Accidental and late parasitological diagnosis of Leishmania sp. in a dog from a low disease transmission area of Brazil: a case report

Canine Leishmaniasis diagnosis must be fast and accurate since dogs are urban reservoirs of the disease and earlier therapeutic intervention is more clinically effective. However, this still represents a challenge, particularly in low transmission areas. The present report describes the difficulties of clinical suspicion and the late diagnosis of a dog infected with Leishmania sp

Estudio comparativo entre levobupivacaína a 0,5% y bupivacaína racémica a 0,5% asociadas al sufentanil en la anestesia peridural para cesáre

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the widespread use of local anesthetics in surgery and obstetrics, racemic bupivacaine is associated to potentially fatal cardiotoxicity. Data suggest that levobupivacaine has local anesthetic effects similar to racemic bupivacaine with the advantage of less central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity. Studies have shown that epidural anesthesia with racemic bupivacaine and sufentanil for cesarean sections results in a better quality of anesthesia. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of 0.5% racemic bupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine, both associated to sufentanil, for epidural anesthesia in parturients undergoing cesarean delivery. METHODS: Participated in this double-blind study 52 obstetric patients submitted to elective cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia. Patients were randomized to receive 27 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 30 µg sufentanil (Group I n=26) or 27 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine and 30 µg sufentanil (Group II n=26). Characteristics of sensory and motor block, time for analgesics request in the postoperative period and the incidence of side effects were investigated. RESULTS: Sensory and motor block, time for analgesics request and adverse effects did not differ between groups. However, motor block was significantly longer with levobupivacaine as compared to racemic bupivacaine (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although a longer motor block duration with 0.5% epidural levobupivacaine associated to sufentanil, the efficacy of both local anesthetics associated to sufentanil for cesarean delivery was similar.JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: A pesar del uso frecuente de anestésicos locales en procedimientos quirúrgicos y obstétricos, la bupivacaína racémica es asociada a la cardiotoxicidad potencialmente fatal. Estudios sugieren que la levobupivacaína presenta acción anestésica local semejante a la bupivacaína racémica, con la ventaja de menor toxicidad tanto en el sistema nervioso central como cardiovascular. Los trabajos han demostrado mejor calidad anestésica con el uso de bupivacaína racémica asociada al sufentanil, vía peridural para cesárea. El presente estudio compara la eficacia de la bupivacaína racémica 0,5% con levobupivacaína 0,5%, ambas asociadas al sufentanil, vía peridural, en parturientas sometidas a cesárea. MÉTODO: Fueron investigadas 52 mujeres embarazadas, sometidas a anestesia peridural para cesárea electiva. En este estudio duplamente encubierto, las pacientes fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Grupo I (n = 26): recibieron 27 ml de levobupivacaína 0,5% y 30 µg de sufentanil, Grupo II (n = 26) recibieran 27 ml de bupivacaína 0,5% y 30 µg de sufentanil. Fueron evaluadas las características de los bloqueos motor y sensorial, el tiempo necesario para solicitación de analgésicos y la incidencia de efectos adversos en el período pós-operatorio. RESULTADOS: Los bloqueos motor y sensorial, el tiempo para solicitación de analgésicos y los efectos adversos no divergieron entre los grupos. Entretanto, cuando se comparó la duración del bloqueo motor de la levobupivacaína con el de la bupivacaína racémica, se observó duración significantemente prolongada para levobupivacaína (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de la duración del bloqueo motor ser más prolongado para la levobupivacaína asociada al sufentanil, la eficacia anestésica de ambos anestésicos locales investigados, asociados al sufentanil en cesárea por vía peridural, fueron iguales.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apesar do uso freqüente de anestésicos locais em procedimentos cirúrgicos e obstétricos, a bupivacaína racêmica é associada à cardiotoxicidade potencialmente fatal. Estudos sugerem que a levobupivacaína apresenta ação anestésica local semelhante à bupivacaína racêmica, com a vantagem de menor toxicidade tanto no sistema nervoso central como cardiovascular. Os trabalhos têm demonstrado melhor qualidade anestésica com uso de bupivacaína racêmica associada à sufentanil, via peridural para cesariana. O presente estudo compara a eficácia da bupivacaína racêmica 0,5% com levobupivacaína 0,5%, ambas associadas o sufentanil, via peridural, em parturientes submetidas a cesariana. MÉTODO: Foram investigadas 52 gestantes, submetidas à anestesia peridural para cesariana eletiva. Neste estudo duplamente encoberto, as pacientes foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: Grupo I (n = 26): receberam 27 ml de levobupivacaína 0,5% e 30 µg de sufentanil, Grupo II (n = 26) receberam 27 ml de bupivacaína 0,5% e 30 µg de sufentanil. Foram avaliados as características dos bloqueios motor e sensorial, o tempo necessário para solicitação de analgésicos e a incidência de efeitos adversos no período pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os bloqueios motor e sensorial, o tempo para solicitação de analgésicos e os efeitos adversos não diferiram entre os grupos. Entretanto, quando se comparou a duração do bloqueio motor da levobupivacaína com da bupivacaína racêmica, observou-se duração significantemente prolongada para levobupivacaína (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da duração do bloqueio motor ser mais prolongado para a levobupivacaína associada ao sufentanil, a eficácia anestésica de ambos os anestésicos locais investigados associados ao sufentanil em cesariana por via peridural, foram iguais.UFMAUFMA Hospital Universitário Materno InfantilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Radioresistance of human glioma spheroids and expression of HSP70, p53 and EGFr

