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Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occasionally mammals, including humans. Freshwater snails serve as first intermediate hosts and many fish species and amphibians as second intermediate hosts. To date, amphibian hosts of Clinostomum metacercariae include members of urodele and anuran families in North America, but no data are available on infections of European amphibians, including newts. In this study, we characterize infections of Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae in four smooth (Lissotriton vulgaris) and 18 Italian crested newts (Triturus carnifex) from an artificial pond located in a protected area in Tuscany, Italy. Parasites were surgically removed from the infected newts and identified both morphologically and using sequences of a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase I, and the ribosomal markers, internal transcribed spacers. This is the first record of C. complanatum in European newts and, more generally, in amphibians in Europe.
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Metacercárias/isolamento & purificação , Salamandridae/parasitologia , Trematódeos/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Trematódeos/veterinária , Animais , DNA de Helmintos/química , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/química , DNA Espaçador Ribossômico/genética , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Itália , Metacercárias/anatomia & histologia , Metacercárias/classificação , Metacercárias/genética , Microscopia , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Trematódeos/anatomia & histologia , Trematódeos/classificação , Trematódeos/genética , Infecções por Trematódeos/parasitologiaRESUMO
Melanism, the process of heavier melanin deposition, can interact with climate variation at both micro and macro scales, ultimately influencing color evolution in organisms. While the ecological processes regulating melanin production in relation to climate have been extensively studied, intraspecific variations of melanism are seldom considered. Such scientific gap hampers our understanding of how species adapt to rapidly changing climates. For example, dark coloration may lead to higher heat absorption and be advantageous in cool climates, but also in hot environments as a UV or antimicrobial protection mechanism. To disentangle such opposing predictions, here we examined the effect of climate on shaping melanism variation in 150 barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) and 383 green whip snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus) across Italy. By utilizing melanistic morphs (charcoal and picturata in N. helvetica, charcoal and abundistic in H. viridiflavus) and compiling observations from 2002 to 2021, we predicted that charcoal morphs in H. viridiflavus would optimize heat absorption in cold environments, while offering protection from excessive UV radiation in N. helvetica within warm habitats; whereas picturata and abundistic morphs would thrive in humid environments, which naturally have a denser vegetation and wetter substrates producing darker ambient light, thus providing concealment advantages. While picturata and abundistic morphs did not align with our initial humidity expectations, the charcoal morph in N. helvetica is associated with UV environments, suggesting protection mechanisms against damaging solar radiation. H. viridiflavus is associated with high precipitations, which might offer antimicrobial protection. Overall, our results provide insights into the correlations between melanin-based color morphs and climate variables in snake populations. While suggestive of potential adaptive responses, future research should delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms regulating this relationship.
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Small ruminant farming is of socio-economic and environmental importance to many rural communities around the world. The SMARTER H2020 project aims to redefine genetic selection criteria to increase the sustainability of the sector. The objective of this study was to analyse the selection and breeding management practices of small ruminant producers and breeders, linked with socio-technical elements that shape them. The study is based on farm surveys using semi-structured interviews conducted in five countries (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Uruguay) across 272 producers and breeders of 13 sheep and goat breeds, and 15 breed × system combinations. The information was collected in four sections. The first and second sections dealt with general elements of structure and management of the system and the flock/herd. The third section focused on selection and breeding management practices: criteria for culling and replacement of females, selection criteria for males, use of estimated breeding values and global indexes, and preferences for indexing new traits to increase the sustainability of their system. The fourth section aimed to collect socio-technical information. We used a data abstraction method to standardise the representation of these data. A mixed data factor analysis followed by a hierarchical ascending classification allowed the characterisation of three profiles of selection and breeding management: (1) a profile of producers (n = 93) of small flocks/herds, with little knowledge or use of genetic selection and improvement tools (selection index, artificial insemination, performance recording); these farmers do not feel that new traits are needed to improve the sustainability of their system. (2) a profile of producers (n = 34) of multibreed flocks/herds that rely significantly on grazing; they are familiar with genetic tools, they currently use AI; they would like the indexes to include more health and robustness characteristics, to make their animals more resistant and to increase the sustainability of their system. And (3) a profile of producers or breeders (n = 145) of large flocks/herds, with specific culling criteria; these farmers are satisfied with the current indexes to maintain the sustainability of their system. These results are elements that can be used by private breeding companies and associations to support the evolution of selection objectives to increase the resilience of animals and to improve the sustainability of the small ruminant breeding systems.
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Criação de Animais Domésticos , Cruzamento , Fazendeiros , Cabras , Animais , Cruzamento/métodos , Criação de Animais Domésticos/métodos , Ovinos/genética , Ovinos/fisiologia , Feminino , Masculino , Fazendeiros/psicologia , Cabras/genética , Cabras/fisiologia , Espanha , Seleção Genética , Uruguai , Itália , França , Grécia , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: There is a rising debate concerning the possible side effects arising from the use of particles at nanosize since the production of nanomaterials is increasing worldwide. Nanoparticles are able to enter the body through the skin, lungs or intestinal tract, depositing in several organs, and the risk associated with exposure to them, the routes of entry and the molecular mechanisms of any cytotoxicity need to be well understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the suitability of skin replica as a method to study the colloidal systems visualization and distribution on skin surface. METHODS: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were used as carrier systems. Skin replicas on healthy volunteers, before and after SLN application, were prepared and visualized using profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The results obtained in our study show that skin replica represents a suitable method to study the colloidal systems and their interaction with the skin surface. CONCLUSION: Profilometry enabled us to observe the systems distribution on a cutaneous texture. In addition, SEM, thanks to its high magnifications and field depth, allowed us to evaluate particles' distribution on the skin texture and the interaction between particles of different compositions and replica silicone.
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Materiais Biomiméticos/análise , Testes de Dureza/métodos , Microscopia Eletrônica/métodos , Nanopartículas/ultraestrutura , Pele/química , Pele/ultraestrutura , Adolescente , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Propriedades de Superfície , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is widely used in ovarian cancer to monitor the effectiveness of therapy both in first line and recurrence. It is also widely used during follow-up, where it is able to identify a percentage of patients with asymptomatic recurrence. Although a recent Medical Research Council (UK)/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial has demonstrated that early chemotherapy in asymptomatic patients based only on CA125 increase does not prolong survival, we still believe that CA125 monitoring should be prescribed to patients during follow-up. In fact, it can help to identify patients who should undergo radiology in order to select those that can benefit from surgery or from early treatment before the onset of symptoms, which are usually related to an excessive disease burden. The delay of disease symptoms, such as those associated with the appearance of ascites or bowel occlusion, is in our view an important goal of our treatment of recurrence. Moreover, research should be done in patients with asymptomatic CA125 increase in order to identify more effective therapies that will improve survival. Finally, the reliability of CA125 as a surrogate of response under treatment with biological agents should be validated in prospective trials.
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Antígeno Ca-125/sangue , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Ovarianas/tratamento farmacológico , Conduta Expectante/métodos , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Carcinoma Epitelial do Ovário , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/sangue , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/sangue , Neoplasias Epiteliais e Glandulares/patologia , Neoplasias Ovarianas/sangue , Neoplasias Ovarianas/patologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recent data have shown that cardiotoxicity represents a potentially important side-effect in patients treated with sunitinib. We reviewed cardiac adverse events in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who underwent treatment with this agent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 175 patients with metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib at eight Italian institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Alterations in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and blood pressure were evaluated. Patients with preexisting cardiac risk factors were specifically scrutinized for increased expression of cardiac changes. RESULTS: Grade 3 hypertension was seen in 17 patients (9.7%); in 12 of these 17, hypertension developed after receiving the third sunitinib cycle. Among these 17 patients, 12 (70.6%) also experienced left ventricular systolic (LVEF) dysfunction; in all, 33 of the 175 patients (18.9%) developed some degree of cardiac abnormality, of which 12 were classified as grade 3 LVEF dysfunction and/or congestive heart failure (CHF) (6.9%). Significant univariate associations for predictors of CHF were history of hypertension (P = 0.008), history of coronary heart disease (P = 0.0005) and prior treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (P = 0.04). Multivariate analysis suggested that a history of coronary artery disease [odds ratio (OR) 18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4-160, P = 0.005] and hypertension (OR 3, 95% CI 1.5-80, P = 0.04) was the only significant independent predictors of CHF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing sunitinib, especially those with a previous history of hypertension and coronary heart disease, are at increased risk for cardiovascular events and should be monitored for exacerbations of their hypertension and for evidence of LVEF dysfunction during treatment.
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Antineoplásicos/efeitos adversos , Carcinoma de Células Renais/tratamento farmacológico , Coração/efeitos dos fármacos , Indóis/efeitos adversos , Neoplasias Renais/tratamento farmacológico , Pirróis/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma de Células Renais/complicações , Doença das Coronárias/complicações , Feminino , Humanos , Hipertensão/induzido quimicamente , Hipertensão/complicações , Neoplasias Renais/complicações , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Fatores de Risco , Volume Sistólico/efeitos dos fármacos , Sunitinibe , Função Ventricular Esquerda/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In phenylketonuria (PKU), weaning is considered more challenging when compared to feeding healthy infants. The primary aim of weaning is to gradually replace natural protein from breast milk or standard infant formula with solids containing equivalent phenylalanine (Phe). In addition, a Phe-free second stage L-amino acid supplement is usually recommended from around 6â¯months to replace Phe-free infant formula. Our aim was to assess different weaning approaches used by health professionals across Europe. METHODS: A cross sectional questionnaire (survey monkey®) composed of 31 multiple and single choice questions was sent to European colleagues caring for inherited metabolic disorders (IMD). Centres were grouped into geographical regions for analysis. RESULTS: Weaning started at 17-26â¯weeks in 85% (nâ¯=â¯81/95) of centres, >26â¯weeks in 12% (nâ¯=â¯11/95) andâ¯<â¯17â¯weeks in 3% (nâ¯=â¯3/95). Infant's showing an interest in solid foods, and their age, were important determinant factors influencing weaning commencement. 51% (nâ¯=â¯48/95) of centres introduced Phe containing foods at 17-26â¯weeks and 48% (nâ¯=â¯46/95) at >26â¯weeks. First solids were mainly low Phe vegetables (59%, nâ¯=â¯56/95) and fruit (34%, nâ¯=â¯32/95).A Phe exchange system to allocate dietary Phe was used by 52% (nâ¯=â¯49/95) of centres predominantly from Northern and Southern Europe and 48% (nâ¯=â¯46/95) calculated most Phe containing food sources (all centres in Eastern Europe and the majority from Germany and Austria). Some centres used a combination of both methods.A second stage Phe-free L-amino acid supplement containing a higher protein equivalent was introduced by 41% (nâ¯=â¯39/95) of centres at infant age 26-36â¯weeks (mainly from Germany, Austria, Northern and Eastern Europe) and 37% (nâ¯=â¯35/95) at infant ageâ¯>â¯1y mainly from Southern Europe. 53% (nâ¯=â¯50/95) of centres recommended a second stage Phe-free L-amino acid supplement in a spoonable or semi-solid form. CONCLUSIONS: Weaning strategies vary throughout European PKU centres. There is evidence to suggest that different infant weaning strategies may influence longer term adherence to the PKU diet or acceptance of Phe-free L-amino acid supplements; rendering prospective long-term studies important. It is essential to identify an effective weaning strategy that reduces caregiver burden but is associated with acceptable dietary adherence and optimal infant feeding development.
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Electrospinning is an interesting technique to produce polymer membranes made of entangled nanofibres. The technique is raising interest in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas. Either electrospun membranes are studied for tissue regeneration purposes, or incorporation of nanoparticles in electrospun membranes can be an opportunity to control the delivery of drug or to obtain dual drug delivery system. In this work suspensions of hydrochloride chitosan salt in copolymer polylactide-co-polycaprolactone (PLA-PCL) solution were electrospun in order to assess an advanced study for developing polymer nanofibre blend membrane loaded with chitosan polymer. The aim of the work was to investigate the properties and stability of chitosan/PLA-PCL electrospun membranes considering their application for tissue regeneration and drug delivery. The electrospun membranes were characterized for their physico-chemical (FT-IR) morphology (SEM) and in vitro biological properties (cytocompatibility and cells engraftment). Results show that homogeneous electrospun PLA-PCL/chitosan blend nanofibres in the range size 800â¯nm were obtained. Chitosan was loaded inside the nanofibres up to 27.2% (w/w) without modifying nanofibre shape, and only 6% of the loaded chitosan resulted to be on the nanofibre surface. The presence of chitosan in the nanofibres has shown to accelerate the electrospun membranes degradation in vitro.
