Protective properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water on biomechanical, ultrastructural and clinical parameters of human skin

BACKGROUND

Thermal Spring Water (TSW) has been recognized to have beneficial effects on skin; however, the mechanisms underlying these are not completely elucidated.

AIMS

We compared the effects of Avène TSW with mineral-rich (MR) TSW on the biomechanical properties of the skin using mechanistic ex vivo assays and clinical studies.

METHODS

Ex vivo studies included the effect of both TSWs on the structure of the surface of human skin explants using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); mineral elemental content on the skin surface using SEM coupled to energy dispersing X-ray spectroscopy; and the stress properties of the stratum corneum (SC) when exposed to dehydration. Human clinical studies were conducted to compare the soothing effect of TSWs after a dermatological chemical peeling of face skin and to evaluate the overall sensitive scale of consumers using Avène TSW for 7 days.

RESULTS

Both TSWs preserved surface skin ultrastructure; however, crystals formed from MR-TSW were needle-like and formed small grains, present in clusters heterogeneously spread over the surface. Needle crystals were mainly composed of calcium, while small clusters were mainly composed of sulphur. By contrast, Avène TSW-formed crystals composed of sodium and chlorine only were regular in shape and homogeneously distributed across the skin surface. Peak stress of SC layers was increased by MR-TSW, whereas Avène TSW showed a comparatively reduced effect on dehydration and stress. The difference in the two TSW types was reflected in clinical findings comparing postpeeling redness after TSW application. Avène TSW significantly decreased postpeeling redness, while MR-TSW increased it. The overall sensitive scale of consumers was decreased by 47% using Avène TSW for 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Avène TSW decreases postpeeling redness and soothes sensitive skin in human volunteers. Mechanistic studies suggested that differences in biomechanical effects could be linked to differences in calcium content of the TSW.

Safety and efficacy of a mesenchymal stem cell intramammary therapy in dairy cows with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus clinical mastitis

Although, antibiotics are effective in the treatment of bovine mastitis, they do not address the regeneration of mammary glandular tissue and have been associated to the increment in antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Considering the necessity of alternative therapies for this disease of high economic impact and the reported regenerative and antibacterial effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs), we evaluated the safety and efficacy of an allogenic MSC-based intramammary therapy in dairy cows with experimentally induced Staphylococcus aureus clinical mastitis. In a safety trial, heifers were inoculated intramammarily with a 2.5 × 10⁷-suspension of bovine fetal AT-MSCs on experimental days 1 and 10. Animals were evaluated clinically on a daily basis during a 20-day experimental period and blood samples were collected for hemogram determination and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) isolation. In an efficacy trial, Holstein Friesian cows were inoculated with S. aureus and treated intramammarily with vehicle (NEG; days 4 and 10), antibiotics (ATB; days 4 and 5) or a suspension of 2.5 × 10⁷ AT-MSCs (MSC; days 4 and 5). Cows were clinically evaluated daily and milk samples were collected for somatic cell count (SCC) and colony forming units (CFU). Blood samples were collected for serum haptoglobin and amyloid A determination. Intramammary administration of two doses of bovine fetal AT-MSCs in healthy cows did not induce changes in clinical or hematological variables, and gene expression profiles in PBLs associated to activation (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD62L and CD69) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL2, CCL5, IL2, CXCL3, IFNγ, and TNFα). Quarters of MSC group of cows had similar SCC log/mL in milk compared to infected quarters of ATB or NEG cows. However, quarters of MSC cows had lower CFU log/mL in milk compared to quarters of NEG cows. Intramammarily inoculation of repeated doses of 2.5 × 10⁷ allogenic AT-MSCs did not induce clinical or immunological response in healthy cows. Moreover, MSC-intramammary treatment reduced bacterial count in milk of cows with S. aureus clinical mastitis compared to untreated cows. This work provides initial evidence for the safety and efficacy of an allogenic MSC-based intramammary therapy for the treatment of bovine mastitis.

D-dimer levels and risk of recurrence following provoked venous thromboembolism: findings from the RIETE registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) secondary to transient risk factors may develop VTE recurrences after discontinuing anticoagulation. Identifying at-risk patients could help to guide the duration of therapy.

METHODS

We used the RIETE database to assess the prognostic value of d-dimer testing after discontinuing anticoagulation to identify patients at increased risk for recurrences. Transient risk factors were classified as major (postoperative) or minor (pregnancy, oestrogen use, immobilization or recent travel).

