IL-1ß promotes adipogenesis by directly targeting adipocyte precursors.

Postprandial IL-1ß surges are predominant in the white adipose tissue (WAT), but its consequences are unknown. Here, we investigate the role of IL-1ß in WAT energy storage and show that adipocyte-specific deletion of IL-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) has no metabolic consequences, whereas ubiquitous lack of IL1R1 reduces body weight, WAT mass, and adipocyte formation in mice. Among all major WAT-resident cell types, progenitors express the highest IL1R1 levels. In vitro, IL-1ß potently promotes adipogenesis in murine and human adipose-derived stem cells. This effect is exclusive to early-differentiation-stage cells, in which the adipogenic transcription factors C/EBPδ and C/EBPß are rapidly upregulated by IL-1ß and enriched near important adipogenic genes. The pro-adipogenic, but not pro-inflammatory effect of IL-1ß is potentiated by acute treatment and blocked by chronic exposure. Thus, we propose that transient postprandial IL-1ß surges regulate WAT remodeling by promoting adipogenesis, whereas chronically elevated IL-1ß levels in obesity blunts this physiological function.

Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Current, Ongoing, and Future Approaches.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an impactful infectious disease, leading to millions of deaths every year. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the formation of granulomas, which will determine, through the host-pathogen relationship, if the infection will remain latent or evolve into active disease. Early TB diagnosis is life-saving, especially among immunocompromised individuals, and leads to proper treatment, preventing transmission. This review addresses different approaches to diagnosing TB, from traditional methods such as sputum smear microscopy to more advanced molecular techniques. Integrating these techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), has significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity of M. tuberculosis identification. Additionally, exploring novel biomarkers and applying artificial intelligence in radiological imaging contribute to more accurate and rapid diagnosis. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges of existing diagnostic methods, including limitations in resource-limited settings and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. While the primary focus of this review is on TB diagnosis, we also briefly explore the challenges and strategies for diagnosing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In conclusion, this review provides an overview of the current landscape of TB diagnostics, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and innovation. As the field evolves, it is crucial to ensure that these advancements are accessible and applicable in diverse healthcare settings to effectively combat tuberculosis worldwide.

Geraniol Potentiates the Effect of Fluconazole against Planktonic and Sessile Cells of Azole-Resistant Candida tropicalis: In Vitro and In Vivo Analyses.

Candida tropicalis is regarded as an opportunistic pathogen, causing diseases ranging from superficial infections to life-threatening disseminated infections. The ability of this yeast to form biofilms and develop resistance to antifungals represents a significant therapeutic challenge. Herein, the effect of geraniol (GER), alone and combined with fluconazole (FLZ), was evaluated in the planktonic and sessile cells of azole-resistant C. tropicalis. GER showed a time-dependent fungicidal effect on the planktonic cells, impairing the cell membrane integrity. Additionally, GER inhibited the rhodamine 6G efflux, and the molecular docking analyzes supported the binding affinity of GER to the C. tropicalis Cdr1 protein. GER exhibited a synergism with FLZ against the planktonic and sessile cells, inhibiting the adhesion of the yeast cells and the viability of the 48-h biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces. C. tropicalis biofilms treated with GER, alone or combined with FLZ, displayed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, including a decrease in the stacking layers and the presence of wilted cells. Moreover, neither GER alone nor combined with FLZ caused toxicity, and both treatments prolonged the survival of the Galleria mellonella larvae infected with azole-resistant C. tropicalis. These findings indicate that the combination of GER and FLZ may be a promising strategy to control azole-resistant C. tropicalis infections.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on seroprevalence of leptospirosis in non-human primates worldwide.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease whose transmission is linked to multiple factors involving the interface between animals, humans, and the environment. This disease is of great importance for public health, as it profoundly affects the health aspects of the population and animals. Considering the importance of non-human primates in this epidemiological chain, the objective of this research was to conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, providing information on leptospirosis in non-human primates (NHPs) and an update on the infection situation in Brazil and other countries. Thus, a search was performed in five databases, initially finding 3332 studies, of which 32 met the eligibility criteria and were used for the systematic review. According to them, the most prevalent serogroup in non-human primates was Icterohaemorrhagiae, which is adapted to rodents as primary hosts. A wide distribution of the infection was found in the regions of both wild and captive animals. Through meta-analysis, the seroprevalence rate of leptospirosis in non-human primates was 27.21% (CI 17.97-38.95%). Cochran's Q test (p < 0.01) identified heterogeneity between studies, classified as high by the Higgins and Thompson test (I2 = 92.4%). Therefore, seroepidemiological and Leptospira isolation studies in non-human primates are important to investigate and monitor the suspected impact of these species as maintainers or transmitters of the pathogen to humans and other wild and domestic animals, in addition to demonstrating the need for standardization related to control and prevention measures.

Development of PHBV electrospun fibers containing a borate bioactive glass doped with Co, Cu, and Zn for wound dressings.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibers embedded with borate glasses of 45B5 composition doped with Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2 +(46.1 B2O326.9-X CaO24.4 Na2O2.6 P2O5, X CoO/CuO/ZnO mol % (X = 0-5)) were produced by electrospinning for wound healing applications. Prior to their addition, the glasses exhibited two broad halos typical of a vitreous borate network, which were mainly composed of ring-type metaborate structural units. The particle distribution in the PHBV nanofibers embedded with 45B5 borate bioactive glasses is present in isolated and agglomerated states, being partially coated by a polymeric layer-except for the cobalt-doped glass, which resulted in a successful encapsulation with 100% embedding efficiency. The incorporation of the glasses reduced the PHBV crystallinity degree and its decomposition temperature, as well as its mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The neat PHBV fibers and those containing the cobalt-doped glasses demonstrated great cytocompatibility with human keratinocytes (HaCat), as suggested by the high cell viability after 7 days of exposure. Further studies are needed to fully understand the wound healing potential of these fibers, but our results significantly contribute to the area.

Potential involvement of beta-lactamase homologous proteins in resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in gram-negative bacteria of the ESKAPEE group.

BACKGROUND: Enzymatic degradation mediated by beta-lactamases constitutes one of the primary mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in gram-negative bacteria. This enzyme family comprises four molecular classes, categorized into serine beta-lactamases (Classes A, C, and D) and zinc-dependent metallo-beta-lactamases (Class B). Gram-negative bacteria producing beta-lactamase are of significant concern, particularly due to their prevalence in nosocomial infections. A comprehensive understanding of the evolution and dissemination of this enzyme family is essential for effective control of these pathogens. In this study, we conducted the prospecting, phylogenetic analysis, and in silico analysis of beta-lactamases and homologous proteins identified in 1827 bacterial genomes with phenotypic data on beta-lactam resistance. These genomes were distributed among Klebsiella pneumoniae (45%), Acinetobacter baumannii (31%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%), Escherichia coli (6%), and Enterobacter spp. (4%). Using an HMM profile and searching for conserved domains, we mined 2514, 8733, 5424, and 2957 proteins for molecular classes A, B, C, and D, respectively. This set of proteins encompasses canonical subfamilies of beta-lactamases as well as hypothetical proteins and other functional groups. Canonical beta-lactamases were found to be phylogenetically distant from hypothetical proteins, which, in turn, are closer to other representatives of the penicillin-binding-protein (PBP-like) and metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) families. The catalytic amino acid residues characteristic of beta-lactamases were identified from the sequence alignment and revealed that motifs are less conserved in homologous groups than in beta-lactamases. After comparing the frequency of protein groups in genomes of resistant strains with those of sensitive ones applying Fisher's exact test and relative risk, it was observed that some groups of homologous proteins to classes B and C are more common in the genomes of resistant strains, particularly to carbapenems. We identified the beta-lactamase-like domain widely distributed in gram-negative species of the ESKAPEE group, which highlights its importance in the context of beta-lactam resistance. Some hypothetical homologous proteins have been shown to potentially possess promiscuous activity against beta-lactam antibiotics, however, they do not appear to expressly determine the resistance phenotype. The selective pressure due to the widespread use of antibiotics may favor the optimization of these functions for specialized resistance enzymes.

