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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the expression of the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and its association with clinical and histopathological features of the disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with biopsy-confirmed LN and 14 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with active disease (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score ≥ 6) and no evidence of LN were included. Clinical and laboratory features were recorded. NETs and the expression of HMGB1 were assessed by confocal microscopy, and serum HMGB1 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: In comparison to patients without kidney disease, patients with LN had a higher expression of HMGB1 in spontaneous (57 vs. 30.4; p = 0.027) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced (55.8 vs. 24.9; p = 0.005) NETs. We found a positive correlation between serum HMGB1 and the expression of HMGB1 in LPS-induced NETs (r = 0.447, p = 0.017). The expression of HMGB1 in spontaneous NETs correlated with SLEDAI score (r = 0.514, p = 0.001), anti-dsDNA antibodies (r = 0.467, p = 0.004), the rate of glomerular filtration descent (r = 0.543, p = 0.001), and diverse histopathological components of active nephritis in the kidney biopsy, such as the activity index (r = 0.581, p = 0.004), fibrinoid necrosis (r = 0.603, p = 0.002), and cellular crescents (r = 0.486, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with SLE, NETs are a source of extracellular HMGB1. The expression of HMGB1 in NETs is higher among patients with LN, which correlates with clinical and histopathological features of active nephritis and suggest a possible role of this alarmin in the pathophysiology of kidney damage in SLE.
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Trampas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Proteína HMGB1/metabolismo , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/fisiopatología , Nefritis Lúpica/fisiopatología , Adulto , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Proteína HMGB1/sangre , Humanos , Nefritis Lúpica/sangre , Masculino , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients display a wide array of anomalies in peripheral immune tolerance mechanisms. The role of ubiquitin ligases such as Cbl-b has been described recently in these phenomena. However, its role in resistance to suppression phenotype in SLE has not been characterized, which was the aim of the present study. Thirty SLE patients (20 with active disease and 10 with complete remission) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Effector (CD4+ CD25- ) and regulatory (CD4+ CD25+ ) T cells (Tregs ) were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by magnetic selection. Suppression assays were performed in autologous and allogeneic co-cultures and analysed by a flow cytometry assay. Cbl-b expression and lysine-63 (K63)-specific polyubiquitination profile were assessed by Western blotting. We found a defective Cbl-b expression in Tregs from lupus patients in contrast to healthy controls (1·1 ± 0·9 versus 2·5 ± 1·8, P = 0·003), which was related with resistance to suppression (r = 0·633, P = 0·039). Moreover, this feature was associated with deficient K63 polyubiquitination substrates and enhanced expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 (pSTAT-3) in Tregs from lupus patients. Our findings support that Cbl-b modulates resistance to suppression by regulating the K63 polyubiquitination profile in lupus Tregs . In addition, defective K63 polyubiquitination of STAT-3 is related to increased pSTAT-3 expression, and might promote the loss of suppressive capacity of Tregs in lupus patients.
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Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/metabolismo , Tolerancia Inmunológica , Inmunomodulación , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-cbl/metabolismo , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/metabolismo , Ubiquitina-Proteína Ligasas/metabolismo , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Factor de Transcripción STAT3/metabolismo , Subgrupos de Linfocitos T/inmunología , Subgrupos de Linfocitos T/metabolismo , UbiquitinaciónRESUMEN
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are susceptible to the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The main theory concerning the physiopathology of PRES suggests that there is brain-blood barrier damage, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction, and characterized by vasogenic oedema. However, current evidence regarding its physiopathogenic mechanisms is quite scant. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of different serum cytokines, as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), in patients with PRES/systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to compare them with levels in SLE patients without PRES and in healthy controls. We performed a transversal study in a tertiary care centre in México City. We included 32 subjects (healthy controls, n = 6; remission SLE, n = 6; active SLE, n = 6 and PRES/SLE patients, n = 14). PRES was defined as reversible neurological manifestations (seizures, visual abnormalities, acute confusional state), associated with compatible changes by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serum samples were obtained during the first 36 h after the PRES episode and were analysed by cytometric bead array, Luminex multiplex assay or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels were significantly higher in PRES/SLE patients (P = 0·013 and 0·025, respectively) when compared to the other groups. Furthermore, IL-6 and IL-10 levels displayed a positive correlation (r = 0·686, P = 0·007). There were no differences among groups regarding other cytokines, sCD40L or VEGF levels. A differential serum cytokine profile was found in PRES/SLE patients, with increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Our findings, which are similar to those described in other neurological manifestations of SLE, support the fact that PRES should be considered among the SLE-associated neuropsychiatric syndromes.
