Immunostimulating activity of Uncaria tomentosa in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Uncaria tomentosa is a plant native to the Amazon that has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties due to the alkaloids found in the plant, being able to modify the immune response by potentiating or suspending the action of cytokines secreted by macrophages that induce the immune response, either by the classical route (M1) or through the alternative route (M2). Macrophages activated by M1 convert L-arginine into L-citrulline and nitric oxide (NO), whereas macrophages activated by the M2 pathway use the enzymatic activity of arginase to convert the same substrate into L-ornithine and urea. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulating activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract from the bark of the U. tomentosa stem in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Concentrations of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.05 mg/mL of U. tomentosa extract associated with LPS, INF-γ and IL-4 inducers were tested by determining NO production and arginase enzyme activity. Nitric oxide production was enhanced by the extract when associated with LPS and LPS + INF-γ inducers. In the activity of the arginase enzyme, the extract decreased the stimulation of IL-4 on the enzyme, mainly at 0.2 mg/mL concentration. Therefore, it is concluded that the crude hydroalcoholic extract of the stem bark of U. tomentosa in RAW 264.7 cells, at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, showed considerable pro-inflammatory activity.

The new HLA-DQB1*05:304 allele identified in an Italian patient.

DQB1*05:304 allele was identical to DQB1*05:02:01 except for a single nucleotide substitution.

Changes after 12 years of follow-up severe asthma patients cohort: higher obstruction and comorbidities, but significant better quality of life.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Cohort of Asthma São Paulo (BRASASP) had a well-characterized severe asthmatic in Brazil, with 12 years of follow-up under standard treatment. METHODS: Sequential assessment of patients with uncontrolled asthma from BRASASP cohort was carried out with 12 years of follow-up, performing exams and comparing with previous measurements. RESULTS: 50 from the 60 initial patients were reevaluated. Twelve years later, FEV1 and the FEV1/FVC ratio have significantly decreased, with a rate of loss of lung function of 11.8 and 14%, respectively, and worsening in small airway parameters such as RV/TLC. BMI, The Asthma Control Test (ACT) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores haven't changed. However, exacerbations decreased by 56%. Mean daily inhaled corticosteroid use was similar over time, but daily oral corticosteroid use decreased, in addition to a significant reduction in induced sputum eosinophilic and neutrophilic profile and serum IgE. Rhinitis, sinusitis, and GERD were the main comorbidities. In quality of life according to respiratory questionnaire SGRQ, total score showed a huge improvement (62% of patients). CONCLUSIONS: There was significant decrease in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Data of pulmonary functional small airway characteristics show globally affected airways. Although higher doses of medications, patients were still uncontrolled, but with reduction of exacerbations, daily use of oral corticosteroid, less eosinophils and neutrophils in induced sputum and lower levels of IgE. Improvement in quality of life in 62% of patients.

Impact of dietary incorporation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and exogenous enzymes on broiler performance, carcass traits, and meat quality.

This study assessed the effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), individually and in combination with exogenous enzymes, on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of broiler chickens. One hundred and twenty Ross 308 male chickens were allocated into 40 battery brooders, with 3 birds per cage, and fed ad libitum a corn-based diet during the first 21 D of the trial. The experimental period lasted from day 21 to 35, during which birds were fed 4 different diets: a corn-soybean basal diet, taken as the control group, a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina (MA), a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina plus 0.005% Rovabio Excel AP (MAR), and a basal diet containing 15% Spirulina plus 0.01% lysozyme (MAL). Body weight gain (P < 0.001) and feed conversion rate (P < 0.001) were improved in control chickens, when compared with those fed with Spirulina. In addition, Spirulina increased the length of duodenum plus jejunum in relation to the other treatment (P < 0.01). Chickens on the MAL diet showed a considerable increase in digesta viscosity (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Breast and thigh meats from chickens fed with Spirulina, with or without the addition of exogenous enzymes, had higher values of yellowness (b*) (P < 0.001), total carotenoids (P < 0.001), and saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (P < 0.01) and α-tocopherol (P < 0.001) decreased, when compared with the control. In conclusion, the incorporation of 15% Spirulina in broiler diets, individually or combined with exogenous enzymes, reduced birds' performance through a higher digesta viscosity, which is likely associated with the gelation of microalga indigestible proteins. In addition, cell wall of Spirulina was successfully broken by the addition of lysozyme, but not by Rovabio Excel AP. Therefore, we anticipate that the combination of lysozyme with an exogenous specific peptidase could improve the digestibility of proteins from this microalga and avoid their detrimental gelation.

