RESUMO
Valproic acid (VA) is a widely used drug for the treatment of diseases affecting the central nervous system. Due to its epigenetic modulatory potential, it has been studied for possible therapeutic application in anticancer therapies. However, the VA exhibits different side effects in its application. Thus, synthetic coordination complexes with valproate can generate promising candidates for new active drugs with reduced toxicity. In this sense, we investigated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the sodium valproate and of the mixed ternary mononuclear Mg complex based on VA with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) ligand - [Mg (Valp)2Phen], in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and V79 cells. The MTT and clonal survival assays in V79 cells indicated that the Mg complex has higher cytotoxicity than sodium valproate. A similar cytotoxicity profile is observed in yeast. This fact is possibly due to the intercalation capacity of [Mg(Valp)2Phen], inducing DNA strand breaks, as observed in the comet assay and micronucleus test. In this sense, members of the NER, HR, NHEJ and TLS repair pathways are required for the repair of DNA lesions induced by [Mg(Valp)2Phen]. Interestingly, BER proteins apparently increase the cytotoxic potential of the drug. Furthermore, the [Mg(Valp)2Phen] showed higher cytotoxicity in V79 cells and yeast when compared to sodium valproate indicating applicability as a cytotoxic agent.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Gram negative bacteria possess different secretion systems to export proteins to the extracellular medium. The simplest one, type I secretion system (T1SS), forms a channel across the cell envelope to export proteins in a single step. Peptides secreted by the T1SSs comprise a group of antibiotics, called class II microcins, which carry an amino terminal secretion domain that is processed concomitantly with export. Mature microcins range in size from 60 to 90 amino acids and differ in their sequences. Microcin T1SSs show a high versatility in relation to the peptides they are able to secrete, being mainly limited by the length of the substrates. Different bioactive peptides unrelated to bacteriocins could be secreted by microcin V (MccV) T1SS, while retaining their biological activity. RESULTS: In this work heterologous secretion of two variants of human parathyroid hormone (PTH) by MccV T1SS was evaluated. PTH is a bioactive peptide of 84 amino acids (PTH84), which is involved in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. Currently, a drug corresponding to the active fraction of the hormone, which resides in its first 34 amino acids (PTH34), is commercially produced as a recombinant peptide in Escherichia coli. However, research continues to improve this recombinant production. Here, gene fusions encoding hybrid peptides composed of the MccV secretion domain attached to each hormone variant were constructed and expressed in the presence of microcin T1SS in E. coli cells. Both PTH peptides (PTH34 and PTH84) were recovered from the culture supernatants and could be confirmed to lack the MccV secretion domain, i.e. microcin T1SS efficiently recognised, processed and secreted both PTH variants. Furthermore, the secreted peptides were stable in the extracellular medium unlike their unprocessed counterparts present in the intracellular space. CONCLUSION: The successful secretion of PTH variants using MccV T1SS could be considered as a new alternative for their production, since they would be recovered directly from the extracellular space without additional sequences. Furthermore, it would be a new example revealing the potential of microcin type I secretion systems to be conceived as a novel strategy for the production of recombinant peptides in E. coli.
Assuntos
Bacteriocinas , Escherichia coli , Hormônio Paratireóideo , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Escherichia coli/genética , Bacteriocinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Hormônio Paratireóideo/metabolismo , Sistemas de Secreção Tipo I/metabolismo , Proteínas Recombinantes/metabolismoRESUMO
The rational use of autoclaved starches in food applications is difficult because there is a lack of information on their structure-functionality relationship. The novelty of this research relies on disclosing such an association. Hylon V starch was autoclaved at 105, 120, and 135°C to investigate its crystalline and double-helical features and its relationship with functionality. In autoclaved Hylon V starch, interactions of amylopectin and amylose improved while the crystalline regions decreased. The degree of double helices (DD) decreased after autoclaving at 105°C and the degree of order (DO) increased after treatment at 120 and 135°C. The water solubility index (WSI) (4.63-6.38%) and swelling power (SP) (4.39-7.1 g/g) increased when the temperature increased. On the other hand, water (103.49-225.01%) and oil (61.91-94.53%) holding capacity (WHC and OHC, respectively) increased after autoclaving treatment, although the values decreased with the treatment intensity. The functional properties were affected when the structure changed as a function of the treatment temperatures. PCA analysis showed that WSI and SP of autoclaved Hylon V starch were associated with a high DD, with better compaction, and with stronger amylopectin-amylose interactions. WHC and OHC were associated with better crystallinity, stronger interactions of amylopectin and amylose, and heterogeneous double-helical crystallites. These findings are useful for understanding the structure-functionality relationship of autoclaved Hylon V starch and pave the way for future research regarding the effects of its incorporation on the properties of food matrices such as bread, yogurt, cakes, and pudding.
