RESUMO
Tumor-on-chips have become an effective resource in cancer research. However, their widespread use remains limited due to issues related to their practicality in fabrication and use. To address some of these limitations, we introduce a 3D-printed chip, which is large enough to host ~1 cm3 of tissue and fosters well-mixed conditions in the liquid niche, while still enabling the formation of the concentration profiles that occur in real tissues due to diffusive transport. We compared the mass transport performance in its rhomboidal culture chamber when empty, when filled with GelMA/alginate hydrogel microbeads, or when occupied with a monolithic piece of hydrogel with a central channel, allowing communication between the inlet and outlet. We show that our chip filled with hydrogel microspheres in the culture chamber promotes adequate mixing and enhanced distribution of culture media. In proof-of-concept pharmacological assays, we biofabricated hydrogel microspheres containing embedded Caco2 cells, which developed into microtumors. Microtumors cultured in the device developed throughout the 10-day culture showing >75% of viability. Microtumors subjected to 5-fluorouracil treatment displayed <20% cell survival and lower VEGF-A and E-cadherin expression than untreated controls. Overall, our tumor-on-chip device proved suitable for studying cancer biology and performing drug response assays.
RESUMO
Chronic wounds have become one of the most important issues for healthcare systems and are a leading cause of death worldwide. Wound dressings are necessary to facilitate wound treatment. Engineering wound dressings may substantially reduce healing time, reduce the risk of recurrent infections, and reduce the disability and costs associated. In the path of engineering of an ideal wound dressing, hydrogels have played a leading role. Hydrogels are 3D hydrophilic polymeric structures that can provide a protective barrier, mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM), and provide a humid environment. Due to their advantages, hydrogels (with different architectural, physical, mechanical, and biological properties) have been extensively explored as wound dressing platforms. Here we describe recent studies on hydrogels for wound healing applications with a strong focus on the interplay between the fabrication method used and the architectural, mechanical, and biological performance achieved. Moreover, we review different categories of additives which can enhance wound regeneration using 3D hydrogel dressings. Hydrogel engineering for wound healing applications promises the generation of smart solutions to solve this pressing problem, enabling key functionalities such as bacterial growth inhibition, enhanced re-epithelialization, vascularization, improved recovery of the tissue functionality, and overall, accelerated and effective wound healing.
RESUMO
Throughout history, women have been actively involved in the advancement of science, while struggling to overcome challenges to participate and a lack of recognition. Prior to 1950, most women were not included in the lists of "classical" descriptions of the iconic scientific figures nor included in the most relevant historical accounts. Since the second half of the twentieth century, great efforts have been made to recognize the contributions of women to the advancement of science, especially since formal scientific careers have been dominated by men, with limited (or no) access to women. Despite these challenging social, political and cultural contexts, many women have succeeded in making significant advancements, and their contributions are now being acknowledged. Such efforts have led to the publication of recent reviews and compilations on outstanding women in biological sciences. The field of medical entomology is inherently interdisciplinary, focusing on insects and other arthropods that affect human health, with input primarily from the biological and medical sciences and a strong public health perspective. Several reviews and book chapters describing the history of medical entomology have been published over the decades, but few women are mentioned in these publications, even though many women have contributed to this field. Much of the information on these women is currently scattered throughout the published literature and historical records on a wide range of topics, including activism, virology, vector control and even acarology. Considering that there is no single available compilation of women contributors in the history of medical entomology, this review aims to provide a list of 22 women and their contributions to this field. The list includes women from diverse backgrounds, born in the late 1800s and before 1950, who directly impacted medical entomology in various ways and in different regions of the world. This compilation is far from exhaustive, but it aims to identify role models and examples of extraordinary women to motivate the evolving future of this field.
