Transient expression of keratin 19 is induced in originally negative interfollicular epidermal cells by adhesion of suspended cells

Keratin 19 and nuclear reactivity to an endogenous lectin, galectin-1, represent a potential marker of epidermal stem cells. We detected expression of keratin 19 and nuclear binding sites for galectin-1 in adult cells migrating from the hair follicle, where cells expressing keratin 19 are located in the bulge region. The results were compared with the expression of both markers in cells adhering from suspension prepared from the interfollicular epidermis without keratin-19-positive cells and with nuclear binding sites for galectin-1. The results were compared with data from basal cell carcinomas. All cells were analyzed concerning size, as it is known that cell diameter influences the clonogenic potential of keratinocytes. The major result of this study is the observation of transient expression of keratin 19 and nuclear galectin-1 binding sites in originally negative interfollicular epidermal cells induced by adhesion. These cells were very small in size, similar to basal cells of the interfollicular epidermis or the bulge region of the hair follicle. The influence of the suspension regimen on beta1-integrin expression, cell diameter and growth was also monitored. A population of cells highly positive for beta1 integrin of the same diameter as keratin-19-positive cells insensitive to induction of terminal differentiation by lack of anchorage was characterized. Cells of the same size were also observed in the keratin-19-positive cells of basal cell carcinomas. In conclusion, the expression of poor levels of differentiation induced by cell adhesion is transient. Also, keratin 19 expression should not be exclusively regarded as a marker of stem cell activity.     

Mutual inhibition of the binding of Clq and protein A to rabbit IgG immune complexes

A complex of rabbit IgG antibody with horseradish peroxidase covalently linked to Sepharose 4B was used as an insoluble immune complex for studying the binding of complement factor C1q protein A from Staphylococcus aureus, and its IgG-binding fragments AB and B, to rabbit IgG. It was shown that protein A (mol. wt approx. 42,000) and fragments AB and B (mol. wts approx. 14,000 and 7000, respectively) inhibited the binding of C1q to insoluble immune complex at 4 degrees C. However, at 37 degrees C fragment B did not inhibit this binding. On the other hand, C1q, when bound to an insoluble immune complex, almost completely blocked the binding of protein A and fragment B at both temps. The higher affinity of C1q for its CH2-binding site than of fragment B for its CH2-binding site may explain the displacement of the latter from the CH2 domain. The mutual inhibition of the binding of C1q and protein A (and its smaller fragments) indicates that the binding sites for C1q and protein A are closely located in the CH2 domain.     

The Lipofuscin-Iron Association in Pigmentosis Tubae

Pigmentosis tubae (PT) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of numerous lipofuscin-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of the fallopian tube. Two women, who also had endometriotic ovarian cysts, showed polypoid pigmented tubal mucosae. In addition to lipofuscin, occasional cells showed spotty positivity for iron. Ultrastructural examination of the tubal mucosa showed the lipofuscin-containing bodies, which were similar to lipofuscin-containing lysosomes found in other pigmented conditions. Cytoplasmatic ferritin and hemosiderin in siderosomes were observed in macrophages and endothelial cells of the lamina propria. The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence of iron-containing particles and lipofuscin in the residual bodies of PT. The origin of the excess iron is not clear, but erythrophagocytosis and an abnormal tubal environment could play a role. Iron-promoted lipid peroxidation may alter the lysosomal membranes and contribute to the excessive accumulation of lipofuscin in these cells.     

Interpopulation variability among Panstrongylus megistus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Brazil

Comparisons were made among Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) from three areas of Brazil (Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina), where populations differ with regard to their degree of association with human dwellings. The following characters were studied: morphology of the eggs and the male genitalia; morphometry of the head and thorax; isoenzyme profile; enzymatic activity of the alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPDH); and cytogenetics. In general, differences were observed in the weight, diameter, and length of the egg among Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Santa Catarina populations. Differences were not observed in the architecture of the egg exochorion. The size of the median process of the pygophore of the male genitalia of individuals from Bahia differed from the other two populations. The Minas Gerais population presented the largest number of denticles in the endosome process. The morphometry of the head and thorax differentiated Santa Catarina from the Bahia and Minas Gerais populations. Phosphoglucomutase (EC 5.4.2.2., PGM) was the only enzyme out of 11 that showed polymorphism; the population from Minas Gerais was most polymorphic, whereas the population from Santa Catarina was monomorphic. Study of the alpha-GPDH activity and cytogenetics did not reveal differences among the three populations. Analysis of all the characters studied together with information on these three populations from previous publications allowed a phenogram to be constructed. Two distinct groups were evident, one represented by Santa Catarina and the other by Bahia and Minas Gerais. Considering the greater variability of the Minas Gerais and Bahia populations, we propose the inclusion of these states within the area of origin of P. megistus.     