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An amphiphilic chitosan salt, chitosan oleate (CS-OA), was previously proposed for the physical stabilization of lemongrass antimicrobial nanoemulsions (NE) through a mild spontaneous emulsification process. As both chitosan and oleic acid are described in the literature for their positive effects in wound healing, in the present study CS-OA has been proposed to encapsulate alpha tocopherol (αTph) in NEs aimed to skin wounds. A NE formulation was developed showing about 220â¯nm dimensions, 36% drug loading, and αTph concentration up to 1â¯mg/ml. Both CS-OA and αTph NE stimulated cell proliferation on keratinocytes and fibroblast cell cultures, and in ex vivo skin biopsies, suggesting the suitability of CS-OA and of the antioxidant agent for topical application in wound healing. αTph stability was further improved with respect of encapsulation, by spray drying the NE into a powder (up to about 90% αTph residual after 3â¯months). The spray drying process was optimized, to improve powder yield and αTph recovery, by a design of experiments approach. The powder obtained was easily re-suspended to deliver the NE and resulted able to completely release αTph.
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Quitosana/química , Emulsões/administração & dosagem , Nanopartículas/administração & dosagem , Nanopartículas/química , Ácido Oleico/química , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , alfa-Tocoferol/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/química , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Biópsia , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Química Farmacêutica/métodos , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos/métodos , Emulsões/química , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Humanos , Queratinócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , Queratinócitos/metabolismo , Tamanho da Partícula , Pós/administração & dosagem , Pós/química , alfa-Tocoferol/químicaRESUMO
Polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/Ch) hydrogels containing 1 and 3wt% of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared through a freezing-thaw procedure. Results from microstructural, thermal and mechanical characterization of LNPs based PVA/Ch demonstrated that the lowest amount of LNPs (1wt%) was beneficial, whereas the presence of agglomerates at higher LNP content limited the effect. Moreover, a different swelling behaviour was observed for hydrogels containing LNPs with respect of PVA/Ch, due to the formation of a porous honeycomb-like structure. A synergic effect of Ch and LNPs was revealed in terms of antioxidative response by DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) activity of migrated substances, whereas results from antimicrobial tests confirmed LNPs as effective against Gram negative bacteria (E. coli) when compared to Gram positive (S.aureus and S. epidermidis) strains. The obtained results suggested the possible use of produced PVA/Ch hydrogels incorporating LNPs in many different sectors, such as drug delivery, food packaging, wound dressing.
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Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Quitosana/química , Hidrogéis/química , Lignina/química , Nanopartículas/química , Álcool de Polivinil/química , Bactérias/efeitos dos fármacos , Bactérias/ultraestrutura , Varredura Diferencial de Calorimetria , Módulo de Elasticidade , Liofilização , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Viabilidade Microbiana/efeitos dos fármacos , TermogravimetriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency, management aims to prevent hypoglycaemia and lactic acidosis by avoiding prolonged fasting, particularly during febrile illness. Although the need for an emergency regimen to avoid metabolic decompensation is well established at times of illness, there is uncertainty about the need for other dietary management strategies such as sucrose or fructose restriction. We assessed international differences in the dietary management of FBPase deficiency. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire (13 questions) was emailed to all members of the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism (SSIEM) and a wide database of inherited metabolic disorder dietitians. RESULTS: Thirty-six centres reported the dietary prescriptions of 126 patients with FBPase deficiency. Patients' age at questionnaire completion was: 1-10y, 46% (n = 58), 11-16y, 21% (n = 27), and >16y, 33% (n = 41). Diagnostic age was: <1y, 36% (n = 46); 1-10y, 59% (n = 74); 11-16y, 3% (n = 4); and >16y, 2% (n = 2). Seventy-five per cent of centres advocated dietary restrictions. This included restriction of: high sucrose foods only (n = 7 centres, 19%); fruit and sugary foods (n = 4, 11%); fruit, vegetables and sugary foods (n = 13, 36%). Twenty-five per cent of centres (n = 9), advised no dietary restrictions when patients were well. A higher percentage of patients aged >16y rather than ≤16y were prescribed dietary restrictions: patients aged 1-10y, 67% (n = 39/58), 11-16y, 63% (n = 17/27) and >16y, 85% (n = 35/41). Patients classified as having a normal fasting tolerance increased with age from 30% in 1-10y, to 36% in 11-16y, and 58% in >16y, but it was unclear if fasting tolerance was biochemically proven. Twenty centres (56%) routinely prescribed uncooked cornstarch (UCCS) to limit overnight fasting in 47 patients regardless of their actual fasting tolerance (37%). All centres advocated an emergency regimen mainly based on glucose polymer for illness management. CONCLUSIONS: Although all patients were prescribed an emergency regimen for illness, use of sucrose and fructose restricted diets with UCCS supplementation varied widely. Restrictions did not relax with age. International guidelines are necessary to help direct future dietary management of FBPase deficiency.
