ABSTRACT
In the cold dark matter cosmology, the baryonic components of galaxies-stars and gas-are thought to be mixed with and embedded in non-baryonic and non-relativistic dark matter, which dominates the total mass of the galaxy and its dark-matter halo. In the local (low-redshift) Universe, the mass of dark matter within a galactic disk increases with disk radius, becoming appreciable and then dominant in the outer, baryonic regions of the disks of star-forming galaxies. This results in rotation velocities of the visible matter within the disk that are constant or increasing with disk radius-a hallmark of the dark-matter model. Comparisons between the dynamical mass, inferred from these velocities in rotational equilibrium, and the sum of the stellar and cold-gas mass at the peak epoch of galaxy formation ten billion years ago, inferred from ancillary data, suggest high baryon fractions in the inner, star-forming regions of the disks. Although this implied baryon fraction may be larger than in the local Universe, the systematic uncertainties (owing to the chosen stellar initial-mass function and the calibration of gas masses) render such comparisons inconclusive in terms of the mass of dark matter. Here we report rotation curves (showing rotation velocity as a function of disk radius) for the outer disks of six massive star-forming galaxies, and find that the rotation velocities are not constant, but decrease with radius. We propose that this trend arises because of a combination of two main factors: first, a large fraction of the massive high-redshift galaxy population was strongly baryon-dominated, with dark matter playing a smaller part than in the local Universe; and second, the large velocity dispersion in high-redshift disks introduces a substantial pressure term that leads to a decrease in rotation velocity with increasing radius. The effect of both factors appears to increase with redshift. Qualitatively, the observations suggest that baryons in the early (high-redshift) Universe efficiently condensed at the centres of dark-matter haloes when gas fractions were high and dark matter was less concentrated.
ABSTRACT
The rest-frame ultraviolet properties of galaxies during the first three billion years of cosmic time (redshift z > 4) indicate a rapid evolution in the dust obscuration of such galaxies. This evolution implies a change in the average properties of the interstellar medium, but the measurements are systematically uncertain owing to untested assumptions and the inability to detect heavily obscured regions of the galaxies. Previous attempts to measure the interstellar medium directly in normal galaxies at these redshifts have failed for a number of reasons, with two notable exceptions. Here we report measurements of the forbidden C ii emission (that is, [C II]) from gas, and the far-infrared emission from dust, in nine typical star-forming galaxies about one billion years after the Big Bang (z ≈ 5-6). We find that these galaxies have thermal emission that is less than 1/12 that of similar systems about two billion years later, and enhanced [C II] emission relative to the far-infrared continuum, confirming a strong evolution in the properties of the interstellar medium in the early Universe. The gas is distributed over scales of one to eight kiloparsecs, and shows diverse dynamics within the sample. These results are consistent with early galaxies having significantly less dust than typical galaxies seen at z < 3 and being comparable in dust content to local low-metallicity systems.
ABSTRACT
Preexisting donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSAs) have been associated with reduced survival of lung allografts. However, antibodies with specificities other than HLA may have a detrimental role on the lung transplant outcome. A young man with cystic fibrosis underwent lung transplantation with organs from a suitable deceased donor. At the time of transplantation, there were no anti-HLA DSAs. During surgery, the patient developed a severe and intractable pulmonary hypertension associated with right ventriular dysfunction, which required arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. After a brief period of clinical improvement, a rapid deterioration in hemodynamics led to the patient's death on postoperative day 5. Postmortem studies showed that lung specimens taken at the end of surgery were compatible with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), while terminal samples evidenced diffuse capillaritis, blood extravasation, edema, and microthrombi, with foci of acute cellular rejection (A3). Immunological investigations demonstrated the presence of preexisting antibodies against the endothelin-1 receptor type A (ETA R) and the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1 R), two of the most potent vasoconstrictors reported to date, whose levels slightly rose after transplantation. These data suggest that preexisting anti-ETA R and anti-AT1 R antibodies may have contributed to the onset of AMR and to the catastrophic clinical course of this patient.
Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis/surgery , Graft Rejection/etiology , HLA Antigens/immunology , Isoantibodies/immunology , Lung Transplantation/adverse effects , Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/immunology , Receptor, Endothelin A/immunology , Adult , Graft Survival , Humans , Male , Postoperative Complications , Prognosis , Tissue Donors , Transplant RecipientsABSTRACT
Searches for very-high-redshift galaxies over the past decade have yielded a large sample of more than 6,000 galaxies existing just 900-2,000 million years (Myr) after the Big Bang (redshifts 6 > z > 3; ref. 1). The Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF09) data have yielded the first reliable detections of z ≈ 8 galaxies that, together with reports of a γ-ray burst at z ≈ 8.2 (refs 10, 11), constitute the earliest objects reliably reported to date. Observations of z ≈ 7-8 galaxies suggest substantial star formation at z > 9-10 (refs 12, 13). Here we use the full two-year HUDF09 data to conduct an ultra-deep search for z ≈ 10 galaxies in the heart of the reionization epoch, only 500 Myr after the Big Bang. Not only do we find one possible z ≈ 10 galaxy candidate, but we show that, regardless of source detections, the star formation rate density is much smaller (â¼10%) at this time than it is just â¼200 Myr later at z ≈ 8. This demonstrates how rapid galaxy build-up was at z ≈ 10, as galaxies increased in both luminosity density and volume density from z ≈ 10 to z ≈ 8. The 100-200 Myr before z ≈ 10 is clearly a crucial phase in the assembly of the earliest galaxies.
ABSTRACT
Byrsonima verbascifolia (Malpighiaceae), commonly known as 'murici', is used in folk medicine, for example, in the treatment of inflammation. The anti-inflammatory activity of the butanolic fraction of B. verbascifolia leaves (BvBF) was previously reported by our group, and the present study was designed to evaluate their antinociceptive effects. BvBF (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) inhibited acetic acid induced abdominal writhing. In the formalin test, BvBF (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a reduction in licking time in both the neurogenic and inflammatory phases. Moreover, we demonstrated that BvBF (30 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) caused an increase in the latency to response in the hot-plate test. These results demonstrate that BvBF possesses marked peripheral and central antinociceptive activities. Pre-treatment with the non-selective receptor antagonist naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) abolished the antinociceptive effects of BvBF (100 mg/kg, i.p.) in the neurogenic phase of the formalin and hot-plate tests. The anti-inflammatory activity of BvBF (previously reported) as well as the participation of the opioidergic system seems to be responsible, at least in part, for these antinociceptive effects. Finally, BvBF at the doses investigated (25, 50 and 100 mg/Kg) did not cause any toxicity signals, showing that the antinociceptive activity is devoid of sedative and hypomotility effects.
Subject(s)
Analgesics/pharmacology , Malpighiaceae , Nociception/drug effects , Pain Measurement/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves , Analgesics/isolation & purification , Animals , Butanols/pharmacology , Disease Models, Animal , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Male , Mice , Nociception/physiology , Pain Measurement/methods , Plant Extracts/isolation & purificationSubject(s)
Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms , Adrenocortical Adenoma , Hyperaldosteronism , Vascular Stiffness , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/complications , Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/diagnosis , Adrenocortical Adenoma/complications , Adrenocortical Adenoma/diagnosis , Cardiac Output , Essential Hypertension , Hemodynamics , Humans , Hyperaldosteronism/complications , Hyperaldosteronism/diagnosisABSTRACT
AIM: In chronic kidney disease (CKD) cardiovascular risk is increased. Oxidative stress is strictly involved in the pathophysiology of this enhanced risk as well as leukocytes' activation. To better elucidate these phaenomena we evaluated some parameters of leukocyte activation and oxidative state on fasting blood samples obtained from CKD patients on conservative or hemodialysis (HD) treatment, compared to those obtained from control subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 41 patients (25 men and 16 women, mean age 64.7 ± 11.1 years) with CKD and 42 patients (21 men and 21 women, mean age 66.83 ± 14.8 years) with CKD on hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Hemodialyzed patients were evaluated before and after a standard HD session. Leukocyte activation was evaluated by determining plasma elastase and myeloperoxidase level employing ELISA methods. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Elastase was higher in CKD on conservative and on HD treatment and its value increased after the HD session. Myeloperoxidase did not show any variation in CKD on conservative and HD treatment while after HD its value was increased. Lipid peroxidation was increased in CKD on conservative and on HD therapy and its value after dialysis showed no significant variation. Total antioxidant status was increased in CKD on HD treatment and significantly decreased after the HD session; no variation between normal controls and CKD subjects on conservative therapy was observed. CONCLUSION: Several aspects derive from these data considering the role of oxidative stress in the cardiovascular events that accompany CKD.
