Schistosoma mansoni rSm29 Antigen Induces a Regulatory Phenotype on Dendritic Cells and Lymphocytes From Patients With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

The immune response induced by Schistosma mansoni antigens is able to prevent immune-mediated diseases. Conversely, the inflammatory response in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although responsible for controlling the infection, is also associated with the pathogenesis of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the S. mansoni Sm29 antigen to change certain aspects of the profiles of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) and lymphocytes from subjects with CL in vitro. Expression of surface molecules and intracellular cytokines in the MoDCs and lymphocytes as well as the proliferation of Leishmania braziliensis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines were evaluated in culture supernatants by ELISA. It was observed that stimulation by rSm29 increased the frequency of expression of CD83, CD80, CD86, and IL-10R in MoDCs compared to non-stimulated cultures. Additionally rSm29 decreased the frequency CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD28 and increased the frequency of CD4+CD25hi and CD4+CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes. Addition of rSm29 to cultures increased IL-10 levels and decreased levels of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ, while not altering TNF levels compared to non-stimulated cultures. This study showed that rSm29 induced a regulatory profile in MoDCs and lymphocytes and thereby regulated the exaggerated inflammation observed in CL. Considering that there are few therapeutic options for leishmaniasis, the use of rSm29 may be an alternative to current treatment and may be an important strategy to reduce the healing time of lesions in patients with CL

Experimental characterization of gypsum-cork composite material reinforced with textile fibers

The study presented herein focus on the analysis of a series of experimental tests aiming at characterizing the performance of distinct textile fibers acting as a reinforcement of a gypsum-cork composite material. Two groups of textile fibers were selected, namely synthetic fibers (glass, recycled textile, acrylic and basalt) and natural fibers (banana and sisal). The reinforced composite material was assessed taking into account the mode I fracture energy by considering indirect tests on notched beams. Additionally, this material was submitted to distinct types of loading, namely uniaxial compression, from which it was possible to obtain the compressive strength and to calculate the elastic modulus, and flexural loading

Desenvolvimento morfofisiológico de sementes de ipê-amarelo (Tabeluia serratifolia Vahl Nich.)

Tabebuia serratifolia é utilizada no reflorestamento de áreas degradadas. Devido à sua exploração indevida, encontra-se em perigo de extinção, apesar de protegida por lei para preservação permanente. Foram investigadas as alterações morfofisiológicas de sementes de ipê-amarelo ao longo do desenvolvimento, para fins de auxiliar a conservação dessa espécie. Os frutos foram coletados a partir da antese, em sete estádios de desenvolvimento, em árvores localizadas na região de Lavras, MG, Brasil. Em cada coleta, as sementes foram submetidas às análises radiográficas e microscópicas, avaliando-se as colorações e tamanho, o grau de umidade e matéria seca tanto dos frutos como das sementes, a germinação in vitro e ex vitro, bem como os teores de açúcares, polifenóis e proteínas resistentes ao calor. Durante o desenvolvimento os frutos que inicialmente eram verdes passaram para amarronzados e o comprimento de 7 para 18 cm, apresentando fendas que iniciam a dispersão de suas sementes. As sementes tiveram sua cor variando de verde-folha a amarronzado e comprimento de 1 a 3 cm. As alterações iniciais indicativas da maturidade fisiológica de sementes de ipê-amarelo ocorreram a partir dos 39 dias após a antese, quando ocorreram variações na coloração, no tamanho de frutos e sementes e na visualização das estruturas internas, além de aumentos nos teores de água, matéria seca e porcentagem de germinação de sementes e embriões e ainda, redução dos açúcares redutores e das proteínas resistentes ao calor. A maturidade fisiológica das sementes de Tabebuia serratifolia é alcançada aos 53 dias após a antese, coincidindo com o acúmulo máximo de matéria seca, germinação (e índice de velocidade de germinação), além de decréscimo no teor de polifenóis e maior intensidade de bandas inidicadoras de proteínas resistentes ao calor e o início da abertura dos frutos.Tabebuia serratifolia is used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Despite protection by law for permanent preservation, the species is in danger of extinction due to improper exploitation. With the objective to aid preservation and long term storage of the species we evaluated morphophysiological alterations of T. serratifolia seeds during the maturation process in order to identify markers that can be used for harvesting and storage. Fruits were collected at anthesis and seven developmental stages from trees growing in Lavras, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. At each harvest, fruits and seeds were evaluated for color and size, moisture content, dry matter, internal morphology (by X-ray analysis), germination parameters (in vitro and ex vitro), as well as sugar and polyphenol content and heat resistant proteins. During the maturation process the initially green fruits changed to a brownish color and grew from a length of 7 to 18 cm; cracks appeared at the beginning of seed dispersal. The seed color varied from leaf-green to brownish and the length from 1 to 3 cm. The first indicatior of physiological maturity should be observed at 39 days post-anthesis, when variations the color and size of both fruits and seeds were observed. Increase in the moisture content, dry matter and germination, percentage of seeds and embryos in vitro, as well as a reduction in sugar content and LEA proteins were also observed. The physiological maturity of T. serratifolia seeds was reached 53 days after anthesis, coinciding with a maximum of dry matter accumulation and germination (and index of germination speed ex vitro), decrease in phenol levels, higher intensity of heat-resistant protein bands and the beginning of fruit opening

