Heart urchins from the depths: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae), and new records for the southwestern Atlantic Ocean / Erizos corazón de las profundidades: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) y nuevos registros para el Océano Atlántico sudoccidental

Introduction: Sea urchins in the order Spatangoida are the most diverse group of extant echinoids. Objective: Describe a new genus and species of Spatangoida from abyssal depths, and add new records for known species. Methods: Specimens were collected during several cruises at different areas of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), among 37-55° S latitude at depths ranging from 55 to 3 000 m. We present morphological and ultrastructure analyses. Results: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) is described from the Mar del Plata Canyon on the Argentine continental slope (2 950 m depth), the first record of this family from Argentina. Corparva gen. nov. differs in having an apical system semi-ethmolytic, and labrum reaching to rear part of second adjacent ambulacral plate. We also report the northernmost distribution and deepest record for Brisaster moseleyi (38° S latitude, 2 212 m depth), the northward extension of the distribution range of Tripylus excavatus (39° S latitude, 74 m depth), and the first record of Abatus philippii and Abatus agassizii at the Burdwood Bank/MPA Namuncurá. Conclusions: The present work brings novel and updated data about the diversity and distribution of spatangoids from the SWAO, including the description of C. lyrida gen. et sp. nov., and new records of species. This shows how much remains to be known about the diversity and distribution of heart urchins in the SWAO, especially from the deep-sea.

Introducción: Los erizos de mar del orden Spatangoida son el grupo más diverso de equinoideos recientes. Objetivo: Describir un nuevo género y una nueva especie de Spatangoida de profundidades abisales, y reportar nuevos registros para especies conocidas. Métodos: Los ejemplares fueron recolectados durante varias expediciones a diferentes áreas del Océano Atlántico sudoccidental (OAS), entre las latitudes 37-55° S y abarcando profundidades desde 55 a 3 000 metros. Presentamos análisis morfológicos y de ultraestructura. Resultados: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) fue descripta para el cañón submarino Mar del Plata en el talud continental de Argentina (2 950 m de profundidad), el primer registro de esta familia para Argentina. Corparva gen. nov. difiere en tener un sistema apical semi-etmolítico y labrum que llega a la parte posterior de la segunda placa ambulacral adyacente. También informamos la distribución más septentrional y el registro más profundo para Brisaster moseleyi (latitud 38° S, 2 212 m de profundidad), la extensión hacia el norte del rango de distribución de Tripylus excavatus (latitud 39° S, 74 m de profundidad) y el primer registro de Abatus philippii y Abatus agassizii en el Banco Burdwood/AMP Namuncurá. Conclusiones: El presente trabajo aporta datos novedosos y actualizados sobre la diversidad y distribución de erizos de mar espatangoideos del OAS, incluyendo la descripción de C. lyrida gen. et sp. nov., y nuevos registros para especies conocidas. Esto muestra cuánto queda por conocer sobre la diversidad y distribución de los erizos corazón en el OAS, especialmente de las profundidades marinas.

Pró-Fármacos dendriméricos potencialmente ativos em Malária e Tuberculose: Síntese e avaliação da atividade biológica / Dendrimeric prodrugs potentially active in malaria and tuberculosis: Synthesis and evaluation of biological activity

HIV/AIDS, tuberculose, malária e as doenças tropicais negligenciadas representam uma grande preocupação em Saúde em muitas regiões do mundo. Os fármacos disponíveis para o tratamento apresentam diversos problemas, tais como toxicidade e resistência ao parasita. Mesmo com esse triste panorama, o investimento em pesquisa nessa área é, ainda, pouco significativo. Assim, dentre os métodos de modificação molecular para melhorar propriedades farmacêuticas, farmacocinéticas e/ou farmacodinâmica de compostos bioativos destaca-se a latenciação. Já os dendrímeros vêm despertando interesse em aplicações biológicas, principalmente como transportadores de fármacos, além de atuarem como transportadores de genes, imagem em diagnóstico e compostos com ação per se. Face ao exposto e tendo em vista o caráter promissor dos dendrímeros como sistemas de drug delivery, o objetivo deste trabalho foi a síntese de pró-fármacos dendriméricos potencialmente ativos em malária e tuberculose. Os dendrímeros de Bis-MPA (gerações 0, 1 e 2) foram sintetizados pelo grupo do Professor Scott Grayson, da Tulane University (EUA). No Brasil, foram feitas as funcionalizações destes compostos, através do acoplamento do ácido succínico (que funciona como espaçante) e as moléculas ativas. Selecionaram-se as seguintes substâncias: (1) primaquina, com ação antimalárica e (2) isoniazida, de ação nos primeiros estágios da tuberculose. Foram sintetizados os pró-fármacos dendriméricos de isoniazida nas gerações 0 e 1 (G0-Iso e G1-Iso), e primaquina nas gerações 0, 1 e 2 (G0-Pq, G1-Pq e G2Pq). Importante mencionar que os resultados de Ressonância Magnética e Nuclear de 1H e de 13C demostraram as obtenções dos respectivos produtos, porém contendo impurezas. Já a análise do resultado proveniente da espectrometria de massas do composto G0-Iso revelou a presença de um subproduto ciclizado da isonizaida succinoilada (CIso-Suc), o qual pode ser um potencial pró-fármaco ou apresentar atividade per se. Como não se conhece este composto, o laboratório coordenado pela Profas Elizabeth Igne Ferreira e Jeanine Giarolla manifestou interesse em pesquisa-lo, principalmente quanto suas propriedades físico- químicas, bem como quanto à atividade biológica. Assim, utilizando metodologia analítica previamente estabelecida para o G0-Iso, os estudos de estabilidade química da CIso-Suc, em diferentes valores de pH, demonstraram a capacidade da forma ciclizada em se converter no protótipo Iso-Suc, majoritariamente em pH 7,4 e 8,5. Como perspectivas, destaca-se a avaliação da estabilidade enzimática deste potencial derivado. Ressalta-se, ainda, a a avaliação da respectiva atividade antimicobacteriana. Em relação aos pró-fármacos, as necessidades de aprimoramentos das sínteses são, também, evidenciadas. Uma vez sintetizados e caracterizados, estes últimos derivados serão avaliados quanto à atividade biológica. Ademais, estudos computacionais, sobretudo simulações de docking molecular, foram desenvolvidos com intuito de se entender o modo de interação de alguns compostos com alvos biológicos pré-determinados

HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected diseases are a major health concern in many regions of the world. The drugs available present various problems, such as toxicity and parasite resistance. Even with this sad outlook, research investment in this area is still insignificant. Among the molecular modification methods to improve the pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties we stands out prodrug design. On the other hand, dendrimers are arousing interest in biological applications, mainly as drug carriers, besides gene delivery, diagnostic imaging, as well as acting as compounds with activity per se. Considering that, added to the promising dendrimer drug delivery features, the aim of this study was to synthesize potentially active dendrimer prodrugs in malaria and tuberculosis. Bis-MPA dendrimers (generations 0, 1 and 2) were synthesized by the group of Professor Scott Grayson of Tulane University (USA). Herein in Brazil, the compounds were functionalized by coupling succinic acid (spacer group), as well as the active molecules. We selected the following substances: (1) primaquine, with antimalarial action and (2) isoniazid, acting in the early stages of tuberculosis. Isoniazid dendrimer prodrugs were synthesized generations 0 and 1 (G0-Iso and G1-Iso), and primaquine in generations 0, 1 and 2 (G0-Pq, G1-Pq and G2-Pq). It is important to mention that the results related to Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance 113C showed chemical structures features, however with impurities. Analysis of the mass spectrometry regarding G0-Iso has revealed the presence of a cyclized by-product of succinylated isonized (CIso-Suc), which may be a potential prodrug or may presentactivity itself. Using the analytical methodology performed for G0-Iso, ICso-Suc demonstrated its ability to convert the Iso-Suc prototype at different pH values, especially at pH 7.4 and 8.5. As perspectives, we highlight the determinations of the chemical stability of ICsoSuc at pH 1.5 and 6.0, as well as the evaluation of the enzymatic stability. We will also investigate the respective antimicobacterial activities. Regarding prodrugs, the needs for synthesis enhancements are also necessary. Once synthesized and characterized, these latter derivatives will be evaluated for biological activity. Moreover, computational studies, especially molecular docking simulations, were developed in order to understand the mode of interaction of some compounds with predetermined biological targets

Comparison of Radiological and Histological Findings of Lung Parenchyma in Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

PURPOSE: The present study investigated chest computed tomography (CT) patterns and lung histological features, as well as the consistency between radiological and histological features among patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and eosinophilic GPA (EGPA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 74 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients with radiological lung parenchymal lesions were reviewed along with the histological results for 28 of them. Chest CT patterns were divided according 12 items mostly suggested by radiologists and histological features were divided according to necrotising granuloma, necrotising vasculitis, eosinophilic infiltration, and hemosiderin laden macrophages as defined by a pathologist. RESULTS: The mean age was 57.1 years (22 men). The most common clinical manifestation other than lung manifestation was renal manifestation (62.2%), and the most common chest CT pattern was lung involvement of vasculitis (35.1%). In MPA patients, the major histological features were hemosiderin-laden macrophages in the alveolar space and vasculitis. In GPA patients, the major histological features were necrotizing vasculitis and necrotizing granuloma, while in EGPA patients, the major histological feature was only necrotising vasculitis. The consistency rate in GPA patients was the highest (100%), followed by that in MPA patients (66.7%) and EGPA patients (50.0%). CONCLUSION: When lung involvement of AAV is suspected on chest CT, lung biopsy should be recommended for the proper classification of AAV, due to the discordance rate between radiological and histological findings in MPA and EGPA patients, but not GPA patients.

Pharmacokinetics study of mycophenolic acid in early renal transplant patients / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of enteric-coated sodium mycophenolate(EC-MPS) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dispersible tablets after multiple oral doses in early renal transplant patients, providing references for the rational use of the study drugs in clinical practice. METHODS: Thirty-eight first-time renal transplant patients were selected and randomly divided into EC-MPS group (n=18) or MMF dispersible tablets group (n=19). The patients received EC-MPS (540 mg, q12h) or MMF dispersible tablets (750 mg, q12h), combined with tacrolimus and methylprednisolone to prevent acute rejection, respectively. Blood samples were collected at pre-dose, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 h after oral administration on the postoperative day 5. Enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) was employed to determine the plasma concentration of MPA. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the two durgs were assessed. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic parameters on the postoperative day 5 of EC-MPS and MMF dispersible tablet were as follows: AUC0-12 h were(43.62±16.20) and(42.02±14.40)mg•h•L-1(P>0.05);ρmax were (17.85±11.32) and (13.96±5.11) mg•L-1(P>0.05);tmax were (2.72±1.74) and(1.32±0.42)h(P0.05); ρ12were(1.84±2.09) and (1.81±1.76) mg•L-1(P>0.05); CL were (14.12±5.30) and (19.66±5.99) L•h-1(P<0.05). Most of the patients revealed a second small peak in the 4-12 h after taking MPA in the two study groups. CONCLUSION: There are large individual differences of pharmacokinetic between EC-MPS and MMF dispersible tablets in early renal transplant patients. It is necessary to carry out therapeutic drug monitoring of MPA to guide the adjustment of drug dosage.

Synthesis of 3-mercaptopropionic acid-stabilized CdTe quantum dots and its application for the detection of Cu2+ / 中国药科大学学报

The water-soluble 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-stabilized CdTe (MPA-CdTe) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by aqueous suspension.The study showed that the fluorescence quenching process of Cu2+ to MPA-CdTe QDs,whose largest emission peak was 599 nm,could be described well by the theory of fluorescence quenching in competitive absorption systems and its modification of Stern-Volmer equations.By fittings,the results showed a good polynomial relationship between the fluorescence intensity F0/F and the concentration of Cu2+,when the concentration was in the range of 2.28 × 10-6-18.24 × 10-6 mol/L and 4.8 × 10-7-12 × 10-7 mol/L,and two polynomial equations were respectively elucidated based on dynamic and static quenching in competitive-absorption systems:F0/F =7.999-2.470c +0.339 c2,F0/F =3.154-0.160 c +0.049 c2 and degree of fitting are 0.991 and 0.993,respectively.The detection limit was 1.326 × 10-7.

Evaluation of Water Variables in No-Take Zone of Ustica Marine Protected Area (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)

ABSTRACT In this research, the seasonal fluctuations of the main water variables in the no-take area (A zone) of the Ustica MPA were investigated. This study aims to monitor the water quality of the Ustica MPA, to analyze all the hydrological parameters useful to the physical-chemical characterization of water and to use TRIX index to characterize the trophic level of the coastal marine area. The final results shown that Ustica is an area of relevant environmental and ecological value and is a good example of a Marine Protected Area, which is not excessively affected by the human presence even during the touristic season. This study represents the first records based on well-organized protocol in order to assess water column characteristics of the studied area. This paper could be used as a reference document for future studies regarding the same or similar areas.

IgG4-related Disease Controlled by a Low-dose Steroid and Mycophenolic Acid / 대한내과학회지

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a group of fibro-inflammatory diseases affecting multiple organ systems, pathologically characterized by tissue infiltration with abundant IgG4-positive cells. We here report a case of IgG4-RD that was successfully controlled by mycophenolic acid (MPA). A 62-year-old male visited complaining of dizziness and loss of appetite. He had a clinical history of autoimmune pancreatitis treated with steroids and cyclophosphamide 5 years prior, and had also been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis at the age of 55 years. We initially prescribed prednisolone (1 mg/kg), tapered to 5 mg/day over 8 months. However, his eosinophilia gradually deteriorated, and we added cyclophosphamide (1 mg/kg daily) for the next 7 months. His laboratory data fluctuated when he was on low-dose predinisolone and cyclophosphamide, and we thus changed his medication to prednisolone combined with MPA for the following 63 months. Currently, his laboratory findings are stable.

