Leptin in the Commissural Nucleus of the Tractus Solitarius (cNTS) and Anoxic Stimulus in the Carotid Body Chemoreceptors Increases cNTS Leptin Signaling Receptor and Brain Glucose Retention in Rats.

Background and Objectives: The commissural nucleus of the tractus solitarius (cNTS) not only responds to glucose levels directly, but also receives afferent signals from the liver, and from the carotid chemoreceptors (CChR). In addition, leptin, through its receptors in the cNTS, regulates food intake, body weight, blood glucose levels, and brain glucose retention (BGR). These leptin effects on cNTS are thought to be mediated through the sympathetic-adrenal system. How these different sources of information converging in the NTS regulate blood glucose levels and brain glucose retention remains largely unknown. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the local administration of leptin in cNTS alone, or after local anoxic stimulation using sodium cyanide (NaCN) in the carotid sinus, modifies the expression of leptin Ob-Rb and of c-Fos mRNA. We also investigated how leptin, alone, or in combination with carotid sinus stimulation, affected brain glucose retention. Materials and Methods: The experiments were carried out in anesthetized male Wistar rats artificially ventilated to maintain homeostatic values for pO2, pCO2, and pH. We had four groups: (a) experimental 1, leptin infusion in cNTS and NaCN in the isolated carotid sinus (ICS; n = 10); (b) experimental 2, leptin infusion in cNTS and saline in the ICS (n = 10); (c) control 1, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) in cNTS and NaCN in the ICS (n = 10); (d) control 2, aCSF in cNTS and saline in the ICS (n = 10). Results: Leptin in cNTS, preceded by NaCN in the ICS increased BGR and leptin Ob-Rb mRNA receptor expression, with no significant increases in c-Fos mRNA in the NTSc. Conclusions: Leptin in the cNTS enhances brain glucose retention induced by an anoxic stimulus in the carotid chemoreceptors, through an increase in Ob-Rb receptors, without persistent changes in neuronal activation.

High Efficacy of Ozonated Oils on the Removal of Biofilms Produced by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Ozone has a high wound healing capacity and antibacterial properties and can be used as a complementary treatment in infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is the most common pathogen found in infected diabetic foot ulcers. Most of MRSA are resistant to several classes of antibiotics and, therefore, there is a need for new, effective, and well-tolerated agents. Thus, we aimed evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potentials of ozonated vegetable oils against MRSA strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcers. Six ozonated oils were produced with concentrations of ozone ranging from 0.53 to 17 mg of ozone/g of oil. The peroxide values were determined for each oil. Ozonated oils content on fatty acid was determined by gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionization detector. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the effect of ozonated oils on biofilm formation ability and on established biofilms was investigated. In general, the content in identified unsaturated fatty acid in oils decreased with the increase of ozonation time and, consequently, the peroxide value increased. Most bacterial strains were inhibited by ozonated oil at a concentration of 4.24 mg/g. Ozonated oils had moderate to high ability to remove adhered cells and showed a high capacity to eradicate 24 h old biofilms. Our results show promising use of ozonated oils on the treatment of infections, in particular those caused by multidrug-resistant MRSA strains.

[Esophageal actinomycosis in patients with HIV infection]. / Actinomicosis esofágica en pacientes con infección por VIH.

Esophageal pathology is common in patients with HIV, frequently due to Candida, cytomegalovirus or herpes virus. However, esophageal actinomycosis is a rare infection, even in patients with HIV. We report the case of a 33-year-old male patient, with a recent diagnosis of HIV who was admitted for fever, odynophagia, dysphagia and retrosternal pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy evidenced multiple esophageal ulcers and the histopathological report of the esophageal biopsy described a chronic esophagitis with colonies of PAS positive bacilli, compatible with Actinomyces, initiating favorable antimicrobial therapy. Although it is an uncommon disease, about one-third of cases of esophageal actinomycosis occur in patients with HIV infection, and endoscopic biopsies are required to define diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hybrid lineages of CD4+ T cells: a handbook update.

CD4+ T lymphocytes have been classified into several lineages, according to their gene expression profiles and their effector responses. Interestingly, recent evidence is showing that many lineages could yield hybrid phenotypes with unique properties and functions. It has been reported that such hybrid lineages might underlie pathologies or may function as effector cells with protection capacities against molecular threats. In this work, we reviewed the characteristics of the hybrid lineages reported in the literature, in order to identify the expression profiles that characterize them and the markers that could be used to identify them. We also review the differentiation cues that elicit their hybrid origin and what is known about their physiological roles.

Molecular tracking of insulin resistance and inflammation development on visceral adipose tissue.

