Ultrasound-guided aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) followed by luteinization and progesterone production during the estrous cycle in mares.

The present study was designed to evaluate luteinization rates subsequent to aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) in the absence of a functional CL (progesterone <1 ng/mL) and characterize the temporal changes in plasma concentrations of progesterone following aspiration-induced luteinization during the estrous cycle in mares. A total of 29 estrous cycles involving 15 mares in a cross-over design were randomly assigned to five groups: 1) ASP-F≥25 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 25-29 mm), 2) ASP-F≥30 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 30-34 mm), 3) ASP-F≥35 mm (n = 6; follicle aspiration 35-40 mm), 4) ASP-F≥40 (n = 6; follicle aspiration ≥40), and 5) Control (n = 5; spontaneous ovulation or no follicle aspiration). Subsequent to ovulation (Day 0), PGF was administered to all groups on Day 5, blood samples were collected daily and aspiration of the dominant follicle was done using ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle needle puncture. Among the follicle aspirations groups 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 mm, the luteinization rates were not different (P > 0.05) at 83, 67, 83, and 100%, respectively. Correspondingly, progesterone concentrations increased (>2 ng/mL) by approximately 6, 7, 5, and 4 d after aspiration, respectively, which were delayed (P < 0.05) in the 25-29 and 30-34 mm follicle aspiration groups compared to 2 d after ovulation in the control group. Thereafter, progesterone reached maximal concentrations (10-11 ng/mL) as averaged over all aspiration groups but were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the mean maximal concentration (18 ng/mL) in the control group. Subsequently, there was a decrease in progesterone concentrations (<2 ng/mL) in response to luteolysis, which was delayed (P < 0.05) in the aspiration groups over Days 16-20 compared to Day 15 in the control group. Despite this discrepancy, the mean length of the interovulatory intervals were not different (P > 0.05) among groups on Day 23. Thus, the present study provided novel information that the luteinization rate is relatively high (83%) and consistent following aspiration of dominant follicles (≥25 mm) in the absence of a functional CL and that the increase in progesterone reaches sustainable progestational concentrations (≥2 ng/mL) in accord with the length of the estrous cycle that may potentially support development and maintenance of early pregnancy in recipient mares involved in an embryo transfer program.

Heterogeneity of fern communities in riparian forest remnants from the South Brazilian Campos (Pampa) / Heterogeneidade de comunidades de samambaias em remanescentes de mata ciliar nos campos (Pampa) sul do Brasil

Abstract Riparian forests present biotic and abiotic factors that influence environmental dissimilarity, which reflect specific fern distribution. The purpose of this this study was to evaluate the environmental heterogeneity associated to the terrestrial fern communities in riparian forest remnants in the grasslands southern half of Rio Grande do Sul state . We sampled ten 5×5 m plots in each site (AI, AII and AIII), totaling 30 plots. In each plot, fern species were inventoried and vegetative, microclimatic and edaphic parameters were collected. A total of 24 species were surveyed in the three riparian forest remnants, distributed in 19 genera and 10 families. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that plots of AI had the highest temperature and aluminum values, while humidity was the lowest, which was reflected in the decrease of ferns richness. Soil moisture and air humidity were variables more related to the plots of AII and AII, indicating that these plants were favored in these environments. The floristic identity characteristic of each site suggests that many species are dependent to certain local environmental conditions. In this sense, even in very geographically close sites, riparian remnants deserve conservation attention, since they are capable of harboring high diversity in this grassland phytophysiognomy in southern Brazil. The results of this integrated study, with vegetation, climatic, and edaphic parameters, suggest, as expected, that ferns categorically respond to the heterogeneity shown by riparian environments, even when fragments are geographically very close to each other.

