Sudden branch macular artery avulsion during internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Macular Holes (MH) are variable thickness openings of the retina that develop in the fovea. This case presents a branch macular artery avulsion during internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole management in an adult patient. The proper management of this complication along with the preventive measures is mentioned. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman developed a branch macular artery avulsion during ILM peeling for MH. After cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and pars plana vitrectomy, during ILM peeling, a multifocal bleeding along a macular artery was noted indicating its avulsion. The intraocular pressure was raised to control hemorrhage, blood remnants were passively aspirated and ILM peeling was kindly completed under adequate visualization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Branch macular artery avulsion is a potential complication even for experienced surgeons. Proper management of this complication involves the increase of intraocular pressure for hemostasia. If hemostasia and proper visualization are achieved, the surgery could be completed, and if it is not the case, the ILM peeling could be completed in a second procedure. This complication might be avoided by initiating the ILM peeling away from the macular vessels. CONCLUSION: Branch macular artery avulsion is an intraoperative complication that might be avoided by initiating the ILM peeling away from the macular vessels.

Hallazgos por tomografía de coherencia óptica en un caso de agujero macular tratado con trasplante autógeno de retina / Optical coherence tomography findings in a case of macular hole treated with an autologous retinal transplant

Se presenta un caso de una mujer de 56 años de edad con un agujero macular grande, de larga evolución, a quien se le realizó una cirugía de trasplante autógeno de retina neurosensorial. En el seguimiento con retinografías y tomografía de coherencia óptica de dominio espectral, destacó la presencia de edema del injerto con hiperreflectividad de las capas retinianas internas, en las primeras semanas. Después, se observaron puntos hiperreflectivos, predominantemente en las capas internas de la retina, manteniendo la continuidad de las capas externas y la presencia de un material de aspecto lanudo en la superficie del injerto. Al final del seguimiento hubo una integración completa del injerto en la zona receptora del agujero, con la correspondiente mejoría funcional (AU)

A case is presented of a 56-year-old female patient with a long-standing large macular hole who underwent autologous retina transplant surgery. Fundus images and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images showed the presence of graft oedema with its corresponding hyper-reflectivity of the inner retinal layers in the first weeks of follow-up. Hyper-reflective dots later appeared mainly in the inner retinal layers. The integrity of the outer retinal layers and a woolly-looking material on the surface of the graft were observed. At the end of follow-up, the graft had integrated with the recipient tissue with functional improvement (AU)

Optical coherence tomography findings in a case of macular hole treated with an autologous retinal transplant. / Hallazgos por tomografía de coherencia óptica en un caso de agujero macular tratado con trasplante autógeno de retina.

A case is presented of a 56-year-old female patient with a long-standing large macular hole who underwent autologous retina transplant surgery. Fundus images and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images showed the presence of graft oedema with its corresponding hyper-reflectivity of the inner retinal layers in the first weeks of follow-up. Hyper-reflective dots later appeared mainly in the inner retinal layers. The integrity of the outer retinal layers and a woolly-looking material on the surface of the graft were observed. At the end of follow-up, the graft had integrated with the recipient tissue with functional improvement.

The effect of denudation and injection timing in the reproductive outcomes of ICSI cycles: new insights into the risk of in vitro oocyte ageing.

