Gene Expression Profiling of Classically Activated Macrophages in Leishmania infantum Infection: Response to Metabolic Pre-Stimulus with Itaconic Acid

Leishmania infection of phagocytic cells, such as macrophages, induces the differentiation of infected cells into different phenotypes according to their surrounding microenvironments. The classical activation of macrophages involves metabolic reprogramming, in which several metabolites such as succinate, fumarate and itaconate are accumulated. The immunoregulatory functions of itaconate in the context of Leishmania infection were investigated in this paper. Ex vivo bone marrow-derived macrophages were differentiated into classically activated macrophages through IFNG activation and infection with Leishmania infantum. A high-throughput real-time qPCR experiment was designed for the analyses of 223 genes involved in immune response and metabolism. The transcriptional profile of classically activated macrophages revealed the enrichment of the IFNG response pathways and the upregulation of genes such as Cxcl9, Irf1, Acod1, Il12b, Il12rb1, Nos2 or Stat1. In vitro pre-stimulation with itaconate induced a loss of the parasite control and the upregulation of genes related to local acute inflammatory response. Our results reveal that itaconate accumulation dampened classically activated macrophage antiparasitic activity, and this is reflected by the differential expression of the Il12b, Icosl and Mki67 genes. The possibility of inducing parasite-killing responses in the host through metabolic reprograming is an interesting approach for the treatment of Leishmania infections that will undoubtedly attract increasing attention in the coming years.

Metabolic and molecular evidence for long-chain PUFA biosynthesis capacity in the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

There is a growing interest to understand the capacity of farmed fish species to biosynthesise the physiologically important long-chain (≥C₂₀) n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), from their C₁₈ PUFA precursors available in the diet. In fish, the LC-PUFA biosynthesis pathways involve sequential desaturation and elongation reactions from α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), catalysed by fatty acyl desaturases (Fads) and elongation of very long-chain fatty acids (Elovl) proteins. Our current understanding of the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) LC-PUFA biosynthetic capacity is limited despite representing the most farmed finfish produced worldwide. To address this knowledge gap, this study first aimed at characterising molecularly and functionally three genes (fads2, elovl5 and elovl2) with putative roles in LC-PUFA biosynthesis. Using an in vitro yeast-based system, we found that grass carp Fads2 possesses ∆8 and ∆5 desaturase activities, with ∆6 ability to desaturase not only the C₁₈ PUFA precursors (ALA and LA) but also 24:5n-3 to 24:6n-3, a key intermediate to obtain DHA through the "Sprecher pathway". Additionally, the Elovl5 showed capacity to elongate C₁₈ and C₂₀ PUFA substrates, whereas Elovl2 was more active over C₂₀ and C₂₂. Collectively, the molecular cloning and functional characterisation of fads2, elovl5 and elovl2 demonstrated that the grass carp has all the enzymatic activities required to obtain ARA, EPA and DHA from LA and ALA. Importantly, the hepatocytes incubated with radiolabelled fatty acids confirmed the yeast-based results and demonstrated that these enzymes are functionally active.

Exercise induced left bundle branch block in isotopic exercise test. Findings and prognostic value

INTRODUCTION

Exercise-induced left bundle branch block (EI-LBBB) is a rare circumstance of unknown significance. The purpose of this paper is to describe the scintigraphic features and the prognostic value of this finding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the features of 1,885 patients who had visited our department to undergo GATED-SPECT ergometry to diagnose ischaemic heart disease. Seven patients showed EI-LBBB throughout the exercise testing. Coronary angiography was performed in 4 of them. Patients were followed-up over an average period of time of 30±8 months. The onset of major cardiovascular events was recorded during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

The prevalence of EI-LBBB was 0.37%. Six out of 7 patients were women. Myocardial function and perfusion were normal in 3 patients. Three patients had fixed perfusion defects and one patient had a reversible defect. Two out of the 4 patients showing perfusion defects presented a moderate-severe decrease of the left ventricular ejection fraction. None of the 4 patients with perfusion defects were found to have coronary disease on coronary angiography.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of EI-LBBB among the patients that came to undergo GATED-SPECT ergometry was very low. The finding was more frequent in women. In our series, 2 patients presented non-ischaemic structural heart disease, but no patient was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. In our patients the presence of EI-LBBB did not relate to a greater risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event.

Anti-predator behaviour of adult red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) tutors improves the defensive responses of farm-reared broods

The aim of this work was to improve natural anti-predator behaviour of farm-reared gamebirds. We evaluated the anti-predator behaviour of reared red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa chicks kept in brooder houses in large groups (>350 chicks), trained and not trained by parent red-legged partridges acting as experienced tutors. The experiment consisted of two conditioned tests (a raptor model and a human) and two control tests, which were conducted during three consecutive phases of life (1-4, 15-17 and 30-32 d after hatching). The motor anti-predator behaviour, its duration, the intensity of response in chicks and alarm calls elicited by adults were recorded. Tutors elicited aerial alarm calls (76% of tests) and showed prolonged crouching (59% of tests) in response to the raptor model whereas uttering the ground alarm call (73% of tests) and showing vigilance behaviour (78% of tests) was the main pattern during the human test. Trained and not trained chicks showed similar motor behaviour in response to the raptor model (crouching) and the human test (escaping), but frequency of strong responses (all chicks responding) from chicks trained with tutors was double that of chicks trained without them, and chicks trained with tutors showed a higher frequency of long responses (41-60 s). This study indicates that anti-predator training programmes before release may improve behaviour of farm-reared partridges which may confer benefits to survival of birds.

Surface topographic characterization for polyamide composite injection molds made of aluminum and copper alloys

In order to ensure flexibility and rapid new product development, the mold industry made use of soft materials for cavity inserts in injection molds. However, materials of this kind are prone to wear. This article analyzes the topographic characterization of the surface and wear processes in injection molds cavities. Two materials have been used to produce the cavities: aluminum alloy EN AW‐6082 T4 and copper alloy Cu Zn39 Pb3. The surface topography was measured with the use of optical interferometry profiling technology; roughness and surface parameters were determined according to ISO 4287, ISO 25178, and EUR 15178N. In order to complete this research, an experimental part with different thicknesses and shapes was designed, and cavity inserts of aluminum and copper were made. Polyamide PA6, with 30% fiberglass reinforcement, was employed in the experimental procedure. Measurements of cavity mold surfaces were performed after 9,200 cycles on each mold and at different locations on the mold. The surface measurement was made with a white light vertical scanning interferometry, also known as coherence scanning interferometry (ISO DIS 25178‐604). The results are analyzed and differences between the two types of cavity inserts materials are discussed.

Oestrogens as modulators of neuronal signalosomes and brain lipid homeostasis related to protection against neurodegeneration

Oestrogens trigger several pathways at the plasma membrane that exert beneficial actions against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Part of these actions takes place in lipid rafts, which are membrane domains with a singular protein and lipid composition. These microdomains also represent a preferential site for signalling protein complexes, or signalosomes. A plausible hypothesis is that the dynamic interaction of signalosomes with different extracellular ligands may be at the basis of neuronal maintenance against different neuropathologies. Oestrogen receptors are localised in neuronal lipid rafts, taking part of macromolecular complexes together with a voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), and other molecules. Oestradiol binding to its receptor at this level enhances neuroprotection against amyloid-β degeneration through the activation of different signal transduction pathways, including VDAC gating modulation. Moreover, part of the stability and functionality of signalling platforms lays on the distribution of lipid hallmarks in these microstructures, which modulate membrane physicochemical properties, thus favouring molecular interactions. Interestingly, recent findings indicate a potential role of oestrogens in the preservation of neuronal membrane physiology related to lipid homeostasis. Thus, oestrogens and docosahexaenoic acid may act synergistically to stabilise brain lipid structure by regulating neuronal lipid biosynthetic pathways, suggesting that part of the neuroprotective effects elicited by oestrogens occur through mechanisms aimed at preserving lipid homeostasis. Overall, oestrogen mechanisms of neuroprotection may occur not only by its interaction with neuronal protein targets through nongenomic and genomic mechanisms, but also through its participation in membrane architecture stabilisation via 'lipostatic' mechanisms.

Study of survival, dispersal and home range of autumn-released red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

1. On a private property with a stable population of wild red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and an appropriate habitat for the survival of the species, reinforcement repopulations were carried out in the months of October and November for two consecutive years using 5- to 6-month-old birds reared on a commercial game farm. 2. Of the 36 released birds, none was still alive by the following spring's breeding period. Mean survival time was 9.4 d in the first year and 7.6 d in the second year. 3. Seventy-two per cent of mortality was attributable to predation, 11% to hunting and 17% to doubtful causes of death, accidents and starvation. 4. Post-release mean dispersion was 377.8 m in the first year and 526.3 m in the second. Mean home range was 7.1 ha in the first year and 5.4 ha in the second. 5. The production systems and handling practices of commercial game farms may have modified some anti-predator ethological patterns and strategies, which might make it more difficult for the birds to adapt and integrate into the wild, resulting in reduced survival due to premature mortality.

Does intensification improve the economic efficiency of dairy farms?

In recent decades, the dairy sector has shown a global tendency toward intensification. This structural change may have significant effects on farm efficiency and, consequently, on the economic results of the farms. The goal of this study was to offer an empirical analysis of the effect of intensification on dairy farming. To do this, we first classified a sample of dairy farms according to their level of intensification by using a cluster analysis. We then estimated independent stochastic cost frontiers for each group of farms to calculate their levels of efficiency. The methodology used in this study allowed for the presence of different technologies within a sample, which is a methodological issue frequently avoided in the agricultural economics literature. The empirical results showed that intensive farms were closer to their cost frontier than extensive ones, suggesting a positive relationship between intensification and efficiency.

Population genetic data for 18 STR loci in Costa Rica

Allele frequencies for 18 STR autosomal loci (D3S1358, VWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, Penta D, Penta E, D19S433, D2S1338 and SE33) were obtained from a sample of 191-500 unrelated individuals from Costa Rica, Central America.

Preoperative Factors and Models Predicting Mortality in Liver Transplantation

We analyzed preoperative factors related to postoperative mortality after liver transplantation among a cohort of 268 consecutive liver transplant patients over 6 years. We studied the impact of 10 recipient variables, 14 donor features, and three operative aspects. We also studied the correlation with death and survival using various predictive scores (Child, Cordoba Score, MELD, and UCLA). Univariate analysis showed that the factors with a significant association with postoperative mortality were the use of noradrenaline in the donor, total ischemia time (>12 hours), and transplant indication (hepatitis C virus versus the rest). Multivariate analysis of mortality showed the impact of female donor sex, recipients over >60 years, recipient albumin less than 2.8, and total graft ischemia time more than 12 hours. Univariate analysis of 1-year survival showed a statistically significant relation with D/R gender similarity, as well as donor GOT (>170) and GPT (>140) values. Multivariate analysis of 1-year survival showed donor GOT (>170) and donor/recipient gender similarity to be significant. Concerning the prediction models, Child-Pugh (AB versus C) best determined postoperative mortality (P < .006), MELD was predictive of 1-year survival (P < .03). The most important variables related to postoperative mortality were total ischemia time over 12 hours, recipient albumin less than 2.8, and age above 60 years. The variable with most impact on 1-year survival was the degree of graft hepatocyte lesion as determined by GOT. The Child-Pugh system is still the best indicator of postoperative mortality, although MELD may also be a good predictor of survival.

