Tuning Electronic and Structural Properties of Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites: A Comparative Study of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper and 3D Compositions.

In recent decades, two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductors for next-generation photovoltaics, showing notable advancements in solar energy conversion. Herein, we explore the impact of alternative inorganic lattice BX-based compositions (B=Ge or Sn, X=Br or I) on the energy gap and stability. Our investigation encompasses BA2Man-1BnX3n+1 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (for n=1-5 layers) and 3D bulk (MA)BX3 systems, employing first-principles calculations with spin-orbit coupling (SOC), DFT-1/2 quasiparticle, and D3 dispersion corrections. The study unveils how atoms with smaller ionic radii induce anisotropic internal and external distortions within the inorganic and organic lattices. Introducing the spacers in the low-layer regime reduces local distortions but widens band gaps. Our calculation protocol provides deeper insights into the physics and chemistry underlying 2D perovskite materials, paving the way for optimizing environmentally friendly alternatives that can efficiently replace with sustainable materials.

Vitis Methods to Understand and Develop Strategies for Diagnosis and Sustainable Control of Grapevine Trunk Diseases.

Vitis vinifera is affected by many diseases every year, depending on causal agents, susceptibility of cultivars, and climate region. Some are caused by a single agent, such as gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea or powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe necator. Others result from the actions of a complex of pathogens such as grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs). GTDs are presently among the most devastating diseases in viticulture worldwide because both the economic losses and the long-term sustainability of vineyards are strongly affected. The complexity of GTDs results from the diversity of associated fungi, the undetermined period of latency within the vine (asymptomatic status), the erratic foliar symptom expression from one year to the next, and, probably correlated with all of these points, the lack of efficient strategies to control them. Distinct methods can be beneficial to improve our knowledge of GTDs. In vitro bioassays with cell suspensions, calli, foliar discs, full leaves, or plantlets, and in vivo natural bioassays with cuttings, grafted plants in the greenhouse, or artificially infected ones in the vineyard, can be applied by using progressive integrative levels of in vitro and in vivo, depending on the information searched. In this review, the methods available to understand GTDs are described in terms of experimental procedures, main obtained results, and deliverable prospects. The advantages and disadvantages of each model are also discussed.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Features of aquaporin-4, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and double-seronegative-mediated subtypes.

The new diagnostic classification of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in 2015 highlights the central role of biomarkers, such as antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4-Ab), in diagnosis. Also, in approximately 20-25% of patients without AQP4-Ab (NMOSDAQP4-) the presence of an antibody directed against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) characterizes a specific population of NMOSD patients (NMOSDMOG+), according to their demographic and clinical data and prognoses. While double-seronegative cases (NMOSDNEG) have not been fully described, they may correspond to the very first patients with opticospinal demyelination reported by Devic and Gault in 1894. The present report reviews the current knowledge of the pathophysiology and clinical features of NMOSDAQP4+, NMOSDMOG+ and NMOSDNEG patients, and also discusses the relationship between the extended spectrum of MOG disease and NMOSDMOG+. Finally, the current treatments for acute relapses and relapse prevention are described, with a focus on serological-based therapeutic responses and the promising new therapeutic targets.

Evaluation of deep gray matter volume, cortical thickness and white matter integrity in patients with typical absence epilepsy: a study using voxelwise-based techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cortical thickness and the volume of deep gray matter structures, measured from 3D T1-weighted gradient echo imaging, and white matter integrity, by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with typical absence epilepsy (AE). METHODS: Patients (n = 19) with typical childhood AE and juvenile AE, currently taking antiepileptic medication, were compared with control subjects (n = 19), matched for gender and age. 3D T1 magnetization-prepared rapid gradient echo-weighted imaging and DTI along 30 noncolinear directions were performed using a 1.5-T MR scanner. FreeSurfer was used to perform cortical volumetric reconstruction and segmentation of deep gray matter structures. For tract-based spatial statistics analysis of DTI, a white matter skeleton was created, along with a permutation-based inference with 5000 permutations. A threshold of p < 0.05 was used to identify abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA). The mean, radial, and axial diffusivities were also projected onto the mean FA skeleton. RESULTS: Patients with AE presented decreased FA and increased mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity values in the genu and the body of the corpus callosum and right anterior corona radiata, as well as decreased axial diffusivity in the left posterior thalamic radiation, inferior cerebellar peduncle, right cerebral peduncle, and right corticospinal tract. However, there were no significant differences in cortical thickness or deep gray matter structure volumes between patients with AE and controls. CONCLUSION: Abnormalities found in white matter integrity may help to better understand the pathophysiology of AE and optimize diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: A new animal model for new therapeutic targets.

