Healthcare workers present an increased risk of contagion for the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to their labor exposure. Here, we describe the clinical, laboratory, and immunological characteristics of ...healthcare workers, before vaccine application, exposed to SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. We collected sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory information from 50 professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Clinical Hospital of the Northwest in Brazil. The results showed that most workers are women, over 50 years old, and worked as nursing technicians. Approximately 56% of workers were positive for a previous infection by RT-PCR and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin tests. Increased levels of hematocrit, neutrophils, NK lymphocytes, and fibrinogen, were found in positive healthcare workers, suggesting a light inflammatory status. The immunological findings showed an increase in IL-17 production and a Th2/Th17/Th22 profile followed by high serology for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. Those data reveal the importance of studies with healthcare workers to investigate if the continuous exposition to the virus may result in chronic activation of the immune system and/or pulmonary inflammation in this target group.
This work reports the synthesis of novel sol–gel derived urea cross-linked tripodal siloxane-based hybrids (classed as tri-ureasils) modified by the addition of phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) and ...diphenyldimethoxysilane (DPDMS). The materials were produced as transparent monoliths and thin films (thickness = 3.3–17.5 ± 0.1 μm) and characterized by X-ray diffraction, mid-infrared spectroscopy,
29
Si and
13
C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The role played by PTES and DPDMS as light harvesting chromophores has been discussed and quantified through emission quantum yield and UV/Vis absorption measurements. All the hybrids show efficient emission at room temperature in the blue spectral region with maximum emission quantum yield values ranging from 0.01 ± 0.001 to 0.10 ± 0.01. The highest values were found for the tri-ureasils incorporating PTES and DPDMS essentially due to an increase in the absorption coefficient (from 1.4 × 10
3
cm
−1
, for the pristine tri-ureasil, to 8.6 × 10
3
cm
−1
, for the hybrids modified by the chromophores). The existence of energy transfer between the DPDMS and PTES excited states and the hybrid host intrinsic emitting levels (NH/C=O- and siliceous-related levels) has been discussed.
Pilosocereus gounellei Cactaceae), popularly known as “xique xique”, is a species native from Caatinga region of Northeast Brazil, which is used by traditional communities in folk medicine for a ...variety of health problems, especially inflammatory processes and gastritis.
The present study investigates the possible gastric antiulceractivity of ethanol extracts obtained from the cladodes and roots of Pilosocereus gounellei (EECPG and EERPG, respectively) and mechanisms of action underlying this effect.
Mice were used for the evaluation of the acute toxicity, and mice and rats to study the gastroprotective activity. The gastroprotective action of EECPG and EERPG was analyzed in the absolute ethanol in mice, ischemia-reperfusion and cold restraint stress in rats. In the investigation of the gastroprotective mechanisms of EECPG and EERPG, the participation of the NO and prostaglandins, the levels of the non-protein sulfhydril groups (NP-SH) and the catalase activity using the ethanol-induced gastric mucosa lesion model and the quantification of the gastric mucus and the antisecretory activity through pylorus ligature model in rats were analyzed.
The animals did not present any signs of acute toxicity for the EECPG and EERPG, and it was not possible to calculate the DL50. EECPG and EERPG (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibited a significant gastroprotective effect in absolute ethanol, ischemia-reperfusion-induced and cold restraint stress gastric lesion models. Gastroprotection of EECPG and EERPG (200 mg/kg) was significantly decreased in pre-treated mice with L-NAME. Our studies revealed that EECPG and EERPG (200 mg/kg) prevented the decrease of the non-protein sulfhydril groups (NPSH) and increased the catalase levels in ethanol-treated animals. However, the gastric secretion parameters (volume, H+, pH) did not show any alteration.
Our results indicate that the ethanolic extract from the cladodes and roots of Pilosocereus gounellei exhibits a significant gastroprotection, because it inhibits the formation of gastric lesions using different models. The participation of the nitric oxide, prostaglandins, the non-protein sulfhydril groups (NP-SH), catalase seem to be involved in the gastroprotection activity of the EECPG and EERPG. Nevertheless, this activity does not seem to be related to antisecretory mechanisms.
