Infant Microbiota Communities and Human Milk Oligosaccharide Supplementation Independently and Synergistically Shape Metabolite Production and Immune Responses in Healthy Mice.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have demonstrated associations between the early-life gut microbiome and incidence of inflammatory and autoimmune disease in childhood. Although microbial colonization is necessary for proper immune education, it is not well understood at a mechanistic level how specific communities of bacteria promote immune maturation or drive immune dysfunction in infancy. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess whether infant microbial communities with different overall structures differentially influence immune and gastrointestinal development in healthy mice. METHODS: Germ-free mice were inoculated with fecal slurries from Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis positive (BIP) or B. longum subspecies infantis negative (BIN) breastfed infants; half of the mice in each group were also supplemented with a pool of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) for 14 d. Cecal microbiome composition and metabolite production, systemic and mucosal immune outcomes, and intestinal morphology were assessed at the end of the study. RESULTS: The results showed that inoculation with a BIP microbiome results in a remarkably distinct microbial community characterized by higher relative abundances of cecal Clostridium senu stricto, Ruminococcus gnavus, Cellulosilyticum sp., and Erysipelatoclostridium sp. The BIP microbiome produced 2-fold higher concentrations of cecal butyrate, promoted branched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and further modulated serotonin, kynurenine, and indole metabolism relative to BIN mice. Further, the BIP microbiome increased the proportions of innate and adaptive immune cells in spleen, while HMO supplementation increased proliferation of mesenteric lymph node cells to phorbol myristate acetate and lipopolysaccharide and increased serum IgA and IgG concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Different microbiome compositions and HMO supplementation can modulate SCFA and tryptophan metabolism and innate and adaptive immunity in young, healthy mice, with potentially important implications for early childhood health.

Island hitchhikers: pathogen agents of Madeira and Azores ticks.

Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit pathogens to their host. As insular ecosystems can enhance tick-host interactions, this study aimed to understand tick diversity, pathogen presence, and their respective associations in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. Unfed or partially engorged ticks (n = 120) were collected from 58 cats and dogs in the Azores (n = 41 specimens) and Madeira (n = 79 specimens) from November 2018 to March 2019. Vector identification was based on morphology and molecular criteria. For pathogen sequencing, 18S gene fragment for Babesia/Hepatozoon and gltA for Rickettsia were performed. Sequence data was explored using BLAST and BLAST and phylogenetic inference tools. In the Azores, Ixodes hexagonus, I. ventalloi, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 6; 14.6%, n = 6; 14.6%, and n = 29; 70.7% respectively) were found and in Madeira I. ricinus and R. sanguineus (n = 78, 98.7%; and n = 1, 1.3%; respectively) were identified. Tick COI markers confirmed species highlighting confirmation of R. sanguineus s.s. and genotype A of I. ventalloi. In the Azores Islands, the detected Rickettsia massiliae was linked to R. sanguineus (dogs and cats) and I. hexagonus (dogs), and in Madeira Island, R. monacensis (dogs) and Hepatozoon silvestris (cats) were found associated with I. ricinus. Further, I. ventalloi presence in the Azores expands west its known range, and Hepatozoon silvestris in Madeira may suggest that I. ricinus could have a role as a potential vector. Finally, as R. massiliae and R. monacensis presence underlines public health risks, surveillance by health authorities is crucial as pathogen-tick interactions may drive disease spread, therefore monitoring remains pivotal for disease prevention.

An Evaluation of the Antibacterial, Antileishmanial, and Cytotoxic Potential of the Secondary Metabolites of Streptomyces sp. ARH (A3).

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, leishmanicidal, and cytotoxic potential of metabolites produced by bacteria isolated from rhizosphere soil samples. The bacterium was identified by genome sequencing as Streptomyces kronopolitis. A preliminary screening was carried out for the antimicrobial activity of S. kronopolitis, demonstrating activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Corynebacterium diphtheriae ATCC 27010, C. diphtheriae ATCC 27012, and Mycobacterium abscessus, with inhibition halos of sizes 25, 36, 29, and 33 mm, respectively. To obtain secondary metabolites, the bacteria were subjected to submerged fermentation, and the metabolites were extracted using the liquid-liquid method with ethyl acetate. There was a similar MIC for M. abscessus and the two strains of C. diphtherium, reaching a concentration of 12.5 µg/mL, while that of S. aureus was 0.048 µg/mL. Assays for leishmanicidal activity and cytotoxicity against HEp-2 cells and red blood cells were performed. The metabolite showed an IC50 of 9.0 ± 0.9 µg/mL and CC50 of 221.2 ± 7.0 µg/mL. This metabolite does not have hemolytic activity and is more selective for parasites than for mammalian cells, with a selectivity index of 24.6. Thus, the studied metabolite may be a strong candidate for the development of less toxic drugs to treat diseases caused by pathogens.

