Obtainment, selection and characterization of a mutant strain of Kluyveromyces marxianus that displays improved production of 2-phenylethanol and enhanced DAHP synthase activity.

AIMS: Yeasts produce 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) from sugars via de novo synthesis; however, its synthesis is limited due to feedback inhibition on the isofunctional 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP) synthases (Aro3p and Aro4p). This work aimed to select Kluyveromyces marxianus mutant strains with improved capacity to produce 2-PE from sugars. METHODS AND RESULTS: Kluyveromyces marxianus CCT 7735 mutant strains were selected from UV irradiation coupled with screening of p-fluoro-dl-phenylalanine (PFP) tolerant strains on culture medium without l-Phe addition. Most of them produced 2-PE titres higher than the parental strain and the Km_PFP41 mutant strain stood out for displaying the highest 2-PE specific production rate. Moreover it showed higher activity of DAHP synthase than the parental strain. We sequenced both ARO3 and ARO4 genes of Km_PFP41 mutant and identified mutations in ARO4 which caused changes in both size and conformation of the Aro4p. These changes seem to be associated with the enhanced activity of DAHP synthase and improved production of 2-PE exhibited by that mutant strain. CONCLUSIONS: The Km_PFP41 mutant strain presented improved 2-PE production via de novo synthesis and enhanced DAHP synthase activity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The mutant strain obtained in this work may be exploited as a yeast cell factory for high-level synthesis of 2-PE.

Fusion of plectasin derivative NZ2114 with hydrophilic random coil polypeptide: Recombinant production in Pichia pastoris and antimicrobial activity against clinical strain MRSA.

One of the roadblocks towards the practical use of antimicrobial peptides for medical use is their relatively high cost when synthesized chemically. Effective recombinant production has only been successful in some cases, such as the previously reported production in Pichia pastoris of the antimicrobial plectasin derivative peptide NZ2114. The same production host has also been used extensively to produce so-called protein-polymers: sequences that consist of repetitions of simple amino acid motifs found in structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, and that can be designed to self-assemble in micelles, fibers and hydrogels. With the eventual goal of producing recombinant biomaterials such as antimicrobial protein polymer, we here explore the secreted production in Pichia pastoris of a fusion of NZ2114 with a hydrophilic random coil protein polymer CP4 . The intact NZ2114-CP4 fusion copolymer was produced with a yield of purified protein on the order of 1 g.L-1 supernatant. We find that purified NZ2114-CP4 has an activity against clinical strain MRSA, but very much lower than activity of chemically synthesized NZ2114. We conclude that possibly, the activity of NZ2114 is impaired by the C-terminal attachment to the protein polymer chain, but other reasons for the low activity cannot yet be excluded either. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B virus among prisoners with active tuberculosis in Central Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Due to environmental and social conditions inherent to incarceration, tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are major diseases among prison inmates. OBJECTIVE: To determine overall and occult HBV infection (OBI) prevalence rates, risk factors and genotype distribution among inmates with active TB. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 inmates with active TB recruited at the largest prisons in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Central Brazil. The participants were interviewed and tested for the presence of serological markers for HBV infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HBV infection (total hepatitis B core antibodies) was 10.2% (95%CI 6.2-14.2). HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence was 1.4% (3/216). HBV DNA was detected in all three HBsAg-positive samples and in 10.5% (2/19) of the anti-HBc-positive samples (OBI), giving a HBV-TB co-infection prevalence of 2.3% (5/216). A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that history of sharing cutting instruments, length of incarceration and homosexual sex were associated with HBV infection. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that HBV remains an important public health concern among prison inmates and active TB-HBV co-infection needs to be addressed for effective treatment.

