Clinical, epidemiologic, and virologic features of dengue in the 1998 epidemic in Nicaragua

From July to December 1998, a hospital- and health center-based surveillance system for dengue was established at selected sites in Nicaragua to better define the epidemiology of this disease. Demographic and clinical information as well as clinical laboratory results were obtained, and virus isolation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and serologic assays were performed. World Health Organization criteria were used to classify disease severity; however, a number of patients presented with signs of shock in the absence of thrombocytopenia or hemoconcentration. Therefore, a new category was designated as "dengue with signs associated with shock" (DSAS). Of 1,027 patients enrolled in the study, 614 (60%) were laboratory-confirmed as positive cases; of these, 268 (44%) were classified as dengue fever (DF); 267 (43%) as DF with hemorrhagic manifestations (DFHem); 40 (7%) as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF); 20 (3%) as dengue shock syndrome (DSS); and 17 (3%) as DSAS. Interestingly, secondary infection was not significantly correlated with DHF/DSS, in contrast to previous studies in Southeast Asia. DEN-3 was responsible for the majority of cases, with a minority due to DEN-2; both serotypes contributed to severe disease. As evidenced by the analysis of this epidemic, the epidemiology of dengue can differ according to geographic region and viral serotype.

Mg,Al layered double hydroxides with intercalated indomethacin: Synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological study

Magnesium aluminium layered double hydroxides (LDH) with a molar Mg/Al ratio of 2.0 have been prepared with intercalated indomethacin following two routes: reconstruction from a previously calcined Mg(2)Al-CO(3) LDH, and coprecipitation from the corresponding chlorides. The solids have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and (13)C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopies and thermal stability (differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis). Intercalation of the drug is attained by both routes; however, while coprecipitation leads to a single layered structure, contamination with another layered MgAl-CO(3) phase occurs by the reconstruction method. The amount of drug intercalated, as well as the height of the gallery, are larger by the coprecipitation than by the reconstruction one. The data obtained support a somewhat tilted, upwards orientation of the drug molecules forming an interdigited bilayer, in the case of the sample prepared by coprecipitation, with the carboxylate groups pointing towards the hydroxyl layers. However, in the case of the sample prepared by reconstruction, the molecules are forming a tilted, upwards monolayer. The solids prepared are stable up to 250 degrees C. Pharmacological studies in vivo show that intercalation of the drug in the LDH reduces the ulcerating damage of the drug.

Epicardial adipose tissue is an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerotic burden

INTRODUCTION

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may play an active role in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this work was to study the relations between EAT, abdominal visceral fat (AVF), and coronary atherosclerotic burden as assessed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

POPULATION AND METHODS

Two hundred fifteen patients without known CAD referred to 64-SCT during a 6-months period were included. All patients underwent a standardized protocol including quantification of AVF, EAT, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and coronary angiography by MSCT.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifteen patients, with mean age of 58 ± 11 years, in which 61% were males, with mean body mass index (BMI) of 28 ± 4 kg/m(2) were included. EAT volume was directly associated with male sex, age, BMI, abdominal circumference, AVF, number of coronary segments with atherosclerotic plaques (p<0.01 for all), number of segments with significant stenoses, and presence of metabolic syndrome components (p<0.05). CAC increased by 14.7% per additional 10 ml of EAT volume. Adjusting for age, gender, and AVF changed this increase to 7.5%. After adjusting for all considered confounders, there was still an independent association, with a CAC increase of 3.7% per additional 10 ml of EAT. A significant interaction was found between EAT volume and gender and between EAT volume and obesity: an increase of EAT was associated with an increase of additional 8% of CAC in men, and additional increase of 5% in non-obese individuals (p<0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION

EAT volume positively relates to coronary atherosclerotic burden, as assessed by CAC; this correlation was shown to be independent of AVF.

All-in-one optical heater-thermometer nanoplatform operative from 300 to 2000 k based on Er(3+) emission and blackbody radiation

A single nanoplatform integrating laser-induced heat generation by gold nanoparticles and temperature sensing up to 2000 K via (Gd,Yb,Er)2 O3 nanorods is demonstrated, which presents considerable potential for nanoscale photonics and biomedicine. Blackbody emission is ascertained from the temperature increment with AuNP concentration, emission color coordinates as a function of the laser pump power, and Planck's law of blackbody radiation.

