Relationship between vitamin B12 levels and motor development: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development and health of the human brain, from early stages to adulthood. The complex process of neurodevelopment necessitates interaction among various factors, with balance in the concentration of vital macronutrients and micronutrients being essential. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin B12 stands out, playing a vital role in the development and functioning of the motor nervous system. The objective was to investigate the influence of reduced levels of vitamin B12 on infant motor development and analyze the effects of supplementation on this aspect of development. METHODS: For this purpose, the criteria of the PRISMA method and registration in the PROSPERO database were used. The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 684 records were initially identified. RESULTS: Of the eight included articles, there was diversity regarding geographical contexts and study designs. The final sample comprised a total of 1,559 participants of both sexes. Studies aimed at correcting low levels of vitamin B12 opted for supplementation, following various protocols that varied in dose, administration method, and duration. At the end of the studies, the serum level of this vitamin ranged from 131 pmol/L to 1141 pmol/L. CONCLUSION: There is a complex array of factors contributing to reduced levels of vitamin B12, especially in the early stages of life, which significantly impacts infant motor development. Despite methodological variations among studies, evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 may affect motor development and that supplementation could be an effective means of enhancing motor aspects in healthy children. However, due to the diversity of outcomes, it is important to promote comprehensive public policies to encourage appropriate interventions in this area.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Brazilian green propolis controls intradermal infection induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and modulates the inflammatory response in a murine model.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading causes of skin and soft tissue infections worldwide. This microorganism has a wide range of antibiotics resistance, a fact that has made the treatment of infections caused by MRSA difficult. In this sense, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with natural products has emerged as a good alternative in combating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of aPDT with Brazilian green propolis against intradermal MRSA infection in a murine model. Initially, 24 Balb/c mice were infected intradermally in the ears with 1.5 × 108 colony-forming units of MRSA 43300. After infection, they were separated into 4 groups (6 animals per group) and treated with the vehicle, only Brazilian green propolis, only blue LED light or with the aPDT protocol (Brazilian green propolis + blue LED light). It was observed in this study that aPDT with Brazilian green propolis reduced the bacterial load at the site of infection. Furthermore, it was able to inhibit weight loss resulting from the infection, as well as modulate the inflammatory response through greater recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells/neutrophils to the infected tissue. Finally, aPDT induced an increase in the cytokines IL-17A and IL-12p70 in the draining retromaxillary lymph node. Thus, aPDT with Brazilian green propolis proved to be effective against intradermal MRSA infection in mice, reducing bacterial load and modulating the immune response in the animals. However, more studies are needed to assess whether such effects are repeated in humans.

Effectiveness of 780 nm photobiomodulation as adjunct treatment for bone exposed fractures: A pilot study on radiograph, pain, and cytokines analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation with a 780 nm laser as an adjunct to surgical treatment in the regeneration of bone fractures. Twenty patients diagnosed with open fractures in the lower limbs were selected and randomly divided into two groups: control and LLLT. LLLT parameter: 780 nm, 0.04 cm2 of light beam diameter, 40 mW of power, 10 s per point, 0.4 J of energy, fluence of 10 J/cm2 and irradiance of 1 W/cm2. The evaluated data were: pain, using McGill scale, use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, levels of cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-10, and IL-17, and bone level regeneration. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests (5%). We can conclude that LLLT was effective as an adjuvant in the bone fracture regeneration process, altered IL-1ß levels, reduced the use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories, reducing the pain pattern throughout the sessions.

Characterization of Brazilian green propolis as a photosensitizer for LED light-induced antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA).

