Isolation and characterization of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii from calves and piglets.

The goal of our study was to isolate and characterize Faecalibacterium prausnitzii from fecal samples of healthy calves and piglets, in order to develop a novel probiotic for livestock animals. We identified 203 isolates of Faecalibacterium sp., which were clustered in 40 genetically distinct groups. One representative isolate from each cluster was selected for further characterization. The concentrations of the short chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, butyrate, propionate and isobutyrate in the culture media were measured by gas chromatography. We observed reduction in the concentration of acetate followed by concomitant increase in the concentration of butyrate, suggesting that the isolates were consuming acetate present in the media and producing butyrate. Butyrate production correlated positively with bacterial growth. Since butyrate has many benefits to the colonic epithelial cells, the selection of strains that produce higher amounts of butyrate is extremely important for the development of this potential probiotic. The effect of pH and concentration of bile salts on bacterial growth was also evaluated in order to mimic the conditions encountered by F. prausnitzii in vivo. The optimal pH for growth ranged between 5.5 and 6.7, while most isolates were inhibited by of the lowest concentration of bile salts tested (0.1%). Antimicrobial resistance profile showed that most isolates of Faecalibacterium sp. were resistant against ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. More than 50% of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, amikacin, cefepime and cefoxitin. A total of 19 different combinations of multidrug resistance were observed among the isolates. Our results provide new insights into the cultural and physiological characteristics of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii illustrating large variability in short chain fatty acid production, in vitro growth, sensitivity to bile salts, and antibiotic resistance and suggesting that future probiotic candidates should be carefully studied before elected for in vivo studies

Assessment of the Mutagenic Activity of Extracts of Brazilian Propolis in Topical Pharmaceutical Formulations on Mammalian Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Propolis possesses various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antioxidant properties. A topically applied product based on Brazilian green propolis was developed for the treatment of burns. For such substance to be used more safely in future clinical applications, the present study evaluated the mutagenic potential of topical formulations supplemented with green propolis extract (1.2, 2.4 and 3.6%) based on the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and of micronuclei. In the in vitro studies, 3-h pulse (G1 phase of the cell cycle) and continuous (20 h) treatments were performed. In the in vivo assessment, the animals were injured on the back and then submitted to acute (24 h), subacute (7 days) and subchronic (30 days) treatments consisting of daily dermal applications of gels containing different concentrations of propolis. Similar frequencies of chromosomal aberrations were observed for cultures submitted to 3-h pulse and continuous treatment with gels containing different propolis concentrations and cultures not submitted to any treatment. However, in the continuous treatment cultures treated with the 3.6% propolis gel presented significantly lower mitotic indices than the negative control. No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of micronuclei were observed between animals treated with gels containing different concentrations of propolis and the negative control for the three treatment times. Under the present conditions, topical formulations containing different concentrations of green propolis used for the treatment of burns showed no mutagenic effect in either test system, but 3.6% propolis gel was found to be cytotoxic in the in vitro test

Fast decellularization process using supercritical carbon dioxide for trabecular bone

Decellularization is a process that consists on the removal of immunogenic cellular material from a tissue, so that it can be safely implanted as a functional and bioactive scaffold. Most decellularization protocols rely on the use of harsh chemicals and very long washing processes, leading to severe changes in the ultrastructure and loss of mechanical integrity. To tackle these challenges, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is herein proposed as an alternative methodology for assisting decellularization of porcine trabecular bone tissue and is combined, for the first time, with Tri(n-butyl) phosphate (TnBP). Histological and DNA analysis revealed that both TnBP and scCO2 were able to extract the DNA content from the scaffolds, being this effect more pronounced in treatments that used TnBP as a co-solvent. The combined protocol led to a decrease in DNA content by at least 90%, demon- strating the potential of this methodology and opening new possibilities for future optimizations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Colonization by aquatic macroinvertebrates in leaves of Miconia sp. and Eucalyptus sp. in hight microcatchment of Chinchiná river, Colombia

Los procesos de colonización en ambientes lóticos son regulados por la interacción entre el tipo de vegetación y la cantidad de hojarasca que se incorpora a los ríos e influye sobre la estructura y dinámica del bentos. Los macroinvertebrados bentónicos son un componente importante en los ecosistemas dulceacuícolas, cumplen un papel fundamental en la descomposición y recirculación de nutrientes, además de contribuir en la red trófica como alimento de otros animales. Con el objetivo de comparar la colonización de macroinvertebrados en hojas de árboles nativos e introducidos a través del tiempo en las quebradas El Diamante, La Oliva y el río Chinchiná, se utilizó la metodología de paquetes de hojarasca. La primera quebrada presenta como vegetación ribereña un bosque nativo, la segunda está influenciada por plantaciones de Eucalyptussp. y la tercera no presenta vegetación ribereña. Para el estudio se utilizaron paquetes de tela plástica, donde fueron depositadas hojas de Miconia sp. (especie nativa), hojas de Eucalyptussp. y una mezcla de las dos especies, las cuales demoraron aproximadamente 60 días para descomponerse. En total, se colectaron 8595 individuos de macroinvertebrados, la menor riqueza se presentó a los 30 días y la mayor entre los 45 y 60 días. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la riqueza y abundancia de macroinvertebrados con respecto a las dos especies vegetales utilizadas. Al evaluar la diversidad (q=0, q=1) no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el número efectivo de géneros o morfotipos entre sustratos (paquetes con hojas nativas, introducidas y mezcladas). El grupo funcional de los recolectores generalistas fue dominante entre los macroinvertebrados colectados.Colonization processes in lotic environments are regulated by the interaction between the type of forest and the amount of litter that goes to the rivers and influences the structure and dynamics of the benthos. Benthic macroinvertebrates are an important component of freshwater ecosystems, playing a fundamental role in decomposition and nutrient recirculation, in addition to contributing to the food chain as food for other animals. Leaf litter methodology was used with the objective of to compare the colonization by macroinvertebrates on native and introduced tree leaves throughout time, in El Diamante Creek, La Oliva Creek, and the Chinchiná River. The first creek presents native forest riparian vegetation, the second creek is influenced by Eucalyptussp. plantations, and the third creek does not present riverine vegetation. In the study, plastic cloth bags were used, in which leaves from a native species (Miconia sp.), leaves from a Eucalyptussp., and a mix of leaves from both species were deposited; the native and introduced leaves decomposed in approximately 60 days. In total, 8595 macroinvertebrate individuals were collected, the least richness was seen after 30 days and the greatest richness was seen between 45 days and 60 days. With diversity (q=0, q=1) no significant differences in the effective number of genres and/or morphotypes found between substrates (packs with native, introduced and mixed leaves). The dominant group within the macroinvertebrates collected was the trophic guild of the generalist collectors

Las interfaces entre apoyo social, calidad de vida y depresión en usuarios elegibles para cuidados paliativos

Objective: Analyzing the relationship between social support, quality of life and depression in patients eligible for palliative care at Primary Health Care of a municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: A correlational cross-sectional study carried out with patients treated in six primary health care units. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, tests for differences between averages and medians, and correlation tests. The significance level was 0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 115 participants, and it was identified that the higher the social support, the better the global quality of life (p<0.001) and functional quality of life (p=0.035); the greater the presence of physical symptoms, the lower the level of social support (p=0.012) and the higher the level of depression (p<0.001); the higher the symptoms of depression, the worse the global quality of life (p<0.001), functional quality of life (p<0.001) and the lower the levels of social support (p<0.001). Conclusion: Levels of quality of life, social support and depression of patients eligible for palliative care are influenced by socioeconomic factors such as marital status, gender, age, income, education and presence of a caregiver.Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre apoio social, qualidade de vida e depressão em pacientes elegíveis para cuidados paliativos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde de um município no interior de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Estudo transversal correlacional, realizado com pacientes atendidos em seis unidades da atenção primária à saúde. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva, testes de diferenças entre médias e medianas e testes de correlação. O nível de significância adotado foi 0,05. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 115 participantes, e identificou-se que quanto maior o apoio social, melhor é a qualidade de vida global (p<0,001) e funcional (p=0,035); quanto maior a presença de sintomas físicos, menor o nível de apoio social (p=0,012) e maior o nível de depressão (p<0,001); quanto maiores os sintomas de depressão, pior é a qualidade de vida global (p<0,001), funcional (p<0,001) e menores os níveis de apoio social (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os níveis de qualidade de vida, apoio social e depressão de pacientes elegíveis para cuidados paliativos são influenciados por fatores socioeconômicos, tais como estado conjugal, sexo, idade, renda, escolaridade e presença de cuidador.Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre apoyo social, calidad de vida y depresión en pacientes elegibles para cuidados paliativos atendidos en la Atención Primaria a la Salud de un municipio en el interior de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Estudio transversal correlacional, realizado con pacientes atendidos en seis unidades de atención primaria a la salud. Los datos fueron sometidos al análisis estadístico descriptivo, pruebas de diferencias entre medias y medianas y pruebas de correlación. El nivel de significancia adoptado fue 0,05. Resultados: La muestra fue compuesta por 115 participantes, y se identificó que cuanto mayor el apoyo social, mejor es la calidad de vida global (p<0,001) y funcional (p=0,035); cuanto mayor sea la presencia de síntomas físicos, menor el nivel de apoyo social (p=0,012) y mayor el nivel de depresión (p<0,001); cuanto mayores los síntomas de depresión, peor es la calidad de vida global (p<0,001), funcional (p<0,001) y menores los niveles de apoyo social (p<0,001). Conclusión: Los niveles de calidad de vida, apoyo social y depresión de pacientes elegibles para cuidados paliativos son influenciados por factores socioeconómicos, tales como estado conyugal, sexo, edad, renta, escolaridad y presencia de cuidador

Transcriptome analysis of Taenia solium cysticerci using Open reading Frame ESTS (ORESTES)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human infection by the pork tapeworm <it>Taenia solium </it>affects more than 50 million people worldwide, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries. Cysticercosis which arises from larval encystation can be life threatening and difficult to treat. Here, we investigate for the first time the transcriptome of the clinically relevant cysticerci larval form.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) produced by the ORESTES method, a total of 1,520 high quality ESTs were generated from 20 ORESTES cDNA mini-libraries and its analysis revealed fragments of genes with promising applications including 51 ESTs matching antigens previously described in other species, as well as 113 sequences representing proteins with potential extracellular localization, with obvious applications for immune-diagnosis or vaccine development.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The set of sequences described here will contribute to deciphering the expression profile of this important parasite and will be informative for the genome assembly and annotation, as well as for studies of intra- and inter-specific sequence variability. Genes of interest for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools are described and discussed.</p

Exposure of luminal membranes of LLC-PK1 cells to ANG II induces dimerization of AT(1)/AT(2) receptors to activate SERCA and to promote Ca2+ mobilization

Ferrao FM, Lara LS, Axelband F, Dias J, Carmona AK, Reis RI, Costa-Neto CM, Vieyra A, Lowe J. Exposure of luminal membranes of LLC-PK1 cells to ANG II induces dimerization of AT(1)/AT(2) receptors to activate SERCA and to promote Ca2+ mobilization. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 302: F875-F883, 2012. First published January 4, 2012; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00381.2011.-ANG II is secreted into the lumens of proximal tubules where it is also synthesized, thus increasing the local concentration of the peptide to levels of potential physiological relevance. in the present work, we studied the effect of ANG II via the luminal membranes of LLC-PK1 cells on Ca2+-ATPase of the sarco(endo) plasmic reticulum (SERCA) and plasma membrane (PMCA). ANG II (at concentrations found in the lumen) stimulated rapid (30 s) and persistent (30 min) SERCA activity by more than 100% and increased Ca2+ mobilization. Pretreatment with ANG II for 30 min enhanced the ANG II-induced Ca2+ spark, demonstrating a positively self-sustained stimulus of Ca2+ mobilization by ANG II. ANG II in the medium facing the luminal side of the cells decreased with time with no formation of metabolites, indicating peptide internalization. ANG II increased heterodimerization of AT(1) and AT(2) receptors by 140%, and either losartan or PD123319 completely blocked the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II. Using the PLC inhibitor U73122, PMA, and calphostin C, it was possible to demonstrate the involvement of a PLC -> DAG(PMA)-> PKC pathway in the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II with no effect on PMCA. We conclude that ANG II triggers SERCA activation via the luminal membrane, increasing the Ca2+ stock in the reticulum to ensure a more efficient subsequent mobilization of Ca2+. This first report on the regulation of SERCA activity by ANG II shows a new mechanism for Ca2+ homeostasis in renal cells and also for regulation of Ca2+-modulated fluid reabsorption in proximal tubules.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Biofis Carlos Chagas Filho, Lab Fis Quim Biol Aida Hasson Voloch, BR-21941902 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilInst Nacl Ciencia & Tecnol Biol Estrutural & Bioi, Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Ciencias Biomed, BR-21941902 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Biochem & Immunol, Sch Med Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biophys, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Calidad de agua y composición de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en la subcuenca alta del río chinchiná