Novel microporous europium and terbium silicates

The synthesis and structural characterization of the first examples of microporous europium(III) and terbium(III) silicates (Na(4)K(2)X(2)Si(16)O(38) x 10H(2)O, X = Eu, Tb) are reported. The structure of these solids was solved by powder X-ray diffraction ab initio (direct) methods and further characterized by chemical analysis (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), (23)Na and (29)Si magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR, and luminescence spectroscopy. Both materials display interesting photoluminescence properties and present potential for applications in optoelectronics. This work illustrates the possibility of combining in a given silicate microporosity and optical activity.

Pancreatitis and primary hyperparathyroidism: forty cases

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in 1.5-7% of cases. The relationship of cause and effect between the two diseases has been debated.

METHODS

To evaluate this relationship, the clinical, biochemical and pathological data on 1435 patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) over the past 30 years were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 1224 of these patients had biologically proven and cured PHPT and 211 patients had renal HPT (RHPT). The diagnosis of pancreatitis (PTS) was based on a high serum amylase level and/or abnormalities on ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan explorations. Only patients without biliary stones were included in the PTS group associated with HPT.

RESULTS

A total of 3.2% (n = 40) of patients with PHPT had PTS, which was acute in 18 cases, subacute in 8 cases and chronic in 14 cases. This rate of PTS is higher than in a random hospital population. Surgical cure of HPT was followed by the spontaneous healing of 17/18 acute PTS, whereas six of the 22 patients with subacute or chronic PTS developed complications due to the evolution of their disease (diabetes, pancreatic duct stenosis treated by surgery). A single diseased gland was found in 27 patients with PTS, which is in favour of primary parathyroid disease, being responsible for, and not a consequence of, PTS. Only the serum calcium (13.0 vs 12.1 g/dL) level was significantly increased in PHPT patients with PTS, when compared to those without PTS. The calcium level is probably of major importance in the development of PTS, which was never encountered in 211 patients with RHPT, who had low calcium and high PTH levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that (i) the PTS-PHPT association is not incidental; (ii) PTS is the consequence and not the cause of PHPT; (iii) hypercalcaemia seems to be a major factor in the development of PTS in PHPT patients; and (iv) cure of PHPT leads to the healing of acute PTS, whereas it does not affect the evolution of subacute and chronic PTS.

Determination of the degree of acetylation of chitin materials by 13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy

13C CP/MAS NMR spectroscopy has been shown to be a powerful tool to quantify the degree of acetylation of chitin and chitosan. In order to optimise the parameters which afford quantitative 13C cross-polarisation magic-angle spinning NMR spectra, a detailed relaxation study has been carried out on selected chitin and deacetylated chitin samples. A relaxation delay of 5 s and a contact time of 1 ms have been found to yield quantitative NMR spectra of samples with deacetylation degree values of 0.68 and 0.16. The measured spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T(1rhoH), are in the range 6.4-8.9 ms for chitin and 4.3-7.3 ms for deacetylated chitin, while TCH values for both samples are very similar and range from 0.03 to 0.19 ms. Spin-counting experiments indicate that, within experimental error, all carbon is detected by NMR indicating that the samples studied contain no (or very few) paramagnetic centres.

Controlling hydrolysis and dispersion of AlN powders in aqueous media

Aqueous suspensions of aluminum nitride (AlN) powders have been prepared in the presence of different surface-active agents, namely, H3PO4 and an anionic surfactant, to avoid the hydrolysis of AlN powders and to enhance dispersion. The most determinant parameters to the hydrolysis process (DeltapH and time of contact) and the stabilization of AlN particles in water (surface crystallinity, surface chemical modification, and surface ionic charge) were seen to be strongly dependent on the acidic agent. The H3PO4 treatment was effective against hydrolysis of AlN due to the formation of a phosphate-based protection layer on the particles' surface, and, although it keeps the pH of the suspension below 4, it does not guarantee a good dispersion. The individual adsorption of the anionic surfactant at the surface of AlN particles suspensions did not completely suppress the hydrolysis but it did enhance the degree of dispersion. A proper combination of the two types of surface-active agents enabled the preparation of AlN aqueous suspensions of relatively low viscosity and high AlN concentration, which can be a good starting point for aqueous-based colloidal shaping techniques or for freeze granulation or spray drying to obtain suitable granulate powder characteristics for dry-pressing technologies. An adsorption mechanism of the surface-active agents onto the particles' surface is proposed and supported by NMR and FT-IR analyses.

