RESUMO

El acceso a una salud integral de calidad a lo largo de la vida es un derecho de todos los adolescentes y jóvenes; pero sobre todo resulta relevante en aquellos pacientes con enfermedades complejas crónicas como el mielomeningocele pues de no realizarse tiene repercusión notoria sobre su estado de salud con mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad. En este artículo se comenta la experiencia sobre transición de pacientes con mielomeningocele que se realizó en forma organizada entre los servicios de Consultorio de Mielomeningocele y Hospital de día Polivalente del Hospital Garrahan y el Servicio de Adolescencia del Hospital Ramos Mejía. Se trata de un nuevo modelo asistencial de trabajo interdisciplinario y colaborativo teniendo como eje una fluida comunicación interinstitucional. Este acuerdo formal entre ambos hospitales contó con el recurso humano especializado y la estructura física adecuada para el abordaje integral de esta compleja enfermedad crónica. Este programa propició un entorno al paciente que aseguró el seguimiento por equipos interdisciplinarios. Esta es la mejor opción para brindar un cuidado integral, equitativo, coordinado y accesible mejorando la calidad de vida de los pacientes con mielomeningocele a largo plazo (AU)

Access to quality comprehensive health throughout life is a right of all adolescents and young people; but above all it is relevant in those patients with complex chronic diseases such as myelomeningocele because if it is not performed it has a notable impact on their health status with a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the transition experience of patients with myelomeningocele that was carried out in an organized manner between the Myelomeningocele Clinic and Multipurpose Day Hospital services of the Garrahan Hospital and the Adolescence Service of the Ramos Mejía Hospital. It is a new care model of interdisciplinary and collaborative work with fluid inter-institutional communication as its axis. This formal agreement between both hospitals had specialized human resources and the appropriate physical structure for the comprehensive approach to this complex chronic disease. This program provided an environment for the patient that ensured follow-up by interdisciplinary teams. This is the best option to provide comprehensive, equitable, coordinated and accessible care, improving the quality of life of patients with myelomeningocele in the long term (AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The clinical course of COVID-19 may show severe presentation, potentially involving dynamic cytokine storms and T cell lymphopenia, which are leading causes of death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Plasma exchange therapy (PLEX) effectively removes pro-inflammatory factors, modulating and restoring innate and adaptive immune responses. This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the impact of PLEX on the survival of patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 and the effect on the cytokine release syndrome. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm syndrome were selected to receive 2 sessions of PLEX or standard therapy. Primary outcome was all-cause 60-days mortality; secondary outcome was requirement of mechanical ventilation, SOFA, NEWs-2 scores modification, reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and hospitalization time. Twenty patients received PLEX were compared against 40 patients receiving standard therapy. PLEX reduced 60-days mortality (50% vs 20%; OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.071-0.880; p = 0.029), and this effect was independent from demographic variables and drug therapies used. PLEX significantly decreased SOFA, NEWs-2, pro-inflammatory mediators and increased lymphocyte count, accompanied with a trend to reduce affected lung volume, without effect on SatO2/FiO2 indicator or mechanical ventilation requirement. PLEX therapy provided significant benefits of pro-inflammatory clearance and reduction of 60-days mortality in selected patients with COVID-19, without significant adverse events.

