Objective
Do metabolites in vaginal samples vary between women with different vaginal disorders.
Design
Cross‐sectional study.
Setting
Campinas, Brazil.
Sample
Seventy‐seven women (39.9%) with no ...vaginal disorder, 52 women (26.9%) with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), 43 women (22.3%) with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and 21 women (10.9%) with cytolytic vaginosis (CTV).
Method
Concentrations of d‐ and l‐lactic acid, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8), and the influence of Candida albicans on EMMPRIN production by cultured vaginal epithelial cells, were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations were determined by the Mann–Whitney U‐test and by Spearman's rank correlation test.
Main outcome measures
Metabolite levels and their correlation with diagnoses.
Results
Vaginal concentrations of d‐ and l‐lactic acid were reduced from control levels in BV (P < 0.0001); l‐lactic acid levels were elevated in CTV (P = 0.0116). EMMPRIN and MMP‐8 concentrations were elevated in VVC (P < 0.0001). EMMPRIN and l‐lactic acid concentrations (P ≤ 0.008), but not EMMPRIN and d‐lactic acid, were correlated in all groups. EMMPRIN also increased in proportion with the ratio of l‐ to d‐lactic acid in controls and in women with BV (P ≤ 0.009). Concentrations of EMMPRIN and MMP‐8 were correlated in controls and women with VVC (P ≤ 0.0002). Candida albicans induced EMMPRIN release from vaginal epithelial cells.
Conclusions
Vaginal secretions from women with BV are deficient in d‐ and l‐lactic acid, women with VVC have elevated EMMPRIN and MMP‐8 levels, and women with CTV have elevated l‐lactic acid levels. These deviations may contribute to the clinical signs, symptoms, and sequelae that are characteristic of these disorders.
GBR membranes have various surface properties designed to elicit positive responses in regenerative clinical procedures; dental clinicians attempt to employ techniques to prevent the direct ...interaction of contaminated oral fluids with these biomaterials. However, saliva is uninterruptedly exhibited in oral surgical procedures applying GBR membranes, suggesting a persistent interaction with biomaterials and the surrounding oral tissues. This fundamental study aimed to investigate potential alterations in the physical, chemical, and key biological properties of membranes for guided bone regeneration (GBR) caused by isolated early interaction with human saliva.
A reproducible step-by-step protocol for collecting and interacting human saliva with membranes was developed. Subsequently, membranes were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, protein quantification, DNA, and 16S rRNA levels viability of two different cell lines at 1 and 7 days, and ALP activity. Non-interacted membranes and pure saliva of donors were applied as controls.
Qualitative morphological alterations were noticed; DNA extraction and 16S quantification revealed significantly higher values. Furthermore, the viability of HGF-1 and MC3T3-E1 cells was significantly (p < .05) reduced following saliva interaction with biodegradable membranes. Saliva contamination did not prejudice PTFE membranes significantly in any biological assay.
These outcomes demonstrated a susceptible response of biodegradable membranes to isolated early human saliva interaction, suggesting impairment of structural morphology, reduced viability to HGF-1 and MC3T3-E1, and higher absorption/adherence of DNA/16S rRNA. As a result, clinical oral procedures may need corresponding refinements.
The use of
fruits in the agro-food sector is increasing for a multiplicity of players. This renewed interest is, in part, due to its organoleptic characteristics, nutritional value and health ...benefits. Furthermore, industries from different sectors intend to make use of its vast array of metabolites to be used in different fields. This trend represents an economic growth opportunity for several partners who could find new opportunities exploring non-conventional fruits, and such is the case for
.
originates from Mexico, belongs to the Cactaceae family and is commonly known as opuntia, prickly pear or cactus pear. The species produces flowers, cladodes and fruits that are consumed either in raw or in processed products. Recent publications described that consumption of the fruit improves human health, exhibiting antioxidant activity and other relevant pharmacological activities through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Thus, we provide a systematic, scientific and rational review for researchers, consumers and other relevant stakeholders regarding the chemical composition and biological activities of
fruits.
Abstract
Objective To evaluate vaginal microbiological and functional aspects in women with and without premature ovarian failure (POF) and the relationship with sexual function.
Methods A ...cross-sectional study of 36 women with POF under hormonal therapy who were age-matched with 36 women with normal gonadal function. The vaginal tropism was assessed through hormonal vaginal cytology, vaginal pH and vaginal health index (VHI). Vaginal flora were assessed by the amine test, bacterioscopy and culture for fungi. Sexual function was evaluated through the questionnaire Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Results Women in both groups were of similar age and showed similar marital status. The two groups presented vaginal tropic scores according to the VHI but the tropism was worse among women in the POF group. No difference was observed with respect to hormonal cytology and pH. Vaginal flora was similar in both groups. Women with POF showed worse sexual performance with more pain and poorer lubrication than women in the control group. The VHI, the only parameter evaluated showing statistical difference between the groups, did not correlate with the domains of pain and lubrication in the FSFI questionnaire.
