Oocyte ERM and EWI Proteins Are Involved in Mouse Fertilization

In mammalian fertilization, the link between the oocyte plasma membrane and underneath cytoskeleton has often been associated to key elements of successful gamete fusion, like microvilli shaping or CD9 function, but its effective role has poorly been studied. EWI-2 and EWI-F as cis partners of CD9, and ERM proteins (Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin) that both attach to the actin cytoskeleton and to the EWI are part of the molecules that make the link between the oocyte membrane and its cytoskeleton. This study aims to assay through siRNA inhibition, the involvement of these ERM and EWI molecules in mouse fertilization, their role in the microvilli morphology of the egg but also their possible contribution to the cortical tension, a parameter that reflects the mechanical behavior of the oocyte cortex. Whereas inhibiting separately the expression of each protein had no effect on fertilization, the combined inhibition of either EWI-2/EWI-F or the three ERM triggered a significant decrease of the fertilization index. This inhibition seems to correlate with an increase in the radius of curvature of the oocyte microvilli. It also causes a decrease of the oocyte cortical tension. These results show the importance of EWI-2 and EWI–F and ERM proteins in the smooth running of a fertilization event and support their involvement in the microvilli architecture of the oocyte and in its mechanical properties.

Binge eating disorder, emotional eating and night eating syndrome: A comparative study between subjects with normal weight, overweight and obesity

Introduction

Obesity has been associated with certain psychiatric disorders, especially in patients seeking treatment. It is known that obesity is not a psychiatric disorder in itself, however, it should be noted that a significant part of the population has some type of clinical eating disorder.

Objectives

This study aims to assess levels of Binge Eating Disorder, Night Eating Syndrome and Emotional Eating patterns, according to different groups of Body Mass Index categories.

Methods

A sample of 220 subjects, aged between 18 and 81 years old, with an average age of 33 years participated in this study. 140 (63.6%) were female and 80 were male (36.4%) The sample was divided into three comparison groups, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). The following measures were used: Sociodemographic questionnaire, Binge Eating Scale, Night Eating Habits Questionnaire, and the Emotional Eating Scale.

Results

When comparing the different BMI groups, it was found that obese subjects were the ones that most reported binge eating behavior. Overweight subjects had higher levels of binge eating when compared to normal-weight participants, but this was not true for Night Eating habits. Subjects with normal weight reported more nocturnal eating behavior, followed by obese individuals.

Conclusions

The prevalence of binge eating disorder seems to be more frequent in obese people, tending to increase according to the level of severity of obesity. Normal-weight subjects reported more nocturnal eating behavior, so they may be more likely to develop this syndrome and, consequently, overweight or obesity.

Ocular Syphilis mimicking Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy (AZOOR)

Ocular syphilis can simulate various ophthalmic pathologies with multiple possible ophthalmic findings. Timely treatment of these patients can minimize visual damage, but its diagnosis is often a challenge for the ophthalmologist. We review a case report of a 45-year-old man with a rare and atypical clinical presentation of ocular syphilis, its clinical and imaging characteristics, its diagnosis, treatment and evolution. The patient presented with bilateral painless loss of vision, photopsia and peripheral scotomas with about 1 week evolution. There were no signs of ocular inflammation. The complementary ophthalmic study revealed an acute zonal occult outer retinopathy-like ("AZOOR-like") presentation. Ocular syphilis does not always present with ocular inflammation and its presentation as "AZOOR-like" is very rare. So, we should always maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition, as early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a better prognosis.

Uranium mining wastes: The use of the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test (FET) test to evaluate toxicity and risk of environmental discharge

Active and abandoned uranium mining sites often create environmentally problematic situations, since they cause the contamination of all environmental matrices (air, soil and water) with stable metals and radionuclides. Due to their cytotoxic, genotoxic and teratogenic properties, the exposure to these contaminants may cause several harmful effects in living organisms. The Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity Test (FET) test was employed to evaluate the genotoxic and teratogenic potential of mine liquid effluents and sludge elutriates from a deactivated uranium mine. The aims were: a) to determine the risk of discharge of such wastes in the environment; b) the effectiveness of the chemical treatment applied to the uranium mine water, which is a standard procedure generally applied to liquid effluents from uranium mines and mills, to reduce its toxicological potential; c) the suitability of the FET test for the evaluation the toxicity of such wastes and the added value of including the evaluation of genotoxicity. Results showed that through the FET test it was possible to determine that both elutriates and effluents are genotoxic and also that the mine effluent is teratogenic at low concentrations. Additionally, liquid effluents and sludge elutriates affect other parameters namely, growth and hatching and that water pH alone played an important role in the hatching process. The inclusion of genotoxicity evaluation in the FET test was crucial to prevent the underestimation of the risks posed by some of the tested effluents/elutriates. Finally, it was possible to conclude that care should be taken when using benchmark values calculated for specific stressors to evaluate the risk posed by uranium mining wastes to freshwater ecosystems, due to their chemical complexity.

