Climate risk zoning for wheat crops in the southeastern region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the second most consumed food in the world. One way to meet this demand is the expansion of wheat cultivation to the Brazilian Cerrado in the southeastern region. However, one of the major limitations is that there are few studies related to wheat climate risk zoning. Thus, this study aimed to determine the agroclimatic zoning of wheat by estimating the water needs satisfaction index (ISNA) in the southeastern region of Brazil. For this purpose, a 60-year historical series of meteorological data was used to calculate the potential evapotranspiration, crop evapotranspiration, and climatological water balance values. To define the agroclimatic zones of wheat and sowing date, the ISNA method was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine the variations. To obtain the agroclimatic zoning of wheat, the geostatistical method of kriging interpolation was used. RESULTS: The regions with the highest rainfall are the south of Minas Gerais and the coast of São Paulo. The sowing period directly impacts the development of the crop, the available water capacity and the ISNA values indicated the spring and summer had better cultivation conditions, and the best window for wheat cultivation is concentrated in the fall due to the limitation of biotic factors. CONCLUSION: In terms of altitude (>700 m), Minas Gerais has 39.4% of the area suitable for wheat cultivation. Thus, climatic variations within and between the states of the southeastern region should be considered for the positioning of wheat cultivars in these regions to obtain the maximum yield. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Drying, Physical, Nutritional and Bioactive Characteristics of Apple Peel Flour Subjected to Blanching and Ultrasound Pretreatments.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of blanching and ultrasound pretreatments on drying and quality characteristics of apple peel. Blanching was conducted in boiling water, ultrasound in a water bath, and drying in a batch tray dryer. The product obtained was ground into a flour, and assessed for color, water activity, proximate composition, sugars, and bioactive compounds. Results showed that effective moisture diffusivity increases with a decrease in product moisture content, being such dependence well described by a second order polynomial model. Average drying rate was higher and product moisture content was lower for blanched and sonicated flour, especially for the former. Such result suggests that blanching and ultrasound enhance water removal during drying of apple peel. Physical properties were significantly affected by pretreatments, being more intense red color and lower water activity obtained for sonicated flour. Nutritional and bioactive properties were also significantly affected by pretreatments, being lower sugar, higher protein, fiber, catechin and epicatechin content observed for blanched flour. Summarizing, blanching and ultrasound pretreatments improve drying of apple peel, both regarding process efficiency and product quality.

Rat thyroid graft transplantation after cryopreservation with scintigraphic standardization for an experimental study.

PURPOSE: Budget cuts among other factors undermine the use of state-of-the-art equipment by many research groups. This doesn't mean that their scientific data are not reliable or top-notch. Resort to adaptations is a recurrent need in their reality. The aim of this study was to assess whether scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Control Group (CG), without surgical procedure, Hypothyroidism Group (HTG), submitted to total thyroidectomy, and Transplanted Group (TG), with total thyroidectomy and cryopreservation of the thyroid gland for 7 days followed by grafting of a thyroid lobe. A protocol using a gamma camera imaging was conducted fourteen weeks after transplantation, and the whole body 99mTc, focusing on the topic of heterotopic thyroid uptake was evaluated. RESULTS: The images acquired had good quality with no noise and artifacts that could jeopardize its analysis. On the 14th day, HTG displayed no thyroid uptake, and the TG had a clear uptake of the thyroid graft in the topography of the biceps femoris muscle. Presented data also showed that both equipment spatial resolution and alignment (4.375 mm) did not interfere with the physiological uptake of 99mTc by the thyroid graft. CONCLUSION: The viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy were successfully accessed by the scintigraphy protocol developed.

