Mitochondrial ribosome biogenesis and redox sensing.

Mitoribosome biogenesis is a complex process involving RNA elements encoded in the mitochondrial genome and mitoribosomal proteins typically encoded in the nuclear genome. This process is orchestrated by extra-ribosomal proteins, nucleus-encoded assembly factors, which play roles across all assembly stages to coordinate ribosomal RNA processing and maturation with the sequential association of ribosomal proteins. Both biochemical studies and recent cryo-EM structures of mammalian mitoribosomes have provided insights into their assembly process. In this article, we will briefly outline the current understanding of mammalian mitoribosome biogenesis pathways and the factors involved. Special attention is devoted to the recent identification of iron-sulfur clusters as structural components of the mitoribosome and a small subunit assembly factor, the existence of redox-sensitive cysteines in mitoribosome proteins and assembly factors, and the role they may play as redox sensor units to regulate mitochondrial translation under stress.

Drug Allergy Alert System in a Spanish University Hospital: Description and Dynamics of Use.

INTRODUCTION: The drug allergy alert system reduces the frequency of adverse drug events, although it is subjected to collateral effects, since 80-90% of alerts are not real, and a large percentage of alerts are overridden (46.2-96.2%). We reviewed how the alert system is used at University Hospital Fundación Alcorcon (HUFA). METHODS: Data were obtained from the drug allergy alert and the alert overriding notification forms (both in the period 2011-20). We also recorded drug allergy diagnoses at HUFA, drug consumption in primary care in 2016. We calculated the incidence of drug allergy alert activation, temporal trends in use, and correlations between the number of drugs in several datasets. RESULTS: We collected 15,535 alerts. NSAIDs and penicillins were the drugs with the highest number of drug allergy alerts (36.55% and 26.91%, respectively). A correlation was found between the number of drug alerts and the type of drug allergy in HUFA in 2016. Only 6.83% of the alerts were removed, and, of these, 21.77% were reactivated. Approximately 100 overrides were recorded per year from 2016 (6.8% of 8,434 activated alerts during 2014-2020). CONCLUSIONS: The number of drug allergy alerts recorded via the drug allergy alert system of HUFA correlates with the distribution of drug allergy diagnoses in the hospital, although many of the alerts could be false positives (as per current published evidence). We detected a very low frequency of removed alerts (6.83%), a relevant frequency of reactivations (one quarter), and a very low frequency of overrides (6.8%).

Novel Approach for a Controlled Delivery of Essential Oils during Long-Term Maize Storage: Clove Bud and Pennyroyal Oils Efficacy to Control Sitophilus zeamais, Reducing Grain Damage and Post-Harvest Losses.

Maize grains represent a significant contribution for assuring food safety all over the globe. Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), also known as the maize weevil, is one of the most destructive pests in stored maize, causing qualitative and quantitative losses. To control S. zeamais populations in maize storage sites, synthetical chemical insecticides are applied. However, these are often used wastefully, have environmental implications, and can induce the development of resistant populations. In this work, the insecticidal and grain protecting efficacy of an innovative macro-capsule delivery device, loaded with essential oils from Clove bud and Pennyroyal, as well as their combined solutions, was tested against naturally S. zeamais-infested maize grains. The blend of both compounds incorporated in a controlled release device reduced losses by more than 45% over a long storage period of twenty weeks, diminishing the survivability of maize weevils by over 90%. The usage of the blend at a concentration of 370 µL⋅Lair-1 with an antioxidant showed the best results, however, by halving the concentration (185 µL⋅Lair-1), a significant control of S. zeamais populations was still achieved.

C/EBPß Regulates TFAM Expression, Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy in Cellular Models of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Since there are only symptomatic treatments available, new cellular and molecular targets involved in the onset and progression of this disease are needed to develop effective treatments. CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein ß (C/EBPß) transcription factor levels are altered in patients with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that it may be a good therapeutic target for the treatment of PD. A list of genes involved in PD that can be regulated by C/EBPß was generated by the combination of genetic and in silico data, the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) being among them. In this paper, we observed that C/EBPß overexpression increased TFAM promoter activity. However, downregulation of C/EBPß in different PD/neuroinflammation cellular models produced an increase in TFAM levels, together with other mitochondrial markers. This led us to propose an accumulation of non-functional mitochondria possibly due to the alteration of their autophagic degradation in the absence of C/EBPß. Then, we concluded that C/EBPß is not only involved in harmful processes occurring in PD, such as inflammation, but is also implicated in mitochondrial function and autophagy in PD-like conditions.