Subject(s)
Kidney Diseases/blood , Neutrophil Activation , Oxidative Stress , Adult , Aged , Antioxidants/analysis , Chronic Disease , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Humans , Kidney Diseases/therapy , Leukocyte Elastase/blood , Lipid Peroxidation , Male , Middle Aged , Peroxidase/blood , Renal Dialysis , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/analysis , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study sought to identify imaging criteria useful in discriminating anatomical variants from thrombosis of the posterior intracranial venous system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients underwent coronal unenhanced two-dimensional time-of-flight (2D ToF) magnetic resonance (MR) venography. Transverse sinus (TS) calibre and asymmetry were considered. Oval (O-FG) and linear (L-FG) flow gaps were recorded. Several slices of the 2D ToF sequence were applied perpendicularly to the TS within each FG to avoid in-plane saturation. RESULTS: Mean calibre of the right TS was significantly greater than the contralateral sinus (6.5 mm+/-1.84 vs 5.1 mm+/-1.72). Right and left dominance was observed in 61% and 17% of cases, respectively. The mean right-left TS diameter was 5.77 mm. Among 204 TS, 44 L-FG and 42 O-FG were observed. Partial L-FG (<2/3 of TS) never involved the distal TS. No L-FG was observed in a dominant TS. Supplementary sagittal 2D ToF images disclosed blood flow in all but two L-FGs. O-FGs were mostly observed laterally (91%). CONCLUSIONS: L-FGs in a dominant TS, partial L-FGs in the distal part or O-FG in the medial part of any TS, a left-right mean diameter <3 mm and absence of flow even in ToF images perpendicular to the direction of blood flow should raise the suspicion of sinus pathology.
Subject(s)
Cerebral Veins/pathology , Cranial Sinuses/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Angiography/methods , Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Artifacts , Blood Flow Velocity , Chi-Square Distribution , Child , Child, Preschool , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Poincianella (Caesalpinia) microphylla fractions were analyzed by LC-DAD-MS and by statistical tools to determine the possible bioactive compounds against T. vaginalis. Tannins enriched-fractions toxicity (M5 and M10) were analyzed in in vitro against human red cells and in in vivo model of Galleria mellonella. Twenty-six compounds were detected from the P. microphylla fractions. The main compounds identified were hydrolyzable tannins (gallotanins and ellagitannis), such as O-digalloyl hexoside, O-digalloyl HHDP -hexoside, tri-O-galloyl HHDP-hexoside, O-galloyl HHDP-DHHDP-hexoside and their isomers. In addition, procyanidin dimer, epicatechin, ellagic acid and O-(digalloyl) quinic acid were also identified. Based on univariate statistical analyses, stronger correlations with the anti-T. vaginalis properties were observed for the compounds 7 (O-galloyl HHDP-DHHDP-hexoside - Geraniin isomer), 3 (O-digalloyl HHDP -hexoside - mallotinic acid), 2 (O-digalloyl) quinic acid), 1 (O-digalloyl hexoside) and 9 (unknown). Tannins enriched-fractions (M5 and M10) presented anti-Trichomonas activity (IC50 70.41 µg/mL and 142.1 µg/mL, respectively) and no toxicity in the in vivo model of G. mellonella. This innovative approach allowed us to identify likely bioactive compounds in the extracts, although the mechanism(s) underlying anti-trichomonal activity encompass a complex trait.
Subject(s)
Caesalpinia , Trichomonas vaginalis , Fruit , Humans , Hydrolyzable Tannins/pharmacology , TanninsABSTRACT
Medicinal plants, such as E. pyramidale, are alternatives against infections and assist in the healing process of wounds. We evaluated the effects of Hydrogel of E. pyramidale on the healing of cutaneous wounds in animal models by morphological, morphometric and histological analyses, and elucidated major components. The ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale shoots was submitted to phytochemical analysis. For cicatrizing activity assay, Wistar rats were used, and the groups evaluated were hydrogel containing ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale at 2% compared to control groups. The treatment periods were 3, 7 and 21 days, and macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed. Data were submitted to Analysis of Variance (p <0.05). Phytochemistry and quantification evidenced that flavonoids are main constituents and that they were evidenced by thin layer chromatography (TLC), high efficiency (HPLC) and infrared (IR) methods. In TLC, using flavonoid patterns, we observed pinocembrin. The hydrogel containing ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale at 2% was effective in wound regression. E. pyramidale can be used for the treatment of second intention wounds, and the effective healing may be due to a high flavonoid content.