Protective effects of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil in animal models of acute inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis

Virgin olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, and its beneficial health effects have been related with oleic acid and phenolic compounds content. Hydroxytyrosol, a typical virgin olive oil phenolic compound, has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as previously reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oil at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg in a rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced by intradermic administration, in male Wistar rats, of Freund's adjuvant with collagen type II on days 1 and 21. Hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils were administrated by gavage from day 23 until day 35. The treatment at 5-mg/kg dose significantly decreased paw edema (P<.01), histological damage, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, and markedly reduced the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, improving articular function in treated animals. Acute inflammation, induced by carrageenan, was also evaluated for hydroxytyrosol-supplemented refined olive oils at 0.5 and 5 mg/kg. Both doses significantly reduced paw edema (P<.001). Our results suggest that the supplementation of refined olive oil with hydroxytyrosol may be advantageous in rheumatoid arthritis with significant impact not only on chronic inflammation but also on acute inflammatory processes.

A 13C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of cork cell wall structure: the effect of suberin removal

Solid state 13C NMR measurements of cork, before and after suberin removal, showed that aliphatic suberin is spatially separated from carbohydrate and lignin and experiences higher motional freedom. Two types of chain methylenes, differing in chemical shift and in dynamic properties, were identified in aliphatic suberin. Experimental evidence indicated that the more motionally hindered methylenes are those situated nearer the linkages of aliphatic suberin to the cell wall. These linkages were shown to involve -CH2O- groups, probably engaged in ester linkages to phenylpropane units and carbohydrate C6 carbons. Spectral intensity changes indicated that, during the first steps of alkaline desuberization, these linkages are broken and the shorter aliphatic suberin chains removed. Longer chains require hydrolysis of the ester linkages within the chains and are removed upon stronger alkaline treatment. T1(C), T1 rho (H) and T1 rho (C) relaxation times have shown that the removal of suberin from cork leads to a motionally restricted and more compact environment, on the megahertz and mid-kilohertz timescales. The properties of cork suberin showed that suberin organization in cork is distinct from that in potato tissue.

Preferences for prenatal tests for Down syndrome: an international comparison of the views of pregnant women and health professionals

Non-invasive prenatal testing is increasingly available worldwide and stakeholder viewpoints are essential to guide implementation. Here we compare the preferences of women and health professionals from nine different countries towards attributes of non-invasive and invasive prenatal tests for Down syndrome. A discrete choice experiment was used to obtain participants' stated preference for prenatal tests that varied according to four attributes: accuracy, time of test, risk of miscarriage, and type of information. Pregnant women and health professionals were recruited from Canada, Denmark, Iceland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. A total of 2666 women's and 1245 health professionals' questionnaires were included in the analysis. Differences in preferences were seen between women and health professionals within and between countries. Overall, women placed greater emphasis on test safety and comprehensive information than health professionals, who emphasised accuracy and early testing. Differences between women's and health professionals' preferences are marked between countries. Varied approaches to implementation and service delivery are therefore needed and individual countries should develop guidelines appropriate for their own social and screening contexts.

Alginate films containing Lactobacillus plantarum as wound dressing for prevention of burn infection

The topical application of lactobacilli is receiving attention for the prevention of superficial skin and burn wound infections. We studied the properties of Lactobacillus plantarum immobilized in calcium alginate films and investigated the antibacterial activity of these films in a model burn wound in rats. A multiresistant clinical isolate, VIM-2-metallo-β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was used as the indicator strain. Films incorporating L. plantarum at cell concentrations of 10(8)cfu/mL caused a reduction of 5-6 log(10) in P. aeruginosa in the model burn wounds. L. plantarum immobilized in freeze-dried calcium alginate films remained viable during six months of storage at 4 °C.

(MeLi)4(dem)1.5]infinity] and [(thf)3Li3M3[(NtBu)3S--how to reduce aggregation of parent methyllithium

