A consensus segment in the M2 domain of the hP2X7 receptor shows ion channel activity in planar lipid bilayers and in biological membranes

AbstractThe P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated, cation-selective channel permeable to Na+, K+ and Ca2+. This channel has also been associated with the opening of a non-selective pore that allows the flow of large organic ions. However, the biophysical properties of the P2X7R have yet to be characterized unequivocally. We investigated a region named ADSEG, which is conserved among all subtypes of P2X receptors (P2XRs). It is located in the M2 domain of hP2X7R, which aligns with the H5 signature sequence of potassium channels. We investigated the channel forming ability of ADSEG in artificial planar lipid bilayers and in biological membranes using the cell-attached patch-clamp techniques. ADSEG forms channels, which exhibit a preference for cations. They are voltage independent and show long-term stability in planar lipid bilayers as well as under patch-clamping conditions. The open probability of the ADSEG was similar to that of native P2X7R. The conserved part of the M2 domain of P2X7R forms ionic channels in planar lipid bilayers and in biological membranes. Its electrophysiological characteristics are similar to those of the whole receptor. Conserved and hydrophobic part of the M2 domain forms ion channels

Problem-based learning: a proposal for the training of students as public health laboratory technicians

In the context of vocational training, the characteristics of the problem-based learning (PBL) provide a greater proximity of the students to professional practice. This article presents an innovative curriculum proposal for the training of technicians in public health laboratories, based on PBL. The logic of the curriculum structure is based on two axes: 1) The main technologies applied at public health laboratories, such as microscopy, volumetry, spectrophotometry, chromatography and electrophoresis; and 2) The main matrices used in laboratories, such as water, food, urine, faeces and blood. With this proposal, we seek to foster discussions about the curriculum implementation and the teaching strategies that can contribute to the improvement in vocational education in Brazil, as well as promote the training of technicians capable of working in laboratories comprising the Brazilian National Public Health Laboratory (SISLAB)

Detection of DENV-4 genotype I from mosquitoes collected in the city of Manaus, Brazil

Background\ud Dengue epidemics have been reported in Brazil since 1981. In Manaus, a large city in the Amazon region, dengue is endemic with all four-virus serotypes (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4) simultaneously causing human disease. In 2008, during a surveillance of dengue virus in mosquitoes in the district of Tancredo Neves in Manaus, 260 mosquitoes of Aedes genus were captured, identified and grouped into pools of 10 mosquitoes.\ud \ud Findings\ud RNA extracts of mosquito pools were tested by a RT-Hemi-Nested-PCR for detection of flaviviruses. One amplicon of 222 bp, compatible with dengue virus serotype 4, was obtained from a pool of Aedes aegypti. The nucleotide sequence of the amplicon indicated that the mosquitoes were infected with DENV-4 of genotype I. This virus of Asian origin has been described in Manaus in 2008 infecting acute febrile illness patients.\ud \ud Conclusion\ud This is the first report of dengue virus serotype 4 genotype I infecting Aedes aegypti in the Americas.This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq

Sonodynamic and Photodynamics Used as a Combined Therapy in the Treatment of Malignant Neoplasms: Facts and Open Questions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) used in combination with sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a new approach that aims to increase the effectiveness of tumor treatment when compared to the effect of each independent therapy. PDT is based on stimulating sensitizers with photons, while the most accepted theory for SDT is that sensitizers are stimulated by the sonoluminescence phenomenon. However, after the excitation of the sensitizer, both therapies follow a common path, leading to the generation of free radicals and inducing cell death. One of the positive aspects of this combination is the augmentation of anti-tumor activity with fewer side effects, since cell death may be induced using lower sensitizer concentrations or less exposure to ultrasound or light. Another benefit of combining PDT and SDT, especially with the use of low-frequency ultrasound is the induction of sonophoresis. For instance, on the skin, it may facilitate the absorption of the sensitizer. However, research involving both PDT and SDT exhibit many variants, including differences in irradiation sources and their intensities, among others. These aspects contribute to a lack of standardization, leading to result variations, hindering assessment on the real contribution that these combined therapies can offer in tumor treatment. Thus, further research in the pre-clinical and clinical areas are crucial

Development and implementation of a significantly low-cost 3D bioprinter using recycled scrap material

The field of 3D bioengineering proposes to effectively contribute to the manufacture of artificial multicellular organ/tissues and the understanding of complex cellular mechanisms. In this regard, 3D cell cultures comprise a promising bioengineering possibility for the alternative treatment of organ function loss, potentially improving patient life expectancies. Patients with end-stage disease, for example, could benefit from treatment until organ transplantation or even undergo organ function restoration. Currently, 3D bioprinters can produce tissues such as trachea cartilage or artificial skin. Most low-cost 3D bioprinters are built from fused deposition modeling 3D printer frames modified for the deposition of biologically compatible material, ranging between $13.000,00 and$300.000,00. Furthermore, the cost of consumables should also be considered as they, can range from $3,85 and$100.000,00 per gram, making biomaterials expensive, hindering bioprinting access. In this context, our report describes the first prototype of a significantly low-cost 3D bioprinter built from recycled scrap metal and off-the-shelf electronics. We demonstrate the functionalized process and methodology proof of concept and aim to test it in different biological tissue scaffolds in the future, using affordable materials and open-source methodologies, thus democratizing the state of the art of this technology

Assessment of the knowledge and perceptions of Brazilian medical residents on transfusion medicine

Background: Medical education has a major social impact because it ultimately influences the quality and safety of the health service offered to the population. Several studies have acknowledged the relationship between medical knowledge on transfusion medicine and the proper use of this therapy. The rational use of blood has become a worldwide concern. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate medical residents’ knowledge on transfusion medicine in hospitals located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their training during their medical education. Methods: One hundred and six residents from eight medical specialties of four hospitals participated. A questionnaire developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) group was applied to evaluate the participants’ medical knowledge. Another questionnaire was also applied to evaluate participant profiles regarding frequency of transfusion prescriptions, self-perceived knowledge and relevance of the subject. Results: The mean number of correct answers to the questionnaire on knowledge about transfusion practices was 43.5% (range: 15–80%). A relationship between training during medical residency and the obtained result was observed (p-value = 0.0007). Most residents (73%) did not receive training in transfusion medicine during their graduation or residency and 93% would like to receive additional training. Conclusion: A clear deficit in the knowledge of transfusion medicine was verified, indicating the need for change in the teaching of this specialty. This result is similar to some developed countries. Keywords: Transfusion medicine, Education, Medical, Knowledg

Transfusion medicine in medical education: an analysis of curricular grids in Brazil and a review of the current literature

Submitted by Sandra Infurna ([email protected]) on 2016-12-30T13:59:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 marcella_vaena_etal_IOC_2016.pdf: 482501 bytes, checksum: a881b92bacd1b0c807d379e53d3d92a3 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Sandra Infurna ([email protected]) on 2016-12-30T14:08:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 marcella_vaena_etal_IOC_2016.pdf: 482501 bytes, checksum: a881b92bacd1b0c807d379e53d3d92a3 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-30T14:08:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marcella_vaena_etal_IOC_2016.pdf: 482501 bytes, checksum: a881b92bacd1b0c807d379e53d3d92a3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil / Universidade Estácio de Sá (UNESA). Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil