Rutin-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: molecular docking, physicochemistry and cytotoxicity in fibroblasts

Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) have been functionalized with rutin through three steps (i. reaction step; ii. purification step; iii. drying step) and their physicochemical properties investigated with respect to morphological structure, thermal analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and cytotoxicity. The molecular docking suggested the rutin-functionalized MWCNT occurred by hydrogen bonds, which was confirmed by FTIR assays, corroborating the results obtained by thermal analyses. A tubular shape, arranged in a three-dimensional structure, could be observed. Mild cytotoxicity observed in 3T3 fibroblasts suggested a doseeffect relationship after exposure. These findings suggest the formation of aggregates of filamentous structures on the cells favoring the cell penetration.The authors acknowledge Classius Ferreira da Silva, from the Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, for the scanning electron microscopy analyses.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Persistência da sindrome metabólica em crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso de acordo com dois críterios diagnósticos: Um estudo longitudinal.

Objective: To investigate the persistence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in children and adolescents are overweight according to the diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Program- III (NCEP / ATP III). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted at the Center for Childhood Obesity between April/2009 and April/2012, involving 133 children and adolescents are overweight. The evaluation was made at first and after 24 months of follow up, anthropometry being performed, then the nutritional classification and diagnosis of MS which was subsequently divided into three groups: negative, intermittent and and persistent MS. Descriptive and agreement between the two criteria and also between groups analysis was performed using the Kappa index, using SPSS version 17.0 (95% CI). Results: Among those evaluated, the majority were female (60.9%), and adolescent with severe obesity. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, fasting glucose, blood pressure levels and insulin resistance were reduced in the period. There was no significant correlation between the diagnostic criteria, although it has seen significant coincidence in the group with persistent metabolic syndrome (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A significant similarity between the criteria of WHO and NCEP/ATPIII only in the group with persistent SM, demonstrating sensitivity of the tests, but the use of more specific markers for this age group it is necessary to identify the early SM.Objetivo: Verificar a persistência da síndrome metabólica (SM) em crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso de acordo com os critérios diagnósticos da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) e do National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Métodos: Estudo longitudinal, realizado no Centro de Obesidade Infantil de abril/2009 a abril/2012, envolvendo 133 crian- ças e adolescentes com excesso de peso. A avaliação se deu em um primeiro momento e após 24 meses de seguimento, sendo realizada antropometria, seguida da classificação nutricional e diagnóstico da SM que foi, posteriormente, dividida em três grupos: SM negativa, intermitente e persistente. A análise descritiva e de concordância entre os dois critérios e também entre os grupos se deu através do índice de Kappa, no programa SPSS versão 17.0 (IC95%). Resultados: Entre os avaliados, a maioria era do sexo feminino (60,9%), adolescente e cursava com obesidade acentuada. Dentre os componentes da síndrome metabólica, a glicemia de jejum, os níveis pressóricos e a resistência insulínica sofreram redução no período. Não foi verificada concordância significativa entre os critérios diagnósticos, embora tenha se observado coincidência significativa no grupo que apresentou a síndrome metabólica persistente (p=0,002). Conclusão: Verificou-se semelhança significativa entre os critérios da OMS e NCEP/ATPIII apenas no grupo com persistência da SM, demonstrando sensibilidade dos testes, porém faz-se necessário a utilização de marcadores mais específicos a essa faixa etária a fim de identificar precocemente a SM

Naringenin-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes: a potential approach for site-specific remote-controlled anticancer delivery for the treatment of lung cancer cells

