Lower adiponectin is associated with higher anthropometry and insulin resistance but not with low cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between adiposity, cardiometabolic risk and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) according to different groups of adiponectin concentration. METHODS: 255 adolescents of both sexes, aged 11-17 years old, participated. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters such as body mass, height, abdominal circumference (AC), waist circumference (WC), fat mass, fat-free mass, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, blood pressure, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), z-score BMI (BMI-z), triponderal mass index (TMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), homeostasis model to assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Adiponectin was categorized: low adiponectin concentration (LAC ≤ 5.18 µg/mL-1), intermediate (IAC = 5.18 and 7.63 µg/mL-1) and high (HAC ≥ 7.63 µg/ml-1). RESULTS: LAC showed higher BMI, BMI-z and TMI than the other groups (p < 0.05) and higher AC, WC and WHtR that the HAC (p < 0.05). IAC showed lower values of TC, LDL-c and TG, and the LAC presented the highest values of insulin, HOMA-IR and QUICKI (p < 0.05) to the IAC and HAC. HAC presented the lower VO2peak than the other groups (p < 0.01). BMI, TMI, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR showed inverse, and QUICKI a direct and weak correlation with adiponectin (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between adiponectin and VO2peak (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LAC group had higher means in the anthropometric variables and the worst results related to insulin resistance and sensitivity. Thus, adiponectin may play an important role in obesity and reduced concentration may be a factor in the development of obesity-associated morbidities.

Histamine and cholesterol lowering abilities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal Pico cheese.

AIMS: This study was designed to select lactic acid bacteria with histamine- and cholesterol-reducing abilities to be used as potential probiotics. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty strains of lactic acid bacteria isolated from an artisanal raw milk cheese were screened for their abilities to degrade histamine, reduce cholesterol and hydrolyse bile salts. Strains were also screened for safety and probiotic traits, such as resistance to gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to Caco-2 cells, resistance to antibiotics and presence of virulence genes. Two Lactobacillus paracasei strains presented high cholesterol- and histamine-lowering abilities, tested negative for the presence of virulence genes and showed susceptibility to most important antibiotics. These strains were also shown to possess desirable in vitro probiotic properties, revealed by tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions and high adhesion to intestinal cells. CONCLUSIONS: Among the screened strains, Lb. paracasei L3C21M6 revealed the best cholesterol and histamine reducing abilities together with desirable probiotic and safety features to be used in food applications. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The strain L3C21M6 is a good candidate for use as a probiotic with histamine-degrading activity and cholesterol lowering effect. In addition, this strain could be use in dairy foods to prevent histamine food poisoning.

Cr (VI) reduction by photocatalyic process: Nb2O5 an alternative catalyst.

In this study, Nb2O5 catalyst was applied in the photocatalytic process for the Chromium reduction. Cr (VI) is a compound classified as highly toxic and often found in industrial tannery effluents. The techniques used for the photocatalytic material characterization were: X-ray diffraction, Specific surface area (B.E.T method), photo-acoustic spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Dispersive Energy Spectrometry (EDS). A comparison between Nb2O5 and TiO2 (widely used in photocatalytic reactions) indicated that Nb2O5 has 20% more Cr (VI) reduction than TiO2. Tests carried out with Nb2O5 calcined at 500 °C and with non-calcined Nb2O5 showed that the heat treatment did not favor the reaction. Parameters such as pH, radiation intensity, initial concentration of Cr (VI) and amount of catalyst were studied. The results indicated that the acid (pH 2), emitted radiation intensity (250 W), initial concentration Cr (VI) at 10 mg L-1 and 1.5 g L-1 Nb2O5 non-calcined are the process optimal conditions. In addition, the reuse tests for Nb2O5 in consecutive cycles four, were realized. Photostability was maintained at approximately 90% for all cycles when Nb2O5 calcined was used. On the other hand, when using Nb2O5 non-calcined reduced by 21% during the four tests. This behavior is possibly due to the greater adsorption capacity of the non-calcined material. Making the Nb2O5 catalyst attractive for considering larger scale tests.

