Effects of different subcutaneous sites on heterotopic autotransplantation of canine ovarian tissue.

Ovarian tissue transplantation makes it possible to restore fertility; however, the success of this technique depends on the transplant region used. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of two subcutaneous regions on canine ovarian transplantation, pinna (Pi) and neck (Ne), for 7 and 15 days. Ovaries collected by ovariosalpingohysterectomy were fragmented using a punch device. Fresh fragments were fixed, and the others were immediately grafted onto the animal itself in the Pi and Ne regions for 7 and 15 days. Recovered fragments were evaluated for histology (morphology, development and stromal density), picrosirius (collagen fibers), and immunohistochemistry (fibrosis and cell proliferation). The results showed that follicular normality rates were lower in Pi-7 (78%) vs. control (90%) and Pi-15 (86%), similar in Ne-7 (92%) and superior in Ne-15 (97%) compared to the control, with the effect of the region Ne (94%) superior (P < 0.05) to Pi (82%). Stromal density reduced in both regions vs. control but was similar within 15 days. Fragments from both regions showed higher fibronectin labeling and deposition of type I and lower type III collagen fibers (P < 0.05) vs. control. Proliferation rates in Ne-7 were higher (P < 0.05) than in control, and Pi-15 was higher (P < 0.05) than Ne-15. In conclusion, the pinna may be a region with greater potential than the neck after a 15-day autotransplantation of canine ovarian tissue.

The Potential of Vouacapanes from Pterodon emarginatus Vogel Against COVID-19 Cytokine Storm.

Purpose: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the search for potential therapeutic responses for various aspects of this disease. Fruits of Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (Fabaceae), sucupira, have been used in Brazilian traditional medicine because of their anti-inflammatory properties, which have been proven in vivo, in vitro, and in silico. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate P. emarginatus oleoresin and isolated diterpenes by in vitro anti-inflammatory models. Methods: In this study, the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of P. emarginatus oleoresin and vouacapanes 6α,19ß-diacetoxy-7ß,14ß-dihydroxyvouacapan (V1), 6α-acetoxy-7ß,14ß-dihydroxyvouacapan (V2), and methyl 6α-acetoxy-7ß-hydroxyvouacapan-17ß-oate (V3) were investigated in HaCaT cells. Results: Oleoresin, V2, and V3 inhibited phospholipase A2 (30.78%, 24.96%, and 77.64%, respectively). Both vouacapanes also inhibited the expression of COX-2 (28.3% and 33.17%, respectively). The production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) was inhibited by oleoresin by 35.47%. However, oleoresin did not interfere with Nrf-2 expression or IL-8 production. Conclusion: The results support the ethnomedicinal use of P. emarginatus oleoresin as an anti-inflammatory herbal medicine, and also highlight P. emarginatus oleoresin and isolated vouacapanes as an attractive therapeutic approach for COVID-19 through the reduction or chronological control of the inflammatory mediators IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phospholipase A2, and INF-y (indirectly) during the SARS-CoV-2 infection process.

