Enginnering cardiac tissue using human induced pluripotent stem cell derivatives: Proteomic characterization of co-cultures of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells

Prediction of cardiac toxicity effect is extremely relevant in the development of new drugs for different medical applications. In this way, it is important to develop more predictable human cell-based models which physiologically better mimic the human heart and allow the prediction of this toxic effect as well as establish the tools that enable the characterization of these complex cell models. To recreate engineered cardiac tissue, it is essential to reproduce the complexity of the heart by resorting to different cell types. Cardiomyocytes (CMs) are functional contractile units of the heart, and it is known that their communication with endothelial cells (ECs) is crucial for cardiac homeostasis. The aim of this study is to recreate a human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-based cardiac tissue model and evaluate the impact of communication between both cell types on the phenotype of CMs. Co-cultures of hiPSC-CM and hiPSC-EC were established and maintained for 12 days as confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Quantitative whole-proteome analysis was performed using SWATH Mass Spectrometry tools to compare the conditions of hiPSC-CM mono-culture and the co-culture of hiPSC-CM and hiPSC-EC. Our data showed relative increase of expression ratios of morphological maturation-related cardiac proteins in hiPSC-CM co-cultures. In particular, the expression ratios of MYH7/MYH6, MYL2/MYL7, TNNI3/TNNI1 increased 2.4-, 5.1-, and 5-fold, respectively, when compared to the mono-culture condition, indicating that in the presence of hiPSC-EC, hPSC-CM display a more adult- and ventricular- like phenotype. Changes in the extracellular matrix composition were also observed, especially related with the increased expression of ECM proteins in co-culture condition namely, collagens I and III (8.6-fold and 6-fold, respectively), fibronectin (3.5-fold) and thrombospondin-4 (2.5-fold). Other growth factors attributed to the extracellular space (e.g. CTGF, PAI1, CRTAP, IGFBP7, and NPPB) that may be responsible for the communication between both cell types have also shown to be up-regulated in the co-culture condition. The presence of a SMA+ (myofibroblast-like) population in the co-culture condition was observed by immunofluorescence microscopy images, which is in agreement with the more complex and fibrotic extracellular matrix found by whole proteome analysis. Ultrastructure characterization of CMs was carried out by transmission electron microscopy. In both conditions, hiPSC-CM displayed aligned myofibrils composed by sarcomeres with organized Z-disks, A- and I-bands, intercalated discs between adjacent cells as well as abundant mitochondria. Noteworthy, sarcomere length was higher in hiPSC-CM cultured with hiPSC-EC, suggesting structural changes associated with cardiomyocyte maturation. Calcium imaging is being performed to evaluate calcium handling of hiPSC-CMs and their response to drugs. All together our data revealed that promoting the communication of hiPSC-CM and hiPSC-EC induced structural changes in hiPSC-CM associated with maturation. This study provides important insights towards the development of more complex cardiac tissues and establishes potent analytical tools for the characterization of these models. This work was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT)-funded project CARDIOSTEM (MITP-TB/ECE/0013/2013); and iNOVA4Health UID/Multi/04462/2013, a program supported by FCT/Ministério da Educação e Ciência, through national funds and cofounded by FEDER under the PT2020 Partnership Agreement. BA. was supported by FCT Grant SFRH/BD/52475/201

Abdominoperineal resection does not decrease quality of life in patients with low rectal cancer

PURPOSE: Issues related to body image and a permanent stoma after abdominoperineal resection may decrease quality of life in rectal cancer patients. However, specific problems associated with a low anastomosis may similarly affect quality of life for patients undergoing low anterior resection. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of low rectal cancer patients after undergoing abdominoperineal resection versus low anterior resection. METHODS: Demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and prospectively collected preoperative quality-of-life data for patients undergoing low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer between 1995 and 2009 were compared. Quality of life collected at specific time intervals was compared for the two groups, adjusting for age, body mass index, use of chemoradiation, and 30 days postoperative complications. The short-form-36 questionnaire was used to determine quality of life. RESULTS: The query returned 153 patients (abdominoperineal resection = 68, low anterior resection = 85) with a median follow-up of 24 (3-64) mo. The after abdominoperineal resection group had a higher mean age (63 + 12 vs. 54 + 12, p < 0.001) and more American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 3/4 patients (65 percent vs. 43 percent, p = 0.03) than low anterior resection. Other demographics, tumor stage, use of chemoradiation, overall postoperative complication rates, and quality-of-life follow-up time were not statistically different in both groups. Patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection had a lower baseline short-form-36 mental component score than those undergoing low anterior resection. However, 6 mo after surgery this difference was no longer statistically significant and essentially disappeared at 36 mo after surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer have a similar long-term quality of life as those undergoing low anterior resection. These findings can help clinicians to better counsel patients with low rectal cancer who are being considered for abdominoperineal resection

Educação ambiental: a questão do lixo na agrovila Princesa do Xngu, zona rural da cidade de Altamira-PA.