Persistence of Hepatitis A Virus in Fresh Produce and Production Environments, and the Effect of Disinfection Procedures: A Review.

Although information is limited, it is evident that prolonged persistence of infectious Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a factor in the transmission of the virus via fresh produce. Consequently, data on persistence of the virus on produce, and in environments relevant to production, such as soils, water and surfaces, are required to fully understand the dynamics of transmission of HAV via foods. Furthermore, information on effective disinfection procedures is necessary to implement effective post-harvest control measures. This review summarises current information on HAV persistence in fresh produce and on relevant disinfection procedures. On vegetables, HAV can remain infectious for several days; on frozen berries, it can persist for several months. HAV can remain infectious on surfaces for months, depending on temperature and relative humidity, and can survive desiccation. It can survive for several hours on hands. Washing hands can remove the virus, but further data are required on the appropriate procedure. Chlorination is effective in water, but not when HAV is associated with foodstuffs. Bleach and other sodium hypochlorite disinfectants at high concentrations can reduce HAV on surfaces, but are not suitable for use on fresh produce. There is only limited information on the effects of heating regimes used in the food industry on HAV. HAV is resistant to mild pasteurisation. Some food components, e.g. fats and sugars, can increase the virus' resistance to higher temperatures. HAV is completely eliminated by boiling. Quantitative prevalence data are needed to allow the setting of appropriate disinfection log reduction targets for fresh produce.

Airway pathology in severe asthma is related to airflow obstruction but not symptom control.

BACKGROUND: Patients with asthma present structural and inflammatory alterations that are believed to play a role in disease severity. However, airway remodeling and inflammation have not been extensively investigated in relation to both symptom control and airflow obstruction in severe asthmatics. We aimed to investigate several inflammatory and structural pathological features in bronchial biopsies of severe asthmatics that could be related to symptom control and airflow obstruction after standardized treatment. METHODS: Fifty severe asthmatics received prednisone 40 mg/d for 2 weeks and maintenance therapy with budesonide/formoterol 400/12 µg twice daily + budesonide/formoterol 200/6 µg as needed for 12 weeks. Endobronchial biopsies were performed at the end of 12 weeks. We performed extensive immunopathological analyses of airway tissue inflammation and remodeling features in patients stratified by asthma symptom control and by airflow obstruction. RESULTS: Airway tissue inflammation and remodeling were not associated with symptom control. Asthmatics with persistent airflow obstruction had greater airway smooth muscle (Asm) area with decreased periostin and transforming growth factor beta-positive cells within Asm bundles, in addition to lower numbers of chymase-positive mast cells in the submucosa compared to patients with nonpersistent obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom control in severe asthmatics was not associated with airway tissue inflammation and remodeling, although persistent airflow obstruction in these patients was associated with bronchial inflammation and airway structural changes.

Factors associated with the quality of life of mothers of preterm infants with very low birth weight: a 3-year follow-up study.

AIM: To analyze possible factors associated with the quality of life (QoL) of mothers of preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) during the first 3 years after delivery. METHODS: The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-bref scores were compared and correlated with maternal and infant-related sociodemographic and clinical variables at maternal discharge (T0) and at 6 (T1), 12 (T2), 24 (T3), and 36 (T4) months after delivery. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to investigate the effect of these variables on the mothers' QoL. RESULTS: The WHOQOL-BREF physical domain scores were higher at T1 and T2 compared to T0 (p = 0.013). Maternal variables that contributed to maternal QoL scores (p < 0.05) were stable marital union (b = 13.60; T0), family income (b = -12.75; T3), Evangelical religion (b = 8.11; T4), and beck depression inventory (BDI) score (-1.42 ≤ b ≤ -0.36; T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4). Infants' variables that most affected maternal QoL (p < 0.05) were posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) (-18.84 ≤ b ≤ -10.05; T1, T2, and T4), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (b = -7.41; T2), female gender (b = 8.09; T2), and SNAPPE severity score (b = -0.23; T3). CONCLUSION: Mothers of preterm infants with VLBW exhibited transient improvements in physical well-being during the first year after delivery. The presence of depressive symptoms in mothers and the diagnosis of PHH or BPD were negatively associated with QoL. Social, religious, and economic aspects were also important factors for the QoL of mothers of preterm infants with VLBW.

Research advisory board members' contributions and expectations in the USA.

This study focuses on the Implementation Community Collaborative Board (I-CCB) to identify members' anticipated contributions to and returns from the I-CCB; examine whether or not members achieved these contributions and returns over time; and explore barriers and facilitators that influenced accomplishments. Longitudinal study with repeated semi-structured in-depth interviews; baseline captured anticipated contributions and returns; 6- and 18-month follow-ups short- and longer-term achievements. We used content analysis to code/reduce text into variables, describe, count and compare categories. Participants anticipated involvement in I-CCB dynamics/governance and in research tasks/procedures. Anticipated returns included social support. Participants exerting influence on I-CCB's research agenda stayed the same over time. Participants conducting research doubled between follow-ups; those writing grant proposals increased by 50%. Participants receiving emotional support remained the same. Challenges: meetings steered by researchers; lack of time; use of jargon. Facilitators: outreaching to community; being affected by HIV; having overlapping identities/roles as researcher, service consumer and/or practitioner. Research partners can maximize facilitators, redress barriers and improve advisory board members' retention. Findings may help optimize the functioning of advisory boards worldwide.

Effect of reduced dietary protein and supplementation with a docosahexaenoic acid product on broiler performance and meat quality.

1. Chicken breast meat is a lean meat due to its low content of intramuscular fat (IMF) resulting in an overall lower acceptability by consumers due to a decrease in juiciness, flavour and increased chewiness. Recently, studies performed in pigs suggested the possibility of increasing IMF by decreasing dietary crude protein (CP) content, an effect possibly mediated through an increased lipogenesis. 2. Dietary supplementation with lipids rich in omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) may modulate an increase in the content of these fatty acids in meat from monogastric animals and, thus, promote the daily intake of n-3 LC-PUFA by humans. 3. LC-PUFA are very susceptible to oxidation, resulting in off-flavours that affect meat quality and consumers' acceptability. 4. This trial was conducted to assess the effect of reducing dietary CP, from 21% to 17%, on chicken's meat IMF content and, simultaneously, to evaluate if a complementary supplementation with a proprietary n-3 LC-PUFA source (DHA Gold™) could improve meat quality. These effects were assessed by measuring productive performance and meat quality, oxidative stability, sensory traits and fatty acid profile. 5. A reduction in CP content of broiler diets, from 21% to 17%, balanced for lysine, improved performance while it was not sufficient to increase IMF content in chicken meat. In contrast, DHA Gold™ supplementation had a positive impact both in broiler productive parameters and in meat fatty acid profile. 6. In addition, incorporation of 7.4% of DHA Gold™ in the diet promoted carcass yield but negatively affected chicken meat acceptability by consumers, due to a decrease of meat oxidative stability. 7. Overall the data suggest that neither a dietary supplementation with DHA Gold™ nor a reduction in CP have a direct positive effect in the levels of IMF present in broiler meat.

Policy advocacy and leadership training for formerly incarcerated women: an empowerment evaluation of ReConnect, a program of the Women in Prison Project, Correctional Association of New York.

There is limited knowledge on re-entry initiatives for formerly incarcerated women specifically on building women's advocacy and leadership skills. Our research highlights an empowerment evaluation on ReConnect, a 12-session; innovative advocacy and leadership development program rooted in an integrated framework of empowerment, and transformational leadership theories. Using thematic analysis, we coded three focus groups with 24 graduates, for themes that matched our framework's concepts. ReConnect graduates reported being empowered by the information they received on parental rights, housing, and employment. Participants agreed that ReConnect improved their communication skills, preparing them to advocate for themselves and community members.

Metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus in childhood cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: The survival of children with cancer has grown considerably in recent years resulting in a marked increase of endocrine complications. increasingly recognized problems are metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. DATA SOURCES: We critically analysed the most recent literature about the prevalence and molecular mechanisms of metabolic dysregulation and long-term cardio-metabolic risk in this population. RESULTS: Hypothalamic irradiation determines growth hormone deficiency and hypogonadism; moreover it is able to disrupt the appetite regulating centre leading to hyperphagia and progressive obesity. These conditions determine an insulin resistant state, contributing to the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Irradiation and/or chemotherapy may lead to an insulin secretory defect through a direct damage of pancreatic beta cells. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus represent increasingly recognized long-term complications of childhood cancer treatment. The different impact of insulin resistance and secretory defects on the onset and progression of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus remains unclear.

Incidence of unplanned oophorectomy at laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for clinically benign cysts.

Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred approach in women with ovarian cysts and a low risk of malignancy, and the aim in young women should be to preserve the ovary. We are not aware of any data on the success of conservative surgery in preserving the affected ovary and this is the reason why we decided to investigate the incidence of unplanned oophorectomy, when a woman is originally scheduled for laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for clinically benign cysts. We reviewed the medical notes of the 123 women who underwent surgery for clinically benign ovarian cysts between November 2004 and May 2012. The operative procedures performed were ovarian cystectomies (n = 119), salpingo-oophorectomy (n = 2) and fenestration (n = 2). In total, 61 women underwent a concomitant procedure. In our study, we found that planned laparoscopic cystectomy was mostly successful, with only 1.6% of patients in our series requiring unplanned oophorectomy.

Contrasting cellularity on fat deposition in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and longissimus lumborum muscle from lean and fat pigs under dietary protein reduction.

The production of pork with high amounts of intramuscular fat (IMF) without an increase in subcutaneous fat is highly desirable for the pig industry and consumers. Herein, we question the impact of dietary protein reduction (18% v. 13%) on fat deposition in the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle using genetically diverse pigs for body fatness (lean v. fat). A clear effect of genotype was observed on plasma insulin (P=0.004) and leptin (P<0.001), as well as on backfat thickness (P<0.001), with the fat pigs having higher values. Accordingly, IMF was higher in the fat pigs, when compared with their lean counterparts (P=0.003), which was supported by enlarged adipocytes (P<0.001). The area of lipid droplets within the LL fibres (P=0.039) and extramyocellular lipids number (P=0.017) were increased in pigs fed reduced protein diets, regardless of genotype, which is consistent with higher levels of plasma triacylglycerols (P=0.002). The gene-expression pattern of lipogenic factors in the SAT was distinct from the LL muscle. In the SAT, PPARG expression was similar among genotypes (P>0.05), whereas in the LL muscle it was higher in the lean pigs (P=0.023), especially when fed on low protein diet (P=0.057). The CEBPA and FABP4 mRNA levels were increased in the SAT of fat pigs (P<0.001), without changes in the LL muscle (P>0.05). The influence of diet on FABP4 expression in the SAT was dependent on pig's genetic background (P=0.005). In conclusion, fat deposition was clearly influenced by genotype and, to a lesser extent, by dietary protein level, the SAT being more sensitive than the LL muscle. One can speculate that the pathways involved in lipid metabolism are downregulated in intramuscular adipocytes when compared with SAT fat cells. This result might be a direct consequence of the relatively low proportion of adipocytes found in the LL muscle.

New applications for bismuth(III) salts in organic synthesis: from bulk chemicals to steroid and terpene chemistry.

Bismuth(III) salts are currently considered efficient and "ecofriendly" reagents and catalysts for the development of new applications in organic synthesis. The preparation of bismuth(III) triflate and its analogues is reviewed as well as some of their applications to the synthesis of bulk chemicals via electrophilic addition and cyclization reactions. The use of bismuth(III) salts in the development of new chemical processes involving steroids and terpenes as substrates is also discussed.

Cestodes Diphyllobothriidea parasitizing blackfin goosefish, Lophius gastrophysus Miranda-Ribeiro, 1915 / Cestoides Diphyllobothriidea parasitos de peixe sapo-pescador, Lophius gastrophysus Miranda-Ribeiro, 1915

Entre os meses de março de 2000 e dezembro de 2005, 87 espécimes de L. gastrophysus foram obtidos de supermercados e empresas de exportação localizadas nos municipios de Cabo Frio, Niteroi, Duque de Caxias e Rio de Janeiro. Os peixes foram necropsiados, filetados e seus órgãos investigados para presença de helmintos. Dois espécimes (2,3 por cento) estavam parasitados por plerocecoides de Diphyllobothrium Cobbold, 1858 na cavidade abdominal e serosa do intestino, com intensidade média de um parasito por peixe e abundância média de 0,02, mostrando baixo potencial infectivo. Este é o primeiro registro de plerocercoides de Diphyllobothrium sp. no peixe sapo-pescador.