Gingival crevicular fluid levels of protease-activated receptors type 1 and type 2 in diabetic patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Protease activated receptor type 1 (PAR1 ) seems to play a role in periodontal repair, while PAR2 is associated with periodontal inflammation. As diabetes is a known risk factor for periodontal disease, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of type 2 diabetes on PAR1 and PAR2 mRNA expression in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with chronic periodontitis before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid samples and clinical parameters consisting of measuring probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and plaque index were collected from systemically healthy patients and patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis, at baseline and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. PAR1 and PAR2 , as well as the presence of the proteases RgpB gingipain and neutrophil proteinase-3 were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the gingival crevicular fluid. RESULTS: The periodontal clinical parameters significantly improved after periodontal therapy (p < 0.01). Diabetes led to increased expression of PAR1 in gingival crevicular fluid, and in the presence of chronic periodontitis, it significantly decreased the expression of PAR1 and PAR2 (p < 0.05). Moreover, non-surgical periodontal treatment in diabetics resulted in increased expression of PAR1 and PAR2 (p < 0.05), and decreased expression of RgpB gingipain and proteinase-3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrated that diabetes was associated with an altered expression of PAR1 and PAR2 in the gingival crevicular fluid cells of subjects with chronic periodontitis. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the effects of PAR1 upregulation in periodontally healthy sites and PAR2 downregulation in chronic periodontitis sites on the increased susceptibility and severity of periodontitis in diabetes.

One-year follow-up of titanium/zirconium alloy X commercially pure titanium narrow-diameter implants placed in the molar region of the mandible: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze marginal bone loss (MBL) and clinical parameters around narrow-diameter implants (NDIs - 3.3 mm) made of titanium/zirconium alloy (TiZr) in comparison with commercially pure titanium (cpTi) installed in the molar region of the mandible after 1 year in function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients participated in the study. A TiZr and a cpTi NDI were randomly installed in contralateral molar sites of the mandible of each patient in a split-mouth design. Eight weeks after healing, all metal-ceramic single crowns were adapted to the implants and patients were enrolled in a plaque control program. MBL at the mesial and distal aspects of the implants were evaluated by comparing periapical radiographs taken immediately after prosthesis installation (T1) and 1 year after loading (T2). Clinical probing depth, bleeding on probing, suppuration, visible plaque and implant mobility were evaluated to determine implant success and survival rates. RESULTS: Mean MBL at the interproximal aspects of TiZr implant sites was 0.32 ± 0.27 mm, while at cpTi implant sites mean MBL was 0.35 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.60). Both TiZr and cpTi NDIs presented 100% implant survival and success rates, with no significant differences in the clinical parameters studied (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TiZr and cpTi NDIs presented similar outcomes after 1 year in function in the molar region of the mandible. The results suggest that TiZr and cpTi NDIs may be equally used to support single crowns in the posterior area of the mouth. However, further studies with longer follow-up periods are necessary to confirm these findings.

Neonatal detection of Turner syndrome by real-time PCR gene quantification of the ARSE and MAGEH1 genes.

Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by the presence of one full X chromosome and total or partial deletion of the second sex chromosome. Diagnosis of TS is often delayed, resulting in inappropriate treatment. Early diagnosis of TS using a neonatal screening test may improve preventive measures and treatment, thus improving patient quality of life. The goal of this study was to standardize a neonatal TS screening algorithm. Two study genes (ARSE and MAGEH1) and 1 normalizing gene (HBB) were used to detect the second X chromosome. We screened 996 newborns whose peripheral blood was collected and stored in filter paper. In addition, samples from 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of TS were included in the study. Relative amounts of ARSE/HBB were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cutoff at the 5th percentile was arbitrarily set to indicate repetition of the test. The test was repeated in 51/1016 patients with ARSE/HBB < 0.81. For 10 samples with values persistently <0.81, we quantified the MAGEH1/HBB ratio. Values below the 95th percentile in TS patients (MAGEH1/HBB < 1.24) were considered to be inadequate. Only 6/996 NB showed inadequate values for the 2 studied genes, which were recalled for clinical evaluation and karyotype testing. Analysis of 20 patients diagnosed with TS allowed for identification of false-negatives and true-positives, establishing 95% sensitivity when the indicated cutoff values were used. In conclusion, our algorithm reached 95% detection sensitivity with an acceptable recall rate (0.6%), allowing for the detection of suspected TS cases in the neonatal period.

PbS nanostructured thin films by in situ Cu-doping.

