Anti-inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activity of Ouabain in Mice

Ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, was identified as an endogenous substance of human plasma. Ouabain has been studied for its ability to interfere with various regulatory mechanisms. Despite the studies portraying the ability of ouabain to modulate the immune response, little is known about the effect of this substance on the inflammatory process. The aim of this work was to study the effects triggered by ouabain on inflammation and nociceptive models. Ouabain produced a reduction in the mouse paw edema induced by carrageenan, compound 48/80 and zymosan. This anti-inflammatory potential might be related to the inhibition of prostaglandin E2, bradykinin, and mast-cell degranulation but not to histamine. Ouabain also modulated the inflammation induced by concanavalin A by inhibiting cell migration. Besides that, ouabain presented antinociceptive activity. Taken these data together, this work demonstrated, for the first time, that ouabain presented in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects

O impacto do design da cadeira de rodas na experiência de utilização e na perceção do estigma

Este trabalho pretende avaliar se cadeiras de rodas com linhas de design modernas são capazes de proporcionar melhor experiência de utilização e menor perceção de estigma do que cadeiras de rodas tradicionais. A conceção e desenvolvimento de tecnologias de apoio que rompam com soluções de design usuais podem possibilitar a diminuição de eventuais abandonos, do uso inadequado e principalmente, minimizar a associação de quem as utiliza a uma imagem de dependência e incapacidade. A não existência de estudos sobre a experiência de utilização com tecnologias de apoio e tampouco do estigma associado a esta interação, levou-nos, em uma fase inicial, a explorar diferentes abordagens metodológicas que se traduziram em dois estudos pilotos que objetivaram identificar métodos para avaliar a experiência de utilização com cadeiras de rodas e mensurar se o contexto influência esta avaliação. Os resultados destes estudos exploratórios conduziram à definição de uma abordagem metodológica para o estudo final, em que a experiência de utilização foi avaliada por meio do AttrakDiff2 e a perceção do estigma pelo Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire. Foram selecionados dois modelos das cadeiras de rodas manuais, em conjunto com profissionais da área do design, fisioterapia e ergonomia. Após o desenvolvimento das imagens destes dispositivos em 3D, os testes foram aplicados por meio de exibição em forma de vídeo, permitindo a visualização em 360 graus. A amostra foi composta por pessoas que utilizam e por pessoas que não utilizam cadeiras de rodas. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que uma cadeira de rodas com design moderno proporciona melhor avaliação da experiência de utilização para ambas as amostras. O estigma também foi menos associado à cadeira de rodas moderna do que à cadeira de rodas tradicional, principalmente pelas pessoas que utilizam tal tecnologia de apoio. Estes resultados fazem-nos inferir que o design de uma cadeira de rodas é capaz de influenciar a maneira como um utilizador e a sociedade interagem com este produto, possibilitando uma utilização que enfatize habilidades, potencialidades e permita maior inclusão social e laboral. Almejamos que este trabalho provoque reflexões nos fabricantes e Organizações de Saúde sobre a importância do design para as tecnologias de apoio, e, em consequência, para seus utilizadores.This study aims to evaluate whether wheelchairs with modern design lines are capable of providing better user experience and less stigma perception than traditional wheelchairs. The design and development of Assistive Technologies that rupture with usual design solutions can enable the reduction of eventual abandonment, inadequate use and, especially, minimize the association of those who use them to an image of dependence and disability. The lack of studies on the user experience with Assistive Technology or on the stigma associated with this interaction led us, in an initial phase, to explore different methodological approaches that resulted in two pilot studies that aimed to identify methods to evaluate the user experience with wheelchairs and to measure if the context influences this assessment. The results of these exploratory studies led to the definition of methodological approaches for the final study, in which the user experience was evaluated through the AttrakDiff2 and the perception of stigma by the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire. Two models of manual wheelchairs were selected together with professional designers, physiotherapists and ergonomists. After the development of the images of these devices in 3D, the tests were applied through video display, allowing 360 degree viewing. The sample consisted of people who use and of people who do not use wheelchairs. The results show that a wheelchair with a modern design provides a better user experience evaluation for both samples. The stigma was also less associated with the modern wheelchair than with the traditional wheelchair, mainly by people who use this Assistive Technology. These results lead us to infer that the design of a wheelchair is capable of influencing the way that a user and the society interact with this product, enabling a use that emphasizes skills, potentialities and allows greater social and labor inclusion. We aim that this work leads to reflections on manufacturers and Health Organizations about the importance of design to Assistive Technologies, and, consequently, to its users

Efeito modulador da ouabaína no sistema imunológico

Initially known as a cardiotonic steroid capable to inhibit the Na+/K+ATPase, ouabain was identified as an endogenous substance present in human plasma, produced by the adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus and can interfere with various aspects of immune response. In this study, which aimed to study the modulating effect of ouabain on the immune system in vivo and in vitro using mouse models, we demonstrated that treatment for three consecutive days using 0,56 mg/kg ouabain was able to reduce cell migration induced by mitogen Concanavalian A (Con A) to the peritoneum, and this fact reflects a decrease in the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mainly neutrophils. In this same model, ouabain was also able to increase the number of mononuclear leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity. Evaluating the effect of treatment on lymphocytes in peripheral organs, we found that, in lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph nodes, this substance induces a decrease of 20% of T CD3+ lymphocytes, concomitant with an increase in same percentage of B lymphocytes, without, however, modulating the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ among themselves, as well as the number of regulatory T cells (CD4+/CD25+). In the thymus, the same treatment, does not affect the proportion of lymphocyte subpopulations studied. The analysis qualitative and quantitatively of peripheral blood leukocytes, biometrics and cellularity of spleen, thymus and lymph nodes showed no change in response to ouabain treatment. Comparative studies using treatment for one or two days, with the same dose of 0,56 mg/kg did not trigger modulation, in vivo, in populations of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and subpopulations of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. In addition, ouabain was able to inhibit mitochondrial activity of lymphocytes stimulated with Con A, using MTT assay.These findings indicate an immunomodulatory role of ouabain.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPESInicialmente, conhecida como um esteróide cardiotônico e por sua propriedade de inibir a Na+/K+ATPase, a ouabaína foi identificada como uma substância endógena presente no plasma humano, produzida pela adrenal, hipófise e hipotálamo e capaz de interferir em vários aspectos da resposta imune. Neste trabalho, que teve como objetivo estudar o efeito modulador da ouabaína no sistema imunológico in vivo e in vitro por meio de modelos murinos, demonstrou-se que o tratamento por três dias consecutivos com ouabaína utilizando a dose de 0,56 mg/kg foi capaz de reduzir a migração celular induzida pelo mitógeno Concanavaliana A (Con A) para o peritôneo, sendo este fato reflexo da redução do número de leucócitos polimorfonucleares, principalmente, neutrófilos. Neste mesmo modelo, a ouabaína também foi capaz de aumentar o número de leucócitos mononucleares no lavado peritoneal. Avaliando-se o efeito desse tratamento no perfil linfocitário de órgãos periféricos, encontrou-se que, em linfócitos de linfonodos mesentéricos, esta substância induz a uma diminuição de 20% de linfócitos T CD3+, concomitante a um aumento de mesmo percentual de linfócitos B, sem, no entanto, modular a proporção de linfócitos TCD4+ e CD8+ entre si, bem como o número de células T regulatórias (CD4+CD25+). No timo, o mesmo tratamento com a ouabaína não interfere na proporção das subpopulações linfocitárias estudadas. As análises qualitativas e quantitativas de leucócitos do sangue periférico, da biometria e celularidade do baço, timo e linfonodos mesentéricos não apresentaram alteração em resposta ao tratamento com a ouabaína. Estudos comparativos utilizando tratamentos de um ou dois dias, com a mesma dose de 0,56 mg/Kg não desencadearam modulação, in vivo, nas populações de linfócitos T, linfócitos B e das subpopulações de linfócitos TCD4+ e CD8+ nos linfonodos mesentéricos. Adicionalmente, a ouabaína foi capaz de inibir a atividade mitocondrial de linfócitos estimulados com Con A, por meio do ensaio de MTT. Estes resultados indicam um papel imunomodulador da ouabaína

Hepatitis B and C in the Hemodialysis Unit of Tocantins, Brazil: Serological and Molecular Profiles

A survey was conducted in the hemodialysis population of the state of Tocantins, Brazil, aiming to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, to analyze associated risk factors, and also to investigate these viruses genotypes distribution. During January and March 2001, all patients (n = 100) were interviewed at the unique dialysis unit in Tocantins. Blood samples were collected and serum samples were screened for HBV serological markers. Hepatitis B surface antigen positive samples were tested for HBV DNA. All samples were also tested for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. An overall prevalence of 45% was found for HBV infection (4% were HBsAg/anti-HBc positive, 2% were anti-HBc only and 39% had anti-HBc/anti-HBs markers). Concerning HCV infection, anti-HCV and HCV RNA were detected in 13% and 14% of the subjects, respectively. Three patients were HCV RNA positive and anti-HCV negative, resulting in an overall HCV prevalence of 16%. Univariate analysis of risk factors showed that only shift and length of time on hemodialysis were associated with HBV and HCV positivity, respectively. Among the four HBsAg-positive samples, HBV DNA was detected in three of them, which were identified as genotype A by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. All 14 HCV RNA-positive samples were genotyped by INNO-LiPA. Genotypes 1a and 3a were found in 85% and 15%, respectively. The present data show low HBsAg and HCV prevalence rates. The risk factors associated with HBV and HCV positivity suggest that nosocomial transmission may influence in spreading these viruses in the dialysis unit studied

Genetic homogeneity among Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum isolates from dog and human samples in Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area (BHMA); Minas Gerais; Brazil

Submitted by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-01-29T17:47:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Genetic homogeneity among Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum isolates.pdf: 10721186 bytes, checksum: 6344edd6cdea306724b13c911ba8a110 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Nuzia Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-02-01T11:46:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Genetic homogeneity among Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum isolates.pdf: 10721186 bytes, checksum: 6344edd6cdea306724b13c911ba8a110 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-02-01T11:46:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Genetic homogeneity among Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum isolates.pdf: 10721186 bytes, checksum: 6344edd6cdea306724b13c911ba8a110 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Parasitologia. Laboratório de Epidemiologia das Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Parasitologia. Laboratório de Epidemiologia das Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina. Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. Escola de Farmácia. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Parasitologia. Laboratório de Toxoplasmose Belo Horizonte, MG, BrasilFundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Grupo de Genômica e Biologia Computacional. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. Escola de Farmácia. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. Escola de Farmácia. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou. Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas. Departamento de Parasitologia. Laboratório de Epidemiologia das Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil/Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Faculdade de Medicina. Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical. Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.BACKGROUND: Certain municipalities in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area (BHMA), Minas Gerais, Brazil, have the highest human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) mortality rates in the country and also demonstrate high canine seropositivity. In Brazil, the etiologic agent of VL is Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraspecific genetic variability of parasites from humans and from dogs with different clinical forms of VL in five municipalities of BHMA using PCR-RFLP and two target genes: kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and gp63. METHODS: In total, 45 samples of DNA extracted from clinical samples (n = 35) or L. infantum culture (n = 10) were evaluated. These samples originated from three groups: adults (with or without Leishmania/HIV co-infection; n = 14), children (n = 18) and dogs (n = 13). The samples were amplified for the kDNA target using the MC1 and MC2 primers (447 bp), while the Sg1 and Sg2 (1330 bp) primers were used for the gp63 glycoprotein target gene. RESULTS: The restriction enzyme patterns of all the samples tested were monomorphic. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal a high degree of genetic homogeneity for the evaluated gene targets among L. infantum samples isolated from different hosts and representing different clinical forms of VL in the municipalities of BHMA studied

Seroprevalence of Hantavirus among Manual Cane Cutters and Epidemiological Aspects of HPS in Central Brazil

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rodent-borne zoonotic disease that is endemic throughout the Americas. Agricultural activities increase exposure to wild rodents, especially for sugarcane cutters. We carried out a survey of the epidemiological aspects of HPS and investigated the prevalence of hantavirus infection in the sugarcane cutter population from different localities in the Brazilian Midwest region. We conducted a retrospective study of all confirmed HPS cases in the state of Goiás reported to the National HPS surveillance system between 2007 and 2017, along with a seroepidemiological study in a population of sugarcane cutters working in Goiás state in 2016, using the anti-hantavirus (Andes) ELISA IgG. A total of 634 serum samples from cane cutters were tested for hantavirus antibodies, with 44 (6.9%) being IgG-reactive according to ELISA. The destination of garbage was the only statistically significant variable (p = 0.03) related to the detection of hantavirus IgG (p < 0.05). We described the epidemiological profile of reported hantavirus cases in Goiás—a highly endemic area for HPS, and where the seroepidemiological study was conducted. Our results increase our knowledge about hantavirus infections in Brazil and highlight the vulnerability of sugarcane cutters to a highly lethal disease that, to date, has no specific treatment or vaccination