Rat thyroid graft transplantation after cryopreservation with scintigraphic standardization for an experimental study

Abstract Purpose: Budget cuts among other factors undermine the use of state-of-the-art equipment by many research groups. This doesn't mean that their scientific data are not reliable or top-notch. Resort to adaptations is a recurrent need in their reality. The aim of this study was to assess whether scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. Material and methods: 24 rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Control Group (CG), without surgical procedure, Hypothyroidism Group (HTG), submitted to total thyroidectomy, and Transplanted Group (TG), with total thyroidectomy and cryopreservation of the thyroid gland for 7 days followed by grafting of a thyroid lobe. A protocol using a gamma camera imaging was conducted fourteen weeks after transplantation, and the whole body 99mTc, focusing on the topic of heterotopic thyroid uptake was evaluated. Results: The images acquired had good quality with no noise and artifacts that could jeopardize its analysis. On the 14th day, HTG displayed no thyroid uptake, and the TG had a clear uptake of the thyroid graft in the topography of the biceps femoris muscle. Presented data also showed that both equipment spatial resolution and alignment (4.375 mm) did not interfere with the physiological uptake of 99mTc by the thyroid graft. Conclusion: The viability and functionality of cryopreserved thyroid autotransplantation in rats who underwent total thyroidectomy were successfully accessed by the scintigraphy protocol developed. HIGHLIGHTS Adaptations in validated methods are a recurrent trend due to limited budgets which does not diminish their functionality. Scintigraphy with 99mTcO4 is effective in evaluating the functionality of thyroid grafts after cryopreservation in rats. It is possible to adapt human SPECT for other animals for clinical and research purposes.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment Before Radiotherapy Protects Against Radiation-Induced Liver Disease in Mice.

Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD) remains a major problem resulting from radiotherapy. In this scenario, immunotherapy with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) arises as an attractive approach that might improve the injured liver. Here, we investigated G-CSF administration's impact before and after liver irradiation exposure using an association of alcohol consumption and local irradiation to induce liver disease model in C57BL/6 mice. Male and female mice were submitted to a previous alcohol-induced liver injury protocol with water containing 5% alcohol for 90 days. Then, the animals were treated with G-CSF (100 µg/kg/d) for 3 days before or after liver irradiation (18 Gy). At days 7, 30, and 60 post-radiation, non-invasive liver images were acquired by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography. Biochemical and histological evaluations were performed to verify whether G-CSF could prevent liver tissue damage or reverse the acute liver injury. Our data showed that the treatment with G-CSF before irradiation effectively improved morphofunctional parameters caused by RILD, restoring histological arrangement, promoting liver regeneration, preserving normal organelles distribution, and glycogen granules. The amount of OV-6 and F4/80-positive cells increased, and α-SMA positive cells' presence was normalized. Additionally, prior G-CSF administration preserved serum biochemical parameters and increased the survival rates (100%). On the other hand, after irradiation, the treatment showed a slight improvement in survival rates (79%) and did not ameliorate RILD. Overall, our data suggest that G-CSF administration before radiation might be an immunotherapeutic alternative to radiotherapy planning to avoid RILD.

Development of 131I-ixolaris as a theranostic agent: metastatic melanoma preclinical studies.

Tissue factor (TF), a blood coagulation protein, plays an important role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Ixolaris, a tick-derived non-immunogenic molecule that binds to TF, has demonstrated in vivo inhibitory effect on murine models of melanoma, including primary growth and metastasis. This work aimed to: I) develop an efficient and stable labeling technique of ixolaris with Iodine-131(131I); II) compare the biodistribution of 131I and 131I-ixolaris in tumor-free and melanoma-bearing mice; III) evaluate whether 131I-ixolaris could serve as an antimetastatic agent. Ixolaris radioiodination was performed using iodogen, followed by liquid paper chromatography. Labeling stability and anticoagulant activity were measured. Imaging studies were performed after intravenous administration of free 131I or 131I-ixolaris in a murine melanoma model employing the B16-F10 cell line. Animals were divided in three experimental groups: the first experimental group, D0, received a single-dose of 9.25 MBq of 131I-ixolaris at the same day the animals were inoculated with melanoma cells. In the second group, D15, a single-dose of 9.25 MBq of 131I-ixolaris or free 131I was applied into mice on the fifteenth day after the tumor induction. The third group, D1-D15, received two therapeutic doses of 9.25 MBq of 131I-ixolaris or 131I. In vitro studies demonstrated that 131I-ixolaris is stable for up to 24 h and retains its inhibitory activity on blood coagulation. Biodistribution analysis and metastasis assays showed that all treatment regimens with 131I-ixolaris were effective, being the double-treatment (D1/D15) the most effective one. Remarkably, treatment with free 131I showed no anti-metastatic effect. 131I-ixolaris is a promising theranostic agent for metastatic melanoma.

