A profile of sphingolipids and related compounds tentatively identified in yak milk.

This work characterized a fraction of constituents in yak milk within the realm of approximately 1,000 to 3,000 Da using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Eleven samples of yak milk powder from the Sichuan province of China were received by the Department of Food Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and stored at room temperature until analysis. Sample preparation involved delipidation and deproteinization of yak milk samples and cold ethanol precipitation. Subsequently, MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry was performed in positive ion, reflector mode (AB Sciex TOF/TOF 4800 MALDI; AB Sciex, Foster City, CA). The instrument was first calibrated with the manufacturer's 6-peptide mixture, and each spectrum was internally calibrated using the accurate mass of ACTH Fragment 18-39 standard peptide (protonated mass at m/z 2464.199) present in each sample. Laser power was adjusted for the calibration standards and for each sample so that the signal obtained for the most-abundant ion in each spectrum could be maximized, or kept below ~2×10(4) to preserve spectral quality. Structure and name based on mass were matched using the Metlin metabolite database (https://metlin.scripps.edu/index.php). Results of the current work for yak milk powder showed a large variety of sphingolipid structures with clusters around 1,200, 1,600, and 2,000 Da. The profiling matched several glycosphingolipids, such as gangliosides GA1, GD1a, GD1b, GD3, GM1, GM2, GM3, and GT2 and several other unique moieties, including deaminated neuraminic acid (KDN) oligosaccharides, and fucose containing gangliosides. Matrix preparation and MALDI time-of-flight parameters were important factors established in this work to allow high resolution profiling of complex sphingolipids in yak powder milk.

The trans-sialidase, the major Trypanosoma cruzi virulence factor: Three decades of studies.

Chagas' disease is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Since the description of Chagas'disease in 1909 extensive research has identified important events in the disease in order to understand the biochemical mechanism that modulates T. cruzi-host cell interactions and the ability of the parasite to ensure its survival in the infected host. Exactly 30 years ago, we presented evidence for the first time of a trans-sialidase activity in T. cruzi (T. cruzi-TS). This enzyme transfers sialic acid from the host glycoconjugates to the terminal ß-galactopyranosyl residues of mucin-like molecules on the parasite's cell surface. Thenceforth, many articles have provided convincing data showing that T. cruzi-TS is able to govern relevant mechanisms involved in the parasite's survival in the mammalian host, such as invasion, escape from the phagolysosomal vacuole, differentiation, down-modulation of host immune responses, among others. The aim of this review is to cover the history of the discovery of T. cruzi-TS, as well as some well-documented biological effects encompassed by this parasite's virulence factor, an enzyme with potential attributes to become a drug target against Chagas disease.

Lactose and galactose content in cheese results in overestimation of moisture by vacuum oven and microwave methods.

Moisture determination in cheese is a critical test for regulatory compliance, functionality, and economic reasons. Common methods for moisture determination in cheese rely upon the thermal volatilization of water from cheese and calculation of moisture content based on the resulting loss of mass. Residual sugars, such as lactose and galactose, are commonly present in cheeses at levels ranging from trace amounts to 5%. These sugars are capable of reacting with other compounds in cheese, especially under the thermal conditions required for moisture determination, to yield volatile reaction products. The hypothesis of this work is that residual sugars in cheese will be converted into volatile compounds over the course of moisture determination at a level sufficient to result in overestimated cheese moisture. A full-factorial statistical design was used to evaluate the effects of cheese type, sugar type, sugar level, method type, and all interactions. Cheddar and low-moisture, part-skim (LMPS) Mozzarella cheeses were prepared with 1, 3, and 5% added lactose or galactose, and subjected to either vacuum oven or microwave-based moisture determination methods. Browning index and colorimetry were measured to characterize the color and extent of browning. Volatile analyses were performed to provide chemical evidence of the reactions proposed. The presence of residual sugars altered moisture calculations as a function of cheese type, sugar type, sugar level, method type, and numerous interactions. At higher concentrations of residual sugar, the percentage moisture determinations were increased by values of up to 1.8. Measures of browning reactions, including browning index, colorimetry, and volatile profiles demonstrate that the proposed browning reactions played a causative role. This work establishes the need to consider cheese type, sugar type, sugar levels, and method type as a means of more accurately determining moisture levels.

