Is the expansion of the subway network alone capable of improving local air quality? A study case in São Paulo, Brazil.

One of the policies adopted to reduce vehicular emissions is subway network expansion. This work fitted interrupted regression models to investigate the effects of the inauguration of subway stations on the mean, trend, and seasonality of the NO, NO2, NOx, and PM10 local concentrations. The regions investigated in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) were Pinheiros, Butantã, and St. Amaro. In Pinheiros, after the inauguration of the subway station, there were downward trends for all pollutants. However, these trends were not significantly different from the trends observed before. In Butantã, only regarding NO, there was a significant reduction and seasonal change after the subway station's inauguration. In St. Amaro, no trend in the PM10 concentration was noted. The absence of other transportation and land use policies in an integrative way to the subway network expansion may be responsible for the low air quality improvement. This study highlights that the expansion of the subway network must be integrated with other policies to improve local air quality.

"Crime sem vítimas?" Um estudo sobre corrupção, vitimização e crenças no mundo justo / "Victimless crime?" A study on corruption, victimization and beliefs in a just world" / ¿Crimen sin víctimas?" Un estudio sobre corrupción, victimización y creencias en el mundo justo

A corrupção se configura como um importante problema no Brasil, embora seja entendido como um "crime sem vítimas". Frente à importância do tema, o presente estudo buscou avaliar a influência da categoria social de uma vítima de corrupção na relação entre crenças no mundo justo e intenção de corrupção. A amostra foi composta por 127 estudantes universitários de cursos relacionados às áreas de gestão e negócios. Os participantes responderam a medidas de CMJ, intenção de corrupção e informaram dados sociodemográficos. Verificou-se que, quando uma vítima de corrupção é alguém distante do indivíduo, a intenção de corrupção é maior se comparado a uma condição em que a vítima é próxima. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que o efeito da CMJ na corrupção foi restrito quando da avaliação de uma vítima próxima. Os resultados indicam a importância de articular variáveis grupais (distância social) e pessoais (CMJ) no estudo da corrupção.

Corruption is a major problem in Brazil, although it is understood as a "victimless crime". Given the importance of the topic, this study aimed to assess the influence of the social category of a corruption victim on the relationship between beliefs in a just world and the intention of corruption. The sample consisted of 127 university students from courses related to the areas of management and business. Participants responded to measurements of BJW, the intention of corruption and reported sociodemographic data. It was found that, when a victim of corruption is someone distant from the individual, the intention of corruption is greater compared to a condition in which the victim is close. Additionally, it was found that the effect of BJW on corruption was restricted when assessing a close victim. The results indicate the importance of articulating group (social distance) and personal variables (BJW) in the study of corruption.

La corrupción es un problema importante en Brasil, aunque se entiende como un "crimen sin víctimas". Dada la importancia de la temática, el presente estudio buscó evaluar la influencia de la categoría social de una víctima de corrupción en relación a las creencias del mundo justo (CMJ) y la intención a la corrupción. La muestra consistió en 127 estudiantes universitarios de grados de gestión y negocios. Los participantes respondieron a las escalas de CMJ, intención de corrupción y reportaron datos sociodemográficos. Se ha encontrado que cuando una víctima de corrupción está lejos del individuo, la intención de corrupción es mayor en comparación a una condición en la cual la víctima está cerca. Además, se descubrió que el efecto de CMJ sobre la corrupción estaba restringido al evaluar a una víctima cercana. Los resultados indican la importancia de articular las variables grupales (distancia social) y personales (CMJ) en el estudio de la corrupción.

Dietary supplementation with branched-chain amino acids enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets.

