Inductores de ferroptosis para el tratamiento del cáncer

Introducción: La ferroptosis es un proceso no apoptótico de muerte celular regulada que depende de la presencia de iones hierro en el medio intracelular. Se caracterizada por la acumulación de especies reactivas de lípidos oxidados y radicales libres en las membranas celulares. Los inductores e inhibidores de este proceso inciden de manera circunstancial en él, con cuya respuesta celular se trabaja en función de elaborar modelos para el tratamiento del cáncer. Objetivo: Profundizar en el proceso de ferroptosis con un enfoque hacia los inductores e inhibidores, el establecimiento de modelos biofisicoquímicos y las estrategias terapéuticas para el tratamiento del cáncer. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de los estudios más significativos sobre el tema, publicados en la Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO, y Scopus. Resultados: Gracias al novedoso descubrimiento de la ferroptosis como impulsor de la muerte de células tumorales para tratar el cáncer, se han comenzado a desarrollar modelos teóricos que simulan el comportamiento de estas células y la complejidad en sistemas biológicos; que permiten encontrar procedimientos alternativos y menos invasivos contra esta y otras enfermedades. Conclusiones: Los inductores e inhibidores tienen una función primordial a la hora de predecir la influencia en la sensibilidad a la ferroptosis; por lo que se indagó en los mecanismos de funcionamiento de estos, que facilitará la forma de inducir en mayor o menor grado la muerte celular y disminuir la población de células cancerígenas.

Introduction: Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic process of regulated cell death that depends on the presence of iron ions in the intracellular medium. It is characterized by the accumulation of reactive species of oxidized lipids and free radicals in cell membranes. The inducers and inhibitors of this process circumstantially affect it, whose cellular response is used to develop models for cancer treatment. Objective: To deepen the ferroptosis process focusing on inducers and inhibitors, the establishment of biophysiochemical models and therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Methods: A review was carried out of the most significant studies on the subject, published in the Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO and Scopus. Results: Thanks to the novel discovery of ferroptosis as a conductor of tumor cell death to treat cancer, theoretical models have begun to be developed that simulate the behavior of these cells and the complexity in biological systems; that allow finding alternative and less invasive procedures against this and other diseases. Conclusions: Inductors and inhibitors have a primary role in predicting the influence on sensitivity to ferroptosis; therefore, the mechanisms of operation of these were investigated, which will facilitate the way to induce cell death to a greater or lesser degree and reduce the population of cancer cells.

The efficacy of muscle function training combined with occlusal inducer in the treatment of malocclusion in children with OSA / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of muscle function training combined with occlusal inducers in the treatment for children's malocclusion after obstructive sleep apnea（OSA） surgery. Methods:A total of 40 pediatric patients who underwent surgery for OSA at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 2020 to December 2021 were involved in this study. They were divided into a treatment group（n=20） and a control group（n=20）. The treatment group received muscle function training combined with occlusal inducers, while the control group received muscle function training alone. Cephalometric measurements of hard tissues were compared between the two groups before and 12 months after surgery. Additionally, the OSA-18 questionnaire, which includes 18 items to assess the life quality of children with OSA, was filled out before surgery, 6 months after surgery, and 12 months after surgery by these patients. Results:①The scores of sleep disorders, physical symptoms, emotional status, daytime sleepiness and energy status and the degree of influence on guardians in the two groups were significantly improved at 12 months after operation（P<0.05）. The scores of sleep disorders, physical symptoms, emotional status and the degree of influence on guardians in the treatment group were better than those in the control group（P<0.05）. ②Cephalometric data at 12 months after operation showed that the upper and lower alveolar seat angle（ANB）, Overbite, upper and lower central incisor angle（U1-L1） and Overjet in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group at 12 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. Conclusion:Children with OSA can improve the dentition irregularity by muscle function training combined with occlusal inducer after operation, and the effect is better than that of muscle function training alone.