Postoperative self-efficacy and psychological morbidity in radical prostatectomy

Objective: evaluate the general and perceived self-efficacy, psychological morbidity, and knowledge about postoperative care of patients submitted to radical prostatectomy. Identify the relationships between the variables and know the predictors of self-efficacy. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted with 76 hospitalized men. The scales used were the General and Perceived Self-efficacy Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, in addition to sociodemographic, clinical and knowledge questionnaires. Results: a negative relationship was found for self-efficacy in relation to anxiety and depression. Psychological morbidity was a significant predictor variable for self-efficacy. An active professional situation and the waiting time for surgery also proved to be relevant variables for anxiety and knowledge, respectively. Conclusion: participants had a good level of general and perceived self-efficacy and small percentage of depression. With these findings, it is possible to produce the profile of patients about their psychological needs after radical prostatectomy and, thus, allow the nursing professionals to act holistically, considering not only the need for care of physical nature, but also of psychosocial nature.Paper extracted from doctoral dissertation "Effectiveness of a teaching program for home care of patients undergoing to radical prostatectomy: randomized clinical trial", presented to Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Research Development, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. Supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), Brazil, process # 141377/2010-0

Producción científica de la enfermería en relación con el cáncer de próstata : revisión integradora

Objetivo: analisar a produção científica da enfermagem brasileira sobre câncer de próstata. Método: revisão integrativa a partir da questão norteadora: qual o conhecimento científico produzido pela enfermagem sobre câncer de próstata nos periódicos brasileiros? Com busca na Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde e consulta às bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e na coleção Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). Foram elegíveis 11 estudos. Resultados: identificou-se que a discussão desta temática na enfermagem é algo recente e ela concentra-se, em maior parte, na região sudeste. De acordo com a abordagem temática, os assuntos mais discutidos foram: conhecimento da população masculina sobre o câncer de próstata e as barreiras de adesão aos exames de rastreamento. Conclusão: a produção científica da Enfermagem sobre a temática está em recente desenvolvimento, portanto, deve ganhar mais notoriedade em publicações nacionais, a fim de contribuir para a produção de conhecimento como subsídio para a melhoria da assistência.Objective: to analyze the scientific production of Brazilian nursing about prostate cancer. Method: integrative review from the question: “what is the scientific knowledge produced by nursing on prostate cancer in Brazilian journals?” By means a searching in the Virtual Health Library, and consultations in the database of LILACS and SciELO. Eleven studies were eligible, then categorized and analyzed with basis on the instrument elaborated; they were grouped, summarized and integrated to the discussion of review. Results: it was found that the discussion of this thematic in nursing is a recent fact and it is concentrated, mostly, in the Southeast of Brazil. According to the thematic approach, the most discussed topics were: knowledge of the male population about the prostate cancer and the barriers of adherence to screening examinations. Conclusion: the scientific production of the Nursing about prostate cancer is in recent development, therefore, should gain more prominence in national publications, in order to contribute to the production of knowledge as a support for the improvement of care.Objetivo: analizar la producción científica de la enfermería brasileña sobre el cáncer de próstata. Método: revisión integradora de la literatura, a partir de la cuestión: “¿que el conocimiento científico producido por la enfermería en el cáncer de próstata en los periódicos brasileños?”, en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud con consulta a la base de datos LILACS y colección SciELO. Resultados: se encontró que la discusión de este tema en la enfermería es una reciente y se concentra principalmente en el sureste. De acuerdo con el enfoque temático, los temas más discutidos fueron: el conocimiento de la población masculina en el cáncer de próstata y las barreras de la adherencia a las pruebas de detección. Conclusión: La producción científica de enfermería sobre el cáncer de próstata es un fenómeno reciente, por lo tanto, debe ganar más notoriedad en publicaciones nacionales con el fin de contribuir para la producción de conocimiento con base para la mejora del cuidado