Antifungal Activity of Benzoquinones Produced by Tribolium castaneum in Maize-Associated Fungi.

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults produce 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ), and ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (EBQ). These components are chemical defenses used as repellents and irritants, and BQ has a negative impact on the growth of some fungal species. In this work, the inhibitory and/or lethal effects of these benzoquinones on the development of six fungi identified in maize, namely Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., and Trichoderma sp., were evaluated. Ten-day-long disk diffusion trials were performed using benzoquinones. The experiments simulated the activity of BQ (B1) or "EBQ + MBQ" (B2) released by 40-day-old insect adults (n = 200), considering a total average release of 45 µg per adult. Inhibition halos imposed by benzoquinones on fungal growth showed a significant effect when compared with the controls (water and solvent). Mycelial growth was decreased for all fungi, with the level of response depending on the fungal species. B1 and B2 displayed an inhibitory effect against all fungi, but Trichoderma sp. and A. niger showed rapid recoveries. B2 showed a lethal effect on Penicillium sp. The inhibitory and lethal activities of benzoquinones released by T. castaneum adults may contribute to regulate fungal growth, and understanding their interaction is important to develop innovative control strategies.

Two independent respiratory chains adapt OXPHOS performance to glycolytic switch.

The structural and functional organization of the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) remains intensely debated. Here, we show the co-existence of two separate MRC organizations in human cells and postmitotic tissues, C-MRC and S-MRC, defined by the preferential expression of three COX7A subunit isoforms, COX7A1/2 and SCAFI (COX7A2L). COX7A isoforms promote the functional reorganization of distinct co-existing MRC structures to prevent metabolic exhaustion and MRC deficiency. Notably, prevalence of each MRC organization is reversibly regulated by the activation state of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC). Under oxidative conditions, the C-MRC is bioenergetically more efficient, whereas the S-MRC preferentially maintains oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) upon metabolic rewiring toward glycolysis. We show a link between the metabolic signatures converging at the PDC and the structural and functional organization of the MRC, challenging the widespread notion of the MRC as a single functional unit and concluding that its structural heterogeneity warrants optimal adaptation to metabolic function.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Linoleic Acid in Models of Parkinson's Disease: The Implication of Lipid Droplets and Lipophagy.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. The principal pathological feature of PD is the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain. This pathology involves several cellular alterations: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, and autophagy impairment. Moreover, in recent years, lipid metabolism alterations have become relevant in PD pathogeny. The modification of lipid metabolism has become a possible way to treat the disease. Because of this, we analyzed the effect and possible mechanism of action of linoleic acid (LA) on an SH-SY5Y PD cell line model and a PD mouse model, both induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. The results show that LA acts as a potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent in these PD models. We also observed that LA stimulates the biogenesis of lipid droplets and improves the autophagy/lipophagy flux, which resulted in an antioxidant effect in the in vitro PD model. In summary, we confirmed the neuroprotective effect of LA in vitro and in vivo against PD. We also obtained some clues about the novel neuroprotective mechanism of LA against PD through the regulation of lipid droplet dynamics.

The Interaction between Tribolium castaneum and Mycotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in Maize Flour.

Tribolium castaneum is one of the most common insect pests of stored products. Its presence makes cereals more susceptible to the spread of the fungi Aspergillus flavus, which may produce mycotoxins. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of T. castaneum adults on the development of a mycotoxigenic A. flavus strain in maize flour as well as the influence of this fungus on the insects. Maize flour was exposed to T. castaneum, spores of A. flavus or to both. The results revealed an interaction between T. castaneum and A. flavus as the flour exposed to both organisms was totally colonized by the fungus whereas almost all the insects were killed. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) revealed a significantly higher concentration in the flour inoculated with both organisms (18.8 µg/kg), being lower when exposed only to A. flavus, suggesting that the presence of insects may trigger fungal development and enhance mycotoxin production. The ability of these organisms to thrive under the same conditions and the chemical compounds they release makes the interaction between them a subject of great importance to maintain the safety of stored maize. This is the first work evaluating the interaction between T. castaneum and A. flavus mycotoxin production.

