Nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells to preadipocytes

We aimed to evaluate the impact of nutrient supplementation of beef female calves at pre-weaning on adipogenic determination. Thirty-four female calves were assigned to two experimental treatments: Control (CON, n = 17), where animals were supplemented only with mineral mixture; Supplemented (SUP, n = 17), where animals received energy-protein supplement containing minerals (5 g/kg of BW per day) of their body weight. Animals were supplemented from 100 to 250 days of age, and muscle samples were biopsied at the end of the supplementation period. Regarding the performance variables, there were no differences between treatments for initial body weight (P = 0.75). The final body weight (P = 0.07), average daily gain (P = 0.07), rib eye area (P = 0.03), and rib fat thickness (P = 0.08) were greater in SUP female calves compared with CON treatment. The number of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (P = 0.69) did not differ between treatments, while a greater number of intramuscular pre-adipocytes were observed in SUP than CON female calves (P = 0.01). The expression of miRNA-4429 (P = 0.20) did not differ between treatments, while the expression of miRNA-129-5p (P = 0.09) and miRNA-129-2-3p (P = 0.05) was greater in CON than SUP female calves. Our results suggest that nutrient supplementation at early postnatal stages of development enhances the commitment of fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells into the adipogenic lineages allowing to an increase in intramuscular fat deposition potential of the animals later in life.

Effects of cottonseed oil and ferrous sulfate on the performance and expression of antioxidant enzymes in broilers

Aiming to reduce feed costs, cottonseed oil (CSO) has been used as an alternative component in diets for broilers. However, this oil contains gossypol, an antinutritional agent that impacts the use of mineral elements, inhibits glucose uptake, and has a direct inhibitory action on intestinal enzymes. Nevertheless, toxic effects of gossypol can be prevented by the addition of iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate (FS), to the diet. This work was conducted to evaluate performance and gene expression of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the intestines of 21- and 42-day-old broilers fed 0, 2, 4, or 6% concentrations of CSO, with or without FS. All CSO diets led to weight gain (WG) at 21 D. At 42 D, an increase in WG and a decrease in feed conversion (FCR) in the diets containing FS were observed. In 21-day-old birds supplemented with 4% CSO and FS, an increase in GPx gene expression was observed when compared to the 6% level. Animals (42 day old) supplemented with 6% CSO and FS presented greater expression of SOD gene when compared to 2% CSO and FS. In addition, a higher GPx expression in broilers supplemented with 6% CSO and FS compared to 6% CSO without FS was achieved. In conclusion, including CSO in the diets of broiler favors WG in animals at 21 D of age, independent of the presence or absence of FS; and including 4% CSO and FS in the diet of these animals alters the expression of the GPx gene in the intestine, so it is not necessary to add FS at 21 D. On the other hand, in 42-day-old broilers, the addition of FS is indicated, due to increases WG, decreased FCR and at the 6% CSO level without FS increase in the expression of the SOD and GPx genes.

[Transient reading disorders associated with interictal epileptiform paroxysmal discharges in invasive videocorticography]

INTRODUCTION

Epilepsy in pediatric age are frequently associated with cognitive disorders. Different studies correlated the presence of transient cognitive disorders with the presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs).

CASE REPORT

A 23-year-old woman with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy was evaluated with invasive videoEEG in the context of epilepsy surgery. There were selected 300 periods of 10 seconds duration from the invasive videoEEG, which were classified into two groups. Group 1 showed IEDs restricted to the cortex of the middle frontal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, left lateral and medial occipitotemporal gyrus (dominant hemisphere). In group 2, IEDs was observed in the upper and middle frontal gyrus, precentral, the inferior and middle temporal left gyrus. The patient read the same text during the selected peirods. The number of words read in each period was counted. The working memory was evaluated by the inverse digit test. In group 1, the average number of words read was 10.2 (95% CI: 10.04-10.35); in group 2 it was 2.3 (95% CI: 2.12-2.27; t(146) = 94.55; p < 0.0001). In group 1, the average of inverse digits was 4.05 (95% CI: 3.81-4.30); in group 2 it was 2.67 (95% CI: 2.48-2.86; t(33) = 10.34; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding allows us to infer that the interference of IEDs in the cortex of the upper and middle frontal gyrus, precentral, middle and lower temporal gyrus of the dominant hemisphere, causes a dysfunction of neural networks involved in reading.