Derivation Of Functional Human Astrocytes From Cerebral Organoids

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Astrocytes play a critical role in the development and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocyte dysfunction results in several neurological and degenerative diseases. However, a major challenge to our understanding of astrocyte physiology and pathology is the restriction of studies to animal models, human post-mortem brain tissues, or samples obtained from invasive surgical procedures. Here, we report a protocol to generate human functional astrocytes from cerebral organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The cellular isolation of cerebral organoids yielded cells that were morphologically and functionally like astrocytes. Immunolabelling and proteomic assays revealed that human organoid-derived astrocytes express the main astrocytic molecular markers, including glutamate transporters, specific enzymes and cytoskeletal proteins. We found that organoid-derived astrocytes strongly supported neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth and responded to ATP through transient calcium wave elevations, which are hallmarks of astrocyte physiology. Additionally, these astrocytes presented similar functional pathways to those isolated from adult human cortex by surgical procedures. This is the first study to provide proteomic and functional analyses of astrocytes isolated from human cerebral organoids. The isolation of these astrocytes holds great potential for the investigation of developmental and evolutionary features of the human brain and provides a useful approach to drug screening and neurodegenerative disease modelling.7Fundacao Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de JaneiroFAPERJConselho Nacional para o Desenvolvimento Cientifico e TecnologicoCNPqCoordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel SuperiorCAPESFundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao PauloFAPESP [13/08711-3, 14/10068-4, 14/21035-0, 16/07332-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

The antiapoptotic effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor reduces infarct size and prevents heart failure development in rats

Background/Aim. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) reduces myocardial injury and improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction (MI). We investigated the early alterations provided by G-CSF and the chronic repercussions in infarcted rats. Methods. Male Wistar rats (200-250g) received vehicle (MI) or G-CSF (MI-GCSF) (50 mu g/kg, sc) at 7, 3 and 1 days before MI surgery. Afterwards MI was produced and infarct size was measured 1 and 15 days after surgery. Expression of anti-and proapoptotic proteins was evaluated immediately before surgery. 24 hours after surgery, apoptotic nuclei were evaluated. Two weeks after MI, left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated, followed by in situ LV diastolic pressure-volume evaluation. Results. Infarct size was decreased by 1 day pretreatment before occlusion (36 +/- 2.8 vs. 44 +/- 2.1% in MI; P<0.05) and remained reduced at 15 days after infarction (28 +/- 2.2 vs. 36 +/- 1.4% in MI; P<0.05). G-CSF pretreatment increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL protein expression, but did not alter Bax in LV. Apoptotic nuclei were reduced by treatment (Sham: 0.46 +/- 0.42, MI: 15.5 +/- 2.43, MI-GCSF: 5.34 +/- 3.34%; P<0.05). Fifteen days after MI, cardiac function remained preserved in G-CSF pretreated rats. The LV dilation was reduced in MI-G-CSF group as compared to MI rats, being closely associated with infarct size. Conclusion. The early beneficial effects of G-CSF were essentials to preserve cardiac function at a chronic stage of myocardial infarction2813340CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESPsem informaçã

Data Mining in the context of Customer Relationship Management

Companies are increasingly concerned about understanding customer behavior in order to improve the relationship and loyalty of customers towards the company. Customer Relationship Management CRM therefore integrates an information acquisition process called Data Mining DM to acquire knowledge about the profile and behavior involved. The sequence of DM is presented together with several statistical techniques to orient the implementation of DM in the context of CRM.As empresas têm dado importância crescente ao conhecimento do cliente, de maneira a melhorar o relacionamento com ele e aumentar a sua fidelidade com elas. Os processos de gerenciamento do relacionamento com o cliente, ou CRM (customer relationship management), integram um processo de aquisição de conhecimento sobre o perfil e o comportamento dos clientes chamado de data mining (DM). O objetivo principal deste artigo é apresentar as etapas do processo de DM que devem orientar a sua implementação no contexto do CRM. Algumas técnicas estatísticas freqüentemente utilizadas em DM são apresentadas