise de fármacos deve ser criteriosamente selecionada, a fim de evitar resultados não condizentes com a real formulação do produto.

Among the therapeutic classes analyzed in the Programa Nacional de Verificação da Qualidade de Medicamentos (PROVEME) consisted the antifungal fluconazole in the dosage form of capsules from different origins. In dissolution tests, according to manufacturers techniques, it was found that the values obtained by UV-spectrophotometry were higher than those obtained from tests of content and content uniformity, whose determination was by HPLC-UV. Considering this fact, the objective of this study was to perform the dissolution test of these samples by the respective manufacturers methods and the quantitative assay by UV-spectrophotometry and HPLC-UV, to evaluate possible interferences of excipients in these determinations. The values obtained by spectrophotometry were higher than those obtained by HPLC, confirming the excipients interference. It was concluded that the methodology to be employed in drug analysis should be carefully selected in order to avoid results not commensurate with the real product formulation.

Catechol cytotoxicity in vitro: induction of glioblastoma cell death by apoptosis.

The exposure to benzene is a public health problem. Although the most well-known effect of benzene is hematopoietic toxicity, there is little information about the benzene and its metabolites effects on the central nervous system (CNS). This study examined the toxic effects of 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol), a benzene metabolite, to human glioblastoma GL-15 cells. GL-15 cell cultures were used as a model to provide more information about the toxic effects of aromatic compounds to the CNS. Catechol induced time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects. Morphological changes, such as the retraction of the cytoplasm and chromatin clumping, were seen in cells exposed to 200 microM catechol for 48 hours. In cells exposed to 600 microM catechol for 48 hours, 78.0% of them presented condensed nuclei, and the Comet assay showed DNA damage. The percentage of cells labeled with annexin V (apoptotic cells) was greater in the group exposed to catechol (20.7%) than in control cells (0.4%). Exposure to catechol at concentrations greater than 100 microM enhanced Bax levels, and a decrease in Bcl-2 level was observed after the exposure to 600 microM catechol for 48 hours. Furthermore, catechol depleted reduced glutathione. Hence, catechol induced cell death mainly by apoptosis.

sTNFR-1 is an early inflammatory marker in community versus institutionalized elderly women.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To evaluate plasma sTNFR-1 and IL-6 levels and correlate with hand grip in the institutionalized and community living Brazilian elderly. MATERIAL: A convenience sample of 110 elderly women (71.17 + or - 7.44 years) was selected. Plasma sTNFR-1 and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. For the measurement of hand grip, a JAMAR dynamometer was used. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers were significantly higher in institutionalized elderly (sTNFR-1: 479 + or - 22 pg/mL; IL-6: 6.3 + or - 0.8 pg/mL) than in community-dwelling elderly (sTNFR-1: 329 + or - 24 pg/mL; IL-6: 2.5 + or - 0.4 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). Institutionalized elderly had reduced hand grip (15 + or - 0.8 Kgf) in comparison to community dwelling elderly (23 + or - 0.6 Kgf; P < 0.05). When individuals were subdivided in age groups, sTNFR-1 was higher in community dwelling versus institutionalized elderly in the 60-70 age range. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that being institutionalized has an impact on levels of inflammatory markers.

Inorganic polyphosphate inhibits an aspartic protease-like activity in the eggs of Rhodnius prolixus (Stahl) and impairs yolk mobilization in vitro.

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P) is a polymer of phosphate residues that has been shown to act as modulator of some vertebrate cathepsins. In the egg yolk granules of Rhodnius prolixus, a cathepsin D is the main protease involved in yolk mobilization and is dependent on an activation by acid phosphatases. In this study, we showed a possible role of poly P stored inside yolk granules on the inhibition of cathepsin D and arrest of yolk mobilization during early embryogenesis of these insects. Enzymatic assays detected poly P stores inside the eggs of R. prolixus. We observed that micromolar poly P concentrations inhibited cathepsin D proteolytic activity using both synthetic peptides and homogenates of egg yolk as substrates. Poly P was a substrate for Rhodnius acid phosphatase and also a strong competitive inhibitor of a pNPPase activity. Fusion events have been suggested as important steps towards acid phosphatase transport to yolk granules. We observed that poly P levels in those compartments were reduced after in vitro fusion assays and that the remaining poly P did not have the same cathepsin D inhibition activity after fusion. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that poly P is a cathepsin D inhibitor and a substrate for acid phosphatase inside yolk granules. It is possible that, once activated, acid phosphatase might degrade poly P, allowing cathepsin D to initiate yolk proteolysis. We, therefore, suggest that degradation of poly P might represent a new step toward yolk mobilization during embryogenesis of R. prolixus.

