Resveratrol-Loaded Polydimethylsiloxane-Silica Hybrid Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antitumoral Activity

In this work, hybrid materials within the polydimethylsiloxane-silica (PDMS-SiO2) system, synthesized via the sol-gel method, were developed and characterized for their potential to incorporate and release the bioactive compound resveratrol (RES). RES was incorporated into the materials with a high loading efficiency (>75%) using the rotary evaporator technique. This incorporation induced the amorphization of RES, resulting in enhanced solubility and in vitro release when compared to the free polyphenolic compound. The release profiles displayed pH dependence, exhibiting notably faster release at pH 5.2 compared to pH 7.4. The gradual release of RES over time demonstrated an initial time lag of approximately 4 h, being well described by the Weibull model. In vitro cytotoxicity studies were conducted on human osteosarcoma cells (MG-63), revealing a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability for RES-loaded samples (for concentrations >50 µg mL-1).

Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Traits of Autochthonous Arouquesa Weaners Raised on Traditional and Improved Feeding Systems

Arouquesa is an autochthonous bovine breed known for its Arouquesa PDO beef labeling. There are several production systems under the definition of PDO labeling. This study aimed to compare the effect of different production systems on carcass and meat traits for the Arouquesa breed. Two trials differing in diet and weaning age were conducted. The first trial included a TF group fed the traditional way and weaned at 9 months; a TF + S1 group, equal to TF, but with a starter supplement; and finally, a S1 + S2 group that was fed with a starter and a growth supplement and weaned at 5 months. The second trial was composed of a TF + S3 group fed like the TF + S1 group but reared until 12 months with a finishing supplement, and finally, the S3 group fed like the S1 + S2 group but reared until 12 months. In the first trial, the TF + S1 and S1 + S2 groups showed higher final live weight and average daily gain. In the second trial, we observed differences in the subcutaneous fat that was higher in the S3 group. Regarding meat traits, we observed differences in exudative and cooking losses in the first trial. In general, supplementation improved meat production without affecting meat quality parameters.

The Effect of Weaning and Slaughter Age on the Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Arouquesa Beef-A PDO Portuguese Meat

(1) Background: Autochthonous breeds meat is well accepted due to its sensory characteristics, perceived low environmental impact, and animal welfare. We aimed to evaluate the effect of weaning and slaughter age on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Arouquesa, a Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) meat and to evaluate the psychological effect of knowing the weaning age on the consumer’s hedonic evaluation. (2) Methods: Meat from 26 animals was assigned to 4 groups, with combinations of weaning (W) at 9 or 5 months and slaughter (S) at 9 or 12 months: W9-S9, W9-S12, W5-S9, and W5-S12. The meat was analysed for pH_24h, colour (L*a*b*), cooking losses and shear force. A Check All that Apply test was made with 70 consumers; they were also asked to punctuate the hedonic appreciation of anonymous and weaning age-identified meat. (3) Results: W9-S9 were more tender, had lower shear force, and was juicier than W5-S9. When animals were slaughtered at 12 months, there were no differences in the physicochemical and sensory characteristics between the weaning ages. The effect of information about the weaning age influences the consumer’s hedonic evaluation, as revealed by the comparison between the anonymous and identified samples. (4) Later weaning resulted in more tender meat when the slaughter was at 9 months and positively impacted consumer perception.

Variants in the new E1ʹ cryptic exon of the VHL gene associated with congenital erythrocytosis—Description of three cases

Congenital erythrocytosis (CE) represents a rare and heterogeneous group of hereditary disorders. The molecular basis of VHL gene mutations related to CE. Recently, Lenglet et al. reported a discovery of a novel cryptic exon in the VHL gene. Mutations in the first intronic region resulting in the creation of a cryptic exon termed E1ʹ were found in seven families with CE and one family with VHL disease. We report three patients with prolonged CE with the aetiology being clarified several years later by sequencing of intronic region 1 of the VHL gene. This work addresses the first cases reported at the clinical level of VHL‐associated CE due to the E1ʹ cryptic exon.

Association between anthropometric markers and asthma control, quality of life and pulmonary function in adults with asthma

BACKGROUND

The role of abdominal fat and body fat (BF) in the evaluation of nutritional status in asthma has been considered recently. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between different anthropometric markers and asthma control, pulmonary function and quality of life. A secondary objective was to determine the agreement between the anthropometric markers with respect to assessing obesity in adults with asthma.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled adult asthma patients attending an outpatient asthma clinic in southern Brazil. Patients were evaluated regarding sociodemographic data, lung function, asthma control, nutritional status and health-related quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire; AQLQ). Nutritional status was classified by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and BF.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the 198 patients was 56.2 (14.8) years. The prevalence of uncontrolled asthma among subjects who were overweight as diagnosed by their BMI was 64.6% higher than in those who were normal weight. An increase in a measure of BMI (1 kg m^-2 ) decreases approximately 44-59% of symptoms, activity limitations and emotional function domains of the AQLQ, whereas an increase in a measure in WC (1 cm) decreases approximately 24-30% of the same domains. Agreement between BMI and BF was 0.566 and that between BMI and WC was 0.597 by Kendall's Tau-b test.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of uncontrolled asthma is greater in overweight subjects than in normal weight subjects. WC and BMI were negatively associated with symptoms, activity limitations and emotional function domains of the AQLQ. BMI appears to be sufficient to diagnose the nutritional status of subjects with asthma in this population.

Dissociable patterns of medial prefrontal and amygdala activity to face identity versus emotion in bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Individuals with bipolar disorder demonstrate abnormal social function. Neuroimaging studies in bipolar disorder have shown functional abnormalities in neural circuitry supporting face emotion processing, but have not examined face identity processing, a key component of social function. We aimed to elucidate functional abnormalities in neural circuitry supporting face emotion and face identity processing in bipolar disorder.

METHOD

Twenty-seven individuals with bipolar disorder I currently euthymic and 27 healthy controls participated in an implicit face processing, block-design paradigm. Participants labeled color flashes that were superimposed on dynamically changing background faces comprising morphs either from neutral to prototypical emotion (happy, sad, angry and fearful) or from one identity to another identity depicting a neutral face. Whole-brain and amygdala region-of-interest (ROI) activities were compared between groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant between-group difference looking across both emerging face emotion and identity. During processing of all emerging emotions, euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder showed significantly greater amygdala activity. During facial identity and also happy face processing, euthymic individuals with bipolar disorder showed significantly greater amygdala and medial prefrontal cortical activity compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to examine neural circuitry supporting face identity and face emotion processing in bipolar disorder. Our findings of abnormally elevated activity in amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during face identity and happy face emotion processing suggest functional abnormalities in key regions previously implicated in social processing. This may be of future importance toward examining the abnormal self-related processing, grandiosity and social dysfunction seen in bipolar disorder.

A rare histiocytosis with severe cardiac involvement: Erdheim-Chester disease

The term histiocytosis covers various disorders that lead to primary proliferation, infiltration and accumulation of cells of the mononuclear-phagocytic system within the affected tissues. Its pathophysiology is still unclear and the clinical course variable, which explains the lack of specific treatment and the need for a high level of suspicion to arrive at the diagnosis. The authors present the case of a patient with a complex cardiological clinical history, recently referred for surgical treatment of severe mitral insufficiency. Severe thickening of both atrial walls made it impossible to proceed with the intervention. After a complex etiological evaluation, a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made. This is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis and, to our knowledge, this represents the first case reported in Portugal. The authors also review the literature, particularly of the few cases with cardiac involvement.

Intake of soluble fibers has a protective role for the presence of metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Dietary factors have been associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) in healthy individuals and specific ethnic groups. To evaluate possible associations of usual dietary factors with the presence of MS in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 214 patients with type 2 DM without dietary counseling during previous 6 months were studied. After clinical and laboratory examinations, dietary intake was evaluated by 3-day weighed-diet records, whose reliability was confirmed by 24-h urinary nitrogen output. The presence of MS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation.

RESULTS

Patients with MS (n=174) had a lower intake of total (16.7 +/- 6.2 vs 19.5 +/- 6.5 g day(-1); P=0.010) and soluble fibers (5.3 +/- 1.8 vs 6.0 +/- 2.7 g day(-1); P=0.011) than patients without MS. In multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for gender and DM duration, variables associated with MS were soluble fibers (OR=0.86; 95% CI=0.74-0.98; P=0.046), soluble fibers from whole-grain foods (OR=0.43; 95% CI=0.25-0.76; P=0.002) and soluble fibers from fruits (OR=0.76; 95% CI=0.62-0.95; P=0.017). Whole-grain and fruits were the foods negatively associated with MS.

CONCLUSIONS

The intake of soluble fibers, particularly from whole-grain foods and fruits, may have a protective role for the presence of MS in this selected sample of patients with type 2 DM.