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Citocinas/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Síndrome de Leucoencefalopatía Posterior/sangre , Adulto , Ligando de CD40/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Citocinas/genética , Femenino , Humanos , Separación Inmunomagnética , Interleucina-10/genética , Interleucina-10/inmunología , Interleucina-6/genética , Interleucina-6/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Síndrome de Leucoencefalopatía Posterior/complicaciones , Centros de Atención Terciaria , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/genética , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Background This study aimed to address whether bloodstream infections are a risk factor for the development of severe lupus flares, as well as clinical, immunological and microbiological features of patients with bloodstream infections that develop severe lupus flares. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 87 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with bloodstream infections and 87 hospitalized SLE patients without bloodstream infections as a comparison group. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months or until one of the primary outcomes was developed (severe SLE flare according to SELENA/SLEDAI score or death). Microbiological features of all bloodstream infections were recorded. The disease status at the end of follow up was registered. Results A total of 23 patients (13.2%) developed a severe flare during follow up; among them, 20 (87%) had an associated episode of bloodstream infection ( p < 0.001). The most frequent flares were renal (43.4%) and severe thrombocytopenia (26%). After multivariate analysis, baseline-independent factors associated with severe SLE flare were bloodstream infection [hazard ratio (HR) 7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.13-24.95; p = 0.002]. Among patients with bloodstream infections, low C4 levels (HR 2.43, 95% CI 1.04-5.69: p = 0.04) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were associated with severe SLE flare (HR 3.41, 95% CI 1.68-6.91; p = 0.012). Conclusions SLE patients with bloodstream infections, especially due to S. pneumoniae, and low C4 levels, are at higher risk for development of severe SLE flares.
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Infecciones Bacterianas/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/microbiología , Nefritis Lúpica/complicaciones , Trombocitopenia/complicaciones , Adulto , Bacteriemia/diagnóstico , Infecciones Bacterianas/complicaciones , Estudios de Cohortes , Complemento C4/metabolismo , Femenino , Humanos , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/complicaciones , Nefritis Lúpica/epidemiología , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Streptococcus pneumoniae/aislamiento & purificación , Brote de los Síntomas , Trombocitopenia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Abstract The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.
Resumo A espécie halófita Plantago coronopus tem vários usos etnomedicinais já descritos, mas em relação à bioatividade a informação é escassa. Este trabalho efetuou, pela primeira vez, uma análise comparativa dos órgãos de P. coronopus em termos de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de extratos orgânicos e aquosos provenientes das raízes, folhas e flores da planta, bem como o conteúdo de determinados nutrientes, aminoácidos e minerais, nas folhas da planta. As raízes (extratos de acetato de etila e metanol) apresentaram a maior atividade de captação para os radicais 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfónico) (ABTS), enquanto as folhas (extrato de hexano) mostraram maior atividade captadora para o radical óxido nítrico bem como maior capacidade quelante do ferro. A análise por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou dezoito compostos fenólicos e, destes, o ácido salicílico e a epicatequina são aqui descritos pela primeira vez em espécies de Plantago. As folhas desta planta halófita mostraram ainda conter minerais em níveis semelhantes aos da maioria dos vegetais, provando ser uma boa fonte de elementos como o cálcio, sódio, ferro e magnésio, bem como de vários dos aminoácidos essenciais o que justifica seu uso na alimentação. Os resultados, particularmente aqueles relacionados à composição fenólica, podem justificar os principais usos medicinais atribuídos a esta espécie e, na sua totalidade, demonstram o potencial de P. coronopus como fonte de moléculas bioativas particularmente úteis na prevenção de doenças relacionadas com estresse oxidativo.