Animal models are fundamental to advance knowledge of disease pathogenesis and to test/develop new therapeutic strategies. Most of the current knowledge about the pathogenic mechanisms underpinning autoimmune demyelination processes implicating autoantigens has been obtained using the Experimental Autoimmune Neuritis (EAN) animal model. The most widely used EAN model is obtained by active immunization of Lewis rats using a peptide, P0 (180-199), issuing from the major peripheral nervous system myelin protein. But this model mimics only the classical monophasic acute form of demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, i.e. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We developed a new model by immunizing Lewis rats using the same immunodominant neuritogenic peptide P0 (180-199) but this time with its S-palmitoyl derivative, S-palm P0 (180-199). All of the animals immunized with the S-palm P0 (180-199) peptide developed a chronic relapsing-remitting form of the disease corresponding to the electrophysiological criteria of demyelination (slow sensory nerve conduction velocity, prolonged motor nerve latency, partial motor nerve conduction blocks) with axon degeneration. These findings were confirmed by immunohistopathology study and thus, appear to mimic human chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP). This new model opens up new avenues of research for testing new anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective therapeutic strategies.

Effects of a 5-month football program on perceived psychological status and body composition of overweight boys.

The effects of a 5-month intervention of football instruction and practice on the perceived psychological status and body composition of overweight boys were examined. Twelve boys (8-12 years; body mass index ≥ 85th percentile) participated in a structured 5-month football program, consisting of four weekly 60-90 min sessions with mean heart rate > 80%HRmax [football group (FG)]. A control group (CG) included eight boys of equivalent age from an obesity clinic located in the same area as the school. Both groups participated in two sessions of 45-90-min physical education per week at school. Indicators of perceived psychological status included body image, self-esteem, attraction to participation in physical activity, and perceived physical competence measured with standardized questionnaires. Body composition was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. From baseline through 5 months, FG improved (P < 0.05) in all indicators of psychological status (%Δ = +11.7 to +29.2%) compared with CG (%Δ = -32.1 to +0.5%). Changes in percentage body fat and lean body mass, however, did not differ between FG and CG. The findings suggest that a 5-month football intervention program was effective in improving the psychological status of overweight boys but did not significantly alter body composition.

First Report of Ilyonectria robusta Associated with Black Foot Disease of Grapevine in Southern Brazil.