EXPLORING CORTICAL BONE DENSITY THROUGH THE ULTRASOUND INTEGRATED REFLECTION COEFFICIENT.

OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the relationship between ultrasonic reflection and bone density from fourteen cylindrical bovine cortical bone samples (3.0-cm thick). METHODS: Twenty US reflection signals per sample were acquired along the bone surface (2.0-mm step). The Integrated Reflection Coefficient (IRC) from each signal was compared to Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT). RESULTS: Seven IRC and QCT curves presented Pearson's Correlation R-values above 0.5. For weak correlation curves, QCT and IRC showed similar trends in several segments. CONCLUSION: IRC was sensitive to bone density variation. Level of Evidence: Experimental Study, Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avalia a relação entre a reflexão ultrassônica e a densidade óssea de 14 amostras cilíndricas de osso cortical bovino (3,0 cm de espessura). MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a aquisição de 20 sinais de reflexão ultrassônica por amostra (passo de 2,0 mm), ao longo da superfície óssea. O Coeficiente de Reflexão Integrado (IRC) de cada sinal foi comparado por Tomografia Computadorizada Quantitativa (QCT). RESULTADOS: Sete curvas de IRC e QCT apresentaram valor de Correlação R de Pearson acima de 0,5. Para curvas de correlação fraca, QCT e IRC apresentaram tendências semelhantes em vários segmentos. CONCLUSÃO: O IRC foi sensível à variação da densidade óssea. Nível de evidência: Estudo Experimental, Investigação de Exame Diagnóstico.

Monitoring bone changes due to calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus loss in rat femurs using Quantitative Ultrasound.

Bone mineral density is an important parameter for the diagnosis of bone diseases, as well as for predicting fractures and treatment monitoring. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) to monitor bone changes after calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium loss in rat femurs in vitro during a demineralization process. Four quantitative ultrasound parameters were estimated from bone surface echoes in eight femur diaphysis of rats. The echo signals were acquired during a decalcification process by Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA). The results were compared to Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry measurements for validation. Integrated Reflection Coefficient (IRC) reflection parameters and Frequency Slope of Reflection Transfer Function (FSRTF) during demineralization tended to decrease, while the backscattering parameter Apparent Integrated Backscatter (AIB) increased and Frequency Slope of Apparent Backscatter (FSAB) showed an oscillatory behavior with no defined trend. Results indicate a clear relation between demineralization and the corresponding decrease in the reflection parameters and increase in the scattering parameters. The trend analysis of the fall curve of the chemical elements showed a better relationship between IRC and QCT. It was possible to monitor bone changes after ions losses, through the QUS. Thus, it is an indication that the proposed protocol has potential to characterize bone tissue in animal models, providing consistent results towards standardization of bone characterization studies by QUS endorsing its use in humans.

Exploring cortical bone density through the ultrasound integrated reflection coefficient / Densidade óssea cortical analisada pelo coeficiente de reflexão ultrassônica

ABSTRACT Objective: This work evaluates the relationship between ultrasonic reflection and bone density from fourteen cylindrical bovine cortical bone samples (3.0-cm thick). Methods: Twenty US reflection signals per sample were acquired along the bone surface (2.0-mm step). The Integrated Reflection Coefficient (IRC) from each signal was compared to Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT). Results: Seven IRC and QCT curves presented Pearson's Correlation R-values above 0.5. For weak correlation curves, QCT and IRC showed similar trends in several segments. Conclusion: IRC was sensitive to bone density variation. Level of Evidence: Experimental Study, Investigating a Diagnostic Test.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avalia a relação entre a reflexão ultrassônica e a densidade óssea de 14 amostras cilíndricas de osso cortical bovino (3,0 cm de espessura). Métodos: Foi realizada a aquisição de 20 sinais de reflexão ultrassônica por amostra (passo de 2,0 mm), ao longo da superfície óssea. O Coeficiente de Reflexão Integrado (IRC) de cada sinal foi comparado por Tomografia Computadorizada Quantitativa (QCT). Resultados: Sete curvas de IRC e QCT apresentaram valor de Correlação R de Pearson acima de 0,5. Para curvas de correlação fraca, QCT e IRC apresentaram tendências semelhantes em vários segmentos. Conclusão: O IRC foi sensível à variação da densidade óssea. Nível de evidência: Estudo Experimental, Investigação de Exame Diagnóstico.