Con el objetivo de evaluar la composición de macroinvertebrados y la calidad deagua en zonas de río provistas de vegetación ribereña nativa y exótica y zonassin vegetación fueron muestreadas las quebradas: El Diamante, La Oliva y elrío Chinchiná, ubicadas en la cuenca alta del río Chinchiná. La primera estaciónpresenta como vegetación ribereña un bosque nativo, la segunda está influenciadapor plantaciones de Eucalyptus sp. y la tercera no presenta vegetación ribereña. Serealizaron tres muestreos de macroinvertebrados, en tres periodos (seco, intermedio ylluvioso) entre febrero y mayo de 2010. Para la recolección de los macroinvertebradosse utilizó la Red Surber, y se hicieron tres repeticiones por sustrato (hojarasca, rocay sedimento fino). En cada punto de muestreo también se registraron variablesfísico-químicas. En total se colectaron 7486 macroinvertebrados distribuidos en13 órdenes, 37 familias y 74 géneros. Los resultados de este estudio indican queexisten diferencias significativas en cuanto a riqueza de macroinvertebrados entre lasestaciones con vegetación ribereña y sin vegetación. Con respecto a la composición,la estación 1 es la que presenta mayor número de géneros exclusivos. Se obtuvoque 26 géneros de macroinvertebrados son compartidos por las tres estaciones, 18géneros son exclusivos para la estación 1, ocho géneros exclusivos para la 2 y en latercera estación solamente cuatro géneros son propios. Las variables fisicoquímicasevaluadas y los resultados obtenidos con los índices bióticos BMWP y EPTindican que existen diferencias entre la calidad de agua de las estaciones 1 y 2 conrespecto a la estación 3. Los resultados de este estudio indican que la vegetaciónribereña es un factor determinante para el establecimiento de la comunidad demacroinvertebrado

Continuous production of highly tuned silk/calcium-based composites: exploring new pathways for skin regeneration

Calcium plays an important role in barrier function repair and skin homeostasis. In particular, calcium phosphates (CaPs) are well established materials for biomedical engineering due to their biocompatibility. To generate biomaterials with a more complete set of biological properties, previously discarded silk sericin (SS) has been recovered and used as a template to grow CaPs. Crucial characteristics for skin applications, such as antibacterial activity, can be further enhanced by doping CaPs with cerium (Ce) ions. The effectiveness of cell attachment and growth on the materials highly depends on their morphology, particle size distribution, and chemical composition. These characteristics can be tailored through the application of oscillatory flow technology, which provides precise mixing control of the reaction medium. Thus, in the present work, CaP/SS and CaP/SS/Ce particles were fabricated for the first time using a modular oscillatory flow plate reactor (MOFPR) in a continuous mode. Furthermore, the biological behavior of both these composites and of previously produced pure CaPs was assessed using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). It was demonstrated that both CaP based with plate-shaped nanoparticles and CaP-SS-based composites significantly improved cell viability and proliferation over time. The results obtained represent a first step towards the reinvention of CaPs for skin engineering.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio