Identification of skin lesions through aminolaevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic detection.

Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer lesion worldwide. In Brazil, it represents 95% of all skin cancer lesions, and 25% of all tumor types. Early diagnosis allows treatment at initial stages of the disease, improving patient's prognosis. Thus, it is of great importance the development of techniques to aid diagnosis, such as marked fluorescence, which we propose here for early detection of skin cancer lesions. In this study, we use a photosensitive substance, aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), as biomarkers, and analyze its in situ fluorescence response to light excitation. The use of ALA as a biomarker precursor is interesting because it shows selectivity for protoporphyrin IX production/concentration in abnormal cells. Protoporphyrin IX shows high fluorescence yield when excited with UV-blue light. In this study, ALA solutions (at 5% and 10% concentrations) were applied to malignant (basal cell carcinoma) and potentially malignant skin lesions (actinic and seborrheic keratoses), aiming to investigate our ability in detecting and distinguishing them by using this technique. At regular time intervals (15, 30, 45 and 60min), fluorescence images were collected with a prototype system for widefield fluorescence imaging. ALA has provided a marked fluorescence that allowed significant discrimination of normal and tumor. Potentially malignant and benign lesions were all well-identified by their autofluorescence; photodynamic detection did not improve diagnostics. This technique also provided a better delineation of the lesion margins, which is very important for an effective treatment of malignant, potentially malignant and benign skin lesions.

Rheological behavior of poly(lactic acid)/synthetic mica nanocomposites.

Poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites were prepared with three synthetic fluoromicas in a twin-screw extruder. Sodium and two organomodified synthetic fluoromicas at different compositions were used. The effect of mica type and composition on the rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was evaluated. The sodium fluoromica did not have a significant effect on the poly(lactic acid) rheological properties, while addition of the organophilic micas to poly(lactic acid) has a strong effect on the rheology, showing a pronounced shear thinning behavior. The dynamic rheological studies revealed that the nanocomposites with organomica have a higher viscosity and more pronounced elastic properties than neat poly(lactic acid). Both storage and loss moduli increased with mica content.

Efeito da adição de farinha de linhaça à dieta sobre a concentração de colesterol e ácidos graxos em camarões / The effect of feed added of linseed on cholesterol and fatty acids in shrimp

Avaliou-se a expressão de ácidos graxos, macronutrientes e colesterol de camarões-da-malásia alimentados com dieta adicionada de sementes de linhaça. Quinhentos camarões foram distribuídos em dois grupos e alimentados durante 90 dias com dietas contendo: 1) lipídeo proveniente de linhaça e 2) óleo de soja (controle). A concentração de proteína foi maior (Р<0,05) para o grupo-linhaça, 15,8±0,09%, em relação ao grupo-controle, 15,2±0,04%. O peso corporal também se apresentou maior no grupo-linhaça, 1,38±0,93g, em relação ao grupo-controle, 0,93±0,48g. O grupo-linhaça apresentou teor de colesterol de 120,8±23,9mg/100g e o grupo-controle, 130,2±13,9mg/100g, porém sem diferença estatística significativa. Em relação ao perfil lipídico, a suplementação da dieta com linhaça influenciou a incorporação do ácido oleico (C18:1, ω-9) e melhorou a relação ω-6/ω-3 na carne do camarão (Р<0,05). Concluiu-se que a adição de linhaça à ração promoveu importantes modificações na qualidade nutricional dos tecidos do camarão.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the chemical composition of shrimp fed with a diet added of linseed flour. Five hundred post larvae shrimp were divided into two groups: a linseed group fed with a diet based on casein complemented with linseed and a control group, fed a diet without linseed flour. The cholesterol content for the linseed group was 120.8±23.9 mg/100g while for the control group it was 130.2±13.9 mg/100g. However, the protein content of 15.8±0.09 % and the body weight of 1.38±0.93g for the linseed group were higher than for the control group. It was concluded that the addition of linseed to the diet seems to increase the protein, weight and oleic acid (C18:1, ω-9) in the shrimp tissue. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids and ω-6/ω-3 for the linseed group was more suitable than for the control group.