Resumo As florestas ripárias apresentam fatores bióticos e abióticos que influenciam a dissimilaridade ambiental, e que refletem a distribuição específica de samambaias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a heterogeneidade ambiental associada às comunidades de samambaias terrícolas em remanescentes de mata ciliar dos campos da metade sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Pampa). Foram amostradas dez parcelas de 5×5 m em cada sítio (AI, AII e AIII), totalizando 30 parcelas. Em cada quadro, foram inventariadas as espécies de samambaia, além de outros parâmetros vegetacionais, microclimáticos e edáficos. Um total de 24 espécies foram identificadas nos três remanescentes de mata ciliar, distribuídas em 19 gêneros e 10 famílias. A Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) mostrou que as parcelas de AI apresentaram os maiores valores de temperatura e alumínio, enquanto a umidade foi a menor, o que se refletiu na diminuição da riqueza de samambaias. A umidade do solo e a umidade do ar foram as variáveis ​​mais relacionadas às parcelas de AII e AIII, indicando que essas plantas foram favorecidas nesses. A identidade florística característica de cada local sugere que muitas espécies são dependentes de certas condições ambientais locais. Nesse sentido, mesmo em sítios geograficamente próximos, remanescentes de matas ciliares merecem atenção no que se refere a conservação, uma vez que são capazes de abrigar grande diversidade nesta fitofisionomia exclusiva do sul do Brasil. Os resultados deste estudo integrado, com parâmetros vegetacionais, climáticos e edáficos, sugerem, que as samambaias respondem categoricamente à heterogeneidade mostrada pelos ambientes ripários, mesmo quando os fragmentos estão próximos.

Small field dosimetry correction factors for circular and MLC shaped fields with the CyberKnife M6 System: evaluation of the PTW 60023 microSilicon detector.

The PTW 60023 microSilicon is a new unshielded diode detector for small-field photon dosimetry. It provides improved water equivalence and a slightly larger sensitive region diameter in comparison to previous diode detectors in this range. In this study we evaluated the correction factors relevant to commissioning a CyberKnife System with this detector by Monte Carlo simulation and verified this data by multi-detector measurement comparison. The correction factors required for output factor determination were substantially closer to unity at small field sizes than for previous diode versions (e.g. [Formula: see text] = 0.981 at 5 mm field size which compares with corrections of 5%-6% with other stereotactic diodes). Because of these differences we recommend that corrections to small field output factor measurements generated specifically for the microSilicon detector rather than generic data taken from other diode types should be used with this new detector. For depth-dose measurements the microSilicon is consistent with a microDiamond detector to <1% (global), except at depths <10 mm where the diode gives a significantly lower measurement, by 6%-8% at the surface. For profile measurements, the microSilicon requires negligible corrections except in the low dose region outside the beam, where it underestimates off-axis-ratio (OAR) for small fields and overestimates for large fields. Where this effect is most noticeable at the largest field size and depth (115 mm × 100 mm and 300 mm depth) the microSilicon overestimates OAR by 2.3% (global) in the profile tail. This is consistent with other unshielded diodes.

Heterogeneity of fern communities in riparian forest remnants from the South Brazilian Campos (Pampa).

Riparian forests present biotic and abiotic factors that influence environmental dissimilarity, which reflect specific fern distribution. The purpose of this this study was to evaluate the environmental heterogeneity associated to the terrestrial fern communities in riparian forest remnants in the grasslands southern half of Rio Grande do Sul state . We sampled ten 5×5 m plots in each site (AI, AII and AIII), totaling 30 plots. In each plot, fern species were inventoried and vegetative, microclimatic and edaphic parameters were collected. A total of 24 species were surveyed in the three riparian forest remnants, distributed in 19 genera and 10 families. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that plots of AI had the highest temperature and aluminum values, while humidity was the lowest, which was reflected in the decrease of ferns richness. Soil moisture and air humidity were variables more related to the plots of AII and AII, indicating that these plants were favored in these environments. The floristic identity characteristic of each site suggests that many species are dependent to certain local environmental conditions. In this sense, even in very geographically close sites, riparian remnants deserve conservation attention, since they are capable of harboring high diversity in this grassland phytophysiognomy in southern Brazil. The results of this integrated study, with vegetation, climatic, and edaphic parameters, suggest, as expected, that ferns categorically respond to the heterogeneity shown by riparian environments, even when fragments are geographically very close to each other.

