Embryonic stem cells overexpressing high molecular weight FGF2 isoform enhance recovery of pre-ganglionic spinal root lesion in combination with fibrin biopolymer mediated root repair

BACKGROUND

Spinal ventral root avulsion results in massive motoneuron degeneration with poor prognosis and high costs. In this study, we compared different isoforms of basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), overexpressed in stably transfected Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), following motor root avulsion and repair with a heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB).

METHODS

In the present work, hESCs bioengineered to overexpress 18, 23, and 31 kD isoforms of FGF2, were used in combination with reimplantation of the avulsed roots using HFB. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism software with one-way or two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's or Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. Significance was set at *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, and ****p < 0.0001.

RESULTS

For the first set of experiments, rats underwent avulsion of the ventral roots with local administration of HFB and engraftment of hESCs expressing the above-mentioned FGF2 isoforms. Analysis of motoneuron survival, glial reaction, and synaptic coverage, two weeks after the lesion, indicated that therapy with hESCs overexpressing 31 kD FGF2 was the most effective. Consequently, the second set of experiments was performed with that isoform, so that ventral root avulsion was followed by direct spinal cord reimplantation. Motoneuron survival, glial reaction, synaptic coverage, and gene expression were analyzed 2 weeks post-lesion; while the functional recovery was evaluated by the walking track test and von Frey test for 12 weeks. We showed that engraftment of hESCs led to significant neuroprotection, coupled with immunomodulation, attenuation of astrogliosis, and preservation of inputs to the rescued motoneurons. Behaviorally, the 31 kD FGF2 - hESC therapy enhanced both motor and sensory recovery.

CONCLUSION

Transgenic hESCs were an effective delivery platform for neurotrophic factors, rescuing axotomized motoneurons and modulating glial response after proximal spinal cord root injury, while the 31 kD isoform of FGF2 showed superior regenerative properties over other isoforms in addition to the significant functional recovery.

Droplet finite-size scaling of the majority-vote model on scale-free networks

We discuss the majority vote model coupled with scale-free networks and investigate its critical behavior. Previous studies point to a nonuniversal behavior of the majority vote model, where the critical exponents depend on the connectivity. At the same time, the effective dimension D_{eff} is unity for a degree distribution exponent 5/2<γ<7/2. We introduce a finite-size theory of the majority vote model for uncorrelated networks and present generalized scaling relations with good agreement with Monte Carlo simulation results. Our finite-size approach has two sources of size dependence: an external field representing the influence of the mass media on consensus formation and the scale-free network cutoff. The critical exponents are nonuniversal, dependent on the degree distribution exponent, precisely when 5/2<γ<7/2. For γ≥7/2, the model is in the same universality class as the majority vote model on Erdős-Rényi random graphs. However, for γ=7/2, the critical behavior includes additional logarithmic corrections.

Female genital image: is there a relationship with body image?

OBJECTIVE

Dissatisfaction with body image may extend to the genital region, and the most dissatisfied with their bodies are women. To analyze the relation between body image and genital image in female, and to verify demographic and/or clinical factors related to body image and genital image.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study in 421 women. The Body Shape Questionnaire-34 (BSQ-34) was used to evaluate body image perception; scores ≤110 indicate no dissatisfaction. Also, the female genital self-image scale-7 (FGSIS-7) was used to evaluate genital self-image; scores range between 7 and 28, with higher values considered to indicate a more positive genital self-image. The relation between body image and genital image was determined using the Pearson Correlation test, as well as the relation of these with body mass index (BMI) and age. The relation between these data and genital image was determined by using the ANOVA test or the independent t-test (statistical difference was accepted as p<0.05). In order to verify predictors of dissatisfaction with body image, variables with p<0.10 were inserted into the logistic regression model and checked if they remained significant (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Three hundred eighty-nine women were analyzed. The mean age was 34.7±10.2 years. The mean BMI was 24.1±3.6 kg/m², 49% were single, and the mean BSQ-34 and FGSIS scores were 83.2±30.8 and 23.8±3.4, respectively. The correlation (r=-0.24) was found between body image and genital image (p<0.001). A total of 315 women indicated to be satisfied with their body and presented an FGSIS-7 score of 24±3.3. Participants who were dissatisfied with their body had an average FGSIS-7 score of 22.6±3.3.

