Cabbage and fermented vegetables: From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID‐19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS‐CoV‐2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT₁R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID‐19. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT₁R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof‐of‐concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2‐associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID‐19 severity.

Short-term methionine supplementation during the early post-partum period in primiparous rabbits improves prolificacy associated with an increase in serum concentrations of IGF-I

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation on energy metabolism and reproductive performance during the early post-partum period in primiparous does. Forty nulliparous New Zealand White does were used. Females were randomized in two groups at calving: the control group (n = 20) was fed with the basal diet, and the methionine group (n = 20) was fed the basal diet plus 1 g/animal/day of methionine from the day of calving to 4 days post-partum. Results showed that methionine supplementation increased (p = 0.032) the concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 with respect to control group 4 days post-partum. It similarly increased the prolificacy (p = 0.03), the number of kits born alive per litter (p = 0.06) and the body gain weight of the litter during supplementation (p = 0.035). These results were observed despite the does in the methionine group having a deeper negative energy balance than the does in the control group. Finally, methionine supplementation did not affect receptivity (p = 0.23), fertility (p = 0.49), the number of kits born dead per litter (p = 0.86) insulin and metabolites as glucose, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides. In conclusion, our results show that methionine supplementation during the first 4 days of the post-partum period in rabbits increases total litter size and the corporal weight of kits and is associated with an increase in blood concentration of IGF-1.

Short-term dietary concentrate supplementation during estrus synchronization treatment in beef cows increased IGF-I serum concentration but did not affect the reproductive response

The objective of this study was to evaluate if short-term dietary concentrate supplementation increased IGF-I serum concentration and resulted in a reproductive response during estrus synchronization treatment in non-lactating beef cows. Thirty non-lactating beef cows (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) were allocated to the same pastureland and fed native tropical grasses as a basal diet. Cows were synchronized using a 7-day CO-Synch plus controlled internal drug release (CIDR) protocol and received fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI). Cows were divided into two groups; the control group (n = 16) received 0.5 kg of concentrate/cow/day, whereas the supplemented group (n = 14) received 4.0 kg of concentrate/cow/day. The period of supplementation was 10 days from the day of CIDR insert to FTAI. The concentration of IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) in the supplemented group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Moreover, at the time of insemination, IGF-I serum concentrations were higher in supplemented cows compared with control cows (P < 0.05). Notably, metabolite and insulin concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatment groups or sampling day. The response to estrus induction, measured as estrus presentation, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rate, was similar between experimental groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, our results indicated that supplementation with dietary concentrate for 10 days in non-lactating beef cows changed the endocrine milieu, specifically increasing IGF-I serum concentration. However, these endocrine changes did not affect response to estrous induction treatment.

Reduction in the mRNA expression of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 is associated with the selection of dominant follicle in cows

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for follicular development by promoting follicular angiogenesis, as well as for the proliferation and survival of granulosa cells. The biological effects of VEGF are regulated by two membrane receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and two soluble receptors, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, which play an antagonistic role. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the mRNA expression pattern of total VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 in bovine preselected follicles (PRF) and post-selected follicles (POF). The mRNA expression of these five genes in both granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) was compared between follicles classified as PRF and POF based on their diameter and on their ratio of estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4). Results showed a lower expression of mRNA of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 in POF than in PRF (p < .05). Regarding the mRNA expression of total VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, there was no difference between POF and PRF follicles (p > .05). Our results showed that the mRNA expression of VEGFR2 and sVEGFR1 was more abundant than the expression of VEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, while GC was the main source of mRNA for total VEGF. On the other hand, TC was the follicular compartment where the receptors were most expressed. Our results suggest that non-dominant follicles maintain a greater concentration of the mRNA expression of both membrane and soluble VEGF receptors. On the other hand, follicular dominance is related to a reduction in the mRNA expression of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, which may favour VEGF binding with VEGFR2 and, hence, improve the follicular health and development.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate, regulated by FSH and VEGF, stimulates granulosa cell proliferation