Rubus sellowii Cham. & Schlitdl. (Rosaceae) fruit nutritional potential characterization / Rubus sellowii Cham. & Schlitdl. (Rosaceae) caracterização do potencial nutricional de frutas

Abstract The aim of this study was to know the physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics of Rubus sellowii (Rosaceae) fruits, known as blackberry, native plant mainly to Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil. For this, three different populations of this plant were selected and the fruits were analyzed through moisture, ash, titratable acidity, pH, lipids, fibers, carbohydrates, proteins, carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, aminogram and in vitro digestibility. Fruits showed high acidity (3.28 percent), ash and protein (1.02 and 0.93 percent) and higher ascorbic acid (38.43 mg per 100 g) if compared to Rubus cultivars. Due to Rubus sellowii nutritional properties, they provide benefits to human health.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as características físicas, químicas e nutricionais de frutos de Rubus sellowii (Rosáceas), conhecida como amora-preta, planta nativa principalmente do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Para isso, foram selecionadas três populações diferentes desta planta e frutas foram analisadas por meio de umidade, cinza, acidez titulável, pH, lipídios, fibras, carboidratos, proteínas, carotenóides, licopeno, ácido ascórbico, aminograma e digestibilidade in vitro. As frutas apresentaram alta acidez (3,28 g por cento), cinzas e proteínas (1,02 e 0,93 g por cento) e maior ácido ascórbico (38,43 mg por 100 g) em comparação com as cultivares Rubus. Devido às propriedades nutricionais de Rubus sellowii , elas proporcionam benefícios para a saúde humana.

Rubus sellowii Cham. & Schlitdl. (Rosaceae) fruit nutritional potential characterization.

The aim of this study was to know the physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics of Rubus sellowii (Rosaceae) fruits, known as blackberry, native plant mainly to Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil. For this, three different populations of this plant were selected and the fruits were analyzed through moisture, ash, titratable acidity, pH, lipids, fibers, carbohydrates, proteins, carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, aminogram and in vitro digestibility. Fruits showed high acidity (3.28 percent), ash and protein (1.02 and 0.93 percent) and higher ascorbic acid (38.43 mg per 100 g) if compared to Rubus cultivars. Due to Rubus sellowii nutritional properties, they provide benefits to human health.

The impact of inter-unit variations on small field dosimetry correction factors, with application to the CyberKnife system.

Small field dosimetry correction factors are usually determined from calculations or measurements using one specific example of a treatment system. The sensitivity of the corrections to inter-unit variation is therefore not evaluated. We propose two methods for this evaluation that could be applied to any system. We use them to assess the variability in [Formula: see text] for the CyberKnife System caused by design changes between pre-M6 and M6 versions, and to the variability in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] resulting from measured beam-data variations across 139 units. We also perform measurements to investigate the differences in [Formula: see text] reported for microchambers in a CyberKnife-specific study versus TRS-483. The results show that [Formula: see text] is smaller for the M6 version than pre-M6 versions by 0.4% for a Farmer chamber, and 0.1% for shorter chambers. The presence or absence of a lead filter within the treatment head had no significant impact on [Formula: see text]. The beam-data analysis showed inter-unit variations in [Formula: see text] of ±0.8% (2 s.d.) for Farmer chambers and ⩽ ±0.5% for shorter cavities (<10 mm) pre-M6, reducing to 0.4% and 0.2% respectively with M6. Inter-unit [Formula: see text] variations for microDiamond and microchambers were ⩽ ±1% at 5 mm field size, except for microchambers with axis perpendicular to the beam where this was > ±2%. Differences of up to 9% were confirmed between Output Factors measured using a microchamber and corrected using TRS-483 [Formula: see text], and a consensus dataset for the same treatment unit determined using multiple detectors and Monte Carlo simulation. A set of practical recommendations for small field dosimetry with the CyberKnife System is derived from these results.

Citocentrifugação e métodos convencionais na citologia uterina de éguas em estro e diestro / Cytocentrifugation and conventional methods in endometrial cytology of estrus and diestrus mares

A citologia uterina consiste em método prático e eficiente para o diagnóstico de afecções uterinas na égua, contribuindo para a conduta terapêutica e o prognóstico quanto à fertilidade das fêmeas. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar diferentes técnicas de coleta de material para citologia uterina em éguas, a fim de se verificarem possíveis diferenças qualitativas e quantitativas e a praticidade na execução das metodologias. Para tanto, 12 éguas multíparas foram submetidas ao exame citológico uterino, durante o estro e o diestro, por meio de escova ginecológica e lavado uterino de baixo volume. Com esse ensaio, observou-se que não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) no resultado da citologia uterina entre as diferentes técnicas avaliadas. No entanto, quando comparadas as fases do ciclo estral, houve uma diferença significativa (P<0,05) quanto ao percentual médio de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos, sendo de 8,07±2,80 no estro e de 1,55±0,28 no diestro. Conclui-se, desse modo, que as técnicas estudadas apresentaram resultados igualmente eficazes para detecção de neutrófilos ao exame citológico do útero em ambas as fases avaliadas do ciclo estral, apesar de, na fase de estro, a detecção de maior percentual de neutrófilos possibilitar um diagnóstico e um prognóstico mais precoces de endometrite e, portanto, uma conduta terapêutica mais adequada.(AU)