Assuntos

Assuntos

Assuntos

RESUMO

ABSTRACT: In Mexico, the prevalence of Salmonella enterica in low-water-activity foods and its link to outbreaks are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological profile and the prevalence of S. enterica in several low-water-activity foods, including peanuts, pecans, raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, and chocolate sprinkles, purchased in retail establishments in Querétaro, Mexico. Seventy samples of each food item sold in bulk were purchased. Aerobic plate count, molds, yeasts, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were quantified in 10-g samples. The prevalence of S. enterica in 25-g samples was determined. From positive samples, S. enterica isolates (60) were characterized based on their antimicrobial susceptibility to 14 antibiotics, the presence-absence of 13 virulence genes, and serotype. The concentration of aerobic plate count, molds, yeasts, total coliforms, and E. coli ranged from 3.1 to 5.2 log CFU g-1, from 2.0 to 2.4 log CFU g-1, from 2.0 to 3.0 log CFU g-1, from 0.6 to 1.1 log most probable number (MPN) g-1, and from 0.5 to 0.9 log MPN g-1, respectively. S. aureus was not detected in any sample (<10 CFU g-1). The prevalence of S. enterica in chocolate sprinkles, raisins, peanuts, pecans, and sun-dried tomatoes was 26, 29, 31, 40, and 52%, respectively. Most isolates (68.3%) were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Chromosome-associated virulence genes were found in all isolates, and only one strain had sopE, and 98.3% of the isolates were grouped in the same virulotype. Among the isolates, the most frequent serotype was Tennessee (51 of 60). According to the characteristics evaluated, we grouped the isolates into 24 clusters. The elevated prevalence of S. enterica highlights the role of low-water-activity food items sold in bulk at markets as potential vehicles for pathogen transmission. Regardless of the low variability among S. enterica isolates, their characterization could be helpful to elucidate which strains are circulating in these foods for improving epidemiological surveillance.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Trees within the Calophyllum genus are multi-use trees that produce valuable wood, phytochemicals with a range of biological activities, and seed oil as a source of biodiesel. As a consequence of climate change, there is a need to develop strategies to preserve valuable plant genetic resources. Cryopreservation represents the most suitable option for the long-term storage of germplasm with minimal space and maintenance requirements. OBJECTIVE: To determine appropriate methods to cryopreserve seeds of Calophyllum antillanum and maintain secondary compound production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seeds at a moisture content of 6% were used to evaluate two treatments: seeds immersed in liquid nitrogen and control seeds. Biosynthetic pathway efficiency was assessed post-cryo by determining anthraquinone contents in roots, stems and leaves following 30 and 75 d of seedling growth. RESULTS: The results indicated that exposure to liquid nitrogen delayed germination and seedling emergence for a period of up to 45 d after seed sowing. By 60 d of cultivation, no significant differences in plant growth were observed for cryostored and control seeds. The levels of anthraquinones, which were also measured in seeds and seedlings, were lower in plants regenerated from cryostored seeds following 30 d of growth, but there were no differences in roots and stems by 75 d of growth. Furthermore, the difference in leaf anthraquinone levels for cryopreserved and control seeds at 75 d was much smaller than at 30 d. CONCLUSION: The low initial anthraquinone levels in emerging seedlings correlated with the initial slow growth of cryopreserved seeds.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Swietenia mahagoni wood is one of the most valuable in world trade and, as a result, natural populations have been decimated due to unsustainable harvesting. The decline in natural population levels is being exacerbated by climate change. In order to ensure the preservation of valuable genotypes, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to conserve the genetic diversity present within this species. At present, cryopreservation is the most viable option for the long-term storage of plant germplasm, particularly for long-lived species which are challenging to maintain in the field. OBJECTIVE: To cryopreserve intact seeds of S. mahagoni, with the dual goal of retaining the biosynthetic capacity of plants, which is critical since this species is highly valued for medicinal purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seeds at a moisture content of 6% were immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN) before warming and recovery. Plantlet establishment and growth were assessed over a period of 70 days and anthraquinone synthesis was determined in roots, stems and leaves. RESULTS: The results showed an initial lag in the germination rate of cryopreserved