Bioprospecting Bioactive Polar Lipids from Olive (Olea europaea cv. Galega vulgar) Fruit Seeds: LC-HR-MS/MS Fingerprinting and Sub-Geographic Comparison

Olive seeds have been considered as a new nutritionally healthy food supplement. They are rich in monounsaturated n-9 and essential polyunsaturated n-6 lipids. However, little is known about their polar lipids, potentially bioactive and chemical identity markers for olive pulp and oil. This work aimed to identify the polar lipidome of olive seeds to find possible bioactive compounds and markers of geographic origin, by studying samples from six Portuguese sub-regions. Polar lipids were obtained by solid/liquid extraction, NH₂-solid-phase extraction, and identified by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-HR-ESI-MS and MS/MS. Ninety-four compounds were identified, including phospholipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids, and acyl sterol glycosides, several of which bear polyunsaturated fatty acids. Multivariate statistical analysis found unique profiles within each sub-region and markers of geographic identity, primarily phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and lysophosphatidylethanolamines. Therefore, polar lipid signatures should be further investigated, to assess their bioactivity, nutritional value, and chemical identity for valuing olive seeds and their oil.

Food grade extraction of Chlorella vulgaris polar lipids: A comparative lipidomic study

Glycolipids and phospholipids are the main reservoirs of omega polyunsaturated fatty acids in microalgae. Their extraction for the food industry requires food grade solvents, however, the use of these solvents is generally associated with low extraction yields. In this study, we evaluated the lipid extraction efficiency of food-grade ethanol, ultrasound-assisted ethanol (UAE) and dichloromethane/methanol (DCM) from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated under autotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. Yields of lipids, fatty acids (FA), and complex lipid profiles were determined by gravimetry, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, respectively. UAE and DCM showed the highest lipid yields with similar purity. The FA profiles were identical for all extracts. The polar lipidome of the DCM and UAE extracts was comparable, while the EtOH extracts were significantly different. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of UAE extraction to obtain high yields of polar lipids and omega-3 and -6-rich extracts from C. vulgaris that can be used for food applications.

Genome-wide association study of resistance/susceptibility to infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis in Brazilian Hereford cattle

Genome-wide association studies were conducted to identify the more informative genomic regions and SNPs, as well as to identify candidate genes associated with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) resistance/susceptibility in Hereford cattle. A Bayes B statistical approach was initially applied in genome-wide association studies by using deregressed estimated breeding values for IBK resistance/susceptibility. To estimate the combined effect of a genomic region that is potentially associated with QTL, 2504 non-overlapping 1-Mb windows that varied in SNP number were defined, with the most informative 24 windows including 427 SNPs and explaining more than 20% of the estimated genetic variance for IBK resistance/susceptibility. These regions were explored with respect to their biological functions through functional analysis to map potential candidate genes. The significant SNPs were mapped on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 23, and 28, and candidate genes were detected as related to the IBK. Most informative SNPs in term of genetic variance were located in proximity of genes related to phenotypic expression of lesions and biological processes associated to the IBK. Knowledge about phenotypic and genomic variation generated in the present study can be used to on design selection strategies to improve the resistance to IBK of Hereford cattle herds.

Photosynthesis from stolen chloroplasts can support sea slug reproductive fitness

Some sea slugs are able to steal functional chloroplasts (kleptoplasts) from their algal food sources, but the role and relevance of photosynthesis to the animal host remain controversial. While some researchers claim that kleptoplasts are slowly digestible 'snacks', others advocate that they enhance the overall fitness of sea slugs much more profoundly. Our analysis shows light-dependent incorporation of 13C and 15N in the albumen gland and gonadal follicles of the sea slug Elysia timida, representing translocation of photosynthates to kleptoplast-free reproductive organs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with reported roles in reproduction were produced in the sea slug cells using labelled precursors translocated from the kleptoplasts. Finally, we report reduced fecundity of E. timida by limiting kleptoplast photosynthesis. The present study indicates that photosynthesis enhances the reproductive fitness of kleptoplast-bearing sea slugs, confirming the biological relevance of this remarkable association between a metazoan and an algal-derived organelle.

Heath care utilization after birth in Brazil: a national study

Background

The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends primary health care actions for women and babies in the first week after birth, with the aim of monitoring health status, screening for diseases, vaccination, support for breastfeeding and promoting contraception. However, data on these actions are not available at the national level. This study aims to estimate the use of outpatient health services in the postpartum period and to verify the demographic, socioeconomic and obstetric factors associated with this use.

