Spatial, temporal and network analyses provide insights into the dynamics of the bacterial communities associated with two species of Caribbean octocorals and indicate possible key taxa

Despite the current decline of scleractinian coral populations, octocorals are thriving on reefs in the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean. These cnidarians are holobiont entities, interacting with a diverse array of microorganisms. Few studies have investigated the spatial and temporal stability of the bacterial communities associated with octocoral species and information regarding the co-occurrence and potential interactions between specific members of these bacterial communities remain sparse. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the stability of the bacterial assemblages associated with two common Caribbean octocoral species, Eunicea flexuosa and Antillogorgia americana, across time and geographical locations and performed network analyses to investigate potential bacterial interactions. Results demonstrated that general inferences regarding the spatial and temporal stability of octocoral-associated bacterial communities should not be made, as host-specific characteristics may influence these factors. In addition, network analyses revealed differences in the complexity of the interactions between bacteria among the octocoral species analyzed, while highlighting the presence of genera known to produce bioactive secondary metabolites in both octocorals that may play fundamental roles in structuring the octocoral-associated bacteriome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13199-023-00923-x.

Combining robotics with enhanced serotonin-driven cortical plasticity improves post-stroke motor recovery

Despite recent progresses in robotic rehabilitation technologies, their efficacy for post-stroke motor recovery is still limited. Such limitations might stem from the insufficient enhancement of plasticity mechanisms, crucial for functional recovery. Here, we designed a clinically relevant strategy that combines robotic rehabilitation with chemogenetic stimulation of serotonin release to boost plasticity. These two approaches acted synergistically to enhance post-stroke motor performance. Indeed, mice treated with our combined therapy showed substantial functional gains that persisted beyond the treatment period and generalized to non-trained tasks. Motor recovery was associated with a reduction in electrophysiological and neuroanatomical markers of GABAergic neurotransmission, suggesting disinhibition in perilesional areas. To unveil the translational potentialities of our approach, we specifically targeted the serotonin 1A receptor by delivering Buspirone, a clinically approved drug, in stroke mice undergoing robotic rehabilitation. Administration of Buspirone restored motor impairments similarly to what observed with chemogenetic stimulation, showing the immediate translational potential of this combined approach to significantly improve motor recovery after stroke.

Arsenic in the health of ecosystems: spatial distribution in water, sediment and aquatic biota of Pampean streams

A survey of arsenic and phosphorus in Pampean streams of Buenos Aires province was performed. Nitrates and ammonia were also determined. Stream water was sampled as well as stream sediment and filamentous algae. Results show that 32 streams exceeded the arsenic recommended guidelines for human consumption of 10 μg L^-1 and six exceeded recommended values for aquatic organisms' protection of 50 μg L^-1. The average concentration found was 36.54 μg L^-1 and areas with more concentration of As are located in the southern region of the province, in streams that are tributaries of the Atlantic Ocean. Other regions with high As concentration are the Matanza River tributaries and the Arrecifes River tributaries. No differences of As concentration was found between stream sediments. Also, no seasonal pattern of As concentration was observed in one stream sampled during a year, but a positive correlation between As and the conductivity (p = 0.0002) and pH (p = 0.01) of the streams was found. Also, As bioaccumulation was detected for all the algae sampled, but no correlation between As accumulated and As in the stream water was found. Ammonia levels exceeded recommended guidelines for human consumption in the Argentinean law in 30 streams. The characterization performed in this study provides relevant information on the distribution of arsenic and its origin and mobility.

The occurrence of pesticides and persistent organic pollutants in Italian organic honeys from different productive areas in relation to potential environmental pollution

Bee products, such as honey, are widely consumed as food and consumer interest is currently oriented towards organic foods. Regarding this, the European Commission establishes that the qualification of organic honey and other beekeeping products as being from organic production is closely bound with the characteristics of hive treatments as well as the quality of the environment. Agricultural contamination with pesticides is a challenging problem that needs to be fully addressed, in particular in the field of organic production systems. In this study, the occurrence of different classes of contaminants selected as representative of potential contamination sources were investigated in 59 organic honeys: organochlorines, OCs; organophosphates, OPs; polychlorobiphenyls, PCBs and polybromodiphenylethers, PBDEs. A method based on Accelerated Solvent Extraction with "in line" clean-up and GC-MS/MS detection was developed to detect contaminants. Residues of many pesticides were found in most of the samples investigated. The majority of honey samples contained at least one of the pesticides, even if their concentrations were found to be lower than its MRL. Diazinon, Mevinphos, Coumaphos, Chlorpyrifos and Quinoxyfen were the residues frequently detected in samples coming from the apple and citrus orchard areas. Furthermore, the results of the present study show that the presence of the residue in organic honey may also be affected by the geographical area (e.g. the presence of an agricultural system) confirming honey bee and beehive matrices as appropriate sentinels for monitoring contamination in the environment. The optimised method proved to be simple and rapid, requiring small sample sizes and minimising solvent consumption, due to the ASE having an "in line" clean-up step.