Subject(s)
Equisetum , Animals , Hydrogels , Plant Extracts , Rats , Rats, Wistar , SkinABSTRACT
AIMS: Our purpose was to evaluate, in a group of 42 end-stage renal disease patients who regularly undergo hemodialysis, some indexes of leukocyte activation, nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and other parameters that reflect the oxidative stress before and after a standard hemodialysis session. METHODS: Elastase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by means of ELISA. The NO production was evaluated by a micromethod which measures the concentration of NOx. The oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids was evaluated in plasma by detection of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Total antioxidant status (TAS) was obtained using spectrophotometry. RESULTS: At baseline, we observed an increase of elastase, NOx, TBARS and TAS, without any variation of MPO. After the dialysis session, we found an increase in elastase and MPO, a decrease in NOx and TAS and no variation in TBARS. No modification occurred after subdividing the patients in two subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the involvement of leukocytes and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.
Subject(s)
Kidney Failure, Chronic/metabolism , Leukocytes/physiology , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Aged , Antioxidants/analysis , Female , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Leukocyte Elastase/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Peroxidase/metabolism , Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolismABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) improves outcome in patients with ischaemic stroke treated within 3 h of symptom onset, but its extended implementation is limited. A pilot study was designed to verify whether evaluation of patients with acute ischaemic stroke and their treatment with intravenous rt-PA in the emergency department (ED), followed by transportation to a semi-intensive stroke care unit, offers a safe and effective organisational solution to provide intravenous thrombolysis to acute stroke patients when a stroke unit (SU) is not available. METHODS: After checking for inclusion and exclusion criteria, ED doctors contacted the stroke team with a single page, located family members and urgently obtained computed tomography scan and laboratory tests. A stroke team investigator clinically assessed the patient, obtained written informed consent and supervised intravenous rt-PA in the ED. After treatment, the patient was transferred to the SU for rehabilitation and treatment of complications, under supervision of the same stroke team investigator. RESULTS: 52 patients were treated with intravenous rt-PA within 3 h of symptom onset. 20 patients (38%) improved neurologically after 24 h, the number increased to 30 (58%) after one week. At 3 months 22 patients had a favourable outcome (43%). The 3-month mortality rate was 12%. Symptomatic cerebral haemorrhage was observed in two patients (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous rt-PA administration in the ED is an effective organisational solution for acute ischaemic stroke when an SU is not established.
Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/drug therapy , Fibrinolytic Agents/administration & dosage , Stroke/drug therapy , Tissue Plasminogen Activator/administration & dosage , Aged , Brain Ischemia/diagnosis , Cerebral Hemorrhage/diagnosis , Cerebral Hemorrhage/etiology , Critical Care , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , Humans , Infusions, Intravenous , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Stroke/diagnosis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The etiological diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome is often a problem. In fact, no endocrine or radiological examination can conclusively distinguish the ectopic from the pituitary source of disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of stimulation and suppression endocrine tests in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with Cushing's disease (CD) and negative pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), considering their post-surgical outcome in comparison with patients with CD and positive MRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients (25 women and 6 men, median age 40 +/- 15 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of CD who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery by the same neurosurgeon between 2001 and 2005. Preoperative endocrine assessment included corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), desmopressin (dDAVP), and overnight 8 mg dexamethasone suppression tests (8-DST) in all patients. Fifteen patients had a normal pituitary MRI and sixteen had a clearly evident pituitary microadenoma. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was performed in patients with discordant biochemical results or with signs and symptoms highly suggestive of an ectopic source of ACTH. Post-surgical median follow-up was 38.4 +/- 22.0 months. RESULTS: Among patients with negative MRI, 60% had concordant positive endocrine tests and underwent neurosurgery without other examinations. BIPSS was performed in three other patients prompted by discordant endocrine tests (negative dDAVP) and in two patients with clinical suspicion of ectopic disease. Among patients with positive MRI, 87% underwent neurosurgery without BIPSS that was performed in two patients because of negative concomitant response to dDAVP and CRH tests. A pituitary adenoma, confirmed by pathological examination, was found in 40 and 81% of patients with negative and positive MRI respectively (P<0.05), corticotroph hyperplasia resulted more frequent in the group with negative MRI. Remission rate was not different between patients with negative and positive MRI (73 and 75% respectively; P=0.61) and between patients with negative MRI who did not undergo BIPSS and patients with positive MRI (P=0.56). The recurrence rate was also similar between groups (P=0.64), but higher, although not statistically different (P=0.07) in patients with corticotroph hyperplasia at histology. CONCLUSIONS: An accurate evaluation of presurgical endocrine tests results enabled us to reduce the number of BIPSS in patients with a negative MRI without any fallout on their post-surgical outcome. In the hands of an expert pituitary surgeon, the outcome after surgeryand the subsequent recurrence rate are much the same in patients with negative or positive MRI.