Conclusion These findings suggest that the use of systemic estrogen among women with POF is not enough to improve complaints of lubrication and pain despite conferring similar tropism and vaginal flora. Other therapeutic options need to be evaluated.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Non-enzymatic glycation of biomolecules has been implicated in the pathophysiology of aging and diabetes. Among the potential targets for glycation are biological membranes, characterized by a ...complex organization of lipids and proteins interacting and forming domains of different size and stability. In the present study, we analyse the effects of glycation on the interactions between membrane proteins and lipids. The phospholipid affinity for the transmembrane surface of the PMCA (plasma-membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase) was determined after incubating the protein or the phospholipids with glucose. Results show that the affinity between PMCA and the surrounding phospholipids decreases significantly after phosphospholipid glycation, but remains unmodified after glycation of the protein. Furthermore, phosphatidylethanolamine glycation decreases by approximately 30% the stability of PMCA against thermal denaturation, suggesting that glycated aminophospholipids induce a structural rearrangement in the protein that makes it more sensitive to thermal unfolding. We also verified that lipid glycation decreases the affinity of lipids for two other membrane proteins, suggesting that this effect might be common to membrane proteins. Extending these results to the in vivo situation, we can hypothesize that, under hyperglycaemic conditions, glycation of membrane lipids may cause a significant change in the structure and stability of membrane proteins, which may affect the normal functioning of membranes and therefore of cells.
A key hallmark of myelofibrosis is anemia, which ranges from mild to severe based on hemoglobin levels. To more clearly define outcomes with the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2/activin A receptor type 1 ...inhibitor momelotinib by anemia severity, we performed a descriptive post hoc exploratory analysis of the double-blind, randomized, phase 3 SIMPLIFY-1 study (NCT01969838; N = 432, JAK inhibitor naive, momelotinib vs. ruxolitinib); subgroups were defined by baseline hemoglobin: <10 (moderate/severe), ≥10 to <12 (mild), or ≥12 g/dL (nonanemic). Spleen and symptom results were generally consistent with those previously reported for the intent-to-treat population. In anemic subgroups, momelotinib was associated with higher rates of transfusion independence and reduced/stable transfusion intensity vs. ruxolitinib. No new or unexpected safety signals were identified. Overall, momelotinib provides spleen, symptom, and anemia benefits to JAK inhibitor-naive patients with myelofibrosis regardless of baseline hemoglobin level, and greater anemia-related benefits vs. ruxolitinib in patients with hemoglobin <12 g/dL.A key hallmark of myelofibrosis is anemia, which ranges from mild to severe based on hemoglobin levels. To more clearly define outcomes with the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2/activin A receptor type 1 inhibitor momelotinib by anemia severity, we performed a descriptive post hoc exploratory analysis of the double-blind, randomized, phase 3 SIMPLIFY-1 study (NCT01969838; N = 432, JAK inhibitor naive, momelotinib vs. ruxolitinib); subgroups were defined by baseline hemoglobin: <10 (moderate/severe), ≥10 to <12 (mild), or ≥12 g/dL (nonanemic). Spleen and symptom results were generally consistent with those previously reported for the intent-to-treat population. In anemic subgroups, momelotinib was associated with higher rates of transfusion independence and reduced/stable transfusion intensity vs. ruxolitinib. No new or unexpected safety signals were identified. Overall, momelotinib provides spleen, symptom, and anemia benefits to JAK inhibitor-naive patients with myelofibrosis regardless of baseline hemoglobin level, and greater anemia-related benefits vs. ruxolitinib in patients with hemoglobin <12 g/dL.
Summary
To determine whether there is an association between atopy and recurrent vaginal candidiasis (RVC) and to evaluate the type‐2 immune response in patients with RVC. Evaluation of immediate ...hypersensitivity skin tests to aeroallergens, measurement of total IgE and Candida albicans specific IgE and levels of IL‐5 in 44 women with RVC and 26 with sporadic vaginal candidiasis (SVC). Statistical analyses were performed by Mann–Whitney test and χ2 test with Yates correction. History of atopy (68%) and positive skin test (42%) were higher (P < 0·05) in RVC than in patients with SVC. No significant difference was found in total IgE, C. albicans specific IgE and IL‐5 levels. There was a strong association between atopy and RVC, but type‐2 immune response to C. albicans antigen was absent or similar in the two groups of patients.