An autofluorescence-based survey of late follicular atresia in ovaries of a teleost fish (Thunnus thynnus).

In this study, the authors examined late atretic follicles in the ovaries of Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus 1758), at different times of the year using transmitted light and epifluorescence microscopy. Atresia (degeneration and resorption of developing ovarian follicles) is a natural process involved in fecundity downregulation in teleosts and is substantially enhanced in stressful conditions. Early (α and ß) atretic stages of yolked oocytes have a relatively short duration in seasonally reproducing species, whereas later (γ and δ) atretic follicles (LAF) persist for longer time in the ovary, serving as a sign of previous vitellogenic activity. LAF can thus be used as reliable markers of maturity during non-reproductive periods. Lipofuscin granules accumulate in the cytoplasm of LAF cells as a result of lysosomal digestion of oocyte components. Taking advantage of the well-known autofluorescent properties of lipofuscins, LAF may be identified in unstained histological sections under fluorescence microscopy using appropriate excitation and emission wavelengths. The authors explore in this study the applicability of fluorescence microscopy to provide a fast and effective method to assess late atresia in fishes. This method may be particularly useful to determine sexual maturity in individuals sampled long after the spawning season, where LAF are difficult to detect in standard histological sections. Furthermore, LAF autofluorescence provides a rapid way to quantify late atresia in fishes using image analysis.

Fatores preditores de maior número de estágios na cirurgia de Mohs: estudo de 256 casos / Predictive factors for the highest number of stages in Mohs surgery: a study of 256 cases

Introdução: a cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs (CMM) é capaz de alcançar altas taxas de cura no tratamento do câncer de pele e remover o mínimo possível de tecido saudável. Objetivos: caracterizar os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs e estudar fatores preditores de maior número de fases cirúrgicas. Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo realizado em serviço de referência para cirurgia micrográfica no período de 2013 a 2019. Foram revisados os prontuários de 230 pacientes (256 lesões). Resultados: lesões com recidiva tiveram significativamente mais número de fases que lesões sem recidiva (1,69 vs 1,31 fase). Tumores acima de 2cm tiveram maior número de fases que os de tamanho menor de 1cm e que aqueles entre 1,1 e 2,2cm (2,0 vs 1,08 e 1,22, respectivamente). Quando comparadas as localizações das lesões com o número de fases, não houve diferença significativa. Em relação aos subtipos histológicos pré-operatórios, houve diferença significativa: carcinomas basocelulares (CBC) agressivos precisaram de maior número de fases que os CBCs não agressivos. Conclusões: nosso estudo demonstra, corroborando dados da literatura, que os fatores de risco descritos estão diretamente relacionados a um maior número de estágios da cirurgia micrográfica de Mohs

Introduction: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) can achieve high cure rates in skin cancer treatment and remove as little healthy tissue as possible. Objective: This study aims to characterize patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery and to assess predictive factors for a higher number of surgical phases. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective, and descriptive study conducted in a reference service for micrographic surgery from 2013 to 2019. The medical records of 230 patients (256 lesions) were reviewed. Results: Injuries with recurrence had significantly more stages than injuries without recurrence (1.69 stages versus 1.31 stages). Tumors greater than 2 cm had a greater number of phases than those smaller than 1 cm and between 1.1 and 2.2 cm (2.0 versus 1.08 and 1.22, respectively). When comparing the locations of the lesions with the number of phases, there was no significant difference. There was a considerable difference regarding the preoperative histological subtypes: aggressive basal cell carcinomas (BCC) required a higher number of phases than non-aggressive BCCs. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates, corroborating data from the literature, that the risk factors described are directly related to a greater number of stages of Mohs micrographic surgery.

Agressividade tumoral óculo-facial por carcinoma epidermoide moderadamente diferenciado sob imunocompetência sistêmica / Oculofacial tumor aggressiveness due to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma under systemic immunocompetence

O carcinoma epidermoide (carcinoma escamocelular, carcinoma de células escamosas ou CEC) representa o segundo tipo de neoplasia cutânea mais comum. O CEC origina-se da proliferação atípica das células da camada espinhosa da epiderme e é mais frequente em indivíduos do sexo masculino, maiores de 50 anos, de fototipo baixo e com história de exposição solar. Descrevemos o caso de um homem de 61 anos, previamente hígido, apresentando lesão de crescimento rápido e exuberante na face, cujo anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímica comprovaram tratar-se de CEC moderadamente diferenciado.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the second most common type of skin cancer. SCC originates from the atypical proliferation of the cells of the epidermis's spinous layer and is more frequent in men over 50 years of age, with a low skin phototype and history of sun exposure. We describe the case of a 61-yearold man, previously healthy, with a lesion presenting fast and exuberant growth on the face. The anatomopathological and immunohistochemical exams confirmed the diagnosis of moderately differentiated SCC.