RESULTS

In December 2018, 1655 VTE patients with transient risk factors (major 460, minor 1195) underwent d-dimer measurements after discontinuing anticoagulation. Amongst patients with major risk factors, the recurrence rate was 5.74 (95% CI: 3.19-9.57) events per 100 patient-years in those with raised d-dimer levels and 2.68 (95% CI: 1.45-4.56) in those with normal levels. Amongst patients with minor risk factors, the rates were 7.79 (95% CI: 5.71-10.4) and 3.34 (95% CI: 2.39-4.53), respectively. Patients with major risk factors and raised d-dimer levels (n = 171) had a nonsignificantly higher rate of recurrences (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.14; 95% CI: 0.96-4.79) than those with normal levels. Patients with minor risk factors and raised d-dimer levels (n = 382) had a higher rate of recurrences (HR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.51-3.63) than those with normal levels. On multivariate analysis, raised d-dimers (HR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.09-2.77) were associated with an increased risk for recurrences in patients with minor risk factors, not in those with major risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with raised d-dimer levels after discontinuing anticoagulant therapy for VTE provoked by a minor transient risk factor were at an increased risk for recurrences.

Application of electrocoagulation for the efficient pollutants removal to reuse the treated wastewater in the dyeing process of the textile industry

The possibility of using electrocoagulation for efficient removal of pollutants in the industrial liquid waste of a textile industry was studied. The performance of the process was evaluated through the analysis of color, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The analysis was first done with the wastewater coming from the process of dyeing linen, which is the most polluting of all effluents that reach the residual effluent pool (REP). For the analysis, the MODDE 7.0 software was used to construct a statistical model. With the results obtained from this model and the experimental measurements, response surfaces were obtained. These response surfaces predicted the behavior of electrocoagulation for different values of the studied variables (pH, current density, and treatment time). Based on the obtained results, the wastewater coming from the REP was treated using the optimum values for the operational variables. After the treatment it was possible to remove 86% color, 82% turbidity, and 59% COD. It was demonstrated that reusing the treated water in the process of wool dyeing does not have a negative effect on the quality of the dyed fabric. Thus, it is possible to implement the process in the textile industry to reduce the consumption of water.

Amino Acid-Functionalized Polyelectrolyte Films as Bioactive Surfaces for Cell Adhesion

Surfaces were prepared with polyelectrolyte derivatives of poly(styrene- alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) functionalized with amino acids of different hydropathy indices, with the aim of evaluating the effect of the chemical functionality of polyelectrolytes on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell adhesion. Functionalizing PSMA derivatives with l-glutamine, l-methionine, and l-tyrosine yielded PSMA-Gln, PSMA-Met, and PSMA-Tyr polyelectrolytes, respectively. We first studied the adsorption behavior of PSMA functionalized with amino acids on silicon wafer surfaces modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane at pH 4.0 and 7.0 and at low and high ionic strengths. The highest rate of polyelectrolyte adsorption was at pH 4.0 and high ionic strength and was higher with the glutamine and tyrosine films. The advance contact angles (θ_A) of the polyelectrolyte surfaces showed a moderate effect of ionic strength and pH on polyelectrolyte film wettability, with PSMA-Tyr being slightly more hydrophobic. Atomic force microscopy images of the polyelectrolyte surfaces showed two types of morphology: the well-defined globular nanostructure of PSMA-Met and PSMA-Tyr and densely packed nanofibrous-like structure of PSMA-Gln. The highest level of ionic strength caused a slight decrease in the size of the nanostructure that formed the surface domains, which was reflected in the degree of surface roughness. Cell adhesion assays with the polyelectrolyte film showed that SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells cultured on PSMA-Met present a well-extended morphology characterized by a stellate shape, with five or more actin-rich thin processes, whereas SH-SY5Y cells that were seeded on PSMA-Gln and PSMA-Tyr have a round morphology, with fewer and shorter processes. These results indicate that it is possible to modulate the surface characteristics of polyelectrolyte films based on their chemical functionality and environmental parameters such as pH and ionic strength in order to evaluate their effect on cell adhesion. Thus, surfaces prepared from polyelectrolytes functionalized with amino acids are an attractive and simple platform for cell adhesion, which can be used in developing biomaterials with modulated surface properties.

Extraction of Glucuronoarabinoxylan from Quinoa Stalks (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Evaluation of Xylooligosaccharides Produced by GH10 and GH11 Xylanases