Pharmacokinetics of Mycophenolic Acid and its Metabolites in Chinese Liver Transplant Patients after Ad-ministration of Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium(EC-MPS)Tablets / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid( MPA)and its metabolites in different stages af-ter the administration of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium( EC-MPS)tablets in Chinese liver transplant recipients. Methods:The blood samples of 24 patients were collected in 0-12h of the 1st and 3rd week after the administration of EC-MPS. The concentrations of MPA,AcMPAG and MPAG in plasma were measured by LC-MS/MS developed in our lab. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MPA and its metabolites were estimated by non-compartmental method. Results:After 1-and 3-week therapy with EC-MPS,Cmax ,AUC0-12 and t1/2 was(18. 1 ± 8. 75)and(20. 7 ± 16. 0)μg ml-1 ,(42. 7 ± 17. 5)and(47. 1 ± 23. 9)μg·h·ml-1 ,(3. 33 ± 2. 81)and (3.30 ±1.89)h for MPA;(2.50 ±1.86)and(1.78 ±1.72)μg·ml-1,(14.5 ±11.7)and(6.97 ±6.57)μg·h·ml-1, (4. 48 ± 2. 53)and(3. 76 ± 1. 8)h for AcMPAG;(171. 6 ± 135. 4)and(152. 2 ± 115. 9)μg·ml-1 ,(1299 ± 1 204)and(1 051 ± 561)μg·h·ml-1 ,(8. 73 ± 4. 25)and(7. 75 ± 2. 87)h for MPAG,respectively. There was no significant difference in the PK parameters of MPA after the 1-and 3-week therapy. The Cmax ,Tmax and t1/2 of MPA in the patients received EC-MPS were significantly higher than those in the patients received MMF(P<0. 05). Cmax and AUC0-12 of MPAG in the patients received EC-MPS were signifi-cantly higher than those in the patients received MMF after the 3-week therapy(P<0. 05). Conclusion:There is no significant accu-mulation of MPA after the therapy with EC-MPS at different stages. The absorption of MPA is delayed after the therapy with EC-MPS compared with that with MMF. There is no difference in MPA exposure between EC-MPS and MMF in Chinese liver transplant patients.

Growth parameters and density variation of a queen conch, Strombus gigas (Neotaenioglossa: Strombidae), population from Xel-Ha park, a marine protected area / Parámetros de crecimiento y variaciones de densidad de una población de Strombus gigas (Neotaenio- glossa: Strombidae), del parque Xel-Ha área natural protegida

The queen conch, Strombus gigas, is a gastropod of commercial importance in the Caribbean. Population studies are based on size frequency analysis, using either length or weight parameters for the whole live organism. This contribution used mark-recapture data to estimate the von Bertalanffy equation parameters and population number variation within a non harvest population from a protected area, to clarify the biometric parameters that better suit for the whole population, or for the juvenile and adult fractions. Conchs from Xel- Ha Park were monthly sampled from November 2001 to August 2005. Every conch found was measured and marked with a numbered tag that identified month and locality; and monthly abundance was estimated with Jolly’s method. Length, lip thickness and weight increments were used to estimate the von Bertalanffy growth equation parameters with Appeldoorn’s subroutine of FISAT program. The population number varied through the study, with a minimum of 49 in April 2003 and maximum of 9 848 during June 2005. Conchs make only temporary use of Xel-Ha cove. Shell length gave the best fit for the juvenile fraction: L∞=251, K=0.3, C=0.8 Wp=0.3; and lip thickness for adults: L∞=47.78, K=0.17, C=0.1, Wp=0.86, while, the whole population was bet- ter represented by weight: L∞=3850, K=0.36, C=0.8, Wp=0.3. A maximum age of 19 years was estimated from the population. Natural mortality was 0.49/year for juveniles and 0.29/year for adults. There were two pulses of recruitment: fall-winter and summer. It is concluded that population studies from length frequency data, should be analyzed independently in two groups, shell for the juvenile fraction and lip thickness for the adult fraction, or if it is not possible to analyze the population fractions separately, weight should be used to avoid miss calculation of the age structure.

El caracol reina, Strombus gigas, es un gasterópodo de importancia comercial en el Caribe. Los estudios poblacionales se basan en el análisis de las fluctuaciones de las frecuencias de tallas, usando ya sea la longitud de la concha o el peso total de los organismos vivos. Este aporte usa datos de marcaje recaptura para estimar los parámetros de la ecuación de von Bertalanffy y variaciones en el número de la población, para una población sin captura dentro de un área protegida, para aclarar que parámetros se adaptan mejor para estudios de la población entera o para las fracciones de juveniles y adultos por separado. Se muestrearon mensualmente, caracoles del parque Xel-Ha, de Noviembre 2001 a Agosto 2005. Todas las conchas encontradas se se midieron y marcaron con una etiqueta numerada que identificó la fecha de muestréo y la localidad. Las variaciones en abundancia mensual se estimó con el método de Jolly. Se emplearon la longitud de la concha, el grosor de labio y el peso vivo de los animales para determinar los parámeros de la ecuación de crecimiento de von Bertalanffy, usando la subrutina de Appeldoorn del programa FISAT. La población varía a lo largo del estudio, con un mínimo de 49 organismos en abril 2003 y un máximo de 9 848 durante junio 2005. Los caracoles solo hacen uso temporal de la caleta de Xel-Ha. El mejor ajuste para juveniles se obtuvo con la longitud de la concha: L∞=251, K=0.3, C=0.8 Wp=0.3: mientras que para adultos se obtuvo con el grosor del labio: L∞=47.78, K=0.17, C=0.1, Wp=0.86; y la población total se ve mejor representada por el peso: L∞=3850, K=0.36, C=0.8, Wp=0.3. Se estimó una edad máxima para el total de la población de 19 años. Con mortalidad natural de 0.49 año-1 para juveniles y 0.29 año-1 para adultos. Hubieron dos pulsos de reclutamiento: otoño-invierno y verano. Se concluye que los estudios poblacionales realizados a partir de estructura de tallas, deben de analizar por separado dos grupos o fracciones de la población, usando el peso para juveniles y grosor del labio para adultos, de no ser posible analizar la población por separado, debe de emplearse el peso para evitar una subestimación en la estructura de edad.