CONCLUSION

Genital image, age, and BMI influence body image. Change in the perception of body image seems to have low correlation with genital self-image in women.

Effects of two protease inhibitors from Bauhinia bauhinoides with different specificity towards gut enzymes of Nasutitermes corniger and its survival

Two recombinant protease inhibitors from Bauhinia bauhinioides, rBbKI (kallikrein inhibitor) and rBbCI (cruzipain inhibitor) were evaluated for insecticidal activity against workers and soldiers of Nasutitermes corniger (order: Isoptera; family: Termitidae) through the inhibitors' effect on the insect's gut enzymes. The inhibitor rBbKI was more effective than rBbCI in inhibiting the termite's gut enzymes. The kallikrein inhibitor showed termiticidal activity in workers with an LC₅₀ of 0.9 mg mL^-1 after 4 days. Conversely, rBbKI did not affect the survival of soldiers and rBbCI did not show termiticidal activity against N. corniger. The two inhibitors showed different specificity towards the termite's gut enzymes, representing interesting tools to characterize N. corniger enzymes. The different effects of rBbKI and rBbCI on the termite's enzymes and survival may be linked to slight structural differences between these inhibitors.

Cross-amplification and characterization of microsatellite markers in Alcantarea patriae Versieux & Wand

The Alcantarea patriae is a Bromeliaceae endemic to the inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest. This taxon, described in the year of 2007 by Versieux & Wanderley, presents restricted and fragmented distribution outside conservation units. Studies to evaluate the genetic structure of its populations can contribute to the conservation and management strategies for the species. In this study, 31 microsatellite markers, descriptive to six different Bromeliaceae species, were evaluated by cross-amplification tests in 20 individuals of A. patriae. The individuals were collected in the district of Vila Cruzeiro, in the municipality of Jerônimo Monteiro. Twelve markers were polymorphic and 10 monomorphic, with an amplification success rate of 71%. The displayed polymorphism information content was considered high, indicating that the selected markers are informative. The values found for the fixation index were positive and indicated the occurrence of inbreeding. The mean number of alleles was 4.66 (3-6), the mean expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.6605 and 0.4618, respectively. The detection of polymorphic markers was important for future studies of diversity and genetic structuring of natural populations and for germplasm bank creation aiming to contribute to in situ and ex situ conservations of A. patriae.

The impact of laboratory chow for rats in the experiments: Chemical and biological evaluation of nine grain-based diet options

Cereal-based diets formulated as semi-purified diets can provide flexibility for researchers, enabling open controlled formulas, besides being cheaper than purified diets. Seeking to widen the researchers’ options in their experimental design developments, we aimed at assaying the chemical score, growth performance and protein utilization of nine semi-purified experimental chows. These diets were formulated at 17.8%, 12% and 8% protein contents, using three variations of ingredients for each one, as follows: casein (C), casein+soybean meal (C+S, 1:1 w/w protein) and casein+soybean meal+corn gluten meal (C+S+G, 1:1:1 w/w protein), without cysteine supplementation and setting casein 17.8% (AIN-93G) as reference diet. The diets C and C+S (17.8%) had the Cys as the limiting amino acid once the addition of gluten turns the Lys as second limiting. All diets had the potential for promoting growth with body mass gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR; chow consumed per body weight gain, average 3.12) and feed efficiency ratio (FER; body weight gain per chow consumed, average 0.3), except for C+S+G 8% (FCR = 6 g; FER = 0.13). These variations were mainly due to the protein amounts independently from the protein ingredient used and could characterize the C+S+G 8% as unable to support growth. For the other parameters (digestibility, net protein ratio, net protein utilization and protein efficiency ratio), there were no relevant differences between the diets. We can conclude that 17.8%, 12% and 8% chows (C and C+S) allowed a proper combination of ingredients from the point of view of palatability, nutrient availability/utilization, metabolic processes, growth performance and feed utilization parameters.

Metastable localization of diseases in complex networks

We describe the phenomenon of localization in the epidemic susceptible-infective-susceptible model on highly heterogeneous networks in which strongly connected nodes (hubs) play the role of centers of localization. We find that in this model the localized states below the epidemic threshold are metastable. The longevity and scale of the metastable outbreaks do not show a sharp localization transition; instead there is a smooth crossover from localized to delocalized states as we approach the epidemic threshold from below. Analyzing these long-lasting local outbreaks for a random regular graph with a hub, we show how this localization can be detected from the shape of the distribution of the number of infective nodes.

Self-declared ethnicity and genomic ancestry in prostate cancer patients from Brazil

Some studies of polymorphisms in prostate cancer (PCa) analyze individuals in a uniform manner, regardless of genetic ancestry. However, PCa aggressiveness differs between subjects of African descent and those of European extraction. Thus, genetic ancestry analysis may be used to detect population stratification in case-control association studies. We genotyped 11 ancestry informative markers to estimate the contributions of African, European, and Amerindian ancestries in a case-control sample of 213 individuals from Bahia State, Northeast Brazil, including 104 PCa patients. We compared this data with self-reported ancestry and the stratification of cases by PCa aggressiveness according to Gleason score. A larger African genetic contribution (44%) was detected among cases, and a greater European contribution (61%) among controls. Self-declaration data revealed that 74% of PCa patients considered themselves non-white (black and brown), and 41.3% of controls viewed themselves as white. Our data showed a higher degree of European ancestry among fast-growing cancer cases than those of intermediate and slow development. This differs from many previous studies, in which the prevalence of African ancestry has been reported for all grades. Differences were observed between degrees of PCa aggressiveness in terms of genetic ancestry. In particular, the greater European contribution among patients with high-grade PCa indicates that a population's genetic structure can influence case-control studies. This investigation contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of tumor aggressiveness among groups of different genetic ancestries, especially admixed populations, and has significant implications for the assessment of inter-population heterogeneity in drug treatment effects.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of thiophen-2-iminothiazolidine derivatives for use against Trypanosoma cruzi

In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of thiophen-2-iminothiazolidine derivatives from thiophen-2-thioureic with good anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. Several of the final compounds displayed remarkable trypanocidal activity. The ability of the new compounds to inhibit the activity of the enzyme cruzain, the major cysteine protease of T. cruzi, was also explored. The compounds 3b, 4b, 8b and 8c were the most active derivatives against amastigote form, with significant IC50 values between 9.7 and 6.03μM. The 8c derivative showed the highest potency against cruzain (IC50=2.4μM). Molecular docking study showed that this compound can interact with subsites S1 and S2 simultaneously, and the negative values for the theoretical energy binding (Eb=-7.39kcal·mol(-1)) indicates interaction (via dipole-dipole) between the hybridized sulfur sp(3) atom at the thiazolidine ring and Gly66. Finally, the results suggest that the thiophen-2-iminothiazolidines synthesized are important lead compounds for the continuing battle against Chagas disease.

Abstract P3-01-07: ESTIMATED RISK OF RADIATION-INDUCED BREAST CANCER FROM MAMMOGRAPHIC SCREENING

Objective: Estimate the benefit–risk balance of mammography, as number of lives saved/lost in an opportunistic screening in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in 2010, according to type of technology available and age group indicated for screening.