Dynamic associations between glucose and ecological momentary cognition in Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition characterized by glucose fluctuations. Laboratory studies suggest that cognition is reduced when glucose is very low (hypoglycemia) and very high (hyperglycemia). Until recently, technological limitations prevented researchers from understanding how naturally-occurring glucose fluctuations impact cognitive fluctuations. This study leveraged advances in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and cognitive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to characterize dynamic, within-person associations between glucose and cognition in naturalistic environments. Using CGM and EMA, we obtained intensive longitudinal measurements of glucose and cognition (processing speed, sustained attention) in 200 adults with T1D. First, we used hierarchical Bayesian modeling to estimate dynamic, within-person associations between glucose and cognition. Consistent with laboratory studies, we hypothesized that cognitive performance would be reduced at low and high glucose, reflecting cognitive vulnerability to glucose fluctuations. Second, we used data-driven lasso regression to identify clinical characteristics that predicted individual differences in cognitive vulnerability to glucose fluctuations. Large glucose fluctuations were associated with slower and less accurate processing speed, although slight glucose elevations (relative to person-level means) were associated with faster processing speed. Glucose fluctuations were not related to sustained attention. Seven clinical characteristics predicted individual differences in cognitive vulnerability to glucose fluctuations: age, time in hypoglycemia, lifetime severe hypoglycemic events, microvascular complications, glucose variability, fatigue, and neck circumference. Results establish the impact of glucose on processing speed in naturalistic environments, suggest that minimizing glucose fluctuations is important for optimizing processing speed, and identify several clinical characteristics that may exacerbate cognitive vulnerability to glucose fluctuations.

Radioactive synovectomy with (90) yttrium and (153) samarium hydroxyapatite in haemophilic joints: preliminary study on radiation safety.

Most countries still do not achieve 1 IU of factor VIII/capita sufficient for survival. Although primary prophylaxis prevents synovitis, is not universally used. Chronic synovitis is treated with arthroscopy at expense of considerable amount of coagulation factors, and specialized surgeons. Radioactive synovectomy (RS) is a minimally invasive and cost effective alternative to arthroscopy, often considered first the option for persistent synovitis. Even without established causation with cancer, RS is avoided by some, due to this concern. We aim contributing to the understanding of RS safety regarding malignancy, presenting a large number of treated patients, and a single case of cancer. Three centres in Brazil applied RS with (90) Yttrium Citrate, (90) Yttrium hydroxyapatite or (153) Samarium hydroxyapatite in haemophilic joints and performed a survey addressing cancer in these patients. Four hundred and eighty eight patients (ages 3-51) received 1-3 RS (total 842) and follow-up was 6 months to 9 years. One patient aged 14 years presented Ewing sarcoma, 11 months after RS. The tumour was treated successfully with surgery and chemotherapy. Causality of cancer by RS is improbable in this case. Accordingly, latency here is far below minimum 5-10 years for radio-induction of solid tumours. Moreover, ES is not a typically radio-induced tumour, even at high doses. In agreement with others, though recognizing limitations, this study suggests RS is safe regarding cancer induction. Synovitis is a known burden for patients. The decision of making reasonable usage of RS should be outweighed with the risks of leaving synovitis untreated.

A pilot study evaluating 99mTc-anti-TNF-alpha scintigraphy in graves' ophtalmopathy patients with different clinical activity score.