Biosíntesis inducida de fengicina y surfactina en una cepa de Bacillus amyloliquefaciens con actividad oomiceticida sobre zoosporas de Phytophthora capsica / Induced biosynthesis of fengycin and surfactin in a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens with oomyceticidal activity on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici

Resumen La aplicación de metabolitos antimicrobianos biosintetizados por especies de Bacillus es una alternativa potencial para controlar Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) en hortalizas y podría evitar el uso de productos químicos con acción oomiceticida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la adición al medio de cultivo de distintos agentes (ácido glutámico, hierro, celulosa, quitina y células inactivas de Colletotrichum spp.) sobre la biosíntesis de lipopéptidos en Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 y examinar la capacidad oomiceticida de dichos compuestos in vitro sobre las zoosporas de P. capsici. Los lipopéptidos identificados y cuantificados por cromatografía en capa fina de alta resolución (HPTLC) en los extractos crudos fueron fengicina y surfactina. El cultivo bacteriano adicionado con células inactivas de Colletotrichum spp. demostró la mayor biosíntesis de lipopéptidos: 1.847,02 ±11,8 pg/mL de fengicina y 2.563,45 ± 18,4 pg/mL de surfactina. Los tratamientos con menor producción de estos lipopéptidos fueron aquellos a los que se añadió hierro (608,05 ± 22,6 pg/mL de fengicina y 903,74 ±22,1 pg/mL de surfactina) o celulosa (563,31 ±11,9 y 936,96 ±41,1 pg/mL, igual orden). El extracto con los lipopéptidos presentó una inhibición del 100% en la germinación de zoosporas de P. capsici, se observó enquistamiento, malformaciones en el tubo germinal y degradación celular. Se concluye que los lipopéptidos producidos por B. amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 podrían contribuir al control de P. capsici, sin embargo, se requieren más estudios a fin de elucidar el modo de acción biológica de estos compuestos y optimizar el perfil de producción y el rendimiento.

Abstract A potential alternative to the use of chemical products with oomyceticidal action for the control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetables is the use of antimicrobial metabolites, biosynthesized in Bacillus species. The objective of this study was to induce the biosynthesis of lipopeptides in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens KX953161.1 by using glutamic acid, iron, cellulose, chitin, or inactive Colletotrichum spp. cells. The in vitro oomyceticidal effect of the bacterial lipopeptides on zoospores of Phytophthora capsici was evaluated. The lipopeptides identified and quantified in the crude extracts by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) were fengycin and surfactin. The bacterial culture with inactive fungal cells yielded the greatest biosynthesis of lipopeptides, at 1847.02± 11.8 and 2563.45± 18.4 pg/ml of fengycin and surfactin, respectively and the treatments that obtained lower production of these lipopepti-des, were those to which iron and cellulose were added with 608.05 ± 22.6 and 903.74± 22.1; 563.31± 11.9 and 936.96± 41.1 pg/ml for fengicin and surfactin, respectively. The lipopeptide extracted showed 100% germination inhibition on zoospores of P. capsici, revealing encystment, malformations in the germ tube and cellular degradation. Lipopeptides have the potential to control P. capsici; however, the biosynthesis of these lipopeptides requires further study to determine their biological mode of action and optimize lipopeptide performance and profile.

Symphony of nanomaterials and immunotherapy based on the cancer-immunity cycle

The immune system is involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. Research on cancer and immunity has contributed to the development of several clinically successful immunotherapies. These immunotherapies often act on a single step of the cancer-immunity cycle. In recent years, the discovery of new nanomaterials has dramatically expanded the functions and potential applications of nanomaterials. In addition to acting as drug-delivery platforms, some nanomaterials can induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells or regulate the profile and strength of the immune response as immunomodulators. Based on their versatility, nanomaterials may serve as an integrated platform for multiple drugs or therapeutic strategies, simultaneously targeting several steps of the cancer-immunity cycle to enhance the outcome of anticancer immune response. To illustrate the critical roles of nanomaterials in cancer immunotherapies based on cancer-immunity cycle, this review will comprehensively describe the crosstalk between the immune system and cancer, and the current applications of nanomaterials, including drug carriers, ICD inducers, and immunomodulators. Moreover, this review will provide a detailed discussion of the knowledge regarding developing combinational cancer immunotherapies based on the cancer-immunity cycle, hoping to maximize the efficacy of these treatments assisted by nanomaterials.

Pleuropatía secundaria a inductores de la ovulación / Pleuropathy secondary to ovulation inducers

Introducción: Se denomina derrame pleural al acúmulo de líquido en el espacio pleural por encima de 5 y 15 mL en un hemitórax. Diferentes etiologías son las responsables de su aparición, pero un grupo estas están dadas por la etiología medicamentosa. El síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica constituye una complicación secundaria al uso de la terapia con inductores de la ovulación. Es poco conocida en la literatura médica la asociación del tratamiento con inductores de la ovulación en la génesis del derrame pleural. Objetivo: Revisar los aspectos clínico-fisiopatológicos más importantes reportados sobre la pleuresía en el síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión a propósito de un caso clínico de una paciente de 34 años de edad con antecedentes de salud, seguida en consulta de fertilidad, a la cual se le aplicó tratamiento con citrato de clomifeno y desarrolló un síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica moderado e inmediato, cuya expresión clínica fue un derrame pleural derecho de moderada cuantía. La pleuresía es poco frecuente, depende de la predisposición genética individual de la paciente y la susceptibilidad a los medicamentos; la incidencia varía entre 0,6 y 10 por ciento. Se han descrito diferentes factores de riesgo de presentarlo, aunque cualquier mujer sometida a estos tratamientos lo puede desarrollar. El tratamiento es sintomático restituyendo el volumen intravascular con la administración de cristaloides y/o albúmina. Conclusiones: La asociación del síndrome de hiperestimulación ovárica y la pleuropatía secundaria al tratamiento con citrato de clomifeno no es frecuente(AU)

Introduction: Pleural effusion is called the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space above 5 and 15 mL in a hemithorax. Different etiologies are responsible for its appearance but a group of them are given by drug etiology. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a secondary complication to the use of ovulation inducer therapy. The association of treatment with ovulation inducers in the genesis of pleural effusion is little known in the medical literature. Objective: To review the most important clinical-pathophysiological aspects reported on pleurisy in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Methods: A review was carried out on the purpose of a clinical case of a 34-year-old patient with a medical history, followed in a fertility consultation. She was treated with clomiphene citrate and she developed an immediate moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The clinical expression was a moderate right pleural effusion. Pleurisy is rare. It depends on the individual genetic predisposition of the patient and the susceptibility to drugs; the incidence varies between 0.6 and 10 percent. Different risk factors have been described, although any woman subjected to these treatments can develop it. Treatment is symptomatic, restoring the intravascular volume with the administration of crystalloids and / or albumin. Conclusions: The association of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pleuropathy secondary to treatment with clomiphene citrate is not frequent(AU)

Role of T helper 17 cell/regulatory T cell imbalance in the progression of HBV-related liver diseases / 临床肝胆病杂志

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often have immune-mediated liver injury, and it is considered that the interaction between viral infection and immune response is an important cause of disease progression. CHB can progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This article reviews the discovery of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, describes their own features, and elaborates on their role and mechanism of action in maintaining the stability of the immune system. This article also analyzes the role of Th17/Treg cell imbalance in CHB, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and HCC and points out that Th17/Treg cell imbalance may promote the aggravation of HBV-related liver diseases.

Role of regulatory T/T helper 17 cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis and related therapeutic targets / 临床肝胆病杂志

The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remain unclear and are currently considered to be associated with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an immunosuppressive role by secreting IL-10 and TGFβ, while T helper 17 (Th17) cells mainly promote inflammatory response, suggesting that Treg cells, Th17 cells, and the dynamic balance between them may be involved in the development and progression of AIH; however, further studies are needed to explore related participation mechanisms. This article reviews the association between Treg/Th17 cells and AIH in recent years and elaborates on their mechanism of action and therapeutic targets.

Role of regulatory T/T helper 17 cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis and related therapeutic targets / 临床肝胆病杂志

The etiology and pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) remain unclear and are currently considered to be associated with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an immunosuppressive role by secreting IL-10 and TGFβ, while T helper 17 (Th17) cells mainly promote inflammatory response, suggesting that Treg cells, Th17 cells, and the dynamic balance between them may be involved in the development and progression of AIH; however, further studies are needed to explore related participation mechanisms. This article reviews the association between Treg/Th17 cells and AIH in recent years and elaborates on their mechanism of action and therapeutic targets.

Letrozole: an emerging array of hope for infertile women

Ovulation induction has been a major breakthrough in the management of female infertility since many decades. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor has been used as a potential therapy for ovulation induction. A large number of clinical evidences have been emerging which cite the beneficial role of Letrozole in conditions like anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unexplained infertility and an incipient role in endometriosis- related infertility with regards to higher live-birth rates. Letrozole is a superior alternative to Clomiphene citrate (CC) which has been used conventionally as ovulation inducer. Clomiphene citrate has certain well-defined disadvantages, whereas Letrozole overcomes these limitations to a reasonable extent. The peripheral anti-estrogenic effect of CC leads to prolonged depletion of estrogens receptors, adversely affecting endometrial growth and development as well as quantity and quality of cervical mucus. Persistent blockade of estrogen receptor leads to CC resistance and is associated with reduced ovulation and pregnancy rates. Available evidences suggest Letrozole is superior to CC owing to the lack of persistent anti-estrogenic action due to its short half- life and lack of action on estrogen receptors. This typically leads to monofollicular growth and also higher live birth rates. The current evidences suggest that Letrozole can be placed as first line therapy for the management of infertility due to PCOS and unexplained infertility.

Immunological mechanism of Treg/Th17 and Th1/Th2 balance in autoimmune hepatitis and new targets for diagnosis and treatment / 临床肝胆病杂志

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic autoimmune disease in the liver, with major clinical manifestations of positive autoantibody, abnormal elevation of aminotransferases, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Current studies have shown that regulatory T (Treg)/T helper 17 (Th17) and T helper 1 (Th1)/T helper 2 (Th2) imbalance is one of the mechanisms of the development and progression of AIH. OX40 (also known as CD134, TNFRSF4, or ACT35) and its ligand OX40L are members of the tumor necrosis factor family, and they participate in immune response as co-stimulators of T cell activation and can regulate Treg/Th17 and Th1/Th2 balance, thus affecting the progression of various autoimmune diseases. However, there are few reports on the role of OX40 and OX40L in AIH. With reference to related articles, this article reviews the role of Treg/Th17 and Th1/Th2 balance in AIH and the potential association between OX40/OX40L (new targets for immunological diagnosis and treatment) and AIH.

Ferroptosis pathway and its intervention regulated by Chinese materia medica / 中国中药杂志

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death which is different from apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, and results from iron-dependent lipidperoxide accumulation. Now, it is found that ferroptosis is involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes, such as cancer, arteriosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, antiviral immune response, acute renal failure, hepatic and heart ischemia/reperfusion injury. On the one hand, it could be found the appropriate drugs to promote ferroptosis to clear cancer cells and virus infected cells, etc. On the other hand, we could inhibit ferroptosis to protect healthy cells. China has a wealth of traditional Chinese medicine resources. Chinese medicine contains a variety of active ingredients that regulate ferroptosis. Here, this paper reported the research of ferroptosis pathway, targets of its inducers and inhibitors that have been discovered, and the regulatory effects of the discovered Chinese herbs and its active ingredients on ferroptosis to help clinical and scientific research.

Anti-influenza properties of herbal extract of Althaea rosea in mice / 대한수의학회지

Althaea rosea has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous diseases, but no studies have investigated its anti-influenza properties to date. In this study, we investigated the anti-influenza effects of Althaea rosea. BALB/c mice orally pretreated with Althaea rosea (200 µL, 0.1 mg/mL concentration in phosphate-buffered saline) and followed by infection of influenza A virus nasally showed higher survivability and lower lung virus titer against divergent subtypes of influenza A virus infection. We also found that oral administration of Althaea rosea elicited antiviral innate immune responses in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, small intestinal fluid, and the lungs. Taken together, these findings suggest that aqueous extracts of Althaea rosea are a potential candidate for use as an anti-influenza drug.

