Positive Effect of Green Photo-Selective Filter on Graft Union Formation in Tomatoes

This study investigated the effects of green and red photo-selective filters (shade nets) on the process of graft union formation (healing and acclimation) in grafted tomato plants. The research evaluated oxidative stress, physiological characteristics, and anatomical development of graft unions. Plants were subjected to green-netting, red-netting, and no-netting treatments for 28 days, starting 4 days after grafting. Markers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as protein concentration of SOD/POD enzyme-enriched extracts, were quantified. The anatomical development of the graft unions was examined using microscopy. The results demonstrated that the red and green photo-selective filters increased ROS production by 5% and 4% after 3 days of exposure, by 58% and 14% after 7 days, and by 30% and 13% after 14 days in comparison to the control treatment. The increase in ROS activates the defense mechanism, enhancing the activity of SOD and POD enzymes. In terms of anatomy, the green netting resulted in enhanced cell proliferation and early differentiation of vascular tissue cells. Notably, at the 28-day mark, when the plants were ready for transplanting, the green-net treatment showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation damage and increases of 20% and 54% in dry weight compared with the control and red-net treatments, respectively. Finally, our results suggest that the use of a green photo-selective filter has a positive effect on oxidative stress, anatomical development, and overall growth of grafted tomato plants during the process of graft union formation.

Diversity of Culturable Bacteria from Endemic Medicinal Plants of the Highlands of the Province of Parinacota, Chile

Endemic medicinal plants that grow at altitudes in northern Chile have been traditionally used for therapeutic applications by Aymara doctors. Several studies have analyzed the biological properties of these plants for therapeutic purposes. The aim was to characterize at molecular and biochemical levels the bacteria that live in the rhizosphere and roots from endemic medicinal plants that grow between 3681-5104 m.a.s.l. in the province of Parinacota. Thirty-nine bacteria were isolated from nine medicinal plants under our laboratory conditions. These bacteria were characterized by Gram stain, hydrolase production, plant-growth promotion, anti-fungal and antibacterial activities, and 16S rDNA sequencing. A phylogenetic study revealed the presence of three major phyla, Actinomycetota (46.2%), Bacillota (43.6%), and Pseudomonadota (10.3%). The rhizobacteria strains associated with the Aymara medicinal plant exhibited several interesting biological activities, such as hydrolytic enzymes, plant-growth-promoting traits, and antibacterial and antifungal properties, indicating their potential for developing new bio-based products for agricultural or clinical applications. These results are promising and highlight the need to point toward the search for explanations of the bio-molecular basis of the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants.

Effects of LED Light Spectra on the Development, Phytochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Activity of Curcuma longa from Easter Island

Curcuma longa (C. longa), an herbaceous plant used for medicinal purposes by the indigenous people of Easter Island, has been overexploited in its natural habitat, leading to its conservation status being designated as a vulnerable species. We have recently reported on the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to improve the productivity of C. longa in vitro cultures under a temporary immersion system (TIS), but the effects of light quality on plant growth, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity remained unexplored. Here, we set out to study these three aspects as observed at the end of TIS culture (day 0) and after 30 days of greenhouse acclimation (day 30). Thus, we evaluated plant morphological characteristics, phytochemical profile (polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and curcumin), and radical scavenging activity by DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP assays. The results showed that, during in vitro cultivation under TIS, the red:blue (RB) LED light spectrum promoted C. longa shoot proliferation, with the resulting seedlings exhibiting greater fresh weight and no signs of etiolation. In the acclimation phase, the RB spectrum increased phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and reducing sugars, and boosted curcumin synthesis. Nevertheless, the antioxidant activity of the plants under the RB light spectrum did not intensify. We surmise that this may be due to the premature intraplant allocation of metabolites to alternative pathways (e.g., curcumin synthesis) under RB light.

Chemistry and Bioactivity of Microsorum scolopendria (Polypodiaceae): Antioxidant Effects on an Epithelial Damage Model

Microsorum scolopendia (MS), which grows on the Chilean island of Rapa Nui, is a medicinal fern used to treat several diseases. Despite being widely used, this fern has not been deeply investigated. The aim of this study was to perform a characterization of the polyphenolic and flavonoid identity, radical scavenging, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of MS rhizome and leaf extracts (RAE and HAE). The compound identity was analyzed through the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method coupled with mass spectrometry. The radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated for DPPH, ORAC, ROS formation, and COX inhibition activity assay. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated using an infection model on Human Dermal Fibroblast adult (HDFa) cell lines incubated with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The most abundant compounds were phenolic acids between 46% to 57% in rhizome and leaf extracts, respectively; followed by flavonoids such as protocatechic acid 4-O-glucoside, cirsimaritin, and isoxanthohumol, among others. MS extract inhibited and disaggregated the biofilm bacterial formed and showed an anti-inflammatory selective property against COX-2 enzyme. RAE generated a 64% reduction of ROS formation in the presence of S. aureus and 87.35% less ROS in the presence of S. epidermidis on HDFa cells. MS has great therapeutic potential and possesses several biological properties that should be evaluated.