RESUMO
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been linked to immune responses to lung-associated self-antigens. Exposure to cigarette smoke (CS), the main cause of COPD, causes chronic lung inflammation, resulting in pulmonary matrix (ECM) damage. This tissue breakdown exposes collagen V (Col V), an antigen typically hidden from the immune system, which could trigger an autoimmune response. Col V autoimmunity has been linked to several lung diseases, and the induction of immune tolerance can mitigate some of these diseases. Evidence suggests that autoimmunity to Col V might also occur in COPD; thus, immunotolerance to Col V could be a novel therapeutic approach. Objective: The role of autoimmunity against collagen V in COPD development was investigated by analyzing the effects of Col V-induced tolerance on the inflammatory response and lung remodeling in a murine model of CS-induced COPD. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: one exposed to CS for four weeks, one previously tolerated for Col V and exposed to CS for four weeks, and one kept in clean air for the same period. Then, we proceeded with lung functional and structural evaluation, assessing inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and inflammatory markers in the lung parenchyma, inflammatory cytokines in lung and spleen homogenates, and T-cell phenotyping in the spleen. Results: CS exposure altered the structure of elastic and collagen fibers and increased the pro-inflammatory immune response, indicating the presence of COPD. Col V tolerance inhibited the onset of emphysema and prevented structural changes in lung ECM fibers by promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment in the lung and inducing Treg cell differentiation. Conclusion: Induction of nasal tolerance to Col V can prevent inflammatory responses and lung remodeling in experimental COPD, suggesting that autoimmunity to Col V plays a role in COPD development.
Assuntos
Autoimunidade , Colágeno Tipo V , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Tolerância Imunológica , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica , Animais , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica/imunologia , Camundongos , Colágeno Tipo V/imunologia , Masculino , Pulmão/imunologia , Pulmão/patologia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Autoantígenos/imunologiaRESUMO
The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by the emergence and succession of SARS-CoV-2 variants able to evade the antibody response induced by natural infection and vaccination. To evaluate the IgG reactivity and neutralizing capacity of the serum of individuals vaccinated with Sputnik V (105 volunteers vaccinated) against different viral variants. IgG reactivity to the Spike protein (S) was evaluated by ELISA. A plaque reduction neutralization test was performed using different viral variant isolates. At 42 days post-vaccination, the frequency of recognition and reactivity to the S protein of the Omicron variant was lower compared to that of the other variants. In general, a higher average neutralization titer was seen against the ancestral variant compared to the variants, especially Omicron. However, some sera exhibited a higher neutralization titer to the Gamma variant compared to the ancestral variant, suggesting unapparent exposure during the clinical trial. Antibodies induced by Sputnik V can recognize, persist, and neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, with Omicron being the one that best evades this response. These results represent a unique report on the humoral response induced by a globally lesser-studied vaccine in terms of efficacy and immune escape, offering insights into developing vaccines targeting unknown coronaviruses.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Neutralizantes , Anticorpos Antivirais , COVID-19 , Imunoglobulina G , Testes de Neutralização , SARS-CoV-2 , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/imunologia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Anticorpos Antivirais/imunologia , COVID-19/imunologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , COVID-19/virologia , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/imunologia , Anticorpos Neutralizantes/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/sangue , Imunoglobulina G/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/imunologia , Glicoproteína da Espícula de Coronavírus/genética , Venezuela/epidemiologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/imunologia , Vacinas contra COVID-19/administração & dosagem , Adulto , Feminino , Masculino , Vacinação , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Laboratory diagnosis of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) requires a tool amenable to the epidemiological status of ACL in Brazil. Montenegro skin test (MST), an efficient immunological tool used for laboratory diagnosis of ACL, induces delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to the promastigote antigens of Leishmania; however, human immune responses against infection are modulated by the amastigote of the parasite. Leishmania (V.) lainsoni induces strong cellular immunity in humans; therefore, the antigenic reactivity of its axenic amastigote (AMA antigen) to MST was evaluated for the laboratory diagnosis of ACL. METHODS: Among 70 individuals examined, 60 had a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of ACL; 53 had localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL), and 7 had mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). Patients were treated at the Evandro Chagas Institute's leishmaniasis clinic, Pará State, Brazil. Ten healthy individuals with no history of ACL (control group) were also examined. Leishmania (V.) braziliensis promastigote antigen (PRO) was used to compare the reactivity with that of AMA antigen. Paired Student's t-test, kappa agreement, and Spearman test were used to evaluate the reactivity of AMA and PRO. RESULTS: The mean reactivity of AMA in ACL patients was 19.4 mm ± 13.3, which was higher (P < 0.001) than that of PRO: 12.1 mm ± 8.1. MST reactivity according to the clinical forms revealed that AMA reactivity in LCL and ML, 18.8 mm ± 13.3 and 24.3 mm ± 13.7, was higher (P < 0.001) than that of PRO, 11.8 mm ± 8.2 and 14.6 mm ± 8.4, respectively. CONCLUSION: AMA reactivity was higher than that of PRO, indicating that AMA is a promising alternative for optimizing MST in the laboratory diagnosis of ACL.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Protozoários , Leishmania , Leishmaniose Cutânea , Testes Cutâneos , Humanos , Antígenos de Protozoários/imunologia , Testes Cutâneos/métodos , Adulto , Feminino , Leishmaniose Cutânea/diagnóstico , Leishmaniose Cutânea/imunologia , Leishmaniose Cutânea/parasitologia , Masculino , Brasil , Leishmania/imunologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , AdolescenteRESUMO
Sciadonus alphacrucis Melo, Gomes, Møller & Nielsen, 2022 is a rare deep-sea species, previously known from only two specimens collected off São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil, in the western South Atlantic. Herein, we report a new specimen of S. alphacrucis collected on the continental slope off Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, thereby extending its known distribution by 420 km. Additionally, we provide the new meristic and morphometric data, the molecular identification using sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), an updated distribution map, and a discussion of troglomorphic traits.
Assuntos
Código de Barras de DNA Taxonômico , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons , Animais , Brasil , Complexo IV da Cadeia de Transporte de Elétrons/genética , Oceano Atlântico , Filogenia , Distribuição Animal , Feminino , Masculino , Peixes/genética , Peixes/classificaçãoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic measures have been successful in increasing survival rates and quality of life of HIV/AIDS-infected people. However, some people fail to respond to antiretroviral therapy (HAART) because of viral resistance-associated mutations. OBJECTIVE: To identify virus genotype and the presence of mutations that alter the susceptibility to HAART, and factors associated with the occurrence of these mutations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults living with HIV attending a specialized outpatient clinic in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. The participants were interviewed and had blood samples collected for analysis. Those with detectable viral load were genotyped. RESULTS: Out of the 629 patients recruited, 127 subjects were included due to having a detectable viral load. The most common mutations were M184V and K103N. HIV-1 subtype C was the most prevalent strain. Resistance to HAART was associated with modification in the treatment regimen (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the circulating subtype virus was subtype C and that the mutations K103N and M184V were the most prevalent strains in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Assuntos
Farmacorresistência Viral , Genótipo , Infecções por HIV , HIV-1 , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Estudos Transversais , Farmacorresistência Viral/genética , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por HIV/virologia , Adulto , HIV-1/genética , HIV-1/efeitos dos fármacos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Terapia Antirretroviral de Alta Atividade , Carga Viral , Mutação , Fármacos Anti-HIV/uso terapêutico , Fármacos Anti-HIV/farmacologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
DENV infection outcomes depend on the host's variable expression of immune receptors and mediators, leading to either resolution or exacerbation. While the NS3 protein is known to induce robust immune responses, the specific impact of its protease region epitopes remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of recombinant NS3 protease region proteins from all four DENV serotypes on splenocyte activation in BALB/c mice (n = 5/group). Mice were immunized with each protein, and their splenocytes were subsequently stimulated with homologous antigens. We measured the expression of costimulatory molecules (CD28, CD80, CD86, CD152) by flow cytometry, along with IL-2 production, CD25 expression, and examined the antigen-specific activation of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. Additionally, the expression of IL-1, IL-10, and TGF-ß1 in splenocytes from immunized animals was assessed. Apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V/PI staining and DNA fragmentation analysis. Stimulation of splenocytes from immunized mice triggered apoptosis (phosphatidylserine exposure and caspase 3/7 activation) and increased costimulatory molecule expression, particularly CD152. Low IL-2 production and low CD25 expression, as well as sustained expression of the IL-10 gene. These results suggest that these molecules might be involved in mechanisms by which the NS3 protein contributes to viral persistence and disease pathogenesis.