Epidemiology,characterization, and diagnosis of neuropsychiatric events in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is characterized by a heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. The absence of diagnostic criteria and the lack of clinical trials is a challenge in clinical practice.

Areas covered: A literature review was performed to describe epidemiology, characterization (clinical, immunological, and imaging), diagnosis and treatment of NPSLE. Classification criteria have been the first step towards a uniform definition. More recently, different attribution models have been developed to help to determine if the NP event is due to SLE. Disease activity is a major risk factor for NP events. Cytokines and autoantibodies are associated with NP events, however, only a few studies have identified risk factors for individual NP events.

Expert opinion: Further research needs to search for and validate biomarkers for NPSLE and individual NP events, including neuroimaging findings, attribution models, and serologic markers. This will be a fundamental step in planning randomized control trials in the treatment of NPSLE to improve outcome.     

L-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Strength and Power of Knee Muscles and Improves Glycemia Control and Plasma Redox Balance in Exercising Elderly Women

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.     

A Randomized Study of Nutritional Supplementation in Patients with Unilateral Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The purpose of this study is evaluate the efficacy and safety of medicinal products containing the original Age-Related Eye Disease group (AREDS) formulation at doses approved in Europe (EU, control group; n = 59) with a product that adds DHA, lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol to the formula (intervention group; n = 50). This was a multicenter, randomized, observer-blinded trial conducted in patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed with unilateral exudative Age related Macular Degeneration AMD. At month 12, the intervention did not have a significant differential effect on visual acuity compared with the control group, with an estimated treatment difference in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) of −1.63 (95% CI −0.83 to 4.09; p = 0.192). The intervention exhibited a significant and, in most cases, relevant effect in terms of a reduction in some inflammatory cytokines and a greater improvement in the fatty acid profile and serum lutein and zeaxantin concentration. In patients with unilateral wet AMD, the addition of lutein, zeaxanthin, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol and DHA to the AREDS EU recommended doses in the short-term did not have a differential effect on visual acuity compared to a standard AREDS EU formula but, in addition to improving the fatty acid profile and increasing carotenoid serum levels, may provide a beneficial effect in improving the proinflammatory and proangiogenic profile of patients with AMD.     

Analytical Assessment and Nutritional Adequacy of School Lunches in Sintra’s Public Primary Schools

School meals present several cost benefits overtime at the short, medium, and long term for individuals and society. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the nutritional composition and evaluate the adequacy of school lunches. One hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected and analysed from 10 primary schools in Sintra’s municipality, served during one week. On average, energy (27.7% daily energetic requirements) and carbohydrate (48.1%) contents did not reach the reference values, and the content of protein (19.5%) exceeded the reference value (p < 0.05). The mean total fat (28.8%) and saturated fatty acids (5.4%) content complied with the recommendations. The mean salt (1.7 g) and dietary fibre (8.3 g) content exceeded the reference value but did not differ significantly from the recommendations. Addressing school canteens is crucial, not only in a nutritional approach, but also as an opportunity to achieve healthier, sustainable, and accessible food systems, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. We highlighted the importance of evaluating evidence-based practices and disseminated practice-based evidence regarding the adequacy of school lunches.     

Web Data Mining: Validity of Data from Google Earth for Food Retail Evaluation

To overcome the challenge of obtaining accurate data on community food retail, we developed an innovative tool to automatically capture food retail data from Google Earth (GE). The proposed method is relevant to non-commercial use or scholarly purposes. We aimed to test the validity of web sources data for the assessment of community food retail environment by comparison to ground-truth observations (gold standard). A secondary aim was to test whether validity differs by type of food outlet and socioeconomic status (SES). The study area included a sample of 300 census tracts stratified by SES in two of the largest cities in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. The GE web service was used to develop a tool for automatic acquisition of food retail data through the generation of a regular grid of points. To test its validity, this data was compared with the ground-truth data. Compared to the 856 outlets identified in 285 census tracts by the ground-truth method, the GE interface identified 731 outlets. In both cities, the GE interface scored moderate to excellent compared to the ground-truth data across all of the validity measures: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy (ranging from 66.3 to 100%). The validity did not differ by SES strata. Supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants yielded better results than other store types. To our knowledge, this research is the first to investigate using GE as a tool to capture community food retail data. Our results suggest that the GE interface could be used to measure the community food environment. Validity was satisfactory for different SES areas and types of outlets.