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive polar sphingolipid which stimulates proliferation, growth and survival in various cell types. In the ovary S1P has been shown protect the granulosa cells and oocytes from insults such as oxidative stress and radiotherapy, and S1P concentrations are greater in healthy than atretic large follicles. Hence, we postulate that S1P is fundamental in follicle development and that it is activated in ovarian granulosa cells in response to FSH and VEGF. To test this hypothesis we set out: i) to evaluate the effect of FSH and VEGF on S1P synthesis in cultured bovine granulosa cells and ii) to analyse the effect of S1P on proliferation and survival of bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Seventy five thousand bovine granulosa cells from healthy medium-sized (4-7mm) follicles were cultured in 96-well plates in McCoy's 5a medium containing 10ng/mL of insulin and 1ng/mL of LR-IGF-I at 37°C in a 5% CO2/air atmosphere at 37°C. Granulosa cell production of S1P was tested in response to treatment with FSH (0, 0.1, 1 and 10ng/mL) and VEGF (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100ng/mL) and measured by HPLC. Granulosa cells produced S1P at 48 and 96h, with the maximum production observed with 1ng/mL of FSH. Likewise, 0.01ng/mL of VEGF stimulated S1P production at 48, but not 96h of culture. Further, the granulosa cell expression of sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1), responsible for S1P synthesis, was demonstrated by Western blot after 48h of culture. FSH increased the expression of phosphorylated SK1 (P<0.05) and the addition of a SK1 inhibitor reduced the constitutive and FSH-stimulated S1P synthesis (P<0.05). Sphingosine-1-phosphate had a biphasic effect on granulosa cell number after culture. At low concentration S1P (0.1μM) increased granulosa cell number after 48h of culture (P<0.05) and the proportion of cells in the G2 and M phase of the cell cycle (P<0.05), whereas higher concentrations decreased cell number (10μM; P<0.05) by an increase (P<0.05) in the proportion of cells in apoptosis (hypodiploid cells). In addition, treatment with SK-178 suppressed the FSH- and VEGF-stimulated rise of the granulosa cells number (P<0.05). Interestingly, the effect of 0.1μM S1P on granulosa cell number and their proportion in G2/M phases is similar to that observed with 1ng/mL FSH. The results of this study are the first to demonstrate sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) synthesis in granulosa cells under the control of FSH and VEGF. The later achieved through the regulation of sphingosine kinase 1 expression. This S1P augments the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle that translates in increased granulosa cell proliferation.

Actividad reproductiva después del anestro inducido con altrenogest en hembras de <i>Tursiops truncatus</i> en cautiverio en ambiente marino

<p>La necesidad de reproducir delfín nariz de botella (<em>Tursiops truncatus</em>) en cautiverio se ha incrementado debido a las restricciones internacionales para su comercialización y por el riesgo y dificultad logística para el traslado de ejemplares. Por lo anterior, se hace importante conocer su biología reproductiva en cautiverio. El objetivo de este trabajo, fue conocer los indicadores post tratamiento con altrenogest (Regumate^®), de citología vaginal, niveles de estradiol y reinicio de la actividad reproductiva en cautiverio de hembras de <em>T truncatus</em> en ambiente marino. Por un año, 12 hembras recibieron diariamente una dosis de 0,07mg kg^-1 de altrenogest. Se realizaron un total 420 citologías vaginales, una diaria de cada hembra, para determinar el porcentaje de células cornificadas.  También se obtuvieron de la red vascular, 60 muestras  sanguíneas, en las que se determinó los niveles de estradiol. En cuanto a la citología vaginal, al cuarto día de retirar la administración de altrenogest, el porcentaje total de células cornificadas incrementó del 60% a 70% hasta el día nueve y continuó ascendiendo al 80% entre los días 12 al 19. Los niveles de estradiol, presentaron un rango de 16 a 114pg ml^-1. Se encontró una correlación (r = 0,7062 P&lt;0.05) positiva entre estos indicadores. Se concluye que es posible la manipulación con altrenogest y el monitoreo del ciclo estral de las hembras mediante técnicas simples como la citología vaginal para el diseño de protocolos de reproducción asistida específicos para grupos en cautiverio de <em>T truncatus.</em></p>

Photoexcited-induced sensitivity of InGaAs surface QDs to environment

A detailed analysis of the impact of illumination on the electrical response of In0.5Ga0.5As surface nanostructures is carried out as a function of different relative humidity conditions. The importance of the surface-to-volume ratio for sensing applications is once more highlighted. From dark-to-photo conditions, the sheet resistance (SR) of a three-dimensional In0.5Ga0.5As nanostructure decays two orders of magnitude compared with that of a two-dimensional nanostructure. The electrical response is found to be vulnerable to the energy of the incident light and the external conditions. Illuminating with high energy light translates into an SR reduction of one order of magnitude under humid atmospheres, whereas it remains nearly unchanged under dry environments. Conversely, lighting with energy below the bulk energy bandgap, shows a negligible effect on the electrical properties regardless the local moisture. Both illumination and humidity are therefore needed for sensing. Photoexcited carriers can only contribute to conductivity if surface states are inactive due to water physisorption. The strong dependence of the electrical response on the environment makes these nanostructures very suitable for the development of highly sensitive and efficient sensing devices.

[Epidemiology of parkinsonism in the Guadalajara Health Area]

OBJECTIVES

1) To determine the prevalence of Parkinson syndromes in the Guadalajara Health Area and its Basic Health Zones, as well as the typology of the Parkinson's disease; 2) to determine the distribution of antiparkinsonian medication use in the whole Area, and 3) to evaluate the cost per person and per year of this use according to the criteria of sex and age.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A descriptive cross-sectional study including 1,352 subjects affected by parkinsonism in the Guadalajara Area of both sexes and all ages. The variables measured were age, sex, environment, diagnosis, typology of the Parkinson's disease using the Hoehn and Yahr index, treatment, total cost and mean cost of the treatment per person per year. Prevalences were calculated, and the appropriate descriptive statistics were used.

