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Monitoring equine parturition effectively is essential for preemptive intervention in periparturient issues and ensuring the overall well-being of both mares and foals. However, its implementation in breeding farms is challenging due to variable gestational lengths and nocturnal births. Predictive techniques have the potential to streamline the monitoring process, reduce labor intensity, and minimize costs. Research on foaling prediction in mares carrying mule or equine clone fetuses is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to comparatively analyze foaling prediction parameters in mares pregnant with mule, equine, or equine clone fetus. The study included vulvar relaxation, sacroiliac ligament tension, pH, BRIX index, and concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in prepartum mammary secretions. Sixty pregnant mares were used for this study and grouped as follows: 25 mares with mule fetuses (MF), 20 with equine clone fetuses (CF), and 15 with equine control fetuses (EF). Results showed significant differences in vulvar relaxation and sacroiliac ligament tension only in MF group (p < 0.05) on the day of parturition compared to the other days evaluated, different from the other groups. Levels of pH notably decreased on parturition day (mean 5.7 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), with lower values in MF (6.05 ± 0.02) and CF (6.08 ± 0.04) compared to EF (6.26 ± 0.04) (p < 0.03). The BRIX index showed variation across mares and was not a good parameter for foaling prediction. Electrolytes correlated positively with impending parturition, showing no significant differences among groups. The MF and CF groups exhibited a substantial increase (102.13 % and 110.66 %, respectively) in mean calcium concentrations on the day before foaling, unlike EF (38.29 %). In conclusion, the pH values were different in mammary secretions between mares carrying mule and clone fetuses, in contrast to equine control fetuses. Nevertheless, there was a trend of decreasing pH values closer to parturition in all groups. Conversely, the BRIX index serves as a valuable indicator of colostrum quality yet does not offer insights into the proximity of parturition. While electrolyte concentrations did not reveal significant differences among groups, it is worth noting that the evaluation of phosphorus emerges as a new parameter to explore in mares nearing parturition, since it obtained a pattern similar to calcium.
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Parto , Prenhez , Animais , Cavalos/fisiologia , Feminino , Gravidez , Parto/fisiologia , Prenhez/fisiologia , Clonagem de Organismos/veterináriaRESUMO
It is well known that C. d. terrificus venom causes pathophysiological effects such as neuropathies, coagulopathies, and even death. Previous studies have reported that ASC16 can interact with monomeric phospholipases A2 from the venom of various snake species (e.g., Vipera russelli and Echis carinatus). As a result, ASC16 has been proposed as an inhibitor of the toxic effects induced by the heterodimeric complex (crotoxin) and other components of the venom of C. d. terrificus. To investigate this further, in silico studies were designed using the crotoxin (CTX) protein complex as a model, and experimental assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effect of ASC16 on CTX, as well as on other venom enzymes such as thrombin-like enzyme (TLE), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and l-aminoxidase (LAAO). For in vitro assays, specific substrates were used, and lethal activity was measured over 48 h using an in vivo murine experimental model (CF01). In silico studies have indicated that the hydrophilic portion of ASC16 adopts a stable conformation while interacting with the catalytic site of crotoxin. At the highest concentrations, ASC16 significantly inhibited the activities of PLA2 (40.89 ± 0.09 %), TLE (11.03 ± 0.69 %), PDE (51.33 ± 2.83 %), and LAAO (56.79 ± 2.91 %). Furthermore, ASC16 neutralized the 2 LD50 lethality of crotalic venom. These findings lay the groundwork for designing promising adjuvants that can facilitate the incorporation of a larger quantity of proteins in immunization schemes. Consequently, this approach aims to achieve higher antibody titers, reduce the number of required immunizations, and minimize local damage in the producer animal.