In August 2012, symptoms of black foot disease were observed on 21-year-old grapevines (Vitis labrusca cv. Bordô; own-rooted cultivar) at Nova Pádua city, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Symptomatic plants showed reduced vigor, vascular lesions, decline and death of vines, and necrotic lesions on roots. Isolation of fungi associated with necrotic root tissue was made on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium containing 0.5 g L-1 streptomycin sulfate. Cultures were incubated at 25°C for 7 days in darkness, and single-spore cultures were obtained from the colonies emerging from the diseased tissue. For morphological characterization, cultures were transferred to PDA and spezieller nährstoffarmer agar (SNA) medium with addition of two pieces of 1 cm2 filter paper. One representative isolate (Cy9UFSM) was used for morphological and molecular characterization and pathogenicity confirmation. After 10 days growth on PDA at 20°C in the dark, colonies were umber to chestnut in color (3), appeared cottony to felty in texture, and sporulated profusely. After 5 weeks on SNA and under dark conditions at 20°C, cultures formed macroconidia predominantly on simple conidiophores, 1 to 3 septate, with both ends slightly rounded. Macroconidia varied in size depending on the number of cells as follows: one-septate (23-) 27.7 (-31) × (4.5-) 5.8 (-7) µm; two-septate (26-) 30.1 (-34) × (5-) 5.6 (-6) µm; and three-septate (24-) 31.2 (-35) × (5-) 5.8 (-6.5) µm. Microconidia were observed and did not have a visible hilum (6-) 11.2 (-17) × (3.5-) 4.2 (-5) µm (n = 30 observations per structure). Brown, thick-walled globose to subglobose chlamydospores were produced abundantly on PDA, (8.5-) 13.8 (-17) µm. To confirm the species, primer pairs H3-1a and H3-1b (2) were used to amplify a portion the histone H3 gene. Sequence of this region showed 98% similarity with a reference sequence for Ilyonectria robusta (A.A. Hildebr.) A. Cabral & Crous (GenBank Accession No. JF735530). Thus, both morphological and molecular criteria supported identification of the strain as I. robusta. This isolate was deposited in GenBank as accession KF633172. To confirm pathogenicity, 4-month-old rooted cuttings of Vitis labrusca cv. Bordô were inoculated by immersing roots in a conidial suspension (106 ml-1) for 60 min. After inoculation, the cuttings were planted in 1-L bags containing commercial substrate (MecPlant). Thirty days later, each plant was re-inoculated by applying 40 ml of a conidial suspension (106 ml-1) to the commercial substrate. Ten single-vine replicates were used for each isolate, and 10 water-inoculated vines were included as controls. After 4 months, the inoculated plants showed a 22.5% reduction of root mass, with root and crown necrosis, browning of vessels, and 20% mortality. Control plants treated with water remained symptomless. The fungus was re-isolated from blackened tissue of wood from the basal end of rooted cuttings, thereby satisfying Koch's postulates. I. robusta was first associated with black foot disease of grapevine in Portugal in 2012 (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report in southern Brazil of I. robusta associated with black foot disease of grapevine. References: (1) A. Cabral et al. Mycol. Prog. 11:655, 2012. (2) N. L. Glass et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:1323, 1995. (3) R. W. Rayner. A mycological colour chart. Commonwealth Mycological Institute and British Mycological Society, 1970.

Physical activity guidelines and preschooler's obesity status.

AIM: The benefits of promoting physical activity (PA) in counteracting the high prevalence of childhood obesity have become increasingly important in the past decade. The aim of this study was to examine the association between compliance of daily PA recommendations and the risk of being overweight or obese in preschool-aged children. METHODS: The sample comprised 607 children aged 4-6 years, recruited from kindergartens located in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. Preschooler's body mass index was classified according to International Obesity Task Force. PA was assessed during 7 consecutive days by accelerometer. Children were classified as meeting or not meeting PA recommendations based on two guidelines: (i) at least 3 h per day of total PA (TPA); and (ii) at least 1 h per day of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.5 and 10.6% in girls and 17.2 and 8.9% in boys. In all, 90.2 and 97.3% of girls met the ≥ 1 h MVPA and ≥ 3 h TPA recommendations, respectively. In all, 96.2 and 99.4% boys met the ≥ 1 h MVPA and 3 h TPA recommendations, respectively. Boys were significantly more likely to achieve the ≥ 1 h MVPA and ≥ 3 h TPA recommendations than girls (P ≤ 0.001). Not meeting the ≥ 1 h MVPA guideline was associated with obesity status (OR: 3.8; IC: 1.3-10.4), in girls, but not boys. No other statistically significant associations were found. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that over 90% of children met the recommended guidelines. There is an association with low levels of MVPA and higher obesity status among preschool girls. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these data.

Bothrops jararacussu snake venom decreases CD1d, CD83, and CD86 expression on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.

This study was designed to characterize mice bone marrow (BM) and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) and to compare the surface markers expression and inflammatory cytokine liberation in response to LPS and Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjV) stimulation. Typical morphology was observed in BM and BMDCs from the 4th up to the 8th day of culture using recombinant mouse GM-CSF and IL-4. A high basal level of MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD11c, CD80, and low CD86 was expressed by BM cells. After stimulation with GM-CSF/IL-4 for BMDCs differentiation, the BM cells differentiated into BMDCs presented MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD11c, CD86, and CD80 expression on the 4th - 8th day accompanied with high levels of TNF-α liberated. The difference between the surface markers' expression was observed in this time course in which CD1d, CD11c, and CD80 remained in high levels of expression, while MHC-II and CD83 showed moderate expression during the differentiation period. Also, cytokines liberation was monitored over the period of the BMDCs culture, and on the 6th day, low levels of IL-6 and IL-1ß were found, while high levels of TNF-α on the 4th and 8th days, both of which contributed to the maturity of the BMDCs. Maturation of DCs with LPS showed significant upregulation of surface markers (MHC-II, CD1d, CD83, CD86, CD80) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α) liberation. On the other hand, BjV induced a decrease in CD1d, CD11c, CD83, and CD86 expression in mature BMDCs which was not observed when LPS was used to stimulate BMDCs which probably induces impairment in T-cell activation.

Hsp70 protein levels and thermotolerance in Drosophila subobscura: a reassessment of the thermal co-adaptation hypothesis.

Theory predicts that geographic variation in traits and genes associated with climatic adaptation may be initially driven by the correlated evolution of thermal preference and thermal sensitivity. This assumes that an organism's preferred body temperature corresponds with the thermal optimum in which performance is maximized; hence, shifts in thermal preferences affect the subsequent evolution of thermal-related traits. Drosophila subobscura evolved worldwide latitudinal clines in several traits including chromosome inversion frequencies, with some polymorphic inversions being apparently associated with thermal preference and thermal tolerance. Here we show that flies carrying the warm-climate chromosome arrangement O(3+4) have higher basal protein levels of Hsp70 than their cold-climate O(st) counterparts, but this difference disappears after heat hardening. O(3+4) carriers are also more heat tolerant, although it is difficult to conclude from our results that this is causally linked to their higher basal levels of Hsp70. The observed patterns are consistent with the thermal co-adaptation hypothesis and suggest that the interplay between behaviour and physiology underlies latitudinal and seasonal shifts in inversion frequencies.

Contrasting patterns of phenotypic variation linked to chromosomal inversions in native and colonizing populations of Drosophila subobscura.

In fewer than two decades after invading the Americas, the fly Drosophila subobscura evolved latitudinal clines for chromosomal inversion frequencies and wing size that are parallel to the long-standing ones in native Palearctic populations. By sharp contrast, wing shape clines also evolved in the New World, but the relationship with latitude was opposite to that in the Old World. Previous work has suggested that wing trait differences among individuals are partially due to the association between chromosomal inversions and particular alleles which influence the trait under consideration. Furthermore, it is well documented that a few number of effective individuals founded the New World populations, which might have modified the biometrical effect of inversions on quantitative traits. Here we evaluate the relative contribution of chromosomal inversion clines in shaping the parallel clines in wing size and contrasting clines in wing shape in native and colonizing populations of the species. Our results reveal that inversion-size and inversion-shape associations in native and colonizing (South America) populations are generally different, probably due to the bottleneck effect. Contingent, unpredictable evolution was suggested as an explanation for the different details involved in the otherwise parallel wing size clines between Old and New World populations of D. subobscura. We challenge this assertion and conclude that contrasting wing shape clines came out as a correlated response of inversion clines that might have been predicted considering the genetic background of colonizers.

Prospective study of relevance of 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy and clonidine GH test to distinguish Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy.

BACKGROUND: 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy and clonidine growth hormone test (CGH test) may help to distinguish multiple system atrophy (MSA) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Their relevance in the first-stage parkinsonism of uncertain etiology is unknown. METHODS: Patients experiencing parkinsonism of ambiguous etiology were clinically classified into the PD group or the MSA group as initial clinical diagnosis (ICD). Then, CGH test and myocardial scintigraphy were performed. Clinical assessment was repeated throughout the disease course until the final clinical diagnosis (FCD) could be established according to the criteria of PD and MSA, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with uncertain diagnosis were included (15 MSA and 10 PD as ICD). At the end of a 6-year follow-up, FCD was MSA in 11/25 patients and PD in 14/25. The CGH test and the scintigraphy showed a sensitivity of 82%, and a specificity of 71 and 93%, respectively, for the diagnosis of MSA. The combination of a normal scintigraphy (i.e., with myocardial MIBG uptake) with genitourinary dysfunction was the most relevant test to diagnose MSA, whereas an abnormal scintigraphy with a levodopa response of > 30% or an abnormal scintigraphy with the absence of OH was the most relevant combinations to diagnose PD. All these combinations had an accuracy superior than 90% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSION: Combinations of myocardial scintigraphy with genitourinary dysfunction, levodopa response of > 30%, or orthostatic hypotension could be of interest for the distinction between PD and MSA when the clinical diagnosis remains ambiguous at the first stage of the disease.

