Dynamics of blaOXA-23 gene transmission in Acinetobacter spp. from contaminated veterinary environmental surfaces: an emerging One Health threat?

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a common pathogen associated with healthcare-acquired infections, and robust infection prevention and control protocols exist in human healthcare settings. In contrast, infection prevention and control (IPC) standards are limited in veterinary medicine, necessitating further investigation.

AIM

Examine the possible transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. in a veterinary practice where a cat was diagnosed with an OXA-23-producing A. baumannii ST2 strain.

METHODS

Environmental samples together with nasal and hand swabs from the veterinary personnel were collected. All swabs were screened for the presence of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, meticillin-resistant staphylococcus and multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for carbapenemase-producing strains.

RESULTS

Of the veterinary staff, 60% carried meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Environmental evaluation showed that 40% (N=6/15) of the surfaces analysed by contact plates and 40% (N=8/20) by swabs failed the hygiene criteria. Assessment of the surfaces revealed contamination with five OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter spp. strains: an OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter schindleri on the weight scale in the waiting room; and four OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter lwoffii strains, on different surfaces of the treatment room. The blaOXA-23 gene was located on the same plasmid-carrying Tn2008 across the different Acinetobacter spp. strains. These plasmids closely resemble a previously described OXA-23-encoding plasmid from a human Portuguese nosocomial Acinetobacter pittii isolate. Distinctly, the OXA-23-producing A. baumannii ST2 clinical strain had the resistant gene located on Tn2006, possibly inserted on the chromosome.

CONCLUSION

The detection of an OXA-23-producing A. baumannii ST2 veterinary clinical strain is of concern for companion animal health and infection, prevention and control. This study established the dynamic of transmission of the plasmid-mediated blaOXA-23 gene on critical surfaces of a small animal veterinary practice. The genetic resemblance to a plasmid found in human nosocomial settings suggests a potential One Health link.

Transcriptome of iPSC-derived neuronal cells reveals a module of co-expressed genes consistently associated with autism spectrum disorder

Evaluation of expression profile in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients is an important approach to understand possible similar functional consequences that may underlie disease pathophysiology regardless of its genetic heterogeneity. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models have been useful to explore this question, but larger cohorts and different ASD endophenotypes still need to be investigated. Moreover, whether changes seen in this in vitro model reflect previous findings in ASD postmortem brains and how consistent they are across the studies remain underexplored questions. We examined the transcriptome of iPSC-derived neuronal cells from a normocephalic ASD cohort composed mostly of high-functioning individuals and from non-ASD individuals. ASD patients presented expression dysregulation of a module of co-expressed genes involved in protein synthesis in neuronal progenitor cells (NPC), and a module of genes related to synapse/neurotransmission and a module related to translation in neurons. Proteomic analysis in NPC revealed potential molecular links between the modules dysregulated in NPC and in neurons. Remarkably, the comparison of our results to a series of transcriptome studies revealed that the module related to synapse has been consistently found as upregulated in iPSC-derived neurons-which has an expression profile more closely related to fetal brain-while downregulated in postmortem brain tissue, indicating a reliable association of this network to the disease and suggesting that its dysregulation might occur in different directions across development in ASD individuals. Therefore, the expression pattern of this network might be used as biomarker for ASD and should be experimentally explored as a therapeutic target.

Influence of the magnon-phonon relaxation in the magnon transport under thermal gradient in yttrium iron garnet

We investigate the influence of the magnon-phonon relaxation processes in the magnon transport under thermal gradient in the ferrimagnetic insulator yttrium iron garnet (YIG). Based on the Boltzmann equation we calculate the magnon contribution in the thermal conductivity in YIG and the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect in YIG/Pt films, including the influence of the magnon relaxation to the lattice through a phenomenological damping parameter. Our results are in good agreement with reported experimental data showing that besides the magnon-magnon relaxation processes, the magnon-phonon relaxation plays an important role in the thermal properties in YIG films.