Subject(s)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/metabolism , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/pathology , Preoperative Care , Adenoma/metabolism , Adenoma/pathology , Adenoma/surgery , Adolescent , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Adult , Aged , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/blood , Deamino Arginine Vasopressin/blood , Decision Trees , Dexamethasone , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Glucocorticoids , Humans , Hydrocortisone/urine , Male , Middle Aged , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion/surgery , Pituitary Neoplasms/metabolism , Pituitary Neoplasms/pathology , Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery , Predictive Value of Tests , Remission Induction , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
We discuss the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal early fetal neurological involvement of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A woman presented at 21 weeks of pregnancy with active CMV infection. Cerebral ultrasound examination had been normal. An MRI scan revealed a thickened germinal matrix, which was histologically confirmed, associated with underdevelopment of the gyri. Brain MRI proved particularly useful in identifying the findings not disclosed by routine ultrasound during pregnancy and subsequently confirmed at histology.
Subject(s)
Brain/pathology , Cytomegalovirus Infections/complications , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Abortion, Induced , Adult , Amniotic Fluid/virology , Brain/embryology , Brain/microbiology , DNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Female , Humans , Hydrops Fetalis/microbiology , Hydrops Fetalis/pathology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/microbiology , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/pathology , Ultrasonography, PrenatalABSTRACT
Aggressive surgery of craniopharyngioma can cause severe, life-long hypothalamic and pituitary dysfunctions and possibly further impair visual function; conventional radiation therapy (RT) can affect intellectual functioning and cause secondary tumours. Because of the severe morbidity associated with aggressive surgery, many authors nowadays recommend a less radical approach followed by RT. This combined approach allows achieving 70-83% 10-year local control rates which are comparable to that achieved with aggressive surgery. The main morbidity of this conservative combined approach is represented by pituitary dysfunction secondary to RT, however, sparing severe hypothalamic disturbances. The interval between treatment and onset of the disorder is much longer than in the case of aggressive surgery and this can have a beneficial impact on quality of life, especially in children. This alternative therapeutic approach has become more appealing now that modern RT techniques allow safer delivery of the RT, particularly in childhood.
Subject(s)
Craniopharyngioma/radiotherapy , Craniopharyngioma/surgery , Pituitary Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Pituitary Neoplasms/surgery , Child , Combined Modality Therapy , Craniopharyngioma/complications , Humans , Neurosurgical Procedures/adverse effects , Pituitary Neoplasms/complications , Radiotherapy/adverse effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The cytotoxic effects of seven constituents isolated from Duguetia glabriuscula were evaluated against Hep2 human larynx carcinoma cells. The cytotoxicity exhibited by beta-sitosterol was as strong as that of cis-platin. (+)-Alloaromadendran-10,14beta-diol caused inhibition of cellular growth with IC50 values lower than 25 microg/ml, a feature that was considered as revealing significant activity. Polycarpol showed borderline cytotoxicity, whereas the other compounds were inactive.
Subject(s)
Annonaceae/chemistry , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/toxicity , Sitosterols/toxicity , Cell Line, Tumor , Cisplatin/toxicity , Humans , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/toxicity , Toxicity Tests/methodsABSTRACT
Kidney diseases are the ninth leading cause of death in the USA. In these patients cardiovascular mortality is greater than in the general population. This observation, not completely explained by the so-called 'traditional' cardiovascular risk factors, lead the authors to postulate other 'emerging' ones found in chronic renal failure patients. Among these new findings, nutritional status, considered as the balance existing between nutrient requirements and intakes, plays an important role for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In fact several nutritional parameters are widely known as pathophysiological determinants of cardiovascular disturbances, which are based on accelerated atherosclerosis, due especially to enhanced oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Chronic renal failure is a clinical condition that from many points of view seems to be a chronic inflammatory state, and many studies confirm this observation. This influences nutritional status especially in dialysis patients. Malnutrition is related in turn to accelerated atherosclerosis thus leading to a postulated 'malnutrition, inflammation, atherosclerosis' (MIA) syndrome in which malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis contribute to an elevated cardiovascular mortality rate. The present review explores this issue, first by describing epidemiological aspects of malnutrition in chronic renal failure patients and then by analysing the specific biochemical and metabolic features of these patients.
