RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The fight against antibiotic resistance (AR) is nowadays a world priority. Antibiotic resistance is largely associated with the overuse of antibiotics and a lack of awareness of the problem. Considering the large use of antibiotics in the paediatric age, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and perception of antibiotic resistance in a sample of parents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of parents of children aged 0-14. Data on antibiotic use and awareness of antibiotic resistance were collected by a self-administrated questionnaire. The potential predictors of the antibiotic resistance awareness were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 610 parents of which 91% (n=553) used antibiotics for their children. Summarizing the answers related to antibiotic resistance knowledge and perception, 36% of parents gave a correct answers to at least 9 of 12 questions. Fever seemed to represent a reason of anxiety in parents. Using a 10-point scale, the perceived anxiety by parents was measured based on a situation when the child wakes up in the morning with a fever at 38°C and the doctor suggests to wait at least 48 hours before administering the antibiotic. Almost half of parents (49%) indicated a low degree of anxiety (1-4), 31% medium (5-6), and 20% high (7-10). Multivariate analysis showed that a good level of education, healthcare occupation and low grade of anxiety are associated with antibiotic resistance awareness. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of antibiotic resistance is not strong. The study highlights the need to put effort on tailored education programs aimed to improve knowledge of antibiotic resistance and guide mainly anxious parents to appropriate management of disease of their children.
Assuntos
Antibacterianos , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Resistência Microbiana a Medicamentos , Humanos , Pais , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The recent advances on ascidian pigment sensory organ development and function represent a fascinating platform to get insight on the basic programs of chordate eye formation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge, at the structural and molecular levels, on the two main building blocks of ascidian light sensory organ, i.e. pigment cells and photoreceptor cells. The unique features of these structures (e.g., simplicity and well characterized cell lineage) are indeed making it possible to dissect the developmental programs at single cell resolution and will soon provide a panel of molecular tools to be exploited for a deep developmental and comparative-evolutionary analysis.
Assuntos
Pigmentação , Órgãos dos Sentidos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Urocordados/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Animais , Evolução Biológica , Linhagem da Célula , Cordados/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica no Desenvolvimento , Larva , Melaninas/biossíntese , Melaninas/genética , Células Fotorreceptoras de Invertebrados/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Urocordados/genética , Visão OcularRESUMO
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Within 24 hours after aSAH, monocytes are recruited and enter the subarachnoid space, where they mature into macrophages, increasing the inflammatory response and contributing, along with other factors, to delayed neurological dysfunction and poor outcomes. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are lipid-protein complexes that exert anti-inflammatory effects but under pathological conditions undergo structural alterations that have been associated with loss of functionality. Plasma HDL were isolated from patients with aSAH and analyzed for their anti-inflammatory activity and protein composition. HDL isolated from patients lost the ability to prevent VCAM-1 expression in endothelial cells (HUVEC) and subsequent adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to the endothelium. Proteomic analysis showed that HDL particles from patients had an altered composition compared to those of healthy subjects. We confirmed by western blot that low levels of apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) and high of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) in HDL were associated with the lack of anti-inflammatory function observed in aSAH. Our results indicate that the study of HDL in the pathophysiology of aSAH is needed, and functional HDL supplementation could be considered a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of the inflammatory response after aSAH.
Assuntos
Hemorragia Subaracnóidea , Humanos , Lipoproteínas HDL , Células Endoteliais/patologia , Proteômica , Anti-Inflamatórios , Proteína Amiloide A SéricaRESUMO
Amyloid beta (1-42) peptide is considered responsible for the formation of senile plaques that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the last years considerable attention has been focused on identifying natural food products, such as phytochemicals that prevent or almost retard the appearance of amyloid beta (1-42)-related neurotoxic effects. In this study, human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32) was used as system model to evaluate the protective role of rhaponticin (3,3',5-trihydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene 3-O-d-glucoside) a stilbene glucoside extracted from rhubarb roots (Rhei rhizoma) and rhapontigenin, its aglycone metabolite, against amyloid beta (1-42)-dependent toxicity. The obtained results show that rhapontigenin maintains significant cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and it exerts a protective effect on mitochondrial functionality, as evidenced by mitochondrial oxygen consumption experiments. A similar behaviour, but to a lesser extent, has been shown by rhaponticin. The protective mechanism mediated by the two stilbenes could be related to their effect on bcl-2 gene family expression. Bax, a pro-apoptotic gene, resulted down-regulated by the treatment with rhaponticin and rhapontigenin compared with the results obtained in the presence of amyloid beta (1-42) peptide. Conversely, bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, highly down-regulated by amyloid beta (1-42) treatment, resulted expressed in the presence of stilbenes similarly to that shown by control cells. The obtained results support the hypothesis that amyloid beta (1-42)-induced neurotoxicity occurs via bax over-expression, bcl-2 down-regulation, firstly indicating that rhaponticin and its aglycone moiety may alter this cell death pathway. Based on these studies, we suggest that rhaponticin and its main metabolite could be developed as agents for the management of AD.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/tratamento farmacológico , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/antagonistas & inibidores , Degeneração Neural/tratamento farmacológico , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/antagonistas & inibidores , Placa Amiloide/efeitos dos fármacos , Estilbenos/farmacologia , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Doença de Alzheimer/fisiopatologia , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/toxicidade , Proteínas Reguladoras de Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas Reguladoras de Apoptose/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/fisiologia , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Humanos , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Degeneração Neural/metabolismo , Degeneração Neural/fisiopatologia , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Consumo de Oxigênio/efeitos dos fármacos , Consumo de Oxigênio/fisiologia , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/metabolismo , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/toxicidade , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Placa Amiloide/metabolismo , Rheum/química , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Transdução de Sinais/fisiologia , Estilbenos/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Viticulture, like other fields of agriculture, is currently facing important challenges that will be addressed only through sustained, dedicated and coordinated research. Although the methods used in biology have evolved tremendously in recent years and now involve the routine production of large data sets of varied nature, in many domains of study, including grapevine research, there is a need to improve the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIR-ness) of these data. Considering the heterogeneous nature of the data produced, the transnational nature of the scientific community and the experience gained elsewhere, we have formed an open working group, in the framework of the International Grapevine Genome Program (www.vitaceae.org), to construct a coordinated federation of information systems holding grapevine data distributed around the world, providing an integrated set of interfaces supporting advanced data modeling, rich semantic integration and the next generation of data mining tools. To achieve this goal, it will be critical to develop, implement and adopt appropriate standards for data annotation and formatting. The development of this system, the GrapeIS, linking genotypes to phenotypes, and scientific research to agronomical and oeneological data, should provide new insights into grape biology, and allow the development of new varieties to meet the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress, environmental change, and consumer demand.
RESUMO
A cyclin cDNA clone (Pethy;CycB1;1) was isolated from a Petunia hybrida ovary specific cDNA library. Sequence comparison revealed that Pethy;CYCB1;1 protein is highly homologous to mitotic B1 cyclins. Northern analysis and in situ hybridisation experiments showed that its expression is developmentally regulated and restricted to flower organs. We have attempted to define some of the cell division patterns which contribute to shaping each floral organ by analysing Pethy;CycB1;1 expression on Petunia flower sections. While in sepals, epidermis and parenchyma cell division patterns were comparable, there were two distinct cell division patterns in petals. In the epidermis, Pethy;CYCB1;1 expression was found both at the petal tip and along epidermis, whereas in the parenchyma only at the petal tips. In reproductive organs cell divisions were detected only in sporophytic tissues. No signals were detected inside meiotic cells.
Assuntos
Ciclinas/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Solanaceae/genética , Clonagem Molecular , Ciclinas/biossíntese , DNA Complementar/análise , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Proteínas de Plantas/biossínteseAssuntos
Hipertensão Pulmonar/induzido quimicamente , Indometacina/efeitos adversos , Doenças do Recém-Nascido/induzido quimicamente , Ameaça de Aborto/tratamento farmacológico , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Indometacina/farmacologia , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Troca Materno-Fetal , Trabalho de Parto Prematuro/tratamento farmacológico , Gravidez , Contração Uterina/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The beta amyloid (Abeta), the major protein component of brain senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease, is known to be directly responsible for the production of free radicals toxic to brain tissue and the redox state of Met-35 residue seems to play a particular and critical role in peptide's neurotoxic actions. In this study, we investigated, in human neuroblastoma cells (IMR-32), the relationship between the oxidative state of methionine, and both neurotoxic and pro-apoptotic actions induced by Abeta-peptide, comparing the effects of native peptide, in which the Met-35 is present in the reduced state, with those of a modified peptide with oxidized Met-35 (Abeta(1-42)(35Met-ox)), as well as an Abeta-derivative with Met-35 substituted with norleucine (Abeta(1-42)(35Nle)). The obtained results show that Abeta induces a time-dependent decrease in cell viability; Abeta(1-42)(35Met-ox) was significantly less potent, though inducing a remarkable decrease in cell viability compared to control. On the contrary, no toxic effects were observed after treatment with Abeta(1-42)(35Nle). Abeta-peptide as well as the amyloid modified peptide with oxidized Met-35 induced the pro-apoptotic gene bax over-expression after 24 h, whereas Abeta(1-42)(35Nle) had no effect. Conversely, bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic gene, became highly down-regulated by Abeta peptide treatment, in contrast to that evidenced by the Abeta(1-42)(35Met-ox) peptide. Finally, Abeta caused an increase in caspase-3 activity to be higher with respect to that shown by Abeta(1-42)(35Met-ox) while Abeta(1-42)(35Nle) had no effect. These results support the hypothesis that Abeta-induced neurotoxicity occurs via bax over-expression, bcl-2 down-regulation, and caspase-3 activation, first indicating that methionine 35 redox state may alter this cell death pathway.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/farmacologia , Metionina/metabolismo , Neuroblastoma/metabolismo , Neuroblastoma/patologia , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/farmacologia , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-2/genética , Proteína X Associada a bcl-2/genética , Peptídeos beta-Amiloides/química , Caspase 3 , Caspases/metabolismo , Morte Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Mitocôndrias/efeitos dos fármacos , Neuroblastoma/genética , Fragmentos de Peptídeos/químicaRESUMO
From two lines of Medicago sativa characterized by a high regeneration capability, calli resistant to culture filtrate of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. medicaginis have been selected. In these calli regeneration capability was greatly reduced and only one plant per callus was recovered. Regenerated plants have been evaluated for resistance to culture filtrate and for in vivo resistance to the pathogen. Three plants out of eight were resistant to the fungus and a high correlation between resistance to culture filtrate and in vivo resistance was observed.
RESUMO
We have sought to identify pistil-specific genes that can be used as molecular markers to study pistil development. For this purpose, a cDNA library was constructed from poly(A)+ RNA extracted from tobacco stigmas and styles at different developmental stages. Differential screening of this library led to the isolation of cDNA clones that correspond to genes preferentially or specifically expressed in the pistil. Seven of these cDNA clones encode proteins containing repetitions of the pentapeptide Ser-Pro4, which is a typical motif found in extensins. Unlike extensin genes, the extensin-like genes described here are not induced under stress conditions. RNA gel blot hybridizations demonstrated the organ-specific expression of the extensin-like genes and their temporal regulation during pistil development. After pollination, the transcript levels of the pistil-specific extensin-like genes change relative to levels in unpollinated pistils. In situ hybridization experiments showed that at least one of these pistil-specific genes is specifically expressed in cells of the transmitting tissue. The possible roles of the extensin-like proteins in pistils are discussed.
Assuntos
Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Glicoproteínas/genética , Nicotiana/genética , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Plantas Tóxicas , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Sequência de Bases , DNA , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Especificidade de Órgãos/genética , RNA Mensageiro/genética , Homologia de Sequência de Aminoácidos , Nicotiana/anatomia & histologia , Nicotiana/crescimento & desenvolvimentoRESUMO
The widely cultivated forage legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was transformed with the agropine type Agrobacterium rhizogenes NCPPB 1855. Sterile root and callus cultures were derived from tumorous hairy roots which were easily obtained independent of the plant variety or genotype. Plant regeneration, via somatic embryogenesis, was achieved only when a selected alfalfa line, characterized by high regenerative capability, was utilized. Genetic transformation was confirmed by the presence of agropine and T-DNA. Phenotypic alterations, mainly affecting the root system, were observed in transformed plants. The possibility that T-DNA-induced variations could be useful in the improvement of M. sativa is discussed.
RESUMO
Sixteen newborn babies with severe respiratory distress and patent ductus arteriosus with congestive heart failure are presented. Fifteen of them were premature and one at full term. Management consisted of the accepted medical and ventilatory aids such as digitalis, diuretics, ventilators, etc. Thirteen cases were given indomethacin with clinical closure in five of them (38%). Ten cases underwent surgical closure with 30% mortality. It is recommended that these patients be given indomethacin inicially; if there is no response in 36 hours surgical closure of the duct should be performed prior to progressive deterioration and eventual death.
Assuntos
Permeabilidade do Canal Arterial/tratamento farmacológico , Indometacina/administração & dosagem , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório do Recém-Nascido/tratamento farmacológico , Administração Oral , Digoxina/uso terapêutico , Permeabilidade do Canal Arterial/cirurgia , Furosemida/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Indometacina/uso terapêutico , Lactente , Recém-Nascido , Intubação , Respiração Artificial , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório do Recém-Nascido/cirurgiaRESUMO
Two cases of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm newborns who were operated on are reported. Several physiopathologic and clinical aspects of importance for the diagnosis and treatment of this entity are pointed out.
Assuntos
Permeabilidade do Canal Arterial/cirurgia , Permeabilidade do Canal Arterial/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Doenças do Prematuro/cirurgia , Ligadura , Masculino , RadiografiaRESUMO
The experience at the Servicio de Medicina Perinatal Pediátrica of the Centro Hospitalario "20 de Noviembre" of the ISSSTE is reported on the application of a ventilatory assistance criterion to treat the severe respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. Early application of intermittent mechanical ventilation (IMV) is established to avoid clinical impairment. The mechanical ventilator is used in such a way that without withdrawing therapeutic effectiveness, it may cut down to a minimum complications derived from the use of IMV. The results show increase in survivorship, specially among the lower weight population and less complications than with the previous management method, in spite of a 70% increase in the use of IMV.