Augusto Bonome and his revolutionary studies on leprosy in the early 20th century.

BACKGROUND: Augusto Bonome (1857-1922), professor at the University of Padua until 1922, was involved in a study about a particular kind of pulmonary leprosy, being the first to testify the lepromatous alterations also in the deepest parts of the respiratory tract, even though the same Gerhard Hansen (1841-1912) had denied the possibility that lungs could host Mycobacterium leprae. OBJECTIVES: It is necessary to reevaluate the research done by Bonome to also demonstrate how it can still be relevant today in further comprehension of leprosy. METHODS: Bonome's advances in leprosy studies are testified by some specimens from the Morgagni Museum of Pathological Anatomy of the University of Padua. Among the specimens, there is a peculiar case of advanced tuberous leprosy in an adolescent, who died in 1908, of which the face, the larynx, the hands and genitals are still preserved today in the Museum. RESULTS: Through autoptic and histological analysis of this specimen, Bonome succeeded in identifying a peculiar case of bone toxoid-infectious dystrophy besides characteristic leprous laryngitis, which caused the death of the young leprosy patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed the innovative research carried on by Bonome during his medical career, being among the first to offer an important contribution to improving and revolutionary knowledge on leprosy which could still be useful today.

Efficient 1535 nm light emission from an all-Si-based optical micro-cavity containing Er³âº and Yb³âº ions.

This work reports on the construction and spectroscopic analyses of optical micro-cavities (OMCs) that efficiently emit at ~1535 nm. The emission wavelength matches the third transmission window of commercial optical fibers and the OMCs were entirely based on silicon. The sputtering deposition method was adopted in the preparation of the OMCs, which comprised two Bragg reflectors and one spacer layer made of either Er- or ErYb-doped amorphous silicon nitride. The luminescence signal extracted from the OMCs originated from the 4I(13/2)→<4I(15/2) transition (due to Er3 ions) and its intensity showed to be highly dependent on the presence of Yb3+ ions. According to the results, the Er3+-related light emission was improved by a factor of 48 when combined with Yb3+ ions and inserted in the spacer layer of the OMC. The results also showed the effectiveness of the present experimental approach in producing Si-based light-emitting structures in which the main characteristics are: (a) compatibility with the actual micro-electronics industry, (b) the deposition of optical quality layers with accurate composition control, and (c) no need of uncommon elements-compounds nor extensive thermal treatments. Along with the fundamental characteristics of the OMCs, this work also discusses the impact of the Er3+-Yb3+ ion interaction on the emission intensity as well as the potential of the present findings.

Cytotoxic screening of plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest has led to the identification of Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii as sources of antitumor compounds.

In the present study, we have evaluated the cytotoxic activity of 282 extracts from 72 native plant species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. As a result, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii leaves extracts showed cytotoxic activity against three tumour cell lines tested (B16F10, SW480 and Jurkat). After bioassay-guided fractionation, the bioactive fractions were submitted to the dereplication study via High-performance Liquid Chromatography, connected to High-resolution Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF/MS) analysis, combined with a Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) tool. A combination of bioactivity-guided and dereplication approaches resulted in the putative annotation of 27 clerodane diterpenes and 9 flavonoids as main compounds present in the cytotoxic fractions of C. arborea. Regarding the active fraction of S. hilarii, 10 megastigmans, 17 spirostane steroids derivatives and 2 lignans were putatively identified. In conclusion, Casearia arborea and Sorocea hilarii are potential sources of antitumor compounds.

Leukotriene B4 limits the effectiveness of fish oil in an animal model of asthma.