STUDY QUESTION: Does the time elapsed between oocyte pick-up (OPU) and denudation or injection affect the probability of achieving a live birth (LB) in ICSI cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: Prolonged oocyte culture before denudation (>4 h) was associated with an increase in clinical pregnancy (CP), LB and cumulative LB (CLB) rates when compared with earlier denudation timings. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Oocyte maturation is a complex and dynamic process involving structural and biochemical modifications in the cell necessary to support fertilization and early embryo development. While meiotic competence is easily identifiable by the presence of an extruded first polar body, cytoplasmic maturation cannot be assessed microscopically. Culturing oocytes with their surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) prior to ICSI can enhance the completion of in vitro cytoplasmic maturation; conversely, prolonged culture may induce cell degeneration. The optimal culture intervals prior to oocyte denudation and/or injection have not yet been established and may prove relevant for the improvement of ICSI reproductive outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This is a single-centre retrospective cohort analysis of 1378 ICSI cycles performed between January 2005 and October 2018. Data were categorized according to: (i) the time interval between OPU and denudation (<3 h, 3-4 h and ≥4 h), (ii) the time interval between denudation and ICSI (<1.5 h, 1.5-2 h, ≥2 h) and (iii) the time interval between OPU and ICSI (<5 h, 5-6 h and ≥6 h). The effect of these timings on fertilization, CP, LB and CLB rates were compared. The culture intervals between different procedures were dependent exclusively on laboratory workload. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: ICSI cycles performed in women younger than 40 years old using autologous gametes with at least one metaphase II injected oocyte were included. The effect of oocyte culture duration prior to denudation and injection of the oocytes was compared using multivariable regression accounting for potential confounding variables. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Fertilization and oocyte damage rate after ICSI was found to be independent of the time interval to denudation (<3 h, 3-4 h and ≥4 h) and/or injection (<5 h, 5-6 h and ≥6 h). Extending oocyte culture before denudation significantly improved CP (29.5%, 42.7% and 50.6%, respectively), LB (25.1%, 34.4% and 40.7%, respectively) and CLB rates (26.0%, 36.1% and 42.2%, respectively), particularly if the time interval was at least 4 h. Additionally, LB (31.7%, 35.8% and 27.4%, respectively) and CLB rates (34.2%, 36.6% and 27.7%, respectively) were also dependent on the time from OPU to injection. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study is limited by its retrospective nature and potential unmeasured confounding cannot be excluded. Furthermore, the effect of even shorter or longer periods of culture before denudation and/or injection were not evaluated and should not be extrapolated from these results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings propose new evidence of a previously unrecognized protective effect of the CCs-oocyte interactions in human ART, raising the question of a possible downstream effect in embryogenesis which significantly affects LB rates. Additionally, this is the first study to suggest a negative effect of further extending culture before ICSI on LB and CLB rates, thus potentially allowing for the narrowing of an optimal ICSI time interval. Simple strategies such as the establishment of more effective time frames to perform these procedures and adjusting laboratory practice may prove beneficial, ultimately improving ICSI reproductive outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Síndrome urémico hemolítico atípico: una complicación postoperatoria infrecuente / Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: An unusual postoperative complication

Introducción y objetivos: La púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica y el síndrome urémico hemolítico atípico (SHUa) son microangiopatías trombóticas agudas, infrecuentes y potencialmente fatales que requieren una gestión rápida. Reportamos un caso de anemia hemolítica microangiopática aguda (MAHA) que se presentó en el entorno perioperatorio. Caso clínico: Tras la realización de periquistectomía hepática debida a quiste hidatídico, una mujer de 46 años desarrolló MAHA, trombocitopenia e insuficiencia renal aguda durante el periodo postoperatorio inmediato. Se consideró la posibilidad de SHUa, iniciándose intercambio de plasma inmediato. Se realizó intercambio de plasma durante 2 semanas, con remisión de la disfunción renal. Posteriormente se evaluaron las mutaciones genéticas y las causas inmunológicas de MAHA. Se identificaron mutaciones en el factor H del complemento asociadas a deficiencia del factor H, que están asociadas a un incremento del riesgo de SHUa. Conclusión: MAHA constituye una situación postoperatoria infrecuente, que requiere un rápido diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento. Los anestesiólogos deberán considerar el SHUa como causa posible de MAHA, especialmente en lo referente al cuidado inmediato de estos pacientes

Introduction and objectives Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) are acute, rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathies that require swift management. We report a case of acute microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) presenting in perioperative setting. Clinical case After hepatic pericystectomy for hydatid cyst, a 46-year-old female developed MAHA, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure in the immediate postoperative period. "aHUS" was considered and immediate plasma exchange was initiated. Plasma exchange was performed for 2 weeks with remission of renal dysfunction. Further evaluation of genetic mutations and immunological causes for MAHA were sought. Mutations in complement factor H associated with factor H deficiency were identified, which are associated with increased risk of aHUS. Conclusion MAHA is a rare postoperative condition, requiring rapid differential diagnosis and treatment. Anaesthetists should bear in mind aHUS as a possible cause of MAHA, especially concerning immediate care for these patients