Regional Lung Recruitability During Pneumoperitoneum Depends on Chest Wall Elastance - A Mechanical and Computed Tomography Analysis in Rats.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery with pneumoperitoneum increases respiratory system elastance due to the augmented intra-abdominal pressure. We aim to evaluate to which extent positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is able to counteract abdominal hypertension preventing progressive lung collapse and how rib cage elastance influences PEEP effect. Methods: Forty-four Wistar rats were mechanically ventilated and randomly assigned into three groups: control (CTRL), pneumoperitoneum (PPT) and pneumoperitoneum with restricted rib cage (PPT-RC). A pressure-volume (PV) curve followed by a recruitment maneuver and a decremental PEEP trial were performed in all groups. Thereafter, animals were ventilated using PEEP of 3 and 8 cmH2O divided into two subgroups used to evaluate respiratory mechanics or computed tomography (CT) images. In 26 rats, we compared respiratory system elastance (Ers) at the two PEEP levels. In 18 animals, CT images were acquired to calculate total lung volume (TLV), total volume and air volume in six anatomically delimited regions of interest (three along the cephalo-caudal and three along the ventro-dorsal axes). Results: PEEP of minimal Ers was similar in CTRL and PPT groups (3.8 ± 0.45 and 3.5 ± 3.89 cmH2O, respectively) and differed from PPT-RC group (9.8 ± 0.63 cmH2O). Chest restriction determined a right- and downward shift of the PV curve, increased Ers and diminished TLV and lung aeration. Increasing PEEP augmented TLV in CTRL group (11.8 ± 1.3 to 13.6 ± 2 ml, p < 0.05), and relative air content in the apex of PPT group (3.5 ± 1.4 to 4.6 ± 1.4% TLV, p < 0.03) and in the middle zones in PPT-RC group (21.4 ± 1.9 to 25.3 ± 2.1% TLV cephalo-caudally and 18.1 ± 4.3 to 22.0 ± 3.3% TLV ventro-dorsally, p < 0.005). Conclusion: Regional lung recruitment potential during pneumoperitoneum depends on rib cage elastance, reinforcing the concept of PEEP individualization according to the patient's condition.

A comparative study of phytoconstituents and antibacterial activity of in vitro derived materials of four Passiflora species.

Passiflora species are well known for their common use in popular medicine for the treatment of several diseases, such as insomnia, anxiety, and hysteria, in addition to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic and antibacterial potential. However, few data about the chemical composition and the medicinal potential of in vitro derived materials are available. Therefore, the goal of this work was to compare, for the first time, the phytoconstituents of in vitro derived materials of four Passiflora species, and evaluate the antibacterial potential of their extracts against 20 Gram-positive and negative strains. Chromatographic analysis indicated the presence of saponins in roots extracts from all studied species, whereas leaf extracts presented both saponins and flavonoids. Extracts from leaves and roots of P. alata and P. foetida exhibited a selective inhibitory activity against B. thuringiensis and S. pyogenes, which might be related to the presence of a high concentration of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and saponins.

Therapeutic effects of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells from healthy or silicotic donors on recipient silicosis mice.

