Metabolic changes in the nucleus of the optic tract after monocular enucleation as revealed by cytochrome oxidase histochemistry

The histochemistry for the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome oxidase (CO) was used to evaluate the levels of metabolic activity in neurons of the nucleus of the optic tract (NOT) and dorsal terminal nucleus (DTN) in the opossum (Didelphis aurita). The observations were performed in four groups: normal juveniles (4 months old), monocularly enucleated juveniles analysed when adults, normal adults (8 to 18 months old) and monocularly enucleated adults. CO labeled cells were observed to have a similar distribution along the NOT-DTN anteroposterior axis in both juvenile and adult normal animals. Monocular enucleation performed in adults produced a significant reduction of the reactive neuropil but not of the number of CO labeled cells in the deafferented NOT-DTN: the number of labeled neurons per section in the deafferented side matched those of the ipsilateral complex. In juveniles, however, this procedure caused a systematic reduction of the number of CO labeled cells in the contralateral NOT-DTN in comparison to the spared complex. The lack of reduction in the number of neurons found on the deafferented side of the NOT-DTN of monocularly enucleated adult opossums compared with the ipsilateral side might result from the presence of compensatory inputs to maintain their metabolic equivalence. However, when the monocular enucleation was performed in juvenile opossums, a statistically significant asymmetry of CO neurons in the NOT-DTN was observed. In other words, the compensatory mechanisms proposed for the adults were either absent or insufficient to achieve symmetry in juveniles, suggesting a more heavily reliance in the retinal input.     

The Characterization of the Endoglucanase Cel12A from Gloeophyllum trabeum Reveals an Enzyme Highly Active on β-Glucan

The basidiomycete fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum causes a typical brown rot and is known to use reactive oxygen species in the degradation of cellulose. The extracellular Cel12A is one of the few endo-1,4-β-glucanase produced by G. trabeum. Here we cloned cel12A and heterologously expressed it in Aspergillus niger. The identity of the resulting recombinant protein was confirmed by mass spectrometry. We used the purified GtCel12A to determine its substrate specificity and basic biochemical properties. The G. trabeum Cel12A showed highest activity on β-glucan, followed by lichenan, carboxymethylcellulose, phosphoric acid swollen cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, and filter paper. The optimal pH and temperature for enzymatic activity were, respectively, 4.5 and 50°C on β-glucan. Under these conditions specific activity was 239.2±9.1 U mg⁻¹ and the half-life of the enzyme was 84.6±3.5 hours. Thermofluor studies revealed that the enzyme was most thermal stable at pH 3. Using β-glucan as a substrate, the K_m was 3.2±0.5 mg mL⁻¹ and the V_max was 0.41±0.02 µmol min⁻¹. Analysis of the effects of GtCel12A on oat spelt and filter paper by scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphological changes taking place during the process.     

When the lead extractor becomes the assistant for new lead implant

With the increasing number of cardiovascular implantable electronic device upgrade and vein obstruction caused by previous leads, it is important to have alternative techniques to upgrade the device with the maintenance of functioning leads.We report an 83-year old male with 13-year old one-lead dual-chamber pacemaker, ischemic cardiac disease and pre-dialytic chronic kidney disease submitted to an upgrade to cardiac resynchronization therapy. A sub-occlusion in the transition of left brachiocephalic vein and the superior vena cava was documented. Re-permeabilization was only achieved with a TightRail? rotating dilator sheath over a guidewire with successful left ventricle lead implant.     

Sentinel node biopsy should be supplemented by axillary sampling in patients with small breast cancers

Axillary clearance provides important prognostic information but is associated with significant morbidity. Sentinel node biopsy can provide staging .141 patients with node negative early breast cancers-tumour size less than 1.5 cm measured clinically or by imaging had guided axillary sampling (sentinel lymph node biopsy in combination with axillary sampling). Four node axillary sampling improved the detection rate of axillary node metastases by 13.6% as compared to blue dye sentinel node biopsy alone. Positive sampled nodes strongly indicated the likelihood of further metastatic being revealed by axillary dissection (67%). Negative sampled nodes in combination with a positive sentinel node biopsy were associated with a much lower rate of further nodal involvement in the axillary clearance (8%).     

