RESUMEN
PEX5, the peroxisomal protein shuttling receptor, binds newly synthesized proteins in the cytosol and transports them to the organelle. During its stay at the peroxisomal protein translocon, PEX5 is monoubiquitinated at its cysteine 11 residue, a mandatory modification for its subsequent ATP-dependent extraction back into the cytosol. The reason why a cysteine and not a lysine residue is the ubiquitin acceptor is unknown. Using an established rat liver-based cell-free in vitro system, we found that, in contrast to wild-type PEX5, a PEX5 protein possessing a lysine at position 11 is polyubiquitinated at the peroxisomal membrane, a modification that negatively interferes with the extraction process. Wild-type PEX5 cannot retain a polyubiquitin chain because ubiquitination at cysteine 11 is a reversible reaction, with the E2-mediated deubiquitination step presenting faster kinetics than PEX5 polyubiquitination. We propose that the reversible nonconventional ubiquitination of PEX5 ensures that neither the peroxisomal protein translocon becomes obstructed with polyubiquitinated PEX5 nor is PEX5 targeted for proteasomal degradation.
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Cisteína , Lisina , Animales , Ratas , Proteínas Portadoras/metabolismo , Cisteína/metabolismo , Lisina/metabolismo , Receptor de la Señal 1 de Direccionamiento al Peroxisoma/química , Receptor de la Señal 1 de Direccionamiento al Peroxisoma/metabolismo , Transporte de Proteínas , UbiquitinaciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In Angiosperms, the continuation of plant species is intricately dependent on the funiculus multifaceted role in nutrient transport, mechanical support, and dehiscence of seeds. SEEDSTICK (STK) is a MADS-box transcription factor involved in seed size and abscission, and one of the few genes identified as affecting funiculus growth. Given the importance of the funiculus to a correct seed development, allied with previous phenotypic observations of stk mutants, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of stk funiculi from floral stage 17, using RNA-sequencing, to infer on the deregulated networks of genes. RESULTS: The generated dataset of differentially expressed genes was enriched with cell wall biogenesis, cell cycle, sugar metabolism and transport terms, all in accordance with stk phenotype observed in funiculi from floral stage 17. We selected eight differentially expressed genes for transcriptome validation using qPCR and/or promoter reporter lines. Those genes were involved with abscission, seed development or novel functions in stk funiculus, such as hormones/secondary metabolites transport. CONCLUSION: Overall, the analysis performed in this study allowed delving into the STK-network established in Arabidopsis funiculus, fulfilling a literature gap. Simultaneously, our findings reinforced the reliability of the transcriptome, making it a valuable resource for candidate genes selection for functional genetic studies in the funiculus. This will enhance our understanding on the regulatory network controlled by STK, on the role of the funiculus and how seed development may be affected by them.