Assuntos
Apoptose , Antígeno CTLA-4 , Vírus da Dengue , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Baço , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais , Animais , Camundongos , Baço/imunologia , Baço/virologia , Vírus da Dengue/imunologia , Vírus da Dengue/genética , Antígeno CTLA-4/genética , Antígeno CTLA-4/imunologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/imunologia , Proteínas não Estruturais Virais/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Imunização , Dengue/imunologia , Dengue/virologia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/imunologia , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, recurrence rate, range of motion (ROM) and return to sports activities between arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) versus arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair (ABR/S) in limited contact-athletes with a type V SLAP lesion in the scenario of recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RASI). Our hypothesis was that there is no difference between the two treatments. METHODS: Two groups of 45 limited-contact athletes with type V SLAP lesion were created. Group 1 underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair, while group 2 had an arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. The WOSI and ASES scores were used to assess primary functional outcomes. Recurrence rate, ROM and return to sport were also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant differences were reported in the WOSI and ASES scores pre- and post-operatively in each group. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.78 and 0.43). We reported 4 recurrences (8.8 %) in group 1 and 5 (11.1 %) in group 2, with no difference between them (P = 0.62). There were no significant differences between the range of motion of each of the groups as well as between them. More than 90% of the athletes in both groups returned to their previous sporting activities. CONCLUSIONS: Limited-contact athletes with RASI who have a type V SLAP lesion as their primary diagnosis can be treated using either ABR or ABR/S with equal efficacy. Both treatment alternatives preserve athlete's function, stability, ROM and return to sport.
Assuntos
Artroscopia , Instabilidade Articular , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Recidiva , Volta ao Esporte , Humanos , Artroscopia/métodos , Masculino , Volta ao Esporte/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Prospectivos , Instabilidade Articular/cirurgia , Instabilidade Articular/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Lesões do Ombro/cirurgia , Articulação do Ombro/cirurgia , Articulação do Ombro/fisiopatologia , Traumatismos em Atletas/cirurgia , Traumatismos em Atletas/fisiopatologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Adolescente , Luxação do Ombro/cirurgia , Luxação do Ombro/fisiopatologia , Lesões de Bankart/cirurgia , Recuperação de Função FisiológicaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the etiologies of recurrent miscarriage in our hospital and whether its diagnostic approach followed the recommendations of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines published in 2012 and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in 2011. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The medical records of 158 patients diagnosed with recurrent miscarriage between 2013 and 2018 at Santander University Hospital were reviewed. The Institutional Review Board of HUS approved the study in May 2020. RESULTS: The most common etiologies identified were protein S deficiency, thrombophilia, and cervical insufficiency, with incidence rates of 25.9%, 10.7%, and 3.8%, respectively. Moreover, the most frequently requested diagnostic tests were for protein S, protein C, and anti-phospholipid IgG. Abnormal results for protein S were obtained in 49% of the patients, whereas lupus anticoagulant was abnormal in 12.8%, and Factor V Leiden gene mutations in 8.5% of the patients. Three substantial deviations from the recommended diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage by international guidelines were identified in our population: the lack of request for cytogenetic analysis of pregnancy tissue, request for cytogenetic analysis for the parents in only 0.6% of the study sample, and the request for imaging tests to assess uterine anatomy in only 6.3% of the studied population. Both the ASRM and NICE guidelines were only partially followed with a combined adherence rate of 66.5%. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic approach for recurrent miscarriage poses important clinical challenges when compared to the recommendations of international guidelines. Therefore, the development of a local recurrent miscarriage assessment protocol is proposed in our institution.