Thermal decomposition of methyl 2-azidopropionate studied by UV photoelectron spectroscopy and matrix isolation IR spectroscopy: heterocyclic intermediate vs imine formation.

Methyl 2-azidopropionate (N(3)CH(3)CHCOOCH(3), M2AP) has been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic methods, and the thermal decomposition of this molecule has been investigated by matrix isolation infrared (IR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UVPES). Computational methods have been employed in the spectral simulation of both UVPES and matrix IR spectra and in the rationalization of the thermal decomposition results. M2AP presents a HOMO vertical ionization energy (VIE) of 9.60 ± 0.03 eV and contributions from all four lowest-energy conformations of this molecule are detected in the gas phase. Its thermal decomposition starts at ca. 400 °C and is complete at ca. 650 °C, yielding N(2), CO, CO(2), CH(3)CN, and CH(3)OH as the final decomposition products. Methyl formate (MF) and CH(4) are also found during the pyrolysis process. Analysis of the potential energy surface of the decomposition of M2AP indicates that M2AP decomposes preferentially into the corresponding imine (M2IP), through a 1,2-H shift synchronous with the N(2) elimination (Type 1 mechanism), requiring an activation energy of 160.8 kJ/mol. The imine further decomposes via two competitive routes: one accounting for CO, CH(3)OH, and CH(3)CN (ΔE(G3) = 260.2 kJ/mol) and another leading to CO(2), CH(4), and CH(3)CN (ΔE(G3) = 268.6 kJ/mol). A heterocyclic intermediate (Type 2 mechanism)-4-Me-5-oxazolidone-can also be formed from M2AP via H transfer from the remote O-CH(3) group, together with the N(2) elimination (ΔE(G3) = 260.2 kJ/mol). Finally, a third pathway which accounts for the formation of MF through an M2AP isomer is envisioned.

Juvenile didymozoids of the types, Torticaecum and Neotorticaecum (Didymozoidae: Digenea), from new marine fish hosts (Pisces: Teleostei) in the neotropical region of Brazil.

From December 2006 to March 2008, 60 specimens of Paralichthys isosceles and 25 specimens of P. patagonicus were investigated for helminths. One hundred and sixty-nine digeneans were recovered and parasites were identified as juvenile didymozoids of two types. Torticaecum and Neotorticaecum were found in 48 of the 60 P. isosceles (80%) and 10 of the 25 P. patagonicus (40%). Torticaecum and Neotorticaecum are reported for the first time in fish in South America (Brazil), found in the Atlantic Ocean. Morphometrics and illustrations are presented.

[Use of the recombinant baculovirus BacVP6C for the construction of an internal positive control of rotavirus C]. / Utilisation du baculovirus recombinant BacVP6C pour la construction d'un contrôle positif interne du rotavirus C.

AIMS: Unlike group A, a few studies have interested other groups of the rotavirus, especially in Tunisia. The role of rotavirus C (RVC) infection is underestimated because of its sporadic nature. The aim of our study was to develop rapid diagnostic procedures of RVC by using an internal positive control of reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). METHODS: The internal positive control (386pb) was designed from the recombinant baculovirus BacVP6C containing the full length cDNA of the Cowden strain gene 5 (1353pb). A fragment of 596pb was amplified by PCR using the BacVP6C DNA ds as template. Then, a central part of 210pb was deleted and the remaining fragment (386pb) was cloned into pGEM-3Zf(+) plasmid between SP6 and T7 RNA polymerase promoters. RESULTS: The obtained recombinant plasmid "pIAM1" was then used for the generation of the internal positive control by in vitro transcription. The sensibility of the RT-PCR was about 3.66×10(5) molecules of RNA/µl. CONCLUSION: The use of a shorter positive control, as compared to the wild type, allows increased specificity of the RT-PCR reaction, and could be used for efficient diagnostic and surveillance of RVC-caused diseases.