Staphylococcus aureus is the primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Its significant adaptability and the development of resistance are the main factors linked to its spread and the challenges in its treatment. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy emerges as a promising alternative. This work aimed to characterize the antimicrobial photodynamic activity of Brazilian green propolis, along with the key bioactive compounds associated with this activity. Initially, a scanning spectrometry was conducted to assess the wavelengths with the potential to activate green propolis. Subsequently, reference strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA ATCC 43300) and vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (VISA ATCC 700699) were exposed to varying concentrations of green propolis: 1 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 50 µg /mL and 100 µg/mL and were stimulated by blue, green or red LED light. Finally, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry techniques, along with classic molecular networking analysis, was performed to identify potential bioactive molecules with photodynamic activity. Brazilian green propolis exhibits a pronounced absorption peak and heightened photo-responsiveness when exposed to blue light within the range of 400 nm and 450 nm. This characteristic reveals noteworthy significant photodynamic activity against MRSA and VISA at concentrations from 5 µg/mL. Furthermore, the propolis comprises compounds like curcumin and other flavonoids sourced from flavone, which possess the potential for photodynamic activity and other antimicrobial functions. Consequently, Brazilian green propolis holds promise as an excellent bactericidal agent, displaying a synergistic antibacterial property enhanced by light-induced photodynamic effects.

Pharmacotherapeutic profile, polypharmacy and its associated factors in a cohort of people living with HIV in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The increased survival provided by the access, development, and evolution of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) greatly increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PWH). This has also led to an increased occurrence of diseases or morbidities related to aging. In individuals with multiple comorbidities, the simultaneous use of multiple medications, also known as polypharmacy, is common, and rational use of medications is essential. This study aims to describe the pharmacotherapeutic profile, estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy and identify factors associated with polypharmacy in a cohort of adult PWH from a referral unit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including PWH on ARV who received at least one medical prescription (outpatient/hospitalized) in 2019. We described the proportion of prescribed medications according to ARV and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classes stratified by age (< 50 vs. ≥50 years). Polypharmacy was defined as ≥ 5 medications prescribed beyond ARV. Logistic regression models assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with polypharmacy. RESULTS: A total of 143,306 prescriptions of 4547 PWH were analyzed. Median age was 44.4 years (IQR:35.4-54.1) and 1615 (35.6%) were ≥ 50 years. A total of 2958 (65.1%) participants self-identified as cisgender man, 1365 (30.0%) as cisgender woman, and 224 (4.9%) as transgender women. Most self-declared Black/Pardo (2582; 65.1%) and 1984 (44.0%) completed elementary education or less. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 10.9 years (IQR:6.2-17.7). Most frequently prescribed concomitant medications were nervous system (64.8%), antiinfectives for systemic use (60.0%), alimentary tract and metabolism (45.9%), cardiovascular system (40.0%) and respiratory system (37.1%). Prevalence of polypharmacy was 50.6% (95%CI: 49.2-52.1). Model results indicated that being older, self-identify as cisgender woman, having less education and longer time since HIV diagnosis increased the odds of polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: We found high rates of polypharmacy and concomitant medication use in a cohort of PWH in Brazil. Targeted interventions should be prioritized to prevent interactions and improve treatment, especially among individuals using central nervous system and cardiovascular medications, as well as certain groups such as cisgender women, older individuals and those with lower education. Standardized protocols for continuous review of patients' therapeutic regimens should be implemented.

The Effect of the Pd Precursors on the Shape of Hollow Ag-Pd Alloy Nanoparticles Using Ag Nanocubes as Seeds.

Hollow Ag-Pd nanoparticles have potentially high catalytic performance owing to their larger surface area compared to their corresponding solid nanoparticles. We successfully fabricated hollow Ag-Pd alloy nanodendrites and nanoboxes by using different Pd precursors (H2PdCl4 and Pd(acac)2) to achieve large surface area nanoboxes. Interestingly, the use of a H2PdCl4 precursor led to the formation of hollow nanodendrite structures, whereas the slower reduction of Pd(acac)2 led to the formation of hollow nanoboxes. The microstructure and chemical composition of Ag-Pd nanoparticles and properties of their growth solutions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy.

Giants of the Amazon: How does environmental variation drive the diversity patterns of large trees?

For more than three decades, major efforts in sampling and analyzing tree diversity in South America have focused almost exclusively on trees with stems of at least 10 and 2.5 cm diameter, showing highest species diversity in the wetter western and northern Amazon forests. By contrast, little attention has been paid to patterns and drivers of diversity in the largest canopy and emergent trees, which is surprising given these have dominant ecological functions. Here, we use a machine learning approach to quantify the importance of environmental factors and apply it to generate spatial predictions of the species diversity of all trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm) and for very large trees (dbh ≥ 70 cm) using data from 243 forest plots (108,450 trees and 2832 species) distributed across different forest types and biogeographic regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The diversity of large trees and of all trees was significantly associated with three environmental factors, but in contrasting ways across regions and forest types. Environmental variables associated with disturbances, for example, the lightning flash rate and wind speed, as well as the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation, tend to govern the diversity of large trees. Upland rainforests in the Guiana Shield and Roraima regions had a high diversity of large trees. By contrast, variables associated with resources tend to govern tree diversity in general. Places such as the province of Imeri and the northern portion of the province of Madeira stand out for their high diversity of species in general. Climatic and topographic stability and functional adaptation mechanisms promote ideal conditions for species diversity. Finally, we mapped general patterns of tree species diversity in the Brazilian Amazon, which differ substantially depending on size class.

A new experimental model to study shrimp allergy.

Shrimp is among the most sensitizing food allergens and has been associated with many anaphylaxis reactions. However, there is still a shortage of studies that enable a systematic understanding of this disease and the investigation of new therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to develop a new experimental model of shrimp allergy that could enable the evaluation of new prophylactic treatments. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously sensitized with 100 µg of shrimp proteins of Litopenaeus vannamei adsorbed in 1 mg of aluminum hydroxide on day 0, and a booster (100 µg of shrimp proteins only) on day 14. The oral challenge protocol was based on the addition of 5 mg/ml of shrimp proteins to water from day 21 to day 35. Analysis of shrimp extract content detected at least 4 of the major allergens reported to L. vannamei. In response to the sensitization, allergic mice showed significantly enhanced IL-4 and IL-10 production in restimulated cervical draining lymph node cells. High detection of serum anti-shrimp IgE and IgG1 suggested the development of allergies to shrimp while Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis assay revealed an IgE-mediated response. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that Allergic mice developed antibodies to multiple antigens present in the shrimp extract. These observations were supported by the detection of anti-shrimp IgA production in intestinal lavage samples and morphometric intestinal mucosal changes. Therefore, this experimental protocol can be a tool to evaluate prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.

Inflammaging and body composition: New insights in diabetic and hypertensive elderly men.

Age-related changes in the body's physiological responses play a critical role in systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SAH and T2DM have clinically silent low-grade inflammation as a common risk factor. This inflammation has a relevant element, the excess of fatty tissue. In this scenario, little is known about how inflammatory markers interact with each other. Therefore, this work evaluated the interplay among anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory markers in the elderly with SAH and T2DM. Men aged 60-80 years old with SAH and T2DM were classified by body mass index (BMI) as eutrophic elderly (EE, 24 individuals) or overweight elderly (OE, 25 individuals). Body composition analysis was performed using bioimpedance. Blood samples were collected to perform inflammatory and biochemical evaluations. The cytokines IL-17A, IL-1ß, IFN-y, TNF-α, and IL-10, were evaluated by ELISA. Triglycerides, total and fractions of cholesterol, and glucose were measured by spectrophotometry. Overweight elderly men had a higher glycemic index and an increase in most anthropometric markers, as well as higher means for all pro-inflammatory cytokines analyzed (IL-17A, IL-1ß, IFN-y, and TNF-α) in comparison to their eutrophic elderly counterparts. However, there was a decrease in IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine and IL-10/IL-17A ratio compared to their eutrophic elderly counterparts. Although overweight elderly men have worsening inflammatory parameters, the magnitude of their correlations with anthropometric and biochemical parameters becomes less evident. The Bayesian networks highlight that in the eutrophic elderly, IL-17A and TNF-α are the cytokines most associated with interactions, and most of these interactions occur with biochemical parameters. It is worth highlighting the role of IFN-y in overweight elderly men. This cytokine influences IL-10 and TNF-α production, contributing to the inflammatory profile exacerbated in this group.

The sweet fuel of inflammation: New perspectives on the complex web that interconnects diabetes.

Due to the inflammatory nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the increased cardiovascular risk, there is a growing need for innovative strategies to change our identification and treatment approach to avoid clinical complications. One approach would be the use of circulating biomarkers to track disease progression and management. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension, correlating inflammatory cytokines and disease severity. Initially, 259 individuals were stratified into different degrees of disease: low risk, moderate risk, high risk, and very high risk, according to the European Society of Cardiology, which correlates blood pressure values with the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. For this stratification, analysis of body composition, blood pressure measurement, and questionnaires were applied. Blood was collected for biochemical measurements and for ELISA to detect concentrations of cytokines IL-17, IL-1ß, IFN-Y, TNF-α, and IL-10. The findings suggest that inflammation is present, contributing to the worsening of systemic arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Through Bayesian analysis, we found that hyperglycemia plays a role in fueling inflammation, contributing to the maintenance of the state of dysregulation and persistent inflammation, which can contribute to systemic damage. Our work correlates biochemical, glycemic, body composition, blood pressure and inflammatory profiles, showing how they participate together in worsening the prognosis of patients diagnosed with chronic non-communicable diseases. We have seen that all these parameters can be changed with the practice of physical activity, even in conditions of obesity, hyperglycemia or dyslipidemia, when patients do not control the changes with standard pharmacological treatment. Thus, the management measures of these chronic non-communicable diseases must take into account the crosstalk between the systems, and the dysregulation of just one of these systems is enough to generate consequences in all the other systems.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with curcumin controls intradermal infection by Staphylococcus aureus in mice with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the main pathogens that cause infections in diabetic individuals. In this paper, we report the outcomes of our investigation on the intradermal application of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) with curcumin in an infection induced by MRSA ATCC 43300 strain in the ear of mice with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). A solution containing 100 µg of curcumin was photoactivated ex vivo with a LED light (450 nm) delivering a fluency of 13.5 J/cm3. This solution was administered in the ear intradermally, at the same inoculum site as the MRSA ATCC 43300 strain (PDT Group). This study also included the use of two control groups (both infected): One was treated with saline and the other was treated with non-photoactivated curcumin. The animals were euthanized 24 h after these treatments and samples of draining lymph node and treated ear were collected for examination. The PDT group showed lower bacterial load in the draining lymph node when compared to the saline and curcumin groups (p-value <0.05) 24 h after treatment. In addition to bacterial load, the PDT group presented a higher concentration of nitrates and nitrites in the draining lymph node when compared to the saline and curcumin groups (p-value <0.001). Examining the infectious site, despite apparently having similar inflammatory cell recruitment compared with the control groups, the PDT group showed a profile with less intense activity in the myeloperoxidase expression when compared to the saline group (p-value <0.001). Additionally, the detected concentration of cytokines such as IL-1ß, IL-12, and IL-10 was significantly lower in the PDT group when compared to the saline group (p-value <0.01; p-value <0.05; p-value <0.05, respectively), thus presenting a less intense inflammatory response during infection resolution. Our pilot study showed for the first time the therapeutic potential of PDT using curcumin when administered intradermally in the treatment of infections caused by S. aureus in mice with T1DM.

Highly Permeable Fluorinated Polymer Nanocomposites for Plasmonic Hydrogen Sensing.

Hydrogen (H2) sensors that can be produced en masse with cost-effective manufacturing tools are critical for enabling safety in the emerging hydrogen economy. The use of melt-processed nanocomposites in this context would allow the combination of the advantages of plasmonic hydrogen detection with polymer technology; an approach which is held back by the slow diffusion of H2 through the polymer matrix. Here, we show that the use of an amorphous fluorinated polymer, compounded with colloidal Pd nanoparticles prepared by highly scalable continuous flow synthesis, results in nanocomposites that display a high H2 diffusion coefficient in the order of 10-5 cm2 s-1. As a result, plasmonic optical hydrogen detection with melt-pressed fluorinated polymer nanocomposites is no longer limited by the diffusion of the H2 analyte to the Pd nanoparticle transducer elements, despite a thickness of up to 100 µm, thereby enabling response times as short as 2.5 s at 100 mbar (≡10 vol. %) H2. Evidently, plasmonic sensors with a fast response time can be fabricated with thick, melt-processed nanocomposites, which paves the way for a new generation of robust H2 sensors.

Recycling of glass waste into foam glass boards: A comparison of cradle-to-gate life cycles of boards with different foaming agents.

Glass residues are available worldwide and are disposed of in large amounts in landfills. However, glass waste presents great potential to be used as raw material to produce foam glass boards, a product used in industries such as the construction sector. Conventional foaming agents (e.g. carbon black, carbonates, and sulfates) used in the production of foam glass boards release greenhouse gases into the environment, such as carbon dioxide. Conversely, sodium hydroxide releases only steam during the foaming process. Consequently, an insightful study is necessary to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of sodium hydroxide in comparison to other common foaming agents. Accordingly, the objective of this research is to carry out a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle study with four foam glass boards produced by different foaming agents: sodium hydroxide, carbon black, silicon carbide and dolomite. Global warming potential (GWP), acidification and human toxicity by air were considered as impact categories for Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). The results from the four foam glass boards were compared to an expanded polystyrene (EPS) board. Results evidenced that the use of sodium hydroxide provides better environmental performance regarding GWP, releasing 0.46 kg CO2 eq., while the use of carbon black has less acidification potential with 1.95. 10-3 kg SO2 eq. Human toxicity by air was the only impact category in which EPS has better performance (8.66. 104 m3 air). LCIA results demonstrate that foam glass boards that stand out as safe (not emitting toxic gases in case of fire) are also interesting materials for the environment.

The ForceLAB simulator: Application to the comparison of current models of cardiomyocyte contraction.

Mathematical models are useful tools in the study of physiological phenomena. However, due to differences in assumptions and formulations, discrepancy in simulations may occur. Among the models for cardiomyocyte contraction based on Huxley's cross-bridge cycling, those proposed by Negroni and Lascano (NL) and Rice et al. (RWH) are the most frequently used. This study was aimed at developing a computational tool, ForceLAB, which allows implementing different contraction models and modifying several functional parameters. As an application, electrically-stimulated twitches triggered by an equal Ca2+ input and steady-state force x pCa relationship (pCa = -log of the molar free Ca2+ concentration) simulated with the NL and RWH models were compared. The equilibrium Ca2+-troponin C (TnC) dissociation constant (Kd) was modified by changing either the association (kon) or the dissociation (koff) rate constant. With the NL model, raising Kd by either maneuver decreased monotonically twitch amplitude and duration, as expected. With the RWH model, in contrast, the same Kd variation caused increase or decrease of peak force depending on which rate constant was modified. Additionally, force x pCa curves simulated using Ca2+ binding constants estimated in cardiomyocytes bearing wild-type and mutated TnC were compared to curves previously determined in permeabilized fibers. Mutations increased kon and koff, and decreased Kd. Both models produced curves fairly comparable to the experimental ones, although sensitivity to Ca2+ was greater, especially with RWH model. The NL model reproduced slightly better the qualitative changes associated with the mutations. It is expected that this tool can be useful for teaching and investigation.

Synthesis of highly monodisperse Pd nanoparticles using a binary surfactant combination and sodium oleate as a reductant.

This study presents the synthesis of monodisperse Pd nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by sodium oleate (NaOL) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). The synthesis was conducted without traditional reductants and Pd-precursors are reduced by NaOL. It was confirmed that the alkyl double bond in NaOL is not the only explanation for the reduction of Pd-precursors since Pd NPs could be synthesized with CTAC and the saturated fatty acid sodium stearate (NaST). A quantitative evaluation of the reduction kinetics using UV-Vis spectroscopy shows that Pd NPs synthesized with both stabilizer combinations follow pseudo first-order reaction kinetics, where NaOL provides a faster and more effective reduction of Pd-precursors. The colloidal stabilization of the NP surface by CTAC and NaOL is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis.

Bacterial Nanocellulose in Dentistry: Perspectives and Challenges.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer that has fascinating attributes, such as biocompatibility, low cost, and ease of processing, being considered a very interesting biomaterial due to its options for moldability and combination. Thus, BC-based compounds (for example, BC/collagen, BC/gelatin, BC/fibroin, BC/chitosan, etc.) have improved properties and/or functionality, allowing for various biomedical applications, such as artificial blood vessels and microvessels, artificial skin, and wounds dressing among others. Despite the wide applicability in biomedicine and tissue engineering, there is a lack of updated scientific reports on applications related to dentistry, since BC has great potential for this. It has been used mainly in the regeneration of periodontal tissue, surgical dressings, intraoral wounds, and also in the regeneration of pulp tissue. This review describes the properties and advantages of some BC studies focused on dental and oral applications, including the design of implants, scaffolds, and wound-dressing materials, as well as carriers for drug delivery in dentistry. Aligned to the current trends and biotechnology evolutions, BC-based nanocomposites offer a great field to be explored and other novel features can be expected in relation to oral and bone tissue repair in the near future.

Tempol reduces inflammation and oxidative damage in cigarette smoke-exposed mice by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and activating the Nrf2 pathway.

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture capable of triggering inflammation and oxidative damage in animals at pulmonary and systemic levels. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) reduces tissue injury associated with inflammation in vivo by mechanisms that are not completely understood. Here we evaluated the effect of tempol on inflammation and oxidative damage induced by acute exposure to cigarette smoke in vivo. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): 1) control group exposed to ambient air (GC), 2) animals exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days (CSG), mice treated 3) prior or 4) concomitantly with tempol (50 mg/kg/day) and exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days. The results showed that the total number of leukocytes and neutrophils increased in the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Likewise, MPO levels and activity as well as lipid peroxidation and lung protein nitration and carbonylation also increased. Administration of tempol before or during exposure to cigarette smoke inhibited all the above parameters. Tempol also reduced the pulmonary expression of the inflammatory cytokines Il-6, Il-1ß and Il-17 to basal levels and of Tnf-α by approximately 50%. In contrast, tempol restored Il-10 and Tgf-ß levels and enhanced the expression of Nrf2-associated genes, such as Ho-1 and Gpx2. Accordingly, total GPx activity increased in lung homogenates of tempol-treated animals. Taken together, our results show that tempol protects mouse lungs from inflammation and oxidative damage resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke, likely through reduction of leukocyte infiltration and increased transcription of some of the Nrf2-controlled genes.

Memorization of daily routines by children with Down syndrome assisted by a playful virtual environment.

A child with Down syndrome, like any other child, may benefit from interacting with memory stimuli, but needs additional support and help. The use of special teaching methods, which add playfulness and use of the computer, can enhance the memory processes of these children. In this work, we present the virtual environment "Nossa Vida (Our Life)", which was developed to assist children with Down syndrome to memorize action sequences of their daily routine. A daily routine memorization test (DRMT), consisting of a weekly reminder of typical daily routines completed by the children and parents, was performed before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the intervention. The work involved a multidisciplinary team and assessed the effectiveness of the test performed by 30 children with Down syndrome from APAE, a special education school for children with intellectual disabilities in São Paulo, Brazil. The children were separated into two groups (Experimental - GE and Control - GC) with homogeneity and normality of the data. Two hypotheses were tested in this study: H0 and H1, where: H0 = There is no statistical difference between memorizing daily tasks between individuals with Down syndrome who used our ludic virtual environment and those who used the conventional memory method.H1 = There is a difference between the group of subjects with Down Syndrome who used our virtual game environment and the group that did not use it in relation to memorizing the daily task. This produces t = -14.98 and p <0.0001, with H1 being accepted. The results showed that the EG presented significance in relation to the CG and the evolution mean of the children in the EG was 81.82% higher. According to experts (psychologist and pedagogue) from APAE and parents, the playful activities implemented in this virtual environment have been of great interest to children, who had fun, tested hypotheses and questioned them about the sequences of actions performed in their routine daily.