BACKGROUND: Administration of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) modulates lung inflammation and fibrosis in experimental silicosis. However, no studies have evaluated whether silicosis affects the efficacy of autologous BMMCs treatment. We hypothesized that BMMCs obtained from healthy or silicotic mice may improve lung function, but they might affect the inflammatory and fibrotic processes differently in experimental silicosis. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control (C) and silicosis (SIL) groups. Mice in the SIL group were instilled with silica particles intratracheally; the C animals received saline using the same protocol. On day 15, the animals were treated with saline (Sal) or BMMCs (2 × 106 cells) from healthy (BMMC-healthy) and silicotic (BMMC-sil) donors. Lung mechanics were measured, and lungs were collected for histology and molecular biology analysis. RESULTS: BMMCs obtained from healthy and silicotic donors presented similar percentages of cell populations. 99mTc-BMMCs tracking revealed preferential migration of cells to the liver, and only a few GFP+ BMMCs were observed in lung tissue 24 h after treatment, regardless of donor type. Both the SIL-BMMC-healthy and SIL-BMMC-sil groups showed improvement in lung function, a reduction in the fractional area of granuloma, and a decrease in the number of mononuclear and apoptotic cells in lung parenchyma. In addition, the number of F4/80+ macrophages, the levels of interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor beta, and collagen fiber content in granuloma were reduced in SIL-BMMC-healthy mice, whereas mRNA expression of MMP-9 and procollagen I and III was reduced in the SIL-BMMC-sil group. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of BMMCs from healthy and silicotic donors reduced lung inflammation and fibrosis, thus improving lung function. In addition, BMMC-healthy exhibited a greater improvement in lung morpho-functional changes in murine model of silicosis.

The nasal delivery of nanoencapsulated statins - an approach for brain delivery.

PURPOSE: Along with their cholesterol-lowering effect, statins have shown a wide range of pleiotropic effects potentially beneficial to neurodegenerative diseases. However, such effects are extremely elusive via the conventional oral administration. The purpose of the present study was to prepare and characterize the physicochemical properties and the in vivo biodistribution of simvastatin-loaded lecithin/chitosan nanoparticles (SVT-LCNs) suitable for nasal administration in view of an improved delivery of the statins to the brain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chitosan, lecithin, and different oil excipients were used to prepare nanocapsules loaded with simvastatin. Particle size distribution, surface charge, structure, simvastatin loading and release, and interaction with mucus of nanoparticles were determined. The nanoparticle nasal toxicity was evaluated in vitro using RPMI 2651 nasal cell lines. Finally, in vivo biodistribution was assessed by gamma scintigraphy via Tc99m labeling of the particles. RESULTS: Among the different types of nanoparticles produced, the SVT-LCN_MaiLab showed the most ideal physicochemical characteristics, with small diameter (200 nm), positive surface charge (+48 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (EE; 98%). Size distribution was further confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis and electron microscopy. The particles showed a relatively fast release of simvastatin in vitro (35.6%±4.2% in 6 hours) in simulated nasal fluid. Blank nanoparticles did not show cytotoxicity, evidencing that the formulation is safe for nasal administration, while cytotoxicity of simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles (IC50) was found to be three times lower than the drug solution (9.92 vs 3.50 µM). In rats, a significantly higher radioactivity was evidenced in the brain after nasal delivery of simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles in comparison to the administration of a similar dose of simvastatin suspension. CONCLUSION: The SVT-LCNs developed presented some of the most desirable characteristics for mucosal delivery, that is, small particle size, positive surface charge, long-term stability, high EE, and mucoadhesion. In addition, they displayed two exciting features: First was their biodegradability by enzymes present in the mucus layer, such as lysozyme. This indicates a new Trojan-horse strategy which may enhance drug release in the proximity of the nasal mucosa. Second was their ability to enhance the nose-to-brain transport as evidenced by preliminary gamma scintigraphy studies.

Does acute exposure to aldehydes impair pulmonary function and structure?

Mixtures of anhydrous ethyl alcohol and gasoline substituted for pure gasoline as a fuel in many Brazilian vehicles. Consequently, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ketones, other organic compounds, and particularly aldehydes increased in many Brazilian cities. The current study aims to investigate whether formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, or mixtures of both impair lung function, morphology, inflammatory and redox responses at environmentally relevant concentrations. For such purpose, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to either medical compressed air or to 4 different mixtures of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Eight hours later animals were anesthetized, paralyzed and lung mechanics and morphology, inflammatory cells and IL-1ß, KC, TNF-α, IL-6, CCL2, MCP-1 contents, superoxide dismutase and catalalase activities were determined. The extra pulmonary respiratory tract was also analyzed. No differences could be detected between any exposed and control groups. In conclusion, no morpho-functional alterations were detected in exposed mice in relation to the control group.