Organolithium compounds play the leading role among the organometallic reagents in synthesis and in industrial processes. Up to date industrial application of methyllithium is limited because it is only soluble in diethyl ether, which amplifies various hazards in large-scale processes. However, most reactions require polar solvents like diethyl ether or THF to disassemble parent organolithium oligomers. If classical bidentate donor solvents like TMEDA (TMEDA= N,N,N',N'tetramethyl-1,2-ethanediamine) or DME (DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane) are added to methyllithium, tetrameric units are linked to form polymeric arrays that suffer from reduced reactivity and/or solubility. In this paper we present two different approaches to tune methyllithium aggregation. In [[(MeLi)4(dem)1,5)infinity] (1; DEM = EtOCH2OEt, diethoxymethane) a polymeric architecture is maintained that forms microporous soluble aggregates as a result of the rigid bite of the methylene-bridged bidentate donor base DEM. Wide channels of 720 pm in diameter in the structure maintain full solubility as they are coated with lipophilic ethyl groups and filled with solvent. In compound 1 the long-range Li3CH3...Li interactions found in solid [[(MeLi)4]infinity] are maintained. A different approach was successful in the disassembly of the tetrameric architecture of [((MeLi)4]infinity]. In the reaction of dilithium triazasulfite both the parent [(MeLi)4] tetramer and the [[Li2[(NtBu)3S]]2] dimer disintegrate and recombine to give an MeLi monomer stabilized in the adduct complex [(thf)3Li3Me-[(NtBu)3S]] (2). One side of the Li3 triangle, often found in organolithium chemistry, is shielded by the tripodal triazasulfite, while the other face is mu3-capped by the methanide anion. This Li3 structural motif is also present in organolithium tetramers and hexamers. All single-crystal structures have been confirmed through solid-state NMR experiments to be the same as in the bulk powder material.

Patterns of haplotype diversity within the serpin gene cluster at 14q32.1: insights into the natural history of the alpha1-antitrypsin polymorphism

The levels of haplotype diversity associated with different alpha1-antitrypsin (PI) alleles were assessed by the analysis of three microsatellites located within or close to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), alpha1-antitrypsin [PI-(TG)n] and protein C inhibitor [PCI-(TG)n] loci in three populations with different historic backgrounds: Portugal, the Basque Country and São Tomé Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea). Unlike the more distant PCI-(TG)n repeat, allelic variation at PI-(TG)n reflected distinct phases of mutational recovery of microsatellite diversity around different founder alleles and showed a considerable differentiation between alpha1-antitrypsin protein variants. In accordance with population history, the Basque sample presented overall reduced levels of microsatellite variation. The African sample, although presenting the highest PCI-(TG)n diversity, showed a lineage-specific reduction in PI-(TG)n heterozygosity within the oldest M1Ala213 variant that could have been caused by (1) selection at a closely linked locus or (2) biases in the microsatellite mutation process leading to a stable equilibrium distribution. Age estimates of alpha1-antitrypsin variants based on microsatellite variation suggest that the Z deficiency allele appeared 107-135 generations ago and could have been spread in Neolithic times. The S mutation has an older 279- to 470-generation age, indicating that its high frequencies in Iberia did not result from a recent bottleneck and that PI*S could have originated in this region. M2 and M3 types had lower age estimates than would be expected from their wide geographical distributions, suggesting that their dispersion in Europe might have been preceded by important bottlenecks.

13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared studies of the thermal decomposition of cork

The thermal decomposition of cork has been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy with cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning (CP-MAS), high-power 1H decoupling (HPDEC) and cross-polarization depolarization-polarization (CPDP). Waxes and other soluble components of cork begin to decompose at ca. 150 degrees C. This is accompanied by partial decomposition of suberin, probably initiated at the points of attachment to the cell wall. The carbohydrates begin to decompose at ca. 200 degrees C. The decomposition of lignin begins at 250-300 degrees C, while suberin undergoes further degradation. Significant amounts of coke are formed in the process. At 400 degrees C cork has been transformed into coke with traces of partially decomposed suberin. The thermal decomposition of cork is dependent on the calcination time, particularly in the 200-350 degrees C range.

Ab initio structure determination of a small-pore framework sodium stannosilicate

The structure of a small-pore framework sodium stannosilicate Na(2)SnSi(3)O(9).2H(2)O (AV-10) has been determined ab initio from powder X-ray diffraction data (XRD). The unit cell is orthorhombic (space group C222(1), Z = 4) with cell dimensions a = 7.9453(5), b = 10.3439(7), c = 11.6252(7) A, V = 955 A(3). The structure of AV-10 is composed of corner sharing SnO(6) octahedra and SiO(4) tetrahedra, forming a three-dimensional framework structure. The SiO(4) tetrahedra form helix chains along [001] interconnected by SnO(6) octahedra. The SnO(6) octahedra are isolated by SiO(4) tetrahedra and, thus, there are no Sn-O-Sn linkages. AV-10 has been characterized by chemical analysis, powder XRD, scanning electron microscopy, (29)Si, (119)Sn, single- and (FAM) triple-quantum (23)Na MAS NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The zeolitic water of AV-10 is reversibly lost. The dehydrated material has been studied in situ by powder XRD, TGA, and, in particular, triple-quantum (23)Na MAS NMR.