Iris metastasis as a first manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. / Metástasis a iris como primera manifestación de adenocarcinoma pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of lung adenocarcinoma for which the first clinical manifestation was an iris metastasis. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old male patient came for consultation referring a «pinkish speck¼ on his right eye. On biomicroscopy examination, a mass was found on the iris of the right eye. Subsequent systemic work-up of the patient revealed a left lung adenocarcinoma. DISCUSSION: Although uncommon, iris metastasis secondary to lung cancer should be part of differential diagnosis in iris tumours.

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: An unusual postoperative complication. / Síndrome urémico hemolítico atípico: una complicación postoperatoria infrecuente.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) are acute, rare, life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathies that require swift management. We report a case of acute microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) presenting in perioperative setting. CLINICAL CASE: After hepatic pericystectomy for hydatid cyst, a 46-year-old female developed MAHA, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure in the immediate postoperative period. "aHUS" was considered and immediate plasma exchange was initiated. Plasma exchange was performed for 2 weeks with remission of renal dysfunction. Further evaluation of genetic mutations and immunological causes for MAHA were sought. Mutations in complement factor H associated with factor H deficiency were identified, which are associated with increased risk of aHUS. CONCLUSION: MAHA is a rare postoperative condition, requiring rapid differential diagnosis and treatment. Anaesthetists should bear in mind aHUS as a possible cause of MAHA, especially concerning immediate care for these patients.

Can anxiety increase tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease? An experimental model

Abstract Background Among non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), anxiety occurs in up to 67% of patients. Clinically, PD patients report worsening of tremors in anxiogenic situations. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between motor symptoms and anxiety in PD patients and compare their performances with those of healthy volunteers. Methods Fifteen volunteers with PD and 15 healthy volunteers without clinically significant psychiatric disorders were evaluated. Both groups were subjected to a simulated public speaking test (SPST). The following parameters were measured: visual analog mood scale (VAMS), items related to tremors of UPDRS, bradykinesia tests, blood pressure, and heart rate. Results Results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant effect on group × phase interaction (F3.7,105.6 = 2.56; p = 0.046) for VAMS anxiety factor. Regarding tremors, ANOVA indicated significant differences in group × phase interaction (F4.5,121 = 2.88; p = 0.021) and between the groups (F1,27 = 45.88, p < 0.001), with differences in the anticipatory phase, performance, and post-speech, compared with those in the baseline. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to other factors of VAMS, physiological measurements, and bradykinesia. Discussion Worsening of tremors occurred during SPST, particularly in phases with higher anxiety scores.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): transcultural adaptation of the Brazilian version

Abstract Background DSM-5 introduced some modifications on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) criteria. The instruments developed for the assessment of aspects related to PTSD needed a reformulation, as was the case of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL). Objectives To present the process of transcultural adaptation of the three forms of the PCL-5 to Brazilian Portuguese, as well as its face validity. Methods The procedure involved independent translations, a synthesis version, back translation by an independent translator, evaluation by the original author, analysis by an expert committee, and a pretesting study (10 subjects with/without experience of a traumatic situation). The last two steps formed the face validity procedure. Results The synthesis version was approved by the original author and the agreement percentage by the expert committee was excellent, with only two items showing < 90%. The pretesting study showed that the Brazilian version was well understood and linguistically and culturally accepted by the participants, which did not make significant suggestions for changes. Discussion Transcultural adaptation of the PCL-5 for Brazilian Portuguese followed a rigid and standardized procedure. Therefore, after having its face validity assessed by an expert committee and by the target population, it is apt to be used.

Variability of Colletotrichum spp in common bean.