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with naringenin have been developed as new drug carriers to improve the performance of lung cancer treatment. The nanocarrier was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug release rates were determined in vitro by the dialysis method. The cytotoxic profile was evaluated using the MTT assay, against a human skin cell line (hFB) as a model for normal cells, and against an adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A569) cell line as a lung cancer in vitro model. The results demonstrated that the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with naringenin occurred by non-covalent interactions. The release profiles demonstrated a pH-responsive behavior, showing a prolonged release in the tumor pH environment. The naringenin-functionalized carbon nanotubes showed lower cytotoxicity on non-malignant cells (hFB) than free naringenin, with an improved anticancer effect on malignant lung cells (A549) as an in vitro model of lung cancer.This work was supported by the Banco do Nordeste (grant FUNDECI/2016.0015), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Inovação Tecnológica do Estado de Sergipe (Fapitec) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Eliana B. Souto would like to acknowledge the contributions from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT) and from European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE) for the projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED and UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mapeamento de cobertura da terra na Raia Divisória (SP-PR-MS) a partir de imagens CBERS

O objetivo deste trabalho foi mapear e identificar os principais tipos de cobertura da terra na raia divisória entre os estados de São Paulo, Paraná e Mato Grosso do Sul, a partir de imagens CBERS-2B, do sensor CCD. Através da elaboração dos índices radiométricos NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) e NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index) realizou-se a sobreposição dos resultados, gerando uma imagem síntese com as coberturas predominantes - água, área edificada/solo exposto e vegetação. De modo geral, o mapeamento apresentou correspondência significativa com a realidade, evidenciando sua vantagem quando se trabalha com áreas de grande extensão territorial. Apesar de a qualidade radiométrica da imagem e resolução espectral do sensor terem dificultado a identificação e delimitação de determinados alvos, a utilização dos índices foi eficaz, realçando as feições nas imagens, e possibilitando a distinção das áreas, bem como o mapeamento temático da cobertura da terra

Development of a manometric monitoring method for early detection of air microbiological contamination in the bloodstream

Atmospheric air is a microbial habitat of pathogenic bioaerosols that may pose serious risks to humans. A commonly laboratory-based approach for the diagnosis of such infections in the bloodstream is the blood culture analysis. Its clinical relevance is attributed to the fact that these infections are characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality, requiring the need for efficient methods for rapid diagnosis. For this reason, our study aimed to develop a method of manometric monitoring for the rapid detection of viable microorganisms in blood culture vials. A methodology was developed to detect pressure variation in intra-vials through a manometric instrument that was coupled to vials of blood culture containing culture broth that allowed microbial growth. This device allowed the early detection of microbial activity based on the production or use of intra-flask gases as a result of microbial metabolic activity. The analyzed variables were the pressure as a function of time, microbial species, and culture medium. The highest pressure found in the flasks without microorganisms was 40 mmHg between 2 and 6 h, and the lowest pressure was 42 mmHg between 21 and 24 h. The variation of the internal pressure in blood culture flasks according to different groups of microorganisms as a function of time demonstrated that the fermentative gram-negative bacilli and gram-positive cocci exhibited a significant increase in relation to their respective control groups (p < 0.001). The non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli showed expected results in relation to the pressure variation in which the production of negative pressures was noticed during the period of analysis, with a significant difference with respect to their control groups (p < 0.001). The developed methodology for the early detection of microorganisms responsible for bloodstream infection was demonstrated to be effective.e Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa e à Inovação Tecnológica do Estado de Sergipe-Program Centelha (FAPITEC/SE) and by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) through the project UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund) funded by national funds, and co-financed Education (FCT/MEC) from national funds and FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Alternative communication technology applied inlaryngectomized people due to head and neck cancer

Study design: Integrative literature review. Aims: To summarize the main results of research and publications related to the use of alternative communication technologies for people with restrictions on their communication skills, particularly those laryngectomized with head and neck cancer. Method: This study was based on bibliographic research in electronic databases: PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO and CINAHL through the use of the following descriptors: “Head and Neck Neoplasms”, “Head and Neck Cancer”, “Quality of Life” and “Communication” , their corresponding in Portuguese and their crosses. Results: Selected 14 articles published in the period from 2004 to 2014, categorized into two units of analysis: I: Illness and treatment impact on quality of life and physical aspects, functional and symptoms (N = 5), II: Psychosocial aspects related to the treatment of head and neck cancer (N = 9). The articles indicated that the disease and the treatment of cancer cause body changes, at times traumatic, with important impacts on the functional and esthetic aspects, with speech, nutrition and physical appearance alterations, besides affecting the psychological factors. The laryngectomy is highly stressing and compromises the communication and social interactions, particularly in relation to their families and the health team. The consequences are manifested in everyday life of these subjects, including emotional responses ranging in a singular way to each individual. The use of alternative communication resources can encourage active social participation by people with communication difficulties and favor therefore their quality of life (QoL). Conclusion: The use of alternative resources for communication, by partial or total laryngectomized favors the exercise of the autonomy, maintaining communication skills, active social participation and improves QoL in person’s with cancerModelo do estudo: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura. Objetivo: sintetizar os principais resultados de pesquisas e publicações relacionados ao uso de tecnologias de comunicação alternativa por pessoas com restrições de sua capacidade de comunicação, particularmente daquelas laringectomizadas por câncer de cabeça e pescoço. Método: estudo baseado em levantamento bibliográfico nas bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO e CINAHL, através do uso dos descritores: “Head and Neck Neoplasms”, “Head and Neck Cancer”, “Quality of Life” e “Communication”, seus correspondentes em português e seus cruzamentos. Resultados: Foram selecionados 14 artigos, publicados no período de 2004 à 2014, categorizados em duas unidades de análise: I: Impacto do adoecimento e do tratamento na qualidade de vida e aspectos físicos, funcionais e sintomas (N=5), II: Aspectos psicossociais relacionados ao tratamento de câncer de cabeça e pescoço (N=9). Os artigos indicaram que o adoecimento e o tratamento do câncer causam alterações corporais, por vezes traumáticas, com impactos importantes sobre os aspectos funcionais e estéticos, com alterações da fala, da alimentação e aparência física, além de afetar fatores psicológicos. A laringectomia é altamente estressante e compromete a comunicação e as interações sociais, particularmente em relação a seus familiares e equipe de saúde. Essas consequências manifestam-se na vida cotidiana desses sujeitos, incluindo respostas emocionais que variam de forma singular a cada individuo. O uso de recursos de comunicação alternativa pode favorecer a participação social ativa por parte de pessoas com dificuldades de comunicação e favorecer, assim, sua qualidade de vida (QV). Conclusão: O uso de recursos alternativos para a comunicação, por parte de laringectomizados parciais ou totais, favorece o exercício da autonomia, a manutenção da capacidade de comunicação, a ativa participação social e melhora da QV da pessoa com cânce

Effect of light and sucrose on photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic micropropagation of Physalis angulata

The biotechnological interest in genus Physalis has increased in the last decades, however, there are still few micropropagation studies of this genus. The objective of this study was to evaluate P. angulata photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic micropropagation with gas exchange under seven light spectra and five concentrations of sucrose. Lighting were yellow, blue, white, red, green, red + blue LEDs and natural light filtered by mesh. Sucrose concentrations were 0, 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30 g.L-1. Phytotechnical, anatomical features and photopigment contents were evaluated through stem and root segment length, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll a and b contents, carotenoids, adaxial epidermis, palisadic and spongy parenchyma and abaxial epidermis. The data were compared by Scott-Knott's mean test and principal components analysis using the R software. Comparing the variables within lighting types, it was observed that only the screen treatment, screen-filtered natural illumination, obtained assessment in all variables. Comparing the levels of sucrose, it was observed that the treatment 15 g.L-1 sucrose obtained the highest number of averages with maximum evaluation. It was concluded that the natural light filtered by screen with 50% of shading allowed the photoautotrophic micropropagation of P. angulata. Better development results were observed in photomixotrophic micropropagation with 15 g.L-1 of sucrose

Aging-related predictive factors for oxygenation improvement and mortality in COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients exposed to prone position: A multicenter cohort study