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Proteínas de Arabidopsis , Arabidopsis , Proteínas de Dominio MADS , Semillas , Transcriptoma , Arabidopsis/genética , Arabidopsis/crecimiento & desarrollo , Proteínas de Arabidopsis/genética , Proteínas de Arabidopsis/metabolismo , Semillas/genética , Semillas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Proteínas de Dominio MADS/genética , Proteínas de Dominio MADS/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Fertilización/genéticaRESUMEN
Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is a phytopathogenic bacterial group that causes bacterial wilt in several crops, being potato (Solanum tuberosum) one of the most important hosts. The relationship between the potato plant ionome (mineral and trace elements composition) and the resistance levels to this pathogen has not been addressed until now. Mineral content of xylem sap, roots, stems and leaves of potato genotypes with different levels of resistance to bacterial wilt was assessed in this work, revealing a positive correlation between divalent calcium (Ca) cation concentrations and genotype resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ca on bacterial wilt resistance, and on the growth and virulence of RSSC. Ca supplementation significantly decreased the growth rate of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum GMI1000 in minimal medium and affected several virulence traits such as biofilm formation and twitching motility. We also incorporate for the first time the use of microfluidic chambers to follow the pathogen growth and biofilm formation in conditions mimicking the plant vascular system. By using this approach, a reduction in biofilm formation was observed when both, rich and minimal media, were supplemented with Ca. Assessment of the effect of Ca amendments on bacterial wilt progress in potato genotypes revealed a significant delay in disease progress, or a complete absence of wilting symptoms in the case of partially resistant genotypes. This work contributes to the understanding of Ca effect on virulence of this important pathogen and provides new strategies for an integrated control of bacterial wilt on potato. IMPORTANCE: Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) includes a diverse group of bacterial strains that cause bacterial wilt. This disease is difficult to control due to pathogen aggressiveness, persistence, wide range of hosts, and wide geographic distribution in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. RSSC causes considerable losses depending on the pathogen strain, host, soil type, environmental conditions, and cultural practices. In potato, losses of $19 billion per year have been estimated for this pathogen worldwide. In this study, we report for the first time the mineral composition found in xylem sap and plant tissues of potato germplasm with different levels of resistance to bacterial wilt. This study underscores the crucial role of calcium (Ca) concentration in the xylem sap and stem in relation to the resistance of different genotypes. Our in vitro experiments provide evidence of Ca's inhibitory effect on the growth, biofilm formation, and twitching movement of the model RSSC strain R. pseudosolanacearum GMI1000. This study introduces a novel element, the Ca concentration, which should be included into the integrated disease control management strategies for bacterial wilt in potatoes.
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Calcio , Enfermedades de las Plantas , Ralstonia solanacearum , Solanum tuberosum , Solanum tuberosum/microbiología , Enfermedades de las Plantas/microbiología , Calcio/metabolismo , Ralstonia solanacearum/fisiología , Ralstonia solanacearum/genética , Ralstonia solanacearum/patogenicidad , Ralstonia solanacearum/crecimiento & desarrollo , Virulencia , Biopelículas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Ralstonia/genética , Ralstonia/fisiología , Raíces de Plantas/microbiología , Xilema/microbiologíaRESUMEN
The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the key challenges for forensic anthropologists. Although there are several methods referenced for this purpose, none is sufficiently effective. One of the main reasons justifying the complexity of this task is the influence of several taphonomic factors.The study of the Luminol technique has stood out as a promising method for estimating PMI, complementing the existing methods, since it is an economic, easy and reproducible method that operates as a presumptive test. However, it is not known which taphonomic factors can influence the results obtained by this technique.The aim of this study is to test the influence of taphonomic factors, such as temperature, humidity, soil type and pH, on the estimation of the PMI by the Luminol technique.In order to test the influence of the referred factors, a sample consisting of 30 clavicles, with known and similar PMI, collected from autopsies, was distributed as evenly as possible by six vases and buried with different decomposition conditions for a period of 12 months. After the exhumation and sample preparation, the Luminol technique was applied.It was possible to clearly observe differences in the results. Thus, according to our research, it is possible to conclude that the results obtained by the application of Luminol are influenced by taphonomic factors. Therefore, the context in which a body is found should always be considered for applying this technique.
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Luminol , Cambios Post Mortem , Humanos , Autopsia , Exhumación , Temperatura , Patologia Forense/métodosRESUMEN
Access to better health care anticipates that more medical devices can be found alongside skeletal remains. Those employed in oral rehabilitation, with available brands or batch/series, can prove useful in the identification process. A previous study in the Colecção de Esqueletos Identificados Século XXI described macroscopically the dental prostheses. An unusual case of a dental device with chromatic alterations demonstrated to require a more detailed analysis. The individual, a 53-year-old male, exhibited, at both arches, a fixed tooth-supported rehabilitation, with gold colouring classified initially as a gold-palladium alloy. Simultaneously, a green pigmentation deposit was observable in bone and prosthesis. This investigation aimed to verify the elemental composition of the dental prosthesis alloy. Elemental analysis was performed by X-ray fluorescence in two regions (labial surface of the prosthetic crown and the root surface of the lower right lateral incisor). Both the spectra and the qualitative results found higher levels of copper and aluminium, followed by nickel, iron, zinc, and manganese. No gold or palladium was detected. The most probable assumption is that a copper-aluminium alloy was used, as its elemental concentration corresponds to those measured in similar devices. Dental prostheses of copper-aluminium alloys have been made popular since the 1980s, particularly in the USA, Japan, and Eastern Europe. Apart from the biographical information, it was also known that the individual's place of birth was an Eastern European country, which highlighted the usefulness of this type of information when dealing with missing people cases.
