Ações político-sociais frente à COVID-19: colaboração e produção de produtos tecnológicos

Objetivo: Descrever ações de uma entidade de Enfermagem no combate à pandemia da COVID-19 na Amazônia brasileira Métodos:  Estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência a partir de pesquisa documental por meio de documentos contemporâneos utilizando como ferramentas as mídias sociais e apreensão dos significados e atitudes, realizado no período de agosto a dezembro de 2020 e analisado por meio da Teoria da Atividade. Resultados:  Foram identificadas ações relativas à produção de quatro produtos tecnológicos para proteção individual, produção de artefatos e divulgação de informações. Considerações Finais:  As ações foram planejadas considerando o cenário particular da região, assim como as necessidades inerentes ao acesso geográfico, abrangência tecnológica e a partir da formação político-social prevista na formação e atuação em enfermagem usando o recurso de interações colaborativas para efetividade das ações

Diagnosis of \u3ci\u3eSchistosoma mansoni\u3c/i\u3e Infections: What are the Choices in Brazilian Low-Endemic Areas?

The population of Brazil is currently characterised by many individuals harbouring low-intensity Schistosoma mansoni infections. The Kato-Katz technique is the diagnostic method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess these infections, but this method is not sensitive enough in the context of low egg excretion. In this regard, potential alternatives are being employed to overcome the limits of the Kato-Katz technique. In the present review, we evaluated the performance of parasitological and immunological approaches adopted in Brazilian areas. Currently, the diagnostic choices involve a combination of strategies, including the utilisation of antibody methods to screen individuals and then subsequent confirmation of positive cases by intensive parasitological investigations

Immunoreactivity of proteins within 30-40 kDa range during the acute and the recovery phases in rats experimentally infected with Strongyloides venezuelensis

In experimental infection with Strongyloides venezuelensis, the acute and recovery phases can be distinguished, unlike human infections caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies and the recognition of immunogenic protein bands during the acute and the recovery phases in rats experimentally infected with S. venezuelensis. Rats were infected subcutaneously with 400 or 4,000 S. venezuelensis infective larvae. The acute phase was characterized by elimination of a large number of eggs in the faeces on days 6-14 post infection; the recovery phase was characterized by the resolution of the infection between days 30 and 35 post infection. Differences in IgG levels were observed in the acute and the recovery phases. Different antigenic fractions were recognized in both phases of infection. It is concluded that proteins within the 30-40 kDa range are immunoreactive markers for both the acute and the recovery phases in rats experimentally infected with S. venezuelensis, particularly using membrane antigen

Transcriptional Profile and Structural Conservation of SUMO-Specific Proteases in Schistosoma mansoni

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is involved in numerous cellular processes including protein localization, transcription, and cell cycle control. SUMOylation is a dynamic process, catalyzed by three SUMO-specific enzymes and reversed by Sentrin/SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs). Here we report the characterization of these proteases in Schistosoma mansoni. Using in silico analysis, we identified two SENPs sequences, orthologs of mammalian SENP1 and SENP7, confirming their identities and conservation through phylogenetic analysis. In addition, the transcript levels of Smsenp1/7 in cercariae, adult worms, and in vitro cultivated schistosomula were measured by qRT-PCR. Our data revealed upregulation of the Smsenp1/7 transcripts in cercariae and early schistosomula, followed by a marked differential gene expression in the other analyzed stages. However, no significant difference in expression profile between the paralogs was observed for the analyzed stages. Furthermore, in order to detect deSUMOylating capabilities in crude parasite extracts, SmSENP1 enzymatic activity was evaluated using SUMO-1-AMC substrate. The endopeptidase activity related to SUMO-1 precursor processing did not differ significantly between cercariae and adult worms. Taken together, these results support the developmentally regulated expression of SUMO-specific proteases in S. mansoni

O USO DA MATRIZ DE COLÁGENO SUÍNA (FIBRO-GIDE®) NO RECOBRIMENTO DE MÚLTIPLAS RECESSÕES GENGIVAIS

The use of autogenous connective tissue graft is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gingival recessions (GR), both in terms of aesthetics and percentage of root coverage and predictability. However, this technique has some disadvantages, such as the need for a second surgical site, in addition to the limited amount of graft to be made available. Therefore, a suitable substitute would reduce these limitations, in addition to being able to provide a post-operative period with greater comfort and a greater scope in the total number of teeth treated in a single session. Based on this information, recently a new xenogeneic collagen matrix of porcine origin (Fibro Gide®) was created by Geistlich Pharma AG (Wolhusen, Switzerland, Switzerland). The objective of this case report was the clinical evaluation of the use of this new collagen matrix as a viable substitute for autogenous connective tissue in the treatment of GR. Female patient, 58 years old, without diagnosed systemic changes and non-smoker, sought care in a private office with aesthetic complaints and fear of losing her teeth, in the region of teeth 13 to 17. On oral clinical examination, multiple GR. Root coverage was planned and performed on teeth 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 using the coronally positioned flap technique associated with the use of Fibro-Gide ®. PO follow-up took place at 7, 15 and 21 days until now. The use of the Fibro-Gide® xenogeneic collagen matrix proved to be quite satisfactory, covering the entire area of the GR between 70 and 100% in the immediate PO and over the course of the days. Furthermore, an excellent PO was evidenced, which presented adjacent tissues similar in color, shape and texture. Based on the above, it was concluded that Fibro-Gide® is an excellent option of choice as a substitute material for autogenous connective tissue for root coverage of multiple RG and gain of keratinized tissue in thickness and height.El uso de injerto autólogo de tejido conectivo se considera el estándar de oro para el tratamiento de las recesiones gingivales (RG), tanto en términos de estética como de porcentaje de cobertura radicular y previsibilidad. Sin embargo, esta técnica tiene algunas desventajas, como la necesidad de un segundo sitio quirúrgico, además de la cantidad limitada de injerto disponible. Por tanto, un sustituto adecuado reduciría estas limitaciones, además de poder proporcionar un postoperatorio con mayor comodidad y un mayor alcance en el número total de dientes tratados en una sola sesión. Basándose en esta información, Geistlich Pharma AG (Wolhusen, Suiza, Suiza) creó recientemente una nueva matriz de colágeno xenogénico de origen porcino (Fibro Gide®). El objetivo de este reporte de caso fue la evaluación clínica del uso de esta nueva matriz de colágeno como sustituto viable del tejido conectivo autógeno en el tratamiento del RG. Paciente femenina, 58 años, sin diagnóstico de cambios sistémicos y no fumadora, acudió a consultorio particular por molestias estéticas y temor a perder los dientes, en la región de los dientes 13 al 17. Al examen clínico intraoral, RG múltiples. Se planificó y realizó la cobertura radicular en los dientes 13, 14, 15, 16 y 17 utilizando la técnica de colgajo posicionado coronalmente asociada con el uso de Fibro-Gide ®. El seguimiento PO se realizó a los 7, 15 y 21 días hasta el momento. El uso de la matriz de colágeno xenogénico Fibro-Gide® resultó bastante satisfactorio, cubriendo toda el área del GR entre 70 y 100% en el PO inmediato y a lo largo de los días. Además, se evidenció una excelente PO, que presentó tejidos adyacentes similares en color, forma y textura. Con base en lo anterior, se concluyó que Fibro-Gide® es una excelente opción de elección como material sustituto del tejido conectivo autógeno para la cobertura radicular de múltiples RG y ganancia de tejido queratinizado en espesor y altura.A utilização de enxerto de tecido conjuntivo autógeno é considerado o padrão ouro para o tratamento das recessões gengivais (RG), tanto no aspecto estético quanto na porcentagem de cobertura radicular e de previsibilidade. Entretanto, essa técnica apresenta algumas desvantagens como a necessidade de um segundo sítio cirúrgico, além da quantidade limitada de enxerto a ser disponibilizado. Sendo assim, um substituto adequado reduziria essas limitações, além de poder proporcionar um pós-operatório com maior confortabilidade e uma maior abrangência no número total de dentes tratados em uma única sessão. Com base nessas informações, recentemente uma nova matriz de colágeno xenógena de origem suína (Fibro Gide®) foi criada pela Geistlich Pharma AG (Wolhusen, Switzerland, Suíça). O objetivo do presente relato de caso foi a avaliação clínica do emprego dessa nova matriz de colágeno como um substituto viável de tecido conjuntivo autógeno no tratamento das RG. Paciente do sexo feminino, 58 anos de idade, sem alterações sistêmicas diagnosticadas e não fumante, procurou atendimento no consultório particular com queixa estética e medo de perder os dentes, na região dos dentes 13 ao 17. Ao exame clínico intraoral, se pode observar múltiplas RG. Foi planejado e realizado nos dentes 13, 14, 15, 16 e 17 o recobrimento radicular se utilizando a técnica do retalho posicionado coronalmente associado ao uso do Fibro-Gide ®. O acompanhamento PO aconteceu com 7, 15 e 21 dias até o presente momento. A utilização da matriz de colágeno xenógena Fibro-Gide® se mostrou bastante satisfatória, recobrindo toda a área das RG entre 70 a 100% no PO imediato e no transcorrer dos dias. Ademais, foi evidenciado um excelente PO que se apresentou com tecidos adjacentes semelhantes na cor, formato e textura. Mediante o exposto, concluiu-se que o Fibro-Gide® é uma excelente opção de escolha como material substituto ao tecido conjuntivo autógeno para o recobrimento radicular de múltiplas RG e ganho de tecido queratinizado em espessura e altura

Differential expression of proteins in genetically distinct Trypanosoma cruzi samples (TcI and TcII DTUs) isolated from chronic Chagas disease cardiac patients.

Background Trypanosoma cruzi, a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite and the etiological agent of Chagas disease (CD), exhibits great genetic and biological diversity. Infected individuals may present clinical manifestations with different levels of severity. Several hypotheses have been proposed to attempt to correlate the diversity of clinical signs and symptoms to the genetic variability of T. cruzi. This work aimed to investigate the differential expression of proteins from two distinct genetic groups of T. cruzi (discrete typing units TcI and TcII), isolated from chronically infected individuals displaying the cardiac form of CD. For this purpose, epimastigote forms of the two isolates were cultured in vitro and the cells recovered for protein extraction. Comparative two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoreses were performed and differentially expressed spots selected for identification by mass spectrometry, followed by database searching and protein categorization. Results The 2D electrophoretic profiles revealed the complex composition of the T. cruzi extracted proteome. Protein spots were distributed along the entire pH and molecular mass ranges attesting for the integrity of the protein preparations. In total, 46 differentially expressed proteins were identified present in 40 distinct spots found in the comparative gel analyses. Of these, 16 displayed upregulation in the gel from TcI-typed parasites and 24 appeared overexpressed in the gel from TcII-typed parasites. Functional characterization of differentially expressed proteins revealed major alterations associated with stress response, lipid and amino acid metabolism in parasites of the TcII isolate, whilst those proteins upregulated in the TcI sample were primarily linked to central metabolic pathways. Conclusions The comparative 2D-gel electrophoresis allowed detection of major differences in protein expression between two T. cruzi isolates, belonging to the TcI and TcII genotypes. Our findings suggest that patients displaying the cardiac form of the disease harbor parasites capable of exhibiting distinct proteomic profiles. This should be of relevance to disease prognosis and treatment

Quantitative Proteomics of Enriched Esophageal and Gut Tissues from the Human Blood Fluke Schistosoma mansoni Pinpoints Secreted Proteins for Vaccine Development

Schistosomes are blood-dwelling helminth parasites that cause schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease resulting in inflammation and, in extreme cases, multiple organ damage. Major challenges to control the transmission persist, and the discovery of protective antigens remains of critical importance for vaccine development. Rhesus macaques can selfcure following schistosome infection, generating antibodies that target proteins from the tegument, gut, and esophagus, the last of which is the least investigated. We developed a dissection technique that permitted increased sensitivity in a comparative proteomics profiling of schistosome esophagus and gut. Proteome analysis of the male schistosome esophagus identified 13 proteins encoded by microexon genes (MEGs), 11 of which were uniquely located in the esophageal glands. Based on this and transcriptome information, a QconCAT was designed for the absolute quantification of selected targets. MEGs 12, 4.2, and 4.1 and venom allergen-like protein 7 were the most abundant, spanning over 245 million to 6 million copies per cell, while aspartyl protease, palmitoyl thioesterase, and galactosyl transferase were present at <1 million copies. Antigenic variation by alternative splicing of MEG proteins was confirmed together with a specialized machinery for protein glycosylation/secretion in the esophagus. Moreover, some gastrodermal secretions were highly enriched in the gut, while others were more uniformly distributed throughout the parasite, potentially indicating lysosomal activity. Collectively, our findings provide a more rational, better-oriented selection of schistosome vaccine candidates in the context of a proven model of protective immunity