Methods: The number of lives saved was estimated considering the gross mortality rate for breast cancer, female population living in the state, estimated mortality rate reduction due to screening programs, and mammographic coverage in the state. For number of lives lost, the model adopted by the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII) was used. Based on the mean glandular tissue dose (Dg), the following parameters were calculated: number of radiation-induced cancer cases with one exposure, with several exposures in screening programs and over the lifetime, number of deaths caused by radiation-induced cancer at a certain age and over the lifetime. Dg of each equipment was estimated according to the European protocol, using the incident air kerma (Ki) at the simulator entrance and the half-value layer (HVL) of the X-ray beam, and table values of coefficients to convert Ki into Dg. Ki and HVL were measured in 100 equipments in operation in the state. A standard breast simulator (5.3 cm thickness and 50% glandular tissue) was used. We considered a biannual mammographic screening with an exam routine composed of a cranio-caudal and a mediolateral oblique view and 40–70 and 50–70-year age groups.

Results: The mean Dg was 4.28 (±1.06) and 6.61 (±3.67) for conventional and digital equipments, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). A woman undergoing mammography at the age of 40 in a conventional equipment has a 0.243/100000 probability of radiation-induced cancer at the age of 60, whereas using a digital equipment, the probability is 0.375/100000. The number of cases of radiation-induced breast cancer over the lifetime and consequent deaths followed the differences in the doses employed according to type of technology (p &lt; 0.001). The balance between lives saved and lost was 75.5 (1253.8/16.6) and 166.5 (849.4/5.1) for women screened at 40–70 and 50–70 years, respectively.

Historical perspective and human consequences of Africanized bee stings in the Americas

In 1956, Africanized bees began to spread in the American continent from southern Brazil, where original African bees mated with European bees. A few years later, in 1990, these Africanized bees reached the United States and were found in Texas. Currently, these hybrid bees are found in several North American states and will probably reach the Canadian border in the future. Although the presence of Africanized bees had produced positive effects on Brazilian economy, including improvement in crop pollination and in honey production, turning Brazil into a major exporter, the negative impacts-such as swarming, aggressive behavior, and the ability to mass attack-resulted in serious and fatal envenomation with humans and animals. Victims of bee attacks usually develop a severe envenomation syndrome characterized by the release of a large amount of cytokines [interleukins (IL) IL-1, IL-6, IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subsequently, such cytokines produce an acute inflammatory response that triggers adverse effects on skeletal muscles; bone marrow; hepatic and renal functions; and cardiovascular, central nervous, and immune systems. Finally, the aim of the present review is to study historical characteristics and current status of Africanized bees' spread, the composition of their venom, the impact of the bees on the Brazilian economy and ecology, and clinical aspects of their stings including immune response, and to suggest a protocol for bee sting management since there is no safe and effective antivenom available.

Microbiological evaluation of different strategies for management of snakes in captivity

Keeping snakes in captivity to produce venom for scientific research and production of inputs is now a worldwide practice. Maintaining snakes in captivity involves capture, infrastructure investments, management techniques, and appropriate qualified personnel. Further, the success of the project requires knowledge of habitat, nutrition, and reproduction, and control of opportunistic infections. This study evaluated the management of snakes in three types of captivity (quarantine, intensive, and semiextensive) and diagnosed bacterial and fungal contaminants. A bacteriological profile was obtained by swabbing the oral and cloacal cavities, scales, and venoms of healthy adult snakes from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) and Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt). There was predominance of Enterobacteriaceae, especially non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli excluding Pseudomonas spp and Gram- positive bacteria. Statistically, intensive captivity resulted in the highest number of bacterial isolates, followed by recent capture (quarantine) and by semiextensive captivity. No statistical difference was found between Bj and Cdt bacterial frequency. In vitro bacterial susceptibility testing found the highest resistance against the semisynthetic penicillins (amoxicillin and ampicillin) and highest sensitivity to amicacin and tobramycin aminoglycosides. To evaluate mycological profile of snakes from intensive captivity, samples were obtained from two healthy Bj and one B. moojeni, one B. pauloensis, and one Cdt showing whitish lesions on the scales suggestive of ringworm. Using conventional methods and DNA-based molecular procedures, five samples of Trichosporon asahii were identified. Despite the traditional role of intense captivity in ophidian venom production, semiextensive captivity was more effective in the present study by virtue of presenting superior control of bacterial and fungal transmission, easier management, lowest cost, and decreased rate of mortality; therefore, it should be considered as a good alternative for tropical countries.

Silicon influence on resistance induction against Bemisia tabaci biotype B (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and on vegetative development in two soybean cultivars

The potential of populations of Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) to become resistant to insecticides has stimulated research into alternative tactics of integrated pest management such as the induction of host-plant resistance. Recent data have shown that silicon can increase the degree of resistance of host plants to insect pests. Therefore the aim of our work was to study the effects of silicon application on the vegetative development of soybean plants and on the induction of resistance to the silverleaf whitefly, B. tabaci biotype B. We performed choice and no-choice tests of oviposition preference on two soybean cultivars, IAC-19 (moderately resistant to B. tabaci biotype B) and MONSOY-8001 (susceptible), with and without application of silicon. Silicon did not affect silverleaf whitefly oviposition preferences, but caused significant mortality in nymphs. Thus, silicon increased the degree of resistance to silverleaf whitefly. Silicon decreased the production of phenolic compounds, but did not affect lignin production. However, when applied to cultivar IAC-19, it increased the production of non-protein organic nitrogen. Silicon had no effect on the vegetative development of soybean plants, but it increased the degree of resistance to the silverleaf whitefly. We conclude that silicon applications combined with cultivar IAC-19 can significantly decrease silverleaf whitefly populations, having a positive impact both on the soybean plant and on the environment.

[Percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in spinal cord injured patients]

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the effects of percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients on urodynamic parameters (maximum cystometric capacity - MCC and detrusor pressure at maximum cystometric capacity - PdetMCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study assessed eight patients with SCI (four men and four women) with a mean age of 31.3years (22 to 41). Mean interval period between spinal cord lesion and rhizotomy was 53.5 months (20 to 96). All patients underwent an anesthetic block of the 3rd sacral root bilaterally using 0.5% bupivacaine under fluoroscopic control. Those who responded with an increase on bladder capacity were selected to undergo the percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy. All patients underwent urodynamic evaluation at 6 and 12 months following the procedure. MCC and P(det)MCC were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients presented a significant improvement on MCC after 12 months. The mean vesical volume increased from 100.2±57.1 to 282.9±133.4ml (p<0.05). The P(det)MCC reduced from 82.4±31.7 to 69.9±28.7cmH(2)O (p=0.2). Three patients with autonomic dysreflexia had complete relief of symptoms after the procedure. At 12 months, recurrence of detrusor hyperactivity was observed in all patients. One patient presented abolishment of reflex erections after the procedure. No major complications related to the rhizotomy were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous radiofrequency sacral rhizotomy is a minimally invasive technique with low morbidity able to increase MCC. There is a trend towards the reduction of the P(det)MCC in SCI patients at 12 months, although statistical significance was not reached.

A new fibrin sealant from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom: applications in medicine

Fibrin sealant, a widely available tissue adhesive, has been used since 1940 in a variety of clinical applications. Commercially available fibrin sealant products are synthesized from bovine thrombin and human fibrinogen, which may transmit infectious diseases, and recipients may also develop antibodies against bovine thrombin. Bearing these disadvantages in mind, a new fibrin sealant was developed in 1989 by a group of researchers from the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals, in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The main purpose was to produce an adhesive fibrin without using human blood, to avoid transmitting infectious diseases. The components of this novel sealant were extracted from large animals and a serine proteinase extracted from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom. The applicability of this sealant was tested in animals and humans with beneficial results. The new fibrin sealant can be a useful tool clinically due to its flexibility and diversity of applications. This sealant is a biological and biodegradable product that (1) does not produce adverse reactions, (1) contains no human blood, (3) has a good adhesive capacity, (4) gives no transmission of infectious diseases, and (5) may be used as an adjuvant in conventional suture procedures. The effectiveness of this new fibrin sealant is reviewed and its development and employment are described.

