Self-reported adverse reactions to subcutaneous airborne allergen immunotherapy: a real-life, single center study.

Summary: Background. To estimate the prevalence of self-reported adverse reactions (AdR) to subcutaneous airborne allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) and to describe factors associated with its occurrence. Methods. Real-life, observational, descriptive study of all patients treated with SCIT at a Portuguese allergy unit between 03/2017 and 06/2019, and who answered ≥ 1 time to a pre-SCIT evaluation questionnaire assessing the occurrence of local and/or systemic AdR in the previous administration. Results. 939 questionnaires from 231 patients (42% female, 35% with asthma) were included. Most (60%) SCIT preparations had multiple allergens with concentration adjusted to prevent dilution (MA-NoDil), 26% were single allergen with standard concentration (SA-SC), 10% single allergen with higher than standard concentration (SA-HC), and 4% mixtures without concentration adjustment (MA-Dil). SCIT-related AdR were self-reported in 313 (33%) administrations, 97% at the injection site and 11% grade 1 systemic symptoms. In a multivariable model, being a female and having asthma were associated with higher risk of AdR. MA-NoDil SCIT presented a lower risk of AdR compared to SA-SC SCIT. Conclusions. SCIT-related AdR were self-reported in 1/3 of the administrations, most at the injection site. The risk of AdR was higher in females and in patients with asthma. The lower risk of adverse reactions observed in SCIT preparations with multiple allergens with no dilutional effect should be further explored in future, targeted studies.

Double blind randomized clinical trial comparing minimally- invasive envelope flap and conventional envelope flap on impacted lower third molar surgery.

BACKGROUND: The latest trend in surgery is to look for minimally invasive procedures, with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time. This study aims to compare the minimally- invasive envelope flap, with smaller incision and fewer dissection and the conventional envelope flap, with a 20mm incision, on impacted mandibular third molar surgery, focusing on the hypothesis that there were no differences in postoperative outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to compare both incisions, focused on determining the approach with minor postoperative side-effects and minor impact on quality-of-life. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study if their presented impacted mandibular third molar and was 18-years-old or more. Both groups were evaluated from time elapsed on the surgery, maximum mouth opening, swelling and quality of life assessment. RESULTS: The flap choice influenced facial swelling (p=0,03), pain on the first three days (p=0,037), interference with oral hygiene (p=0,019) and discomfort on speech (p=0,07). Chewing, swallowing, trismus, pain after seven days, postoperative complications and other quality-of-life arrangements were no different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally- invasive envelope flap could lead to a less painful experience for the patient, with fewer impact on the oral hygiene and speech discomfort.

Epidemiological aspects of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in Brazil's northeastern / Aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes escorpiônicos em um munícipio do nordeste brasileiro

Scorpionic accidents are a major public health problem due to the high occurrence with potential seriousness. In this manner, the research aimed to analyze the occurrence of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in the northeastern of Brazil. An exploratory, descriptive study was made, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data which was gotten from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2008 to 2018. Data such as neighborhood, presence of street markets were also used, and the existence of sanitation and climatic data such as temperature and season. Geoprocessing was used to identify possible changes in the environment. In the analyzed period, 9,330 cases of scorpion accidents were recorded, with an average of 848 annual notifications. Scorpionic accidents occurred more frequently in women (5,686; 60.94%). Individuals aged 20 to 29 years (1.727; 18.51%) were more frequent to scorpion stings. Regarding the body parts where the stings were made, the highlights were on the foot (3.515; 37.67%) followed by the hand (2.818; 30.20%). No statistically significant relation was observed between climatic factors and scorpionic accidents. However, the high number of cases of scorpionic accidents was observed in the last 11 years studied. It was evident that during the study period there was no statistical relationship when climatic factors were correlated to scorpionic accidents. On its turn, when it was verified the results of the geoprocessing analysis, it was seen that anthropic factors have been motivating the potentiation of the occurrence of these accidents.