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Crotalus , Crotoxina , Serpentes Peçonhentas , Animais , Masculino , Camundongos , Antivenenos/farmacologia , Crotoxina/antagonistas & inibidores , Crotoxina/toxicidade , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Fosfolipases A2/toxicidade , Fosfolipases A2/metabolismo , Ácido Ascórbico/análogos & derivados , Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologiaRESUMO
Low- middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing challenges for reaching outstanding performance on indicators related to wellbeing during the first 1000 days of life, therefore it is expected to observe difficulties for improving their Human Capital Index (HCI). These come from the impact of inadequate antenatal care, maternal short stature, inadequate breastfeeding, prematurity, low birthweight, small for gestational age newborns, and pregnancy in adolescent years on human capital from the first thousand days of life to long term on life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to implement a non-systematic review of the existing literature between February 2000 and October 2022 using MeSH terms related to each factor. Results: in LMICs antenatal care does not meet the required goals. High rate of adolescent pregnancies, and lower maternal stature are being reported; 6.5 million newborns in LMICs are small for gestational age, 50% LBW newborns are preterm. Exclusive breastfeeding is low in LMICs: 28-70%. Survival, schooling, and health are strongly associated with growth and adult height showing the impact of the disadvantages experienced in early life over HC. We can conclude: the determinants of good health in the first 1000 days of life do not meet the goals needed to improve growth and health during this critical period of life in LMICs, leading to important obstacles for achieving adequate health conditions and reaching an optimal HCI(AU)
Los países con bajo y medianos ingresos (PBMIs) enfrentan el reto de disminuir las brechas para alcanzar las metas en los indicadores de bienestar durante los primeros 1000 días de vida, de lo contrario presentarán dificultades para mejorar los Índices de Capital Humano (ICH). El objetivo fue realizar una revisión no sistemática de la literatura reciente para abordar los problemas, brechas y omisiones dentro de los primeros 1000 días en los países PBMIs. Se utilizaron los términos MeSH relacionados con los factores de riesgo de impacto más prevalentes a corto y largo plazo: capital humano, atención prenatal inadecuada, talla baja materna, lactancia materna inadecuada, prematuridad, bajo peso al nacer, talla pequeña para la edad gestacional, embarazo adolescente para realizar una revisión descriptiva sobre el impacto de estos factores, entre febrero 2000-octubre 2022. Resultados: en PBMIs la consulta prenatal no llega a la meta sugerida y hay tasas altas de adolescentes embarazadas y baja estatura materna. 6,5 millones de recién nacidos en PBMIs con peso para la edad gestacional; 50% recién nacidos bajos para la edad gestacional son pretérminos. La lactancia materna exclusiva es baja en PBMIs: 28-70%. La supervivencia, escolaridad y salud tienen una fuerte asociación con la estatura y desarrollo del adulto, demostrando el impacto de las desventajas sobre el Capital Humano. Conclusión: los determinantes de la buena salud durante los primeros 1000 días de vida en los países PBMIs no alcanzan las metas necesarias para mejorar el crecimiento y la salud, convirtiéndose en obstáculos para alcanzar óptimos ICH(AU)
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Humanos , Feminino , Gravidez , Recém-Nascido , Lactente , Cuidado Pré-Natal , Condições Sociais , Aleitamento Materno , Países em Desenvolvimento , Estado Nutricional , Fatores de Risco , Idade Gestacional , Recém-Nascido de muito Baixo PesoRESUMO
Vaccination is the best strategy to control Paratuberculosis (PTB), which is a significant disease in cattle and sheep. Previously we showed the humoral and cellular immune response induced by a novel vaccine candidate against PTB based on the Argentinian Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) 6611 strain. To improve 6611 immunogenicity and efficacy, we evaluated this vaccine candidate in mice with two different adjuvants and a heterologous boost with a recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) expressing the antigen 85A (MVA85A). We observed that boosting with MVA85A did not improve total IgG or specific isotypes in serum induced by one or two doses of 6611 formulated with incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). However, when 6611 was formulated with ISA201 adjuvant, MVA85A boost enhanced the production of IFNγ, Th1/Th17 cytokines (IL-2, TNF, IL-17A) and IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10. Also, this group showed the highest levels of IgG2b and IgG3 isotypes, both important for better protection against Map infection in the murine model. Finally, the heterologous scheme elicited the highest levels of protection after Map challenge (lowest CFU count and liver lesion score). In conclusion, our results encourage further evaluation of 6611 strain + ISA201 prime and MVA85A boost in bovines.
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Adjuvantes Imunológicos , Anticorpos Antibacterianos , Citocinas , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Imunização Secundária , Imunoglobulina G , Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis , Paratuberculose , Animais , Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis/imunologia , Imunização Secundária/métodos , Camundongos , Paratuberculose/prevenção & controle , Paratuberculose/imunologia , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Citocinas/metabolismo , Feminino , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/sangue , Anticorpos Antibacterianos/imunologia , Adjuvantes Imunológicos/administração & dosagem , Vacinas Bacterianas/imunologia , Vacinas Bacterianas/administração & dosagem , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Vaccinia virus/imunologia , Vaccinia virus/genética , Antígenos de Bactérias/imunologia , Antígenos de Bactérias/genética , Imunidade Celular/imunologia , Vacinas Sintéticas/imunologia , Vacinas Sintéticas/administração & dosagem , Adjuvante de Freund/administração & dosagem , Adjuvante de Freund/imunologiaRESUMO
Angioedema hereditário (AEH) é uma condição rara, subdiagnosticada e de elevada morbimortalidade, devido ao caráter de suas manifestações clínicas. O AEH se diferencia do angioedema histaminérgico por não responder aos anti-histamínicos, corticosteroides ou epinefrina. Por esse motivo, é extremamente importante o diagnóstico dessa situação, a fim de instituir a terapia adequada. Tal afecção deve ser suspeitada a partir da história clínica de episódios imprevisíveis e recorrentes de edema que quando se manifesta sob a forma de edema laríngeo, pode levar a óbito por asfixia, se não for adequadamente tratado. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 18 anos que, apesar de previamente diagnosticada com AEH tipo 1, ao procurar um serviço de emergência devido a crise de angioedema, não dispunha de medicação específica nem apresentou plano de ação com as opções possíveis para crises. Este caso reforça a necessidade de maior divulgação da doença, além da conscientização de pacientes e familiares sobre a doença e eventuais crises, assim como o acesso as medicações.
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, underdiagnosed condition with high morbidity and mortality due to the characteristics of its clinical presentation. HAE differs from histaminergic angioedema by not responding to antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine. Therefore, early diagnose is crucial to initiate adequate therapy. HAE is suspected in patients with a clinical history of unpredictable and recurrent episodes of edema. When laryngeal edema occurs, it can lead to death from asphyxiation if not treated properly. We report the case of an 18-year-old patient previously diagnosed with HAE type 1 who sought emergency care during an angioedema attack. However, the patient was not taking any specific medication and did not have an action plan to manage attacks. This case highlights the importance of increasing awareness about the disease, educating patients and their families about the disease and potential attacks, and ensuring access to medications.
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Humanos , Feminino , AdolescenteRESUMO
This retrospective study aimed at identifying factors that contribute to the success of equine in vitro embryo production by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A total of 7993 ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions were performed, totaling 2540 donor mares and semen from 396 stallions. Oocytes were aspirated at multiple sites in Brazil and were sent to the laboratory, within 6 h from OPU, in pre-maturation medium where they were in vitro matured (IVM) followed by ICSI and in vitro embryo culture for 7-8 days. The number of recovered oocytes, matured oocytes, cleaved embryos and blastocysts were used to explore the effect of age and breed of the donor mare, time of year in which the mare was aspirated and phase of the estrous cycle on the day of follicular aspiration. Mares between 6 and 15 years old were superior to other age groups in most parameters evaluated, including the average number of blastocysts per OPU. The impact of age was similar when evaluated within two breeds, American Quarter Horse (AQHA) and Warmblood mares. We observed that breed (AQHA, Warmblood, Crioulo, Lusitano and Mangalarga) had an important effect on most of the parameter evaluated, including number of oocytes recovered, blastocysts produced per OPU, and blastocyst rates. The overall impact of season was less pronounced than age and breed, with the only statistically significant difference being a higher rate of oocyte maturation during the summer season. Finally, most of the parameters evaluated were superior in follicular phase mares, with or without dominant follicle than luteal phase mares. In conclusion, this retrospective study revealed that breed, age, season and stage of estrous at the time of OPU are all important parameters for the success of equine embryo production by ICSI. This technology enables producing embryos all-year-round from mares of different breeds and ages from OPU-derived oocytes collected at multiple sites.
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Ciclo Estral , Estações do Ano , Injeções de Esperma Intracitoplásmicas , Animais , Cavalos/fisiologia , Cavalos/embriologia , Injeções de Esperma Intracitoplásmicas/veterinária , Injeções de Esperma Intracitoplásmicas/métodos , Feminino , Ciclo Estral/fisiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Técnicas de Cultura Embrionária/veterinária , Masculino , Envelhecimento/fisiologia , Fatores Etários , Recuperação de Oócitos/veterinária , Recuperação de Oócitos/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The ageing population has increased the prevalence of disabling and high-cost diseases, such as dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The latter can be considered a prodromal phase of some dementias and a critical stage for interventions to postpone the impairment of functionality. Working memory (WM) is a pivotal cognitive function, representing the fundamental element of executive functions. This project proposes an intervention protocol to enhance WM in these users, combining cognitive training with transcranial electrical stimulation of alternating current (tACS). This technique has been suggested to enhance the neuronal plasticity needed for cognitive processes involving oscillatory patterns. WM stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its well-defined electrophysiological oscillations. Therefore, tACS could potentially boost WM in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: This study is a phase IIb randomised, double-blind clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up period. The study participants will be 62 participants diagnosed with MCI, aged over 60, from Valparaíso, Chile. Participants will receive an intervention combining twelve cognitive training sessions with tACS. Participants will receive either tACS or placebo stimulation in eight out of twelve training sessions. Sessions will occur twice weekly over 6 weeks. The primary outcomes will be electroencephalographic measurements through the prefrontal theta oscillatory activity, while the secondary effects will be cognitive assessments of WM. The participants will be evaluated before, immediately after, and 3 months after the end of the intervention. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this trial will add empirical evidence about the benefits and feasibility of an intervention that combines cognitive training with non-invasive brain stimulation. The objective is to contribute tools for optimal cognitive treatment in patients with MCI. To enhance WM capacity, postpone the impairment of functionality, and obtain a better quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05291208. Registered on 28 February 2022. ISRCTN87597719 retrospectively registered on 15 September 2023.
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Disfunção Cognitiva , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Chile , Treino Cognitivo , Resultado do Tratamento , Encéfalo , Disfunção Cognitiva/diagnóstico , Disfunção Cognitiva/terapia , Cognição/fisiologia , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como AssuntoRESUMO
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers antimicrobial resistance to be one of the critical global public health priorities to address. Escherichia coli is a commensal bacterium of the gut microbiota in humans and animals; however, some strains cause infections and are resistant to antibiotics. One of the most common ways of acquiring pathogenic E. coli strains is through food. This review analyzes multidrug-resistant E. coli isolated from food, emphasizing Latin America and Mexico, and the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) responsible for spreading antibiotic resistance determinants among bacteria in different environments and hosts. We conducted a systematic search of the literature published from 2015 to 2022 in open access databases and electronic repositories. The prevalence of 11 E. coli pathotypes was described, with diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes being the most frequently associated with foodborne illness in different Latin American countries, highlighting the presence of different antibiotic resistance genes mostly carried by IncF-type plasmids or class 1 integrons. Although the global incidence of foodborne illness is high, there have been few studies in Mexico and Latin America, which highlights the need to generate updated epidemiological data from the "One Health" approach, which allows monitoring of the multidrug-resistance phenomenon in E. coli from a common perspective in the interaction of human, veterinary, and environmental health.
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Introducción: Los especialistas en Medicina General Integral representan un pilar en los logros de la salud de la población, por lo que se hace necesaria su superación profesional con el objetivo de actualizar el conocimiento en los avances de la medicina para optimizar la calidad de la atención médica integral al individuo y a la comunidad; y, de manera particular, la superación profesional para la atención a pacientes con enfermedades metabólicas. Objetivo: Diseñar un curso de posgrado para el mejoramiento del desempeño de especialistas de Medicina General Integral en la atención de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de desarrollo, educativa, entre marzo de 2019 y marzo de 2021, que culminó con el diseño del curso referido. Se emplearon métodos teóricos y empíricos en función de la revisión bibliográfica y documental. Se aplicaron los métodos analítico sintético, histórico lógico e inductivo-deductivo para la contratación de criterios a partir de los materiales revisados y el resultado de las indagaciones empíricas, obtenidas a través de encuestas l, a partir del criterio de los autores y el aporte de especialistas en Medicina General Integral de acuerdo con criterios de expertos. Resultados: Se identificaron las necesidades de aprendizaje de los especialistas en Medicina General Integral sobre la base de las cuales se diseñó un curso compuesto por cinco temas, con un enfoque activo y participativo, a través de diferentes formas de enseñanza-aprendizaje, con énfasis en el uso del trabajo grupal, como reconocida vía que propicia una actitud reflexiva y crítica entre los profesionales de la salud. Se validó el curso por expertos en cuanto a sus objetivos, contenidos, estructura didáctico-metodológica y pertinencia social. Conclusiones: El curso diseñado sobre los aspectos teóricos-prácticos para la atención a pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 contribuirá a la superación de los especialistas en Medicina General Integral y redundará en su mejor desempeño(AU)
Introduction: Family medicine specialists are a cornerstone for attaining population health; therefore, their professional improvement is necessary, aiming at updating knowledge about the advances of medicine, in order to optimize the quality of comprehensive medical care provided to the individual and the community; as well as professional improvement particularly for the care of patients with metabolic diseases. Objective: To design a postgraduate course to improve the performance of family medicine specialists in the care of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A developmental, educational research was conducted between March 2019 and March 2021, finishing with the design of the referred course. Theoretical and empirical methods were used, upon the base of literature and document review. The synthetic-analytical, historical-logical and inductive-deductive methods were applied to define criterions from the reviewed materials or the result of the empirical inquiries, obtained through surveys, based on the criterions of authors and the contribution of family medicine specialists according to expert criterions. Results: The learning needs of family medicine specialists were identified, upon whose basis a course made up of five topics was designed, with an active and participative approach, through different teaching-learning ways and emphasizing the use of group work, being a way that acknowledgedly favors a reflexive and critical attitude among health professionals. The course was validated by experts, in terms of its objectives, contents, didactic-methodological structure, and social relevance. Conclusions: The designed course about the theoretical-practical aspects for the care of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus will contribute to the professional improvement of family medicine specialists and will result in their better performance(AU)
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Humanos , Ensino/educação , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 , Cursos de Capacitação , Capacitação Profissional , Assistência ao Paciente/métodos , Aprendizagem , Medicina GeralRESUMO
After parturition, a rapid transition occurs from the intrauterine to the extrauterine milieu, exposing neonates to physiological circumstances characterized by oxidative conditions that instigate the generation of reactive oxygen species. These free radicals play pivotal roles in physiological processes; however, an imbalance between their production and the removal of antioxidants can result in severe cellular damage. The main objective of this study was to compare the oxidative and antioxidant profiles in mule and horse neonates immediately post-parturition, as well as at subsequent time points (1, 6, 12, and 24 h, 7 and 30 days) during their extrauterine existence. The parameters assessed included the systemic concentrations of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and carbonyl groups; the activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); and the levels of the total, indirect, and direct bilirubin. Our results showed no interaction effect between the neonatal groups and the assessed time points for the variables under investigation. Notably, the concentrations of TBARS, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, and bilirubin were consistently lower in the mules, whereas the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity exhibited higher levels in this group. The bilirubin levels were notably reduced in the mule neonates. The TBARS demonstrated a progressive decrease over the observation period in both groups, while the GPx activity remained relatively stable from birth to 7 days, with a substantial increase evident at the 30-day mark. Protein oxidation was not affected by the group and time, while for the SOD values, all times were statistically similar, except for the lower activity at T1h. Consequently, our findings lead us to the conclusion that neonatal mules and horses manifest distinct patterns of oxidative activity and antioxidant capacity during the initial month of their extrauterine existence, potentially indicative of different adaptation mechanisms to the extrauterine environment.
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Larrea divaricata Cav. is an autochthonous South American plant popularly used in inflammatory and infectious diseases with reported anti - inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Covid - 19 is an infection ca used by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS - CoV - 2). This virus can cause pneumonia and even death in about 5% of the cases. The objective of the article was to demonstrate, through a literature review, that L. divaricata has sufficie nt attributes to be assayed against SARS - CoV - 2. For this, the chemical composition, reported activities and docking studies were taken into account. This review demonstrated that the plant extracts are capable of inhibiting the proliferation of fungi, bact eria and viruses and that they exert anti - inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions in different " in vitro " and " in vivo " models. These results suggest that the plant is a good candidate to be studied for the prevention and/or treatment of SARS - CoV - 2.
Larrea divaricata Cav. es una planta autóctona Sudamericana, utilizada popularmente en enfermedades inflamatorias e infecciosas, con activida d anti - inflamatoria, inmunomoduladora, antimicrobiana y antioxidante reportada. El Covid - 19 es una infección causada por una cepa de coronavirus, SARS - CoV - 2 (coronavirus tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo). Este virus puede originar neu monía e incluso la muerte en alrededor del 5% de los casos. Nuestro objetivo fue demostrar, a través de una revisión bibliográfica, que esta planta tiene atributos suficientes para ser ensayada en estudios contra SARS - CoV - 2. Se tuvo en cuenta la composici ón química, los antecedentes científicos y los estudios de acoplamiento molecular. Esta revisión permitió demostrar que extractos de la planta son capaces de inhibir la proliferación de hongos, bacterias y virus y que presentan acción anti - inflamatoria en diferentes modelos " in vitro " e " in vivo ", lo que los hace candidatos a ser estudiados en la prevención y/o tratamiento de la infección contra SARS - CoV - 2.
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Antivirais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Larrea/química , SARS-CoV-2/efeitos dos fármacos , Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19 , Argentina , Replicação Viral/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/química , AntioxidantesRESUMO
Helicobacter pylori, invades the gastric mucosa and is one of the causative agents of stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. Origanum vulgare, is a flavouring herb used worldwide. But little is known about the effects of extracts prepared by maceration in cold PBS. This study was aimed at determining the superoxide dismutase (SOD)- and peroxidase (Px)-like antioxidant activities as well as the immunomodulatory activity (anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory) of an aqueous extract of O. vulgare by evaluating the production of nitric oxide (NO) in macrophages stimulated with H. pylori derivatives. The cold extract presented SOD-like and Px-like activities with effective concentration 50 (EC50) values of Px = 489.7 ± 48 µg/ml and SOD= 384.7 ± 30 µg/ml. The extract was also capable of modulating the production of NO in macrophages stimulated by H. pylori derivatives by exerting a pro-inflammatory activity at high concentrations and an anti-inflammatory activity at low concentrations.
