Schistosoma japonicum triose-phosphate isomerase plasmid DNA vaccine protects pigs against challenge infection

The protective efficacy of a Schistosoma japonicum, Chinese strain, triose-phosphate isomerase (TPI) plasmid DNA vaccine was examined in naïve pigs. Pigs were vaccinated with the TPI DNA-plasmid alone, or in conjunction with IL-12 as pcDNA3.1-P35, pcDNA3.1-P40 plasmids via intramuscular injection. Control pigs were immunized with equivalent amounts of pcDNA3.1. Pigs were immunized 3 times at 21-day intervals and challenged 30 days after the final boost. Forty-five days post-challenge, pigs were sacrificed and perfused to compare adult worm burdens, female worm burdens, liver egg burdens and granuloma size. We found that pigs vaccinated with SjCTPI DNA alone had adult worm burdens reduced by 48.3% and that a further decrease in adult worm burdens was not seen in the group vaccinated with SjCTPI DNA in conjunction with IL-12 (46.2% reduction). The SjCTPI DNA vaccines had a more pronounced effect on reducing female worm burdens i.e. 53.6% SjCTPI alone and 59.6% for SjCTPI+IL-12. Vaccination with SjCTPI-DNA reduced liver eggs by 49.4% and this response was significantly enhanced by the addition of IL-12 (65.8% reduction in liver eggs). In addition to the dramatic protective effects seen in vaccinated pigs, we also noted that granuloma size was reduced by 42% in both groups. Thus, vaccination of pigs and other large animals in China with SjCTPI DNA vaccine will likely reduce transmission by reducing adult worm burdens and worm egg output and simultaneously reduce hepatic egg-associated pathology.

Mechanically induced self-propagating reactions: analysis of reactive substrates and degradation of aromatic sulfonic pollutants

Mechanochemical reactions have been identified as a valuable alternative to conventional methodologies for the degradation of toxic pollutants as well as for their abatement in contaminated matrices. This paper discusses the application of the mechanochemical technique to the degradation of sulfonic acids in a contaminated matrix. The degradation of the pollutant compound was carried out by taking advantage of combustive reactions on a suitable reactive system ignited under mechanical treatment conditions. Two systems have been investigated as possible reactive substrates. The first one was a Mg-SiO2 powder mixture while the second system was a Ca-SiO2 powder mixture. Milling trials performed under different mechanical processing conditions allowed one to characterise the reactivity of these chemical systems, which basically undergo a reduction/oxidation reaction involving the formation of MgO and Si phases when the Mg-SiO2 system is considered and CaO and Si phases when the Ca-SiO2 system is employed, respectively. The systematic change of the stoichiometric ratios Mg:SiO2 and Ca:SiO2 permitted to identify the minimum Mg or Ca content necessary for the ignition of the combustive reactions. The experimental runs performed with such systems have shown a greater effectiveness of the Mg-SiO2 because of less energy inputs required to ignite a combustion. For this reason the Mg-SiO2 has been considered as a reactive substrate in the following trials. Since the SiO2 amount in stoichiometric excess may be regarded as inert phase, it was substituted with a different phase consisting of the matrix contaminated by sulfonic acids. This aspect permitted to ignite a combustive reaction with the minimum possible content of Mg-SiO2 reacting mixture. The chemical analyses performed after the combustive reaction proved the complete removal of the sulfonic acid from the contaminated matrix.

Mobility of heavy metals from tailings to stream waters in a mining activity contaminated site

In this paper the results of a recent characterization of Rio Piscinas (SW of Sardinia, Italy) hydrological basin are reported. In such area (about 50 km2), previous mining activities caused a serious heavy metal contamination of surface waters, groundwater, soils and biota. Acid mine drainage phenomena were observed in the area. The main sources of contamination are the tailings stored in mine tunnels and abandoned along fluvial banks. A methodological approach was adopted in order to identify relations between tailings and water contamination. Representative samples of tailings and stream sediments samples were collected. XRD analyses were performed for mineralogical characterization, while acid digestion was carried out for determining metal contents. Batch sequential leaching tests were performed in order to assess metal mobility. Also groundwater and stream water were sampled in specific locations and suitably characterized. All information collected allowed the understanding of the effect of tailings on water contamination, thus contributing to the qualitative prediction of pollution evolution on the basis of metal mobility. Finally, a potential remediation strategy of stream water is proposed.

