LP-treated mice did not succumb to septic shock when submitted to a lethal infection. LP did not exhibit in vitro bactericidal activity. It is thought that protection of LP-treated mice against Salmonella Typhimurium possibly involves down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (other than TNF-alpha). LP inhibited IL-1beta release in cultured macrophages and discretely reduced IL-12 in serum of animals given LP. Results reported here support the folk use of latex to treat skin infections by topic application.

BackgroundCervical cancer is one of the most common female cancers and is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Viral infection leads to cell cycle deregulation by inactivating p53 and retinoblastoma protein by viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, respectively. Then, nuclear proteins such as DNA topoisomerase type IIa (TOP2A) and Ki-67 show increased expression because of increased cell division. These molecules are used as biomarkers for immunohistochemistry analysis of cervical tissue.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited 110 women receiving regular gynecological surveillance at public health centers in Olinda – PE, Brazil. Cervicovaginal cells were collected to determine the presence of cytological abnormalities and HPV infection. Pap smear slides were used to evaluate the expression of TOP2A and Ki-67 using immunocytochemistry techniques.ResultsOf the 110 women, 75.4 % showed HPV-DNA+ infection (83/110) and 29.1 % showed cellular abnormalities (32/110). Two atypical cells of undetermined significance, one low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and one high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion samples showed no HPV-DNA. TOP2A was positive in 71.9 % of samples, while Ki-67 was positive in 81.2 %. Immunocytochemistry results were positive in 4 of 5 atypical cells of undetermined significance samples. In HPV-DNA+ samples with cytological abnormalities, immunocytochemistry results were positive 96.4 % of samples (p < 0.0001; odds ratio = 28.0). Among the samples infected with HR-HPV, TOP2A+ was effective in 71 % samples, while and Ki-67+ was 77.4 %. Ki-67 and TOP2A were positive for all samples infected with HPV6, HPV11, and HPV18. Ki-67 was also positive for all HPV16 samples, except for one negative sample in cytopathology analysis.ConclusionsTOP2A and Ki-67 antibodies may be used in combination for cervical cancer screening in immunocytochemistry assays.

Purpose: To evaluate histologically the integration process of cellulose gel produced by Zoogloea sp when implanted into rabbits' eviscerated eyes. Methods: This experimental study employed 36 eyes of 18 rabbits subjected to evis ceration of their right eyes. The sclerocorneal bag was sutured and filled with biopolymer from sugar cane in the gel state. All animals were clinically examined by biomicroscopy until the day of their sacrifice which occurred on the 7 th , 30 th , 60 th , 90 th , 120 th , or 240 th day. The eyeballs obtained, including the left eyes considered controls were sent for histopathological study by optical macroscopy and microscopy. Tissue staining techniques used included hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome (with aniline), Gomori trichrome, Van Gienson, Picrosirius red, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Results:No clinical signs of infection, allergy, toxicity, or extrusion were observed throughout the experiment. The corneas were relatively preserved. Macroscopic examination revealed a decrease of ~ 8% in the volume of the bulbs implanted with the biopolymer. After cutting, the sclerocorneal bag was solid, compact, elastic, and resistant to traction, with a smooth and whitish surface, and showed no signs of necrosis or liquefaction. The episcleral tissues were somewhat hypertrophied. The histological preparations studied in different colors revealed an initial lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, replaced by a fibroblastic response and proliferation of histiocytes, along with formation of giant cells. Few polymorphonuclearneutrophils and eosinophils were also found. Neovascularization and collagen deposition were present in all animals starting from day 30; although on the 240 th day of the experiment the chronic inflammatory response, neovascularization and collagen deposition had not yet reached the center of the implant. Conclusion: In this model, the cellulose gel produced by Zoogloea sp proved to be biocompatible and integrated into the orbits. Morphometric, immunohistochemical and biodegradability studies should be performed in the future. Keywords

Background/Aims: Physical training is a well-known inducer of positive physiological adaptations. The effects of moderate physical training on the morphometry of splenic lymphoid follicles of endotoxemic rats submitted to a perinatal low-protein (LP) diet were evaluated. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to their mother’s diet (17% casein, control, C) and, undernourished (8% casein, LP diet). On postnatal day 63, the animals were submitted to moderate physical training (8 weeks, 5 days·week^–1, 60 min·day^–1, at 70% of VO_2max). After the physical training period, half of each group received an injection of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline. Plasma corticosterone concentration, blood differential leukocyte counts and splenic morphometric parameters were analyzed. Results: In undernourished toxemic (LP + LPS), LPS increased plasma corticosterone concentrations, but not in previously trained (LP + T + LPS) animals. Neutrophilia and lymphopenia in response to LPS was more pronounced in pups from undernourished mothers (LP + LPS). LP + LPS animals showed a higher increment (47.4%) in the number of lymphoid follicles, a reduction in the number and size of the splenic follicles, and in the marginal zone area. Those alterations were attenuated in trained animals (LP + T + LPS). Conclusions: Physical training attenuates the effects of nutritional programming on the splenic microanatomy by a mechanism that involves the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, through lectin histochemistry, the expression of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, L-fucose, D-galactose and glucose/mannose on the cell wall surfaces of Aspergillus species in histopathological specimens of brain (n = 1) and lung (n = 6) tissues obtained during autopsy of patients diagnosed postmortem as having had invasive aspergillosis. Concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ulex europeus agglutinin I (UEA-I) and peanut agglutinin (PNA), all conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, were employed. Lectin-binding was visualized using 3,3-diaminobendizine (DAB) and hydrogen peroxide in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). We observed expression of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and methyl-α-D-mannoside on the cell wall surfaces of all evaluated Aspergillus species, while the expression of L-fucose and D-galactose demonstrated inter and intra-specific variations. The results obtained from this study indicate that the use of WGA and Con A lectins permits visualization of Aspergillus structures such as hyphae, conidial heads and conidia in histopathological specimens of brain and lung tissues.