RESUMO O presente trabalho visa fazer um estudo de caso sobre a importância do lixo como pratica de educação ambiental na agrovila Princesa do Xingu, zona rural da cidade de Altamira-PA. Com objetivos de identificar que tipo de lixo é mais produzido, as formas de descartes, verificar se fazem a separação do lixo e de levantar se reciclam ou reutilizam o lixo. O método de analise foi o estudo de caso, no qual serve para responder questionamentos que o pesquisador não tem muito controle sobre o fenômeno estudado, ou seja, é um método de pesquisa de natureza empírica que investiga um fenômeno. O estudo descrito neste artigo tem como escopo discutir a Educação Ambiental no contexto do lixo produzido pelos moradores da Agrovila Princesa do Xingu, indicando caminhos e alternativas que oportunizem intervir e transformar a realidade. É indiscutível a necessidade de se adotar medidas eficazes para alterar o rumo da destruição do meio ambiente. A educação ambiental tem o importante papel de transformar a realidade, formando cidadãos críticos, conscientes em relação ao meio em que vivem. O presente trabalho é fruto de uma pesquisa de campo que evidencia a responsabilidade dos pesquisados na busca de alternativas de ação possíveis de serem aplicadas na realidade de nosso cotidiano e que transformem a realidade através da conscientização ambiental dos todos. Palavras-chaves: Agrovila Princesa do Xingu. Educação Ambiental. Lixo.  ABSTRACTThe following paper intends to display ways of minimizing environmental impacts through an Environmental Management System (EMS) implemented by companies that cause such impacts as well as the importance of the environmental auditing process following up such management. Knowing the EMS dynamics is going to bring significant advantages for the environment, for the company that develops it, and for the people who, directly or indirectly, interacts with such initiative. Thus, the study is going to describe the concept of environmental impact and its consequences, how an EMS works, and the execution and advantages of an environmental auditing. It is a theoretical research that has gone through articles, books, thesis, dissertations, as well as the pertinent legislation to the proposed theme and it was observed that the benefits a company has, when it has its EMS running efficiently. Finally, the paper initiates a discussion on the importance of the implementation of an EMS for companies to solidify themselves within the market they belong.Keywords: Environmental Impact. Environmental Management System. Environmental Auditing.

Wild Fragaria vesca L. fruits: a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals

Wild Fragaria vesca L. fruits were studied regarding nutritional and phytochemical compounds, and also antioxidant, antibacterial and biofilm formation inhibition activities. The fruits are good sources of carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose), soluble dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly linoleic and linolenic acids, as well as other components such as citric and succinic acids, and vitamins B9 and E (mainly γ-tocopherol). Significant amounts of soluble sugars, citric acid and some amounts of ascorbic acid, vitamins B9 and E (only α-tocopherol) were found also in the infusions. The hydromethanolic extracts revealed higher amounts of phenolic compounds, mainly ellagic acid derivatives and dihydroflavonol taxifolin-3-O-arabinofuranoside. Consistently, these extracts also showed higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities than the infusions, and were able to inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms. Despite the lower content of bioactive compounds in the infusions compared to the fruits, both forms could be potentially applied in functional foods and/or nutraceuticals/pharmaceutical formulations.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Istmos en conductos mesiales de primeros molares inferiores.

El estudio de la anatomía y complejidad de los conductos radiculares tiene relevancia clínica y puede relacionarse con causas frecuentes de fracaso endodóntico. Los istmos son comuni- caciones estrechas entre conductos, consideradas áreas de difícil acceso1, impidiendo la remoción de remanentes bacterianos y tejido pulpar2 , volviéndose un desafío para los endodoncistas. No hay lite- ratura de métodos de limpieza y modelado eficiente de estas áreas. La incidencia reportada de istmos es de 75-100% 1 en raíces mesiales de primeros molares superiores y 83%3 de raíces distales de mo- lares inferiores

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity and colouring capacity of two Hylocereus spp. Epicarps