Gas-phase methylation of [60]fullerene.

Direct methylation of [60]fullerene via a gas-phase reaction in a CH4/H2 atmosphere was performed using a modified hot filament chemical vapor deposition method. Pressures were varied from 10 to 60 mbar and the substrate was maintained at 690 degrees C. High-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry analysis showed signals corresponding to C60H18-2n(H,CH3)n. Collision-induced dissociation experiments confirmed a maximum of 18 ligands possible to the [60]fullerene cage.

Deciphering the causes of sporadic late-onset cerebellar ataxias: a prospective study with implications for diagnostic work.

The management of sporadic late-onset cerebellar ataxias represents a very heterogeneous group of patients and remains a challenge for neurologist in clinical practice. We aimed at describing the different causes of sporadic late-onset cerebellar ataxias that were diagnosed following standardized, exhaustive investigations and the population characteristics according to the aetiologies as well as at evaluating the relevance of these investigations. All patients consecutively referred to our centre due to sporadic, progressive cerebellar ataxia occurring after 40 years of age were included in the prospective, observational study. 80 patients were included over a 2 year period. A diagnosis was established for 52 patients (65%) corresponding to 18 distinct causes, the most frequent being cerebellar variant of multiple system atrophy (n = 29). The second most frequent cause was inherited diseases (including spinocerebellar ataxias, late-onset Friedreich's disease, SLC20A2 mutations, FXTAS, MELAS, and other mitochondrial diseases) (n = 9), followed by immune-mediated or other acquired causes. The group of patient without diagnosis showed a slower worsening of ataxia (p < 0.05) than patients with multiple system atrophy. Patients with later age at onset experienced faster progression of ataxia (p = 0.001) and more frequently parkinsonism (p < 0.05) than patients with earlier onset. Brain MRI, DaT scan, genetic analysis and to some extent muscle biopsy, thoracic-abdominal-pelvic tomodensitometry, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were the most relevant investigations to explore sporadic late-onset cerebellar ataxia. Sporadic late-onset cerebellar ataxias should be exhaustively investigated to identify the underlying causes that are numerous, including inherited causes, but dominated by multiple system atrophy.

Leukocyte activation, erythrocyte damage, lipid profile and oxidative stress imposed by high competition physical exercise in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the lipid profile and the levels of leukocyte activation, red blood cell (RBC) damage and of oxidative stress in two groups of adolescents, with similar body mass index: high competition swimmers and adolescents practising moderate regular physical exercise. METHODS: As markers of leukocyte activation, we measured plasma lactoferrin, elastase and granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor. We studied RBC membrane band 3 profile and membrane-bound hemoglobin, as markers of RBC damage and aging; total and differential leukocyte count and RBC count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and hematimetric indexes were also measured. Lipid profile included the evaluation of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoproteins AI and B (Apo AI and B), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). To evaluate oxidative stress, lipoperoxidation products and total antioxidant capacity were measured. RESULTS: We found that high competition adolescents presented increased plasma levels of leukocyte activation products, increased RBC damage suggesting aging and premature removal, and higher oxidative stress. Lipid profile showed some risk and some protective changes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that high competition exercise, by imposing a higher and sustained oxidative and proteolytic stress, may contribute in the future to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We believe these findings warrant a reevaluation of current views in the intensity, duration and regularity of physical exercise, and that the evaluation of leukocyte activation products, RBC damage, oxidative stress and lipid profile may represent good markers to establish putative protective thresholds.

Genetic and environmental factors regulating blood pressure in childhood: prospective study from 0 to 3 years.

OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure (BP) regulation depends on the interaction between multiple environmental and genetic factors. Of these, BP sensitivity to dietary sodium intake has been one that has been investigated in adults but not in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate, prospectively, the BP profile in relation to different genetic and hormonal factors, in the first 3 years of life. POPULATION AND METHODS: Thirty-nine children born at term following normal pregnancies, with uncomplicated neonatal periods, were randomly selected to take part in the study. BP, weight and length were evaluated every 3 months from birth to 3 years. At the age of 12 months, haptoglobin phenotypes and plasma active renin concentration were determined as well as random urine evaluation of aldosterone, cAMP, dopamine and digoxin-like immunoreactive substances (DLIS). Family history of cardio-vascular diseases was also recorded. RESULTS: Systolic BP (SBP) demonstrated a gradual increase until the age of 6 months with little variation up to 36 months. Tracking of SBP values was also observed from the first year as infants with high values (above the 75 percentile) maintained this tendency up to, at least, the age of 36 months. The comparison between SBP and diastolic BP (DBP) according haptoglobin phenotypes demonstrated that SBP was systematically higher in allele 1, with apparently an increasing tendency with age, although the differences did not have statistical significance. The comparative study between haptoglobin phenotypes, with correction for the covariates fractional excretion of sodium and potassium, showed that allele 1 carriers had significantly lower plasma renin and urine aldosterone and cAMP concentrations than allele 2, but dopamine excretion was found to be higher in allele 1 than in allele 2. There were no differences among variables relating to family history of cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was an early tracking process of BP values from the first 6 months of life which persists through, at least, to the age of 36 months. Differences in sodium handling between haptoglobin 1 and 2 phenotypes were already present in early childhood, although no significant repercussion in BP values could be demonstrated in the 3-year duration of this study.

Lipid profile and redox status in high performance rhythmic female teenagers gymnasts.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the lipid profile and some parameters of oxi-redox status in a group of teenage female athletes. All gymnasts of the Portuguese National Team of Rhythmic (n=20) were included in the study. A group of untrained healthy female adolescents, matched for age, was also included (n=28). METHODS: Auxology, nutritional status and body composition were evaluated as well as biological parameters, dietary and training habits. Statistics included descriptive analysis, t-Student and Mann-Whitney for comparative study, and Pearson and Spearman correlations, according to variable distribution. RESULTS: Chronological age was 14.3+/-1.7 and 14.6+/-1,7 years, respectively for gymnasts and untrained adolescents. Gymnasts showed lower body mass index (p<0.001) and fat mass (p<0.001) and also a hypoenergetic diet, with higher supply in protein (p<0.05) and saturated fat (p<0.01). Lipid profile showed higher HDL-cholesterol (p<0.01) and lower apo B values (p<0.001) in gymnasts, compared to untrained. Red blood cell's enzymes studied were higher for transmembrane NADH reductase of ferricyanide (TMR), (p<0.01), methaemoglobin reductase (MetHbRed), (p<0.01), and low-molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP), (p<0.0001) in untrained adolescents. Susceptibility of LDL to peroxidation (LDL-TBARS) were higher in gymnasts (76.3+/-20.3 microM/l versus 35+/-21.7 microM/l), (p<0.001). Correlations were positive and significant in both gymnasts and untrained, between LDL-TBARS and LDL-cholesterol (r=0.674, p<0.01 and r=0.544, p<0.05 respectively) and apolipoprotein B (r=0.721, p<0.001 and r=0.659, p<0.01, respectively). LDL-TBARS were negative and significatively correlated to TMR (t=-0.608; p<0.01) only in gymnasts. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that the practice of intense physical exercise in rhythmic gymnasts induces a compromise of nutritional status and unbalanced food habits. The intensive exercise also induces not only a protective lipid profile, but also a higher lipid peroxidation. Further prospective studies are important to evaluate the influence of intensive training on atherosclerosis development.