Methods

National hospital-based study, conducted in 2011-2012, with an interview of 23,894 women. Estimates were calculated for eight indicators of health service use with performance assessed as “satisfactory” (75-100%), “partial” (50-74%) and “unsatisfactory” (<50%). Multiple logistic regression was performed to verify the association between women's characteristics and each of the analyzed indicators.

Results

”Demand for postpartum consultation” (73.9%; 95% CI: 72.4-75.3%), “demand for newborn consultation” (91.6%; 95% CI: 90.6% - 92.5%), “BCG vaccination” (99.0%; 95% CI 98.7% - 99.2%) and “Hepatitis B vaccination” (96.8%; 95% CI 96.0%-97.5%) were considered satisfactory. “Neonatal screening test in the first week of life” was considered partial (60.1%; 95% CI 57.6% - 62.6%), while “consultation of the woman in the first 15 days after delivery” (37.0% 95% CI 35.0-39.0%),”consultation of the newborn in the first seven days of life”(21.8% 95% CI 20.2% - 23.5%) and “receiving the result of neonatal screening in the first month of life” (29.8% CI 95% 27.6%-32.2%) were considered unsatisfactory. Regional and social inequalities were identified, with the worst performance of all indicators in the less developed North and Northeast regions and in the most vulnerable women.

Conclusions

There is a need for better organization and provision of services, aiming to increase the coverage of postpartum and childcare actions and to reduce health inequalities.

Key messages

Low coverage of postnatal actions limits access to effective health care practices, putting mothers and babies at greater risk of illness and death. Regional and social inequalities and worse performance of health actions that depend exclusively on primary care services suggest barriers to access and failures in the organization of services.

Unsafe abortion in Brazil: a systematic review

Background

In Brazil, abortion is legally allowed in cases of risk to the woman's life, pregnancy resulting from rape and cases of fetal anencephaly. Despite the restrictive legislation, studies estimated that around 1 million abortions took place in the country in 2005. Abortions occurred regardless of womeńs socioeconomic position, race, age and religion, but unsafe practices were more common among young women, with low educational levels, single, students or domestic workers. This study sought to update knowledge on unsafe abortion in Brazil.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review with study search on Medline and LILACS, with no language restriction, from 2008 to 2018. We evaluated article quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute instruments. We evaluated 50 articles.

Results

There was a decrease in the ratio of induced abortions by 1,000 women of reproductive age reaching 16 per 1,000 in 2013. However, direct estimates do not indicate a decrease in the prevalence of induced abortion, estimated to be 13% in 2016. Higher prevalences were observed in more socially vulnerable populations. Half of all women reported using medications for terminating pregnancies and the number of hospital admissions due to complications from abortion decreased from 1992 to 2009. Maternal morbimortality from abortion had a reduced frequency but it is likely that maternal deaths from abortion are under-reported.

Conclusions

Abortion is frequently used in Brazil, especially in less-developed regions and by more socially-vulnerable women. Access to safer methods probably contributed to the reduction of complications, hospitalizations and morbimortality from abortion. However, half of all women still used other unsafe methods and the number of admissions due to complications from abortion is still high. The small scientific production and lack of methodological adequacy led to the development of a special issue on Abortion in Brazil in the jornal Reports in Public Health.

Key messages

Restrictive legislation does not prevent abortion, but limits access to safe abortion and makes it diffiult to prevent morbidity and mortaliity from abortion. Restrictive legislation and the stigma associated with abortion make studies difficult to estimate the rates, complications and factors associated with abortion.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001) supplementation for the control of Haemonchus contortus and modulation of the immune response of sheep

Studies aiming at the development and evaluation of alternative methods to minimise losses caused by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus are extremely important. Such research is essential, given the high morbidity rates among sheep and the significant mortality rates of lambs, allied to the low efficacy of commercial products for the control of this parasite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YT001 - YEASTECH) on the control of H. contortus and its modulation of the immune response in experimentally infected sheep. Eighteen sheep were divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, comprised animals infected with H. contortus and supplemented with distilled water, while Group 2, the treated group, consisted of animals infected and supplemented with S. cerevisiae (400 million cfu/day of suspension for 49 days). The following parasitological parameters were evaluated: number of eggs per gram of faeces, number of infective larvae (L3) recovered per faecal culture, and parasitic load of the abomasum. The following immunological parameters were quantified: immunoglobulin (Ig)A in the mucous secretions and serum IgG; cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-10; number of eosinophils in the abomasal mucosa and groups of cells positive for the markers: MHCII, CD4⁺CD25⁺, CD5⁺CD8⁺, WC4, CD5⁺CD4⁺, CD8⁺CD11b⁺ and CD5⁺WC1 by whole blood flow cytometry. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the number of larvae and significantly higher serum IgG levels (P<0.05) in the group supplemented with S. cerevisiae. The supplemented animals showed significantly larger numbers of eosinophils (P<0.05), as well as more cells positive for MHCII, CD4⁺CD25⁺, CD5⁺CD8⁺ than the control animals. This study confirmed the beneficial action of S. cerevisiae on the host immune response to H. contortus, as evidenced mainly by the smaller number of L3 recovered from the faeces of sheep supplemented with S. cerevisiae.