The schistosome oesophageal gland: initiator of blood processing

Background: Although the ultrastructure of the schistosome esophageal gland was described .35 years ago, its role in the processing of ingested blood has never been established. The current study was prompted by our identification of MEG-4.1 expression in the gland and the observation of erythrocyte uncoating in the posterior esophagus. Methodology/Principal Findings: The salient feature of the posterior esophagus, characterized by confocal and electron microscopy, is the enormous increase in membrane surface area provided by the plate-like extensions and basal invaginations of the lining syncytium, with unique crystalloid vesicles releasing their contents between the plates. The feeding process was shown by video microscopy to be divided into two phases, blood first accumulating in the anterior lumen before passing as a bolus to the posterior. There it streamed around a plug of material revealed by confocal microscopy as tethered leucocytes. These were present in far larger numbers than predicted from the volume of the lumen, and in varying states of damage and destruction. Intact erythrocytes were detected in the anterior esophagus but not observed thereafter, implying that their lysis occurred rapidly as they enter the posterior. Two further genes, MEGs 4.2 and 14, were shown to be expressed exclusively in the esophageal gland. Bioinformatics predicted that MEGs 4.1 and 4.2 possessed a common hydrophobic region with a shared motif, while antibodies to SjMEG-4.1 showed it was bound to leucocytes in the esophageal lumen. It was also predicted that MEGs 4.1 and 14 were heavily O-glycosylated and this was confirmed for the former by 2D-electrophoresis and Western blotting. Conclusions/Significance: The esophageal gland and its products play a central role in the processing of ingested blood. The binding of host antibodies in the esophageal lumen shows that some constituents are antibody targets and could provide a new source of vaccine candidates.FAPEMIGCAPESShanghai Health Bureau - Overseas Public Health Training ProgrammeChina CDC - Young Scholar Scientific Research Foundatio

Understanding global changes of the liver proteome during murine schistosomiasis using a label-free shotgun approach.

Schistosomiasis is an endemic disease affecting over 207million people worldwide caused by helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma. In Brazil the disease is responsible for the loss of up to 800 lives annually, resulting from the desabilitating effects of this chronic condition. In this study, we infected Balb/c mice with Schistosoma mansoni and analysed global changes in the proteomic profile of soluble liver proteins. Our shotgun analyses revealed predominance of up-regulation of proteins at 5weeks of infection, coincidingwith the onset of egg laying, and a remarkable down-regulation of liver constituents at 7 weeks, when severe tissue damage is installed. Representatives of glycolytic enzymes and stress response (in particular at the endoplasmic reticulum)were among the most differentially expressed molecules found in the infected liver. Collectively, our data contribute over 70 molecules not previously reported to be found at altered levels in murine schistosomiasis to further exploration of their potential as biomarkers of the disease.Moreover, understanding their intricate interaction using bioinformatics approach can potentially bring clarity to unknownmechanisms linked to the establishment of this condition in the vertebrate host. Significance: To our knowledge, this study refers to the first shotgun proteomic analysis to provide an inventory of the global changes in the liver soluble proteome caused by Schistosomamansoni in the Balb/cmodel. It also innovates by yielding data on quantification of the identified molecules as a manner to clarify and give insights into the underlying mechanisms for establishment of Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease with historical prevalence in Brazil

NEDD8 conjugation in Schistosoma mansoni : genome analysis and expression profiles.

NEDD8 is an ubiquitin-like molecule that covalently binds to target proteins through an enzymatic cascade analogous to ubiquitylation. This modifier is known to bind to p53 and p73, as well as all Cullin family proteins, which are essential components of Skp1/Cul-1/F-box protein (SCF)-like Ub ligase complexes. Here, we focused on a genomic analysis of the genes involved in the NEDD8 conjugation pathway in Schistosoma mansoni. The results revealed seven genes related to NEDD8 conjugation that are conserved in Schistosoma japonicum, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and Homo sapiens. We performed quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), which showed differential profiles for Smnedd8, Smapp1, Smuba3, Smube2f, Smdcn1, Smrbx and Smsenp8 throughout the life cycle of S. mansoni. Upregulation was observed in 3-day-old schistosomula and adult worms for all analysed genes. We also analysed the transcription levels of Cullin family members Smp63 and Smp73, and observed upregulation in early schistosomula, while cercariae and adult worms showed expression levels similar to one another. Taken together, these results suggest that the NEDDylation/ DeNEDDylation pathway controls important cellular regulators during worm development from cercariae to schistosomula and, finally, to adult