Os acidentes escorpiônicos apresentam-se como um grande problema de saúde pública em virtude da grande ocorrência com potencial gravidade. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de acidentes escorpiônicos em um município do nordeste brasileiro. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, de caráter exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa em que foram utilizados dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), no período de 2008 a 2018. Também foram utilizados dados como bairro, presença de feiras livres e a existência de saneamento básico e dados climáticos como temperatura e estação do ano. O geoprocessamento foi utilizado para identificar as possíveis alterações no ambiente. No período analisado, foram registrados 9,330 casos de acidentes com escorpião, com média de 848 notificações anuais. Os acidentes escorpiônicos ocorreram com mais frequência em mulheres (5,686; 60,94%). Em indivíduos na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (1,727; 18,51%) foram mais frequentes a picada de escorpião. Com relação ao local das picadas destacaram-se o pé (3,515; 37,67%), seguido da mão (2,818; 30,20%). Não foi observada relação estatisticamente significativa entre os fatores climáticos e os acidentes escorpiônicos. Foi observado elevado número de casos de acidentes escorpiônicos nos últimos 11 anos estudados. Ficou evidente que durante o período de estudo não existiu relação estatística quando se correlacionou fatores climáticos aos acidentes escorpiônicos. Por sua vez, ao verificar os resultados da análise de geoprocessamento foi visto que fatores antrópicos têm sido motivadores da potencialização da ocorrência desses acidentes.

Epidemiological aspects of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in Brazils northeastern

Abstract Scorpionic accidents are a major public health problem due to the high occurrence with potential seriousness. In this manner, the research aimed to analyze the occurrence of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in the northeastern of Brazil. An exploratory, descriptive study was made, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data which was gotten from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2008 to 2018. Data such as neighborhood, presence of street markets were also used, and the existence of sanitation and climatic data such as temperature and season. Geoprocessing was used to identify possible changes in the environment. In the analyzed period, 9,330 cases of scorpion accidents were recorded, with an average of 848 annual notifications. Scorpionic accidents occurred more frequently in women (5,686; 60.94%). Individuals aged 20 to 29 years (1.727; 18.51%) were more frequent to scorpion stings. Regarding the body parts where the stings were made, the highlights were on the foot (3.515; 37.67%) followed by the hand (2.818; 30.20%). No statistically significant relation was observed between climatic factors and scorpionic accidents. However, the high number of cases of scorpionic accidents was observed in the last 11 years studied. It was evident that during the study period there was no statistical relationship when climatic factors were correlated to scorpionic accidents. On its turn, when it was verified the results of the geoprocessing analysis, it was seen that anthropic factors have been motivating the potentiation of the occurrence of these accidents.

Resumo Os acidentes escorpiônicos apresentam-se como um grande problema de saúde pública em virtude da grande ocorrência com potencial gravidade. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de acidentes escorpiônicos em um município do nordeste brasileiro. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, de caráter exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa em que foram utilizados dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), no período de 2008 a 2018. Também foram utilizados dados como bairro, presença de feiras livres e a existência de saneamento básico e dados climáticos como temperatura e estação do ano. O geoprocessamento foi utilizado para identificar as possíveis alterações no ambiente. No período analisado, foram registrados 9,330 casos de acidentes com escorpião, com média de 848 notificações anuais. Os acidentes escorpiônicos ocorreram com mais frequência em mulheres (5,686; 60,94%). Em indivíduos na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (1,727; 18,51%) foram mais frequentes a picada de escorpião. Com relação ao local das picadas destacaram-se o pé (3,515; 37,67%), seguido da mão (2,818; 30,20%). Não foi observada relação estatisticamente significativa entre os fatores clímáticos e os acidentes escorpiônicos. Foi observado elevado número de casos de acidentes escorpiônicos nos últimos 11 anos estudados. Ficou evidente que durante o período de estudo não existiu relação estatística quando se correlacionou fatores climáticos aos acidentes escorpiônicos. Por sua vez, ao verificar os resultados da análise de geoprocessamento foi visto que fatores antrópicos têm sido motivadores da potencialização da ocorrência desses acidentes.

Epidemiological aspects of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in Brazil's northeastern / Aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes escorpiônicos em um munícipio do nordeste brasileiro

Scorpionic accidents are a major public health problem due to the high occurrence with potential seriousness. In this manner, the research aimed to analyze the occurrence of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in the northeastern of Brazil. An exploratory, descriptive study was made, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data which was gotten from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2008 to 2018. Data such as neighborhood, presence of street markets were also used, and the existence of sanitation and climatic data such as temperature and season. Geoprocessing was used to identify possible changes in the environment. In the analyzed period, 9,330 cases of scorpion accidents were recorded, with an average of 848 annual notifications. Scorpionic accidents occurred more frequently in women (5,686; 60.94%). Individuals aged 20 to 29 years (1.727; 18.51%) were more frequent to scorpion stings. Regarding the body parts where the stings were made, the highlights were on the foot (3.515; 37.67%) followed by the hand (2.818; 30.20%). No statistically significant relation was observed between climatic factors and scorpionic accidents. However, the high number of cases of scorpionic accidents was observed in the last 11 years studied. It was evident that during the study period there was no statistical relationship when climatic factors were correlated to scorpionic accidents. On its turn, when it was verified the results of the geoprocessing analysis, it was seen that anthropic factors have been motivating the potentiation of the occurrence of these accidents.