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (ARA) in the lungs of asthmatic rats supplemented with fish oil. The present data gives insight into the action of fish oil in asthma, related to its inability to modify the contractile capacity of tracheal smooth muscle reported previously in a model of asthma in rats. Male Wistar rats were supplemented daily with 1 g of fish oil/kg of body weight for 21 days. They were exposed to ovalbumin (OVA) after previous sensitization with OVA to induce asthma. Pulmonary levels of five eicosanoids were measured using immunoassay kits: PGE2, TXB2, LTB4, LXA4, and 8-iso PGF2α. In asthmatic rats, supplementation with fish oil resulted in lower concentrations of lung eicosanoids produced by cyclooxygenase-2 and 15-lipoxygenase: PGE2, TXB2, and LXA4, respectively. Fish oil supplementation also decreased the non-enzymatically produced eicosanoid 8-iso PGF2α. Fish oil supplementation did not affect LTB4, a metabolite of 5-lipoxygenase. The limited efficacy of fish oil supplementation in asthmatic rats is associated with a lack of action in reducing the levels of LTB4 in the lungs. Thus, fish oil differentially modulates the concentrations of eicosanoids derived from ARA via specific pathways in an animal model of asthma.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract obtained by supercritical CO2.

Campomanesia xanthocarpa, a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is popularly known as gabiroba. Leaves of gabiroba has been popularly used to treat various diseases, including inflammatory, renal, and digestive, among others. Additionally, studies have shown an effect to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract in hyperglycemic rats. The results showed that 400 mg/kg of seed extract was able to decrease blood glucose levels and to increase the muscular and hepatic glycogen content as well as to inhibit the sucrase and maltase activity. At doses of 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, the activity of these enzymes was also reduced. In the lipid profile 400 mg/kg produced a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol serum levels; and with 200 mg/kg there was an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. The extract did not present hepatic and renal toxic effects at the different doses tested. The results suggest that the treatment with Campomanesia xanthocarpa seeds extract is useful in reducing glycemia, total cholesterol and LDL levels with potential adjuvant therapeutic in the treatment of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, however, additional pharmacological and toxicological studies are still required.

Platelet-activating factor and evidence of oxidative stress in the bronchoalveolar fluid of Thoroughbred colts during race training.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is prevalent in young racehorses during training, being the 2nd most commonly diagnosed ailment interrupting training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses. HYPOTHESIS: That stabling and exercise cause oxidative stress, release of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and inflammation in airways of Thoroughbred colts. ANIMALS: Colts in breeding farms (NC, n = 45), stabled for 30 days (EC, n = 40), and race trained (EX, n = 34). METHODS: Cytological profile and parameters of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) related to oxidative stress, bioactivity of the proinflammatory mediator PAF, catalase activity, and alveolar macrophage function. RESULTS: Percentages of neutrophils and eosinophils in the BALF of the EX group were higher (5.4 +/- 6.4% versus 0.9 +/- 1.2%) than the upper limits for normal horses (3-5%). BALF from the EX group (45.6 +/- 2.8 cells/microL of BALF) also displayed significantly (P = .017) higher total nucleated cell count. PAF bioactivity and the total protein concentration in the BALF were higher in the EX group (0.0683 +/- 0.076 versus 0.0056 +/- 0.007 340 : 380 nm ratio P = .0039, 0.36 +/- 0.30 versus 0.14 +/- 0.15 mg of proteins/mL of BALF P < .001). Concentration of BALF hydroperoxides was higher in the EC group (104.7 +/- 80.0 versus 35.2 +/- 28.0 nmol/mg of proteins, P = .013) and catalase activity was higher in the EX group (0.24 +/- 0.16 versus 0.06 +/- 0.02 micromol H2O2/min/mg of proteins, P = .0021). Alveolar macrophage phagocytosis (P = .048) as well as production of superoxide anion (P = .0014) and hydrogen peroxide (P = .0011) were significantly lower in EX group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Further studies should be performed to elucidate the role of PAF in the pathophysiology of IAD. Its presence in bronchoalveolar fluid of young athletic horses makes it a potential therapeutic target to be investigated.

Revisiting the optical bandgap of semiconductors and the proposal of a unified methodology to its determination.