Discovery of a new pyrido[2,3-d]pyridazine-2,8-dione derivative as a potential anti-inflammatory agent through COX-1/COX-2 dual inhibition.

In this paper, we present the design and synthesis of a novel series of pyrido[2,3-d]pyridazine-2,8-dione derivatives via the annulation of the 2-pyridone pattern. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity using an ear edema model. Compound 7c, which showed a greater inhibition of ear edema (82%), was further tested for its in vitro COX-1/COX-2 inhibitory activity. Compound 7c showed similar inhibitory activities against COX-1 and COX-2 isoenzymes. The structural features that ensure the dual inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 were elucidated using molecular docking studies. Overall, the ring closing of 2-pyridone pattern I transformed this highly selective COX-2 inhibitor into a dual COX inhibitor (7c), which could serve as a model for determining selectivity for COX-2.

Controlled Pyrazole-Hydrazone Annulation: Regiodivergent Synthesis of 1H- and 2H-Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazinones.

An efficient and controlled site-selective annulation of 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl 4-hydrazonyl pyrazoles is described. The relative proportion of the products is affected by hydrazone intermediate configuration, reaction temperature, and Lewis acid employed. At a temperature of 110-120 °C, the reaction preferentially afforded 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazin-7(6H)-ones, whereas using Yb(OTf)3 in MeCN reflux, 2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyridazin-7(6H)-ones were favored. Computational investigations were performed to clarify the mechanism and the origin of the regiodivergence.

Genetic Aspects of Glaucoma: An Updated Review.

Glaucoma is a group of diverse diseases characterized by cupping of the optic nerve head due to the loss of retinal ganglion cells. It is the most common cause of irreversible blindness throughout the word; therefore, its timely diagnosis and early detection through an ophthalmological examination are very important. We, herein, present the information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma. We also emphasize the investigations of the last decades that have allowed identifying numerous genes and susceptible genetic factors. We have also described in detail the genes whose mutations cause or contribute to the development of the disease.

Evaluation of a Plant-Based Infant Formula Containing Almonds and Buckwheat on Gut Microbiota Composition, Intestine Morphology, Metabolic and Immune Markers in a Neonatal Piglet Model.

A controlled-neonatal piglet trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of a plant-based infant formula containing buckwheat and almonds as the main source of protein compared to a commercially available dairy-based formula on the gut health parameters. Two day old piglets were fed either a plant-based or a dairy-based formula until day 21. Gut microbiome, cytokines, growth and metabolism related outcomes, and intestinal morphology were evaluated to determine the safety of the plant-based infant formula. This study reported that the plant-based formula-fed piglets had a similar intestinal microbiota composition relative to the dairy-based formula-fed group. However, differential abundance of specific microbiota species was detected within each diet group in the small and large intestinal regions and fecal samples. Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Fusobacterium sp. had higher abundance in the small intestine of plant-based formula-fed piglets compared to the dairy-based group. Bacteroides nordii, Enterococcus sp., Lactobacillus crispatus, Prevotella sp., Ruminococcus lactaris, Bacteroides nordii, Eisenbergiella sp., Lactobacillus crispatus, Prevotella sp., and Akkermansia muciniphila had greater abundance in the large intestine of the plant based diet fed piglets relative to the dairy-based diet group. In the feces, Clostridiales, Bacteroides uniformis, Butyricimonasvirosa, Cloacibacillus porcorum, Clostridium clostridioforme, and Fusobacterium sp. were abundant in dairy-based group relative to the plant-based group. Lachnospiraceae, Clostridium scindens, Lactobacillus coleohominis, and Prevetolla sp. had greater abundance in the feces of the plant-based group in comparison to the dairy-based group. Gut morphology was similar between the plant and the dairy-based formula-fed piglets. Circulatory cytokines, magnesium, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), vitamin D, vitamin K, and IgE levels were similar among all piglets independent of dietary group. Overall, the present study demonstrated that a plant-based formula with buckwheat and almonds as the primary source of protein can support similar gut microbiota growth and health outcomes compared to a dairy-based infant formula.

