Lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands.

BACKGROUND: Lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands are very uncommon and few reports are currently available in the literature. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to describe the clinical and microscopic features of an original series of lymphomas affecting the submandibular glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pathology files of two institutions were searched for lymphoma cases affecting the submandibular glands. The original hematoxylin and eosin, and immunohistochemical slides were revised by a pathologist for diagnosis confirmation following the revised 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of tumours of haematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Clinical data regarding age, sex, clinical manifestation, treatment, follow-up and status at last appointment were retrieved from the patients' medical charts. RESULTS: During the period investigated, 16 cases were included in the study. Females predominated (10:6) with a mean age of 57.8 years-old. Tumors usually presented as asymptomatic swellings. MALT lymphoma represented the most common subtype, followed by diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Three patients died, one of them affected by plasmablastic lymphoma, one by DLBCL and one by MALT lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade B cell lymphomas predominate in the submandibular glands, but DLBCL and other subtypes may also be rarely diagnosed in this salivary gland.

Chagas disease deaths detected among garbage codes registered in mortality statistics in Brazil: a study from the buRden of ChAgas dISEase in the contemporary world (RAISE) project.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify Brazil's most critical garbage codes (GCs) reclassified to Chagas disease (ChD) in mortality data and their proportions. We also estimated the potential impact of misclassification on the number of deaths attributed to ChD. STUDY DESIGN: Population-based descriptive study. METHODS: We used the Mortality Information System (SIM; in Portuguese) data before and after routine GC investigation in 2015-2019 to evaluate ChD deaths detected among them. We identified priority GCs, which contributed more than 0.1 % to the percentage of total ChD deaths registered. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the association between the reclassification of priority GCs and ChD prevalence. Then, we applied the GC correction factors to estimate the number of deaths attributed to ChD. RESULTS: 22,154 deaths were reported as ChD in the study period. Among them, 1004 deaths originally listed as priority GCs were deaths reclassified to ChD after an investigation in the SIM final database. Unspecific cardiomyopathy (10.2 %), unspecific heart diseases (4.7 %), and heart failure (2.8 %) were GCs with the highest proportions of reclassification to ChD in Brazil. Higher ChD prevalence at the state level was associated with a higher proportion of GC deaths reclassified as ChD. When applying correction factors identified after investigation, we estimated an increase of 26.4 % in registered ChD deaths, mostly in states with higher endemicity. CONCLUSIONS: GCs might conceal deaths due to ChD, particularly in Brazil's states with higher endemicity. The approach suggested in this study may offer an alternative method for estimating ChD-related deaths in endemic countries.

Impacts of water pollutants on chondrichthyans species from South America: A review.

This is the first research that extensively compiles all the available scientific literature on the presence of trace metals (TMs), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and plastic debris in Chondrichthyan species inhabiting South America (including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans), providing an insight into Chondrichthyans as bioindicators of pollutants as well as the impacts of pollutant exposure on the organisms. Seventy-three studies were published in South America between 1986 and 2022. While 68.5% focused on TMs, 17.8% on POPs, and 9.6% on plastic debris. Brazil and Argentina were at the top in terms of the number of publications; however, there is an absence of information regarding pollutants for Chondrichthyans in Venezuela, Guyana, and French Guiana. Of the 65 Chondrichthyan species reported, 98.5% belong to the Elasmobranch group, and 1.5% from the Holocephalans. Most studies focused on Chondrichthyans of economic importance, and the most analyzed organs were the muscle and liver. There is a lack of studies on Chondrichthyan species with low economic value and critical conservation status. Due to their ecological relevance, distribution, accessibility, high trophic position, capacity to accumulate high levels of pollutants, and the number of studies published, Prionace glauca and Mustelus schmitii seem to be adequate to serve as bioindicators. For TMs, POPs, and plastic debris there is a lack of studies focusing on the pollutant levels as well as their effect on Chondrichthyans. Future research reporting TMs, POPs, and plastic debris occurrences in Chondrichthyan species are required in order to increase the scarce databases about pollutants in this group, with a clear need for further research on the responses of chondrichthyans to pollutants, as well as making inferences about the potential risks to the ecosystems and human health.

