We sought to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) combined with erythropoietin (EPO) and iron sulfate on the hemoglobin, hepcidin, ferritin, iron status, and inflammatory profile in ...older individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD patients (n: 157; age: 66.8 ± 3.6; body mass: 73 ± 15; body mass index: 27 ± 3), were assigned to control (CTL; n: 76) and exercise groups (RT; n: 81). The CTL group was divided according to the iron treatment received: without iron treatment (CTL—none; n = 19), treated only with iron sulfate or EPO (CTL—EPO or IRON; n = 19), and treated with both iron sulfate and EPO (CTL—EPO + IRON; n = 76). The RT group followed the same pattern: (RT—none; n = 20), (RT—EPO or IRON; n = 18), and (RT—EPO + IRON; n = 86). RT consisted of 24 weeks/3 days per week at moderate intensity of full-body resistance exercises prior to the hemodialysis section. The RT group, regardless of the iron treatment, improved iron metabolism in older individuals with ESRD. These results provide some clues on the effects of RT and its combination with EPO and iron sulfate in this population, highlighting RT as an important coadjutant in ESRD-iron deficiency.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). An adequate T cell response is essential not only ...for fighting disease but also for the creation of immune memory. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the T cells of patients with moderate, severe and critical COVID‐19 not only at the time of illness but also 2 months after diagnosis to observe whether changes in this compartment persist. In this study, 166 COVID‐19 patients were stratified into moderate/severe and critical disease categories. The maturation and activation of T cells were evaluated through flow cytometry. In addition, Treg cells were analysed. Until 15 days after diagnosis, patients presented a reduction in absolute and relative T lymphocyte counts. After 2 months, in moderate/severe patients, the counts returned to a similar level as that of the control group. In convalescent patients who had a critical illness, absolute T lymphocyte values increased considerably. Patients with active disease did not show differentiation of T cells. Nonetheless, after 2 months, patients with critical COVID‐19 showed a significant increase in CD4+ EMRA (CD45RA+ effector memory) T lymphocytes. Furthermore, COVID‐19 patients showed delayed T cell activation and reduced CD8+ suppressor T cells even 2 months after diagnosis. A reduction in CD4+ Treg cells was also observed, and their numbers returned to a similar level as that of healthy controls in convalescent patients. The results demonstrate that COVID‐19 patients have a delayed activation and differentiation of T cells. In addition, these patients have a great reduction of T cells with a suppressor phenotype.
The results of this study demonstrate that patients with COVID‐19 have a delayed activation and differentiation of T cells. In addition, these patients have a great reduction of T cells with a suppressor phenotype. Our results represent the natural course of the disease without interference from the effect of the vaccine on the immune response since the patients included in this study did not receive any dose of the vaccine. This contributes to the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, in addition to helping in future studies on T‐cell‐mediated immunity.
•Antimicrobial cotton wipes using Melaleuca alternifolia Pickering emulsions.•Pickering emulsion concentration increases the activation energy of the wipes thermal degradation.•Oil release in wet ...wipes described by Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and Peppas-sahlin models.•Eco-friendly wet wipes showed antimicrobial effect against several bacteria.
In this report, we applied cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a stabilizer of oil-in-water Pickering emulsion of Melaleuca alternifolia EO (MaEO). Different Pickering MaEO emulsion contents were applied in cotton fabrics, simulating the fabrication of antiseptic wet wipes. The prepared emulsion and the wet cotton wipes were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, reaction kinetics, oil release, and agar diffusion test using fungus (Penicillium sp.) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The MaEO showed 100% stability after 30 days, with droplet sizes of ∼30 μm. The emulsion loading increased the activation energy to initiate the essential oil evaporation and cotton fibers' thermal decomposition. The oil release showed a complex profile with a slow-release, indicating oil droplets suitable attachment to the fabrics. The cotton wipes loaded with 10 mL Pickering emulsion reach inhibition against three bacterial strains and fungistatic properties, showing promisor potential as eco-friendly antiseptic wipes.
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To relate omphalocele and biliary atresia and investigate possible embryological correlations that justify the simultaneous occurrence. A female preterm newborn diagnosed as omphalocele; cesarean ...delivery, weight 2,500g, 46 XX karyotype. Initially, the newborn remained fasting and on parenteral nutrition, and enteral diet was introduced later, with good acceptance. On the 12
th
day of life, the newborn presented direct hyperbilirubinemia, increased levels of liver enzymes and fecal acholia, with a presumptive diagnosis of biliary atresia. However, the ultrasound was inconclusive, due to anatomical changes resulting from omphalocele. A surgical approach was chosen on the 37
th
day of life aiming to confirm diagnosis of biliary atresia and to repair omphalocele. During the surgical procedure, structural alterations compatible with biliary atresia were observed, later confirmed by pathological examination; a hepatoportoenterostomy was performed and the omphalocele was corrected. She evolved well in the postoperative period, with a decrease in direct bilirubin and liver enzymes, as well as resolution of fecal acholia, and was discharged in good clinical condition. This is a bizarre and extremely rare association, but the prognosis may be good when an early diagnosis is made and surgery performed, besides support and clinical management to prevent complications in the perioperative period. Although the pathogenesis of the diseases has not been fully defined yet, there is, to date, no direct relation between them. The association between omphalocele and biliary atresia is extremely uncommon, with only two published cases.
In this study, the effects of a green banana pasta diet on the oxidative damage from type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) were investigated.
Formulations containing 25 (F25), 50 (F50), and 75% (F75) of ...green banana pasta were prepared and included in a 12-week diet of Wistar rats with alloxan-induced type 1 DM. The effects of these formulations in preventing oxidative damage in kidneys and liver homogenates of rats were evaluated using the TBARS assay (lipid peroxidation in liver) and the DNPH assay (protein oxidation in liver and kidneys). Furthermore, the effects of the formulations on the fasting glycemia, fructosamine levels, renal function (creatinine), liver function (enzymes aspartate aminotransferase AST and alanine aminotransferase ALT), and lipid profile (total cholesterol and fractions) in the serum of rats were evaluated in addition to the evaluation of the centesimal composition and microbiological analysis of the produced green banana pasta.
An F75 diet prevented hyperglycemia in diabetic rats (p < 0.05) compared to the diabetic rats fed a standard diet (commercial feed). Notably, the protein oxidation in both the liver and kidneys were prevented in diabetic rats on the F50 or F75 diets compared to the control group, whereas the lipid peroxidation was only prevented in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, all formulations prevented an increase in the amount of triglycerides in the serum of the rats. The F25 and F50 diet prevented the increase of cholesterol, and the F75-based diet of ALT and fructosamine (p < 0.05) supported the anti-hyperglycemic effects and the protection against oxidative damage.
The green banana pasta (F75) diet showed great potential for preventing complications associated with diabetes.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus that in recent years has been associated with cases of severe neurological disorders, such as microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in ...adults. As there is no vaccine or treatment, the search for new therapeutic targets is of great relevance. In this sense, plants are extremely rich sources for the discovery of new bioactive compounds and the species Phyllanthus brasiliensis (native to the Amazon region) remains unexplored.
To investigate the potential antiviral activity of compounds isolated from P. brasiliensis leaves against ZIKV infection.
In vitro antiviral assays were performed with justicidin B (a lignan) and four glycosylated lignans (tuberculatin, phyllanthostatin A, 5-O-β-d-glucopyranosyljusticidin B, and cleistanthin B) against ZIKV in Vero cells. MTT colorimetric assay was used to assess cell viability and plaque forming unit assay to quantify viral load. In addition, for justicidin B, tests were performed to investigate the mechanism of action (virucidal, adsorption, internalization, post-infection).
The isolated compounds showed potent anti-ZIKV activities and high selectivity indexes. Moreover, justicidin B, tuberculatin, and phyllanthostatin A completely reduced the viral load in at least one of the concentrations evaluated. Among them, justicidin B stood out as the main active, and further investigation revealed that justicidin B exerts its antiviral effect during post-infection stages, resulting in a remarkable 99.9 % reduction in viral load when treatment was initiated 24 h after infection.
Our findings suggest that justicidin B inhibits endosomal internalization and acidification, effectively interrupting the viral multiplication cycle. Therefore, the findings shed light on the promising potential of isolated compounds isolated from P. brasiliensis, especially justicidin B, which could contribute to the drug development and treatments for Zika virus infections.
The classical renin-angiotensin system pathway has been recently updated with the identification of additional molecules such as angiotensin converting enzyme 2, ANG-(1-7), and Mas receptor that ...might improve some pathophysiological processes in chronic inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we focused on the potential protective role of Mas receptor activation on mouse lipid profile, liver steatosis, and atherogenesis. Mas/apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-double-knockout (DKO) mice (based on C57BL/6 strain of 20 wk of age) were fed under normal diet and compared with aged-matched Mas and ApoE-single-knockout (KO), as well as wild-type mice. Mas/ApoE double deficiency was associated with increased serum levels of atherogenic fractions of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose compared with wild-type or single KO. Serum levels of HDL or leptin in DKO were lower than in other groups. Hepatic lipid content as well as alanine aminotransferase serum levels were increased in DKO compared with wild-type or single-KO animals. Accordingly, the hepatic protein content of mediators related to atherosclerotic inflammation, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and liver X receptor, was altered in an adverse way in DKO compared with ApoE-KO. On the other hand, DKO mice did not display increased atherogenesis and intraplaque inflammation compared with ApoE-KO group. In conclusion, Mas deletion in ApoE-KO mice was associated with development of severe liver steatosis and dyslipidemia without affecting concomitant atherosclerosis. Mas receptor activation might represent promising strategies for future treatments targeting both hepatic and metabolic alterations in chronic conditions clustering these disorders.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the course of human history and killed millions of people worldwide. Its long-term consequences remain uncertain. This study aimed to ...describe the short- and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 among individuals in Goiás, central Brazil, who experienced acute mild or non-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. This prospective cohort study included 110 healthcare workers, 18 safety workers, and 19 administrative support workers, who were followed up for 12 months after the onset of COVID-19. Most participants were healthy adult female healthcare professionals. At the onset of infection, the major symptoms were headache, myalgia, nasal congestion, cough, coryza, anosmia, ageusia, sore throat, fatigue, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Furthermore, 20.3% of the participants had three or more COVID-19 symptoms that persisted for at least 12 months. These included coryza, congestion, hair loss, sore throat, headache, myalgia, cough, memory loss, anosmia, and fatigue. This study revealed a high prevalence of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 in healthy individuals from central Brazil, which may present an additional burden on healthcare services. Further studies are required to investigate the sequelae of COVID-19 over periods greater than 12 months.
CIRM-BIA 129 (
wild type, WT) is a probiotic bacterium, which exerts immunomodulatory effects. This strain possesses extractable surface proteins, including SlpB, which are involved in ...anti-inflammatory effect and in adhesion to epithelial cells. We decided to investigate the impact of
gene mutation on immunomodulation
and
. In an
assay,
WT reduced expression of IL-8 (p<0.0001) and TNF-α (p<0.0001) cytokines in LPS-stimulated HT-29 cells.
Δ
, lacking the SlpB protein, failed to do so. Subsequently, both strains were investigated
in a 5-FU-induced mucositis mice model. Mucositis is a common side effect of cytotoxic chemotherapy with 5-FU, characterized by mucosal injury, inflammation, diarrhea, and weight loss. The WT strain prevented weight loss, reduced inflammation and consequently histopathological scores. Furthermore, it regulated key markers, including Claudin-1
, p<0.0005) and IL-17a (
, p<0.0001) genes, as well as IL-12 (p<0.0001) and IL-1β (p<0.0429) cytokines levels. Mutant strain displayed opposite regulatory effect on
expression and on IL-12 levels. This work emphasizes the importance of SlpB in
ability to reduce mucositis inflammation. It opens perspectives for the development of probiotic products to decrease side effects of chemotherapy using GRAS bacteria with immunomodulatory surface protein properties.
Objetivo: relacionar el conocimiento, la práctica y los impedimentos del autocuidado de los pies en personas con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2, de acuerdo con sexo y nivel de estudios.
Método: estudio ...transversal y analítico realizado con 102 usuarios de 4 unidades básicas de una ciudad del interior de Piauí, Brasil. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos entre diciembre de 2018 y julio de 2019, y se los analizó en forma descriptiva por medio de la prueba de chi-cuadrado.
Resultados: las mujeres presentaron mayor conocimiento y práctica en las siguientes acciones de autocuidado: hidratación (p<0,001), secado del espacio entre los dedos de los pies después de bañarse (p=0,020), hidratación de los pies con cremas/aceites hidrantes en los talones (p<0,001), hidratación de la planta de los pies (p=0,003) y uso de calzado macizo y cerrado (p=0,001); en los hombres se observó uso frecuente de calcetines (p<0,001) y medias de algodón (p<0,001). Se registró una asociación entre nivel de estudios y uso de tacones de más de 5 cm (p=0,001) y menos de 5 cm (p<0,001).
Conclusión: se espera que este estudio haga posible una nueva modalidad de enfoque, con vistas a adquirir y perfeccionar acciones de autocuidado.
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