Along the last two centuries, the story of semiconductor materials ranged from a mix of disbelief and frustration to one of the most successful technological achievements ever seen. Such a progress comprised the development of materials and models that, allied to the knowledge provided by spectroscopic techniques, resulted in the (nowadays) omnipresent electronic gadgets. Within this context, optically-based methods were of special importance since, amongst others, they presented details about the electronic states and energy bandgap Egap of semiconductors which, ultimately, decided about their application in devices. Stimulated by these aspects, this work investigated the semiconductors silicon, germanium, and gallium-arsenide in the crystalline (bulk and powder) and amorphous (film) forms. The detailed analysis of the experimental results indicates that accurate Egap values can be obtained by fitting a sigmoid (Boltzmann) function to their corresponding optical absorption spectra. The method is straightforward and, contrary to the traditional approaches to determine Egap, it is exempt from errors due to experimental spectra acquisition and data processing. Additionally, it complies with the requirements of direct, indirect, and amorphous bandgap semiconductors, and it is able to probe the (dis)order of the material as well. In view of these characteristics, a new-unified methodology based on the fitting of the absorption spectrum with a Boltzmann function is being proposed to efficiently determine the optical bandgap of semiconductor materials.

Aluminium-induced nanocrystalline Ge formation at low temperatures.

The present work contributes to establishing the role of hydrogenation and of the substrates in the aluminium-induced crystallization process of amorphous germanium layers. For such a purpose, four series of a-Ge(Al) samples, deposited under identical nominal conditions, were studied: hydrogenated samples, H-free samples, and samples deposited on crystalline silicon and on glass substrates, respectively. On purpose, the impurity concentration was kept at a doping level (10⁻5<[Al/Ge]<2 × 10⁻³). Furthermore, the films were submitted to isochronal cumulative thermal annealing in the 200-550 °C range. Raman scattering spectroscopy was used to characterize the crystallization process. The role of Al impurity as a precursor seed for the crystallization of a-Ge:H has been clearly established, confirming that the metal-induced crystallization (MIC) phenomenon occurs at an atomic level. Moreover, it has been found that hydrogenation and the periodic nature of the substrate play a fundamental role in the appearance of crystal seeds at low temperatures. The evolution of crystallization with annealing temperature and the analysis of the distribution of crystallite sizes indicate that the formation of crystal seeds occurs at the amorphous film-substrate interface. The importance of fourfold-coordinated aluminium as the embryo of nanocrystal formation is discussed.

A suitable (wide-range + linear) temperature sensor based on Tm3+ ions.

Future advances in the broad fields of photonics, (nano-)electronics or even theranostics rely, in part, on the precise determination and control, with high sensitivity and speed, of the temperature of very well-defined spatial regions. Ideally, these temperature-sensors (T-sensors) should produce minimum (or no) disturbance in the probed regions, as well as to exhibit good resolution and significant dynamic range. Most of these features are consistent with the sharp and distinctive optical transitions of trivalent rare-earth (RE3+) ions that, additionally, are susceptible to their local environment and conditions. Altogether, these aspects form the basis of the present work, in which we propose a new T-sensor involving the light emission of trivalent thulium ions (Tm3+) embedded into crystalline TiO2. The optical characterization of the TiO2:Tm3+ system indicated a Tm3+-related emission at ~676 nm whose main spectral features are: (1) a temperature-induced wavelength shift of -2.2 pm K-1, (2) a rather small line-width increase over the ~85-750 K range, and (3) minimum data deconvolution-processing. The study also included the experimental data of the well-established pressure- and T-sensor ruby (Al2O3:Cr3+) and a comprehensive discussion concerning the identification and the excitation-recombination mechanisms of the Tm3+-related transitions.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract obtained by supercritical CO2 / Potencial Antidiabético e hipolipidêmico do extrato das sementes de Campomanesia xanthocarpa obtido por CO2 supercrítico