Bartter Syndrome-Related Variants Distribution: Brazilian Data and Its Comparison with Worldwide Cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Genetic testing is recommended for accurate diagnosis of Bartter syndrome (BS) and serves as a basis for implementing specific target therapies. However, populations other than Europeans and North Americans are underrepresented in most databases and there are uncertainties in the genotype-phenotype correlation. We studied Brazilian BS patients, an admixed population with diverse ancestry. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and mutational profile of this cohort and performed a systematic review of BS mutations from worldwide cohorts. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included; Gitelman syndrome was diagnosed in 2 siblings with antenatal BS and congenital chloride diarrhea in 1 girl. BS was confirmed in 19 patients: BS type 1 in 1 boy (antenatal BS); BS type 4a in 1 girl and BS type 4b in 1 girl, both of them with antenatal BS and neurosensorial deafness; BS type 3 (CLCNKB mutations): 16 cases. The deletion of the entire CLCNKB (1-20 del) was the most frequent variant. Patients carrying the 1-20 del presented earlier manifestations than those with other CLCNKB-mutations and the presence of homozygous 1-20 del was correlated with progressive chronic kidney disease. The prevalence of the 1-20 del in this BS Brazilian cohort was similar to that of Chinese cohorts and individuals of African and Middle Eastern descent from other cohorts. CONCLUSION: This study expands the genetic spectrum of BS patients with different ethnics, reveals some genotype/phenotype correlations, compares the findings with other cohorts, and provides a systematic review of the literature on the distribution of BS-related variants worldwide.

Evaluating TROPOMI and MODIS performance to capture the dynamic of air pollution in São Paulo state: A case study during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Atmospheric pollutant data retrieved through satellite sensors are continually used to assess changes in air quality in the lower atmosphere. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies started to use satellite measurements to evaluate changes in air quality in many different regions worldwide. However, although satellite data is continuously validated, it is known that its accuracy may vary between monitored areas, requiring regionalized quality assessments. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate whether satellites could measure changes in the air quality of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the COVID-19 outbreak; and to verify the relationship between satellite-based data [Tropospheric NO2 column density and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD)] and ground-based concentrations [NO2 and particulate material (PM; coarse: PM10 and fine: PM2.5)]. For this purpose, tropospheric NO2 obtained from the TROPOMI sensor and AOD retrieved from MODIS sensor data by using the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) algorithm were compared with concentrations obtained from 50 automatic ground monitoring stations. The results showed low correlations between PM and AOD. For PM10, most stations showed correlations lower than 0.2, which were not significant. The results for PM2.5 were similar, but some stations showed good correlations for specific periods (before or during the COVID-19 outbreak). Satellite-based Tropospheric NO2 proved to be a good predictor for NO2 concentrations at ground level. Considering all stations with NO2 measurements, correlations >0.6 were observed, reaching 0.8 for specific stations and periods. In general, it was observed that regions with a more industrialized profile had the best correlations, in contrast with rural areas. In addition, it was observed about 57% reductions in tropospheric NO2 throughout the state of São Paulo during the COVID-19 outbreak. Variations in air pollutants were linked to the region economic vocation, since there were reductions in industrialized areas (at least 50% of the industrialized areas showed >20% decrease in NO2) and increases in areas with farming and livestock characteristics (about 70% of those areas showed increase in NO2). Our results demonstrate that Tropospheric NO2 column densities can serve as good predictors of NO2 concentrations at ground level. For MAIAC-AOD, a weak relationship was observed, requiring the evaluation of other possible predictors to describe the relationship with PM. Thus, it is concluded that regionalized assessment of satellite data accuracy is essential for assertive estimates on a regional/local level. Good quality information retrieved at specific polluted areas does not assure a worldwide use of remote sensor data.