Byproducts from quinoa are not yet well explored sources of hemicellulose or products thereof. In this work, xylan from milled quinoa stalks was retrieved to 66% recovery by akaline extraction using 0.5 M NaOH at 80 °C, followed by ethanol precipitation. The isolated polymer eluted as a single peak in size-exclusion chromatography with a molecular weight of >700 kDa. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with acid hydrolysis to monomers showed that the polymer was built of a backbone of β(1 → 4)-linked xylose residues that were substituted by 4-O-methylglucuronic acids, arabinose, and galactose in an approximate molar ratio of 114:23:5:1. NMR analysis also indicated the presence of α(1 → 5)-linked arabinose substituents in dimeric or oligomeric forms. The main xylooligosaccharides (XOs) produced after hydrolysis of the extracted glucuronoarabinoxylan polymer by thermostable glycoside hydrolases (GHs) from families 10 and 11 were xylobiose and xylotriose, followed by peaks of putative substituted XOs. Quantification of the unsubstituted XOs using standards showed that the highest yield from the soluble glucuronoarabinoxylan fraction was 1.26 g/100 g of xylan fraction, only slightly higher than the yield (1.00 g/100 g of xylan fraction) from the insoluble fraction (p < 0.05). No difference in yield was found between reactions in buffer or water (p > 0.05). This study shows that quinoa stalks represent a novel source of glucuronoarabinoxylan, with a substituent structure that allowed for limited production of XOs by GH10 or GH11 enzymes.

Urban weather data and building models for the inclusion of the urban heat island effect in building performance simulation

This data article presents files supporting calculation for urban heat island (UHI) inclusion in building performance simulation (BPS). Methodology is used in the research article “From urban climate to energy consumption. Enhancing building performance simulation by including the urban heat island effect” (Palme et al., 2017) [1]. In this research, a Geographical Information System (GIS) study is done in order to statistically represent the most important urban scenarios of four South-American cities (Guayaquil, Lima, Antofagasta and Valparaíso). Then, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is done to obtain reference Urban Tissues Categories (UTC) to be used in urban weather simulation. The urban weather files are generated by using the Urban Weather Generator (UWG) software (version 4.1 beta). Finally, BPS is run out with the Transient System Simulation (TRNSYS) software (version 17). In this data paper, four sets of data are presented: 1) PCA data (excel) to explain how to group different urban samples in representative UTC; 2) UWG data (text) to reproduce the Urban Weather Generation for the UTC used in the four cities (4 UTC in Lima, Guayaquil, Antofagasta and 5 UTC in Valparaíso); 3) weather data (text) with the resulting rural and urban weather; 4) BPS models (text) data containing the TRNSYS models (four building models).

Fragility of epidermis in newborns, children and adolescents

Within their first days of life, newborns' skin undergoes various adaptation processes needed to accommodate the transition from the wet uterine environment to the dry atmosphere. The skin of newborns and infants is considered as a physiological fragile skin, a skin with lower resistance to aggressions. Fragile skin is divided into four categories up to its origin: physiological fragile skin (age, location), pathological fragile skin (acute and chronic), circumstantial fragile skin (due to environmental extrinsic factors or intrinsic factors such as stress) and iatrogenic fragile skin. Extensive research of the past 10 years have proven evidence that at birth albeit showing a nearly perfect appearance, newborn skin is structurally and functionally immature compared to adult skin undergoing a physiological maturation process after birth at least throughout the first year of life. This article is an overview of all known data about fragility of epidermis in 'fragile populations': newborns, children and adolescents. It includes the recent pathological, pathophysiological and clinical data about fragility of epidermis in various dermatological diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, irritative dermatitis and focus on UV protection.

Effect of disodium/calcium malate or supplementation on growth performance, carcass quality, ruminal fermentation products, and blood metabolites of heifers

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of malate salts and culture on growth performance, carcass quality, ruminal fermentation products, and blood metabolites in heifers raised under southern Europe practical farm conditions. A total of 108 Charolaise cross heifers (214 ± 27.3 kg BW and 6.4 ± 1.1 mo of age) were housed in 18 pens of 6 animals each and used in a 114-d feedlot study. There was a totally randomized experimental design, and 6 pens were assigned to each of the following experimental diets: a control (no supplementation), the control plus 4 g of disodium/calcium malate mixture per kilogram of concentrate (2.12 g malate/kg), and the control plus 0.15 g of CBS 493.94 per kilogram of concentrate (1.5 × 10 cfu/kg). The control diet consisted of wheat-barley-based pelleted concentrate (32% starch, DM basis) and full-length barley straw. Concentrate and straw were fed separately ad libitum (5% orts) in an 88:12 ratio. On Days 0, 56, and 114, ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from each heifer between 2 and 2.5 h after the morning feeding by ruminocentesis and tail venipuncture, respectively. Body weight, concentrate ADFI, and G:F were recorded at 28, 56, 84, and 114 d. At slaughter, hot carcass weight and yield and carcass classification were determined in 2 representative heifers per pen (12 animals per dietary treatment). Supplementation with malate salts or did not affect concentrate ADFI ( = 0.98), ADG ( = 0.74), or G:F ( = 0.50) at any time during the experiment. At slaughter, there were no differences in carcass weight ( = 0.86), classification ( = 0.18), or carcass yield ( = 0.84) among experimental groups. Also, there were no differences treatments on ruminal pH ( = 0.24), ruminal fermentation products ( = 0.69, = 0.88, and = 0.93 for total VFA, NH-N, and lactate, respectively), and blood metabolites ( = 0.96, = 0.82, and = 0.15 for glucose, urea N, and lactate, respectively). In conclusion, under the feeding and management conditions of this study, diet supplementation with malate salts or did not have any significant effects on growth performance, carcass quality, ruminal fermentation products, and blood metabolites.