Changes in lung function during an extreme mountain ultramarathon

This study aimed to assess the effects of an extreme mountain ultramarathon (MUM, 330 km, 24,000 D+) on lung function. Twenty-nine experienced male ultramarathon runners performed longitudinally [before (pre), during (mid), and immediately after (post) a MUM] a battery of pulmonary function tests. The tests included measurements of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak flow, inspiratory capacity, and maximum voluntary ventilation in 12 s (MVV12). A significant reduction in the running speed was observed (-43.0% between pre-mid and mid-post; P < 0.001). Expiratory function declined significantly at mid (P < 0.05) and at post (P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for inspiratory function (P < 0.05). MVV12 declined at mid (P < 0.05) and further decreased at post (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there are significant negative correlations between performance time and MVV12 pre-race (R = -0.54, P = 0.02) as well as changes in MVV12 between pre- and post-race (R = -0.53, P = 0.009). It is concluded that during an extreme MUM, a continuous decline in pulmonary function was observed, likely attributable to the high levels of ventilation required during this MUM in a harsh mountainous environment.

Acetylation controls Notch3 stability and function in T-cell leukemia

Post-translational modifications of Notch3 and their functional role with respect to Notch3 overexpression in T-cell leukemia are still poorly understood. We identify here a specific novel property of Notch3 that is acetylated and deacetylated at lysines 1692 and 1731 by p300 and HDAC1, respectively, a balance impaired by HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) that favor hyperacetylation. By using HDACi and a non-acetylatable Notch3 mutant carrying K/R(1692-1731) mutations in the intracellular domain, we show that Notch3 acetylation primes ubiquitination and proteasomal-mediated degradation of the protein. As a consequence, Notch3 protein expression and its transcriptional activity are decreased both in vitro and in vivo in Notch3 transgenic (tg) mice, thus impairing downstream signaling upon target genes. Consistently, Notch3-induced T-cell proliferation is inhibited by HDACi, whereas it is enhanced by the non-acetylatable Notch3-K/R(1692-1731) mutant. Finally, HDACi-induced Notch3 hyperacetylation prevents in vivo growth of T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in Notch3 tg mice. Together, our findings suggest a novel level of Notch signaling control in which Notch3 acetylation/deacetylation process represents a key regulatory switch, thus representing a suitable druggable target for Notch3-sustained T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy.

[Biogenic amines in epigeal spontaneous mushrooms: indicators of quality and freshness?]

Purpose of the present study is to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of nine biogenic amines (BA) in 153 samples of epigeal spontaneous mushrooms (Boletus edulis and Amanita Caesarea), sampled at large and small food retail shops in the Florence area. Each BA has been identified and quantified using a liquid chromatography system with a reversed phase, C18 column and post-column derivatization with o-oftalaldeide. The results have shown a widespread presence of each amine, although with varying frequency and concentration, and an increasing concentration of tyramine and putrescine in samples with poor organoleptic quality than those in good conditions.

Redox proteomics in aging rat brain: involvement of mitochondrial reduced glutathione status and mitochondrial protein oxidation in the aging process

Increasing evidence supports the notion that increased oxidative stress is a fundamental cause in the aging process and in neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, a decline in cognitive function is generally associated with brain aging. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive intermediates, which can modify proteins, nucleic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to neuronal damage. Because proteins are major components of biological systems and play key roles in a variety of cellular functions, oxidative damage to proteins represents a primary event observed in aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, with a redox proteomics approach, we identified mitochondrial oxidatively modified proteins as a function of brain aging, specifically in those brain regions, such as cortex and hippocampus, that are commonly affected by the aging process. In all brain regions examined, many of the identified proteins were energy-related, such as pyruvate kinase, ATP synthase, aldolase, creatine kinase, and α-enolase. These alterations were associated with significant changes in both cytosolic and mitochondrial redox status in all brain regions analyzed. Our finding is in line with current literature postulating that free radical damage and decreased energy production are characteristic hallmarks of the aging process. In additon, our results further contribute to identifying common pathological pathways involved both in aging and in neurodegenerative disease development.