BACKGROUND: Under current dietary regimens, milk production by lactating sows is insufficient to sustain the maximal growth of their piglets. As precursors of glutamate and glutamine as well as substrates and activators of protein synthesis, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have great potential for enhancing milk production by sows. METHODS: Thirty multiparous sows were assigned randomly into one of three groups: control (a corn- and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1.535% BCAAs; and the basal diet + 3.07% BCAAs. The ratio (g/g) among the supplemental L-isoleucine, L-leucine and L-valine was 1.00:2.56:1.23. Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine. Lactating sows had free access to drinking water and their respective diets. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at d 0 of lactation (the day of parturition). On d 3, 15 and 29 of lactation, body weights and milk consumption of piglets were measured, and blood samples were obtained from sows and piglets 2 h and 1 h after feeding and nursing, respectively. RESULTS: Feed intake did not differ among the three groups of sows. Concentrations of asparagine, glutamate, glutamine, citrulline, arginine, proline,  BCAAs, and many other amino acids  were greater (P < 0.05) in the plasma of BCAA-supplemented sows and their piglets than those in the control group. Compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 1.535% and 3.07% BCAAs increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of free and protein-bound BCAAs, glutamate plus glutamine, aspartate plus asparagine, and many other amino acids in milk; milk production by 14% and 21%, respectively; daily weight gains of piglets by 19% and 28%, respectively, while reducing preweaning mortality rates by 50% and 70%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dietary supplementation with up to 3.07% BCAAs enhanced milk production by lactating sows, and the growth and survival of their piglets.

A multicenter, open-label, randomized, proof-of-concept phase II clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of icatibant in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and admitted to hospital units without invasive mechanical ventilation: study protocol (ICAT-COVID).

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has quickly become a global pandemic with a substantial number of deaths and is a considerable burden for healthcare systems worldwide. Although most cases are paucisymptomatic and limited to the viral infection-related symptoms, some patients evolve to a second phase, with an impaired inflammatory response (cytokine storm) that may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death. This is thought to be caused by increased bradykinin synthesis. METHODS: ICAT-COVID is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, proof-of-concept phase II clinical trial assessing the clinical efficacy and safety of adding icatibant to the standard of care in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 without invasive mechanical ventilation. Patients hospitalized with a confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis (RT-PCR or antigen test ≤ 10 days prior to randomization, and radiographic evidence of pulmonary infiltrates), rated "4" or "5" on the WHO's clinical status scale, are eligible. Patients will be randomized on a 1:1 ratio to either standard of care-plus-icatibant (experimental group) or to standard of care alone (control group). The experimental group will receive 30 mg of icatibant subcutaneously 3 times a day for 3 days (for a total of 9 doses). The expected sample size is 120 patients (60 per group) from 2 sites in Spain. Primary outcomes are the efficacy and safety of Icatibant. The main efficacy outcome is the number of patients reaching grades "2" or "1" on the WHO scale within 10 days of starting treatment. Secondary outcomes include "long-term efficacy": number of patients discharged who do not present COVID-19-related relapse or comorbidity up until 28 days after discharge, and mortality. DISCUSSION: Icatibant, a bradykinin type 2 receptor antagonist with proven effectiveness and safety against hereditary angioedema attacks, may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients by inhibiting bradykinin's action on endothelial cells and by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 M protease. Our working hypothesis is that treatment with standard of care-plus-icatibant is effective and safe to treat patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to hospital for pneumonia without invasive mechanical ventilation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT 2020-002166-13. CLINICALTRIALS: gov NCT04978051.

Dietary supplementation with monosodium glutamate enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of suckling piglets.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that increasing dietary content of glutamate through addition of monosodium glutamate (MSG) enhances milk production by lactating sows and the growth of their offspring. Thirty multiparous sows (Landrace × Large White) were assigned randomly into one of three dietary groups: control (a corn- and soybean meal-based diet), the basal diet + 1% MSG, and the basal diet + 2% MSG. Diets were made isonitrogenous by the addition of appropriate amounts of L-alanine. Lactating sows had free access to drinking water and were fed twice daily their respective diets. The number of live-born piglets was standardized to 9 per sow at day 0 of lactation (the day of farrowing). On days 3, 15, and 29 of lactation, body weight and milk consumption of piglets were measured, and blood samples obtained from sows and piglets at 2 h and 1 h after feeding, respectively. Feed intake of sows did not differ (P > 0.05) among the three groups of sows. Concentrations of aspartate, glutamine, citrulline, arginine, tryptophan, proline, branched-chain amino acids, and glutamate were greater (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MSG-supplemented sows and their piglets than for controls. When compared with the control, dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG increased (P < 0.05): concentrations of many free amino acids (including glutamate plus glutamine) and all protein-bound amino acids in milk; the milk intake of piglets by 14-25%; and daily weight gains of piglets by 23-44%. These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 1-2% MSG to lactating sows enhances milk production to support the growth of sow-reared piglets.

