Development of a human adaptive immune system in cord blood cell-transplanted mice

Because ethical restrictions limit in vivo studies of the human hemato-lymphoid system, substitute human to small animal xenotransplantation models have been employed. Existing models, however, sustain only limited development and maintenance of human lymphoid cells and rarely produce immune responses. Here we show that intrahepatic injection of CD34+ human cord blood cells into conditioned newborn Rag2-/-gammac-/- mice leads to de novo development of B, T, and dendritic cells; formation of structured primary and secondary lymphoid organs; and production of functional immune responses. This provides a valuable model to study development and function of the human adaptive immune system in vivo.     

Intestinal calcium absorption: nature of defect in chronic renal disease

When compared to that of normal animals, calcium-binding protein activity of duodenal mucosa obtained from uremic rats was decreased. There was no change in this activity after vitamin D(3), therapy. In contrast, prior treatment with 25-hydroxycholecalcijerol resulted in increased transport of calcium-45 and calcium-binding protein activity in the intestine.     

The highland mangabey Lophocebus kipunji: a new species of African monkey

A distinct species of mangabey was independently found at two sites 370 kilometers apart in southern Tanzania (Mount Rungwe and Livingstone in the Southern Highlands and Ndundulu in the Udzungwa Mountains). This new species is described here and given the name "highland mangabey" Lophocebus kipunji sp. nov. We place this monkey in Lophocebus, because it possesses noncontrasting black eyelids and is arboreal. L. kipunji is distinguished from other mangabeys by the color of its pelage; long, upright crest; off-white tail and ventrum; and loud call. This find has implications for primate evolution, African biogeography, and forest conservation.     

A combined protocol with piroxicam,chemotherapy, and whole pelvic irradiation with simultaneous boost volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for muscle-invasive canine urinary transitional cell carcinoma: First clinical experience

The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of high-dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) applied to whole pelvic region radiotherapy (WPRT) with multilevel simultaneous integrated boost (MLSIB) combined with piroxicam and chemotherapy for the treatment of canine transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the lower urinary tract with muscle invasion TCC. Twelve dogs were enrolled, according to stage, in two groups: group 1, TCC confined to the urinary tract; group 2, TCC with metastasis. The planning target volume dose was tailored from 36 to 42 Gy in 6 fractions. All dogs were prescribed piroxicam and radiosensitizing carboplatin, and six received chemotherapy after radiotherapy. Serial follow-ups with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Disease control and toxicity effects were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Veterinary Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. The treatment was well tolerated, and no high-grade side effects were reported. The median overall survival times for groups 1 and 2 were 1,230 and 150 days, respectively. A considerable percentage of patients in group1 (50%) were still alive at the time of writing this paper, and a longer follow-up could enable a more accurate survival analysis. This preliminary analysis shows that VMAT applied to the WPRT with MLSIB is an effective and safe option for dogs with lower urinary TCC, although the presence of metastases worsens the prognosis.     

Phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity of Wendita calysina leaves (Burrito), a folk Paraguayan tea

Burrito tea originates from the leaves of Wendita calysina, an indigenous Paraguayan plant, which is commonly consumed in South America and in Western countries. Phytochemical investigation of this species has led to the isolation of 14 constituents, among them 2 new flavanonols, dihydroquercetagetin (1) and 3,5,6,7,4'-pentahydroxyflavanonol (2), in addition to several known methoxyflavones, methoxyflavonols, phenylethanoid glycosides, and benzoic acid derivatives (4-14). All structures were elucidated by ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. Quantitative determination of phenolic constituents from burrito water infusions has been performed by HPLC-UV-DAD. The total antioxidant activity of the tea was measured by the ABTS(*)(+) radical cation decolorization and chemiluminescence (CL) assays and compared with the values of other commonly used herbal teas (green and black teas, mate, and rooibos).     

Effects of glucosinolates and their enzymatic hydrolysis products via myrosinase on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitw

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitw. is responsible for large yield losses in several horticultural crops. Fumigation with chemicals has been efficient in fighting this soil pest, but it clearly shows a negative environmental impact. Thus, it is necessary to find an environmentally friendly alternative to control this nematode and meet the requirements imposed by world regulation to ban some chemical fumigants in the world after 2005. The glucosinolate-myrosinase system, typical of the Brassicaceae family, appears to be an important natural alternative for the control of several soilborne pests and pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the biocidal activity of 11 glucosinolates and their degradation products on second-stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode M. incognita expressed by the nematicidal (LD(50)) and immobilization effects, after 24 and 48 h. None of the intact glucosinolates had any biological effect. After myrosinase addition, their hydrolysis products (essentially isothiocyanates) resulted in highly different biocidal activities. Among the hydrolysis products of the tested glucosinolates, 2-phenylethyl, benzyl, 4-methylthiobutyl, and prop-2-enyl isothiocyanate showed the stronger activity, with an LD(50) at concentrations of 11, 15, 21, and 34 microM, respectively. On the basis of the in vitro test results, new genotypes of Brassicaceae had been selected for high content in the roots of the glucosinolates generating the more active isothiocyanates and their agronomic performances verified in view of a full-field application as catch crop plants. With this aim, the qualitative and quantitative glucosinolate contents in the roots of these potentially nematicidal plants are also reported and discussed.     

Effect of moisture on physical parameters of timber from Turkey oak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus cerris</Emphasis> L.) coppice in Central Italy

This study aims to investigate wood density at different levels of moisture, basic density and shrinkage of timber from Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) coppice forests growing in Central Italy. We also studied the variability in density in the trees within and among sites. Density shows no significant statistical differences in the tested population. A higher variability in the shrinkage than in the density was found. Wood moisture is referred to as dry mass and fresh mass, which is related to many performance characteristics of wood, i.e., energy production. Trends in moisture and water content were studied because these physical parameters play an important role in the specific area of firewood which requires an accurate estimation of mass, volume and energy content. This work is a contribution to improve xylo-energy estimates of small and medium forestry issues.