Background: Elderly patients are more susceptible to Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and are more likely to develop it in severe forms, (e.g., Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome [ARDS]). Prone positioning is a treatment strategy for severe ARDS; however, its response in the elderly population remains poorly understood. The main objective was to evaluate the predictive response and mortality of elderly patients exposed to prone positioning due to ARDS-COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study involved 223 patients aged ≥ 65 years, who received prone position sessions for severe ARDS due to COVID-19, using invasive mechanical ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was used to assess the oxygenation response. The 20-point improvement in PaO2/FiO2 after the first prone session was considered for good response. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic data, laboratory/image exams, complications, comorbidities, SAPS III and SOFA scores, use of anticoagulants and vasopressors, ventilator settings, and respiratory system mechanics. Mortality was defined as deaths that occurred until hospital discharge. Results: Most patients were male, with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as the most prevalent comorbidities. The non-responders group had higher SAPS III and SOFA scores, and a higher incidence of complications. There was no difference in mortality rate. A lower SAPS III score was a predictor of oxygenation response, and the male sex was a risk predictor of mortality. Conclusion: The present study suggests the oxygenation response to prone positioning in elderly patients with severe COVID-19-ARDS correlates with the SAPS III score. Furthermore, the male sex is a risk predictor of mortality

Enzyme replacement therapy with galsulfase in 34 children younger than five years of age with MPS VI

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a progressive, chronic and multisystem lysosomal storage disease with a wide disease spectrum. Clinical and biochemical improvements have been reported for MPS VI patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with rhASB (recombinant human arylsulfatase B; galsulfase, Naglazyme (R), BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.), making early diagnosis and intervention imperative for optimal patient outcomes. Few studies have included children younger than five years of age. This report describes 34 MPS VI patients that started treatment with galsulfase before five years of age.Methods: Data from patients who initiated treatment at <5 years of age were collected from patients' medical records. Baseline and follow-up assessments of common symptoms that led to diagnosis and that were used to evaluate disease progression and treatment efficacy were evaluated.Results: A significant negative correlation was seen with treatment with ERT and urinary GAG levels. of those with baseline and follow-up growth data, 47% remained on their pre-treatment growth curve or moved to a higher percentile after treatment. of the 9 patients with baseline and follow-up sleep studies, 5 remained unaffected and 1 patient initially with mild sleep apnea showed improvement. Data regarding cardiac, ophthalmic, central nervous system, hearing, surgical interventions and development are also reported. No patient discontinued treatment due to an adverse event and all that were treatment-emergent resolved.Conclusions: the prescribed dosage of 1 mg/kg IV weekly with galsulfase ERT is shown to be safe and effective in slowing and/or improving certain aspects of the disease, although patients should be closely monitored for complications associated with the natural history of the disease, especially cardiac valve involvement and spinal cord compression. A long-term follow-up investigation of this group of children will provide further information on the benefits of early treatment as well as disease progression and treatment efficacy and safety in this young patient population. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.ShireGenzymeBioMarinFiocruz MS, Inst Nacl Saude Mulher Crianca & Adolescente Fern, Ctr Genet Med, BR-22250020 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Bahia, Serv Genet Med, Salvador, BA, BrazilHosp Albert Sabin, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Fed Mato Grosso do Sul, Fac Med, Campo Grande, MS USAUniv São Paulo, Inst Crianca, São Paulo, BrazilHosp Barao de Lucena, Recife, PE, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Hosp Clin, BR-80060000 Curitiba, Parana, BrazilCtr Reabilitacao Infantil, Natal, RN, BrazilHosp Univ Maranhao, Sao Luis, MA, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos Metab, São Paulo, SP, BrazilHosp São Paulo, Enzyme Replacement Therapy Serv, Hosp & Maternidade Celso Pierro, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Rio Grande do Norte, HOSPED, Hosp Pediat Prof Heriberto Ferreira Bezerra, Natal, RN, BrazilUniv Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceara, BrazilUniv Fed Rio Grande do Norte, BR-59072970 Natal, RN, BrazilUniv Fed Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, BrazilHosp Clin Acre, Rio Branco, AC, BrazilUniv Fed Espirito Santo, HUCAM, Vitoria, ES, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Referencia Erros Inatos Metab, São Paulo, SP, BrazilHosp São Paulo, Enzyme Replacement Therapy Serv, Hosp & Maternidade Celso Pierro, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc