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Objective: To investigate whether the balance of blood follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells can provide information about ectopic lymphoid neogenesis and disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Methods: We prospectively recruited 56 patients clinically suspected of having SS. Sixteen of these patients subsequently fulfilled the American–European Consensus Group criteria for SS and were compared to 16 patients with non‐SS sicca syndrome. Paired blood and minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy samples were analyzed to study Tfr cells and subsets of Tfh cells in both compartments. Results: Patients with primary SS had normal Tfh cell counts in peripheral blood; however, activated programmed death 1–positive (PD‐1+) inducible costimulator–positive (ICOS+) Tfh cells in peripheral blood were strongly associated with disease activity assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (r = 0.8547, P = 0.0008). Conversely, the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio indicated ectopic lymphoid structure formation in MSGs, being strongly associated with B cell, CD4+ T cell, and PD‐1+ICOS+ T cell infiltration in MSGs, and was especially increased in patients with focal sialadenitis. Further analysis showed that the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio allowed discrimination between SS patients and healthy donors with excellent accuracy and was a strong predictor of SS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 12.96, P = 0.028) and the presence of focal sialadenitis (OR 10, P = 0.022) in patients investigated for sicca symptoms, thus highlighting the potential clinical value of this marker. Conclusion: The blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio and PD‐1+ICOS+ Tfh cells constitute potential novel biomarkers for different features of primary SS. While the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio is associated with ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, activated Tfh cells indicate disease activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been known that CD4 T cells are necessary to provide help to B cells, triggering a germinal centre ( GC) reaction where affinity maturation and isotype switching occur. However, the nature of the dedicated CD4 helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh), was only recently described. Here, we review the biology and function of the recently described T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, another CD4 T-cell population also found within GCs but with regulatory function and characteristics. Tfr cells have been identified in mice and humans as simultaneously presenting characteristics of T follicular cells (namely CXCR5 expression) and regulatory T cells (including Foxp3 expression). These Tfr cells have been implicated in the regulation of the magnitude of the GC reaction, as well as in protection from immune-mediated pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies have shown that a variety of chemopreventive plant components affect tumor initiation, promotion, and progression and the main difference, between botanical medicines and synthetic drugs, resides in the presence of complex metabolite mixtures shown by botanical medicine which in turn exert their action on different levels and via different mechanisms. In the present study, we performed an in vitro screening of ethanol extracts from commercial plants in order to investigate potential antitumor activity against human tumor cell lines. Experimental results obtained through a variety of methods and techniques indicated that extracts of I. verum, G. glabra, R. Frangula, and L. usitatissimum present significant reduction in in vitro tumor cell proliferation, suggesting these extracts as possible chemotherapeutical adjuvants for different cancer treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main treatments currently used in humans to fight cancer is chemotherapy. A huge number of compounds with antitumor activity are present in nature, and many of their derivatives are produced by microorganisms. However, the search for new drugs still represents a main objective for cancer therapy, due to drug toxicity and resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. In animal models, a short-time oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induces colitis, which exhibits several clinical and histological features similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the pathogenic factors responsible for DSS-induced colitis and the subsequent colon cancer also remain unclear. We investigated the effect of FR91, a standardized lysate of microbial cells belonging to the Bacillus genus which has been previously shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects, against intestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced in mice during 5 weeks by oral administration 2% (DSS). Morphological changes in the colonic mucosa were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry methods. Adenocarcinoma and cryptal cells of the dysplastic epithelium showed cathenin-β,MLH1, APC, and p53 expression, together with increased production of IFN-γ. In our model, the optimal dose response was the 20% FR91 concentration, where no histological alterations or mild DSS-induced lesions were observed. These results indicate that FR91 may act as a chemopreventive agent against inflammation in mice DSS-induced colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main treatments currently used in humans to fight cancer is chemotherapy. A huge number of compounds with antitumor activity are present in nature, and many of their derivatives are produced by microorganisms. However, the search for new drugs still represents a main objective for cancer therapy, due to drug toxicity and resistance to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. In