ABSTRACT
We report the case of a 25-year-old patient, diagnosed at age 10, with diffuse fibrous dysplasia of the paranasal sinuses, an extremely rare idiopathic condition. This diagnosis is possible only by cerebral computed tomography (CT), cerebral and anterior skull base magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histopathology. Surgical treatment is common. This boy had mild symptoms: moderate headache in the morning that did not affect his daily activity, and rhinitis, partially responsive to medication. The neurologic examination was abnormal. Radiographs, CT, and MRI showed a diffuse mass in the paranasal sinuses which had a histopathological diagnosis of fibrous dysplasias. The family refused to refer the patient to surgery. The boy has been monitored annually for 15 years. He has remained asymptomatic without headache since age 11, with normal, general and neurologic examinations. Serial MRIs showed a spontaneous partial involution of the mass.
Subject(s)
Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/diagnosis , Headache/etiology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Paranasal Sinuses/diagnostic imaging , Paranasal Sinuses/pathology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Adult , Child , Disease Progression , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/complications , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/diagnostic imaging , Fibrous Dysplasia, Polyostotic/pathology , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Abstract Medicinal plants, such as E. pyramidale, are alternatives against infections and assist in the healing process of wounds. We evaluated the effects of Hydrogel of E. pyramidale on the healing of cutaneous wounds in animal models by morphological, morphometric and histological analyses, and elucidated major components. The ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale shoots was submitted to phytochemical analysis. For cicatrizing activity assay, Wistar rats were used, and the groups evaluated were hydrogel containing ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale at 2% compared to control groups. The treatment periods were 3, 7 and 21 days, and macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed. Data were submitted to Analysis of Variance (p <0.05). Phytochemistry and quantification evidenced that flavonoids are main constituents and that they were evidenced by thin layer chromatography (TLC), high efficiency (HPLC) and infrared (IR) methods. In TLC, using flavonoid patterns, we observed pinocembrin. The hydrogel containing ethanolic extract of E. pyramidale at 2% was effective in wound regression. E. pyramidale can be used for the treatment of second intention wounds, and the effective healing may be due to a high flavonoid content.
Resumo As plantas medicinais, como E. pyramidale, são uma alternativa para combater infecções e ajudar o processo de cicatrização de feridas. Avaliar os efeitos do hidrogel de E. pyramidale na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em modelos animais através de análises morfológicas, morfométricas e histológicas, bem como para elucidar os principais componentes. O extrato etanólico das partes aéreas de E. pyramidale foi submetido a análise fitoquímica. Para o ensaio de atividade cicatrizante, foram utilizados ratos Wistar e os grupos avaliados foram o hidrogel com extrato etanólico de E. pyramidale 2% em comparação com os grupos controle. Os períodos de tratamento foram 3, 7 e 21 dias e as análises macroscópicas e microscópicas foram realizadas e os dados submetidos à Análise de Variância (p <0,05). A fitoquímica e a quantificação indicaram que os flavonóides são os constituintes principais e que mesmos foram evidenciados na cromatografia de camada delgada (CCD), de alta eficiência (HPLC) e por infravermelho (IV). Em CCD, empregando padrões de flavonoides, foi observado a pinocembrina. O hidrogel com extrato etanólico de E. pyramidale 2% foi eficaz na regressão da ferida. E. pyramidale pode ser usado no tratamento de feridas de segunda intenção e a cura efetiva pode ser devido ao alto teor de flavonoides.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Equisetum , Skin , Plant Extracts , Rats, Wistar , HydrogelsABSTRACT
Most present-day galaxies with stellar masses ≥10(11) solar masses show no ongoing star formation and are dense spheroids. Ten billion years ago, similarly massive galaxies were typically forming stars at rates of hundreds solar masses per year. It is debated how star formation ceased, on which time scales, and how this "quenching" relates to the emergence of dense spheroids. We measured stellar mass and star-formation rate surface density distributions in star-forming galaxies at redshift 2.2 with ~1-kiloparsec resolution. We find that, in the most massive galaxies, star formation is quenched from the inside out, on time scales less than 1 billion years in the inner regions, up to a few billion years in the outer disks. These galaxies sustain high star-formation activity at large radii, while hosting fully grown and already quenched bulges in their cores.