RESUMO
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and due to its barrier function, it is susceptible to multiple injuries. The appearance of infections during the wound healing process is a complication that represents a formidable hospital challenge. The presence of opportunistic bacteria with sophisticated resistance mechanisms is difficult to eradicate and compromises patients' lives. Therefore, the search for new efficacious treatments from natural sources that prevent and counteract infections, in addition to promoting the healing process, has increased in recent years. In this respect, films with the capability to protect wounds and release drugs are the presentation that predominates commercially in the hospital environment. Those films can offer several mechanical advantages such as physical protection to prevent opportunistic bacteria's entry, regulation of gas exchange, and capture of exudate through a swelling process. Wound dressings are generally curative materials easily adaptable to different anatomical regions, with high strength and elasticity, and some are even bioabsorbable. Additionally, the components of the films can actively participate in promoting the healing process. Even more, the film can be made up of carriers with other active participants to prevent and eradicate infections. Therefore, the extensive versatility, practicality, and usefulness of films from natural sources to address infectious processes during wound healing are relevant and recurrent themes. This work presents an analysis of the state-of-the-art of films with natural products focused on preventing and eradicating infections in wound healing.
Assuntos
Produtos Biológicos/farmacologia , Infecções Oportunistas/prevenção & controle , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , Infecção dos Ferimentos/prevenção & controle , Ferimentos e Lesões/prevenção & controle , Produtos Biológicos/química , Humanos , Hidrogéis/química , Hidrogéis/farmacologia , Membranas Artificiais , Infecções Oportunistas/microbiologia , Plastificantes/química , Plastificantes/farmacologia , Substâncias Protetoras/química , Substâncias Protetoras/farmacologia , Infecção dos Ferimentos/microbiologia , Ferimentos e Lesões/microbiologiaRESUMO
Periodontal pain is a public health problem derived from different conditions, including periodontal diseases, prosthetic complications, and even extractions performed by dentist. There are various treatments to control acute dental pain, being the administration of analgesics, such as Lysine Clonixinate (LC), a common practice. Unfortunately, higher and repeated dosages are usually required. The purpose of this work was to develop a prolonged release pharmaceutical form as an alternative treatment for dental pain. Hence, we conceived a film based on guar gum and loaded different concentrations of LC. We evaluated the film's appearance, brittleness, strength, and flexibility, and then chose one formulation for adequate characteristics. Subsequently, we assessed the morphology, thermal behavior, and swelling properties of the films (LC-free and -loaded). Finally, we performed the release studies of LC from the films in vitro using a simulated saliva medium and employed several mathematical models to evaluate the release kinetics. Guar gum is a natural polymer obtained from the endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus that presents properties such as biosafety, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Thus, it represents a potential excipient for use in pharmaceutical formulations. Moreover, our results revealed that the LC-loaded film presented a high adherence, suitable swelling behavior, high LC content, and a prolonged drug release. Therefore, the LC-loaded film may be considered a potential option to be applied as an alternative to treat dental pain.
Assuntos
Clonixina/análogos & derivados , Lisina/análogos & derivados , Dor/tratamento farmacológico , Doenças Periodontais/tratamento farmacológico , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/química , Analgésicos/farmacocinética , Analgésicos/uso terapêutico , Clonixina/farmacocinética , Clonixina/uso terapêutico , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Excipientes/química , Humanos , Cinética , Lisina/farmacocinética , Lisina/uso terapêutico , Membranas Artificiais , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Dor/complicações , Doenças Periodontais/complicações , Polímeros/química , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/ultraestrutura , Temperatura , Termogravimetria/métodosRESUMO
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection that affects 60% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It is mainly caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis and is a factor that increases the probability of getting sexually transmitted diseases. We aimed to develop a new pharmaceutical form for the treatment of vaginal infections. We employed the solving-casting method to fabricate a polymeric film with Xanthan gum, a natural polymer produced by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, and metronidazole, one of the most commonly used drugs for vaginal infections. In order to characterize the film, we measured pH, dose uniformity, dissolution profile, and the percentage of swelling. Moreover, we performed a thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated a pH suitable for vaginal application and uniform distribution of the drug in the film. Also, the formulation exhibited a high percentage of swelling and a slow release of the drug in a simulated vaginal fluid medium. All these attributes indicated that the manufactured film has ideal characteristics to be used and administered vaginally. It could be an excellent alternative to treat bacterial vaginosis and also improve user adherence.