Engineered Fluorescent Strains of Cryptococcus neoformans: a Versatile Toolbox for Studies of Host-Pathogen Interactions and Fungal Biology, Including the Viable but Nonculturable State.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen known for its remarkable ability to infect and subvert phagocytes. This ability provides survival and persistence within the host and relies on phenotypic plasticity. The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) phenotype was recently described in C. neoformans, whose study is promising in understanding the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis. The use of fluorescent strains is improving host interaction research, but it is still underexploited. Here, we fused histone H3 or the poly(A) binding protein (Pab) to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) or mCherry, obtaining a set of C. neoformans transformants with different colors, patterns of fluorescence, and selective markers (hygromycin B resistance [Hygr] or neomycin resistance [Neor]). We validated their similarity to the parental strain in the stress response, the expression of virulence-related phenotypes, mating, virulence in Galleria mellonella, and survival within murine macrophages. PAB-GFP, the brightest transformant, was successfully applied for the analysis of phagocytosis by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, we demonstrated that an engineered fluorescent strain of C. neoformans was able to generate VBNC cells. GFP-tagged Pab1, a key regulator of the stress response, evidenced nuclear retention of Pab1 and the assembly of cytoplasmic stress granules, unveiling posttranscriptional mechanisms associated with dormant C. neoformans cells. Our results support that the PAB-GFP strain is a useful tool for research on C. neoformans. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans is a human-pathogenic yeast that can undergo a dormant state and is responsible for over 180,000 deaths annually worldwide. We engineered a set of fluorescent transformants to aid in research on C. neoformans. A mutant with GFP-tagged Pab1 improved fluorescence-based techniques used in host interaction studies. Moreover, this mutant induced a viable but nonculturable phenotype and uncovered posttranscriptional mechanisms associated with dormant C. neoformans. The experimental use of fluorescent mutants may shed light on C. neoformans-host interactions and fungal biology, including dormant phenotypes.

Vitrification of canine ovarian tissue using the Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem (OTC) device.

The present study evaluated the effect of Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem (OTC) on follicular morphology and density, as well as on stromal cell density of vitrified canine ovarian tissue. Canine ovarian fragments collected from adult female dogs in stages of the random oestrous cycle were fixed (FC, fresh control) or vitrified (VIT) with an OTC device. After vitrification and warming, the fragments were fixed for histological analysis. Overall, the mean percentage of normal pre-antral follicles decreased after vitrification procedure (FC: 74.5% ± 1.6% vs. VIT: 52.05% ± 1.5%). Although the rates of normal primordial (71.1% ± 1.8%) and secondary (0.7% ± 0.4%) follicles vitrified showed a reduction (p < .05), vitrification using OTC showed considerable preservation of follicles, when compared to the fresh control (81.1% ± 1.5% and 2.3% ± 0.6%, respectively). The mean follicular density was maintained after vitrification (FC: 199.65 ± 12.8 vs. VIT: 199.68 ± 10.8), whereas the stromal cell density decreased in the VIT group. Based on the results, we recommend the use of OTC for vitrification of canine ovarian tissue.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation Improves Ovarian Tissue Vitrification Outcome: An Alternative to Preserve the Ovarian Function of Morada Nova Ewe.

This study evaluated the effect of adding alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to the vitrification solution of sheep ovarian tissue on 7 days of in vitro culture or 15 days of xenotransplantion. ALA was used at two different concentrations (100 µM: ALA100 and 150 µM: ALA150). Ovarian tissue was evaluated by classical histology (follicular morphology, development, and stromal cell density); immunohistochemistry for forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a); Ki67 (cell proliferation); cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31); and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovarian tissue, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels in the culture medium, were assessed. Similar percentage of morphologically normal follicles was found in the vitrified ovarian tissue in the presence of ALA100 or ALA150 after in vitro culture or xenotransplantation. Follicular development from all treatments was higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, an activation of primordial follicles was observed by FOXO3a. Stromal cell density and immunostaining for Ki67 and CD31 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ALA150 vitrified tissue. No difference (P > 0.05) was found in α-SMA between ALA concentrations after in vitro culture or xenograft. ROS levels in the ovarian tissue were similar (P > 0.05) in all treatments, as well as MDA and nitrite levels after 7 days of culture. We concluded that the addition of ALA 150 is able to better preserve the stromal cell density favoring granulosa cell proliferation and neovascularization.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis and current perspectives: new risk factors and laboratory diagnosis by using MALDI TOF for identifying species in primary infection and recurrence.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), considered the second cause of genital infection among women, has pathogenic mechanisms still to be elucidated and unknown risk factors. Prevalence studies with laboratory diagnosis (at first diagnosis and recurrence) are uncommon, especially using MALDI TOF, used in this clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory study for evaluating candidiasis, and identifying unknown risk factors. To obtain clinical and epidemiological data, patients were questioned, and there was material collection. Samples collected were identified by using phenotypic and presumptive methods and confirmed by MALDI TOF. This study analyzed 278 patients, divided into symptomatic (n = 173) and asymptomatic (n = 105) groups. Regarding the main candidiasis symptoms (discharge, itching, and burning), only 50.3% of patients described these concomitant symptoms, showing a positive predictive value of 67.8%. Regarding the risk factors investigated, there was a statistical correlation between candidiasis and dairy products, gut transit, contraceptive use, respiratory allergy, and panty liners, describing new risk factors related to intestinal and vaginal dysbiosis. After Candida species analysis and confirmation, the primary prevalence was 80.9% (Candida albicans), 15.2% (non-albicans), 1% (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa), and 1.9% (unidentified species). In recurrence, the prevalence was 66.7% (C. albicans) and 33.3% (non-albicans). The presence of symptoms has low positive predictive value for the diagnosis of candidiasis, even when considering the classic triad of symptoms. Laboratory identification of yeast species is essential for correct treatment, preventing the resistance to antifungals and the high recurrence. In addition, dairy products and bowel habits, both related to intestinal and vaginal dysbiosis, may be associated with VVC.

The role of Cryptococcus neoformans histone deacetylase genes in the response to antifungal drugs, epigenetic modulators and to photodynamic therapy mediated by an aluminium phthalocyanine chloride nanoemulsion in vitro.

Cryptococcus is a globally distributed fungal pathogen that primarily afflicts immunocompromised individuals. The therapeutic options are limited and include mostly amphotericin B or fluconazole, alone or in combination. The extensive usage of antifungals allowed the selection of resistant pathogens posing threats to global public health. Histone deacetylase genes are involved in Cryptococcus virulence, and in pathogenicity and resistance to azoles in Candida albicans. Aiming to assess whether histone deacetylase genes are involved in antifungal response and in synergistic drug interactions, we evaluated the activity of amphotericin B, fluconazole, sulfamethoxazole, sodium butyrate or trichostatin A (histone deacetylase inhibitors), and hydralazine or 5- aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors) against different Cryptococcus neoformans strains, C. neoformans histone deacetylase null mutants and Cryptococcus gattii NIH198. The drugs were employed alone or in different combinations. Fungal growth after photodynamic therapy mediated by an aluminium phthalocyanine chloride nanoemulsion, alone or in combination with the aforementioned drugs, was assessed for the C. neoformans HDAC null mutant strains. Our results showed that fluconazole was synergistic with sodium butyrate or with trichostatin A for the hda1Δ/hos2Δ double mutant strain. Sulfamethoxazole was synergistic with sodium butyrate or with hydralazine also for hda1Δ/hos2Δ. These results clearly indicate a link between HDAC impairment and drug sensitivity. Photodynamic therapy efficacy on controlling the growth of the HDAC mutant strains was increased by amphotericin B, fluconazole, sodium butyrate or hydralazine. This is the first study in Cryptococcus highlighting the combined effects of antifungal drugs, histone deacetylase or DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and photodynamic therapy in vitro.

Equine ovarian tissue xenografting: impacts of cooling, vitrification, and VEGF.