Field- and pressure-induced phases in Sr4Ru3O10: a spectroscopic investigation

We have investigated the magnetic-field- and pressure-induced structural and magnetic phases of the triple-layer ruthenate Sr4Ru3O10. Magnetic-field-induced changes in the phonon spectra reveal dramatic spin-reorientation transitions and strong magnetoelastic coupling in this material. Further, we are able to deduce key magnetoelastic coupling parameters, and evidence that the magnetic moments are localized on the Ru sites. Additionally, pressure-dependent Raman measurements at different temperatures reveal an anomalous negative Gruneisen parameter associated with the B(1g) mode (approximately 380 cm(-1)) at low temperatures (T < 75 K), which can be explained consistently with the field-dependent Raman data.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in the neonatal rat model: relationship between lesion size at early MR imaging and irreversible infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

By using a neonatal rat hypoxia-ischemia (HI) model, we studied the relationship between lesion volume-measured by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) at an early time point-and irreversible infarct volume. We also evaluated the optimal apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) threshold that provides the best correlation with irreversible infarct size.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three neonatal rats underwent right common carotid artery ligation and hypoxia. MR imaging was performed 1-2 hours post-HI by using DWI and T2WI and at day 4 post-HI by using T2WI. Lesion volumes relative to whole brain (%LV) were measured on ADC maps by using different relative ADC thresholds 60%-80% of mean contralateral ADC and T2WI. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were used to study the relationships between ln(%LV) at MR imaging and %LV at histopathology.

RESULTS

At 1-2 hours post-HI, all lesion volume measurements on DWI were significantly correlated with the infarct volume on histopathology, with the best correlation attained at the 80% ADC threshold (r = 0.738; P < .001). The estimated regression formula was %LV on histopathology = 20.60 + 3.33 ln(%LV on 80% ADC threshold) (adjusted R(2) = 0.523; P < .001). Lesion volume at 1-2 hours post-HI tended to underestimate the final infarct volume.

CONCLUSION

Early post-HI MR imaging by using DWI correlates moderately well with the size of irreversible infarct, especially when measured by using a relative ADC threshold of 80% mean contralateral ADC.

Relative hypoparathyroidism induced by interferon treatment in a hemodialysis patient

Several authors have documented beneficial effects of interferon (IFN) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among the dialysis population. Reports about mineral metabolism disturbances during IFN treatment are scarce, especially in dialysis patients. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman on hemodialysis with chronic HCV infection who developed significant decrease in serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels accompanied by relative hypoparathyroidism while being under treatment with alpha-IFN. These changes were closely related to IFN treatment, because they disappeared after INF was discontinued, reaching Ca and P levels which were similar to those of the pre-IFN period. Because IFN may induce immune disorders, several autoimmune markers were analyzed. All of them were negative or within the normal range. To further explore these mineral metabolism disturbances, a number ofparathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion-inhibiting factors, such as aluminum, magnesium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and calcitriol were excluded as a cause for these changes. We suggest that mineral metabolism should be carefully observed during interferon treatment in dialysis patients.

Colossal magnetoresistance by avoiding a ferromagnetic state in the Mott system Ca3Ru2O7

Transport and magnetic studies of Ca3Ru2O7 for temperatures ranging from 0.4 to 56 K and magnetic fields B up to 45 T lead to strikingly different behavior when the field is applied along the different crystal axes. A ferromagnetic (FM) state with full spin polarization is achieved for the B//a axis, but colossal magnetoresistance is realized only for the B//b axis. For the B//c axis, Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations are observed and followed by a less resistive state than that for B//a. Hence, in contrast with standard colossal magnetoresistive materials, the FM phase is the least favorable for electron hopping. These properties together with highly unusual spin-charge-lattice coupling near the Mott transition (48 K) are driven by the orbital degrees of freedom.

Antioxidant capacity of the neurohormone melatonin

The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant behaviour of melatonin (M) and determine its activity-structure relationship. M or 5-metoxy-N acetyltriptamine is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland, which plays a proven role in maintaining sleep-wake rhythms. The antioxidant capacity of M was analysed using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Furthermore, spectral measurements for aerobic photolytic reaction of neutral red (NR) and degree of inhibition of photolysis with M, glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AA) and vitamin E analogue Trolox were studied at room temperature 25 degrees C, using visible (VIS) and ultra-violet (UV) radiations. In the ORAC assay 2,2-azobis (2-amidino-propane)dihydrochloride (AAPH) a peroxyl radical generator, ROO degrees ; H2O2-Cu2+, mainly a hydroxyl radical generator, degrees OH; and Cu2+ a transition metal were used. Although some studies indicated that M is a powerful antioxidant, no one has compared its antioxidant capacities with GSH, E-vitamin and AA, using three free radical (FR) generators in an assay which utilizes an area-under curve technique and thus combines both inhibition time and inhibition degree of FR action by an antioxidant into a single quantity. In the current study, we used ORAC assay with three FR generators. The assay is based on propensity of the fluorescence emitted by the protein beta-phycoerythrin (beta-PE) from porphyridium cruentum to be quenched when exposed to FR action. M in our experiments acted as a universal antioxidant against ROO degrees and degrees OH radicals. Also, M served as an antioxidant in the presence of Cu2+. M, which is a lipid-soluble compound, was a twice more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E, and four times than AA or GSH. Furthermore, M inhibited aerobic photolysis of NR photoinduced with VIS and UV rays faster and more effectively, than AA, GSH or vitamin E. AA with NR, under aerobic conditions during irradiation with VIS and UV acted as a pro-oxidant. M may be the premier molecule to protect the cells from oxidative stress.