Purification and characterization of human hemoglobin: effect of the hemolysis conditions.

Human hemoglobin was isolated and purified by anion exchange chromatography. To isolate hemoglobin, outdated red blood cells (RBC) were transformed into carbonylhemoglobin, by reaction with carbon monoxide, and submitted to washing/centrifugation procedures, to eliminate other plasma proteins. Albumin was quantified in each supernatant, by the bromcresol green method. Hemolysis was performed in three different hypotonic media (water, 0.01 M NaCl and 5 mM Tris/HCl buffer at pH 7.4), at 8 degrees C for 24 h. Sonication for 5 min was also used to lyse RBC. After isolation of hemoglobin, additional purification was carried out by anion exchange chromatography on AG MP-1, Q-SFF and both exchangers. Hemoglobin concentration of hemolysates and of purified solutions were determined by the hemiglobincyanide method. Residual phospholipids were extracted from the four different hemolysates, as well as from the purified hemoglobin solutions, and were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Native and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments were performed on purified hemoglobin samples to verify the presence of proteins other than hemoglobin. According to the results, the hemolysis conditions have influence on the purification of hemoglobin.

[Clinical features of spondyloarthropaties in childhood: analysis of 26 patients]. / Características clínicas das espondiloartropatias na infância: análise de 26 pacientes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the clinical features of children and adolescents with spondiloarthropathies (Sps). METHODS: The charts of all Sps patients followed up in the outpatient Pediatric Rheumatology unit of UNIFESP-EPM, were analyzed from June 1982 to April 2000. The following demographic data were evaluated: age of onset, disease duration, clinical features, laboratory data, radiological findings, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: 10 out of 26 patients (38.4%) presented SEA, 1 patient (3.8%) undifferentiated spondiloarthrophaty, 10 (38.4%) JAS, 2 (7.7%) arthropathy related to inflammatory bowel disease, 2 (7.7%) Reiter's syndrome and 1 (3.8%) psoriatic arthritis. The average age at disease onset was 9.2 years (1 to 15 years). The patients with Reiter's syndrome presented lower age at onset (average age 6.5 years). Twenty-five out of 26 were males and 15 out of 26 were caucasians. Most patients presented peripheral arthritis in lower limbs (96.1%), enthesitis (61.5%) and positive HLA-B27 (14/23 - 60.9%). Ten patients (38.4%) presented axial involvement. Fifteen patients had JRA or RF as diagnosis in the beginning of the disease. CONCLUSION: Although less frequent than JRA, the spondiloarthropathies must be considered in the differential diagnosis of children and adolescents, mainly among male patients with chronic arthritis.

Características clínicas das espondiloartropatias na infância: análise de 26 pacientes / Clinical features of spondyloarthropaties in childhood: analysis of 26 patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar retrospectivamente as características clínicas dos pacientes com diagnóstico de espondiloartropatia. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os prontuários de todos os pacientes com diagnóstico de espondiloartropatia seguidos no ambulatório de reumatologia pediátrica da UNIFESP-EPM no período de junho de 1982 a abril de 2000. Foram avaliados a idade de início e tempo de evoluçäo da doença, manifestaçöes clínicas, dados laboratoriais, achados radiológicos, tratamento e evoluçäo. RESULTADOS: Dos 26 pacientes estudados, 10 (38,4 por cento) apresentavam SEA, um (3,8 por cento) espondiloartropatia indiferenciada (EAI), 10 (38,4 por cento) EAJ, dois (7,7 por cento) artropatia da DIIC, dois (7,7 por cento) síndrome de Reiter e um (3,8 por cento) artrite psoriásica. O início da doença variou de 1 a 15 anos (média de 9,2 anos). Os pacientes com síndrome de Reiter tiveram menor idade de início (média de 6,5 anos). Houve predomínio do sexo masculino (25 pacientes) e da raça caucasóide (15 pacientes). A maioria dos pacientes apresentou artrite periférica em membros inferiores (96,1 por cento), entesite (61,5 por cento) e HLA B27 positivo (14/23 - 60,9 por cento). Dez pacientes (38,4 por cento) apresentaram comprometimento axial. Quinze pacientes receberam diagnóstico de ARJ ou FR no início do quadro. CONCLUSÄO: Embora menos freqüentes do que a ARJ, as espondiloartropatias devem ser consideradas no diagnóstico diferencial das crianças e adolescentes, principalmente do sexo masculino, com artrite crônica

Rheological properties of mixtures of kappa-carrageenan from Hypnea musciformis and galactomannan from Cassia javanica.

Mixed gels of kappa-carrageenan (kappa-car) from Hypnea musciformis and galactomannans (Gal) from Cassia javanica (CJ) and locust bean gum (LBG) were compared using dynamic viscoelastic measurements and compression tests. Mixed gels at 5 g/l of total polymer concentration in 0.1 M KCl showed a synergistic maximum in viscoelastic measurements for kappa-car/CJ and kappa-car/LBG at 2:1 and 4:1 ratios, respectively. The synergistic maximum obtained from compression tests carried out for mixed gels at 10 g/l of total polymer concentration in 0.25 M KCl was the same for both kappa-car/CJ and kappa-car/LBG gels. An enhancement in the storage modulus (G') and the loss modulus (G") was observed in the mechanical spectra for the mixtures in relation to kappa-car. The proportionally higher increase in G" compared with G', as indicated by the values of the loss tangent (tandelta), suggests that the Gal adhere non-specifically to the kappa-car network.

The value of echocardiography in the diagnosis and followup of rheumatic carditis in children and adolescents: a 2 year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate echocardiographic/Doppler findings in patients with rheumatic fever whether or not clinical manifestations of carditis were present, and the followup of these findings 24 months after the acute phase. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with rheumatic fever (13 boys, 9 girls, mean age 11.0 years) were evaluated at baseline (at diagnosis) and after 3 and 6 mo of disease. Eighteen patients were reevaluated 24 mo later. The assessment included physical and cardiac examination, electrocardiogram, chest radiography, and color ECHO/Doppler performed blindly by different investigators. The control group included 15 healthy children. RESULTS: We observed clinical carditis in 8 patients (36.4%): Group 1, all with ECHO abnormalities. We observed no clinical cardiac manifestations in 14 patients (Group 2), but 5 (35.7%) had positive ECHO/Doppler abnormalities that persisted at least 6 mo in followup assessments. Mitral and aortic were the most frequently involved valves. In Group 1 we observed normalization of the ECHO/Doppler in 3 patients, improvement in 2, no change in 2, and worsening in one. Twelve of 14 patients without clinical carditis were reevaluated, including the 5 patients with ECHO/Doppler abnormalities during the initial evaluations; normalization or improvement was observed in 2 patients, no change in 2, and worsening in one. We observed no ECHO/Doppler abnormalities in the control group. CONCLUSION: This blind prospective study suggests the existence of asymptomatic carditis in some patients with rheumatic fever and the role ECHO/Doppler investigation could play in diagnosis and followup.

Solution properties of the galactomannans extracted from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Cassia javanica: comparison with locust bean gum.

The galactomannans from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Cassia javanica were extracted from the milled seeds in water at room temperature. Both products, as well as a commercial sample of locust bean gum (LBG), were purified by precipitation in isopropyl alcohol. The intrinsic viscosity determined for LBG, [eta] = 15.2 dl/g, was slightly higher than those for the other two galactomannans. The dependence of the specific viscosity at zero shear rate on the coil overlap parameter, C[eta], revealed a similar behaviour for the three galactomannans. A master curve was obtained with a critical concentration, C*, at C*[eta] = 3.3. The slope of the curve in the concentrated regime is higher than the values in the range of 3.9-6.6, obtained for the generalized behaviour of several random coil polysaccharides. Dynamic experiments showed that, at the concentrations studied, the behaviour of the galactomannans was typical of systems with predominant entanglement networks in the region between the terminal and plateau zones of frequency response. The correlation between dynamic and steady shear properties (Cox Merz rule) was satisfactory for the three galactomannans.