RESUMO
The development of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), and autonomous driving (AD) has progressed rapidly in recent years, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and their integration with dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) systems and fifth-generation (5G) networks. This has led to improved mobility conditions in different road propagation environments: urban, suburban, rural, and highway. The use of these communication technologies has enabled drivers and pedestrians to be more aware of the need to improve their behavior and decision making in adverse traffic conditions by sharing information from cameras, radars, and sensors widely deployed in vehicles and road infrastructure. However, wireless data transmission in VANETs is affected by the specific conditions of the propagation environment, weather, terrain, traffic density, and frequency bands used. In this paper, we characterize the path loss based on the extensive measurement campaign carrier out in vehicular environments at 700 MHz and 5.9 GHz under realistic road traffic conditions. From a linear dual-slope path loss propagation model, the results of the path loss exponents and the standard deviations of the shadowing are reported. This study focused on three different environments, i.e., urban with high traffic density (U-HD), urban with moderate/low traffic density (U-LD), and suburban (SU). The results presented here can be easily incorporated into VANET simulators to develop, evaluate, and validate new protocols and system architecture configurations under more realistic propagation conditions.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The cochlear implant (CI) is effective for rehabilitating patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, its placement and use have been associated with various complications, such as those affecting the vestibular system. The objective of this study was to compare vestibular function using the video head impulse test (vHIT) in pediatric patients before and after CI placement. METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted. The outcomes of 11 pediatric patients of both sexes with a history of profound hearing loss were evaluated. The results of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, saccades, asymmetry, Pérez Rey (PR) index, and VOR/saccade ratio for both ears obtained by the vHIT test before and after CI placement were compared. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients evaluated, the VOR gain showed that 81.8% had normal function, 18.2% had hypofunction, and no patients had hyperfunction before implantation. No statistically significant differences were found when compared with post-implant off and post-implant on conditions (p > 0.05). The extracted variables, asymmetry, PR index, and the VOR/saccades ratio also showed no statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-implant conditions, whether off or on. CONCLUSIONS: The vestibular function of pediatric patients did not show significant changes before and after CI placement. The vHIT test is a valuable tool for assessing vestibular function and could be considered a criterion for surgical and rehabilitation decisions in patients undergoing CI placement.
INTRODUCCIÓN: El implante coclear es un dispositivo eficaz para la rehabilitación de pacientes con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda. Sin embargo, su colocación y uso se ha asociado a diversas complicaciones, entre ellas a nivel del sistema vestibular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la función vestibular mediante la prueba de videoimpulso cefálico (vHIT) de pacientes pediátricos antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se evaluaron los resultados de 11 pacientes pediátricos de ambos sexos con antecedente de hipoacusia profunda. Se compararon los resultados de ganancia del VOR, sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas para ambos oídos obtenidos mediante la prueba vHIT antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. RESULTADOS: De los 11 pacientes evaluados, la ganancia del VOR mostró que el 81.8% tenía normofunción, 18.2% hipofunción y ningún paciente hiperfunción antes del implante. Al compararlo con la ganancia post implante apagado y post implante encendido no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p > 0.05). Las variables sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas tampoco mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las condiciones pre y pos implante ya sea apagado o encendido. CONCLUSIONES: La función vestibular de pacientes pediátricos no mostró cambios significativos previo y posterior a la colocación del implante coclear. La prueba vHIT es una herramienta útil que permite evaluar la función vestibular y que podría considerarse como criterio para tomar decisiones quirúrgicas en pacientes que se encuentran en protocolo para implante coclear.