Effect of glycerin supplementation on the expression of antioxidant and mitochondrial genes in broilers

Crude glycerin has been used as an alternative energy source in animal feeding and can thus change both the animal’s performance and the levels of gene expression related to energy production process and the antioxidant system, since the effect of glycerin depends on its degree of purity in the diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude glycerin inclusion (0, 6 and 12%) in the diet has on performance characteristics and mRNA abundance of genes associated with the mitochondrial function (uncoupling protein (UCP), cytochrome C oxidase subunit III (COX III) and adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT)) and those that combat the reactive oxygen species (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) in the liver and muscle of broilers at 42 days of age. Total RNA was extracted from the tissues, and cDNA was amplified using specific primers for the genes under study through real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the endogenous gene used was β-actin. There was no difference between glycerin concentrations for weight gain, feed intake or feed conversion. Greater expression of UCP at muscle and higher GPx expression at liver were observed in broilers fed 12% glycerin. In conclusion, the addition of 12% glycerin to broiler diets increased the expression of UCP and GPx, but did not change broiler performance. Therefore, glycerin can be used as an alternative ingredient without losses.

Junctions of Endoplasmic Reticulum and Virus like Intranuclear Inclusions in Amelanotic Melanoma Metastatic to the Jejunum

Antemortem diagnosis of amelanotic metastatic melanoma to jejunum was made in a 35-year-old white man, who is still alive and healthy. Electron microscopy, in addition to finding premelanosomes, revealed virus-like intranuclear inclusions. Nuclear pockets and junctions of endoplasmic reticulum were also observed.

TRIENNIAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: Dedifferentiated fat cells: Potential and perspectives for their use in clinical and animal science purpose

An increasing body of evidences has demonstrated the ability of the mature adipocyte to dedifferentiate into a population of proliferative-competent cells known as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. As early as the 1970s, in vitro studies showed that DFAT cells may be obtained by ceiling culture, which takes advantage of the buoyancy property of lipid-filled cells. It was documented that DFAT cells may acquire a phenotype similar to mesenchymal stem cells and yet may differentiate into multiple cell lineages, such as skeletal and smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. Additionally, recent studies showed the ability of isolated mature adipocytes to dedifferentiate in vivo and the capacity of the progeny cells to redifferentiate into mature adipocytes, contributing to the increase of body fatness. These findings shed light on the potential for use of DFAT cells, not only for clinical purposes but also within the animal science field, because increasing intramuscular fat without excessive increase in other fat depots is a challenge in livestock production. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation and redifferentiation of DFAT cells will allow the development of strategies for their use for clinical and animal science purposes. In this review, we highlight several aspects of DFAT cells, their potential for clinical purposes, and their contribution to adipose tissue mass in livestock.

Gelsolin role in microapocrine secretion

A role of gelsolin in opening the way along the microvilli for secretory vesicles during microapocrine secretion is proposed here. Data obtained with different techniques showed that many digestive enzymes are released by microapocrine secretion in insects. Proteins that might be involved in the machinery of microapocrine secretion were selected from our transcriptomes and literature searches. The proteins were annexin, Complex actin-related proteins 2 and 3 (ARP 2/3) cofilin, fimbrin, gelsolin 1, gelsolin 2, moesin, myosin 1, myosin 6, protein disulphide isomerase 1 (PDI 1), PDI 2 and profilin. The cDNAs coding for annexin, fimbrin, gelsolin 1, myosin 1, PDI 1 and PDI 2 were cloned and their sequences deposited in GenBank. Only gelsolin 1 and myosin 1 are expressed exclusively in the midgut (semiquantitative reverse transcriptase PCR). As myosin 1 may have a structural role in microvilli, gelsolin 1 is the best guess to be involved in the secretory machinery. A truncated recombinant gelsolin 1 was used to generate antibodies with which it was shown labelling inside and around midgut cell microvilli shown in an electron microscope, reinforcing a microvillar role for gelsolin 1. Suppression of gelsolin 1 synthesis by RNA interference prevents secretory vesicles from advancing inside the microvilli, in agreement with its putative role in severing the actin filaments to free the way for the vesicles.