Assuntos
Gardnerella vaginalis/efeitos dos fármacos , Metronidazol/uso terapêutico , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/química , Vagina/efeitos dos fármacos , Vaginose Bacteriana/tratamento farmacológico , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/farmacocinética , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Feminino , Gardnerella vaginalis/fisiologia , Humanos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Membranas Artificiais , Metronidazol/administração & dosagem , Metronidazol/farmacocinética , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Polímeros/química , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/ultraestrutura , Temperatura , Termogravimetria/métodos , Resultado do Tratamento , Vagina/microbiologia , Vaginose Bacteriana/microbiologiaRESUMO
Xanthan gum (XG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) are two polymers with low toxicity, high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high hydrophilicity, making them promising candidates for multiple medical aspects. The present work aimed to synthesize a hydrogel from a mixture of XG and PVP and crosslinked by gamma irradiation. We assessed the hydrogel through a series of physicochemical (FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and percentage of swelling) and biological (stability of the hydrogel in cell culture medium) methods that allowed to determine its applicability. The structural evaluation by infrared spectrum demonstrated that a crosslinked hydrogel was obtained from the combination of polymers. The calorimetric test and swelling percentage confirmed the formation of the bonds responsible for the crosslinked structure. The calorimetric test evidenced that the hydrogel was resistant to decomposition in contrast to non- irradiated material. The determination of the swelling degree showed constant behavior over time, indicating a structure resistant to hydrolysis. This phenomenon also occurred during the test of stability in a cell culture medium. Additionally, microscopic analysis of the sample revealed an amorphous matrix with the presence of porosity. Thus, the findings reveal the synthesis of a novel material that has desirable attributes for its potential application in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas.
Assuntos
Raios gama , Hidrogéis/efeitos da radiação , Polímeros/efeitos da radiação , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/efeitos da radiação , Povidona/efeitos da radiação , Hidrogéis/síntese química , Hidrogéis/química , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Modelos Químicos , Estrutura Molecular , Polímeros/síntese química , Polímeros/química , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/síntese química , Polissacarídeos Bacterianos/química , Porosidade , Povidona/síntese química , Povidona/química , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Temperatura , Termogravimetria/métodosRESUMO
The purpose of our study was to obtain new wound dressings in the form of hydrogels that promote wound healing taking advantage of the broad activities of elastin (ELT) in physiological processes. The hydrogel of ELT and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP; ELT-PVP) was obtained by cross-linking induced by gamma irradiation at a dose of 25 kGy. The physicochemical changes attributed to cross-linking were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy analysis with Fourier transform (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, we performed a rheological study to determine the possible changes in the fluidic macroscopic properties produced by the cross-linking method. Finally, we accomplished viability and proliferation analyses of human dermal fibroblasts in the presence of the hydrogel to evaluate its biological characteristics. The hydrogel exhibited a porous morphology, showing interconnected porous with an average pore size of 16 ± 8.42 µm. The analysis of FTIR, DSC, and TGA revealed changes in the chemical structure of the ELT-PVP hydrogel after the irradiation process. Also, the hydrogel exhibited a rheological behavior of a pseudoplastic and thixotropic fluid. The hydrogel was biocompatible, demonstrating high cell viability, whereas ELT presented low biocompatibility at high concentrations. In summary, the hydrogel obtained by gamma irradiation revealed the appropriate morphology to be applied as a wound dressing. Interestingly, the hydrogel exhibited a higher percentage of cell viability compared with ELT, suggesting that the cross-linking of ELT with PVP is a suitable strategy for biological applications of ELT without generating cellular damage.
Assuntos
Materiais Biocompatíveis/metabolismo , Elastina/metabolismo , Curativos Oclusivos , Polimerização/efeitos da radiação , Povidona/metabolismo , Materiais Biocompatíveis/química , Materiais Biocompatíveis/farmacologia , Varredura Diferencial de Calorimetria/métodos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Elastina/química , Elastina/ultraestrutura , Fibroblastos/citologia , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Hidrogéis/química , Hidrogéis/metabolismo , Hidrogéis/farmacologia , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Povidona/química , Povidona/farmacologia , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Termogravimetria/métodos , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most attractive natural polymers employed in biomaterials with biological applications. This polysaccharide is found in different tissues of the body because it is a natural component of the extracellular matrix; furthermore, it has crucial functions in cell growth, migration, and differentiation. Since its biological characteristics, HA has been utilized for the new biomaterial's development for tissue engineering, such as hydrogels. These hydrophilic macromolecular networks have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, making them potential candidates to be applied in biomedical fields. Different mechanisms to obtain hydrogels have been described. However, the research of new non-toxic methods has been growing in recent years. In this study, we prepared a new hydrogel of HA and polyvinyl alcohol by the cost-effective technique of cross-linking by gamma irradiation. The hydrogel was elaborated for the first time and was characterized by several methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Likewise, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of the biomaterial and its influence on cell migration in human fibroblasts. Furthermore, we provide preliminary evidence of the wound closure effect in a cellular wound model. The novel hydrogel offers an increase of HA stability with the potential to expand the useful life of HA in its different medical applications.
