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1.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A ; 120(45): e2309123120, 2023 Nov 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37903256

RESUMO

Tropical deforestation impacts the climate through complex land-atmosphere interactions causing local and regional warming. However, whilst the impacts of deforestation on local temperature are well understood, the regional (nonlocal) response is poorly quantified. Here, we used remote-sensed observations of forest loss and dry season land-surface temperature during the period 2001 to 2020 to demonstrate that deforestation of the Amazon caused strong warming at distances up to 100 km away from the forest loss. We apply a machine learning approach to show nonlocal warming due to forest loss at 2-100 km length scales increases the warming due to deforestation by more than a factor 4, from 0.16 K to 0.71 K for each 10-percentage points of forest loss. We estimate that rapid future deforestation under a strong inequality scenario could cause dry season warming of 0.96 K across Mato Grosso state in southern Brazil over the period 2020 to 2050. Reducing deforestation could reduce future warming caused by forest loss to 0.4 K. Our results demonstrate the contribution of tropical deforestation to regional climate warming and the potential for reduced deforestation to deliver regional climate adaptation and resilience with important implications for sustainable management of the Amazon.


Assuntos
Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Árvores , Florestas , Clima , Estações do Ano , Brasil
2.
Br J Nutr ; 131(5): 737-748, 2024 03 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37855224

RESUMO

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between leptin and adiponectin gene polymorphisms, circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin, adiposity and clinical markers in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 adults and elderly MDS patients and 102 age- and sex-matched controls. Clinical characteristics, co-morbidities, anthropometric data, laboratory evaluation and genetic analysis (polymorphisms -2548G > A/rs7799039 of the LEP gene and +276G > T/rs1501299 of the ADIPOQ gene) were investigated. Serum leptin was higher and adiponectin lower in MDS when compared with controls. There was a significant positive correlation between serum leptin levels and BMI (r = 0·264, P = 0·025), waist circumference (r = 0·235, P = 0·047), body fat percentage (BF %) (r = 0·373, P = 0·001) and the fat mass index (FMI) (r = 0·371, P < 0·001). A lower mean adiponectin was found among patients with high BF %, higher visceral adiposity index and metabolic syndrome. A significant association was found between the AA genotype (mutant) of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 and male sex and blast excess (≥ 5 %). In addition, a significant association was observed between the TT genotype (mutant) of the ADIPOQ rs1501299 polymorphism and Fe overload. These results demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive and systematic evaluation in patients with MDS in order to identify and control negative factors not related to the disease at an early stage.


Assuntos
Leptina , Síndromes Mielodisplásicas , Adulto , Idoso , Humanos , Masculino , Adipocinas , Adiponectina/genética , Adiposidade/genética , Estudos Transversais , Leptina/genética , Síndromes Mielodisplásicas/genética , Síndromes Mielodisplásicas/complicações , Obesidade/complicações , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único
3.
J Public Health (Oxf) ; 46(3): e389-e399, 2024 Aug 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710659

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly within prison settings, where the confluence of adverse health factors and high-risk behaviors contribute to a heightened risk of transmission. This study delves into the perspectives of medical doctors, regarding the implementation of the 2014 TB protocol in Portugal. METHODS: The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Individual semi-structured interviews with medical doctors from TB outpatient centers in Porto and Lisbon were used for data collection. For the analysis thematic analysis method was used. RESULTS: The study population comprised 21 medical doctors with the majority being female (61.9%) and 57.1% specializing in pulmonology. The results indicate varied perceptions of the protocol's usefulness, with positive impacts on coordination reported by some participants. Improved communication and evolving collaboration between TB outpatient centers and prisons were highlighted, although challenges in contact tracing and resource constraints were acknowledged. The study also sheds light on the role of nurses in patient education. CONCLUSION: Despite overall positive perceptions, challenges such as sustaining therapy post-symptomatic improvement and delays in diagnostic methods were identified. The findings underscore the importance of continuous collaboration between prisons and TB control programs to address challenges, improve disease control and prevent TB transmission.


Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Prisões , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Tuberculose , Humanos , Portugal/epidemiologia , Feminino , Masculino , Tuberculose/prevenção & controle , Adulto , Entrevistas como Assunto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade
4.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39271242

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate psychological and emotional violence in relation with sociodemographic characteristics and anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Portuguese residents. METHODS: A cross-sectional online study using snowball sampling collected data on demographics, socioeconomic factors, mental health (anxiety and depression symptoms) and couple psychological and emotional violence. The study spanned three months and included 519 individuals aged 18 or above in a relationship since January 2020 or earlier. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-squared tests, logistic regression models (Odds-Ratio [OR] and 95% Confident Interval [CI]), and cluster analysis (K-medoids) using R software (significance threshold of 0.05). RESULTS: The sample was predominantly composed of women (78.8%) with an average age of 36.8 years and 79% holding higher education degrees. Two clusters emerged: Cluster 1 (n = 420) presented fewer psychological and emotional violence victims, while Cluster 2 (n = 99) presented more. Older age (OR = 1.026, 95%CI 1.000-1.052) and depression symptoms (OR = 1.163, 95%CI 1.080-1.252) increased the likelihood of psychological and emotional abuse. Men also had 2.87 times higher odds of being victims (95%CI 0.203-0.599). CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the need for comprehensive interventions and prevention measures to address psychological and emotional violence by acknowledging it as a public health concern and pushing for interdisciplinary methods.

5.
J Emerg Med ; 66(2): 133-138, 2024 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38290880

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Bleeding in the upper airways is an important cause of airway-related death. A higher incidence of airway management failure and complications after intubation attempts in the emergency department (ED) had been suggested. Airway management of patients with active oropharyngeal hemorrhage may be challenging, leading the clinician to modify the approach. CASE REPORT: A 57-year-old woman presented to the ED with oropharyngeal hemorrhage after an extensive invasive dental procedure. She was on long-term warfarin therapy due to aortic and mitral valve replacement, which she suspended 5 days prior and restarted the day after the procedure. Besides the active bleeding, swelling, and hematoma of the face, the patient had other signs of "difficult airway," so there were serious questions on when and how to manage the airway. Several strategies to address the airway were considered, the main point being an early versus later intubation. As the patient remained clinically stable, she was conservatively managed with local hemostasis and coagulopathy reversal. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she remained stable and was successfully discharged after restart on warfarin. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: When faced with an oropharyngeal hemorrhage, emergency physicians may be compelled to secure and protect the airway. This could be achieved by planning several strategies. Nevertheless, in selected patients, and considering the circumstances, not addressing the airway is a reasonable and justifiable alternative.


Assuntos
Hemorragia , Varfarina , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Varfarina/uso terapêutico , Hemorragia/etiologia , Hemorragia/terapia , Manuseio das Vias Aéreas/métodos , Hematoma , Intubação , Intubação Intratraqueal/métodos
6.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(17)2024 Sep 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39273592

RESUMO

Bioinformatics has emerged as a valuable tool for screening drugs and understanding their effects. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether in silico studies using anti-obesity peptides targeting therapeutic pathways for obesity, when subsequently evaluated in vitro and in vivo, demonstrated effects consistent with those predicted in the computational analysis. The review was framed by the question: "What peptides or proteins have been used to treat obesity in in silico studies?" and structured according to the acronym PECo. The systematic review protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022355540) in accordance with the PRISMA-P, and all stages of the review adhered to these guidelines. Studies were sourced from the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Heath Library, and EMBASE. The search strategies resulted in 1015 articles, of which, based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 7 were included in this systematic review. The anti-obesity peptides identified originated from various sources including bovine alpha-lactalbumin from cocoa seed (Theobroma cacao L.), chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.), rice bran (Oryza sativa), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), sea buckthorn seed flour (Hippophae rhamnoides), and adzuki beans (Vigna angularis). All articles underwent in vitro and in vivo reassessment and used molecular docking methodology in their in silico studies. Among the studies included in the review, 46.15% were classified as having an "uncertain risk of bias" in six of the thirteen criteria evaluated. The primary target investigated was pancreatic lipase (n = 5), with all peptides targeting this enzyme demonstrating inhibition, a finding supported both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, other peptides were identified as PPARγ and PPARα agonists (n = 2). Notably, all peptides exhibited different mechanisms of action in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. The findings of this systematic review underscore the effectiveness of computational simulation as a screening tool, providing crucial insights and guiding in vitro and in vivo investigations for the discovery of novel anti-obesity peptides.