Solid-state fermentation using wheat bran to produce glucose syrup and functional cereal bars.

Wheat bran is one of the most abundant by-products from grain milling, which can be used as substrate for solid-state fermentation (SSF) to obtain enzymes able to convert this agro-industrial waste into glucose syrup, which in turn can be applied for the production of different food products. The present study aimed to determine centesimal composition of wheat bran, obtain enzymatic extract that converts wheat bran into wheat glucose syrup (WGS), produce rice flakes cereal bars (RFCB), and evaluate their nutritional composition and the presence of functional compounds, as well as their antioxidant potential. Determination of centesimal composition of wheat bran demonstrated its nutritional potential. Enzymatic extract was obtained and it converted wheat bran into WGS, which were applied to rice flakes producing RFCB. These cereal bars proved to be a source of dietary fiber (1.8 g) and soluble protein (7.2 g) while RCFB produced with corn glucose syrup did not present these nutritional components. In addition, RFCB produced with WGS showed polyphenolic compounds, among them flavonoids, which exhibited antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging (47.46% and 711.89 µM Trolox Equivalent/g, respectively), and iron ion reduction (71.70 µM Trolox equivalent/g). Final product showed a decrease in caloric value and sodium content. Therefore, the present study showed that the bioprocess of SSF yields a nutritional, ecological, and functional food product, which might be of great interest for food industry, adding nutritional and functional value to a well-stablished product.

Biodegradable electrospun poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone)/polyethylene glycol/bioactive glass composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

The field of tissue engineering has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by the pursuit of innovative solutions to address the challenges of bone regeneration. In this study, we developed an electrospun composite scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The composite scaffold is made of a blend of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), with the incorporation of calcined and lyophilized silicate-chlorinated bioactive glass (BG) particles. Our investigation involved a comprehensive characterization of the scaffold's physical, chemical, and mechanical properties, alongside an evaluation of its biological efficacy employing alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The incorporation of PEG and BG resulted in elevated swelling ratios, consequently enhancing hydrophilicity. Thermal gravimetric analysis confirmed the efficient incorporation of BG, with the scaffolds demonstrating thermal stability up to 250°C. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced tensile strength and Young's modulus in the presence of BG; however, the elongation at break decreased. Cell viability assays demonstrated improved cytocompatibility, especially in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Alizarin red staining indicated enhanced osteoinductive potential, and fluorescence analysis confirmed increased cell adhesion in the PLCL/PEG+BG group. Our findings suggest that the PLCL/PEG/BG composite scaffold holds promise as an advanced biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

Can the Remaining Coronal Tooth Structure Influence the Mechanical Behavior of Nonpost Full Crowns?

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the impact of the remaining coronal tooth structure on the mechanical behavior of nonpost (NP) full crowns on endodontically treated maxillary central incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty bovine incisors with NP and 2-mm of ferrule were divided into four groups based on the remaining structure: complete 2-mm ferrule (NP-2), absence of mesial and distal ferrule effect (NP-BL), absence of buccal and lingual ferrule effect (NP-MD), and no ferrule (NP-0). The specimens underwent a stepwise stress fatigue test until fracture occurred, and stress distribution was analyzed using in silico finite element analysis (FEA). Additionally, groups with endodontic posts (P) were simulated in the FEA. RESULTS: The results showed that the survival rates varied among the different groups under oblique loading. The NP-2 group exhibited the highest survival rate, with all samples enduring loads up to 200 N and some surviving up to 520 N. The NP-MD and NP-BL groups had lower survival rates, while the NP-0 group had the poorest survival rate. The predominant failure mode was a nonrepairable root fracture. FEA results indicated no significant difference between groups with and without posts. NP intraradicular restorations on nonweakened roots with a minimum height of 2mm and partial or total ferrule thickness of 1mm offer a promising treatment option. CONCLUSION: A complete 2-mm ferrule was found to be the most favorable configuration for NP full crowns. However, maintaining the remaining tissue is crucial, as both combinations with preserved ferrule effect exhibited superior behavior in terms of fatigue and fracture load compared to the group with no ferrule. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanical considerations for NP full crowns and provide insights into treatment planning and design choices in restorative dentistry.

Breastfeeding assessment and management instruments: a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Different aspects are involved in the breastfeeding process that may vary according to the target population, postpartum phase and evaluation scenario. The identification of such instruments, their constructs and applicability in health services will contribute to the understanding of the most relevant aspects and dissemination of tools that can be implemented in the necessary spaces to promote breast feeding. This article describes a review protocol to map the assessment and management instruments applied to breast feeding in the puerperal period existing in the literature. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol of a scoping review that follows the methodological recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). In March 2024, a search will be carried out in the databases Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online-Medline (PubMed), Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature-Lilacs (BVS), Cochrane Library and Embase (CAPES). Peer-reviewed studies that address instruments for evaluating the breastfeeding process during the puerperium will be included, regardless of year of publication or language. The selection of studies and data extraction will be done by peers and disagreements will be resolved by a third researcher. The selection will be made through the Rayann platform (https://www.rayyan.ai/). Data extraction and synthesis will be performed by pairs, using a semistructured instrument, based on the model available in the JBI manual. The studies will be summarised according to the postpartum period in which the instrument was used (immediate, remote or late postpartum) and their constructs, domains and contexts of utilisation will be identified. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not necessary for this scoping review. The results of the review will be shared through publications in peer-reviewed journals, at relevant scientific conferences and seminars and meetings with maternal and child healthcare providers. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Open Science Framework registry (osf.io/f4hz8) on 27 April 2023.

Iron-bearing mining reject as an alternative and effective catalyst for photo-Fenton oxidation of phenol in water.

In this work, iron-bearing mining reject was employed as an alternative and potential low-cost catalyst to degrade phenol in water by photo-Fenton strategy. Various techniques, including SEM-EDS, BET, FTIR, and XRD, were applied to evaluate the material's properties. Process parameters such as hydrogen peroxide concentration, catalyst dosage, and pH were studied to determine the optimum reaction conditions ([catalyst] = 0.75 g L-1, [H2O2] = 7.5 mM, and pH = 3). Phenol degradation and mineralization efficiencies at 180 and 300 min were 96.5 and 78%, respectively. These satisfactory results can be associated with the iron amount present in the waste sample. Furthermore, the material showed high catalytic activity and negligible iron leaching even after the fourth reuse cycle. The degradation behavior of phenol in water was well represented by a kinetic model based on the Fermi function. The iron-bearing mining reject can be considered a potential photo-Fenton catalyst for phenol degradation in wastewater.

Influence of CK2 protein kinase activity on the interaction between Trypanosoma cruzi and its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.

Chagas disease, endemic from Latin America, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine feces. This parasite undergoes complex morphological changes through its life cycle, promoted by significant changes in signal transduction pathways. The activity of protein kinase CK2 has been described in trypanosomatids. Using a specific peptide and radioactive ATP, we identified CK2 activity on the cellular surface and the cytoplasmic content in Trypanosoma cruzi, apart from the secreted form. Dephosphorylated casein promoted an increase of 48% in the secreted CK2 activity. Total extract of peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c and inactivated human serum promoted an increase of 67% and 36%, respectively, in this activity. The protein secreted by parasites was purified by HPLC and had shown compatibility with the catalytic subunit of mammalian CK2. Incubation of the parasites with CK2 inhibitors, added to the culture medium, prevented their growth. The opposite was observed when CK2 activators were used. Results of interaction between Trypanosoma cruzi and the gut of the vector have revealed that, in the presence of CK2 inhibitors, there is a reduction in the association rate. A similar inhibition profile was seen in the Trypanosoma cruzi-macrophages interaction, confirming the importance of this enzyme in the life cycle of this protozoan.

Chlorinated-based bioceramics incorporated in polycaprolactone membranes.

The development of bioactive membranes with bone repair properties is great interest in the field of tissue engineering. In this study, we aimed to fabricate and characterize a composite membrane composed of sol-gel synthesized bioceramics and electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers for bone tissue regeneration applications. The bioceramics were prepared using the sol-gel method with nitrate (N) and chloride (CL) as precursors. PCL and bioceramic solutions were electrospun to obtain ultrafine fiber mats. Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the materials. The results showed that both chlorinated and non-chlorinated bioceramics contained NBOs (non-bridge bonds) and crystallized the α-wollastonite phase, with the chlorinated version doing so at lower temperatures. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, and mineralized matrix formation on the membranes. The composite membranes showed improved cell viability and promoted mineralization nodules formation. This study presents a promising approach for the development of bioactive membranes for bone tissue engineering, with potential applications in bone regeneration therapies.

Moldagem em prótese parcial fixa: método convencional versus digital / Fixed partial prosthesis impression: conventional versus digital method

ABSTRACT The systematic review of the literature aimed to compare the conventional and digital impression methods for making fixed partial dentures using the current literature and to verify the applicability of the methods in the clinical routine. A search was carried out in the PubMed database using the keywords: Denture, Partial, Fixed and Dental Impression Technique from 2017 to 2022, of studies published in full, in English and free of charge. 520 articles were obtained from PubMed, 501 of which were from 2017 to 2022. After reading the titles and abstracts, 12 articles were excluded. In the end, 6 articles were selected, and 6 articles were later added by cross-reference, totaling 12 articles. Both impressions are good methods to perform impressions in fixed partial dentures, each method having its applications, advantages and disadvantages, and it is up to the dental surgeon to select the impression method to be used, considering the time spent for the impression, the learning curve, the personal, practical and social background, in addition to the cost used to acquire materials, clinical hours and laboratory work in the short and long term.

RESUMO A revisão sistemática da literatura teve como objetivo comparar os métodos de moldagem convencional e digital para confecção de próteses parciais fixas com a literatura atual e verificar a aplicabilidade dos métodos na rotina clínica. Foi realizada uma busca na base de dados PubMed utilizando as palavras-chave: Denture, Partial, Fixed e Dental Impression Technique de 2017 a 2022, de estudos publicados na íntegra, em inglês e gratuitamente. Foram obtidos 520 artigos do PubMed, sendo 501 de 2017 a 2022. Após a leitura dos títulos e resumos, 12 artigos foram excluídos. Ao final, foram selecionados 6 artigos, sendo posteriormente adicionados 6 artigos por referência cruzada, totalizando 12 artigos. Ambas as moldagens são bons métodos para realizar moldagens em próteses parciais fixas, cada método tendo suas aplicações, vantagens e desvantagens, cabendo ao cirurgião-dentista selecionar o método de moldagem a ser utilizado, considerando o tempo gasto para a moldagem, a curva de aprendizado, o background pessoal, prático e social, além do custo de aquisição de materiais, horas clínicas e trabalhos laboratoriais a curto e longo prazo.

Applying bottom ash as an alternative Fenton catalyst for effective removal of phenol from aqueous environment.

In this study, coal bottom ash from a thermoelectric plant was tested as an alternative Fenton catalyst for phenol degradation in water. The effect of operating parameters such as initial pH, catalyst dosage and H2O2 concentration were evaluated. The characterization results indicated that the material has a mesoporous structure, with active species (Fe) well distributed on its surface. Under the optimal reaction conditions (6 mM H2O2, 1 g L-1 of catalyst and pH = 3), 98.7% phenol degradation efficiency was achieved in 60 min, as well as 71.6% TOC removal after 150 min. Hydroxyl radical was identified as the main oxidizing agent involved on the cleavage of the phenol molecule. After four consecutive reuse cycles, phenol degradation efficiency was around 80%, indicating good reusability and stability of the catalyst. Therefore, the obtained results demonstrated that the bottom ash presents remarkable activity for application in the Fenton reaction towards phenol degradation.