Thin Glomerular Basement Membrane in a Kidney Transplant of an Alport's Syndrome Patient: A Case Report

Alport syndrome (AS) and thin basement membrane lesions are caused by various mutations in type IV collagen genes. Although AS is considered a rare disease, thin basement membrane is a frequent pattern, especially in families with a history of persistent hematuria. We report a patient with a diagnosis of AS who developed end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and received a kidney transplant from a living unrelated donor. The graft biopsy specimen surprisingly showed a pattern of thin basement membranes.

Cryptococcosis in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

In solid organ transplant patients, 8% of invasive fungal infections are attributed to Cryptococcus. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcome of kidney transplant recipients (TR) infected with Cryptococcus.

CASE SERIES

Between 2007 and 2014, a total of 500 kidney transplantations were performed at São João Hospital, in Porto, Portugal. Six infections by C. neoformans were reported, an incidence of 1.2% (3 disseminated, 2 meningeal, and 1 cutaneous). Patients were 65-72 years of age and 4 of 6 were male, compared with all kidney TR, among whom the mean age was 51.1 years and 60% were male. Three cases of crytococcosis occurred within the first 6 months after transplantation; 3 patients had cytomegalovirus infection and leukopenia, and 2 patients' immunosuppression had been increased in the last 6 months. Meningitis presented with headache, fever, and acute mental confusion; pulmonary involvement presented with respiratory insufficiency and infiltrative or nodular lung lesions; and cutaneous infections presented as cellulitis or skin abscess. Blood cultures for C. neoformans were positive in 3 cases; all of these patients had positive cryptococcal antigen of 1:128 to 1:8192. Five patients received liposomal amphotericin B for 9-21 days, followed by fluconazole. Four patients lost their grafts, and one patients died after a persistent vegetative state due to cryptococcal meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

This small case series led to suspicion of an association between cryptococcosis and older age, renal dysfunction, cytomegalovirus infection, and intensification of immunosuppression after rejection episodes. In our series, cryptococcosis was associated with poor graft outcome.

Age and growth of the mutton hamlet Alphestes afer, with a review of the size and age of sex change among epinephelids

This paper presents results on the age, growth and population structure of a small grouper, the mutton hamlet Alphestes afer, and discusses the observed size and age structure patterns in relation to reproductive strategies among the epinephelids. Ages were determined by examination of sectioned otoliths, which showed a distinct pattern of alternating translucent and opaque zones that formed annually, as validated with tetracycline labelling. The von Bertalanffy growth function was adjusted to the length-at-age data of the males and females, but no significant differences were observed between the resulting parameters. The females, however, were older at given sizes and attained larger sizes and ages, with a maximum observed longevity of 13 years and a total length (LT ) of 26 cm, while the males attained maximum longevities of only 10 years and a 22 cm maximum LT . The LT and age range for the sex change was 16-25 cm and 3-11 years. The total mortality rate (Z) was estimated to be 0·55 for females and 0·82 for males. With the males younger and smaller than the females, this species differed from the pattern commonly observed for protogynous epinephelids. Males had slower growth after maturation, probably due to energy allocation to sperm production during sexual development. This study shows that demography is an important tool to understand the pathways for reproductive strategies in grouper populations.

First-episode psychosis: What does it mean?

Introduction

First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) is a variable condition, characterized by the emergence of new psychotic features for a period of at least 1 week. The majority of existing studies about FEP only address schizophrenia spectrum psychosis (SSP), which may limit the capacity to fully characterize this entity.

Objectives/Aims

Report the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of patients with FEP in real-world setting, and compare the differences among SSP and affective FEP.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical files of patients admitted to our hospital unit with FEP diagnosis from January/2012 to April/2015. Clinician-rated dimensions of psychosis symptom severity scales (DSM-5) were applied.