Assuntos
Simulação por Computador , Obesidade , Peptídeos , Animais , Humanos , Fármacos Antiobesidade/química , Fármacos Antiobesidade/farmacologia , Biologia Computacional , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Obesidade/tratamento farmacológico , Obesidade/metabolismo , Peptídeos/química , Peptídeos/farmacologia
7.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(9)2024 Apr 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38731918

RESUMO

In the age of information technology and the additional computational search tools and software available, this systematic review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for obesity, evaluated in silico and subsequently validated in vivo. The systematic review was initially guided by the research question "What therapeutic targets have been used in in silico analysis for the treatment of obesity?" and structured based on the acronym PECo (P, problem; E, exposure; Co, context). The systematic review protocol was formulated and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022353808) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items Checklist for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P), and the PRISMA was followed for the systematic review. The studies were selected according to the eligibility criteria, aligned with PECo, in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, and EMBASE. The search strategy yielded 1142 articles, from which, based on the evaluation criteria, 12 were included in the systematic review. Only seven these articles allowed the identification of both in silico and in vivo reassessed therapeutic targets. Among these targets, five were exclusively experimental, one was exclusively theoretical, and one of the targets presented an experimental portion and a portion obtained by modeling. The predominant methodology used was molecular docking and the most studied target was Human Pancreatic Lipase (HPL) (n = 4). The lack of methodological details resulted in more than 50% of the papers being categorized with an "unclear risk of bias" across eight out of the eleven evaluated criteria. From the current systematic review, it seems evident that integrating in silico methodologies into studies of potential drug targets for the exploration of new therapeutic agents provides an important tool, given the ongoing challenges in controlling obesity.


Assuntos
Simulação por Computador , Obesidade , Humanos , Obesidade/tratamento farmacológico , Obesidade/metabolismo , Animais , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Fármacos Antiobesidade/farmacologia , Fármacos Antiobesidade/uso terapêutico , Lipase/metabolismo , Lipase/antagonistas & inibidores , Terapia de Alvo Molecular/métodos
8.
Biofouling ; 39(2): 218-230, 2023 02.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37122169

RESUMO

Trichosporon spp. are emerging opportunistic fungi associated with invasive infections, especially in patients with haematological malignancies. The present study investigated the in vitro inhibition of efflux pumps by promethazine (PMZ) as a strategy to control T. asahii and T. inkin. Planktonic cells were evaluated for antifungal susceptibility to PMZ, as well as inhibition of efflux. The effect of PMZ was also studied in Trichosporon biofilms. PMZ inhibited T. asahii and T. inkin planktonic cells at concentrations ranging from 32 to 256 µg ml-1. Subinhibitory concentrations of PMZ inhibited efflux activity in Trichosporon. Biofilms were completely eradicated by PMZ. PMZ potentiated the action of antifungals, affected the morphology, changed the amount of carbohydrates and proteins and reduced the amount of persister cells inside biofilms. The results showed indirect evidences of the occurrence of efflux pumps in Trichosporon and opens a perspective for the use of this target in the control of trichosporonosis.