In vitro approaches to pharmacological screening in the field of atopic dermatitis

In vitro models are valuable for evaluating potential active ingredients and other molecules used in medications for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, finding appropriate in vitro models can be problematic. Our strategy was to set up different in vitro models that would mimic the pathomechanisms of AD. We describe five such models - the AD keratinocyte model, the AD reconstructed human epidermis model, the adaptive immunity model, the innate immunity model and the pruritus model - which we have used to evaluate a new ingredient for emollients derived from a biological extract. The models chosen provide useful data for the pharmacological characterization of active ingredients in adjunctive treatments for AD.

Do benthic biofilters contribute to sustainability and restoration of the benthic environment impacted by offshore cage finfish aquaculture?

Benthic biofilters were deployed under a cage fish farm and in two reference locations to assess the influence of the farm on the biofilters and the surroundings, as well as to verify the usefulness of this technology as a mitigation tool. The biofilters underneath the farm recruited a fouling community practically identical to that of the control biofilters, which included a variety of trophic strategies. The former showed a higher 15N enrichment, indicating that fouling beneath the farm was benefiting from the farm waste. The waste retention efficiency was low (0.02 g N m(-2) month(-1)) beneath the farm. Benthic biofilters aggregated demersal wild fish around and within them. Pelagic wild fish also frequently used the biofilters beneath the farm, forming compact shoals around them. The increased complexity of the habitat below the fish farm enhanced biodiversity, but this improvement did not lead to the recovery of the sediments around the biofilters.

Built-in mechanical stress in viral shells

Mechanical properties of biological molecular aggregates are essential to their function. A remarkable example are double-stranded DNA viruses such as the φ29 bacteriophage, that not only has to withstand pressures of tens of atmospheres exerted by the confined DNA, but also uses this stored elastic energy during DNA translocation into the host. Here we show that empty prolated φ29 bacteriophage proheads exhibit an intriguing anisotropic stiffness which behaves counterintuitively different from standard continuum elasticity predictions. By using atomic force microscopy, we find that the φ29 shells are approximately two-times stiffer along the short than along the long axis. This result can be attributed to the existence of a residual stress, a hypothesis that we confirm by coarse-grained simulations. This built-in stress of the virus prohead could be a strategy to provide extra mechanical strength to withstand the DNA compaction during and after packing and a variety of extracellular conditions, such as osmotic shocks or dehydration.

Identification of a juvenile hormone-like compound in a crustacean

Juvenile hormone (JH) has central roles in the regulation of insect development and reproduction but has not previously been identified in other arthropod classes. The hemolymph of a crustacean, Libinia emarginata (Leach), has now been analyzed for JH-like compounds. Samples contained 0.003 to 0.030 nanogram of JH III per milliliter and 10 to 50 nanograms of methyl farnesoate per milliliter; methyl farnesoate is a compound structurally related to JH III that has JH bioactivity. Several tissues were examined for synthesis and secretion of JH-like compounds. Of these tissues, only the mandibular organs produced and secreted JH III and methyl farnesoate. However, microchemical analysis revealed that this JH III was racemic, and thus likely an artifactual oxidation product of methyl farnesoate. Secretion of methyl farnesoate was related to reproduction in females, with the highest rates observed in Libinia near the end of the ovarian cycle when oocyte growth and vitellogenesis are greatest. These results indicate that JH-like compounds such as methyl farnesoate have regulatory roles in crustaceans.

[Eosinophilic cystitis: review and two case reports]

Eosinophilic cystitis is a low frequency disease, with less than 200 reported cases in the world. It is characterized by a bladder wall inflammation, mainly by eosinophils, with fibrosis and muscle necrosis areas. Its origin seems to be immunological, although the triggers are not well known. Several predispose factor have been described such as allergic diseases, bladder injuries, drugs, infections, etc. It affects patient of all ages, mainly adults. It presents with frecuency, haematuria and suprapubic pain. Other less frequent symptoms are disuria, urinary retention, nicturia, and enuresis. The laboratory study (urinalysis, urinalysis and haemogram) and radiology (ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance) are non specific. The lesions observed in the cystoscopy could emulate other diseases, that why the proper diagnostic is the histological analysis. The management could be observation o antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory and corticoid treatment. In refractory cases, surgery is an alternative. In this work, two male adult cases are reported with their symptoms, studies and management.