Insight into the cellular effects of nitrated phospholipids: Evidence for pleiotropic mechanisms of action

Nitrated phospholipids have been recently identified in biological systems and showed to display anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in models of inflammation in vitro. Here, we have explored the effects of nitrated 1-palmitoyl-2-oleyl-phosphatidyl choline (NO2-POPC) in cellular models. We have observed that NO2-POPC, but not POPC, induces cellular changes consisting in cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell shrinking, and ultimately, loss of cell adhesion or impaired cell attachment. NO2-POPC releases NO in vitro and induces accumulation of NO in cells. Nevertheless, the effects of NO2-POPC are not superimposable with those of NO donors, which points to distinctive mechanisms of action. Notably, they show a stronger parallelism, although not complete overlap, with the effects of nitrated fatty acids. Interestingly, redistribution of vimentin by NO2-POPC is attenuated in a C328S mutant, thus indicating that this residue may be a target for direct or indirect modification in NO2-POPC-treated cells. Additionally, NO2-POPC interacts with several typical lipoxidation targets in vitro, including vimentin and PPARγ constructs, likely through cysteine residues. Therefore, nitrated phospholipids emerge as potential novel electrophilic lipid mediators with selective actions.

Functional Impairment of Circulating FcεRI+ Monocytes and Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) represent the most common primary liver malignancies whose outcome is influenced by the immune response.

METHODS

In this study, we have functionally characterized, by flow cytometry, circulating myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and FcεRI⁺ monocytes in a group of healthy individuals (n = 10) and in a group of patients with HCC (n = 19) and CCA (n = 8), at the time point of the surgical resection (T0) and once the patient had recovered from surgery (T1). Moreover, we proceeded to a more in depth phenotypic characterization of the FcεRI⁺ monocyte subpopulation.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in the frequency of TNFα producing FcεRI⁺ monocytes and mDCs in HCC and CCA patients when compared to the group of healthy individuals was observed, and a close association between FcεRI⁺ monocytes and mDCs dysfunction was identified. In addition, the phenotypic characteristics of FcεRI⁺ monocytes from healthy individuals strongly suggest that this population drives to mDCs, which matches with the fact that both populations are functionally affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency and the function of circulating mDCs and FcεRI⁺ monocytes are affected in both HCC and CCA patients, and FcεRI⁺ monocytes could represent those fated to become mDCs. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Lichen planus: altered AIM2 and NLRP1 expression in skin lesions and defective activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

BACKGROUND

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin disease with unknown aetiology. Activation by pathogen-associated molecular patterns or environmental stimuli may activate some components of inflammasomes that contribute to the inflammatory process in LP lesions.

AIM

To characterize the inflammasomes in skin lesions and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with LP under Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation.

METHODS

In total, 15 patients with LP and 14 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the study. Inflammasome expression in skin was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, while ELISA was used to assess the production of interleukin (IL)-1β by PBMCs under stimulation with TLR4 and TLR7/TLR8 agonists and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

RESULTS

Compared with the levels in HC samples, increased expression of the inflammasome AIM2 was verified in both epidermal and dermal sections of LP skin lesions, whereas NLRP1 and IL-β expression levels were enhanced in the dermis. LP skin lesion samples exhibited higher AIM2 transcript levels, similar NLRP1 levels and lower pro-IL-1β mRNA levels compared with HC samples. We verified that, compared with PBMCs from HC subjects, PBMCs from patients with LP produced similar amounts of IL-1β after induction by TLR4 agonists but lower IL-1β levels after induction by TLR7/TLR8 agonists, regardless of the addition of ATP.

CONCLUSION

Alterations in innate immunity, such as inflammasome component expression in skin lesions and PBMCs, were observed in patients with LP. Further investigations of dysfunctional inflammasome activation and the chronic inflammatory status of LP are required.

