Stenophagy as a Pathway for the Occurrence of Unique Coral Fatty Acid Biomarkers in Higher Branches of the Marine Tree of Life: The Nudibranch Armina maculata Case

Rui Rosa,Catarina Santos,Ana Lopes,Miguel Baptista,Eduardo Sampaio,Inês C. Rosa,Tiago Repolho 한국해양과학기술원 2019 Ocean science journal Vol.54 No.2

Tetracosapolyenoic fatty acids (TPA), namely tetracosapentaenoic (24:5n-6) and tetracosahexaenoic (24:6n-3) acids, are chemotaxonomic biomarkers of octocorals (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) in the marine environment. The present study confirms the occurrence of TPA on a marine non-cnidarian taxon, the nudibranch mollusc Armina maculata. This discovery is explained by the specialized feeding regime (stenophagy) of this sea slug that preys upon the octocoral Veretillum cynomorium. The prevalence of 24:5n-6 and 24:6n-3 in the body of A. maculata was demonstrated through the analysis of specimens starved for 30 days in captivity. Since the time frame is superior to the residence time of ingested octocorals, the present findings provide empirical evidence that the reported TPA are allocated from nudibranch tissues. Here we found support for previous claims that the presence of TPA in the marine tree of life is not restricted to its lower branches, as stenophagous trophic interactions may allow its transfer to or posterior biosynthesis in more evolved taxa.

Poster Session : PS 0316 ; Hematology : A Case of Pancytopenia

( Filipe Filipe ),( Joana Martins ),( Catarina Espirito Santo ),( Ligia Peixoto ),( Ines Vendrell ),( Helena Luna Pais ),( Alba Acabado ),( Paulo Cantiga Duarte ),( Jose Braz Nogueira ) 대한내과학회 2014 대한내과학회 추계학술대회 Vol.2014 No.1

Megaloblastosis represents a wide group of disorders sharing a common pathophysiological pathway, due to defi cient intake or absorption of Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Major causes for this condition include alcoholism, achlorhydria, pernicious anemia or gastrectomy and celiac disease. It leads to abnormal DNA replication, impaired protein synthesis and nuclear maturation. It presents with macrocytosis, hypersegmented neutrophils, and elevated Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. It is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries and older populations, having similar gender distribution. Authors present the case of a 69-year-old man, with a previous known history of essential thrombocytosis, medicated with hydroxyurea (with irregular adherence to treatment), congestive heart failure and chronic alcoholism. He was admitted at the emergency room (ER) with symptoms of confusion, slurred speech and fatigue for a week. He presented mucosal palor, fever (38. 1ºC), splenomegaly, and a left lateral maleolar ulcer with a purulent exsudate. Blood values revealed pancytopenia (macrocytic anemia Hb 4. 1 g/dL and MCV 123 fi); Leukocytes 1110x106/L; Platelet count 30. 000x106/L), acute renal failure (blood urea nitrogen 97 mg/dL; creatinine 2. 5 mg/ dL) LDH 1545 U/L. He underwent blood transfusions at the ER, without previous iron tests screening. On subsequent evaluation, authors found levels of Vitamin B12 of 172 pg/mL and folate 0. 9 nmol/L. Patient underwent a bone marrow aspiration with bone biopsy, compatible with megaloblastic anemia. An endoscopy was performed, with histological fi ndings suggestive of atrophic gastritis, with no H. pylori bacilli found. Additional tests such as anti-gastric parietal cells antibodies and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies, were negative. The patient was medicated with Vitamin B12 injections and folic acid, with good reticulocitary response. At discharge he presented, blood values of Hb 8. 7 g/dL; Leukocytes 7110x106/L; and platelet count of 862. 000x106/L. This represents a case of severe pancytopenia, enhancing the relevance of megaloblastosis as differential diagnosis for this entity.

Application of Bonelike® as synthetic bone graft in orthopaedic and oral surgery in veterinary clinical cases.

José Miguel Campos,Ana Catarina Sousa,Pedro Olivério Pinto,Jorge Ribeiro,Miguel Lacueva França,Ana Rita Caseiro,Mariana Vieira Branquinho,Sílvia Santos Pedrosa,Carla Mendonça,Ana Brandão,José Domingos 한국생체재료학회 2019 생체재료학회지 Vol.23 No.1

Autologous bone remains the gold standard grafting substrate for bone fusions used for small gaps and critical defects. However, significant morbidity is associated with the harvesting of autologous bone grafts and, for that reason, alternative bone graft substitutes have been developed. In the present case series, a glass-reinforced hydroxyapatite synthetic bone substitute, with osteoinductive and osteoconductive proprieties, was applied. This synthetic bone substitute comprises the incorporation of P2O5-CaO glass-based system within a hydroxyapatite matrix, moulded into spherical pellets with 250-500 μm of diameter. A total of 14 veterinary clinical cases of appendicular bone defects and maxillary / mandibular bone defects are described. In all clinical cases, the synthetic bone substitute was used to fill bone defects, enhancing bone regeneration and complementing the recommended surgical techniques. Results demonstrated that it is an appropriate synthetic bone graft available to be used in veterinary patients. It functioned as a space filler in association with standard orthopaedic and odontological procedures of stabilization, promoting a faster bone fusion without any local or systemic adverse reactions. This procedure improves the animals’ quality of life, decreasing pain and post-operative recovery period, as well as increasing bone stability improving positive clinical outcomes.