Novel Approaches for the Treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

Neurodegenerative disorders affect around one billion people worldwide. They can arise from a combination of genomic, epigenomic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Aging is the leading risk factor for most chronic illnesses of old age, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A progressive neurodegenerative process and neuroinflammation occur, and no current therapies can prevent, slow, or halt disease progression. To date, no novel disease-modifying therapies have been shown to provide significant benefit for patients who suffer from these devastating disorders. Therefore, early diagnosis and the discovery of new targets and novel therapies are of upmost importance. Neurodegenerative diseases, like in other age-related disorders, the progression of pathology begins many years before the onset of symptoms. Many efforts in this field have led to the conclusion that exits some similar events among these diseases that can explain why the aging brain is so vulnerable to suffer neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the current knowledge about these diseases by summarizing the most common features of major neurodegenerative disorders, their causes and consequences, and the proposed novel therapeutic approaches.

CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein ß silencing mitigates glial activation and neurodegeneration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

The CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein ß (C/EBPß) is a transcription factor involved in numerous physiological as well as pathological conditions in the brain. However, little is known regarding its possible role in neurodegenerative disorders. We have previously shown that C/EBPß regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes and brain injury. Here, we have analyzed the effects of C/EBPß interference in dopaminergic cell death and glial activation in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease. Our results showed that lentivirus-mediated C/EBPß deprivation conferred marked in vitro and in vivo neuroprotection of dopaminergic cells concomitant with a significant attenuation of the level of the inflammatory response and glial activation. Additionally, C/EBPß interference diminished the induction of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra pars compacta of animals injected with 6-hydroxydopamine. Taking together, these results reveal an essential function for C/EBPß in the pathways leading to inflammatory-mediated brain damage and suggest novel roles for C/EBPß in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically in Parkinson's disease, opening the door for new therapeutic interventions.

Sobrevida das pacientes com câncer de mama na região oeste de Santa Catarina / Survival of patients with breast cancer in westerm Santa Catarina

Correlação da expressão do receptor do fator de crescimento do epitélio vascular - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) e do KI-67, em pacientes com câncer de mama, com variáveis histopatológicas. Introdução: proteínas que influam na proliferação celular, como o VEGF e o KI-67, são alvo de estudos. O VEGF está implicado na angiogênese, que é necessária ao crescimento tumoral. Objetivo: Analisar a correlação do VEGF e do KI-67 com variáveis histopatológicas. Métodos: entre 15/03/2008 e 14/0412009, incluímos 41 pacientes com câncer de mama inicial, rumores T1 e T2, para estudo, usando a coloração H & E na análise do tumor, grau histológico e invasão vascular e a imunoperoxidade para a avaliação imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos específicos para os receptores de VEGF, KI-67, p53 e receptor de estrogênio (RE), usando escore qualitativo até 3+ na avaliação da intensidade da coloração e/ou quantitativo até 5+, para avaliar a expressão percentual das células coradas. O escore total, soma das duas, pode chegar ao máximo de 8+. Apenas o KI-67 foi categorizado pelo percentual de células coradas na IHQ e considerado positivo a partir de 20%. Resultados: O receptor do VEGFR1, tanto no escore intensidade de cor quanto no escore total, apresenta correlação positiva com os tumores T1 (p=.01), com o receptor estrogênico positivo (p=.01) e com a expressão negativa do KI-67 (p=.02). A expressão do KI-67 apresenta correlação positiva com p53 (p=.00) e com o receptor hormonal negativo (RE-) (p=.04) e correlação fraca com a invasão vascular (p=.09) e o grau histológico indiferenciado (G3) (p=.07). Discussão: A avaliação de marcadores tumorais que possam responder à terapia alvo é um objetivo a ser perseguido. A correlação positiva do VEGF com o status do RE ja foi relatada e está de acordo com nossos resultados. A expressão do KI-67 é associada à pobre evento. Os resultados controversos dos marcadores refletem a dificuldade em padronizar as avaliações (reagentes usados)...