RESULTS

The prevalence of parkinsonism was 585/10(5) inhabitants, being higher in a rural environment (P<.05), in females (P<.01) and in subjects over 90 years (P<.01). The majority suffered from Parkinson's disease (P<.001), of whom 43.4% had symptoms equivalent to Yahr grade II (P<.001). The active ingredient most used was levodopa/carbidopa (51.3%) (P<.001) and the mean drug cost per person was 514.37€.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of parkinsonism is similar to that in the rest of the country, although in our study there is a predominance of females and it is in a rural environment. Levodopa is the drug most used, and the mean therapeutic cost per person is similar to the rest of Spain.

Effect of luteinizing hormone on the right regressing ovary of newly hatched chicks treated during embryonic development

We studied the histologic and stereological changes induced in the right ovary of newly hatched chicks treated with LH during their embryonic development. Results indicate that LH administration causes a diminution in size and total volume (P < 0.01) of the right ovary, as well as a decrease in the total volume of lacunar channels, blood vessels, and interstitium. Other changes obtained after LH treatment were a reduction (P < 0.001) in the number of germ cells, as well as an increase in the total volume of interstitial cell cords (P < 0.01). This expansion is due to the increase of cellular volume of interstitial cells (P < 0.001) and not to their number, which decrease in the LH-treated right ovary. All these modifications were similar to those occurring in the regressing right ovary during development. The findings suggest that the right ovary of the newly hatched chick is able to respond to LH treatment during embryonic development, inducing marked histologic changes that accelerate its regression.

Reduced response to an estrous induction program in postpartum beef cows treated with zilpaterol and gaining body weight

In beef cows, reduced energy intake delays first ovulation postpartum and is associated with lesser insulin, IGF-I and leptin concentrations. However, the close relationship among these hormones mask their individual roles in the reinitiation of ovarian activity. A β-adrenergic receptor agonist (βAR) was used to increase body condition score (BCS) and yet reduce body fat and leptin serum concentration to determine the specific role of leptin in the postpartum ovarian activity. Beef cows (n=77) with BCS 3.1 ± 1.4 received 2 kg/day of feed containing 0 or 0.15 mg/kg of zilpaterol (a synthethic βAR), for 33 days. Estrus was induced with a progestin implant applied for 9 d and cows in estrus were bred by artificial insemination (AI). Zilpaterol administration increased (P<0.05) daily weight gain, muscle depth and BCS, with no changes in back fat depth, reducing fat to muscle ratio (P<0.05). At the time of AI, insulin (38%) and IGF-I (26%) concentrations were less in zilpaterol-treated cows (P<0.05), but leptin concentration was unaffected. Ovulation rate and animal with luteal activity after estrus induction were also reduced by 35% (P=0.05) and 56.5% (P=0.007), respectively, in zilpaterol-treated cows. Logistic regression estimates for BCS (P=0.016) and IGF-I concentration (P=0.03) were positively related with the occurrence of luteal activity. In addition, whilst back fat (P=0.009) had a positive effect on luteal activity, leptin concentration did not show a significant relationship. In conclusion, despite an increase in body weight and a positive change in BCS, the reduction in insulin and IGF-I concentrations, associated with βAR treatment, reduced the response to induction of estrus. However only IGF-I, but not leptin or insulin, significantly influenced the odds for the occurrence of luteal activity after estrous induction in cattle with poor BCS.

2D 1H and 13C NMR conformational studies of thienopyridines and carboline biarylic compounds

In this paper, we report on conformational studies of biarylic compounds, as prepared through the well-known aza-Wittig methodology. The conformational studies were mainly realized by bidimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and NOESY experiments. The conformational behavior showed that these biarylic compounds display an orthogonal symmetry and adopt a characteristic arrangement around the pivotal bond. Molecular modeling calculations were performed to support structure conformations.

Rapid detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis by the direct thin-layer agar method

We evaluated thin-layer agar (TLA) for the detection of resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) as a direct method in patients at risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Quadrant TLA plates contain 7H10 Middlebrook growth control, para-nitrobenzoic acid, INH and RMP. Detection of RMP and INH resistance by TLA was compared to that in indirect conventional drug susceptibility testing (DST) and conventional culture media. Median time for growth was respectively 22, 10 and 7.6 days for Löwenstein-Jensen, TLA and the Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube. TLA sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for RMP and INH resistance were 100%. Time to resistance detection was respectively 11 and 11.5 days for RMP and INH. TLA showed a rapid turnaround time and performance comparable to conventional DST methods.