Comparative morphofunctional analysis of axial skeleton excluding the skull of primates based on the anatomical, radiographic, and tomographic description of the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823).

Comparative anatomy the basis for studies of evolution, and radiographic and tomographic aspects, as auxiliary methods in the investigation of anatomical particularities, reinforce evolutionary research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the vertebrae, sternum, and ribs of the capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) by means of anatomical dissection and radiographic and tomographic images. To this purpose, four cadavers were used in the anatomical analysis and five living animals for the imaging exams. The bones were described and compared with data from other primates species found in literature. Student's t-test for independent samples was performed. The vertebral column of the comprises seven cervical, 13 or 14 thoracic, five or six lumbar, two or three sacral, and 23 or 24 caudal vertebrae. The atlas is characterized by three foramina on the wing. The seventh cervical vertebra had a transverse foramen in one specimen. The anticlinal vertebra is always the penultimate thoracic one, the ninth pair of ribs is always the last sternal pair, and the last two are buoyant. The sternal was composed of five or six sternebrae. The lumbar vertebrae showed a bifurcated spinous process. Three different sacral morphologies were observed. The structures identified macroscopically could be well determined through radiographic and tomographic images. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics more similar to those of man and of platirrinos monkeys. The knowledge obtained by macroscopic anatomy and tomographic and radiological exams contributes significantly to comparative evolutionary studies.

Voice Disorders and Mental health of Basic Education Teachers in a Brazilian Municipality.

OBJECTIVE: To identify associations with voice disorders in elementary school teachers of a Brazilian municipality STUDY DESIGN: This was a quantitative cross-sectional and analytical study with probability sampling carried out in the 2016 school year METHOD: Self-report of vocal complaints was used for the dependent variable vocal disorder. The independent variables were sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, working conditions that generate discomfort, habits and behaviors, mental health and self-perception of health. For the evaluation of the Burnout Syndrome (BS), the questionnaire Cuestionário para la Evaluación del Syndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo (CESQT) was used and, for depression, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale instrument. Multiple fit models were used applying the Binary Logistic Regression RESULTS: A total of 634 teachers participated in this study. There was a predominance of women (85.3%) with mean age 40.6 years (SD ±9.5); 62.1% were married, 70.2% had children and a mean teaching time of 12.9 years (SD ±8.4); 19.3% had voice disorders; 14.5% experienced BS and 24.0% depression. Voice disorders were associated with women (OR=2.30) working longer weekly hours (OR=1.75), with psycho-emotional problems, with burnout (OR=1.95) and depressive symptoms (OR=1.70), and were also associated with women who reported negative self-perception of health (OR= 1.97) CONCLUSION: Voice disorders appear to be strongly associated with mental health problems, mainly in women, in those with a longer working week and those who reported a negative perception of health. Public policies are required to prevent psycho-emotional problems and for vocal health promotion of the teaching category.

Polycaprolactone/chlorinated bioglass scaffolds doped with Mg and Li ions: Morphological, physicochemical, and biological analysis.

The objective was to synthesize and characterize fine polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers associated with a new 58S bioglass obtained by the precipitated sol-gel route, produced by the electrospinning process in order to incorporate therapeutic ions (Mg and Li). In PCL/acetone solutions were added 7% pure bioglass, bioglass doped with Mg(NO3 )2 and Li2 CO3 and were subjected to electrospinning process. The fibers obtained were characterized morphologically, chemically and biologically. The results showed the presence of fine fibers at the nanometric scale and with diameters ranging from 0.67 to 1.92 µm among groups. Groups containing bioglass showed particles both inside and on the surface of the fibers. The components of the polymer, bioglass and therapeutic ions were present in the fibers produced. The produced fibers showed cell viability and induced the formation of mineralization nodules. It was observed the applicability of that methodology in making an improved biomaterial, which adds the osteoinductive properties of the bioglass to PCL and to those of therapeutic ions, applicable to guided bone regeneration.

Electrospun polylactic acid scaffolds with strontium- and cobalt-doped bioglass for potential use in bone tissue engineering applications.

The development of nanoscale biomaterials associated with polymers has been growing over the years, due to their important structural characteristics for applications in biological systems. The present study aimed to produce and test polymeric scaffolds composed of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers associated with a 58S bioglass doped with therapeutic ions for use in tissue engineering. Three 58S Bioglass was obtained by the sol-gel route, pure and doped with 5% strontium and cobalt ions. Solutions of 7% PLA was used as control and added the three different bioglass, 4% of 58S bioglass (PLA-BG), 4% bioglass-doped strontium (PLA-BGSr) and 4% bioglass-doped cobalt (PLA-BGCo). Scaffolds were produced through electrospinning process, and was characterized chemical and morphologically. The in vitro tests were performed using mesenchymal cells cultures from femurs of nine rats, grown in osteogenic supplemented total culture medium. After osteoblastic differentiation induction cell viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content quantification, and visualization of mineralization nodule tests were performed. Analysis of normal distribution used the Shapiro-Wilk test (nanofibers diameter and biological assay). Data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test (p = 0.05). The bioglasses produced proved to be free of nitrate, chlorinated and nano-sized, with effective incorporation of therapeutic ions in their structure. All materials showed cell viability (>70%), total protein production, and alkaline phosphatase activity. It was possible to develop polylactic acid scaffolds associated with 58S bioglass doped with therapeutic ions without cytotoxicity. Scaffolds characteristics appear to sustain its application in bone tissue engineering.

Long-term non-progressor (ltnp) hiv infection. a case report of an 81-year-old woman / Infecção por hiv de longo prazo não progressor (ltnp). relato de caso de uma mulher de 81 anos / Infección por vih no progresiva a largo plazo (ltnp). reporte de caso de una mujer de 81 años

An 81-year-old woman, long-term non-progressor HIV infected, asymptomatic, not using ART, with a seven-year clinical follow-up in a reference unit, TCD4+ cell count values ranged from 719 to 1151 cells/µl, TCD8+ from 579 to 897 cells/µl and a viral load with higher value of 51 viral copies/ml but with undetectable results in most of the tests performed. The report of the long-term non-progressor HIV carrier aged over 80 years is somewhat unusual, considering the physiological/immunological changes that occur with the aging process concomitantly with HIV infection.

Mulher de 81 anos, infectada pelo HIV há muito tempo, não progressor, assintomática, sem uso de TARV, com acompanhamento clínico de sete anos em unidade de referência, os valores de contagem de células TCD4+ variaram de 719 a 1151 células/ µl, TCD8+ de 579 a 897 células/µl e uma carga viral com maior valor de 51 cópias virais/ml, mas com resultados indetectáveis na maioria dos testes realizados. O relato do portador de HIV de longa data não progressor com idade superior a 80 anos é um tanto incomum, considerando as alterações fisiológicas/imunológicas que ocorrem com o processo de envelhecimento concomitante à infecção pelo HIV.

Mujer de 81 años, infectada por VIH no progresor de larga evolución, asintomática, no usuaria de TAR, con seguimiento clínico de siete años en una unidad de referencia, los valores de recuento de células TCD4+ oscilaron entre 719 y 1151 células/ µl, TCD8+ de 579 a 897 células/µl y una carga viral con mayor valor de 51 copias virales/ml pero con resultados indetectables en la mayoría de las pruebas realizadas. El reporte de portadores de VIH no progresores a largo plazo mayores de 80 años es algo inusual, considerando los cambios fisiológicos/inmunitarios que ocurren con el proceso de envejecimiento concomitante con la infección por VIH.