Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Narrative Review of the Issues in Screening and Management From a Panel of European Experts.

Maternal primary and non-primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy can result in in utero transmission to the developing fetus. Congenital CMV (cCMV) can result in significant morbidity, mortality or long-term sequelae, including sensorineural hearing loss, the most common sequela. As a leading cause of congenital infections worldwide, cCMV infection meets many of the criteria for screening. However, currently there are no universal programs that offer maternal or neonatal screening to identify infected mothers and infants, no vaccines to prevent infection, and no efficacious and safe therapies available for the treatment of maternal or fetal CMV infection. Data has shown that there are several maternal and neonatal screening strategies, and diagnostic methodologies, that allow the identification of those at risk of developing sequelae and adequately detect cCMV. Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered in this field. Well-designed clinical trials to address several facets of CMV treatment (in pregnant women, CMV-infected fetuses and both symptomatic and asymptomatic neonates and children) are required. Prevention (vaccines), biology and transmission factors associated with non-primary CMV, and the cost-effectiveness of universal screening, all demand further exploration to fully realize the ultimate goal of preventing cCMV. In the meantime, prevention of primary infection during pregnancy should be championed to all by means of hygiene education

Multifunctional T cell response to DosR and Rpf antigens is associated with protection in long-Term mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected individuals in Colombia

ABSTARCT: Multifunctional T cells have been shown to be protective in chronic viral infections. In mycobacterial infections, however, evidence for a protective role of multifunctional T cells remains inconclusive. Short-term cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RD1 antigens 6-kDa early secretory antigenic target (ESAT6) and 10-kDa culture filtrate antigen (CFP10), which are induced in the early infection phase, have been mainly used to assess T cell multifunctionality, although long-term culture assays have been proposed to be more sensitive than short-term assays for assessment of memory T cells, which are essential for long-term immunity. Here we used a long-term culture assay system to study the T cell immune responses to the M. tuberculosis latency-associated DosR antigens and reactivation-associated Rpf antigens, compared to ESAT6 and CFP10, in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and household contacts of PTB patients with long-term latent tuberculosis infection (ltLTBI), in a community in which M. tuberculosis is endemic. Our results showed that the DosR antigens Rv1737c (narK2) and Rv2029c (pfkB) and the Rv2389c (rpfD) antigen of M. tuberculosis induced higher frequencies of CD4+ or CD8+ mono- or bifunctional (but not multifunctional) T cells producing interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and/or tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) in ltLTBI, compared to PTB. Moreover, the frequencies of CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells with a CD45RO+ CD27+ phenotype were higher in ltLTBI than in PTB. Thus, the immune responses to selected DosR and Rpf antigens may be associated with long-term latency, correlating with protection from M. tuberculosis reactivation in ltLTBI. Further study of the functional and memory phenotypes may contribute to further discrimination between the different states of M. tuberculosis infections

Leaf and Root Extracts from Campomanesia adamantium (Myrtaceae) Promote Apoptotic Death of Leukemic Cells via Activation of Intracellular Calcium and Caspase-3

Phytochemical studies are seeking new alternatives to prevent or treat cancer, including different types of leukemias. Campomanesia adamantium, commonly known as guavira or guabiroba, exhibits pharmacological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activities. Considering the anticancer potential of this plant species, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antileukemic activity and the chemical composition of aqueous extracts from the leaves (AECL) and roots (AECR) of C. adamantium and their possible mechanisms of action. The extracts were analyzed by LC-DAD-MS, and their constituents were identified based on the UV, MS, and MS/MS data. The AECL and AECR showed different chemical compositions, which were identified as main compounds glycosylated flavonols from AECL and ellagic acid and their derivatives from AECR. The cytotoxicity promoted by these extracts were evaluated using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Jurkat leukemic cell line. The cell death profile was evaluated using annexin-V-FITC and propidium iodide labeling. Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential, the activity of caspases, and intracellular calcium levels were assessed. The cell cycle profile was evaluated using propidium iodide. Both extracts caused concentration-dependent cytotoxicity only in Jurkat cells via late apoptosis. This activity was associated with loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, activation of caspases-9 and -3, changes in intracellular calcium levels, and cell cycle arrest in S-phase. Therefore, the antileukemic activity of the AECL and AECR is mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction and intracellular messengers, which activate the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Hence, aqueous extracts of the leaves and roots of C. adamantium show therapeutic potential for use in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated the proliferation of tumor cell.Fundação de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento do Ensino, Ciência e Tecnologia do Mato Grosso do Sul (FUNDECT)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa do Pantanal - INPPFundação de Amparo e Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa FadespFed Univ Grande Dourados, Res Grp Biotechnol & Bioprospecting Appl Metab, Dourados, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Biochem, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Braz Cubas, Fac Pharm, Mogi Das Cruzes, BrazilUniv Mogi das Cruzes, Interdisciplinary Ctr Biochem Invest, Mogi Das Cruzes, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Mato Grosso do Sul, Lab Nat Prod & Mass Spectrometry, Campo Grande, MS, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Biochem, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed São Paulo, Dept Pharmaceut Sci, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Influência de diferentes substratos na germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas de Vigna sinensis

Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar a eficiência de diversos substratos na germinação e desenvolvimento de plântulas de vigna. Foram utilizados os seguintes tratamentos: casca de mamona + solo; casca de mamona + sílica; xaxim + solo; xaxim + sílica; sphagnum + solo; sphagnum + sílica; solo e sílica, todas as misturas na proporção 1:1, em condições de vasos e de canteiros (covas); sendo que os ensaios foram realizados em condições de casa de vegetação. A avaliação dos tratamentos foi efetuada determinando-se a altura e o peso da matéria seca das plintulas. Os resultados mostraram que, (a) em condições de vasos, os melhores tratamentos foram: xaxim + solo, xaxim + sílica e sphagnum + solo; (b) os tratamentos onde utilizou-se casca de mamona impediram a germinação das sementes de vigna e; (c) os tratamentos em canteiros sofreram influência do solo adjacente.The objective of the present work was to study the effects of different substrata for germination and growth of Vigna sinensis seedlings. Treatments used were the following: castor burk + soil; castor burk + silice; xaxim + soil; xaxim + silice; sphagnum + soil; sphagnum + silice; soil; and silice, all at 1:1 proportion, in pot and bed conditions (hole). Treatments avaliation were made by determinations of the height and dry matter of the seedlings. The results showed that: (a) in the pot conditions, the best treatments were xaxim + soil; xaxim + silice and sphagnum + soil; (b) the treatments were castor burk was used the germination of Vigna seeds was impaired, and (c) the bed treatments were influenced by adjacent soil

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: the state of the art and future perspectives

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection, with an estimated incidence of approximately one in 200 infants in high-income settings. Approximately one in four children may experience life-long consequences, including sensorineural hearing loss and neurodisability. Knowledge regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment increased in the recent years, but some challenges remain. In this review, we tried to summarize the current knowledge on both the obstetrical and pediatric areas, while also highlighting controversial aspects and future perspectives. There is a need to enhance awareness among the general population and pregnant women through specific information programs. Further research is needed to better define the classification of individuals at birth and to have a deeper understanding of the long-term outcomes for so defined children. Finally, the availability of valaciclovir medication throughout pregnancy, where appropriate, has prompted the assessment of a universal serological antenatal screening. It is recommended to establish a dedicated unit for better evaluation and management of both mothers and children

Estandarización del Test de Dependencia al Celular para estudiantes universitarios de Arequipa

The objective of this study is to determine validity and reliability of the Mobile Phone Dependency Test (CPDT), in a 22 items Likert scale-based instrument. The Test was administered to two samples, a public university (N=1044) and a private university (N=356) in the Peruvian city of Arequipa. Validity was determined using an exploratory factor analysis. Three factors were identified: abstinence and tolerance (α=0,901), abuse and problems with impulse control (α=0,853), and problems with excessive mobile phone use (α=0,853). Additionally, percentile ranks were created for both public and private universities.Se aportan evidencias de validez y confiabilidad del Test de Dependencia al Móvil, el cual consta de 22 ítems en una escala tipo Likert. El instrumento fue aplicado a dos muestras de estudiantes de una universidad pública (N=1044) y otra privada (N=356) de la ciudad de Arequipa. Para analizar su validez, se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio. Se identificaron tres factores. El primer factor fue denominado abstinencia y tolerancia (α=0,901); el segundo, abuso y dificultad para controlar el impulso (α=0,853), y el tercero, problemas ocasionados por el uso excesivo (α=0,762). Se crearon normas de administración y baremos en percentiles para estudiantes de la universidad pública y de la privada

Activation of the Low Molecular Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase in Keratinocytes Exposed to Hyperosmotic Stress

Herein, we provide new contribution to the mechanisms involved in keratinocytes response to hyperosmotic shock showing, for the first time, the participation of Low Molecular Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (LMWPTP) activity in this event. We reported that sorbitol-induced osmotic stress mediates alterations in the phosphorylation of pivotal cytoskeletal proteins, particularly Src and cofilin. Furthermore, an increase in the expression of the phosphorylated form of LMWPTP, which was followed by an augment in its catalytic activity, was observed. of particular importance, these responses occurred in an intracellular milieu characterized by elevated levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and increased expression of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Altogether, our results suggest that hyperosmostic stress provides a favorable cellular environment to the activation of LMWPTP, which is associated with increased expression of antioxidant enzymes, high levels of GSH and inhibition of Src kinase. Finally, the real contribution of LMWPTP in the hyperosmotic stress response of keratinocytes was demonstrated through analysis of the effects of ACP1 gene knockdown in stressed and non-stressed cells. LMWPTP knockdown attenuates the effects of sorbitol induced-stress in HaCaT cells, mainly in the status of Src kinase, Rac and STAT5 phosphorylation and activity. These results describe for the first time the participation of LMWPTP in the dynamics of cytoskeleton rearrangement during exposure of human keratinocytes to hyperosmotic shock, which may contribute to cell death.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Bioquim, Inst Biol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Bioquim, São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Dept Quim & Bioquim, IBB, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Dept Genet & Biol Evolut, São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Bioquim, São Paulo, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2006/07315-3CNPq: PQ-2Web of Scienc