Os acidentes escorpiônicos apresentam-se como um grande problema de saúde pública em virtude da grande ocorrência com potencial gravidade. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de acidentes escorpiônicos em um município do nordeste brasileiro. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, de caráter exploratório, com abordagem quantitativa em que foram utilizados dados secundários obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), no período de 2008 a 2018. Também foram utilizados dados como bairro, presença de feiras livres e a existência de saneamento básico e dados climáticos como temperatura e estação do ano. O geoprocessamento foi utilizado para identificar as possíveis alterações no ambiente. No período analisado, foram registrados 9,330 casos de acidentes com escorpião, com média de 848 notificações anuais. Os acidentes escorpiônicos ocorreram com mais frequência em mulheres (5,686; 60,94%). Em indivíduos na faixa etária de 20 a 29 anos (1,727; 18,51%) foram mais frequentes a picada de escorpião. Com relação ao local das picadas destacaram-se o pé (3,515; 37,67%), seguido da mão (2,818; 30,20%). Não foi observada relação estatisticamente significativa entre os fatores clímáticos e os acidentes escorpiônicos. Foi observado elevado número de casos de acidentes escorpiônicos nos últimos 11 anos estudados. Ficou evidente que durante o período de estudo não existiu relação estatística quando se correlacionou fatores climáticos aos acidentes escorpiônicos. Por sua vez, ao verificar os resultados da análise de geoprocessamento foi visto que fatores antrópicos têm sido motivadores da potencialização da ocorrência desses acidentes.

Effects of a low-dose IL-2 treatment in HLA-B27 transgenic rat model of spondyloarthritis.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: HLA-B27/human ß2m transgenic rats (B27-rats) develop an inflammatory disorder resembling spondyloarthritis (SpA) with dysregulated IL-10/IL-17 production by regulatory T cells (Treg). Treg plays a major role in controlling pathogenic inflammatory processes. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), a cytokine which promotes Treg cell survival and function, may thus have therapeutic efficacy in SpA. Here, we tested this hypothesis using a low dose of IL-2 treatment in B27-rat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: B27-rats aged 4 weeks (before disease onset) and nontransgenic (NTG) littermates were administered intraperitoneally recombinant human IL-2 (Sanofi®; 2,000IU/injection) or PBS, 3 days per week during 6 weeks. Assessment of treatment effect was performed, based on clinical (weight, diarrhea, arthritis), histological (proximal and distal colon, caecum, ileum and tarsal/ankle joint) scores, and frequency of Treg in the spleen and lymph nodes (LN). RESULTS: IL-2 administration had no effect on weight gain, either in B27- or NTG-rats. Over the 6 weeks of treatment, the clinical disease score worsened similarly in both IL-2-treated and control groups of B27-rats. The macroscopic and histological evaluation of gut and joints showed marked inflammation in B27-rats; however, no change related to IL-2 treatment was observed. In the B27-rats, the percentage of Treg was moderately increased after IL-2 treatment in the spleen, but neither in mesenteric nor peripheral LN in those rats. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that a low dose of IL-2 administered before disease onset was moderately effective for boosting Treg but failed to prevent SpA development in B27-rat.

Epidemiological aspects of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in Brazil's northeastern.