Complicações em doentes com hiperplasia benigna da próstata submetidos a prostatectomia transvesical / Complications in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing transvesical prostatectomy

A literatura científica apresenta complicações evidentes, pós prostatectomia ­ que, mais do que a patologia propriamente dita ­ tornam pertinente o estudo. A enfermagem deverá desenvolver competências específicas e autónomas, no sentido de diminuir os seus potenciais riscos, os prognósticos lesivos na vida do utente, que devem ser estudados pela enfermagem, para, através das suas competências, os poderem diminuir senão anular. Os múltiplos impactos na qualidade de vida do homem, fazem emergir a pertinência para o estudo do tema, suas abordagens e necessidades cuidadoras, que representam para os enfermeiros especialistas, um desafio a enfrentar, no sentido da qualidade dos cuidados. Reconhecer as complicações emergentes após prostatectomia transvesical em doentes diagnosticados com Hiperplasia Benigna da Próstata (HBP). Estudo transversal, exploratório, de metodologia quantitativa e analítica, aos resultados emergentes da colheita de dados, a partir da aplicação de um questionário em entrevista direta, a uma amostra de 214 utentes submetidos a prostatectomia transvesical, entre 2015-2020, no Norte Litoral de Portugal. O critério de inclusão amostral foi a aceitação pessoal para participar no estudo, e de exclusão, foi a incapacidade mental para responder às questões, ou a apresentação de comorbilidades. Da análise, foi verificado que as complicações emergentes após prostatectomia transvesical em doentes com HBP, no imediato, são, a hematúria, a urgência urinária, a infeção da ferida operatória. No primeiro mês de pós-operatório, verificaram-se a urgência e incontinência urinária, a hematúria e infeção urinária. De forma discreta, foi assinalada a disfunção sexual, a fístula vesico-cutânea, e, mais tardias, a disfunção sexual ­ com expressão crescente e progressivamente perturbadora -, e por oposição, e de forma decrescente, a urgência urinária, incontinência urinária, infeção urinária e orquiepididimite. Foi verificada a relação entre complicações pós-operatórias e comorbilidades clínicas: há relação estatística e altamente significativa entre a variável algaliação prévia à cirurgia e infeção da ferida operatória. Não foram encontradas relações estatísticas significativas para as restantes variáveis com o estatuto de comorbilidade. Todavia, foram encontradas relações de frequência entre a presença de diabetes mellitus e as infeções - urinária e da ferida operatória -, e, entre hipertensão arterial e hematúria pós operatória. Não foram encontradas estratégias cuidadoras de enfermagem, promotoras da diminuição das complicações em doentes prostatectomizados. O campo clínico da enfermagem continua a precisar deste investimento empírico, e a construir uma metodologia de ação, a partir do campo de análise de dados de investigação, para organizar-se numa prática baseada na evidência, criar um espaço de investigação ação, no sentido de avançar com propostas de guidelines e ou protocolos neste tipo de cuidados, e implementação de consultas de enfermagem pré e pós operatórias.