Effects of carbapenem exposure on the risk for digestive tract carriage of intensive care unit-endemic carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in critically ill patients

To determine the epidemiology and risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA) digestive tract colonization, weekly rectal and pharyngeal swabs were obtained in two serial incidence surveys (266 patients). Forty-two (16%) patients were CR-PA colonized (12 [29%] on admission and 30 [71%] in intensive care units). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed extensive clonal diversity, although one specific clone (type B) was isolated from 11 patients. The presence of similar genotypes of CR-PA colonizing 30% of the CR-PA-colonized patients suggests the occurrence of cross-colonization; in addition, 10 pairs of carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CS-PA) and subsequent CR-PA strains isolated from the same patients were found to be clonally identical and were considered to have been endogenously acquired (33%). All endogenously acquired CR-PA strains were isolated after exposure to a carbapenem, and 80% showed a phenotype of imipenem resistance (IR pattern) alone, while 67% of the CR-PA strains acquired by cross-transmission exhibited a multiresistant (MR) phenotype, with previous carbapenem exposure in 44%. Logistic regression analysis identified severity of acute illness (odds ratio [OR], 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 1.1), prior carbapenem use (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 35.3), and prior use of fluoroquinolones (OR, 11.0; 95% CI, 1.7 to 67.9) as independent risk factors for CR-PA digestive tract colonization. Overall, the local epidemiology of CR-PA digestive tract colonization was characterized by polyclonal endemicity with phenotype patterns of IR and MR divided evenly between patients. Restricting the use of particular agents, such as carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, should be considered advisable to minimize the problem of this antibiotic resistance. However, the possible risk for development of collateral unexpected bacterial resistance patterns should be accurately monitored.

Bloodstream cells phenotypically identical to human mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells circulate in large amounts under the influence of acute large skin damage: new evidence for their use in regenerative medicine

OBJECTIVES

Recent work has shown that human bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, little is known about their presence in peripheral blood. Since these cells are potentially responsible for tissue repair after injury, their number should be increased during these situations. To demonstrate their number during these situations, we measured MSCs in the peripheral blood of healthy donors and burn patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 15 acute burn patients and 15 healthy donors. We performed flow cytometric analysis, using a large monoclonal antibody panel: CD44, CD45, CD14, DR, CD34, CD19, CD13, CD29, CD105, CD1a, CD90, CD38, CD25. MSC phenotype was considered positive for CD44, CD13, CD29, CD90, and CD105, and negative for the other monoclonals. The testing was performed on day 3 after injury. We correlated the results with the age, sex, and size and type of burns.

RESULTS

Cells expressing the MSC phenotype were detected in the peripheral blood of both groups. Noteworthy, compared with samples from healthy donors (0.0078 +/- 0.0044), blood obtained from burn patients showed a higher MSC percentage (0.1643 +/- 0.115; P < .001). The percentage of MSCs correlated with the size and severity of the burn. Increased values were also observed among younger patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MSCs have an important role in regenerative processes of human tissues. We found cells phenotypically identical to MSCs circulating in physiological number in normal subjects, but in significantly higher amounts during acute large burns. Therefore, they may represent a previously unrecognized circulatory component to the process of skin regeneration.

(1)H, (13)C NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies of highly polyhalogenated derivatives of costunolide lactone

The costunolide lactone, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Zaluzania triiloba species, reacted with several dihalocarbene sources produced by trihaloform-NaOH under successive phase transfer reactions yielding mono-, bis- and tris-dihalocyclopropane adducts. The structures, as well as the configurational assignments of the different derivatives, were established by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and assisted by X-ray crystallographic and molecular modelling studies. The specific shielding of protons in the neighbourhood of different halogens on the cyclopropane moieties was correlated to the pseudocontact interactions.

Acute health problems among subjects involved in the cleanup operation following the Prestige oil spill in Asturias and Cantabria (Spain)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate exposure conditions and acute health effects in subjects participating in the Prestige oil spill cleanup activities and the association between these and the nature of the work and use of protection devices in the regions of Asturias and Cantabria (Spain). The sample comprised 400 subjects in each region, selected from a random sampling of all persons involved in cleanup activities, stratified by type of worker and number of working days. Data were obtained via a structured questionnaire and included information on specific tasks, number of working days, use of protective materials, and acute health effects. These effects were classified into two broad groups: injuries and toxic effects. Data analysis was performed using complex survey methods. Significant differences between groups were evaluated using Pearson's chi(2) test. Unconditional logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Bird cleaners accounted for the highest prevalence of injuries (19% presented with lesions). Working more than 20 days in highly polluted areas was associated with increased risk of injury in all workers. Occurrence of toxic effects was higher among seamen, possibly due to higher exposure to fuel oil and its components. Toxic effects were more frequent among those working longer than 20 days in highly polluted areas, performing three or more different cleaning activities, having skin contact with fuel oil on head/neck or upper limbs, and eating while in contact with fuel or perceiving disturbing odors. No severe disorders were identified among individuals who performed these tasks. However, potential health impact should be considered when organizing cleanup activities in similar environmental disasters.

1H,13C 2D NMR and X-ray studies of the products of the reaction between dibenzylidencyclohexanone and 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl uracil

The reaction of the 6-amino-1,3-dimethyl uracil with the dibenzylidencyclohexanone (1), provided three adducts whose structures result from nucleophilic attack yielding the monoadduct 3 and two isomeric bisadducts (4 and 5) in moderate yields (50-60%). The structures obtained in this study were elucidated with 2D high resolution NMR experiments, variable temperature NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. In compound 3, the tricyclic skeleton is essentially planar and the cyclohexane ring addopts an envelope conformation. The structures 4 and 5 correspond to two isomeric spiro compounds.

Early amniocentesis with the filtration technique: neonatal outcome in 123 singleton pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate results of a prospective study of pregnancies in which early amniocentesis with the filtration technique was performed at 10-13 weeks' gestation (mean 12.3 weeks' gestation).

METHODS

123 singleton pregnancies in which early amniocentesis with the modified filtration technique was performed at 10-13 weeks' gestation (mean 12.3 weeks' gestation). The amniotic fluid was aspirated into the syringe and reinjected through the filter.

RESULTS

All the procedures were performed successfully by a single needle insertion. Neither dry taps nor filtration failures occurred. The mean time of amniocentesis was 4.02 min (95% confidence interval, 3 min and 36 s to 4 min and 18 s). The karyotyping success rate was 99.2%. Temporary amniotic fluid leakage occurred in three women (2.4%). There were 110 (89.4%) live births. Two cases of stillbirth occurred at week 38 and week 40. Two unintended losses occurred within three weeks after sampling (1.62%). Another additional unintended fetal death was notified at the 20-week screening ultrasonography. The total fetal-loss rate was 10.6%. In one case, talipes equinovarus was detected at the 20-week screening ultrasound study.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed to determine the risk of amniotic leakage and its relation to duration of the procedure in patients undergoing early amnifiltration.

2D 1H and 13C NMR evidences of the [2 + 2] autodimerization of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidene cyclopentanone yielding two different diphenyl, dispiro cyclobutane derivatives

The ene-ene [2 + 2] cycloaddition of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidenecyclopentanone proceeds smoothly and spontaneously in benzene-d6 or deuteriochloroform solution to give two different diphenyl dispiro [4.1.4.1] dodecan-4,11-diones. Detailed 1H and 13C 2DNMR spectroscopy (COSY, HMQC, HMBC) were performed in order to prove the existence in solution of two cyclobutane derivatives, one a previously described photodimer obtained by the UV irradiation of crystals of 2-benzyl-5-benzylidenecyclopentanone.

Behavior of adenine in Na-montmorillonite exposed to gamma radiation: implications to chemical evolution studies

Adenine is an important compound in biological systems, such as genetic and energy utilization processes. Adenine is readily formed in prebiotic conditions. Its synthesis and stability in environmental conditions are of paramount importance in chemical evolution processes. Clay minerals might have played an important role in the early Earth. Clays are known to have a high affinity for organic compounds, and they may provide protection to adsorbed molecules against high-energy radiation. The purpose of this work is to testthese assumptions. We study the stability of adenine under irradiation, in aqueous solution and also adsorbed in a clay mineral. The recovery of adenine after a gamma irradiation was higher in the system containing clay in relation to a system without clay. Results show that adenine is readily adsorbed in the clay, and that the clay act as surface protector toward the degradation of adenine by the radiation.

Toluidine blue-O staining of prion protein deposits

Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by an abnormal form of prion protein (PrP(sc)). In this study, we developed a sensitive histochemical detection of PrP(sc) deposits in a Gertsmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) patient using toluidine blue-O staining, a specific reagent to stain mucins and mucopolysaccharides. Detection of prion deposits correlated with immunohistochemistry using anti-prion antibodies. Control assays were performed using amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques from Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Our results demonstrated that toluidine blue-O staining allowed to recognize 69.1+/-2.6% of the total plaques recognized by the anti-prion antibody. Furthermore, in the 15 studied brain regions from the GSS patient, toluidine blue-O revealed the same recognition pattern as anti-prion labeling. Toluidine blue-O stained specifically the prion deposits but not the Abeta plaques in AD brains. The specificity of the technique was confirmed in a Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease brain. This method opens several possibilities for postmortem diagnoses. Our results also suggest the relevance of specific post-translational modifications of PrP(sc), identified by toluidine blue-O, that might participate in the transformation of PrP(c) to PrP(sc).