Development of the National Kidney Transplantation Program in Uruguay

The first kidney transplantation (KT) in Uruguay was performed in 1969. We report the rates of KT and survival of patients and grafts up to December 2014. The country has a surface of 176,215 km(2) and a population of 3,286,314 inhabitants (18.6 inhabitants per km(2)). Till December 31, 2014, 1,940 KT have been performed in Uruguay (41.8 pmp that year); 90.4% of them were from cadaveric donors (CD). Median age of recipients (R) was 44 ± 14 years; R older than 55 years increased from 0 to 27% during the period. Our pre-emptive KT program started in 2007. Optimal donors (D) decreased from 65.2% to 35.5%, and D older than 45 years old increased from 9% to 37%. Trauma as cause of death decreased from 49% to 32% and stroke as cause of death increased from 25% to 39%. Patient survival rates at 1, 5, and 8 years were 93%, 87%, and 78%, respectively for KT performed between 1980 and 1989; they were 98%, 93%, and 89%, respectively, for KT performed between 1990 and1999; they were 97%, 91%, and 90%, respectively, for KT performed between 2000 and 2010. In December 2013, there were 1098 patients pmp in renal replacement therapy, 758 pmp in dialysis, and 340 pmp (30.9%) with a functioning graft. Our national KT program is mainly based (90.6%) on cadaveric donation. Epidemiological changes in the characteristics of R and D followed the changes in aging that occurred in the general population and the dialysis population. The survival rates from patients and kidneys are similar to those reported by the European and the American registries.

Genetic divergence of common bean cultivars

The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic divergence in the 'Carioca' (beige with brown stripes) common bean cultivar used by different institutions and in 16 other common bean cultivars used in the Rede Cooperativa de Pesquisa de Feijão (Cooperative Network of Common Bean Research), by using simple sequence repeats associated with agronomic traits that are highly distributed in the common bean genome. We evaluated 22 polymorphic loci using bulks containing DNA from 30 plants. There was genetic divergence among the Carioca cultivar provided by the institutions. Nevertheless, there was lower divergence among them than among the other cultivars. The cultivar used by Instituto Agronômico do Paraná was the most divergent in relation to the Carioca samples. The least divergence was observed among the samples used by Universidade Federal de Lavras and by Embrapa Arroz e Feijão. Of all the cultivars, 'CNFP 10104' and 'BRSMG Realce' showed the greatest dissimilarity. The cultivars were separated in two groups of greatest similarity using the Structure software. Genetic variation among cultivars was greater than the variation within or between the groups formed. This fact, together with the high estimate of heterozygosity observed and the genetic divergence of the samples of the Carioca cultivar in relation to the original provided by Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, indicates a mixture of cultivars. The high divergence among cultivars provides potential for the utilization of this genetic variability in plant breeding.

Serological, biochemical and enzymatic alterations in rodents after experimental envenomation with Hadruroides lunatus scorpion venom

Toxic effects of Peruvian Hadruroides lunatus scorpion venom on different biochemical and enzymatic parameters in blood serum of Wistar rats and Swiss mice were determined after experimental envenomation. An increase in enzymatic activities of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of serum protein and albumin were observed while a decrease in creatinine level in serum was perceived after 30 min of envenomation. No alterations in urea levels and in kidney histology were detected in the envenomed rats. The global leukocytes count was diminished, with decrease in lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils levels in the bloodstream, while no alterations were found in hematological parameters of red series in rats injected with H. lunatus venom. IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, INF-γ, TNF, IL-17A and IL-10 levels were evaluated 0.5, 3 and 6 h after experimental envenomation of mice with H. lunatus venom. From all the analyzed cytokines, only IL-6 showed an increase in serum levels. Taken together, these results point out that envenomation by H. lunatus can impair hematological and immunological parameters and therefore might be monitored in accidents involving this species.

Cellular and molecular studies of the effects of a selective COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib in the cardiac cell line H9c2 and their correlation with death mechanisms

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and evidence indicates a correlation between the inflammatory process and cardiac dysfunction. Selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme are not recommended for long-term use because of potentially severe side effects to the heart. Considering this and the frequent prescribing of commercial celecoxib, the present study analyzed cellular and molecular effects of 1 and 10 µM celecoxib in a cell culture model. After a 24-h incubation, celecoxib reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner as also demonstrated in MTT assays. Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the drug modulated the expression level of genes related to death pathways, and Western blot analyses demonstrated a modulatory effect of the drug on COX-2 protein levels in cardiac cells. In addition, the results demonstrated a downregulation of prostaglandin E2 production by the cardiac cells incubated with celecoxib, in a dose-specific manner. These results are consistent with the decrease in cell viability and the presence of necrotic processes shown by Fourier transform infrared analysis, suggesting a direct correlation of prostanoids in cellular homeostasis and survival.