TLQP-21, a VGF-derived peptide, increases energy expenditure and prevents the early phase of diet-induced obesity

The vgf gene has been identified as an energy homeostasis regulator. Vgf encodes a 617-aa precursor protein that is processed to yield an incompletely characterized panel of neuropeptides. Until now, it was an unproved assumption that VGF-derived peptides could regulate metabolism. Here, a VGF peptide designated TLQP-21 was identified in rat brain extracts by means of immunoprecipitation, microcapillary liquid chromatography-tandem MS, and database searching algorithms. Chronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of TLQP-21 (15 mug/day for 14 days) increased resting energy expenditure (EE) and rectal temperature in mice. These effects were paralleled by increased epinephrine and up-regulation of brown adipose tissue beta2-AR (beta2 adrenergic receptor) and white adipose tissue (WAT) PPAR-delta (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta), beta3-AR, and UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) mRNAs and were independent of locomotor activity and thyroid hormones. Hypothalamic gene expression of orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides was unchanged. Furthermore, in mice that were fed a high-fat diet for 14 days, TLQP-21 prevented the increase in body and WAT weight as well as hormonal changes that are associated with a high-fat regimen. Biochemical and molecular analyses suggest that TLQP-21 exerts its effects by stimulating autonomic activation of adrenal medulla and adipose tissues. In conclusion, we present here the identification in the CNS of a previously uncharacterized VGF-derived peptide and prove that its chronic i.c.v. infusion effected an increase in EE and limited the early phase of diet-induced obesity.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Ewe’s Fetus: Advances and Setbacks in Our Learning Curve

Fetal cardiac surgery represents a surgical challenge and several centers are attempting to establish a suitable methodology in animals. We present our experience with extra-corporeal bypass procedures in preterm and term sheep fetuses. Twenty-two fetuses (103-139 days gestation, mean 115 days gestation) underwent a 1-hour period of right heart-to-pulmonary artery extracorporeal circulation followed by 1 hour of observation. Animals were divided into group 1 and group 2, according to gestational age (above and below 0.85). Three pumps were used: centrifugal without (group 1) reservoir, centrifugal with (group 2) reservoir, and roller with reservoir (group 2). Experiments were completed in 75% of fetuses in group 1 and in 37% of fetuses in group 2. Bleeding was the main cause of failure, especially for group 2. A slow deterioration of blood gas status was noted in group 1, while this trend could be partially reversed in group 2 with corrective measures. Complete heart bypass could not be achieved in either group, and residual fluctuations in arterial pressure were observed. During bypass, body temperature decreased more in group 2 than in group 1. We conclude that cardiac bypass is feasible over a short period in near-term fetuses. A successful outcome may also be obtained in younger fetuses, but better measures need to be implemented for the prevention of surgical bleeding.

Is interferon-alpha therapy safe and effective for patients with chronic hepatitis C and inflammatory bowel disease? A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus infection is more common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease than in general population. Limited data are available as to the safety and efficacy of alpha-interferon therapy for chronic active hepatitis C in patients with concomitant inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha-interferon monotherapy in patients with chronic active hepatitis C and inactive or mildly active inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

A total of 513 consecutive inflammatory bowel disease patients at a single centre were tested for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-hepatitis C virus) between 1995 and 2000. Twenty-one patients had detectable anti-hepatitis C virus Ab and were hepatitis C virus-RNA positive with histologically proved chronic active hepatitis. Each of these patients, whose inflammatory bowel disease was in clinical remission or mildly active, was sex- and age-matched to three controls with similar histological grade and stage of chronic hepatitis C virus but without inflammatory bowel disease; and all were treated with human leucocyte alpha-interferon 6 million units given thrice weekly for 12 months. Responses to treatment were classified as follows: complete response--persistently normal alanine aminotransferase and viral clearance (hepatitis C virus-RNA-ve) at the end-of-treatment, incomplete response--alanine aminotransferase normalization without viral clearance (hepatitis C virus-RNA+ve), and sustained response--alanine aminotransferase normalization and hepatitis C virus clearance 12 months after the end-of-treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with chronic active hepatitis C and inflammatory bowel disease (10 with Crohn's disease and 11 with ulcerative colitis) and 63 sex- and age-matched controls with chronic hepatitis C virus alone received alpha-interferon monotherapy. Response rates to interferon were similar for inflammatory bowel disease patients compared with controls [CR 42% vs. 35% and SR 24% vs. 18% (P, not significant), respectively]. None of the 21 inflammatory bowel disease patients had severe adverse effects and the mild ones observed were comparable with those seen in the control group. No patients developed an inflammatory bowel disease relapse during the interferon treatment period or in the 12 months thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