Factors associated with perceived performance drops and musculoskeletal injuries in Brazilian recreational triathletes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate sleep characteristics, use of supplements, and training volume of recreational triathletes, and to verify possible associations with perceived performance drops and occurrence of injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recreational triathletes (n=942) answered a questionnaire inquiring about their demographic characteristics, performance, injuries and training volume. RESULTS: When comparing athletes who slept more (9-10 hours) with those who slept less, less sleep was associated with a higher prevalence of perceived performance drops. Regarding difficulties in initiating sleep, the absence of initiating difficulties (p<0.001) was a protective factor against perceived performance drops. Regarding weekly training volume, compared to those who trained more than 20 hours, training less than 3 hours (p<0.001), 3-5 hours (p<0.001), or 12-14 hours (p<0.001) were protective factors against perceived performance drops. Concerning training volume and injuries, we found that compared to those who trained more than 20 hours, training 18-20 hours (p<0.001), 15-17 hours (p<0.001), 12-14 hours (p<0.001), 6-8 hours (p<0.001), or 3-5 hours (p<0.001) were protective factors against injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Triathletes with a lower sleep quantity and those who have difficulties initiating sleep frequently experience drops in performance. Training volumes can influence both performance and the likelihood of injuries.

Effects of aerobic and strength training on depression, anxiety, and health self-perception levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at comparing the depression and anxiety levels, and health self-perception during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic among subjects who practice aerobic, strength, and mixed (aerobic and strength) exercises and nonsports participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 304 Brazilians of both sexes in this cross-sectional study. All participants were recruited through online advertisement and completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding the personal information, level of restriction adopted, physical activity, and mood state screening (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7). We divided the participants into four groups: strength sports group (CrossFit or strength training), aerobic/endurance sports groups (running, cycling, triathlon, or swimming), mixed sports groups (individuals who practice endurance and strength sports), and nonsports group. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant effect of the group on the depression and anxiety levels. Meanwhile, the post-hoc comparisons showed a significantly lower depression level in the mixed and aerobic sports groups than in the strength sports and nonsports groups, and a significantly lower anxiety level in the mixed and aerobic sports groups than in the nonsports group. Furthermore, participants in the mixed, strength, and aerobic sports groups presented a better level of health self-assessment than the nonsports group, and those in the mixed sports group had a better level of health self-assessment than the strength or aerobic sports groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals practicing aerobic exercises present lower depression and anxiety levels than those practicing strength training and are inactive. However, individuals who practice strength exercises and aerobics have the best levels of health perception.

Antifungal activity of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles incorporated with Eucalyptus essential oils against Hemileia vastatrix.

Coffee (Coffea L.) is one of the main crops produced globally. Its contamination by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berkeley and Broome has been economically detrimental for producers. The objective of this work was to extract and characterize the essential oils from Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn and Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, produce and characterize nanoparticles containing these essential oils and evaluate the in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity of free and nanoencapsulated essential oils. The principal constituent of the essential oil from E. citriodora was citronellal; that from E. grandis was α-pinene; and that from E. camaldulensis was 1,8-cineol. The in vitro antifungal activity against the fungus H. vastatrix was 100% at a concentration of 1000 µl l-1 for all the oils and nanoparticles containing these natural products. The sizes of the nanoparticles produced with the essential oils from E. citriodora, E. camaldulensis and E. grandis were 402·13 nm, 275·33 nm and 328·5 nm, respectively, with surface charges of -11·8 mV, -9·24 mV and - 6·76 mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analyses proved that the encapsulation of essential oils occurred in the polymeric matrix of poly(ε-caprolactone). The incorporation of essential oils into biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles increased their efficiency as biofungicides in the fight against coffee rust, decreasing the severity of the disease by up to 90·75% after treatment with the nanoparticles containing the essential oil from E. grandis.

Comparison of the levels of depression and anxiety during the first and fourth waves of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of depression, anxiety, physical activity, and mobility restrictions between the first wave in June 2020 and the fourth wave in January 2022 of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Brazilian citizens answered a self-administered questionnaire that included questions related to personal information, mobility restriction levels, physical activity levels, and the status of mood disorders in June 2020 (n=1853) and January 2022 (n=728). RESULTS: The levels of mobility restrictions (p<0.001), anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p<0.001) significantly decreased from 2020 to 2022. In June 2020, 23.2% of the participants presented moderate to severe anxiety, and in January 2022, this percentage decreased to 14.8%. In June 2020, 29.6% of the participants presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms, and in January 2022 this percentage decreased to 19.3%. On the contrary, physical activity levels significantly increased between 2020 and 2022 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants were less restricted and more physically active than in the first wave. Furthermore, anxiety and depression levels were significantly lower in the fourth wave than in the first wave. Despite this reduction, levels of anxiety and depression remain high; therefore, the authors suggest measures to encourage physical activity and promote mental health.