The Colletotrichum genus presents large genetic variability, as demonstrated by the occurrence of several pathogenic races and phenotypic traits. The objective of this study was to characterize 22 strains of C. lindemuthianum and Colletotrichum spp recovered from anthracnose lesions and bean scab, and to verify the relationship between species of the Colletotrichum genus, which inhabit anthracnose and scab lesions. Colony morphology, conidium size, the presence of septa, germination, sporulation, and mycelium growth rates, were analyzed in addition to the presence of mating-type genes, IRAP markers, and pathogenicity. Strains of Colletotrichum spp presented wide variation for all evaluated traits, indicating the presence of different species. Pathogenicity tests verified that the severity of the disease caused by strains of Colletotrichum spp must be evaluated 17 days after inoculation. Molecular analysis showed that only the C. lindemuthianum strains were grouped by the IRAP markers. For the physiological traits, we observed that C. lindemuthianum mycelium growth is slower than that of Colletotrichum spp strains. The information generated in this study confirms variability in the evaluated species of Colletotrichum and may direct future basic and applied studies aiming to control these diseases in common bean.

Estudio descriptivo de la incapacidad temporal en el sector sanitario de Cataluña (2009-2012) / Descriptive study of sickness absence in the health care sector of Catalonia (2009-2012)

Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y evolución de la incapacidad temporal (IT) por contingencias comunes y profesionales en la población trabajadora de los centros sanitarios de Cataluña. Métodos: La población de estudio estuvo constituida por los 25.964 trabajadores de 30 centros sanitarios de Cataluña, durante el período 2009-2012. La información sobre los episodios de IT se obtuvo de los registros de las Direcciones de Recursos Humanos. Se definieron unos indicadores de IT, y se calcularon las tasas de incidencia de IT y la evolución temporal, según la duración y tipo de episodio, y el tamaño y actividad de los centros sanitarios. Resultados: La evolución temporal de las tasas de incidencia de IT por contingencia común mostró una tendencia a la disminución en el período 2009-2012. Los centros de pequeño tamaño tuvieron tasa de IT por contingencia común inferior que los de mayor tamaño (p<0,001). Los centros sociosanitarios son los que presentaron mayores tasas de IT por contingencia común, especialmente la de muy corta duración (p<0,001). . Los centros de atención primaria tuvieron las tasas más bajas de IT por contingencia profesional siendo la más elevada la de los centros sociosanitarios, especialmente la de larga duración (p<0.01). Conclusiones: Las diferencias observadas en las tasas de incidencia de IT según el tipo de actividad del centro sanitario podrían deberse a diferencias en las condiciones de trabajo

Objective: To describe the incidence and evolution of sickness absence (SA) for non-occupational and occupational illness/injury in the population of workers in Catalonian Health Centers based on the definition of a set of common indicators. Methods: The study population consisted of 25,964 workers from 30 health centers in Catalonia, during 2009-2012. Information on SA episodes was obtained from records of the Directorate of Human Resources. SA indicators were defined, and SA incidence rates and temporal evolution were calculated, depending on the length and type of episode, and the size and activity of health centers. Results: SA incidence rates for non-occupational illness and injury showed a decreasing trend during 2009-2012. Smaller centers had lower SA rates for non-occupational conditions than larger centers (p<0,001). . Social health centers had higher SA rates of non-occupational illness and injury, especially those with a very short duration (p<0.001). Primary care centers had the lowest SA occupational illness and injury rates, with the highest rates occurring in the social health centers, especially long-term centers (p<0.01). Conclusions: The differences in incidence rates of SA detected by type of activity of the health centers could be due to differences in working conditions

Delirium como fator de risco para demência em idosos: uma atualização / Delirium as risk factor for dementia in older adults: an update

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar uma revisão atualizada dos estudos que avaliaram o delirium como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de demência em idosos. Métodos A revisão foi realizada utilizando-se a base de dados do PubMed, com o seguinte cruzamento de descritores: risk factors and (delirium or acute confusional state) and dementia. Apenas estudos do tipo coorte publicados entre janeiro de 2000 a maio de 2015 foram considerados. Resultados Foram selecionados oito estudos de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Todos os estudos apontaram para um aumento do risco de demência ou declínio cognitivo após a ocorrência de delirium, apesar das diferenças entre os estudos em relação à causa do delirium. Conclusões Os estudos atuais apontam para uma clara associação entre delirium e aumento do risco de demência. Dessa forma, psiquiatras e médicos generalistas precisam ficar atentos aos indícios de declínio cognitivo após a ocorrência do delirium em idosos.