Betalains are a group of secondary metabolites named chromoalkaloids that are synthesized from tyrosine. These compounds have gained some attention in the last few years mainly due to their interesting bioactive potential, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other bioactive properties [1]. Their strong and vibrant colours are also one of the characteristics by which these compounds have gained visibility in the food and pharmaceutical industries [2]. Betalains can be divided in two groups regarding the colour range: betaxanthins in the orange to yellow range, and betacyanins in the purple to pink range. Thereby, these compounds can be used as natural colouring agents, providing alternatives to the massively used artificial counterparts [3]. Although there are already some natural options in the market, these are not enough to meet the needs of the food industry, due to the growing concern of consumers regarding what they eat.To FCT and FEDER under Programme PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UID/AGR/00690/2019); C. Lobo Roriz (SFRH/BD/117995/2016) and T.C.S. Pires (SFRH/BD/129551/2017) grants and National funding by FCT- Foundation for Science and Technology, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for L. Barros contract. This work is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of Project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247-FEDER-024479:ValorNatural®.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Seroprevalence of human papillomavirus 6, 11, 16, and 18 in young primiparous women in Sao Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Data on epidemiology of HPV infection are needed for the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine recommendations, especially in countries where HPV vaccination is not yet included in public vaccination programs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of serum antibodies to HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and associated factors among young women after birth of the first child. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in a large public maternity hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Three hundred one women aged 15 to 24 years who gave birth to their first child were recruited between 43 and 60 days after delivery. Seroprevalence was performed using a type-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on HPV Late protein 1 viruslike particles. The association of seroreactivity with these 4 HPV types with selected demographic and behavioral factors was assessed by Generalized Linear Model analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-eight (19.3%) women (95% confidence interval, 15.0%-24.2%) had antibodies to any of the 4 viruslike particles tested. The overall seroprevalence rates of the HPV types were: HPV16, 9.0%; HPV18, 7.0%; and HPV 6+11, 7.7%, which are targeted by the HPV prophylactic vaccines. In the multivariate analysis, only age (inversely, P = 0.044 for trend) and previous sexually transmitted disease (P = 0.008) were 2 factors independently associated with HPV seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: These data offer additional information on the epidemiology of HPV in a group of young Brazilian women after first delivery and contribute to establish a baseline of HPV seroprevalence against which post-HPV vaccine era seroprevalence can be compared. PMID: 21051985 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]This study was supported by a research grant from the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization (ref: V20-181-13)

Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) peel as a source of valuable molecules: extraction optimization to recover natural colouring agents

Hylocereus costaricensis peel contains large amounts of betacyanins and can be exploited as a source of natural colorants. This work aimed the chemical characterization and evaluation of bioactive properties of this byproduct and the optimization of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of betacyanins using the response surface methodology (RSM). Oxalic and malic acids and traces of fumaric acid were detected, as well as the four tocopherol isoforms, predominantly γ-tocopherol. Four betacyanins were identified and used as response criteria for UAE optimization, namely phyllocactin, isobetanin, isophyllocactin, and betanin. Sample processing at 487 W for 38 min result in the maximum betacyanin content (36 ± 1 mg/g dw). The peel extract inhibit the oxidative haemolysis, with IC50 values of 255 and 381 μg/mL for Δt of 60 and 120 min, respectively, and the growth of pathogenic bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL. Furthermore, no toxicity was observed for normal cells.The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for financial support by national funds FCT/ MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020); C. L. Roriz PhD’s grant (SFRH/ BD/117995/2016), L. Barros and C. Calhelha also thank the national funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program-contract for their contracts, and S.A. Heleno (CEECIND/ 03040/2017) and J. Pinela (CEECIND/01011/2018) through the individual scientific employment program-contract. The authors are also grateful to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Regional Operational Program North 2020, within the scope of project Mobilizador Norte-01-0247-FEDER-024479: ValorNatural® and GreenHealth (Norte-01-0145-FEDER-000042. Finally, P. Morales is also grateful to UCM ALIMNOVA Research Group (GR105/18).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

A POPULAÇÃO DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO MIGUEL DO OESTE E O CONTEXTO DA EDUCAÇÃO E CULTURA MUNICIPAL

A evolução de um município, tratando-se de dados populacionais, culturais e educacionais são aspectos de suma importância para ter-se um panorama do desenvolvimento municipal, o poder público utiliza ferramentas que possibilitam o entendimento de pontos que estão sendo bem desenvolvidos e aqueles que necessitam de mais atenção e destinação de capital. Em vista disso, o objetivo geral da pesquisa trata-se das temáticas gerais históricas do município de São Miguel do Oeste. Para tal estudo, utiliza-se dados de pesquisas, e comparativos destes, com os índices médios, além de visita a secretaria de saúde e secretaria de educação, para que seja possível se obter melhor abrangência dos dados. Diante disto, percebe-se que a história cultural e de desenvolvimento, contribuíram muito para a situação atual do município, sendo que muitos dos costumes adquiridos dos colonizadores da região ainda são praticados e vivenciados no dia a dia dos Migueloestinos. Tratando-se de educação, foi possível identificar potencialidades e deficiências na rede de ensino, tanto tratando-se de infraestrutura quanto de índices de frequência nas redes municipais e estaduais existentes no município

Use of Surgical Laser for Excision of a Neurofibroma Associated With Neurofibromatosis Type-1

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects approximately 1/3500 individuals. Various bone manifestations and peripheral nerves neoplastic lesions associated with NF1 are seen in the jaws. Several oral manifestations may occur in this disorder; therefore the dentist’s knowledge and multidisciplinary management of these patients are extremely important.Case Presentation: In the present article, we present the use of a high-power surgical laser to excise a neurofibroma in a patient with several intraoral manifestations associated with NF1.Conclusion: The use of diode laser (808 nm) for excision biopsy of tongue nodules showed no thermal damage to the tissue, allowing an adequate histopathological analysis of the neurofibrom