Pharmacokinetics study of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium in the early period after renal trans¬plantation / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To determine the steady state pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite, after an oral administration of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) in the renal transplant patients.

Compliance of off-premise alcohol retailers with the minimum purchase age law.

Background: In Thailand, the 2008 Alcoholic Beverages Control Act set the minimum purchase age (MPA) at 20 years old in order to limit new drinkers as part of the overall alcohol control effort. This study aims to assess the compliance of off-premise alcohol retailers with MPA restrictions and to identify factors affecting sales to adolescents. Methods: A decoy protocol was used to quantify compliance of 417 alcohol retailers from three categories, namely grocers, modern minimarts and department stores. Multi-stage sampling was applied to obtain the samples in four provinces: Bangkok, Nakorn Sawan, Songkhla and Surin. Each alcohol retailer was visited twice by 17–19 year-old male and female adolescents who tried to buy alcohol. Information collected from focus groups and in-depth interviews with vendors and management officers were analysed for the qualitative methodology. Results: Of all 834 buying attempts undertaken by the underage adolescent, 98.7% were successful in buying alcohol. Only 0.9% were asked for age and 0.1% were requested to show an ID card. Age and ID verifications were statistically significant to buying success as well as province, while number of vendors, gender and age of vendors and buyers, type of outlet, law cautions and advertisement signs in the outlet demonstrated no significant association. Conclusions: The results showed that vendors fail to comply with the law despite the fact that they know the law. Enforcement needs to be strengthened to effectively limit new drinkers.

A pilot study on area under curve of mycophenolic acid as a guide for its optimal use in renal transplant recipients.

Background & objectives: The immunosuppressants administered to renal transplant subjects are usually monitored therapeutically to prevent graft rejection and drug toxicity. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant. The present prospective study was undertaken to establish the utility of plasma level monitoring of MPA and to correlate it with clinical outcomes in renal transplant receipients. Methods: MPA plasma level at 2, 4 and 9 h and the area under concentration-time curve (AUC) were estimated using high performance liquid chromatography in 24 renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressant MPA plus tacrolimus and steroid. Results: There was wide inter-individual variation in MPA plasma level and the AUC. The incidences of gastrointestinal adverse drug events (diarrhoea and acidity) were significantly more in the high MPA AUC patients. Though biopsy proven acute rejection was not found, of the six subjects with lower MPA AUC (<30 mg.h/l), three were clinically diagnosed to develop tacrolimus nephrotoxicity. The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores represented better health related quality of life in lower MPA AUC than in the higher MPA AUC (>60 mg.h/l). Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings suggest the MPA AUC of 30 - 60 mg.h/l in the maintenance stage of renal transplant patients to have optimum clinical benefit and relegated adverse events profile indicating the usefulness of AUC of MPA with limited sampling strategy in optimizing its use.

Skin Characteristics in Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor Using Non-Invasive Method, MPA5

BACKGROUND: Skin pigmentary changes of pityriasis versicolor may occur as either hyperpigmented or hypopigmented lesions, depending on the outcome of interactions between Malassezia yeasts and the skin, such as lipoperoxidation process, stimulus of inflammatory cell to melanocytes, and increased thickness of keratin layer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate skin characteristic factors that enhance the susceptibility to Malassezia yeasts and provoke different color changes of pityriasis versicolor patients. METHODS: To clarify these factors, we investigated the skin characteristics of pityriasis versicolor patients, using a non-invasive method known as MPA 5(R) (Courage and Khazaka, Germany). A total of 90 normal healthy subjects and 30 pityriasis versicolor patients were included in this study. RESULTS: Both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor skin lesions showed higher humidity, increased sebum excretion rate and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values than normal healthy subjects. But no significant difference of specific Malassezia yeasts species between hyperpigmented and hypopigmented skin lesions was evident. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that higher humidity and increased sebum level provide a better growing environment of Malassezia yeasts in the skin, leading to the assumption that interaction between Malassezia yeasts and skin barrier materials makes disruption of skin barrier causing increased TEWL.

Artificial insemination system without estrous observation in suckled beef cows / Sistema de inseminação artificial sem observação de estros em vacas de corte durante período de amamentação

The aim was to develop a timed artificial insemination (TAI) system in suckled beef cows. Cows (n=227), 60-80 days postpartum, received estradiol benzoate (5mg) and a vaginal device containing 250µg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA; day 0). On day six, cloprostenol (125µg) and eCG (400IU) were administrated and calves were weaned for 88h. The devices were removed on day seven (BioRep group) or on day eight (TAI group). All cows of TAI group and cows of BioRep group that did not exhibit standing estrus received GnRH (100µg) on day 9. In experiment I, the follicular growth was monitored daily by transrectal ultrasound exams, from day 6 to day 9. The average size of the dominant follicle on day nine was 11.1±0.99mm (BioRep, n=7) and 11.5±0.65mm (TAI, n=7) and all animals ovulated. In experiment II, the BioRep group cows (n=106) were observed for estrous behavior after withdrawal of the device, twice a day for 48h, and inseminated 12h after detection. In the TAI group (n=107), the devices were withdrawn on day eight and after 24h these cows and those from the BioRep group, which were not stand in estrus, received 100µg of GnRH and TAI 16h later. The pregnancy rates were 57.6 percent (BioRep) and 52.3 percent (TAI). In conclusion, an increase on MPA exposure time did not affect the follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates and allow TAI without estrous observation. Furthermore, the treatment for eight days provides an efficient TAI system in suckled beef cows.

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um protocolo de inseminação artificial com tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas de corte durante período de amamentação, avaliando o intervalo entre a retirada do progestágeno e a aplicação de GnRH sobre a dinâmica folicular e a prenhez. Para tanto, vacas (n=227) em pós-parto de 60 a 80 dias receberam benzoato de estradiol (5mg) e um pessário vaginal de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (250mg MAP; dia 0). No dia seis, os animais receberam cloprostenol sódico (125µg), gonadotrofina coriônica eqüina (400UI) e desmame temporário (88h). O MAP foi retirado no dia sete (Grupo BioRep) ou no dia oito (Grupo IATF). Todas as vacas do grupo TAI e aquelas que não manifestaram cio do grupo BioRep receberam GnRH (100µg) no dia nove. No experimento I, o monitoramento das estruturas ovarianas de 14 vacas foi realizado a cada 24h, desde o dia seis até 36h após a aplicação de GnRH em ambos os grupos. O tamanho médio do folículo dominante no dia nove foi de 11,1±0,99mm (BioRep n=7) e 11,5±0,65mm (IATF n=7) e todos os animais ovularam. No experimento II, no grupo BioRep (n=106), após a retirada do MAP, as fêmeas foram inseminadas com detecção de estro durante 48 horas. O restante dos animais do grupo BioRep e todos do grupo IATF (n=107) receberam 100µg de GnRH (dia nove) e IATF 16h depois. As taxas de prenhez foram de 57,6 por cento (BioRep) e de 52,3 por cento (IATF). O intervalo de 24h entre a retirada de MAP, mantido por oito dias, e a aplicação de GnRH não interfere na dinâmica folicular e na prenhez, permitindo inseminar vacas de corte amamentando sem observação de estro.

The photological function of MPA coated CdTe QDs and their biocompatibility / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

AIM: To investigate the CdTe quantum dots coated with MPA and explore its biocompatibility with living cells. METHODS: CdTe quantum dots coated with MPA were prepared in aqueous phase and MPA CdTe QDs were Characterized with TEM, fluorospectrophotometer and ultraviolet spectrophotometer. QDs were Modified with with avidin, purified and prepared as flurescent probe. LSCM was used to observe the expression of MHC Ⅱ antigen on PMφ cells, which was labeled by QDs. Cell culture and MTT assays were used to determine the biocompatibility of MPA coated CdTe quantum dots with the B-16 cells as target cells. RESULTS: The particle diameter of CdTe quantum dots prepared in aqueous phase was well distributed. They had good photological performance and greater stability after coated with MPA. MHC Ⅱ antigen on PMφ was labeled with the QDs-Avidin fluorescent probe showed great fluorescence intensity, which was easy to be detected by fluorescence microscope and LSCM. MPA CdTe QDs showed cytotoxicity when its density was very high, but they showed little cytotoxicity during the normal use of influence label density limit. CONCLUSION: MPA CdTe QDs can be used as new fluorescent lable as they are of even size, not easy to bleach or quench, have good photological performance and stability and good biocompatibility.

Relationship between Water Content and Osmotic Potential of Lentinula edodes

This study was conducted to understand how osmotic potentials in Lentinula edodes tissues are related to water contents and how they change while a mushroom matures. Water content and osmotic potential of L. edodes mushroom tissues from log cultivation and sawdust cultivation were measured and the relationships were analyzed. Osmotic potentials in the tissues were exponentially proportional to their moisture contents and there were strain differences in the potentials. Strain 290 has lower osmotic potential than strain 302, in the tissues at the same water content. As the mushrooms mature, tissue water content maintained ca 94% in head tissues and ca 90% in gills, but significantly decreased from ca 90% to 82% in the stipe tissues. Osmotic potential changes were similar to the tissue water content changes as the mushrooms mature. While osmotic potentials maintained -0.25 to -0.45 MPa in head and gill tissues, the potentials greatly decreased from -0.65 to -1.33MPa in stipe tissues. Our results show that osmotic potentials in L. edodes tissues are exponentially proportional to tissue water contents, that strains differ in osmotic potential related to water, and that stipe tissues can still have nutritional value when they mature.