Iso-Kikuchi Syndrome: Report of 3 Pediatric Cases Tirelli, L.L.; Luna, P.C.; Cano, R. ...
Actas dermo-sifiliográficas (English ed.),
June 2018, 2018-Jun, 2018-06-00, Letnik:
109, Številka:
5
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Iso-Kikuchi syndrome, or congenital onychodysplasia of the index finger, is an uncommon condition characterized by total anonychia or dysplasia of the nail of the index finger. It is occasionally ...accompanied by underlying bone abnormalities and is rarely associated with other conditions. Although various hypotheses have been put forward to explain the pathophysiology of the syndrome, its etiology remains unknown.
We report the cases of 3 pediatric patients (2 boys and 1 girl) with nail changes and bone abnormalities consistent with Iso-Kikuchi syndrome. We highlight the importance of recognizing this entity early to avoid the need for additional tests and unnecessary treatment.
El síndrome de Iso-Kikuchi, onicodisplasia congénita del dedo índice, es una entidad poco frecuente caracterizada por la anoniquia total o displasia de la uña del dedo índice, acompañado, en algunas ocasiones, de alteraciones óseas subyacentes, por lo general, en ausencia de otras anomalías. Si bien se han planteado distintas hipótesis fisiopatogénicas, la etiología sigue siendo desconocida.
Describimos los casos de 3 pacientes pediátricos, 2 varones y una niña, con alteraciones ungueales y óseas compatibles con el síndrome de Iso-Kikuchi. Destacamos la importancia de reconocer esta entidad tempranamente para evitar la realización de estudios complementarios y terapéuticas innecesarias.
INTRODUCTION
Plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (P‐tau217) and neurofilament light (NfL) have emerged as markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Few studies have examined the role of ...sex in plasma biomarkers in sporadic AD, yielding mixed findings, and none in autosomal dominant AD.
METHODS
We examined the effects of sex and age on plasma P‐tau217 and NfL, and their association with cognitive performance in a cross‐sectional study of 621 Presenilin‐1 E280A mutation carriers (PSEN1) and non‐carriers.
RESULTS
As plasma P‐tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers. Yet, as disease progresses, female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase than male carriers. There were no sex differences in the association between age and plasma biomarkers among non‐carriers.
DISCUSSION
Our findings suggest that, among PSEN1 mutation carriers, females had a greater rate of neurodegeneration than males, yet it did not predict cognitive performance.
HIGHLIGHTS
We examined sex differences in plasma P‐tau217 and NfL in Presenilin‐1 E280A (PSEN1) mutation carriers and non‐carriers.
Female carriers had a greater plasma NfL increase, but not P‐tau217, than male carriers.
As plasma P‐tau217 levels increase, cognitively unimpaired female carriers showed better cognitive performance than cognitively unimpaired male carriers.
The interaction effect of sex by plasma NfL levels did not predict cognition among carriers.
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•Mild biomimetic method for the synthesis of CuInS2 nanoparticles using the biological molecule glutathione as sulfur source and stabilizing agent.•The aqueous synthesis is performed ...at low temperatures, under aerobic conditions and atmospheric pressure.•Synthesized CuInS2 nanoparticles are non-toxic and work as efficient photosensitizers in solar cells.
CuInS2 (CIS) nanoparticles have unique chemical, toxicological and optoelectronic properties that favor their technological applications. In the present work we report a novel one step biomimetic method for the aqueous synthesis of CIS nanoparticles, that is also low cost and environmentally friendly. This biomimetic method uses only CuSO4 and InCl3 as precursor salts, and the biological molecule glutathione as sulfur donor and stabilizer of the nanoparticles (NPs). The reaction is performed at low temperatures, under aerobic conditions and atmospheric pressure. CIS nanoparticles produced by our biomimetic method exhibit fluorescence emission between 650 and 700 nm when excited at 500 nm. A size between 10 and 15 nm was determined by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and corroborated by electron transmission microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the crystalline structure of the CIS NPs produced. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses revealed the presence of Cu, In, and S in a 0.6: 1.4: 2 ratio, which has been reported for other CIS NPs in literature. No cytotoxicity of CIS NPs was observed in human OKT6/TERT2 cells and bacteria. Besides, the potential application of biomimetic CIS NPs as photosensitizers in quantum dots sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) was confirmed. The biocompatibility, spectroscopic properties, and energy harvesting performance in solar cells of the CIS NPs produced by our biomimetic method make them suitable for their use in different biotechnological applications.
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