PbS:Cu nanocrystalline films were prepared by chemical bath at temperature of 80 degrees C and deposited on glass substrates. Different Cu-doping levels were obtained changing the volume of the Cu-reagent-solution into the PbS growing solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and optical absorption (OA) measurements were carried out to characterize the semiconductor. The morphological changes of the layers were analyzed using an atomic force microscopy. Diffraction X-ray spectra displayed peaks at 2 theta = (26.00, 30.07, 43.10, 51.00 and 53.48), indicating growth on the zinc blende face. The grain size determined by X-rays diffraction of the undoped samples, was found -37 nm, whereas with the doped sample was - 32-25 nm. Raman spectra reports strong band in - 133-140 cm(-1) attributed to a combination of longitudinal and transversal acoustic modes. Optical absorption, forbidden band gap energy (E(g)) shift disclose a shift in the range 1.4-2.4 eV. Gibbs free energy calculation for the Cu doping PbS is also included heading.

Success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium-zirconium alloy in the posterior region of the jaws - results from a 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present prospective clinical study was to evaluate and to compare the success and survival rates of narrow diameter implants made of titanium-zirconium alloy and commercially pure titanium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult patients scheduled for implant-supported single restorations were included in the study. In each patient, a titanium-zirconium alloy (Test group) or a commercially pure titanium (Control group) narrow diameter implants was installed in the posterior regions of the jaws. After 8 weeks of healing, all metal-ceramic single crowns were adapted to the implants and the patients enrolled in a plaque control program. The survival and success rates of the implants and the success rate of the implant-supported prosthesis were evaluated following 1 year of loading. Furthermore, mobility (M), suppuration (S), clinical probing depth (CPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were measured around the implants at 6 weeks of healing (T1) and 12 months after loading (T2). RESULTS: In T2, survival and success rates for both groups were 95.2%. The corresponding value for the success rate of the implant-supported prosthesis was 100% in both groups. The average CPD was the following: 2.29 (±0.52) and 2.59 (±0.52) (P < 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T1; and 3.0 mm (±0.74) and 3.07 mm (±0.90) (P > 0.05) in the Test and Control groups, respectively, at T2. There was no statistically significant difference between groups concerning about S, M, and BoP at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that, in a short-term follow-up, narrow diameter implants made of either titanium-zirconium alloy or commercially pure titanium may be used to support single crowns in the posterior portions of the jaws.

Avaliação da atividade citotóxica das sementes de Annona cornifolia A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) / Evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of seeds of Annona cornifolia A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae)

Na família Annonaceae, especialmente o gênero Annona é muito apreciado por fornecer frutos comestíveis. Espécies desse gênero são utilizadas na medicina popular contra diabetes, malária e infecções. Muitas dessas atividades biológicas têm sido relacionadas às acetogeninas de anonáceas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade citotóxica dos grupos e de uma acetogenina pura (cornifolina) obtidos a partir do extrato etanólico das sementes de Annona cornifolia A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae). Esta atividade foi avaliada pelo ensaio colorimétrico MTT. Cornifolina (1), a única substância pura testada, apresentou citotoxicidade positiva sobre todas as linhagens tumorais avaliadas. Os grupos testados, todos caracterizados por espectroscopia no infravermelho (IV), apresentaram 68,7% dos valores de CI50 menores que 20,0 µg mL-1, sendo também considerados citotóxicos. As amostras testadas foram mais ativas que o taxol sobre melanoma humano (MeWo) e, ainda, o grupo G10-5 apresentou melhor atividade sobre fibroblasto tumorigênico de camundongo (L929). Além disso, os grupos mostraram menor citotoxidade do que o taxol sobre a linhagem normal (CHO).

The family Annonaceae, especially the genus Annona, is greatly appreciated for providing edible fruits. Species of this genus are used in folk medicine against diabetes, malaria and infections. Many of these biological activities have been related to annonaceous acetogenins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of groups and a pure acetogenin (cornifolin) obtained from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Annona cornifolia A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae). This activity was evaluated by using MTT colorimetric assay. Cornifolin (1), the only tested substance that was pure, showed positive cytotoxicity on all evaluated tumor cell lines. The tested groups, all characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), showed 68.7% of the IC50 values lower than 20.0 µg mL-1, also considered cytotoxic. The tested samples were more active than taxol on human melanoma (MeWo) and the group G10-5 showed better activity on mouse tumorigenic fibroblast (L929). In addition, the tested groups showed less cytotoxicity than taxol on the normal line (CHO).