The scientific literature presents evident complications, after prostatectomy ­ which, more than the pathology itself ­ make it pertinent to the study that nursing should develop specific and autonomous skills, to reduce its potential risks, the bad prognoses in the patient´s life, that should be studied by nursing, that, through their skills, they can reduce them, if not delete them. The multiple impacts on man´s quality of life, bring relevance to the study of the theme, their approaches and care needs, which represent for specialist nurses, a challenge to face, towards the quality of care. Recognize the complications after transvesical prostatectomy in patients diagnosed with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Cross-sectional, exploratory study, with quantitative and analytical methodology, to the results emerging from data collection, from the application of a questionnaire in direct interview, to a sample of 214 patients submitted transvesical prostatectomy, between 2015-2020, in the North Coast of Portugal. The inclusion criterion was personal acceptance to participate in the study, and the exclusion criterion, was the mental inability to answer the questions, or the presentation of comorbidities. From the analysis, it was found that the emerging complications after transvesical prostatectomy in patients with BPH, in the immediate, are hematuria, urinary urgency and surgical wound infection. In the first postoperative month, urinary urgency and incontinence, hematuria and urinary infection were noted. Discretely, sexual dysfunction, vesico-cutaneous fistula, and, later, sexual dysfunctions were noted ­ with increasing and progressively disturbing expression ­ and by opposition, and in decreasing order, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, urinary infection and orchiepididymitis. The relationship between postoperative complications and clinical comorbidities was verified: there is a statistically and highly significant relationship between the variable algalization prior to surgery and surgical wound infection. No statistically significant relationships were found for the remaining variables with comorbidity status. However, frequency relationships were found between the evidence of diabetes mellitus and infections ­ urinary and surgical wound -, and, between arterial hypertension and postoperative hematuria. No nursing care strategies were found, that promote the reduction of complications in prostatectomized patients. The clinical field of nursing continues to need this empirical investment, and to build an action methodology from the field of research data analysis, to organize into an evidence-based practice, to create a space for action research, in the sense of advancing with proposals for guidelines and or protocols in this type of care, and implementation of pre- and post-operative nursing consultation.

The immune response is a critical regulator of zebrafish retinal pigment epithelium regeneration.

Loss of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) because of dysfunction or disease can lead to blindness in humans. Harnessing the intrinsic ability of the RPE to self-repair is an attractive therapeutic strategy; however, mammalian RPE is limited in its regenerative capacity. Zebrafish possess tremendous intrinsic regenerative potential in ocular tissues, including the RPE, but little is known about the mechanisms driving RPE regeneration. Here, utilizing transgenic and mutant zebrafish lines, pharmacological manipulations, transcriptomics, and imaging analyses, we identified elements of the immune response as critical mediators of intrinsic RPE regeneration. After genetic ablation, the RPE express immune-related genes, including leukocyte recruitment factors such as interleukin 34 We demonstrate that macrophage/microglia cells are responsive to RPE damage and that their function is required for the timely progression of the regenerative response. These data identify the molecular and cellular underpinnings of RPE regeneration and hold significant potential for translational approaches aimed toward promoting a pro-regenerative environment in mammalian RPE.

Regeneration of the zebrafish retinal pigment epithelium after widespread genetic ablation.

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a specialized monolayer of pigmented cells within the eye that is critical for maintaining visual system function. Diseases affecting the RPE have dire consequences for vision, and the most prevalent of these is atrophic (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is thought to result from RPE dysfunction and degeneration. An intriguing possibility for treating RPE degenerative diseases like atrophic AMD is the stimulation of endogenous RPE regeneration; however, very little is known about the mechanisms driving successful RPE regeneration in vivo. Here, we developed a zebrafish transgenic model (rpe65a:nfsB-eGFP) that enabled ablation of large swathes of mature RPE. RPE ablation resulted in rapid RPE degeneration, as well as degeneration of Bruch's membrane and underlying photoreceptors. Using this model, we demonstrate for the first time that zebrafish are capable of regenerating a functional RPE monolayer after RPE ablation. Regenerated RPE cells first appear at the periphery of the RPE, and regeneration proceeds in a peripheral-to-central fashion. RPE ablation elicits a robust proliferative response in the remaining RPE. Subsequently, proliferative cells move into the injury site and differentiate into RPE. BrdU incorporation assays demonstrate that the regenerated RPE is likely derived from remaining peripheral RPE cells. Pharmacological disruption using IWR-1, a Wnt signaling antagonist, significantly reduces cell proliferation in the RPE and impairs overall RPE recovery. These data demonstrate that the zebrafish RPE possesses a robust capacity for regeneration and highlight a potential mechanism through which endogenous RPE regenerate in vivo.

Avaliação de impacto à saúde da incidência de dengue associada à pluviosidade no município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo / Health impact assessment of the incidence of dengue associated with precipitation in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo

Resumo Introdução A dengue é considerada um problema de saúde pública. O município de Ribeirão Preto possui condições climáticas e geográficas favoráveis à proliferação do Aedes aegypti , sendo reportadas altas taxas de incidência de dengue. Objetivo Avaliar a relação entre a precipitação pluviométrica e a incidência de casos confirmados de dengue. Método Foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman para a análise da relação entre a pluviosidade e a incidência de dengue. Resultados Encontrou-se associação entre a precipitação e os casos de dengue, com p < 0,01, considerando um intervalo de defasagem (time lag ) que ocorre a partir do primeiro mês e se estende até o quinto mês. Conclusão Estudos como este contribuem para o conhecimento sobre a influência de fatores climáticos na incidência e na dinâmica de transmissão da dengue, sendo essenciais para auxiliar os gestores na tomada de decisão para a prevenção e o controle da doença.

Abstract Background Dengue is considered a public health problem. The municipality of Ribeirão Preto has climatic and geographical conditions conducive to the proliferation of Aedes aegypti and high rates of dengue incidence are reported. Objective To evaluate the relationship between rainfall and the incidence of confirmed cases of dengue. Method The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between rainfall and the dengue incidence. Results An association between precipitation and dengue cases was found, with p < 0.01, considering a time lag, which occurs from the first month until the fifth month. Conclusion Studies such as this contribute to the knowledge about the influence of climatic factors on the incidence and transmission dynamics of dengue fever, being essential to guide managers in decision making for disease prevention and control.

The Role of the Japanese Traditional Diet in Healthy and Sustainable Dietary Patterns around the World.

As incomes steadily increase globally, traditional diets have been displaced by diets that are usually animal-based with a high content of "empty calories" or refined sugars, refined fats, and alcohol. Dietary transition coupled with the expansion of urbanization and lower physical activity have been linked to the global growth in the prevalence of obesity, overweight and life style-related non-communicable diseases. The challenge is in how to reverse the trend of high consumption of less healthy food by more healthful and more environmentally sustainable diets. The increasing recognition that each individual has specific needs depending on age, metabolic condition, and genetic profile adds complexity to general nutritional considerations. If we were to promote the consumption of low-energy and low salt but nutritious diets, taste becomes a relevant food quality. The Japanese traditional diet (Washoku), which is characterized by high consumption of fish and soybean products and low consumption of animal fat and meat, relies on the effective use of umami taste to enhance palatability. There may be a link between Washoku and the longevity of the people in Japan. Thus Washoku and umami may be valuable tools to support healthy eating.

Development and clinical application of Vertebral Metrics: using a stereo vision system to assess the spine.

The biomechanical changes in the spinal column are considered to be the main responsible for rachialgia. Although radiological techniques use ionizing radiation, they are the most applied tools to assess the biomechanics of the spine. To face this problem, non-invasive techniques must be developed. Vertebral Metrics is an ionizing radiation-free instrument designed to detect the 3D position of each vertebrae in a standing position. Using a stereo vision system combined with low intensity UV light, recognition is achieved with software capable of distinguishing fluorescent marks. The fluorescent marks are the skin projection of the vertex of the spinal processes. This paper presents a major development of Vertebral Metrics and its evaluation. It performs a scan in less than 45 s with a resolution on the order of 1 mm, in each spatial direction, therefore, allowing an accurate analysis of the spine. The instrument was applied to patients without associated pathology. Statistically significant differences between consecutive scans were not found. A positive correlation between the 3D positions of each vertebra and the homologous position of the other vertebrae was observed. Using Vertebral Metrics, innovative results can be obtained. It can be used in areas such as orthopedics, neurosurgery, and rehabilitation. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A metabolic switch controls intestinal differentiation downstream of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC).

Elucidating signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism is essential for a better understanding of normal development and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1), a crucial player in pyruvate metabolism, is downregulated in colon adenocarcinomas. Utilizing zebrafish to examine the genetic relationship between MPC1 and Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a key tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, we found that apc controls the levels of mpc1 and that knock down of mpc1 recapitulates phenotypes of impaired apc function including failed intestinal differentiation. Exogenous human MPC1 RNA rescued failed intestinal differentiation in zebrafish models of apc deficiency. Our data demonstrate a novel role for apc in pyruvate metabolism and that pyruvate metabolism dictates intestinal cell fate and differentiation decisions downstream of apc.

Bioproduction of gold nanoparticles for photothermal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Photothermal response of plasmonic nanomaterials can be utilized for a number of therapeutic applications such as the ablation of solid tumors. METHODS & RESULTS: Gold nanoparticles were prepared using different methods. After optimization, we applied an aqueous plant extract as the reducing and capping agent of gold and maximized the near-infrared absorption (650-900 nm). Resultant nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility when tested in vitro in human keratinocytes and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Gold nanoparticles were easily activated by controlled temperature with an ultrasonic water bath and application of a pulsed laser. CONCLUSION: These gold nanoparticles can be synthesized with reproducibility, modified with seemingly limitless chemical functional groups, with adequate controlled optical properties for laser phototherapy of tumors and targeted drug delivery.

Proteomic and Genomic Analyses of the Rvb1 and Rvb2 Interaction Network upon Deletion of R2TP Complex Components.

The highly conserved yeast R2TP complex, consisting of Rvb1, Rvb2, Pih1, and Tah1, participates in diverse cellular processes ranging from assembly of protein complexes to apoptosis. Rvb1 and Rvb2 are closely related proteins belonging to the AAA+ superfamily and are essential for cell survival. Although Rvbs have been shown to be associated with various protein complexes including the Ino80 and Swr1chromatin remodeling complexes, we performed a systematic quantitative proteomic analysis of their associated proteins and identified two additional complexes that associate with Rvb1 and Rvb2: the chaperonin-containing T-complex and the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome complex. We also analyzed Rvb1 and Rvb2 purified from yeast strains devoid of PIH1 and TAH1. These analyses revealed that both Rvb1 and Rvb2 still associated with Hsp90 and were highly enriched with RNA polymerase II complex components. Our analyses also revealed that both Rvb1 and Rvb2 were recruited to the Ino80 and Swr1 chromatin remodeling complexes even in the absence of Pih1 and Tah1 proteins. Using further biochemical analysis, we showed that Rvb1 and Rvb2 directly interacted with Hsp90 as well as with the RNA polymerase II complex. RNA-Seq analysis of the deletion strains compared with the wild-type strains revealed an up-regulation of ribosome biogenesis and ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis genes, down-regulation of response to abiotic stimulus genes, and down-regulation of response to temperature stimulus genes. A Gene Ontology analysis of the 80 proteins whose protein associations were altered in the PIH1 or TAH1 deletion strains found ribonucleoprotein complex proteins to be the most enriched category. This suggests an important function of the R2TP complex in ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis at both the proteomic and genomic levels. Finally, these results demonstrate that deletion network analyses can provide novel insights into cellular systems.

Assessment of trace metal bioaccumulation by Avicennia marina (Forsk.) in the last remaining mangrove stands in Manila Bay, the Philippines.

Concentrations of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the sediments, roots and leaves of a mangrove species (Avicennia marina) in Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), Manila Bay. The concentrations showed a general pattern of Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd in sediments, Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd in roots and Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd in leaves. The trace metal concentrations in both sediments and plant tissues were below contamination threshold levels. Based on computed bioaccumulation indices, A. marina could be used for the phytostabilization and phytoextraction of Cu and Cd. The LPPCHEA mangrove ecosystem is an ecologically important ecosystem that will limit the spread of trace metals to the surrounding environment.

Free amino acid content in breast milk of adolescent and adult mothers in Ecuador.

Because of increased incidence of teenage births and high prevalence of lactation in Latin America, we determined the patterning of free amino acids (FAAs) in breast milk of 65 primiparous Ecuadorian women of varying ages (14-27 years). An automatic amino acid analyzer quantified levels of FAAs in milk samples obtained at three lactation stages: colostrum, transition, and mature milk. Regardless of mother's age, most FAAs increased with time postpartum, with taurine, glutamic acid, glutamine, and alanine being most abundant in all stages.

Production of free glutamate in milk requires the leucine transporter LAT1.