ABSTRACT Objective To perform an update review of the studies that evaluated delirium as a risk factor for developing dementia in older adults. Methods A review was performed using PubMed database, crossing the following descriptors: risk factors and (delirium or acute confusional state) and dementia. Only cohort studies published from January 2000 to May 2015 were considered. Results We selected eight studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies pointed to an increased risk of dementia or cognitive decline after the occurrence of delirium, despite the differences between the studies in relation to the cause of delirium. Conclusions Recent studies indicate a clear association between delirium and increased risk of dementia. Therefore, the psychiatrists and general practitioners need to pay attention to the evidence of cognitive decline after the occurrence of delirium in older adults.

Cultivo do peixe ornamental molinésia (Poecilia sp) em esgotos domésticos tratados: desempenho zootécnico e avaliação do bem-estar animal / Cultivation of ornamental molly (Poecilia sp) fish in treated sewage: zootechnical performance and animal welfare evaluation

Neste trabalho estudou-se a utilização de esgotos domésticos tratados na criação do peixe ornamental molinésia (Poecilia sp.), observando o desempenho zootécnico e avaliando-se o bem-estar dos peixes cultivados. Foram testados três tratamentos: ET - abastecido com esgoto tratado em lagoas de estabilização; ED - abastecido com esgoto tratado e água de poço diluídos em iguais proporções; AB - abastecido com água de poço. Por meio dos resultados dos parâmetros físico-químicos, observou-se que o esgoto doméstico tratado em lagoas de estabilização oferece condição para se realizar o cultivo da espécie, com melhor desempenho quando diluído em água. Em todos os parâmetros de rendimento zootécnicos avaliados, o tratamento que utilizou o esgoto tratado diluído foi o que apresentou os melhores resultados. Dentre os indicadores de bem-estar observados, apenas a avaliação histopatológica foi capaz de fornecer resultado conclusivo, o qual apontou o tratamento que utilizou esgoto tratado diluído como o que proporcionou maior conforto à espécie cultivada. As características ornamentais dos peixes cultivados não sofreram influência do uso do esgoto doméstico tratado, observando-se que os padrões de coloração e formato de nadadeiras não foram alterados.

This work evaluated the treated sewage reuse in ornamental molly fish creation, evaluating the zootechnical performance and animal welfare. Three treatments were tested: ET - supplied with treated sewage; ED - supplied with sewage and raw water in the same proportion; AB - supplied with raw water. The physical-chemical results indicated that the treated sewage from stabilization ponds was adequate for the species cultivation only when diluted in raw water. Among the welfare indicators, only histopathological evaluation was able to provide conclusive results, which showed that the treated sewage diluted treatment was the best in terms of comfort for the cultivated species. The ornamental characteristics of farmed fish were not influenced by the use of treated sewage, in which the patterns of color and shape of fins were not changed.

Effect of minimally invasive restorations on microorganism count in the oral cavity of a patient with early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: The effect of minimally invasive restorations on the microorganism count in the oral cavity of children with early childhood caries (ECC) has been only briefly discussed in the literature. CASE REPORT: This study presents the case of a child with ECC who was treated using a minimally invasive restorative approach and the patient's salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. were recorded throughout the treatment. In addition, a detailed discussion on the role of these microorganisms in the development of ECC is also presented. TREATMENT: Included minimally invasive techniques such as ART and removal of caries with ultrasound. The whole unstimulated saliva samples of the patient were inoculated in culture media for microbial count. FOLLOW-UP: A 6-monthly review was achieved for a period of 1 year. The microbiological data were statistically analysed and a significant reduction (ANOVA, p < 0.05) of all microorganisms studied were recorded at the end of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The therapy used in this case and the salivary microorganism levels reported at the end of the treatment showed that minimally invasive restorative techniques were effective in controlling oral microorganisms involved in ECC.