The present study describes the preliminary results of the use of 99mTc-anti-TNF-α scintigraphy as a new diagnostic approach to evaluate patients presenting with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Patients (n=25) presenting at different inflammatory stages of GO and 10 healthy volunteers underwent 99mTc-anti-TNF-α scintigraphy. Images were obtained 15 min after the intravenous injection of 370 MBq (10 mCi) 99mTc-anti-TNF-α. Planar images were obtained in a 256×256 matrix (each lasting 5 min) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan lasting 13 min. Regions of interest (ROI) were drawn on the orbit and cerebral hemispheres. The uptake of 99m Tc-anti-TNF-α in these regions was compared and positive scintigraphy established when the ROI was >2.5. In addition, uptake for each positive exam was scored as either slight (2.6-5.1), moderate (5.2-7.6), or high (>7.6). In this pilot study, 69 orbits were evaluated (1 patient had only 1 eye), and 27 had a positive CAS (≥3/7). Scintigraphies were positive in 38 orbits. Comparing the results of the exams with CAS, a high sensitivity and negative predictive values were determined for scintigraphy (96.3% and 96.7%, respectively). However, the specificity and the positive predictive values were 71.4% and 68.4%, respectively, with an accuracy of 81.2%. The exclusion of examinations that were slightly positive from the analysis resulted in an improvement in test accuracy (95.5%). The preliminary results suggest that 99mTc-anti-TNF-α scintigraphy is a promising procedure for the evaluation of active orbital inflammation in GO.

9°Yttrium-hydroxyapatite: a new therapeutic option for radioactive synovectomy in haemophilic synovitis.

Recurrent haemarthroses often lead to chronic synovitis in patients with haemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Radioactive synovectomy with yttrium-90 (9°Y) citrate is frequently used to treat this complication, usually with good results. Since 2006, the Nuclear Energy Research Institute (IPEN, Sao Paulo, Brazil) has produced hydroxyapatite particles labelled with 9°Y for radioactive synovectomy. The aim of this study was to compare the results achieved by both forms of 9°Y in the treatment of haemophilic synovitis. We included 221 joints from 136 patients (age range: 6-20 years), treated by one of the two radiopharmaceuticals, at the Hemocenter of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The outcomes analysed were the annual frequency of haemarthrosis, articular pain and joint range of motion before and 1 year after RS. Similar results were achieved regardless of whether 9°Y hydroxyapatite or 9°Y citrate was used, and results were independent of the joint type, age, gender, radiologic stage and presence of inhibitors. 9°Y hydroxyapatite appears to be equivalent to the reference product 9°Y citrate in the treatment of chronic synovitis associated with bleeding disorders.

Bone marrow cell transplant does not prevent or reverse murine liver cirrhosis.

We tested the effect of bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation in either preventing or reversing cirrhosis on an experimental model of chronic liver disease. Female Wistar rats were fed a liquid alcohol diet and received intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) over 15 weeks. Ten animals (cell-treated group) received five injections of BMCs during the cirrhosis induction protocol (on the 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th weeks) and four animals received the cells after liver injury was established through tail vein. Nine animals (nontreated group) were submitted to the previously described protocols; however, they received vehicle injections. Analyses were performed to verify whether the infusion of cells was effective in preventing the development of cirrhosis in our model of induction, and if the cells could reverse cirrhosis once it was established. Hepatic architecture and fibrotic septa were analyzed in liver slices stained with hematoxilin & eosin and Sirius red, respectively. Fibrosis quantification was measured by Sirius red histomorphometry. Indirect immunofluorescence was performed to detect the amount of tissue transglutaminase 2. Blood analyses were performed to assess liver injury and function by the assessment of alanine aminotransferase and albumin. Ultrasound was performed to analyze the portal vein caliber and presence of ascitis. Cirrhosis features (regenerative nodules and fibrous septa) were observed in histopathology after 15 weeks of continuous hepatic injury in nontreated and cell-treated groups. Collagen content, immunofluorescence analysis, and biochemical and ultrasound parameters were similar in nontreated and cell-treated groups; however, both groups showed significant differences compared to a normal control group. Cell infusions with bone marrow-derived cells seem to be ineffective in improving morphofunctional parameters of the liver when applied to chronic cases either during or after establishment of the hepatic lesion.

Radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) and excision of breast lesions using technetium-99m-macroaggregate albumin and air injection control.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of the radioguided localization and excision technique using radiopharmaceuticals injected directly or close to occult breast lesions. We studied thirty-two consecutive patients with thirty-six occult breast lesions detected mammographically or ultrasonically categorized as BI-RADS 3, 4 or 5. Macroaggregate Albumin (MAA) labeled with (99m)Tc was administered directly or close to the lesion, guided by mammography or ultrasound, followed by an air injection for radiological control. The excision biopsy was carried out with the aid of a hand-held gamma detecting probe and the entire removal of the lesion was verified by X-ray of the surgical specimens or by intraoperatory frozen section examination. Breast cancer was found in 8.3% of BI-RADS 3 lesions, in 33.3% of the BI-RADS 4 lesions and in 66.6% of the BI-RADS 5 lesions. The radiotracer was correctly positioned in 97.2% of the specimens (35/36) allowing the removal of 97.2%. Xray confirmed the entire removal in 27 lesions (75%), intraoperatory frozen section study in 19.4% (7/36) and by both methods in 5.5% (2/36). Radioguided surgery turned out to be an important tool in the removal of non-palpable breast lesions, as a simple, fast and feasible method that can be implemented in the clinical routine of patients with non-palpable breast lesions.

Antioxidant activity of Maytenus ilicifolia root bark.

Maytenus ilicifolia is an important plant with potential on cancer treatment and has been largely used in Brazil and other countries. We have evaluated the crude ethanolic extract of M. ilicifolia as a potential antioxidant source using an assay based on the bleaching of the radical monocation 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS(*+)) and by HOCl scavenger capacity. Trolox and uric acid were used as positive controls. The results indicated M. ilicifolia root bark as a great source of antioxidants based on its potential as scavenger of radicals.

Intracellular generation of electronically excited states. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes challenged with a precursor of triplet acetone.

When the enol of isobutanal is added to polymorphonuclear cells, it undergoes an intracellular, myeloperoxidase-catalyzed aerobic oxidation with the formation of triplet acetone. The latter induces considerable damage if the enol concentration exceeds 2 mM. Cells which do not have myeloperoxidase are not damaged.

Ouabain-insensitive Na+-ATPase of proximal tubules is an effector for urodilatin and atrial natriuretic peptide.

In the present paper we studied the effect of urodilatin and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on the proximal tubule Na+-ATPase and (Na+K+)ATPase activities. Urodilatin and ANP inhibit the Na+-ATPase activity but not the (Na+K+)ATPase activity. Maximal effect was observed at a concentration of 10(-11) M for both peptides. In this condition, the enzyme activity decreases from 10.8 +/- 1.6 (control) to 5.7 +/- 0.9 or 6.1 +/- 0.7 nmol Pi mg(-1) min(-1) in the presence of urodilatin or ANP, respectively. This effect was completely reversed by 10(-6) M LY83583, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and mimicked by 10 nM cGMP. Furthermore, both ANP and urodilatin increase cGMP production by 33% and 49%, respectively. This is the first demonstration that it was shown that urodilatin and ANP directly modulate primary active sodium transport in the proximal tubule. The data obtained indicate that this effect is mediated by the activation of the NPR-A/guanylate cyclase/cGMP pathway.

Sentinel node identification by scintigraphic methods in cutaneous melanoma.