The concentration of free glutamate (Glu) in rat's milk is ∼10 times higher than that in plasma. Previous work has shown that mammary tissue actively transports circulatory leucine (Leu), which is transaminated to synthesize other amino acids such as Glu and aspartate (Asp). To investigate the molecular basis of Leu transport and its conversion into Glu in the mammary gland, we characterized the expression of Leu transporters and [(3)H]Leu uptake in rat mammary cells. Gene expression analysis indicated that mammary cells express two Leu transporters, LAT1 and LAT2, with LAT1 being more abundant than LAT2. This transport system is sodium independent and transports large neutral amino acids. The Leu transport system in isolated rat mammary cells could be specifically blocked by the LAT1 inhibitors 2-aminobicyclo-[2.2.1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) and triiodothyronine (T3). In organ cultures, Glu secretion was markedly inhibited by these LAT1 inhibitors. Furthermore, the profiles of Leu uptake inhibition by amino acids in mammary cells were similar to those reported for LAT1. In vivo, concentrations of free Glu and Asp increased in milk by oral gavage with Leu at 6, 12, and 18 days of lactation. These results indicate that the main Leu transporter in mammary tissue is LAT1 and the transport of Leu is a limiting factor for the synthesis and release of Glu and Asp into milk. Our studies provide the bases for the molecular mechanism of Leu transport in mammary tissue by LAT1 and its active role on free Glu secretion in milk, which confer umami taste in suckling pups.

Amino acid sensing in the gastrointestinal tract.

Rapid progress in gastroenterology during the first part of the last century has shown that gastrointestinal (GI) function is regulated by neuroendocrine, paracrine and endocrine signals. However, recent advances in chemical sensing, especially in the last decade, have revealed that free L-amino acids (AA), among other nutrients, play a critical role in modifying exocrine and endocrine secretion, modulating protein digestion, metabolism and nutrient utilization, and supporting the integrity and defense of the GI mucosa. Many of the mechanisms by which AAs elicit these functions in the GI has been linked to the traditional concept of hormone release and nervous system activation. But most these effects are not direct. AAs appear to function by binding to a chemical communication system such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate signaling pathways. These intracellular signals, although their molecular bases are not completely elucidated yet, are the ones responsible for the neuronal activity and release of hormones that in turn regulate GI functions. This review aims to describe the distribution of the known GPCRs from the class 3 superfamily that bind to different kinds of AA, especially from the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach, what kind of taste qualities they elicit, such as umami, bitter or sweet, and their activity in the GI tract.

Broadened T-cell repertoire diversity in ivIg-treated SLE patients is also related to the individual status of regulatory T-cells.

PURPOSE: Intravenous IgG (ivIg) is a therapeutic alternative for lupus erythematosus, the mechanism of which remains to be fully understood. Here we investigated whether ivIg affects two established sub-phenotypes of SLE, namely relative oligoclonality of circulating T-cells and reduced activity of CD4 + Foxp3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) reflected by lower CD25 surface density. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study of 15 lupus patients (14 with SLE and one with discoid LE) treated with ivIg in cycles of 2-6 consecutive monthly infusions. Among these 15 patients, 10 responded to ivIg therapy with clear clinical improvement. We characterized Tregs and determined TCR spectratypes of four Vß families with reported oligoclonality. Cell counts, cytometry and TCR spectratypes were obtained from peripheral blood at various time points before, during and after ivIg treatment. T-cell oligoclonality was assessed as Vß-familywise repertoire perturbation, calculated for each patient in respect to an individual reference profile averaged over all available time points. RESULTS: For 11 out of 15 patients, average Vß1/Vß2/Vß11/Vß14 repertoires were less perturbed under than outside ivIg therapy. The four exceptions with relatively increased average perturbation during ivIg therapy included three patients who failed to respond clinically to an ivIg therapy cycle. Patients' Treg CD25 surface density (cytometric MFI) was clearly reduced when compared to healthy controls, but not obviously influenced by ivIg. However, patients' average Treg CD25 MFI was found negatively correlated with both Vß11 and Vß14 perturbations measured under ivIg therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This indicates a role of active Tregs in the therapeutic effect of ivIg.