Use of radiotracking techniques to study a summer repopulation with Red-Legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) chicks

On a private property with a stable population of wild Red-Legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and an appropriate habitat for the survival of the species, reinforcement repopulations were carried out using 54 birds that were 2 to 3 mo old and reared on a commercial game farm. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of repopulations, the behavior in the wild of released partridges, and the possible causes of success or failure of reinforcement population operations. The releases were carried out during August and September of 2 consecutive years. All birds were equipped with radio transmitter collars to determine their behavior after release. Two release methods were used in yr 1: an acclimatization cage (AC) method and a direct release method on the day of the birds arrival (DR). The aim of the release in yr 2 was to collect data to determine the influence of year conditions using the DR method. Of the 54 released birds, none remained alive by the time of the reproductive period in the following spring. The mean survival time was 16.79 d for the AC method and was 11.89 and 5 d for the DR method in yr 1 and 2, respectively. Of the recorded mortalities, we assigned 81.13% to predation, 7.55% to hunting, and 11.32% to unknown causes of death, accidents, or starvation. Repopulation was not successful at providing a long-term increase in partridge numbers, with most birds falling victim to predation within 1 mo of release. Dispersion is the maximum distance from the release point at which each bird was located. The postrelease mean dispersion was 437.65 m for the AC method and was 647.57 and 266.07 m for the DR method in yr 1 and 2, respectively.

A predominant European ancestry of paternal lineages from Canary Islanders

We genotyped 24 biallelic sites and 5 microsatellites from the non-recombining portion of the Y chromosome in 652 males from the Canary Islands. The results indicate that, contrary to mtDNA data, paternal lineages of the current population are overwhelmingly (>90%) of European origin, arguing for a highly asymmetric pattern of mating after European occupation. However, the presence of lineages of indisputable African assignation demonstrates that an aboriginal background still persists (<10%). On the basis of distribution and dating of some of these lineages we derived a genetic perspective of settlement processes of the archipelago in two stages, congruent with anthropological, archaeological and linguistic findings.

[Right primary iliac artery rupture during transurethral resection of bladder tumor]

Injury to a large-caliber artery transurethral resection of a bladder tumor is a rare but serious complication. It is important that an anesthesiologist be able to detect such an injury, in order to include it among the many differential etiological diagnoses for shock. A 75-years-old man reported hematuria. An ultrasound image of the bladder showed many neoformations consistent with a diagnosis of multiple bladder neoplasms, and transurethral endoscopy was performed under subarachnoid anesthesia. Acute hypotension, bradycardia and shock developed 30 minutes into the procedure. The diagnosis was hypovolemic shock due to acute intraoperative hemorrhage, and exploratory laparotomy revealed an opening in the common iliac artery. The rupture was sutured. In spite of administration of crystalloids, colloids, blood products and vasoactive agents, a second operation was required due to hemodynamic instability. The patient died in the intensive care unit.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the LEU2 homologue gene from Pichia anomala

The Pichia anomala LEU2 gene (PaLEU2) was isolated by complementation of a leu2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant. The cloned gene also allowed growth of a Escherichia coli leuB mutant in leucine-lacking medium, indicating that it encodes a product able to complement the beta-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase deficiency of the mutants. The sequenced DNA fragment contains a complete ORF of 1092 bp, and the deduced polypeptide shares significant homologies with the products of the LEU2 genes from S. cerevisiae (84% identity) and other yeast species. A sequence resembling the GC-rich palindrome motif identified in the 5' region of S. cerevisiae LEU2 gene as the binding site for the transcription activating factor encoded by the LEU3 gene was found at the promoter region. In addition, upstream of the PaLEU2 the 3'-terminal half of a gene of the same orientation, encoding a homologue of the S. cerevisiae NFS1/SPL1 gene that encodes a mitochondrial cysteine desulphurase involved in both tRNA processing and mitochondrial metabolism, was found. The genomic organization of the PaNFS1-PaLEU2 gene pair is similar to that found in several other yeast species, including S. cerevisiae and Candida albicans, except that in some of them the LEU2 gene appears in the reverse orientation.

Y-chromosome differentiation in Northwest Africa

Variation of seven Y-chromosomal DNA polymorphisms, one microsatellite (DYS19), and six biallelic markers (DYS287, DYS271, SRY-2627, SRY-1532, 92R7, and M9), were studied in males from Northwest Africa. To evaluate the degree of differentiation in this region, males from neighboring areas such as the Iberian Peninsula and sub-Saharan Africa were also typed. The results show a large number of paternal lineages of Northwest African origin (over 75%), supporting a long-term population continuity in the area. When the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed both on the microsatellite and biallelic marker combinations or haplogroups, a large degree of differentiation among areas was revealed. In spite of these geographic differences, some gene flow between areas was detected by the presence of haplogroups with other geographical origins.

[Splenectomy in a patient with beta thalassemia intermedia and severe hemolytic anemia]

A 36-year-old woman with beta thalassemia intermedia suffered a hemolytic crisis secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection. She was given a transfusion of phenotypically compatible blood. However, severe hemolysis persisted (with hemoglobin levels around 4 g/dl) in spite of gamma globulin and corticosteroid administration. Emergency therapeutic splenectomy was performed. We discuss intraoperative management in situations of severe anemia, concluding that it is possible to survive significant decreases in hemoglobin concentration with cardiocirculatory reserve and respiration intact, maintaining normal volume.

Expression of Pichia anomala INV1 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in two different active forms of hypoglycosylated invertase

The Pichia anomala invertase gene (INV1) was introduced at different copy numbers into a sucrose-nonfermenting mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and expressed from its own promoter sequences. The level reached in the production of invertase by the transformants (up to 540 units/10(10) cells) was in agreement with the INV1 gene dosage. Two forms of multimeric active and glycosylated invertase displaying different subcellular locations and molecular masses could be detected in the transformants. One was found to be present in the culture medium and in the periplasm, and the other could only be detected inside the cell. Each of the two heterologous forms of invertase was shown to be an oligomer composed of identical subunits. The difference found in the apparent molecular masses of their monomers (81.5 and 78.3 kDa, respectively) seems to be due to the size of their N-linked oligosaccharide chains (on average 2.4 and 1.9 kDa, respectively), since the number of sugar chains (9) and the molecular mass of the protein moiety (60.5 kDa) are identical in both forms. The shorter size of their oligosaccharides must also be the reason for the lower apparent molecular masses of the heterologous invertases when compared with the enzyme purified from P. anomala. The hypoglycosylated invertase accumulated within the cells of the transformants to an unusual level (up to 130 units/10(10) cells). Such accumulation of active enzyme inside the cells, as well as its underglycosylation, could be due to intrinsic properties of the P. anomala invertase that are determined by the particular primary structure of its protein moiety.

Small-scale isolation of high molecular weight DNA from Leishmania braziliensis

In this paper, we report a method for isolation of high molecular weight DNA from Leishmania promastigotes. This technique is especially indicated for small-scale purification of DNA suitable for the construction of highly representative genomic libraries. In our protocol, lysis buffer is compatible with RNase treatment, avoiding an additional precipitation step and consequent shearing of DNA. In order to prove the quality of the DNA isolated by this method, a Leishmania braziliensis genomic library was constructed, and an L. braziliensis KMP-11 gene was cloned after screening the library with a heterologous probe.

Determination of s-triazines with copper and glassy carbon electrodes. Flow injection analysis of aziprotryne in water samples

The detection and determination of s-triazines, atrazine-desethyl and aziprotryne by cyclic voltammetry and an amperometric method using a metallic copper electrode and a glassy carbon electrode are described. The concentrations of atrazine-desethyl and aziprotryne in 0.1 M NaOH solutions were determined using the oxidation signal corresponding to the Cu(0)/Cu(I) redox process. The detection level calculated for these s-triazines were 0.3 and 0.5 microg/mL of analyte, respectively. The glassy carbon electrode was shown to give sensitive reduction response to aziprotryne in flow injection mode. No special activation was required for the glassy carbon electrode. A detection limit of 0.2 microg/mL (20 ng aziprotryne) was obtained for a sample loop of 0.1 mL at a fixed potential of -1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.1 M HCl and a flow rate of 3.5 mL/min. Furthermore, the glassy carbon electrode showed stable response in such a system, and the relative standard deviation was only 2.7% using the same surface, and 6.3% using different surfaces. The method developed was applied to the determination of aziprotryne in environmental and tap water samples; using a prior solid-phase extraction step, aziprotryne concentrations lower than 1.0 ng/mL could be measured.

[Thyroid lymphoma. A case report]

Thyroid lymphoma represents less than 1% of malignant thyroid tumors and its diagnosis is difficult. We report a 25 years old woman, admitted with the diagnosis of diffuse euthyroid goiter and thyroid cancer. She was subjected to a subtotal thyroidectomy and the pathological study of the surgical piece showed a Hodgkin lymphoma, subtype nodular sclerosis. The patient was treated with three cycles of chemotherapy, using cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, blemycin, vinblastin and radiotherapy. She refused to continue treatment after the third cycle and after 3 years and 5 months of follow up, is well and free of disease.

Modeling of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultures in tubular photobioreactors. Effects of dilution rate, tube diameter, and solar irradiance

A model for the prediction of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) productivity from Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultures that takes into account the existence of photolimitation and photoinhibition of growth under outdoor conditions is presented. The effects of the external irradiance on the culture surface, the average irradiance inside the culture, and the light regime at which the cells are exposed on pigments and EPA content are studied. The chlorophyll content decreases exponentially with the average irradiance, whereas the carotenoids content increases linearly with the external irradiance due to a higher extension of photoinhibition. A decrease in the fatty acid content of the biomass with irradiance on reactor surface is observed when photoinhibition becomes relevant. The average irradiance within the culture mainly influenced the fatty acid profile of the biomass. As the average irradiance becomes higher, percentages of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids decrease, increasing the portion of EPA. By taking into account the different relationships among pigment and EPA content with the irradiance, the variation in EPA productivity over the year can be simulated as a function of average and external irradiance. For the two photobioreactors employed the maximum EPA productivity is attained in spring and fall (30 mg L(-1) day(-1) for tube diameter 0. 06 m and 50 mg L(-1) day(-1) for tube diameter 0.03 m). In winter, the biomass productivity is limited by low light availability although the EPA content is maximum. In summer, the biomass productivity is higher although the EPA content diminished by photoinhibition; the higher the dilution rate, the lower the minimum. Thus, the conditions that increase the biomass productivity and the polyunsaturated fatty acids content are in opposition, the optimum being reached by operating under photolimitation with high growth rates in order to produce a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Differences in airway responsiveness to acetaldehyde and methacholine in asthma and chronic bronchitis