In melanoma patients lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor that indicates the need for therapeutic lymph node dissection. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy mapping associated with radioguided sentinel lymph node biopsy has become a well established procedure for cutaneous melanoma patients without clinically detectable lymph node metastases (stage I, II). This technique is a versatile way of characterizing the lymphatic basin at risk for metastases and identifying involved lymph nodes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the reproducibility of lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node biopsy in detecting micro metastases in cutaneous melanoma. The study was a single-institution prospective analysis of 74 melanoma patients, with primary tumors having Breslow thickness > 0.7 mm, who underwent lymphoscintigraphies between May 2002 and September 2003. Technetium-99m sulfur colloid was injected intradermally at the primary tumor site and dynamic images were obtained for 40 minutes. Two observers evaluated the images. One to two weeks after the first lymphoscintigraphy, radioguided lymph node biopsy was performed. For the biopsy, technetium-99m sulfer colloid was injected intradermally in the same manner as performed before. Lymph nodes were identified and removed with the aid of a gamma ray detecting probe (GDP), and were submitted to histopathological analysis. The histopathological analysis of the sentinel lymph nodes collected during surgery was performed in a sequential manner. First, frozen sections were analyzed during surgery. The lymph nodes considered negative by frozen section were analyzed by H&E staining. Subsequently, the slides considered negative with H&E were sent for immunohistochemical analysis. Lymphoscintigraphy identified at least one sentinel lymph node in all patients. Sentinel node biopsy detected metastases in 20 patients (27.2%). In all cases the lymph node basins identified during lymphoscintigraphy were found to have at least one sentinel lymph node during surgery. Frozen section analysis of the lymph node was only able to identify the disease in 35% of the patients eventually found to have micrometastases with H&E and immunohistochemistry. Two lymph nodes were negative with H&E and positive with immunohistochemical analysis. In conclusion, lymphoscintigraphy is a simple procedure that is well tolerated by patients. It is useful in locating sentinel lymph nodes in patients with melanoma and is an important tool in the clinical practice of oncology. We recommend performing H&E, and if necessary, immunohistochemical analysis of all sentinel lymph nodes because of the high rate of false negative results with frozen sections alone.

Indole ring oxidation by activated leukocytes prevents the production of hypochlorous acid.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) released by activated leukocytes has been implicated in the tissue damage that characterizes chronic inflammatory diseases. In this investigation, 14 indole derivatives, including metabolites such as melatonin, tryptophan and indole-3-acetic acid, were screened for their ability to inhibit the generation of this endogenous oxidant by stimulated leukocytes. The release of HOCl was measured by the production of taurine-chloramine when the leukocytes (2 x 10(6) cells/mL) were incubated at 37 degrees C in 10 mM phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, for 30 min with 5 mM taurine and stimulated with 100 nM phorbol-12-myristate acetate. Irrespective of the group substituted in the indole ring, all the compounds tested including indole, 2-methylindole, 3-methylindole, 2,3-dimethylindole, 2,5-dimethylindole, 2-phenylindole, 5-methoxyindole, 6-methoxyindole, 5-methoxy-2-methylindole, melatonin, tryptophan, indole-3-acetic acid, 5-methoxy-2-methyl-3-indole-acetic acid, and indomethacin (10 microM) inhibited the chlorinating activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the 23-72% range. The compounds 3-methylindole and indole-3-acetic acid were chosen as representative of indole derivatives in a dose-response study using purified MPO. The IC50 obtained were 0.10 +/- 0.03 and 5.0 +/- 1.0 microM (N = 13), respectively. These compounds did not affect the peroxidation activity of MPO or the production of superoxide anion by stimulated leukocytes. By following the spectral change of MPO during the enzyme turnover, the inhibition of HOCl production can be explained on the basis of the accumulation of the redox form compound-II (MPO-II), which is an inactive chlorinating species. These results show that indole derivatives are effective and selective inhibitors of MPO-chlorinating activity.

Effect of therapeutic plasma concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the production of reactive oxygen species by activated rat neutrophils.

