Venom alkaloids against Chagas disease parasite: search for effective therapies.

Chagas disease is an important disease affecting millions of patients in the New World and is caused by a protozoan transmitted by haematophagous kissing bugs. It can be treated with drugs during the early acute phase; however, effective therapy against the chronic form of Chagas disease has yet to be discovered and developed. We herein tested the activity of solenopsin alkaloids extracted from two species of fire ants against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiologic agent of Chagas disease. Although IC50 determinations showed that solenopsins are more toxic to the parasite than benznidazole, the drug of choice for Chagas disease treatment, the ant alkaloids presented a lower selectivity index. As a result of exposure to the alkaloids, the parasites became swollen and rounded in shape, with hypertrophied contractile vacuoles and intense cytoplasmic vacuolization, possibly resulting in osmotic stress; no accumulation of multiple kinetoplasts and/or nuclei was detected. Overexpressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-an enzyme essential for osmoregulation that is a known target of solenopsins in mammalian cells-did not prevent swelling and vacuolization, nor did it counteract the toxic effects of alkaloids on the parasites. Additional experimental results suggested that solenopsins induced a type of autophagic and programmed cell death in T. cruzi. Solenopsins also reduced the intracellular proliferation of T. cruzi amastigotes in infected macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner and demonstrated activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms, which is another important aetiological kinetoplastid parasite. The results suggest the potential of solenopsins as novel natural drugs against neglected parasitic diseases caused by kinetoplastids.

New training model using chickens intestine for pediatric intestinal anastomosis.

PURPOSE: To develop a new low-cost, easy-to-make and available training model using chickens' intestine for infant intestinal anastomosis. METHODS: Segments of chicken intestine were used to create an intestinal anastomosis simulator. We tried to perform an end-to-end, end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis. Handsewn sutured anastomosis were performed in single layered with interrupted prolene 5-0 suture. The parameters analyzed were cost, intestine's diameter and length, anastomosis patency and flow-through and leakage amount. RESULTS: In all cases it was possible to make the anastomosis in double layered without difficulties, different from the usual ones. There was a positive patency at all anastomoses after the end of the procedure, with no need for reinterventions. CONCLUSION: The new training model using chickens' intestine for infant intestinal anastomosis is low-cost, easy-to-make and easy available.

Differential expression of recently duplicated PTOX genes in Glycine max during plant development and stress conditions.

Plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) is a chloroplast enzyme that catalyzes oxidation of plastoquinol (PQH2) and reduction of molecular oxygen to water. Its function has been associated with carotenoid biosynthesis, chlororespiration and environmental stress responses in plants. In the majority of plant species, a single gene encodes the protein and little is known about events of PTOX gene duplication and their implication to plant metabolism. Previously, two putative PTOX (PTOX1 and 2) genes were identified in Glycine max, but the evolutionary origin and the specific function of each gene was not explored. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that this gene duplication occurred apparently during speciation involving the Glycine genus ancestor, an event absent in all other available plant leguminous genomes. Gene expression evaluated by RT-qPCR and RNA-seq data revealed that both PTOX genes are ubiquitously expressed in G. max tissues, but their mRNA levels varied during development and stress conditions. In development, PTOX1 was predominant in young tissues, while PTOX2 was more expressed in aged tissues. Under stress conditions, the PTOX transcripts varied according to stress severity, i.e., PTOX1 mRNA was prevalent under mild or moderate stresses while PTOX2 was predominant in drastic stresses. Despite the high identity between proteins (97%), molecular docking revealed that PTOX1 has higher affinity to substrate plastoquinol than PTOX2. Overall, our results indicate a functional relevance of this gene duplication in G. max metabolism, whereas PTOX1 could be associated with chloroplast effectiveness and PTOX2 to senescence and/or apoptosis.

Does the type of electrode affect the electromyoneurographic parameters in rats?1.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the type of electrode (needle vs. surface) affects the electromyoneurography parameters in rats. METHODS: Twenty male rats were anesthetized, then compound muscle action potential were recorded using a Neuropack S1 MEB- 9400©. All animals were submitted to two electroneuromyography analysis: first with surface electrode and then by needle electrode. We evaluated the latency, amplitude, duration and area of the negative peak of the gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in the mean of duration, latency, amplitude or area of the negative peak in gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. CONCLUSION: The type of electrode does not affect the electroneuromyography parameters.