Correlation of the expression of the receptor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGP) and KI-67 with pathological variables in breast cancer patients. Background: Many studies have been conducted on proteins that have action on cell proliferation, such as VEGP and KI-67. VEGP acts in the angiogenesis required for tumor growth. The KI-67 correlates with proliferation of tumor cells, probably reflecting its aggressiveness. Objective: To analyze the correlation of VEGPR1 and KI-67 with pathological variables. Methods: The study was approved by the Committee on Ethics in research, University Hospital of Porto Alegre (RS). Between March 2008 and April 2009 we included 41 patients with early breast cancer (T1 and T2). We used H & E staining for tumor analysis, histological grade and vascular invasion, and immunohistochemistry evaluation with antibodies specific for VEGP receptors, KI-67, p53, estrogen receptor (ER), using quality score until 3+ of the evaluation of intensity of stain and quantitative untiI 5+, to evaluate the expression percentage of stained cells. The total score, add either, can reach 8+ Only the KI-67 was categorized by percentage of stained cells in the IHC and considered positive above 20%. Statistics: correlation and pearson's chi square and, for the significant variables, used the multivariate analysis. Results: The receptor VEGPR1 in both color intensity score and the total score, correlated positively with T1 tumors (p=.01), with the estrogen receptor positive (p=.01) and negative expression of KI-67 (p=.02). The expression of KI-67 correlates positively with p53 (p=.00) and with estrogen receptor negative (p=.04) and weak correlation with vascular invasion (p=.09) and histological grade undifferentiated (p=.07). Discussion: evaluation of tumor markers that may respond to targeted therapy is a goal to be pursued. The positive correlation of VEGP with the status of ER has been reported and is consistent with our results...

Outcome differences between patients with node-negative breast cancer classified according to the st. Gallen risk categories.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the 2007 St. Gallen risk categories with the outcomes of patients with node-negative breast cancer (NNBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1500 women with pathologically T1-T3 NNBC treated at the Clinic Hospital, Valencia University (Spain) from 1982 to 2000. Systemic adjuvant treatment was administered to 89.9% of the patients in the whole sample (37% received only hormonal therapy and 52.9% chemotherapy). The 2007 St. Gallen criteria were used to divide the whole sample into 1201 patients with intermediate risk (with > or = 1 of the following: pathologic tumor size > 2 cm, grade 2-3, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor absent, HER2/neu gene overexpressed or amplified, or age < 35 years) and 299 patients with low risk. Of the 1201 patients with intermediate risk, 56% received adjuvant chemotherapy. The intermediate- and low-risk groups were compared for relapse-free survival (RFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). RESULTS: Median follow-up of the entire sample was 61 months (range, 2-251 months). At 5 years, the overall RFS rate was 86%, and the BCSS rate was 95%. For low-risk patients, the RFS rate was 92%, and the BCSS rate was 98%. For intermediate-risk patients, the RFS rate was 84%, and the BCSS rate was 94%. There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of RFS (P = .006) and BCSS (P = .041) independent of received treatment. CONCLUSION: Using the St. Gallen risk categories resulted in significantly different outcomes for patients with NNBC. The St. Gallen classification might be a valuable clinical tool when assessing patients with NNBC.

Optimal delivery of anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant setting improves outcome of breast cancer patients.

To evaluate the dose-response effect of an adjuvant anthracycline-based non-taxane chemotherapy in early breast cancer patients. This was a retrospective database analysis. Selection criteria included patients treated for early breast cancer from years 1980 to 2000 with an adjuvant anthracycline-based non-taxane chemotherapy. The delivery of chemotherapy was assessed through the number of delayed cycles, the number of delayed days and the relative dose intensity (RDI) administered (>or= 85%, <85%). Seven hundred and ninety-three breast cancer patients were included. The Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival (DFS) was affected by the number of delayed cycles (P<0.0001), the number of delayed days (P<0.0001) and the RDI (P=0.0029). The Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) was also affected by the number of delayed cycles (P=0.0008) and days (P=0.0115), as well as the RDI (P=0.0055). The Cox regression models showed that, when the number of nodes affected and the hormonal receptor status were controlled, all the study variables maintained their significance on DFS, but not on OS. The dose-response effect is a crucial factor in the administration of anthracycline-based non-taxane schedules for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer. Delays and/or reductions of chemotherapy should be avoided if possible to achieve the maximal benefit.