Isolation and characterization of an exopolysaccharide-producing Leuconostoc citreum strain from artisanal cheese.

High molar mass exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced from sucrose by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are of great interest as natural additives to use in foods, medical and pharmaceutical industry. This study aimed to identify the EPS produced by Leuconostoc citreum L3C1E7 isolated from Pico cheese and characterize the strain for technological and probiotic potential. Purified EPS was isolated from the culture of L. citreum L3C1E7 by ethanol precipitation, with a yield of 520 mg ml-1 . The EPS-producing strain had a mucoid phenotype and average molecular weight of 5·88 × 106  Da. The structural characterization of the purified EPS was determined by 1 H, 13 C and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. EPS was composed of alternating α-(1→6)-linked and α-(1→3)-linked D-glucopyranyl units, suggesting the existence of an alternan. The strain was slow acidifying, produced diacetyl and displayed high esterase/lipase and aminopeptidase activities, which promote the desirable flavours in dairy products. Moreover, L. citreum showed moderate resistance to the adverse conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and high adhesion to GI cells. This work provides a better understanding of EPS produced by L. citreum and the potential application of EPS-producing strain in food and/or as a probiotic culture. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Some LAB strains are known to use extracellular glycoside-hydrolase enzymes for synthesizing a diversity of exopolysaccharides (EPS) with potential application as natural additives to foods. Previous studies have identified an EPS-producing Leuconostoc citreum strain with immunomodulatory properties. This work provides a better understanding of EPS produced by this strain and the potential application of the strain in food fermentation and/or as a probiotic culture.

Genetic diversity, safety and technological characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from artisanal Pico cheese.

A total of 114 lactic acid bacteria were isolated at one and 21 days of ripening from a traditional raw cow's milk cheese without the addition of starter culture, produced by three artisanal cheese-makers in Azores Island (Pico, Portugal). Identification to species and strain level was accomplished by16S rRNA gene and PFGE analysis. Carbohydrate utilization profiles were obtained with the relevant API kits. Isolates were evaluated according to safety and technological criteria. The most frequently observed genus identified by 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was Enterococcus, whereas API system mostly identified Lactobacillus. The highest percentages of antibiotic resistance were to nalidixic acid (95%), and aminoglycosides (64-87%). All isolates were sensitive to several beta-lactam antibiotics and negative for histamine and DNase production. Gelatinase activity was detected in 49.1% of isolates, 43% were able to degrade casein and 93% were α-hemolytic. Most enterococci presented virulence genes, such as gelE, asaI, ace. Diacetyl production was found to be species dependent and one strain (Leu. citreum) produced exopolysaccharides. Selected strains were further studied for technological application and were found to be slow acid producers in milk and experimental cheeses, a desirable trait for adjunct cultures. Two strains were selected on the basis of technological and safety application as adjunct cultures in cheese production and presented the best cheese aroma and flavor in consumer preference tests. This is the first effort to characterize Pico cheese LAB isolates for potential application as adjunct cultures; the results suggest the potential of two strains to improve the quality of this traditional raw milk product.

Short communication: Latin-style fresh cheese enhances lactic acid bacteria survival but not Listeria monocytogenes resistance under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Different studies in humans have provided evidence about the health benefits of probiotics. However, most probiotic strains do not maintain good viability in the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In the present study, Latin-style fresh cheese produced with potential probiotic bacteria was tested to evaluate this cheese type as a food carrier for the delivery of viable microorganisms after exposure to simulated GIT conditions. The resistance of 28 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and Listeria monocytogenes upon exposure to acidic conditions (pH 2.5) and bile and pancreatic enzymes (0.3% of bile salts and 0.1% of pancreatin) was evaluated in vitro. When compared with fresh cultures, fresh cheese greatly improved LAB survival to simulated GIT conditions, as no loss of viability was observed in either acidic conditions (pH 2.5) or bile salts and pancreatin environment over a 3-h period. In opposition, L. monocytogenes did not survive after 1h under acidic conditions. These data demonstrated that Latin-style fresh cheese could play an important role in probiotic protection against gastrointestinal juices, enhancing delivery within the gut and thereby maximizing potential health benefits of LAB.