Muscle strength but not functional capacity is associated with plasma interleukin-6 levels of community-dwelling elderly women

The association of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, muscle strength and functional capacity was investigated in a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling elderly women from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Elderly people who present controlled chronic diseases with no negative impact on physical, psychosocial and mental functionality are considered to be community-dwelling. Psychological and social stress due to unsuccessfully aging can represent a risk for immune system disfunctions. IL-6 levels, isokinetic muscle strength of knee flexion/extension, and functional tests to determine time required to rise from a chair and gait velocity were measured in 57 participants (71.21 ± 7.38 years). Serum levels of IL-6 were measured in duplicate and were performed within one single assay (mouse monoclonal antibody against IL-6; High-Sensitivity, Quantikine®, R & D Systems, USA; intra-assay coefficient of variance = 6.9-7.4 percent; interassay coefficient of variance = 9.6-6.5 percent; sensitivity = 0.016-0.110 pg/mL; mean = 0.039 pg/mL). Muscle strength was assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 Pro®. After the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied, correlations were investigated using Spearman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Post hoc analysis was performed using the Dunn test. A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma IL-6 levels (1.95 ± 1.77 pg/mL) and muscle strength for knee flexion (70.70 ± 21.14 percent; r = -0.265; P = 0.047) and extension (271.84 ± 67.85 percent; r = -0.315; P = 0.017). No significant correlation was observed between IL-6 levels and the functional tests (time to rise from a chair = 14.65 ± 2.82 s and gait velocity = 0.95 ± 0.14 m/s). These results suggest that IL-6 is associated with reduced muscle strength.

Muscle strength but not functional capacity is associated with plasma interleukin-6 levels of community-dwelling elderly women.

The association of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, muscle strength and functional capacity was investigated in a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling elderly women from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Elderly people who present controlled chronic diseases with no negative impact on physical, psychosocial and mental functionality are considered to be community-dwelling. Psychological and social stress due to unsuccessfully aging can represent a risk for immune system disfunctions. IL-6 levels, isokinetic muscle strength of knee flexion/extension, and functional tests to determine time required to rise from a chair and gait velocity were measured in 57 participants (71.21 +/- 7.38 years). Serum levels of IL-6 were measured in duplicate and were performed within one single assay (mouse monoclonal antibody against IL-6; High-Sensitivity, Quantikine, R & D Systems, USA; intra-assay coefficient of variance = 6.9-7.4%; interassay coefficient of variance = 9.6-6.5%; sensitivity = 0.016-0.110 pg/mL; mean = 0.039 pg/mL). Muscle strength was assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 Pro. After the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied, correlations were investigated using Spearman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Post hoc analysis was performed using the Dunn test. A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma IL-6 levels (1.95 +/- 1.77 pg/mL) and muscle strength for knee flexion (70.70 +/- 21.14%; r = -0.265; P = 0.047) and extension (271.84 +/- 67.85%; r = -0.315; P = 0.017). No significant correlation was observed between IL-6 levels and the functional tests (time to rise from a chair = 14.65 +/- 2.82 s and gait velocity = 0.95 +/- 0.14 m/s). These results suggest that IL-6 is associated with reduced muscle strength.

Hb Indianapolis [beta112 (G14) Cys-->Arg] as the probable cause of moderate hemolytic anemia and renal damage in a Brazilian patient.

Hemoglobin (Hb) Indianapolis [beta112 (G14) Cys-->Arg] is a rare and slightly unstable beta-globin variant. All carriers described to date were clinically normal with only mild reticulocytosis. We report here a case of a Brazilian patient in whom hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure were probably caused by the presence of this variant.

Intraflagellar transport complex in Leishmania spp. In silico genome-wide screening and annotation of gene function

Flagella are constructed and maintained through the highly conserved process of intraflagellar transport (IFT), which is a rapid movement of particles along the axonemal microtubules of cilia/flagella. Particles that are transported by IFT are composed of several protein subunits comprising two complexes (A and B), which are conserved among green algae, nematodes, and vertebrates. To determine whether or not homologues to members of the IFT complex proteins are conserved in Leishmania spp, we scanned genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes of Leishmania species in a search for putative IFT factors, which were then identified in silico, compared, cataloged, and characterized. Since a large proportion of newly identified genes in L. major remain unclassified, with many of these being potentially Leishmania- (or kinetoplastid-) specific, there is a need for detailed analyses of homologs/orthologs that could help us understand the functional assignment of these gene products. We used a combination of integrated bioinformatics tools in a pathogenomics approach to contribute to the annotation of Leishmania genomes, particularly regarding flagellar genes and their roles in pathogenesis. This resulted in the formal in silico identification of eight of these homologs in Leishmania (IFT subunits, 20, 27, 46, 52, 57, 88, 140, and 172), along with others (IFTs 71, 74/72, and 81), as well as sequence comparisons and structural predictions. IFT, an important flagellar pathway in Leishmania, begins to be revealed through screening of trypanosomatid genomes; this information could also be used to better understand fundamental processes in Leishmania, such as motility and pathogenesis.