IPA and its precursors differently modulate the proliferation, differentiation, and integrity of intestinal epithelial cells

Ismael Shámila,Rodrigues Catarina,Santos Gilberto Maia,Castela Inês,Barreiros-Mota Inês,Almeida Maria João,Calhau Conceição,Faria Ana,Araújo João Ricardo 한국영양학회 2023 Nutrition Research and Practice Vol.17 No.4

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) is a tr yptophan-derived microbial metabolite that has been associated with protective effects against inflammator y and metabolic diseases. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effects of IPA under physiological conditions and at the intestinal level. MATERIALS/METHODS: Human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells were treated for 2, 24, and/ or 72 h with IPA or its precursors – indole, tr yptophan, and propionate – at 1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 μM to assess cell viability, integrity, differentiation, and proliferation. RESULTS: IPA induced cell proliferation and this effect was associated with a higher expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) and a lower expression of c-Jun. Although indole and propionate also induced cell proliferation, this involved ERK2 and c-Jun independent mechanisms. On the other hand, both tr yptophan and propionate increased cell integrity and reduced the expression of claudin-1, whereas propionate decreased cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, these findings suggested that IPA and its precursors distinctly contribute to the proliferation, differentiation, and barrier function properties of human intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, the pro-proliferative effect of IPA in intestinal epithelial cells was not explained by its precursors and is rather related to its whole chemical structure. Maintaining IPA at physiological levels, e.g., through IPA-producing commensal bacteria, may be important to preser ve the integrity of the intestinal barrier and play an integral role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis.

Nutritional and performance viability of cactus Opuntia-based diets with different concentrate levels for Girolando lactating dairy cows

Inacio, Jonas Gomes,da Conceicao, Maria Gabriela,dos Santos, Djalma Cordeiro,de Oliveira, Julio Cesar Vieira,Chagas, Juana Catarina Cariri,de Oliveira Moraes, Glaucia Sabrine,dos Santos Silva, Evannie Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.1

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different concentrate levels in diets based on cactus Opuntia Stricta (Haw.) Haw cladodes on the performance of lactating Girolando cows. Methods: The experiment involved 10 Girolando multiparous dairy cows at 512.6 kg of body weight (BW) and producing 13.2 kg milk/d, allocated into two 5×5 Latin squares. The experimental treatments consisted of control diet composed by cactus Nopalea cochenillifera. Salm-Dyck. cladodes (Nopalea), forage sorghum silage and concentrate at 20% on dry matter (DM) basis, and four concentrate levels diets (20%, 24%, 28%, and 32%) plus cactus Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. cladodes (Opuntia) and forage sorghum silage. Results: Regarding cows fed control diet, the nutrients intake were greater than for cows fed with cactus Opuntia and concentrate. Regarding concentrate levels, intakes of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients of cows increased linearly. Organic matter, CP, and NDF digestibilities were similar in between to control diet and cactus Opuntia-based diets. The digestibility of NFC increased linearly when the concentrate was inserted. The N balance was the same for control diet and cactus Opuntia-based diets, irrespective the concentrate levels. Conclusion: For cows producing 14 kg/d with 3.5% of fat, it is recommended 32% of concentrate to be included in cactus Opuntia-based diets, and the increase in concentrate level promotes a linear increase in milk yield.

OsAMT1.3 expression alters rice ammonium uptake kinetics and root morphology

Leandro Martins Ferreira,Vinicius Miranda de Souza,Orlando Carlos Huertas Tavares,Everaldo Zonta,Claudete Santa-Catarina,Sonia Regina de Souza,Manlio Silvestre Fernandes,Leandro Azevedo Santos 한국식물생명공학회 2015 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.9 No.4

High-affinity ammonium transporters (AMT1) are responsible for ammonium (NH4 ?) acquisition and/or perception in the micromolar range, and their expressions can be differentially regulated by nitrogen (N) availability. The present study characterised the functions of the rice (Oryza sativa) OsAMT1.3 transporter to understand its contribution to NH4+ acquisition and plant adaptation to environments with low N availability. Transgenic rice plants were obtained to study the activity of the OsAMT1.3 promoter (POsAMT1.3:GFP:GUS) and the overexpression of the OsAMT1.3 gene (UBIL:OsAMT1.3:3xHA) in plants. The OsAMT1.3 promoter activity was induced strongly in the absence of N and occurred primarily in the zones of lateral root emission and root tips. Anatomical sections of the segment of root tips and the middle third showed a differential pattern of OsAMT1.3 activity. Analysis of the OsAMT1.1–1.3 transporter expression profiles indicated that overexpression of OsAMT1.3 positively affected OsAMT1.2 expression. When subjected to a low N supply, plants overexpressing OsAMT1.3 showed lower KM and Cmin values. Additionally, these lines showed longer roots with a higher area, volume, and number of tips. The data suggested that OsAMT1.3 is involved in the ability of rice plants to adapt to low NH4+ supplies.

Antimutagenic Effect of Aqueous Extract from Agaricus brasiliensis on Culture of Human Lymphocytes

Paula H. Gameiro,Jose´ S. Nascimento,Beatriz H.G. Rocha,Clause F.B. Piana,Raquel A. Santos,Catarina S. Takahashi 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.2

The mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (sun mushroom), native from the southeast of Brazil, is well known by its medicinal properties that include effects on diabetes, cholesterol levels, and osteoporosis. The antimutagenic effects of A. brasiliensis has been investigated recently and revealed some controversial results depending on the temperature by which the A. brasiliensis tea is obtained. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the A. brasiliensis extract prepared in two different temperatures, 4°C and 25°C, on the doxorubicin-induced DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in human lymphocytes. The results demonstrated that A. brasiliensis was able to reduce the DXR-induced DNA damage in both temperatures; however, the CA test was more sensitive to demonstrate a better reduction when the cells were treated with an extract obtained at 25°C. A. brasiliensis extract obtained in different temperatures exhibited antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effects in human lymphocytes.