Genetic divergence of sugarcane varieties collected in the region of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Genetic diversity among local accessions and varieties subsidize plant breeding programs, allowing the utilization of existing variability in plants that have already adapted to local climate conditions. An alternative to studying genetic variability is the study of diversity. The aim of this research was to study genetic diversity among sugarcane accessions and varieties used for the production of craft-distilled cachaça (distilled sugarcane alcohol) in the region of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Using a one-way design, an experiment was conducted in the municipality of Perdões, Minas Gerais to evaluate 35 regional accessions derived from germplasm collection expeditions and four varieties. Using morphological descriptions of 46 multicategorical sugarcane characteristics, dissimilarity and Tocher cluster method analyses were performed. Based on the results, it was concluded that genetic diversity exists among the accessions evaluated for the target traits.

Production of low-cholesterol butter with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei immobilized in calcium-alginate beads.

This study focused on the application of three strains of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to assimilate cholesterol in cream and butter. The strains were enclosed in calcium-alginate beads and incubated in cream at 30 °C for 15 h. Immobilization of lactobacilli cultures in calcium-alginate beads resulted in a 23% reduction in cholesterol (p < 0.05) in cream, whereas a negligible reduction was observed in cream fermented with free cells. Butter with a 44% reduction in cholesterol was produced from fermented cream by L. paracasei L2A21K5 entrapped in alginate beads. No significant (p > 0.05) changes in the fatty acid profile were observed in the low-cholesterol butter, except for a slight but significant increase in n-3 fatty acids (p < 0.05). In addition, the indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity were significantly reduced in the low-cholesterol butter (p < 0.05). Panelists rated the low-cholesterol butter as good in appearance, consistency, and flavor.

What is the best long-term treatment modality for immature permanent teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis?

PURPOSE: To evaluate and assess the current knowledge about apexification and regenerative techniques as a meaningful treatment modality and to map the scientific evidence for the efficacy of both methods for the management of traumatised immature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. METHODS: This systematic review searched five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid (Medline), and Embase. Published articles written in English were considered for inclusion. The following keywords were used: Regenerative endodontic treatment OR regenerat* OR revital* OR endodontic regeneration OR regenerative endodontics OR pulp revascularization OR revasculari* OR 'traumatized immature teeth'. Only peer-reviewed studies with a study size of at least 20 cases followed up for 24 months were included. Eligibility assessment was performed independently in a blinded manner by three reviewers and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Subgroup analyses were performed on three clinical outcomes: survival, success, and continued root development. RESULTS: Seven full texts out of 1359 citations were included and conventional content analysis was performed. Most of the identified citations were case reports and case series. CONCLUSIONS: In the present systematic review, the qualitative analysis revealed that both regenerative and apexification techniques had equal rates of success and survival and proved to be effective in the treatment of immature necrotic permanent teeth. Endodontic regenerative techniques appear to be superior to apexification techniques in terms of stimulation of root maturation, i.e. root wall thickening and root lengthening. Knowledge gaps were identified regarding the treatment and follow-up protocols for both techniques.

Fas ligand triggers pulmonary silicosis.

We investigated the role of Fas ligand in murine silicosis. Wild-type mice instilled with silica developed severe pulmonary inflammation, with local production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interstitial neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in the lungs. Strikingly, Fas ligand-deficient generalized lymphoproliferative disease mutant (gld) mice did not develop silicosis. The gld mice had markedly reduced neutrophil extravasation into bronchoalveolar space, and did not show increased TNF-alpha production, nor pulmonary inflammation. Bone marrow chimeras and local adoptive transfer demonstrated that wild-type, but not Fas ligand-deficient lung macrophages recruit neutrophils and initiate silicosis. Silica induced Fas ligand expression in lung macrophages in vitro and in vivo, and promoted Fas ligand-dependent macrophage apoptosis. Administration of neutralizing anti-Fas ligand antibody in vivo blocked induction of silicosis. Thus, Fas ligand plays a central role in induction of pulmonary silicosis.

Cross-cutting view of current challenges in paediatric solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Europe: the European Reference Network TransplantChild.