The endometrial cytology consists in an efficient and practical method for the diagnosis of uterine disorders in mares, contributing for therapeutic conduct and prognostic evaluation regarding the females' fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare different techniques of material sampling for endometrial cytology in mares, in order to verify possible qualitative and quantitative differences in the practicality of implementation of this methodology. Twelve multiparous mares underwent an endometrial cytological exam, during estrus and diestrus, by means of a cytobrush and a low-volume uterine flush. With this test, no statistical difference was observed (P>0.05) regarding the result of endometrial cytology between the evaluated techniques. However, in comparison to the estrous cycle's phases, a significant difference was verified (P<0.05) on the average percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils: 8.07±2.80 in estrus and 1.55±0.28 in diestrus. Thus, we conclude that the studied techniques presented equally effective results for the detection of neutrophils in the cytological exam for both evaluated stages of the estrous cycle, whereas in estrus phase, the detection of a higher percentage of neutrophils allows a more precocious diagnostic and prognostic of endometritis and, therefore, a more adequate therapeutic approach.(AU)

Rubus sellowii Cham. & Schlitdl. (Rosaceae) fruit nutritional potential characterization

Abstract The aim of this study was to know the physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics of Rubus sellowii (Rosaceae) fruits, known as blackberry, native plant mainly to Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil. For this, three different populations of this plant were selected and the fruits were analyzed through moisture, ash, titratable acidity, pH, lipids, fibers, carbohydrates, proteins, carotenoids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, aminogram and in vitro digestibility. Fruits showed high acidity (3.28 percent), ash and protein (1.02 and 0.93 percent) and higher ascorbic acid (38.43 mg per 100 g) if compared to Rubus cultivars. Due to Rubus sellowii nutritional properties, they provide benefits to human health.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer as características físicas, químicas e nutricionais de frutos de Rubus sellowii (Rosáceas), conhecida como amora-preta, planta nativa principalmente do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. Para isso, foram selecionadas três populações diferentes desta planta e frutas foram analisadas por meio de umidade, cinza, acidez titulável, pH, lipídios, fibras, carboidratos, proteínas, carotenóides, licopeno, ácido ascórbico, aminograma e digestibilidade in vitro. As frutas apresentaram alta acidez (3,28 g por cento), cinzas e proteínas (1,02 e 0,93 g por cento) e maior ácido ascórbico (38,43 mg por 100 g) em comparação com as cultivares Rubus. Devido às propriedades nutricionais de Rubus sellowii , elas proporcionam benefícios para a saúde humana.

Heterogeneity of fern communities in riparian forest remnants from the South Brazilian Campos (Pampa)

Abstract Riparian forests present biotic and abiotic factors that influence environmental dissimilarity, which reflect specific fern distribution. The purpose of this this study was to evaluate the environmental heterogeneity associated to the terrestrial fern communities in riparian forest remnants in the grasslands southern half of Rio Grande do Sul state . We sampled ten 5×5 m plots in each site (AI, AII and AIII), totaling 30 plots. In each plot, fern species were inventoried and vegetative, microclimatic and edaphic parameters were collected. A total of 24 species were surveyed in the three riparian forest remnants, distributed in 19 genera and 10 families. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed that plots of AI had the highest temperature and aluminum values, while humidity was the lowest, which was reflected in the decrease of ferns richness. Soil moisture and air humidity were variables more related to the plots of AII and AII, indicating that these plants were favored in these environments. The floristic identity characteristic of each site suggests that many species are dependent to certain local environmental conditions. In this sense, even in very geographically close sites, riparian remnants deserve conservation attention, since they are capable of harboring high diversity in this grassland phytophysiognomy in southern Brazil. The results of this integrated study, with vegetation, climatic, and edaphic parameters, suggest, as expected, that ferns categorically respond to the heterogeneity shown by riparian environments, even when fragments are geographically very close to each other.