The release of reactive oxygen specie (ROS) by activated neutrophil is involved in both the antimicrobial and deleterious effects in chronic inflammation. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the effect of therapeutic plasma concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the production of ROS by stimulated rat neutrophils. Diclofenac (3.6 microM), indomethacin (12 microM), naproxen (160 microM), piroxicam (13 microM), and tenoxicam (30 microM) were incubated at 37 masculineC in PBS (10 mM), pH 7.4, for 30 min with rat neutrophils (1 x 10(6) cells/ml) stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (100 nM). The ROS production was measured by luminol and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. Except for naproxen, NSAIDs reduced ROS production: 58 +/- 2% diclofenac, 90 +/- 2% indomethacin, 33 +/- 3% piroxicam, and 45 +/- 6% tenoxicam (N = 6). For the lucigenin assay, naproxen, piroxicam and tenoxicam were ineffective. For indomethacin the inhibition was 52 +/- 5% and diclofenac showed amplification in the light emission of 181 +/- 60% (N = 6). Using the myeloperoxidase (MPO)/H2O2/luminol system, the effects of NSAIDs on MPO activity were also screened. We found that NSAIDs inhibited both the peroxidation and chlorinating activity of MPO as follows: diclofenac (36 +/- 10, 45 +/- 3%), indomethacin (97 +/- 2, 100 +/- 1%), naproxen (56 +/- 8, 76 +/- 3%), piroxicam (77 +/- 5, 99 +/- 1%), and tenoxicam (90 +/- 2, 100 +/- 1%), respectively (N = 3). These results show that therapeutic levels of NSAIDs are able to suppress the oxygen-dependent antimicrobial or oxidative functions of neutrophils by inhibiting the generation of hypochlorous acid.

Avaliação do ponto de congelamento do leite cru por espectroscopia de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier como método de triagem / [Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as a screening method for freezing point in raw milk]

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a interferência do teor de gordura do leite no ponto de congelamento (PC) obtido pelo infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Uma fração de leite cru foi desnatada, obtendo-se creme e leite desnatado. O leite integral e o desnatado foram adicionados com água (0%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15% e 20%). O leite desnatado remanescente foi adicionado com creme (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) e água (0%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15% e 20%). As amostras foram analisadas para PC (crioscópio eletrônico e FTIR) e composição (FTIR). O PC medido por FTIR foi altamente correlacionado com o método do crioscópio eletrônico (acima de 98,5%) e, como esperado, a adição de água foi significativa (P≤0,001) ao aumentar o PC do leite em ambos os métodos. No entanto, o alto teor de gordura no leite cru resultou na redução do PC ao se utilizar o FTIR, enquanto o baixo teor de gordura resultou em aumento do PC (P≤0,001). Uma vez que a adição de água causou o efeito inverso do alto teor de gordura no PC medido por FTIR, é importante considerar o teor de gordura do leite para evitar interpretações erradas do PC quando se utiliza o método FTIR.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate the interference of milk fat content upon the Freezing Point (FP) obtained by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR). A fraction of raw milk was skimmed, obtaining cream and skim milk. Whole and skim milk were added with water (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20%). The remaining skim milk was added with cream (5, 10, 15, 20%) and water (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20%). Samples were analyzed for FP (thermistor cryoscope and FTIR) and composition (FTIR). FP measured by FTIR was highly correlated with the thermistor cryoscope method (above 98.5%) and, as expected, water addition was significant (P≤0.001) upon increasing milk FP in both methods. However, high fat content in raw milk resulted in decreasing FP when using FTIR, while low fat content resulted in increased FP (P≤0.001). Since water addition caused the inverse effect of high fat on FP measured by FTIR, it is important to regard the fat content of milk to avoid misinterpretation of FP when using the FTIR method.(AU)

Use of (99m)Tc-doxorubicin scintigraphy in females with breast cancer: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Doxorubicin (Eurofarma, São Paulo, Brazil) is an antitumour agent widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and can be used for tumour tracking when labelled with a radionuclide. Here, we present the results obtained with technetium-99m ((99m)Tc)-doxorubicin, using the direct method, to evaluate its uptake in breast cancer. METHODS: Four females with confirmed breast carcinoma diagnosis and breast image reporting and data system Category 5 on mammography underwent whole-body and thorax single-photon emission CT/CT imaging 1 and 3 h after (99m)Tc-doxorubicin administration. RESULTS: We observed increased uptake in breast carcinoma lesions and elimination via renal and hepatic pathways. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that (99m)Tc-doxorubicin may be a promising radiopharmaceutical for the evaluation of patients with breast cancer. Further studies are ongoing. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the use of a directly labelled doxorubicin tracer in humans. (99m)Tc-doxorubicin could provide information on the response of tumours to doxorubicin.