Can Smartphones Be Used to Perform Video-Assisted Microanastomosis? An Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone cameras are continuously improving. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using smartphones' magnification system to perform microanastomosis in rats. METHODS: Fifteen rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, according to the magnification system used: Microscope, iPhone 7 smartphone, and Galaxy S7 smartphone. In the microscope group, a DFVasconcelos microsurgery microscope was used. In both smartphone groups, the magnifications systems were connected to a 55-inch television through the mirror function. Animals in both groups underwent femoral artery anastomosis in the right forepaw and femoral nerve neurorrhaphy in the left hindleg. The body weight, arterial and nerve caliber, and anastomosis time and patency were immediately analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding body weight, arterial, or nerve caliber. The smartphones did not provide a sufficient quality of image for an adequate identification of the arterial walls. Therefore, neither arterial anastomosis nor neurorrhaphy could be completed, even after 3 hours of surgery. The first steps toward anastomosis or raffia were performed with difficulty. CONCLUSION: The current video resolution and lack of stereoscopic image of available smartphones is not sufficient to perform video-assisted anastomosis of femoral arteries or nerves.

New training model using chickens intestine for pediatric intestinal anastomosis

Abstract Purpose: To develop a new low-cost, easy-to-make and available training model using chickens' intestine for infant intestinal anastomosis. Methods: Segments of chicken intestine were used to create an intestinal anastomosis simulator. We tried to perform an end-to-end, end-to-side and side-to-side anastomosis. Handsewn sutured anastomosis were performed in single layered with interrupted prolene 5-0 suture. The parameters analyzed were cost, intestine's diameter and length, anastomosis patency and flow-through and leakage amount. Results: In all cases it was possible to make the anastomosis in double layered without difficulties, different from the usual ones. There was a positive patency at all anastomoses after the end of the procedure, with no need for reinterventions. Conclusion: The new training model using chickens' intestine for infant intestinal anastomosis is low-cost, easy-to-make and easy available.

Does the type of electrode affect the electromyoneurographic parameters in rats?

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate if the type of electrode (needle vs. surface) affects the electromyoneurography parameters in rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were anesthetized, then compound muscle action potential were recorded using a Neuropack S1 MEB- 9400©. All animals were submitted to two electroneuromyography analysis: first with surface electrode and then by needle electrode. We evaluated the latency, amplitude, duration and area of the negative peak of the gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in the mean of duration, latency, amplitude or area of the negative peak in gastrocnemius and cranial tibial muscles. Conclusion: The type of electrode does not affect the electroneuromyography parameters.

Modelo de dissecção e acesso vascular de baixo custo / Low cost model for vascular dissection and access

OBJETIVO: Descrever um modelo de treinamento de baixo custo de dissecção e acesso vascular utilizando língua bovina. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizadas dez línguas de boi para confecção de simuladores. Inicialmente, o corpo da língua foi dissecado, separando as camadas epitelial e muscular, e o pedículo vascular foi destacado da base da língua. A artéria principal da língua foi, então, cateterizada e conectada a uma seringa, sendo, em seguida, fixada à porção muscular. Após, para simular o tecido celular subcutâneo, foi confeccionada uma pasta amarela gelatinosa, que foi posicionada de modo a cobrir a extensão do pedículo vascular por inteiro. Por fim, a camada epitelial da língua foi reposicionada sob a camada muscular, por meio de sutura contínua. Para avaliar o modelo, foram observados o tempo de confecção do modelo, sua durabilidade, seu custo e o número de vezes que pôde ser usado. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio para confecção do modelo foi de 15,82±2,45 minutos, com durabilidade de 20 dias sob refrigeração. O custo médio foi de R$25,00, podendo ser utilizado, em média, por 3,8±0,63 vezes. Não houve falhas na montagem do modelo. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo de língua de boi se mostrou viável e de fácil aplicação para o treinamento de técnica cirúrgica de dissecção vascular. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a low cost training model for dissection and vascular access using a bovine tongue. METHODS: Ten bovine tongues were used to build simulators. First, the body of the tongue was dissected, with its epithelial layer being separated from the muscular layer, and the vascular pedicle was detached from the base of the tongue. The tongue main artery was then catheterized and connected to a syringe, and subsequently fixed to the muscle layer. Then, the entire vascular pedicle was covered with a yellow gelatinous paste to simulate the subcutaneous tissue. Finally, the epithelial layer was repositioned above the muscle layer through continuous suture. To evaluate the model, 4 variables were considered: 1) time for building the model, 2) its durability, 3) its cost, 4) number of times that it could be used. RESULTS: The mean time to make the model was 15.82 ±2.45 minutes, with a durability of 20 days under refrigeration. The mean cost of each model was U$10.00, and could be used about 3.8±0.63 times. There were no fails to build the model. CONCLUSIONS: The model with a bovine tongue proved to be viable and easy to be applied for training the surgical technique of vascular dissection. (AU)

INFLUENCE OF SPLENIC IMPLANTS IN THE SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE ON ASPLENIC ANIMALS SURVIVAL.

BACKGROUND: The best site for splenic implant was not defined, mainly evaluating the functionality of the implant. AIM: To evaluate the effects of autogenous splenic implantation on the subcutaneous tissue in the survival of splenectomized rats. METHOD: Twenty-one randomly assigned rats were studied in three groups (n=7): group 1 - manipulation of the abdominal cavity and preservation of the spleen; group 2 - total splenectomy; group 3 - splenectomy and implant of the tissue removed in the subcutaneous. The animals were followed for 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a higher mortality in groups 2 (p=0.0072) and 3 (p=0.0172) in relation to group 1. There was no difference between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.9817). CONCLUSION: The splenic implant in the subcutaneous is ineffective in the survival of rats submitted to splenectomy.

Influence of oophorectomy on glycemia and lipidogram.

PURPOSE: To verify the influence of oophorectomy on lipidogram and glycemia. METHODS: Fifty six female rats were divided into the following 7 groups (n = 8): group 1 - sham group, group 2 - oophorectomy 30 days, group 3 - oophorectomy 35 days, group 4 - oophorectomy 40 days, group 5 - oophorectomy 45 days, group 6 - oophorectomy 70 days, group 7 - oophorectomy 55 days. Animals were following by number of days according the group. Was evaluated the serum levels of glucose and lipid profile. RESULTS: The oophorectomized rats presented higher glycemia. Groups 3, 4, 6 and 7 had a higher glycemia and LDL levels (except for group 6) and groups 6 and 7 had lowest levels of HDL. Group 7 had highest level of VLDL than oophorectomy groups. There was no difference in triglycerides levels. CONCLUSION: Oophorectomy was related to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, mainly after 50th days.

Corrigendum to "Dendritic Cells and Leishmania Infection: Adding Layers of Complexity to a Complex Disease".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2016/3967436.].

Influence of oophorectomy on glycemia and lipidogram

Abstract Purpose: To verify the influence of oophorectomy on lipidogram and glycemia. Methods: Fifty six female rats were divided into the following 7 groups (n = 8): group 1 - sham group, group 2 - oophorectomy 30 days, group 3 - oophorectomy 35 days, group 4 - oophorectomy 40 days, group 5 - oophorectomy 45 days, group 6 - oophorectomy 70 days, group 7 - oophorectomy 55 days. Animals were following by number of days according the group. Was evaluated the serum levels of glucose and lipid profile. Results: The oophorectomized rats presented higher glycemia. Groups 3, 4, 6 and 7 had a higher glycemia and LDL levels (except for group 6) and groups 6 and 7 had lowest levels of HDL. Group 7 had highest level of VLDL than oophorectomy groups. There was no difference in triglycerides levels. Conclusion: Oophorectomy was related to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, mainly after 50th days.