Genetic diversity and biological activity of Curcuma longa ecotypes from Rapa Nui using molecular markers

Curcuma Longa (CL) has been used for hundreds of years by native people from Rapa Nui for the treatment of different illness. Despite this plant was introduced from Polynesia or India, there is still scarce information about its origin. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variation of three CL ecotypes based on molecular phylogenetic and genotypification using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and simple sequence repeats (SSR). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of rhizomes and leaves extracts of three CL plants were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibition assay. Complementarily, we predicted the potential binding mode and binding energy of curcuminoids and nonsteroidals anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) into COX-2 via molecular docking. The ITS2 sequence shows two major clusters (I and II), group I consisted of Curcuma haritha and group II consisted of different species of Curcuma and Rapa Nui samples (MR-1, MR-2 and RK-2). Results of SSR markers show that genotype MR-2 was similar to MR-1 and RK-2 with 70.8 and 42.9% similarity, whereas genotype was similar to RK-2, MR-1 and MR-2 with 63.9, 43.2 and 42.9% similarity, respectively. MR-1 have better antioxidant and autoinflammatory activity than rest of CL samples due to its high concentration of polyphenols (33.68 mg/g) and curcumin (29.69 mg/g). Furthermore, docking results show that three curcuminoids of CL and selective NAIDs, as celecoxib, etodolac and meloxicam, share the same binding pocket into COX-2. However, three curcuminoids have a lower ΔG_binding than other COX-2 selective NAIDs as etodolac and meloxicam, except for Coxib family as valdecoxib, celecoxib and rofecoxib. Our findings suggest MR-1, MR-2 and MK-2 from Germplasm Bank (Mataveri Otai of CONAF) are closely related to Curcuma amada and Curcuma montana even though they have genetic variability.

How soon should urgent EEG be performed following a first epileptic seizure?

PURPOSE

Patients with a first unprovoked epileptic seizure are often seen in emergency services. Electroencephalography (EEG) is indicated for diagnosing epilepsy, but the optimal time to perform this test has not been defined. This study aimed to determine the time interval following a seizure within which EEG has the greatest diagnostic yield.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients with a first unprovoked seizure who had undergone emergency EEG (July 2014-December 2019). Data collection included demographics, seizure type, time interval to EEG study, EEG pattern identified, and the prescription after emergency assessment. An optimal cut-off point for time to EEG was obtained, and an adjusted regression model was performed to establish associations with the presence of epileptiform abnormalities.

RESULTS

A total of 170 patients were included (mean age: 50.7 years, 40.6% women). Epileptiform discharges were identified in 34.1% of recordings, nonepileptiform abnormalities in 46.5%, and normal findings in 19.4%. A lower latency from seizure to EEG was associated with a higher probability of finding epileptiform discharges (median: 12.7 in the epileptiform EEGs vs. 20 h in the nonepileptiform EEGs, p < 0.001). The time interval associated with the highest probability of detecting an epileptiform EEG pattern was within the first 16 h after seizure onset: 52.1% of recordings performed before the 16-h cut-off showed these abnormal patterns compared with 20.2% performed after (p < 0.001). These findings were not related to the presence of an epileptogenic lesion in neuroimaging or to other clinical variables. The finding of epileptiform abnormalities was followed by a greater prescription of antiseizure drugs (96.4% vs. 66% in nonepileptiform patterns, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic yield of EEG following a first unprovoked epileptic seizure is highest when this test is performed within the first 16 h after onset of the event.

Gold@Silica Nanoparticles Functionalized with Oligonucleotides: A Prominent Tool for the Detection of the Methylated Reprimo Gene in Gastric Cancer by Dynamic Light Scattering

Reprimo (RPRM) is a tumor suppressor gene involved in the development of gastric cancer. Hypermethylation of the RPRM promoter region has been found in tumor tissue and plasma samples from patients with gastric cancer. These findings suggest that circulating methylated DNA of RPRM could be a candidate for a noninvasive detection of gastric cancer. We designed a nanosystem based on the functionalization of silica coated gold nanoparticles with oligonucleotides that recognize a specific DNA fragment of the RPRM promoter region. The functionality of the oligonucleotide on the surface of the nanoparticle was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nanoparticles were incubated with a synthetic DNA fragment of methylated DNA of RPRM and changes in the size distribution after hybridization were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). A difference in the size distribution of nanoparticles hybridized with genomic DNA from the KATO III gastric cancer cell line was observed when was compared with DNA from the GES-1 normal cell line. These results showed that this nanosystem may be a useful tool for the specific and sensitive detection of methylated DNA of RPRM in patients at risk of developing gastric cancer.