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The most important populations of the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804)) in the Atlantic are found in the Caribbean and along the Brazilian coast. Field studies covering the waters off ...the Cuban archipelago and Brazil have improved our understanding of the importance of oceanic circulation to larval recruitment. South of Cuba, puerulus settlement is intensive in October and November when the coastal reefs (83° W) are impacted by a cyclone-anticyclone pair, suggesting this area is the main source of retention and supply of surviving larvae, thus of self-recruitment. On the continental shelf of Brazil, puerulus settlement takes place throughout the year, but two annual peaks have been identified: one in March-April and one in July-September, when retroflection eddies of the North Brazil Current are more intense and feed into the eastward-flowing North Equatorial Countercurrent. Conceivably, Brazilian spiny lobster larvae are trapped in this oceanic system, leading to self-recruitment. On the continental shelf of Brazil the larval period lasts 6-7 months, depending on the season and spawning date. In the Caribbean the period is reported to be 6-8 months. Information on the relative abundance of early-stage spiny lobster larvae makes it possible to predict patterns of recruitment of pueruli and juveniles and the timing of their life cycle. However, further research on seasonal variations in local currents, current retroflection and ring formation is needed to clarify important aspects of larval transport, puerulus settlement and recruitment. As principais populações de lagosta (Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804)) no Atlântico sāo encontradas no Caribe e ao longo da costa Brasileira. Os estudos de campo que cobrem as águas ao largo do arquipélago Cubano e do Brasil têm melhorado nossa compreensāo da importancia da circulação oceânica para o recrutamento larval. No sul de Cuba, o assentamento do puerulus é intenso em Outubro e Novembre, quando os recifes costeiros (83°W) são impactados pelo par ciclone-anticiclone, sugerindo que esta área é a principal fonte de retenção e fomecimento de larvas sobreviventes, portante, de auto-recrutamento. Na plataforma continental do Brasil, o assentamento do puerulus ocorre durante todo o ano, mas dois picos anuais foram identificados: um em Março-Abril e outre em Julho-Setembro, quando vórtices da retroflexão da Corrente Norte do Brasil são mais intensos e avançam na direção leste da Contracorrente Norte Equatorial. É concebível, larvas de lagostas brasileiras estão aprisionadas nesse sistema oceânico, levando ao auto-recrutamento. Na plataforma continental do Brasil, o período larval dura 6-7 meses, dependendo da data da estação e de desova. No Caribe, o período é relatado ser de 6-8 meses. Informaçôes sobre a abundancia relativa de larvas de lagostas em estágio inicial tornam possível prever os padrees de recrutamento de pueruli e juvenis e o tempo do seu ciclo de vida. No entante, mais pesquisas sobre as variaçôes sazonais das correntes locáis, de correntes de retroflexão e de formaçâo de vórtices é necessária para esclarecer aspectos importantes do transporte larval, do assentamento e recrutamento de puerulus.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NMLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The disaccharide trehalose is well known for its bioprotective properties. Produced in large amounts during stress periods in the life of organisms able to survive potentially damaging conditions, ...trehalose plays its protective role by stabilizing biostructures such as proteins and lipid membranes. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the interaction of trehalose with a phospholipid bilayer at atomistic resolution. Simulations of the bilayer in the absence and in the presence of trehalose at two different concentrations (1 or 2 molal) are carried out at 325
K and 475
K. The results show that trehalose is able to minimize the disruptive effect of the elevated temperature and stabilize the bilayer structure. At both temperature, trehalose is found to interact directly with the bilayer through hydrogen bonds. However, the water molecules at the bilayer surface are not completely replaced. At high temperature, the protective effect of trehalose is correlated with a significant increase in the number of trehalose-bilayer hydrogen bonds, predominantly through an increase in the number of trehalose molecules bridging three or more lipid molecules.
The performance of probiotic yogurt with the addition of glucose oxidase (250 and 500ppm, GOX1 and GOX2, respectively) compared to commercial products available in the Brazilian market was ...investigated. Microbiological (probiotic bacteria count), physical–chemical (pH, proteolysis, minerals) and metabolic activities (production of organic acids, flavor and aroma compounds and fatty acid profile) were performed. Glucose oxidase yogurt presented suitable viability of lactic acid and probiotic cultures (>6logCFU/g), as well as lower pH values. On the other hand, higher values of proteolysis, diacetyl, acetaldehyde, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and similar values of lactic acid and acetic acid were found. In a functional food perspective, the addition of glucose oxidase to probiotic yogurts may be an interesting technological option for small and medium-size dairy enterprises to enter to the market of functional dairy foods.
•Performance of probiotic yogurts with glucose oxidase and commercial yogurts•All probiotic yogurts presented adequate microbiological counts (>6logCFU/mL).•Improved conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), diacetyl and acetaldehyde values were noted.
Abstract Background: Noninvasive stimulation has been widely used in the past 30 years to study and treat a large number of neurological diseases, including movement disorders. Objective: In this ...critical review, we illustrate the rationale for use of these techniques in movement disorders and summarize the best medical evidence based on the main clinical trials performed to date. Methods: A nationally representative group of experts performed a comprehensive review of the literature in order to analyze the key clinical decision-making factors driving transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in movement disorders. Classes of evidence and recommendations were described for each disease. Results: Despite unavoidable heterogeneities and low effect size, TMS is likely to be effective for treating motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The efficacy in other movement disorders is unclear. TMS is possibly effective for focal hand dystonia, essential tremor and cerebellar ataxia. Additionally, it is likely to be ineffective in reducing tics in Tourette syndrome. Lastly, tDCS is likely to be effective in improving gait in PD. Conclusions: There is encouraging evidence for the use of noninvasive stimulation on a subset of symptoms in selected movement disorders, although the means to optimize protocols for improving positive outcomes in routine clinical practice remain undetermined. Similarly, the best stimulation paradigms and responder profile need to be investigated in large clinical trials with established therapeutic and assessment paradigms that could also allow genuine long-term benefits to be determined.
Resumo Introdução: A estimulação não-invasiva tem sido amplamente utilizada nos últimos 30 anos no estudo e no tratamento de um grande número de doenças neurológicas, incluindo distúrbios do movimento. Objetivos: Nesta revisão crítica, discutimos o embasamento científico do uso da estimulação não-invasiva em distúrbios do movimento e as evidências científicas dos principais ensaios clínicos realizados. Métodos: Um grupo de especialistas realizou uma revisão crítica abrangente da literatura a fim de analisar as principais aplicações da estimulação magnética transcraniana (EMT) e da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) em distúrbios do movimento. As classes de evidência e de recomendação foram descritas para cada doença. Resultados: Apesar da grande variabilidade da metodologia e baixo efeito clínico, a EMT é provavelmente eficaz para o tratamento dos sintomas motores e da depressão na doença de Parkinson. A eficácia em outros distúrbios do movimento ainda é incerta. A EMT é possivelmente eficaz para o tratamento da distonia focal da mão, do tremor essencial e da ataxia cerebelar. No entanto, é provavelmente ineficaz na redução dos tiques na síndrome de Tourette. Finalmente, a ETCC é provavelmente eficaz na melhora da marcha na doença de Parkinson. Conclusões: As evidências até o momento sugerem que a estimulação não-invasiva pode ser benéfica para o alívio de alguns sintomas em determinados distúrbios do movimento como a doença de Parkinson, o tremor essencial, a distonia e a ataxia. Os protocolos de aplicação e paradigmas de estimulação ainda precisam ser investigados em ensaios clínicos maiores, assim como os seus efeitos a longo prazo.
Background: The clinical importance of systemic bone loss as a contributory factor to alveolar bone loss and the subsequent loss of teeth merits further study, given that osteoporosis and periodontal ...disease lead to significantly increased morbidity and mortality and higher public expenditure of funds. This case‐control study evaluated the association between osteoporosis and periodontal disease.
Methods: The sample consisted of 139 postmenopausal women: 48 in the case group (with periodontal disease) and 91 in the control group (without periodontal disease). The diagnosis of periodontal disease was established following a complete clinical examination using measurements of probing depth, gingival recession and hyperplasia, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding index, and confirmed by panoramic radiography. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was made by reviewing densitometry reports obtained previously. Descriptive, stratified, and logistic regression analyses were applied to the data collected. Comparison of proportions was performed using the χ2 and Fisher tests. Association measurements (odds ratios ORs) with and without adjustment for confounding factors and control for effect modifiers were obtained at a significance level of 5%.
Results: The ORunadjusted for the principal association was 2.58 (95% confidence interval CI: 1.01 to 6.82). In subgroup analyses of the stratified model, the ORunadjusted for low education was 6.40 (95% CI: 1.77 to 23.18). When adjusted for smoking habit and age, the ORadjusted was 7.05 (95% CI: 1.90 to 26.19), which also was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and low educational levels have a greater chance of having periodontal disease than do those without osteoporosis.
Antarctica is a region of great scientific interest, and several countries have scientific stations installed in that place. The exploration of Antarctica continent may be causing an impact on the ...environment. So, this study aims to evaluate the distribution of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and V through the analysis of soil, lichens, and mosses from Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Soil, lichens, and mosses samples were obtained from 13 points along the entire length of Fildes Peninsula, and the trace elements were determined by ICP OES. The concentration ranges (μg/g) were: Soil—Cr 5.92–28.96; Cu 81.59–123.68; Ni 20.11–41.07; Zn 43.25–73.21; V 123.52–206.06; Lichens—Cr 0.76–2.12; Cu 0.74–16.79; Ni < LD-1.88; Zn 4.97–12.06; V 0.96–20.95; Mosses—Cr 2.03–14.74; Cu 27.09–59.64; Ni 2.15–13.71; Zn 13.16–36.69; V 15.79–89.23. In general, these concentrations can be associated with several factors since this region presents intense human occupation and so the use of fossil fuels can be major source of the trace elements investigated.
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