Influence of splenic implants in the subcutaneous tissue on asplenic animals survival / Influência de implante esplênico em subcutâneo na sobrevida de animais esplenectomizados

ABSTRACT Background: The best site for splenic implant was not defined, mainly evaluating the functionality of the implant. Aim: To evaluate the effects of autogenous splenic implantation on the subcutaneous tissue in the survival of splenectomized rats. Method: Twenty-one randomly assigned rats were studied in three groups (n=7): group 1 - manipulation of the abdominal cavity and preservation of the spleen; group 2 - total splenectomy; group 3 - splenectomy and implant of the tissue removed in the subcutaneous. The animals were followed for 90 days postoperatively. Results: There was a higher mortality in groups 2 (p=0.0072) and 3 (p=0.0172) in relation to group 1. There was no difference between groups 2 and 3 (p=0.9817). Conclusion: The splenic implant in the subcutaneous is ineffective in the survival of rats submitted to splenectomy.

RESUMO Racional: O melhor sítio para implante esplênico não foi definido, principalmente avaliando a funcionalidade do implante. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos do implante esplênico autógeno subcutâneo na sobrevida de ratos esplenectomizados. Métodos: Foram estudados 21 ratos alocados aleatoriamente em três grupos (n=7): grupo 1 - manipulação da cavidade abdominal e preservação do baço; grupo 2 - esplenectomia total; grupo 3 - esplenectomia e implante do tecido retirado no subcutâneo. Os animais foram acompanhados por 90 dias pós-operatórios. Resultados: Houve mortalidade maior nos grupos 2 (p=0,0072) e 3 (p=0,0172) em relação ao grupo 1. Não houve diferença entre os grupos 2 e 3 (p=0,9817). Conclusão: O implante esplênico no subcutâneo é ineficaz na sobrevida de ratos submetidos à esplenectomia.

Continuous versus interrupted suture technique in microvascular anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare the continuous and interrupted suture technique on femoral artery on rats after vessel repair and 14 days after. METHODS: Twenty rats were operated randomly divided into two group matched according to the suture technique used: interrupted or continuous. We performed a femoral anastomosis on the right femoral artery. We analyzed weight, arterial caliber, anastomosis time and patency after vessel repair and 14 days after. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in the weight (p=0.64), diameter of the femoral artery (p=0.95) and patency (p=1.00). The time spent in the anastomosis was 451 seconds in the continuous group and 718 seconds in the interrupted group, presenting significant difference (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The continuous suture technique shows a similar patency rates than interrupted technique, however with a shorter time to perform the anastomosis.

Perconditioning combined with postconditioning on kidney ischemia and reperfusion.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate if combination of perconditioning and postconditioning provides improved renal protection compared to perconditioning alone in a model of renal reperfusion injury. METHODS:: Thirty rats were assigned into 6 groups: normality; sham; ischemia and reperfusion; postconditioning; perconditioning; perconditioning + postconditioning. Animals were subjected to right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 30 minutes. Postconditioning consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min renal perfusion followed by 5 min of renal ischemia after major ischemic period. Perconditioning consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min hindlimb ischemia followed by 5 min of hindlimb perfusion contemporaneously to renal major ischemic period. After 24 hours, kidney was harvested and blood collected to measure urea and creatinine. RESULTS:: Perconditioning obtained better values for creatinine and urea level than only postconditioning (p<0.01); performing both techniques contemporaneously had no increased results (p>0.05). Regarding tissue structure, perconditioning was the only technique to protect the glomerulus and tubules (p<0.05), while postconditioning protected only the glomerulus (p<0.05). Combination of both techniques shows no effect on glomerulus or tubules (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: Perconditioning had promising results on ischemia and reperfusion induced kidney injury, enhanced kidney function and protected glomerulus and tubules. There was no additive protection when postconditioning and perconditioning were combined.

Continuous versus interrupted suture technique in microvascular anastomosis in rats

Abstract Purpose: To compare the continuous and interrupted suture technique on femoral artery on rats after vessel repair and 14 days after. Methods: Twenty rats were operated randomly divided into two group matched according to the suture technique used: interrupted or continuous. We performed a femoral anastomosis on the right femoral artery. We analyzed weight, arterial caliber, anastomosis time and patency after vessel repair and 14 days after. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in the weight (p=0.64), diameter of the femoral artery (p=0.95) and patency (p=1.00). The time spent in the anastomosis was 451 seconds in the continuous group and 718 seconds in the interrupted group, presenting significant difference (p<0.01). Conclusion: The continuous suture technique shows a similar patency rates than interrupted technique, however with a shorter time to perform the anastomosis.