Scorpionic accidents are a major public health problem due to the high occurrence with potential seriousness. In this manner, the research aimed to analyze the occurrence of scorpionic accidents in a municipality in the northeastern of Brazil. An exploratory, descriptive study was made, with a quantitative approach, using secondary data which was gotten from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), from 2008 to 2018. Data such as neighborhood, presence of street markets were also used, and the existence of sanitation and climatic data such as temperature and season. Geoprocessing was used to identify possible changes in the environment. In the analyzed period, 9,330 cases of scorpion accidents were recorded, with an average of 848 annual notifications. Scorpionic accidents occurred more frequently in women (5,686; 60.94%). Individuals aged 20 to 29 years (1.727; 18.51%) were more frequent to scorpion stings. Regarding the body parts where the stings were made, the highlights were on the foot (3.515; 37.67%) followed by the hand (2.818; 30.20%). No statistically significant relation was observed between climatic factors and scorpionic accidents. However, the high number of cases of scorpionic accidents was observed in the last 11 years studied. It was evident that during the study period there was no statistical relationship when climatic factors were correlated to scorpionic accidents. On its turn, when it was verified the results of the geoprocessing analysis, it was seen that anthropic factors have been motivating the potentiation of the occurrence of these accidents.

Molecular-based diagnosis of respiratory allergic diseases in children from Curitiba, a city in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has increased worldwide. Identification of the aeroallergens involved in allergenic sensitisation is important for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. OBJECTIVE: To verify the molecular pattern of sensitisation to aeroallergens in patients with allergic respiratory diseases using microarray technique for specific IgE antibody detection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 101 children with allergic rhinitis was followed in an outpatient clinic. All patients had positive skin prick tests (SPT) to at least one of the following antigens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Lolium multiflorum, and dog and cat epithelium. Serum specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to mites, animal epithelia, fungi, cockroach and pollens components were determined by ImmunoCAP ISAC. RESULTS: sIgE to group 1 and 2 mite allergens showed higher positive rates: Der p 1 (74.2%), Der p 2 (73.3%), Der f 1 (74.2%), Der f 2 (72.3%). sIgE to animal epithelia were less frequent, Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3 in 4.9%, 2.9%, 1.9% respectively and Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4 in 16.8%, 0.9% and 1.9%. respectively. Sensitisation to fungi and cockroach were rare, except for Bla g 7, to which 16.8% were positive. There was no significant recognition for tree pollens group. For grass, sIgE were detected to Cyn d 1 in 16.8%, Phl p 1 and Phl p 4 in 14.8% and 12.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Knowing that the pattern of allergic sensitisation varies according to environment and population, our results reinforce the need for local studies, using molecular-based diagnosis.

Approaches that use software to support the prevention of pressure ulcer: A systematic review.

CONTEXT: The incidence and costs for pressure ulcer (PU) treatment remain high even though preventive methods are applied. Approaches that use software to support the prevention of PU are presented in the literature to make it more effective. OBJECTIVES: Identify the state of art of the approaches that use software to support the prevention of PUs. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed to analyze approaches that use software to support the prevention of PU. ACM, IEEE, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and Embase databases have been searched with a predetermined search string to identify primary studies. We selected the ones that met the established inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. To support prevention, most approaches monitor the patient to provide information about exposure to pressure, temperature level, humidity level and estimated body position in bed providing risk factor intensity charts and intensity maps. The main method to perform patient's monitoring is using sensors installed on the mattress, but recently, alternative methods have been proposed such as electronic sensors and tactile sensory coils. Part of the approaches performs automated management of the risk factors using ventilation tubes and mattresses with porous cells to decrease body's temperature and movable cells to automatically redistribute the pressure over the body. Matters as cost of the approach, patient comfort and hygiene of the monitoring equipment is only briefly discussed in the selected articles. No experiments have been conducted to evidence the approached may reduce PU incidence. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Currently, approaches that use software to support the prevention of PU provide relevant information to health professionals such as risk factor intensity charts and intensity maps. Some of them can even automatically manage risk factors in a limited way. Yet, the approaches are based on risk factor monitoring methods that require patient's contact with the monitoring equipment. Therefore, some matters need to be considered such as patient's comfort and the hygiene or replacement of the equipment due to the risk of infection. With the emergence of new alternative methods of monitoring, new technologies that do not require contact could be explored by new researches. Randomized Control Trials could also be conducted to verify which approaches are really effective to reduce PU incidence.