Background: Radiation therapy is routinely prescribed for high-grade malignant gliomas. However, the efficacy of this therapeutic modality is often limited by the occurrence of radioresistance, reflected as a diminished susceptibility of the irradiated cells to undergo cell death. Thus, cells have evolved an elegant system in response to ionizing radiation induced DNA damage, where p53, Hsp70 and/or EGFr may play an important role in the process. In the present study, we investigated whether the content of p53, Hsp70 and EGFr are associated to glioblastoma (GBM) cell radioresistance. Methods: Spheroids from U-87MG and MO59J cell lines as well as spheroids derived from primary culture of tumor tissue of one GBM patient (UGBM1) were irradiated (5, 10 and 20 Gy), their relative radioresistance were established and the p53, Hsp70 and EGFr contents were immunohistochemically determined. Moreover, we investigated whether EGFr-phospho-Akt and EGFr-MEK-ERK pathways can induce GBM radioresistance using inhibitors of activation of ERK (PD098059) and Akt (wortmannin). Results: At 5 Gy irradiation UGBM1 and U-87MG spheroids showed growth inhibition whereas the MO59J spheroid was relatively radioresistant. Overall, no significant changes in p53 and Hsp70 expression were found following 5 Gy irradiation treatment in all spheroids studied. The only difference observed in Hsp70 content was the periphery distribution in MO59J spheroids. However, 5 Gy treatment induced a significant increase on the EGFr levels in MO59J spheroids. Furthermore, treatment with inhibitors of activation of ERK (PD098059) and Akt (wortmannin) leads to radiosensitization of MO59J spheroids. Conclusions: These results indicate that the PI3K-Akt and MEK-ERK pathways triggered by EGFr confer GBM radioresistance

Identificação e mapeamento das cores do forro da sacristia do Carmo Pequeno de São Cristóvão SE/BR / Identification and color mapping of the sacristy lining of the small Carmo do Carmo Pequeno de São Cristóvão SE/BR

Este artigo é resultado da pesquisa de Iniciação Científica (PIBIC-PVF6325) realizada na Universidade Federal de Sergipe entre agosto de 2018 e julho de 2019 que analisou as características cromáticas presentes nas camadas de superfícies arquitetônicas de edificações históricas, identificando e mapeando as cores do Forro da Sacristia do Convento do Carmo Pequeno na cidade de São Cristóvão no Estado de Sergipe, com o intuito de conhecer a produção das cores antigas e o saber fazer local, assim como as patologias que atuam sobre essas superfícies pintadas, apreendendo e compreendendo a memória pictórica no Nordeste no Período Colonial Brasileiro. As pinturas do Forro do Carmo Pequeno, representativas da vida da Nossa Senhora Protetora (Virgem do Carmo), provavelmente pintadas no final do XVII até meados do século XVIII, compreendem doze painéis decorados e emoldurados por caixotões que ocupam todo o teto da Sacristia da Igreja da Ordem Terceira dos Calçados. A metodologia empregou desenhos digitalizados dos painéis a partir de extenso levantamento fotográfico baseado nas observações visuais locais, que serviram de base para produção de Fichas de Identificação, Mapeamento e Patologias. Este processo possibilitou, além da identificação e mapeamento das cores com a utilização de um colorímetro digital NCS 200, desvendar minúcias, particularidades, hibridismos figurativos, simbologias e técnicas antigas nas pinturas, resultando em um outro olhar científico sobre o patrimônio e no reconhecimento e valoração da identidade e memória cultural de uma determinada região e sociedade no seu tempo