Correlation between vertical misfits and stresses transmitted to implants from metal frameworks

An inappropriate prosthetic fit could cause stress over the interface implant/bone. The objective of this study was to compare stresses transmitted to implants from frameworks cast using different materials and to investigate a possible correlation between vertical misfits and these stresses. Fifteen one-piece cast frameworks simulating bars for fixed prosthesis in a model with five implants were fabricated and arranged into three different groups according to the material used for casting: CP Ti (commercially pure titanium), Co-Cr (cobalt-chromium) or Ni-Cr-Ti (nickel-chromium-titanium) alloys. Each framework was installed over the metal model with all screws tightened to a 10 N cm torque and then, vertical misfits were measured using an optical microscope. The stresses transmitted to implants were measured using quantitative photoelastic analysis in values of maximum shear stress (τ), when each framework was tightened to the photoelastic model to a 10 N cm standardized torque. Stress data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test and correlation tests were performed using Pearson's rank correlation (α = 0.05). Mean and standard deviation values of vertical misfit are presented for CP Ti (22.40 ± 9.05 μm), Co-Cr (66.41 ± 35.47 μm) and Ni-Cr-Ti (32.20 ± 24.47 μm). Stresses generated by Co-Cr alloy (τ = 7.70 ± 2.16 kPa) were significantly higher than those generated by CP Ti (τ = 5.86 ± 1.55 kPa, p = 0.018) and Ni-Cr-Ti alloy (τ = 5.74 ± 3.05 kPa, p = 0.011), which were similar (p = 0.982). Correlations between vertical misfits and stresses around the implants were not significant as for any evaluated materials.     

Assessment of neuropathic pain in leprosy patients with relapse or treatment failure by infrared thermography: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNeuropathic pain (NP) is one of the main complications of leprosy, and its management is challenging. Infrared thermography (IRT) has been shown to be effective in the evaluation of peripheral autonomic function resulting from microcirculation flow changes in painful syndromes. This study used IRT to map the skin temperature on the hands and feet of leprosy patients with NP.Methodology/Principal findingsThis cross-sectional study included 20 controls and 55 leprosy patients, distributed into 29 with NP (PWP) and 26 without NP (PNP). Thermal images of the hands and feet were captured with infrared camera and clinical evaluations were performed. Electroneuromyography (ENMG) was used as a complementary neurological exam. Instruments used for the NP diagnosis were visual analog pain scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathic en 4 questions (DN4), and simplified neurological assessment protocol. The prevalence of NP was 52.7%. Pain intensity showed that 93.1% of patients with NP had moderate/severe pain. The most frequent DN4 items in individuals with NP were numbness (86.2%), tingling (86.2%) and electric shocks (82.7%). Reactional episodes type 1 were statistically significant in the PWP group. Approximately 81.3% of patients showed a predominance of multiple mononeuropathy in ENMG, 79.6% had sensory loss, and 81.4% showed some degree of disability. The average temperature in the patients’ hands and feet was slightly lower than in the controls, but without a significant difference. Compared to controls, all patients showed significant temperature asymmetry in almost all points assessed on the hands, except for two palmar points and one dorsal point. In the feet, there was significant asymmetry in all points, indicating a greater involvement of the lower limbs.ConclusionIRT confirmed the asymmetric pattern of leprosy neuropathy, indicating a change in the function of the autonomic nervous system, and proving to be a useful method in the approach of pain.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of isoxazolyl-sulfonamides: A non-cytotoxic scaffold active against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania amazonensis and Herpes Simplex Virus

In this study we report the synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and druglikeness assessment of a series of 20 novel isoxazolyl-sulfonamides, obtained by a four-step synthetic route. The compounds had their activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania amazonensis, Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and cytotoxicity evaluated in phenotypic assays. All compounds have drug-like properties, showed low cytotoxicity and were promising regarding all other biological activities reported herein, especially the inhibitory activity against T. cruzi. The compounds 8 and 16 showed significant potency and selectivity against T. cruzi (GI₅₀?=?14.3?µM, SI?>?34.8 and GI₅₀?=?11.6?µM, SI?=?29.1, respectively). These values, close to the values of the reference drug benznidazole (GI₅₀?=?10.2?µM), suggest that compounds 8 and 16 represent promising candidates for further pre-clinical development targeting Chagas disease.