Effect of ATP and 2-oxoglutarate on the in vitro interaction between the NifA GAF domain and the GlnB protein of Azospirillum brasilense

Azospirillum brasilense is a diazotroph that associates with important agricultural crops and thus has potential to be a nitrogen biofertilizer. The A. brasilense transcription regulator NifA, which seems to be constitutively expressed, activates the transcription of nitrogen fixation genes. It has been suggested that the nitrogen status-signaling protein GlnB regulates NifA activity by direct interaction with the NifA N-terminal GAF domain, preventing the inhibitory effect of this domain under conditions of nitrogen fixation. In the present study, we show that an N-terminal truncated form of NifA no longer required GlnB for activity and lost regulation by ammonium. On the other hand, in trans co-expression of the N-terminal GAF domain inhibited the N-truncated protein in response to fixed nitrogen levels. We also used pull-down assays to show in vitro interaction between the purified N-terminal GAF domain of NifA and the GlnB protein. The results showed that A. brasilense GlnB interacts directly with the NifA N-terminal domain and this interaction is dependent on the presence of ATP and 2-oxoglutarate.

Effect of ATP and 2-oxoglutarate on the in vitro interaction between the NifA GAF domain and the GlnB protein of Azospirillum brasilense.

Azospirillum brasilense is a diazotroph that associates with important agricultural crops and thus has potential to be a nitrogen biofertilizer. The A. brasilense transcription regulator NifA, which seems to be constitutively expressed, activates the transcription of nitrogen fixation genes. It has been suggested that the nitrogen status-signaling protein GlnB regulates NifA activity by direct interaction with the NifA N-terminal GAF domain, preventing the inhibitory effect of this domain under conditions of nitrogen fixation. In the present study, we show that an N-terminal truncated form of NifA no longer required GlnB for activity and lost regulation by ammonium. On the other hand, in trans co-expression of the N-terminal GAF domain inhibited the N-truncated protein in response to fixed nitrogen levels. We also used pull-down assays to show in vitro interaction between the purified N-terminal GAF domain of NifA and the GlnB protein. The results showed that A. brasilense GlnB interacts directly with the NifA N-terminal domain and this interaction is dependent on the presence of ATP and 2-oxoglutarate.

Expression and characterization of an N-truncated form of the NifA protein of Azospirillum brasilense

Azospirillum brasilense is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium associated with important agricultural crops such as rice, wheat and maize. The expression of genes responsible for nitrogen fixation (nif genes) in this bacterium is dependent on the transcriptional activator NifA. This protein contains three structural domains: the N-terminal domain is responsible for the negative control by fixed nitrogen; the central domain interacts with the RNA polymerase σ54 co-factor and the C-terminal domain is involved in DNA binding. The central and C-terminal domains are linked by the interdomain linker (IDL). A conserved four-cysteine motif encompassing the end of the central domain and the IDL is probably involved in the oxygen-sensitivity of NifA. In the present study, we have expressed, purified and characterized an N-truncated form of A. brasilense NifA. The protein expression was carried out in Escherichia coli and the N-truncated NifA protein was purified by chromatography using an affinity metal-chelating resin followed by a heparin-bound resin. Protein homogeneity was determined by densitometric analysis. The N-truncated protein activated in vivo nifH::lacZ transcription regardless of fixed nitrogen concentration (absence or presence of 20 mM NH4Cl) but only under low oxygen levels. On the other hand, the aerobically purified N-truncated NifA protein bound to the nifB promoter, as demonstrated by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, implying that DNA-binding activity is not strictly controlled by oxygen levels. Our data show that, while the N-truncated NifA is inactive in vivo under aerobic conditions, it still retains DNA-binding activity, suggesting that the oxidized form of NifA bound to DNA is not competent to activate transcription.

Expression and characterization of an N-truncated form of the NifA protein of Azospirillum brasilense.

Azospirillum brasilense is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium associated with important agricultural crops such as rice, wheat and maize. The expression of genes responsible for nitrogen fixation (nif genes) in this bacterium is dependent on the transcriptional activator NifA. This protein contains three structural domains: the N-terminal domain is responsible for the negative control by fixed nitrogen; the central domain interacts with the RNA polymerase σ(54) co-factor and the C-terminal domain is involved in DNA binding. The central and C-terminal domains are linked by the interdomain linker (IDL). A conserved four-cysteine motif encompassing the end of the central domain and the IDL is probably involved in the oxygen-sensitivity of NifA. In the present study, we have expressed, purified and characterized an N-truncated form of A. brasilense NifA. The protein expression was carried out in Escherichia coli and the N-truncated NifA protein was purified by chromatography using an affinity metal-chelating resin followed by a heparin-bound resin. Protein homogeneity was determined by densitometric analysis. The N-truncated protein activated in vivo nifH::lacZ transcription regardless of fixed nitrogen concentration (absence or presence of 20 mM NH(4)Cl) but only under low oxygen levels. On the other hand, the aerobically purified N-truncated NifA protein bound to the nifB promoter, as demonstrated by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, implying that DNA-binding activity is not strictly controlled by oxygen levels. Our data show that, while the N-truncated NifA is inactive in vivo under aerobic conditions, it still retains DNA-binding activity, suggesting that the oxidized form of NifA bound to DNA is not competent to activate transcription.

Angiogenic activity of Synadenium umbellatum Pax latex.

Synadenium umbellatum Pax, popularly known as 'cola-nota', is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical regions. Latex of this plant is used to treat various diseases such as diabetes mellitus, Hansen s disease, tripanosomiases, leukemia and several malignant tumors. In the present study, the angiogenic activity of S. umbellatum latex was evaluated using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results showed significant increase of the vascular net (p < 0.05) compared to the negative control (H2O). The histological analysis was in accordance with the results obtained. In conclusion, our data indicate that S. umbellatum latex, under the conditions of this research, presented angiogenic effect.

Association of lipase lipoprotein polymorphisms with high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in elderly men.

Lipoprotein lipase is essential for triglyceride hydrolysis. The polymorphisms S447X in exon 9 and HindIII in intron 8 have been associated with lower triglyceride levels and lower cardiovascular risk in adult men. We examined the association of these lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels in elderly men. Blood samples were obtained from 87 elderly men, 48 of whom had cardiovascular disease and 39 (controls) had no history of cardiovascular events. The lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Allele frequencies were H- = 27.9% and X = 21.5%. There were no significant differences in allele frequencies or blood lipid levels between cardiovascular disease and control groups. However, the X allele was associated with a lower triglyceride/HDL ratio, 2.30 vs 3.02 for X allele absent (P = 0.03); the H-X haplotype was associated with lower triglyceride levels compared to the H+S haplotype (1.22 vs 1.58 mM, respectively) and a lower triglyceride/HDL ratio (2.29 vs 3.26, respectively). The X allele and H-X haplotype were associated with lower triglyceride/HDL ratios in these elderly men, independent of the history of cardiovascular events.

Association of lipase lipoprotein polymorphisms with high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in elderly men.

Lipoprotein lipase is essential for triglyceride hydrolysis. The polymorphisms S447X in exon 9 and HindIII in intron 8 have been associated with lower triglyceride levels and lower cardiovascular risk in adult men. We examined the association of these lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels in elderly men. Blood samples were obtained from 87 elderly men, 48 of whom had cardiovascular disease and 39 (controls) had no history of cardiovascular events. The lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. Allele frequencies were H- = 27.9% and X = 21.5%. There were no significant differences in allele frequencies or blood lipid levels between cardiovascular disease and control groups. However, the X allele was associated with a lower triglyceride/HDL ratio, 2.30 vs 3.02 for X allele absent (P = 0.03); the H-X haplotype was associated with lower triglyceride levels compared to the H+S haplotype (1.22 vs 1.58 mM, respectively) and a lower triglyceride/HDL ratio (2.29 vs 3.26, respectively). The X allele and H-X haplotype were associated with lower triglyceride/HDL ratios in these elderly men, independent of the history of cardiovascular events.

Different responses of the GlnB and GlnZ proteins upon in vitro uridylylation by the Azospirillum brasilense GlnD protein.

Azospirillum brasilense is a diazotroph found in association with important agricultural crops. In this organism, the regulation of nitrogen fixation by ammonium ions involves several proteins including the uridylyltransferase/uridylyl-removing enzyme, GlnD, which reversibly uridylylates the two PII proteins, GlnB and GlnZ, in response to the concentration of ammonium ions. In the present study, the uridylylation/deuridylylation cycle of A. brasilense GlnB and GlnZ proteins by GlnD was reconstituted in vitro using the purified proteins. The uridylylation assay was analyzed using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescent protein detection. Our results show that the purified A. brasilense GlnB and GlnZ proteins were uridylylated by the purified A. brasilense GlnD protein in a process dependent on ATP and 2-oxoglutarate. The dependence on ATP for uridylylation was similar for both proteins. On the other hand, at micromolar concentration of 2-oxoglutarate (up to 100 microM), GlnB uridylylation was almost twice that of GlnZ, an effect that was not observed at higher concentrations of 2-oxoglutarate (up to 10 mM). Glutamine inhibited uridylylation and stimulated deuridylylation of both GlnB and GlnZ. However, glutamine seemed to inhibit GlnZ uridylylation more efficiently. Our results suggest that the differences in the uridylylation pattern of GlnB and GlnZ might be important for fine-tuning of the signaling pathway of cellular nitrogen status in A. brasilense.

Different responses of the GlnB and GlnZ proteins upon in vitro uridylylation by the Azospirillum brasilense GlnD protein

Azospirillum brasilense is a diazotroph found in association with important agricultural crops. In this organism, the regulation of nitrogen fixation by ammonium ions involves several proteins including the uridylyltransferase/uridylyl-removing enzyme, GlnD, which reversibly uridylylates the two PII proteins, GlnB and GlnZ, in response to the concentration of ammonium ions. In the present study, the uridylylation/deuridylylation cycle of A. brasilense GlnB and GlnZ proteins by GlnD was reconstituted in vitro using the purified proteins. The uridylylation assay was analyzed using non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorescent protein detection. Our results show that the purified A. brasilense GlnB and GlnZ proteins were uridylylated by the purified A. brasilense GlnD protein in a process dependent on ATP and 2-oxoglutarate. The dependence on ATP for uridylylation was similar for both proteins. On the other hand, at micromolar concentration of 2-oxoglutarate (up to 100 µM), GlnB uridylylation was almost twice that of GlnZ, an effect that was not observed at higher concentrations of 2-oxoglutarate (up to 10 mM). Glutamine inhibited uridylylation and stimulated deuridylylation of both GlnB and GlnZ. However, glutamine seemed to inhibit GlnZ uridylylation more efficiently. Our results suggest that the differences in the uridylylation pattern of GlnB and GlnZ might be important for fine-tuning of the signaling pathway of cellular nitrogen status in A. brasilense.

The influence of porosity on the integration histology of two polypropylene meshes for the treatment of abdominal wall defects in dogs.

Two types of monofilament polypropylene mesh with different pore sizes, mass densities and burst strengths were used to repair two identical paired full-thickness abdominal wall defects in ten dogs, in order to compare their integration histology 90 days after implantation. On one side a standard mesh, Prolene (Ethicon), was sutured to the borders of the defect, while on the other a new ultralightweight macroporous mesh, Mpathy mesh, was used. There was a significantly greater densitometric proportion of mature (type I) collagen (58.38%) for Mpathy mesh compared to Prolene (34.05%, P=0.01). Although Prolene has 3.6 times the burst strength of Mpathy mesh, the implanted tissue strength was marginally greater for Mpathy mesh. We conclude that Mpathy mesh gives a surgical repair that is at least as strong as that provided by Prolene, along with a higher concentration of mature collagen and less fibrosis (P=0.07), in this canine histology model.

TP53 codon 72 polymorphism as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in a Brazilian population

TP53, a tumor suppressor gene, has a critical role in cell cycle, apoptosis and cell senescence and participates in many crucial physiological and pathological processes. Identification of TP53 polymorphism in older people and age-related diseases may provide an understanding of its physiology and pathophysiological role as well as risk factors for complex diseases. TP53 codon 72 (TP53:72) polymorphism was investigated in 383 individuals aged 66 to 97 years in a cohort from a Brazilian Elderly Longitudinal Study. We investigated allele frequency, genotype distribution and allele association with morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity, neoplasia, low cognitive level (dementia), and depression. We also determined the association of this polymorphism with serum lipid fractions and urea, creatinine, albumin, fasting glucose, and glycated hemoglobin levels. DNA was isolated from blood cells, amplified by PCR using sense 5'-TTGCCGTCCCAAGCAATGGATGA-3' and antisense 5'-TCTGGGAAGGGACAGAAGATGAC-3' primers and digested with the BstUI enzyme. This polymorphism is within exon 4 at nucleotide residue 347. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression analysis and Student t-test using the multiple comparison test were used. Allele frequencies, R (Arg) = 0.69 and P (Pro) = 0.31, were similar to other populations. Genotype distributions were within Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This polymorphism did not show significant association with any age-related disease or serum variables. However, R allele carriers showed lower HDL levels and a higher frequency of cardiovascular disease than P allele subjects. These findings may help to elucidate the physiopathological role of TP53:72 polymorphism in Brazilian elderly people.