Assuntos
Artrópodes , Entomologia , Animais , Feminino , Previsões , Humanos , Saúde PúblicaRESUMO
PURPOSE: Metformin has been widely used for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), hyperglycemia and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Recent studies have suggested the potential of this substance as a cancer chemopreventive agent. We evaluated the antitumoral effect of iRNA-PFK-1 and the combined therapy iRNA-PFK-1 + metformin in RKO p53-positive cells. METHODS: mRNA levels of tumor suppressor genes AMPK, APC, and c-MYC, KRAS oncogenes were measured by qRT-PCR in RKO cells treated with 25 µM metformin alone or combined with iRNA-PFK-1, to evaluate the effect of both treatments. RESULTS: At 72 h after treatment with either 25 µM metformin, 150 nM iRNA-PFK-1, or the combined treatment, the transcriptional levels of these biomarkers were decreased by ~73% (pË0.05), ~99.9%, (pË0.01), and ~76% (pË0.05), respectively. CONCLUSION: These in vitro results support the potential therapeutic role of metformin and PFK-1 in the treatment of colon cancer via down-modulation of the expression of several important cancer biomarkers.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais , Neoplasias do Colo/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias do Colo/patologia , Regulação para Baixo/efeitos dos fármacos , Metformina/administração & dosagem , Fosfofrutoquinase-1/administração & dosagem , Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Neoplasias do Colo/genética , Combinação de Medicamentos , Humanos , Fosfofrutoquinase-1/genética , RNA , Células Tumorais CultivadasRESUMO
Massive worldwide serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 is needed to determine the extent of virus exposure in a particular region, the ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic infected persons, and the duration and extent of immunity after infection. To achieve this, the development and production of reliable and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 antigens is critical. We report the bacterial production of the peptide S-RBDN318-V510, which contains the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (region of 193 amino acid residues from asparagine-318 to valine-510) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We purified this peptide using a straightforward approach involving bacterial lysis, his-tag-mediated affinity chromatography, and imidazole-assisted refolding. The antigen performances of S-RBDN318-V510 and a commercial full-length spike protein were compared in ELISAs. In direct ELISAs, where the antigen was directly bound to the ELISA surface, both antigens discriminated sera from non-exposed and exposed individuals. However, the discriminating resolution was better in ELISAs that used the full-spike antigen than the S-RBDN318-V510. Attachment of the antigens to the ELISA surface using a layer of anti-histidine antibodies gave equivalent resolution for both S-RBDN318-V510 and the full-length spike protein. Results demonstrate that ELISA-functional SARS-CoV-2 antigens can be produced in bacterial cultures, and that S-RBDN318-V510 may represent a cost-effective alternative to the use of structurally more complex antigens in serological COVID-19 testing.
RESUMO
Aquagenic keratoderma is a benign entity that is characterized by producing whitish or translucent papules a few seconds after contact with water. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with multiple asymptomatic confluent papules that appeared on both hand palms after contact with water and which disappeared after drying. The histopathological findings in a skin biopsy after water exposure showed changes in the superficial layers of the stratum corneum and dilatation of sweat gland ducts. This entity of unknown etiology has been related to neuronal and eccrine gland dysfunction. Recently it has been associated with alterations of aquaporins. The "hand-in-the-bucket" sign is a simple useful clinical tool for diagnosis, as histopathological findings may be nonspecific. Topical treatments include barrier mechanisms and botulinum toxin.
La queratodermia acuagénica es una entidad benigna, caracterizada por producir pápulas blanquecinas o traslúcidas pocos segundos después del contacto con el agua. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 16 años de edad con aparición de múltiples pápulas confluentes y asintomáticas en ambas palmas al contacto con el agua, que desaparecían luego del secado. En el estudio de histopatología se observó dilatación de los conductos ecrinos y cambios en el estrato córneo. Esta rara condición de etiología desconocida se ha relacionado con disfunción neuronal, alteraciones de las glándulas ecrinas y, más recientemente, con alteraciones en las acuaporinas. Se puede diagnosticar con una prueba semiológica sencilla llamada 'la mano en el balde'; la sospecha clínica es fundamental para hacer el diagnóstico, ya que los hallazgos histopatológicos pueden ser sutiles e inespecíficos. El tratamiento tópico incluye mecanismos de barrera y la toxina botulínica.
Assuntos
Dermatoses da Mão/etiologia , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/etiologia , Água/efeitos adversos , Adolescente , Biópsia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Dermatoses da Mão/patologia , Humanos , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/diagnóstico , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/patologiaRESUMO
Resumen La queratodermia acuagénica es una entidad benigna, caracterizada por producir pápulas blanquecinas o traslúcidas pocos segundos después del contacto con el agua. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 16 años de edad con aparición de múltiples pápulas confluentes y asintomáticas en ambas palmas al contacto con el agua, que desaparecían luego del secado. En el estudio de histopatología se observó dilatación de los conductos ecrinos y cambios en el estrato córneo. Esta rara condición de etiología desconocida se ha relacionado con disfunción neuronal, alteraciones de las glándulas ecrinas y, más recientemente, con alteraciones en las acuaporinas. Se puede diagnosticar con una prueba semiológica sencilla llamada 'la mano en el balde'; la sospecha clínica es fundamental para hacer el diagnóstico, ya que los hallazgos histopatológicos pueden ser sutiles e inespecíficos. El tratamiento tópico incluye mecanismos de barrera y la toxina botulínica.