Abstract Campomanesia xanthocarpa, a plant belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is popularly known as gabiroba. Leaves of gabiroba has been popularly used to treat various diseases, including inflammatory, renal, and digestive, among others. Additionally, studies have shown an effect to reduce blood cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa seed extract in hyperglycemic rats. The results showed that 400 mg/kg of seed extract was able to decrease blood glucose levels and to increase the muscular and hepatic glycogen content as well as to inhibit the sucrase and maltase activity. At doses of 200 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, the activity of these enzymes was also reduced. In the lipid profile 400 mg/kg produced a decrease in total and LDL cholesterol serum levels; and with 200 mg/kg there was an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. The extract did not present hepatic and renal toxic effects at the different doses tested. The results suggest that the treatment with Campomanesia xanthocarpa seeds extract is useful in reducing glycemia, total cholesterol and LDL levels with potential adjuvant therapeutic in the treatment of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, however, additional pharmacological and toxicological studies are still required.

Resumo Campomanesia xanthocarpa, planta pertencente à família Mirtaceae, é popularmente conhecida como gabiroba. Folhas da gabiroba são popularmente usadas para tratar de doenças inflamatórias, renais, digestivas entre outras. Além disso, estudos têm mostrado um efeito redutor dos níveis de colesterol. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos anti-hiperglicêmico e hipolipidêmico do extrato de sementes de Campomanesia xanthocarpa em ratos hiperglicêmicos. Os resultados mostraram que 400 mg/kg do extrato da semente foi capaz de reduzir os níveis de glicose sanguínea e aumentar o conteúdo de glicogênio hepático e muscular, bem como inibir a atividade da maltase e sacarase. Na dose de 200 mg/kg e 800 mg/kg, a atividade das enzimas também foi reduzida. No perfil lipídico, 400 mg/kg produziu uma redução nos níveis séricos de colesterol total e LDL e com 200 mg/kg houve um aumento nos níveis de colesterol HDL. O extrato não apresentou efeitos tóxicos hepáticos e renais nas doses testadas. Os resultados sugerem que o tratamento com o extrato de Campomanesia xanthocarpa é eficaz na redução da glicemia, de colesterol total e LDL com potencial para tratamento adjuvante do diabetes e hipercolesterolemia, no entanto estudos farmacológicos e toxicológicos adicionais são necessários.

Reactive nitrogen species mediate oxidative stress and astrogliosis provoked by in vivo administration of phytanic acid in cerebellum of adolescent rats: A potential contributing pathomechanism of cerebellar injury in peroxisomal disorders.

Phytanic acid (Phyt) accumulates in various peroxisomal diseases including Refsum disease (RD) and Zellweger syndrome (ZS). Since the pathogenesis of the neurological symptoms and especially the cerebellar abnormalities in these disorders are poorly known, we investigated the effects of in vivo intracerebral administration of Phyt on a large spectrum of redox homeostasis parameters in the cerebellum of young rats. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, sulfhydryl oxidation, carbonyl content, nitrite and nitrate concentrations, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation, total (tGS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of important antioxidant enzymes were determined at different periods after Phyt administration. Immunohistochemical analysis was also carried out in the cerebellum. Phyt significantly increased MDA and nitric oxide (NO) production and decreased GSH levels, without altering tGS, DCFH oxidation, sulfhydryl oxidation, carbonyl content and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that Phyt caused astrogliosis and protein nitrosative damage in the cerebellum. It was also observed that the NO synthase inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) prevented the increase of MDA and NO production as well as the decrease of GSH and the immunohistochemical alterations caused by Phyt, strongly suggesting that reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were involved in these effects. The present data provide in vivo solid evidence that Phyt disrupts redox homeostasis and causes astrogliosis in rat cerebellum probably mediated by RNS production. It is therefore presumed that disequilibrium of redox status may contribute at least in part to the cerebellum alterations characteristic of patients affected by RD and other disorders with Phyt accumulation.

[Dupuytren's and Ledderhose's diseases associated with chronic use of anticonvulsants. Case report]. / Doenças de Dupuytren e de Ledderhose associadas ao uso crônico de anticonvulsivantes. Relato de caso.