The low prevalence of European paediatric transplanted patients and scarcity of resources and expertise led to the need for a multidisciplinary network able to improve the quality of life of paediatric patients and families requiring a solid organ or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The European Reference Network (ERN) TransplantChild is one of the 24 ERNs established in a European legal framework to improve the care of patients with rare diseases. ERN TransplantChild is the only ERN focused on both solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell paediatric transplantation, based on the understanding of paediatric transplantation as a complex and highly specialised process where specific complications appear regardless the organ involved, thus linking the skills and knowledge of different organ disciplines. Gathering European centres of expertise in paediatric transplantation will give access to a correct and timely diagnosis, share expertise and knowledge and collect a critical mass of patients and data that increases the speed and value of clinical research outcomes. Therefore, the ERN TransplantChild aims for a paediatric Pan-European, Pan-transplant approach.

Effect of traction sutures in the distal esophagus of the rat: a model for esophageal elongation by Foker's method.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to evaluate a rat model of esophageal elongation using traction sutures by the Foker's method. After esophageal division and closure of the distal segment at approximately 4 mm from the cardia, traction sutures were placed for progressive stretching until the 7(th) postoperative day in the experimental group (n = 10), whilst no traction sutures were placed in the esophagus of the control group (n = 10). Clinical outcome as well as macroscopic and microscopic esophageal morphology were evaluated in both groups. All rats survived the surgical procedure and the anesthetic recovery period. Disruption of sutures during the traction period occurred in 20% of the rats, which required reoperation. Integrity of the stretched esophagus was confirmed at autopsy in all animals. In contrast to the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly more elongated (average length 6.10 +/- 1.10 mm versus 3.91 +/- 0.17 mm, (P = 0.0001)) and thicker esophagus (average mass 35.9 +/- 3.31 mg versus 15.6 +/- 1.71 mg in the control group, P = 0.0001). Histopathological examination showed a relatively well preserved morphology of the stretched esophagus. These observations suggest that esophageal stretching by traction sutures can be undertaken reliably in a rat model, resulting in elongation and mass increase of the stretched esophagus without important tissue damage. As this model mimics Foker's method, it may serve as a useful model in further research studies and may be used to train in surgical technique.

Apoptotic CD8 T-lymphocytes disable macrophage-mediated immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. CD8 T-lymphocytes help to control infection, but apoptosis of CD8 T cells disrupts immunity and efferocytosis can enhance parasite infection within macrophages. Here, we investigate how apoptosis of activated CD8 T cells affects M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes. First, we found that CD8 T-lymphocytes and inflammatory monocytes/macrophages infiltrate peritoneum during acute T. cruzi infection. We show that treatment with anti-Fas ligand (FasL) prevents lymphocyte apoptosis, upregulates type-1 responses to parasite antigens, and reduces infection in macrophages cocultured with activated CD8 T cells. Anti-FasL skews mixed M1/M2 macrophage profiles into polarized M1 phenotype, both in vitro and following injection in infected mice. Moreover, inhibition of T-cell apoptosis induces a broad reprogramming of cytokine responses and improves macrophage-mediated immunity to T. cruzi. The results indicate that disposal of apoptotic CD8 T cells increases M2-macrophage differentiation and contributes to parasite persistence.

Intracellular protozoan parasites and apoptosis: diverse strategies to modulate parasite-host interactions.

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is an important regulator of the host's response during infection with a variety of intracellular protozoan parasites. Parasitic pathogens have evolved diverse strategies to induce or inhibit host-cell apoptosis, thereby modulating the host's immune response, aiding dissemination within the host or facilitating intracellular survival. Here, we review the molecular and cell-biological mechanisms of the pathogen-induced modulation of host-cell apoptosis and its effects on the parasite-host interaction and the pathogenesis of parasitic diseases. We also discuss the previously unrecognized phenomenon of apoptotic cell death in (unicellular) protozoan parasites and its potential implications.

Partial characterization of the cohemolytic factor produced by Streptococcus uberis and comparison with the CAMP-factor.