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Food contamination with pathogenic Escherichia coli can cause severe disease. Here, we report the isolation of a multidrug resistant strain (A23EC) from fresh spinach. A23EC belongs to subclade C2 of ST131, a virulent clone of Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Most A23EC virulence factors are concentrated in three pathogenicity islands. These include PapGII, a fimbrial tip adhesin linked to increased virulence, and CsgA and CsgB, two adhesins known to facilitate spinach leaf colonization. A23EC also bears TnMB1860, a chromosomally-integrated transposon with the demonstrated potential to facilitate the evolution of carbapenem resistance among non-carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales. This transposon consists of two IS26-bound modular translocatable units (TUs). The first TU carries aac(6')-lb-cr, bla OXA-1, ΔcatB3, aac(3)-lle, and tmrB, and the second one harbors bla CXT-M-15. A23EC also bears a self-transmissible plasmid that can mediate conjugation at 20°C and that has a mosaic IncF [F(31,36):A(4,20):B1] and Col156 origin of replication. Comparing A23EC to 86 additional complete ST131 sequences, A23EC forms a monophyletic cluster with 17 other strains that share the following four genomic traits: (1) virotype E (papGII+); (2) presence of a PAI II536-like pathogenicity island with an additional cnf1 gene; (3) presence of chromosomal TnMB1860; and (4) frequent presence of an F(31,36):A(4,20):B1 plasmid. Sequences belonging to this cluster (which we named "C2b sublineage") are highly enriched in septicemia samples and their associated genetic markers align with recent reports of an emerging, virulent sublineage of the C2 subclade, suggesting significant pathogenic potential. This is the first report of a ST131 strain belonging to subclade C2 contaminating green leafy vegetables. The detection of this uropathogenic clone in fresh food is alarming. This work suggests that ST131 continues to evolve, gaining selective advantages and new routes of transmission. This highlights the pressing need for rigorous epidemiological surveillance of ExPEC in vegetables with One Health perspective.
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Infecções por Escherichia coli , Escherichia coli Extraintestinal Patogênica , Humanos , Escherichia coli , Spinacia oleracea/genética , Infecções por Escherichia coli/epidemiologia , Escherichia coli Extraintestinal Patogênica/genética , Plasmídeos/genética , beta-Lactamases/genética , AntibacterianosRESUMO
ABSTRACT Hydrogels are gaining widespread popularity in the biomedical field due to their extraordinary properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, zero toxicity, easy processing, and similarity to physiological tissue. They have applications in controlled drug release, wound dressing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Among these applications, hydrogels as a controlled drug delivery system stands out, which releases active substances in precise amounts and at specific times. To explore the latest advances in the design of hydrogels, a literature review of articles published in indexed scientific journals, in Scopus and Science Direct, was carried out. This review aimed to discover and describe the most innovative hydrogel research with applications in the biomedical field; hydrogels synthesized with polymers of different origins were selected, such as; i. Natural (dextran, agarose, chitosan, etc.); ii. Synthetic (polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, etc.); iii. Composites (interpenetrants, hybrid crosslinkers, nanocomposites, etc.). Comparative analysis revealed that hydrogels with composite materials show the most promise. These composite hydrogels combine the advantages of different polymers or incorporate additional components, offering enhanced properties and functionalities. In summary, hydrogels are versatile biomaterials with immense potential in biomedicine. Their unique properties make them suitable for diverse applications. However, innovative designs and formulations must continue to be explored to further advance the capabilities of hydrogels and expand their biomedical applications.
RESUMEN Los hidrogeles están ganando una extensa popularidad en el campo biomédico gracias a que presentan propiedades extraordinarias como biocompatibilidad, biodegradabilidad, nula toxicidad, fácil procesamiento, y similitud con el tejido fisiológico. tienen aplicaciones en la liberación controlada de fármacos, el vendaje de heridas, la ingeniería de tejidos y la medicina regenerativa. Entre estas aplicaciones, destaca el uso de hidrogeles como sistema de administración controlada de fármacos, que liberan sustancias activas en cantidades precisas y en momentos concretos. Para explorar los últimos avances en el diseño de hidrogeles, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos publicados en revistas científicas indexadas, en Scopus y Science Direct. El objetivo de esta revisión fue descubrir y describir las investigaciones de hidrogeles más innovadoras con aplicaciones en el campo biomédico, se seleccionaron hidrogeles sintetizados con polímeros de diferente índole como; i. Naturales (dextrano, agarosa, quitosano, etc.); ii. Sintéticos (poliacrilamida, polietilenglicol, alcohol polivinílico, etc); iii. Compuestos (interpenetrantes, reticulantes híbridos, nanocompuestos, etc.). El análisis comparativo reveló que los hidrogeles que utilizan materiales compuestos son los más prometedores. Estos hidrogeles compuestos combinan las ventajas de distintos polímeros o incorporan componentes adicionales, ofreciendo propiedades y funcionalidades mejoradas. En resumen, los hidrogeles son biomateriales versátiles con un inmenso potencial en biomedicina. Sus propiedades únicas los hacen adecuados para diversas aplicaciones, sin embargo, se debe seguir explorando diseños y formulaciones innovadores para seguir avanzando en las capacidades de los hidrogeles y ampliar sus aplicaciones biomédicas.
RESUMO
Pullulan is an exopolysaccharide produced by Aureobasidium pullulans, with interesting characteristics which lead to its application in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and others. To reduce production costs for industrial applications, cheaper raw materials such as lignocellulosic biomass can be utilized as a carbon and nutrient source for the microbial process. In this study, a comprehensive and critical review was conducted, encompassing the pullulan production process and the key influential variables. The main properties of the biopolymer were presented, and different applications were discussed. Subsequently, the utilization of lignocellulosics for pullulan production within the framework of a biorefinery concept was explored, considering the main published works that deal with materials such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, corn straw, and corn cob. Next, the main challenges and future prospects in this research area were highlighted, indicating the key strategies to favor the industrial production of pullulan from lignocellulosic biomasses.
Assuntos
Celulose , Saccharum , Biomassa , FermentaçãoRESUMO
Introducción: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha creado una situación de crisis que requiere un enfrentamiento a los efectos directos del virus y otros problemas de salud relacionados por el temor al contagio, y a las medidas de confinamiento que repercuten en la salud mental. Objetivo: Describir afectaciones de la salud mental relacionadas con la COVID-19. Métodos: Se efectuó una revisión bibliográfica documental, mediante búsquedas electrónicas en las bases de datos científicas MEDLINE, Pubmed, EBsCO y Scielo. Se utilizaron como palabras clave: pandemia COVID-19; salud mental y COVID; cuarentena; impacto psicológico de la COVID-19 y su equivalente en inglés. Se consideraron comunicaciones oficiales de organismos internacionales, regionales y nacionales. Como resultado de la búsqueda se analizaron 44 artículos científicos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. El período de estudio estuvo comprendido entre septiembre del 2020 y febrero del 2021, en La Habana, Cuba. Conclusiones: La pandemia COVID-19 ha provocado un impacto negativo en la salud mental. Los síntomas más frecuentes desde el punto de vista de la salud mental han sido: depresión, ansiedad irritabilidad, insomnio, ira, agotamiento emocional y pánico. Se observó trastorno de estrés postraumático. El análisis y conocimiento de los resultados expuestos en esta revisión pueden ser útiles para la valoración de medidas que contribuyan a mitigar los trastornos emocionales en la población y prestarles atención especial a las afectaciones en la salud mental en grupos vulnerables, particularmente al personal de salud(AU)
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis situation that requires coping with the direct effects of the virus and other related health problems due to fear of contagion, and confinement measures that impact mental health. Objective: To describe mental health effects related to COVID-19. Methods: A documentary literature review was carried out by means of electronic searches in the scientific databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Ebsco and SciELO. Key words used were: COVID-19 pandemic; mental health and COVID; quarantine; psychological impact of COVID-19 and its English equivalent. Official communications from international, regional and national agencies were considered. As a result of the search, 44 scientific articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The study period was between September 2020 and February 2021, in Havana, Cuba. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on mental health. The most frequent symptoms from the mental health point of view have been: depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, anger, emotional exhaustion and panic. Post-traumatic stress disorder was observed. The analysis and knowledge of the results presented in this review may be useful for the assessment of measures that contribute to mitigate emotional disorders in the population and pay special attention to mental health effects in vulnerable groups, particularly health personnel(AU)
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Quarentena/métodos , Saúde Mental , Pessoal de Saúde/psicologia , COVID-19/psicologia , COVID-19/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis are neglected parasitic diseases which affect millions of people worldwide. In a previous work, we report the antiprotozoal activity of the dichloromethane extract of Mikania periplocifolia Hook. & Arn. (Asteraceae). The aim of this work was to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds present in the extract. The fractionation of the dichloromethane extract has led to the isolation of the sesquiterpene lactone miscandenin and the flavonoid onopordin, together with the sesquiterpene lactones mikanolide, dihydromikanolide and deoxymikanolide, which have previously shown antiprotozoal activity. Miscandenin and onopordin were assayed in vitro against Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei and Leishmania braziliensis. Miscandenin was active against T. cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes with IC50 values of 9.1 and 7.7 µg/ml, respectively. This sesquiterpene lactone and the flavonoid onopordin showed activity against T. brucei trypomastigotes (IC50 = 0.16 and 0.37 µg/ml) and L. braziliensis promastigotes (IC50 = 0.6 and 1.2 µg/ml), respectively. The CC50 values on mammalian cells were 37.9 and 53.4 µg/ml for miscandenin and onopordin, respectively. Besides, the pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties of miscandenin were assessed in silico, showing a good drug-likeness profile. Our results highlight this compound as a promising candidate for further preclinical studies in the search of new drugs for the treatment of trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.
Assuntos
Antiprotozoários , Asteraceae , Leishmaniose , Mikania , Sesquiterpenos , Trypanosoma cruzi , Animais , Humanos , Asteraceae/química , Mikania/química , Cloreto de Metileno/uso terapêutico , Extratos Vegetais/química , Estrutura Molecular , Antiprotozoários/farmacologia , Leishmaniose/tratamento farmacológico , Flavonoides/farmacologia , Lactonas , MamíferosRESUMO
Mules are derived from crossing horse mares with a donkey, in which the interest is due to gentleness and ability to work and equestrian sports. As the placenta is responsible for fetal development and maturation, knowing its typical microstructure allows us to understand how fetomaternal interactions occur in this interspecific pregnancy. Thus, the study performed a comparative stereological evaluation of volumetric composition and fetomaternal contact surface in the uterine body (UB), gravid uterine horn (GUH), and nongravid uterine horn (NGUH) of Mangalarga Paulista mare's term allantochorion membrane in mule and equine pregnancies. In equine gestation, the UB microcotyledon surface density was negatively correlated with the NGUH absolute area and the total volume of microvilli. In mule gestation, the base width and the number of microcotyledon were negatively correlated with the height and number of microcotyledons in the NGUH. Mule also showed a negative correlation between (1) the UB microcotyledon surface density and the GUH microcotyledons number per unit of membrane length, (2) the GUH total volume and the NGUH microcotyledon number. Such differences demonstrate a compensatory mechanism in conversion capacity among macrocompartments. A trend toward a greater total volume of allantoid vessels and total volume of allantoid mesoderm in UB microvilli was found in the equine and mule groups, respectively. There was a significant increase in the base width of microcotyledons in the NGUH of mules versus horses. These finds possibly influence the exchange capacity of each placental microregion and suggest a difference between mule versus horse term allantochorion membrane.
Assuntos
Equidae , Placenta , Cavalos , Animais , Feminino , Gravidez , Útero , Desenvolvimento FetalRESUMO
Introducción: La práctica investigativa corresponde a un ejercicio sistemático que conlleva el planteamiento propio y original de un problema de investigación contextuado, relevante disciplinar y socialmente, con soporte teórico y cuyo desarrollo se ajusta metodológicamente a la naturaleza del fenómeno en estudio. Se realizó una búsqueda de la práctica investigativa en revistas científicas de las bases de datos: Scielo, PubMed, Scopus, Redalyc y el repositorio de tesis doctorales de Infomed de los últimos 10 años, así como normativas vigentes para la educación superior en el curso 2022. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron: educación, investigación, docencia universitaria, educación médica y sus equivalentes en inglés. Inicialmente fueron seleccionados 102 artículos. Luego se obtuvieron 34 artículos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Objetivo: Valorar las características de la práctica investigativa en docentes de las ciencias médicas en Cuba. Desarrollo: Se han vislumbrado deficiencias evidentes referentes a la producción científica de docentes; así como escasas acciones que favorezcan su incremento. Se reflejaron variables relacionadas de forma positiva con estas tareas, como el número de proyectos de investigación realizados y años trabajados en la universidad. Conclusiones: Se valoran insuficiencias en la práctica investigativa de docentes en el ámbito de las ciencias médicas en Cuba, así como factores involucrados a tener en cuenta para la elaboración e implementación de estrategias y modelos en el campo de las ciencias médicas que contribuyan a impulsar la investigación en los educadores, conforme a las exigencias del país.
Introduction: The investigative practice corresponds to a systematic exercise that entails the proper and original approach of a contextualized research problem, disciplinary and socially relevant, with theoretical support and whose development is methodologically adjusted to the nature of the phenomenon under study. A search of the investigative practice was carried out in scientific journals of the databases: Scielo, PubMed, Scopus, Redalyc and the Infomed doctoral theses repository of the last 10 years, as well as current regulations for higher education in the course 2022 The keywords used were: education, research, university teaching, medical education and their equivalents in English. Initially, 102 articles were selected. Then, 34 articles that met the inclusion criteria were obtained. Objective: To assess the characteristics of the investigative practice in teachers of medical sciences in Cuba. Development: Obvious deficiencies regarding the scientific production of teachers have been glimpsed; as well as a few actions that favor its increase. Variables positively related to these tasks were reflected, such as the number of research projects carried out and years worked at the university. Conclusions: Insufficiencies in the investigative practice of teachers in the field of medical sciences in Cuba are valued, as well as factors involved to take into account for the elaboration and implementation of strategies and models in the field of medical sciences that contribute to promote the research on educators, according to the demands of the country.