Assuntos
Antifúngicos , Trichosporon , Humanos , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/metabolismo , Prometazina/farmacologia , Prometazina/metabolismo , Biofilmes , Plâncton , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana
9.
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem ; 38(1): 67-83, 2023 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36305291

RESUMO

Bacterial infections have become a global concern, stimulating the growing demand for natural and biologically safe therapeutic agents with antibacterial action. This study was evaluated the genotoxicity of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI) and the antibacterial effect of TTI theoric model, number 56, and conformation number 287 (TTIp 56/287) and derived peptides in silico. TTI (0.3 and 0.6 mg.mL-1) did not cause genotoxicity in cells (p > 0.05). In silico, a greater interaction of TTIp 56/287 with the Gram-positive membrane (GP) was observed, with an interaction potential energy (IPE) of -1094.97 kcal.mol-1. In the TTIp 56/287-GP interaction, the Arginine, Threonine (Thr), and Lysine residues presented lower IPE. In molecular dynamics (MD), Peptidotrychyme59 (TVSQTPIDIPIGLPVR) showed an IPE of -518.08 kcal.mol-1 with the membrane of GP bacteria, and the Thr and Arginine residues showed the greater IPE. The results highlight new perspectives on TTI and its derived peptides antibacterial activity.


Assuntos
Tamarindus , Inibidores da Tripsina , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologia , Tamarindus/química , Peptídeos/química , Sementes/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/análise , Arginina/análise , Arginina/química
10.
Acta Radiol ; 64(5): 1816-1822, 2023 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36575580

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The burden perceived by the patient of repeated imaging required for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) monitoring warrants attention due to the increased use of NAC and imaging. PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the experienced burden associated with repeated contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during NAC for breast cancer from the patient perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Approval from the ethics committee and written informed consent were obtained. In this prospective study, CEM and MRI were performed on 38 patients with breast cancer before, during, and after NAC in a tertiary cancer center. The experienced burden was evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire addressing duration, comfort, anxiety, positioning, and intravenous contrast administration, each measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The participants were asked their preference between CEM or MRI. Statistical comparisons were performed and P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Most participants (n = 29, 76%) preferred CEM over MRI (P = 0.0008). CEM was associated with a significantly shorter duration (P < 0.001), greater overall comfort (P < 0.01), more comfortable positioning (P = 0.01), and lower anxiety (P = 0.03). Intravenous contrast administration perception revealed no significant difference. Only 4 (10%) participants preferred MRI over CEM, due to the absence of breast compression. CONCLUSION: In the hypothetical scenario of equal diagnostic accuracy, most participants preferred CEM and compared CEM favorably to MRI in all investigated features at repeated imaging required for NAC response assessment. Our results indicate that repeated examinations with CEM is well tolerated and constitutes a patient-friendly alternative for NAC imaging monitoring in breast cancer.


Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama , Humanos , Feminino , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Estudos Prospectivos , Terapia Neoadjuvante , Mamografia/métodos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Mama/diagnóstico por imagem , Mama/patologia , Meios de Contraste , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética
11.
Health Commun ; 38(3): 490-498, 2023 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34313162

RESUMO

Portugal was hit by COVID-19 on the 2nd of March 2020. For almost two months, the country was confined due to the declaration of the emergency state. The confinement was always conveyed by the media, who clearly guided citizens toward preventive behaviors and so became a means of fighting this pandemic by helping the country stay home. Several authors recognize the importance of health communication and health literacy in fighting COVID-19. In a public health crisis like this, media are important actors in the promotion of health and prevention of disease, and they can have a central role in behavior change. To further understand how the media guided citizens toward preventive behaviors we applied a questionnaire survey to Portuguese journalists. More than 90% assumed citizens' behavior guidance. Journalists' perceptions about their work reflect a true concern with the promotion of health literacy, and their assumption of a public service mission was crucial in people's adherence to confinement. Health literacy achieved its maximum during this confinement period, not only because these were extraordinary times but also because Portuguese journalists had an exemplar behavior.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , Letramento em Saúde , Humanos , Pandemias/prevenção & controle , SARS-CoV-2 , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde
12.
Sensors (Basel) ; 23(13)2023 Jul 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37448003

RESUMO

As the monitoring of carbon dioxide is an important proxy to estimate the air quality of indoor and outdoor environments, it is essential to obtain trustful data from CO2 sensors. However, the use of widely available low-cost sensors may imply lower data quality, especially regarding accuracy. This paper proposes a new approach for enhancing the accuracy of low-cost CO2 sensors using an extremely randomized trees algorithm. It also reports the results obtained from experimental data collected from sensors that were exposed to both indoor and outdoor environments. The indoor experimental set was composed of two metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) and two non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors next to a reference sensor for carbon dioxide and independent sensors for air temperature and relative humidity. The outdoor experimental exposure analysis was performed using a third-party dataset which fit into our goals: the work consisted of fourteen stations using low-cost NDIR sensors geographically spread around reference stations. One calibration model was trained for each sensor unit separately, and, in the indoor experiment, it managed to reduce the mean absolute error (MAE) of NDIR sensors by up to 90%, reach very good linearity with MOS sensors in the indoor experiment (r2 value of 0.994), and reduce the MAE by up to 98% in the outdoor dataset. We have found in the outdoor dataset analysis that the exposure time of the sensor itself may be considered by the algorithm to achieve better accuracy. We also observed that even a relatively small amount of data may provide enough information to perform a useful calibration if they contain enough data variety. We conclude that the proper use of machine learning algorithms on sensor readings can be very effective to obtain higher data quality from low-cost gas sensors either indoors or outdoors, regardless of the sensor technology.


Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos , Poluição do Ar , Dióxido de Carbono/análise , Calibragem , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluição do Ar/análise , Óxidos , Algoritmos , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise
13.
Molecules ; 28(9)2023 May 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37175258

RESUMO

Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction techniques meet all-new consumer market demands for health-promoting phytochemical compound-rich extracts produced from green and sustainable technology. In this regard, this review is dedicated to discussing is the promise of integrating high-pressure CO2 technologies into the Cannabis sativa L. processing chain to valorize its valuable pharmaceutical properties and food biomass. To do this, the cannabis plant, cannabinoids, and endocannabinoid system were reviewed to understand their therapeutic and side effects. The supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique was presented as a smart alternative to producing cannabis bioproducts. The impact of SFE operating conditions on cannabis compound extraction was examined for aerial parts (inflorescences, stems, and leaves), seeds, and byproducts. Furthermore, the opportunities of using non-thermal supercritical CO2 processing on cannabis biomass were addressed for industrial hemp valorization, focusing on its biorefinery to simultaneously produce cannabidiol and new ingredients for food applications as plant-based products.


Assuntos
Cannabis , Alucinógenos , Cannabis/química , Dióxido de Carbono , Biomassa , Compostos Fitoquímicos , Tecnologia
14.
Biofouling ; 38(4): 401-413, 2022 04.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35655421

RESUMO

Enterococcus faecalis is the most important agent of persistent apical periodontitis, and recently, Candida albicans has also been implicated in periapical infections. This study aimed to optimize an in vitro E. faecalis and C. albicans dual-species biofilm protocol for endodontic research. Different physicochemical conditions for biofilm formation were tested. Susceptibility assays to antimicrobials, biochemical composition and an ultra-morphological structure analyses were performed. Reproducible dual-species biofilms were established in BHI medium at 35 °C, for 48 h and in a microaerophilic atmosphere. An increase in biomass and chitin content was detected after vancomycin treatment. Structural analysis revealed that the dual-species biofilm was formed by both microorganisms adhered to the substrate. The proposed protocol could be useful for the study of interkingdom relationships and help to find new strategies against periapical infections.


Assuntos
Anti-Infecciosos , Enterococcus faecalis , Biofilmes , Candida albicans
15.
Biofouling ; 38(8): 778-785, 2022 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36210505

RESUMO

Trichosporon asahii and T. inkin are emergent agents of deep-seated and disseminated infections in immunocompromised patients. The present study aimed to investigate the role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) and the enzyme deoxyribonuclease (DNase) on the structure of T. asahii and T. inkin biofilms, as well as to examine their effect on the susceptibility to antifungals. Biofilms reached maturity at 48 h; eDNA concentration in the supernatant increased over time (6 < 24 h < 48h). Exogenous eDNA increased biomass of Trichosporon biofilms at all stages of development, enhanced their tolerance to antifungals and improved their structural complexity. DNase reduced biomass, biovolume and thickness of Trichosporon biofilms, thereby rendering them more susceptibility to voriconazole. The results suggest the relevance of eDNA in the structure and antifungal susceptibility of Trichosporon biofilms and highlight the potential of DNase as adjuvant in biofilm control.


Assuntos
Antifúngicos , Trichosporon , Humanos , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Biofilmes , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Trichosporon/genética , DNA , Desoxirribonucleases
16.
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem ; 37(1): 749-759, 2022 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35168466

RESUMO

This systematic review (SR) aimed to gather studies describing the antibacterial action mechanisms and mode of trypsin inhibitors. The review protocol was registered (PROSPERO: CRD42020189069). Original articles resulting from studies in animal models, in bacterial culture, and using cells that describe antibacterial action of trypsin inhibitor-type peptides or proteins were selected in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, and EMBASE. The methodological quality assessment was performed using the PRISMA and OHAT tool. 2382 articles were retrieved, 17 of which were eligible. Four studies demonstrated the action mechanism directly on the bacterial membrane, and the fifth study on endogenous proteases extracted from the bacteria themselves. The antibacterial action mode was presented in the other studies, which can generate bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects without describing the mechanisms. This study generated information to enable new preclinical or clinical studies with molecules contributing to public health.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologia , Tripsina/metabolismo , Antibacterianos/química , Bactérias/metabolismo , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Inibidores da Tripsina/química
17.
Cytokine ; 148: 155617, 2021 12.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34130905

RESUMO

Aberrant inflammatory signaling has been shown to be a key pathogenic driver in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Abnormal IL-33 expression has been implicated in inflammatory, immune-related disorders and, some tumors. However, its role in MDS remains widely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between plasma levels of IL-33, clinical and prognostic data and, IL-6 levels in 101 patients with MDS. A comparative group of 59 healthy individuals was also evaluated. Plasma levels of cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lower levels of IL-33 were found in patients with MDS when compared to the control group (p = 0.001), mainly in patients with more advanced stages of the disease and worse prognosis. No significant correlation between the levels of IL-33 and IL-6 was observed (r = 0.175; p = 0.081). These results reinforce the close association between immunological disorders and the pathogenesis of MDS. A greater understanding of the role of inflammatory cytokines in the disease can potentially provide new diagnosis and prognosis markers and new therapeutic targets.


Assuntos
Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Interleucina-33/sangue , Interleucina-6/sangue , Síndromes Mielodisplásicas/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Humanos , Cariotipagem , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Fatores de Risco
18.
Med Mycol ; 59(8): 793-801, 2021 Jul 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33550417

RESUMO

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important worldwide health problem, affecting the growing population of immunocompromised patients. Although the majority of IFIs are caused by Candida spp., other fungal species have been increasingly recognized as relevant opportunistic pathogens. Trichosporon spp. are members of skin and gut human microbiota. Since 1980's, invasive trichosporonosis has been considered a significant cause of fungemia in patients with hematological malignancies. As prolonged antibiotic therapy is an important risk factor for IFIs, the present study investigated if vancomycin enhances growth and virulence of Trichosporon. Vancomycin was tested against T. inkin (n = 6) and T. asahii (n = 6) clinical strains. Planktonic cells were evaluated for their metabolic activity and virulence against Caenorhabditis elegans. Biofilms were evaluated for metabolic activity, biomass production, amphotericin B tolerance, induction of persister cells, and ultrastructure. Vancomycin stimulated planktonic growth of Trichosporon spp., increased tolerance to AMB, and potentiates virulence against C. elegans. Vancomycin stimulated growth (metabolic activity and biomass) of Trichosporon spp. biofilms during all stages of development. The antibiotic increased the number of persister cells inside Trichosporon biofilms. These cells showed higher tolerance to AMB than persister cells from VAN-free biofilms. Microscopic analysis showed that VAN increased production of extracellular matrix and cells in T. inkin and T. asahii biofilms. These results suggest that antibiotic exposure may have a direct impact on the pathophysiology of opportunistic trichosporonosis in patients at risk. LAY ABSTRACT: This study showed that the vancomycin stimulated Trichosporon growth, induced morphological and physiological changes on their biofilms, and also enhanced their in vivo virulence. Although speculative, the stimulatory effect of vancomycin on fungal cells should be considered in a clinical scenario.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Trichosporon/efeitos dos fármacos , Vancomicina/farmacologia , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Biofilmes/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Plâncton/efeitos dos fármacos , Plâncton/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Plâncton/patogenicidade , Trichosporon/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Trichosporon/patogenicidade , Trichosporon/fisiologia , Virulência/efeitos dos fármacos
19.
Int J Mol Sci ; 22(18)2021 Sep 15.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34576130