Abstract Aquagenic keratoderma is a benign entity that is characterized by producing whitish or translucent papules a few seconds after contact with water. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with multiple asymptomatic confluent papules that appeared on both hand palms after contact with water and which disappeared after drying. The histopathological findings in a skin biopsy after water exposure showed changes in the superficial layers of the stratum corneum and dilatation of sweat gland ducts. This entity of unknown etiology has been related to neuronal and eccrine gland dysfunction. Recently it has been associated with alterations of aquaporins. The "hand-in-the-bucket" sign is a simple useful clinical tool for diagnosis, as histopathological findings may be nonspecific. Topical treatments include barrier mechanisms and botulinum toxin.
Assuntos
Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Água/efeitos adversos , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/etiologia , Dermatoses da Mão/etiologia , Biópsia , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/diagnóstico , Ceratodermia Palmar e Plantar/patologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Dermatoses da Mão/patologiaRESUMO
RESUMEN Objetivo: describir los virus asociados con infección respiratoria en niños en Bucaramanga. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo con recolección prospectiva. Los participantes fueron menores de 5 años con fiebre y síntomas respiratorios de máximo 5 días de duración atendidos en dos instituciones de Bucaramanga. Se registraron los datos sociodemográficos, los antecedentes y los hallazgos del examen físico. Las muestras obtenidas por hisopado nasofaríngeo se procesaron para 15 virus respiratorios mediante una prueba múltiplex de reacción en cadena de polimerasa. Resultados: entre diciembre de 2012 y noviembre de 2013, se incluyó a 215 menores de 5 años (edad promedio: 14 meses). La positividad para al menos un virus fue 72 % y se identificó coinfección en 8,5 %. Los virus identificados con mayor frecuencia en las estaciones secas fueron el sincitial respiratorio, rinovirus A/B/C y metapneumovirus, mientras que en las estaciones lluviosas fueron parainfluenza 1/2/3, virus sincitial respiratorio e influenza. Se hallaron coronavirus y bocavirus por primera vez en este grupo de edad en Colombia. Conclusiones: una amplia variedad de virus respiratorios afecta a los niños en Bucaramanga y su ocurrencia a lo largo del año difiere de la de otras regiones de Colombia.
SUMMARY Objective: To describe viruses associated with respiratory infection in children in Bucaramanga, the main city in northeastern Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive study with prospective collection. Participants were children under 5 years with respiratory symptoms for a maximum of 5 days, treated at two institutions of Bucaramanga. Demographic data, medical and perinatal history and initial physical examination findings were recorded. Samples obtained with nasopharyngeal swabs were processed for 15 respiratory viruses by multiplex reaction polymerase chain test. Results: Between December 2012 and November 2013, 215 children less than 5 years (mean age 14 months) were enrolled. Positivity to at least one virus was 72 % and co-infection was detected in 8.5 %. The most frequently identified viruses in dry seasons were respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus A/B/C and metapneumovirus, while in the rainy seasons they were parainfluenza 1/2/3, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. Coronavirus and bocavirus were identified for the first time in this age group in Colombia. Conclusions: A wide variety of viruses affects children in this area of Colombia, and their occurrence throughout the year is different from that reported in other regions of the country.
RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os vírus associados com infecção respiratória em crianças em Bucaramanga. Materiais e métodos: estudo descritivo com recolecção prospectiva. Os participantes foram menores de 5 anos com febre e sintomas respiratórios de máximo 5 dias de duração atendidos em duas instituições de Bucaramanga. Se registraram os dados sócio-demográficos, os antecedentes e os resultados do exame físico. As amostras obtidas por hissopado nasofaringe se processaram para 15 vírus respiratórios mediante uma prova múltipla de reação em cadeia de polimerase. Resultados: entre dezembro de 2012 e novembro de 2013, se incluiu a 215 menores de 5 anos (idade em média: 14 meses). A positividade para pelo menos um vírus foi 72 % e se identificou co-infecção em 8,5 %. Os vírus identificados com maior frequência nas estações secas foram o sincitial respiratório, rinovírus A/B/C e metapneumovírus, enquanto que nas estações chuvosas foram parainfluenza 1/2/3, vírus sincitial respiratório e influenza. Se encontraram coronavírus e bocavírus por primeira vez neste grupo de idade na Colômbia. Conclusões: uma ampla variedade de vírus respiratórios afeta às crianças em Bucaramanga e sua ocorrência ao longo do ano difere de outras regiões da Colômbia.