Cutting down the forest of peaks in acoustic dynamic atomic force microscopy in liquid

Acoustic dynamic force microscopy in liquids is a fundamental technique for the investigation of biological samples under physiological conditions. However, it shows an important drawback that consists of producing a myriad of resonance peaks, known as the forest of peaks, which hides the natural resonance frequency of the cantilever and prevents an optimum operation of the microscope. In this work, we propose a simple remedy for this problem, which consists on adding a small clay damper to the dither piezoelectric. The resulting frequency spectrum exhibits a single resonance peak that is comparable with the one obtained using magnetic excitation.

223 ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY LEVEL OF DIFFERENT GLYCOSIDASES IN INTACT AND ACROSOME-REACTED PORCINE SPERM

The sperm–egg interactions are species-specific forms of cell recognition and the binding event which are a necessary prerequisite for fertilization (Park et al. 2002 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 72, 83–94). Glycosidase enzymes that remove carbohydrates could play an important role in the reproductive tract, modulating decisive physiological events mediated by carbohydrates, which play a key role in sperm–oocyte recognition. The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of the glycosidases α-D-mannosidase, α-L-fucosidase, β-D-glucosaminidase, and β-D-galactosaminidase in intact and acrosome-reacted sperm from fertile matured boars. Sperm were washed three times in PBS by centrifugation at 800g for 10 min. The pelleted sperm were resuspended in the same buffer to obtain a final concentration of 250 � 106 spermatozoa mL–1. The acrosome reaction was induced by incubation of the sperm with 10 µm of calcium ionophore A23187 at 37�C for 30 min. Different enzymes were detected by incubating 8 µL (for α-Dmannosidase) or 80 αL (for the rest of the enzymes) of sperm sample with the corresponding substrate conjugated to 4-methylumbelliferil for 2 h at 37�C in PBS at pH 7.3. Fluorescences were read on a Fluostar Galaxy fluorimeter (BMG LabTech GmbH, Offenburg, Germany), using wavelengths of 340 and 450 nm for excitation and emission, respectively, and were corrected by subtracting tissue and substrate blanks. The results were analyzed using a one way ANOVA. An average of fluorescence units of 9685.86 � 1081.75, 7394.63 � 874.29, 3154.17 � 514.10, and 1666.40 � 117.86 was detected in the intact sperm sample for the α-D-mannosidase, α-L-fucosidase, β-D-glucosaminidase, and β-D-galactosaminidase, respectively. For the acrosome-reacted sperm sample (60–65% acrosome-reacted sperm in the samples measured by fluorescence microscope), an average of 9756.14 � 1011.45, 7026.93 � 771.48, 1185.70 � 277.51, and 1111.60 � 176.70 for α-D-mannosidase, α-L-fucosidase, β-D-glucosaminidase, and β-D-galactosaminidase, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between intact and acrosome-reacted sperm were detected only for the β-D-glucosaminidase and β-D-galactosaminidase. These results suggest that the four different enzymes detected are mainly present in the sperm plasma membrane. Under the conditions used in this study, α-D-mannosidase is the main enzyme activity present in the sperm. Importantly, β-D-glucosaminidase and β-D-galactosaminidase activity detected in the intact sperm is decreased after the induction of the acrosome reaction.

310 DETERMINATION OF THE PORCINE OVIDUCTAL GLYCOSIDASES DURING THE ESTROUS CYCLE

Carbohydrates play a key role in different reproductive events, such as the sperm–oviductal cell interaction and sperm–oocyte recognition. For example, β-d-galactose and α-d-mannose residues contained in the zona pellucida have been identified as sperm receptors in porcine oocytes (Song et al. 1999 J. Mamm. Ova Res. 16). The glycosidases, enzymes that remove carbohydrates, could play an important role in the reproductive tract, modulating decisive physiological events mediated by carbohydrates. However, the enzymatic activity level of these enzymes or their fluctuations throughout the estrous cycle in the porcine oviductal fluid (POF) has not been studied. The objective of this work was to compare the enzymatic activity level of 7 glycosidases in the POF at different stages of the estrous cycle. Oviducts were collected from the abattoir and classified according to the macroscopic aspect of the genital tract (Grippo et al. 1995 J. Reprod. Fertil. 105, 57–64) as early follicular please (presence of growing follicles), late follicular phase (presence of several grown follicles), early luteal phase (ovaries showing corpora hemorrhagica or recent corpora lutea), and late luteal phase (old corpora lutea or corpora albicans). After classification, oviducts were dissected and oviductal fluid samples were collected by aspiration with an automatic pipette while applying manual pressure from the isthmus toward the ampulla. Samples (6 per group) were centrifuged (7000g, 10 min) and the supernatant was stored at −20°C until assay. Total activity levels were measured fluorimetrically at 450 nm with the corresponding substrate conjugated to 4-methylumbelliferyl for each enzyme (Abascal et al. 1998 Biochem. J. 333, 201–207) using a FLUOstar Galaxy fluorometer (BMG Lab Technologies, Offenburg, Germany). Enzymatic assays were done in duplicate for 4 h at 37°C, and the reactions were stopped by adding glycine–calcium carbonate buffer. Fluorescence was corrected for tissue and substrate blanks. Fluorescence results of each enzyme and oviduct phase were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with estrous cycle phase being the main factor. Results (mean counts of fluorescence, see Table 1) showed that changes of enzymatic activity during the estrous cycle and activity of some enzymes were modified during or after ovulation, suggesting a role of some glycosidases in the fertilization process. Preliminary assays for neuraminidase were negative in all samples. Future studies are necessary to identify the biological role played by the glycosidases present in the POF. Table 1.Changes in porcine oviductal glycosidases during the estrous cycle Supported by Fundacion Seneca (03018/PI/05) and Ministerio de Educacío y Ciencia (Project code 3495).

290 ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY LEVEL OF SOME GLYCOSIDASES IN BOVINE OVIDUCTAL FLUID AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE ESTROUS CYCLE

Carbohydrates play a key role in different reproductive events such as the sperm–oviductal cell interaction and sperm–oocyte recognition. In this way, α-d-mannosyl (Amari et al. 2006 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59, 221–226) and α-2,3-sialic acid (Velasquez et al. 2006 Mol. Reprod. Dev. in press) residues contained in the zona pellucida have been identified as sperm receptors in bovine oocytes. The glycosidases, enzymes that remove carbohydrates, could play an important role in the reproductive tract, modulating decisive physiological events mediated by carbohydrates. However, the enzymatic activity level of these enzymes or its fluctuations throughout the estrous cycle in the bovine oviductal fluid (BOF) has not been studied. The objective of this work was to compare the enzymatic activity level of 7 different glycosidases in the oviductal fluid of cows at different stages of the estrous cycle. Oviducts were collected from the abattoir and classified according to the macroscopic aspect of the genital tract (Grippo et al. 1995 J. Reprod. Fertil. 105, 57–64) as early follicular (presence of growing follicles), late follicular (presence of a dominant follicle), early luteal phase (ovaries showing a corpus hemorrhagicum or a recent corpus luteum), and late luteal phase (old corpus luteum or corpus albicans). Oviductal fluid samples were collected by aspiration with an automatic pipette making simultaneous manual pressure from the isthmus toward the ampulla. Samples (9 per group) were centrifuged (7000g, 10 min) and supernatant was stored at −20°C until assay. Total activity levels were fluorimetrically measured at 450 nm, with the corresponding substrate conjugated to 4-methylumbelliferil for each enzyme (Abascal et al. 1998 Biochem. J. 333, 201–207) using a fluorometer Fluostar Galaxy (BMG LABTECH GmbH, Offenberg, Germany). Enzymatic assays were done in duplicate for 4 h at 37°C, and the reactions were stopped by adding glycine-calcium carbonate buffer. Fluorescences were corrected for tissue and substrate blanks. Fluorescence results of each enzyme and oviduct phase were analyzed using a 1-way ANOVA, with estrous cycle phase being the main factor. Results (mean counts of fluorescence) showed that the level of activity changes during the estrous cycle and the activity of some enzymes increases close to or after ovulation, suggesting a role of some glycosidases in the fertilization process. Preliminary assays for neuraminidase were negative for all samples. Future studies are necessary to identify the biological role played by the glycosidases present in the bovine oviductal fluid. Table 1.Enzymatic activity level of some glycosidases in bovine oviductal fluid at different stages of the estrous cycle This work was supported by Fundación Séneca (03018/PI/05) and MEC (Project code 3495).

DNA-mediated anisotropic mechanical reinforcement of a virus

In this work, we provide evidence of a mechanism to reinforce the strength of an icosahedral virus by using its genomic DNA as a structural element. The mechanical properties of individual empty capsids and DNA-containing virions of the minute virus of mice are investigated by using atomic force microscopy. The stiffness of the empty capsid is found to be isotropic. Remarkably, the presence of the DNA inside the virion leads to an anisotropic reinforcement of the virus stiffness by approximately 3%, 40%, and 140% along the fivefold, threefold, and twofold symmetry axes, respectively. A finite element model of the virus indicates that this anisotropic mechanical reinforcement is due to DNA stretches bound to 60 concavities of the capsid. These results, together with evidence of biologically relevant conformational rearrangements of the capsid around pores located at the fivefold symmetry axes, suggest that the bound DNA may reinforce the overall stiffness of the viral particle without canceling the conformational changes needed for its infectivity.

Involvement of endothelium and endothelin-1 in lead-induced smooth muscle cell dysfunction in rats

Lead exposure induces dysfunction of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent vasodilator system through downregulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) expression. The endothelium not only releases vasodilators but also vasoconstrictors such as endothelin-1 (ET-1). Our aim was to explore the role of the vascular endothelium and ET-1 as possible mediators of lead-induced downregulation of sGC. Isolated aortic segments from Wistar Kyoto rats were incubated in the presence or absence of lead (1 parts per million) for 24 h. Endothelium was mechanically removed in some of the aorta segments. As reported previously, lead exposure induced downregulation of sGC protein expression in the intact aortic segments. However, lead exposure failed to significantly modify sGC-beta1 subunit expression in the endothelium-denuded aortic segments. Incubation with a selective ETA-type receptor inhibitor, BQ-123 (10(-6) mol/l), restored sGC protein expression in lead-exposed intact aortic segments. As it has also been previously observed, incubation in lead-containing medium resulted in the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the intact aortic segments. Denudation of endothelium partially abrogated this effect of lead. Incubation with BQ-123 prevented the lead-induced upregulation COX-2 in the intact aortic segments. However, neither ET-1 content nor ETA-type receptor expression were modified by lead exposure of the aortic segments. As conclusion, the endothelium through the activation of ETA-type receptors mediates the downregulation of sGC expression by lead in the vascular wall.

[Malignant nerve sheath tumor of the esophagus (malignant esophageal schwannoma)]

A case of malignant esophageal schwannoma is reported. A 54-year-old man consulted for a 1-year history of dysphagia. Investigations revealed a tumor of the distal esophagus, with involvement of the cardia, and were suspicious for metastatic mediastinal nodes. Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy with gastric-tube reconstruction was performed, with favorable outcome. Histological examination revealed esophageal sarcoma in a Barrett's esophagus. Periesophageal nodes had metastatic involvement. Immunohistochemical study was positive for S100 and vimentin and was negative for CD117, compatible with a diagnosis of esophageal schwannoma. We discuss this rare disease and its characteristics. This is the second reported case of malignant schwannoma with lymph node metastasis.

Molecular recognition of quadruplex DNA by quinacridine derivatives

The interaction of monomeric and dimeric quinacridines with quadruplex DNA has been investigated using a variety of biophysical methods. Both series of compounds were shown to exhibit a high affinity for the G4 conformation with two equivalent binding sites. As shown from the SPR and dialysis experiments the macrocyclic dimer appears more selective than its monomeric counterpart.

Acute effects of sodium dodecyl sulphate on the survival and on morpho-histochemical characteristics of the trunk kidney of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus L

The present article reports the effect on survival as well as on the morpho-histochemical changes in the trunk kidney of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus, L. induced by acute action of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The LC50 of SDS at 96 hours was found to be 7.5 mg/l. Lots of 20 juvenile turbots were exposed to SDS concentrations of 3, 5, 7 and 10 mg/l: the exposure time required for 50% mortality of the specimens was 384,190,12 and 4 hours and surface tension values were 60.2, 56, 54.9, and 53.3 mN/m, respectively. It should be mentioned that there was a relatively high resistance to SDS of turbot compared to other teleost species, which may be related to its benthic habit. Histopathological lesions and histochemical changes that appeared in the trunk kidney of specimens exposed to the concentrations mentioned were examined. The abnormalities observed in this organ included vacuolation and desquamation of epithelial cells and degeneration of glomeruli and tubules. At the histochemical level, we appreciated some changes in the normal distribution of carbohydrates and proteins. Although the precise mechanism by which the renal tissue injury occurs is unknown, the function of this vital organ was seriously affected and this fact may ultimately play an important role in the mortality of turbots exposed to SDS.

Anthropometrical analysis of the hand as a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) predictive method in pianists

In the present work we have studied the anthropometrical characteristics of the pianists hands to predict their potential vulnerability to suffer from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). To get this goal we studied the size and morphotype of the hands of pianists affected by RSI. Firstly we observed that 222 individuals from 341 studied pianists (65.1% of the total) presented RSI. Secondly we appreciated that affected hands were mostly small sized (60% of the affected hands) and classifiable in a distinct morphotype named B (68% of the affected hands). This fact suggest they both were the most vulnerable to RSI. Finally we may conclude anthropometrical analysis of pianists hands may be used to reduce the high incidence of this illness given that it may predict performers potential vulnerability to RSI. It also has to be remarked that further studies in this knowledge field are required to reduce the incidence of playing-related medical problems in general, and RSI in particular, in pianist population.

Morpho-histochemical changes in the liver and intestine of young giltheads (fish-nursery), Sparus aurata, L., induced by acute action of the anionic tensioactive alkylbenzene sulphonate

In the present study we have assessed the effect on the survival and the morpho-histochemical changes in the liver and intestine of young giltheads (fish-nursery), Sparus aurata, L., induced by acute action of the anionic tensioactive, alkyl benzene sulphonate (ABS). Firstly, the LC50 of ABS at 96 hours was found to be 0.6 mg/L. Secondly, lots with 50 young giltheads (fish-nursery) were exposed to ABS concentrations of 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 mg/L, to obtain the surface tension value and exposure time required for 50% mortality of the specimens at each tested concentration. Exposure to ABS caused several forms of histopathological damage in the liver (the radial arrangement of hepatocytes was lost) and intestine (destruction of the structure of villi and increase in thickness of the other three layers). In addition, changes in bio-macromolecule components (proteins in general, siderophile proteins, neutral mucopolysaccharides, glycogen and acid mucopolysaccharides) were observed. The degree of these alterations was dependent upon the ABS concentration. These changes could have detrimental effects on the growth and survival of the species.

Morpho-histochemical changes in the gills of turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L., induced by sodium dodecyl sulfate

The present article reports the effect on survival as well as morpho-histochemical changes in the gills of juvenile turbot Scophthalmus maximus L., induced by acute action of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). First, LC(50) at 96 h was found to be 7.5 mg/L of SDS. Second, lots with 20 individuals were exposed to SDS concentrations of 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/L in order to obtain the exposure time required for 50% mortality of the specimens (384, 190, 12, and 4 h) and surface tension values (60.2, 56, 54.9, and 53.3 mN/m), respectively. Finally, histopathological lesions (clubbing and fusion of the secondary lamellae, hyperplasia and posterior rupture of the respiratory epithelium, destruction and shortening of gill filaments, and the presence of hemorrhagic foci) and histochemical alterations in the distribution of carbohydrates and proteins in the gills of treated specimens were noted. These morpho-histochemical changes in the gills provoked functional disorders (i.e. asphyxia and the loss of osmotic and ionic regulation) that may ultimately play an important role in the mortality of turbots exposed to SDS.

Comparative study of the acute toxicity of anionic surfactans alkyl benzene sulphonate (ABS) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) on gilthead, Sparus aurata L., eggs

In the present work we have evaluated the acute toxicity of two anionic surfactants, alkyl benzene sulphonate (ABS) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) to eggs of gilthead Sparus aurata. At each surfactant concentration, we determined the exposure time required for 50% mortality of the eggs (LT50), surface tension and volume of oil globule in gilthead eggs. Clear dose-response relationships for mortality of gilthead eggs was observed for both toxicants; at 30 mg/L 50% mortality took place at 45 minutes for ABS and 8 minutes for SDS. At this concentration, SDS was almost six times more toxic than ABS (LT50 is compared). However, at 0.3 mg/L 50% mortality occurred after exposures of 535 minutes to ABS and 425 minutes to SDS. Descriptively, our results showed SDS was more toxic than ABS at high concentrations whereas at low concentrations their toxicity was very similar. However, statistical analysis demonstrated there were no significant differences in the toxicity of both surfactants to gilthead eggs. Surface tension value at each concentration of both surfactants was also calculated. We found that these values decreased with increasing concentration of each surfactant, and this trend was more pronounced in solutions of SDS. We also found that the volume of the oil globule of exposed eggs was influenced by surfactants. After exposure, its volume clearly decreased in comparison to controls, mainly in eggs exposed to SDS.

Acute toxicity of anionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) on the fertilizing capability of gilthead (Sparus aurata L.) sperm

In the present work we have evaluated and compared the acute toxicity of two anionic surfactants, Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) on the fertilizing capability of gilthead Sparus aurata L. sperm. The criterion used to judge exposure effectiveness was fertilization success. Spawned eggs and sperms were collected from adult giltheads. Sperms were dosed separately with different concentrations of SDS and LAS for 60 minutes. After this period, sperms and eggs were combined for 20 minutes during which fertilization took place. Finally, the number of fertilized eggs were counted and recorded to estimate the percentage of fertilization. Exposure to SDS and LAS concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/L for 60 minutes caused a significant inhibitory effect on fertilization success in gilthead Sparus aurata L.. In addition, the EC50 value for gilthead fertilization after sperm exposure was found to be 2.8 mg/L and in the case of LAS it was of 2.6 mg/L. The comparison of the results from SDS and LAS shows that the latter has a stronger negative effect on sperm viability than SDS.