Results

Annual incidence of FEP was 11,3/100,000. From a total of 755 patients, 57 (7,5%) corresponded to FEP; 38 (66,7%) were diagnosed with SSP, 11 (19,3%) affective psychosis, 3 (5,2%) toxic psychosis and 5 (8,8%) organic psychosis. Most were female (61,4%), with a mean age of 49 years. The majority were unemployed (66,7%), lived with family (57,9%), and presented with moderate-severe delusions (80,1%), but without hallucinations (57,8%), disorganized speech (59,6%) or negative symptoms (85,9%). Affective FEP patients were older (61 vs 45 years), presented with less severe psychotic symptoms (7,2 vs 8,3 points), but with higher hospital admission (26,1 vs 21,1 days).

Conclusions

Regardless the growing interest concerning FEP, its conceptualization and characterization remains controversial. Our results differ from pre-existing literature data, especially concerning gender and age. By including all the possible etiologies of FEP, we aimed to obtain a more realistic characterization of this entity in a real-world setting.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

QTL mapping of carrot resistance to leaf blight with connected populations: stability across years and consequences for breeding

Combining biparental and multiparental connected population analyses was useful for the identification of 11 QTLs in two new genetic backgrounds of carrot resistance to Alternaria dauci and for breeding recommendations. Leaf blight due to the fungus Alternaria dauci is the major carrot foliar disease worldwide. Some resistance QTLs have been previously identified in one population, but the evaluation of additional genetic backgrounds with higher level of resistance would give opportunities for breeders to combine them by pyramiding. For this purpose, two segregating populations were evaluated twice across 4 years in the same environment (1) to compare the efficiency of the single vs. the connected populations approach for characterizing the new sources of carrot resistance to Alternaria dauci; (2) to evaluate the stability of QTLs over the years; and (3) to give recommendations to breeders for marker-assisted selection. Single and connected analyses were complementary; their combination allowed the detection of 11 QTLs. Connected analyses allowed the identification of common and specific QTLs among the two populations and the most favorable allele at each QTL. Important contrasts between allelic effects were observed with four and five most favorable alleles coming from the two resistant parental lines, whereas two other favorable alleles came from the susceptible parental line. While four QTLs were consistent across years, seven were detected within a single year. The heritabilities for both populations PC2 and PC3 were high (75 and 78%, respectively), suggesting that the resistance of carrot to A. dauci was little affected by these environmental conditions, but the instability of QTL over years may be due to changing environmental conditions. The complementarity between these parental lines in terms of interesting allelic combinations is also discussed.

Topiramate effects lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Studies have shown that topiramate (TPM)-induced weight loss can be dependent on the central nervous system (CNS). However, the direct action of TPM on adipose tissue has not been tested previously. Thus, the present study aimed to examine whether TPM modulates lipolysis in 3T3-L1. The 3T3-L1 cells were incubated in 50 µM TPM for 30 min. The β-adrenergic stimulator, isoproterenol, was used as a positive control. The release of lactate dehydrogenase, non-esterified fatty acid, glycerol and incorporation of ¹⁴C-palmitate to lipid were analyzed. The phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and perilipin A, as well as the protein levels of comparative genetic identification 58 (CGI-58) were assessed. The levels of glycerol and non-esterified fatty acid increased markedly when the cells were treated with TPM. The TPM effects were similar to the isoproterenol positive control. Additionally, TPM reduced lipogenesis. These results were observed without any change in cell viability. Finally, the phosphorylation of PKA, HSL, ATGL and perilipin A, as well as the protein levels of CGI-58 were increased compared to the control cells. These results were similar to those observed in the cells treated with isoproterenol. The present results show that TPM increased the phosphorylation of pivotal lipolytic enzymes, which induced lipolysis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting that this drug may act directly in the adipose tissue independent from its effect on the CNS.

Clear as daylight: analysis of diurnal raptor pellets for small mammal studies

Non–invasive approaches are increasingly investigated and applied in studies of small mammal assemblages because they are more cost–effective and bypass conservation and animal welfare issues. However, pellets of diurnal raptors have rarely been used for these purposes. We evaluated the potential of marsh harrier pellets (Circus aeruginosus) as a non–invasive method to sample small mammal assemblages, by comparing the results with those of sampling using Sherman live–traps and pitfalls. The three methods were applied simultaneously in an agricultural–wetland complex in NW Portugal. Estimates of species richness, diversity, evenness, abundance, and proportion of each species within the assemblage showed significant differences between the three methods. Our results suggest that the use of marsh harrier pellets is more effective in inventorying small mammal species than either of the two kinds of traps, while also avoiding any involuntary fatalities associated with the sampling of small non–volant mammals. Moreover, the analysis of pellets was the most cost–effective method. Comparison of the two trapping methodologies showed involuntary fatalities were higher in pitfalls than in Sherman traps. We discuss the advantages and flaws of the three methods, both from technical and conservational perspectives.

Internal transcribed spacer sequence-based rapid molecular identification of Prototheca zopfii and Prototheca blaschkeae directly from milk of infected cows

The increasing incidence of rare mastitis-causing pathogens has urged the implementation of fast and efficient diagnostic and control measures. Prototheca algae are known to be associated with diseases in humans and animals. In the latter, the most prevalent form of protothecosis is bovine mastitis with Prototheca zopfii and Prototheca blaschkeae representing the most common pathogenic species. These nonphotosynthetic and colorless green algae are ubiquitous in different environments and are widely resistant against harmful conditions and antimicrobials. Hence, the association of Prototheca with bovine mastitis represents a herd problem, requiring fast and easy identification of the infectious agent. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and rapid method, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of ribosomal DNA, for molecular identification and discrimination between P. zopfii and P. blaschkeae in bovine mastitic milk. The complete ITS sequences of 32 Prototheca isolates showed substantial interspecies but moderate intraspecies variability facilitating the design of species-specific PCR amplification primers. The species-specific PCR was successfully applied to the identification of P. zopfii and P. blaschkeae directly from milk samples. The intraspecific ITS phylogeny was compared for each species with the geographical distribution of the respective Prototheca isolates, but no significant correlation was found.

Tolerability of the capsaicin 8% patch following pretreatment with lidocaine or tramadol in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain: a multicentre, randomized, assessor-blinded study

Background

Application of the capsaicin 8% patch is associated with treatment-related discomfort. Consequently, pretreatment for 60 min with anaesthetic cream is recommended; however, this may be uncomfortable and time consuming.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, randomized (1:1), assessor-blinded study in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain to assess tolerability of the capsaicin patch following topical lidocaine (4%) or oral tramadol (50 mg) pretreatment. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients tolerating capsaicin patch application (ability to receive ≥90% of a 60-min application). Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores were assessed before, during and after treatment.

Results

Overall, 122 patients were included (61 per arm). The capsaicin patch was tolerated by 121 patients. Tolerability of the capsaicin patch was similar following pretreatment with lidocaine and tramadol. Following patch application, pain levels increased up to 55 min (change from baseline of 1.3 for lidocaine and 1.4 for tramadol). After patch removal, tramadol-treated patients experienced greater pain relief up to the end of day 1; in the evening, mean changes in NPRS scores from baseline were 0 for lidocaine and −1 for tramadol. Proportions of patients reporting increases of ≥2 NPRS points or >33% from baseline at one or more time point(s) on the day of treatment were similar between arms. Adverse event incidence was comparable between arms.

Conclusions

Capsaicin 8% patch tolerability was similar in the two arms, with comparable results for most secondary endpoints. Tramadol given 30 min before patch application should be considered as an alternative pretreatment option in patients receiving capsaicin patch treatment.

What's already known about this topic?

What does this study add?

Hemicelluloses for fuel ethanol: A review

Hemicelluloses currently represent the largest polysaccharide fraction wasted in most cellulosic ethanol pilot and demonstration plants around the world. The reasons are based on the hemicelluloses heterogeneous polymeric nature and their low fermentability by the most common industrial microbial strains. This paper will review, in a "from field to fuel" approach the various hemicelluloses structures present in lignocellulose, the range of pre-treatment and hydrolysis options including the enzymatic ones, and the role of different microbial strains on process integration aiming to reach a meaningful consolidated bioprocessing. The recent trends, technical barriers and perspectives of future development are highlighted.

Objective vs. subjective factors in the psychological impact of vitiligo: the experience from a French referral centre

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo affects around 0.5% of the population. The burden of disease perceived by patients seems to be underestimated by the medical community.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the impact of objective and psychological factors on the quality of life (QoL) and self-body image of patients with vitiligo.