The biochemical and virological response to a 12-month human leucocyte alpha-interferon treatment in patients with chronic active hepatitis C are similar to that observed in matched controls with chronic hepatitis C virus without inflammatory bowel disease. Adverse effects are similar in both groups of patients and unrelated to the underlying inflammatory bowel condition. This provides hepatologists with evidence that alpha-interferon can be safely administered to patients with chronic hepatitis C virus and inflammatory bowel disease provided that the inflammatory bowel condition is in clinical remission.

Is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis an inducer of vasopressin analogue side-effects? A case report

In recent years, the use of vasopressin analogues in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome has become an effective therapeutic strategy leading to improved survival and often allowing the completion of liver transplantation. Terlipressin, in particular, has proven to be safe and effective. Due to the limited number of patients treated so far, it is, however, difficult to draw any definite conclusions on the optimal dosage and on the occurrence of side-effects in these patients. The case is reported of an ascitic cirrhotic patient who developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis followed by a type-I hepatorenal syndrome. Treatment with terlipressin boluses (0.5 mg/4 h) associated with albumin infusion was then started. The course of the disease was monitored by clinical and laboratory means. After 10 boluses of terlipressin, rectorrhagia and severe ischaemic complications involving the skin of the abdomen, lower limbs, scrotus, and penis, occurred. These ischaemic complications improved after terlipressin withdrawal, while renal failure evolved leading to the patient's death. This case report shows that, in patients with type-I hepatorenal syndrome, the use of terlipressin, even at low dosages, may induce life-threatening ischaemic complications and, moreover, suggests that the recent occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, even if properly treated, may significantly increase the risk of major ischaemic complications.

Concerning the application of phenomenology to caring research

When phenomenology is adopted as a framework for conducting nursing research, confusions sometimes arise because the researchers do not clarify their understanding of phenomenology. One of the biggest confusions is whether to follow philosophical phenomenological guidelines or scientific guidelines. While phenomenology began as a philosophy, it is argued here that the guidelines of scientific practice should be followed when conducting caring research. This article sharpens the distinction between philosophical and scientific phenomenology and demonstrates the confusion that can ensue when philosophical phenomenology is uncritically used as the model for scientific research. It does so by examining the work of Crotty.

The status of Husserlian phenomenology in caring research

In a recent article, Paley criticized nursing research that claimed to be phenomenological and recommended that all reference to Husserl be dropped by nurses following certain qualitative procedures. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Paley is wrong in his recommendation by showing that Paley (i) does not distinguish scientific phenomenology from philosophical phenomenology; (ii) is severely limited with respect to scholarly references that legitimate and articulate the scientific phenomenological method; (iii) seems to be unaware of the precedents for attempting scholarly analyses of the experiences and behaviors of others; and (iv) seems to be unaware of the internal history of the development of the scientific phenomenological method, which would show its close relationship to Husserl. Although deficiencies in nursing phenomenological research can be found, the solution is not to drive the researchers away from phenomenology, but to encourage them to apply the scientific phenomenological method in a better way.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel pyroglutamyl-modified TRH analogue

The TRH analogue 3, incorporating the (S)-isothiazolidine-1,1-dioxide-3-carboxylic acid (1) moiety in place of the native L-pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) residue, has been synthesized and fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. The effects of replacing pGlu with its sulphonamido counterpart on biological activity have been investigated. This peptide, which is significantly stabilized towards hydrolysis by pyroglutamyl peptidase type I (PP I, EC 3.4.19.3), has shown to maintain in vitro prolactin-releasing activity.

