The Serra Spanish mackerel fishery (Scomberomorus brasiliensis - Teleostei) in Southern Brazil: the growing landings of a high trophic level resource / A pesca da cavala, Scomberomorus brasiliensis (Teleostei), no sul do Brasil: o aumento nos desembarques de um recurso de alto nível trófico

Abstract In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970's to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.

Resumo Na pesca, o fenômeno fishing down food webs, ou 'pescando teias tróficas abaixo', expressa a redução do nível trófico na composição das capturas, e tem origem tradicionalmente atribuída à sobrepesca. Sob intenso extrativismo, a resiliência das espécies carnívoras, predadoras de topo, é particularmente afetada, sendo seus estoques os primeiros a entrarem em depleção. A cavala, ou serra, ou sororoca, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, é exemplo de recurso predador historicamente alvo da pesca artesanal, de pequena escala, na costa brasileira. O presente trabalho analisa os valores de desembarque do recurso em três períodos ao longo de 50 anos na costa paranaense, sul do Brasil, com objetivo de avaliar se sua produção tem efetivamente diminuído. Ainda, estuda-se a dieta da espécie na região, para confirmar seus hábitos carnívoros e avaliar o nível trófico na região. Os resultados mostram que, surpreendentemente, dos anos 1970 para 2019 a produção de S. brasiliensis tem aumentado em valores absolutos, bem como relativamente à de outros recursos, em que pese o nível trófico 4,238, similar a outras espécies do gênero. Constata-se que a pesca da cavala na região de estudo constitui um caso de aumento nos desembarques a despeito de elevado nível trófico e grande tamanho corpóreo. Os resultados concordam com recente levantamento em nível mundial, que nega existir correlação necessária entre sobrepesca e nível trófico alto, mas fatores que podem explicar os resultados do presente trabalho são discutidos.

The Serra Spanish mackerel fishery (Scomberomorus brasiliensis – Teleostei) in Southern Brazil: the growing landings of a high trophic level resource / A pesca da cavala, Scomberomorus brasiliensis (Teleostei), no sul do Brasil: o aumento nos desembarques de um recurso de alto nível trófico

In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970's to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.

Na pesca, o fenômeno fishing down food webs, ou 'pescando teias tróficas abaixo', expressa a redução do nível trófico na composição das capturas, e tem origem tradicionalmente atribuída à sobrepesca. Sob intenso extrativismo, a resiliência das espécies carnívoras, predadoras de topo, é particularmente afetada, sendo seus estoques os primeiros a entrarem em depleção. A cavala, ou serra, ou sororoca, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, é exemplo de recurso predador historicamente alvo da pesca artesanal, de pequena escala, na costa brasileira. O presente trabalho analisa os valores de desembarque do recurso em três períodos ao longo de 50 anos na costa paranaense, sul do Brasil, com objetivo de avaliar se sua produção tem efetivamente diminuído. Ainda, estuda-se a dieta da espécie na região, para confirmar seus hábitos carnívoros e avaliar o nível trófico na região. Os resultados mostram que, surpreendentemente, dos anos 1970 para 2019 a produção de S. brasiliensis tem aumentado em valores absolutos, bem como relativamente à de outros recursos, em que pese o nível trófico 4,238, similar a outras espécies do gênero. Constata-se que a pesca da cavala na região de estudo constitui um caso de aumento nos desembarques a despeito de elevado nível trófico e grande tamanho corpóreo. Os resultados concordam com recente levantamento em nível mundial, que nega existir correlação necessária entre sobrepesca e nível trófico alto, mas fatores que podem explicar os resultados do presente trabalho são discutidos.

The Serra Spanish mackerel fishery (Scomberomorus brasiliensis Teleostei) in Southern Brazil: the growing landings of a high trophic level resource

Abstract In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970s to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.

