Tackling pollution by organic farming is capable of increasing fortified foods.

The global pollution stage is poisoning the biosphere and causing global temperatures to rise, necessitating a drastic change in the way man is dealing with nature. One change that may produce many beneficial effects on the biosphere and human health is the use of specific organic farming to produce food in a more integrated way in nature and to increase the capacity of man's own response. Despite many experts' opinion another way to deal with environmental contamination is possible: organic farming, which can increase man's ability to fortify foods. After more than 20 years working under this discipline, Bodegas Dagon is able to achieve the highest stilbenes concentrations (as resveratrol). Versus 14.3 mg/l, "Bodegas Dagón" wines contain resveratrol (HPLC and UV-spectroscopy) up to 1611.73 ± 72.66 mg/l, standing as world's potentially healthiest wine reported to date.

Alternativa terapéutica para el retinoblastoma: quimioterapia intraarterial con melfalán / Alternative treatment for retinoblastoma: Intra-arterial chemotherapy with melphalan

CASO CLÍNICO: Un lactante de 10 meses fue remitido para estudio de leucocoria izquierda de un mes de evolución. En la exploración se detectó un retinoblastoma que ocupaba el área macular. Fue tratado con quimioterapia intraarterial con 6 mg de melfalán, sin requirir posteriores intervenciones para el control de la enfermedad. DISCUSIÓN: El melfalán es un agente quimioterápico muy efectivo, con uso limitado por la toxicidad sistémica que genera. La quimioterapia intraarterial permite la liberación selectiva en la arteria oftálmica, lo que limita la toxicidad sistémica. Esta combinación de eficacia, seguridad y precisión la hacen una alterativa terapéutica atractiva para el manejo del retinoblastoma

CASE REPORT: A 10-month old infant was referred for the study of a leukocoria of the left eye of one month onset. On examination, a retinoblastoma occupying the macular area was detected. Treatment with intra-arterial chemotherapy (melphalan 6 mg) was performed, with no further intervention required for disease control. DISCUSSION: Melphalan is an effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, its use is limited by the systemic toxicity that may occur. Intra-arterial chemotherapy allows the selective release of melphalan into the ophthalmic artery, thus limiting its systemic toxicity. This combination of efficiency, safety and accuracy makes it an attractive therapeutic alternative for the management of retinoblastoma

Alternative treatment for retinoblastoma: Intra-arterial chemotherapy with melphalan.

CASE REPORT: A 10-month old infant was referred for the study of a leukocoria of the left eye of one month onset. On examination, a retinoblastoma occupying the macular area was detected. Treatment with intra-arterial chemotherapy (melphalan 6 mg) was performed, with no further intervention required for disease control. DISCUSSION: Melphalan is an effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, its use is limited by the systemic toxicity that may occur. Intra-arterial chemotherapy allows the selective release of melphalan into the ophthalmic artery, thus limiting its systemic toxicity. This combination of efficiency, safety and accuracy makes it an attractive therapeutic alternative for the management of retinoblastoma.

Xantogranuloma necrobiótico. Diagnóstico diferencial, tratamiento e implicaciones sistémicas. A propósito de un caso / Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Differential diagnosis, treatment and systemic involvement. Case report

CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 48 años remitido por edema palpebral con nódulos ulcerados amarillentos en ambos párpados superiores. Las técnicas de imagen demostraron infiltración en ambas órbitas anteriores que fueron biopsiadas con el resultado de xantogranuloma necrobiótico. En el estudio sistémico se halló una gammapatía monoclonal IgG no conocida. Se inició tratamiento con corticoides y ciclosporina orales sin éxito, por lo que se pautaron inyecciones intralesionales de triamcinolona que controlaron la enfermedad orbitaria. Discusión: El xantogranuloma necrobiótico es una rara entidad que suele afectar a párpados y órbita anterior. Su diagnóstico es importante porque se asocia a procesos linfoproliferativos malignos. Los corticoides intralesionales fueron efectivos en su manejo

CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of eyelid edema with bilateral yellowish ulcerated nodules. Suspecting a xanthogranulomatosis, imaging tests and biopsy were performed with diagnosis of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. IgG monoclonal gammapathy was diagnosed in a systemic study. Systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine were initiated unsuccessfully; therefore intra-lesional injections of triamcinolone were started, which controlled the orbital disease. Discussion: Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare condition that usually affects the eyelids and anterior orbit. Its diagnosis is important as it is associated with malignant lymphoproliferative processes. Intra-lesional corticosteroids were effective in our patient

[Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Differential diagnosis, treatment and systemic involvement. Case report]. / Xantogranuloma necrobiótico. Diagnóstico diferencial, tratamiento e implicaciones sistémicas. A propósito de un caso.

CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male was referred to our hospital for further evaluation of eyelid edema with bilateral yellowish ulcerated nodules. Suspecting a xanthogranulomatosis, imaging tests and biopsy were performed with diagnosis of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. IgG monoclonal gammapathy was diagnosed in a systemic study. Systemic corticosteroids and cyclosporine were initiated unsuccessfully; therefore intra-lesional injections of triamcinolone were started, which controlled the orbital disease. DISCUSSION: Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare condition that usually affects the eyelids and anterior orbit. Its diagnosis is important as it is associated with malignant lymphoproliferative processes. Intra-lesional corticosteroids were effective in our patient.

Analysis of factors that determine the diagnostic yield of temporal artery biopsy.

PURPOSE: To analyse the diagnostic yield of temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, and to correlate these results with the clinical and laboratory features which indicate it, in an attempt to increase the efficiency of this technique and try to "save biopsies". METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including suspected giant cell arteritis cases in which a temporal artery biopsy was performed. The data recorded included demographic, clinical and laboratory information. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were analysed. The biopsy was positive in 68.42% of cases. Multivariate analysis revealed visual symptoms and a high C-reactive protein as parameters with a high diagnostic efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the fact that temporal artery biopsy should be undertaken when there is strong clinical suspicion. Visual symptoms and high C-reactive protein are considered as a high efficiency indicators to biopsy.

Factores modificadores de la rentabilidad de la biopsia de arteria temporal / Analysis of factors that determine the diagnostic yield of temporal artery biopsy

Proposito: Analizar la rentabilidad diagnóstica de la biopsia de la arteria temporal (BAT) en la arteritis de células gigantes (ACG) y correlacionar su resultado con hallazgos clínicos y analíticos que establecen la indicación para aumentar la rentabilidad diagnóstica de esta técnica y valorar posibles parámetros «ahorradores de biopsias». Métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de casos con sospecha de ACG en los que se realizaron BAT. Se recogieron datos demográficos, clínicos, analíticos. Resultados: Se analizaron datos en 38 pacientes. La biopsia fue positiva en el 68,42% de los casos. En un análisis multivariante se determinaron los síntomas visuales específicos y la proteína C reactiva (PCR) como predictores de una BAT positiva con significación estadística. Conclusiones: Nuestros datos apoyan que el diagnóstico de ACG mediante la BAT debe basarse en una alta sospecha clínica. Los síntomas visuales y PCR elevada destacan en nuestra serie como parámetros con alta rentabilidad diagnóstica(AU)

Purpose: To analyse the diagnostic yield of temporal artery biopsy in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, and to correlate these results with the clinical and laboratory features which indicate it, in an attempt to increase the efficiency of this technique and try to “save biopsies”. Methods: A retrospective cohort study including suspected giant cell arteritis cases in which a temporal artery biopsy was performed. The data recorded included demographic, clinical and laboratory information. Results: A total of 38 patients were analysed. The biopsy was positive in 68.42% of cases. Multivariate analysis revealed visual symptoms and a high C-reactive protein as parameters with a high diagnostic efficiency. Conclusions: Our study supports the fact that temporal artery biopsy should be undertaken when there is strong clinical suspicion. Visual symptoms and high C-reactive protein are considered as a high efficiency indicators to biopsy(AU)

[Atypical ophthalmic findings in Susac syndrome]. / Síndrome de Susac de presentación ocular atípica.

CASE REPORT: A 25-year-old woman with encephalopathy and sensorineural hearing loss was referred to us in order to confirm Susac syndrome, due to bilateral visual loss. Funduscopic examination revealed peripheral retinal microangiopathy. DISCUSSION: Susac syndrome is typically characterized by the clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions, and hearing loss. In our case, ophthalmic findings were atypical. Interrupted vessels and microaneurisms accumulation in the peripheral retina of both eyes were observed.

[Chronic ethanol feeding induces oxidative stress in the optic nerve of rats]. / Estrés oxidativo en el nervio óptico de la rata inducido por la administración crónica de etanol.

PURPOSE: To assess the involvement of oxidative stress in optic nerves after chronic intake of ethanol in adult rats, when compared to animals fed with an ethanol-free isocaloric diet. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used throughout the study. They were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet, whereas the pair-fed group was given an ethanol-free isocaloric diet. After six weeks of the experiment, optic nerves were extracted and markers of oxidative stress were assayed, i.e., antioxidants such as glutathione and lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS: The GSH content in the optic nerves of ethanol-fed animals was significantly reduced, and the concentration of MDA was significantly higher in this group when compared with the pair-fed group. Time-course of body weight of animals in both groups varied identically throughout the six weeks of the experiment. CONCLUSION: The increase in lipid peroxidation products (MDA), together with the decrease in cellular antioxidants (GSH) confirm, in this experimental model, the involvement of oxidative stress in ethanol-induced toxicity of the optic nerves of rats. In view of the body weight time course, the influence of nutritional status on the parameters studied could also be discarded (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2002; 77: 263-268).

Estrés oxidativo en el nervio óptico de la rata inducido por la administración crónica de etanol / Chronic ethanol feeding induces oxidative stress in the optic nerve of rats

Objetivo: Establecer la existencia de estrés oxidativo en el nervio óptico después de la administración crónica de etanol en ratas adultas, en comparación con ratas alimentadas con dieta isocalórica libre de etanol. Métodos: Se utilizaron ratas macho de la raza Sprague-Dawley, que fueron alimentadas con una dieta líquida con etanol, mientras que el grupo control recibió una dieta isocalórica libre de etanol. Después de seis semanas, se extrajeron los nervios ópticos y se determinaron parámetros relevantes en la modulación del estrés oxidativo, tales como antioxidantes -contenido de glutatión (GSH)- además de productos derivados de la peroxidación lipídica -malondialdehído (MDA). Resultados: El contenido de GSH en el nervio óptico fue significativamente menor en el grupo alimentado con etanol, mientras que la concentración de MDA fue significativamente mayor en este grupo comparado con el grupo control. Los pesos de ambos grupos oscilaron de forma idéntica durante las seis semanas de experimento. Conclusiones: El incremento de los productos de peroxidación lipídica junto con el descenso de los antioxidantes celulares, confirman en este modelo experimental la implicación del estrés oxidativo en la toxicidad del etanol en el nervio óptico de rata, y descartan la influencia del estado nutricional sobre los parámetros estudiados (AU)

Alternative transcription initiation sites generate two LCA1 Ca2+-ATPase mRNA transcripts in tomato roots.

The tomato LCA1 gene encodes a Ca2+-ATPase and gives rise to two major mRNA transcripts and two distinct protein products of different size in tomato roots. The basis of the transcript size difference was investigated to assess whether the mRNA transcripts encoded distinct protein products. Primer extension and S1 nuclease analysis identified two transcription initiation sites at -72 and -1392 from the start of translation. RNA gel blot analysis of poly(A)+ RNA isolated from phosphate-starved tomato roots using probes designed to domains of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) or the full-length LCA1 cDNA identified mRNAs of 4.7 and 3.6 kb, corresponding to mRNA originating from transcription initiation sites -1392 and -72, respectively. Screening of a cDNA library derived from phosphate-starved tomato roots yielded three cDNA clones, LCA1A, LCA1B and LCA1C (3.6, 4.5 and 5.1 kb respectively). These cDNAs contain full-length LCA1 mRNA sequence derived from each transcription initiation site, with LCA1C additionally containing an intron of 0.6 kb. Sequence analysis indicated 100% identity between the three size classes of cDNA clones except for the differential 5'-UTR and the unspliced intron. Overall, the results indicate that the two major LCA1 mRNA transcripts are derived by differential transcription initiation and that two of the mRNAs may encode identical protein products, while a third mRNA may correspond to a non-functional truncated protein.

A proposal for nomenclature of aldehyde dehydrogenases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterization of the stress-inducible ALD2 and ALD3 genes.