Perconditioning combined with postconditioning on kidney ischemia and reperfusion

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate if combination of perconditioning and postconditioning provides improved renal protection compared to perconditioning alone in a model of renal reperfusion injury. Methods: Thirty rats were assigned into 6 groups: normality; sham; ischemia and reperfusion; postconditioning; perconditioning; perconditioning + postconditioning. Animals were subjected to right nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 30 minutes. Postconditioning consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min renal perfusion followed by 5 min of renal ischemia after major ischemic period. Perconditioning consisted of 3 cycles of 5 min hindlimb ischemia followed by 5 min of hindlimb perfusion contemporaneously to renal major ischemic period. After 24 hours, kidney was harvested and blood collected to measure urea and creatinine. Results: Perconditioning obtained better values for creatinine and urea level than only postconditioning (p<0.01); performing both techniques contemporaneously had no increased results (p>0.05). Regarding tissue structure, perconditioning was the only technique to protect the glomerulus and tubules (p<0.05), while postconditioning protected only the glomerulus (p<0.05). Combination of both techniques shows no effect on glomerulus or tubules (p>0.05). Conclusions: Perconditioning had promising results on ischemia and reperfusion induced kidney injury, enhanced kidney function and protected glomerulus and tubules. There was no additive protection when postconditioning and perconditioning were combined.

Treinamento de anastomoses vasculares de baixo custo: o cirurgião vai à feira / Vascular anastomoses are common procedures and are performed by most surgeons. Training is primarily conducted in human beings, which violates current ethical principles. This is because current training models are expensive and in short supply. This study was designed to investigate the feasibility of three vegetable models of vascular anastomosis. Five units each of scallions, green beans, and yardlong beans were used. An end-to-end anastomosis was attempted with each specimen. Anastomoses were only successful in green beans and yardlong beans. Since they are narrower, the yardlong beans are the most similar to human vessels

Anastomoses vasculares são procedimentos comuns realizados por grande parte dos cirurgiões e cujo treinamento ocorre principalmente em seres humanos, contrariando os princípios éticos vigentes. Esse fato se deve, sobretudo, à carência e ao alto custo relacionados aos atuais modelos de treinamento. Assim, este estudo visa avaliar a viabilidade de três vegetais para a realização de anastomoses vasculares. Foram utilizadas cinco unidades de cebolinha, vagem e feijão-verde. Em cada uma tentou-se realizar uma anastomose término-terminal. Conseguiu-se a realização da anastomose apenas na vagem e no feijão-verde. Contudo, por apresentar uma menor espessura, o feijão-verde assemelhou-se mais aos vasos humanos

Vascular anastomoses are common procedures and are performed by most surgeons. Training is primarily conducted in human beings, which violates current ethical principles. This is because current training models are expensive and in short supply. This study was designed to investigate the feasibility of three vegetable models of vascular anastomosis. Five units each of scallions, green beans, and yardlong beans were used. An end-to-end anastomosis was attempted with each specimen. Anastomoses were only successful in green beans and yardlong beans. Since they are narrower, the yardlong beans are the most similar to human vessels

Decoding the Role of Glycans in Malaria.

Complications arising from malaria are a concern for public health authorities worldwide, since the annual caseload in humans usually exceeds millions. Of more than 160 species of Plasmodium, only 4 infect humans, with the most severe cases ascribed to Plasmodium falciparum and the most prevalent to Plasmodium vivax. Over the past 70 years, since World War II, when the first antimalarial drugs were widely used, many efforts have been made to combat this disease, including vectorial control, new drug discoveries and genetic and molecular approaches. Molecular approaches, such as glycobiology, may lead to new therapeutic targets (both in the host and the parasites), since all interactions are mediated by carbohydrates or glycan moieties decorating both cellular surfaces from parasite and host cells. In this review, we address the carbohydrate-mediated glycobiology that directly affects Plasmodium survival or host resistance.