Antimicrobial activity of Anonna mucosa (Jacq.) grown in vivo and obtained by in vitroculture.

Brazilian flora includes numerous species of medicinal importance that can be used to develop new drugs. Plant tissue culture offers strategies for conservation and use of these species allowing continuous production of plants and bioactive substances. Annona mucosa has produced substances such as acetogenins and alkaloids that exhibit antimicrobial activities. The widespread use of antibiotics has led to an increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria, which represents a serious risk of infection. In view of this problem, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of extracts of A. mucosa obtained by in vitro techniques and also cultured under in vivo conditions. Segments from seedlings were inoculated onto different culture media containing the auxin picloram and the cytokinin kinetin at different concentrations. The calluses obtained were used to produce cell suspension cultures. The materials were subjected to methanol extraction and subsequent fractionation in hexane and dichloromethane. The antimicrobial activity against 20 strains of clinical relevance was evaluated by the macrodilution method at minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The extracts showed selective antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus thuringiensis at different concentrations. The plant tissue culture methods produced plant materials with antibacterial properties, as well as in vivo grown plants. The antibacterial activity of material obtained through biotechnological procedures of A. mucosa is reported here for the first time.

Antimicrobial activity of Anonna mucosa (Jacq.) grown in vivo and obtained by in vitroculture

Brazilian flora includes numerous species of medicinal importance that can be used to develop new drugs. Plant tissue culture offers strategies for conservation and use of these species allowing continuous production of plants and bioactive substances. Annona mucosa has produced substances such as acetogenins and alkaloids that exhibit antimicrobial activities. The widespread use of antibiotics has led to an increase in multidrug-resistant bacteria, which represents a serious risk of infection. In view of this problem, the aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of extracts of A. mucosa obtained by in vitro techniques and also cultured under in vivo conditions. Segments from seedlings were inoculated onto different culture media containing the auxin picloram and the cytokinin kinetin at different concentrations. The calluses obtained were used to produce cell suspension cultures. The materials were subjected to methanol extraction and subsequent fractionation in hexane and dichloromethane. The antimicrobial activity against 20 strains of clinical relevance was evaluated by the macrodilution method at minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The extracts showed selective antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes and Bacillus thuringiensis at different concentrations. The plant tissue culture methods produced plant materials with antibacterial properties, as well as in vivo grown plants. The antibacterial activity of material obtained through biotechnological procedures of A. mucosa is reported here for the first time.

(99m)Tc-ixolaris targets glioblastoma-associated tissue factor: in vitro and pre-clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: The clotting initiator protein tissue factor (TF) has recently been described as a potential target that can be exploited to image aggressive tumors. Ixolaris is a specific TF inhibitor that blocks tumor cell procoagulant activity and tumor growth. OBJECTIVE: Herein we evaluated the ability of (99m)Tc-ixolaris to target tumor-derived TF using an orthotopic glioblastoma (GBM) model in mice. METHODS: The right forebrains of Swiss mice were stereotactically inoculated with U87-MG human GBM cells. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on the resulting tumors after 35-45 days. The biodistribution of (99m)Tc-ixolaris was evaluated by semi-quantitative whole-body scintigraphy and a quantitative analysis of radioactivity in isolated organs. RESULTS: No (99m)Tc-ixolaris uptake was observed in brain of tumor-free mice, independently of the integrity of brain-blood barrier. In contrast, the presence of TF-expressing brain tumor masses determined a significant (99m)Tc-ixolaris uptake. CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-ixolaris recognized TF-expressing GBM cells in vivo. Given the proposed role of TF in tumor progression, (99m)Tc-ixolaris is a promising radiopharmaceutical agent for quantifying cancer-associated TF in aggressive tumors, including GBM.