Role of obesity in the release of extracellular nucleosomes in acute pancreatitis: a clinical and experimental study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

A high body mass index increases the risk of severe pancreatitis and associated mortality. Our aims were: (1) To determine whether obesity affects the release of extracellular nucleosomes in patients with pancreatitis; (2) To determine whether pancreatic ascites confers lipotoxicity and triggers the release of extracellular nucleosomes in lean and obese rats.

METHODS

DNA and nucleosomes were determined in plasma from patients with mild or moderately severe acute pancreatitis either with normal or high body mass index (BMI). Lipids from pancreatic ascites from lean and obese rats were analyzed and the associated toxicity measured in vitro in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inflammatory response, extracellular DNA and nucleosomes were determined in lean or obese rats with pancreatitis after peritoneal lavage.

RESULTS

Nucleosome levels in plasma from obese patients with mild pancreatitis were higher than in normal BMI patients; these levels markedly increased in obese patients with moderately severe pancreatitis vs. those with normal BMI. Ascites from obese rats exhibited high levels of palmitic, oleic, stearic, and arachidonic acids. Necrosis and histone 4 citrullination-marker of extracellular traps-increased in macrophages incubated with ascites from obese rats but not with ascites from lean rats. Peritoneal lavage abrogated the increase in DNA and nucleosomes in plasma from lean or obese rats with pancreatitis. It prevented fat necrosis and induction of HIF-related genes in lung.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracellular nucleosomes are intensely released in obese patients with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid triggers the release of extracellular nucleosomes in rats with severe pancreatitis.

Contact dermatitis: in pursuit of sensitizer's molecular targets through proteomics

Protein haptenation, i.e., the modification of proteins by small reactive chemicals, is the key step in the sensitization phase of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Despite the research effort in past decades, the identification of immunogenic hapten-protein complexes that trigger a relevant pathogenic immune response in ACD, as well as the haptenation reaction molecular site, and the elements of a potentially conditioning environment during each of these stages, remain poorly understood. These questions led us to employ a proteomics-based approach to identify modified proteins in the dendritic-like cell line THP-1 sensitized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), through a combination of 2D-gel electrophoresis, nano-LC and mass spectrometry. A specific set of 39 targeted proteins was identified and comprised proteins from various cellular locations and biological functions. One of FITC targets was identified as MLK, a member of the mixed-lineage kinase family known to act as a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase and to control the activity of specific mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, namely p38 and JNK pathways. Haptenated in the vicinity of its active site, our results point to MLK being a relevant target due to a consistent non-activation at early time points of these pathways upon FITC sensitization in THP-1 cells. Moreover, FITC pre-treatment significantly decrease phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK levels induced upon exposure to a classical activator such as lipopolysaccharide or to the sensitizer 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. Overall, our data point to specific amino acid residues haptenation within critical proteins as the key step in the subsequent signaling pathways modulation responsible for DC activation and maturation events.

Identification and characterization of two novel germline RET variants associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Activating germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are responsible for about 98 % of the familial forms of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which represent 25 % of all MTC cases. The search for germline mutations in this gene is important for the recognition of hereditary forms of MTC and further identification of at-risk relatives who may benefit from early clinical intervention. Genotype-phenotype correlations are well established for most disease-causing RET mutations, allowing risk stratification. The association of a new RET variant with the MTC phenotype and familial predisposition requires the assessment of its functional and clinical significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oncogenic potential of two newly identified RET germline variants associated with late-onset MTC. In vitro functional assays were designed to address the transforming potential of novel RET variants, through their expression in non-transformed cells, and comparing their effect with wild-type RET. The new variants were identified in codons 515 (p.C515W) and 636 (p.T636M) located, respectively, in exons 8 and 11, thus resulting in amino acid substitutions in the extracellular region of the tyrosine kinase receptor RET. Through functional assays, we observed increased cell growth and proliferation, loss of contact inhibition, and a stimulation of cell migration, suggesting that these new RET variants hold some relevant transforming potential. The transforming potential of these novel RET variants was of low-grade, when compared to that of RET MEN2A-causing mutation p.C634R, probably explaining the mild phenotype characterized by late onset and low clinical aggressiveness.