Responses of Crepis japonica induced by supplemental blue light and UV-A radiation

Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control - white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value.

The surgical challenge of carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in chronic ear disease: a pitfall for endoscopic approach

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic procedures are becoming common in middle ear surgery. Inflammation due to chronic ear disease can cause bony erosion of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals, making them more vulnerable during surgery. The objective of this study was to determine whether or not chronic ear disease increases dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals.

DESIGN

Comparative human temporal bone study.

SETTING

Otopathology laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

We selected 78 temporal bones from 55 deceased donors with chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma and then compared those two groups with a control group of 27 temporal bones from 19 deceased donors with no middle ear disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We analysed the middle ear, carotid artery canal and Fallopian canal, looking for signs of dehiscence of its bony coverage, using light microscopy.

RESULTS

We found an increased incidence in dehiscence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canals in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease. The size of the carotid artery canal dehiscence was larger in the middle ear-diseased groups, and its bony coverage, when present, was also thinner compared to the control group. Dehiscence of the carotid artery canal was more frequently located closer to the promontory. The incidence of Fallopian canal dehiscence was significantly higher in temporal bones from donors older than 18 years with chronic middle ear disease.

CONCLUSION

The increased incidence of the carotid artery and Fallopian canal dehiscence in temporal bones with chronic middle ear disease elevates the risk of adverse events during middle ear surgery.

Fusarium paranaense sp. nov., a member of the Fusarium solani species complex causes root rot on soybean in Brazil

Isolates of Fusarium obtained from soybean plants showing symptoms of root rot collected in subtropical southern and tropical central Brazil were characterized based on phylogenetic analyses, sexual crossing, morphology, and pathogenicity tests. A novel species within the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) causing soybean root rot is formally described herein as Fusarium paranaense. This species can be distinguished from the other soybean root rot pathogens in the FSSC, which are commonly associated with soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) based on analyses of the combined DNA sequences of translation elongation factor 1-α and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II and on interspecies mating compatibility. Bayesian and maximum parsimony phylogenetic analyses showed that isolates of F. paranaense formed a distinct group in clade 3 of the FSSC in contrast to the pathogens currently known to cause SDS, which are in clade 2. Female fertile tester strains were developed that can be used for the identification of this new species in the FSSC based on sexual crosses. All isolates were heterothallic and belonged to a distinct mating population. Fusarium tucumaniae, a known SDS pathogen, was found in the subtropical southern region of the country.

First Report of Sexual Reproduction of Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis in Bahia, Brazil

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a popular spice native of India, and Brazil is one of its most important producing countries. The main disease of black pepper in Brazil is fusariosis, caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis. Symptoms include leaf chlorosis and defoliation, blight of stems or stem cuttings, and root and foot decay. During surveys conducted in the south of the state of Bahia, municipalities of Taperoá (13°34'S, 39°10'W) and Valencia (13°20'S, 39°14'W), stems of diseased plants covered with red or salmon-colored perithecia were observed, while twigs showed leaf chlorosis, leading to early death of the plants. Ascomata were solitary or in groups, mostly superficial or surrounded by mycelia, globose, subglobose, ovoid, and 122 to 400 μm diameter. Microscopic examination revealed unitunicate, cylindric asci, 60 to 90 × 8.5 to 16 μm, thin-walled, containing eight ascospores arranged obliquely in two rows. Ascospores are hyaline, elliptical to oblong, one-septate, constricted at the central septum, 10 to 16 × 4 to 6.5 μm (means ± S.D.: 13.1 ± 1.4 × 5.1 ± 0.6 μm), length/width (L/W) 1.9 to 3.7. Single-spored cultures were transferred to SNA medium (incubated at 20°C for 7 days with 12-h photoperiod) and on potato dextrose agar (25°C in dark) for characterization. The anamorph is characterized by the presence of chlamydospores, canoe-shaped sporodochial macroconidia with three to four septae, and microconidia formed on long monophialidic conidiophores. Based on morphological markers, isolates were identified as F. solani. The partial fragment of the TEF-1α gene of single-spored isolates (CML 2186, 2187, 2188, 2189, 2190, and 2191) were sequenced. BLAST analysis of the sequence resulted in 94 to 99% identity with a reference strain of F. solani f. sp. piperis (NRRL 22570, CML 1888). For pathogenicity tests, cv. Bragantina was used and two isolates were inoculated as 5-mm diameter mycelial plugs on the stem of four plants each. Four control plants were treated only with sterile culture medium. Plants were maintained in the greenhouse at 25°C and 75 to 85% relative humidity under 70% shade. All inoculated plants showed initial symptoms of stem necrosis in inoculated branches 7 days after inoculation. Symptoms were not observed on stems of control plants. Isolates were successfully reisolated and identified as F. solani f. sp. piperis, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Representative isolates were deposited at the Coleção Micológica de Lavras (CML) at Universidade Federal de Lavras, Brazil. Production of perithecia of the pathogen has been previously reported only in Pará and Espírito Santo States (1,3). It is not yet confirmed if this taxon is homothallic or heterothallic. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the associated teleomorph of F. solani f. sp. piperis infecting and causing black pepper fusariosis in Bahia, Brazil. The results suggest that the spread of ascospores from perithecia is likely to be one of the main inoculum sources of the disease on adjacent vines. There is evidence that this special form of F. solani actually represents a distinct species pathogenic to black pepper (2). References: (1) F. C. Albuquerque and S. Ferraz. Experientiae 22:133, 1976. (2) K. O'Donnell. Mycologia 92:919, 2000. (3) J. A. Ventura et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 11:361, 1986.

Fusarium tupiense sp. nov., a member of the Gibberella fujikuroi complex that causes mango malformation in Brazil

Fusarium tupiense, the main causal agent of mango malformation in Brazil, is described through a combination of morphological, biological and molecular markers. This new species belongs to the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex (GFSC) and has an anamorph morphologically similar to Fusarium mangiferae and F. sterilihyphosum. F. tupiense can be differentiated from other species in the G. fujikuroi species complex on the basis of sexual crosses, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and partial sequences of the tef1 and tub2 genes. Female fertility for field isolates of F. tupiense appears to be low. PCR with primers specific for the mating type (MAT) alleles and sexual crosses identified this species as heterothallic with two idiomorphs. Female-fertile tester strains were developed for the identification of field strains of this species through sexual crosses.

PLP1 duplication at the breakpoint regions of an apparently balanced t(X;22) translocation causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease in a girl

PLP1 (proteolipid protein1 gene) mutations cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), characterized by hypomyelination of the central nervous system, and affecting almost exclusively males. We report on a girl with classical PMD who carries an apparently balanced translocation t(X;22)(q22;q13). By applying array-based comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH), we detected duplications at 22q13 and Xq22, encompassing 487-546 kb and 543-611 kb, respectively. The additional copies were mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization to the breakpoint regions, on the derivative X chromosome (22q13 duplicated segment) and on the derivative 22 chromosome (Xq22 duplicated segment). One of the 14 duplicated X-chromosome genes was PLP1.The normal X chromosome was the inactive one in the majority of peripheral blood leukocytes, a pattern of inactivation that makes cells functionally balanced for the translocated segments. However, a copy of the PLP1 gene on the derivative chromosome 22, in addition to those on the X and der(X) chromosomes, resulted in two active copies of the gene, irrespective of the X-inactivation pattern, thus causing PMD. This t(X;22) is the first constitutional human apparently balanced translocation with duplications from both involved chromosomes detected at the breakpoint regions.