Resumo As florestas ripárias apresentam fatores bióticos e abióticos que influenciam a dissimilaridade ambiental, e que refletem a distribuição específica de samambaias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a heterogeneidade ambiental associada às comunidades de samambaias terrícolas em remanescentes de mata ciliar dos campos da metade sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (Pampa). Foram amostradas dez parcelas de 5×5 m em cada sítio (AI, AII e AIII), totalizando 30 parcelas. Em cada quadro, foram inventariadas as espécies de samambaia, além de outros parâmetros vegetacionais, microclimáticos e edáficos. Um total de 24 espécies foram identificadas nos três remanescentes de mata ciliar, distribuídas em 19 gêneros e 10 famílias. A Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) mostrou que as parcelas de AI apresentaram os maiores valores de temperatura e alumínio, enquanto a umidade foi a menor, o que se refletiu na diminuição da riqueza de samambaias. A umidade do solo e a umidade do ar foram as variáveis mais relacionadas às parcelas de AII e AIII, indicando que essas plantas foram favorecidas nesses. A identidade florística característica de cada local sugere que muitas espécies são dependentes de certas condições ambientais locais. Nesse sentido, mesmo em sítios geograficamente próximos, remanescentes de matas ciliares merecem atenção no que se refere a conservação, uma vez que são capazes de abrigar grande diversidade nesta fitofisionomia exclusiva do sul do Brasil. Os resultados deste estudo integrado, com parâmetros vegetacionais, climáticos e edáficos, sugerem, que as samambaias respondem categoricamente à heterogeneidade mostrada pelos ambientes ripários, mesmo quando os fragmentos estão próximos.

In vitro characterization of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes biofilms.

Dermatophytes are fungi responsible for a disease known as dermatophytosis. Biofilms are sessile microbial communities surrounded by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defenses. This paper describes, for the first time, the characteristics of Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes biofilms. Biofilm formation was analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as well as by staining with crystal violet and safranin. Metabolic activity was determined using the XTT reduction assay. Both species were able to form mature biofilms in 72 h. T. rubrum biofilm produced more biomass and EPS and was denser than T. mentagrophytes biofilm. The SEM results demonstrated a coordinated network of hyphae in all directions, embedded within EPS in some areas. Research and characterization of biofilms formed by dermatophytes may contribute to the search of new drugs for the treatment of these mycoses and might inform future revisions with respect to the dose and duration of treatment of currently available antifungals.

Ovarian response to porcine FSH in association with ablation-induced or spontaneous follicular wave development during the estrous cycle in crossbred and Brazilian Warmblood mares.

The primary objective of this study was to examine the follicular and ovulatory responses following treatment with pFSH in association with ablation-induced or spontaneous follicular wave emergence or follicle deviation during diestrus in crossbred (Mangalarga×Arabian) and Brazilian Warmblood mares with a propensity for spontaneous multiple ovulations; secondary considerations were given to the collection of embryos. In Experiment 1, crossbred mares were administered (im) saline (control, n=7) or pFSH (25mg) when the largest follicle of the ablation-induced follicular wave reached ≥13mm (n=7) or ≥20mm (n=7) or, after pre-treatment ovulation (Day 0) on Day 6 (n=7). In Experiment 2, crossbred mares were administered (im) saline (control, n=10) or a larger dose of pFSH (50mg, n=7) when the largest follicle of the ablation-induced follicular wave reached ≥13mm. In Experiment 3, Brazilian Warmblood mares were administered (im) saline (control, n=7), pFSH (25mg, n=7 or 50mg, n=5) or EPE (12.5mg, n=7) as a positive control on Day 6. Ultrasonic technology was used to ablate all follicles ≥8mm and to monitor follicular development and detect ovulation. Treatment with pFSH or EPE was done twice daily until the largest follicle reached ≥32mm; thereafter, hCG (2500IU) was administered (iv) when the largest follicle reached ≥35mm. Artificial insemination was done 12h after hCG and embryo collections were done 8 d after post-treatment ovulations. In Experiments 1 and 2, treatment of crossbred mares with pFSH post-ablation in association with the expected time of wave emergence or follicle deviation did not (P>0.05) enhance the follicular or ovulatory responses or collection of embryos compared to controls. In Experiment 3, although the enhanced ovulatory response of mares to EPE at the expected time of spontaneous wave emergence was not different (P>0.05) from controls, it was greater (P<0.05) than the response to pFSH. In conclusion, the novelty of using follicle ablation prior to pFSH treatment at the time of wave emergence or follicle deviation did not enhance the follicular or ovulatory responses or collection of embryos to treatment in crossbred mares. In addition, the hypothesis that Brazilian Warmblood mares with a greater propensity for spontaneous multiple ovulations are as responsive to pFSH compared to EPE was not supported. Thus, the combined experimental results of the present study continue to support the general consensus that pFSH is relatively ineffective for follicular superstimulation/superovulation in mares.

Ultrasound detection and identification of cosmetic fillers in the skin.

BACKGROUND: While the incidence of cosmetic filler injections is rising world-wide, neither exact details of the procedure nor the agent used are always reported or remembered by the patients. Thus, although complications are reportedly rare, availability of a precise diagnostic tool to detect cutaneous filler deposits could help clarify the association between the procedure and the underlying pathology. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate cutaneous sonography in the detection and identification of cosmetic fillers deposits and, describe dermatological abnormalities found associated with the presence of those agents. METHODS: We used ultrasound in a porcine skin model to determine the sonographic characteristics of commonly available filler agents, and subsequently applied the analysis to detect and identify cosmetic fillers among patients referred for skin disorders. RESULTS: Fillers are recognizable on ultrasound and generate different patterns of echogenicity and posterior acoustic artefacts. Cosmetic fillers were identified in 118 dermatological patients; most commonly hyaluronic acid among degradable agents and silicone oil among non-degradable. Fillers deposits were loosely scattered throughout the subcutaneous tissue, with occasional infiltration of local muscles and loco-regional lymph nodes. Accompanying dermatopathies were represented by highly localized inflammatory processes unresponsive to conventional treatment, morphea-like reactions, necrosis of fatty tissue and epidermal cysts; in the case of non-degradable agents, the associated dermatopathies were transient, resolving upon disappearance of the filler. CONCLUSIONS: Cosmetic filler agents may be detected and identified during routine ultrasound of dermatological lesions; the latter appear to be pathologically related to the cosmetic procedure.

Disseminated transmissible venereal tumour associated with Leishmaniasis in a dog.

This report addresses an atypical transmissible venereal tumour in an 8-year-old bitch that was pluriparous and seropositive for leishmaniasis. There were ascites and a serosanguineous discharge from the vulva, but no lesions on the external genital mucosa. An aspirate of the peritoneal fluid showed mononuclear round cells characteristic of transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). Exploratory laparotomy revealed light red, granulomatous structures in the peritoneum, omentum, spleen, liver and uterine horns. Cytological and histopathological tests confirmed the diagnosis of intra-abdominal TVT. Dissemination of the TVT to several organs inside the abdominal cavity probably resulted from immunosuppression caused by leishmaniasis, which favoured the presence and aggressiveness of TVT.

Integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression profiles in physiological myelopoiesis: role of hsa-mir-299-5p in CD34+ progenitor cells commitment.

Hematopoiesis entails a series of hierarchically organized events that proceed throughout cell specification and terminates with cell differentiation. Commitment needs the transcription factors' effort, which, in concert with microRNAs, drives cell fate and responds to promiscuous patterns of gene expression by turning on lineage-specific genes and repressing alternate lineage transcripts. We obtained microRNA profiles from human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and in vitro differentiated erythroblasts, megakaryoblasts, monoblasts and myeloblast precursors that we analyzed together with their gene expression profiles. The integrated analysis of microRNA-mRNA expression levels highlighted an inverse correlation between microRNAs specifically upregulated in one single-cell progeny and their putative target genes, which resulted in downregulation. Among the upregulated lineage-enriched microRNAs, hsa-miR-299-5p emerged as having a role in controlling CD34+ progenitor fate, grown in multilineage culture conditions. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that hsa-miR-299-5p participates in the regulation of hematopoietic progenitor fate, modulating megakaryocytic-granulocytic versus erythroid-monocytic differentiation.