Assessment of luteal function by ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of corpora lutea in goats

In order to characterize the evolution pattern of the corpora lutea (CL) and to compare luteal function with their ultrasonographic appearance, 37 estrous cycles of Serrana goats (n=22) were studied during breeding season. A daily transrectal ultrasound scanning was performed through two successive estrous cycles. Both solid and fluid-filled CL were observed and measured in both ovaries of each goat. Additionally, each CL was classified as CL(ICHE) (CL with irregular contours and heterogeneous echotexture) or CL(RCGE) (CL with regular contours and granular echotexture). Ovarian cyclic activity and luteal function were evaluated by biweekly plasma progesterone (P4) determination. The CL (n=60) were first visualized on day 2.9+/-1.0 after the day of ovulation (day 0), showing 7.1+/-1.8mm of diameter and reach their maximum size (12.5+/-1.6mm) on day 10.7+/-3.2 (P<0.001). Two days before the following ovulation (day -2), the CL regressed to 8.4+/-1.3mm (P<0.001). The central cavity was found in 78.3% of CL, and had a persistence of over 50% until the last days of estrous cycle. The ratio CL length/cavity length was low during the first-third and high during the remaining two-thirds of estrous cycle. On day 2, the percentage of CL(ICHE) was 33.3%, and began to decrease to 16.7% on day 6, reaching the minimum of 3.3% on day 10 (P<0.001). This proportion increased on day -3 to 48.3% and reached 90% on day -1 (P<0.001). The correlation between CL size and plasma P4 levels was r=0.63 (n=87; P<0.001). A negative correlation between the daily proportion of CL(ICHE) and plasma P4 levels was found (r=-0.95; n=18; P<0.001). These results suggest that the ultrasonographic appearance of CL is a reliable parameter for the assessment of luteal function in goats. Both the characterization of echotexture and size of central cavity could be valuable tools to differentiate between phases of normal estrous cycles.

GH response to hypoglycemia and clonidine in the GH-releasing hormone resistance syndrome

GH secretion by the pituitary is the result of the balance between the stimulatory effect of GHRH and the inhibitory effect of SS. Patients with mutations in GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) gene (GHRH-R) offer a unique model to study the mechanism of action of different GH secretion stimuli. In the past, we have demonstrated a small but significant GH response to a GH secretagogue (GHRP-2) in a homogenous cohort of patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD) due to a homozygous null mutation in GHRH-R (IVS1+1G-->A). Now, we sought to determine if we could detect a GH response to hypoglycemia (ITT: insulin tolerance test) or clonidine (CL) in these patients. Nine young GHD subjects underwent both ITT and CL tests, and 2 additional subjects underwent only CL test. There was a small but significant GH increase during ITT, but not during CL test. These results indicate that a minimal albeit significant GH response to ITT can occur despite complete lack of GHRH-R function.

Follicular dynamics in Serrana goats

Twenty-two Serrana goats were studied through two successive estrous cycles in order to characterize their follicular dynamics during the breeding season. The ovaries of the goats were scanned daily by real-time ultrasonography and all follicles >or=3mm were measured and classified. The data were classified by the number of follicular waves per goat to test the hypothesis that temporal and morphological differences between the last follicular wave of an ovary, irrespective of ovulation, will affect the selection of the next ovulatory wave. The mean interovulatory interval was 20.7+/-1.0 days (mean+/-S.D.). Three to five waves per estrous cycle were observed and 61.3% (19/31) of cycles had four waves. In estrous cycles with four waves, the day of onset of the first, second, third and fourth wave was 1.4+/-1.0, 6.9+/-1.4, 11.6+/-1.8 and 16.8+/-1.6, respectively. No differences (P>0.05) were found between the day of onset of the first and second waves for estrous cycles with three, four or five waves. However, the day of onset of the third and fourth waves occurred later when the number of waves per estrous cycle increased (P<0.001). The duration of the interwave interval (time between the day of onset of two consecutive waves) was longer when the second wave was ovulatory. The length of the growth phase (2.4+/-0.9 days) and size (5.9+/-0.7 mm) of the dominant follicle in the second wave were lower (P<0.01) than for the first wave (3.3+/-1.2 days and 6.6+/-0.9 mm, respectively) and the fifth wave (4.1+/-1.2 days and 7.5+/-1.0mm, respectively). Within pairs of ovaries, the onset of the last wave occurred later (P<0.05) and was less variable in ovulatory ovaries (day 16.8+/-1.4, n=20) than in anovulatory ovaries (day 15.1+/-3.7, n=20). The length of the growing phase was longer (P<0.001) in the last waves of ovulatory ovaries (3.1+/-0.9 days) than in the last waves of anovulatory ovaries (1.7+/-0.8 days). These results support the hypothesis that the day of onset of the ovulatory wave is related to or, at least, conditioned by the luteolysis and the decrease in plasma progesterone. In summary, the estrous cycle of Serrana goats is characterized by sequential follicular wave growth with a great variability in their onset and duration, with the exception of the ovulatory wave. The temporal and morphological differences observed in the last wave of estrous cycle provide strong evidence for the role of progesterone in their regulation.

Morphometry of ovarian structures by transrectal ultrasonography in Serrana goats

The accuracy of transrectal real-time ultrasonography (RTU) scanning technique to detect ovarian structures (follicles and corpus luteum) of Serrana goats was compared to the data obtained by observation of ovarian sequential slices. This slicing technique (SLI) was considered as reference method. The laparoscopy and laparotomy techniques were also used for corpora lutea identification. For this purpose the ovaries of 14 females were observed, 7-8 days after ovulation, by transrectal ultrasonography followed by laparoscopic examination. Then ovaries were removed and studied by slicing. In the sliced sections of each ovary (n=28), follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were identified and counted. CL and follicular diameters were measured using a millimetre scale. The total number of follicles, counted by RTU, was significantly lower than that observed by SLI (P <0.01). This difference was mainly due to the under estimation of <2 mm follicles category. The correlation coefficient between category data obtained by RTU and SLI methods for the number of follicles > or =3 mm was high (r2=0.95, P <0.001), which highlights the use of UTR as a potential methodology to study the follicular dynamic of goats. There were no significant differences (P >0.05) between the average number (mean +/- S.D.) of corpus luteum identified per ovary by RTU (0.71 +/- 0.75), laparoscopy (0.58 +/- 0.71), laparotomy (0.67 +/- 0.76) or SLI (0.83 +/- 0.76) methods. The accuracy for the identification of ovulation, validated by CL detection on D7-D8 by SLI (100%), was 91.7%, 87.5% and 83.3% by RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. The negative predictive value of RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy to verify the absence of a CL in the ovary was 81.8%, 75.0% and 69.2%, respectively. The specificity of all three methods for the CL identification was 100%. No significant differences (P >0.05) were found in the probability to detect the exact number of CL (0, 1 or 2) counted in each ovary between the RTU (87.5%), laparotomy (83.3%) and laparoscopy (75.0%) methods when compared with the reference method. The diameter of spherical CL could be estimated with reliability (r2=0.86; P <0.001). The real-time ultrasonographic scanning proved to be a highly accurate method for detection and measurement of several categories of follicles and CL size in Serrana goats. The results of the present study show that laparoscopy and RTU are similarly reliable techniques for CL detection. However, the RTU represents a non-traumatic technique with advantages to animal welfare both in experimental and reproductive evaluation of the size of ovarian structures.

Prenatal exposure to misoprostol and vascular disruption defects: a case-control study

Prenatal exposure to misoprostol has been associated with Moebius and limb defects. Vascular disruption has been proposed as the mechanism for these teratogenic effects. The present study is a multicenter, case-control study that was designed to compare the frequency of prenatal misoprostol use between mothers of Brazilian children diagnosed with vascular disruption defects and matched control mothers of children diagnosed with other types of defects. A total of 93 cases and 279 controls were recruited in eight participating centers. Prenatal exposure was identified in 32 infants diagnosed with vascular disruption defects (34.4%) compared with only 12 (4.3%) in the control group (P<0.0000001). Our data suggest that prenatal exposure to misoprostol is associated to the occurrence of vascular disruption defects in the newborns.

A double membrane surrounds the hydrogenosomes of the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix frontalis

The structure of hydrogenosomes of the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix frontalis was analyzed using routine preparations for transmission electron microscopy, freeze-fracture and immunocytochemistry. They appeared as round or elongated structures, always enveloped by two distinct, but tightly apposed membranes. Images of organelle division were very similar to those observed in trichomonad protozoa. These observations suggest that hydrogenosomes are homologous organelles in unrelated species weakening the hypothesis of a polyphyletic origin and supporting the evidence that fungal hydrogenosomes are probably derived from an endosymbiont relationship.

Further studies on the organization of the hydrogenosome in Tritrichomonas foetus

The fine structure of the hydrogenosome of Tritrichomonas foetus was analysed using different approaches: routine transmission electron microscopy, quick-freezing techniques followed by freeze-fracture, deep-etching and freeze-substitution, cryo-ultramicrotomy, serial sectioning followed by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and cytochemical detection of carbohydrates, Ca++ and phosphates. The presence of two closely apposed unit membranes surrounding the hydrogenosome, as well as its internal vesicle, was shown both in thin sections of well-preserved cells and in freeze-fracture replicas. Analysis of light micrographs, thin serial sections used to 3-D reconstruction and freeze-fracture replicas, show that the hydrogenosome of T. foetus resembles a sphere, but presents a protusion towards the cytoplasm. The vesicle varies in size from organelle to organelle and represent about 8.5% of the volume of the organelle. Based on the fact that the vesicle (a) presents a distinct morphological appearance from the hydrogenosome matrix, (b) was the main site of Ca++-accumulation, (c) presents phosphatase activity and (d) its membrane presents N-acetyl-glucosamine-containing glycoconjugates, as revealed by incubation of cryosections in the presence of gold-labeled WGA, we conclude that it represents a specialized sub-compartment of the hydrogenosome. Freeze-fracture followed by deep etching showed the presence of large number of particles, probably correspondent to macromolecules, within the hydrogenosomal matrix. These structures were not randomly distributed.

[Down Syndrome--a clinical, cytogenetic and epidemiologic analysis of 165 patients]

A clinical follow up of 165 Down Syndrome (DS) patients in an outpatient clinic programme at the Centro de Genética Médica (IFF - FIOCRUZ) was undertaken retrospectively. Clinical and laboratorial investigations were performed, such as cytogenetics and hematological analysis, thyroid hormones survey, abdominal ultrasound and cervical column X Rays. The clinical diagnosis of Down Syndrome was mostly performed during the first year of life, and 70% of all patients were under 4 years of age, being predominantly males. Trisomy 21 derived from non disjunction was found in 85% of the patients. The most common congenital malformation was cardiopathy (37.5%) and among all the clinical complications, repeated pneumonia could be evidenced in 30% of the patients, mainly during the first year of life. Leukopenia was observed in 14% of the patients and abdominal ultrasound scans allowed the early detection of biliary stones in 4.3% of the patients examined, a significative finding in the paediatric population. A prospective clinical programme aiming to anticipate the detection of clinical complications on at risk DS populations will fulfill its objectives and may act as a reducing factor in the infantile mortality rate.

Further report of a patient with humeroradioulnar synostosis and hydronephrosis

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Electron microscopic study of the effect of zinc on Tritrichomonas foetus

At concentrations of 3.1 to 24 mM, zinc inhibits the multiplication of and kills the pathogenic protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the hydrogenosome, a organelle which is involved in the metabolism of pyruvate and the site of formation of molecular hydrogen, constitutes the main site of the initial effect of zinc. The hydrogenosomal vesicle increases its electron density and dimension. Electron spectroscopy imaging and the electron energy loss spectrum showed the presence of zinc, calcium, and oxygen in the electron-dense areas of the hydrogenosome.

Constant and variable parts in the Balbiani ring 2 repeat unit and the translation termination region

The large Balbiani rings of the chironomids produce giant internally repeated transcripts that are translated into silk-like proteins used for protective tubes. We have cloned fragments of the Balbiani ring 2 (BR2) gene of Chironomus pallidivittatus, normally the most prominent BR, for sequencing and restriction analysis. The results indicate a basic, tandemly arranged repeat unit of 198 bp, consisting of an invariant region of 102 bp followed by a variable region of 96 bp, the latter containing short internal tandem repeats. In the coding strand of both regions, there is a tendency to maximize adenine ( 40%) and minimize cytosine + thymidine (32-33%). Stringency in codon usage and absence of preference for third position nucleotide substitutions between homologous sequences suggest selection at the nucleotide level to be important. Both regions code for peptides rich in basic amino acids, but show distinct differences in other coding properties. The invariant region probably codes for a crystalline domain, and the variable region for a proline-rich, amorphous domain. One of the clones includes the 3' end of the translated region. Surrounding and following two stop codons is a sequence of four short palindromes. Furthermore, the first stop codon is part of a sequence reminiscent of a "TATA box". The possibilities are discussed that this area of the gene might be a target for regulatory molecules controlling translation termination and/or the expression of an overlapping cistron.