seeds compared with control seeds; however, this difference disappeared over time. The lag in seedling emergence observed in cryostored seeds was also evident in the plant characteristics measured following 30 days of culture when all plant parameters measured were significantly higher in plants produced from control than cryostored seeds. However, after 70 days of growth, these differences were no longer apparent. Anthraquinone levels were also initially lower (at 30 days) in plants regenerated from cryopreserved seeds than those from control seeds, however, this difference was substantially reduced by 70 days thereby indicating the ability of these plants to accumulate secondary metabolites, albeit at a reduced rate, during the early stages of development. CONCLUSION: In S. mahagoni, the delay in anthraquinone production in plants regenerated from cryostored seeds during the early stages of development may have occurred as a consequence of the preferential allocation of resources towards the initiation of recovery processes in response to the stresses imposed by cryopreservation. Once the stresses were overcome and plant growth resumed, resources could be directed to secondary processes such as anthraquinone synthesis. doi.org/10.54680/fr22610110412.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The food industry confronts an enormous challenge to develop stable margarine-type water-in-vegetable oil (W/O) emulsion-based table spreads with reduced concentration of saturated fat and without trans fats. In the present work, we developed a gelled W/O emulsion (Gelled-W/O-E) containing 20% of water using a mixture of a conventional W/O emulsion (W/O-E) stabilized with glycerol monostearate (GMS), and an ethyl cellulose (EC) oleogel. The mechanical, microstructure and stability of the resulting gelled emulsion (Gelled-W/O-E) was compared with control systems consisting of conventional W/O emulsions (W/O-E) and EC-GMS oleogels (EC-GMS-O; no water added) formulated using the same GMS (0.5% and 1.0%) and EC (7%) concentration as in the Gelled-W/O-E. The Gelled-W/O-E showed higher elasticity and emulsion stability in comparison with the control systems. This in spite the EC and GMS concentrations used were below the minimal concentration required to develop a gel, and the tentatively lower solid content in the Gelled-W/O-E than in the EC-GMS-O because the presence of water. We observed that by increasing the GMS concentration in the Gelled-W/O-E, the water droplet size decreased as gel elasticity and W/O emulsion stability significantly increased. We associated this behavior to a synergistic GMS-EC interaction that kept the GMS at the water-oil droplet interface. These results showed the role of water droplets as active fillers in determining the rheological properties of the Gelled-W/O-E, and that the GMS efficiency as emulsifier increased in the presence of EC in the oil phase. After comparing the microstructural properties of commercial margarine spreads with those of the Gelled-W/O-E, we concluded that the structured W/O emulsion is a novel way to achieve similar functionality to margarine spreads, without the use of saturated and trans-fats.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Introducción: El mielomeningocele (MMC) es una de las malformaciones congénitas más severas compatible con la vida. El 90% de los pacientes presenta vejiga neurogénica que debe ser evaluada y tratada precozmente. Objetivos: Describir la evaluación y tratamiento nefrourológico recibido por pacientes con MMC hasta el momento de la primera consulta en el Hospital Garrahan (periodo pre-ingreso). Describir la evaluación realizada y el tratamiento urológico implementado a partir del ingreso al hospital Garrahan (periodo post-ingreso). Evaluar la prevalencia de Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC). Población y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio con diseño clínico analítico, retrospectivo, longitudinal sobre pacientes con MMC de 1 mes a 18 años derivados al Hospital Garrahan para atención ambulatoria en los años 2011 y 2012. Resultados: Se incluyeron115 pacientes. Al momento de la derivación al hospital ("pre-ingreso") 7% de los pacientes habían logrado completar evaluación nefrourológica, (ecografía vesicorenal, urodinamia, Cistouretrografía, Centellograma renal y Creatininemia). Tratamiento: 33% vaciaban vejiga por CIL o vesicostomía y 21% recibían Oxibutinina. A partir del ingreso al seguimiento en el Garrahan 83% lograron completar la evaluación, y en función del resultado de la misma se indicó CIL en 87% y Oxibutinina en el 66% de los pacientes. La prevalencia de ERC al ingreso fue de 43%; la mayoría en estadio I. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes con MMC fueron derivados al hospital de tercer nivel con evaluaciones urológicas incompletas y sin el tratamiento adecuado de la vejiga neurogénica. El inicio del seguimiento interdisciplinario en un hospital de alta complejidad facilitó la realización de las evaluaciones necesarias y la implementación del tratamiento adecuado (AU)