Acid phosphatase, genetic polymorphism and cardiovascular risk factors in a pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Although the clinical expression of cardiovascular disease usually occurs in adulthood, it is unanimously accepted that atherosclerosis begins in the pediatric age. Because of the early onset of the disease, it is of great importance to screen for major risk factors since pre-school age, especially in risk families. Recent investigations have shown a great interest not only in studying the classic risk factors, but also in the evaluation of oxidative stress and the main antioxidant defense systems. The major cause of this interest is the knowledge of the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species on lipids, the endothelial membrane of arteries and, finally, on the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. POPULATION AND METHODS: 51 children of both genders, aged 9-12 years, randomly selected from a rural community, were observed. A possible association between low molecular acid phosphatase genetic polymorphism of the erythrocyte and the prooxidant status markers (epinephrine oxidase and low molecular protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase from the erythrocyte), some enzymatic systems of the body antioxidant defense (transmembranar reductase of ferricyanide and metahemoglobin reductase) and finally some intermediate phenotypes of cardiovascular disease (lipid profile and blood pressure) were studied. RESULTS: The study of prooxidant status markers and antioxidant enzymes shows significant differences for acid phosphatase and epinephrine oxidase activities in relation to low molecular acid phosphatase genetic polymorphism, the highest values observed being in those homozygous to the B allele (p < 0.05). The inter-relation study between variables showed, among other things, a significant inverse correlation between acid phosphatase and transmembrane reductase and a direct correlation between apolipoprotein B, acid phosphatase and metahemoglobin reductase. A positive family history for cardiovascular disease also showed a direct and significant correlation to total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphic variants of low molecular acid phosphatase and protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase with greater activity are strongly associated, not with the classic parameters of cardiovascular risk factors, but with oxidative stress indicators, such as low molecular protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase and epinephrine oxidase. Family history indicators of cardiovascular risk are clearly associated, since early ages, to some conventional risk factors, such as lipid profile and blood pressure.

LDL peroxidation in adolescent female gymnasts.

UNLABELLED: Physical exercise may in vivo promote an increase of free radical formation. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are highly susceptible to oxidation, probably because of their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, since lipid oxidation is an important factor in the genesis and development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect in a group of adolescent gymnasts, of intense and regular physical exercise on lipid profile and redox status. POPULATION: All members of the Portuguese National Team of Rhythm Gymnastics (1996) (n = 20). METHODS: 1. Clinical evaluation 1.1 Anthropometric evaluation: weight, height, triceps, biceps, subscapular and supra- and supra-iliac skinfolds. NCHS were used as the standard of reference for weight and height, and Frisancho for the sum of skinfolds; 1.2. Evaluation of nutritional status (Quetelet body mass index) and body composition (Durnin and Siri). 2. Evaluation of biological parameters: a blood sample was collected after 12 hours fasting and 24 hours detraining, to evaluate: 2.1 Lipid profile: total cholesterol, high (HDL) and low (LDL) density lipoproteins, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B, were measured using internationally recommended laboratory methods; 2.2. Plasma trace elements: zinc, copper and selenium, by atomic absorption; 2.3 Red blood cell enzymes; transmembranar reductase (TMR), metahemoglobin reductase (MethaHbRed) and acid phosphatase, by spectrophotometry; 2.4. Redox status: MDA and MDA-LDL were evaluated by spectrophotometry. 3. Evaluation of eating habits: 24 hr recall. RESULTS: Chronological age is 14.3 +/- 1.7 years. Nutritional assessment shows a mean value for height near the 50th percentile (99% +/- 3.8), and low mean values respectively for BMI (89.3% +/- 9) and sum of triceps and subscapular skinfolds (51.9% +/- 14). Study of lipid profile shows low mean values for total cholesterol (162.3 mg/dl +/- 27.7) LDL-cholesterol (87.6 mg/dl +/- 22.6) and Apo B (64.4 mg/dl +/- 11.5), but high values for HDL-cholesterol (61.3 mg/dl +/- 14.5) and Apo A1 (173.1 mg/dl +/- 25.1). We observe higher values for total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in those with lower Cu plasmatic levels. We also observe a negative significative correlation between MDA-LDL and Zn (r = -0.469), Cu (r = -0.524) and RTM (r = -0.608). CONCLUSIONS: The AA concluded that in this group of gymnasts intense physical exercise induces, a favorable lipid profile, but a clear susceptibility to LDL peroxidation in those with lower plasma Cu and Zn values. It is possible that the negative correlation observed between MDA-LDL and TMR is caused by higher consumption of TMR induced by the action of exercise on the oxidative system.