Patients' perception of cancer-related fatigue: results of a survey to assess the impact on their everyday life.

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a cancer-related symptom with great impact on patients' daily lives, but often not discussed with their oncologists. This survey explored functional and psychological fatigue impact among different cancer symptoms according to patient's perception (pp). METHODS: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted in 10 oncologist services throughout Spain. Demographical data and tumour diagnoses were collected. Fatigue impact on functional and social activities (Likert scale) and on emotional well-being (visual analogue scale) was measured. The pp of oncologist's response to fatigue report was recorded. RESULTS: 505 surveyed cancer patients were analysed (55.2% women, aged 58.8 years +/-11.7), 97.8% remembered experiencing fatigue during treatment. 27.1% did not discuss their fatigue with their oncologist. Fatigue affected patient's daily routine (> or = 50% of times) included self-care (58.26%), entertainment activities (69.8%), and relationships (71.4%). Fatigue was the most bothersome symptom of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer patients perceive fatigue as the symptom with highest impact on their daily living and that substantially affects their emotional and social areas.

[Predictive value of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1 in patients with angiographycally evaluated coronary stenosis]. / Valor predictivo de la lipoproteína (a) y la apolipoproteína A1 en pacientes con obstrucción coronaria valorada angiográficamente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between blood levels of lipids, hemostatic and inflammatory markers and the presence of angiographycally evaluated coronary stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We included 397 consecutive patients (267 males and 130 females) who were admitted to the hospital because of an acute episode of chest pain. Each patient underwent a coronariography using the Seldinger technique. A blood sample was drawn to analyze lipids -total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, low density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, lipoprotein (a)-, hemostatic (fibrinogen, D-dimmer), and inflammatory (C-reactive protein, leukocyte count) markers. To evaluate the differences between mean values of quantitative variables, the Student's t-test was used for parametric variables and the Mann Whitney U test for non-parametric variables. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the influence of high levels of the studied parameters on the presence of coronary obstruction. RESULTS: 295 patients had coronary stenosis (group 1) and 102 had not a significant obstruction (group 2). Patients with coronary stenosis had higher values of lipoprotein (a), D-dimmer, C-reactive protein and leukocyte count and lower HDLc, apolipoprotein A1 and total cholesterol. When markers were dichotomized in high values (fourth quartile) and low (first-third quartile), high lipoprotein (a) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.508; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.222-5.145) and apolipoprotein A1 levels (OR = 0.472; 95% CI, 0.267-0.837) were significant using the multivariate logistic regression model adjusted sex, tobacco and age. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing coronary angiography, high lipoprotein (a) levels are independently associated with the presence of coronary obstruction whereas high apolipoprotein A1 values show a protective effect.

Association between inflammation, lipid and hemostatic factors in patients with stable angina.

INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidemia and thrombotic processes are both clearly involved in atherogenesis and its secondary complications. Moreover, inflammation has also been shown to play an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Our objective was to determine the association between inflammation, lipids and thrombosis in a group of patients with stable angina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 295 patients (217 males and 78 females) with a mean age of 65.69+/-11.24 years. Levels of C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), apolipoproteins A1 and B100, fibrinogen and D-dimer were determined for each. RESULTS: Arithmetic and geometric means of C-reactive protein in the sample were 10.7 and 1.4 mg/l, respectively. Distributing the sample by quartiles of C-reactive protein, we found a positive correlation between C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels (p<0.000), and an inverse correlation for HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 (p<0.000). In multivariate analysis, fibrinogen (p<0.000) and D-dimer (p<0.01) levels were independently associated with high levels of C-reactive protein. Of the lipid factors, only apolipoprotein A1 (p<0.000) was independently and inversely associated with high levels of C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm the association between prothrombotic and inflammatory states and suggest the anti-inflammatory effect of apolipoprotein A1.

Efficacy of plant extracts against stored-products fungi.

The fungistatic activity of six aqueous extracts of plants were tested against Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium culmorum. The plants were, chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl.), French lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), malva (Malva sylvestris L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). The more concentrated extracts of chamomile and malva inhibited totally the growth of the tested fungi with malva the most effective one.