Yeast Culture Supplementation Effects on Systemic and Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes' mRNA Biomarkers of Inflammation and Liver Function in Peripartal Dairy Cows.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding a commercial yeast culture on blood biomarkers and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) gene expression in dairy cows during the transition period until 50 d postpartum. Forty Holstein dairy cows were used in a randomized complete block design from -30 to 50 d. At -30 d, cows were assigned to a basal diet plus 114 g/d of top-dressed ground corn (control; n = 20) or 100 g/d of ground corn and 14 g/d of a yeast culture product (YC; n = 20). Blood samples were collected at various time points from -30 to 30 DIM to evaluate blood biomarkers and PMNL gene expression related to inflammation, liver function, and immune response. Liver function biomarkers, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and albumin were greater and lower, respectively, in YC cows in comparison to control. However, these biomarkers remained within physiological levels, indicating an active inflammatory process. Genes in PMNL expression related to inflammation (NFKB1, TNFA, TRAF6), anti-inflammation (IL10), and cell membrane receptors (SELL) were upregulated in the YC group in comparison to control. These results suggest that YC could stimulate a more active inflammatory response with signs of a resolution of inflammation in transition cows.

Serum α-Carotene, but Not Other Antioxidants, Is Positively Associated with Muscle Strength in Older Adults: NHANES 2001-2002.

Aging is associated with an increased reactive oxygen species that can decrease muscle strength. Thus, antioxidant substances could be positively associated with muscle strength in older adults. To investigate the association between serum antioxidants and muscle strength in older adults. A cross-sectional study evaluating 1172 individuals (627 men and 545 women), aged 50 to 85 years from NHANES 2001-2002, was performed. Carotenoids (α-carotene, trans-ß-carotene, cis-ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin combination, trans-lycopene), vitamin E, and retinol were analyzed via the high-performance liquid chromatography method. Muscle strength was evaluated by the isokinetic knee extension test. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between tertiles of serum antioxidant levels and strength, adjusted for confounders (energy and protein intake, body mass index, sex, age, C-reactive protein, uric acid, race/ethnicity, marital status, annual household income, educational level, physical activity, smoking, hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes). Alpha-carotene levels (p-trend = 0.027) were positively associated with muscle strength. However, serum vitamin E, trans-ß-carotene, cis-ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, carotenoids, and retinol levels were not associated with strength. Serum α-carotene, but not other antioxidants, was positively associated with muscle strength in older adults.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Impact Cellular and Inflammatory Gene Expression and Immune Response.

Human milk harbors complex carbohydrates, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), the third most abundant component after lactose and lipids. HMOs have been shown to impact intestinal microbiota, modulate the intestinal immune response, and prevent pathogenic bacterial binding by serving as decoy receptors. However, the direct effect of HMOs on intestinal function and immunity remains to be elucidated. To address this knowledge gap, 21-day-old germ-free mice (C57BI/6) were orally gavaged with 15 mg/day of pooled HMOs for 7 or 14 days and euthanized at day 28 or 35. A set of mice was maintained until day 50 to determine the persistent effects of HMOs. Control groups were maintained in the isolators for 28, 35, or 50 days of age. At the respective endpoints, intestinal tissues were subjected to histomorphometric and transcriptomic analyses, while the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) were subjected to flow cytometric analysis. The small intestine (SI) crypt was reduced after HMO treatment relative to control at days 28 and 35, while the SI villus height and large intestine (LI) gland depth were decreased in the HMO-treated mice relative to the control at day 35. We report significant HMO-induced and location-specific gene expression changes in host intestinal tissues. HMO treatment significantly upregulated genes involved in extracellular matrix, protein ubiquitination, nuclear transport, and mononuclear cell differentiation. CD4+ T cells were increased in both MLNs and the spleen, while CD8+ T cells were increased in the spleen at day 50 in the HMO group in comparison to controls. In MLNs, plasma cells were increased in HMO group at days 28 and 35, while in the spleen, only at day 28 relative to controls. Macrophages/monocytes and neutrophils were lower in the spleen of the HMO group at days 28, 35, and 50, while in MLNs, only neutrophils were lower at day 50 in the 14-day HMO group. In addition, diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid antibody-secreting cells were higher in HMO-supplemented group compared to controls. Our data suggest that HMOs have a direct effect on gastrointestinal tract metabolism and the immune system even in the absence of host microbiota.