RESUMO

Several studies have sought new therapies for obesity and liver diseases. This study investigated the effect of the trypsin inhibitor isolated from tamarind seeds (TTI), nanoencapsulated in chitosan and whey protein isolate (ECW), on the liver health status of the Wistar rats fed with a high glycemic index (HGLI) diet. The nanoformulations without TTI (CW) and ECW were obtained by nanoprecipitation technique, physically and chemically characterized, and then administered to the animals. The adult male Wistar rats (n = 20) were allocated to four groups: HGLI diet + water; standard diet + water; HGLI diet + ECW (12.5 mg/kg); and HGLI diet + CW (10.0 mg/kg), 1 mL per gagave, for ten days. They were evaluated using biochemical and hematological parameters, Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores, and liver morphology. Both nanoparticles presented spherical shape, smooth surface, and nanometric size [120.7 nm (ECW) and 136.4 nm (CW)]. In animals, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose (17%), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (39%), and alkaline phosphatase (24%). Besides, ECW reduced (p < 0.05) APRI and FIB-4 scores and presented a better aspect of hepatic morphology. ECW promoted benefits over a liver injury caused by the HGLI diet.


Assuntos
Quitosana/química , Dieta , Índice Glicêmico , Fígado/lesões , Nanopartículas/química , Tamarindus/química , Inibidores da Tripsina/farmacologia , Proteínas do Soro do Leite/química , Animais , Glicemia/metabolismo , Jejum/sangue , Homeostase , Insulina/sangue , Resistência à Insulina , Rim/fisiopatologia , Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos , Fígado/patologia , Fígado/fisiopatologia , Masculino , Nanopartículas/ultraestrutura , Ratos Wistar , Valores de Referência
20.
Molecules ; 25(9)2020 Apr 27.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32349340

RESUMO

Cerrado biome represents an area with great biodiversity. Some of its plants have significant ethnopharmacological uses, with specific purposes. Croton urucurana Baill., for instance, was previously acknowledged for its anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, healing, and potentially antifungal and entomopathogenic actions. Nevertheless, the compounds supporting these empirical applications are still unknown. Accordingly, this work was designed to achieve a complete characterization of the phenolic profile of different botanical tissues obtained from C. urucurana, and also to verify how different operational conditions (different drying temperatures and extraction conditions) affect that profile. All samples were further characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, and results were compared by advanced chemometric tools. In general, the drying temperatures that maximize the extraction yield of specific individual phenolic compounds were established. Likewise, it was possible to verify that samples extracted with the hydroethanolic solution allowed higher phenolic yields, either in individual compounds (except (epi)catechin-di-O-gallate) or total phenolics. The identification of the best operational conditions and phenolic profiles associated with each C. urucurana botanical part contributes to enabling their use in food or pharmaceutical-related applications.


Assuntos
Croton/química , Fenóis/análise , Extratos Vegetais/química , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Análise Discriminante , Fenóis/química , Casca de Planta/química , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Folhas de Planta/química , Caules de Planta/química , Solventes/química , Temperatura
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