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Fenoles/análisis , Plantago/química , Extractos Vegetales/química , Antioxidantes/análisis , Raíces de Plantas/química , Hojas de la Planta/química , Flores/químicaRESUMEN
The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.
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Antioxidantes/análisis , Fenoles/análisis , Extractos Vegetales/química , Plantago/química , Flores/química , Hojas de la Planta/química , Raíces de Plantas/químicaRESUMEN
The presence of anti-Ro52/tripartite motif 21 (Trim21) autoantibodies has been associated with a distinctive clinical profile and has gained value as a prognostic marker in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). The aim of the present work was to analyse Ro52/Trim21 expression in different subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with IIM, as well as the ubiquitination profile and its association with proinflammatory cytokine production. We included 18 patients with recent-onset IIM and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy donors. PBMCs were isolated and different subsets (CD4+ , CD8+ , CD14+ ) were purified by magnetic selection. The expression of Ro52/Trim21 in different PBMC subsets of patients with IIM and healthy donors was analysed by Western blot. We assessed the presence of myositis-specific and associated autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokine levels were measured by cytometric bead array. Patients with IIM showed decreased protein expression of Ro52/Trim21 in comparison to healthy controls in PBMC (0·97 ± 0·60 versus 1·84 ± 0·92, P = 0·016), CD4+ lymphocytes (0·79 ± 0·54 versus 2·41 ± 0·78, P = 0·017), and monocytes (0·87 ± 0·35 versus 1·89 ± 0·20, P < 0·001). There were no significant differences among IIM groups. Also, a lower K48-mediated ubiquitination profile was found, predominantly in CD4+ lymphocytes. Furthermore, after mitogenic stimulation, there was a higher synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines by T cells [interleukin (IL)-17A and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α] and monocytes [IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-α] from IIM patients compared with healthy controls. Our data suggest that patients with IIM, mainly DM, are characterized by a deficient expression of Ro52/TRIM21 in different PBMC subsets (CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes), along with lower K48-mediated ubiquitination, which is associated with a proinflammatory cytokine response.
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Citocinas/metabolismo , Expresión Génica , Mediadores de Inflamación/metabolismo , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Leucocitos Mononucleares/metabolismo , Miositis/etiología , Miositis/metabolismo , Ribonucleoproteínas/deficiencia , Adulto , Anciano , Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Autoanticuerpos/inmunología , Biomarcadores , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/metabolismo , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Activación de Linfocitos/inmunología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Miositis/diagnóstico , UbiquitinaciónRESUMEN
Abstract The halophyte species Plantago coronopus has several described ethnomedicinal uses, but few reported biological activities. This work carried out for the first time a comparative analysis of P. coronopus organs in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of organic and water extracts from roots, leaves and flowers. The leaves contents in selected nutrients, namely amino acids and minerals, are also described. Roots (ethyl acetate and methanol extracts) had the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) towards 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, while leaves (hexane extract) had higher RSA on nitric oxide radical and iron chelating ability. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified eighteen phenolics from which salicylic acid and epicatechin are here firstly described in Plantago species. Leaves had mineral levels similar to those of most vegetables, proving to be a good source for elements like calcium, sodium, iron and magnesium, and also for several of the essential amino acids justifying it use as food. Our results, especially those regarding the phenolics composition, can explain the main traditional uses given to this plantain and, altogether, emphasize the potential of P. coronopus as a source of bioactive molecules particularly useful for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases.