Comportamiento reproductivo de ovejas barbados barriga negra sincronizadas con mpa y diferentes tiempos de aplicación de ecg durante la epoca de baja fertilidad / Reproductive Performance in Blackbelly Ewes Synchronized With MPA and eCG During the Low Fertility Season

El experimento se llevó a cabo para evaluar el efecto de diferentes tiempos de aplicación de eCG sobre el comportamiento reproductivo en ovejas Barbados Barriga Negra de segundo parto con 24,2±2,7 meses de edad y 32,6±3,9 kg de peso corporal, sometidas a un protocolo de sincronización de estros con esponjas intravaginales impregnadas con 65 mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MPA) durante 12 días en la época de baja fertilidad (marzo-abril) y bajo condiciones de clima tropical de México. Los animales fueron asignados a uno de cuatro tratamientos; T1 (n=15): Monta continua; T2 (n=15): 65 mg de MPA + 200 U.I. de eCG 48 h antes del retiro de las esponjas + monta controlada; T3 (n=15): 65 mg de MPA + 200 U.I. de eCG al retiro de las esponjas + monta controlada y T4 (n=15): 65 mg de MPA + 200 mg de eCG al momento de la monta controlada. Las variables continuas fueron evaluadas con el análisis de varianza bajo el procedimiento GLM del paquete estadístico SAS. Las variables de proporción se analizaron con la prueba de distribución libre ji cuadrado. La comparación de medias se realizó con la prueba honesta de Tukey. La presentación de estros fue 40; 100; 100 y 100% para T1, T2, T3 y T4 con diferencias significativas (P<0,05). El inicio del estro no presentó diferencias (P>0,05) y el intervalo fue más largo en T1 y T4 (51±28,5 y 42±10,8 h) que T2 y T3 (39,2±8,1 y 38,8±6,7 h). Diferencias significativas (P<0,05) fueron observadas en el porcentaje de gestación (40; 66,6; 80 y 60% para T1, T2, T3, y T4, respectivamente). La concentración promedio de progesterona (7,4±8,1 ng/mL) indicó que el 25% de las ovejas analizadas no estuvieron ciclando al inicio del experimento. Se concluye que el uso de 65 mg de MPA mas 200 U.I. de eCG 48 h antes del retiro de las esponjas, al momento del retiro de las esponjas y al momento de la monta controlada sincroniza eficientemente los estros en ovejas Barbados Barriga Negra durante la época de baja fertilidad en ...

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different time of eCG administration on the reproductive performance of Blackbelly ewes of second lambing and 24.2±2.7 months of age and 32.6±3.9 kg of body weight, which were subjected to estrus synchronization protocols with intravaginal sponges impregnated with 65 mg of medroxiprogesterone acetate (MPA) for 12 days in the non breeding season (March and April) under the humid tropical environment of Mexico. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four treatments; T1 (n=15): Continuous breeding; T2 (n=15): 65 mg MPA + 200 U.I. eCG 48 h before sponges withdrawal + Controlled breeding; T3 (n=15): 65 mg MPA + 200 U.I. eCG at sponges removal + Controlled breeding and T4 (n=15): 65 mg MPA + 200 U.I. eCG at the moment of controlled breeding. The continuous variables were evaluated with the variance analysis under GLM procedures of statistical package SAS. The proportion variables were analyzed with chi square free test. The comparison of means was carried out with the honest test of Tukey. The estrus response was 40; 100; 100 y 100% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively (P<0.05). The onset of the synchronized estrus did not show differences (P>0.05) and the interval were longer in T1 and T4 (51±28.5 y 42±10.8 h) than T2 and T3 (39.2±8.1 y 38.8±6.7 h). Significant differences were observed in pregnancy rates (40; 66.6; 80 y 60% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Mean progesterone concentration (7.4±8.1 ng/mL) indicated that 25% of ewes were cycling at the beginning of the experiment. The results of this study show that the use MPA and 200 U.I. of eCG 48 h before sponges removal, at sponges withdrawal and at controlled breeding are efficient in synchronizing estrus in Blackbelly ewes during the non breeding season in tropical environment conditions of México.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of Lutjanus cyanopterus (Pisces: Lutjanidae) and L. jocu spawning aggregations in the United States Virgin Islands / Dinámica temporal y espacial de Lutjanus cyanopterus (Pisces: Lutjanidae) y agregaciones de desove de L. jocu en las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos

The Grammanik bank is a deep reef (35-40 m) located approximately 14 km south of St. Thomas USVI, on the southern edge of the Puerto Rico shelf. The relatively narrow 1.5 km long reef annually hosts spawning aggregations of several species of groupers, snappers and jacks. Until February of 2005, when temporary seasonal protection was offered by the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council, the bank was subject to moderate or heavy exploitation from fishers. Cubera snapper (Lutjanus cyanopterus) were observed aggregating on the Grammanik bank in relatively large numbers from 2003 to 2005 and dog snapper (L. jocu) aggregations were observed in 2005. The arrival and departure of these aggregations appeared to be seasonal and to revolve around the moon phase. Cubera snapper spawning seasonality coincided with that elsewhere in the Caribbean and off south Florida. Schools of up to 1000 fish of each species were observed as well as pre-spawning behavior and milt release. Aggregations of both species showed high site fidelity within seasons but cubera snapper aggregations sites moved between seasons. The authors recommend year-round closure of the Grammanik bank based on its importance as critical fish habitat and a multi-species aggregation area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 69-78. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

El banco Grammanik es un arrecife profundo (35-40 m) ubicado aproximadamente 14 km al Sur de St. Thomas (Islas Vírgenes EUA), en el límite sur de la plataforma de Puerto Rico. Este arrecife relativamente angosto y de 1.5 km de longitud, recibe anualmente agrupaciones de varias especies de meros, pargos y jureles, durante sus desoves. Fue objeto de explotación de moderada a alta por parte de los pescadores hasta febrero del 2005, cuando el Consejo de Pesca del Caribe le ofreció protección temporal. El pargo cubera (Lutjanus cyanopterus) fue observado en el banco Grammanik en agrupaciones numerosas entre el año 2003 y el 2005, a su vez, agrupaciones del pargo perro o pargo caucha (L. jocu) se observaron en el 2005. La llegada y partida de estos grupos parece ser estacional y estar relacionada con la fase lunar. El desove estacional del pargo cubera coincide con informes de otros sitios del Caribe y al Sur de la Florida, donde se observaron cardúmenes de hasta 1000 peces de cada especie, así como comportamientos previos al desove y liberación de esperma. Agrupaciones de ambas especies mostraron alta fidelidad al sitio en una misma estación, pero los sitios de agrupación del pargo cubera cambiaron entre estaciones. Los autores recomiendan el cierre del banco Gammanik durante todo el año, basados en su importancia como hábitat crítico para los peces y por ser un área de agrupación para múltiples especies.

Questionnaire analysis of related factors of male pattern alopecia and clinical efficacy of finasteride therapy in 320 patients / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To study the related factors of male pattern alopecia(MPA) and efficacy of finasteride as well as to survey the related factors influencing the life quality of patients with MPA.Methods Questionnaire with dermatology life quality index(DLQI) and center for epidemiologic studies depression scale(CES-D) were adopted to assess the life quality and psychological changes of 320 outpatients with MPA.The 320 patients with MPA of Hamilton grades Ⅱ-Ⅶ took finasteride tablet of 1mg/day for over 4 months in this clinical tria1.We analyzed the related factors of MPA,tested the related indexes,and observed for changes of hair growth and adverse reactions.Results DLQI and CES-D scores of the 320 MPA patients obviously increased.Many factors including inheritance and psychological influence were correlated with MPA.The total efficacy rate after treatment for over 4 months was 80.8%.Conclusion Hair loss significantly affected the life quality of patients with MPA and brought negative effects on the patients' psychology,which can worsen hair loss.Therefore,appropriate psychotherapy and other treatments should be given to them.MPA is a kind of disease caused by multiple factors and oral administration of finasteride(1mg) is effective and safe for treating MPA.

Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia with Medroxyprogesterone acetate(MPA) / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the response of hyperplastic endometrium to Medroxyprogesterone acetate according to the histologic types such as simple typical, complex typical and atypical hyperplasia. METHODS: A total of 79 patients with histologically proved endometrial hyperplasia were enrolled into this prospective study between March 1996 and May 1998. Patients without atypia were placed on a regimen of cyclic therapy with 10mg MPA orally, each day for 14days per month for 3 months. In the cases in which hyperplasia did not regress , MPA was increased to 20mg. Patients with atypical hyperplasia received continuous MPA therapy, 20mg orally each day for 3 month. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 1 year(mean 7 months). RESULTS: In patients with simple typical hyperplasia, 45 patients(80.4%) had regression, 11 patients(19.6%) had persistence and none had progression. In patients with complex typical hyperplasia, 10 patients(83.3%) had regression, 2 patients(16.7%) had persistence and none had progression. But, in patients with atypical hyperplasia 5 patients(45.4%) had regression, 4 patients(36.4%) had persistence and 2(18.2%) patients had well differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. There was no recurrence during the follow up. CONCLUSION: This data suggest that most women with typical hyperplasia respond to progestin therapy, but there is high failure rate of response to progestin therapy and risk of endometrial cancer in patients with atypical hyperplasia. If the young patient desires to preserve her fertility, then progestin therapy may be considered as primary treatment in patients with atypical hyperplasia. But older patients in whom fertility is not an issue, hysterectomy should be selected as treatment of choice for atypical lesion.