Heteroantagonismo entre estirpes de Enterobacter agglomerans isoladas de urubu (Coragyps atratus) como produtoras e Pseudomonas aeruginosa como reveladoras / Evaluation of the heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans strains isolated from vulture (Coragyps atratus) for production and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as developed

Avaliou-se o heteroantagonismo entre Enterobacter agglomerans isolada do trato gastrintestinal de urubu (Coragyps atratus) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa isoladas do ambiente hospitalar. Foram utilizados o método de sobrecamada ou lento e a técnica direta ou de poços. Pelo método da sobrecamada, de 196 testes realizados para pesquisa da atividade antagonista, foi detectada a presença de halos de inibição relacionados ao fenômeno de heteroantagonismo em 118 deles (60,2 por cento). Pelo método de poços, obtiveram-se resultados semelhantes. As sete amostras de E. agglomerans foram capazes de realizar heteroantagonismo nas condições testadas, que foram detectados pela formação de halos claros de inibição. O extrato de levedura adicionado a 1 por cento no meio de cultura foi um suplemento adequado para a demonstração do antagonismo.

The heteroantagonism between Enterobacter agglomerans, isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of American vulture Coragyps atratus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from a hospital environment was evaluated. The slow (layer) and the wells (direct) techniques were tested, using agar and soy tryptone broth pH 7.3 at 37ºC. Through the slow method from 196 tests, inhibition growth halos, related heteroantagonism phenomenon observed in 118, corresponding to 60.2 percent positive results. Equivalent positive results were detected using wells (direct) methodology. The seven samples of E. agglomerans tested were capable of revealing heteroantagonism in the experimental conditions; antagonism reveled by the presence of a clear growth inhibition halo. The added 1 percent yeast extract to media was adequate for revealing antagonisms best.

Assessment of linear measurements of bone for implant sites in the presence of metallic artefacts using cone beam computed tomography and multislice computed tomography.

The objective was to evaluate the influence of dental metallic artefacts on implant sites using multislice and cone-beam computed tomography techniques. Ten dried human mandibles were scanned twice by each technique, with and without dental metallic artefacts. Metallic restorations were placed at the top of the alveolar ridge adjacent to the mental foramen region for the second scanning. Linear measurements (thickness and height) for each cross-section were performed by a single examiner using computer software. All mandibles were analysed at both the right and the left mental foramen regions. For the multislice technique, dental metallic artefact produced an increase of 5% in bone thickness and a reduction of 6% in bone height; no significant differences (p>0.05) were detected when comparing measurements performed with and without metallic artefacts. With respect to the cone-beam technique, dental metallic artefact produced an increase of 6% in bone thickness and a reduction of 0.68% in bone height. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed when comparing measurements performed with and without metallic artefacts. The presence of dental metallic artefacts did not alter the linear measurements obtained with both techniques, although its presence made the location of the alveolar bone crest more difficult.

Determination of pH turning point with pH mapping of the gastroesophageal junction: an alternative technique to orientate esophageal pH monitoring.

Manometric location of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) has been mandatory before esophageal pH monitoring, despite costs and discomfort related with esophageal manometry. The aims of the study were: (i) to map the pH of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) to determine a pH turning point (PTP) and its relation with LES; and (ii) to test the feasibility of this technique to orientate esophageal pH monitoring. We studied 310 adult patients who underwent esophageal manometry and pH monitoring off acid-suppressive therapy. GEJ pH mapping was carried out by step-pulling the pH sensor from 5 cm below to 5 cm above LES, and a PTP was determined when pH changed from below to above 4, in centimeters from the nostril. Thirty-six patients referred only for pH monitoring were studied with pH sensor placed at 5 cm above the PTP. Out of 310 patients, a PTP was found in 293 (94.5%): inside LES in 86.3%, into the stomach in 8.2% and in the esophageal body in 5.5% of patients. The median distance between PTP and place where pH sensor monitored reflux was 8 cm. Among 36 patients who performed pH monitoring without LES manometry, there was no gastric monitoring during reflux testing. In adult patients investigated off acid suppressive therapy, GEJ pH mapping with reflux monitoring 5 cm above the PTP can be an alternative technique to perform esophageal pH monitoring when LES manometry is not available. Additional studies are needed before the widespread use of GEJ pH mapping in the clinical practice.

A single dose of zoledronic acid reverses the deleterious effects of glucocorticoids on titanium implant osseointegration.

UNLABELLED: This study evaluates the effect of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on the osseointegration of titanium implants in rabbits with glucocorticoid (GC)-induced bone loss, and our findings demonstrated that a single dose of ZOL is able to reverse the detrimental effects of GCs on the osseointegration of titanium implants. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of ZOL on the osseointegration of titanium implants in rabbits with GC-induced bone loss. METHODS: Three groups of six NZW rabbits were treated for 18 weeks with saline (SALINE), GC (methylprednisolone, 0.35 mg/kg three times a week), or GC + ZOL (methylprednisolone + single dose of ZOL, 0.1 mg/kg). The animals received a titanium implant in the left tibia after 6 weeks and were killed at the 18th week. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline, eighth week (W8), and 18th week (W18) after treatment to determine the change upon treatment (BMD). Histomorphometric and serum bone alkaline phosphatase analysis (BAP) were also performed. RESULTS: At W8, GC group had a significant reduction in lumbar spine and tibia BMD compared with SALINE (p = 0.003 and p = 0.000), as also observed for GC + ZOL group (p = 0.014 and p = 0.003) just 2 weeks after ZOL treatment. In contrast, at W18, the GC + ZOL had an evident BMD rescue with similar lumbar spine and tibia BMD compared with SALINE (0.043 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.055 +/- 0.009 g/cm(2), p = 0.457 and 0.027 +/- 0.003 vs. 0.041 +/- 0.011 g/cm(2), p = 0.232) and a significantly higher BMD compared with the GC (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001). Histomorphometry revealed that osseointegration was significantly reduced in GC (tibia cortical thickness and diameter, bone-implant contact, total and peri-implant bone area) whereas GC + ZOL had these parameters similar to SALINE (p > 0.05). Likewise, ZOL reversed the BAP alteration induced by GC. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that a single dose of ZOL is able to reverse the detrimental effects of glucocorticoids on the osseointegration of titanium implants, suggesting that ZOL therapy may improve the outcome of bone implants in patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Bactérias do acido láctico e leveduras associadas com o queijo-de-minas artesanal produzido na região da Serra do Salitre, Minas Gerais / Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts associated with the artisanal Minas cheese produced in the region of Serra do Salitre, Minas Gerais

Em 10 fazendas da região da Serra do Salitre, MG, foram coletadas amostras de leite, soro fermentado (pingo), coalhada e queijo frescal para avaliar a microbiota de bactérias láticas e leveduras presentes. Uma diversidade menor de bactérias láticas foi observada durante a produção do queijo quando comparada à de leveduras. As espécies de bactérias láticas mais freqüentes foram Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis e Streptococcus agalactiae e de leveduras foram Debaryomyces hansenii e Kluyveromyces lactis. Apenas as populações de Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis e Leuconostoc mesenteroides apresentaram aumento significativo durante a produção do queijo. As espécies de bactérias láticas e leveduras encontradas nos diferentes substratos estudados podem ser responsáveis pelas características de aroma e sabor do queijo artesanal da Serra do Salitre.

Samples of milk, curd, cheese whey, and cheese were collected in 10 farms located at the region of Serra do Salitre, Minas Gerais state. These samples were studied in relation to their lactic acid bacteria and yeast populations. The diversity of lactic acid bacteria species was lower than the diversity of yeasts in these samples. The isolated lactic acid bacteria were Lactococcus lactis, Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus agalactiae; and the yeasts were Debaryomyces hansenii and Kluyveromyces lactis. Only the species Enterococcus spp., Enterococcus faecalis, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides showed an increase in their populations during the production of the artisanal cheese. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts found in this study could be responsible by the sensorial characteristics of the artisanal cheese produced in the region of Serra do Salitre.

Pharmacological study of anti-allergic activity of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels.

Myrtaceae is a plant family widely used in folk medicine and Syzygium and Eugenia are among the most important genera. We investigated the anti-allergic properties of an aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (SC). HPLC analysis revealed that hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids are the major components of the extract. Oral administration of SC (25-100 mg/kg) in Swiss mice (20-25 g; N = 7/group) inhibited paw edema induced by compound 48/80 (50% inhibition, 100 mg/kg; P

Pharmacological study of anti-allergic activity of Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels

Myrtaceae is a plant family widely used in folk medicine and Syzygium and Eugenia are among the most important genera. We investigated the anti-allergic properties of an aqueous leaf extract of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (SC). HPLC analysis revealed that hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids are the major components of the extract. Oral administration of SC (25-100 mg/kg) in Swiss mice (20-25 g; N = 7/group) inhibited paw edema induced by compound 48/80 (50 percent inhibition, 100 mg/kg; P <= 0.05) and, to a lesser extent, the allergic paw edema (23 percent inhibition, 100 mg/kg; P <= 0.05). SC treatment also inhibited the edema induced by histamine (58 percent inhibition; P <= 0.05) and 5-HT (52 percent inhibition; P <= 0.05) but had no effect on platelet-aggregating factor-induced paw edema. SC prevented mast cell degranulation and the consequent histamine release in Wistar rat (180-200 g; N = 7/group) peritoneal mast cells (50 percent inhibition, 1 æg/mL; P <= 0.05) induced by compound 48/80. Pre-treatment of BALB/c mice (18-20 g; N = 7/group) with 100 mg/kg of the extract significantly inhibited eosinophil accumulation in allergic pleurisy (from 7.662 ± 1.524 to 1.89 ± 0.336 x 10(6)/cavity; P <= 0.001). This effect was related to the inhibition of IL-5 (from 70.9 ± 25.2 to 12.05 ± 7.165 pg/mL) and CCL11/eotaxin levels (from 60.4 ± 8.54 to 32.8 ± 8.4 ng/mL) in pleural lavage fluid, using ELISA. These findings demonstrate an anti-allergic effect of SC, and indicate that its anti-edematogenic effect is due to the inhibition of mast cell degranulation and of histamine and serotonin effects, whereas the inhibition of eosinophil accumulation in the allergic pleurisy model is probably due to an impairment of CCL11/eotaxin and IL-5 production.

Persistence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity after systemic eradication therapy.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate if the oral cavity of chronic periodontitis patients can harbor Helicobacter pylori after systemic eradication therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of 30 patients (15 with gingivitis and 15 with chronic periodontitis) positive for H. pylori in the stomach were evaluated. Samples were collected 3 months after triple systemic antibiotic therapy from saliva, microbiota from the dorsum of the tongue, supra- and sub-gingival plaque as well as gastric biopsies. DNA of each sample was extracted by the boiling method and used as a template in polymerase chain reaction with the primers JW22/23. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (60%) harboured H. pylori in their mouths. Five patients (16.6%) were positive in saliva, two (6.6%) on the dorsum of the tongue, nine (30%) in supra-gingival plaque, 14 (46.6%) in sub-gingival plaque and three (10%) in the stomach. There was no statistically significant difference between study groups. CONCLUSION: Eradication of H. pylori after therapy was more effective for the stomach than for the mouth (p<0.001). Mouths of patients with gingivitis or with chronic periodontitis, who are positive for H. pylori in their stomachs, may be considered as reservoirs of these bacteria.

Assimetria e desempenho funcional em hemiplegicos cronicos antes e apos programa de treinamento em academia / Asymmetriy and functional performance among chronic hemiplegic individuals before and after a training program in a fitness center

E bem documentado que hemiplegicos apresentam assimetria, fraqueza muscular e baixa tolerancia ao exercicio. Tradicionalmente, programas de reabilitacao procuram focar a melhora da simetria corporal como objetivo do tratamento, entretanto, os ganhos funcionais que isso representa nao sao bem estabelecidos. Objetivo: avaliar os comportamentos da simetria e do desempenhofuncional e a relacao entre o grau de assimetria e de desempenho funcional antes e apos o treinamento de hemiplegicos utilizando a musculacao e o condicionamento aerobico. Metodos: trinta participantes com media de idade de 56,36+-10,86 anos e tempo de evolucao pos-AVC variando de 1 a 14 anos foram avaliados antes e apos o treinamento. As medidas de simetria foram obtidas em ortostatismo, durante o movimento de passar de sentado para de pe e durante a marcha pelo Balance Master, enquanto o desempenho funcional foi avaliado por meio da velocidade natural da marcha e da habilidade para subir escadas. Estatistica descritiva, testes de normalidade, testes t pareados e coeficientes de correlacao de Pearson foram utilizados para essa analise. Resultados: apos o treinamento, melhoras significativas foram observadas apenas nas medidas de desempenho funcional (p<0,001), sem alteracao significativa de nenhum dos valores de simetria. Alem diss, nao foram observadas correlacoes significativas entre as variaveis funcionais e de simetria (r=0,12-0,27). Conclusoes: os achados indicaram que medidas de simetria nao se mostraram sensiveis para demonstrar mudancas associadas ao treinamento, sugerindo que esse parametro pode ser um desfecho relevante no processo de reabilitacao para obter ganhos funcionais em hemiplegicos cronicos

Metabolic and hematological effects of dietary supplementation with arginine on rats bearing ascitic Walker 256 tumor.

The notion of using supplementary quantities of arginine for nutritional support in patients with cancer has been evaluated not only as supplement intake of nitrogen substrate but also for its immunopharmacological effects capable of improving the patient's prognosis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with arginine on metastatic dissemination, amino acid metabolism, hematological functions of rats with Walker 256 ascitic tumor. Animals were inoculated intraperitoneally with approximately 4 million cells. Nutritional solutions containing 4 or 6% arginine or just a control diet without added arginine, were administered to the animals via esophagic gavages. The rate of metastasis was lower in animals supplemented with arginine at 4 and 6%. Amino acid metabolism was stimulated in tumor-bearing animals after receiving 4 or 6% arginine, demonstrated by significant increase of arginine, ornithine, citrulline, proline and histidine levels in the blood (p < or = 0.001) when compared to the control diet group. Anemia was less severe in tumor-bearing animals that received arginine supplementation. The findings suggest that arginine supplementation at 6% may have a beneficial effect on to the host, besides its pharmacological action.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori detected by polymerase chain reaction in the oral cavity of periodontitis patients.

Helicobacter pylori is an important gastrointestinal pathogen associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and an increased risk of gastric carcinoma. The oral cavity has been indicated as a possible H. pylori reservoir, and may therefore be involved in the reinfection of the stomach which sometimes follows treatment of H. pylori infection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the oral cavity of periodontitis patients testing positive for this bacterium in the stomach. Thirty adult patients with alterations of the superior digestive tract, testing urease positive after endoscopy and biopsy, were selected. A full-mouth periodontal examination was performed in every patient and the subjects were allocated to two groups: gingivitis (15 patients) and chronic periodontitis (15 patients). Plaque and saliva samples collected from each patient were stored in 0.5 ml of TE buffer. DNA was extracted from the samples by the boiling method and was evaluated for the presence of H. pylori using the PCR method. JW 22/23 primers were used. The DNA of ATCC H. pylori 43629 (positive control) and water (negative control) were used for controlling the reactions. Of the 30 evaluated patients, 13 (43.3%) harbored H. pylori in the mouth. The bacterium was not found on the dorsum of the tongue of any patient, but was found in saliva in three patients (10%), in the supragingival plaque in six patients (20%), and in the subgingival plaque in eight patients (26.6%). The presence of H. pylori was similar in the gingivitis and chronic periodontitis groups. In conclusion, a high percentage of patients harbored H. pylori in their mouth. The bacterium was detected in saliva, supragingival and subgingival plaque, suggesting that these sites may be considered reservoirs for H. pylori in urease-positive patients.