Inhaled acetaldehyde may induce bronchoconstriction in asthmatic subjects and provides a new method to investigate airway responsiveness. The objective of the study was to determine whether acetaldehyde was a more specific stimulus than methacholine in differentiating asthma from chronic bronchitis with or without airflow limitation. Bronchial provocation challenges with methacholine and acetaldehyde were performed in 62 asthmatics and in 59 smokers with chronic bronchitis (32 with chronic bronchitis alone and 27 with chronic bronchitis and coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)). The response to both bronchoconstrictor agents was measured by the provocative concentration required to produce a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; PC20). The two types of challenge yielded a similarly high level of sensitivity (100% for methacholine and 92% for acetaldehyde) in revealing airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. However, bronchoprovocation with acetaldehyde yielded considerably greater specificity (95%) than bronchoprovocation with methacholine (24%) in separating asthma from chronic bronchitis. In subjects with asthma, methacholine and acetaldehyde responsiveness were weakly but significantly correlated (r=0.42, p=0.001) but no correlation was found between airway responsiveness to acetaldehyde and baseline FEV1 (r=0.13, p=0.33). These findings suggest that the demonstration of bronchoconstriction in response to acetaldehyde may be a more specific test than methacholine in the differentiation of asthma from chronic bronchitis. Furthermore, methacholine and acetaldehyde hyperresponsiveness are not reflecting the same pathophysiological process in the airways.

[Psychotic symptoms and Alzheimer's disease]

BACKGROUND

Psychotic symptoms appear during the course of Alzheimer's disease, but their frequency and intensity vary according to different studies and their nature remains unsettled.

OBJECTIVES

To study the frequency and intensity of psychotic symptoms in two transversal series of patients with Alzheimer's disease and analyze its relationship with the duration of the disease and severity of cognitive impairment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study has been carried out in patients suffering from probable Alzheimer's disease (NINDS-ADRDA criteria). The stage of the disease was determined according to FAST, and the intensity of cognitive impairment in Mini Mental State Examination was classified as mild, moderate or severe. Frequency and intensity of psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations and misidentifications) were determined by means of semistructured interviews (BEHAVE-AD 78 patients and CUSPAD 69 patients). The results obtained in these three groups of patients were compared through ANOVA variance analysis and mean contrast. Variance and covariance analysis were done to determine the relationship between psychotic symptoms and other variables (degree of cognitive impairment, length of evolution and stage of the disease). For this purpose, the patients with Alzheimer's disease but without psychotic symptoms were considered as control and compared to patients with psychotic symptoms.

RESULTS

Nearly half the patients had psychotic symptoms. Delusions appeared earlier and were more frequent than hallucinations and misinterpretations. The more severe was the cognitive impairment, the more frequent and intense were psychotic symptoms, but the difference was significant only in cases with severe cognitive impairment. Hallucinations appeared mainly in patients with advanced dementia and were related firstly with the intensity of functional and cognitive impairment and secondly with the duration of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Mild psychotic symptoms, especially delusions, appear early during the course of Alzheimer's disease. The frequency and intensity of these symptoms increase in parallel with the functional and cognitive impairments caused by the disease. Hallucinations, which appear mainly when the dementia is severe, can be considered as an evolutive marker of the process. Psychotic symptoms differ from those occurring in other disorders, either neurologic or psychiatric in nature.

Expanding informativeness of microsatellite motifs through the analysis of heteroduplexes: a case applied to Solanum tuberosum

The incorporation of heteroduplex analysis into conventional strategies for the study of polymorphisms at microsatellite loci has allowed us to obtain information useful in determining genetic diversity and relationships among organisms. We have chosen, as a model for the testing of this strategy, several Solanum tuberosum varieties cultivated on Tenerife Island (Canary Archipelago) and a (TCT)(n) microsatellite located in intron I from the gene for granule-bound starch synthase. The data obtained confirm the high degree of agreement between molecular and farmer taxonomy.

Validation of a rapid method for extraction of total RNA applied to Leishmania promastigotes

This report explains a rapid procedure (approximately 50 min) for the isolation of highly purified total RNA from Leishmania promastigotes based on extraction with acidic phenol. The simplicity of the manipulations required make this method ideal for processing multiple samples; the quality of the RNA obtained is suitable for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Conformational behavior of the HAV-VP3(110-121) peptidic sequence and synthetic analogs in membrane environments studied by CD and computational methods

The present study was undertaken to examine the structural features that may be important to explain the immunogenicity of the (110-121) peptide sequence (FWRGDLVFDFQV) of VP3 capsid protein of hepatitis A virus. A conformational analysis of the preferred conformations by CD and molecular mechanics was carried out. Present results suggest that the interaction with liposomes as biomembrane model induces and stabilizes the amphipathic beta-structure of the peptide. To study the contribution of amino acid replacements at the RGD tripeptide as well as the influence of the peptide chain length on peptide conformation, solid-phase peptide synthesis of several peptide analogs was carried out and the peptide conformation was studied using CD spectroscopy. The results show that the RGD sequence is necessary to induce the beta-structure in the presence of liposomes.