Reduced cardiac expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and transforming growth factor beta1 in obese Zucker rats by perindopril

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition by perindopril can reduce cardiac transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and therefore control collagen accumulation in an animal model with the metabolic syndrome such as the obese Zucker rat (OZR).

ANIMALS

Male OZR (group 1, n = 10); OZR treated with perindopril (group 2, n = 10); and lean Zucker rats (group 3, n = 10).

METHODS

During six months, group 2 received 3 mg/kg/day of perindopril orally and group 1 and group 3 were given a vehicle. Hearts were processed for pathology studies including immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to PAI-1, TGFbeta1, collagen type I, and collagen type III.

RESULTS

Group 2 had lower blood pressure (126.7 (2) v 148.6 (2.7) mm Hg, p < 0.01) than untreated OZR and had decreased cardiac PAI-1 (3.6 (0.4) v 13.5 (1.7)% of positive area/field, p < 0.01), TGFbeta1 in myocytes (0.13 (0.1) v 9.14 (4.7)%/area, p < 0.01) and in interstitium (19.8 (6.8) v 178.9 (27.4) positive cells/area, p < 0.01), collagen I (3 (0.8) v 13.3 (1)%/area, p < 0.01), collagen III (5 (0.6) v 9.5 (0.9)%/area, p < 0.01), and collagen I to collagen III ratio (0.59 (0.13) v 1.40 (0.15) p < 0.01) compared with untreated OZR.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that perindopril reduces cardiac PAI-1 and TGFbeta1 and ameliorates cardiac fibrosis in a rat model with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Field-induced orbital and magnetic phases in Ca3Ru2O7

Magnetic-field- and temperature-dependent Raman scattering studies of Ca3Ru2O7 reveal dramatic field-dependent properties arising from transitions between various complex orbital and magnetic phases, including a field-induced orbital-ordered to orbital-disordered transition (H(o) // hard axis), and a reentrant orbital-ordered to orbital-disordered to orbital-ordered transition (H(o) // easy axis). We find that the dramatic magnetic-field properties are most prevalent in a "mixed"-magnetic and -orbital phase regime, providing evidence for a strong connection between orbital phase inhomogeneity and "colossal" field effects in the ruthenates.

Once‐a‐Day Controlled‐Release Dosage Form of Divalproex Sodium II: Development of a Predictive In Vitro Drug Release Method

During formulation design of a once-daily controlled release matrix system of divalproex sodium, the in vitro dissolution test (USP II, 100 rpm, pH 6.8 buffer) was found to result in release rates that were slower than in vivo absorption. The test method also did not sufficiently discriminate formulations with different in vivo absorption rates. To develop an in vitro method that is directly correlated with in vivo absorption, statistically designed studies were carried out to investigate the effects of various in vitro testing variables on drug release using USP dissolution apparatuses. The variables studied included agitation intensity, apparatus, pH, surfactant and ionic strength of the dissolution medium. Experimental data were analyzed using ANOVA. In vitro/in vivo correlation was tested based on the hypothesis that the same linear regression equation holds for three formulations with different release rates. A mixed effects model was used in which the dependence among observations from the same subject was taken into account. Factorial studies indicated that higher pH, addition of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) to the dissolution medium, and higher agitation intensity increased the release rate from the matrix tablet. Use of SLS not only lead to increased release rates that are more comparable to in vivo absorption rates, but also improved differentiation among formulations with varying release rates. Furthermore, drug release was also affected by interactions among the variables studied. Statistical analysis indicated that a combination of higher SLS concentration and lower pH provided enhanced differentiation between release profiles of the fast and slow releasing formulations. Based on the above findings, a new set of testing conditions was identified and demonstrated to be predictive of in vivo drug absorption for various controlled release formulations of divalproex sodium. The new method uses USP Apparatus II operating at 100 rpm in 500 mL of 0.1 N HCl for 45 min followed by 900 mL of 0.05 M phosphate buffer containing 75 mM SLS, pH 5.5, 37 +/- 0.5 degrees C. In conclusion, adjusting dissolution testing conditions to match the behavior of the formulations in vitro with that in vivo is a useful approach in identifying a predictive method in development of in vitro-in vivo correlation.