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Deficiência de Frutose-1,6-Difosfatase/dietoterapia , Acidose Láctica/etiologia , Acidose Láctica/prevenção & controle , Estudos Transversais , Carboidratos da Dieta , Suplementos Nutricionais , Jejum , Deficiência de Frutose-1,6-Difosfatase/complicações , Humanos , Hipoglicemia/etiologia , Hipoglicemia/prevenção & controle , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: In infants with phenylketonuria (PKU), dietary management is based on lowering and titrating phenylalanine (Phe) intake from breast milk or standard infant formula in combination with a Phe-free infant formula in order to maintain blood Phe levels within target range. Professionals use different methods to feed infants with PKU and our survey aimed to document practices across Europe. METHODS: We sent a cross sectional, survey monkey® questionnaire to European health professionals working in IMD. It contained 31 open and multiple-choice questions. The results were analysed according to different geographical regions. RESULTS: Ninety-five centres from 21 countries responded. Over 60% of centres commenced diet in infants by age 10 days, with 58% of centres implementing newborn screening by day 3 post birth. At diagnosis, infant hospital admission occurred in 61% of metabolic centres, mainly in Eastern, Western and Southern Europe. Breastfeeding fell sharply following diagnosis with only 30% of women still breast feeding at 6â¯months.53% of centres gave pre-measured Phe-free infant formula before each breast feed and 23% alternated breast feeds with Phe-free infant formula. With standard infant formula feeds, measured amounts were followed by Phe-free infant formula to satiety in 37% of centres (nâ¯=â¯35/95), whereas 44% (nâ¯=â¯42/95) advised mixing both formulas together. Weaning commenced between 17 and 26â¯weeks in 85% centres, ≥26â¯weeks in 12% andâ¯<â¯17â¯weeks in 3%. DISCUSSION: This is the largest European survey completed on PKU infant feeding practices. It is evident that practices varied widely across Europe, and the practicalities of infant feeding in PKU received little focus in the PKU European Guidelines (2017). There are few reports comparing different feeding techniques with blood Phe control, Phe fluctuations and growth. Controlled prospective studies are necessary to assess how different infant feeding practices may influence longer term feeding development.
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In the present paper, we reported how cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from microcrystalline cellulose have the capacity to assist in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles chains. A cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), was used as modifier for CNC surface. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized on CNC, and nanoparticle density and size were optimized by varying concentrations of nitrate and reducing agents, and the reduction time. The experimental conditions were optimized for the synthesis and the resulting Ag grafted CNC (Ag-g-CNC) were characterized by means of TGA, SEM, FTIR and XRD, and then introduced in PLA matrix. PLA nanocomposite containing silver grafted cellulose nanocrystals (PLA/0.5Ag-g-1CNC) was characterized by optical and thermal analyses and the obtained data were compared with results from PLA nanocomposites containing 1% wt. of CNC (PLA/1CNC), 0.5% wt. of silver nanoparticles (PLA/0.5Ag) and hybrid system containing CNC and silver in the same amount (PLA/1CNC/0.5Ag). The results demonstrated that grafting of silver nanoparticles on CNC positively affected the thermal degradation process and cold crystallization processes of PLA matrix. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the different systems was studied at various incubation times and temperatures, showing the best performance for PLA/1CNC/0.5Ag based nanocomposite.
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The understanding of the molecular basis of cannabinoid activity has greatly improved since the discovery of CB1 and CB2 receptors. In this paper, the ligand binding processes between the endogenous cannabimimetic ligand, anandamide (AEA), and the cannabinoid receptors from different parts of rat brain were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The NMR approach is based on the comparison of selective (R1(SE)) and non-selective (R1(NS)) proton spin-lattice relaxation rates of the ligand in the presence and absence of macromolecular receptors, as well as R1(NS) and R1(SE) temperature dependency analysis. From these studies, the ligand-receptor binding strength was evaluated on the basis of the calculation of the "affinity index". The derivation of the "affinity index" from chemical equilibrium kinetics for all systems allowed the comparison of the ability of anandamide to interact with cannabinoid receptors present in different brain sectors.