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is one of the most important sources of proinflammatory molecules in obese people and it conditions the appearance of insulin resistance and diabetes. Thus, understanding the synergies between adipocytes and VAT-resident immune cells is essential for the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes. Methods: We collected information available on databases and specialized literature to construct regulatory networks of VAT resident cells, such as adipocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. These networks were used to build stochastic models based on Markov chains to visualize phenotypic changes on VAT resident cells under several physiological contexts, including obesity and diabetes mellitus. Results: Stochastic models showed that in lean people, insulin produces inflammation in adipocytes as a homeostatic mechanism to downregulate glucose intake. However, when the VAT tolerance to inflammation is exceeded, adipocytes lose insulin sensitivity according to severity of the inflammatory condition. Molecularly, insulin resistance is initiated by inflammatory pathways and sustained by intracellular ceramide signaling. Furthermore, our data show that insulin resistance potentiates the effector response of immune cells, which suggests its role in the mechanism of nutrient redirection. Finally, our models show that insulin resistance cannot be inhibited by anti-inflammatory therapies alone. Conclusion: Insulin resistance controls adipocyte glucose intake under homeostatic conditions. However, metabolic alterations such as obesity, enhances insulin resistance in adipocytes, redirecting nutrients to immune cells, permanently sustaining local inflammation in the VAT.

Topical Application of Ozonated Oils for the Treatment of MRSA Skin Infection in an Animal Model of Infected Ulcer.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common cause of morbidity in diabetic patients. One of the main pathogens found in these ulcers is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA often carries resistance to several classes of antibiotics and their infections are becoming harder to treat. Therefore, new alternatives are urgently needed. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the capacity of topical ozonated oil application on the treatment of early-stage skin infected with MRSA in an animal model. Ozonated oil was prepared from a mixture of oils subjected to a gas stream of O2/O3 mixture. Sixteen Wistar rats were inoculated by an intradermic injection of MRSA suspension, producing an abscess lesion. After 3 days, the skin epidermis was removed to open the wound. Group 1 received an application of oil mixture without ozone treatment and Group 2 received an application of ozonated oil. After the treatment period, skin was collected, colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria were quantified and the histological analysis of the skin was carried out. Skin samples from the control 1 and 2 had a bacterial load was of 1.1 × 105 and 5.7 × 103 CFU/mL, respectively. Group 2 showed better wound healing from mild to moderate epidermal regeneration. Topical application of ozonated vegetable oil in MRSA-infected skin in rats showed a small reduction of the bacterial load and better wound healing.

Chronic and acute effects of "crack" cocaine on diffusing capacity, membrane diffusion, and pulmonary capillary blood volume in the lung.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate possible alterations in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) or its components, membrane diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DMCO) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc), in habitual smokers of "crack" cocaine (with or without tobacco) and following the short-term administration of inhaled cocaine base or IV cocaine HCl. DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation of DLCO and its components in smokers of cocaine alone, tobacco alone, and cocaine plus tobacco, and in nonsmokers and ex-smokers. Measurement of possible acute effects on DLCO and its components after experimental short-term administration of IV and smoked cocaine. SETTING: University and Veterans Affairs hospital research laboratories. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of habitual smokers of crack cocaine with or without tobacco and matched control nonsmokers and ex-smokers, and smokers of tobacco only. MEASUREMENTS: DLCO, DMCO, and Vc. CONCLUSIONS: Neither habitual cocaine smoking in cross-sectional or longitudinal analysis nor the short-term administration of inhaled alkaloidal cocaine significantly affected DLCO or its component parts. In contrast, a clear cross-sectional effect of regular tobacco smoking was demonstrated.

Actinomicosis esofágica en pacientes con infección por VIH / Esophageal actinomycosis in patients with HIV infection

La patología esofágica es común en pacientes con VIH, frecuentemente debido a Candida, citomegalovirus o virus herpes simple. Sin embargo, la actinomicosis esofágica es una infección rara, incluso en pacientes con infección VIH. Reportamos el caso en un paciente varón de 33 años, con diagnóstico reciente de VIH que acudió a consulta por fiebre, odinofagia, disfagia y dolor retroesternal. La endoscopia digestiva alta evidenció múltiples úlceras esofágicas y el informe histopatológico de la biopsia esofágica describió una esofagitis crónica con presencia de colonias de bacilos PAS positivos, compatibles con Actinomyces, iniciando tratamiento antimicrobiano con evolución favorable. Aunque es una enfermedad no común, cerca de un tercio de los casos de actinomicosis esofágica se presentan en pacientes con infección VIH, y es preciso el estudio endoscópico con toma de biopsia para definir el diagnóstico y manejo apropiado.

Esophageal pathology is common in patients with HIV, frequently due to Candida, cytomegalovirus or herpes virus. However, esophageal actinomycosis is a rare infection, even in patients with HIV. We report the case of a 33-year-old male patient, with a recent diagnosis of HIV who was admitted for fever, odynophagia, dysphagia and retrosternal pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy evidenced multiple esophageal ulcers and the histopathological report of the esophageal biopsy described a chronic esophagitis with colonies of PAS positive bacilli, compatible with Actinomyces, initiating favorable antimicrobial therapy. Although it is an uncommon disease, about one-third of cases of esophageal actinomycosis occur in patients with HIV infection, and endoscopic biopsies are required to define diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Analizando el prejuicio: bases ideológicas del racismo, el sexismo y la homofobia en una muestra de habitantes de la ciudad de Lima - Perú / Analisando o preconceito: bases ideológicas do racismo, do sexismo e da homofobia em uma amostra de habitantes da cidade de Lima - Peru / Analyzing prejudice: ideological basis of racism, sexism and homophobia in a sample of inhabitants of the city of Lima - Perú

Este estudio analiza la relación entre la ideología política y diversas manifestaciones de prejuicio en una muestra de habitantes de la ciudad de Lima (N = 199). Las variables estudiadas son: la Intolerancia a la Incertidumbre y la Ambigüedad, la Posición Izquierda/Derecha, el Autoritarismo de Ala Derecha (RWA), la Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO), la Homofobia, el Sexismo Ambivalente y el Prejuicio hacia minorías étnicas amazónicas. Dos modelos de ecuaciones estructurales fueron propuestos. Uno de ellos presentó un mejor grado de ajuste y propone que la Intolerancia a la Incertidumbre y la Ambigüedad influyen sobre el RWA y la SDO. Asimismo, RWA y SDO influyen sobre las diversas expresiones de prejuicio. Sin embargo, el RWA en contraste con la SDO, presenta una mejor capacidad predictiva con respecto a las diversas formas de prejuicio. La discusión final propone que en el Perú es razonable utilizar un enfoque ideológico multidimensional, así como la propuesta del conservadurismo como cognición social motivada para comprender el prejuicio y la estereotipia negativa hacia grupos percibidos como amenazantes o de bajo estatus. Individuos con mayor tendencia hacia el autoritarismo de derecha y el conservadurismo, tenderían a percibir a estos grupos como amenazas hacia el orden social tradicionalmente establecido.

This study analyzes the relationship between political ideology and different expressions of prejudice in a sample of inhabitants of the city of Lima (N = 199). The variables studied are: intolerance of uncertainty and ambiguity, the Left/Right Position, Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), Homophobia, Ambivalent Sexism and Prejudice toward ethnic minorities. Two structural equation models were proposed. One of them showed a better degree of fit and suggests that intolerance of uncertainty and ambiguity influences RWA and SDO. Also RWA and SDO influence the various forms of prejudice. However, RWA has a better predictive capability with respect to the diverse forms of prejudice in contrast to SDO. The final discussion proposes that is reasonable to use in Perú a multidimensional ideological approach, and the theoretical proposal of conservatism as motivated social cognition, to understand prejudice and negative stereotyping toward threatening or low-status groups. Individuals with greater tendency toward right-wing authoritarianism and conservatism tend to perceive these groups as threats to traditionally established social order.

Este estudo analisa a relação entre a ideologia política e diversas manifestações de preconceito em una amostra de habitantes da cidade de Lima (N = 199). As variáveis estudadas são: a Intolerância à Incerteza e a Ambiguidade, a Posição Esquerda/Direita, o Autoritarismo da Ala Direita (RWA), a Orientação para a Dominância Social (SDO), a Homofobia, o Sexismo Ambivalente e o Preconceito contra minorias étnicas amazônicas. Dois modelos de equações estruturais foram propostos. Um deles apresentou um melhor grau de ajuste e propõe que a Intolerância à Incerteza e a Ambiguidade influem sobre o RWA e a SDO. Desta forma, RWA e SDO influem sobre as diversas expressões de preconceito. No entanto, o RWA contrastado com a SDO, apresenta una melhor capacidade preditiva com respeito às diversas formas de preconceito. A discussão final propõe que no Perú é razoável utilizar um enfoque ideológico multidimensional, assim como a proposta do conservadorismo como cognição social motivada para compreender o preconceito e a estereotipia negativa direcionada a grupos percebidos como ameaçantes ou de baixo status. Indivíduos com maior tendência para o autoritarismo de direita e o conservadorismo, tenderiam a perceber a estes grupos como ameaças para a ordem social tradicionalmente estabelecida.