Influence of Conditioning Time of Universal Adhesives on Adhesive Properties and Enamel-Etching Pattern

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of application protocol in resin-enamel microshear bond strength (μSBS), in situ degree of conversion, and etching pattern of three universal adhesive systems.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Sixty-three extracted third molars were sectioned in four parts (buccal, lingual, and proximals) and divided into nine groups, according to the combination of the main factors-Adhesive (Clearfil Universal, Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc, Tokyo, Japan; Futurabond U, VOCO, Cuxhaven, Germany; and Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA)-and enamel treatment/application time (etch-and-rinse mode [ER], self-etch [SE] application for 20 seconds [SE20], and SE application for 40 seconds [SE40]). Specimens were stored in water (37°C/24 h) and tested at 1.0 mm/min (μSBS). The degree of conversion of the adhesives at the resin-enamel interfaces was evaluated using micro-Raman spectroscopy. The enamel-etching pattern was evaluated under a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (α=0.05).

RESULTS

In general, the application of the universal adhesives in the SE40 produced μSBS and degree of conversion that were higher than in the SE20 (p<0.01) and similar to the ER mode. The deepest enamel-etching pattern was obtained in the ER mode, followed by the SE40.

CONCLUSIONS

The active and prolonged application of universal adhesives in the SE mode may be a viable alternative to increase the degree of conversion, etching pattern, and resin-enamel bond strength.

Chemical characterization of a red raspberry fruit extract and evaluation of its pharmacological effects in experimental models of acute inflammation and collagen-induced arthritis

Berries are an important dietary source of fibres, vitamins, minerals and some biologically active non-nutrients. A red raspberry fruit extract was characterized in terms of phenolic content and the anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects were evaluated in two experimental models of inflammation. The antioxidant potential of the extract, the cellular antioxidant activity and the effects over neutrophils' oxidative burst were also studied to provide a mechanistic insight for the anti-inflammatory effects observed. The extract was administered in a dose of 15 mg kg(-1), i.p. and significantly inhibited paw oedema formation in the rat. The same dose was administered via i.p. and p.o. routes in the collagen-induced arthritis model in the rat. The extract showed pharmacological activity and was able to significantly reduce the development of clinical signs of arthritis and markedly reduce the degree of bone resorption, soft tissue swelling and osteophyte formation, preventing articular destruction in treated animals.

The epidemiology of moderate and severe injuries in a Nicaraguan community: a household-based survey

Although injuries constitute a major public health problem worldwide, the magnitude and nature of this problem is difficult to establish in low-income settings due to the lack of valid and representative data. In Nicaragua, several parallel studies have been carried out attempting to assess levels and patterns of injury using various sources of information. The objective of this study was to describe the magnitude and profile of moderate and severe injuries in a well-defined community in Nicaragua. The study was conducted using a household-based survey design. Randomized cluster sampling provided information from 10,797 households (63,886 inhabitants). The outcomes included fatal and non-fatal injuries registered during a recall period of 6 weeks. Seven percent of all injuries were classified as moderate or severe. The estimated annual incidence rate of moderate/severe injuries was 27.6 per 1000 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 26.4-29.2], while the mortality and impairment rates were 108.9 (95% CI: 83.5-134.4) and 95.3 (95% CI: 71.4-119.2) per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Home and traffic areas were the main environments associated with injury occurrence. The most affected groups were the elderly, children and males. No differences were found between urban and rural areas. Only 9% of all cases, including minor injuries, sought hospital treatment. The main causes of non-fatal injuries were falls, traffic and cuts, whereas fatalities were largely associated with intentional injuries. For every death due to injury, there was one permanent disability, 25 moderate/severe injuries and 354 minor injuries. This study provides a broad description of injury magnitudes and patterns in a defined Nicaraguan community, and demonstrates the aggregate injury pyramid of the same community. It also identifies the issue of severity and concludes with a recommendation to apply different criteria of severity. Our results support the call for a careful evaluation of injury data sources and severity scores when planning injury prevention programmes.