Introduction: Myelomeningocele (MMC) is one of the most severe congenital malformations compatible with life. Of all the patients, 90% presents with a neurogenic bladder requiring early evaluation and treatment. Objectives: To describe the uronephrological evaluation and treatment received by patients with MMC up to the first consultation at Garrahan Hospital (pre-follow-up period). To describe the urological evaluation and treatment implemented from referral to Garrahan Hospital (follow-up period). To evaluate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Population and Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal study with a clinical, analytical design was conducted in patients with MMC between 1 months and 18 years of age referred to Garrahan Hospital for outpatient care in 2011 and 2012. Results: 115 patients were included. At the time of referral to the hospital ("pre-follow-up") 7% of the patients had undergone complete uronephrological evaluation (kidney-bladder ultrasonography, urodynamic studies, cystourethrography, renal scintigraphy, and creatininemia levels). Treatment: 33% emptied their bladder by CIC or vesicostomy and 21% received oxybutynin. From follow-up initiation at Garrahan Hospital, 83% underwent complete evaluation, and based on the results CIC was indicated in 87% and oxybutynin in 66% of the patients. On admission, prevalence of CKD was 43%; with stage I in the majority of the patients. Conclusions: The majority of the patients with MMC were referred to a third-level hospital with incomplete urological studies and without adequate treatment of the neurogenic bladder. Initiation of interdisciplinary follow-up at a tertiary hospital allowed for the necessary studies and implementation of adequate treatment (AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Expansin and extensin are proteins involved in resistance to various abiotic stresses by processes of cell wall modification and in the formation and elongation of the hairy root. They are located in several organs of the plant included root epidermis. Turbinicarpus lophophoroides is a cactus model to studies these genes in adventitious and transformed roots. In this study, we identified and characterized the expansin7, expansin18 and extensin10 genes in T. lophophoroides. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the expansin sequences contained the motifs: HTFYG, HFD, YRR, VPC and YW; and certain conserved cysteine (C) residues. Regarding extensin10, the sequence contains the conserved SPPPP (SP4), YYS and YV motifs. The expression analysis in adventitious and transformed roots under osmotic stress (300 mM mannitol), heat (37 °C) and cold (4 °C); shows a higher expression of TlExpA18 in both roots, a decrease in TlExpA7 in transformed roots and a null expression in TlExt10 in both roots. In addition, a morphological comparison of the maturation/differentiation zone, meristem and cap between adventitious and transformed roots by SEM was performed, finding differences in the quantity and length of the hairy roots and the shape of the root cap. Overall, the study concluded that TlExpA18 and TlExpA7 belong to expansin family and TlExt10 belong to extensin family. The expression characteristics of TlExpA18, TlExpA7 and TlExt10 will facilitate the investigation of its function in stress response and other physiological processes in T. lophophoroides.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The gelation process, elasticity, and mechanical recovery after shear were studied in mixed oleogels of ethylcellulose (EC), monoglycerides (MG), and candelilla wax (CW). EC oleogels produced without MG showed grainy texture due to incomplete dissolution of crystalline fractions of raw EC in the vegetable oil (150 °C). These fractions were eliminated by dissolving the raw EC/MG mixture in ethanol, evaporating the solvent, dispersing, and dissolving the solid residue in the vegetable oil (150 °C) prior gelation. The EC polymeric network, and MG, and CW crystals had a positive interaction on the elasticity of mixed oleogels. Mixed oleogels produced under static conditions showed a 100 % of elasticity recovery after shearing, a phenomenon associated with an EC interchain hydrogen bonding mediated by hydroxyl groups of MGs. This tentatively resulted from the formation of junction zones of the type EC-[MG]n-EC. The rheological behavior of these olegels was remarkably close to that of commercial shortenings.

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: The cavus foot is a musculoskeletal pathology with an increase of the medial arch of the concavity of the foot. The etiology of the cavus foot is still enigmatic, it is related with neurologic conditions, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Friedreich's ataxia, and cerebral palsy. The aim of this research was to analyze the plantar pressure distribution of the feet on young athletes with cavus foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-three young athletes between nine and 20 years old, that presented cavus feet pathology were recruited. The mass and height average were 56.9 ± 12.36 kg and 1.61 ± 0.10 m respectively. Plantar pressure distribution of the feet was recorded during static conditions. The hindfoot and forefoot pressure were compared in each foot. RESULTS: The plantar pressure distribution were categorized in three groups. In the first group the participants presented higher pressure in the hindfoot than forefoot, in the second group, the athletes showed similar pressure in the posterior and anterior region of the feet and in the last one, the subjects revealed higher pressure in the forefoot. To be considered in one of the three groups, the difference of pressure between the posterior and anterior part of the foot was established at 16%. CONCLUSION: Many musculoskeletal disorders in the human body are biomechanical in origin and related with foot anatomy. The cavus foot is a pathology with high prevalence in athletes and it is related with the mechanical forces over the feet during dynamic conditions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El pie cavo es una patología musculoesquelética con un aumento del arco medial del pie. La etiología del pie cavo aún es incomprensible, está relacionada con afecciones neurológicas, enfermedad de Charcot-Marie-Tooth, ataxia de Friedreich y parálisis cerebral. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la distribución de la presión plantar en atletas jóvenes con pie cavo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se reclutaron 83 atletas jóvenes de entre nueve y 20 años de edad, que presentaban patología de pie cavo. La masa y el promedio de altura fueron 56.9 ± 12.36 kg y 1.61 ± 0.10 m, respectivamente. La distribución de la presión plantar de los pies se registró durante condiciones estáticas. Se compararon las presiones del antepié y el retropié. RESULTADOS: La distribución de la presión plantar se categorizó en tres grupos. En el primer grupo los participantes presentaron mayor presión en la parte anterior del pie; en el segundo grupo los atletas mostraron una presión similar en la región posterior y anterior de los pies y en el último los sujetos revelaron una mayor presión en el retropié. Para ser considerado en uno de los tres grupos, la diferencia de presión entre la parte posterior y anterior del pie se estableció en 16%. CONCLUSIÓN: Muchos trastornos musculoesqueléticos en el cuerpo humano son de origen biomecánico y están relacionados con la anatomía del pie. El pie cavo es una patología con alta prevalencia en atletas y está relacionada con las fuerzas mecánicas sobre los pies en condiciones dinámicas.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The distribution of Hg, Cd, Cu, and Zn in keratinized tissues, blood fractions, and excretory organs, and MTs in blood fractions and excretory organs was determined in captive, semicaptive, and wild Morelet's crocodiles and they were compared to select the most useful non-destructive tissues for the monitoring of metal exposure and to assess the potential of MTs as a biomarker. Our results indicate blood plasma, claws, and caudal scutes altogether are suitable tissues for xenobiotic metals exposure, with concentrations in blood plasma being an indicator of recent exposure, whereas concentrations in claws and caudal scutes are indicators of chronic exposure. Results in keratinized tissues suggest they are an important detoxification strategy in crocodiles, and claws presented the highest concentrations of metals in both captive (Hg = 0.44 ± 0.23 µg g-1, Cd = 11.10 ± 5.89 µg g-1, Cu = 45.98 ± 23.18 µg g-1, Zn = 124.75 ± 75.84 µg g-1) and wild populations (Hg = 1.31 ± 0.32 µg g-1, Cd = 26.47 ± 21.15 µg g-1, Cu = 191.75 ± 165.91 µg g-1, Zn = 265.81 ± 90.62 µg g-1). Thus, they are an appropriate tool for assessing metal exposure in populations where scutes clipping as a marking technique is not allowed, and their collection is less complicated than with other tissues. MTs are a suitable biomarker in blood plasma, whereas in erythrocytes detoxification processes might depend on hemoglobin, rather than MTs. Future studies should consider the implementation of these tools for the monitoring of wild populations.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a viral infectious disease of swine with significant economic impact in the affected countries due to the limitation of trade, culling of infected animals and production losses. In Latin America, CSF is endemic in several countries including Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru. Since 2010, the National Veterinary Services of Peru have been working to better control and eradicate the disease with an intensive vaccination program. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination program and determine which factors are still contributing to the persistence of the disease in certain regions of Peru. We integrated the data from the vaccination campaign, the live pig movement network and other socioeconomic indicators into a multilevel logistic regression model to evaluate their association with CSF occurrence at district level. The results revealed that high vaccination coverage significantly reduces the risk of CSF occurrence (OR = 0.07), supporting the effectiveness of the vaccination program. Districts belonging to large and medium pig trade network communities (as identified with walktrap algorithm) had higher probability to CSF occurrence (OR = 2.83 and OR = 5.83, respectively). The human development index (HDI) and the presence of a slaughterhouse in the district was also significantly associated with an increased likelihood of CSF occurrence (OR = 1.52 and OR = 3.25, respectively). Districts receiving a high proportion of the movements from districts that were infected in the previous year were also at higher risk of CSF occurrence (OR = 3.30). These results should be useful to guide the prioritization of vaccination strategies and may help to design other intervention strategies (e.g., target education, movement restrictions, etc.) in high-risk areas to more rapidly advance in the eradication of CSF in Peru.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon is the most common acquired cause of pain related to valgus flatfoot deformity in adults. The acquired flatfoot adult is a very painful symptomatic deformity resulting from a gradual stretching (attenuation) of the posterior tibial tendon and ligaments that support the arch of the foot. The progressive pain acquired flatfoot adult affects four times more women than men. Some factors that contribute to increased risk of acquired flatfoot in adults, are diabetes, hypertension and obesity. It is thought that the combination of the following events is the cause of acquired flatfoot adult. Johnson Strom classification modified by Mayerson evaluates in 4 stages. This study was divided into 3 stages: Stage 1: Dissection and three-dimensional analysis of the tendon, Step 2: Application of tools bioengineering to determine the causes of rupture of the tibial tendon: Stage 3: Evaluation of 24 patients with flatfoot disease valgus for describe the deformity.