Does active Crohn's disease have decreased intestinal antioxidant capacity?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oxidative stress is presumed to play an important role in Crohn's disease (CD) pathogenesis. Nevertheless, the evaluation of the intestinal antioxidant capacity through the analysis of glutathione peroxidase activity in CD remains to be determined. METHODS: 20 CD outpatients and 16 volunteers going through colonic cancer screening were enrolled. Colonoscopy with biopsies was performed in all individuals. Samples from inflamed and non-inflamed mucosa were taken when there was CD endoscopic activity. Spectrophotometric assays were performed to measure tissue glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and total (GSHT) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione in all samples. Demographics and clinical characteristics were collected from clinical charts. RESULTS: Inflamed CD mucosa presented reduced GPx activity compared to non-inflamed CD mucosa (42.94mU/mg protein vs 79.62mU/mg protein, P<0.05) and control mucosa (42.94mU/mg protein vs 95.08mU/mg protein, P<0.001). GSHT concentration was reduced in inflamed mucosa when compared to non-inflamed CD mucosa (0.78µmol/g vs 1.98µmol/g, P<0.01) and the control group (0.78µmol/g vs 2.11µmol/g, P<0.001). A significant correlation was detected between GPx activity and GSSG (r=-0.599), disease duration (r=0.546), and thiopurine treatment (r=-0.480) in non-inflamed CD mucosa. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that reduced GPx activity is present in inflamed CD mucosa. In addition, endoscopic activity, disease duration and thiopurine therapy could be associated with mucosal decreased antioxidant activity.

Investigating phenotypic variability in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum populations.

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, causal agent of anthracnose in the common bean, has wide genetic variability. Differential bean cultivars and morphological and physiological characteristics were used to analyze 74 isolates of C. lindemuthianum collected in two counties in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Six different races were found, with a predominance of race 65 at both locations. Isolates were classified according to their sensitivities to the fungicide thiophanate-methyl, normally used in the control of common bean anthracnose. In all, ≈10% of isolates were resistant to the fungicide in vitro. Characteristics such as indexes of mycelia growth rate, colony diameter, sporulation capacity, and percentage of germination demonstrated the high genetic variability of C. lindemuthianum. We also observed variation in conidial cytology. The conidia of most isolates showed septa formation after germination, in contrast to septa absence, previously reported in the literature. Sexual and asexual reproduction were evaluated for mechanisms that may contribute in the generation of variability in C. lindemuthianum. Conidial anastomosis tubes were commonly found, indicating that asexual reproduction can help increase variability in this species. Information from this study confirmed high variability in C. lindemuthianum and will guide future studies in basic knowledge and applied technologies.

Amyloid beta peptide 1-42 disturbs intracellular calcium homeostasis through activation of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in cortical cultures.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to debilitating cognitive deficits. Recent evidence demonstrates that glutamate receptors are dysregulated by amyloid beta peptide (Aß) oligomers, resulting in disruption of glutamatergic synaptic transmission which parallels early cognitive deficits. Although it is well accepted that neuronal death in AD is related to disturbed intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(i)) homeostasis, little is known about the contribution of NMDARs containing GluN2A or GluN2B subunits on Aß-induced Ca(2+)(i) rise and neuronal dysfunction. Thus, the main goal of this work was to evaluate the role of NMDAR subunits in dysregulation of Ca(2+)(i) homeostasis induced by Aß 1-42 preparation containing both oligomers (in higher percentage) and monomers in rat cerebral cortical neurons. The involvement of NMDARs was evaluated by pharmacological inhibition with MK-801 or the selective GluN2A and GLUN2B subunit antagonists NVP-AAM077 and ifenprodil, respectively. We show that Aß, like NMDA, increase Ca(2+)(i) levels mainly through activation of NMDARs containing GluN2B subunits. Conversely, GluN2A-NMDARs antagonism potentiates Ca(2+)(i) rise induced by a high concentration of Aß (1µM), suggesting that GluN2A and GluN2B subunits have opposite roles in regulating Ca(2+)(i) homeostasis. Moreover, Aß modulate NMDA-induced responses and vice versa. Indeed, pre-exposure to Aß (1µM) decrease NMDA-evoked Ca(2+)(I) rise and pre-exposure to NMDA decrease Aß response. Interestingly, simultaneous addition of Aß and NMDA potentiate Ca(2+)(I) levels, this effect being regulated by GluN2A and GluN2B subunits in opposite manners. This study contributes to the understanding of the molecular basis of early AD pathogenesis, by exploring the role of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits in the mechanism of Aß toxicity in AD.