Resumo A espécie halófita Plantago coronopus tem vários usos etnomedicinais já descritos, mas em relação à bioatividade a informação é escassa. Este trabalho efetuou, pela primeira vez, uma análise comparativa dos órgãos de P. coronopus em termos de compostos fenólicos e atividade antioxidante de extratos orgânicos e aquosos provenientes das raízes, folhas e flores da planta, bem como o conteúdo de determinados nutrientes, aminoácidos e minerais, nas folhas da planta. As raízes (extratos de acetato de etila e metanol) apresentaram a maior atividade de captação para os radicais 1,1-difenil-2-picril hidrazil (DPPH) e 2,2-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-ácido sulfónico) (ABTS), enquanto as folhas (extrato de hexano) mostraram maior atividade captadora para o radical óxido nítrico bem como maior capacidade quelante do ferro. A análise por cromatografia liquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) identificou dezoito compostos fenólicos e, destes, o ácido salicílico e a epicatequina são aqui descritos pela primeira vez em espécies de Plantago. As folhas desta planta halófita mostraram ainda conter minerais em níveis semelhantes aos da maioria dos vegetais, provando ser uma boa fonte de elementos como o cálcio, sódio, ferro e magnésio, bem como de vários dos aminoácidos essenciais o que justifica seu uso na alimentação. Os resultados, particularmente aqueles relacionados à composição fenólica, podem justificar os principais usos medicinais atribuídos a esta espécie e, na sua totalidade, demonstram o potencial de P. coronopus como fonte de moléculas bioativas particularmente úteis na prevenção de doenças relacionadas com estresse oxidativo.
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Cirugía Bariátrica/métodos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/cirugía , Nesidioblastosis/cirugía , Adolescente , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Derivación Gástrica/métodos , Humanos , Hipoglucemiantes/uso terapéutico , Insulinas/uso terapéutico , Laparoscopía/métodos , Metformina/uso terapéutico , Pancreatectomía/métodos , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and electrical measurements were used to elucidate the local structure and electronic changes of copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanostructures under working conditions. For this purpose, a sample holder layout was developed enabling the simultaneous analysis of the spectroscopic and electrical properties of the sensor material under identical operating conditions. The influence of different carrier gases (e.g., air and N2) on the CuO nanostructures behavior under reducing conditions (H2 gas) was studied to analyze how a particular gas atmosphere can modify the oxidation state of the sensor material in real time.
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The focus of this paper is on the analysis of the structural and electronic order-disorder effects at long, medium and short ranges of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles synthesized by the sol-gel process followed by the microwave-assisted solvothermal (MAS) method at low temperatures and short reaction times. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement, micro-Raman (MR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the TiO2 nanoparticles. Optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements performed at room temperature. XRD and Rietveld refinement confirmed the presence of the anatase and brookite phases; nonetheless anatase is the major phase. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed the presence of only Ti(4+) but the nonstoichiometry revealed that TiO2 NPs contain defects assigned to oxygen vacancies that lead to structural and electronic order-disorder effects observed by band gap narrowing and PL wide band emission. These intermediary energy levels (shallow and deep levels) created within the band gap act as acceptors/donors of electrons and recombination centers. The oxygen vacancies (VO(x), VOË and VOËË) responsible by degree of structural order-disorder are related to distortions (tilts) on the [TiO6] octahedron and changes in the bond lengths and bond angles between oxygen and titanium atoms that gave rise to new species of cluster makers such as [TiO6]', [TiO5·VO(x)], [TiO5·VOË] and [TiO5·VOËË]. This structural transformation is consistent with a redistribution of electron density from highly ordered [TiO6](x) clusters which form distorted [TiO6]' as well as complex [TiO5·VO(x)], [TiO5·VOË] and [TiO5·VOËË] clusters assigned to oxygen vacancies which were understood as displacements in the oxygen atoms' position in the bond lengths (Ti-O).
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The role of T cells in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) is not yet clear. Some alterations in certain subsets have been reported in inflamed muscle cells. However, a broad quantitative assessment of peripheral T cell subsets has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to address the quantitative profile of potential pathogenic T cell subsets, namely follicular helper T cells (Tfh), T helper type 17 (Th17), CD28(null) and regulatory T cells (Tregs ) in peripheral blood from IIM patients. Thirty IIM patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy donors were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. T cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry, as follows: Tfh (CD4(+) CXCR5(+) ) and its subsets Tfh1 (CXCR3(+) CCR6(-) ), Tfh2 (CXCR3(-) CCR6(-) ), Tfh17 (CXCR3(-) CCR6(+) ), Th17 (CD4(+) IL17A(+) ), CD28(null) (CD4(+) CD28(-) CD244(+) ) and Tregs (CD4(+) CD25(high) forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3(+) ); CD8(+) CD25(high) FoxP3(+) ). Percentage, absolute numbers and mean fluorescence intensity were analysed. We found increased numbers of total Tfh cells (28 ± 8.16 versus 6.64 ± 1.29, P=0.031) in IIM patients when compared to healthy controls. Moreover, this increment was dependent upon Tfh2 and Tfh17 (Tfh2:9.49 ± 2.19 versus 1.66 ± 0.46, P=0.005; Tfh17 9.48 ± 2.83 versus 1.18 ± 0.21, P=0.014). Also, IIM patients showed higher numbers of Th17 cells (30.25 ± 6.49 versus 13.46 ± 2.95, P=0.031) as well as decreased number of Tregs (5.98 ± 1.61 versus 30.82 ± 8.38, P=0.009). We also found an expansion of CD28(null) cells (162.88 ± 32.29 versus 64 ± 17.35, P=0.015). Our data suggest that IIM patients are characterized by an expansion of peripheral proinflammatory T cells, such as Tfh and Th17, as well as pro-apoptotic CD28 null cells and a deficiency of suppressor populations of Tregs (CD4(+) and CD8(+) ).
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Inflamación/inmunología , Músculos/inmunología , Miositis/inmunología , Subgrupos de Linfocitos T/inmunología , Linfocitos T Reguladores/inmunología , Células Th17/inmunología , Adulto , Antígenos CD/metabolismo , Apoptosis/inmunología , Femenino , Factores de Transcripción Forkhead/metabolismo , Homeostasis , Humanos , Inmunofenotipificación , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Músculos/patología , Receptores CCR6/metabolismo , Receptores CXCR3/metabolismoRESUMEN
Many genetic studies have found an association between interferon regulatory factors (IRF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, specific dendritic cell (DC) alterations have not been assessed. The aim of the present study was to address the expression of IRF3 and IRF5 on different DC subsets from SLE patients, as well as their association with interferon (IFN)-α production and novel SNPs. For the genetic association analyses, 156 SLE patients and 272 healthy controls from the Mexican mestizo population were included. From these, 36 patients and 36 controls were included for functional analysis. Two IRF3 SNPs - rs2304206 and rs2304204 - were determined. We found an increased percentage of circulating pDC in SLE patients in comparison to controls (8.04 ± 1.48 versus 3.35 ± 0.8, P = 0.032). We also observed enhanced expression of IRF3 (64 ± 6.36 versus 36.1 ± 5.57, P = 0.004) and IRF5 (40 ± 5.25 versus 22.5 ± 2.6%, P = 0.010) restricted to this circulating pDC subset from SLE patients versus healthy controls. This finding was associated with higher IFN-α serum levels in SLE (160.2 ± 21 versus 106.1 ± 14 pg/ml, P = 0.036). Moreover, the IRF3 rs2304206 polymorphism was associated with increased susceptibility to SLE [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.401 (1.187-4.858), P = 0.021] as well as enhanced levels of serum type I IFN in SLE patients who were positive for dsDNA autoantibodies. The IRF3 rs2304204 GG and AG genotypes conferred decreased risk for SLE. Our findings suggest that the predominant IRF3 expression on circulating pDC is a key element for the increased IFN-α activation based on the interplay between the rs2304206 gene variant and the presence of dsDNA autoantibodies in Mexican mestizo SLE patients.
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Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Factor 3 Regulador del Interferón/genética , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/genética , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Factor 3 Regulador del Interferón/fisiología , Factores Reguladores del Interferón/fisiología , Interferón-alfa/sangre , Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico/inmunología , Masculino , FosforilaciónRESUMEN
The influence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide on the phase composition (cubic zinc blende versus hexagonal wurtzite) of ZnS nanoparticles was studied. The ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by a microwave-assisted solvothermal method, and the phase structure and optical properties along with the growth process of ZnS nanoparticles were studied. We report XRD, FE-SEM, EDXS, UV-vis and PL measurements, and first-principles calculations based on TDDFT methods in order to investigate the structural and electronic properties and the growth mechanism of ZnS nanostructures. The effects as well as the merits of microwave heating on the process and characteristics of the obtained ZnS nanostructures and their performance are reported.