animal models, a short-time oral administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induces colitis, which exhibits several clinical and histological features similar to ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the pathogenic factors responsible for DSS-induced colitis and the subsequent colon cancer also remain unclear. We investigated the effect of FR91, a standardized lysate of microbial cells belonging to the Bacillus genus which has been previously shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects, against intestinal inflammation. Colitis was induced in mice during 5 weeks by oral administration 2% (DSS). Morphological changes in the colonic mucosa were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry methods. Adenocarcinoma and cryptal cells of the dysplastic epithelium showed cathenin-β,MLH1, APC, and p53 expression, together with increased production of IFN-γ. In our model, the optimal dose response was the 20% FR91 concentration, where no histological alterations or mild DSS-induced lesions were observed. These results indicate that FR91 may act as a chemopreventive agent against inflammation in mice DSS-induced colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several trials with young pigs were conducted during an experimental period of 6 weeks to evaluate the effects on growth and immune responses of dietary supplementation with 10, 25 and 50 g/kg of E-CAB-94011, a fish extract rich in proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and endogenous anti-oxidants. This extract was obtained using a lyophilization process consisting of three phases: freezing, primary drying and secondary drying. Conditions in the dryer were varied through the cycle to ensure that the resulting product had the desired physical and chemical properties, and that the required stability was achieved. A total of 360 pigs were randomly allocated according to initial bodyweight and divided into four groups of 90 pigs. The control diet contained hard red spring wheat, spray-dried whey and soybean meal. The treatment diets were the control plus 10 g/kg, 25 g/kg and 50 g/kg of E-CAB-94011. Growth performance, plasma biochemical values, hematological values and humoral and cellular immune responses were measured. Results indicated that supplementation with E-CAB-94011 affects both growth and immune response. When the growth parameters of pigs were compared, the largest percentage improvement in growth was observed from weaning to 8–10 weeks of age. These experiments confirm that the use of E-CAB-94011 results in significant improvements, even when the herd of origin has a relatively high health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty filamentous fungal strains were isolated from effluents of a stainless steel industry (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and tested for phenol tolerance. Fifteen strains of the genera Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Graphium sp. tolerants up to 10 mM of phenol were selected and tested for their ability to degrade phenol. Phenol degradation was a function of strain, time of incubation and initial phenol concentration. FIB4, LEA5 and AE2 strains of Graphium sp. and FE11 of Fusarium sp. presented the highest percentage phenol degradation, with 75% degradation of 10 mM phenol in 168 h for FIB4. A higher starting cell density of Graphium sp. FIB4 lead to a decrease in the time needed for full phenol degradation and increased the phenol degradation rate. All strains exhibited activity of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and phenol hydroxylase in free cell extracts obtained from cells grown on phenol, suggesting that catechol was oxidized by the ortho type of ring fission. These data reported demonstrate the prospect after the application of filamentous fungal strains in protecting the environment from phenol pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high-density particleboard composed of peanut shells (Arachis hypogaeaL.), an agro-industrial residue, and bamboo wastes of the species Dendrocalamus giganteus (branches and apical part), bonded with a two-component polyurethane resin based on castor oil (Ricinus communisL.) in the proportion of 12% of the particleboard mass, was produced. Four types of specimens were prepared according to the percentage of peanut shells: 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated through the flexural strength tests for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, perpendicular traction, and screw pull resistance. The particleboard reached an average density of 917.2 kg/m³, meaning that it could be classified as high-density particleboard. The results of the mechanical tests indicated that the specimens containing a mixture in the proportion of 90% bamboo and 10% peanut hull presented the best mechanical strength. The experiment produced particle boards with a satisfactory mechanical physical performance that met the standards ABNT NBR 14.810-2 and ANSI A208-1, supporting the use of the peanut shell residue in the manufacture of particle boards to be used in internal environments and allowing the applicability of this residue through additional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (FOLac) is responsible for significant economic losses across major lettuce-producing regions around the world. Thus far, only FOLac race 1 isolates have been reported associated with Fusarium wilt outbreaks in Brazil. The most sustainable strategy for disease control is the pyramidization of race-specific resistance factors in lettuce cultivars. The loose-leafy cultivar 'Vanda' was found as one of the most promising sources of resistance to FOLac race 1. The genetic basis of this resistance was determined by analyzing the reaction to this pathogen of segregating populations derived from the cross 'Gisele' (susceptible) × 'Vanda' (pollen donor). A single molecular marker-genotyped F1 hybrid plant was selfed