Genetic diversity of Vriesea cacuminis (Bromeliaceae): an endangered and endemic Brazilian species

Data about the genetic structure can help to understand the evolutionary process of natural populations as well as to drive strategies of conservation. Vriesea cacuminis, an endemic Brazilian Bromeliad, has been found in 2 areas of Minas Gerais State. One is a legal preservation unit (Ibitipoca State Park) and the other an unprotected area (Serra Negra). The 2 areas belong to the Mantiqueira Mountain Range Complex; both are characterized by steep relief with high altitudes and by heterogenic vegetation formed by a mosaic of rocky fields and forest fragments. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria, V. cacuminis is designated as "vulnerable". We examined the genetic variability and population structure of 70 individuals (3 populations) of V. cacuminis, using 16 ISSR markers. Although V. cacuminis is considered a rare species, the estimated genetic diversity was found to be relatively high (Shannon index = 0.33; percentage of polymorphic bands = 87%). The populations were found not to be structured (AMOVA test, ΦST = 0.16), probably due to the cross-breeding. Based on Bayesian analysis, this species includes one cluster containing the populations from Ibitipoca State Park and another cluster including the population from Serra Negra. This information will help determine strategies to maintain the genetic variability of these populations.

LXR activation by GW3965 alters fat tissue distribution and adipose tissue inflammation in ob/ob female mice

To investigate the role of liver X receptor (LXR) in adipose tissue metabolism during obesity, ob/ob mice were treated for 5 weeks with the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965. MRI analysis revealed that pharmacological activation of LXR modified fat distribution by decreasing visceral (VS) fat and inversely increasing subcutaneous (SC) fat storage without affecting whole body fat content. This was concordant with opposite regulation by GW3965 of the lipolytic markers hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in the two fat depots; moreover, the expression of genes involved in lipogenesis was significantly induced in SC fat. Lipidomic analysis suggested that changes in lipid composition in response to GW3965 also varied between VS and SC fat. In both depots, the observed alteration in lipid composition indicated an overall change toward less lipotoxic lipids. Flow cytometry analysis showed decreased immune cell infiltration in adipose tissue of ob/ob mice in response to GW3965 treatment, which in VS fat mainly affected the macrophage population and in SC fat the lymphocyte population. In line with this, the expression and secretion of proinflammatory markers was decreased in both fat deposits with GW3965 treatment.

Identification of three new variants of SDHx genes in a cohort of Portuguese patients with extra-adrenal paragangliomas

BACKGROUND

Extra-adrenal paragangliomas (PGL) are rare neoplasms occurring in sporadic and familial forms, the latter mostly in association with germline mutations of SD- HB, SDHC or SDHD genes.

AIM

Characterize frequency and spectrum of germline mutations among a cohort of Portuguese patients with extra-adrenal PGL.

DESIGN

Molecular and clinical data were reviewed on 44 patients referred for genetic testing by a single laboratory.

RESULTS

Genetic analysis identified 11 patients with head and neck PGL (30.6%) positive for SD- Hx gene mutations (6 SDHD, 4 SDHB, 1 SDHC) and 4 patients with abdominal or pelvic PGL (50%) positive for SDHx gene mutations (4 SDHB). Large deletions made up about 20% of the mutations detected. Mutation carriers were younger and more frequently had multiple or malignant PGL than patients without mutations. Only 11% of the head and neck PGL were secretory. In contrast, 100% of the abdominal or pelvic PGL were secretory. Five patients had a malignant PGL (4 SDHB, 1 apparently sporadic). Three novel mutations were identified: two in the SDHD gene (c.411delT [p.Leu139PhefsX29] and c.371_390del20insGG [p.Ala124_Ala130delinsGly]), one in the SDHB gene (c.49A>G [p.Thr17Ala]). The SDHD variant c.411delT [p.Leu139PhefsX29] was present in 3 apparently unrelated patients. Molecular genetic testing of 22 relatives disclosed 16 mutation carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic analysis identified 15 patients (34.1%) and 16 at-risk individuals (72.7%) positive for SDHx gene mutations. The finding of three novel mutations broadens the mutational profile of the mitochondrial complex II succinate dehydrogenase genes reported in other large European series of patients with paragangliomas. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the high frequency of the SDHD variant c.411delT [p.Leu139PhefsX29] corresponds to a founder mutation.

Genetic variability of an endangered Bromeliaceae species (Pitcairnia albiflos) from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest

Pitcairnia albiflos is a Bromeliaceae species endemic to Brazil that has been included as data-deficient in the extinction risk list of Brazilian flora. We analyzed genetic variability in P. albiflos populations using RAPD markers to investigate population structure and reproductive mechanisms and also to evaluate the actual extinction risk level of this species. Leaves of 56 individuals of P. albiflos from three populations were collected: Urca Hill (UH, 20 individuals), Chacrinha State Park (CSP, 24 individuals) and Tijuca National Park (TNP, 12 individuals). The RAPD technique was effective in characterizing the genetic diversity in the P. albiflos populations since it was possible to differentiate the populations and to identify exclusive bands for at least two of them. Even if there is low genetic diversity among them (CSP-UH = 0.463; CSP-TNP = 0.440; UH-TNP = 0.524), the populations seem to be isolated according to the low genetic diversity observed within them (H(pop) CSP = 0.060; H(pop) UH = 0.042; H(pop) TNP = 0.130). This fact might be the result of clonal and self-reproduction predominance and also from environmental degradation around the collection areas. Consequently, it would be important to protect all populations both in situ and ex situ to prevent the decrease of genetic variability. The low genetic variability among individuals of the same population confirms the inclusion of this species as critically endangered in the risk list for Brazilian flora.

Genetic variability of Mahanarva sp (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) collected from different sites in Brazil

Spittlebugs are the leading cause of damage to tall grasses. Annual losses are estimated to reach 2.1 billion dollars in sugarcane crops and grazing land throughout the world. Correct identification of these species is difficult due to similarities in color, body size and male genitalia. Molecular markers have been useful in the identification and assessment of genetic diversity of many species. We investigated the genetic diversity of the spittlebug species Mahanarva fimbriolata, M. spectabilis and M. liturata and looked for markers that could aid in their identification. DNA from 34 spittlebug specimens, collected from six different regions of Brazil (Brasília, Campo Grande, Valença, Presidente Prudente, Juiz de Fora, and Porto Alegre), was analyzed with 29 RAPD primers, generating 501 polymorphic markers. High genetic variability was found among individuals M. fimbriolata (0.37), M. spectabilis (0.18) and M. liturata (0.69). Species-specific molecular RAPD markers were identified for each of the three species; these could be used as auxiliary tools for their correct identification.

Oxidation of bovine serum albumin: identification of oxidation products and structural modifications

Albumin is an important plasma antioxidant protein, contributing to protecting mechanisms of cellular and regulatory long-lived proteins. The metal-catalyzed oxidation (MCO) of proteins plays an important role during oxidative stress. In this study, we examine the oxidative modification of albumin using an MCO in vitro system. Mass spectrometry, combined with off-line nano-liquid chromatography, was used to identify modifications in amino acid residues. We have found 106 different residues oxidatively damaged, being the main oxidized residues lysines, cysteines, arginines, prolines, histidines and tyrosines. Besides protein hydroxyl derivatives and oxygen additions, we detected other modifications such as deamidations, carbamylations and specific amino acid oxidative modifications. The oxidative damage preferentially affects particular subdomains of the protein at different time-points. Results suggest the oxidative damage occurs first in exposed regions near cysteine disulfide bridges with residues like methionine, tryptophan, lysine, arginine, tyrosine and proline appearing as oxidatively modified. The damage extended afterwards with further oxidation of cysteine residues involved in disulfide bridges and other residues like histidine, phenylalanine and aspartic acid. The time-course evaluation also shows the number of oxidized residues does not increase linearly, suggesting that oxidative unfolding of albumin occurs through a step-ladder mechanism.

Correlation of RET somatic mutations with clinicopathological features in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas

Screening of REarranged during Transfection (RET) gene mutations has been carried out in different series of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC). RET-positive tumours seem to be associated to a worse clinical outcome. However, the correlation between the type of RET mutation and the patients' clinicopathological data has not been evaluated yet. We analysed RET exons 5, 8, 10-16 in fifty-one sporadic MTC, and found somatic mutations in thirty-three (64.7%) tumours. Among the RET-positive cases, exon 16 was the most frequently affected (60.6%). Two novel somatic mutations (Cys630Gly, c.1881del18) were identified. MTC patients were divided into three groups: group 1, with mutations in RET exons 15 and 16; group 2, with other RET mutations; group 3, having no RET mutations. Group 1 had higher prevalence (P=0.0051) and number of lymph node metastases (P=0.0017), and presented more often multifocal tumours (P=0.037) and persistent disease at last control (P=0.0242) than group 2. Detectable serum calcitonin levels at last screening (P=0.0119) and stage IV disease (P=0.0145) were more frequent in group 1, than in the other groups. Our results suggest that, among the sporadic MTC, cases with RET mutations in exons 15 and 16 are associated with the worst prognosis. Cases with other RET mutations have the most indolent course, and those with no RET mutations have an intermediate risk.

266 WHOLE GENOME AMPLIFICATION ON BLASTOMERS OF POST-BIOPSY BOVINE EMBRYO

Biopsy of embryos is very useful for choosing the desired sex and for production of cloned and transgenic livestock. However, only a small amount of genomic DNA is available to perform genetic studies. Alternatively, methodologies using whole genome amplification (WGA) have been developed. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of WGA on blastomeres removed from 8- to 16-cell bovine embryos and to determine the sex of blastomeres. Oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries were in vitro matured and fertilized. On the fourth day after fertilization, 8- to 16-cell bovine embryos were biopsied, and one-fourth of an embryo was removed. The blastomeres (n = 56) were submitted to WGA followed by PCR. Prior to the whole genome amplification, male and female bovine DNA samples were serially diluted (30 ng μL–1, 3.0 ng μL–1, 0.3 ng μL–1, 0.03 ng μL–1, 0.003 ng μL–1, 0.0003 ng μL–1) and embryos of various development stages (2, n = 6; 4–7, n = 5; ≥8-cell, n = 5; blastocyst n = 27) were used to standardize PCR protocols and set the amplification limits. To digest the cellular cytoplasm and release the genomic DNA, embryos and blastomeres were submitted a 3 mg mL–1 proteinase K before PCR. Next, blastomeres were submitted to the GenomiPhi DNA Amplification Kit (GE Healthcare) according to manufacturer’s instructions. The product (1 μL) was electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel stained with 3.0 μg mL–1 ethidium bromide. The reaction mixture was added to the material to be amplified (2 mm MgCl2, 5X PCR buffer, 0.2 mm each dNTPs, 0.05 U μL–1 GoTaq DNA polymerase, 0.25 μm of primer). The products were submitted to electrophoresis on 8% polyacrilamide gel and stained with silver nitrate procedure. The chi-square test was used for statistic evaluation of the results to test the WGA efficiency and to determine the sex rates of bovine embryos and biopsied samples submitted to PCR. It was possible to achieve 98% efficiency in amplifying blastomeres using the WGA kit. Amplified samples showed approximately 400 ng of DNA generated from an estimated initial amount of 12 pg of DNA resulting from two cells per embryo. In whole embryos from different stages, no diffference was detected in the proportion of sexes (P > 0.05). However, a greater number of female samples was noted in biopsied material (76%, 25/33) (P < 0.05). PCR efficiency in blastocysts (93%, 2/27) was statistically greater (P < 0.05) than embryos in early stages of development (83%, 5/6), and biopsied material to 2, 4–7 and ≥8-cell (40%, 2/5; 60%, 3/5; and 59%, 33/56; respectively). These differences could be related to a sex-chromosomal mosaicism or absence of a nucleus in biopsied samples. The WGA creates a DNA stock sample that could be used for various gene profiling and sex determination analyses. Financial support: Fapemig, CNPq.

Searching for RET/PTC rearrangements and BRAF V599E mutation in thyroid aspirates might contribute to establish a preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Searching for multiple molecular markers in thyroid aspirates appears to be a promising approach for establishing a preoperative diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

Based on this hypothesis, a total of 63 samples from 55 patients, were collected at random. RNA was extracted from the residue cells inside the needle used for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and thereafter molecular analysis was carried out both for RETrearrangements (type 1, 2, 3) and BRAF codon 599 mutation molecule. Results were compared with the cytological and histopathological diagnoses in 24 patients submitted to surgery.

RESULTS

58% PTCs presented a genetic alteration either RET/PTC rearrangement, BRAF V599E mutation or both: three cases of PTCs (25%) presented a RET/PTC rearrangement; three cases of PTCs (25%) presented a BRAF V599E mutation and in one case (8%) both alterations were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that searching for multiple molecular markers in thyroid aspirates may enhance the accuracy of FNAC and refine preoperative diagnosis of PTC.

Proteomics of immune-challenged Drosophila melanogaster larvae hemolymph

In the last decade, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a promising invertebrate model for the investigation of innate immunity, in part because of its well characterised genetics. The information provided by the innumerous reports on Drosophila's immune response indicates that a large number of genes, in addition to the well-known antimicrobial peptide genes, are both up- and down-regulated upon immune challenge. Nevertheless, their contribution to fighting off infection has not been seriously addressed. With the application of recent advances in proteomics, the effects of an immune challenge in the overall modification of Drosophila 2-DE protein patterns were investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate hemolymph proteins differentially expressed between control and immunised larvae sets, which could be related solely to the Drosophila immune response. The list of immune-related protein spots included heat shock proteins and other proteins with chaperone properties, serine proteases, phenol oxidase, and Drosophila antioxidant system components, which accounted for 21% of the total of 70 identified proteins, metabolic enzymes implicated in pathways such as cellular respiration, fatty-acid oxidation, protein biosynthesis, and structural proteins.