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Prótesis Dental , Paladio , Masculino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Rayos X , Portugal , Paladio/análisis , Cobre/análisis , Aluminio/análisis , Fluorescencia , Incisivo , Aleaciones de Oro/análisisRESUMEN
Age assessment of migrants is crucial, particularly for unaccompanied foreign minors, a population facing legal, social, and humanitarian challenges. Despite existing guidelines, there is no unified protocol in Europe for age assessment.The Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) conducted a comprehensive questionnaire to understand age estimation practices in Europe. The questionnaire had sections focusing on the professional background of respondents, annual assessment numbers, requesting parties and reasons, types of examinations conducted (e.g., physical, radiological), followed protocols, age estimation methods, and questions on how age estimates are reported.The questionnaire's findings reveal extensive engagement of the forensic community in age assessment in the living, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches. However, there seems to be an incomplete appreciation of AGFAD guidelines. Commonalities exist in examination methodologies and imaging tests. However, discrepancies emerged among respondents regarding sexual maturity assessment and reporting assessment results. Given the increasing importance of age assessment, especially for migrant child protection, the study stresses the need for a unified protocol across European countries. This can only be achieved if EU Member States wholeheartedly embrace the fundamental principles outlined in EU Directives and conduct medical age assessments aligned with recognized standards such as the AGFAD guidelines.
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Refugiados , Migrantes , Niño , Humanos , Menores , Europa (Continente) , Antropología Forense , Determinación de la Edad por el EsqueletoRESUMEN
Peptidoglycan is the main component of the bacterial wall and protects cells from the mechanical stress that results from high intracellular turgor. Peptidoglycan biosynthesis is very similar in all bacteria; bacterial shapes are therefore mainly determined by the spatial and temporal regulation of peptidoglycan synthesis rather than by the chemical composition of peptidoglycan. The form of rod-shaped bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis or Escherichia coli, is generated by the action of two peptidoglycan synthesis machineries that act at the septum and at the lateral wall in processes coordinated by the cytoskeletal proteins FtsZ and MreB, respectively. The tubulin homologue FtsZ is the first protein recruited to the division site, where it assembles in filaments-forming the Z ring-that undergo treadmilling and recruit later divisome proteins. The rate of treadmilling in B. subtilis controls the rates of both peptidoglycan synthesis and cell division. The actin homologue MreB forms discrete patches that move circumferentially around the cell in tracks perpendicular to the long axis of the cell, and organize the insertion of new cell wall during elongation. Cocci such as Staphylococcus aureus possess only one type of peptidoglycan synthesis machinery, which is diverted from the cell periphery to the septum in preparation for division. The molecular cue that coordinates this transition has remained elusive. Here we investigate the localization of S. aureus peptidoglycan biosynthesis proteins and show that the recruitment of the putative lipid II flippase MurJ to the septum, by the DivIB-DivIC-FtsL complex, drives peptidoglycan incorporation to the midcell. MurJ recruitment corresponds to a turning point in cytokinesis, which is slow and dependent on FtsZ treadmilling before MurJ arrival but becomes faster and independent of FtsZ treadmilling after peptidoglycan synthesis activity is directed to the septum, where it provides additional force for cell envelope constriction.
Asunto(s)
Citocinesis , Peptidoglicano/biosíntesis , Proteínas de Transferencia de Fosfolípidos/metabolismo , Staphylococcus aureus/citología , Staphylococcus aureus/metabolismo , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Pared Celular/química , Pared Celular/metabolismo , Proteínas del Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Cinética , Microscopía Fluorescente , Piridinas/farmacología , Análisis de la Célula Individual , Staphylococcus aureus/efectos de los fármacos , Tiazoles/farmacología , Uridina Difosfato Ácido N-Acetilmurámico/análogos & derivados , Uridina Difosfato Ácido N-Acetilmurámico/metabolismoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Although dementia has emerged as an important risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, results on COVID-19-related complications and mortality are not consistent. We examined the clinical presentations and outcomes of COVID-19 in a multicentre cohort of in-hospital patients, comparing those with and without dementia. METHODS: This retrospective observational study comprises COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed patients aged ≥ 60 years admitted to 38 hospitals from 19 cities in Brazil. Data were obtained from electronic hospital records. A propensity score analysis was used to match patients with and without dementia (up to 3:1) according to age, sex, comorbidities, year, and hospital of admission. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We also assessed admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), kidney replacement therapy (KRT), sepsis, nosocomial infection, and thromboembolic events. RESULTS: Among 1,556 patients included in the study, 405 (4.5%) had a diagnosis of dementia and 1,151 were matched controls. When compared to matched controls, patients with dementia had a lower frequency of dyspnoea, cough, myalgia, headache, ageusia, and anosmia; and higher frequency of fever and delirium. They also had a lower frequency of ICU admission (32.7% vs. 47.1%, p < 0.001) and shorter ICU length of stay (7 vs. 9 days, p < 0.026), and a lower frequency of sepsis (17% vs. 24%, p = 0.005), KRT (6.4% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), and IVM (4.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.002). There were no differences in hospital mortality between groups. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 differ between older inpatients with and without dementia. We observed that dementia alone could not explain the higher short-term mortality following severe COVID-19. Therefore, clinicians should consider other risk factors such as acute morbidity severity and baseline frailty when evaluating the prognosis of older adults with dementia hospitalised with COVID-19.
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COVID-19 , Demencia , Sepsis , Humanos , Anciano , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios de Cohortes , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/epidemiología , SARS-CoV-2 , Pacientes Internos , Demencia/diagnóstico , Demencia/epidemiología , Demencia/terapiaRESUMEN
Griffinia gardneriana Ravenna, Griffinia liboniana Morren and Griffinia nocturna Ravenna (Amarillydaceae) are bulbous plants found in tropical regions of Brazil. Our work aimed to determine the alkaloid profiles of Griffinia spp. and evaluate their anxiolytic potential through inâ vivo and in silico assays. The plants grown in greenhouses were dried and their ground bulbs were subjected to liquid-liquid partitions, resulting in alkaloid fractions that were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Anxiolytic activity was evaluated in zebrafish (Danio rerio) through intraperitoneal injection at doses of 40, 100 and 200â mg/kg in light-dark box test. GC-MS analyses revealed 23 alkaloids belonging to different skeleton types: lycorine, homolychorine, galanthamine, crinine, haemanthamine, montanine and narcisclasine. The chemical profiles were relatively similar, presenting 8 alkaloids common to the three species. The major component for G. gardneriana and G. liboniana was lycorine, while G. nocturna consisted mainly of anhydrolycorine. All three alkaloid fractions demonstrated anxiolytic effect. Furthermore, pre-treatment with diazepam and pizotifen drugs was able to reverse the anxiolytic action, indicating involving the GABAergic and serotonergic receptors. Molecular docking showed that the compounds vittatine, lycorine and 11,12-dehydro-2-methoxyassoanine had high affinity with both receptors, suggesting them to be responsible for the anxiolytic effect.