Morphological modifications in clitoris and vagina in spontaneously hypertensive rats

We evaluated possible morphological alteration in clitoris and vagina from spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive WKY rats. Clitoris and vagina were processed by Masson's trichrome, anti-alpha-smooth-muscle actin, anticollagen type I (COL I) and type III (COL III), and anti-TGFbeta(1). SHR presented higher amount of clitoral cavernous smooth muscle (CSM), vascular smooth muscle; TGFbeta(1) in clitoral vessel wall; higher wall/lumen ratio in both vaginal and clitoral vessels; and remarkable interstitial fibrosis, expressed by a higher amount in interstitial COL I and III in both clitoris and vagina, compared to WKY rats. Nerve fibers from clitoral and vaginal tissue in SHR showed important fibrosis at perineurium. SHR showed positive correlation between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and clitoral CSM; SBP and fibrosis in clitoris; and SBP and COL I and III in clitoris, respectively. Similar findings were observed between SBP and COL I and III in vagina. In conclusion, SHR present morphologic changes in clitoral vessels as well as in clitoral cavernous space, which have a high positive correlation with the high blood pressure level. Moreover, the increase in extracellular matrix affects not only the clitoral and vaginal interstitium but also the nerve structures from both clitoris and vagina.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (ANP32E alias LANPL) from human fetal brain

Leucine-rich acidic nuclear protein (LANP) is a member of the leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) superfamily. Here we report on a human homologue of LANP, encoded by the gene ANP32E (alias LANPL). The gene was cloned and identified during large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. The human protein shared 70% amino acid identity with rat LANP. According to bioinformatics analysis, ANP32E is located on chromosome 1q22. RT-PCR analysis indicates that ANP32E was expressed in human peripheral blood leukocytes, colon, small intestine, prostate, thymus, spleen, skeletal muscle, liver and kidney.

Effect of estrogen on scavenger receptor BI expression in the rat

High-dose 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol treatment is associated with increased adrenal and decreased hepatic levels of scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI) in rats. In this paper we explored the mechanisms responsible for the differential regulation of SR-BI by estrogen in these two tIssues. Previously it was shown that estrogen-treated rats are profoundly hypolipidemic due to increased hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) activity, and that this effect is not maintained with hypophysectomy. To determine if the reduction in hepatic SR-BI was a direct or indirect effect of estrogen, we treated hypophysectomized rats with high-dose estrogen; the levels of SR-BI expression did not change in the livers or adrenals of these animals. To determine if the absence of response to estrogen in the adrenals of hypophysectomized animals was due to the absence of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), we examined the effect of estrogen treatment on SR-BI expression in animals treated with dexamethasone, which inhibits endogenous ACTH production. The administration of dexamethasone completely inhibited the increase in SR-BI expression in the adrenals of estrogen-treated rats. From these studies we conclude that estrogen does not have a direct effect on SR-BI expression in either the liver or the adrenals. In the liver, the decrease in SR-BI is dependent on the estrogen-induced increase in LDLR activity, and in the adrenal glands, ACTH is required for the estrogen-associated increase in expression of SR-BI.

Pressure-tuned collapse of the Mott-like state in Ca(n+1)Ru(n)O(3n+1) (n=1,2): Raman spectroscopic studies

We report a Raman scattering study of the pressure-induced collapse of the Mott-like phases of Ca3Ru2O7 (T(N)=56 K) and Ca2RuO4 (T(N)=110 K). The pressure dependence of the phonon and two-magnon excitations in these materials indicate (i) a T approximately 0 pressure-induced collapse of the antiferromagnetic (AF) insulating phase above P(*) approximately 55 kbar in Ca3Ru2O7 and P(*) approximately 5-10 kbar in Ca2RuO4, (ii) a remarkable insensitivity of the exchange interaction to pressure in both systems, and (iii) evidence for persistent AF correlations above the critical pressure of Ca2RuO4, suggestive of phase separation involving AF insulator and ferromagnetic metal phases.

Serum antioxidant capacity in neurological, psychiatric, renal diseases and cardiomyopathy

The role of free radicals (FR) in the pathogenesis and in the progression of many diseases has been often discussed, but not widely investigated. However, the total antioxidant capacity in the serum seems to be of great evidence. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using oxygen absorbance capacity assay (ORAC) in serum of patients suffering from depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), anorexia nervosa, Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Aids-encephalopathy, diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP), cardiomyopathy (CM), renal disease, and healthy individuals as controls (C). The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity in serum decreased significantly (p < 0.01) by 24, 20, 13, and 17% for anorexia nervosa, Aids-encephalopathy, PNP and CM respectively. In serum of patients with renal disease significantly elevated antioxidant capacity was found. The data indicated that increased oxidative stress can be involved in the pathogenesis or in the progression of PNP and CM. Decrease of serum antioxidant capacity in patients with anorexia nervosa and Aids-encephalopathy are probably due primarily to malnutrition and secondly to insufficient antioxidant and immune system. In renal disease, the accumulation of urea in serum seems to be responsible for high antioxidant capacity. In contrast, there were no changes in PD, AD, depression syndrome and schizophrenia.

Sensitivity to disorder of the metallic state in the ruthenates

We report the results of transport measurements on SrRuO3, Sr3Ru2O7, and CaRuO3. In SrRuO3 and Sr3Ru2O7, our findings are consistent with the predictions of Fermi liquid theory, in contrast to previous reports based on samples with much shorter mean free paths. In CaRuO3, however, a T1.5 power law is seen in the resistivity in the high purity samples studied here. Our work gives concrete evidence that even the metallic state of the ruthenates is highly sensitive to disorder.

Antioxidant and pro-oxidant capacity of catecholamines and related compounds. Effects of hydrogen peroxide on glutathione and sphingomyelinase activity in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells: potential relevance to age-related diseases

The antioxidant and pro-oxidant capacity of catecholamines (CA) and related compounds were analyzed using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. In the assay 2,2'-azobis (2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), a peroxyl radical generator, ROO*; H2O2-Cu2+, mainly a hydroxyl radical generator, *OH; and Cu2+ a transition metal were used. The antioxidant effect of CA and its related compounds were in the order: neurotransmitters: dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) > metabolites > amino acid precursors as measured by using AAPH. The antioxidant effect of CA and related compounds as measured by using AAPH were linearly correlated with concentration, while the antioxidant effect of CA in scavenging *OH produced by H2O2-Cu2+ increased proportionally to concentration at low concentration, but after reaching a maximum declined with increasing concentration. In the presence of Cu2+, CA acted as pro-oxidant. Glutathione (GSH) acted as a pro-oxidant when H2O2-Cu2+ or when Cu2+ alone was used as an oxidant and showed much higher pro-oxidant effect than DA, which could have relevance in the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to oxidative stress in the aging and aging related diseases. The antioxidant capacity of CA and many related compounds seems to be correlated with the numbers of hydroxyl groups and their position on the benzoic ring. The O-methylation and sulfate conjugation of the hydroxyl substitution inactivates both the antioxidant and pro-oxidant activities of CA. Our results show that oxidative stress induced by low (5 microM) or high (300 microM) doses H2O2 in pheochromocytoma PC12 cells significantly up-regulate the activity of Mg-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase (Sase), and significantly decreased GSH.

Schwann cells express active agrin and enhance aggregation of acetylcholine receptors on muscle fibers

To explore novel roles of glial cells in synaptic function and formation, we examined the expression of agrin in frog Schwann cells and tested their role in the aggregation of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). Using reverse transcription-PCR, we found that Schwann cells along nerve fibers in tadpoles expressed only the inactive agrin isoform B0 but began to also express active agrin isoforms B11 and B19 at approximately metamorphosis. During nerve regeneration in the adult, the expression of these active agrin isoforms in Schwann cells was upregulated, including the appearance of the most potent isoform, B8. This upregulation was induced by regenerating axons but not by nerve injury per se. In muscle cultures, the presence of adult Schwann cells enhanced the number and the total area of AChR aggregates 2.2- and 4.5-fold, respectively, and this enhancement was eliminated by heparin treatment. Furthermore, adult Schwann cells in culture expressed active agrin isoforms and produced agrin protein. Using a novel technique to selectively ablate perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs) at the neuromuscular junction, we found that PSCs also expressed active agrin isoforms B11 and B19, and these active isoforms were upregulated, including the appearance of B8, during reinnervation. Observation in vivo showed that extrajunctional AChR aggregates were associated with PSC sprouts after nerve injury and subsequent reinnervation. These results suggest that, contrary to the prevailing view that only neurons express active agrin, glial cells also express active agrin and play a role in the aggregation of AChRs both in vitro and in vivo.