Ovarian tissue transplantation methods using cooled and cryopreserved samples have been attractive options for fertility preservation in animal models and humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of previous exposure to cooling, cryopreservation, and VEGF on the overall efficiency of equine ovarian tissue after heterotopic xenotransplantation in mice. The end points evaluated were follicular morphology and development, follicular and stromal cell densities, angiogenesis (i.e. the density of new and mature blood vessels), collagen types I and III fiber densities, and total fibrosis. Ovaries of adult mares were harvested after ovariectomy, and ovarian fragments were xenografted in the i.p. wall of BALB nude mice. Ten types of treatments involving different combinations of cooling, cryopreservation, xenografting procedures, and VEGF exposure were compared. The novel aspect of this study was the use of equine ovarian tissue xenotransplantation in mice, challenging the fragments with different combinations of treatments. The main findings were (i) cooling but not cryopreservation was effective in preserving the follicular morphology, (ii) a greater percentage of developing follicles but lower follicular and stromal cell densities were observed after ovarian tissue engraftment, (iii) exposure to VEGF increased new and mature vessels in cryopreserved-transplanted tissue, and (iv) an appropriate balance in the collagen types I and III fiber ratio in cooling-transplanted tissue was observed after exposure to VEGF. This study contributes to advancing knowledge in the preservation of ovarian tissue after cooling-cryopreservation and transplantation aiming to be applied to genetically superior/valuable horses, livestock, endangered animals, and, possibly, humans. LAY SUMMARY: Due to ethical limitations involving humans, the female horse (mare) has recently emerged as an alternative model for reproductive comparisons with women to optimize fertility restoration using ovarian tissue transplantation techniques. This study determined if ovarian tissue from donor mares (n = 3), exposed or not to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) before transplantation, better survives for 7 days after transplantation into mouse hosts (n = 12). Tissues submitted to different combinations of cooling, freezing, and transplanting treatments, along with control groups, were evaluated using the parameters morphology, development, the density of immature eggs (follicles), the density of supportive (stromal) cells, collagen protein proportions, and density of blood vessels. Frozen-thawed treatments had lower percentages of normal follicles. Exposure to VEGF increased blood vessel densities in frozen tissue and favored adequate collagen levels in cooled-transplanted treatments. In conclusion, VEGF exposure seems to be beneficial for mare ovarian tissue transplantation and warrants further investigation.

A glance upon Epigenetic and COVID-19.

Epigenetics studies focused on SARS-CoV-2 infection to assist in the perception of pathophysiology can direct prospective approaches for the COVID-19 treatment. There is an intrinsic relationship between epigenetic marks and the adaptation of the immune system, which determines the outcome of the pathogen-host interaction. Recently, studies have shown that there is an increased expression of the ACE2 receptor in individuals with Lupus, the origin of this phenomenon is from DNA's methylation deregulation process that consequently, become this group more suitable to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. There is evidence for the use of some epigenetic modifiers known as Epidrugs, which might be a promising approach to be deeper investigated. Here we emphasize the importance of this glance upon Epigenetic and its modulators in the promising therapeutic in the COVID-19 disease context.

Heterotopic autotransplantation of ovarian tissue in a large animal model: Effects of cooling and VEGF.

Heterotopic and orthotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation techniques, currently used in humans, will become promising alternative methods for fertility preservation in domestic and wild animals. Thus, this study describes for the first time the efficiency of a heterotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation technique in a large livestock species (i.e., horses) after ovarian fragments were exposed or not to a cooling process (4°C/24 h) and/or VEGF before grafting. Ovarian fragments were collected in vivo via an ultrasound-guided biopsy pick-up method and surgically autografted in a subcutaneous site in both sides of the neck in each mare. The blood flow perfusion at the transplantation site was monitored at days 2, 4, 6, and 7 post-grafting using color-Doppler ultrasonography. Ovarian grafts were recovered 7 days post-transplantation and subjected to histological analyses. The exposure of the ovarian fragments to VEGF before grafting was not beneficial to the quality of the tissue; however, the cooling process of the fragments reduced the acute hyperemia post-grafting. Cooled grafts compared with non-cooled grafts contained similar values for normal and developing preantral follicles, vessel density, and stromal cell apoptosis; lower collagen type III fibers and follicular density; and higher stromal cell density, AgNOR, and collagen type I fibers. In conclusion, VEGF exposure before autotransplantation did not improve the quality of grafted tissues. However, cooling ovarian tissue for at least 24 h before grafting can be beneficial because satisfactory rates of follicle survival and development, stromal cell survival and proliferation, as well as vessel density, were obtained.