METHODS

Demographic data, medical information and psychological factors (perceived severity, trait anxiety, trait depression, trait self-esteem, body image and QoL) were prospectively collected for all patients.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 43.9 years were included in the study. Vitiligo caused overall a moderate effect on patients' QoL with a 7.17 Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) mean score (out of 30) without correlation with gender. According to distribution, no or minimal (DLQI 0-1), mild (2-5), moderate (6-11) and severe (12-20) impairment of QoL was found in five (10%), 14 (29%), 18 (38%) and 11 (23%) patients, respectively. The mean perceived severity evaluated by the patients was 4.91 based on visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. The self-body image was influenced by gender, perceived severity and disease characteristics. Perceived severity and patient personality were predictors of QoL impairment. Perceived severity of vitiligo was explained mainly by the patients' personality and less significantly by objective criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective as well as objective factors should be included in the assessment of disease severity and follow-up of patients with vitiligo. A simple perceived severity scale is useful in clinical practice.

Short communication: In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Prototheca wickerhamii and Prototheca zopfii isolated from bovine mastitis

Bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. can assume high significance because of economic losses and the potential risk to public health. Studies on the susceptibility of Prototheca spp. to antimicrobials have demonstrated its high level of resistance. We report the susceptibility of bovine isolates of Prototheca wickerhamii and Prototheca zopfii to amphotericin B and nystatin, 2 antifungal agents commonly used in the control of protothecosis, and discuss the results. After subculture, minimum inhibitory concentrations of both antifungal drugs were determined using macrodilution and agar diffusion methods. The inoculum concentration was standardized by determination of colony-forming units per milliliter. Nystatin showed more efficacy than amphotericin B in inhibiting P. wickerhamii growth. In contrast, growth inhibition of P. zopfii was similar for both antifungal agents. This study demonstrates different in vitro susceptibility patterns of P. wickerhamii and P. zopfii, reinforcing the necessity for more investigation into drugs that can be used with clinical efficacy.

Prevalence of asthma-like symptoms by ISAAC video questionnaire in Mozambican schoolchildren

BACKGROUND

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) video questionnaire was developed to overcome the language and cultural differences in the assessment of asthma-like symptoms.

METHODS

27 schools were included in the Maputo Asthma and Allergies in childhood Study (MAPAAS) using ISAAC methods, and a video questionnaire (VQ) was administered to 1614 adolescents 13-14 years old of 20 schools located in urban, suburban and semi-rural areas of Maputo (Mozambique). Simultaneously, they also replied to the ISAAC written questionnaire (WQ).

RESULTS

According to the video questionnaire, the prevalence of current asthma was 11.9% (compared with 13.3% using the written questionnaire). Wheezing after exercise in the last year was reported by about 21%. Females reported more frequent wheezing after exercise than males (p < .001). The prevalence of nocturnal cough in the last year was 24.7%, and was more frequent in the suburban area (p < .001). "Severe attacks of asthma" was reported by 11.9% of the individuals. Teenagers instructed in the suburban schools reported more severe asthma-like symptoms than others (p < .05). There was a poor correlation between the WQ and the AVQ3.0 (kappa coefficients varied from 0.09 to 0.24). The lowest agreement was observed for the question regarding severe attacks of asthma. Agreement was better in terms of specificity than in terms of sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of the poor agreement between the written and the video questionnaires, the prevalence of asthma symptoms estimated using the video questionnaire confirms that asthma is an important public health problem in Maputo.

Asthma and allergies in schoolchildren of Maputo

AIM

The study aimed to determine prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Maputo, Mozambique.

METHODS

The International Study of Asthma and Allergies (ISAAC) protocol was applied in 27 schools in urban, suburban and semi-rural areas.

RESULTS

A total of 2630 completed questionnaires were obtained from students aged 13-14 years, and 2383 from schoolchildren aged 6-7 years. The prevalence of current asthma was 13.3% in the two groups, the prevalence of rhinoconjuctivitis and eczema was 23% and 10% in teenagers and 8.8% and 8.5% respectively in children 6-7 years old. Overall, 35% of the adolescents and 23.8% of children were found to have at least one atopic condition or asthma in the last year. In symptomatic adolescents, the conditions were: rhinoconjuctivitis (41.3%), asthma (20%) and eczema (12.4%). In symptomatic children, asthma was the principal condition (36.2%), followed by eczema (20.3%) and rhinoconjunctivitis (19.1%). In adolescents, asthma was more frequently associated with rhinoconjuctivitis (28%). About 4% of all surveyed children had three atopic conditions associated. In adolescents, past year rhinitis was more frequent and severe in the urban area. Hay fever was commoner in the semi-urban area. Eczema was significantly more recurrent in suburban and semi-rural area. Exercise-induced wheeze, nocturnal cough and ever asthma were more reported in children of suburban area.