Antiproliferative Benzoindazolequinones as Potential Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors

Quinones and nitrogen heterocyclic moieties have been recognized as important pharmacophores in the development of antitumor agents. This study aimed to establish whether there was any correlation between the in silico predicted parameters and the in vitro antiproliferative activity of a family of benzoindazolequinones (BIZQs), and to evaluate overexpressed proteins in human cancer cells as potential biomolecular targets of these compounds. For this purpose, this study was carried out using KATO-III and MCF-7 cell lines as in vitro models. Docking results showed that these BIZQs present better binding energies (ΔG_bin) values for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) than for other cancer-related proteins. The predicted ∆G_bin values of these BIZQs, classified in three series, positively correlated with IC₅₀ measured in both cell lines (KATO-III: 0.72, 0.41, and 0.90; MCF-7: 0.79, 0.55, and 0.87 for Series I, II, and III, respectively). The results also indicated that compounds 2a, 2c, 6g, and 6k are the most prominent BIZQs, because they showed better IC₅₀ and ∆G_bin values than the other derivatives. In silico drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the three series were also analyzed and showed that several BIZQs could be selected as potential candidates for cancer pre-clinical assays.

t-Resveratrol Protects against Acute High Glucose Damage in Endothelial Cells

Postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Evidence shows that high glucose generates oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory state promoting the development of cardiovascular diseases. trans-Resveratrol (t-RV) has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. To determine whether t-RV acts as a protector against acute high glucose (AHG)-induced damage, two in vitro models, rat aortic rings (RAR) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. RAR pretreated with AHG (25 mM D-glucose) for 3 h dramatically decreased the endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) induced by acetylcholine in phenylephrine (PE)-precontracted vessels. However, coincubation with t-RV significantly mitigated the damage induced by AHG on EDR. Pretreatment with AHG did not affect the vasodilation induced by sodium nitroprusside. HUVEC treated with t-RV decreased cytotoxicity and reduced radical oxygen species production induced by AHG. Taken together, these results suggest that t-RV can mitigate the AHG-induced EDR damage through a mechanism involving ROS scavenging and probably an increase in the bioavailability of NO.

Prognosis of status epilepticus in elderly patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical features and prognosis of status epilepticus (SE) in patients above 70 years old.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients ≥70 years old with SE registered prospectively during 4 years. Follow-up after discharge was performed.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were evaluated. Acute symptomatic etiology was the most prevalent. The mean number of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) used was 2.7 ± 1.2, and 21% of the patients required sedation. A poor outcome was considered when death (31.1%) or developing of new neurological impairment at discharge (32.2%) occurred. After multivariate analysis, four variables predicted a poor outcome: acute symptomatic etiology (OR: 6.320; 95% CI: 1.976-20.217; P = .002), focal motor SE type (OR: 9.089; 95% CI: 2.482-33.283; P = .001), level of consciousness (OR: 4.596; 95% CI: 1.903-11.098; P = .001), and SE duration >12 hours (OR: 3.763; 95% CI: 1.130-12.530; P = .031). Independent predictive factors of mortality were SE duration >12 hours (OR: 4.306; 95% CI: 1.044-17.757; P = .043), modified Status Epilepticus Severity Score (mSTESS) (OR: 2.216; 95% CI: 1.313-3.740; P = .003), and development of complications (OR: 3.334; 95% CI: 1.004-11.070, P = .049). Considering long-term mortality, age (HR 1.036; 95% CI 1.001-1.071; P = .044), a potentially fatal underlying cause (HR 2.609; 95% CI 1.497- 4.548; P = .001), and mSTESS score >4 (HR 1.485; 95% CI 1.158-1.903; P = .002) remained as predictive factors. There was no association between sedation and the number of AEDs used with outcome at discharge or long-term mortality (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

SE above 70 years old has a high morbimortality. Prognosis is not related to treatment aggressiveness.

New 1H-Benzo[f]indazole-4,9-diones Conjugated with C-Protected Amino Acids and Other Derivatives: Synthesis and in Vitro Antiproliferative Evaluation

1H-Benzo[f]indazole-4,9-dione derivatives conjugated with C-protected amino acids (glycine, l-alanine, l-phenylalanine and l-glutamic acid) 6a–l were prepared by chemically modifying the prenyl substituent of 3-methyl-7-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-1H-benzo[f]indazole-4,9-dione 2 through epoxidation, degradative oxidation, oxidation and N-acyl condensation reactions. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by analyzing their IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectral data together with elemental analysis for carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. The preliminary in vitro antiproliferative activity of the synthesized derivatives was evaluated on KATO-III and MCF-7 cell lines using a cell proliferation assay. The majority of the derivatives exhibited significant antiproliferative activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 25.5 to 432.5 μM. These results suggest that 1H-benzo[f]indazole-4,9-dione derivatives are promising molecules to be researched for developing new anticancer agents.

Loss of Expression of Reprimo, a p53-induced Cell Cycle Arrest Gene, Correlates with Invasive Stage of Tumor Progression and p73 Expression in Gastric Cancer

Reprimo (RPRM), a downstream effector of p53-induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M, has been proposed as a putative tumor suppressor gene (TSG) and as a potential biomarker for non-invasive detection of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the epigenetic silencing of RPRM gene by promoter methylation and its tumor suppressor function in GC cell lines. Furthermore, clinical significance of RPRM protein product and its association with p53/p73 tumor suppressor protein family was explored. Epigenetic silencing of RPRM gene by promoter methylation was evaluated in four GC cell lines. Protein expression of RPRM was evaluated in 20 tumor and non-tumor matched cases. The clinical significance of RPRM association with p53/p73 tumor suppressor protein family was assessed in 114 GC cases. Tumor suppressor function was examined through functional assays. RPRM gene expression was negatively correlated with promoter methylation (Spearman rank r = -1; p = 0.042). RPRM overexpression inhibited colony formation and anchorage-independent growth. In clinical samples, RPRM gene protein expression was detected in 75% (15/20) of non-tumor adjacent mucosa, but only in 25% (5/20) of gastric tumor tissues (p = 0.001). Clinicopathological correlations of loss of RPRM expression were significantly associated with invasive stage of GC (stage I to II-IV, p = 0.02) and a positive association between RPRM and p73 gene protein product expression was found (p<0.0001 and kappa value = 0.363). In conclusion, epigenetic silencing of RPRM gene by promoter methylation is associated with loss of RPRM expression. Functional assays suggest that RPRM behaves as a TSG. Loss of expression of RPRM gene protein product is associated with the invasive stage of GC. Positive association between RPRM and p73 expression suggest that other members of the p53 gene family may participate in the regulation of RPRM expression.

ATP leakage induces P2XR activation and contributes to acute synaptic excitotoxicity induced by soluble oligomers of β-amyloid peptide in hippocampal neurons

Recent studies suggest that the toxic effects of Aβ can be attributed to its capability to insert in membranes and form pore-like structures, which are permeable to cations and molecules such as ATP. Our working hypothesis is that Aβ increases extracellular ATP causing activation of P2X receptors and potentiating excitatory synaptic activity. We found that soluble oligomers of β-amyloid peptide increased cytosolic Ca(2+) 4-fold above control (415 ± 28% of control). Also, ATP leakage (157 ± 10% of control) was independent of extracellular Ca(2+), suggesting that ATP traveled from the cytosol through an Aβ pore-mediated efflux and not from exocytotic mechanisms. The subsequent activation of P2XR by ATP can contribute to the cytosolic Ca(2+) increase observed with Aβ. Additionally, we found that β-amyloid oligomers bind preferentially to excitatory neurons inducing an increase in excitatory synaptic current frequency (248.1 ± 32.7%) that was blocked by the use of P2XR antagonists such as PPADS (Aβ + PPADS: 110.9 ± 18.35%) or Apyrase plus DPCPX (Aβ + inhibitors: 98.97 ± 17.4%). Taken together, we suggest that Aβ induces excitotoxicity by binding preferentially to excitatory neuron membranes forming a non-selective pore and by increasing intracellular calcium by itself and through P2XR activation by extracellular ATP leading to an augmention in mEPSC activity. All these effects were blocked with a non-specific P2XR antagonist, indicating that part of the neurotoxicity of Aβ is mediated by P2XR activation and facilitation of excitatory neurotransmitter release. These findings suggest that P2XR can be considered as a potential new target for the development of drugs or pharmacological tools to treat Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Synaptopathy--from Biology to Therapy'.

Analysis of aberrant methylation on promoter sequences of tumor suppressor genes and total DNA in sputum samples: a promising tool for early detection of COPD and lung cancer in smokers

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disorder associated to cigarette smoke and lung cancer (LC). Since epigenetic changes in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) are clearly important in the development of LC. In this study, we hypothesize that tobacco smokers are susceptible for methylation in the promoter region of TSGs in airway epithelial cells when compared with non-smoker subjects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of detection of genes promoter methylation in sputum specimens, as a complementary tool to identify LC biomarkers among smokers with early COPD.

Methods

We determined the amount of DNA in induced sputum from patients with COPD (n = 23), LC (n = 26), as well as in healthy subjects (CTR) (n = 33), using a commercial kit for DNA purification, followed by absorbance measurement at 260 nm. The frequency of CDKN2A, CDH1 and MGMT promoter methylation in the same groups was determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). The Fisher’s exact test was employed to compare frequency of results between different groups.

Results

DNA concentration was 7.4 and 5.8 times higher in LC and COPD compared to the (CTR) (p < 0.0001), respectively. Methylation status of CDKN2A and MGMT was significantly higher in COPD and LC patients compared with CTR group (p < 0.0001). Frequency of CDH1 methylation only showed a statistically significant difference between LC patients and CTR group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

We provide evidence that aberrant methylation of TSGs in samples of induced sputum is a useful tool for early diagnostic of lung diseases (LC and COPD) in smoker subjects.

Virtual slides

The abstract MUST finish with the following text: Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1127865005664160

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and liver enzymes in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Talca, Chile

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia that together predict the development of diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease. This study investigated the relationship between liver enzyme levels and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in subjects with and without MS. Alanine-aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate-aminotransferase (ASAT), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and hs-CRP were measured in 510 subjects, aged 40 to 65 years old. Patients were selected from 1007 subjects from the Research Program for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Talca, Chile. Results showed that women with MS presented higher liver enzyme levels than those who did not have MS. This was not observed in male patients for the enzymes ALAT and ASAT. However, GGT and hs-PCR levels were higher in male and female patients with MS than in those without MS. In conclusion, it is important to search for the presence of MS when diagnosing fatty liver. Moreover, the presence of liver disease in patients with MS should be further investigated.