Biological Impact of Transpulmonary Driving Pressure in Experimental Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-induced lung injury has been attributed to the interaction of several factors: tidal volume (VT), positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), transpulmonary driving pressure (difference between transpulmonary pressure at end-inspiration and end-expiration, ΔP,L), and respiratory system plateau pressure (Pplat,rs). METHODS: Forty-eight Wistar rats received Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide intratracheally. After 24 h, animals were randomized into combinations of VT and PEEP, yielding three different ΔP,L levels: ΔP,LLOW (VT = 6 ml/kg, PEEP = 3 cm H2O); ΔP,LMEAN (VT = 13 ml/kg, PEEP = 3 cm H2O or VT = 6 ml/kg, PEEP = 9.5 cm H2O); and ΔP,LHIGH (VT = 22 ml/kg, PEEP = 3 cm H2O or VT = 6 ml/kg, PEEP = 11 cm H2O). In other groups, at low VT, PEEP was adjusted to obtain a Pplat,rs similar to that achieved with ΔP,LMEAN and ΔP,LHIGH at high VT. RESULTS: At ΔP,LLOW, expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and amphiregulin were reduced, despite morphometric evidence of alveolar collapse. At ΔP,LHIGH (VT = 6 ml/kg and PEEP = 11 cm H2O), lungs were fully open and IL-6 and RAGE were reduced compared with ΔP,LMEAN (27.4 ± 12.9 vs. 41.6 ± 14.1 and 0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3, respectively), despite increased hyperinflation and amphiregulin expression. At ΔP,LMEAN (VT = 6 ml/kg and PEEP = 9.5 cm H2O), when PEEP was not high enough to keep lungs open, IL-6, RAGE, and amphiregulin expression increased compared with ΔP,LLOW (41.6 ± 14.1 vs. 9.0 ± 9.8, 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2, and 6.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.2 ± 1.0, respectively). At Pplat,rs similar to that achieved with ΔP,LMEAN and ΔP,LHIGH, higher VT and lower PEEP reduced IL-6 and RAGE expression. CONCLUSION: In the acute respiratory distress syndrome model used in this experiment, two strategies minimized ventilator-induced lung injury: (1) low VT and PEEP, yielding low ΔP,L and Pplat,rs; and (2) low VT associated with a PEEP level sufficient to keep the lungs open.

Interesterified fat or palm oil as substitutes for partially hydrogenated fat in maternal diet can predispose obesity in adult male offspring.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Palm oil (PO) and interesterified fat (IF) have been used to replace partially hydrogenated fat (PHF), which is rich in trans isomers, in processed foods. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether normolipidic diets containing PHF, IF, or PO consumed during pregnancy and lactation affect total body adiposity and adipose tissue morphology of adult offspring mice. METHODS: Four groups of female C57BL/6 mice were fed, during pregnancy and lactation, a control diet (control group, CG), a PHF diet (trans group, TG), a PO diet (PG group), or an IF diet (IG group). After weaning (at 21 days), male pups received the control diet for 70 days. Food intake and body weight were monitored in all groups throughout the experimental period. At 3 months of age, mice were sacrificed and the inguinal (IWAT), epididymal (EWAT), retroperitoneal (RPWAT), and mesenteric (MWAT) adipose fat pads were removed and weighed. Adiposity was quantified by micro computed tomography (micro-CT), and adipocyte areas and cell number were analyzed by histology. RESULTS: PG and IG offspring gained more weight than CG and TG groups (p < 0.01) during the first 10 weeks after weaning, resulting in higher final body weights (p < 0.05). IG mice and PG mice had respectively heavier EWAT and IWAT than TG and CG mice. Micro-CT scanning revealed that the total volumes of internal, external, and total fat depots were greater in IG animals, as compared to the other groups. Larger adipocyte areas were observed in EWAT and IWAT in IG and TG, respectively, in comparison to CG and PG mice. PG mice showed increased adipocyte numbers in IWAT. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal intake of IF and/or PO during pregnancy and lactation predisposes the offspring to the development of obesity in adult life in mice.

Radiolabeling of cramoll 1,4: evaluation of the biodistribution.

The cramoll 1,4 is a well-studied lectin. However, few studies about its biodistribution have been done before. In this study, we radiolabeled the cramol 1,4 with Tc-99m and analyzed the biodistribution. The results showed that the cramol has an abnormal uptake by the bowel with reflections on its clearance mechanism.