Wild birds as carriers of antimicrobial-resistant and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae

open6noopenDotto, G.; Menandro, M.L.; Mondin, A.; Martini, M.; Tonellato, F.R.; Pasotto, D.Dotto, Giorgia; Menandro, MARIA LUISA; Mondin, Alessandra; Martini, Marco; Tonellato, F. R.; Pasotto, Daniel

Structure Learning of Quantum Embeddings

The representation of data is of paramount importance for machine learning methods. Kernel methods are used to enrich the feature representation, allowing better generalization. Quantum kernels implement efficiently complex transformation encoding classical data in the Hilbert space of a quantum system, resulting in even exponential speedup. However, we need prior knowledge of the data to choose an appropriate parametric quantum circuit that can be used as quantum embedding. We propose an algorithm that automatically selects the best quantum embedding through a combinatorial optimization procedure that modifies the structure of the circuit, changing the generators of the gates, their angles (which depend on the data points), and the qubits on which the various gates act. Since combinatorial optimization is computationally expensive, we have introduced a criterion based on the exponential concentration of kernel matrix coefficients around the mean to immediately discard an arbitrarily large portion of solutions that are believed to perform poorly. Contrary to the gradient-based optimization (e.g. trainable quantum kernels), our approach is not affected by the barren plateau by construction. We have used both artificial and real-world datasets to demonstrate the increased performance of our approach with respect to randomly generated PQC. We have also compared the effect of different optimization algorithms, including greedy local search, simulated annealing, and genetic algorithms, showing that the algorithm choice largely affects the result

Predischarge cerebral oxygenation and psychomotor outcome in very preterm infants: is there an association?

This observational study aimed to investigate whether predischarge cerebral oxygenation (CrSO2), monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy, correlates with later psychomotor outcome in very preterm infants. Infants <32 weeks' gestation or <1500 g without evidence of major brain lesions underwent a 3-h continuous CrSO2 monitoring before hospital discharge. Psychomotor development was assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales. The developmental quotients (DQ) at each follow-up appointment were correlated with predischarge CrSO2. Significant correlations were adjusted for possible confounders. Sixty-three infants were enrolled. A significant correlation between CrSO2 and DQ was observed at 6 months ca (p=0.010), but not at later psychomotor assessments. This correlation was confirmed significant (b=0.274, p=0.038) even after the adjustment for relevant covariates.Conclusion: According to these preliminary findings, the association between predischarge CrSO2 and psychomotor development over the first 24 months in preterm infants without major brain lesions is time-limited. Hence, this parameter may not represent an effective predictor for medium-term neurodevelopment

Lipoxina A4 na dor neuropática após a lesão medular: modulação da neuroinflamação e ativação microglial

Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Florianópolis, 2015.A dor crônica está presente na maioria dos pacientes após a lesão medular traumática (LMT). As respostas inflamatórias após a lesão medular estão relacionadas com o desenvolvimento da dor neuropática através da ativação de um vasto número de mediadores e vias de sinalização. A lipoxina A4 (LXA4), um eicosanoide com propriedades anti-inflamatórias e pró-resolução, exerce ações neuroprotetoras e anti-hiperalgésicas. Entretanto, seu papel na dor neuropática induzida pela lesão medular ainda não foi elucidado. Sob completa anestesia, ratos Wistar e camundongos CD1 machos receberam uma hemissecção medular na porção esquerda do segmento T10. Em 4 e 24 horas após a lesão, os animais foram tratados por via intratecal com LXA4 (150 ou 300 pmol) ou veículo. Em outro protocolo, foi realizado o silenciamento gênico do receptor de lipoxina A4, ALX/FPR2, através do tratamento por via intratecal com ALX/FPR2 RNAsi. A sensibilidade mecânica das patas posteriores foi avaliada após a lesão medular através da frequência de resposta ao filamento de von Frey de 15 g em ratos e por uma sequência de filamentos (método up-down) em camundongos. No 7° dia após a cirurgia, a medula espinhal foi coletada e processada para análise do teor endógeno de LXA4 e também dos níveis de expressão do receptor ALX/FPR2, marcadores gliais e citocinas, por RT-PCR. Culturas de microglia também foram preparadas a partir do córtex cerebral de camundongos para avaliação dos efeitos diretos da LXA4 na expressão de citocinas e ativação de proteínas quinases (MAPK) nestas células. Todos os procedimentos foram aprovados pelos comitês de ética locais. Os animais falso-operados apresentaram sensibilidade mecânica normal após a cirurgia. Houve aumento da resposta ao estímulo de von Frey em ambas as patas posteriores de ratos a partir do dia 7 e até o dia 28 após a cirurgia. Os camundongos apresentaram aumento de sensibilidade da pata posterior ipsilateral a partir do 14° dia e da pata contralateral a partir do 7° dia, a qual durou pelos 35 dias de observação. Houve aumento da expressão do RNAm do receptor ALX/FPR2 no 7° dia após a lesão em ambas as espécies. O tratamento intratecal com LXA4 reduziu a hiperalgesia mecânica, em comparação ao grupo tratado com veículo, em ratos e camundongos, mas o silenciamento gênico do receptor em camundongos bloqueou este efeito. A LXA4 também reduziu os níveis das citocinas pró-inflamatórias IL-1ß, IL-6 e TNF-a, e aumentou o nível da citocina anti-inflamatória IL-10, na medula espinhal de ratos. Finalmente, a LXA4 reduziu a ativação de p38 e a liberação de TNF-a induzidas por IFN-? em culturas de microglia. Em conjunto, nossos resultados sugerem que a LXA4 pode reduzir efetivamente a dor neuropática após a lesão medular em roedores, pela inibição da neuroinflamação e das respostas da microglia na medula espinhal. Assim, a LXA4 e seus análogos poderiam ser utilizados para prevenção da dor neuropática e da neuroinflamação induzidas pela lesão medular.Abstract : It is well known that after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) majority of patients develop chronic pain syndromes. Spinal inflammatory responses to SCI have been implicated in the onset of neuropathic pain via activation of a broad spectrum of factors and signaling pathways. Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), an eicosanoid endowed with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution properties, exerts neuroprotective and antihyperalgesic effects. However, its role in SCI-induced neuropathic pain still remains to be elucidated. Spinal cord hemisection at the left side of T10 was carried out in anesthetized adult male Wistar rats and CD1 mice. At 4 and 24 h after SCI, the animals received two intrathecal LXA4 (150 pmol or 300 pmol) or vehicle injections. In a different protocol, animals also received an intrathecal treatment of ALX/FPR2 siRNA for receptor gene silencing. Mechanical sensitivity of hind paws was evaluated after SCI using a 15g von Frey hair in rats or with a series of von Frey hairs in mice (up-down method). On the 7th day after surgery the spinal cord was collected and processed to evaluate the levels of endogenous LXA4 as well as the transcriptional expression level by RT-PCR of the ALX/FPR2 receptor, cytokines and glial markers. Microglia cultures were also prepared from mice cerebral cortexes to assess the direct effects of LXA4 on microglial cytokine expression and MAPK activation. The local ethics committees approved all procedures. Shamoperated animals showed normal mechanical responsiveness after the surgery. The mechanical responsiveness to von Frey hair was increased on both rat hind paws from day 7 until day 28 after SCI. Mice started presenting increased sensitivity on the ipsilateral paw on day 14 and in the contralateral paw on day 7, until the 35th days of observation. The ALX/FPR2 receptor mRNA was significantly increased in both species on the 7th day after SCI. Intrathecal treatment of LXA4 reduced SCIinduced mechanical hypersensitivity when compared to vehicle control group in both rats and mice, but the gene silencing with the respective siRNA in mice for the receptor blocked this effect. The LXA4 treatment also reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-a and increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10,on rat spinal cord. Finally, LXA4 reduced the IFN-?-induced p38 activation and TNF-a release in microglia cultures. Taken together, our results suggest that LXA4 can effectively reduce neuropathic pain in rodents after SCI, by inhibiting SCI-induced neuroinflammation in the spinal cord and microglial responses. Thus, LXA4 and its analogs may be used to prevent SCI-induced neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation

Envolvimento das proteínas quinases ativadas por mitógenos espinhais na lesão medular traumática em ratos

Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Florianópolis, 2011O envolvimento das proteínas quinases ativadas por mitógenos (MAPKs) em lesões do sistema nervoso central já foi demonstrado em alguns estudos. Porém, a implicação da ativação dessas proteínas na medula espinhal após a lesão medular traumática necessita de maior esclarecimento. O presente estudo investigou a participação das MAPKs ERK1/2, p38 e JNK no dano espinhal e funcional induzido pela lesão medular traumática em ratos. A compressão da medula espinhal, através da inserção de um cateter de embolectomia no espaço epidural, resultou em uma lesão espinhal caracterizada histologicamente por resposta inflamatória pronunciada, com edema, infiltração de neutrófilos, produção de mediadores inflamatórios e apoptose, associada com comprometimento locomotor significativo. A lesão medular não alterou a expressão protéica total de quaisquer das MAPKs na medula espinhal. Contudo, os níveis de expressão das isoformas fosforiladas de cada MAPK em amostras espinhais de animais lesados apresentaram-se elevadas, em relação às de amostras de animais falso-operados, nos seguintes momentos após indução da lesão: p38 fosforilada em 2 e 6 h, ERK1/2 fosforilada em 2, 6 e 24 h, e JNK fosforilada apresentou uma elevação significativa em 6 e 24 h. Amostras espinhais de animais lesados apresentaram ainda aumento nos níveis das citocinas IL-1ß em 2, 6 e 24 h após a lesão e de TNF-a em 2 h, atividade aumentada da enzima mieloperoxidase (uma medida indireta da infiltração de neutrófilos) em 6, 24 e 72 h, e do número de células apoptóticas em 24 e 72 h após a lesão. A administração intratecal do inibidor seletivo da proteína JNK, o SP600125 (2 injeções de 150 nmol, 1 e 4 h após a lesão medular), reduziu a expressão da proteína JNK fosforilada (mas não de p-38 ou ERK1/2 fosforiladas) e bloqueou a apoptose em 6 h, sem alterar os níveis espinhais de mieloperoxidase. O tratamento com SP600125 acentuou marcadamente a recuperação da atividade locomotora dos animais no transcorrer das primeiras 4 semanas após a lesão, e atenuou os danos histológicos espinhais. Este estudo demonstra o importante envolvimento das MAPKs na lesão medular e aponta a proteína JNK como um importante alvo terapêutico no tratamento da lesão medular traumática, uma vez que um inibidor seletivo desta proteína foi capaz de inibir a apoptose espinhal e potencializar a recuperação da função locomotora.Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been extensively implicated in injuries of the CNS, however the roles played by spinal cord MAPK activation following spinal cord injury (SCI) still remain elusive. Considering that the therapies currently available for treatment of this condition have limited efficacy, the use of animal models of SCI is still mandatory for development of new more effective approaches. The current study investigates the changes in expression of the three main MAPKs, namely ERK1/2, p38 and JNK following traumatic SCI, as well as the role played by spinal JNK in motor impairment following lesion. SCI induced by inflation of a balloon catheter placed in the epidural space at T9-T10, was associated with a marked spinal inflammatory response, histological changes and a pronounced locomotor impairment which subsided only partially over the first 4 weeks. Spinal expression levels of total p38, ERK1/2 and JNK proteins were unchanged after SCI, but levels of the phosphorylated (phospho) forms of each of the MAPKs were enhanced as follows: phospho-p38 MAPK at 2 and 6 h after SCI, phospho-ERK1/2 at 2, 6 and 24 h after SCI, and phospho-JNK at 6 and 24 h after SCI. SCI also increased IL-1â at 2, 6 and 24 h, TNF-á at 2 h, spinal cord MPO levels at 6, 24 and 72 h and elevated the number of spinal apoptotic cells in the spinal cord at 24 and specially 72 h after the lesion. Notably, intrathecal administration of a specific inhibitor of JNK phosphorylation, SP600125 (2 injections of 150 nmol, given at 1 and 4 h after SCI surgery), reduced the expression of phospho-JNK (but not of phospho-p38 or phospho-ERK1/2) and the number of spinal apoptotic cells at 6 h after SCI, as well as many of the histological signs of spinal injury, but spinal MPO levels were unchanged. Most importantly, restoration of locomotor performance throughout the first 4 weeks following SCI was clearly ameliorated by this same treatment schedule with SP600125. Altogether, the results demonstrate that SCI induces the activation of spinal MAPKs and that, among these, spinal JNK plays a major role in mediating the deleterious consequences of spinal injury, not only at the spinal level, but also those regarding motor function. Moreover, they suggest that inhibition of JNK activation in the spinal cord might hold therapeutic potential for the functional recovery from SCI

Evaluation of pet animals involved in assisted interventions (AAI) as potential carriers of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials: Preliminary data

open8noopenDotto, G.; Pasotto, D.; Poser, H.; Menandro, M.L.; Berlanda, M.; Falomo, M.E.; Mondin, A.; Martini, M.Dotto, Giorgia; Pasotto, Daniela; Poser, Helen; Menandro, MARIA LUISA; Berlanda, Michele; Falomo, MARIA ELENA; Mondin, Alessandra; Martini, Marc

SerpinB3 and Yap Interplay Increases Myc Oncogenic Activity

SerpinB3 has been recently described as an early marker of liver carcinogenesis, but the potential mechanistic role of this serpin in tumor development is still poorly understood. Overexpression of Myc often correlates with more aggressive tumour forms, supporting its involvement in carcinogenesis. Yes-associated protein (Yap), the main effector of the Hippo pathway, is a central regulator of proliferation and it has been found up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinomas. The study has been designed to investigate and characterize the interplay and functional modulation of Myc by SerpinB3 in liver cancer. Results from this study indicate that Myc was up-regulated by SerpinB3 through calpain and Hippo-dependent molecular mechanisms in transgenic mice and hepatoma cells overexpressing human SerpinB3, and also in human hepatocellular carcinomas. Human recombinant SerpinB3 was capable to inhibit the activity of Calpain in vitro, likely reducing its ability to cleave Myc in its non oncogenic Myc-nick cytoplasmic form. SerpinB3 indirectly increased the transcription of Myc through the induction of Yap pathway. These findings provide for the first time evidence that SerpinB3 can improve the production of Myc through direct and indirect mechanisms that include the inhibition of generation of its cytoplasmic form and the activation of Yap pathway