Kalanchoe pinnata inhibits mast cell activation and prevents allergic airway disease

Aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) have been found effective in models to reduce acute anaphylactic reactions. In the present study, we investigate the effect of Kp and the flavonoid quercetin (QE) and quercitrin (QI) on mast cell activation in vitro and in a model of allergic airway disease in vivo. Treatment with Kp and QE in vitro inhibited degranulation and cytokine production of bone marrow-derived mast cells following IgE/FcɛRI crosslinking, whereas treatment with QI had no effect. Similarly, in vivo treatment with Kp and QE decreased development of airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia and production of IL-5, IL-13 and TNF. In contrast, treatment with QI had no effect on these parameters. These findings demonstrate that treatment with Kp or QE is effective in treatment of allergic airway disease, providing new insights to the immunomodulatory functions of this plant.

Identification of the plasmid-encoded qacA efflux pump gene in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain HPV107, a representative of the MRSA Iberian clone

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial bacterium for which prevention and control measures consist mainly of the application of biocides with antiseptic and disinfectant activity. In this study, we demonstrated the presence of the plasmid-located efflux pump gene qacA in MRSA strain HPV107, a clinical isolate representative of the MRSA Iberian clone. The existence of efflux activity in strain HPV107 due to the QacA pump was also established and this QacA efflux activity was linked with a phenotype of reduced susceptibility towards several biocide compounds. No association could be made with antibiotic resistance. This work emphasises the potential of QacA pump activity in the maintenance and dissemination of important MRSA strains in the hospital setting and, increasingly, in the community.

An Illustrative Case of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and NF1 Microdeletion

We report on a patient with NF1 microdeletion and clinical manifestations that fulfill the diagnostic criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 but also presenting features reminiscent of Proteus syndrome.

Patients with nephrolithiasis and blood hypertension have higher calciuria than those with isolated nephrolithiasis or hypertension?

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine urinary excretion of calcium, uric acid and sodium and to evaluate insulin resistance in patients with nephrolithiasis and blood hypertension, isolated and in association, and in healthy controls, in absence of obesity and diabetes.

METHODS

The study included 83 non-obese or diabetic patients: 17 with nephrolithiasis and hypertension (group D); 25 with nephrolithiasis (group C); 17 with hypertension (group B) and 24 healthy controls (group A). Urinary analysis was done in 24-hour urine collection and insulin resistance was evaluated through the HOMA-IR index.

RESULTS

Calciuria was higher in group D in relation to groups A (P<0.01), B (P<0.01) and C (P=0.01). There was no significant difference between groups A and B (P=0.32), A and C (P=0.10) and B and C (P=0.68). Correlation analysis between urinary calcium detected strong correlation with uric acid in group A, regular in groups B and C and, strong with sodium in groups B and C. No differences were detected in uric acid and sodium excretion or insulin resistance among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with blood hypertension and nephrolithiasis present higher calciuria than healthy people, with hypertension or with lithiasis and do not have the positive correlation observed in these latter groups with renal excretion of uric acid and sodium. These results suggest that impaired renal calcium reabsorption in non-obese or diabetic individuals is involved in the association between hypertension and urolithiasis.

In vitro anti-rotavirus activity of some medicinal plants used in Brazil against diarrhea

Acute diarrhea, especially in children, is a very common disease with worldwide distribution and with a significant public health impact. Rotaviruses have been recognized as the major agents of diarrhea in infants and young children in developed as well as developing countries. In Brazil, diarrhea is one of the principal causes of death, mainly in the infant population. To fight diarrhea, traditional Brazilian medicine uses a great variety of plants. In this work, 12 medicinal plant species were screened for simian (SA-11) and human (HCR3) rotaviruses inhibition in vitro. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the extracts from Artocarpus integrifolia L. (Moraceae) bark (480 microg/ml) and Spondias lutea L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves (160 microg/ml) had antiviral activity against both viruses. They showed inhibition of 99.2% and 97%, respectively, for human rotavirus, and 96.4% and 96.2% for simian rotavirus. The extracts from Myristica fragrans Houtt (Myristicaceae) seeds (160 microg/ml) and Spongias lutea bark (40 microg/ml) inhibited human rotavirus (90% and 82.2% inhibition, respectively), whereas the extracts from Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) leaves (4 microg/ml) and Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae) leaves (8 microg/ml) showed activity only against simian rotavirus (82.2% and 93.8% inhibition, respectively). Our results indicate that the extracts of Artocarpus integrifolia, Myristica fragrans and Spongias lutea can be useful in the treatment of human diarrhea if the etiologic agent is a rotavirus.