Four-week oral toxicity studies of the new quinolone antibacterial agent cetefloxacin tosylate in rats and marmoset monkeys

Four-week oral toxicity studies with cetefloxacin tosylate ((-)-7[3-(R)-amino-2-(S)-methyl-1-azetidinyl]-1-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro-6-fluoro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid tosylate, CAS 141725-88-4 (base), E-4868.Ts) a new quinolone antibacterial agent, were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats and marmoset monkeys at doses of 100, 450, 2000 mg/kg/d and 25, 50, 125, 300 mg/kg/d, respectively. In rats, due to its toxicity the high dose was decreased to 1000 mg/kg/d after 3 days of treatment. Mortality was recorded among high dose rats receiving 2000 or 1000 mg/kg/d. Rats receiving dosages of 450 or 2000/1000 mg/kg/d showed less activated mandibular lymph nodes, cortical lymphocyte depletion of mandibular and/or mesenteric lymph nodes, atrophy of the white pulp of the spleen, cortical atrophy of thymus and thymic apoptosis. Enlarged caeca, increased water consumption and variations in plasma electrolyte levels were observed in animals receiving these dosages and in male rats receiving 100 mg/kg/d. Low neutrophil counts were observed in rats receiving dosages of 100 or 450 mg/kg/d, and increased alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase plasma levels and slightly decreased plasma protein levels in females receiving 450 or 2000/1000 mg/kg/d. Marmosets receiving dosages of 50 mg/kg/d and above displayed several clinical signs which included emesis, diarrhoea, ptosis, occasional episodes of under- and overactivity, and excessive scratching activity. Skin reddening was observed during the first week of treatment in marmosets receiving 300 mg/kg/d. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the non-toxic doses of E-4868. Ts after 4-week oral administration in rats and marmoset monkeys were 100 and 25 mg/kg/d, respectively.

Unusual lipid composition of a Bacillus sp. isolated from Lake Pomorie in Bulgaria

The lipid composition of a Bacillus sp., isolated from Lake Pomorie in Bulgaria, was unusual and consisted of 26 different fatty acids between C12 and C26, with anteiso C15-C17 saturated fatty acids predominating. The furan fatty acid, 10,13-epoxy-11-methyloctadeca-10,12-dienoic acid, was also identified, a new finding for this genus. The hydrocarbons consisted of 30 different monounsaturated hydrocarbons, between C25 and C30, with the iso-iso, iso-anteiso, anteiso-anteiso, iso-normal, and anteiso-normal methyl branching for odd-numbered chains, and the iso-iso, iso-anteiso, iso-normal, and anteiso-normal methyl branching for even-numbered chains. The double bond positions in these hydrocarbons were determined by dimethyl disulfide derivatization followed by GC-MS, and the double-bond cis configuration was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Some previously unknown hydrocarbons in bacteria, such as (Z)-3,21-dimethyl-9-tricosene, (Z)-3,21-dimethyl-10-tricosene, (Z)-2,24-dimethyl-11-pentacosene, and (Z)-2,25-dimethyl-13-hexacosene were identified. Sterols were detected and were based on the sitosterol nucleus.

13C and 1H NMR of 2,6-diaryl-1-hydroxy piperidin-4-one oximes; substituent effects on cis/trans ratio and conformational equilibria

The reaction of substituted diarylidene acetones with hydroxylamine hydrochloride affords isomeric N-hydroxy diaryl piperidinone oximes as main products. The structures as well as conformational equilibria of these products were established by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and further studied by variable temperature NMR. It was found that the cis/trans ratio of 2,6-substituted piperidine derivatives depended on the position of the substituent on the aromatic ring.

Subchronic toxicity of the new quinolone antibacterial agent irloxacin in beagle dogs

The subchronic oral toxicity of the new quinolone antibacterial agent irloxacin (6-fluorine-7-(pyrrol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinolone- 3-carboxylic acid, CAS 91524-15-1) in Beagle dogs was investigated in studies of 4 and 29 weeks of duration. In both studies animals received dosages of 10, 120 and 1400 mg/kg/d. Pale coloured faeces were seen on animals receiving 1400 mg/kg/d. Animals receiving 1400 mg/kg/d for 29 weeks showed an increased incidence of wax in the ears during the latter half of the treatment period, and one male and one female experienced transitory locomotive difficulties at the end of the first week of treatment. The liver was identified as the target organ for toxicity with presence of lipofuscin in the hepatocytes of animals receiving 120 or 1400 mg/kg/d for 29 weeks. Slight increases in liver weights were observed in animals receiving 120 or 1400 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks, and in all groups receiving irloxacin for 29 weeks. However, no histopathological findings were observed in the liver of animals receiving irloxacin for 4 weeks or those receiving 10 mg/kg/d for 29 weeks. Other relevant findings observed in the 29 week study were increased triglyceride, phospholipid and cholesterol levels in males receiving 120 mg/kg/d and animals receiving 1400 mg/kg/d, increased albumin and decreased beta-globulin concentrations in females receiving 1400 mg/kg/d, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time in animals receiving 1400 mg/kg/d. On the basis of the results obtained it is concluded that 10 mg/kg/d can be considered as the non-toxic dose after 29 week oral administration of irloxacin in dogs.

Facile syntheses for (5Z,9Z)-5,9-hexadecadienoic acid, (5Z,9Z)-5,9-nonadecadienoic acid, and (5Z,9Z)-5,9-eicosadienoic acid through a common synthetic route

The delta 5,9 fatty acids (5Z,9Z)-5,9-hexadecadienoic acid, (5Z,9Z)-5,9-nonadecadienoic acid, and (5Z,9Z)-5,9-eicosadienoic acid were synthesized for the first time in four steps (9-12% overall yield) starting from commercially available 2-(2-bromoethyl)-1,3-dioxolane. The synthetic approach provided enough material to corroborate the structure and stereochemistry of (5Z,9Z)-5,9-nonadecadienoic acid which was recently identified in the flowers of Malvaviscus arboreus (Malvaceae). The novel phospholipids 1-hexadecanoyl-2-[(5Z,9Z)-5,9-eicosadienoyl]-sn-glycer o-3-phosphocholine and 1-octadecanoyl-2-[(5Z,9Z)-5,9-eicosadienoyl]-sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine were also synthesized from commercially available L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (egg yolk) and characterized by positive ion electrospray mass spectrometry. These are the first examples of unsymmetrical phospholipids with saturated fatty acids at the sn-1 position and delta 5,9 fatty acids at the sn-2 position.

Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of the new quinolone antibacterial agent irloxacin in rodents

Irloxacin (6-fluorine-7-(pyrrol-1-yl)-1-ethyl-1, 4-dihydro-4-oxo-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid, CAS 91524-15-1), a new quinolone antibacterial agent, was administered as a single dose to rats and mice both by oral and intraperitoneal route in oder to study its acute toxicity. Its oral subchronic toxicity was also assessed by treating rats for 4 and 13 weeks. The results obtained showed that irloxacin was well tolerated after single administration in mice and rats, with LD50 values above 2000 and 5000 mg/kg for intraperitoneal and oral administration, respectively. In the oral subchronic toxicity studies, the histopathological examination performed after the 13-week treatment period confirmed the kidney as the target organ for toxicity. Increased presence of lipofuscin in the kidneys was observed in animals receiving 2000 or 450 mg/kg/d, and degeneration and/or dilatation of proximal renal tubules and chronic interstitial nephritis in males receiving these dosages. No histopathological findings were observed in the kidneys of animals receiving 100 mg/kg/d for 13 weeks. Other relevant findings were, presence of dark or cloudy urine with slightly lower pH in animals receiving dosages of 450 mg/kg/d and above, increased urinary protein concentration in animals receiving 2000 or 450 mg/kg/d, and increased plasma urea concentration in those receiving 2000 mg/kg/d. Moreover, increased plasma phospholipids and total cholesterol concentration, and increased liver and kidney weights were observed among treated animals. As a summary, the results have shown that irloxacin has a low acute toxicity in both mice and rats. For repeat oral administration in rats, 100 mg/kg can be considered as the non-toxic effect level after a treatment period of 13 weeks.

Correlation of the changes of the frequency of perichromatin granules with the RNA content of the interchromatin region of uterine cells in normal and ovariectomized rats. A high resolution in situ hybridization and stereological study

The changes in the number of perichromatin granules (PCG) and the alterations in the RNA content of the interchromatin and perichromatin regions caused by ovariectomy and estradiol injection were studied in rat endometrial fibroblast and myometrial muscle cells. Twelve rats were divided in four groups. A group of rats was fixed without any treatment, the other three groups were ovariectomized and processed 21 days after the operation. One of them was studied without further treatment, and two groups were injected intraperitoneally with 20 micrograms of 17 beta-estradiol hemisuccinate and fixed 0.5 and 2 h after the injection. The frequency of PCG was evaluated in preparations stained with EDTA procedure preferential for RNP. The alterations of RNA content were estimated by post-embedding high resolution in situ hybridization using a total DNA probe labeled with biotinilated nucleotides revealed by streptavidin coupled with 10 nm gold grains. Most of the non-nucleolar labeling is associated to RNP containing fibrils. Perichromatin and interchromatin granules are labeled to a lesser extent. Castration brings about a reduction of the number of PCG and of the numerical density of labeling in endometrial fibroblasts. The injection of estradiol causes a rapid increase in both parameters. On the contrary, the frequency of PCG and intensity of labeling of epithelial endometrial cells and in muscle cells increase after ovariectomy and are reduced by estradiol administration. These results suggest that estradiol may affect differentially various types of target cells in the same organ, and also that PCG are not the only nuclear compartment of pre-mRNA or mRNA altered by the changes in estradiol, the RNP containing fibrils located in the perichromatin and in the interchromatin regions are also involved.

[Uterine rupture and placenta percreta in the second trimester. Presentation of a case]

A case report of a woman 31 years old, with 19 weeks gestation, who presented with acute abdomen signs and symptoms: we performed a laparotomy finding uterine rupture and placenta percreta. It's a rare pathology, and we found few cases reported in literature. None in Mexico.

[Management of non-functioning renal graft]

On a series of 315 consecutive Renal Transplants (RT), the authors analyze the effects from any situation capable of causing the graft's renal failure, whether accompanied or not of oligoanuria. To begin with, the exploratory approach promoted by the ¿non-functioning kidney¿ is established recognizing three typical stages depending on the time of appearance: early, medium-term and long-term. The breakthroughs obtained in the prevention of Acute Tabular Necrosis (A.T.N.) are verified through the use of the receptor's hyperhydration, as well as the good results in the treatment of rejection since the arrival of Cyclosporin and the recent introduction of OKT3. Chronic rejection, is, today, the major cause of our transplantectomies (TX), since our attitude towards the exeresis of all irreversibly non-functioning grafts is well known. Vascular thrombotic problems have a very high percentage of losses among affected kidneys. Little can be done once the problem arises. Prevention is the best weapon available and special attention should be paid to the meticulousness of bank surgery and the suitable final positioning of the organ in the fossa iliaca, having into account the highly close relationship between this problem and the pathological and iatrogenic anomalies displayed by the organs to be transplanted in their arterial tree. The excretory tract problems are repaired in 83% cases, but the rest may even result in the loss of the kidney. In these complications, early surgery is the best way to avoid subsequent amputation surgery.

Human urinary glycosaminoglycans as accurate method for ovulation detection

Urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content showed a characteristic pattern of fluctuation during normal and hormonally induced cycles with a distinct peak at ovulation. This peak of maximal GAGs concentration (106.7 +/- 46.2 micrograms/mL in urine) was centered according to the day of the midcycle LH surge, which serves as the reference point, designated day 0. All cycles are presumed to be ovulatory on the basis of biphasic BBT nadir, ultrasonographic studies, and progesterone assays (greater than 5 ng/mL of serum) during the secretory phase. In hormonally induced menstrual cycles, a noticeable increase in GAGs concentration (70%) was observed. This indirect evidence suggests a possible correlation between GAGs content and hormonal effect. All types of GAGs, with the exception of heparin, have been found in urine, chondroitin sulfate C being the major component at time of ovulation. These results strongly suggest that urinary GAGs determination is a precise method for ovulation detection.

[Review of 45 cases of renal oncocytomas published in our country, and presentation of 2 new cases]

A review is made on the characteristics presented by the 45 cases of renal oncocytomas published in the specialized literature in our country, which are compared to major publications on the subject in the international literature in which a recent review reports 200 cases. Also, two new cases are presented. These tumours are included within the 17 benign renal tumours accumulated in our centre (11.7%) accounting for 2.27% of all renal tumours diagnosed by our group. The renal oncocytoma opens a significant controversy with regard to its definitive identity and, therefore, with regard to its possible therapy whether radical or conservative.

Effects of fatty ethers and stearic acid on the gastrointestinal absorption of insulin

Insulin degradation and inactivation occurs when the protein is given to an animal through oral route. The following compounds were assessed to determine their potential effect in increasing insulin absorption: polyoxyethylene (20) oleyl ether (Brij 99), polyoxyethylene lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (Brij 58). In this study the above compounds, along with stearic acid, were used to prepare granules with or without addition of insulin and were given orally to rabbits. Both glucose and insulin levels in blood were measured at different time intervals, the former with a glucometer and the latter using radioimmunoassay (RIA). To determine if there was a relationship between the glucose and the insulin levels in blood, a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay method was used to detect any small changes in the level of insulin in blood. A significant decrease in glucose blood levels (P less than 0.05) was obtained after oral administration of each of granules containing insulin. The greatest reduction was observed after half an hour of the oral administration of the granules. A similar response was obtained with the hypodermal injection of 1/5 of the oral insulin dose. Granules prepared with Brij 58 and containing insulin was the only formula that showed increase of insulin level in the blood. This was equivalent to 1/10 of the change produced after hypodermal injection of the hormone. In these experiments the changes in blood insulin levels were not directly proportional to the corresponding changes in blood glucose.

Synthesis and antiinflammatory and analgesic activity of 5-aroyl-6-(methylthio)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrrole-1-ca rboxyl ic acids and 1-methyl-4-(methylthio)-5-aroylpyrrole-2-acetic acids

5-Aroyl-6-(methylthio)-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrrole-1-carb oxylic acids and 1-methyl-4-(methylthio)-5-aroylpyrrole-2-acetic acids were synthesized and assayed as antiinflammatory and analgesic agents. The majority of these compounds exhibit a surprisingly low level of antiinflammatory activity (rat carrageenan paw) but have considerable potency as analgesics (mouse phenylquinone writing). For example, the p-tolyl-substituted bicyclic and monocyclic compounds 44 and 58 are 301 and 66 times more potent than aspirin (mouse writhing) but only 3.4 and 1.5 times more potent than phenylbutazone in the antiinflammatory screen (rat paw).

[Ureteral metastasis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. Review of the literature]

We report a case of prostate adenocarcinoma metastatic to the ureter. This is the 25th case reported in the literature. The patient was submitted to surgery with the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma and unclassified ureteral tumor since the available preoperative diagnostic methods did not permit determining the nature of the tumor. Conservative ureteral surgery was performed and the prostate excised followed by androgenic block.