MEN 2A families: from hot spots to hot regions

The aim of this study was to look for common ancestors among MEN 2A Portuguese families presenting with the same germ-line mutation of the RET proto-oncogene. To address this question from a genetic point of view, we performed haplotype analysis in six out of nine, apparently separate, MEN 2A families using four polymorphic markers. Three families carrying the C634R mutation and presenting the same phenotype shared the same haplotype surrounding the MEN 2A mutation. Moreover, these families were originally from the same geographic region although settled at different places along the country. Altogether, data suggested a common ancestral MEN 2A chromosome for three families. Since MEN 2A is a rare inherited cancer syndrome, identification of common ancestors may draw attention for specific geographic regions from where other affected families may arise at a higher chance and, therefore, termed 'hot regions'.

Mutational analysis of Portuguese families with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 reveals large germline deletions

OBJECTIVE

To determine the spectrum of MEN1 mutations in Portuguese kindreds, and identify mutation-carriers.

PATIENTS, DESIGN AND RESULTS

Six unrelated MEN1 families were studied for MEN1 gene mutations by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequence analysis of the coding region and exon-intron boundaries of the MEN1 gene. These methods identified 4 different heterozygous mutations in four families: two mutations are novel (mt 1539 delG and mt 655 ims 11 bp) and two have been previously observed (mt 735 del 46p and mt 1656 del C) all resulting in a premature stop codon. In the remaining two families, in whom no mutations or abnormal MEN1 transcripts were detected, segregation studies of the 5' intragenic marker D11S4946 and codon 418 polymorphism in exon 9 revealed two large germline deletions of the MEN1 gene. Southern blot and tumour loss of heterozygosity analysis confirmed and refined the limits of these deletions, which spanned the MEN1 gene at least from: exon 7 to the 3' untranslated region, in one family, and the 5' polymorphic site D11S4946 to exon 9 (obliterating the initiation codon), in the other family. Twenty-six mutant-gene carriers were identified, 6 of which were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the importance of the detection of MEN1 germline deletions in patients who do not have mutations of the coding region. Important clues indicating the presence of such deletions may be obtained by segregation studies using the intragenic polymorphisms D11S4946 and at codon 418. The detection of these mutations will help in the genetic counselling of clinical management of the MEN1 families in Portugal.

Future trends in worldwide river nitrogen transport and related nitrous oxide emissions: a scenario analysis

We analyze possible future trends in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) export by world rivers and associated emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). Our scenarios either assume that current trends continue or that nitrogen (N) inputs to aquatic systems are reduced as a result of changes in agriculture practices and fuel combustion technologies. The results indicate that moderate changes in the human diet in North America and Europe, reducing worldwide fertilizer use by only 16%, relative to Business-as-Usual (BAU) levels, may reduce DIN export rates to the North Atlantic and European Seas by about one third and associated N2O emissions by 36 to 77%. We furthermore calculate that relatively large reductions in NOy deposition rates in Europe (of about 80%) may reduce DIN export by rivers by a moderate 8% or less, relative to BAU levels. The potential effect of reduced NOy deposition on riverine DIN export is moderate, because most N in European rivers stems from agriculture, and not from fuel combustion. Nevertheless, the calculated 9% reduction (relative to BAU) in DIN inputs to the North Sea as a potential side effect of air pollution control may help achieve the international policy targets for reduced N inputs to the North Sea.

Neurocysticercosis in a preschool-age child: case report

Neurocysticercosis is a frequent cause of epilepsy and other neurologic abnormalities in all age groups, however by virtue of its prolonged incubation period as well as young children's nutritional habits, it is rarely seen in preschool-age children. The objective of this study is to report the case of a 2 year-old child who presented with new-onset seizures. Her diagnostic features, including neuroradiologic findings, are described and compared with the literature. No matter how young he or she may be, every child who presents with new-onset seizures or other unexplained neurologic features and whose CT or MRI shows cystic lesions or contrast-enhancing rounded lesions should raise a suspicion of neurocysticercosis.