Effect of various media and supplements on laccase activity and its application in dyes decolorization

Aims: Marine-derived fungi are a potential for the search of new compounds with relevant features. Among these, the ligninolytic enzymes have potential applications in a large number of fields, including the environmental and industrial sectors. This work aimed to evaluate the laccase activity of the marine-derived fungus Alternaria alternata, under various cultivation conditions and its application in synthetic dyes decolorization. Methodology and results: Wheat bran prepared with 40 mL sea water proportion was the most suitable substrate for laccase production (114.06±2.24 U/mL) by A. alternata, after 14 days of incubation in submerged fermentation. Laccase production in static cultivation was superior to that in agitated cultures. The simple Boyd and Kohlmeyer medium with supplementation of 2 mM CuSO4·5H2O on day 6, at an incubation period of 14 days and incubation temperature of 28±2°C under static conditions, yielded amounts of laccase (36.13±0.34 U/mL) less than that obtained with submerged fermentation of wheat bran as unique substrate. Furthermore, A. alternata has high decolorization capability toward azo dyes in the absence of redox mediators, 75.47% of the reactive black at 0.01% concentration, was removed after 30 days of incubation. Also has good ability to decolorize the triphenylmethane dye crystal violet, at 0.01% concentration, about 69.35% of the dye was removed after 30 days. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: These unusual properties demonstrate that the marine-derived fungus Alternaria alternata has potentials in specific industrial or environmental applications.

Design and evaluation of liposomal delivery system for L-Asparaginese.

Despite of its effective anti-tumour activity,L-Asparaginase has limited clinical application due to the high rate of clinical hypersensitivity. In an attempt to develop a liposomal drug delivery for L-Asparaginase, enzyme loaded liposomes were formulated using soy lecithin, cholesterol and charge inducers by thin film hydration method. The effect of various components of the liposomes including the concentration of lecithin and cholesterol with or without the charge inducers on the entrapment efficiency and short term invitro cytotoxicity study was systematically investigated. The average particle sizes of the vesicles were found to be 43.2, 35.6 and 65.8 μm respectively for neutral, positive and negative liposomes. The percentage of drug loading was found to be 1.95, 2.39 and 2.35 % respectively for neutral, positive and negative liposomes.The invitro release study of L-Asparaginase was carried out using normal saline as dissolution medium and the release was found to be 86.88, 78.29 and 82.04 % respectively for neutral, positive and negative liposomes. The release of LAsparaginase from liposomes was followed first order kinetics obeying non-Fickian diffusion. A short term cytotoxicity study was carried out using Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells (EAC cells) which revealed that the cytotoxicity concentration CTC50 for pure drug was found to be 64 mcg as compared to liposomal formulation of 50 mcg.

Study on the correlation of interferon induced virus-related genes and the clinical features of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of the genes correlated with interferon induced genes virus (MX1, OAS1, IFI44) in the peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to evaluate the relationships between the expression levels of these genes and diseaseactivity. Methods The clinical data of 100 SLE patients, 40 non-SLE patients with rheumatic diseases, and 40 normal controls were collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected. Total RNA was extracted and transcribed into cDNA. SYBR green dye based real-time quantitative PCR method was used to compare the expression levels (indicated as △CT value) of MX1, OAS1 and IFI44 in patients with SLE and those in the controls. Comparisons between groups were performed with ANOVA and Spearman correlations. Results ①The △CT value of MX1, OAS1 and IFI44 expression level of the SLE patients (3.4±1.8, 4.2±1.5, 8.8±2.2)was significantly higher than those of the non-SLE patients (2.4±0.4, 3.4±0.7, 5.4±2.1 ) and normal controls (2.3±1.1, 2.6±0.7, 5.2±2.0). ② The △CT value of OAS1 and IFI44 expression level of the SLE patients in severe disease was significantly higher than those of the SLE patients in mild disease and the SLE patients with stable disease. ③The ACT value of OASI and IFI44 were correlated with the SLEDAI scores (r=0.038,0.380). ④ The △CT values of MX1, OAS1 and IFI44 expression level of the SLE patients with arthritis were significantly higher than those of SLE patients without arthritis. ⑤ The △CT value of IFI44 expression level of the SLE patients with lupus nephritis (3.2±2.1,2.2±1.1) was significantly higher than that of the SLE patients without lupus nephritis. ⑥ There was correlations among these genes in SLE patients (P＜0.05). Conclusion The value of MX1, OAS1 and FFF44 expression level of SLE patients is up-regulated. The real time expression levels of OAS1, IFI44 genes are associated with SLE disease activity and there are close correlation among these genes with interferon induce virus-relationed genes (MX1, OAS1, IFI44) in SLE patients.