The complete sequencing of the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that this organism contains five genes encoding aldehyde dehydrogenases. YOR374w and YER073w correspond to the mitochondrial isoforms and we propose as gene names ALD4 and ALD5, respectively. YPL061w has been described as the cytoplasmic constitutive isoform and named ALD6. We characterize here the tandem-repeated ORFs YMR170c and YMR169c as the cytoplasmic stress-inducible isoforms, with gene names ALD2 and ALD3, respectively. The expression of ALD2 and ALD3 is dependent on the general-stress transcription factors Msn2,4 but independent of the HOG MAP kinase pathway. ALD3 is induced by a variety of stresses, including osmotic shock, heat shock, glucose exhaustion, oxidative stress and drugs. ALD2 is only induced by osmotic stress and glucose exhaustion. A double null mutant, ald2 ald3, exhibited unchanged sensitivity to any of the above stresses. The only phenotype detected in this mutant was a reduced growth rate in ethanol medium as compared to the wild type.

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis is thought to be caused by a solitary helminth migrating within the subretinal space. Laser photocoagulation of the located worm is the preferred mode of therapy. METHODS: We describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of a case of a 15-year-old Caucasian male with a longstanding diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN), in whom two worms were seen in the fundus examination. Focal photocoagulation of the worms was applied as treatment. RESULTS: No signs of inflammation could be seen after treatment. Three months later, the patient was doing well. Follow-up examination 4 years later revealed an unchanged fundus appearance in the affected eye, with no evidence of progression of the syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: If a worm is identified in DUSN, focal laser treatment of the located area is the treatment of choice, regardless of whether fundus changes suggest late stages of the disease. However, the eye of the patient should be thoroughly examined to rule out the presence of more than one worm that might cause the failure of therapy.

The yeast inositol monophosphatase is a lithium- and sodium-sensitive enzyme encoded by a non-essential gene pair.

Inositol monophosphatases (IMPases) are lithium-sensitive enzymes that participate in the inositol cycle of calcium signalling and in inositol biosynthesis. Two open reading frames (YHR046c and YDR287w) with homology to animal and plant IMPases are present in the yeast genome. The two recombinant purified proteins were shown to catalyse inositol-1-phosphate hydrolysis sensitive to lithium and sodium. A double gene disruption had no apparent growth defect and was not auxotroph for inositol. Therefore, lithium effects in yeast cannot be explained by inhibition of IMPases and inositol depletion, as suggested for animal systems. Overexpression of yeast IMPases increased lithium and sodium tolerance and reduced the intracellular accumulation of lithium. This phenotype was blocked by a null mutation in the cation-extrusion ATPase encoded by the ENA1/PMR2A gene, but it was not affected by inositol supplementation. As overexpression of IMPases increased intracellular free Ca2+, it is suggested that yeast IMPases are limiting for the optimal operation of the inositol cycle of calcium signalling, which modulates the Ena1 cation-extrusion ATPase.

Changes in glutathione status and the antioxidant system in blood and in cancer cells associate with tumour growth in vivo.

The relationship among cancer growth, the glutathione redox cycle and the antioxidant system was studied in blood and in tumour cells. During cancer growth, the glutathione redox status (GSH/GSSG) decreases in blood of Ehrlich ascites tumour-bearing mice. This effect is mainly due to an increase in GSSG levels. Two reasons may explain the increase in blood GSSG: (a) the increase in peroxide production by the tumour that, in addition to changes affecting the glutathione-related and the antioxidant enzyme activities, can lead to GSH oxidation within the red blood cells; and (b) an increase of GSSG release from different tissues into the blood. GSH and peroxide levels are higher in the tumour cells when they proliferate actively, however GSSG levels remain constant during tumour growth in mice. These changes associate with low levels of lipid peroxidation in plasma, blood and the tumour cells. The GSH/GSSG ratio in blood also decreases in patients bearing breast or colon cancers and, as it occurs in tumour-bearing mice, this change associates with higher GSSG levels, especially in advanced stages of cancer progression. Our results indicate that determination of glutathione status and oxidative stress-related parameters in blood may help to orientate cancer therapy in humans.

Posterior chamber silicone intraocular lens for the correction of myopia: an experimental study in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To establish whether ocular lesions arise after implantation of posterior chamber silicone intraocular lenses (IOL) for the correction of high myopia. METHODS: Twenty-three posterior chamber silicone IOL were implanted in 23 eyes of the same number of pigmented rabbits. After different follow-up time (from one week to one year) the eyes were enucleated and processed for histopathological study after determining the protein concentration in the aqueous humor. The IOL were removed for staining and examination, and adhered cells were counted. Ten eyes analogous to those operated upon were used as controls. RESULTS: Intense inflammation was observed in the early postoperative period in all cases. Protein concentration in the aqueous humor was initially high and decreased over time, though without reaching normal values at one year. Mono- and multinucleated cells were seen adhering to the IOL, though they decreased in number over time and were practically absent after one year. Friction between the posterior surface of the iris and the IOL had no clinical repercussions. The only pigment accumulations were in the iris and in the peritrabecular zone. There were no significant differences in the accumulation of granules in relation to IOL diameter or power. Excluding three cataracts morphologically similar to traumatic cataracts, five lens opacifications were observed: two were anterior subcapsular cataracts, and the other three were only precapsular deposits. The IOL had no synechiae to the ocular tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Opacification of the lens is the main concern with implanted posterior chamber silicone IOL. Larger series of eyes must be analysed to establish the true incidence and reversibility of these opacities.

Iris claw phakic intraocular lens for high myopia.

BACKGROUND: The implantation of a Worst-Fechner iris claw intraocular lens (IOL) is one of the surgical procedures used for the correction of high myopia. This technique reduces myopia with stable refractive results; however, its potential long-term risks have not been evaluated. We report results in 94 eyes with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. METHODS: We studied 94 eyes of 62 patients with myopia > or = -7.00 diopters (D) who underwent Worst-Fechner IOL implantation. Lens decentration, permeability of the blood-aqueous barrier by iris angiography, and changes in corneal endothelial density were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 48.9 months (range 36 to 72 mo). Three years after surgery, 58 eyes (61%) had an uncorrected visual acuity > or = 20/40, and 77 eyes (82%) gained two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity with respect to the preoperative value; 75 eyes (79%) were within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia and 46 eyes (48%) were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia. The mean endothelial cell loss was 17.9% at 5 years after surgery, while the percentage of hexagonality and the coefficient of cell variation tended toward preoperative levels. No vision threatening complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: The implantation of a Worst-Fechner iris claw phakic IOL reduced high myopia with a stable refractive outcome. Endothelial cell damage was within acceptable limits. The absence of major complications makes this procedure an acceptable method for correcting high myopia.

A major isoform of the maize plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase: characterization and induction by auxin in coleoptiles.

The plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase has been proposed to play important transport and regulatory roles in plant physiology, including its participation in auxin-induced acidification in coleoptile segments. This enzyme is encoded by a family of genes differing in tissue distribution, regulation, and expression level. A major expressed isoform of the maize PM H(+)-ATPase (MHA2) has been characterized. RNA gel blot analysis indicated that MHA2 is expressed in all maize organs, with highest levels being in the roots. In situ hybridization of sections from maize seedlings indicated enriched expression of MHA2 in stomatal guard cells, phloem cells, and root epidermal cells. MHA2 mRNA was induced threefold when nonvascular parts of the coleoptile segments were treated with auxin. This induction correlates with auxin-triggered proton extrusion by the same part of the segments. The PM H(+)-ATPase in the vascular bundies does not contribute significantly to auxin-induced acidification, is not regulated by auxin, and masks the auxin effect in extracts of whole coleoptile segments. We conclude that auxin-induced acidification in coleoptile segments most often occurs in the nonvascular tissue and is mediated, at least in part, by increased levels of MHA2.

Tandem transcription termination sites in the dnaN gene of Escherichia coli.

The dnaN gene of Escherichia coli encodes the beta-subunit of DNA polymerase III and maps between the dnaA and recF genes. We demonstrated previously that dnaN and recF constitute a transcriptional unit under control of the dnaN promoters. However, the recF gene has its own promoter region located in the middle of the dnaN structural gene. In this report, we use S1 mapping of mRNAs, transcriptional and translational fusions to the galK and lacZ genes, and in vitro mutagenesis to identify and characterize three tandem transcription termination sites responsible for transcriptional polarity in the dnaN-recF operon. These sites are located in the dnaN gene, downstream from the recF promoter region. Cumulatively, they terminate about 80% of the untranslated transcripts started at the recF promoters. As expected, they do not reduce transcription coming from the dnaN promoters unless dnaN translation was prematurely disrupted by the presence of a nonsense codon. The particular arrangement of regulatory elements (promoters and terminators) in the dnaN-recF region provides an exceptional in vivo system to confirm the latent termination site model of transcriptional polarity. In addition, our results contribute to the understanding of the complex regulation of the dnaA, dnaN, and recF genes. We propose that these three genes constitute an operon and that the terminators described in this work could be used to reduce expression of the distal genes of the operon under circumstances in which the dnaN translation happens to be slowed down.