Intensity modulated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: rigid compliance to dose-volume constraints as a warranty of acceptable toxicity?

BACKGROUND: To report the toxicity after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with localized prostate cancer, as a sole treatment or after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Between August 2001 and December 2003, 132 patients with prostate cancer were treated with IMRT and 125 were evaluable to acute and late toxicity analysis, after a minimum follow-up time of one year. Clinical and treatment data, including normal tissue dose-volume histogram (DVH) constraints, were reviewed. Gastro-intestinal (GI) and genito-urinary (GU) signs and symptoms were evaluated according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity scales. Median prescribed dose was 76 Gy. Median follow-up time was of 26.1 months. RESULTS: From the 125 patients, 73 (58.4%) presented acute Grade 1 or Grade 2 GI and 97 (77.2%) presented acute Grade 1 or Grade 2 GU toxicity. Grade 3 GI acute toxicity occurred in only 2 patients (1.6%) and Grade 3 GU acute toxicity in only 3 patients (2.4%). Regarding Grade 1 and 2 late toxicity, 26 patients (20.8%) and 21 patients (16.8%) presented GI and GU toxicity, respectively. Grade 2 GI late toxicity occurred in 6 patients (4.8%) and Grade 2 GU late toxicity in 4 patients (3.2%). None patient presented any Grade 3 or higher late toxicity. Non-conformity to DVH constraints occurred in only 11.2% of treatment plans. On univariate analysis, no significant risk factor was identified for Grade 2 GI late toxicity, but mean dose delivered to the PTV was associated to higher Grade 2 GU late toxicity (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: IMRT is a well tolerable technique for routine treatment of localized prostate cancer, with short and medium-term acceptable toxicity profiles. According to the data presented here, rigid compliance to DHV constraints might prevent higher incidences of normal tissue complication

Memoriais: percursos formativos que se constituem a partir da iniciação à docência no PIBID

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O PIBID/Química da UESC e o ENEM 2011: interações possíveis

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Polar lipids of commercial Ulva spp. of different origins: profiling and relevance for seaweed valorization

Macroalgae of the genus Ulva have long been used as human food. Local environmental conditions, among other factors, can have an impact on their nutrient and phytochemical composition, as well as on the value of the seaweed for food and non-food applications. This study is the first to initiate a comparison between commercial Ulva spp. from different European origins, France (FR, wild-harvested Ulva spp.), and Portugal (PT, farm-raised Ulva rigida), in terms of proximate composition, esterified fatty acids (FA), and polar lipids. The ash content was higher in PT samples, while FR samples had higher levels of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and other compounds. The profile of esterified FA, as well as FA-containing polar lipids at the class and species levels were also significantly different. The FR samples showed about three-fold higher amount of n-3 polyunsaturated FA, while PT samples showed two-fold higher content of monounsaturated FA. Quantification of glycolipids and phospholipids revealed, respectively, two-fold and three-fold higher levels in PT samples. Despite the differences found, the polar lipids identified in both batches included some lipid species with recognized bioactivity, valuing Ulva biomass with functional properties, increasing their added value, and promoting new applications, namely in nutraceutical and food markets.UIDB/50011/2020+UIDP/50011/2020, UID/QUI/00062/2019, UIDB/50006/2020, UIDB/50017/2020+UIDP/50017/2020, LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-402-022125, POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030962, BPD/UI51/5041/2017, BPD/UI51/5042/2018; EC/H2020/727892/EUinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis in renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

AngII (angiotensin II), ACE (angiotensin I-converting enzyme) and the AT(1) receptor (AngII type I receptor) are associated with the inflammatory process and microvascular dysfunction of AKI (acute kidney injury) induced by renal I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion). However, Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)], ACE2 (angiotensin I-converting enzyme 2) and the Mas receptor also play a role in renal disease models. Therefore, in the present study, we have examined the renal profile of Ang-(1-7), ACE2 and the Mas receptor in renal I/R and compared them with that of AngII, ACE and the AT(1) receptor. Male Wistar rats were submitted to left nephrectomy and ischaemia (45 min) followed by reperfusion (2 or 4 h) in the right kidney. At 4 h of reperfusion, renal AngII was increased (P < 0.01) and renal Ang-(1-7) was decreased substantially (P < 0.05), although plasma levels of both angiotensins were unchanged. in addition, renal I/R decreased the renal mRNA expression of renin (P < 0.05), AT(1) receptors (P < 0.001) and ACE2 (P < 0.05). At 2 and 4 h of reperfusion, renal ACE activity was reduced (P < 0.05). On the other hand, renal expression of the Mas receptor was greatly increased at 4 h of reperfusion (P < 0.01), which was confirmed by immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis. in conclusion, increased renal expression of the Mas receptor associated with changes in the RAS (renin-angiotensin-system)-related peptidases support an important role for the ACE2 Ang-(1-7) Mas axis in AKI.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Biol Sci, Dept Physiol & Biophys, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Biophys, BR-04044020 São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Pathol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Microbiol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Clin Pathol Unit COLTEC, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Biochem, Inst Biol Sci, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Dept Pediat, Fac Med, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Biophys, BR-04044020 São Paulo, SP, BrazilCAPES: PRDEX2009CNPq: 8701480/1997-4FAPEMIG: CBS 2044/96Web of Scienc

R534C mutation in hERG causes a trafficking defect in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from patients with type 2 long QT syndrome

Patient-specific cardiomyocytes obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (CM-iPSC) offer unprecedented mechanistic insights in the study of inherited cardiac diseases. The objective of this work was to study a type 2 long QT syndrome (LQTS2)-associated mutation (c.1600C > T in KCNH2, p.R534C in hERG) in CM-iPSC. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from two patients with the R534C mutation and iPSCs were generated. In addition, the same mutation was inserted in a control iPSC line by genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9. Cells expressed pluripotency markers and showed spontaneous differentiation into the three embryonic germ layers. Electrophysiology demonstrated that action potential duration (APD) of LQTS2 CM-iPSC was significantly longer than that of the control line, as well as the triangulation of the action potentials (AP), implying a longer duration of phase 3. Treatment with the IKr inhibitor E4031 only caused APD prolongation in the control line. Patch clamp showed a reduction of IKr on LQTS2 CM-iPSC compared to control, but channel activation was not significantly affected. Immunofluorescence for hERG demonstrated perinuclear staining in LQTS2 CM-iPSC. In conclusion, CM-iPSC recapitulated the LQTS2 phenotype and our findings suggest that the R534C mutation in KCNH2 leads to a channel trafficking defect to the plasma membrane.Fil: Mesquita, Fernanda C. P.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Arantes, Paulo C.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Kasai Brunswick, Tais H.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Araujo, Dayana S.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Gubert, Fernanda. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Monnerat, Gustavo. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Silva dos Santos, Danúbia. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Neiman, Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Leitão, Isabela C.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Barbosa, Raiana A. Q.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Coutinho, Jorge L.. National Institute Of Cardiology; BrasilFil: Vaz, Isadora M.. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Parana; BrasilFil: dos Santos, Marcus N.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Borgonovo, Tamara. Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Parana; BrasilFil: Cruz, Fernando E. S.. National Institute of Cardiology; BrasilFil: Miriuka, Santiago Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia; ArgentinaFil: Medei, Emiliano H.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Campos de Carvalho, Antonio C.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil. National Institute of Cardiology; Brasil. National Institute for Science and Technology in Regenerative Medicine; BrasilFil: Carvalho, Adriana B.. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasil. National Institute for Science and Technology in Regenerative Medicine; Brasi