Functional plasticity of Th17 cells: implications in gastrointestinal tract function.

The gastrointestinal tract is an active player of the human immune system, participating in the innate and adaptive immune responses, keeping the homeostasis of the human being in a healthy status. However, most intestinal conditions are associated with an altered immune response, which implies the activation of CD4(+) T helper (Th) cells. Based on their cytokine secretion, transcription factor expression and immunological functions, the differentiated Th cells were initially subdivided into different lineages: Th1 (that express the transcription factor T-box (T-bet), secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and protect the host against intracellular infections) and Th2 (that express GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3), secrete interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13, and mediate host defense against helminths).

Spontaneous object recognition memory in aged rats: Complexity versus similarity.

Previous work on the effect of aging on spontaneous object recognition (SOR) memory tasks in rats has yielded controversial results. Although the results at long-retention intervals are consistent, conflicting results have been reported at shorter delays. We have assessed the potential relevance of the type of object used in the performance of aged rats in SOR tasks.

Basolateral amygdala lesions attenuate safe taste memory-related c-fos expression in the rat perirhinal cortex.

Previous results indicated that damage and pharmacological inactivation of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) interfere with the attenuation of taste neophobia. A similar disruption of safe taste memories formation induced by the inhibition of protein synthesis in the perirhinal cortex (PRh) has been reported. Thus, we have assessed the effect of bilateral BLA neurotoxic lesions on PRh activity after novel and familiar taste exposure.

Overweight and obesity in patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia compared with a non-psychiatric sample.

Objective: Multiple studies suggest an association of overweight and obesity with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia. The goal of this paper was to determine the magnitude of this association and its relationship with previous course-of-illness and other variables of clinical interest.

Methods: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was compared among patients with BD (n=108), patients with schizophrenia (n=250) and a non-psychiatric control group (n=290).

Poor adherence to treatment associated with a high recurrence in a bipolar disorder outpatient sample.

Background: We analyzed the association of previous course-of-illness and other variables of clinical interest with a high frequency of both depressive or (hypo)manic episodes controlling for the effect of socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: A total of 108 outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) were recruited. A retrospective and naturalistic study was conducted to examine the number of affective episodes and their relationship with socio-demographic, clinical and course-of-illness variables, including adherence to medication, type of medication used and the use of addictive substances.

Di-D-fructose dianhydride-enriched caramels: effect on colon microbiota, inflammation, and tissue damage in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitic rats.

In the present study we describe the preparation and chemical characterization of a caramel with a high (70%) content of difructose dianhydrides (DFAs) and glycosylated derivatives (DFAs). This product was obtained by thermal activation (90 degrees C) of highly concentrated (90% w/v) aqueous D-fructose solutions using the sulfonic acid ion-exchange resin Lewatit S2328 as caramelization catalyst. DFAs represent a unique family of cyclic fructans with prebiotic properties already present in low proportions (<15%) in commercial caramel.

Temporal relationship of first-episode non-affective psychosis with cannabis use: a clinical verification of an epidemiological hypothesis.

Background: We analyzed the association of age at onset of psychosis treatment (AOPT) with having a history of cannabis use in patients with a first episode of non-affective psychosis. We also investigated the impact on the AOPT of exposure to cannabis in adolescence, compared with young adulthood, and of the additional exposure to cocaine.

Method: We recruited 112 consecutive patients (66 men and 46 women; age range, 18-57years) with a first psychotic episode.

Personality profiles and minor affective psychopathology in a non-clinical sample: an empirical verification of Cloninger's theoretical model.

Background: Psychopathological vulnerability may be related to certain personality traits. The aim of this study was to explore the association of minor affective psychopathology and the regular use of psychotropic medication with temperament and character profiles from Cloninger's personality model, in a sample of active professional people.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 498 non-clinical subjects, teachers in a local school system.