Involvement of several transcriptional regulators in the differential expression of tfd genes in Cupriavidus necator JMP134

Cupriavidus necator JMP134 has been extensively studied because of its ability to degrade chloroaromatic compounds, including the herbicides 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 3-chlorobenzoic acid (3-CB), which is achieved through the pJP4-encoded chlorocatechol degradation gene clusters: tfdCIDIEIFI and tfdDIICIIEIIFII. The present work describes a different tfd-genes expression profile depending on whether C. necator cells were induced with 2,4-D or 3-CB. By contrast, in vitro binding assays of the purified transcriptional activator TfdR showed similar binding to both tfd intergenic regions; these results were confirmed by in vivo studies of the expression of transcriptional lacZ fusions for these intergenic regions. Experiments aimed at investigating whether other pJP4 plasmid or chromosomal regulatory proteins could contribute to the differences in the response of both tfd promoters to induction by 2,4-D and 3-CB showed that the transcriptional regulators from the benzoate degradation pathway, CatR1 and CatR2, affected 3-CB- and 2,4-D-related growth capabilities. It was also determined that the ISJP4-interrupted protein TfdT decreased growth on 3-CB. In addition, an ORF with 34% amino acid identity to IclR-type transcriptional regulator members and located near the tfdII gene cluster module was shown to modulate the 2,4-D growth capability. Taken together, these results suggest that tfd transcriptional regulation in C. necator JMP134 is far more complex than previously thought and that it involves proteins from different transcriptional regulator families.

[Helicobacter pylori detected in atheroma plaque]

INTRODUCTION

In general, infection and chronic inflammation have been implied as etiologic agents for atheroesclerosis and in particular coronary illness (CI). Several studies have correlated the infection of Helicobacter pylori with CI, especially with virulent strains (lineage Cag A).

OBJECTIVE

Demonstrate the immunohistochemical presence of H. Pylori in atheroscletotic plaques obtained from endarterectomy of different vascular regions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

34 atherosclerotic plaques of different vascular areas were studied, (25 men and 9 women). The tissues were fixed with 10% neutral buffered-formalin and decalcifying in formic acid 5% was used when necessary. The tissue sections were included in paraffin, cut and colored with H&E and subjected to Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of H. Pylori. Briefly, tissues were deparaffinized and thermally treated with a citrate-based solution of antigenic retrieval (ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate, BIO SB, Santa Barbara, CA) using a water bath at 95 degrees C for 1 hour. The IHC was conducted using a high sensitivity Biotin-Streptavidin-HRP-DAB IHC system (ImmunoDetector HRP/DAB, BIO SB). The microscopic observation evaluated the presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells and the identification of the bacteria in the wall or the vascular lumen.

RESULTS

Of the 34 cases studied 14 were positive, where one could identify the bacillus in their different forms (41,17%) associated with chronic inflammation.

Drug-dependent antibodies with immune hemolytic anemia in AIDS patients

We studied the presence of drug-dependent antibodies (D-DAbs) in 53 patients with AIDS who developed immune hemolytic anemia (IHA). We examined sera and eluates for the presence of D-DAbs. Drug antibodies were detected in 43.4 percent (23/53) of the patients with IHA. Antibodies to more than one drug were detected in 60.8 percent (14/23) of patients with drug-induced IHA (D-IHA). The DAT was positive by RBC-bound IgG in eight patients, RBC-bound IgG/C3d in nine, IgG/IgA in three, IgG/IgA/C3d in two, and one patient had RBC-bound C3d only. No drug-independent antibodies were detected. Our study demonstrates that patients with AIDS commonly develop D-DAbs. D-IHA should be included in the differential diagnosis of a falling Hb in AIDS patients receiving drugs.

HCV genotype analysis in HCV-HIV-co-infected Puerto Ricans who are injecting drug users: undetermined and mixed infections

Direct percutaneous exposure is the main route of HCV transmission. In Puerto Rico half of people infected with HIV use illicit drugs. The effects of HCV in the course of HIV infection and vice versa have been extensively studied, but remain highly controversial. This may be due to HCV genetic heterogeneity. Therefore, a complex classification into genotypes has emerged that prompted us to determined how this impacts a population of intravenous drug users (IDUs) co-infected with HIV-1. Using Inno-LiPa II technique, we analyzed samples from 171 HCV-HIV-1-co-infected IDUs and 375 from a general HCV population of unknown HIV or source of infection status. Similar HCV genotype distribution was detected in these populations. HCV genotype 1a was the most frequently in IDUs-co-infected with HIV-1, followed by 1b and 3a. Twenty mixed infections and 5 undetermined genotypes were reported. A reduced HCV viral load was observed in HIV-1 positives with wasting syndrome. Individuals with a high HIV-1 viral load presented a low HCV viral load. There were no correlation between HCV genotypes and AIDS-related event. Patients with genotype 1b showed a higher HCV viral load. Males presented higher HCV viral load than females. Females were predominantly affected by genotype 1a, and men by 1a and 1b. Neither the HCV viral load nor the frequency of genotypes were influenced by the antiretroviral modality. The importance of continuous genotype monitoring is stressed.

Role of tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) gene modules in catabolism of 3-chlorobenzoate by Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4)

The enzymes chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase, chloromuconate cycloisomerase, dienelactone hydrolase, and maleylacetate reductase allow Ralstonia eutropha JMP134(pJP4) to degrade chlorocatechols formed during growth in 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate or 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB). There are two gene modules located in plasmid pJP4, tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) (module I) and tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II) (module II), putatively encoding these enzymes. To assess the role of both tfd modules in the degradation of chloroaromatics, each module was cloned into the medium-copy-number plasmid vector pBBR1MCS-2 under the control of the tfdR regulatory gene. These constructs were introduced into R. eutropha JMP222 (a JMP134 derivative lacking pJP4) and Pseudomonas putida KT2442, two strains able to transform 3-CB into chlorocatechols. Specific activities in cell extracts of chlorocatechol-1,2-dioxygenase (tfdC), chloromuconate cycloisomerase (tfdD), and dienelactone hydrolase (tfdE) were 2 to 50 times higher for microorganisms containing module I compared to those containing module II. In contrast, a significantly (50-fold) higher activity of maleylacetate reductase (tfdF) was observed in cell extracts of microorganisms containing module II compared to module I. The R. eutropha JMP222 derivative containing tfdR-tfdC(I)D(I)E(I)F(I) grew four times faster in liquid cultures with 3-CB as a sole carbon and energy source than in cultures containing tfdR-tfdD(II)C(II)E(II)F(II). In the case of P. putida KT2442, only the derivative containing module I was able to grow in liquid cultures of 3-CB. These results indicate that efficient degradation of 3-CB by R. eutropha JMP134(pJP4) requires the two tfd modules such that TfdCDE is likely supplied primarily by module I, while TfdF is likely supplied by module II.

The C2 cytosolic loop of adenylyl cyclase interacts with the activated form of G alpha s

Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we studied the physical interaction between the complete C1 and C2 cytosolic domains of Xenopus laevis type 9 (xl9C1, xl9C2) and the C2 domain of rat type 6 (r6C2) adenylyl cyclase (AC). Heterodimerization between xl9C1 and xl9C2 and homodimerization between C2 (but not C1) domains was observed. Interaction between C2 and human G alpha s (hG alpha s) was also detected and was dependent on G alpha s activation. In contrast X. laevis G alpha s (xlG alpha s), which is 92% identical to hG alpha s, was unable to interact with any of the three AC cytosolic domains tested, corroborating previous findings that showed no effector activation. Through the construction of chimeras, we demonstrated that the amino-terminal half of xlG alpha s was responsible for the lack of interaction with AC. Chimeras between mouse G alpha i2 and G alpha s (N-mG alpha i2/C-G alpha s), that have previously shown to activate AC to a higher extent than wild-type G alpha s, also interacted with the C2 cytosolic domain and with a higher affinity. Interestingly, N-mG alpha i2/C-xlG alpha s chimera was not only able to interact with C2 but also with the C1 cytosolic domain.

[Lyme disease in Chile. Prevalence study in selected groups]

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Lyme disease in Chile is unknown.

AIM

To study the existence and epidemiology of Lyme disease in Chile.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighteen patients with signs or symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease were studied. Antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi were measured using ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence screening tests. Positive cases were confirmed with ELISA using a purified antigen and Western Blot analysis. Human biological samples and ticks were cultured in BSK-H medium.

RESULTS

Five patients, three with dermatological manifestations and two with facial palsy and other neurological symptoms, had antibodies against Borrelia, measured by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence. However the presence of IgM antibodies by ELISA using purified antigen, was confirmed in only one case. All sera and cerebrospinal fluids were negative on Western Blot Analysis. No plasma, skin, CSF or thick culture yielded Borrelia

CONCLUSIONS

We could not confirm the existence of Lyme disease in Chile. Positive screening with negative confirmatory test suggests false positive non-specific reactivity or that local Borrelia are antigenically different compared to North American strains.

[Acute abdomen due to mesenteric vasculitis as a presentation form of systemic lupus erythematosus]

We report a previously healthy 24 years old woman, that presented with an acute abdomen due to a mesenteric vasculitis. The diagnostic study demonstrated the presence of a systemic lupus erythematosus with a type IV nephropathy. Posterior to intestinal resection and immunosuppressive therapy, the patient had a satisfactory evolution.

[Tenosynovitis caused by ciprofloxacin. Clinical case]

We report a 67 years old diabetic female that received ciprofloxacin for an acute pyelonephritis. Twelve days after starting this treatment, a hand and forearm tenosynovitis appeared, that subsided after the discontinuation of ciprofloxacin. Literature review disclosed other reports of tenosynovitis associated with the use of this antimicrobial.

[Lupus erythematosus disseminatus and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia]

We report a 49 years old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and a WHO type IV nephropathy, treated with prednisone 1 mg/kg/day po and cyclophosphamide 1 g/month iv. After two months in this treatment schedule, she presented with an acute pneumonia; broncoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy disclosed the presence of Pneumocystis carinii. She was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 960 mg tid with a favorable response. Opportunistic infections are frequent in lupus erythematosus and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia has been recently reported in this disease. The changes in immune response and the adverse effects of drugs used in its treatment may explain the increased susceptibility of these patients to infections by Pneumocystis carinii.

[Rapidly progressive kidney failure associated with neutrophil anticytoplasmic autoantibodies. Anatomo-clinical case]

We report a 63 year old woman with a rapidly progressive renal failure and fever of unknown origin. Laboratory tests showed anemia, increased ESR and a urine analysis compatible with a glomerular disease. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were positive with a perinuclear pattern. Kidney biopsy showed an autoimmune crescenteric glomerulonephritis. The patient had a bad evolution, dying after a massive hemoptysis. The necropsy showed a disseminated arteritis without compromise of bronchial vessels. The oligosymptomatic presentation of this patient, bearing in mind the anatomo-pathological findings, is noteworthy and emphasizes the usefulness of serological markers as antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in the differential diagnosis.

[New perspectives in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis]

The medical treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), is currently going through deep changes, stimulated by the findings that the usual sequential fashion of administering different drugs does not stop the course of the disease and that erosions develop even in the first year. Combination therapy, including immunosuppressants, are advocated early in the course of RA. The use of potent and potentially dangerous drugs should be given to the patients who are more likely to develop a more severe disease. Clinical and laboratory markers of severity might guide the treatment of these patients.

[Polymorphic reticulosis: a type of lymphoma? Report of 3 cases]

Three patients seen at the Medicine Department of Del Salvador Hospital between 1986 and 1990 are reported. All had a history of purulent or bloody nasal discharge and recurrent sinusitis, before the appearance of progressive and painful destructive phenomena that affected the rhino faucial region. The diagnosis was made with the histopathological study that disclosed and angiocentric polymorphic infiltrates and perivascular necrosis. The three patients received similar treatment consistent in prednisone 1 mg/kg/day per os, cyclophosphamide 2 mg/kg/day per os and local radiotherapy. The response to therapy was bad and survival was less than three months. It is concluded that although this entity is infrequent, its severity requires and aggressive workup and management by a multidisciplinary team. Notwithstanding the mortality remains to be high.

[Anticardiolipin antibodies in connective tissue diseases]

The incidence of anticardiolipin (ACL) antibodies in connective tissue disorders other than systemic lupus was investigated in 113 subjects: 68 had rheumatoid arthritis, 23 primary Sjogren syndrome and 22 had systemic sclerosis. VDRL, thromboplastin time and determination of IgG and IgM ACL antibodies (ELISA) were performed in all subjects. Overall, 45% of patients were positive for ACL antibodies, mostly of the IgG variety (90%). No differences were observed among the investigated diseases. Positive ACL antibodies were not related to evidence of antiphospholipid syndrome nor to clinical characteristics of the different diseases. These results confirm that ACL antibodies may be present in connective tissue disorders other than systemic lupus, but they do not predict the development of antiphospholipid syndrome nor help to characterize the severity of the disease.

[Spontaneous fracture of the sacrum in patient with pulmonary fibrosis and steroid treatment]

A 54 year old, postmenopause female with pulmonary fibrosis on steroid therapy is studied for lumbar and sacral pain. An insufficiency fracture of the sacrum is found. Bone scintigraphy and CT scan of the area made the diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory findings are submitted together with a literature review.

[Anticardiolipin antibodies and primary antiphospholipid syndrome of the central nervous system: report of 10 clinical cases]

An association between anti-phospholipid antibodies and different disorders of the central nervous system has been described recently. We used an ELISA technique and detected anti-cardiolipin antibodies of the IgG or IgM variety in a series of 10 patients: 4 had occlusive stroke, 2 brain hemorrhage, 2 chorea, 1 a Sneddon syndrome and 1 vascular cephalea. The diagnosis of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome was suggested after ruling out systemic lupus in all patients.

[Anticardiolipin antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and clinical associations]

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies have been recently described in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders. Venous and arterial thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and recurrent abortion have been associated to the presence of these antibodies. Among 161 patients with systemic lupus we found 66% with anticardiolipin antibodies, mostly IgG type. Thrombosis and thrombocytopenia were more frequent in these patients (p < 0.05), especially among those with high titers. No association was found with central nervous system involvement, recurrent abortion, antinuclear or anti-DNA antibodies nor positivity for VDRL. These results support the frequent presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies in patients with systemic lupus and their association to thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.

[Severe ischemia of the hand. Treatment with regional intravenous sympathicolysis with reserpine]

Treatment of severe hand ischemia a associated to progressive systemic sclerosis and other disorders is controversial. We studied prospectively 45 patients, 41 female and 4 males, over an 11 year period. Age ranged from 16 to 73 years, mean 46. Underlying disease was systemic sclerosis in 30, CREST in 8, overlapping syndrome in 4, systemic lupus in 1 and non rheumatic vasculitis in 2 patients. Treatment consisted of intravenous injection of reserpine, 1 mg, at a superficial arm vein after controlled local circulatory block for 15 min. Regional anesthesia was required in 38 patients. Adequate follow up was obtained in 32 females and 2 males, receiving a mean of 3.1 therapy sessions (range 1 to 13). Morphologic improvement from 3.09 +/- 0.16 to 1.57 +/- 0.13 and functional improvement from 3.6 +/- 0.12 to 1.75 +/- 0.14 (5 grade scoring system), was observed (p < 0.001). These results correlate with adequate rehabilitation confirmed clinically.

Gallstones in the golden hamster. XXXVI. Pigment cholelithiasis produced by retinoic acid

Previously we have reported on the pigmentary lithogenic action of vitamin A in the form of retinol acetate. In the present work the possible lithogenic action of retinoic acid was tested, since this differs from retinol in several metabolic aspects, which can contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of the pigment cholelithiasis produced by vitamin A. Two experiments were performed in which the lithogenicity of retinol acetate added to a colony chow at the level of 25,000 IU%, was compared with that of 3 dietetic levels of all-trans retinoic acid. In the first experiment seric triglycerides were determined in order to establish whether there is a relation between the hypertriglyceridemic effect of retinoids and their lithogenicity; in the second experiment GPT and GOT were determined as indicators of hepatotoxicity. The results showed that the retinoic acid at levels of 24,000 and 35,000 IU% of diet, produced a cholelithiasis incidence similar to that of 25,000 IU% of retinol acetate, whereas the retinoic acid level of 12,000 IU% was not lithogenic. The dietetic retinoic acid produced a reduction of hepatic vitamin A, that was directly proportional to the level supplied. There was no relation between the hypertriglyceridemic effect of retinoids and its lithogenicity. The retinoids produced a light increase in GPT, which was higher with retinol acetate, whereas GOT had not significative changes. It is concluded that all-trans retinoic acid produces pigment gallstones in the hamster, with an incidence similar to that produced by retinol acetate.

[Spontaneous tendon rupture in disseminated lupus erythematosus. A clinical case]

A 37-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic treatment with steroids developed spontaneous bilateral rupture of tendons of both quadriceps muscles below the patella. Surgical treatment was undertaken with good results. The histologic features and a review of the literature are included.

[Thyroid disease in progressive systemic sclerosis]

There is no agreement wither thyroid disease is a common feature of progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). We evaluated 28 patients with proven PSS with determinations of T3, T4, TSH and Tg as well as antimicrosomal autoantibodies. Radioactive I uptake, thyroid scintigraphy, TRH test and fine needle biopsy were performed in selected patients. Twelve (43%) patients had clinical or laboratory evidence of thyroid dysfunction. Four patients had euthyroid goiter, 3 had evidence of autoimmune disease, 2 had chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 1 was hypothyroid, 1 hyperthyroid and one has subacute thyroiditis. The CREST variant of PSS was most commonly associated with thyroid pathology. Our results indicated that thyroid disease is frequently associated to PSS. A complete clinical and laboratory evaluation is needed to confirm its presence.

[Wegener's granulomatosis: clinical and pathological report of 22 cases]

We report clinical and pathologic findings in 22 patients with Wegener's granulomatosis collected from 1966 to 1989. Ten cases were analyzed retrospectively. Organs affected included the lungs (n = 18), upper airways (16), kidneys (15), musculo-skeletal system (10), eyes (8), skin (7) and ear (5). Clinical manifestations of airway involvement included nasal obstruction, dysphonia and epistaxis. Lung involvement was evident in chest X-rays in 18 patients, 14 with a nodular aspects. Histologic study in 14 of these patients showed necrotizing and granulomatous vasculitis. Clinical evidence of nephropathy was evident in 15 patients and led to rapidly progressive renal failure in 8. Biopsy in this group (n = 14) revealed focal glomerulonephritis in 6 and diffuse disease in 8. Overall, 13 patients died: 5 without diagnosis, 4 from renal failure, 2 from sepsis, 1 from a lymphoma developing 3 years after immune suppressive therapy and 1 from unknown causes. Among survivors, one received a renal transplant and one remains in chronic dialysis. The diagnosis of Wegener's granulomatosis is therefore based on clinical findings including rhino pharyngeal, pulmonary and renal manifestations.

[Sacroiliac infection: clinical characteristics in 11 cases]

We report clinical and laboratory findings in 11 patients with septic sacro-iliitis. Fever, pain and immobility were prominent symptoms. Acute tenderness of the sacroiliac joint and elevation of the ESR were present in all. Joint puncture allowed identification of the infectious agent in 10 patients: S aureus 4, S typhi 3, E coli 2 and P mirabilis 1. Good clinical results were obtained after appropriate antibiotic therapy.

[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents: a critical view]

The authors review the clinical pharmacology and untoward effects of nonsteroid antiinflammatory agents. Caution is needed when these agents are given to older patients, specially due to a higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and aggravation of heart failure. A greater efficacy of these agents in acute rather than chronic inflammatory processes is recognized.