Clinical spectrum and difficulties in management of hypothalamic hamartoma in a developing country

AIM

We describe the clinical features, treatment and prognosis in a series of patients with epilepsy secondary to hypothalamic hamarthomas (HH) in a developing country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients with epilepsy and HH were included between 1997 and 2006. We analyzed gender, age, age at seizure onset (ASO), seizure types (ST), mental retardation (MR), precocious puberty (PP), electroencephalogram (EEG)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and response to treatment.

RESULTS

Mean age 25.1 years, 2/6 female/male, none had PP, ASO 4.5 years. Complex partial seizure were the most frequent (100%), mean similar to those seen in temporal (62.5%) or frontal lobe epilepsy (37.5%). Exactly 87.5% developed gelastic seizures (GS). Half of the patients showed MR. Mild-to-severe MR was associated with the presence of multiple ST including atonic and complex partial seizures with frontal semiology. Interictal EEG was abnormal in 87.5% patients. Video EEG was performed in three cases with unspecific findings. HH were small and sessile in seven patients whereas large and pedunculated in one. All patients were refractory to medical treatment. In five, an additional procedure was performed without any significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

These series show the heterogeneous spectrum of this entity and the difficulties in its treatment in a developing country.

[Analysis of psychotic disorders in patients with refractory partial epilepsy, psychiatric diagnoses and clinical aspects]

INTRODUCTION

The association between psychotic disorders and epilepsy has been controversial. Different subtypes of psychotic disorders in epilepsy patients have been described according to temporal relationship with seizures-postictal (PIP), interictal (IIP) and bimodal (BP) psychoses are described in literature.

OBJECTIVES

Determine clinical characteristics of patients with refractory partial epilepsy and psychoses and compare the results with a control group of patients with refractory partial epilepsy without psychoses.

METHODS

A total of 57 patients with refractory partial epilepsy and psychotic disorders (psychotic group [PG]) and 56 patients with refractory partial epilepsy and without psychoses (control group, CG) were evaluated according to DSM-IV criteria and SCID-I. All patients underwent complete neurological, neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and psychiatric assessment. Clinical, demographic and neuroimaging data were compared between patients in CG and PG.

RESULTS

In PG 15 patients (26 %) had criteria for PIP, 29 patients (51%) for IIP and 13 patients (23%) for BP. Epilepsy time duration and bilateral hippocampal sclerosis were significantly more frequent in patients with psichosis. PG patients had a longer evolution time of epilepsy and greater frequency of bilateral hippocampal sclerosis (p < 0.05). No differences were found between psychoses subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer evolution of seizures and the presence of bilateral hippocampal sclerosis may increase propensity to develop psychoses in patients with refractory partial epilepsy.

Prediction of epileptic seizures using accumulated energy in a multiresolution framework

Records of brain electrical activity from intracranial EEG of four patients with different types of epilepsy are analyzed to predict the epileptic seizure onset. A method based on the evolution of the accumulated energy using wavelet analysis is introduced. This is an efficient method to predict epileptic seizures: from 13 preseizure signals, the seizure onset in 12 of those are predicted.

Rehabilitation of Schizophrenic Patients

Schizophrenia is a maldevelopmental disorder of the brain that manifests in positive, negative, cognitive and affective symptoms. Currently, the mainstay of treatment involves pharmacotherapy. The limitations of antipsychotic treatment are that they can only control symptoms and cannot cure the illness, and 20% of patients do not respond, thus leading to the requirement of maintenance treatment. Patients that do respond continue to have disabling residual symptoms such as amotivation and isolation, maladaptive behavior, and impaired social functioning. These symptoms prevent patients from attaining educational, occupational, and social roles. Psychosocial interventions and models of quality of life in schizophrenia are based on the notion that increases in psychosocial functioning will be related to improvement in subjective experiences, such as self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The comparative effect of specific treatment methods and the additional benefits of multiple treatments need to be explored. Diversified techniques have also been employed, such as shaping, cognitive process therapy, mastery-oriented skill training, motivation and enhancement. Issues in designing psychosocial interventions and the role of various professionals in providing such interventions need to be carefully considered. Predictor variables and the indications for particular therapies in an individual need to be explored. Generalizability of the gains made by rehabilitation/recovery is also an important consideration. Patients in jail, chronic mental hospitals, private facilities, and the Veterans Administration system are all different in their ability to benefit, their motivations, and the severity of their psychopathology. Therefore, it is very difficult to generalize findings from one setting to another.

Clinical-electroencephalogram patterns at seizure onset in patients with hippocampal sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to identify specific clinical-electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns at seizure onset in patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS).