Association between lowering restriction levels during the coronavirus outbreak and physical activity among adults: a longitudinal observational study in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant consequences on public health and lifestyle and has negatively affected mental health and the level of physical activity worldwide. This study examined the impact of reopening fitness centers and nonessential services and introducing flexible measures to ensure social distancing on physical activity and mental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a longitudinal study. A self-administered questionnaire, including personal, behavioral, physical activity, perception of health, and mood state disorder information, was answered by 128 Brazilians in June 2020 (during severe restrictive measures) and again in April 2021 (after fitness centers and nonessential services were reopened). RESULTS: The restriction level adopted in April 2021 was significantly lower than that in June 2020 (p<0.001). The level of physical activity (p<0.001) and health status perception (p<0.001) decreased from June 2020 to April 2021. The median values for depression and anxiety did not differ across the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The level of physical activity was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and anxiety and depression were not improved following less restrictive social distancing measures and the reopening of fitness centers. Thus, the return to a prepandemic level of physical activity and mental health status may not be automatic. The results presented herein suggest that the decrease in physical activity observed in the population may be challenging in the postpandemic period.

Revealing the impact of strain in the optical properties of bubbles in monolayer MoSe2.

Strain plays an important role for the optical properties of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Here, we investigate strain effects in a monolayer MoSe2 sample with a large bubble region using µ-Raman, second harmonic generation (SHG), µ-photoluminescence and magneto µ-photoluminescence at low temperature. Remarkably, our results reveal the presence of a non-uniform strain field and the observation of emission peaks at lower energies which are the signatures of exciton and trion quasiparticles red-shifted by strain effects in the bubble region, in agreement with our theoretical predictions. Furthermore, we have observed that the emission in the strained region decreases the trion binding energy and enhances the valley g-factors as compared to non-strained regions. Considering uniform biaxial strain effects within the unit cell of the TMDC monolayer (ML), our first principles calculations predict the observed enhancement of the exciton valley Zeeman effect. In addition, our results suggest that the exciton-trion fine structure plays an important role for the optical properties of strained TMDC ML. In summary, our study provides fundamental insights on the behaviour of excitons and trions in strained monolayer MoSe2 which are particularly relevant to properly characterize and understand the fine structure of excitonic complexes in strained TMDC systems/devices.

Organic residues from agricultural and forest companies in Brazil as useful substrates for cultivation of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus.

We investigated whether highly available organic residues in Brazil can be used as substrates for the production of the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, instead of the conventional cultivation using the eucalyptus sawdust substrate. We assessed the mushroom yield on 13 substrates, of which 12 were formulated with different concentrations of organic residues and one with pure eucalyptus sawdust, and verified whether the raw material used in the substrate formula and the concentration of such alternative residues influenced their biological efficiencies. Substrates containing eucalyptus bark resulted in higher mushroom yield than those containing eucalyptus sawdust, which generally resulted in similar mushroom yield to the remaining formulas. Moreover, the raw material and the concentration of each residue affected the biological efficiency of the substrates. We show that the conventional substrate for P. ostreatus can be replaced by substrates easily accessible to producers without loss in productivity. Furthermore, that the concentration of these mixtures affects the mushroom productivity and should be considered when formulating the growth medium.

Hyperspectral data as a biodiversity screening tool can differentiate among diverse Neotropical fishes.

Hyperspectral data encode information from electromagnetic radiation (i.e., color) of any object in the form of a spectral signature; these data can then be used to distinguish among materials or even map whole landscapes. Although hyperspectral data have been mostly used to study landscape ecology, floral diversity and many other applications in the natural sciences, we propose that spectral signatures can be used for rapid assessment of faunal biodiversity, akin to DNA barcoding and metabarcoding. We demonstrate that spectral signatures of individual, live fish specimens can accurately capture species and clade-level differences in fish coloration, specifically among piranhas and pacus (Family Serrasalmidae), fishes with a long history of taxonomic confusion. We analyzed 47 serrasalmid species and could distinguish spectra among different species and clades, with the method sensitive enough to document changes in fish coloration over ontogeny. Herbivorous pacu spectra were more like one another than they were to piranhas; however, our method also documented interspecific variation in pacus that corresponds to cryptic lineages. While spectra do not serve as an alternative to the collection of curated specimens, hyperspectral data of fishes in the field should help clarify which specimens might be unique or undescribed, complementing existing molecular and morphological techniques.

Traumatic injuries in primary dentition and their immediate and long-term consequences: a 10-year retrospective study from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dental trauma is a highly prevalent problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe characteristics of trauma to anterior primary teeth and its sequelae for primary and successor teeth over a 10-year period of assistance at the paediatric dental traumatology clinic in the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were obtained from the dental records of children assisted from 2006 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were trauma to anterior primary teeth; aged <1 to 9 years at the time of trauma; and at least one follow-up appointment. The data concerning traumatized teeth, child's age, soft tissue injuries, types of traumatic dental injuries and sequelae in both dentitions were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1230 dental records, 483 (39.3%) were eligible, consisting of 815 teeth. The mean age at the time of trauma was 37.4 months (239 males and 244 females). The most important characteristics were: tooth 51 was most affected; falls, at home, on a ceramic floor, were the main cause; gingival laceration, enamel fracture and intrusive luxation were the most frequent types of trauma; premature tooth loss of primary teeth and enamel discoloration in their successor were the most frequent sequelae; and injuries in the periodontal tissue were demonstrated as the highest risk for sequelae in successors (OR, 3.798; p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most traumatic injuries occur in young children, in their home environment. Consequences for the primary teeth were more frequent compared to the permanent successor tooth. Traumatized primary teeth involving periodontal tissue have more chances to result in sequelae to their successor teeth.

How mobility restrictions policy and atmospheric conditions impacted air quality in the State of São Paulo during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mobility restrictions are among actions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and have been pointed as reasons for improving air quality, especially in large cities. However, it is crucial to assess the impact of atmospheric conditions on air quality and air pollutant dispersion in the face of the potential variability of all sources. In this study, the impact of mobility restrictions on the air quality was analyzed for the most populous Brazilian State, São Paulo, severely impacted by COVID-19. Ground-based air quality data (PM10, PM2.5, CO, SO2, NOx, NO2, NO, and O3) were used from 50 automatic air quality monitoring stations to evaluate the changes in concentrations before (January 01 - March 25) and during the partial quarantine (March 16 - June 30). Rainfall, fires, and daily cell phone mobility data were also used as supplementary information to the analyses. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess the heterogeneity of the air quality data during and before mobility restrictions. In general, the results demonstrated no substantial improvements in air quality for most of the pollutants when comparing before and during restrictions periods. Besides, when the analyzed period of 2020 is compared with the year 2019, there is no significant air quality improvement in the São Paulo State. However, special attention should be given to the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), due to the vast population residing in this area and exposed to air pollution. The region reached an average decrease of 29% in CO, 28% in NOx, 40% in NO, 19% in SO2, 15% in PM2.5, and 8% in PM10 concentrations during the mobility restrictions period compared to the same period in 2019. The only pollutant that showed an increase in concentration was ozone, with a 20% increase compared to 2019 during the mobility restrictions period. Before the mobility restrictions period, the region reached an average decrease of 30% in CO, 39% in NOx, 63% in NO, 12% in SO2, 23% in PM2.5, 18% in PM10, and 16% in O3 concentrations when compared to the same period in 2019. On the other hand, Cubatão, a highly industrialized area, showed statistically significant increases above 20% for most monitored pollutants in both periods of 2020 compared to 2019. This study reinforces that the main driving force of pollutant concentration variability is the dynamics of the atmosphere at its various time scales. An abnormal rainy season, with above average rainfall before the restrictions and below average after it, generated a scenario in which the probable significant reductions in emissions did not substantially affect the concentration of pollutants.

First molecular evidence of frogs as a food source for sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) in Brazilian caves.

Genus and species of phlebotomine sand flies have been recorded and described in caves in Brazil, but no study has provided the food source used by sand flies in these environments. Herein, we identified the blood source used by sand fly species in caves located at "Quadrilátero Ferrífero" (QF), Minas Gerais state. Specimens were manually collected near or on anurans inside ferruginous caves in Serra do Gandarela National Park and Serra do Rola Moça State Park. Males and females were placed in vials with 70% alcohol and stored at -10°C. Females engorged, after specific identification, had DNA extracted and followed for PCR amplification using specific primers. Sequencing was analyzed in the GenBank and Barcode of Life. A total of 198 specimens were collected (107 females and 91 males), all of them belonging to species Sciopemyia aff. microps (88.89%), Sciopemyia sordellii (10.61%), or Martinsmyia oliveirai (0.50%). When it comes to the females, 89 were S. aff. microps and 18 S. sordellii. Nineteen engorged females of S. aff. microps were analyzed and most of them (n=18) presented blood from Bokermannohyla martinsi and one contained blood from Scinax fuscovarius. The blood present in engorged females of S. sordellii (n=4) was from B. martinsi. Sciopemyia genus specimens are commonly found in collections carried out inside natural caves, but this was the first study to prove that females of this genus feed on cold-blooded animals in nature. HIGHLIGHTS: • Here we proved that sand flies feed in cold-blooded animals in in Brazilian caves. • Females of the Sciopemyia genus were for the first time found feeding in natural habitats. • Anurans of the family Hylidae were identified as source by molecular analyzes. • Insect bloodmeal identification can help assessing the fauna in several biomes. • This is the first record of S. aff. microps in caves of Brazil.

Saccharomyces boulardii as therapeutic alternative in experimental giardiasis.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii with or without metronidazole in experimental giardiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of treatment with S. boulardii with or without metronidazole on the intestinal mucosa, the antioxidant defence system and the parasitic load was determined in experimental giardiasis. Eight groups of animals with infection and/or treatment with the probiotic and/or drugs for 1 week after infection with Giardia lamblia were used. A reduction of approximately 90% in the parasitic load was observed in all the treated groups. Saccharomyces boulardii attenuated the damage caused by infection in the intestinal mucosa preserving its architecture and inhibiting the oxidative stress induced by parasite and metronidazole. CONCLUSIONS: Saccharomyces boulardii was effective alone or in combination with metronidazole in resolving already established G. lamblia infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest the use of S. boulardii as an alternative treatment for giardiasis mainly in cases of resistance or intolerance to conventional treatment.

IL-22 increases the production of sFRP3 by FLS in inflammatory joint diseases.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are inflammatory diseases with different bone remodeling patterns. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are cells involved in the transition from an acute and reparable phase to a chronic and persistent stage in these diseases. The distinction of joint phenotypes involves inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-22 directly or through key signaling pathways such as Wnt. To evaluate the role of FLS as the source of Wnt antagonists (sFRP3/FRZB and Dkk1) in the synovia, levels of TNF- α, IL-17, IL-22, Dkk1, and sFRP3 were measured by ELISA directly in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, PsA, or AS. Dkk1 and sFRP3 were also measured in the FLS culture supernatants after different inflammatory stimulus. sFRP3 and Dkk1 are constitutively expressed by FLS. IL-22 and sFRP3 were positively correlated (r=0.76; P<0.01) in synovial fluid. The stimulation of FLS with IL-22, but not TNF-alpha and IL-17, increased the production of sFRP3. No stimulus altered the basal expression of Dkk1. These results showed, for the first time, the ability of IL-22 to increase the expression of sFRP3/FRZB by human FLS in both in vitro and ex vivo models. This finding linked IL-22 to local inhibition of Wnt signaling and possibly to blockade of osteogenesis. Furthermore, FLS presented as a source of this inhibitor in synovial fluid, assigning to this cell a bone injury mechanism.