Resumo Na pesca, o fenômeno fishing down food webs, ou pescando teias tróficas abaixo, expressa a redução do nível trófico na composição das capturas, e tem origem tradicionalmente atribuída à sobrepesca. Sob intenso extrativismo, a resiliência das espécies carnívoras, predadoras de topo, é particularmente afetada, sendo seus estoques os primeiros a entrarem em depleção. A cavala, ou serra, ou sororoca, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, é exemplo de recurso predador historicamente alvo da pesca artesanal, de pequena escala, na costa brasileira. O presente trabalho analisa os valores de desembarque do recurso em três períodos ao longo de 50 anos na costa paranaense, sul do Brasil, com objetivo de avaliar se sua produção tem efetivamente diminuído. Ainda, estuda-se a dieta da espécie na região, para confirmar seus hábitos carnívoros e avaliar o nível trófico na região. Os resultados mostram que, surpreendentemente, dos anos 1970 para 2019 a produção de S. brasiliensis tem aumentado em valores absolutos, bem como relativamente à de outros recursos, em que pese o nível trófico 4,238, similar a outras espécies do gênero. Constata-se que a pesca da cavala na região de estudo constitui um caso de aumento nos desembarques a despeito de elevado nível trófico e grande tamanho corpóreo. Os resultados concordam com recente levantamento em nível mundial, que nega existir correlação necessária entre sobrepesca e nível trófico alto, mas fatores que podem explicar os resultados do presente trabalho são discutidos.

The Serra Spanish mackerel fishery (Scomberomorus brasiliensis - Teleostei) in Southern Brazil: the growing landings of a high trophic level resource.

In fisheries, the phenomenon known as fishing down food webs is supposed to be a consequence of overfishing, which would be reflected in a reduction in the trophic level of landings. In such scenarios, the resilience of carnivorous, top predator species is particularly affected, making these resources the first to be depleted. The Serra Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, exemplifies a predator resource historically targeted by artisanal fisheries on the Brazilian coast. The present work analyzes landings in three periods within a 50-year timescale on the Parana coast, Southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate whether historical production has supposedly declined. Simultaneously, the diet was analyzed to confirm carnivorous habits and evaluate the trophic level in this region. Surprisingly, the results show that from the 1970's to 2019 Serra Spanish mackerel production grew relatively to other resources, as well as in individual values. The trophic level was calculated as 4.238, similar to other Scomberomorus species, consisting of a case where landings increase over time, despite the high trophic level and large body size of the resource. The results agree with a recent global assessment that has demystified a necessary correlation between high trophic level and overexploitation, but possible factors acting on the present findings are discussed.

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil.

Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil / Perigo além das capturas: uma revisão das ameaças à conservação pelas pescas comercial e recreativa na Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil

Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.

As implicações das pescas comercial e recreativa para conservação dos estuários têm sido largamente discutidas. Uma revisão das informações disponíveis para a Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil, identifica seis ameaças à conservação, que extrapolam aquelas concernentes ao esforço de captura sobre as espécies-alvo. Contrariando a visão comum de que a pesca de lazer seria inócua para o ambiente, as ameaças identificadas referem-se tanto à pesca comercial como à não-comercial: (1) captura de indivíduos em atividade reprodutiva; (2) captura de fêmeas grandes e mais fecundas; (3) perda e abandono de materiais de pesca; (4) uso de iscas naturais; (5) captura incidental de raias, tartarugas e peixes não-alvo; e (6) práticas inadequadas associadas a pesque-e-solte e descarte. Impactos potenciais são perturbações ambientais e depleção de fauna. Ações recomendadas para conservação do estuário incluem interdição de pesca no manguezal e áreas rasas, soltura de peixes com tamanho superior ao crítico, e medidas contra abandono, perda e outras formas de descarte de materiais de pesca.

Sublingual tablets containing spray-dried carvedilol-loaded nanocapsules: development of an innovative nanomedicine.

The aim of this study was to propose the use of spray-dried mucoadhesive carvedilol-loaded nanocapsules in the formulation of sublingual tablets. There is no previous report describing the preparation of tablets containing spray-dried nanocapsules or tablets containing nanocapsules, neither prepared by direct compression nor for sublingual administration. Tablets of 6 mm of diameter and 2.7 ± 0.2 mm of height were obtained with a mean weight of 44 ± 4 mg, carvedilol content of 0.164 ± 0.017 mg, and a disintegration time less than 25 min. They were produced using a force of 4.7 ± 1.6 kgf. The release profile of carvedilol from the tablets was evaluated using the dialysis bag method. In parallel, the release of nanocapsules from the tablet structure into the release medium was evaluated using dynamic light scattering. Nanocapsules that were released from the tablets into the release medium exhibited similar particle size distributions after recovery as in their original liquid suspension, without losing their original ability to control drug release. Therefore, sublingual tablets may be produced from spray-dried drug-loaded nanocapsules using a direct compression technique, providing a useful pharmaceutical approach for drugs that undergo first pass metabolism, such as carvedilol.

Anti-HPV Nanoemulsified-Imiquimod: A New and Potent Formulation to Treat Cervical Cancer.

Cervical cancer is associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) and nowadays is the fourth most frequent cancer among women. One of the treatments for this disease is based on the application of imiquimod. In this study, we postulated that the use of imiquimod in nanoemulsion results in a better antitumoral effect than the drug administered in its nonencapsulated form for the treatment of cervical cancer. Permeability studies using vaginal mucosa, as membrane, and in vitro studies involving cervical cancer cells (viability, clonogenic assay, and cell death analysis) were performed. We showed that low amount of encapsulated imiquimod permeated the vaginal mucosa. However, a higher percentage of cells died after the treatment with low amount (3.0 µmol L-1) of the formulation compared to the free drug. In addition, the innovative formulation presented a combinatory mechanism of cell death involving autophagy and apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that the imiquimod-loaded nanoemulsioncan be an alternative product for the treatment of cervical cancer validating the hypothesis.

A new animal diet based on human Western diet is a robust diet-induced obesity model: comparison to high-fat and cafeteria diets in term of metabolic and gut microbiota disruption.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a metabolic disorder that predisposes patients to numerous diseases and has become a major global public-health concern. Animal models of diet-induced obesity (DIO) are frequently used to study obesity, but which DIO model most accurately reflects the pathology of human obesity remains unclear. In this study, we designed a diet based on the human Western diet (WD) and compared it with the cafeteria diet (CAF) and high-fat diet (HFD) in order to evaluate which diet most closely mirrors human obesity. METHODS: Wistar rats were fed four different diets (WD, CAF, HFD and a low-fat diet) for 18 weeks. Metabolic parameters and gut microbiota changes were then characterized. RESULTS: Rats fed the four different diets exhibited completely different phenotypes, highlighting the importance of diet selection. This study also revealed that WD most effectively induced obesity and obesity-related disorders, and thus proved to be a robust model of human obesity. Moreover, WD-fed rats developed obesity and obesity-related comorbidities independent of major alterations in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis), whereas CAF-fed rats developed the greatest dysbiosis independent of obesity. We also characterized gut microbiota after feeding on these four different diets and identified five genera that might be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that diet, and not the obese state, was the major driving force behind gut microbiota changes. Moreover, the marked dysbiosis observed in CAF-fed rats might have resulted from the presence of several additives present in the CAF diet, or even a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. Based on our findings, we recommend the use of the prototypic WD (designed here) in DIO models. Conversely, CAF could be used to investigate the effects of excessive consumption of industrially produced and highly processed foods, which are characteristic of Western society.

3D printed tablets loaded with polymeric nanocapsules: An innovative approach to produce customized drug delivery systems.