Toxicological analysis and effectiveness of oral Kalanchoe pinnata on a human case of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is an extremely difficult disease to treat. Previously, it was shown that oral Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) leaf extract is strongly effective against murine leishmaniasis. Here, it is shown that the serum levels of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), urea and alkaline phosphatase were unchanged in mice orally treated with supraoptimal Kp doses for 30 days, indicating the absence of chronic toxicity to the liver, heart or kidney. Additionally, evidence is presented that human leishmaniasis may also be controlled with oral Kp. A 36-year-old man with an active cutaneous leishmaniasis was orally treated with 30 g wet weight of Kp leaves/day for 14 days. During the Kp treatment, the lesion stopped growing and slightly decreased. No adverse reactions or toxicity was observed. This study reports for the first time that Kalanchoe pinnata contains substances potentially active and safe for the oral treatment of human cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Preliminary in vitro studies on the Marsypianthes chamaedrys (boia-caá) extracts at fibrinoclotting induced by snake venoms

The extract of Marsypianthes chamaedrys, a plant used against snakebites, in the present study was shown to inhibit fibrinoclotting induced by several Brazilian snake venoms or thrombin. These data indicate that this extract affected thrombin-like enzymes. In this first report we determine some features of the components present in the extract regarding the antifibrinoclotting action. Our results show that active components responsible for those effects are thermo-resistant and are concentrated in the methanolic fraction.

A sulphated fucan from the Laminaria abyssalis inhibits the human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1-induced syncytium formation in HeLa cells

This work evaluated the effect of a sulphated fucan extracted from the Laminaria abyssalis marine algae on the human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-induced syncytium formation. The experiments were carried out in HeLa cells cocultured with a HTLV-1-infected T cell line (C91/PL cells) in the presence of the sulphated polysaccharide at concentration below that corresponding to the ED50. The sulphated fucan inhibited almost 100% of the syncytium formation at concentration of 100 microg/mI and was still active (>95%) at a concentration of 25 microg/ml. It was also observed that the best inhibition occurred when the compound was added in the first 2 h of the cell-to-cell contact. This is the first report showing that a purified sulphated polysaccharide, extracted from marine algae, is able to inhibit the cell-to-cell contact essential for the spreading of the HTLV-1.

Bronchodilator activity of Mikania glomerata Sprengel on human bronchi and guinea-pig trachea

The effects of aqueous extracts and hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE), and of a dichloromethane fraction (MG1) obtained from the HAE of Mikania glomerata leaves on isolated respiratory and vascular smooth muscle have been investigated. Aqueousextracts and HAE induced a significant inhibition on the histamine contractions on the isolated guinea-pig trachea. HAE extract induced a concentration-dependent relaxation on guinea-pig trachea pre-contracted with histamine (IC50 0.34 (0.29-0.39) mg mL(-1)), acetylcholine (IC50 0.72 (0.67-0.77) mg mL(-1)) or K+ (IC50 1.41 (1.18-1.64) mg mL(-1)) and on isolated human bronchi precontracted with K+ (IC50 0.34 (0.26-0.42) mg mL(-1)). The dichloromethane fraction induced a concentration dependent relaxation in guinea-pig trachea precontracted with K+ (IC50 0.017 (0.012-0.022) mg mL(-1)). The dichloromethane fraction had also a small vasodilator effect on the isolated mesenteric vascular bed and on the isolated rat aorta, and a significant reduction of the oedema induced by subplantar injections of Bothropsjararaca venom in mice. When tested on plasmid DNA, MG1 did not damage the DNA. Chromatographic analysis showed the presence of 11.4% w/w coumarin in MG1. The results supported the indication of M. glomerata products for the treatment of respiratory diseases where bronchoconstriction is present.