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A avaliação radiográfica do casco é essencial no diagnóstico e na avaliação da laminite em equinos, contudo poucos estudos têm sido feitos em raças nacionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a morfometria de imagens radiográficas obtidas do dígito de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM), a fim de obter um perfil de medidas indicadoras de laminite nessa população e comparar grupos sem (escore corporal 5 e 6) e com (escore corporal 7 e 8) sinais de sobrepeso. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores para as medidas dos dois grupos (P>0,05), mas verificou-se correlação positiva entre a distância entre os planos da linha coronária e do ápice do processo extensor (afundamento da falange distal) e indicadores de deposição de gordura localizada no pescoço e na base da cauda. Os achados demonstram que a morfometria radiográfica do dígito dessa população de equinos Mangalarga Marchador difere da de raças estrangeiras. Além disso, nos animais estudados, éguas com escore corporal 7 e 8 não aparentaram estarem mais sujeitas à laminite, uma vez que não houve diferença entre a morfometria de éguas com escore inferior. Entretanto, as correlações positivas entre índices de obesidade e a distância de afundamento da falange distal indicam que éguas Mangalarga Marchador também estão sujeitas à ocorrência de laminite associada à obesidade...
The radiographic evaluation of the hoof is essential in the diagnosis and follow-up of equine laminitis; however, few studies have been conducted in Brazilian breeds. The aim was to perform the morphometry of radiographic images taken from the digit of Mangalarga Marchador in order to obtain a profile of measurements indicative of laminitis in this population. We also compared measurements form mares without (body score 5 and 6) and with (body score 7 and 8) signs of overweight. There was no significant difference between measurements from the two groups (P> 0.05), but there was significant positive correlation between founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and in the base of the tail. Findings from this study demonstrate that radiographic morphology of the hoof from this population of Mangalarga Marchador mares differ from standard international reference values. Furthermore, in this group of mares, those with body condition grading 7 and 8 did not seem to be more prone to develop laminitis, since there was no difference when they were compared with mares showing lower grades. However, a significant correlation among founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and base of tail indicate that Mangalarga Marchador mares are also prone to obesity-associated laminitis...
Asunto(s)
Animales , Femenino , Biometría , Pezuñas y Garras/patología , Caballos , Radiografía/veterinaria , Sobrepeso/complicaciones , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , Obesidad/veterinaria , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
A avaliação radiográfica do casco é essencial no diagnóstico e na avaliação da laminite em equinos, contudo poucos estudos têm sido feitos em raças nacionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a morfometria de imagens radiográficas obtidas do dígito de éguas Mangalarga Marchador (MM), a fim de obter um perfil de medidas indicadoras de laminite nessa população e comparar grupos sem (escore corporal 5 e 6) e com (escore corporal 7 e 8) sinais de sobrepeso. Não houve diferença significativa entre os valores para as medidas dos dois grupos (P>0,05), mas verificou-se correlação positiva entre a distância entre os planos da linha coronária e do ápice do processo extensor (afundamento da falange distal) e indicadores de deposição de gordura localizada no pescoço e na base da cauda. Os achados demonstram que a morfometria radiográfica do dígito dessa população de equinos Mangalarga Marchador difere da de raças estrangeiras. Além disso, nos animais estudados, éguas com escore corporal 7 e 8 não aparentaram estarem mais sujeitas à laminite, uma vez que não houve diferença entre a morfometria de éguas com escore inferior. Entretanto, as correlações positivas entre índices de obesidade e a distância de afundamento da falange distal indicam que éguas Mangalarga Marchador também estão sujeitas à ocorrência de laminite associada à obesidade.(AU)