Regiodivergent Synthesis of 3,4- and 4,5-Disubstituted N-Methylpyrazoles from 4-Acyl-1H-pyrrole-2,3-dione and Methylhydrazine.

A simple, efficient and highly regioselective method for the preparation of 3,4- and 4,5-disubstituted N-methylpyrazoles in a one-pot procedure is reported. The methodology developed was based on the regiochemical control of the reaction of 4-acyl-1H-pyrrole-2,3-diones and methylhydrazine with an influence of the addition or absence of acid and the substrate structure.

Bacterial and Fungal Adaptations in Cecum and Distal Colon of Piglets Fed With Dairy-Based Milk Formula in Comparison With Human Milk.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended to newborns during the first 6 months of life, whereas dairy-based infant formula is an alternative nutrition source offered to infants. Several studies demonstrated that breastfed infants have a different gut bacterial composition relative to formula-fed infants. In addition, animal models have shown that human milk (HM)-fed piglets had a distinct intestinal bacterial composition compared with milk formula (MF)-fed piglets. However, the gut fungal composition and the interactions with the bacterial community in breastfed compared with formula-fed infants remain to be investigated. In an attempt to evaluate such differences, we used an animal model to perform a shotgun metagenomics analysis on the cecal and distal colon contents of neonatal piglets fed with pasteurized HM or a dairy-based infant formula (MF) during the first 21 days of life. At postnatal day 21 (PND 21), a subset of piglets from each diet group (n = 11 per group) was euthanized. The remaining piglets in each group were weaned to a solid diet and euthanized at PND 51 (n = 13 per group). Large intestine contents (i.e., cecum and distal colon) were subjected to shotgun metagenomics analysis. The differential taxonomic composition of bacteria and fungi and the predicted functional gene profiling were evaluated. Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria are the most abundant bacterial phyla observed in piglets at PND 21 and PND 51. In the large intestine at PND 21 and PND 51, Proteobacteria phylum was significantly higher in MF-fed group, and species Burkholderiales bacterium of phyla was significantly higher in MF group relative to HM group. In addition, in HM group, several Lactobacillus spp. and Bacteroides spp. were higher relative to MF group in the large intestine at PND 21 and PND 51. Fungal genus Aspergillus was higher in MF, whereas Malassezia was lower relative to HM group. Persistent effects of the neonatal diets were observed at PND 51, where alpha- and beta-diversity differences were detected for bacterial and fungal species in the large intestine. Overall, our findings indicate that neonatal diet affects the large intestinal microbial community during the exclusive milk-feeding period, as well as after the introduction of the complementary food.

Evaluation of the Safety of a Plant-Based Infant Formula Containing Almonds and Buckwheat in a Neonatal Piglet Model.

A randomized neonatal piglet trial was conducted to evaluate the safety and the effects of a plant-based formula containing almonds and buckwheat as the main ingredients on growth and plasma parameters. From postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21, the piglets were fed a dairy-based milk formula (Similac Advance) or a plant-based formula (Else Nutrition) and all piglets were euthanized at day 21. No diarrhea was observed after PND 8 and all the piglets completed the trial. Body growth, kcal intake, the complete plasma count parameters and hematological parameters were within the reference range in both groups. Organ growth and development was similar between the two groups. Plasma glucose was higher in the dairy-based-fed piglets relative to the plant-based at 2 weeks of age. Liver function biomarkers levels were greater in the plasma of the plant-based compared to the dairy-based fed group. In addition, calcium levels were higher in the plant-based fed piglets at 1 week of age. Thus, the plant-based formula tested in this study was well tolerated by the piglets and supported similar growth compared to dairy-based milk formula. Therefore, the results support the safety of the tested plant-based infant formula during the neonatal period in comparison to the dairy-based formula fed group.

Milk Formula Diet Alters Bacterial and Host Protein Profile in Comparison to Human Milk Diet in Neonatal Piglet Model.

The metaproteome profiling of cecal contents collected from neonatal piglets fed pasteurized human milk (HM) or a dairy-based infant formula (MF) from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 21 were assessed. At PND 21, a subset of piglets from each group (n = 11/group) were euthanized, and cecal contents were collected for further metaproteome analysis. Cecal microbiota composition showed predominantly more Firmicutes phyla and Lachnospiraceae family in the lumen of cecum of HM-fed piglets in comparison to the MF-fed group. Ruminococcus gnavus was the most abundant species from the Firmicutes phyla in the cecal contents of the HM-fed piglets at 21 days of age. A greater number of expressed proteins were identified in the cecal contents of the HM-fed piglets relative to the MF-fed piglets. Greater abundances of proteins potentially expressed by Bacteroides spp. such as glycoside enzymes were noted in the cecal lumen of HM-fed piglets relative to the MF. Additionally, lyases associated with Lachnospiraceae family were abundant in the cecum of the HM group relative to the MF group. Overall, our findings indicate that neonatal diet impacts the gut bacterial taxa and microbial proteins prior to weaning. The metaproteomics data were deposited into PRIDE, PXD025432 and 10.6019/PXD025432.

Synthesis and Antiprotozoal Profile of 3,4,5-Trisubstituted Isoxazoles.

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Fernanda Andreia Rosa at the State University of Maringá (Brazil). The cover picture shows the contribution of the SINTHET research group to the synthesis and discovery of new antiprotozoal compounds. The synthetic methodology allowed the construction of 60 new isoxazole derivatives with structural variations on the 3-, 4-, and 5-positions. The authors acknowledge Ms. Jeniffer do Nascimento Ascencio Camargo and Ms. Julia Caroline Manzano Willig for the Cover picture creation. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202100141.

Relationship of pharyngeal transition time and presence of residue with dyspnea and lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. / Relação do tempo de trânsito faríngeo e presença de resíduo com dispneia e função pulmonar na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica.

PURPOSE: To relate pharyngeal transit time and the presence of residues with dyspnea and lung function in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD. METHODS: Study conducted with 19 adults (11 men, 8 women) with a clinical and spirometric diagnosis of COPD and a mean age of 63.8 years (SD = 9.3). Data collection was performed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire, the modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC) and a digital manovacuometer, to characterize the impact of the disease on the individual, dyspnea and lung function. The data related to pharyngeal transit time and pharyngeal residue were collected through the analysis of videofluoroscopic images performed by three blinded judges. RESULTS: No significant relationship was found between pharyngeal transit time (PTT) with lung function (r = -0.71), pharyngeal residue and dyspnea (r = -0.06). PTT, when compared to normality, was increased. CONCLUSION: Individuals with COPD, regardless of the severity of the disease, showed no association between PTT and pharyngeal residue and dyspnea and lung function.

OBJETIVO: Relacionar o tempo de trânsito faríngeo e a presença de resíduos com a dispneia e a função pulmonar em indivíduos com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica DPOC. MÉTODO: Estudo realizado com 19 adultos (11 homens e 8 mulheres) com diagnóstico clínico e espirométrico de DPOC e idade média de 63,8 (±9,3) anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada utilizando o questionário COPD Assessment Test (CAT, Teste de Avaliação da DPOC) a escala de dispneia do Medical Research Council modificada (mMRC) e um manovacuômetro digital, para caracterizar o impacto da doença no indivíduo, a dispneia e a função pulmonar. Os dados referentes ao tempo de trânsito faríngeo e resíduo faríngeo foram coletados por meio de análise das imagens videofluoroscópicas realizada por três juízes cegados. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas relações significativas entre tempo de trânsito faríngeo (TTF) com função pulmonar (r = -0,71), e entre presença de resíduo faríngeo com a dispneia (r= -0,06). O TTF, quando comparado com a normalidade, apresentou-se aumentado. CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos com DPOC, independente da gravidade da doença, não manifestaram associação entre alterações no TTF e resíduo faríngeo e dispneia e função pulmonar.

Early Life Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Neonatal Dairy Calves Promotes Growth Performance and Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress during Weaning.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early life fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the health and performance of neonatal dairy calves. The donor was selected based on health and production records and fecal material testing negative for infectious pathogens. Sixteen healthy newborn Holstein calves were randomized to either a baseline nutritional program (CON) or 1×/d inoculations with 25 g of fecal donor material (FMT) mixed in the milk replacer (n = 8/TRT) from 8 to 12 days of age. Blood and fecal samples were collected weekly, and calves were weaned at 7 weeks of age. A TRT × Week interaction was observed in haptoglobin, which was reflected in a positive quadratic effect in FMT calves but not in CON. A trend for a TRT × Week interaction was observed in the liver function biomarker paraoxonase, which resulted in greater paraoxonase in FMT calves than CON at three weeks of age. Fecal microbial community analysis revealed a significant increase in the alpha-diversity between week 1 and week 5 for the FMT calves. These results suggest that early life FMT in neonatal calves has positive effects in mediating the inflammatory response and gut microbial maturation.

Synthesis and Antiprotozoal Profile of 3,4,5-Trisubstituted Isoxazoles.

A series of 60 4-aminomethyl 5-aryl-3-substituted isoxazoles were synthesized by an efficient method and evaluated in vitro against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi, protozoa that cause the neglected tropical diseases leishmaniasis and Chagas disease, respectively. Thirteen compounds exhibited a selective index greater than 10. The series of 3-N-acylhydrazone isoxazole derivatives bearing the bithiophene core exhibited the best antiparasitic effects.

Discovery of 1,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted pyrazoles as anti-trypanosomatid agents: Identification of alterations in flagellar structure of L. amazonensis.

Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania species are causative agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis, respectively, known as Neglected Tropical Diseases. Up to now, the treatments are inadequate and based on old drugs. Thus, we report herein the discovery of 1,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted pyrazole derivatives that presented potent and selective inhibition against promastigote forms of L. amazonensis, and epimastigote forms of T. cruzi. The structure-activity relationship led to the identification of three compounds (2m, 2n and 2p) with an in vitro IC50 of 7.4 µM (selective index - SI ≥ 133.0), 3.8 µM (SI in the range of 148.4 to 200.8), and 7.3 µM (SI in the range of 87.2 to 122.4) against L. amazonensis, respectively. Also, those compounds exhibited in vitro IC50 of 9.7 µM (SI ≥ 101.5), 4.5 µM (SI in the range of 125.3 to 169.6) and 17.1 µM (SI in the range of 37.2 to 52.2) against T. cruzi, respectively. A preliminary study about the reaction mechanism in promastigotes showed that 2n caused an increase of the production of ROS and of lipid storage bodies. Furthermore, 2n induced abnormalities in the flagellum that may have an impact on the parasite motility.

Síndrome de Parsonage Turner: um relato de caso / Parsonage-Turner Syndrome: a case report

A Síndrome de Parsonage-Turner (SPT) é uma doença rara que acomete a musculatura da cintura escapular, acarretando hipotrofia muscular e grande limitação funcional. A etiologia ainda é indeterminada; acredita-se que existam fatores autoimunes e infecciosos envolvidos. No presente caso foi aventada possível relação com a vacina da influenza. Os sintomas da SPT incluem dor abrupta de um lado da cintura escapular, sendo característico o despertar noturno. É uma condição de difícil diagnóstico, podendo ser confundida inicialmente com espondilose cervical, capsulite adesiva, radiculopatia cervical e bursite. Na investigação diagnóstica, foram realizados exames laboratoriais e ressonâncias magnéticas e eletroneuromiografia que auxiliou na definição diagnóstica. O tratamento envolve a abordagem da dor neuropática e reabilitação visando a recuperacao da força e da função muscular. O objetivo dessa descrição é revisar o assunto através de um relato de caso típico mas que, no entanto, não foi inicialmente considerado, servindo de alerta para que diante de quadros de dor aguda em membros superiors seja ponderado o diagnóstico de Parsonage Turner. Dessa forma o assunto se torna mais habitual no ofício médico, facilitando o diagnóstico precoce e oferecendo o prognóstico ao paciente, evitando exames e medicações desnecessárias.

Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (SPT) is a rare disease that affects the musculature of the shoulder girdle, resulting in muscle hypotrophy and functional limitation. The etiology is still undertermined: It is believed that exist autoimune disorders and infections involved. In this case a possible relationship with the influenza vacinne was suggest. The symptoms of SPT include acute onset pain in one side of the shoulder girdle and frequently awakens pacients from sleep, fact that occurred in this report. This disease has difficult diagnostic and can be confused initially with cervical spondylosis, adhesive capsulitis, cervical radiculopathy and bursitis. In the diagnostic investigation, laboratory exams, magnetic resonances and electroneuromyography were performed, of the latter deserves mention for assisting in the definitive diagnosis and determining the extent of the lesion. There is still no protocol for specific treatment, but it should be focused on reducing neuropathic pain and recovering muscle strength and function. The purpose of this description is to review the subject through a typical case report, which, however, was not initially considered, serving as a warning so that in the face of acute pain in upper limbs, the diagnosis of Parsonage Turner should be considered. Thus, the subject becomes more usual in the medical craft making the clinical evaluation more careful so that the diagnosis is early and offers a better prognosis to the patient, avoiding unnecessary exams and medications.