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Ácidos Araquidônicos/química , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Alcamidas Poli-Insaturadas/química , Receptores de Canabinoides/química , Animais , Ácidos Araquidônicos/farmacologia , Sítios de Ligação , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Endocanabinoides , Ligantes , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética/normas , Masculino , Estrutura Molecular , Alcamidas Poli-Insaturadas/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Receptores de Canabinoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Padrões de Referência , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Relação Estrutura-AtividadeRESUMO
AIM: Widespread use of mannitol to reduce brain edema and lower elevated ICP in brain tumor patients continues to be afflicted by the so-called rebound phenomenon. Leakage of mannitol into the brain parenchyma through an altered BBB and secondary reversal of osmotic gradient is considered the major cause of rebound . This has only been demonstrated experimentally in animals. As a contribution to this issue we decided to research the possible passage of mannitol into the brain after administration to 21 brain tumor patients. METHODS: Mannitol (18% solution; 1 g/kg) was administered as a bolus to patients (ten had malignant glioma, seven brain metastases and four meningioma) about 30 minutes before craniotomy. During resection, a sample of the surrounding edematous white matter was taken at the same time as a 10 ml venous blood sample. Mannitol concentrations were measured in plasma and white matter by a modified version of the enzyme assay of Blonquist et al. RESULTS: In most glioma patients, mannitol concentrations in white matter were 2 to 6 times higher than in plasma (mean 3.5 times). In meningioma and metastases patients plasma concentrations of mannitol were higher than white matter concentrations except in three cases with infiltration by neoplastic cells. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that even after a single bolus, mannitol may leak through the altered BBB near gliomas, reversing the initial plasma-to-blood osmotic gradient, aggravating peritumoral edema and promoting rebound of ICP.
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Edema Encefálico/induzido quimicamente , Neoplasias Encefálicas/complicações , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Glioma/complicações , Hipertensão Intracraniana/induzido quimicamente , Manitol/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Idoso , Sangue/efeitos dos fármacos , Sangue/metabolismo , Barreira Hematoencefálica/efeitos dos fármacos , Barreira Hematoencefálica/fisiologia , Encéfalo/patologia , Encéfalo/fisiopatologia , Edema Encefálico/fisiopatologia , Edema Encefálico/prevenção & controle , Neoplasias Encefálicas/secundário , Neoplasias Encefálicas/cirurgia , Diuréticos Osmóticos/administração & dosagem , Diuréticos Osmóticos/efeitos adversos , Diuréticos Osmóticos/farmacocinética , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Líquido Extracelular/efeitos dos fármacos , Líquido Extracelular/metabolismo , Feminino , Glioma/cirurgia , Humanos , Hipertensão Intracraniana/fisiopatologia , Hipertensão Intracraniana/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Manitol/administração & dosagem , Manitol/farmacocinética , Neoplasias Meníngeas/complicações , Neoplasias Meníngeas/cirurgia , Meningioma/complicações , Meningioma/cirurgia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fibras Nervosas Mielinizadas/efeitos dos fármacos , Fibras Nervosas Mielinizadas/metabolismo , Equilíbrio Hidroeletrolítico/efeitos dos fármacos , Equilíbrio Hidroeletrolítico/fisiologiaRESUMO
Sheep's wool was used as a natural source to prepare keratin microfibril sponges for scaffolding, by disruption of the histological structure of the fibres through mild alkali treatment, followed by ultrasonication, casting and salt-leaching. The wool sponges showed highly interconnected porosity (93%) and contain intrinsic sites of cellular recognition that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). They displayed good thermal and water stability due to the conversion of disulphide cystine bonds into shorter monosulphide lanthionine intermolecular bonds, but significantly swelled in water, because of the high hydrophilicity and porosity, with a volume increasing up to 38%. Nevertheless, sponges were stable in water without structural changes, with a neutral pH in aqueous media, and showed excellent resilience to repeated compression stresses. According to in vitro biocompatibility assays, wool fibril sponges showed a good cell adhesion and proliferation as proved by MTT, FDA assays and SEM observations. The unique structure of the cortical cell network made by wool keratin proteins with controlled-size macro-porosity suitable for cell guesting, and nutrient feeding, provides an excellent scaffold for future tissue engineering applications.
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Queratinas/química , Engenharia Tecidual , Alicerces Teciduais/química , Lã/química , Animais , OvinosRESUMO
This paper contains original data supporting the antibacterial activities of Gallium (Ga(3+))-doped pro-osteointegrative titanium alloys, obtained via Anodic Spark Deposition (ASD), as described in "The effect of silver or gallium doped titanium against the multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii" (Cochis et al. 2016) [1]. In this article we included an indirect cytocompatibility evaluation towards Saos2 human osteoblasts and extended the microbial evaluation of the Ga(3+) enriched titanium surfaces against the biofilm former Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. Cell viability was assayed by the Alamar Blue test, while bacterial viability was evaluated by the metabolic colorimetric 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Finally biofilm morphology was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Data regarding Ga(3+) activity were compared to Silver.
RESUMO
La tuberculosis (TB) es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa de gran importancia en la salud pública y representa una de las 10 principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. Una de las complicaciones del tratamiento antituberculoso es la respuesta paradojal, que se define como un empeoramiento clínico o la aparición de nuevas lesiones en un paciente que comienza un tratamiento antifímico. Esta reacción está mediada por una respuesta de hipersensibilidad a los antígenos de Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Suele aparecer entre 2 y 4 meses luego de iniciado el tratamiento antituberculoso, generalmente precedida por una mejoría inicial del cuadro. Se presenta una mujer con sida y tuberculosis ganglionar con respuesta paradojal a la terapéutica antimicobacteriana y se realiza una revisión bibliográfica del tema.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of great importance in public health and represent one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide. One of the complication of the antituberculous treatment is the paradoxical reaction, which is defined as a worsening or the appearance of new lesions in a patient receiving antimicobacterial treatment. This paradoxical response is mediated by a hypersensitivity reaction to mycobacterial antigens. It usually appears between 2 and 4 months after initiation of tuberculosis treatment and is preceded by an initial improvement of the clinical condition. Here, we describe a woman with AIDS and lymph node tuberculosis with a paradoxical reaction to antimycobacterial therapy and the subject is reviewed.
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Tuberculose/terapia , Tuberculose dos Linfonodos/terapia , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Infecções por Mycobacterium/terapiaRESUMO
La coinfección entre el Treponema pallidum y el virus de la inmunodeiciencia humana (VIH) altera el curso clínico clásico de la sífilis aumentando la probabilidad de aparición de formas atípicas del secundarismo sifilítico. Entre estas formas se ha descripto a la sífilis elegante, entidad caracterizada por un exantema maculopapuloso descamativo, de aspecto anular, por lo general, con indemnidad de las regiones palmo plantar y de las mucosas. Se presenta un caso de sífilis secundaria, con lesiones típicas por su aspecto y localización, de sifílides elegantes en una paciente con diagnóstico de sida
Co-infection between Treponema pallidum and HIV alters the classic clinical course of syphilis, increasing the likelihood of atypical forms of syphilitic secondaryism. Among these forms, elegant syphilis has been described, an entity characterized by a desquamating maculopapular rash of annular appearance, with indemnity of the palmoplantar surface and mucous regions. Here, we present a case of secondary syphilis with typical lesions of elegant syphillides, in a patient diagnosed with AIDS
Assuntos
Humanos , Feminino , Adolescente , Sífilis Cutânea/diagnóstico , Treponema pallidum , Infecções por HIV/imunologia , Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida/imunologiaRESUMO
Experimental findings suggest that granulocyte-monocyte-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) synergistically interacts with interleukin-2 (IL-2) in generating an efficient antigen-specific immune response. We evaluated the toxicity, antitumour activity and immunobiological effects of human recombinant (hr)-GM-CSF and hr-IL-2 in 25 cancer patients who subcutaneously (s.c.) received hr-GM-CSF 150 microg/day for 5 days, followed by hrIL-2 s.c. for 10 days and 15 days rest. Two of the most common side-effects were bone pain and fever. Of the 24 patients evaluable for response, 3 achieved partial remission, 13 experienced stable disease, and 8 progressed. Cytokine treatment increased the number of monocytes, dendritic cells (DC), and lymphocytes (memory T cells) in the peripheral blood and enhanced the antigen-specific immunoreactivity of these patients. Our results show that the hr-GM-CSF and hr-IL-2 combination is active and well tolerated. Its biological activity may support tumour associated antigen (TAA)-specific anticancer immunotherapy by increasing antigen presenting cell (APC) activity and T cell immune competence in vivo.