Castanea sativa mill. flowers as potential chemopreventive agent against rat prostate cancer model

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer among men, having a huge impact in their health [1]. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of a decoction extract obtained from C. sativa flowers (CF) on chemically and hormonally induced rat prostate cancer animal model. Material & Methods: All the animal experiments were approved by the Institutional Animals Ethics Committee and by Portuguese national authorities (DGAV no 021326). Forty male Wistar Unilever rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (n=10), induced group (n=15), CF control group (n=5) and CF induced group (n=10). Animals from induced groups received a multistep induction protocol, which consisted of sequential administration of flutamide, testosterone propionate, the carcinogenic agent MNU and crystalline testosterone. The CF extract, rich in ellagitannins especially trigalloy-HHDP- glucose, was administered in the drinking water (3 mg/animal/day) for 49 weeks. Animals were sacrificed at 61 weeks of age and organs were collected, weighed and processed for light microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism software. Results: There were no significant differences in relative mean liver weight among groups exposed and not exposed to the CF extract and no animals developed severe hepatic changes. Animals from CF induced group developed less prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia than induced group. Also, animals exposed to the CF extract did not present areas of inflammation of the dorsolateral prostate lobe greater than 50% unlike the groups not exposed (p<0.05). The administration of CF in induced animals was able to decrease the activity of CAT and GST by 36% and 20%, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that CF extract was well tolerate by the animals and did not cause severe hepatic and renal toxicity. C. sativa flowers extract may be used as chemopreventive agent against prostate cancer and seems to have an antioxidant role

Bacterial cellulose-lactoferrin as an antimicrobial edible packaging

Bacterial cellulose (BC) films from two distinct sources (obtained by static culture with Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 (BC1) and from a commercial source (BC2)) were modified by bovine lactoferrin (bLF) adsorption. The functionalized films (BC+bLF) were assessed as edible antimicrobial packaging, for use in direct contact with highly perishable foods, specifically fresh sausage as a model of meat products. BC+bLF films and sausage casings were characterized regarding their water vapour permeability (WVP), mechanical properties, and bactericidal efficiency against two food pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Considering their edibility, an in vitro gastrointestinal tract model was used to study the changes occurring in the BC films during passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the BC films against 3T3 mouse embryo fibroblasts was evaluated. BC1 and BC2 showed equivalent density, WVP and maximum tensile strength. The percentage of bactericidal efficiency of BC1 and BC2 with adsorbed bLF (BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF, respectively) in the standalone films and in inoculated fresh sausages, was similar against E. coli (mean reduction 69 % in the films per se versus 94 % in the sausages) and S. aureus (mean reduction 97 % in the films per se versus 36 % in the case sausages). Moreover, the BC1+bLF and BC2+bLF films significantly hindered the specific growth rate of both bacteria. Finally, no relevant cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts was found for the films before and after the simulated digestion. BC films with adsorbed bLF may constitute an approach in the development of bio-based edible antimicrobial packaging systems.The authors would like to acknowledge Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia) for the research grants: Jorge Padrão SFRH/BD/64901/2009, Sara Gonçalves SFRH/BD/63578/2009, João Pedro Silva SFRH/BPD/ 64958/2009, Ana Cristina Pinheiro SFRH/BPD/101181/2014. V. Sencadas thanks support from the COST Action MP1206: “Electrospun nano-fibres for bio inspired composite materials and innovative industrial applications” and MP1301: “New Generation Biomimetic and Customized Implants for Bone Engineering”. The authors would also like to thank the co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 e O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER Projects “BioHealth e Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality”, Ref. NORTE-07-0124- FEDER-000027; “BioInd e Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes”, REF. NORTE-07- 0124-FEDER-000028; Strategic Project PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2014; Matepro eOptimizing Materials and Processes”, ref. NORTE-07- 0124-FEDER-000037; Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and project ref. RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (project number FCOMP- 01-0124-FEDER-027462). Finally, the authors thank the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia for the strategic funding from the UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit

Helminth and Intestinal Protozoa Infections, Multiparasitism and Risk Factors in Champasack Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic

Multiparsitism is a general public health concern in tropical countries, and is of particular importance in the Mekong River basin of Southeast Asia. Here, we report results obtained from an in-depth study of hepato-biliary and intestinal multiparasitism and associated risk factors in three settings of the most southern province of Lao People's Democratic Republic. Multiple species intestinal parasite infections were very common: more than 80% of the study participants harbored at least two and up to seven different intestinal parasites concurrently. Of particular concerns are the high prevalence of the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini (64.1%) and the moderate prevalence of the blood fluke Schistosoma mekongi (24.2%), as these fluke infections are responsible for severe hepato-biliary morbidity, including the bile duct cancer cholangiocarcinoma. Hookworm was the most common nematode infection (76.8%). We conclude that given the very high prevalence rates of parasite infections and the extent of multiparasitism, regular deworming is warranted and that this intervention should be coupled with health education and improved assess to clean water and adequate sanitation to consolidate morbidity control and ensure long-term sustainability

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

Short and long-term antinutritional effect of the trypsin inhibitor ApTI for biological control of sugarcane borer

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Plant-derived trypsin inhibitors have been shown to have potent anti-insect effects and are a promising alternative for the biological control of pests. In this work, we tested the anti-insect activity of Adenanthera pavonina trypsin inhibitor (ApTI) against Diatraea saccharalis larvae, a major insect pest in sugarcane. The addition of 0.1% ApTI in short-term assays resulted in 87% and 63% decreased trypsin and chymotrypsin activities respectively. ApTI was not digested after 60 h incubation with D. saccharalis midgut proteases. The chronic effects of ApTI on F0 and F1 generations of D. saccharalis were also analyzed. The larvae from the F0 generation showed 55% and 21% decreased larval and pupal viability, respectively. ApTI-fed larvae from the F1 generation showed a decrease of 33% in survival rate and 23% in the average larval weight. Moreover, ApTI treatment reduced trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in F1 larvae. Thus, the anti-insect effects of ApTI on consecutive generations (F0 and F1) of D. saccharalis larvae demonstrate its potential for long-term control of this pest. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.6117Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)FUNDECT (Fundacao de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciencia e Tecnologia do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul)FINEP (Financiamento de Estudos e Projetos/Ministerio da Ciencia e Tecnologia)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Respiratory Muscle Strength and Dynapenic Abdominal Obesity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Larissa do Nascimento Pereira,1 Maycon Sousa Pegorari,2– 4 Lislei Jorge Patrizzi,2,3 Isabel Aparecida Porcatti de Walsh,2,3 Caroline de Fátima Ribeiro Silva,1 Juliana de Souza da Silva,4 Areolino Pena Matos,1,4 Ana Carolina Pereira Nunes Pinto,1,5– 7 Daniela Gonçalves Ohara2 1Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, AP, Brazil; 2Department of Applied Physiotherapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; 3Postgraduate Program in Physical Therapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; 4Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Amapá, Macapá, AP, Brazil; 5Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre - Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain; 6Cochrane Brazil, Center for Evidence-Based Health Studies and Health Technology Assessment, Sao Paulo, Brazil; 7Department of Medicine, Evidence-Based Health Post-Graduation Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, BrazilCorrespondence: Maycon Sousa Pegorari, Department of Applied Physiotherapy, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Boulevard Frei Paulino, n° 30, Abadia, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, 38025-180, Brazil, Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Impaired respiratory muscle strength has been associated with some geriatric syndromes. However, no studies have previously evaluated the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and dynapenic abdominal obesity. This study aimed to analyze whether there is an association between respiratory muscle strength and abdominal obesity, dynapenia and dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) in community-dwelling older adults.Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with community-dwelling older adults (n=382 / 70.03 ± 7.3 years) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP, respectively), using an analog manovacuometry. DAO was defined as the combination of dynapenia (grip strength 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women). We performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using the student’s t-test for independent and related samples and linear regression model.Results: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO presented lower mean values (obtained and obtained versus predicted; except abdominal obesity versus MIP) for maximal respiratory pressures compared to individuals without these conditions. However, the adjusted analysis only indicated an association between MIP and the following conditions: dynapenia (MIP - β =− 0.171; p< 0.001), abdominal obesity (MIP - β=0.102; p=0.042), and DAO (MIP - β=− 0.101; p=0.028).Conclusion: Older adults with abdominal obesity, dynapenia, and DAO showed impaired maximal respiratory pressures. The results of the adjusted analysis indicate that inspiratory muscle strength may require greater attention by health professionals aiming at preventing respiratory complications and improving respiratory health care in older people with these conditions.Keywords: respiratory muscles, muscle strength, respiratory function tests, obesity, abdominal, age