Fructose 1-6 bisphosphate versus University of Wisconsin solution for rat liver preservation: does FBP prevent early mitochondrial injury?

BACKGROUND: Fructose 1,6-biphosphate (FBP) has been shown to exert therapeutic effects in models of ischemia-reperfusion in organs other than the liver. This study compared FBP and University of Wisconsin (UW) solution during cold storage and reperfusion, among mitochondria of adult male Wistar rat livers. METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups according to the preservation solution used; UW or FBP Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT); and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in samples of the storage solution obtained at 2, 4 and 6 hours of preservation. After 6 hours of cold storage, we reperfused the liver, taking blood samples to measure AST, ALT, LDH, and throbarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Hepatic fragments were processed for histologic analysis; for determinations of TBARS, catalase, and nitric oxide as well as for mitochondrial evaluation by infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS: During cold preservation, levels of AST and LDH in the storage solution were lower among the FBP group, but after reperfusion, serum levels of AST, ALT, and LDH were higher in this group, as was catalase activity. TBARS and nitric oxide were comparable between the groups. In the UW group there was a higher amide I/amide II ratio than in the FBP group, suggesting an abnormal protein structure of the mitochondrial membrane. No signs of preservation injury were observed in any liver biopsy, but sinusoidal congestion was present in livers preserved with FBP. CONCLUSION: FBP showed a protective effect for preservation during cold storage seeming to protect the mitochondrial membrane although it did not prevent reperfusion injury.

Genotoxicity and mutagenicity of Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae) essential oil in mammalian cells in vivo.

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil is widely used by the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries as a fragrance component of soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Although it is popular, potential harmful side-effects of the oil have been described. We investigated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of essential oil of R. officinalis in rodents, using comet, micronucleus and chromosome aberration assays. The animals were treated by gavage with one of three dosages of rosemary oil (300, 1000 or 2000 mg/kg). Liver and peripheral blood cells were collected from Swiss mice 24 h after treatment for the comet assay (genotoxicity endpoint), along with bone marrow cells for the micronucleus test (mutagenicity endpoint). Bone marrow cells were collected from Wistar rats 24 h after oil treatment for the micronucleus and chromosome aberration assays. Based on the comet assay, all three doses of rosemary oil induced significant increases in DNA damage in the mouse cells. There was a significant increase in micronucleated cells and chromosome aberrations only at the two higher doses. We conclude that rosemary essential oil provokes genotoxic and mutagenic effects when administered orally.

Anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) as a catalyst to enhance the reductive decolourisation of the azo dyes Reactive Red 2 and Congo Red under anaerobic conditions.

In this study, we assessed the catalytic effect of anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) to enhance the reductive decolourisation of the azo dyes Reactive Red 2 and Congo Red in batch and continuous-flow experiments. While testing the anaerobic sludge 1 in assays free of AQDS, the highest values for the first-order kinetic constant (k1) were found with co-substrates formate and glucose. In the assays that contained 50 microM of AQDS, the k1 values increased with all co-substrates tested, increasing by 3.5-fold when ethanol was the electron donor. The upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors R1 (AQDS-free) and R2 (AQDS-supplemented) reached excellent decolourisation efficiencies (higher than 90%) even for the high Congo Red concentration tested (1.2 mM). However, electron donor depletion in the influent drastically decreased the colour removal capacity in both bioreactors. Reactor R2 presented higher stability and decolourisation efficiency compared to R1, indicating that the addition of a redox mediator can be valuable for treating dye-coloured wastewaters.