CONCLUSION

Asthma and allergic diseases are important public health problems in Maputo and improvement in prevention and management plans are required.

Early and specific gene expression triggered by rice resistance gene Pi33 in response to infection by ACE1 avirulent blast fungus

* Our view of genes involved in rice disease resistance is far from complete. Here we used a gene-for-gene relationship corresponding to the interaction between atypical avirulence gene ACE1 from Magnaporthe grisea and rice resistance gene Pi33 to better characterize early rice defence responses induced during such interaction. * Rice genes differentially expressed during early stages of Pi33/ACE1 interaction were identified using DNA chip-based differential hybridization and QRT-PCR survey of the expression of known and putative regulators of disease resistance. * One hundred genes were identified as induced or repressed during rice defence response, 80% of which are novel, including resistance gene analogues. Pi33/ACE1 interaction also triggered the up-regulation of classical PR defence genes and a massive down-regulation of chlorophyll a/b binding genes. Most of these differentially expressed genes were induced or repressed earlier in Pi33/ACE1 interaction than in the gene-for-gene interaction involving Nipponbare resistant cultivar. * Besides demonstrating that an ACE1/Pi33 interaction induced classical and specific expression patterns, this work provides a list of new genes likely to be involved in rice disease resistance.

Primary systemic vasculitis: treatment of difficult cases

The primary systemic necrotizing vasculitides are a severe group of diseases, which untreated have a high mortality. The majority respond to treatment with high dose steroids and cyclophosphamide, however a significant proportion of those treated suffer morbidity due to the side effects of these agents, and a number of patients are refractory to treatment. We review and discuss alternative and emerging treatment options for patients who fail or cannot tolerate conventional therapy. An interesting subgroup of patients with systemic vasculitis and antiphospholipid antibodies provides an additional diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We review what is known about this subgroup, and suggest screening for antiphospholipid antibodies in all patients with systemic vasculitis.

Characterisation and application of glycanases secreted by Aspergillus terreus CCMI 498 and Trichoderma viride CCMI 84 for enzymatic deinking of mixed office wastepaper

Two enzymatic extracts obtained from xylan-grown Aspergillus terreus CCMI 498 and cellulose-grown Trichoderma viride CCMI 84 were characterised for different glycanase activities. Both strains produce extracellular endoxylanase and endoglucanase enzymes. The enzymes optimal activity was found in the temperature range of 45-60 degrees C. Endoglucanase systems show identical activity profiles towards temperature, regardless of the strain and inducing substrate. Conversely, the endoxylanases produced by both strains showed maximal activity at different pH values (from 4.5 to 5.5), being the more acidic xylanase produced by T. viride grown on cellulose. The endoglucanase activities have an optimum pH at 4.5-5.0. The endoxylanase and endoglucanase activities exhibited high stability at 50 degrees C and pH 5.0. Mannanase, beta-xylosidase, and amylase activities were also found, being the first two activities only present for T. viride extract. These two enzymatic extracts were used for mixed office wastepaper (MOW) deinking. When the enzymatic extract from T. viride was used, a further increase of 24% in ink removal was obtained by comparison with the control. Both enzymes contributed to the improvement of the paper strength properties and the obtained results clearly indicate that the effective use of enzymes for deinking can also contribute to the pulp and paper properties improvement.

K3-mediated evasion of CD8(+) T cells aids amplification of a latent gamma-herpesvirus

The murine gamma-herpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) K3 protein, like that of the Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus, down-regulates major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression. However, how this contributes to viral replication in vivo is unclear. After intranasal MHV-68 infection, K3 was transcribed both during acute lytic infection in the lung and during latency establishment in lymphoid tissue. K3-deficient viruses were not cleared more rapidly from the lung, but the number of latently infected spleen cells was reduced and the frequency of virus-specific CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) was increased. CTL depletion reversed the viral latency deficit. Thus, a major function of K3 appears to be CTL evasion during viral latency expansion.

