Transcriptomic response in thermally challenged seahorses Hippocampus erectus: The effect of magnitude and rate of temperature change.

Hippocampus erectus inhabiting the shallow coastal waters of the southern Gulf of Mexico are naturally exposed to marked temperature variations occurring in different temporal scales. Under such heterogeneous conditions, a series of physiological and biochemical adjustments take place to restore and maintain homeostasis. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the response of H. erectus to increased temperature using transcriptome analysis based on RNA-Seq technology. Data was obtained from seahorses after 0.5-h exposure to combinations of different target temperatures (26 °C: control, and increased to 30 and 33 °C) and rates of thermal increase (abrupt: < 5 min; gradual: 1-1.5 °C every 3 h). The transcriptome of seahorses was assembled de novo using Trinity software to obtain 29,211 genes and 30,479 transcripts comprising 27,520,965 assembled bases. Seahorse exposure to both 30 and 33 °C triggered characteristic processes of the cellular stress response, regardless of the rate of thermal change. The transcriptomic profiles of H. erectus suggest an arrest of muscle development processes, the activation of heat shock proteins, and a switch to anaerobic metabolism within the first 0.5 h of exposure to target temperatures to ensure energy supply. Interestingly, apoptotic processes involving caspase were activated principally in gradual treatments, suggesting that prolonged exposure to even sublethal temperatures results in the accumulation of deleterious effects that may eventually terminate in cellular death. Results herein validate 30 °C and 33 °C as potential upper limits of thermal tolerance for H. erectus at the southernmost boundary of its geographic distribution.

Hydrocarbon exposure effect on energetic metabolism and immune response in Crassostrea virginica.

Crassostrea virginica was exposed to different light crude oil levels to assess the effect on transcriptomic response and metabolic rate. The exposure time was 21 days, and levels of 100 and 200 µg/L were used, including a control. The most significant difference among treatments was the overexpression of several genes associated with energy production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, immune system response, and inflammatory response. Also, a hydrocarbon concentration-related pattern was identified in ROS regulation, with a gene expression ratio near 1.8:1 between 200 and 100 µg/L treatments. Statistical analysis showed no interaction effect for metabolic rate; however, significant differences were found for oil concentration and time factors, with a higher oxygen consumption at 200 µg/L. Our findings provide novel information about the metabolic response of C. virginica during hydrocarbons exposure. In addition, our results point out which biological processes should be investigated as targets for searching bioindicators.

[Factors associated with mediate complications in postoperative patients with transtrochanteric fractures with 135° dynamic hip screw system]. / Factores asociados con complicaciones mediatas en pacientes postoperados de fracturas transtrocantéricas con sistema de tornillo dinámico de cadera de 135°.

INTRODUCTION: Transtrochanteric fractures represent 50% of proximal femur fractures, with a higher incidence in patients older than 65 years. The objective of the study is to evaluate the association of orthopedic factors with the presence of mediate complications in post-operative geriatric patients for transtrochanteric fractures with the 135o dynamic hip screw (DHS) system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, analytical study. We evaluated patients older than 65 years with transtrochanteric fractures treated with 135o DHS. We analyzed pre-surgical, post-surgical, and 3 and 6-month radiographs. We performed a descriptive analysis of the population characteristics, comparison analysis of means (Mann-Whitney U) and proportions (chi square), correlation analysis, and a logistic regression model to determine the degree of association of the factors with mediate complications. RESULTS: We evaluated 92 patients with a mean age of 83 ± 6.7 years. We evidenced mediate orthopedic complications in 8.7%; considering as the most frequent the cut-out (5.4%). In the correlation analysis, the peak apex index > 25 has a weak correlation (r = 0.372), the peak apex index modified to calcar > 27 moderate correlation (r = 0.528). The lateral cervico-diaphyseal angle > 20° has a high correlation (r = 0.7). In the regression analysis, the latter was associated with the presence of mediate orthopedic complications (OR 4.93, CI 1.2-15.81, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: A correlation was observed between factors such as tip apex index > 25, tip apex index modified to calcar > 27 and cervical-lateral diaphyseal angle > 20o with the presence of complications, highlighting the latter as the factor that presents association with statistically significant differences.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas transtrocantéricas representan 50% de las fracturas del fémur proximal con mayor incidencia en pacientes mayores de 65 años. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la asociación de factores ortopédicos con la presencia de complicaciones mediatas en pacientes geriátricos postoperados de fracturas transtrocantéricas con sistema de tornillo dinámico de cadera (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés) de 135o. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, analítico. Evaluamos pacientes mayores de 65 años con fracturas transtrocantéricas tratados con DHS de 135o. Analizamos radiografías prequirúrgicas, postquirúrgicas a tres y seis meses. Realizamos un análisis descriptivo de las características poblacionales, análisis de comparación de medias (U de Mann Whitney) y de proporciones (2), análisis de correlación y un modelo de regresión logística para determinar el grado de asociación de los factores con complicaciones mediatas. RESULTADOS: Evaluamos 92 pacientes con edad promedio de 83 ± 6.7 años. Evidenciamos complicaciones ortopédicas mediatas en 8.7%, considerando como la más frecuente el cut-out (5.4%). En el análisis de correlación el índice punta ápex > 25 tiene correlación débil (r = 0.372), mientras que el índice punta ápex modificado al calcar > 27 posee correlación moderada (r = 0.528). El ángulo cérvico-diafisario lateral > 20o tiene correlación alta (r = 0.7). En el análisis de regresión este último se asoció con presencia de complicaciones ortopédicas mediatas (OR 4.93, IC 1.2-15.81, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONES: Se observó correlación entre factores como el índice punta ápex > 25, índice punta ápex modificado al calcar > 27 y ángulo cérvico-diafisario lateral > 20o con presencia de complicaciones, destacando este último como el factor que presenta asociación con diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

Growth Performance and Transcriptomic Response of Warm-Acclimated Hybrid Abalone Haliotis rufescens (♀) × H. corrugata (♂).

Along the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula (Mexico), abalone represents one of the most lucrative fisheries. As wild populations are currently depleted, abalone farm production aims to balance the decreasing populations with the increasing demand. The Mexican abalone aquaculture is almost entirely based on red abalone (Haliotis rufescens). However, the increasing frequency of extreme temperature events is hampering this activity. The use interspecific hybrids can potentially improve abalone culture, as species have differences in their thermal tolerance. Therefore, the hybrid progeny between H. rufescens (♀) and pink abalone H. corrugata (♂), a temperate and a warmer water abalone species, respectively, will naturally support higher temperature. To test this hypothesis, growth rate, mortality and metabolic rate of both pure (RR) and hybrid abalone (RP) were assessed under the H. rufescens' optimum (18 °C) and thermally stressed (22 °C) conditions. To unveil the molecular pathways involved in the heat response, transcriptional profiling of both crosses was also investigated. At high temperature, we observed constrained growth and survival in RR while RP showed a significant increase in both rates, supporting the improved performance of the hybrid compared. These results match with the transcriptional profiling of hybrids showing higher expression of genes involved in growth and calcification, whereas in the pure red progeny, the transcriptional profile was mainly associated with the regulation of necroptosis process. Our results may contribute to propose new management plans to increase farm abalone production in Baja California.

[Asthma : the contribution of biotherapies]. / Une décennie d'avancées dans l'asthme : l'apport des biothérapies.

Asthma is a chronic heterogeneous airway disease. There are different asthma inflammatory phenotypes with various responses to treatment and different disease severities. When asthma requires chronic systemic corticosteroids or hospitalizations despite maximal inhaled therapies in asthmatic patients in whom comorbidities have been managed and who are considered as compliant, the pulmonologist may propose biological treatment to reduce exacerbations and the dose of systemic corticosteroids. During the last ten years, the number of biologics for the management of type-2 severe asthma has increased. Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (omalizumab) are available for more than ten years and recommended in severe allergic asthma. New biologics are now available to block IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab) or its receptor (benralizumab). These treatments allow a reduction of exacerbations and of the dose of systemic corticosteroids, an improvement in asthma control, in asthma quality of life and for some of them, an increase in lung function. New biologics will soon be available in Belgium for the management of severe asthma. In addition to the improvement of asthma control in severe asthma, biological treatments have improved the understanding of the mechanisms leading to severe asthma.

L'asthme est une maladie hétérogène chronique des voies aériennes. Il existe, en effet, différents phénotypes inflammatoires d'asthme induisant une réponse variable aux traitements et différents degrés de sévérité. Lorsque l'asthme est sévère et requiert le recours aux corticostéroïdes systémiques ou à des hospitalisations malgré un traitement de fond maximal chez un patient asthmatique bon observant dont les comorbidités ont été prises en charge, le pneumologue peut proposer un traitement biologique en vue de réduire les exacerbations et la dose de corticostéroïdes systémiques. Au cours des dix dernières années, les traitements biologiques dans la prise en charge de l'asthme sévère de type 2 se sont étoffés. A côté du traitement par anti-IgE (omalizumab), disponible depuis plus de 10 ans et recommandé dans l'asthme sévère extrinsèque, d'autres traitements bloquant l'IL-5 (mépolizumab, reslizumab) ou son récepteur (benralizumab) ont vu le jour. Ces traitements permettent une réduction des exacerbations et de la dose de corticostéroïdes systémiques, une amélioration du contrôle, des paramètres de qualité de vie et, pour certains d'entre eux, de la fonction respiratoire. D'autres traitements ciblés prometteurs seront bientôt disponibles en Belgique. En plus d'améliorer le contrôle symptomatique des patients asthmatiques sévères, les traitements biologiques ont permis de mieux comprendre les mécanismes conduisant au développement d'un asthme sévère.

Management of Chiari I malformations: a paradigm in evolution.

PURPOSE: Despite decades of experience and research, the etiology and management of Chiari I malformations (CM-I) continue to raise more questions than answers. Controversy abounds in every aspect of management, including the indications, timing, and type of surgery, as well as clinical and radiographic outcomes. This review aims to outline past experiences, consolidate current evidence, and recommend directions for the future management of the Chiari I malformation. METHODS: A review of recent literature on the management of CM-I in pediatric patients is presented, along with our experience in managing 1073 patients who were diagnosed with CM-I over the past two decades (1998-2018) at Children's National Medical Center (CNMC) in Washington DC. RESULTS: The general trend reveals an increase in the diagnosis of CM-I at younger ages with a significant proportion of these being incidental findings (0.5-3.6%) in asymptomatic patients as well as a rise in the number of patients undergoing Chiari posterior fossa decompression surgery (PFD). The type of surgical intervention varies widely. At our institution, 104 (37%) Chiari surgeries were bone-only PFD with/without outer leaf durectomy, whereas 177 (63%) were PFD with duraplasty. We did not find a significant difference in outcomes between the PFD and PFDD groups (p = 0.59). An analysis of failures revealed a significant difference between patients who underwent tonsillar coagulation versus those whose tonsils were not manipulated (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: While the optimal surgical intervention continues to remain elusive, there is a shift away from intradural techniques in favor of a simple, extradural approach (including dural delamination) in pediatric patients due to high rates of clinical and radiographic success, along with a lower complication rate. The efficacy, safety, and necessity of tonsillar manipulation continue to be heavily contested, as evidence increasingly supports the efficacy and safety of less tonsillar manipulation, including our own experience.

Influence of pretreatments on oil absorption of plantain and cassava chips.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of pretreatments of CaCl2 and osmotic dehydration (OD) on oil absorption in plantain and cassava chips. Plantain and cassava slices (1 mm thickness and 35 mm diameter) were prepared. Pretreatment with and without 5% CaCl2 solution before applying OD with sucrose solutions at 30 and 45%, and NaCl at 3 and 6% in a product/solution ratio of 1:25, at 40 °C were employed. OD kinetics and diffusivity were estimated by Page's model and Fick's law, respectively. Best OD treatments for plantain chips were 45% sucrose with CaCl2 and 6% NaCl without CaCl2. However, for cassava chips, the best OD treatments were 45% sucrose without CaCl2 and 3% NaCl with CaCl2. Page's model predicted the OD experimental results with an R2 = 0.94-0.97. Effective diffusivity of water (EDW) and effective diffusivity of solids (EDS) for osmo-dehydrated cassava samples, with and without CaCl2, decreased as the concentration of the osmotic solutions was increased. However, in general, the inverse effect was obtained for plantain samples for EDW and EDS. Use of CaCl2 when applying OD reduced EDW and EDS in plantain and cassava chips. In general, it was observed that when increasing the concentration of the osmotic solution, oil absorption capacity decreased. Treatments that showed the lowest oil absorption were 45% sucrose OD in plantain chips pretreated with CaCl2 (11.49%) and fresh cassava chips with 45% sucrose OD (10.72%). The results and effectiveness will depend on food, process conditions and type of osmotic agent.

Transcriptomic response of the Crassostrea virginica gonad after exposure to a water-accommodation fraction of hydrocarbons and the potential implications in reproduction.

The Crassostrea virginica oyster has biological and economic importance in the Gulf of Mexico, an area with a high extraction and production of hydrocarbons. Exposure to hydrocarbons affects the reproductive processes in bivalves. In C. virginica, the effect of hydrocarbons on the gonad of the undifferentiated organism has not been evaluated to determine the possible damage during the maturation process. To evaluate this effect, RNA-seq data was generated from C. virginica gonads exposed to a 200 µg/L of hydrocarbons at different exposure times (7, 14 and 21 days) and a control treatment (without hydrocarbons). The analysis of the gonad transcriptome showed the negative effect of hydrocarbons on maturation, with a sub-expression of 22 genes involved in different stages of this process. Additionally, genes in the immune system were down-regulated, which may indicate that exposure to hydrocarbons causes immunosuppression in bivalves. A group of oxidative stress genes was also reduced. These data contribute to a better understanding of the effect of hydrocarbons on the reproductive process in bivalves and, at the same time, allow us to identify possible biomarkers associated with hydrocarbon contamination in the gonad of C. virginica.

Optimization and characterization of an extruded snack based on taro flour (Colocasia esculenta L.) enriched with mango pulp (Mangifera indica L.).

The aim of this study was to optimize and characterize an extruded snack made with taro flour and mango pulp. A central experimental design composed of the following three variables was used: mango pulp proportion (MPP = 0-10 g/100 g) in taro flour, feed moisture content (FMC = 16-30 g/100 g) and extrusion temperature (zone 4 of extruder) (T = 80-150 °C) using a single-screw extruder with a compression screw ratio of 3:1. Increasing FMC values decreased the torque, pressure, specific mechanical energy (SME), expansion index (EI), water solubility index and pH values and increased the residence time, bulk density (BD), hardness and total colour difference. Increasing T values led to a decrease in the torque, pressure, BD and hardness values, while increasing MPP values only caused a significant increase in the hardness values and ß-carotene content and a decrease in the pressure value. The optimal extrusion conditions were T = 135.81 °C, FMC = 18.84 g/100 g and MPP = 7.97 g/100 g, with a desirability value of 0.772, to obtain a snack with EI = 1.52, BD = 0.66 g/cm3, hardness = 24.48 N, ß-carotene content = 99.1 µg/g and SME = 428.54 J/g. The mango pulp is an available and economical source of ß-carotene for the enrichment of extruded expanded taro snacks.

Physicochemical characterization of several types of naturally colored cotton fibers from Peru.

Elemental composition, physical dimensions (length and apparent diameter), and crystallinity of different types of naturally colored cotton (NCCs) fibers from Peru were investigated using a CHNS organic elemental analyzer, optical microscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Spectroscopic studies involving Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted; and the thermal stability of cotton samples were also investigated. Results from organic elemental analyzer and XPS showed that cotton samples contain mainly carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, but darker color samples also presented nitrogen. It was also found that the white cotton sample exhibited the longest fibers whereas the darker color samples showed the shortest values in length. Interestingly, the crystallinity seems also decrease with color intensity of NCCs. Finally, the thermal stability of white cotton fibers was similar to those obtained for the NCCs.

Effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the physical quality of plantain (Musa ssp., group AAB) employing airflow reversal drying.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the color and texture of plantain (Musa ssp., group AAB) dried by airflow reversal drying. Plantain slices 1.0 cm thick were used. Pretreatment with two commercial enzymes, Pectinex Ultra SPL (Aspergillus aculeatus) and Pectinex 3XL (Aspergillus niger), was performed. Drying kinetics were determined with and without pretreatment at temperatures of 50, 65 and 80 °C using a fixed bed convective dryer. An air speed of 6 m/s, a bed height of 5 cm and either unidirectional flow or airflow reversal (every 15 min) were used for drying. Color and texture were analyzed, and consumer acceptance of the results of the best treatments was determined. Pretreatment with the enzyme A. niger and airflow reversal gave the best drying kinetics and showed the greatest reduction in drying time (59.0%) at 80 °C. The best hardness results were found at 80 °C with A. niger enzymatic pretreatment with both types of air flow. Brightness and hue angle showed that samples pretreated with enzymes and dried at 65 °C had a lighter yellow color compared to non-pretreated samples. Plantain samples enzymatically pretreated and dried at 65 and 80 °C were the most accepted by consumers. This kind of enzymatic pretreatment on plantain could allow the conservation of some physical properties and reduction of drying times relative to the current methodology.

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and child neurodevelopmental outcomes: a meta-analysis.

This review examined evidence of the association between maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity status and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. PubMed and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched for empirical studies published before April 2017 using keywords related to prenatal obesity and children's neurodevelopment. Of 1483 identified papers, 41 were included in the systematic review, and 32 articles representing 36 cohorts were included in the meta-analysis. Findings indicated that compared with children of normal weight mothers, children whose mothers were overweight or obese prior to pregnancy were at increased risk for compromised neurodevelopmental outcomes (overweight: OR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.11, 1.24], I2  = 65.51; obese: OR = 1.51; 95% CI [1.35, 1.69], I2  = 79.63). Pre-pregnancy obesity increased the risk of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (OR = 1.62; 95% CI [1.23, 2.14], I2  = 70.15), autism spectrum disorder (OR = 1.36; 95% CI [1.08, 1.70], I2  = 60.52), developmental delay (OR = 1.58; 95% CI [1.39, 1.79], I2  = 75.77) and emotional/behavioural problems (OR = 1.42; 95% CI [1.26, 1.59], I2  = 87.74). Given the current obesity prevalence among young adults and women of childbearing age, this association between maternal obesity during pregnancy and atypical child neurodevelopment represents a potentially high public health burden.

Does the incorporation of portion-control strategies in a behavioral program improve weight loss in a 1-year randomized controlled trial?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Controlling food portion sizes can help reduce energy intake, but the effect of different portion-control methods on weight management is not known. In a 1-year randomized trial, we tested whether the efficacy of a behavioral weight-loss program was improved by incorporating either of the two portion-control strategies instead of standard advice about eating less. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The Portion-Control Strategies Trial included 186 women with obesity (81%) or overweight (19%). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three equally intensive behavioral programs, consisting of 19 individual sessions over 12 months. The Standard Advice Group was instructed to eat less food while making healthy choices, the Portion Selection Group was instructed to choose portions based on the energy density using tools such as food scales and the Pre-portioned Foods Group was instructed to structure meals around pre-portioned foods such as single-serving main dishes, for which some vouchers were provided. In an intention-to-treat analysis, a mixed-effects model compared weight loss trajectories across 23 measurements; at month 12, weight was measured for 151 participants (81%). RESULTS: The trajectories showed that the Pre-portioned Foods Group initially lost weight at a greater rate than the other two groups (P=0.021), but subsequently regained weight at a greater rate (P=0.0005). As a result, weight loss did not differ significantly across groups at month 6 (mean±s.e. 5.2±0.4 kg) or month 12 (4.5±0.5 kg). After 1 year, measured weight loss averaged 6% of baseline weight. The frequency of using portion-control strategies initially differed across groups, then declined over time and converged at months 6 and 12. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating instruction on portion-control strategies within a 1-year behavioral program did not lead to a greater weight loss than standard advice. Using pre-portioned foods enhanced early weight loss, but this was not sustained over time. Long-term maintenance of behavioral strategies to manage portions remains a challenge.

Quantification of physical activity using the QAPACE questionnaire: A two stage cluster sample design survey of children and adolescents attending urban school.

BACKGROUND: Quantification of physical activity as energy expenditure is important since youth for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases in adulthood. It is necessary to quantify physical activity expressed in daily energy expenditure (DEE) in school children and adolescents between 8-16 years, by age, gender and socioeconomic level (SEL) in Bogotá. METHODS: This is a Two Stage Cluster Survey Sample. From a universe of 4700 schools and 760000 students from three existing socioeconomic levels in Bogotá (low, medium and high). The random sample was 20 schools and 1840 students (904 boys and 936 girls). Foreshadowing desertion of participants and inconsistency in the questionnaire responses, the sample size was increased. Thus, six individuals of each gender for each of the nine age groups were selected, resulting in a total sample of 2160 individuals. Selected students filled the QAPACE questionnaire under supervision. The data was analyzed comparing means with multivariate general linear model. Fixed factors used were: gender (boys and girls), age (8 to 16 years old) and tri-strata SEL (low, medium and high); as independent variables were assessed: height, weight, leisure time, expressed in hours/day and dependent variable: daily energy expenditure DEE (kJ.kg-1.day-1): during leisure time (DEE-LT), during school time (DEE-ST), during vacation time (DEE-VT), and total mean DEE per year (DEEm-TY) RESULTS: Differences in DEE by gender, in boys, LT and all DEE, with the SEL all variables were significant; but age-SEL was only significant in DEE-VT. In girls, with the SEL all variables were significant. The Post-hoc multiple comparisons tests were significant with age using Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test in all variables. For both genders and for all SELs the values in girls had the higher value except SEL high (5-6) The boys have higher values in DEE-LT, DEE-ST, DEE-VT; except in DEEm-TY in SEL (5-6) In SEL (5-6) all DEEs for both genders are highest. For SEL (3-4) all DEEs are lowest. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents in Bogotá have less DEE than at other latitudes. Girls have more free time but lower energy expenditure in their different activities. The socioeconomic level has influence in DEE.

Preparation of betulinic acid nanoemulsions stabilized by ω-3 enriched phosphatidylcholine.

Bioactive compounds such as ω-3 fatty acids and terpenes, have been associated with beneficial health effects; however, their solubility in the gastrointestinal tract and its bioavailability in the body are low. Nanoemulsions offer a viable alternative to disperse lipophilic compounds and improve their dissolution, permeation, absorption and bioavailability. Enzyme modified phosphatidylcholine (PC) with ω-3 fatty acids was used as emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water nanoemulsions generated using ultrasound device. These systems were used as carriers of betulinic acid, which has reported anti-carcinogenic activity. Phospholipase-catalyzed modification of PC allowed the incorporation of 50 mol% of ω-3 fatty acids. Formation variables such as oil type and ultrasound amplitude had effects on nanoemulsion characteristics. Incorporation of betulinic acid affected globule size; however, betulinic acid nanoemulsions below 200 nm could be prepared. The conditions under which betulinic acid nanoemulsions were obtained using the modified phosphatidylcholine with the smaller globule size (91 nm) were 10% PC, 25% glycerol, medium chain oil and 30% amplitude for 12 min in the sonicator. Storage temperature had an effect on the stability of the nanoemulsions, at 5°C we observed the smallest growth in globule size. The use of olive oil decreased the globule size growth during storage of the nanoemulsion stabilized with modified phosphatidylcholine, although globule size obtained was greater than 200 nm. Medium pH had a significant effect on the nanoemulsions; alkaline pH values improved storage stability. These results provide useful information for using this type of carrier system on the formulation of products in the pharmaceutical or food industry.

Increased expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) has been considered as both neuroprotective and damaging to the function of the central nervous system. MR may be also involved in central regulation of blood pressure. In the present study, we compared the expression of MR and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. In the hippocampus, MR expression was studied by in situ hybridization (ISH), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, whereas GR expression was analysed using the latter two procedures. Hypertensive animals showed an increased expression of MR mRNA in the whole hippocampus according to qPCR data and also in CA3 by ISH. Immunocytochemical staining for MR of the dorsal hippocampus, however, did not reveal differences between SHR and WKY rats. SHR showed elevated hypothalamic MR mRNA by qPCR, as well as an increased number of MR immunopositive cells in the magnocellular paraventricular region, compared to WKY rats. By contrast, expression levels of GR mRNA or protein in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of SHR were similar to those of WKY rats. Furthermore, we investigated the role of MR in the hypertensive rats by i.c.v. injection of the MR antagonist RU-2831. This compound produced a significant drop in blood pressure for SHR. In conclusion, MR expression is increased in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of SHR. We suggest that pathological MR overdrive may take responsibility for up-regulation of blood pressure and the encephalopathy of hypertension.

Oxygen transfer coefficient and the kinetic parameters of exo-polygalacturonase production by Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 in shake flasks and bioreactor.

AIMS: To evaluate and compare the sensitivity of Exo-PG production and kinetic parameters of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 to oxygen transfer condition in shake flasks and bioreactor. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 was grown on pectin as carbon source in shake flasks and bioreactor at different oxygen transfer conditions. The volumetric coefficient of oxygen transfer (kLa) was modified by changing both, the flask size/medium volume ratio and the agitation speed. Higher biomass concentration, Exo-PG activity, maximum specific growth rate and yield coefficient were obtained in bioreactor at higher kLa value. A strong correlation was found between biomass, Exo-PG activity and growth-associated product coefficient to kLa in bioreactor but does not in shake flasks. The mathematical model provided a good description of growth, pectin consumption and Exo-PG production in submerged batch cultures carried out in bioreactor. CONCLUSIONS: Biomass concentration, Exo-PG activity and their kinetics of Aspergillus flavipes FP-500 were strongly influenced by oxygen transfer condition and cultivation system. Significance and Impact of Study The production of enzymes by fungal fermentation is strictly aerobic and understanding the influence of oxygen transfer condition on the production kinetic is of vital importance in order to design, optimize and translate bioprocesses to industrial scale.

Linfangioma: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Lymphangioma: a case report and literature review

Los Linfangiomas son considerados patologías benignas de vasos linfáticos que en la cavidad bucal se manifiestan como lesiones focales superficiales. Generalmente se presentan desde el nacimiento o antes de las dos primeras décadas de vida, aparentemente sin predilección por el sexo. Dicha lesión se manifiesta como formas vesiculares cuando son superficiales y nodulares cuando son profundas. La coloración puede variar desde un color similar al tejido circundante hasta rojo azulado cuando los capilares forman parte de la malformación. Su localización intraoral más común es la cara dorsal de la lengua y bordes laterales, pudiendo provocar macroglosia. Su presentación extraoral se denomina higroma quístico y afecta el cuello. Se reporta un caso de un paciente de sexo femenino de 24 años de edad presentando lesión tumoral elevada, multilobulada, sintomática al momento de la consulta, manifestando dolor y sangramiento espontáneo. La lesión es del mismo color de la mucosa circundante, localizada en tercio medio de la cara dorsal de la lengua, dificultando la fonación y deglución. Se realizó biopsia incisional de la lesión con un diagnóstico provisional de linfangioma, obteniendo como resultado histopatológico Linfangioma.

Linphangioma are considered as benign pathologies of the lymphatic vessels, when they are evident in the oral cavity, they become superficial focal lesions. Generally, they become present at birth or before the first two decades of human life. This injury becomes apparent in different vessels forms when is superficial and nodes when is deep. Its color can vary from a similar shade of the surrounding tissue to a bluish red when capillary vessels form part, of the malformation. Its most common intra-oral location is in the dorsal face of the tongue and side edges, where it could produce macroglossia. Its extra-oral presence is designated as cystic hygroma and it affects the neck area. This is the reported case of a 24 years old female patient, who presents an elevated tumor lesion, multilobulated, and symptomatic at the time of her medical visit, with evident pain and spontaneous bleeding. The injury shows the same color of the surrounding mucous, localized in the central zone of the dorsal face of the tongue, making it difficult for swallowing and phonation. An incision biopsy of the injury was performed, with a temporary diagnosis of linphangioma, and as a histopathologic result linphangioma.

Progress in primary aldosteronism: present challenges and perspectives.

Primary Aldosteronism (PA) is a disorder of the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) in which aldosterone secretion is increased and is relatively autonomous of normal regulatory mechanisms. A recent conference in Munich organized by Prof. Reincke addressed advances and challenges related to the screening, diagnosis, and identification of uni- and bilateral involvement of the diseased adrenal of PA. Some infrequently addressed issues are described herein. We postulate that most cases of PA are due to the activation by unknown mechanisms of subset of cells resulting in the formation of a multiple foci or nodules of hyperactive zona glomerulosa cells. This implies that one or several yet unidentified stimuli can drive aldosterone overproduction, as well as the proliferation of aldosterone-producing cells. Current diagnostic procedures allow to determine whether inappropriate aldosterone production is driven by one or both adrenal glands and thus to establish optimal treatment.