COVID-19: therapeutic approaches description and discussion.

COVID-19 emerged in December 2019 in China, and since then, has disrupted global public health and changed economic paradigms. In dealing with the new Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, the world has not faced such extreme global fragility since the "Spanish flu" pandemic in 1918. Researchers globally are dedicating efforts to the search for an effective treatment for COVID-19. Drugs already used in a clinical setting for other pathologies have been tested as a new therapeutic approach against SARS-CoV-2, setting off a frenzy over the preliminary data of different studies. This work aims to compile and discuss the data published thus far. Despite the potential effects of some antivirals and antiparasitic against COVID-19, clinical studies must confirm real effectiveness. However, non-pharmacological approaches have proven to be the most efficient strategy to date.

Heterotopic ovarian allotransplantation in goats: Preantral follicle viability and tissue remodeling.

An appropriate implantation site favors angiogenesis and avoids ovarian tissue damage after tissue grafting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) sites for ovarian grafts in goats by evaluating follicular morphology and activation, preantral follicle and stromal cell densities, tissue DNA fragmentation, collagen types I and III depositions, and graft revascularizations. Ovarian cortical tissue was transplanted in IM or SC sites and recovered 7 or 15 days post-transplantation. There was a greater percentage of developing follicles and lesser follicular and stromal cell densities in all grafted tissues as compared to ovarian tissues of the control group. The stromal cell density and percentage of normal follicles were positively associated. At 15 days post-transplantation, tissues at the SC and IM sites had similar amounts of DNA fragmentation and type III collagen content. In contrast, tissues at the SC, as compared with IM site, had greater abundances of collagen type I. Furthermore, there was a positive association between collagen type I and percentage of morphologically normal follicles post-transplantation. In addition to a marked decrease in follicular density 15 days post-transplantation in ovarian grafts at the SC and IM sites, low percentages of normal follicles and follicular activation were observed similarly in both transplantation sites. There were also positive associations of stromal cell density and abundance of type I collagen fibers with the percentage of intact follicles in grafted ovarian tissues.

Análise parasitológica de caldo-de-cana comercializados no Distrito Federal / Parasitological analysis of sugarcane juice marketed in the Federal District / Análisis parasitológico de jugo de caña de azúcar comercializado en el Distrito Federal

Objetivo: analisar amostras de caldo-de-cana comercializados no Distrito Federal, com o intuito de investigar a presença de parasitas que possam ser nocivos à saúde, ocasionando o aparecimento de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos. Método: Foram analisadas 10 amostras de caldo-de-cana provenientes estabelecimentos distribuídos em diferentes regiões no Distrito Federal. Todas as amostras foram submetidas ao método de sedimentação e analisados em triplicata. A análise dos resultados foi realizada com auxílio de microscopia óptica, para investigação da presença de ovos, cistos, oocistos ou demais formas evolutivas parasitárias. Resultados: Em todas as amostras foi constatado a presença de algum tipo de contaminação, sendo registrado leveduras em 100% das amostras, em 50% se obteve presença de Entamoeba sp., em 10% Taenia sp., em 10% Giardia sp. e em 10% Ascaris sp. Conclusão: É possível observar uma ineficiência nas práticas higiênico-sanitárias dos estabelecimentos responsáveis pelo processamento e moagem do vegetal, viabilizando contaminação na maior parte das amostras. Esta contaminação, pode ocasionar diversos tipos de doença para os seres humanos, particularmente oferecem mais riscos a indivíduos imunocomprometidos, sendo necessário uma monitorização mais eficaz desse tipo de alimento, bem como da sua distribuição.