Isolation and chemical analysis of a fatty acid fraction of Kalanchoe pinnata with a potent lymphocyte suppressive activity

Previously we demonstrated that Kalanchoe pinnata (KP) leaf extracts inhibited in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and showed in vivo immunosuppressive activity. Here we attempt to identify the immunosuppressive substances present in KP guided by the lymphoproliferative assays. From the ethanolic extract was purified a fraction (KP12SA) twenty-fold more potent to block murine lymphocyte proliferation than the crude extract. Chemical analysis by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR and GC-MS of KP12SA (methylated sample) showed 89.3% of palmitic acid (C16), 10.7% of stearic acid (C18) and traces of arachidic (C20) and behenic acids (C22). This study provides evidence that fatty acids present in Kalanchoe pinnata may be responsible, at least in part, for its immunosuppressive effect in vivo.

The anti-leishmanial effect of Kalanchoe is mediated by nitric oxide intermediates

We have previously shown that oral treatment with the leaf extract of the plant Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) significantly decreases the lesion size and the parasite load in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Here we report on the mode of action of Kp, particularly on the induction of nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. We observed that Kp has no direct inhibitory activity on extracellular promastigotes, but effectively decreases the intracellular amastigote growth in a dose-related fashion. A 58% reduction in amastigote growth induced by 500 micrograms/ml Kp was associated with a 6-fold increase in the production of NO by the macrophages. IFN-gamma synergistically enhanced the NO-stimulating effect of Kp in culture. Co-treatment with the inducible NO synthase enzyme inhibitor L-NG-monomethyl-arginine abolished the antileishmanial effect of Kp in vitro and in L. amazonensis-infected BALB/c mice. These results indicate that the protective effect of Kp in leishmaniasis may not be due to a direct effect on the parasite itself but rather to activation of the reactive nitrogen intermediates pathway of macrophages.

Fully mutated and gray-zone FRAXA alleles in Brazilian mentally retarded boys

We used a non-isotopic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for fragile X syndrome diagnosis to screen 256 mentally retarded boys who were selected randomly from special schools. Patients identified as pre- or full-mutation carriers were further investigated by Southern blot analysis with the StB12.3 probe. The PCR-based test identified five boys with the expanded allele and 17 other patients as carriers of either premutated or gray-zone alleles. The full mutation was confirmed in four cases after Southern blotting and a fifth patient carried a normal allele. Of the 17 patients identified with a premutation allele by PCR, one individual was diagnosed as mosaic by Southern blotting, 12 individuals displayed fragments of 2.90 kb or 2.85 kb, and the remaining four individuals showed apparently normal-sized fragments. However, sizing of these 16 alleles by further PCR analysis showed them to be in the gray-zone range (40-60 repeats). Therefore, the frequency of the full mutation in this cohort of mentally retarded boys was close to 2% (5/256). The prevalence of gray-zone alleles among those mentally impaired boys who did not carry the full mutation was 6.4% (16/251) and, although more than twice the prevalence of these alleles among a cohort of unaffected Brazilian males 2.8% (71251), the difference did not reach statistical significance.

DXS548/FRAXAC1 haplotypes in fragile X chromosomes in the Brazilian population

In order to investigate the origin of the fragile X mutation in the Brazilian population, we assessed the size of the microsatellite markers DXS548, FRAXAC1 and FRAXAC2 in 72 X chromosomes from unrelated affected males and 64 control chromosomes. We found a significantly different distribution of alleles between fragile X and controls for loci DXS548 and FRAXAC1, but no apparent linkage disequilibrium was detected for the sequence FRAXAC2. The most frequent DXS548/FRAXAC1 haplotypes in affected males were haplotypes 204/158 bp (2-1) and 196/152 bp (6-4). These findings are in accordance with the proposed two main mutational pathways for the generation of FMR-1 alleles that predispose to instability and hyperexpansion.

Fragile X premutation is a significant risk factor for premature ovarian failure: the International Collaborative POF in Fragile X study--preliminary data

The preliminary results of an international collaborative study examining premature menopause in fragile X carriers are presented. A total of 760 women from fragile X families was surveyed about their fragile X carrier status and their menstrual and reproductive histories. Among the subjects, 395 carried a premutation, 128 carried a full mutation, and 237 were noncarriers. Sixty-three (16%) of the premutation carriers had experienced menopause prior to the age of 40 compared with none of the full mutation carriers and one (0.4%) of the controls. Based on these preliminary data, there is a significant association between fragile X premutation carrier status and premature menopause.

FRAXA premutation associated with premature ovarian failure

A family is described in which six females in three generations experienced premature ovarian failure (POF). In three of them a FRAXA premutation was documented and the carrier status of a fourth female could be inferred, because her son had the fragile X syndrome. These findings provide further evidence for a nonrandom association between POF and the FRAXA premutation.

Therapeutic effect of oral Kalanchoe pinnata leaf extract in murine leishmaniasis

The effect of a leaf extract from Kalanchoe pinnata (Kp) was investigated in BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania amazonensis. Oral treatment with Kp significantly delayed onset of disease as compared to untreated mice or mice receiving Kp by the intravenous or topical routes. When initiated at early stages of infection, daily oral doses of 8 mg prevented lesion growth and the effect was long-lasting, comparable to the reference antileishmanial drug Glucantime. The decreased lesion growth using the oral route was accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of viable parasites. Protection was accompanied by a diminished capacity of animals to develop delayed-type hypersensitivity and to produce specific antibodies.

Patuletin acetylrhamnosides from Kalanchoe brasiliensis as inhibitors of human lymphocyte proliferative activity

The fractionation of the juice of fresh stems and leaves of Kalanchoe brasiliensis was monitored by an assay measuring lymphocyte proliferative activity and allowed the isolation and identification of seven patuletin rhamnoside derivatives [1-7]. Three of them are novel, namely, patuletin 3-O-(4"-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-7-O-(2'"-O-acetyl- alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside) [1], patuletin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-(2'"-O-acetyl-alpha-L- rhamnopyranoside) [3], and patuletin 3-O-(4"-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-7-O- rhamnopyranoside [4], and four are known [2, 5-7]. Their structures were determined by the analysis of 1H-1H and 1H-13C COSY nmr, ci, and fab mass spectra.

Genotoxic and mutagenic effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in prokaryotic organisms

Aqueous extracts of Paullinia cupana (guarana), a species that belongs to the Sapindaceae family, were analyzed for the presence of genotoxic activities in bacterial cells. The extracts of guarana were genotoxic as assessed by lysogenic induction in Escherichia coli and they were also able to induce mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium. Addition of S9 microsomal fraction, catalase, superoxide dismutase or thiourea counteracted the genotoxic activity of guarana, suggesting that oxygen reactive species play an essential role in the genotoxicity of aqueous guarana extracts. The genotoxic activity in the extracts was related to the presence of a molecular complex formed by caffeine and a flavonoid (catechin or epicatechin) in the presence of potassium.

Suprasellar germinoma: an unusual clinical presentation

A case is described of suprasellar tumor with diabetes insipidus, diminishing visual acuity, inferior bitemporal quadrantanopia, and hypopituitarism in a 19-year-old man. Computerized tomographic scan of the brain after contrast injection demonstrated periventricular enhancement. Diagnosis of germinoma was made on the basis of clinical and radiographic information and a biopsy that revealed malignant cells. The tumor responded well to radiation therapy. Diagnostic difficulties were created by systemic manifestations unrelated to endocrinopathy. Pertinent literature is reviewed.