Isolation and characterization of VGF peptides in rat brain. Role of PC1/3 and PC2 in the maturation of VGF precursor

The neurotrophin responsive gene vgf is widely expressed in central and peripheral neurones, and in certain neuroendocrine cell populations. Its encoded VGF precursor protein (proVGF1: 617 amino acids in rat, 615 in man, > 85% homology) gives rise to several low molecular weight species. We studied a range of neuroendocrine and neuronal cells, in which VGF-processing products were prominent with an apparent molecular weight of 20 and 10 kDa (VGF20 and VGF10, respectively). Such peptides were recognized by antibodies specific for the C-terminal rat VGF nonapeptide, thus indicating that they included the C-terminus of proVGF. Ectopic expression of the neuroendocrine-specific prohormone convertases PC1/3 or PC2 in GH3 cells showed that both could generate VGF20, while VGF10 was preferentially produced by PC1/3. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to identify the KRKRKK(488) motif as the target within VGF sequence which leads to the production of VGF20. Molecular characterization of rat VGF10, on the other hand, revealed that this peptide is produced by cleavage at the RPR(555) site. By the combined use of high-resolution separation techniques, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry and manual Edman degradation we identified in rat brain a VGF fragment analogous to bovine peptide V and two novel peptides also derived from the C-terminal region of proVGF.

Effect of testosterone administration and weight training on muscle architecture

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess muscle architecture changes in subjects who were administered supraphysiologic doses of testosterone enanthate (TE) and concurrently performed heavy resistance training.

METHODS

Ten subjects were randomly selected from the 21 subjects who participated in a previously published study (12). Subjects were allocated to one of two groups as per Giorgi et al. (12) and received either a saline-based placebo (nonTE) or a 3.5-mg.kg-1 body weight dose of TE by deep intramuscular injection once a week for 12 wk. Subjects also performed heavy resistance training using exercises that targeted the triceps brachii muscle. Before and after the training period, free-weight one-repetition-maximum (1-RM) bench press strength was tested, muscle thickness and pennation of the triceps brachii lateralis were measured using ultrasound imaging, and fascicle length was estimated from ultrasound photographs.

RESULTS

There were no significant between-group differences in muscle thickness changes despite a trend toward increased thickness in TE subjects (TE, 23.5%, vs nonTE, 13.8%). However, 1-RM bench press performance and muscle pennation increased significantly in TE subjects compared with nonTE subjects (P < 0.05). There was also a trend toward longer fascicle lengths in the muscles of nonTE subjects.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the use of TE in conjunction with heavy resistance training is associated with muscle architecture changes that are commonly associated with high-force production. Since there was little difference between the groups in muscle thickness, changes in pennation and possibly fascicle length may have contributed to strength gains seen in TE subjects.

Idiopathic AL amyloidosis and biclonal paraproteinemia: a case report and review of the literature

A case of 79 year-old man suffering from nephrotic syndrome, infiltrative cardiomyopathy and sensitive neuropathy of the lower limbs, associated with biclonal gammopathy (IgG K and IgA A), is described. There was a history of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and of two lung nodules considered as benign lesions on the basis of cytologic, hematologic and instrumental examination. A rectal biopsy positive for amyloid deposition (Congo red histology and immunofluorescence study) led to the diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Considering that the patient did not fulfill diagnostic criteria for lymphoproliferative diaseases (myeloma, lymphoma or Waldenström's macroglubulinemia), nor for secondary malignant paraproteinemia, a diagnosis of idiopathic AL amyloidosis with biclonal gammopathy was made. Very few cases of idiopathic AL amyloidosis with double component are reported in the literature. Our review suggests that idiopathic AL amyloidosis with biclonal gammopathy is similar to idiopathic AL amyloidosis with monoclonal paraproteinemia in terms of clinical features, response to therapy and prognosis. Further studies, however, are necessary to clarify the true incidence and the clinical features of idopathic AL amyloidosis associated with biclonal gammopathy.

Postpartum inhibitor to factor VIII: treatment with high-dose immunoglobulin and dexamethasone

Spontaneous occurrence of an acquired inhibitor to factor VIII (FVIII) is a rare event. About 50% of cases are idiopathic. Among younger people, inhibitors are often found in the postpartum period. Treatment must be administered either to overcome haemorrhagic symptoms or to eradicate the inhibitor. Several approaches have been proposed for inhibitor eradication, based on immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and azathioprine, with varying results. High-dose immunoglobulin (HDIg) has been recently proposed as first-line therapy. We report on four cases with acquired inhibitor to FVIII occurring 4-8 months after delivery. At diagnosis, inhibitor titre was < 5 Bethesda units mL(-1) (BU mL(-1)) in three cases and > 5 BU mL(-1) in one. Factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) was < 1 U dL(-1)> in three cases and 12 U dL(-1) in one. We treated the patients with HDIg (400 mg kg-1 day(-1) for 5 consecutive days) and dexamethasone (24 mg day(-1) for 5-7 consecutive days), administered at the same time. In three women, the inhibitor was suppressed in 2-50 weeks. After an off-therapy period ranging from 20 to 104 weeks, the FVIII:C was persistently normal and the inhibitor undetectable. The fourth woman remained unresponsive. In two cases, recombinant activated factor VII administration stopped the bleeding. Thus, intermediate- to high-dose dexamethasone and HDIg given at the same time could be a successful and safe therapeutic approach for a rapid and complete remission from the development of FVIII inhibitors.

Millimeter-Wave Spectroscopy of Sulfur Dichloride

The rotational spectra of (32)S(35)Cl(2), (32)S(35)Cl(37)Cl, (32)S(37)Cl(2), and (34)S(35)Cl(2) in their ground vibrational states, as well as those of (32)S(35)Cl(2) and (32)S(35)Cl(37)Cl in their nu(2) and 2nu(2) excited states, have been studied in selected frequency regions between 100 and 370 GHz. Transitions involving a large range of quantum numbers have been observed, so that precise rotational and quartic centrifugal distortion constants could be determined for each of the spectra investigated. The complete set of sextic distortion constants was also obtained for the most abundant isotopomer in its ground vibrational state. The newly determined rotational constants of (34)S(35)Cl(2) and (32)S(37)Cl(2) allowed us to calculate the complete r(s) structure of sulfur dichloride using both single- and double-isotopic substitution methods. The quadratic force field has been refined using a larger set of quartic distortion constants and inertial defects. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Structure-function relationships in bombinins H, antimicrobial peptides from Bombina skin secretions

Skin secretions of amphibia of the Bombina genus contain two families of antimicrobial peptides, the bombinins (bombinin-like peptides) and the bombinins H (H for hydrophobic and hemolytic). The latter family includes a number of peptides containing a D-amino acid in the second position, in addition to their corresponding all L-isomers. The antimicrobial activity of three pairs of bombinin H isomers, H2/H4, H6/H7 and GH-1D/GH-1L, has been investigated. The first two pairs of peptides were actually isolated from the secretion, whereas the third was synthesized according to the sequence deduced from a gene coding for a bombinin-like peptide in Bombina orientalis.

Resolution of syndrome X after eradication of virulent CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori

A 42-year-old man with chest pain was found to have ST depression in leads V1 through V4. The coronary arteries appeared normal on angiography. Positive results of ventricular pacing and acetylcholine test led to a diagnosis of syndrome X. Other studies revealed gastritis due to CagA-positive Helicobacter pylori. Classic therapy for angina did not resolve chest pain, but eradication of H. pylori led to disappearance of symptoms and negative test results.

Sonography of lacrimal glands in Sjögren syndrome

This study evaluates the potential role of high resolution sonography and color Doppler sonography in the evaluation of the lacrimal glands in Sjögren syndrome. We examined 15 women (age range, 52-73 years) affected by Sjogren syndrome and 15 women with no history and signs of lacrimal disease (age range, 47-75 years). The lacrimal glands were visualized bilaterally in 6 of 15 patients. The lacrimal artery was detectable in all patients; the resistive index was higher than normal (0.72+/-0.04). An abnormal Schirmer test was present in six of six patients with visible glands and in two of nine patients with invisible glands; xerophthalmia was present in six of six patients with visible glands and in four of nine patients with invisible glands; high levels of serum immunoglobulins were present in six of six patients with visible glands and in three of nine patients with invisible glands. Sonography is able to provide noninvasively much of the information needed by the clinician.

Muscular strength, body composition and health responses to the use of testosterone enanthate: a double blind study

To determine the effect the steroid, testosterone enanthate (TE) had on upper body strength, body composition and health. Twenty one male weight training subjects were randomly assigned in a double blind method to either a 3.5 mg(-1) x kg(-1) TE (n=11) or placebo (n=10) weight training group. The subjects were monitored during a 12 week administration phase and a subsequent 12 week follow up phase. Subjects were tested on a number of strength and size measurements, whilst having their health monitored. The results from the study revealed that the testosterone/weight training group improved significantly (p<0.05) more than the placebo/weight training group during and immediately after the administration phase on a 1 repetition maximum bench press. With regards to body composition, body weight, arm girth and rectus femoris circumference all increased significantly greater in the TE group compared to the placebo. Furthermore, the abdomen skinfold showed significant decreases in the TE group compared to the placebo group at post testing, follow up mid testing and the follow up post testing occasions. With the exception of the abdomen skinfold no within or between group differences were evident following a cycling off period of 12 weeks. Changes to baseline health indicators were reported in some subjects following testosterone usage. This included an average elevation in systolic blood pressure in all TE subjects by 10 mm Hg, a mild increase in hereditary frontal alopecia, increased muscle tightness (hamstrings and pectorals), a mild increase in libido over the first two weeks with a subsequent fall to normal, mild acne, subjective changes to personality including an increase in aggression, irritability and positive mood responses. Consequently, moderate doses of TE combined with weight training can result in short term significant changes in upper body strength and body composition, with corresponding changes to baseline health in some individuals.

Retinopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and approach to therapy

The starting point in the assessment of SLE-retinopathy is the clinical examination by ophthalmoscopy and retinal fluorescein angiography. It is noted that two major clinical forms of retinopathy may occur in SLE; (1st) the "classic" type characterized by cotton-wool spots with or without intraretinal hemorrhages, and (2nd) the thrombosis of larger retinal blood vessels, such as central or branch arteries/veins. However, a well-defined pathogenetic classification of SLE-retinopathy has still not been proposed as yet. A practical classification based on the pathogenesis could be of aid to commence a more appropriate treatment. The aims of this paper are; (1st) to focus on the most implicate mechanisms of retinal vascular disease in SLE, (2nd) to mention the most common features associated with the different forms of retinopathy, and finally (3rd) to assess the prevalence of retinopathy in SLE. In our opinion, it seems that two major types of retinopathy exist in SLE: firstly, the Hughes' retinopathy due to antiphospholipid-induced retinal vascular thrombosis, for which anticoagulation is the best treatment, and secondly, the "classic" retinopathy in which at least two major causes could be associated; vasculitis and accelerated atherosclerosis. In patients with "classic" retinopathy, the most appropriate treatment still needs to be established. If "classic" retinopathy is due to vasculitis, immunosuppressive drugs should be administered, while if atherosclerosis play an etiologic role, a prophylaxis with antioxidants or the use of low-dose aspirin should be assessed.

Further structure-activity relationships in the series of tropanyl esters endowed with potent antinociceptive activity

Several analogs of the alpha-tropanyl esters of 2-(4-chlorophenoxy)butyric acid (SM21) and 2-phenylthiobutyric acid (SM32), endowed with potent antinociceptive and cognition enhancing activity, were synthesized, aimed at obtaining more potent and safe drug candidates. Variation of the acyl moiety (4-11), as well as the conformational restriction of atropine to give the alpha-tropanyl ester of 2,3-dihydrobenzofurane-3-carboxylic acid (18), practically abolished activity. In the case of 18, the antimuscarinic activity was also severely affected by the conformation restrain. On the contrary, conformational restriction of phenoxybutyric and phenylthiobutyric acid derivatives to give the alpha-tropanyl ester of 2,3-dihydro-benzofurane-2-carboxylic acid and 2,3-dihydro-benzothiophene-2-carboxylic acid (12-17), afforded potent analgesic drugs that unfortunately were too toxic to be reliable drug candidates. A series of related esters of benzofurane-3-carboxylic acid (20-27) and benzothiophene-3-carboxylic acid (28) were also studied and found to be potent but toxic analgesics.

[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents: their topical use in the treatment of xerophthalmia secondary to Sjögren's syndrome]

The authors, in a case-control study, analyzed the topical application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (flurbiprofene drops) in patients affected by keratoconjunctivitis sicca in Sjögren's syndrome. The variation of break-up-time values, and xerophthalmia grade were analyzed. A mild increase of mean values of break-up-time (two seconds in the treated group), and a mild decrease of xerophthalmia grade were found.

Ischemic optic neuritis in Churg-Strauss syndrome

There are few reports of neuro-ophthalmologic involvement in Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSs). We described a case of unilateral optic atrophy in a 46-year-old-white man with CSs. The patient had severe bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypereosinophilia (8%) and peripheral neuropathy. The visual acuity in his right eye was light perception. At the biomicroscopy there were no corneal and conjunctival lesions. Ophthalmoscopy showed a pale right optic disc and fluorangiography revealed a marked hypofluorescence of the disc at early phase of angiogram. We suggested that the optic atrophy was most probably due to vasculitis of the ciliary arteries.