Assuntos
Materiais Biocompatíveis/efeitos da radiação , Raios gama , Ácido Hialurônico/efeitos da radiação , Polímeros/efeitos da radiação , Álcool de Polivinil/efeitos da radiação , Materiais Biocompatíveis/síntese química , Materiais Biocompatíveis/farmacologia , Movimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Fibroblastos/citologia , Fibroblastos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Ácido Hialurônico/síntese química , Ácido Hialurônico/ultraestrutura , Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura , Modelos Químicos , Estrutura Molecular , Polímeros/síntese química , Polímeros/farmacologia , Álcool de Polivinil/síntese química , Álcool de Polivinil/farmacologia , Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Engenharia Tecidual/métodosRESUMO
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of fetal congenital ventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We explored the effects and mechanisms of the postnatal progression of fetal hypertrophic failure in rat pups with STZ-induced Gestational Diabetes (GD). The hearts of rat pups (newborn [NB], 8, 15, 25 and 35 days postnatal) were obtained. Histological characteristics and expression of collagen were evaluated. In-gel-gelatin zymography for MMP-9 activation was performed. Adrenergic receptors (α2AR and ß3AR), myosins (Myc6 and Myc7), Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA expression were quantified by qRT-PCR. Fetal hypertrophy of the left ventricular lateral wall (LVLW) in rat pups with DG persists until day 8, although this process appears to be reversed during the postnatal stage. The temporal continuity of the study demonstrated a thinning of the ventricular wall, similar to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This ventricular remodeling process is associated with the expression of ß3 adrenergic receptors and miR-21, -23b. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly reduced only at early ages. In addition, the increase in interstitial space in all ages, as well as the predominance of early ages expression of Col2 and increased expression of Col3, MMP-9 and Cx43 in late ages, is the result of an active extracellular remodeling in the hearts of rat pups with GD.
Assuntos
Cardiomiopatia Dilatada/genética , Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica/genética , Diabetes Gestacional/genética , MicroRNAs/genética , Complicações Cardiovasculares na Gravidez/genética , Animais , Cardiomiopatia Dilatada/complicações , Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica/complicações , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Humanos , Gravidez , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 3/genética , Remodelação VentricularRESUMO
Structural elucidation is an important and challenging stage in the discovery of new organic molecules. Single-crystal X-ray analysis provides the most unquestionable results, though in practice the availability of suitable crystals limits its broad use. On the other hand, NMR spectroscopy has become the leading and universal technique to accomplish the task. Despite continuous advances in the field, the misinterpretation of NMR data is commonplace, evidenced by the large number of erroneous structures being published in top journals. Quantum calculations of NMR chemical shifts and scalar coupling constants emerged as ideal complements to facilitate the elucidation process when experimental NMR data is inconclusive. Since seminal reports demonstrated that affordable DFT methods provide NMR predictions accurate enough to differentiate among closely related isomers, the discipline has experienced substantial growth. The impact has been felt in different areas, and nowadays the results of such calculations are routinely seen in high impact literature.This Account describes our investigations in the field of quantum NMR calculations, focusing on the development of tools for structural elucidation and practical applications. We pioneered the use of artificial intelligence methods in the development of novel strategies of structural validation. Our first generation of trained artificial neural networks (ANNs) showed excellent ability to identify mistakes at the atom connectivity level, whereas the use of multidimensional pattern recognition pushed the performance to the stereochemical limit. In a conceptually different approach, we developed DP4+, an updated version of the DP4 probability used to determine the most likely structure among two or more candidates when one set of experimental data is available. Increasing the level of theory in NMR calculations and including unscaled data in the formalism improved the performance of the method, further validated to settle the configuration of challenging motifs such as spiroepoxides or Mosher's derivatives. One of the limitations of DP4+ is related to the relatively large computational cost involved in obtaining DFT-optimized geometries, which led to the development of a fast variant including the valuable information provided by coupling constants (J-DP4 method).These tools were explored to suggest the most probable structure of controversial natural or unnatural products originally misassigned, with some predictions further validated by synthesis (as in the case of pseudorubriflordilactone B). The possibility of predicting the structure of a natural product without requiring authentic sample was investigated in collaboration with Prof. Pilli (UNICAMP, Brazil) in the computer-guided total synthesis and stereochemical revisions of several natural products. Despite these advances, there remain considerable challenges, such as the case of configurational assessment of polar systems featuring multiple intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions because of the poor energy predictions provided by most DFT methods. In our latest work, we tackle this problem by averaging the results provided by randomly generated ensembles, paving the way for a new paradigm in quantum NMR-assisted structural elucidation.
RESUMO
The skin glands of amphibian species hold a major component of their innate immunity, namely a unique set of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Although most of them have common characteristics, differences in AMP sequences allow a huge repertoire of biological activity with varying degrees of efficacy. We present the first study of the AMPs from Pleurodema somuncurence (Anura: Leptodactylidae: Leiuperinae). Among the 11 identified mature peptides, three presented antimicrobial activity. Somuncurin-1 (FIIWPLRYRK), somuncurin-2 (FILKRSYPQYY), and thaulin-3 (NLVGSLLGGILKK) inhibited Escherichia coli growth. Somuncurin-1 also showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Biophysical membrane model studies revealed that this peptide had a greater permeation effect in prokaryotic-like membranes and capacity to restructure liposomes, suggesting fusogenic activity, which could lead to cell aggregation and disruption of cell morphology. This study contributes to the characterization of peptides with new sequences to enrich the databases for the design of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of investing in nature conservation and the power of genetic description as a strategy to identify new compounds.
Assuntos
Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , Peptídeos/química , Peptídeos/farmacologia , Ranidae/metabolismo , Pele/química , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Argentina , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Hemólise/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Lipossomos/química , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Estrutura Molecular , Permeabilidade , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Bacterial transcription factors (TFs) are key devices for the engineering of complex circuits in many biotechnological applications, yet there are few well-characterized inducer-responsive TFs that could be used in the context of an animal or human host. We have deciphered the inducer recognition mechanism of two AraC/XylS regulators from Pseudomonas putida (BenR and XylS) for creating a novel expression system responsive to acetyl salicylate (i.e., aspirin). Using protein homology modeling and molecular docking with the cognate inducer benzoate and a suite of chemical analogues, we identified the conserved binding pocket of BenR and XylS. By means of site-directed mutagenesis, we identified a single amino acid position required for efficient inducer recognition and transcriptional activation. Whereas this modification in BenR abolishes protein activity, in XylS, it increases the response to several inducers, including acetyl salicylic acid, to levels close to those achieved by the canonical inducer. Moreover, by constructing chimeric proteins with swapped N-terminal domains, we created novel regulators with mixed promoter and inducer recognition profiles. As a result, a collection of engineered TFs was generated with an enhanced response to benzoate, 3-methylbenzoate, 2-methylbenzoate, 4-methylbenzoate, salicylic acid, aspirin, and acetylsalicylic acid molecules for eliciting gene expression in E. coli.
Assuntos
Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/genética , Regulação Bacteriana da Expressão Gênica/genética , Regulação Bacteriana da Expressão Gênica/fisiologia , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas/genética , Engenharia de Proteínas , Pseudomonas putida/genética , Pseudomonas putida/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Transcrição Gênica/genéticaRESUMO
AbstractAlthough the wider Eastern Tropical Pacific has been systematically surveyed during summer/fall, relatively little effort has focused on shelf and slope waters of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Such data are useful for establishing baseline information and assessing potential changes in cetacean occurrence and distribution relative to natural (e.g., El Niño-Southern Oscillation, climate change) and anthropogenic factors. A visualacoustic survey for cetaceans occurred as part of a monitoring and mitigation program during an academic geophysical seismic study off Nicaragua and Costa Rica, during November-December 2004. Approximately 2 067 cetaceans representing at least seven species were seen in 75 groups during 373 h (3 416 km) of daytime observations from the seismic research vessel (R/V) Maurice Ewing. The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) were the most frequently sighted species (30 % of all groups sighted); both were seen in shelf waters < 100 m deep and in slope waters. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus; 10 % of sightings) was the third most frequently sighted species and was only seen in water > 100 m deep. In addition, sightings were made of spinner dolphins (S. longirostris), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and unidentified dolphins and whales. Unconfirmed sightings of a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and a pod of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) were also recorded. An additional six groups of dolphins (50 % confirmed to species, all pantropical spotted dolphins) were made during 187 h (1 549 km) of observation effort during darkness, two of which were detected within 30 m of the vessel bow using a night vision device. A total of 217 cetacean detections occurred during 633 h of passive acoustic monitoring. A small concentration of 12 humpback whales was seen in eight groups, and two humpbacks were recorded singing in the Gulf of Fonseca on 9 December 2004. To our knowledge, such concentrations of humpback whales, particularly singing humpbacks, have not been previously reported in this specific area. In addition, a humpback mother-calf pair, likely from the Northern Hemisphere population, was seen off Northern Costa Rica on 25 November 2004. Although cetacean sighting rates were significantly different during seismic and non-seismic periods even when corrected for differential detection probability related to sea conditions, our survey results do provide information to address previous data gaps on cetacean occurrence in shelf and slope waters off the Pacific coast of Central America during late fall.
ResumenAunque el ancho Pacífico Tropical Oriental ha sido sistemáticamente sondeado durante el verano/otoño, relativamente poco esfuerzo se ha aplicado tanto en aguas de la plataforma continental como el talud de Nicaragua y Costa Rica. Tales datos son útiles para establecer una información base y evaluar los cambios potenciales en la presencia y distribución relacionada tanto a factores naturales (ej., fenómeno de El Niño, cambio climático) como a factores antropogénicos. Un sondeo visual y acústico de cetáceos fue realizado como parte de un programa de monitoreo y mitigación durante un estudio académico de geofísica (sísmica) en las afueras de las costas de Nicaragua y Costa Rica durante Noviembre y Diciembre 2004. Aproximadamente 2 067 cetáceos representantes de al menos siete especies fueron avistados en 75 grupos durante 373 h (3 416 km) de observación diurna desde el buque de prospección sísmica (R/V) Maurice Ewing. La ballena jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae) y el delfín manchado pantropical (Stenella attenuata) fueron las especies más frecuentemente avistadas (30 % de todos los grupos avistados); ambas fueron avistadas tanto en aguas de la plataforma continental < 100 m de profundidad como en aguas del talud. El delfín nariz de botella (Tursiops truncatus; con un 10 % de los avistamientos) fue la tercera especie más avistada, solamente visto en aguas > 100 m de profundidad. Adicionalmente, se registraron avistamientos de delfines acróbatas (S. longirostris), delfines comunes de hocico corto (Delphinus delphis), calderones grises (Grampus griseus), ballenas piloto de aleta corta (Globicephala macrorhynchus) además de ballenas y delfines no identificados. También se registró un avistamiento no confirmado de una ballena de minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) y uno de un grupo de falsas orcas (Pseudorca crassidens). Un adicional de seis avistamientos de delfines (confirmándose en un 50 % de ellos para la especie de delfín manchado pantropical) se observaron durante 187 h (1 549 km) de esfuerzo durante lapsos de oscuridad, dos de los cuales se detectaron a 30 m de la proa de la embarcación utilizando dispositivos de visión nocturna. Un total de 217 detecciones de cetáceos ocurrieron durante 633 h de monitoreo acústico pasivo. Una pequeña concentración de 12 ballenas jorobadas fue avistada en ocho grupos, y dos jorobadas fueron registradas cantando en el Golfo de Fonseca el 9 de Diciembre 2004. Para nuestro conocimiento, tal concentración de ballenas jorobadas, particularmente jorobadas cantando, no han sido reportadas previamente en esta área específica. Adicionalmente, una pareja de jorobadas madre-cría, probablemente de la población del Hemisferio Norte, fue avistada en las afueras de la costa de Costa Rica el 25 de Noviembre 2004. A pesar de que las tasas de avistamiento fueron significativamente distintas durante los periodos sísmicos y no sísmicos, incluso siendo corregidos según la probabilidad de detecciones relacionadas a las condiciones del mar, nuestro sondeo provee información que cubre vacíos previos de datos en la presencia de cetáceos en las aguas tanto de la plataforma como del talud continental fuera de las costas del Pacífico de América Central durante el otoño tardío.
RESUMO
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a chronic infectious disease that affects both domestic animals and wildlife. Veterinary epidemiology studies evaluate bTB using geographic information systems (GIS), which can characterise the spatial and temporal distribution of diseases and identify the geographic areas and animal populations at risk of contracting a disease. The present study used spacetime permutation scan statistic to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of bTB from 2005 to 2010 in the State of Mexico with the goal of creating a similarity model using Mahalanobis Distance to identify areas suitable for bTB occurrence. Three significant clusters were identified using spacetime permutation scan statistic and the similarity model identified several areas with suitable environmental and demographic characteristics. The results demonstrate that the occurrence of bTB in the State of Mexico is not randomly distributed.
Assuntos
Sistemas de Informação Geográfica , Tuberculose Bovina/epidemiologia , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Bovinos , México/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of respiratory allergic diseases has increased worldwide. Identification of the aeroallergens involved in allergenic sensitisation is important for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. OBJECTIVE: To verify the molecular pattern of sensitisation to aeroallergens in patients with allergic respiratory diseases using microarray technique for specific IgE antibody detection. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 101 children with allergic rhinitis was followed in an outpatient clinic. All patients had positive skin prick tests (SPT) to at least one of the following antigens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Lolium multiflorum, and dog and cat epithelium. Serum specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to mites, animal epithelia, fungi, cockroach and pollens components were determined by ImmunoCAP ISAC. RESULTS: sIgE to group 1 and 2 mite allergens showed higher positive rates: Der p 1 (74.2%), Der p 2 (73.3%), Der f 1 (74.2%), Der f 2 (72.3%). sIgE to animal epithelia were less frequent, Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 3 in 4.9%, 2.9%, 1.9% respectively and Fel d 1, Fel d 2, Fel d 4 in 16.8%, 0.9% and 1.9%. respectively. Sensitisation to fungi and cockroach were rare, except for Bla g 7, to which 16.8% were positive. There was no significant recognition for tree pollens group. For grass, sIgE were detected to Cyn d 1 in 16.8%, Phl p 1 and Phl p 4 in 14.8% and 12.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Knowing that the pattern of allergic sensitisation varies according to environment and population, our results reinforce the need for local studies, using molecular-based diagnosis.
Assuntos
Poluentes Atmosféricos/metabolismo , Alérgenos/metabolismo , Rinite Alérgica/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Poluentes Atmosféricos/imunologia , Alérgenos/imunologia , Animais , Antígenos de Dermatophagoides/imunologia , Proteínas de Artrópodes/imunologia , Brasil , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Cisteína Endopeptidases/imunologia , Humanos , Imunoglobulina E/sangue , Testes Imunológicos , Análise em Microsséries , Patologia Molecular , Pyroglyphidae/imunologia , Rinite Alérgica/imunologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCCIÓN: el Bajo Peso al Nacer, definido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como el peso al nacer menor de 2 500 gramos, independiente de la edad gestacional y cualquiera que sea la causa; Es el índice predictivo más importante de la mortalidad infantil sobre todo la neonatal. OBJETIVOS: determinar la prevalencia de bajo peso al nacer y sus factores asociados en el Hospital Materno Infantil Germán Urquidi de la provincia Cercado del Departamento de Cochabamba, Bolivia, durante la gestión I- 2013. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, cuantitativo, descriptivo de corte transversal; con una muestra de 926 niños y niñas recién nacidos; seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple, consideramos una seguridad del 95%, donde Alfa (α = 0,05 ) y Beta ( Z 1- α = 0,76) con una precisión d =0,049%, calculados mediante el Software PASS 12.0. RESULTADOS: del total de recién nacidos que ingresaron en el estudio (926); la prevalencia de bajo peso al nacer fue de 9,6%. Se determinó que con menor edad gestacional existe una menor Longitud al nacimiento (r = 0,5373). En relación de la edad de la madre con la edad gestacional no existió una relación estadísticamente significativa entre ambos (r = 0,005). CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de bajo peso al nacer en nuestro medio fue de 9,6%, los factores principales para un bajo peso al nacer fueron la edad gestacional y la talla baja la nacer.
Introduction: low birth weight, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as birth weight less than 2 500 grams, independent of gestational age and whatever the cause; It is the most important predictor of infant mortality rate especially neonatal. Objetive: to determine the prevalence of low birth weight and its associated factors in the Maternity Hospital German Urquidi of Cercado province of Cochabamba, Bolivia, during the administration I-2013. Methods: an observational study, quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional was conducted; with a sample of 926 boys and girls newborn; selected by random sampling, we consider a 95% confidence error where Alfa (α = 0,05) and Beta (Z 1- α = 0,76); accuracy d = 0,049%, calculated using the PASS Software 12.0. Results: of the newborns admitted in the study (926); the prevalence of low birth weight was 9,6%. It was determined that there gestational age with a shorter length at birth (r = 0,5373). Regarding the age of the mother with gestational age there was no statistically significant correlation (r = 0,005). Conclusions: The prevalence of low birth weight in our country was 9,6%, the main factors for low birth weight and gestational age were stunting the birth.
Assuntos
Recém-Nascido de Baixo Peso , Recém-Nascido , Idade GestacionalRESUMO
PURPOSE: This study aimed to quantify differences between head acceleration measured by a helmet-based accelerometer system for ice hockey and an anthropometric test device (ATD) to validate the system's use in measuring on-ice head impacts. METHODS: A Hybrid III 50th percentile male ATD head and neck was fit with a helmet instrumented with the Head Impact Telemetry (HIT) System for hockey and impacted at various speeds and directions with different interfaces between the head and helmet. Error between the helmet-based and reference peak accelerations was quantified, and the influence of impact direction and helmet-head interface was evaluated. Regression equations were used to reduce error. System-reported impact direction was validated. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of impacts were removed from the data set by the HIT System processing algorithm and were not eligible for analysis. Errors in peak acceleration between the system and ATD varied from 18% to 31% and from 35% to 64% for linear and rotational acceleration, respectively, but were reduced via regression equations. The relationship between HIT System and reference acceleration varied by direction (P < 0.001) and head-helmet interface (P = 0.005). Errors in impact azimuth were approximately 4%, 10%, and 31% for side, back, and oblique back impacts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive evaluation of peak head acceleration measured by the HIT System for hockey. The HIT System processing algorithm removed 19% of the impacts from the data set, the correlation between HIT System and reference peak resultant acceleration was strong and varied by head surface and impact direction, and the system error was larger than reported for the 6-degree-of-freedom HIT System for football but could be reduced via calibration factors. These findings must be considered when interpreting on-ice data.
Assuntos
Dispositivos de Proteção da Cabeça , Hóquei , Monitorização Ambulatorial/instrumentação , Equipamentos Esportivos , Telemetria/instrumentação , Aceleração , Acelerometria/instrumentação , Algoritmos , Antropometria , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Cabeça , Movimentos da Cabeça , Humanos , Masculino , Processamento de Sinais Assistido por ComputadorRESUMO
La papa (Solanum tuberosum L.) es el cuarto cultivo más importante a nivel mundial y es el producto agrícola con mayor demanda de fungicidas, insecticidas y fertilizantes químicos. Las pérdidas mundiales ocasionadas por Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary en este cultivo, ascienden a 6,7 billones de dólares al año y su control químico genera un aumento en los costos, perjudica la salud humana y el ambiente. Todo esto justifica la búsqueda constante de mecanismos alternativos para el control de la enfermedad, entre ellos la obtención de variedades resistentes mediante cisgenesis usando genotipos silvestres. Como un aporte en este sentido, y dada la falta de conocimiento de lo que controla y constituye la diferencia entre una respuesta compatible e incompatible, en el presente estudio se compararon los perfiles de expresión génica obtenidos mediante Despliegue Diferencial de variedades resistentes y susceptibles durante su interacción con P. infestans. Los resultados evidenciaron diferencias en la expresión génica, tanto a distintos tiempos post-inoculación como en el tipo de cambio de expresión, incluyendo la presencia y ausencia de bandas diferenciales y el aumento o disminución en su intensidad. Al analizar las secuencias de fragmentos diferencialmente expresados, se encontró que algunos fragmentos sobre-expresados en las variedades susceptibles, tenían homología con secuencias que codifican para una serina-acetiltranferasa y para la subunidad Î de la RNA polimerasa. Por su parte, fragmentos sobre-expresados en la variedad resistente, tenían homología con una secuencia codificante para un dominio transmembranal.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is the fourth most important crop worldwide; also, is the agriculture product with most fungicides, insecticides and chemical fertilizers requirement. Worldwide losses caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in this crop, amount to 6,7 billion dollars per year and its chemical control increase production costs, harming human health and environment. For these reasons, is necessary constant research for alternative mechanisms to control disease, including development of resistant varieties using cis-genesis from wild genotypes. As a contribution in this way, and the lack of knowledge of what controls and is the difference between compatible and incompatible interaction, in this study we compared gene expression profiles obtained by Differential Display from resistant and susceptible varieties, during their interaction with P. infestans. The results showed differences in gene expression between resistant and susceptible varieties, at different times post-inoculation as well as exchange expression rate, including the presence and absence of differential bands and increase or decrease in their intensity. After analyzing the sequences of differential expressed fragments, we found that some overexpressed fragments from susceptible varieties had homology with an encoded sequence for a serine-acetyltransferase and for a RNA Polymerase Î subunit. On the other hand, overexpressed fragments from resistant variety, had homology with an encoded sequence for a transmembrane domain.