alpha1-Antitrypsin null alleles: evidence for the recurrence of the L353fsX376 mutation and a novel G-->A transition in position +1 of intron IC affecting normal mRNA splicing

alpha1-Antitrypsin (PI) deficiency is a common autosomal recessive disorder associated with emphysema and liver disease, which may result from a wide spectrum of mutations causing a reduction of serum levels (deficient alleles) or a total lack of circulating protein (null alleles). We report two different alleles associated with the absence of isoelectric focusing banding patterns in Portuguese patients with emphysema. The first allele, Q0(ourém), results from the recurrence of the defining mutation of the Q0(mattawa) variant (L353fsX376) on a M3 normal background. The second allele, Q0(porto), has a novel G-->A mutation at position +1 of the intron IC (IVS1C+1G-->A), which restricts mononuclear phagocyte transcripts to mRNA species resulting from the direct splice of exon IA to exon II. The absence of this normal splice alternative in the liver, where PI is primarily synthesized, provides a basis for the pathogenic effects of this mutation.

Severe α-1 antitrypsin deficiency caused by Q0(Ourém) allele: clinical features, haplotype characterization and history

α-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) caused by null alleles is associated with the total lack of protein and generally it translates into more severe clinical features of pulmonary disease. This is the case of Q0(Ourém) , a rare variant found in several families of Central Portugal caused by the L353fsX376 mutation. A total of 41 patients carrying at least one copy of Q0(Ourém) were evaluated for SERPINA1 levels, respiratory function values and lung parenchyma status (chest X-ray and computerized tomography scan). Q0(Ourém) haplotype background was characterized using seven microsatellites flanking SERPINA1 and Q0(Ourém) age was estimated by a statistical method relying on the decay of haplotype sharing at linked markers (DHSMAP). Homozygous patients showed a compromised lung function and extensive emphysema. SQ0(Ourém) , although having serum levels below the 11 µM threshold, did not necessarily result in signs of disease. MQ0(Ourém) were found to be a heterogeneous group, mainly composed of normal individuals. Eight Q0(Ourém) haplotypes were identified and the allele was estimated to have arisen 650 years ago. Q0(Ourém) was associated with mild to severe AATD and has a single origin, probably linked to the major Ourém settlements where the occurrence of severe AATD may not be explained by recent consanguinity.

In vivo anti-inflammatory effect and toxicological screening of Maytenus heterophylla and Maytenus senegalensis extracts

Maytenus heterophylla (Eckl & Zeyh.) Robson and Maytenus senegalensis (Lam). Exell are two African medicinal plants used to treat painful and inflammatory diseases. We evaluated the in vivo (per os) anti-inflammatory activity of M. heterophylla leaf, stem and root extracts and of M. senegalensis leaf and stem extracts. Additionally, we assessed their in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicities. Anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts were determined in Wistar albino rats, by the carrageenan-induced paw oedema method. Acute and sub-acute toxicity screening of the extracts was evaluated in adult male CD-6 mice. Leaf extracts of M. heterophylla and M. senegalensis exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity (120 mg/kg, per os), reducing oedema by 51% and 35%, respectively. While M. heterophylla extracts at 1200 mg/kg have shown to be non-toxic, M. senegalensis extracts indicated some toxicity. Our results show a significant anti-inflammatory effect of both M. heterophylla and M. senegalensis leaf extracts in a local model of acute inflammation and suggest the absence of acute and sub-acute toxicity signs of the M. heterophylla leaf extract (but not of M. senegalensis). Ongoing studies will surely shed some light into the mechanism of action of this active extract and establish its chemical fingerprint.

Transitory gliosis in the CA3 hippocampal region in rats fed on a ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-protein and low-carbohydrate diet included as medical practice against seizure disorders, particularly in children refractory to conventional anti-epileptic drug treatment. However, the molecular basis of its therapeutic effect remains unclear. Considering the growing evidence for the importance of glial cells for neuronal development, survival and plasticity, we investigated astrocyte protein markers from KD fed rats, in different regions of hippocampus, a brain structure commonly involved in seizure disorders. We found a transitory increment in GFAP in the CA3 hippocampal region, but not in the CA1 or dentate gyrus (DG). This change was not accompanied by changes in S100B content or glutamine synthetase activity. In order to evaluate possible hippocampal involvement we investigated spatial-cognitive behavior using the water-maze task. No changes were observed. This transitory gliosis in CA3 could be related to, or precede, other associated changes proposed to be involved in the attenuation of seizure disorders. These data reinforce the importance of hippocampal astrocytes as cell targets during KD feeding.