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Alcaloides , Alcaloides de Amaryllidaceae , Amaryllidaceae , Ansiolíticos , Fenantridinas , Animales , Amaryllidaceae/química , Pez Cebra , Ansiolíticos/farmacología , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Alcaloides de Amaryllidaceae/farmacología , Alcaloides de Amaryllidaceae/química , Alcaloides/farmacología , Alcaloides/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/químicaRESUMEN
The study focuses on the anxiolytic potential of chalcone (2E,4E)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one (CHALCNM) in adult zebrafish. Successfully synthesized in 58 % yield, CHALCNM demonstrated no toxicity after 96â h of exposure. In behavioral tests, CHALCNM (40â mg/kg) reduced locomotor activity and promoted less anxious behavior in zebrafish, confirmed by increased permanence in the light zone of the aquarium. Flumazenil reversed its anxiolytic effect, indicating interaction with GABAA receptors. Furthermore, CHALCNM (4 and 20â mg/kg) preserved zebrafish memory in inhibitory avoidance tests. Virtual screening and ADMET profile studies suggest high oral bioavailability, access to the CNS, favored by low topological polarity (TPSA≤75â Å2) and low incidence of hepatotoxicity, standing out as a promising pharmacological agent against the GABAergic system. In molecular coupling, CHALCNM demonstrated superior affinity to diazepam for the GABAA receptor. These results reinforce the therapeutic potential of CHALCNM in the treatment of anxiety, highlighting its possible future clinical application.
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Ansiolíticos , Conducta Animal , Chalcona , Pez Cebra , Animales , Conducta Animal/efectos de los fármacos , Chalcona/química , Chalcona/farmacología , Chalcona/análogos & derivados , Ansiolíticos/farmacología , Ansiolíticos/química , Ansiolíticos/síntesis química , Receptores de GABA-A/metabolismo , Acroleína/análogos & derivados , Acroleína/química , Acroleína/farmacología , Estructura Molecular , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Chalconas/farmacología , Chalconas/química , Chalconas/síntesis química , Locomoción/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
Anxiety and epilepsy are common worldwide and represent a primary global health concern. Fisetin, a flavonoid isolated from Bauhinia pentandra, has a wide range of biological activities may be a promising alternative to combat diseases related to the central nervous system (CNS). The present study aimed to investigate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of fisetin on adult zebrafish. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations were performed to improve the results. Fisetin did not present toxicity and caused anxiolytic behavior and delayed seizures in animals. This effect may occur through serotonin neurotransmission at 5-HT3A and/or 5-HT3B receptors. Molecular docking simulations showed that fisetin interacts with the orthosteric site of the 5-HT3A receptor with strong H-bond interactions with the Trp156 residue, with a strong contribution from the catechol ring, a behavior similar to that of the antagonist co-crystallized inhibitor granisetron (CWB). Fisetin may be a promising alternative to combat diseases related to the central nervous system. Keywords anxiety ⢠Bauhinia pentandra ⢠Danio rerio ⢠epilepsy ⢠fisetin.
RESUMEN
The xanthone lichenxanthone did not show toxic effects (LC50>1.0â mg/mL). lichenxanthone prevented nociceptive behavior induced by acidic saline, and its analgesic effect was blocked by amiloride, highlighting the involvement of neuromodulation of acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs). In the analysis of anti-inflammatory activity, concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5â mg/mL of lichenxanthone reduced the edema induced by k-carrageenan 3.5 %, observed from the fourth hour of analysis. This effect was similar to that observed with ibuprofen (positive control). No leukocyte infiltrates were observed in lichenxanthone, suggesting that the compound acts in the acute inflammatory response. The results of the molecular docking study revealed that lichenxanthone exhibited better affinity energy when compared to the ibuprofen control against the two targets evaluated.
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Ibuprofeno , Pez Cebra , Animales , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Canales IónicosRESUMEN
The Piper genus, known for its pharmacological potential, comprises 2,263 species primarily found in tropical regions. Despite recent advancements in pain therapies, the demand for more effective and well-tolerated analgesics and anti-inflammatories, particularly for chronic pain, remains. This study assessed the effects of essential oils from Piper caldense, Piper mosenii, and Piper mikanianum on nociceptive behavior induced by formalin and capsaicin, as well as their anti-inflammatory impact induced by carrageenan, using adult zebrafish models. Results indicated non-toxic essential oils with antinociceptive properties in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of formalin-induced nociception through interaction with the TRPA1 receptor. Additionally, P. mosenii essential oil also blocked the nociceptive effect of capsaicin, a TRPV1 receptor agonist. Furthermore, essential oils from P. caldense and P. mikanianum exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan-induced abdominal edema. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential of Piper's essential oils as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agents.
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Aceites Volátiles , Piper , Animales , Carragenina/efectos adversos , Pez Cebra , Aceites Volátiles/farmacología , Aceites Volátiles/uso terapéutico , Capsaicina , Analgésicos/farmacología , Analgésicos/uso terapéutico , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Formaldehído/efectos adversos , Edema/inducido químicamente , Edema/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
This is the first study to analyze the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin, isolated from Datura Ferox leaves, and the possible mechanism of action involved in adult zebrafish (ZFa). To this end, the animals were treated intraperitoneally (i. p.) with withanicandrin (4; 20 and 40â mg/kg; 20â µL) and subjected to locomotor activity and acute toxicity. Nociception tests were also carried out with chemical agents, in addition to tests to evaluate inflammatory processes induced by κ-Carrageenan 1.5 % and a Molecular Docking study. As a result, withanicandrin reduced nociceptive behavior by capsaicin at a dose of 40â mg/kg and by acid saline at doses of 4 and 40â mg/kg, through neuromodulation of TRPV1 channels and ASICs, identified through blocking the antinociceptive effect of withanicandrin by the antagonists capsazepine and naloxone. Furthermore, withanicandrin caused an anti-inflammatory effect through the reduction of abdominal edema, absence of leukocyte infiltrate in the liver tissue and reduction of ROS in thel liver tissue and presented better affinity energy compared to control morphine (TRPV1) and ibuprofen (COX-1 and COX-2).
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Analgésicos , Pez Cebra , Animales , Analgésicos/farmacología , Analgésicos/química , Analgésicos/aislamiento & purificación , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/metabolismo , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Carragenina , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Canales Catiónicos TRPV/antagonistas & inhibidores , Canales Catiónicos TRPV/metabolismo , Edema/tratamiento farmacológico , Edema/inducido químicamente , Hojas de la Planta/química , Estructura MolecularRESUMEN
This study carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of tropane alkaloid (EB7) isolated from E. bezerrae. It evaluated the toxicity and possible involvement of ion channels in the antinociceptive effect of EB7, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect in adult zebrafish (Zfa). Docking studies with EB7 and COX-1 and 2 were also performed. The tested doses of EB7 (4, 20 and 40â mg/kg) did not show any toxic effect on Zfa during the 96h of analysis (LD50>40â mg/kg). They did not produce any alteration in the locomotor behavior of the animals. Furthermore, EB7 showed promising pharmacological effects as it prevented the nociceptive behavior induced by hypertonic saline, capsaicin, formalin and acid saline. EB7 had its analgesic effect blocked by amiloride involving the neuromodulation of ASICs in Zfa. In evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity, the edema induced by κ-carrageenan 3.5 % was reduced by the dose of 40â mg/kg of EB7 observed after the fourth hour of analysis, indicating an effect similar to that of ibuprofen. Molecular docking results indicated that EB7 exhibited better affinity energy when compared to ibuprofen control against the two evaluated targets binding at different sites in the cocrystallized COX-1 and 2 inhibitors.
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Analgésicos , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Pez Cebra , Animales , Analgésicos/farmacología , Analgésicos/química , Analgésicos/aislamiento & purificación , Tropanos/farmacología , Tropanos/aislamiento & purificación , Tropanos/química , Edema/tratamiento farmacológico , Edema/inducido químicamente , Carragenina/farmacología , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Ciclooxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Bignoniaceae/química , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Alcaloides/farmacología , Alcaloides/aislamiento & purificación , Alcaloides/química , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/metabolismo , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/química , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/química , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/aislamiento & purificación , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Antiinflamatorios/aislamiento & purificación , Estructura MolecularRESUMEN
Use of digital flashcards promotes active recall, spaced repetition, and self-assessment academic principles. This work explores the association and dose-dependent effect of this study method and locomotor (LP) and cardiovascular physiology (CP) grades. A single-faculty cohort study of medical LP and CP students was conducted, and 155 and 676 flashcards, respectively, were created through Moodle. An exploratory analysis examined three exam results (2019), and a confirmatory study used a fourth exam (2021) in another CP cohort. Of 685 students enrolled, 558 participated in the exploratory analysis: 319 (69%) for LP and 311 (84%) for CP, of which 203 LP and 267 CP students were flashcard users. Median grades were higher among flashcard users, and the number of cards reviewed was positively correlated with grades (r = 0.275 to 0.388 for LP and r = 0.239 to 0.432 for CP, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression models confirmed a positive dose-dependent association between results and the number of flashcards studied: for every 100 LP cards reviewed, exam grades increased 0.44-0.75 on a 0-20 scale range (P < 0.001), and for every 1,000 CP flashcards, results raised 0.81-1.08 values (P < 0.05). These findings were confirmed in the 2021 CP cohort of 269 participants, of whom 67% were flashcard users. Digital flashcard revision has a consistent positive dose-dependent association on LP and CP grades.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Implementing flashcard-based strategies is a feasible way to promote active recall, spaced repetition, and self-assessment, and students are highly adherent to these initiatives. There is a positive dose-dependent association between the number of flashcards reviewed and physiology grades. These results are consistent across different physiology subjects, under different cohorts, over short and medium terms.
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Autoevaluación (Psicología) , Estudiantes , Humanos , Estudios de Cohortes , Modelos LinealesRESUMEN
Phosphorylation plays a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, impacting distinct processes such as amyloid-beta (Aß) peptide production and tau phosphorylation. Impaired phosphorylation events contribute to senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles' formation, two major histopathological hallmarks of AD. Blood-derived extracellular particles (bdEP) can represent a disease-related source of phosphobiomarker candidates, and hence, in this pilot study, bdEP of Control and AD cases were analyzed by a targeted phosphoproteomics approach using a high-density microarray that featured at least 1145 pan-specific and 913 phosphosite-specific antibodies. This approach, innovatively applied to bdEP, allowed the identification of 150 proteins whose expression levels and/or phosphorylation patterns were significantly altered across AD cases. Gene Ontology enrichment and Reactome pathway analysis unraveled potentially relevant molecular targets and disease-associated pathways, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to highlight key targets. The discriminatory value of both the total proteome and the phosphoproteome was evaluated by univariate and multivariate approaches. This pilot experiment supports that bdEP are enriched in phosphotargets relevant in an AD context, holding value as peripheral biomarker candidates for disease diagnosis.
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Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Humanos , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Proteínas tau/metabolismo , Proteoma , Proyectos Piloto , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Biomarcadores , Ovillos Neurofibrilares/metabolismoRESUMEN
Aging is the main risk factor for the appearance of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the presence of senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), the main histopathological hallmarks in AD brains. The core of these deposits are predominantly amyloid fibrils in SPs and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in NFTs, but other molecular components can be found associated with these pathological lesions. Herein, an extensive literature review was carried out to obtain the SPs and NFTs proteomes, followed by a bioinformatic analysis and further putative biomarker validation. For SPs, 857 proteins were recovered, and, for NFTs, 627 proteins of which 375 occur in both groups and represent the common proteome. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis permitted the identification of biological processes and the molecular functions most associated with these lesions. Analysis of the SPs and NFTs common proteins unraveled pathways and molecular targets linking both histopathological events. Further, validation of a putative phosphotarget arising from the in silico analysis was performed in serum-derived extracellular vesicles from AD patients. This bioinformatic approach contributed to the identification of putative molecular targets, valuable for AD diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Humanos , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Ovillos Neurofibrilares/metabolismo , Ovillos Neurofibrilares/patología , Proteoma/metabolismo , Placa Amiloide/complicaciones , Placa Amiloide/metabolismo , Placa Amiloide/patología , Proteínas tau/metabolismo , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Post-implantation syndrome (PIS), characterised by malaise, fever, and increased inflammatory markers, is a common occurrence after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), causing prolonged hospitalisation and increased cost. This study aimed to determine the incidence and short-term outcomes of PIS after fenestrated or branched procedures in aorto-iliac aneurysms compared with standard EVAR. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative study from a tertiary academic institution was undertaken. All patients who underwent elective EVAR with polyester stent grafts from January 2015 to June 2021 were considered. Two groups were defined: standard EVAR (sEVAR) and complex EVAR (cEVAR). The latter included visceral fenestrated and branched or iliac branch and chimney stent grafts. The primary outcome was the incidence of PIS within three days of the index procedure. Secondary outcomes were short-term complications and risk factors for PIS. A multivariable model was constructed to correct for confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 253 patients were included: 165 (65.2%) sEVAR and 88 (34.8%) cEVAR. Complex EVAR patients were younger, with larger aneurysms, had longer procedures, and were more likely to have intra-operative complications. The PIS incidence was 23.7% (n = 60), significantly higher in cEVAR (34.1% vs. 18.2%; p = .005) and increased with the complexity of the procedure (EVAR: 18.2% vs. EVAR + iliac branch device: 25.0% vs. fenestrated and branched EVAR: 36.2%; p = .030). On multivariable analysis, cEVAR (OR 2.833, 95% CI 1.295 - 6.198; p = .009) was associated with a significantly increased risk of PIS. No differences in short term outcomes according to PIS status were noted. Group sub-analysis for cEVAR patients did not reveal any statistically significantly different outcomes according to PIS occurrence. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, cEVAR procedures were associated with a significantly increased risk of developing PIS compared with standard infrarenal repair. Post-implantation syndrome also appears to have a benign course with no major impact on peri-operative outcomes after cEVAR. Further research to confirm these findings is required.
Asunto(s)
Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal , Implantación de Prótesis Vascular , Procedimientos Endovasculares , Humanos , Implantación de Prótesis Vascular/efectos adversos , Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal/cirugía , Aneurisma de la Aorta Abdominal/etiología , Incidencia , Estudios Retrospectivos , Procedimientos Endovasculares/efectos adversos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Factores de Riesgo , Prótesis Vascular/efectos adversosRESUMEN
Sexual dimorphism is the basis for sex estimation research in skeletal remains, helping the positive identification of individuals in forensic backgrounds. In this regard, it has been proved that the metrical analysis of the costal neck of the first four ribs in Spanish contemporary adult skeletons shows high sexual dimorphism, especially in the first rib. However, the validation of any method developed in identified skeletal collections must be compulsorily reproduced in other skeletonized sets to verify either its potential application in individuals from other locations, or the existence of possible biases associated with inter-population variation. Due to the geographical and socioeconomic proximity between Spain and Portugal, this paper aims to check the utility of the discriminant functions designed by Partido-Navadijo et al. (2021) in the two skeletal collections of the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Results show the utility of these discriminant functions in Portuguese population, with frequencies of cases correctly assigned reaching up to 93.6% in the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (CISC); and up to 92.6% in the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection (CEI/XXI). However, two particularities between the Spanish and Portuguese osteological assemblages can be highlighted: the possible existence of secular changes in relation to the CISC collection (1904-1938); and a reversal in the degree of costal dimorphism, being the third and fourth ribs of the CEI/XXI collection more dimorphic than the first ones.