We present the case of a patient that after chronic use of anticonvulsant drugs without proven epilepsy, developed Dupuytren's and Ledderhose's diseases. We discuss the most frequent predisposing factors, and their relationship with chronic use of anticonvulsants, particularly phenobarbitone.

Neuro-Behçet: report of three clinically distinct cases.

We report three patients who collectively have very representative clinical forms of neuro-Behçet and different neurological findings. The first case, male, 49 years old, presents symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis. The second case, male 15 years old, presents with parenchymatous compromise and an association with antiphospholipid antibody. And the third case, female 25 years old, presents an acute meningitis. Neuro-Behçet must always be included as a differential diagnosis of neurological disorders that have any difficulties in establishing a definite diagnosis.

Fish oil supplementation decreases oxidative stress but does not affect platelet-activating factor bioactivity in lungs of asthmatic rats.

Dietary fish oil supplementation increases the content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in cellular membranes. The highly unsaturated nature of n-3 PUFA could result in an enhanced lipid peroxidation in the oxidative environment characteristic of asthma. The oxidative reaction cascade culminates in an increased production of components associated to oxidative stress and of an important proinflammatory mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF)-like lipid. We evaluated the effect of fish oil supplementation in asthmatic rats upon the PAF bioactivity and parameters related to oxidative stress in the lung. Fish oil supplementation of asthmatic rats resulted in lower concentrations of nitrite (1.719 ± 0.137 vs. 2.454 ± 0.163 nmol/mL) and lipid hydroperoxide (72.190 ± 7.327 vs. 120.200 ± 11.270 nmol/mg protein). In asthmatic animals, fish oil increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) (33.910 ± 2.325 vs. 24.110 ± 0.618 U/mg protein) and glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) (164.100 ± 31.250 vs. 12.590 ± 5.234 U/mg protein). However, fish oil did not affect PAF bioactivity in lung tissue of asthmatic rats (0.545 ± 0.098 340/380 vs. 0.669 ± 0.101 340/380 nm ratio). Considering the two-step process--oxidative stress and PAF bioactivity--fish oil exhibited a divergent action on these aspects of asthmatic inflammation, since the supplement lowered oxidative stress in the lungs of asthmatic rats, presenting an antioxidant effect, but did not affect PAF bioactivity. This suggests a dual effect of fish oil on oxidative stress and inflammation in asthma.

Disruption of redox homeostasis and brain damage caused in vivo by methylmalonic acid and ammonia in cerebral cortex and striatum of developing rats.

Hyperammonemia is a common finding in children with methylmalonic acidemia and propionic acidemia, but its contribution to the development of the neurological symptoms in the affected patients is poorly known. Considering that methylmalonic acid (MMA) and propionic acid (PA) predominantly accumulate in these disorders, we investigated the effects of hyperammonemia induced by urease treatment in 30-day-old rats receiving an intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of MMA or PA on important parameters of redox homeostasis in cerebral cortex and striatum. We evaluated glutathione (GSH) concentrations, sulfhydryl content, nitrate and nitrite concentrations, 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. MMA decreased GSH concentrations and sulfhydryl content and increased nitrate and nitrite concentrations in cerebral cortex and striatum from hyperammonemic rats, whereas MMA or ammonia per se did not alter these parameters. MMA plus hyperammonemia also decreased glutathione reductase activity in rat cerebral cortex, but did not affect catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, neither DCFH oxidation. Furthermore, ICV PA administration alone or combined with hyperammonemia did not alter any of the evaluated parameters. We also found that pre-treatment with antioxidants prevented GSH reduction and sulfhydryl oxidation, whereas N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) prevented the increased nitrate and nitrite concentrations provoked by MMA plus ammonia treatments. Histological alterations, including vacuolization, ischemic neurons, and pericellular edema, were observed in brain of hyperammonemic rats injected with MMA. The data indicate a synergistic effect of MMA and ammonia disturbing redox homeostasis and causing morphological brain abnormalities in rat brain.