Micronuclei and sister chromatid exchanges induced by capsaicin in human lymphocytes

Capsaicin is the main pungent and irritating component of hot peppers (species Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens). Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies evaluating capsaicin effects are sparse and contradictory. In this study, we investigated the genotoxicity of capsaicin (10-200 microM) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay and the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay in the presence or absence of external metabolic activation. Capsaicin induced the formation of micronuclei (MN) in a dose-dependent manner in the cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes. This increase was more evident in the absence of metabolic activation, with a maximum of 3.4-fold increase above the background. Some inter-individual variability was observed. The results for the SCE assay also show that capsaicin is genotoxic and in this case with a more homogeneous response among donors. This end-point, however, has proven to be less sensitive than the CBMN assay for capsaicin.

The BMP antagonists cerberus-like and noggin do not interact during mouse forebrain development

Mouse cerberus-like encodes for a secreted factor of the Cerberus/Dan family. This molecule has neural inducing capabilities and can bind to BMP-4 and nodal molecules in the extracellular space. When cerberus-like is inactivated, its function may be compensated for another molecule, since no abnormalities can be observed in the mouse mutant. Compensation mechanisms have been shown to occur between the BMP antagonists chordin and noggin. Here we report the generation of cerberus-like-/-; noggin-/- double mutants to uncover a possible compensation by noggin in cer-l-/- mutant. Double mutants were obtained and failed to show any further detectable defects beside the ones presented by the noggin-/- single mutant. Contrarily to chordin and noggin, mouse cerberus-like and noggin cannot compensate for each other during mouse embryogenesis.

[Social representations of the care given to the elderly by health professionals in a nursing home]

This study aimed at identifying the social representations of the care given to the elderly by caregivers in a nursing home. Fifteen caregivers aged 28 to 32 years old who worked in a nursing home in the city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil were subjects for this work and the Theory of Social Representations was used as reference. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis, which enabled the elaboration of categories, thus facilitating comprehension. Among such categories are: informal education, formal education, satisfaction, sadness, modes of confrontation and denegation.

Cerberus-like is a secreted BMP and nodal antagonist not essential for mouse development

Mouse cerberus-like (cer-l) is a member of the Cerberus/Dan family of secreted factors. As other members of this family of proteins, Cer-l functions in the extracellular space, inhibiting signaling molecules. Here we show that the neural-inducing and mesoderm-inhibiting activities of Cer-l result from specific binding to BMP and Nodal molecules, respectively. These properties resemble the ones from the related factor Xenopus Cerberus. However, Xenopus Cerberus in addition to BMP4 and Nodal also binds to and inhibits Wnt proteins. We show that Cer-l does not directly inhibit Wnt signals. A null allele of the mouse Cer-l gene was generated by targeted inactivation in ES cells. Homozygous embryos show no anterior patterning defects, are born alive, and are fertile. Since mouse Cer-l and Xenopus Cerberus differ in biochemical activities, we propose the existence of additional members of this family of inhibitors, which may compensate for the loss of cer-l.

Serological follow-up of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis treated with itraconazole using Dot-blot, ELISA and western-blot

Twenty-seven mycologically proven cases of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) were treated with itraconazole (100-200 mg/day in month 1 and 100 mg/day until month 6-8) and evaluated clinically and serologically, up to 3.5 years post-therapy, using Dot-blot and ELISA for measuring the titers of IgG, IgA and IgM anti-P.brasiliensis antibodies and Western-blot for determining IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies against the antigen components of the fungus. Before treatment, 81.5% (Dot-blot) and 84% (ELISA) of the patients presented elevated IgG anti-P.brasiliensis antibody titers which dropped slightly with treatment. On the other hand, the percentages of pre-treatment high-titered sera for IgA and IgM anti-P.brasiliensis were lower (51.9% and 51.8%: Dot-blot; 16.5 and 36%: ELISA, respectively) but the titers tended to become negative more frequently with treatment. Prior to treatment, the percentages of positivity for IgG, IgA and IgM anti-P.brasiliensis antibodies in Western-blot were 96%, 20.8% and 41.6%, respectively. Antigens with molecular weights varying from 16-78 kDa, from 21-76 kDa and from 27-78 kDa were reactive for IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies, respectively. The most frequently reactive antigenic components had molecular weights of 27, 33 and 43 kDa for IgG, and 70 for IgA and IgM antibodies. During the period of study, the patients responded well to treatment. The present data confirm the diversity and complexity of the humoral response in PCM, and the importance of utilizing different serological tests to detect IgG, IgA and IgM anti-P. brasiliensis antibodies.