Use of 99mTc-doxorubicin scintigraphy in females with breast cancer: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE:: Doxorubicin (Eurofarma, São Paulo, Brazil) is an antitumour agent widely used in the treatment of breast cancer and can be used for tumour tracking when labelled with a radionuclide. Here, we present the results obtained with technetium-99m (99mTc)-doxorubicin, using the direct method, to evaluate its uptake in breast cancer. METHODS:: Four females with confirmed breast carcinoma diagnosis and breast image reporting and data system Category 5 on mammography underwent whole-body and thorax single-photon emission CT/CT imaging 1 and 3 h after 99mTc-doxorubicin administration. RESULTS:: We observed increased uptake in breast carcinoma lesions and elimination via renal and hepatic pathways. CONCLUSION:: These preliminary results suggest that 99mTc-doxorubicin may be a promising radiopharmaceutical for the evaluation of patients with breast cancer. Further studies are ongoing. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:: To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the use of a directly labelled doxorubicin tracer in humans. 99mTc-doxorubicin could provide information on the response of tumours to doxorubicin.

Analysis of the freezing point of milk by precision method and by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy / [Análise do ponto de congelamento do leite pelo método de precisão e por espectroscopia no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR)]

A total of 480 milk samples were analyzed in four repetitions with four preservative treatments (no preservative, Bronopol, Bronolat and Brononata), three storage times at temperatures up to 4 °C (24, 48 and 72hours after reception), five different water additions (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%) and two analytical instruments (electronic cryoscope and FTIR). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of these parameters in the determination of the freezing point by the reference method and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thus determining the best analytical conditions and establishing a mathematical equation for electronic determination by FTIR spectroscopy. Bronolat was the best preservative and Brononata was the worst and is not recommended to analyze freezing point by FTIR. The storage time of the samples did not interfere in the analytical determinations by the precision method and by FTIR.(AU)

Foram analisadas 480 amostras de leite em quatro repetições em relação a quatro tratamentos por conservantes (sem conservante, bronopol, bronolat e brononata), três tempos de armazenamento, em temperatura até 4ºC desde a recepção da amostra (24, 48 e 72 horas), cinco porcentagens de adição de água (0,0; 2,5; 5,0; 7,5 e 10,0%) e dois instrumentos analíticos (crioscópio eletrônico e FTIR). O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito desses parâmetros na determinação do índice crioscópico pelo método de precisão em crioscópio eletrônico e por espectroscopia com transformada de Fourier no infravermelho, determinando-se, assim, as melhores condições analíticas. Entre os conservantes utilizados, bronolat foi o melhor e brononata foi o menos eficiente, não sendo, portanto, recomendado para análise de crioscopia por FTIR. O tempo de armazenamento das amostras não interferiu nas determinações analíticas pelo método de precisão e por FTIR.(AU)

Índice de CMP em leite pasteurizado comercializado em Minas Gerais, Brasil, durante os anos de 2011 a 2017 / Caseinomacropeptide index in pasteurized milk retailed in Minas Gerais, Brazil from 2011 to 2017

Cheese whey is a nutritious byproduct in the dairy industry, however, due to low commercial value, its use as a milk adulterant is a common practice not easily detected by routine analysis. In Brazil, quantification of caseinomacropeptide (CMP) index, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), is officially used to investigate illegal cheese whey addition to milk. Milk with CMP index above 30mg/L is considered not suitable for human consumption. The objective of this research was to report the CMP index in 185 samples of pasteurized milk, representing 73 commercial brands produced in 51 counties and ten mesoregions of the state of Minas Gerais, from 2011 to 2013 (58 samples) and 2015 to 2017 (127 samples). CMP index was considered normal (up to 30mg/L) in 75.1% of the samples. However, 21.1% presented CMP index above 75mg/L and 3.8% from 31 to 75mg/L. CMP index above 75mg/L was found in 17.4% of the samples produced during the dry season (April to September) and in 24.7% during the rainy season (October to March). These data point to the need of more efficient monitoring and inspection processes to hinder adulteration with cheese whey addition to milk.(AU)