The radiographic evaluation of the hoof is essential in the diagnosis and follow-up of equine laminitis; however, few studies have been conducted in Brazilian breeds. The aim was to perform the morphometry of radiographic images taken from the digit of Mangalarga Marchador in order to obtain a profile of measurements indicative of laminitis in this population. We also compared measurements form mares without (body score 5 and 6) and with (body score 7 and 8) signs of overweight. There was no significant difference between measurements from the two groups (P> 0.05), but there was significant positive correlation between founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and in the base of the tail. Findings from this study demonstrate that radiographic morphology of the hoof from this population of Mangalarga Marchador mares differ from standard international reference values. Furthermore, in this group of mares, those with body condition grading 7 and 8 did not seem to be more prone to develop laminitis, since there was no difference when they were compared with mares showing lower grades. However, a significant correlation among founder distance and signs of adiposity in the neck and base of tail indicate that Mangalarga Marchador mares are also prone to obesity-associated laminitis.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Animales , Femenino , Caballos/patología , Sobrepeso/complicaciones , Pezuñas y Garras/patología , Radiografía/veterinaria , Biometría , Enfermedades de los Caballos/patología , Especificidad de la Especie , Obesidad/veterinariaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: In this research, an experimental and theoretical study was conducted to design a photodegradation mechanism of the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) in hair fibres. METHODS: For the experimental research, Caucasian hair fibres were exposed to several different solar radiation simulation periods. Then, Trp and its photoproducts (N-formylkynurenine and kynurenine) were assayed by excitation and emission spectroscopic analysis. RESULTS: For the theoretical study, reactions involved in the photodegradation of Trp were evaluated by high-level quantum mechanical calculations in a density functional theory (DFT) framework which indicate a probable Trp degradation mechanism with a minimum expended energy pathway. CONCLUSION: The biochemistry concerning these reactions is essentially important for a biological system where the degradation of Trp occurs.
Asunto(s)
Cabello/química , Cabello/efectos de la radiación , Triptófano/química , Rayos Ultravioleta/efectos adversos , Humanos , Quinurenina/análogos & derivados , Quinurenina/análisis , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Espectrometría de FluorescenciaRESUMEN
In this letter, we report, for the first time, the real-time in situ nucleation and growth of Ag filaments on α-Ag2WO4 crystals driven by an accelerated electron beam from an electronic microscope under high vacuum. We employed several techniques to characterise the material in depth. By using these techniques combined with first-principles modelling based on density functional theory, a mechanism for the Ag filament formation followed by a subsequent growth process from the nano- to micro-scale was proposed. In general, we have shown that an accelerated electron beam from an electronic microscope under high vacuum enables in situ visualisation of Ag filaments with subnanometer resolution and offers great potential for addressing many fundamental issues in materials science, chemistry, physics and other fields of science.
Asunto(s)
Cristalización/métodos , Nanopartículas/química , Nanopartículas/ultraestructura , Óxidos/química , Plata/química , Tungsteno/química , Electrones , Nanopartículas/efectos de la radiación , Óxidos/efectos de la radiación , Tamaño de la Partícula , Plata/efectos de la radiación , Resultado del Tratamiento , Tungsteno/efectos de la radiaciónRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Hematological abnormalities, particularly lymphopenia, are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whether the disease is active or not. The aim of this study is to assess whether lymphopenia (blood counts ≤1000 K/µl) is a risk factor for severe infections in patients with SLE. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed. We reviewed the clinical records of 167 SLE patients throughout a 5-year period. SLE patients with severe infections were compared with those without infection and the presence of lymphopenia was obtained from the blood count previous to the infection date. Also, other clinical and laboratory features as well as immunosuppressive therapy and SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) were recorded. RESULTS: Univariate analysis shows multiple risk factors for severe infections in SLE, such as lymphopenia, high SLEDAI index, prednisone (PDN) and mycophenolate mofetil treatment and low levels of C3 and C4. Moreover, hydroxychloroquine treatment conferred protection. However, after multivariate analysis, only lymphopenia [odds ratio (OR) 5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.39-11.3], PDN treatment (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.1-11.9) and low levels of C3 (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.1-7.9) remained as independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that lymphopenia, PDN treatment and low levels of C3 are independent risk factors for the development of severe infections in SLE patients, including diverse microorganisms, not only opportunistic infections.