and individual plants of a segregating F2 population as well as 63 families F2:F3 were inoculated with a FOLac race 1 isolate by using the root-dipping method (3 × 106 conidia/ml). Our results confirmed the high levels of resistance of 'Vanda' even under very harsh experimental conditions. Overall, the reaction of the F1 plants and the segregating patterns of the F2 population (n = 82) and of the F2:F3 families (n = 838 plants) fit a single dominant gene/locus model. However, the phenotypic expression of resistance might suffer effects of additional genetic factor(s) (e.g., locus dosage, minor modifying genes, and incomplete penetrance). Notwithstanding, the high levels of FOLac race 1 resistance and its relatively simple genetic control makes 'Vanda' a major germplasm source for lettuce-breeding programs aiming to incorporate this trait in a wide array of elite lines from distinct varietal groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reforestation wood is interesting for construction, due to its potential as material source for manufacturing. For this purpose, the Eucalyptus genus has resulted in a better characterization of the material properties. During the production process, wood is machined at some stage, which influences the wood gluing quality. This study considered the performance of Eucalyptus saligna wood joints bonded with four commercial polyvinyl-acetate-based resins with different physical characteristics and chemical compositions. The surfaces of samples were prepared and machined by an up-milling process, using a planer, with wood feed rates of 6 m/min, 11 m/min, 16 m/min, and 21 m/min, which had advances per tooth of 0.25 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.66 mm, and 0.87 mm, respectively. The samples were prepared for shear strength testing of the glue line. During the preparation, all pieces were randomly bonded with regards to the formation plans of wood growth rings. Shear strength values were statistically compared to analysis of variance and Tukey test. Only C4 adhesive reached good results at all feed rates as well as having the best shear strength compared to other resins. Commercial adhesives had distinct interactions on the adhesive-wood interface, which resulted in different adhesion strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to employ an extended Kalman filter for implementing an AHRS (attitude and heading reference system) with acceleration compensation, thereby improving the reliability of such systems, since this removes the usual restrictive assumption that the vehicle is undergoing a non-accelerated maneuver. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; MARG (magnetic, acceleration and rate gyros) sensors constitute the basic hardware, which are integrated by the Kalman filter. The error dynamics for attitude and gyro biases is obtained in the navigation frame, providing a much simpler approach than usually taken in the literature, since it relies on direct quaternion differentiation. The state vector associated to the error dynamics possesses six components: three are associated to the quaternion error and three concern gyro bias estimates. Findings |!|#8211; The AHRS is implemented in an ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processor and tested with experimental data. The accelerated case is treated by two complementary approaches: by changing the noise variance in the Kalman filter, and by obtaining an acceleration information from GPS (global positioning system) velocity measurements. Experimental results are presented and the performance is compared with commercial ARHS systems. Practical implications |!|#8211; The proposed AHRS can be implemented with low cost MARG sensors, and GPS aiding, with use for instance in UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and small aircrafts|!|#39; attitude estimation, for navigation and control applications. Originality/value |!|#8211; Usually the AHRS designs employ as states total gyro bias and Euler angles, or quaternion, and do not consider the accelerated case. Here the state is comprised by gyro bias and quaternion error variables, which attenuates the effect of nonlinearities, and two complementary procedures tackle the accelerated case: acceleration correction by using a GPS derived acceleration signal and change in the output noise covariance used by the Kalman filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kraft pulp mill foul condensates were treated in a 4-L membrane bioreactor, which was fed continuously with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) load of 5.12 kg COD/m3/day, and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 19 h. During a period of 60 days, three temperatures were tested 35, 45 and 55 °C. Very high COD, total reduced sulphur (TRS) and methanol removals were obtained in the mesophilic temperature range. As the temperature increased, a decrease in efficiency was observed, although it could still considered to be high. A decrease in respiratory activity from 19.98 mg O2/g TSS/h at 35 °C to 12.87 mg O2/g total suspended solids (TSS)/h obtained at 55 °C, followed by a decrease in the TSS concentration in the bioreactor, suggested that the biomass is thermotolerant. The results of this research showed that the treatment of foul condensates from kraft pulp mills at high temperatures using a membrane bioreactor was shown to be technically feasible and it has good potential for industrial application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a case study which involves a 62-year-old female patient with hydropneumothorax and misplaced nasogastric tube. Topics discussed include the psychiatric ward admission of the patient due to akinetic mutism and malnutrition, the placement of the nasogastric tube in the patient for enteral nutrition and medication, and results of the physical and laboratory examinations performed such as chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan.