This paper reports on the preparation, characterization, and photoluminescence properties of novel hybrid materials, in which the EDTA–Ln–L complexes (where L: H2O, acac, bzac, dbm, and tta ligands, ...and Ln: Eu, Gd, and Tb) were covalently linked to the precursor medium molecular weight chitosan surface (CS) matrices or on the chitosan surfaces previously crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (CSech). The emission spectra of these materials were characterized by intraconfigurational‐4fN transitions centred on the Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions. Some broad bands from the polymeric matrix were also observed in the emission spectra, however the relative intensities of the intraconfigurational bands increased significantly for systems containing diketonate ligands when the antenna effect became more efficient. The values of the radiative rates (Arad) were higher for crosslinked hybrid systems with epichlorohydrin, while nonradiative rates (Anrad) presented the opposite behaviour. These data contributed to an increase in the values of emission quantum efficiency (η) for crosslinked materials. The effect of the modification process and antenna ligand on the values of intensities, intensity parameters Ω2 e Ω4 of the Eu3+ complexes were also investigated. The results showed that the crosslinked biopolymer surfaces have great potential for applications in molecular devices light converters.
Brazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the relevance of ...this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection.
An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results.
These findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Background: Transepidermal drug delivery (TED) is a new potential method in dermatology. Permeability alterations induced by ablative fractional resurfacing have been described with the aim ...to increasing the delivery of different substances into the skin. Objective: To evaluate clinical response and side effects of TED in areata alopecia (AA) treatment using ablative fractional methods associated with acoustic pressure ultrasound (US) to deliver triamcinolone solution into the skin. Methods and materials: Five cases of AA underwent treatment which comprised of 3 steps: 1) Ablative fractioned RF or CO2 laser 2) topical application of triamcinolone 3) acoustic pressure wave US. The number of sessions varied according to the clinical response, ranging from one to six sessions. Results: All patients had complete recovery of the area treated. Two of them treated with ablative fractional RF + triamcinolone + US had complete response after three and six sessions. The other two treated with ablative fractional CO2 + triamcinolone + US had complete response after one session. Conclusion: Fractioned ablative resurfacing associated with acoustic pressure wave US is a new option to areata alopecia treatment with good clinical result and low incidence of side effects.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
BackgroundBrazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the ...relevance of this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection.Methodology/principal findingsAn observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results.Conclusions/significanceThese findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Trypanosoma cruzi
, the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne zoonotic parasite which has been little studied regarding its infection in domestic animals. In this study, we ...evaluated the occurrence of natural infection by
T. cruzi
in farm animals using molecular markers and phylogenetic analysis in blood clot samples of 60 sheep (
Ovis aires
), 22 goats (
Capra hircus
), and 14 horses (
Equus caballus
) in eight municipalities located in an infection risk area in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Northeast Region of Brazil.
Trypanosoma
spp
.
infection was identified by amplifying the
rRNA 18S SSU
gene in 48.9% of the samples. The SH022 sample showed 99.8% similarity with the Y strain of
T. cruzi
in phylogeny, grouped in the DTU II clade. Blood clots of sheep, goats, and horses detected
T. cruzi
kDNA in 28.3% (17/60), 22.7% (5/22), and 15.4% (2/14) of the samples, respectively. These animals were distributed in the three studied mesoregions throughout the state of RN. The identification of natural infection in domestic animals contributes to expand the epidemiological transmission scenario in an area where
T. brasiliensis
is the main vector.
L. (sea fennel), an edible xerophyte of coastal habitats, is considered an emerging cash crop for biosaline agriculture due to its salt-tolerance ability and potential applications in the agri-food ...sector. Here, the nutritional value and bioactive properties of sea fennel are described. Sea fennel leaves, flowers, and schizocarps are composed of carbohydrates (>65%) followed by ash, proteins, and lipids. Sea fennel's salty, succulent leaves are a source of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Extracts obtained from flowers and fruits/schizocarps are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols and show antimicrobial activity against
,
,
, and
. Plant material is particularly rich in sodium (Na) but also in other nutritionally relevant minerals, such as calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S), beyond presenting a potential prebiotic effect on
and being nontoxic to human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 model cells, up to 1.0% (
/
). Hence, the rational use of sea fennel can bring nutrients, aroma, and flavor to culinary dishes while balancing microbiomes and contributing to expanding the shelf life of food products.
The reduction of resinous species in Portuguese forest areas has caused constraints to wood industry supplies. Portugal represents the extreme southwest of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) natural ...distribution and large gaps exist in the knowledge of its wood-quality characteristics. Understanding the relationship between these traits is important for recognizing which combination of wood properties is the most suitable for specific uses. To address these questions, we assessed wood-quality traits, namely, wood-density components (microdensitometric analysis), chemical composition (NIR spectrometry) and mechanical properties (bending tests) of wood samples collected at five representative forest sites in Portugal. Our results showed that Portuguese Pinus sylvestris has good radial growth and denser wood, higher extractive content and higher stiffness and strength than northern European provenances. The lignin content was within the range attributed to softwoods. Among the Portuguese stands, trees growing at lower-altitude sites exhibited denser wood and higher mechanical properties, while trees from high-elevations showed higher amounts of lignin. Ring density was more strongly correlated with earlywood than latewood density. A negative, non-significant correlation was found between ring density and width, supporting the assumption that the higher radial growth (ring width) does not negatively affect wood quality (density). In general, chemical properties had a weak relationship with physical and mechanical properties (MOE and MOR). Both mechanical traits were positively correlated with density and growth components, supporting the assumption that trees with high radial growth do not exhibit poorer mechanical performances.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is an aggressive liver tumor with limited therapeutic options. Natrium-iodide symporter (NIS) mediates the uptake of iodine by the thyroid, representing a key component in ...metabolic radiotherapy using iodine-131 (.sup.131I) for the treatment of thyroid cancer. NIS expression is increased in CC, providing the opportunity for a novel therapeutic approach for this type of tumor. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of .sup.131I in two human CC cell lines. Uptake experiments analyzed the .sup.131I uptake profiles of the tumor cell lines under study. The cells were irradiated with various doses of .sup.131I to evaluate and characterize the effects of metabolic radiotherapy. NIS protein expression was assessed by immunofluorescence methods. Cell survival was evaluated by clonogenic assay and flow cytometry was used to assess cell viability, and the type of death and alterations in the cell cycle. The genomic and epigenetic characterization of both CC cells was performed before and after irradiation. NIS gene expression was evaluated in the CC cells by RT-qPCR. The results revealed that CC cells had a higher expression of NIS. .sup.131I induced a decrease in cell survival in a dose-dependent manner. With the increasing irradiation dose, a decrease in cell viability was observed, with a consequent increase in cell death by initial apoptosis. Karyotype and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analyses revealed that both CC cell lines were near-triploid with several numerical and structural chromosomal rearrangements. NIS gene expression was increased in the TFK-1 and HuCCT1 cells in a time-dependent manner. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that the presence of NIS in cholangiocarcinoma cell lines is crucial for the decreased cell viability and survival observed following the exposure of cholangiocarcinoma cells to .sup.131I.
The objective was determine dry matter (DM), crude protein (CD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ash and digestibility of elephant grass, in ...advanced maturation stage, submitted to the application of alkali compounds with calcium oxide (CaO), sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and CaO+NaOH, in two periods of treatment. The experiment was conducted according to a project of subdivided parcels that had been constituted by the controlled treatments, 3% of CaO, 3% of NaOH and 1.5% of CaO + 1.5% of NaOH, and subparcels for the two periods of treatment (24 and 48 hours). The treatment did not have any effect and nor neither for period of DM (35,8%) nor of CD (2,7%). The contents of NDF, ADF and cellulose were lesser in the treatments with the addition of CaO, NaOH and CaO+NaOH, mainly to the treatment period of 48 hours. The lignin content was not affected by the applied treatments 10.2%. The application of 3% of CaO, 3% of NaOH and 1.5% of NaOH + 1.5% of CaO increases the digestibility of elephant grass, and the most significant effect occurs when using NaOH.Objetivou-se estimar os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), celulose, hemicelulose, lignina, cinza e digestibilidade do capim-elefante em estádio de maturação avançado, submetido à aplicação com óxido de cálcio (CaO), hidróxido de sódio (NaOH) e CaO+NaOH, em dois períodos de tratamento. O experimento foi conduzido segundo um esquema de parcelas subdivididas em quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições, em que as parcelas foram constituídas da seguinte forma: sem aditivo, 3% de CaO, 3% de NaOH, e 1,5% de CaO + 1,5% de NaOH, com base na matéria natural. Já as subparcelas foram determinadas pelos períodos de tratamento (24 e 48 horas). Não houve diferença para teor de MS (35,8%) e de PB (2,7%). Já os teores de FDN, FDA e celulose foram menores nos tratamentos com adição de CaO, NaOH e CaO+NaOH no período de tratamento de 48 horas. O teor de lignina não foi afetado, e o valor médio observado de 10,2%. A adição de 3% de CaO, 3% de NaOH e 1,5% CaO + 1,5% NaOH aumenta a digestibilidade in situ do capim-elefante, com efeito mais marcante quando se utiliza o NaOH.
Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) is the conifer with widest natural distribution area. Portugal constitutes its westernmost limit of distribution. Most of the Portuguese populations were planted but ...two autochthonous populations were recently ascribed to ‘Serra do Gerês’ (NW Portugal), and seem to be well adapted to the temperate climate. However, the ongoing climate changes may compromise their survival. With this study we intend to evaluate the anatomic-physiological and genetic responses of Scots pine from five European provenances (‘Gerês’, ‘Puebla de Lillo’, ‘Montes Universales’, Germany and Sweden) to three water availability regimes, in order to determine which one(s) present higher resistance to drought. Individuals from ‘Gerês’ presented the highest stability in photosynthetic reactions as well as the better photochemical and metabolic behaviours under drought (T3). Hence, the relative expression ratio of three water stress-responsive genes during drought was lower and gradual in ‘Gerês’, compared to all other provenances, followed by Germany. The results achieved in ‘Gerês’ and Germany provenances are very interesting since they reflected that the native populations of ‘Gerês’ along with the Portuguese Scots pine planted populations with a probable German provenance, have ability and high adaptive potential to respond to situations of water deficit. Moreover, the present genetic and physiological data demonstrated the urgent demand for the conservation of Portuguese Scots pine genetic resources as well as its use in plantation/afforestation of areas where the warming and drought has been affecting the survival of this species.
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