Independent patterns of damage within magno-, parvo- and koniocellular pathways in Parkinson's disease

Sensory deficits have been documented in Parkinson's disease, in particular within the visual domain. However, ageing factors related to the brain and to neural and non-neural ocular structures could explain some of the previously reported results, in particular the claimed impairment within the koniocellular pathway. This study addressed visual impairment attributable to the magno- (luminance), parvo- (red-green) and koniocellular (blue-yellow) pathways in a population of Parkinson's disease patients. To avoid potentially confounding factors, all subjects underwent a full neurophthalmological assessment which led to exclusion of subjects with increased intraocular pressure, diabetes even in the absence of retinopathy, and ocular abnormalities (from a total of 72 patients' eyes, 12 were excluded). Both parvo- and koniocellular pathways were studied by means of contrast sensitivity (CS) measurements along protan, tritan and deutan axes and also by fitting chromatic discrimination ellipses using eight measured contrast axes. Magnocellular function was assessed, using stimuli that induce a frequency doubling illusion, in 17 locations in the fovea and periphery. Achromatic (luminance modulation) thresholds were significantly higher in Parkinson's disease both in foveal and peripheral locations. A significant impairment was observed along protan and deutan axes, but only marginally along the tritan axis. These results were corroborated by a significant elongation of chromatic discrimination ellipses in our Parkinson's disease group. Correlation analysis showed that achromatic and chromatic CS measures were independent, which implies that multiple visual pathways are affected independently in Parkinson's disease. Magnocellular impairment was significantly correlated with age and disease stage, in contrast to the measured chromatic deficits. We conclude that in Parkinson's disease, independent damage occurs in the early magno- and parvocellular pathways. Furthermore, traditional koniocellular probing strategies in Parkinson's disease may be confounded by ageing factors, which may reconcile the previously reported controversial findings concerning chromatic impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Spectrophotometric determination of trace aluminium content in parenteral solutions by combined cloud point preconcentration-flow injection analysis

A cloud point preconcentration and flow injection (FI) analysis methodology for aluminium(III) determination has been developed. The analyte in the initial aqueous solution was complexed with Chrome Azurol S (CAS) in the presence of the cationic surfactant benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (BDTAC). The absorption spectroscopic characteristics of the ternary complex [Al(III)-CAS-BDTAC] were examined in detail. The preconcentration step was carried out by means of the non-ionic surfactant polyethylene glycol p-nonylphenyl ether (PONPE 7.5). The enriched analyte solution was injected into an FI system using an HPLC pump. The chemical variables affecting the analytical performance of the combined methodology were studied and optimised. The developed approach was successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of aluminium in parenteral solutions without previous treatment. Under the optimum experimental conditions, 99.9% extraction was achieved for a preconcentration factor of 50. The limit of detection was 1.12 x 10(-7) mol(-1). The calibration plot was linear over at least two orders of magnitude of aluminium concentration. The developed coupled methodology, which thoroughly satisfies the typical requirements for pharmaceutical control processes, is appropriate for monitoring the aluminium concentration in parenteral nutrition.

Monitoring the elimination of gadolinium-based pharmaceuticals. Cloud point preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of Gd(III)-2-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminophenol in urine

An extraction methodology based on cloud point phase separation of non-ionic surfactants has been developed for the preconcentration of ppb amounts of gadolinium in urine as a prior step to its determination by an absorptiometric procedure. A method based on the formation of complexes with 2-(3,5-dichloro-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminophenol was used for the extraction of Gd(III) in the surfactant-rich phase of non-ionic surfactant polyethyleneglycolmono-p-nonylphenylether (PONPE 7.5). The variables affecting the combined preconcentration-absorptiometric method have been evaluated and optimised. The extraction efficiency, linearity, and the limit of detection (LOD) of the method were determined. The optimised procedure was applied to determine total and free Gd(III) contents in real urine samples of patients after the NMR imaging diagnostic examination with contrast agent.