Tratamento do papiloma vírus humano na infância com creme de imiquimode a 5 por cento / Treatment of human papillomavirus in childhood with imiquimod 5 percent cream

Lesões decorrentes da infecção pelo papilomavírus humano na infância, em especial as verrugas anogenitais, são um importante problema epidemiológico e terapêutico. O tratamento das verrugas anogenitais na infância é um desafio terapêutico. Os tratamentos convencionais geralmente são dolorosos e necessitam de anestesia geral. O imiquimode, um imunomodulador tópico, constitui uma alternativa terapêutica. Serão descritos quatro casos tratados com sucesso utilizando creme de imiquimode a 5 por cento aplicado topicamente.

In children, lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) constitute a significant epidemiological issue and a therapeutic dilemma, particularly in the case of anogenital warts. The treatment of anogenital warts in children is a challenge, since standard treatments are generally painful and require the patient to be anesthetized. Imiquimod, a topical immune response modifier, constitutes an alternative therapeutic agent for the treatment of HPV. The present report describes four cases in which treatment with topically applied imiquimod 5 percent cream was implemented with successful results.

Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae) associated with Melastomataceae in Brazil / Três espécies novas de Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae), cecidógenas, associadas com Melastomataceae no Brasil

Three new cecidogenous Palaeomystella Fletcher (Lepidoptera, Coleophoridae, Momphinae), described herein, induce galls on stems and leaves of Melastomataceae species. They include: Palaeomystella tibouchinae sp. n., on Tibouchina barbigera (Naudin) Baillon, P. oligophaga sp. n., on Macairea radula (Bonpland) de Candolle and M. thyrsiflora de Candolle, and P. henriettiphila sp. n., on Henriettea succosa (Aublet) de Candolle. Adults, including male and female genitalia, larva, pupa, and galls are illustrated and described in detail.

As espécies de Palaeomystella aqui descritas induzem cecídeas nos ramos e folhas de espécies de Melastomataceae: Palaeomystella tibouchinae sp. n. em Tibouchina barbigera (Naudin) Baillon, P. oligophaga sp. n. em Macairea radula (Bonpland) de Candolle, e M. thyrsiflora de Candolle, P. henriettiphila sp. n. em Henriettea succosa (Aublet) de Candolle. Os adultos, incluindo venação das asas, e genitálias dos machos e fêmeas, larvas, pupas e cecídeas, são descritos e ilustrados em detalhes.

Trametes versicolor growth and laccase induction with by-products of pulp and paper industry

The cultivation of Trametes versicolor for laccase production and cell growth were strongly dependent on experimental conditions namely physical and chemical parameters as well as nutrient availability and inducer stimulation. Biomass growth was compared for a rich medium and for a defined medium in two different temperatures. The best temperature was 28ºC and the maximum specific growth rates were µmax = 0.083 h-1 for the rich medium and µmax = 0.043 h-1 for the defined medium. It was clearly shown that laccase production is not associated with cell growth, indicating that this ligninolytic enzyme must be produced in the defined medium by a secondary metabolism. In order to obtain laccase induction, addition of solid lignin, lignosulphonates, veratryl alcohol, xylidine and ethanol was tested at different concentrations. To optimise laccase activity, the combined effect of inducer addition and simultaneously glucose suppression was studied. The best result for laccase induction (1240 U/L) was obtained with solid lignin, a by-product of pulp and paper industry and the higher laccase activity attained (1583 U/L) was obtained with the combined effect of xylidine addition and glucose suppression.

Treatment of herpes simplex keratitis with combination of poly Ⅰ: C, Vitamine C and a small dose of dexamethasone / 眼科

44 eyes (42 patients) of HSV keratitis were treated by a combined injection of poly Ⅰ: C, vitamine C and a small dose of dexamethasone with satisfactory results. 22 (88％) of 25 eyes of the superficial type were cured and 2 eyes(8％) improved; 13 (68.4％) of 19 eyes of the deep stromal type were cured and 3 eyes (15.8％) improved. The average therapeutic course was 13.6 days for the superficial type and 25.4 days for the deep stromal type. 4 eyes (19.1％) recurred during a follow-up of 6-22 months. The mechanism of curative effects and the significance of the small does of dexamethasone were discussed.