A new continuous epitope of hepatitis A virus

A new continuous epitope of hepatitis A virus (HAV) was defined in the VP3 protein. Convalescent sera recognised the synthetic peptide 3110-3121 (FWRGDLVFDFQV). The replacement of the arginine, glycine, or aspartic acid at positions 112, 113, or 114, respectively by other amino acids induced the loss of synthetic peptide recognition by human convalescent sera, thereby confirming the presence of an epitope in the original VP3(110-121) sequence. Shorter VP3 peptides such as VP3(110-119). VP3(110-117), and VP3(110-116) and a tandem repeat of VP3(111-116) failed to react with convalescent sera, indicating the importance of the entire peptide in the epitope structure. The maximum inhibition of human convalescent binding to HAV by the VP3(110-121) peptide was around 60%, and 50% inhibition was achieved at a peptide concentration of 2.3-2.4 micrograms/ml. Antibodies generated by this peptide bound to intact HAV and neutralised its infectivity. Antipeptide antibodies inhibited convalescent serum binding to HAV. Monoclonal antibodies H7C27 and MAK-4E7 inhibited completely binding of the antipeptide antibodies to HAV.

Solid phase synthesis and immunogenicity of a VP3 peptide from hepatitis A virus

The synthesis of a peptide belonging to the VP3 capsid protein of Hepatitis A virus has been accomplished by the continuous flow Fmoc-polyamide solid phase method. The use of methoxytrimethylbenzenesulphonyl (Mtr) and pentamethylchromansulphonyl (Pmc) as arginine side-chain protecting groups in the presence of tryptophan without lateral protection or protected with t-Boc is discussed. The synthetic VP3 peptide has been administered to mice in different forms: (i) free, (ii) coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin, (iii) encapsulated in multilamellar (MLV) liposomes, and (iv) incorporated to a tetrameric branched lysine core. The immune response induced by these preparation is reported.

N-aralkyl substitution of 2-aminoindans. Synthesis and their inotropic and chronotropic activity in isolated guinea pig atria

Amino substitution of rigid forms of dopamine 4,5-dihydroxy-2-aminoindan and 5,6-dihydroxy-2-aminoindan with aralkyl functionalities were carried out to investigate the role of such structural modifications upon cardiac inotropic-chronotropic activity. Compounds synthesized demonstrated a modest inotropic selectivity, while one of them, described as 5,6-dihydroxy-N-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]-2-aminoindan hydrobromide 17, showed a marked inotropic action on isolated heart tissue.

Direct determination of prolintane and its metabolite oxoprolintane in human urine by capillary zone electrophoresis and beta-cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography

This paper describes a fast and simple method for the direct determination of the stimulant prolintane and its principal urinary metabolite, oxoprolintane, in human urine by capillary zone electrophoresis and beta-cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The determination was performed in phosphate buffer, pH 8.5, with UV detection at 211 nm. The effect of the ionic strength ratio between sample and running electrolyte, pH, sodium dodecyl sulphate and beta-cyclodextrin concentrations, and other factors, on the electrophoretic signals of these drugs was examined. This method can be applied for doping control. The determination limits are 1.0 microgram ml-1 for prolintane and 0.7 microgram ml-1 for oxoprolintane.

[Deafness secondary to lumbar puncture]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Disorders of hearing have been described in patients who have undergone lumbar puncture. The lower frequencies are most affected, temporarily and with spontaneous recovery in most cases. It would seem that the cochlea aqueduct (AC) (an anatomical structure found in the internal ear) is the part involved in the pathogenesis of this infrequent complication. The object of this paper is to review the different hypothesis put forward by various authors on the subject, emphasizing the one which seems most probable. At the same time, we offer a new vision of this little known and often forgotten anatomical structure of the internal ear. The anatomy and physiology of the AC is considered, studying the part played by the labyrinth fluid when the patient undergoes an operation involving the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) or the subarachnoid space.

CONCLUSIONS

Whenever this technique is to be used, it is essential to obtain a clinical history to find out whether the patient has, or has had, any problems of hearing, and if so of what type. All patients should be warned of the possibility of deafness, in most cases temporary, and if the patient has hydrops endolymphaticus (syndrome of Ménière) of the high risk of worsening his hearing threshold. We therefore recommend precise evaluation of the use of this technique.

Clinical pharmacokinetics and tolerability of dotarizine in healthy subjects after single and multiple oral administration

Dotarizine is a new diphenylmethylpiperazine derivative with Ca2+ channel blocking properties and inhibitory effects on 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. Previous pilot studies in healthy volunteers demonstrated a good tolerability after single and multiple dosing. Dotarizine appeared to be rapidly and extensively metabolized to an active compound (FI-6020). We aimed to study the physiologic, subjective and psychomotor acute effects of oral dotarizine after single dose administration, to evaluate the tolerability and safety after multiple dosing over 2 weeks, and to study the pharmacokinetic parameters and linearity after single and multiple administration. Two different studies were carried out in 2 groups of 8 healthy male volunteers. Oral single doses of dotarizine 50, 100 and 200 mg were administered in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial. Oral doses of 50 mg twice daily were administered in an open trial over 14 days. Drug effect assessments included vital signs, collection of adverse events, ECG and blood and urine safety evaluations, subjective effects, psychomotor performance tasks and blood sampling. Dotarizine and its metabolite were determined by gas chromatography with N-P detector. The results showed a good tolerability of dotarizine after single oral doses as well as multiple oral doses over 14 days. No clinically relevant adverse events were reported during the study. The highest single dose (200 mg) produced a slight increase in sedation-related symptoms as well as a slight impairment in psychomotor performance tasks. Dotarizine and its major metabolite proved linear kinetics at single doses. The administration of oral doses of dotarizine 50 mg b.i.d. reached the steady state after the 7th day of treatment. The pharmacokinetic parameters remained similar from day 7 to day 14. The terminal elimination half-life of dotarizine and its metabolite appeared to be between 7 and 12 h.

Pharmacokinetics of ebrotidine in rats and dogs

The pharmacokinetics of ebrotidine (N-[(E)-[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino] -4-thiazolyl]methyl]thio]ethyl] amino]methylene]-4-bromo-benzenesulfonamide, CAS 100981-43-9, FI-3542) was studied in the rat and dog. After oral (agar suspension) and intravenous administration at 10 mg/kg to rats, ebrotidine was rapidly absorbed. Cmax values averaged 0.498 microgram/ml attained at tmax = 30 min. Distribution was fitted to a two-compartmental model with t1/2 beta = 1 h (i.v.). Clearance (Cl) was 29 ml/min.kg and volume of distribution (Vdss) was 1852 ml/kg. Absolute bioavailability was 22% of the dose administered. After oral (the same tablet formulation as that used for clinical trials) and intravenous administration at 150 mg and 25 mg, respectively, to dogs, absorption of ebrotidine was relatively rapid. Cmax values averaged 2,170 micrograms/ml attained at tmax = 2 h. Distribution was fitted to a two-compartmental model with t1/2 beta = 2.8 h (i.v.). Clearance (Cl) was 600 ml/h.kg and volume of distribution (Vdss) was 1000 ml/kg. Absolute bioavailability, which is variable in this type of drugs, ranges from 29% to 64% of the dose administered.

Pharmacokinetics of ebrotidine in healthy volunteers. A summary

Several clinical pharmacokinetic studies of ebrotidine (N-[(E)-[[2-[[[2-[(diaminomethylene)amino]-4-thiazolyl] methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]methylene]-4-bromo-benzenesulfonamide, CAS 100981-43-9, FI-3542) administered by oral route in single and multiple doses to healthy volunteers have been performed. Dosage levels were 150, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800 mg. Plasma concentrations of unchanged ebrotidine and its major metabolite, ebrotidine sulfoxide, excreted in the urine were determined. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the experimental data. Absorption was relatively rapid (Imax = 2 h) and unrelated to dose. Drug behavior was considered as reasonably linear: Cmax = 364-1168 ng/ml and AUC0-12 h = 1427-5997 ng.h/ml (doses from 150 mg to 800 mg). The mean values of terminal elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) ranged from 13.9 to 20.3 h (doses of 400, 600 and 800 mg). After multiple dosing there was no drug accumulation, and no significant changes in the mean values of the main pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. The steady state was reached from the second day of administration, 10-24% of the ebrotidine administered dose was excreted in urine mainly as its major metabolite, ebrotidine sulfoxide, as well as unchanged drug and other minor metabolites. These percentages were constant and independent of the dose administered.

[Surgical treatment of diffuse hyperthyroid goiter. Experience at a hospital in Valdivia, Chile]

BACKGROUND

The choice of medical, radiation or surgical therapy for hyperthyroid diffuse goiter is still empirical.

AIM

To report a retrospective analysis of the surgical treatment of hyperthyroid goiter in a Regional Hospital in Chile.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts of 64 patients, 54 female, aged between 15 and 57 years old, operated between 1985 and 1995 were analyzed.

RESULTS

The indication for surgical treatment was failure of medical treatment in 59 patients and a big goiter causing mechanical compression in 3 patients. A subtotal thyroidectomy was done after an abbreviated surgical preparation. The mean weight of the resected glands was 65.9 g. Four patients had transient hypocalcemia and 4 had surgical wound seromas. After a mean follow up of 31 months, 77% of patients remain euthyroid, hyperthyroidism relapsed in 13.1% and 10% became hypothyroid.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of hyperthyroid goiter is safe but the percentage of hyperfunction relapse is high.

[Breast hydatid cyst. A case report]

We report the case of a 63 years old woman with a left mammary hydatid cyst. The patient presented with a left painless mammary mass of four months evolution. Mammography showed a dense image of 9 cm phi in the left breast. Ultrasound showed a solid and heterogeneous lesion. The tumor was excised under general anesthesia. The initial macroscopic inspection showed a tumor with a well defined fibrous capsule filled with a grayish material that contained membrane debris. The pathological study confirmed the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst.

[Medullary cancer of the thyroid. Experience at the Hospital de Valdivia]

BACKGROUND

Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is an infrequent type of thyroid tumor.

AIM

To retrospectively study all cases of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid diagnosed at a regional hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts and pathological studies of eight patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, among 75 with thyroidal cancer, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Solitary nodules were the presenting sign in seven patients and cachexia in one. Five patients were subjected to total thyroidectomy, five to cervical lymph node dissection and four to complementary radiotherapy. Pathological diagnosis was made with the surgical piece in seven patients and by aspiration cytology in one. Five of the eight patients are alive after 50 months of follow up as a mean, one patient with bone metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The small sample size precludes conclusions on the prognosis and treatment of the disease.

Cloning and sequence analysis of the invertase gene INV 1 from the yeast Pichia anomala

A genomic library from the yeast Pichia anomala has been constructed and employed to clone the gene encoding the sucrose-hydrolysing enzyme invertase by complementation of a sucrose non-fermenting mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cloned gene, INV1, was sequenced and found to encode a polypeptide of 550 amino acids which contained a 22 amino-acid signal sequence and ten potential glycosylation sites. The amino-acid sequence shows significant identity with other yeast invertases and also with Kluyveromyces marxianus inulinase, a yeast beta-fructofuranosidase which has a different substrate specificity. The nucleotide sequences of the 5' and 3' non-coding regions were found to contain several consensus motifs probably involved in the initiation and termination of gene transcription.

Fluconazole therapy in coccidioidal meningitis maintained with intrathecal amphotericin B

BACKGROUND

Meningitis follows approximately 0.15% to 0.75% of cases of extrapulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Successful treatment of coccidioidal meningitis (CM) has generally required intrathecal therapy with amphotericin B, which often causes significant toxic effects and discomfort to the patient. Prior to fluconazole, azoles had not been efficacious in CM either because of toxicity at elevated doses or because of poor cerebrospinal fluid distribution. Fluconazole however, has been found to have both good cerebrospinal fluid penetration and a favorable side effect profile.

METHODS

We studied 11 patients with CM who were maintained with amphotericin B and were then switched to oral fluconazole therapy alone at a dosage of 400 mg/d for a period of up to 19 months. The patients were evaluated clinically for evidence of deterioration measured by need for hospitalization, development of extrameningeal disease during the study period, need to reinstitute intrathecal amphotericin B therapy because of worsening disease, cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count, protein level, and serologic tests for complement-fixing antibody.

RESULTS

Three patients required hospitalization during the study, two patients for reasons unrelated to CM. No patient developed extrameningeal disease or required discontinuation of fluconazole therapy because of deteriorating disease. Patients at exit reported no symptoms related to meningitis or adverse effects related to fluconazole therapy. There was no deterioration in general health or neurologic status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that conversion from amphotericin B to fluconazole was associated with a stable disease course of CM for up to 19 months. Further studies delineating both optimal dosage and characteristics of patients likely to respond to fluconazole therapy alone are needed.

[Intestinal obstruction caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis due to signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast]

The signet ring variant of lobular mammary carcinoma is aggressive and metastasis to serosal surfaces. We report a 46 years old woman presenting with an intestinal obstruction due to a peritoneal carcinomatosis secondary to a signet ring cell carcinoma of the breast. After surgery, the patient received chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and tamoxifen). A satisfactory response, with regression of peritoneal carcinomatosis and a good quality of life, was achieved. The patient is alive after 2 years of diagnosis.

Lignan models as inhibitors of Phanerochaete chrysosporium lignin peroxidase

The lignan 8,8'-bis-(methylenedioxy)cinnamic acid (BMDCA) is a powerful competitive inhibitor (K1 = 2.0 microM) of the lignin peroxidase (LiP) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium and of the extracellular peroxidase of Phlebia radiata (I0.5 = 10 microM). BMDCA derivatives with the same double bond system also inhibited these enzymes to some extent. If the double bonds were hydrogenated, the inhibitory effect was lost. HRP-VIII and HRP-XI were slightly inhibited by BMDCA (I0.5 > 50 microM) and two plant peroxidases described as efficient lignan synthesizers were unaffected. Liquid cultures of P chrysosporium did not discolour the dve Poly R478 when 250 microM of BMDCA was present.

[Cysts of second branchial cleft: review of 32 operated cases]

The aim of this work was to analyze retrospectively the clinical features of 32 patients aged 23.9 years (21 female) with the histological diagnosis of second branchial cleft cyst. In 28 patients, the cyst was localized below the mandibular angle. The presenting symptom was a cervical tumor in 30 patients and pain in eight. Fourteen aspiration punctures was performed obtaining 8 purulent and 6 straw colored aspirates. The preoperative diagnosis was correctly made in only 19 patients; the principal confounding diagnosis was tuberculous adenitis. All patients were operated performing a complete cystectomy in 30 and partial cystectomy in two. Three patients had a surgical wound infection and the cysts recurred 5 months and 4 years after operation in the two patients subjected to partial cystectomy. The histological study revealed squamous epithelial with underlying lymphoid tissue. It is concluded that aspiration puncture is useful for the correct diagnosis and that the cyst must be completely eradicated to avoid recurrences.

[The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. A cross-sectional study]

Four hundred sixty-seven patients between 35 and 65 years of age were studied, all taken from a random sample of the population of Health Area 5 of the Valencian Community. Figures for respiratory symptoms, smoking, previous lung disease, professional activity and lung function were obtained through questionnaires and spirometry. The prevalence of asthma found was 2.78% (C.I. 2.76-2.79); chronic bronchitis was 4.07% (C.I. 2.37-5.77) and airflow limitation was 6.4% (C.I. 4.5-8.3). Smokers represented 33.2% of the sample. A significant association was found between the level of intensity of symptoms and lung function. There were no differences between smokers and non smokers with respect to FEV1%. An association between workplace exposure and spirometry was found only for FEV1/FVC%.

[Diffuse hyperthyroid goiter associated with occult papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Report of 2 cases]

The association of diffuse hyperthyroid goiter and thyroid cancer is rare and interesting, considering that both diseases affect the same organ but have different pathogenesis and prognosis. We report two patients that consulted for diffuse hyperthyroid goiter and were subjected to a subtotal bilateral thyroidectomy due to antithyroid drug failure. Pathological study revealed the coexistence of diffuse gland hyperplasia and a papillary thyroid carcinoma of less than 7 mm phi. In both cases, the thyroid remanent was ablated with radioactive iodine during the postoperative period and thyroid substitution was started.