Characterization of T cells that confer a high degree of protective immunity against tuberculosis in mice after vaccination with tumor cells expressing mycobacterial hsp65

Mice vaccinated by injection with tumor cells expressing the Mycobacterium leprae gene for hsp65 acquire a remarkably high degree of protection against challenge with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We used limiting-dilution analysis to assess the frequency of CD4+ CD8- and CD4- CD8+ splenocytes responding to mycobacterial hsp65 in such vaccinated mice. Cells of both phenotypes were present at very high and equal frequencies (approximately 1:100). Vaccination with live Mycobacterium bovis BCG also increased the frequencies of both phenotypes of hsp65-reactive cells equally (to approximately 1:2,500), whereas vaccination procedures that were not protective, with either dead BCG, hsp65 protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, or hsp65 mixed with tumor cells, resulted in preferential increase in CD4+ CD8- cells. Twelve CD4+ CD8- and twelve CD4- CD8+ hsp65-responsive T-cell clones were obtained and characterized. All showed conventional antigen recognition via major histocompatibility complex class II and class I pathways but differed in secretion of gamma interferon and interleukin 4 and cytotoxicity. In tests of antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis, both in infected macrophages in vitro and by adoptive transfer of protection with T-cell clones injected into irradiated mice, the most effective clones were the most cytotoxic and secretion of gamma interferon made only a secondary contribution.

Effects of water-soluble components of cheese on experimental caries in humans

The effect of water-soluble components of extra-old Cheddar cheese on experimental caries was tested by means of the seven-day intraoral cariogenicity test (ICT). Two bovine enamel blocks were placed in each buccal flange of the dental appliances of five volunteers. One side of each appliance (experimental) was dipped in a 25% water extract of the cheese for five min, while the other side (control) was dipped in de-ionized water. Immediately thereafter, the appliance was returned to the subject's mouth, and two 60-second rinses with 10% sucrose were performed. These procedures were repeated six times per day. The cheese-extract dippings reduced the cariogenicity of the sucrose by an average of 55.7% (p less than 0.01), as assessed by enamel microhardness. Neither the mean resting pH nor the mean minimum pH in response to sucrose was significantly different between the experimental and control sides. The concentration of calcium was significantly higher in plaque from the experimental side (32.44 micrograms/mg) as compared with the control side (19.36 micrograms/mg, p less than 0.01). The concentration of plaque phosphorus was higher on the experimental side (12.90 micrograms/mg) than on the control side (9.61 micrograms/mg); however, the difference was not statistically significant. These results show that cheese has one or more water-soluble components which reduce experimental caries in human subjects.

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of trans-dehydrocrotonin, a 19-nor-clerodane diterpene from Croton cajucara. Part 1

The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of trans-dehydrocrotonin, isolated from the bark of Croton cajucara (Euphorbiaceae), were investigated using several animal models. The trans-dehydrocrotonin produced a significant inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. It also inhibited the writhings in mice induced by acetic acid, but did not show a significant effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The LD50 of t-DCTN was 555.0 mg/kg (p.o.) for mice.

Synthesis and intramitochondrial levels of valproyl-coenzyme A metabolites

A number of valproate adverse reactions are due to its interference with several metabolic pathways, including that of fatty acid oxidation. In order to resolve which mitochondrial enzymes of fatty acid oxidation are inhibited by which VPA intermediates we have developed methods to synthesize their CoA ester forms. This paper describes the synthesis of VPA acyl-CoA ester metabolites as well as data on the fate of VPA in rat liver mitochondria. Valproyl-CoA, Delta2-valproyl-CoA, and 3-OH-valproyl-CoA were obtained through chemical synthesis. 3-Keto-valproyl-CoA was prepared by a novel enzymatic procedure followed by a combination of solid-phase extraction and preparative HPLC purification. This approach proved to be efficient in obtaining all the beta-oxidation intermediates of valproyl-CoA. The synthetic standards were used for the determination of intramitochondrial concentrations of valproyl-CoA, Delta2-valproyl-CoA, 3-OH-valproyl-CoA, and 3-keto-valproyl-CoA by HPLC. These levels were determined after incubation of intact rat liver mitochondria with VPA under conditions of state 3 and state 4 respiration. The results show that valproyl-CoA and to a much lesser extent 3-keto-valproyl-CoA are the main metabolites of VPA in mitochondria. This information will be of great use in resolving the mechanisms involved in the inhibition of mitochondrial processes like fatty acid oxidation by VPA.

Water treatment with exceptional virus inactivation using activated carbon modified with silver (Ag) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles

Continuous flow experiments (450 mL min^-1) were performed in household filter in order to investigate the removal and/or inactivation of T4 bacteriophage, using granular activated carbon (GAC) modified with silver and/or copper oxide nanoparticles at different concentrations. GAC and modified GAC were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, specific surface area, pore size and volume, pore average diameter, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antiviral activity of the produced porous media was evaluated by passing suspensions of T4 bacteriophage (∼10⁵ UFP/mL) through filters. The filtered water was analyzed for the presence of the bacteriophage and the release of silver and copper oxide. The porous media containing silver and copper oxide nanoparticles showed high inactivation capacity, even reaching reductions higher than 3 log. GAC6 (GAC/Ag0.5%Cu1.0%) was effective in the bacteriophage inactivation, reaching 5.53 log reduction. The levels of silver and copper released in filtered water were below the recommended limits (100 ppb for silver and 1000 ppb for copper) in drinking water. From this study, it is possible to conclude that activated carbon modified with silver and copper oxide nanoparticles can be used as a filter for virus removal in the treatment of drinking water.

Differential effect of valproate and its Delta2- and Delta4-unsaturated metabolites, on the beta-oxidation rate of long-chain and medium-chain fatty acids

Overall fatty acid oxidation rates were investigated in rat hepatocytes using [9,10-3H]-palmitic, [9,10-3H]-oleic, [9,10-3H]-myristic and [2,3-3H]-phenylpropionic acids. The effect of both valproate (VPA) (0-10 mM) and two of its unsaturated metabolites, Delta2(E)-VPA and Delta4-VPA (0-10 mM), on the overall 3H2O production rate was studied. The results give evidence of a general inhibitory effect of VPA on the beta-oxidation rate of all the tested substrates. Similar effects were observed with both VPA metabolites but these effects appeared to be dependent on the chain length of the substrate. When the effect on the oxidation of the medium-chain fatty acid 3-phenylpropionate (PPA) was studied, Delta2(E)-VPA at 0.5 mM caused a 94% inhibition of the overall beta-oxidation rate. However, with long-chain substrates, 0.5 mM Delta(4)-VPA was a more potent inhibitor (20-30% of control activity) than 0.5 mM Delta(2E)-VPA (60-80% of control activity). Our results suggest that VPA and/or its metabolites inhibit fatty acyl-CoA metabolism within the mitochondrion by two different mechanisms. The first mechanism involves CoASH sequestration, which affects the oxidation rate of all fatty acids with different chain length. The second mechanism is more specific in nature and involves selective inhibition of particular enzymes implicated in fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Differential correlation between interleukin patterns in disseminated and chronic human paracoccidioidomycosis

In an attempt to understand better the immunoregulatory disorders in paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the possible correlation between interleukin pattern, lymphoproliferation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and specific antibody levels was investigated in the polarized clinical forms of this disease. We studied 16 PCM patients, eight with the disseminated disease (four under treatment and four non-treated) and eight with the chronic disease. The patients with disseminated disease exhibited high antibody titres specific to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antigen compared with patients with the chronic form of disease. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1, IL-6 and CRP in the serum of non-treated disseminated PCM patients were increased, which correlated positively with the low mitogenic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) (P < 0.01) and with the high antibody titres (P < 0.001) of these patients. Moreover, we found in the disseminated PCM patients positive correlations between IL-1 and IL-6 (P = 0.0007); IL-1 and TNF (P = 0.0045); IL-1 and IL-6 with the high antibody titres (P = 0.0834 and P = 0.0631, respectively); IL-1, IL-6 and TNF with CRP levels. By contrast, no correlations were found with those interleukins in the treated disseminated and chronic patients or in controls. It was interesting to find an inverse correlation between IL-4 and antibody production in non-treated disseminated PCM (r = -0.4770); moreover, a significant correlation (P = 0.0820) was found in chronic PCM patients with respect to the low level of either IL-4 and antibody titres against fungus antigen. Chronic PCM patients also had IL-2 levels inversely correlated with antibody production (r = -0.6313; P = 0.0628). Inverse correlations were also observed between IL-2 and IL-6 levels in non-treated disseminated patients (P = 0.0501) and between IL-2 and IL-4 in chronic patients (P = 0.0131). The inflammatory cytokines might have a pivotal role in the genesis and in control of some aspects of the disease, such as granulomatous reaction, hypergammaglobulinaemia and depression of T cell-mediated immunity in PCM.

