Activation of AMPK in rat hypothalamus participates in cold-induced resistance to nutrient-dependent anorexigenic signals

The exposure of homeothermic animals to a cold environment leads to a powerful activation of orexigenic signalling which is accompanied by molecular and functional resistance to insulin-induced inhibition of feeding. Recent evidence suggests that AMPK participates in nutrient-dependent control of satiety and adiposity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of cold exposure upon the molecular activation of AMPK signalling in the hypothalamus of rats. Immunoblotting demonstrated that cold exposure per se is sufficient for inducing, on a time-dependent basis, the molecular activation of the serine/threonine kinase AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inactivation of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). These molecular phenomena were accompanied by resistance to nutrient-induced inactivation of AMPK and activation of ACC. Moreover, cold-exposure led to a partial inhibition of a feeding-induced anorexigenic response, which was paralleled by resistance to insulin-induced suppression of feeding. Finally, cold exposure significantly impaired insulin-induced inhibition of AMPK through a mechanism dependent on the molecular cross-talk between phosphatidylinositol-3(PI₃)-kinase/Akt and AMPK. In conclusion, increased feeding during cold exposure results, at least in part, from resistance to insulin- and nutrient-dependent anorexigenic signalling in the hypothalamus.     

Effect of intervention to improve breastfeeding technique on the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding and lactation-related problems.

This randomized clinical trial compared frequencies of exclusive breastfeeding and lactation-related problems during the first 30 days among 74 mothers who received a 30-minute counseling session on breastfeeding technique in the maternity ward, and 137 controls. The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who had received intervention was similar to controls by 7 days (79.7% vs 82.5%, respectively) and 30 days (60.8% vs 53.3%). There was no difference between groups in the frequency of sore nipples at 7 and 30 days, in breast engorgement and mastitis, and in the quality of breastfeeding technique at 30 days. Therefore, a single intervention at maternity was not sufficient to improve breastfeeding technique, increase exclusive breastfeeding rates, and reduce the incidence of breastfeeding problems during the first month.     

Case report of de novo dup(18p)/del(18q) and r(18) mosaicism

This is a report of a 27-year-old woman with an unusual de novo chromosomal abnormality. Mosaicism was identified in peripheral blood cells examined by standard G-bands by trypsin using Giemsa (GTG) analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with chromosome-18 region-specific probes, 46,XX,del(18)(pter → q21.33:)[41], 46,XX,r(18)(::p11.21 → q21.33::)[8], and 46,XX,der(18)(pter → q21.33::p11.21 → pter)[1]. On the other hand, the karyotype of periodontal ligament fibroblasts was nonmosaic, 46,XX, der(18)(pter → q21.33::p11.21 → pter)[50]. All cell lines appeared to be missing a portion of 18q (q21.33 → qter). The pattern of the dup(18p)/del(18q) in the rod configuration raises the possibility of an inversion in chromosome 18 in one of the parents. However, no chromosomal anomaly was detected in either parent. The most probable explanation is that de novo rod and ring configurations arose simultaneously from an intrachromosomal exchange. The unique phenotype of this patient, which included primary hypothyroidism and primary hypogonadism, is discussed in relation to her karyotype.     

Alcohol consumption and burden of disease in the Americas: implications for alcohol policy.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of alcohol consumption in the Americas, to estimate the burden of disease attributable to alcohol in the year 2000, and to suggest implications for policies to reduce alcohol-related disease burden. METHODS: Two dimensions of alcohol exposure were included in this secondary data analysis: average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking. There were two main outcome measures: mortality (number of deaths) and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost (number of years of life lost due to premature mortality and disability). Separate estimates were obtained for different sexes, age groups and WHO regions. RESULTS: Despite regional variations, alcohol consumption in the Americas averaged more than 50% higher than worldwide consumption. Patterns of irregular heavy drinking prevailed. Alcohol consumption caused a considerable disease burden: 4.8% of all the deaths and 9.7% of all DALYs lost in the year 2000 were attributable to drinking, with most of the burden occurring outside North America. Intentional and unintentional injuries accounted for 59.8% of all alcohol-related deaths and 38.4% of the alcohol-related disease burden. Of all risk factors compared here, alcohol accounted for the greatest proportion of risk, followed by smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions should be implemented to reduce the high burden of alcohol-related disease in the Americas. Given the epidemiological structure of this burden, injury prevention including, but not restricted to, prevention of traffic injuries, as well as appropriate treatment options, should play an important role in comprehensive plans to reduce the alcohol-related public health burden.     

A new technique for low-volume continuous sampling of spent dialysate: a validation study

Journal of Artificial Organs - The measure of hemodialysis (HD) adequacy recommended nowadays by most guidelines, Kt/V-urea, presents significant drawbacks. Direct dialysis quantification (DDQ)...     

Effect of serine‐type protease of Candida spp. isolated from linear gingival erythema of HIV‐positive children: critical factors in the colonization

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39 : 753–760 Background: There are several kinds of oral soft tissue lesions that are common manifestations observed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected children; for example, linear gingival erythema (LGE) that is a distinctive fiery red band along the margin of the gingivae. The etiology and pathogenesis of LGE are questionable, but a candidal origin has been suggested. Proteases are key virulence attributes produced by a variety of pathogenic fungi, including Candida. The objective of the present study is to identify the protease production in Candida species including, C. albicans (n = 5), C. dubliniensis (n = 1) and C. tropicalis (n = 1), isolated directly from typical LGE lesions observed in six HIV‐positive children, and also to test the effect of a serine protease inhibitor on the interaction of Candida spp. and epithelial cells in vitro. Methods: The ability of Candida strains to release proteases in the culture supernatant fluids was visualized by gelatin‐SDS–PAGE. Gel strips containing 30‐fold concentrated supernatant (1.5 × 10⁸ yeasts) were incubated at 37°C for 48 h in 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH 5.5. The concentrated supernatants were also incubated with fibronectin, laminin, immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin and human serum albumin. The effect of serine protease inhibitor on the interaction of Candida spp. and epithelial cells (MA 104) was measured after pre‐treatment of fungi with the inhibitor (phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride, PMSF). Results: All the extracellular proteases were completely inhibited by PMSF, identifying these activities as serine‐type proteases. Interestingly, a common 62‐kDa serine protease was observed in all Candida strains. The culture supernatants, rich in serine protease activities, cleaved several soluble proteinaceous substrates. Additionally, we demonstrated that pre‐treatment of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis with PMSF diminished the interaction with epithelial cells. Conclusions: Collectively, our results show that Candida spp. isolated from LGE lesions produced and secreted serine proteases and these enzymes may be involved in the initial colonization events.     

Alcohol use in times of the COVID 19: Implications for monitoring and policy

Based on a literature search undertaken to determine the impacts of past public health crises, and a systematic review of the effects of past economic crises on alcohol consumption, two main scenarios—with opposite predictions regarding the impact of the current COVID‐19 pandemic on the level and patterns of alcohol consumption—are introduced. The first scenario predicts an increase in consumption for some populations, particularly men, due to distress experienced as a result of the pandemic. A second scenario predicts the opposite outcome, a lowered level of consumption, based on the decreased physical and financial availability of alcohol. With the current restrictions on alcohol availability, it is postulated that, for the immediate future, the predominant scenario will likely be the second, while the distress experienced in the first may become more relevant in the medium‐ and longer‐term future. Monitoring consumption levels both during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic will be necessary to better understand the effects of COVID‐19 on different groups, as well as to distinguish them from those arising from existing alcohol control policies.     

The global distribution of average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking

AIMS: To make quantitative estimates on a global basis of exposure of disease-relevant dimensions of alcohol consumption, i.e. average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis. MEASUREMENTS: Level of average volume of drinking was estimated by a triangulation of data on per capita consumption and from general population surveys. Patterns of drinking were measured by an index composed of several indicators for heavy drinking occasions, an indicator of drinking with meals and an indicator of public drinking. Average volume of consumption was assessed by sex and age within each country, and patterns of drinking only by country; estimates for the global subregions were derived from the population-weighted average of the countries. For more than 90% of the world population, per capita consumption was known, and for more than 80% of the world population, survey data were available. FINDINGS: On the country level, average volume of alcohol consumption and patterns of drinking were independent. There was marked variation between WHO subregions on both dimensions. Average volume of drinking was highest in established market economies in Western Europe and the former Socialist economies in the Eastern part of Europe and in North America, and lowest in the Eastern Mediterranean region and parts of Southeast Asia including India. Patterns were most detrimental in the former Socialist economies in the Eastern part of Europe, in Middle and South America and parts of Africa. Patterns were least detrimental in Western Europe and in developed countries in the Western Pacific region (e.g., Japan). CONCLUSIONS: Although exposure to alcohol varies considerably between regions, the overall exposure by volume is quite high and patterns are relatively detrimental. The predictions for the future are not favorable, both with respect to average volume and to patterns of drinking.