Assuntos
Humanos , Pré-Escolar , Pneumonia , Infecções Respiratórias , Saúde da Criança , Morbidade , MortalidadeRESUMO
Introducción: La infección respiratoria aguda es una causa importante de morbimortalidad en menores de cinco años en los municipios de las provincias de Santander. La etiología viral en esos municipios no es bien conocida. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la etiología viral de la infección respiratoria aguda en menores de cinco años en las provincias Comunera y García Rovira del departamento de Santander entre diciembre de 2012 y diciembre de 2013. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en población usuaria de servicios de urgencias. Se obtuvieron muestras por hisopado nasofaríngeo y se realizó amplificación por reacción en cadena de polimerasa con el test Seeplex® RV15 OneStep ACE Detection, multiplex para 15 virus. Resultados: Participaron 64 niños, 57,8% niños de sexo masculino. El 26,6%, de los niños eran menores de un año. La positividad para virus fue del 37,5% de las muestras. El 75% de las muestras positivas fueron de la provincia Comunera y 25% de la provincia de García Rovira. Hubo co-infección por dos virus en 8,3% de las muestras positivas. Los virus más identificados fueron Rhinovirus (29%), Parainfluenza 4 (20,8%) e Influenza (12,5%). También se identificó Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Virus Sincitial Respiratorio, Metapneumovirus y otros virus Parainfluenza. Conclusiones: En las dos provincias de Santander evaluadas circula una amplia cantidad de virus respiratorios en menores de cinco años. El Rhinovirus fue identificado como el más frecuente. Se encontró presencia de Metapneumovirus y Coronavirus humano.
Introduction: Acute respiratory infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years in Santander (Colombia). Viral etiology in municipalities from this department is not well known. Objective: To determine the viral etiology of acute respiratory infection in children under five years in the provinces Comunera and García Rovira (Santander) from December 2012 to December 2013. Methodology: Descriptive study in pediatric population who attended the emergency services studied. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained and a polymerase chain reaction was performed with Seeplex® OneStep RV15 ACE Detection, which is a multiplex test for 15 virus. Results: 64 children were enrolled, 57,8% being boys. 26.6% of participants were under one year. Virus positivity was present in 37.5% of the samples and 75% of the positive samples were from the province Comunera. Besides, 8.3% from positive samples were co-infected with two viruses. The most common virus were Rhinovirus (29%), Parainfluenza 4 (20.8%) and influenza (12.5%). Coronavirus, Adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, Metapneumovirus and other Parainfluenza virus were also identified. Conclusions: There is a wide circulation of respiratory virus in children under five in these two provinces of Santander (Colombia). Rhinovirus was the most frequent. Human Metapneumovirus and Coronavirus were also found.
Assuntos
Humanos , Infecções Respiratórias , Vírus , Criança , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , Prevalência , Colômbia , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase MultiplexRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR gamma 2 gene on metabolic and hormonal response to pioglitazone treatment in obese postmenopausal women. DESIGN: We included 102 obese (body mass index [BMI] >or=30 kg/m2) and 97 nonobese (BMI Assuntos
Predisposição Genética para Doença/genética
, Hiperglicemia/tratamento farmacológico
, Obesidade/genética
, PPAR gama/genética
, Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único/genética
, Glicemia/genética
, Estrogênios Conjugados (USP)/uso terapêutico
, Feminino
, Frequência do Gene/genética
, Humanos
, Hiperglicemia/genética
, Hipoglicemiantes/uso terapêutico
, Pessoa de Meia-Idade
, Pioglitazona
, Pós-Menopausa
, Tiazolidinedionas/uso terapêutico
RESUMO
Se presenta un caso de Enfermedad de Darier unilateral, en una mujer de 38 años, quien consultó por un cuadro de 8 años de evolución de lesiones tipo pápulas hiperqueratósicas que conformaban una placa con distribución Zosteriforme, localizada en el abdomen inferior, asintomática. A pesar de la baja frecuencia de esta enfermedad se trata de un caso cuya presentación clínica e histopatológica son muy características e importantes para el diagnóstico de la misma.
We present a case ofDarier I s disease in linear distribution, in a 38 years old woman who consulted for lesions for about 8 years ofevolution type hyperqueratosic papules in inferiorabdomen in zosteriform distribution, asymptomatic. We present this case although the low frecuency ofthis entity, because this is a case that its clinical and histopathological presentation are very charaeteristic for this disease and are important to the diagnosis.
Assuntos
Humanos , Doença de DarierRESUMO
La enfermedad de Lyme (EL) es, después del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, la enfermedad infecciosa más estudiada en los Estados Unidos de América (EUA). En Colombia sólo se ha hecho una publicación de casos reumatológicos seropositivos para Borrelia burgdorferi. Con el objeto de ampliar la información sobre la entidad en nuestro medio, se realizó un estudio prospectivo en individuos con afecciones dérmicas y reumáticas sugestivas de EL, según los criterios del Centro de Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas de EUA, que consultaron a los servicios respectivos del Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paul de Medellín. Se incluyeron 31 pacientes de los cuales 23 tenían enfermedades dérmicas y ocho enfermedades reumáticas. A todos se les determinó la inmunoglobulina G sérica contra tres proteínas de la membrana externa de B. burgdorferi, p100, p41 y p41/1. En todos los pacientes se buscaron anticuerpos anticardiolipina mediante la prueba VDRL. En 19 pacientes con enfermedades dérmicas se practicaron biopsias cutáneas para la investigación de la espiroqueta mediante la coloración de Warthin-Starry. Sólo se encontro un paciente con morfea localizada con reactividad serológica positiva para B. burgdorferib (reactividad para las tres proteínas de membrana), VDRL no reactivo, tinción de Warthin-Starry negativa y sin antecedentes de picadura de garrapata. En otros siete pacientes con morfea localizada y en tres con cuadros reumáticos, la reactividad serológica fue sugestiva (reactividad débil o incompleta). Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio sugieren la existencia de EL en Colombia. Se requieren estudios adicionales para aislar el microorganismo, tanto de pacientes como de vectores y definir el comportamiento eco-epidemiológico de la enfermedad en Colombia.
Assuntos
Humanos , Borrelia burgdorferi/patogenicidade , Dermatopatias Bacterianas/etiologia , Formação de Anticorpos , Doença de Lyme/etiologiaRESUMO
Para realizar la presente investigación se ha basado en la auscultación directa de los problemas latentes en la Organización del departamento de Enfermería de una Unidad Operativa que corresponde al V Nivel de Atención de salud, ya que el Departamento de Enfermería es el núcleo vital de la Institución, lo que contribuye a brindar una atención de calidad al usuario que acude a esta Unidad Operativa. Esta investigación sobre "Evaluación de la Organización del Departamento de Enfermería del Hospital Gíneco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora", realizado durante el transcurso del Internado Rotativo en esta Institución se establece la importancia de la Evaluación de la Organización del Departamento, utilizando el método científico y basándonos en entrevistas y encuestas al personal para obtener datos verídicos y la comprobación del Tipo de Organización que mantiene actualmente. Se analizó la situación de Salud de nuestro país, especialmente la de Hospitales Estatales y de la población Materno Infantil. En la situación de Salud se analizó desde la década del 60 hasta la actualidad en donde el país ha sufrido cambios económicos, políticos y culturales repercutiendo también en la salud; en cuanto a salud Materno Infantil que es la población olvidada durante muchos años, en la actualidad existen reformas en beneficio del binomio madre-niño, ampliando la cobertura de atención, disminuyendo a la vez las tasas de mortalidad de éste binomio para el cumplimiento de éste objetivo, dependiendo de presupuesto que el estado asigne a los profesionales del sector salud, especialmente de Enfermeras quienes están las 24 horas del día junto al paciente. Para el éxito del trabajo en equipo, es necesario que éste Departamento tenga una Organización efectiva que garantice la atención integral. La organización proporciona el marco formal dentro del cual se verifica el proceso administrativo, sistema de trabajo, de comunicaciones e identidad para los individuos es decir fomentar la satisfacción en el cumplimiento de sus labores. Se debe anotar además que el Departamento de Enfermería de toda Institución Hospitalaria, debe funcionar de acuerdo a un Manual Técnico Administrativo...