METHODS

Sixty-six ictal video-EEG recordings corresponding to 26 patients with HS have been reviewed, focusing on the EEG features found during the first 30 ictal s. The EEG activity has been classified into the following groups: (A) according to spatial distribution: type 1: temporal electrodes on one side; type 2: temporal and adjacent frontal electrodes on one side; and type 3: non-lateralizing electrographic activity; and (B) according to morphology; subtype (a): regular 5-9 Hz rhythmic activity (RA); subtype (b): low-voltage rapid activity, followed by a 5-9 Hz RA; and subtype (c): irregular EEG sharp waves. We analyzed the clinical symptoms sequence and established the relationship with the ictal EEG patterns.

RESULTS

Considering spatial distribution and morphology, the most frequent ictal EEG patterns were type 1 (57%), type 2 (37%), and subtype (a): 62%; subtype (b): 27%; and subtype (c): 11%. The sequence of clinical symptoms observed was: aura-->behavioral arrest-->oro-alimentary automatisms-->unilateral hand automatisms. All seizures with aura and including two or more symptoms of the clinical sequence (65%) were associated with a 1a, 1b, 2a or 2b EEG pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of a specific clinical-EEG pattern provides a useful tool for the epileptogenic zone localization in non-invasive pre-surgical assessment of patients with hippocampal sclerosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

The identification of a specific clinical-EEG pattern associated to neuroimaging findings and neuropsychological testing allows indicating surgery for the treatment of epilepsy in patients with hippocampal sclerosis, without performing any further complementary studies.

Clinical features and prognosis of nonepileptic seizures in a developing country

PURPOSE

To determine the predictive value of clinical features and medical history in patients with nonepileptic seizures (NESs).

METHODS

One hundred sixty-one consecutive ictal video-EEGs were reviewed, and 17 patients with 41 NESs identified. NES diagnosis was defined as paroxysmal behavioral changes suggestive of epileptic seizures recorded during video-EEC without any electrographic ictal activity. Clinical features, age, sex, coexisting epilepsy, associated psychiatric disorder, social and economic factors, delay in reaching the diagnosis of NES, previous treatment, and correlation with outcome on follow-up were examined.

RESULTS

The study population included 70% female patients with a mean age of 33 years. Mean duration of NESs before diagnosis was 9 years. Forty-one percent had coexisting epilepsy. The most frequent NES clinical features were tonic-clonic mimicking movements and fear/anxiety/hyperventilation. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was conversion disorder and dependent and borderline personality disorder. Seventy-three percent of patients with pure NESs received antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and 63.5% of this group received new AEDs. Fifty-nine percent of the patients received psychological/psychiatric therapy. At follow-up, 23.5% were free of NESs.

CONCLUSIONS

All seizure-free patients had two good prognostic factors: having an independent lifestyle and the acceptance of the nonepileptic nature of the episodes. Video-EEG monitoring continues to be the diagnostic method to ensure accurate seizure classification. Establishing adequate health care programs to facilitate access to new technology in public hospitals as well as the implementation of continuous education programs for general practitioners and neurologists could eventually improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NESs.

Mutations of the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene in Brazilian patients with phenylketonuria

In the present study, 115 Brazilian families with phenylketonuria (PKU), mainly from the Southeast of the country, were studied using three laboratory methods (DGGE, SSCP, and sequencing). All 13 exons of the PAH gene were analyzed, including the splicing sites and the promoter region. We identified 50 distinct mutations and characterized 91% of the mutant alleles. The five most prevalent mutations of the 50 mutations identified (50% of the PKU alleles) were IVS10nt-11G-->A (17.4%), followed by R261Q (12.2%), V388M (9.1%), R252W (6.5%), and R270K (4.8%). The other mutations were rare. The mutation spectrum included 10 novel mutations (IVS5nt-54A-->G, IVS6nt17G-->T, E205A, F240S, K274E, I318T, L321L, C357G, IVS11nt17G-->A, and S411X). To characterize the origin and distribution of the PAH alleles we determined the association between the detected mutations and the PCR/RFLP haplotypes and VNTR alleles located on the PAH gene. For those patients whose mutant alleles were detected, we calculated the correlation with pretreatment phenylalanine levels, thus establishing a genotype/phenotype correlation. The present results confirm the marked heterogeneity observed at the PAH locus and contribute to the understanding of the distribution and frequency of PKU mutations in the Brazilian population.