A mitogenic protein fraction in latex from Carica candamarcensis

Latex from Caricaceae contains a number of proteins believed to be part of a defense mechanism that protects these plants from wounding. Prior evidence suggests that some components in Carica papaya improve healing of ulcerous wounds in mammals. This study shows the chromatographic isolation of a protein fraction from C. candamarcensis that stimulates cell proliferation of mammalian cells by measuring MTT reduction and thymidine incorporation. The effect appears to be cell specific as L929, MDA-MB231 and BHK-21 cells are stimulated while no effect is seen on CHO cells. The maximal stimulatory effect reaches 2.2-fold 72 h after addition of the active fraction to L929, 1.8-fold in MDA-MB231 cells and 1.6-fold in BHK cells. Proteolytic inactivation of the active fraction suggests that a protein is responsible for the proliferative activity and its size is estimated between 10 and 25 kDa. A potential candidate for this function is a 23 kDa protein found in the fraction that reacts with human EGF antibody.

In vitro study on thiabendazole action on viability of Ascaris lumbricoides (Lineu, 1758) eggs

The in vitro activity of thiabendazole on Ascaris lumbricoides eggs, which were recovered from uteri of worm excreted after chemotherapeutic treatment, was studied. Four concentrations of the drug were used: 1 - 2.5 - 5 - and 10 ppm during 24, 48 and 72 hours of exposure. Subsequently, the eggs were centrifuged, washed three times and H(2)SO(4)0.1N was added. The eggs were maintained in an incubator for 20 days at 28 degrees C. Finally, the percentage of embryonated eggs was determined under a lightmicroscope at a 100X magnification. After 48 and 72 hours of thiabendazole exposure, at a concentration of 10ppm, the drug showed complete inhibition of egg embryonation.

A study of placentas from Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaraemic and amicrofilaraemic mothers

The prevalence of transplacental transfer of microfilariae and structural lesions in the placentas of amicrofilaraemic (n = 10) and Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaraemic (n = 10) pregnant women from the prenatal care unit of the Hospital das Clinicas, Recife, Brazil, was investigated. Study participants were selected by filtration (3 microns/13 mm) of nocturnal (2300-0100 h) venous blood. A detailed histopathological examination was performed to detect abnormalities in the placenta, the cord and the foetal membranes. Both study groups had similar obstetric profiles. Parasitaemia was present during labour in nine of ten microfilaraemic women, but no microfilariae were found by filtration of 5-10 ml cord blood. No macroscopic abnormalities were seen in placentas from microfilaraemic mothers; two placentas from the amicrofilaraemic cases contained, respectively, infarcted areas and cysts at the cut surface. Microscopy failed to detect microfilariae in the intervillous spaces, chorionic and decidual vessels, or the umbilical cord. Thus, transplacental transfer of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae seems to be a rare phenomenon, and microfilaraemia does not appear to be a risk factor for placental pathology.

[Transplacental passage of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae in newborns of microfilaremic mothers]

The occurrence of circulating Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae was investigated in 304 pregnant women from the "Unidade Mista Pof. Barros Lima" and "Hospital das Clínicas/UFPE". The filtration technique was employed to detect microfilaraemia during pregnancy, and 13 women were found to be positive (4.2%). The investigation of microfilariae in the cord blood of their children was negative (6/13), and also in venous blood samples collected up to 72 hours after birth and with 6 months of life. Milk samples from these mothers also had no microfilariae. The authors suggest that the occurrence of placentary lesions may be a possible factor involved in the transplacental transfer of microfilariae, and that in utero exposure to microfilariae and/or filarial antigens may influence the response to a filarial infection acquired later, thus being important a clinical and laboratorial follow-up of children exposed previously to filarial antigens during early periods of human development.