The generation of multi-functional drug delivery systems, namely solid dosage forms loaded with nano-sized carriers, remains little explored and is still a challenge for formulators. For the first time, the coupling of two important technologies, 3D printing and nanotechnology, to produce innovative solid dosage forms containing drug-loaded nanocapsules was evaluated here. Drug delivery devices were prepared by fused deposition modelling (FDM) from poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and Eudragit® RL100 (ERL) filaments with or without a channelling agent (mannitol). They were soaked in deflazacort-loaded nanocapsules (particle size: 138nm) to produce 3D printed tablets (printlets) loaded with them, as observed by SEM. Drug loading was improved by the presence of the channelling agent and a linear correlation was obtained between the soaking time and the drug loading (r2=0.9739). Moreover, drug release profiles were dependent on the polymeric material of tablets and the presence of the channelling agent. In particular, tablets prepared with a partially hollow core (50% infill) had a higher drug loading (0.27% w/w) and faster drug release rate. This study represents an original approach to convert nanocapsules suspensions into solid dosage forms as well as an efficient 3D printing method to produce novel drug delivery systems, as personalised nanomedicines.

Danger beyond the catches: a review of conservation threats posed by commercial and non-commercial fisheries in Guaratuba Bay, southern Brazil

Abstract Comparisons between the implications of commercial and recreational fisheries for estuarine conservation have been a topic of debate. A review on the available data from Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil, identifies six threats for conservation, other than those concerning the fishing effort on target resources. Differing from the popular view that fishing for pleasure could be innocuous for the environment, the identified threats concern both commercial and non-commercial fisheries: (1) catching of reproductive individuals; (2) catch of big old fat fecund females; (3) loss and abandonment of fishing gears; (4) use of natural baits; (5) bycatch of rays, turtles and non-target finfish; and (6) bad practices associated with catch-and-release or discarding. Environmental disturbances and fauna depletion are detected as potential impacts. Recommended actions for estuary conservation include fishing closures in mangrove and shallow waters areas, release of fish larger than the critical size, and measures against abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears.

Resumo As implicações das pescas comercial e recreativa para conservação dos estuários têm sido largamente discutidas. Uma revisão das informações disponíveis para a Baía de Guaratuba, sul do Brasil, identifica seis ameaças à conservação, que extrapolam aquelas concernentes ao esforço de captura sobre as espécies-alvo. Contrariando a visão comum de que a pesca de lazer seria inócua para o ambiente, as ameaças identificadas referem-se tanto à pesca comercial como à não-comercial: (1) captura de indivíduos em atividade reprodutiva; (2) captura de fêmeas grandes e mais fecundas; (3) perda e abandono de materiais de pesca; (4) uso de iscas naturais; (5) captura incidental de raias, tartarugas e peixes não-alvo; e (6) práticas inadequadas associadas a pesque-e-solte e descarte. Impactos potenciais são perturbações ambientais e depleção de fauna. Ações recomendadas para conservação do estuário incluem interdição de pesca no manguezal e áreas rasas, soltura de peixes com tamanho superior ao crítico, e medidas contra abandono, perda e outras formas de descarte de materiais de pesca.

Calreticulin in the Heart: From Embryological Development to Cardiac Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Calreticulin is a Ca(2+)-binding chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) which is crucial to the correct embryological development of the heart in mice. Altered expression levels in the adult were correlated with several cardiac pathologies such as cardiac hypertrophy and dilated cardiomyopathy. AIM: In this review, we aim to describe the role of calreticulin in the embryological development of the heart in mice and to clarify the relationship between the different cardiac pathologies and altered expression levels of calreticulin in the adult heart. CONCLUSION: There is an ER crucial to embryogenesis in cardiomyocytes besides SR. Certain stimuli may induce reactivation of the transcription pattern present during embryogenesis, leading to overexpression of calreticulin in the heart, altering numerous signaling pathways and subsequently inducing pathology. Normalization of these transcriptional disorders holds promise in the treatment of multiple cardiac diseases.

Chemical characterization of atmospheric particles and source apportionment in the vicinity of a steelmaking industry.

The objective of this work was to provide a chemical characterization of atmospheric particles collected in the vicinity of a steelmaking industry and to identify the sources that affect PM10 levels. A total of 94 PM samples were collected in two sampling campaigns that occurred in February and June/July of 2011. PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 were analyzed for a total of 22 elements by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Particle Induced X-ray Emission. The concentrations of water soluble ions in PM10 were measured by Ion Chromatography and Indophenol-Blue Spectrophotometry. Positive Matrix Factorization receptor model was used to identify sources of particulate matter and to determine their mass contribution to PM10. Seven main groups of sources were identified: marine aerosol identified by Na and Cl (22%), steelmaking and sinter plant represented by As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Sb and Zn (11%), sinter plant stack identified by NH4(+), K and Pb (12%), an unidentified Br source (1.8%), secondary aerosol from coke making and blast furnace (19%), fugitive emissions from the handling of raw material, sinter plant and vehicles dust resuspension identified by Al, Ca, La, Si, Ti and V (14%) and sinter plant and blast furnace associated essentially with Fe and Mn (21%).

Levels and spatial distribution of airborne chemical elements in a heavy industrial area located in the north of Spain.

The adverse health effects of airborne particles have been subjected to intense investigation in recent years; however, more studies on the chemical characterization of particles from pollution emissions are needed to (1) identify emission sources, (2) better understand the relative toxicity of particles, and (3) pinpoint more targeted emission control strategies and regulations. The main objective of this study was to assess the levels and spatial distribution of airborne chemical elements in a heavy industrial area located in the north of Spain. Instrumental and biomonitoring techniques were integrated and analytical methods for k0 instrumental neutron activation analysis and particle-induced x-ray emission were used to determine element content in aerosol filters and lichens. Results indicated that in general local industry contributed to the emissions of As, Sb, Cu, V, and Ni, which are associated with combustion processes. In addition, the steelwork emitted significant quantities of Fe and Mn and the cement factory was associated with Ca emissions. The spatial distribution of Zn and Al also indicated an important contribution of two industries located outside the studied area.

Co-encapsulation of resveratrol and curcumin in lipid-core nanocapsules improves their in vitro antioxidant effects.

Resveratrol and curcumin are natural antioxidants found in the human diet that have been used in the prevention and treatment of different diseases associated with oxidative stress. Aiming to improve the antioxidant effects of resveratrol and curcumin, lipid-core nanocapsules containing the combination of both polyphenols were developed. Physicochemical characteristics were evaluated and compared to the formulations containing each polyphenol individually. Co-encapsulation did not influence nanotechnological characteristics, and all formulations presented mean diameter around 200 nm, low polydispersity index, and encapsulation efficiency close to 100%. Nanoencapsulation increases the photostability of resveratrol and curcumin, and co-encapsulation improves resveratrol photostability. The in vitro antioxidant activity of polyphenols against HO radicals was enhanced by nanoencapsulation, and a better effect was observed after their co-nanoencapsulation. Also, nanocapsules exhibited controlled release profile, for both polyphenols. The results showed that the strategy to co-encapsulate resveratrol and curcumin is a promising approach to improve the performance of medicines used to prevent and treat diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Characteristics of cardiac epithelium at the esophagogastric junction of a pediatric population with gastroesophageal reflux.

Cardiac mucosa (CM) of the adult, regardless its location, shares phenotypic characteristics with Barrett's epithelium, namely villin expression and a Barrett's pattern of cytokeratins 7 and 20 expression. As far as we know, the phenotypic profile of CM in children has not been studied. The objective was to evaluate the phenotypic profile of cardiac mucosa from the esophagogastric junction of children with reflux symptoms. Biopsies routinely performed at the esophagogastric junction of children submitted to upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy for complaints suggestive of reflux were retrieved from the archive and used for the purposes of this study. Biopsies were assessed for the presence of squamous epithelium, cardiac and oxyntic mucosa and intestinal metaplasia. Samples displaying both squamous and columnar epithelia were immunohistochemically evaluated for the presence of villin and sucrase-isomaltae and for the expression of cytokeratins 7 and 20. From the 42 biopsies samples retrieved, 30 had simultaneously squamous and columnar epithelia. Cardiac mucosa was present in 86.7% of the cases, and intestinal metaplasia was observed only in one (3.3%). Villin expression in cardiac mucosa was observed in 96% of the cases and a cytokeratins 7 and 20 Barrett's pattern in 73%. Sucrase-isomaltase and MUC2 were only expressed in the case with intestinal metaplasia. Cardiac mucosa was high prevalent in biopsies from the esophagogastric junction of children with reflux. As in adults, cardiac mucosa in children has an immunoprofile similar to Barrett's esophagus. For the first time, it was shown that pediatric cardiac mucosa frequently expresses villin.

Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia: results from a cohort with a mean follow-up of 7 years.

BACKGROUND: The definition of Barrett's oesophagus lacks consensus, particularly the requirement of intestinal metaplasia for diagnosis. Scarce information exists on the prevalence and natural history of columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia. AIM: To evaluate the demographics and natural history of columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥ 2 cm in length. METHODS: Patients with columnar-lined oesophagus ≥ 2 cm in length and no intestinal metaplasia in biopsy specimens from two consecutive endoscopies with at least a 1-year interval were prospectively followed. A cohort of Barrett's oesophagus patients was used as a control. RESULTS: Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia (n = 15) had a similar gender distribution, reflux symptoms prevalence and length as those of Barrett's oesophagus (n = 205). Patients were significantly younger (28.6 vs. 60 years, P < 0.0001) and accounted for 48% of patients aged <40 years in the two cohorts, but only 1% of those aged >40 years (P < 0.001). Patient distribution in both cohorts in 5 age brackets (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and >50 years) was significantly different, except for patients aged 40-49 years. Intestinal metaplasia was documented in 60% of the cohort after a mean follow-up of 7.1 years. CONCLUSIONS: Columnar-lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥ 2 cm is infrequent in the setting of a systematic biopsy protocol, is associated with a younger age in comparison with Barrett's oesophagus, and appears to be an intermediate step between squamous and intestinal lining of the oesophagus.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy: systematic review of the literature and an additional case.

Hashimoto's encephalopathy, first described in 1966, is still problematic in terms of its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The syndrome is more common in women, and is associated with autoimmune antithyroid antibodies. Presentation varies considerably; there may be episodes of cerebral ischemia, seizure, or psychosis, or there may be depression, cognitive decline, and periods of fluctuating consciousness. Because the symptoms respond so well to immunosuppressive treatment, prompt diagnosis and management are important. Here, the authors present a representative case report, along with a comprehensive review of current literature.

Natural killer-dendritic cell interaction in lymphocyte responses in hypersensitivity reactions to betalactams.

BACKGROUND: Betalactams are the commonest cause of allergic reactions mediated by either IgE or T lymphocytes in which innate and adaptive immune systems mediate the earlier stages of immunological responses. One of the links between these systems is related to the interaction between natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC). We have evaluated the role of NK cells and NK-DC interaction in the immunopathological mechanisms of nonimmediate reactions to betalactams. METHODS: Patients allergic to amoxicillin (AX) (N = 17) and tolerant controls (N = 13) were included. Changes in phenotype (CD69, IFNγ, perforin, and granzyme B) in AX-stimulated NK cells, the cytotoxic activity on mature or immature DC (imDC), and the proliferation and phenotype of NK lymphocytes after culture with AX and DC were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Amoxicillin induced activation and increases of perforin and granzyme B (P = 0.007 and P = 0.041 respectively) but not IFNγ production in NK cells from patients. In NK subpopulations, AX induced a significant enhancement of perforin and granzyme B in CD56(dim) (P = 0.005 and P = 0.002 respectively) and of IFNγ in CD56(bright) (P = 0.001). The cytotoxic phenotype was demonstrated by an increase of annexin V only in imDC (P < 0.001). Amoxicillin also induced an increased NK proliferation with different patterns, cytotoxic or proinflammatory, depending on the presence of imDC or mature DC, respectively. No differences were observed in NK cells from tolerant controls. CONCLUSION: These data could demonstrate the involvement of NK cells in the immunopathological mechanisms of nonimmediate allergic reactions to AX, showing that both the innate and adaptive immune systems are involved and crosstalk, producing amplification of the harmful effects observed in these drug reactions.