Objective: to assess samples of sugarcane juice marketed in the Federal District in order to investigate the presence of parasites that can be harmful to health, causing Foodborne Diseases. Method: 10 samples of sugarcane juice from establishments distributed in different regions in the Federal District were analyzed. All samples were submitted to the Sedimentation method and analyzed in triplicate. The analysis was performed with the aid of optical microscopy to investigate the presence of eggs, cysts, oocysts or other parasitic evolutionary forms. Results: In all samples, the presence of some type of contamination was found, with yeasts being registered in 100% of the samples, in 50% Entamoeba sp., 10% Taenia sp., 10% Giardia sp. and in 10% Ascaris sp. Conclusion: We observed an inefficiency in the hygienic-sanitary practices of the establishments responsible for the processing and grinding of the vegetable, allowing contamination in most of the samples. This contamination can cause different types of disease for humans, particularly they offer more risks to immunocompromised individuals, requiring more effective monitoring of this type of food, as well as its distribution.

Objetivo: Analizar las muestras de jugo de caña de azúcar que se venden en el Distrito Federal para investigar la presencia de parásitos que pueden ser dañinos para la salud y causar la aparición de enfermedades transmitidas por los alimentos. Método: Se analizaron diez muestras de jugo de caña de azúcar de establecimientos distribuidos en diferentes regiones del Distrito Federal. Todas las muestras fueron sometidas al método de sedimentación y analizadas por triplicado. El análisis de los resultados se realizó con la ayuda de microscopía óptica, para investigar la presencia de huevos, quistes, ooquistes u otras formas evolutivas parasitarias. Resultados: En todas las muestras, se encontró la presencia de algún tipo de contaminación, con levaduras registradas en el 100% de las muestras, en 50% Entamoeba sp., 10% Taenia sp., 10% Giardia sp. y en 10% Ascaris sp. Conclusión: Es posible observar una ineficiencia en las prácticas higiénico-sanitarias de los establecimientos responsables del procesamiento y molienda del vegetal, lo que permite la contaminación en la mayoría de las muestras. Esta contaminación puede causar diferentes tipos de enfermedades en los humanos, particularmente ofrecen más riesgos para las personas inmunocomprometidas, lo que requiere un monitoreo más efectivo de este tipo de alimentos, así como su distribución

Rastreio de leveduras patogênicas isoladas de fezes de pombos no Distrito Federal-Pombos: propagadores de fungos patogênicos? / Screening for pathogenic yeasts isolated from pigeon droppings in the Federal District-Pigeons: propagators of pathogenic fungi? / Detección de levaduras patógenas aisladas de excrementos de paloma en el Distrito Federal-Palomas: ¿propagadores de hongos patógenos?

Objetivo: Investigar a presença de fungos patogênicos isolados a partir de amostras de fezes de pombos, em locais de atenção a pacientes imunocomprometidos no DF. Método: As amostras foram coletadas em hospitais onde se oferta atendimento a pacientes HIV/AIDS e que tenha uma presença massiva de pombos. Colônias de leveduras foram previamente selecionados em meio Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose acrescido de cloranfenicol, seguindo-se com análise microscópica das estruturas leveduriformes. Colônias de leveduras com suspeita de pertencerem ao gênero Candida spp. ou Cryptococcus sp., foram inoculadas no meio Ágar Cromogênico para identificação das espécies de Candida e em meio Ágar quimicamente definido para indução dos fenótipos de virulência característicos de Cryptococcus sp. Resultados: 100% das amostras analisadas apresentaram crescimento de leveduras do gênero Candida spp. e Rhodotorula sp. No meio Ágar Cromogênico foram identificadas nas amostras C. krusei em 75%; C. tropicalis em 50% e C. glabrata em 15%. Em 15% das amostras foi identificado leveduras do gênero Cryptococcus sp. Conclusão: Dados deste estudo sugerem que fezes de pombo podem estar dispersando leveduras patogênicas e contribuindo com a incidência de infecções fúngicas no DF.

Objective: To investigate the presence of pathogenic fungi isolated from pigeon stool samples, in places of care for immunocompromised patients in the Federal District. Method: The samples were collected in hospitals where care is offered to HIV / AIDS patients and which has a massive presence of pigeons. Yeast colonies were previously selected on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plus chloramphenicol, followed by microscopic analysis of the yeast structures. Yeast colonies suspected of belonging to the genus Candida spp. or Cryptococcus sp., were inoculated in the Chromogenic Agar medium to identify Candida species and in chemically defined Agar medium to induce the virulence phenotypes characteristic of Cryptococcus sp. Results: 100% of the analyzed samples showed growth of yeasts of the genus Candida spp. and Rhodotorula sp. In the chromogenic agar medium, 75% were identified in C. krusei samples; C. tropicalis in 50% and C. glabrata in 15%. In 15% of the samples, yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus sp. Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that pigeon feces may be dispersing pathogenic yeasts and contributing to the incidence of fungal infections in DF

Objetivo: Investigar la presencia de hongos patógenos aislados de muestras de heces de palomas, en los lugares de atención a pacientes inmunodeprimidos del Distrito Federal. Método: Las muestras se recolectaron en hospitales donde se brinda atención a pacientes con VIH / SIDA y que tiene una presencia masiva de palomas. Las colonias de levadura se seleccionaron previamente en Sabouraud Dextrose Agar más cloranfenicol, seguido de un análisis microscópico de las estructuras de la levadura. Las colonias de levaduras sospechosas de pertenecer al género Candida spp. o Cryptococcus sp., se inocularon en medio de agar cromogénico para identificar especies de Candida y en medio de agar químicamente definido para inducir los fenotipos de virulencia característicos de Cryptococcus sp. Resultados: el 100% de las muestras analizadas presentó crecimiento de levaduras del género Candida spp. y Rhodotorula sp. En el medio agar cromogénico, el 75% se identificó en muestras de C. krusei; C. tropicalis en 50% y C. glabrata en 15%. En el 15% de las muestras, levaduras del género Cryptococcus sp. Conclusión: Los datos de este estudio sugieren que las heces de las palomas pueden estar dispersando levaduras patógenas y contribuyendo a la incidencia de infecciones fúngicas en el DF.

HDAC genes play distinct and redundant roles in Cryptococcus neoformans virulence.

The human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans undergoes many phenotypic changes to promote its survival in specific ecological niches and inside the host. To explore the role of chromatin remodeling on the expression of virulence-related traits, we identified and deleted seven genes encoding predicted class I/II histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the C. neoformans genome. These studies demonstrated that individual HDACs control non-identical but overlapping cellular processes associated with virulence, including thermotolerance, capsule formation, melanin synthesis, protease activity and cell wall integrity. We also determined the HDAC genes necessary for C. neoformans survival during in vitro macrophage infection and in animal models of cryptococcosis. Our results identified the HDA1 HDAC gene as a central mediator controlling several cellular processes, including mating and virulence. Finally, a global gene expression profile comparing the hda1Δ mutant versus wild-type revealed altered transcription of specific genes associated with the most prominent virulence attributes in this fungal pathogen. This study directly correlates the effects of Class I/II HDAC-mediated chromatin remodeling on the marked phenotypic plasticity and virulence potential of this microorganism. Furthermore, our results provide insights into regulatory mechanisms involved in virulence gene expression that are likely shared with other microbial pathogens.

Laparoscopic ovarian biopsy pick-up method for goats.