Assuntos
Implante Coclear , Implantes Cocleares , Teste do Impulso da Cabeça , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial , Reflexo Vestíbulo-Ocular , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Teste do Impulso da Cabeça/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Reflexo Vestíbulo-Ocular/fisiologia , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial/diagnóstico , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial/fisiopatologia , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial/reabilitação , Gravação em Vídeo , Movimentos Sacádicos/fisiologia , Adolescente , Vestíbulo do Labirinto/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Since 2000, a well-established population of the invasive oriental shrimp Palaemon macrodactylus has been present in fully marine conditions in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (~38° S). To assess the physiological performance of this atypical population restricted to fully marine conditions, we conducted a laboratory experiment in which individuals were transferred from 35 S (local seawater) to 2 S; 5 S; 10 S; 20 S; 50 S and 60 for short (6 h), medium (48 h), and long (>504 h) acclimation periods. We measured the time course response of relevant parameters in the shrimp's hemolymph; activity of Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA), and V-H+-ATPase (VHA); and muscle water content. Shrimp showed great osmoregulatory plasticity, being able to survive for long periods between 5 S and 50 S, whereas no individual survived after transfer to either 2 S or 60 S. Shrimp hyper-regulated hemolymph osmolality at 5 S and 10 S, hypo-regulated at 35 S and 50 S, and isosmoticity was close to 20 S. Compared to 35 S, prolonged acclimation to 5 S caused a decrease in hemolymph osmolality (~34%) along with sodium and chloride concentrations (~24%); the NKA and VHA activities decreased by ~52% and ~88%, respectively, while muscle water content was tightly regulated. Our results showed that the atypical population of P. macrodactylus studied here lives in a chronic hypo-osmo-ion regulatory state and suggest that fully marine conditions contribute to its poor performance at the lower limit of salinity tolerance (<5 S).
Assuntos
Palaemonidae , Animais , Palaemonidae/fisiologia , Salinidade , Espécies Introduzidas , Hemolinfa/química , Aclimatação/fisiologia , Água do Mar/químicaRESUMO
Implementing and deploying advanced technologies are principal in improving manufacturing processes, signifying a transformative stride in the industrial sector. Computer vision plays a crucial innovation role during this technological advancement, demonstrating broad applicability and profound impact across various industrial operations. This pivotal technology is not merely an additive enhancement but a revolutionary approach that redefines quality control, automation, and operational efficiency parameters in manufacturing landscapes. By integrating computer vision, industries are positioned to optimize their current processes significantly and spearhead innovations that could set new standards for future industrial endeavors. However, the integration of computer vision in these contexts necessitates comprehensive training programs for operators, given this advanced system's complexity and abstract nature. Historically, training modalities have grappled with the complexities of understanding concepts as advanced as computer vision. Despite these challenges, computer vision has recently surged to the forefront across various disciplines, attributed to its versatility and superior performance, often matching or exceeding the capabilities of other established technologies. Nonetheless, there is a noticeable knowledge gap among students, particularly in comprehending the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Computer Vision. This disconnect underscores the need for an educational paradigm transcending traditional theoretical instruction. Cultivating a more practical understanding of the symbiotic relationship between AI and computer vision is essential. To address this, the current work proposes a project-based instructional approach to bridge the educational divide. This methodology will enable students to engage directly with the practical aspects of computer vision applications within AI. By guiding students through a hands-on project, they will learn how to effectively utilize a dataset, train an object detection model, and implement it within a microcomputer infrastructure. This immersive experience is intended to bolster theoretical knowledge and provide a practical understanding of deploying AI techniques within computer vision. The main goal is to equip students with a robust skill set that translates into practical acumen, preparing a competent workforce to navigate and innovate in the complex landscape of Industry 4.0. This approach emphasizes the criticality of adapting educational strategies to meet the evolving demands of advanced technological infrastructures. It ensures that emerging professionals are adept at harnessing the potential of transformative tools like computer vision in industrial settings.
RESUMO
Abstract Background: The cochlear implant (CI) is effective for rehabilitating patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, its placement and use have been associated with various complications, such as those affecting the vestibular system. The objective of this study was to compare vestibular function using the video head impulse test (vHIT) in pediatric patients before and after CI placement. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted. The outcomes of 11 pediatric patients of both sexes with a history of profound hearing loss were evaluated. The results of vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, saccades, asymmetry, Pérez Rey (PR) index, and VOR/saccade ratio for both ears obtained by the vHIT test before and after CI placement were compared. Results: Of the 11 patients evaluated, the VOR gain showed that 81.8% had normal function, 18.2% had hypofunction, and no patients had hyperfunction before implantation. No statistically significant differences were found when compared with post-implant off and post-implant on conditions (p > 0.05). The extracted variables, asymmetry, PR index, and the VOR/saccades ratio also showed no statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-implant conditions, whether off or on. Conclusions: The vestibular function of pediatric patients did not show significant changes before and after CI placement. The vHIT test is a valuable tool for assessing vestibular function and could be considered a criterion for surgical and rehabilitation decisions in patients undergoing CI placement.
Resumen Introducción: El implante coclear es un dispositivo eficaz para la rehabilitación de pacientes con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa a profunda. Sin embargo, su colocación y uso se ha asociado a diversas complicaciones, entre ellas a nivel del sistema vestibular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la función vestibular mediante la prueba de videoimpulso cefálico (vHIT) de pacientes pediátricos antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se evaluaron los resultados de 11 pacientes pediátricos de ambos sexos con antecedente de hipoacusia profunda. Se compararon los resultados de ganancia del VOR, sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas para ambos oídos obtenidos mediante la prueba vHIT antes y después de la colocación del implante coclear. Resultados: De los 11 pacientes evaluados, la ganancia del VOR mostró que el 81.8% tenía normofunción, 18.2% hipofunción y ningún paciente hiperfunción antes del implante. Al compararlo con la ganancia post implante apagado y post implante encendido no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p > 0.05). Las variables sacadas, asimetría, índice PR así como la relación VOR/sacadas tampoco mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las condiciones pre y pos implante ya sea apagado o encendido. Conclusiones: La función vestibular de pacientes pediátricos no mostró cambios significativos previo y posterior a la colocación del implante coclear. La prueba vHIT es una herramienta útil que permite evaluar la función vestibular y que podría considerarse como criterio para tomar decisiones quirúrgicas en pacientes que se encuentran en protocolo para implante coclear.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Many pieces of literature have reported that inherited and acquired thrombophilia might be a risk factor for recurrent implantation failure (RIF), however, most studies have only focused on RIF patients and not their male partners. We studied the possible association of paternal thrombophilia with RIF risk. METHODS: Forty-two male partners aged 20-45 suffered from RIF compared with 42 males from couples with at least one successful pregnancy. All participants were investigated for thrombophilia markers. RESULTS: The prevalence of coagulation Factor V activity was significantly higher in the case group (42.9%) than in the control group (16.7%) (p=0.008) (OR=3.75; 95% CI, 1.38, 10.12). The prevalence of protein C and protein S deficiencies in RIF patients were 4.8% and 2.4%, respectively, and 0% in the controls. The prevalence of antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency was significantly higher in the case group (19%) than in the control group (2.4%) (p=0.01). None of MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298C were statistically significant between the two groups. Combined thrombophilia was 45.2% in the men of the RIF group when compared with the control, 14.2% (p=0.001) (OR = 4.95; 95% CI, 1.75-13.86). CONCLUSIONS: Paternal thrombophilia may be related to recurrent implantation failure, so evaluation of this factor in RIF patients could be used to identify relevant risk groups and may help in the proper management of these cases to enhance the chance of implantation.
Assuntos
Trombofilia , Humanos , Masculino , Trombofilia/epidemiologia , Adulto , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Feminino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Implantação do Embrião , Adulto Jovem , Gravidez , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.
Assuntos
Microbiota , RNA Ribossômico 16S , Animais , Gatos , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Microbiota/genética , Febre/microbiologia , Febre/sangue , Feminino , Masculino , Bactérias/genética , Bactérias/classificação , Bactérias/isolamento & purificação , Doenças do Gato/microbiologia , Doenças do Gato/sangueRESUMO
In recent years, advances in materials engineering based on adaptive electronics have found a new paradigm to optimize drawbacks in signal processing. A two-layer MnO/ZnO:Zn heterostructure envisioned for frequency adaptive electronic signal processing is synthesized by sputtering, where the use of internal states allows reconfigurability to obtain new operating modes at different frequency input signals. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is performed on each layer, revealing a cubic structure for MnO and a hexagonal structure for ZnO:Zn with preferential growth in [111] and [002] directions, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show that the surface of both materials is homogeneous and smooth. The thickness for each layer is determined to be approximately 106.3 nm for MnO, 119.3 nm for ZnO:Zn and 224.1 nm for the MnO/ZnO:Zn structure. An electrical characterisation with an oscilloscope and signal generator was carried out to obtain the time-response signals and current-voltage (I-V) curves, where no degradation is detected when changing frequencies within the range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. An equivalent circuit is proposed to explain the effects in the interface. Measurements of switching speeds from high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) at approximately 17 ns, highlight the device's rapid adaptability, and an estimated switching ratio of approximately 2 × 104 indicates its efficiency as a memristive component. Finally, the MnO/ZnO:Zn heterojunction delivers states that are stable, repeatable, and reproducible, demonstrating how the interaction of the materials can be utilised in adaptive device applications by applying frequencies and internal states to create new and innovative design schematics, thus reducing the number of components/connections in a system for future sustainable electronics.
RESUMO
Resumen El sistema de coagulación mantiene la sangre en estado fluido en todo momento y, por tanto, está incesantemente activa durante toda la vida. Sin embargo, en el momento en que ocurre una lesión del sistema vascular, el sistema de coagulación inmediatamente gira 180° y transforma la sangre en un cuerpo sólido perfectamente localizado, al que llamamos coágulo. Este proceso, mediante el cual se forma un coágulo, se conoce como hemostasia, que es uno de los componentes del sistema de coagulación. La importancia de la mutación Leiden del factor V se basa en lo siguiente: el factor V de la coagulación es una proteína que se sintetiza en el hígado y el gen que lo codifica está situado en la región 23 del brazo largo del cromosoma 1, este factor circula en sangre periférica de manera inactiva hasta que interactúa con el factor X activado, formando un complejo que convierte al factor II (protrombina) en trombina, que va a tener su acción sobre el fibrinógeno convirtiéndolo en fibrina. La regulación del factor V activado se da por la actividad de la proteína C activada, cuando el factor V tiene una mutación (nombrada Leiden) que es ocasionada por el cambio de una adenina por una guanina en el nucleótido 1691 del factor V (G1691A), que causa que se sustituya una arginina por una glutamina en el residuo 506 de la proteína factor V; la proteína resultante es un factor V anómalo, mismo que no puede inactivarse por la proteína C activada, por lo que el factor V continúa activado y no puede impedir que el proceso de coagulación se detenga. En nuestro país (considerando varias afecciones) se ha descrito en diversas publicaciones de investigadores mexicanos que las mutaciones Leiden del factor V y la G20210A de la protrombina no son frecuentes, como lo son en los países europeos.
Abstract The coagulation system always keeps the blood in a fluid state and is therefore incessantly active throughout life. However, the moment an injury to the vascular system occurs, the coagulation system immediately rotates 180° and transforms the blood into a perfectly localized solid body, which we call a clot. This process, by which a clot forms, is known as hemostasis, which is one of the components of the coagulation system. The importance of the Leiden mutation of factor V is based on the following: coagulation factor V is a protein that is synthesized in the liver and the gene that encodes it is located in region 23 of the long arm of chromosome 1, this factor circulates in peripheral blood inactively until it interacts with activated factor X forming a complex that converts factor II (prothrombin) into thrombin, which will have its action on fibrinogen turning it into fibrin. The regulation of activated factor V is given by the activity of activated protein C, when factor V has a mutation (named Leiden) that is caused by the exchange of an adenine for a guanine in the nucleotide 1691 of factor V (G1691A), which causes arginine to be replaced by a glutamine in the 506 residue of the factor V protein, the resulting protein is an abnormal factor V, which cannot be inactivated by activated protein C, so factor V remains activated and cannot prevent the clotting process from stopping. In our country (considering several conditions) it has been described in various publications of Mexican researchers that Leiden mutations of factor V and G20210A of prothrombin are not frequent, as they are in European countries.