La insuficiencia del tendón del tibial posterior es la causa adquirida de dolor más común relacionada con la deformidad de pie plano valgo en adultos. El pie plano adquirido por el adulto es una deformidad sintomática muy dolorosa que resulta de un estiramiento gradual (atenuación) del tendón del tibial posterior, así como de los ligamentos que sostienen el arco de la planta del pie. El dolor progresivo en el pie plano adquirido por el adulto afecta cuatro veces más a las mujeres que a los hombres. Algunos factores que contribuyen a incrementar el riesgo del pie plano adquirido en el adulto son la diabetes, la hipertensión y la obesidad. Se piensa que la combinación de los eventos siguientes es la causa del pie plano adquirido por el adulto. La clasificación de Johnson Strom modificada por Mayerson lo evalúa en cuatro estadios. Este estudio se dividió en tres etapas: etapa 1: disección y análisis tridimensional del tendón, etapa 2: aplicación de herramientas de bioingeniería para determinar las causas de ruptura del tendón del tibial posterior y etapa 3: evaluación de 24 pacientes con enfermedad de pie plano valgo para describir la deformidad.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background and objective Pneumonia remains the main cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the study was to establish the clinical characteristics, microbiology and risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with SLE and pneumonia. Methods We reviewed medical records of patients with SLE (American College of Rheumatology criteria) and pneumonia who attended the emergency room in a single tertiary care center (January 2010-March 2015). We collected demographics, treatment and disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) data. Severity scales of pneumonia (CURB-65 (acronym for risk factors measured: confusion, urea nitrogen, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age and older) and Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI)) were obtained. A negative composite outcome was defined as need for mechanical ventilation, septic shock or death secondary to pneumonia up to 30 days after discharge. We conducted a univariate and multivariable analysis. Results We studied 158 patients (76% women) with 187 episodes of pneumonia. There were no differences in age, SLE duration, SLE activity, treatment or comorbidities between patients with negative composite outcome vs the other group. In 53 episodes, patients presented with a negative composite outcome. Of these, 46 (24.6%) required intubation, 13 (7%) developed shock and 12 (6.4%) died. The most common bacteria isolated was S. aureus, and we observed a high percentage of nonhabitual microorganisms. Fifteen percent of patients who presented with a negative outcome had low values on CURB-65 and PSI scales. Conclusion Patients with SLE and pneumonia have a high risk of complications and present with a high percentage of nonhabitual microorganisms. Severity scales for pneumonia can misclassify as low risk SLE patients with poor prognosis.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The aim of this work was to produce an extract rich in different bioactive compounds from Arbutus unedo L. fruits to enhance its possible valorization and commercialization. The conditions of the main variables of maceration, microwave, and ultrasound assisted extractions (MA, MAE and UAE, respectively) were optimized and compared in terms of its composition (based on the total material extracted, total content in carbohydrates, phenolic and flavonoid compounds) and its preservative potential (based on the response of four in vitro antioxidant assays). The key variables of each extraction technique (time, temperature or power and hydroalcoholic mixture) were evaluated by specific experimental designs using response surface methodology. Mathematical models were developed and numerical optimal values for each extraction technique and response were achieved. Regarding the extraction of target compositional compounds, MAE was the most efficient, closely followed by MA. In terms of its preservative potential, MAE was the most suitable solution, but MA gave similar results at lower temperatures (~90 °C). Globally, MA and MAE were the best options conducting to optimal solutions using reduced amounts of ethanol. UAE required higher ethanol contents (~60%). The results showed alternatives to obtain extracts of A. unedo fruits, supporting their potential to be exploited at industrial level.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Even though studies of heavy metals and their relation with metallothioneins (MTs) in reptile tissues have been conducted, research on heavy metals and MTs in organs and blood fractions of crocodylians is limited. To date there are no studies on the distribution of MTs in organs and their relation with mercury (Hg), or the concentration of MTs in plasma and erythrocytes of crocodylians. In order to understand the role of MTs in crocodiles, our aim was to assess the detoxification mechanisms for exposure to metals in Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) by using two biomarkers (Hg and MTs) in blood fractions and tissues, and comparing them with concentrations between two populations of crocodiles, one previously wild and currently captive (Theme Park) and another raised in a Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). The caudal scutes from the Theme Park showed higher concentrations of Hg than those from the skin in the WMU samples, and significant negative relationships were observed between the total length (TL) and Hg in the scutes. The significant negative relationship between Hg and hemoglobin (Hb) may be due to disorders in the oxidation process and even denature of this protein, while the positive trend observed between MTs and Hb is consistent with the detoxifying functions and the protection against oxidative damage. This study is the first to report Hg in the erythrocytes of crocodylians and the use of MTs for testing the potential of these biomarkers as a tool to assess Hg exposure in crocodile's habitats.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Estrogen (17ß-estradiol) is essential for normal growth and differentiation in the mammary gland. In the last three decades, previous investigations have revealed that Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα) plays a critical role in breast cancer. More recently, observations regarding the widespread expression of ERß-like proteins in normal and neoplastic mammary tissues have suggested that ERß is also involved in the mentioned pathology. Design of new drugs both steroidal and nonsteroidal that target any of these receptors represents a promise to treat breast cancer although it remains a challenge due to the sequence similarity between their catalytic domains. In this work, we propose a new set of compounds that could effectively target the estrogen receptors ERα and ERß. These ligands were designed based on the chemical structure of the ERß-selective agonist Diarylpropionitrile (DPN). The designed ligands were submitted to in silico ADMET studies, yielding in a filtered list of ligands that showed better drug-like properties. Molecular dynamics simulations of both estrogen receptors and docking analysis were carried-out employing the designed compounds, from which two were chosen due to their promising characteristics retrieved from theoretical results (docking analysis or targeting receptor predictions). They were chemically synthetized and during the process, two precursor ligands were also obtained. These four ligands were subjected to biological studies from which it could be detected that compound mol60b dislplayed inhibitory activity and its ability to activate the transcription via an estrogenic mechanism of action was also determined. Interestinly, this observation can be related to theoretical binding free energy calculations, where the complex: ERß-mol60b showed the highest energy ΔGbind value in comparison to others.

Assuntos

RESUMO

This study was performed in Ross 308 chickens aged 1-21 days and aimed to evaluate whether the addition of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3 ) to broiler chicken diets affects their growth performance and immunity. A completely random 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used with two levels of vitamin D3 and the absence or presence of 25(OH)D3 , corresponding to four treatments based on sorghum + soya bean diets: (i) 200 IU of vitamin D3 /kg of feed (Diet 1) (NRC, ), (ii) Diet 1 + 69 µg of 25(OH)D3 /kg of feed (Diet 2), (iii) 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 /kg of feed (Diet 3) and (iv) Diet 3 + 69 µg of 25(OH)D3 /kg of feed (Diet 4). Each treatment was conducted with six replicates of 10 chickens each. Water and feed was supplied ad libitum. The results showed significantly increased growth and tibia ash (p < .05) in the birds fed 5,000, IU of vitamin D3 /kg + 25(OH)D3 . Additionally, the cellular immune response increased significantly (p < .05) in both treatments with added 25(OH)D3. Based on the results obtained under the current test conditions, the addition of 25(OH)D3 at a rate of 69 µg/kg to diets containing vitamin D3 improved the cellular immune response and mineral deposition in the bones of broilers aged 1-21 days. Because these parameters are very important in modern poultry farming, these results indicate that supplementation with 25(OH)D3 should improve broiler production.

Assuntos