Biopsy pick-up (BPU) has been considered a safe method to harvest ovarian fragments from live animals. However, no studies have been reported on the use of BPU to collect in vivo ovarian tissue in goats. The goals of this study were: (i) to test different biopsy needle sizes to collect ovarian tissue in situ using the BPU method (Experiment 1), and (ii) to study ovarian tissue features such as preantral follicle density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density in ovarian fragments obtained in vivo through a laparoscopic BPU method (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, goat ovaries (n = 20) were collected in a slaughterhouse and subjected to in situ BPU. Three needles (16, 18, and 20G) were tested. In Experiment 2, the most efficient biopsy needle from Experiment 1 was used to perform laparoscopic BPU in goats (n = 8). In Experiment 1, the recovery rate was greater (P < 0.05; range 50-62%) with 16G and 18G needles than the 20G (17%) needle. The mean weight of ovarian fragments collected by the 16G needle was greater (P < 0.05) than the 18G and the 20G needle. In Experiment 2, 62 biopsy attempts were performed and 52 ovarian fragments were collected (90% success rate). Overall, 2054 preantral follicles were recorded in 5882 histological sections analyzed. Mean preantral follicular density was 28.4 ± 1.3 follicles per cm2. The follicular density differed (P < 0.05) among animals and ovarian fragments within the same animal. The mean stromal cell density in the ovarian fragments was 37.1 ± 0.5 cells per 2500 µm2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. Moreover, preantral follicle density and stromal cell density were associated (P < 0.001). The percentage of morphologically normal follicles was 70.1 ± 1.2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. The majority (79%) of the morphologically normal follicles was classified as primordial follicles, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals and between ovaries. In summary, a laparoscopic BPU method has been developed to harvest ovarian tissue in vivo with a satisfactory success rate in goats. Furthermore, this study described for the first time that goat ovarian biopsy fragments have a high heterogeneity in follicular density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density.

Educação Física e Saúde Coletiva: cenários, experiências e artefatos Culturais / Physical Education and Public Health: scenarios, experiences and artifacts Cultural

O livro "Educação Física e Saúde Coletiva: cenários, experiências e artefatos culturais" é fruto do projeto interinstitucional intitulado "Políticas de formação em educação física e saúde coletiva: atividade física/práticas corporais no SUS" aprovado no Edital Pró-Ensino em Saúde da CAPES (Edital n. 24/2010). Este edital teve como objetivo fomentar a constituição e consolidação de linhas de pesquisa em nível de pós-graduação implicadas com a formação de profissionais para o campo da saúde e comprometidas com o Sistema Único de Saúde. Intitulamos a segunda unidade de "Educação Física e saúde: experiências, programas e artefatos culturais" por congregar estudos que "mergulharam" no contexto vivo das práticas. Os autores conversaram e ouviram os sujeitos, sentiram os espaços, analisaram gestos, relataram casos e produziram importantes saberes em diferentes cenários nos quais a intervenção e/ou a relação da Educação Física com a Saúde Coletiva se manifesta.

Histone deacetylases inhibitors effects on Cryptococcus neoformans major virulence phenotypes.

Cryptococcus neoformans undergoes phenotypical changes during host infection in order to promote persistence and survival. Studies have demonstrated that such adaptations require alterations in gene transcription networks by distinct mechanisms. Drugs such as the histone deacetylases inhibitors (HDACi) Sodium Butyrate (NaBut) and Trichostatin A (TSA) can alter the chromatin conformation and have been used to modulate epigenetic states in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. In this work, we have studied the effect of NaBut and TSA on the expression of C. neoformans major virulence phenotypes and on the survival rate of an animal model infected with drugs-treated yeasts. Both drugs affected fungal growth at 37°C more intensely than at 30°C; nonetheless, drugs did not affect cell viability at the concentrations we studied. HDACi also provoked the reduction of the fungal capsule expansion. Phospholipases enzyme activity decreased; mating process and melanin synthesis were also affected by both inhibitors. NaBut led to an increase in the population of cells in G2/M. Treated yeast cells, which were washed in order to remove the drugs from the culture medium prior to the inoculation in the Galleria mellonela infection model, did not cause significant difference at the host survival curve when compared to non-treated cells. Overall, NaBut effects on the impairment of C. neoformans main virulence factors were more intense and stable than the TSA effects.