[Mesial temporal sclerosis syndrome in adult patients]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an essential tool in the work-up of epilepsy. Since its appearance it has been possible to identify pathologies, such as hippocampal sclerosis (HS), that had previously only been detected by histopathological assays. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations, EEG and the outcome of patients with HS as shown by MRI. We revised the clinical histories of 384 outpatients from the Epilepsy Center, Ramos Mejía Hospital, who had been studied by MRI. Thirty five of them (15.5%) had a diagnosis of HS, based on the structural changes observed on the images. Six patients were excluded because of incomplete clinical data. Therefore, we studied 29 patients including 15 men. The mean age was 32.7 +/- 10.2 years (range: 19-58). All of them had partial seizures. Ten subjects had had febrile convulsions (34.5%) in childhood. Neurological examination was normal in all subjects. Interictal EEG showed focal abnormalities that were coincident in their location with the MRI abnormalities in 16 patients (55.1%). Fourteen patients (48.3%) showed right side hippocampal lesions on MRI, thirteen on the left side (44.9%) and 2 bilateral HS (6.8%). Twenty-seven patients (93.1%) had intractable epilepsy. Anterior temporal lobectomy was performed in 3 subjects with good outcome. The identification of these patients who present certain clinical and MRI characteristics, provides an opportunity to define the mesial temporal sclerosis syndrome. This could benefit patients in their prognosis and for specific treatments.

Caveolae a new subcellular transport organelle

Recent advances have allowed the identification and characterization of well defined vesicular subcellular organelles involved in multiple basic cellular physiological processes, with demonstrated clinical relevance. Among these, three particular subcellular organelles have received special attention based on their proven and postulated participation in the sorting and targeting of small-and large-molecular weight molecules during exocytosis and endocytosis, and in cell signaling and transduction events. These have characteristic proteinaceous coat structures that allows their classification accordingly, into what has been described as clathrin coated vesicles and COP-coated vesicles and caveolae. In this review article a brief description of clathrin-coated vesicles and COP-coated vesicles is presented. Caveolae (CAV), in turn, constitute a novel subcellular organelle that has received special attention based on its proven and postulated participation in transcytosis, potocytosis, and in cell signaling and transduction events. In this review of the literature a more extensive discussion is presented of CAV. In this context the article discusses the structural features of caveolae, its constituent protein caveolin(s), the functional aspects of this new organelle, and its postulated clinical relevance.

Development of highly specific monoclonal antibodies for the diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae 01

We report here the development of two monoclonal antibodies, termed 5G8 and 5C12, belonging to the IgM and IgG1 class, respectively, suitable for the identification of Vibrio cholerae 01 in clinical and environmental samples. The specificities of the monoclonals were evaluated by ELISA and indirect immunofluorescent microscopy of microorganisms normally present in stool samples and with two bacterial panels. One panel included 72 potentially antigenically related bacterial strains and the second panel included 20 pathogenic bacterial strains involved in diarrhea cases. The results of these extensive analyses indicate that monoclonal antibodies 5G8 and 5C12 are highly specific and suitable for the clinical diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae 01 in human stool samples by indirect immunofluorescent microscopy. Although the antigenic sites recognized by these antibodies were not identified in this study, the observation of Western blot patterns suggested that 5G8 and 5C12 monoclonal antibodies bind to LPS epitopes, a good structural marker for the detection of V. cholerae 01 because it is present in all bacterial cell walls.

Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of a meningococcal group B (15:P1.3) outer membrane protein vaccine in Iquique, Chile. Chilean National Committee for Meningococcal Disease

A meningococcal group B (15:P1.3) outer membrane protein vaccine was tested for efficacy in a randomized, double-blind controlled study in Iquique, Chile. A total of 40 811 volunteers, ages 1-21 years, enrolled in the study. Volunteers received two doses of vaccine six weeks apart by jet injector. Both the experimental vaccine and the control vaccine (Menomune, A, C, Y and W135 meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine) were well tolerated with minor side-effects. Active surveillance for suspected cases of meningococcal disease was conducted for 20 months in Iquique. Eighteen cases of group B meningococcal disease were confirmed during the 20 months. Efficacy was estimated to be 51% (p = 0.11) for all ages combined. In children aged 1-4 no protection was evident, but in volunteers aged 5-21 vaccine efficacy was 70% (p = 0.045). The IgG antibody response by ELISA was characterized by a large booster effect after the second dose, followed by a substantial drop in antibody levels by 6 months. The youngest children had the highest responses. The bactericidal antibody response, on the other hand, was characterized by the lack of a significant booster response, higher responses in the older children, and an increase in the geometric mean titer in the later months of the study in the older children.