HIV-infected long-term nonprogressors display a unique correlative pattern between the interleukin-7/interleukin-7 receptor circuit and T-cell homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that there may be a correlation between the interleukin-7 (IL-7)/IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) regulatory system and parameters of T-cell homeostasis in HIV-infected long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) as compared with patients with disease progression. METHODS: The possibility of a correlation between T-cell homeostatic parameters and IL-7/IL-7R was investigated in 22 LTNPs (CD4 count > or =500 cells/microL for >10 years) vs. HIV-positive patients at different disease stages [12 early: CD4 count > or =400 cells/microL ; 15 late (AIDS-presenters): CD4 count < or =150 cells/microL ]. RESULTS: Compared with early-stage HIV-positive patients, LTNPs displayed a higher circulating IL-7 concentration (P=0.05), which was positively associated with higher IL-7Ralpha expression and a higher T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) content specifically within CD4 cells (P<0.05). Compared with late-stage disease patients, early-stage disease patients displayed a lower IL-7 concentration (P<0.01) and higher percentages of IL-7Ralpha+ CD4 and CD8 cells (P=0.05). IL-7 was positively correlated with the percentage of TREC+ CD4 cells (P<0.01), which translated into a higher percentage of naïve CD4 cells in early-stage disease patients than in late-stage disease patients; however, the CD4 cells in early-stage disease patients were less enriched in recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) compared with LTNPs (P<0.05). In late-stage AIDS-developing patients, substantially increased IL-7 was correlated with a decreased percentage of IL-7Ralpha+ CD4 cells (P=0.01), which resulted in these patients having a significantly lower percentage of naïve T cells (P<0.01) and a significantly lower content of TREC (P<0.01) than the other patients. CONCLUSIONS: The maintenance of high CD4 cell counts in LTNPs was associated with a specific IL-7/IL-7R pattern characterized by increased IL-7 and highest IL-7Ralpha-expressing CD4 cells relative to other patients. Compared with patients with late-stage disease, LTNPs displayed a phenotypically naïve, less activated CD4 cell pool highly enriched in RTEs, suggesting the existence of a compensatory IL-7-mediated pathway specifically sustaining peripheral CD4 counts.

Effect of macrophage depletion on viral DNA rebound following antiretroviral therapy in a murine model of AIDS (MAIDS).

In the attempt to eradicate HIV-1 infection, a strategy to eliminate macrophages, one of the most important cellular reservoirs in sustaining virus replication during HAART, could be of great benefit in the suppression of viral rebound. Aware of the ability of clodronate to cause macrophage depletion, the effect of the administration of clodronate encapsulated in erythrocytes on disease progression and on viral rebound was evaluated in a murine model of AIDS (MAIDS). One group of LP-BM5 retroviral complex-infected C57BL/6 mice received oral administrations of azidothymidine and dideoxyinosine daily for 12 weeks; two other groups received in addition, either clodronate-loaded erythrocytes or free clodronate at 7-10 day intervals. At the end of the treatment, the three groups maintained parameters characterizing disease progression similar to those of uninfected mice and showed a significantly lower level of BM5d DNA than infected mice in all organs and cells tested. To assess the viral rebound, some animals were left for an additional 4 month period without any treatment. After this time, the BM5d DNA content in blood leukocytes increased in all groups, but the group having received clodronate-loaded erythrocytes, in addition to transcriptase inhibitors, showed a significant delay in viral rebound.

Inhibition of murine AIDS by pro-glutathione (GSH) molecules.

Antioxidant molecules can be used both to replenish the depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) occurring during HIV infection, and to inhibit HIV replication. The purpose of this work was to assess the efficacy of two pro-GSH molecules able to cross the cell membrane more easily than GSH. We used an experimental animal model consisting of C57BL/6 mice infected with the LP-BM5 viral complex; the treatments were based on the intramuscular administration of I-152, a pro-drug of N-acetylcysteine and S-acetyl-beta-mercaptoethylamine, and S-acetylglutathione, an acetylated GSH derivative. The results show that I-152, at a concentration of 10.7 times lower than GSH, caused a reduction in lymph node and spleen weights of about 55% when compared to infected animals and an inhibition of about 66% in spleen and lymph node virus content. S-acetylglutathione, at half the concentration of GSH, caused a reduction in lymph node weight of about 17% and in spleen and lymph node virus content of about 70% and 30%, respectively. These results show that the administration of pro-GSH molecules may favorably substitute for the use of GSH as such.