Assuntos
Phytophthora infestans , Solanum tuberosum , Agricultura , Fungicidas Industriais , GenótipoRESUMO
Provincia de Misiones posee actualmente una actividad forestal en pujante crecimiento ubicóndose entre las primeras del pais. Este marco de desarrollo productivo permite predecir un ámbito de crecimiento favorecido por las nuevas condiciones del mercado internacional. Por otro lado a pesar del avance de la tecnologia industrial, no se ha alcanzado el nivel de desarrollo biotecnológico óptimo que conjugue la calidad genética con características fenotópicas de excelencia en las especies maderables de mayor demanda en la Provincia basó¡ndose la selección en criterios netamente fenotópicos y en la experiencia del productor, sin contarse con métodos moleculares desarrollados en la región. Este trabajo presenta los resultados del Proyecto Federal de Innovacíon Productiva (PFIP Mi09) cuyo objetivo principal fue estandarizar y transferir al sector productivo un conjunto de marcadores moleculares microsalites para ser aplicado al análisis de poblaciones y forestaciones de Araucaria angustifolia y Pinus taeda provenientes de la Provincia de Misiones (Argentina). Esto permitirá conocer el perfil genético de plantaciones y poblaciones de estas especies forestales, pudiendo aplicarse a la certificación de calidad en la producción forestal o a la selección de ejemplares de especies nativas.
Misiones Province currently has the first intensive forestry activity of Argentine. This framework of productive development allows predict an area of growth favored by the new conditions of the international market. On the other side despite the progress of industrial technology, has not been reached the optimal level of biotechnological development that combining quality with genomic and phenotypic characteristics of forest species. This work presents the results of Federal Project of Productive Innovation (PFIP Mi09) whose main objective was standardize and transfer to the productive sector a set of microsatellites molecular markers to be applied to the populations analysis of Araucaria angustifolia and Pinus taeda forestation from the Misiones (Argentine). This will reveal the plantations and forest genetic profile and may be applied to genetic certification of forest production quality.
Assuntos
Argentina , Agricultura Florestal , Modelos Moleculares , Pinus taeda , Indústrias , Indústria Agropecuária , Indústria da Madeira , Modelos Moleculares , Estrutura MolecularRESUMO
Background: Circadian cortisol production results from the interaction of the circadian production of ACTH, the autonomic nervous system and intrinsic factors within the gland. An additional regulator is the neuro-hormone melatonin. In human adrenal gland cultures, melatonin inhibited ACTH stimulated cortisol production and Per1 mRNA expression. ACTH actions on the adrenal involve early and late responses. Aim: To investigate the effects of melatonin on the time course of ACTH stimulated cortisol production and of Per1 expression in the lamb adrenal gland. Material and Methods: Adrenal glands and plasma of five newborn lambs were obtained. Adrenal glands were cut in 15 mg explants. Three of these explants were stored for RNA extraction. The rest of explants were using in different culture protocols with ACTH and melatonin. Results: Lambs had an in vivo a circadian variation in plasma cortisol and in adrenal Per1 expression. In vitro, ACTH stimulated an early and late increase in cortisol production and an early increase in Per1 expression reaching a maximum at 3 hours of treatment. Melatonin inhibited the early Per1 response to ACTH without affecting the early ACTH stimulated cortisol production. However, melatonin inhibited the late response of cortisol production to ACTH. Conclusions: The inhibitory actions of melatonin on Per1 response to ACTH may contribute to the inhibitory effects of melatonin on adrenal steroidogenic response to ACTH.
Assuntos
Animais , Glândulas Suprarrenais/metabolismo , Hidrocortisona/metabolismo , Hormônio Adrenocorticotrópico/metabolismo , Melatonina/metabolismo , Proteínas Circadianas Period , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Ritmo Circadiano , Técnicas de Cultura , Ovinos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
The relapse of autoimmune diseases following resolution of Cushing syndrome (CS) has been established with frequency, especially for thyroid disease. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of psoriasis vulgaris, with no other comorbidities. She presented a one-year of weight gain, high blood pressure, hypermenorrhea, pre-diabetes and dyslipidemia. During this period of time, the complete remission of psoriatic lesions was confirmed. The laboratory analysis demonstrated elevated free urinary cortisol in two opportunities, and a confirmatory low-dose dexamethasone test. Low ACTH levels were established (12,3pg/ml), and the abdominal images where compatible with a right adrenal adenoma of 3,0 x 2,3 cm, sothe patient underwent a laparoscopic right adrenalectomy with no complications. Her blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels improved following surgery. One month after surgery the patient developed new, generalized psoriatic plaques. The excess of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal tumor could have controlled the immunopathogeny of psoriasis. By removing the tumor, with the consequent reduction of cortisol levels, a more severe relapse of her cutaneous disease occurred.