Liver resection and transplantation offer similar 5-year survival for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A HCC-patients with a single nodule up to 5 cm: a multicenter, exploratory analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The current guideline of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends liver resection for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma, total serum bilirubin ≤ 1 mg/dL and absence of significant portal hypertension. This subset of patients would have a long-term survival comparable to transplantation. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the survival rates in patients with a single nodule ≤ 5 cm following resection.

METHODS

Medical records of 105 Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients who underwent liver resection between 1997 and 2009 were analyzed in 3 countries.

RESULTS

One, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 97%, 83%, and 66%, respectively, and no variable that can be assessed prior to liver resection predicted survival probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection offers 5-year survival similar to transplantation for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and a single nodule up to 5 cm, independently of any patient baseline characteristics.

Density functionals not based on the electron gas: local-density approximation for a Luttinger liquid

By shifting the reference system for the local-density approximation (LDA) from the electron gas to other model systems, one obtains a new class of density functionals, which by design account for the correlations present in the chosen reference system. This strategy is illustrated by constructing an explicit LDA for the one-dimensional Hubbard model. While the traditional ab initio LDA is based on a Fermi liquid (the three-dimensional interacting electron gas), this one is based on a Luttinger liquid. First applications to inhomogeneous Hubbard models, including one containing a localized impurity, are reported.

Characterization of plasma acylcarnitines in patients under valproate monotherapy using ESI-MS/MS

OBJECTIVES

The effect of administration of the antiepileptic drug valproate (VPA), on the composition of the plasma acylcarnitine profile (including free carnitine) was investigated.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Plasma samples were obtained from 18 individuals (13 males:5 females; 15-65 y) on long-term treatment with VPA (resulting in plasma levels of 14.6-135.0 mg/L; therapeutic conc.: 40-100 mg/L). Acylcarnitines (AC) in plasma were quantified by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS).

RESULTS

VPA was found to increase the levels (mean +/- SD, microM) of 3-hydroxy-isovalerylcarnitine (0.10 +/- 0.04; controls: 0.02-0.06), C14:2 acylcarnitine (0.11 +/- 0.05; controls: 0.02-0.08), propylglutarylcarnitine (0.06 +/- 0.05; controls: 0.00-0.04), and C18-0H-acylcarnitine (0.09 +/- 0.05; controls: 0.00-0.04). The free carnitine (C) (42.2 +/- 9.0; controls: 22.3-54.9) and the total carnitine (52.3 +/- 10.1; controls: 26.5-73.6) were not significantly altered by VPA. Other AC (C2-C18, monounsaturated and hydroxylated) were all within the control range and especially no increase of C8 (valproyl) carnitine was observed. A positive correlation was found between the ratios [AC] / [C] (p < 0.05) or [long-chain AC (C10-C18)] / [C] (p < 0.09) with the plasma VPA concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

The unequivocal increase in 3-hydroxy-isovalerylcarnitine is consistent with the increase of 3-hydroxy-isovaleric acid observed in urine of VPA treated patients. This finding suggests an interaction mechanism of VPA with specific enzymes, namely involved in leucine metabolism. Adult patients under VPA monotherapy do not suffer from carnitine deficiency; the effect of the accumulating acylcarnitines is ill-defined.

Iron-oxide nanoparticles by the green synthesis method using Moringa oleifera leaf extract for fluoride removal

In this work, we synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles (NPsFeO) via a green synthesis method, using Moringa oleifera leaf extract, and evaluated its fluoride ion adsorption potential, comparing its efficiency with a commercially available adsorbent (activated carbon of bone [BGAC]). The adsorbent materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission, and scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray dispersive energy spectrometry, and N2 adsorption/desorption. The results showed that the maximum adsorption occurred in pH 7 for NPsFeO and pH 5 for the BGAC. Adsorption kinetic tests showed that the equilibrium was reached in 40 min for the NPsFeO, and 90 min for BGAC, with adsorption potential of 1.40 and 1.20 mg g^-1, respectively. The model that best described the kinetic data was pseudo-first-order for NPsFeO and pseudo-second-order for BGAC. The Langmuir isotherm had a better fit for both adsorbents. The thermodynamic parameters indicated spontaneous and endothermic adsorption at 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C for BGAC, and at 30°C for NPsFeO. The regeneration process showed that it is possible to reuse NPsFeO three times in the fluoride ion adsorption process. As a result of its adsorption capabilities and the shortest contact time to achieve equilibrium, the NPsFeO is a highly promising material for fluoride ion removal.

The practical utility of the synthesis FeNi3@SiO2@TiO2 magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient photocatalyst for the humic acid degradation

Humic acid (HA) compounds in drinking water and wastewater disinfection processes are viewed as precursors of highly toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic disinfection by-product chemicals. In recent times, these compounds have gained considerable attention of scientists for their successful removal from aqueous solutions to permissible limits. To achieve this aim, the present study investigated, for the first time, the photocatalytical performance of the synthesis FeNi₃@SiO₂@TiO₂ nanoparticles for the HA degradation under different environmental conditions. The photocatalytic reactions were performed using ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whose intensity was fixed at 2500 μW/cm² throughout the experimental study. The characterization study performed, using specific diagnostic techniques, revealed the presence of several good morphological, magnetic, and catalytic specifications of the synthesized nanoparticles. The use of the simplified form of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation sufficiently describes the experimental data of the HA kinetic degradation, as it shows a high coefficient of regression values. Furthermore, the complete HA degradation was reached under conditions of pH = 3; initial HA concentration = 10 mg/L; FeNi₃@SiO₂@TiO₂ nanoparticles dosage = 0.01 g/L; and reaction time >30 min. Thus, the results obtained from this research suggested that the catalyst of FeNi₃@SiO₂@TiO₂ nanoparticles was an attractive, novel, and effective agent, which could be used for the degradation of HA in the photocatalytic processes.

Ageism against older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review

OBJECTIVE

To report the main results of studies on prejudice, stereotyping, and age-based discrimination (ageism) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This is an integrative review of the literature on ageism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted between May and June 2020, with data collected from the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO).

RESULTS

Twenty-one publications addressing ageism during the pandemics, its origins, consequences, and ethical and political implications were analyzed. All publications were theoretical with a critical/reflexive approach, being 90,5% opinion articles (n = 19) and 9,5% research (n = 2). The main findings indicate criticisms regarding resources allocation and intensive care based exclusively on age. The results also highlight the impacts of social isolation, the use of technologies and social media, and intergenerational relationships within the COVID-19 scenario.

CONCLUSION

According to most publications, although ageism has always been present, it became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of discrimination against older adults. "Ageist" discourses may exert a negative influence in older adults' lives, causing severe social and psychological impacts.

Valproate induces in vitro accumulation of long-chain fatty acylcarnitines

To elucidate the interference mechanisms of valproate (VPA) with mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO), the profile of acylcarnitine formation was studied in vitro. Human fibroblasts were incubated with 0.2 mmol/L [U-(13)C]palmitate, 0.4 mmol/L l-carnitine, +/- VPA (2 mmol/L) (96 h at 37 degrees C). Acylcarnitines (AC) were analyzed by GC-CI-MS. VPA induced an impaired production of acetylcarnitine (C2) and an increase on long-chain AC (C10 to C16) both in control and in FAO-deficient cell lines (VLCAD, LCHAD, MTP).

Invasive aspergillosis: a severe infection in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE). Among them, invasive aspergillosis (IA), which is usually related to immunosuppressed patients, has been rarely reported in JSLE. From 1983 to 2011, 5604 patients were followed at our institution and 283 (5%) met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE. Six (2.1%) of our JSLE patients had IA. One of them was previously reported and five will be described herein. Four of them were female. The median age at JSLE diagnosis was 12 years (8–16) and the median interval between diagnosis of JSLE and IA was 6 months (1–38). All had pulmonary involvement and three of them had systemic involvement. The median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) was 19 (7–22). Diagnosis of IA was performed by isolation of Aspergillus spp., two in bronchoalveolar lavage culture and by way of autopsy in the others. All of them were treated with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs at IA diagnosis (azathioprine and/or intravenous cyclophosphamide). They all required treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit with mechanical ventilation and antifungal therapy (fluconazole, amphotericin B, itraconazole and/or voriconazole); nonetheless, none of them survived. In conclusion, this was the first report that evaluated the prevalence of IA in a large population of JSLE patients from a tertiary pediatric hospital, and clearly showed the severity of the outcome, especially in patients with active disease and treated with immunosuppressive agents. This study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and treatment with certain antifungals, especially in critically ill patients.