Exosubstances (cohemolysins) produced by Streptococcus agalactiae (CAMP-factor) and Streptococcus uberis (Uberis-factor) showing hemolytic synergism with beta-lysin produced by Staphylococcus aureus were compared. Cohemolytic activity was evaluated in the supernatants of bacterial cultures, before and after ammonium sulfate precipitation. Sheep erythrocytes sensitized with beta-lysin were used as substrate. The assays were performed in microtiter plates and results were expressed as cohemolytic units/ml. Maximum cohemolytic activity was detected, respectively, after 8 h and 14 h of growth in Columbia broth in S. uberis and S. agalactiae cultures. Cohemolytic activities of both microorganisms showed similarities when submitted to various physical and chemical treatments. They were significantly decreased by heating at 60 degrees C and 100 degrees C, or in presence of trypsin, and were abolished in the presence of Tween 20. Activities were found to be stable in crude supernatants and concentrated preparations maintained at -20 degrees C for 3 months. Differences were related to levels of activity and kinetics of detection during the growth cycle. The results indicate the proteic nature, at least in part, of the Uberis factor. Analysis by PAGE in the presence or absence of SDS allowed us to correlate Uberis activity with a protein band with apparent molecular mass of 42 kDa, while CAMP activity was associated with a protein band of 27 kDa.

Endoscopic obliteration of a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula with enbucrilate and polidocanol in a child.

We present a difficult case of a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula following primary surgical repair of esophageal atresia. After four unsuccessful attempts to close the fistula, which included three thoracotomies and one endoscopic obliteration using fibrin glue, successful recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula closure was attained with the endoscopic application of enbucrilate (Histoacrylate) combined with polidocanol. Enbucrilate was applied into the lumen of the fistula by bronchoscopy, and polidocanol (Sclerovein) was injected into the esophageal submucosa around the fistula by esophagoscopy. Three years after this treatment, the fistula remains apparently closed.

Apoptosis as a cause of T-cell unresponsiveness in experimental Chagas' disease.

A murine model of Chagas' disease induced by metacyclic forms of T. cruzi was used to evaluate T-cell function during infection. T-cell unresponsiveness to TcR;CD3 stimulation in vitro and lymphocyte activation in vivo occurred simultaneously. These paradoxical findings are discussed in the light of recent evidence that mature activated T cells become susceptible to TcR-mediated apoptosis. Activation-induced death in T cells from T. cruzi-infected mice has recently been demonstrated in this model. Evidence that TcR-induced death of activated T cells could be a cause for T-cell unresponsiveness in vitro and in vivo, as well as the possible molecular mechanisms involved, are discussed.

[Transoperative anatomopathologic examinations: quality control]. / Exames anatomopatológicos transoperatórios: controle de qualidade.

Frozen sections (FS) are usually performed in a General Hospital and are very useful for the surgical procedure orientation. PURPOSE--To verify the accuracy of the FS performed at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), RS, Brazil. METHOD--2,152 FS were carried out between March 1986-September 1991, in a prospective study. RESULTS--3.7% of the conventional pathologic examinations (58,127), performed in the same period, correspond to the FS examined. When the FS diagnosis differed from the definitive one (in paraffin) it was classified as False Positive (0.4%), False Negative (1.8%) or inconclusive (2.8%). The organs more frequently examined were lymph nodes (19.3%), ovary (17.21%), breast (16.6%) and thyroid gland (12.4%). We observed accuracy indices in 95% of the FS examined, and in 97.8% when excluding the inconclusive ones. CONCLUSION--The accuracy indices of FS performed in HCPA were similar to the ones found in the literature, which vary from 90.4% to 98.5%.

[Pneumoperitoneum in bladder rupture]. / Pneumoperitoneu em ruptura vesical.

Pneumoperitoneum is rarely seen with bladder rupture. In blunt abdominal trauma this sign is strongly suggestive of gastric or bowel perforation. In our child, suspicion of bladder trauma was evoked by car belt marks in the hypogastrium and by gross hematuria. Preoperative diagnosis was not confirmed because immediate surgical exploration was required based on the presence of free air in the abdominal roentgenograph.