Weight and plyometric training: effects on eccentric and concentric force production

The study was performed in an effort to gain greater insights into the adaptations invoked by plyometric and weight training. Forty-one previously trained males were randomly allocated in either a control, plyometric, or weight-training group. The experimental groups trained for 8 weeks, performing either heavy lifts or dynamic plyometric exercises. The following test items were performed prior to and at the completion of the training period: (a) vertical jump, (b) a series of isoinertial concentric and eccentric tests, (c) push-up tests, and (d) maximal bench press and squat lifts. Plyometric training significantly enhanced the rate of eccentric lower body force production. The weight-training group primarily enhanced concentric function. These results were attributed to the specific stresses imposed by the differing forms of training and are discussed with reference to methods of enhancing training induced adaptations and the types of movements such training would tend to facilitate.

[Acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuritis during bone marrow transplantation. A report of 2 cases]

Acute polyradiculoneuritis (AP) is a self-immunity based disease of the peripheral nerve caused by macrophages, usually activated by T-lymphocytes. Recent clinical and experimental evidence show that early high dose treatment with Ig slows disease progression. In this study, two cases of AP with different onset in two patients showing definitely compromised cellular and/or humoral immunity, are reported. The hypothesis that the different temporal profiles may be related to a distinct involvement of the immunity system and the effectiveness of high dose Ig treatment in blocking the disease's evolution are discussed.

Clinical effects of cyclosporin in dermatomyositis

Auto-immune mechanisms, mostly cell mediated, have been described as the basic abnormality in polymyositis and dermatomyositis. We report here the case of a patient affected with dermatopolymyositis, resistant to therapy, who was treated with corticosteroids and cyclosporin. She presented with an infiltrative, erythematous rash on the neck, eyelids and cheeks and weakness of the proximal limb and cervical muscles. The dramatic and persistent response to cyclosporin obtained in this case represents a clear demonstration of the action of this drug in cases of dermatomyositis.

Identification of vaginal lactobacilli from asymptomatic women

In the present work, carried out by means of phenotypic and genotypic tests, it has been demonstrated that none of the vaginal lactobacilli isolated from asymptomatic women were genetically close to L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. Strains of homofermentative lactobacilli were identified as Lactobacillus gasseri, L. jensenii and L. crispatus, while in the heterofermentative only one strain was classified as L. fermentum. Moreover a genetically homologous group of heterofermentative lactobacilli, that could represent a new species, were evidenced.

[Antibacterial and antifungal activity of isoflurane and common anesthetic gases]

An in vitro analysis was conducted to investigate the hypothetical antibacterial and antimycotic activity of the common anesthetic gases (halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane) in view of the clinical absence of bronchopulmonary pathology after inhalation narcosis despite the many risk factors involved. For this purpose scalar dilutions of the four gases were prepared on cultures of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans and the antibacterial action of the gases was tested in vitro. Even with the weaker concentrations used, halothane and methoxyflurane totally inhibited both microorganisms. Enflurane had less effect on Klebsiella p. and almost none on Candida. Isoflurane, a new halogen ether anesthetic was found to have an excellent inhibitory effect. In conclusion it is hypothesised that the anesthetic gases considered might have an in vivo antibacterial activity considering the experimental results obtained in vitro.

Circadian rhythm of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) in man

The diurnal variations of serum gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), serum insulin, plasma glucagon, plasma glucose and serum triglycerides were studied for 24 hr in 6 healthy young men, consuming three meals and performing their usual physical activities. Serum GIP levels peaked after each meal and stayed significantly elevated from the peak after lunch till late night. Glucose and insulin showed early and short-lasting postprandial peaks, declining thereafter to basal values within a short time. Plasma glucagon was inhibited by the meal ingestion and fluctuated around the basal levels in the interdigestive periods. On the other hand, serum triglycerides tended to parallel GIP changes for most of the day, being significantly elevated starting from lunch consumption to late night. The present results suggest that GIP may have effects other than the insulinogenic one, being probably involved in the control of lipid metabolism.

Learning as a function of meaning levels with American and German SS

An American and a German sample of Ss were required to learn to a criterion of 2 successive trials without error a list of 10 ordinary words and a list of 10 0% association value syllables. Both groups first learned unknown nonsense syllables, then syllables with which they were familiarized, and then syllables which were made meaningful in a “synonym-definition” sense (e.g., TOV means grass). The results indicated that meaning operationally employed in a “synonym-definition” sense was a significant aid when learning syllables in order was not required; performance equalled that with words. In addition, protocols were obtained from all Ss in all phases, and these data made possible a clearer interpretation of the performance data.