CD28 Family and Chronic Rejection: “To Belatacept...and Beyond!”

Kidneys are one of the most frequently transplanted human organs. Immunosuppressive agents may prevent or reverse most acute rejection episodes; however, the graft may still succumb to chronic rejection. The immunological response involved in the chronic rejection process depends on both innate and adaptive immune response. T lymphocytes have a pivotal role in chronic rejection in adaptive immune response. Meanwhile, we aim to present a general overview on the state-of-the-art knowledge of the strategies used for manipulating the lymphocyte activation mechanisms involved in allografts, with emphasis on T-lymphocyte costimulatory and coinhibitory molecules of the B7-CD28 superfamily. A deeper understanding of the structure and function of these molecules improves both the knowledge of the immune system itself and their potential action as rejection inducers or tolerance promoters. In this context, the central role played by CD28 family, especially the relationship between CD28 and CTLA-4, becomes an interesting target for the development of immune-based therapies aiming to increase the survival rate of allografts and to decrease autoimmune phenomena. Good results obtained by the recent development of abatacept and belatacept with potential clinical use aroused better expectations concerning the outcome of transplanted patients

Beam-like damage detection methodology using wavelet damage ratio and additional roving mass

Early damage detection plays an essential role in the safe and satisfactory maintenance of structures. This work investigates techniques use only damaged structure responses. A Timoshenko beam was modeled in finite element method, and an additional mass was applied along their length. Thus, a frequency-shift curve is observed, and different damage identification techniques were used, such as the discrete wavelet transform and the derivatives of the frequency-shift curve. A new index called wavelet damage ratio(WDR) is defined as a metric to measure the damage levels. Damages were simulated like a mass discontinuity and a rotational spring (stiffness damage). Both models were compared to experimental tests since the mass added to the structure is a non-destructive tool. It was evaluated different damage levels and positions. Numerical results showed that all proposed techniques are efficient techniques for damage identification in Timoshenko's beams concerning low computational cost and practical application

Targeting the mitochondrial VDAC in hepatocellular carcinoma using a polyclonal antibody-conjugated to a nitrosyl ruthenium complex

The rational design of anti-cancer agents includes a new approach based on ruthenium complexes that can act as nitric oxide (NO) donor agents against specific cellular targets. One of the most studied classes of those compounds is based on bis(bipyridine) ruthenium fragment and its derivative species. In this work, we present the chemical and cytotoxicity properties against the liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]2− conjugated to a polyclonal antibody IgG (anti-VDAC) recognizing a cell surface marker. UV–visible bands of the ruthenium complex were assigned with the aid of density functional theory, which also allowed estimation of the structures that explain the biological effects of the ruthenium complex–IgG conjugate. The interaction of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3− with mitochondria was evaluated due to the potential of these organelles as anti-cancer targets, and considering they interact with the anti-VDAC antibody. The cytotoxicity of cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3−-anti-VDAC antibody was up to 80% greater in comparison to the free cis-[RuII(NO+)Cl(dcbpy)2]3− complex. We suggest that this effect is due to site-specific interaction of the complex followed by NO release.Fil: Ramos, Loyanne C. B.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Rodrigues, Fernando P.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Biazzotto, Juliana C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: de Paula Machado, Sergio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Slep, Leonardo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; ArgentinaFil: Hamblin, Michael R.. Harvard Medical School; Estados UnidosFil: da Silva, Roberto S.. Harvard Medical School; Estados Unidos. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasi

Microbiological evaluation of food manipulator's hands and nasal cavity in a food unit of a university hospital

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os microorganismos presentes nas mãos e fossas nasais de manipuladores de alimentos da cozinha de um hospital universitário. Foram realizadas coletas de amostras de 24 manipuladores de alimentos, usando swab embebido em solução salina. As amostras foram semeadas em meio de cultivo específico para isolamento e identificação dos microorganismos presentes. Dos 24 manipuladores analisados, todos albergavam Staphylococcus aureus , sendo que 41,67% albergavam esta bactéria nas fossas nasais, 41,67% apenas na palma das mãos, e 16,67% albergavam tanto nas mãos quanto nas fossas nasais.Escherichia coli  esteve presente em 29,17% dos manipuladores, sendo 28,57% nas fossas nasais e 71,43% nas mãos dos manipuladores. Em 12,5% dos manipuladores foram encontradas ambas as bactérias, S. aureus e E. coli , nas mãos. Ademonstração de S. aureus e E. coli nas amostras isoladas dos manipuladores de alimento apontam para a possibilidade da contaminação de alimentos, a partir da colonização das mãos e fossas nasais de manipuladores. A prevenção desta contaminação pode ser feita pelo meio de medidas educativas e disponibilização de produtos que facilitem a higienização adequada das mãos no ambiente de trabalho.  This work had as objectives identify microorganisms present in the hands and nasal cavity of food handlers that work in a kitchen of a University Hospital. It was collected samples of 24 individuals usingswab Staphylococcus aureus , with 41.67% harbouring this bacterium in nasal cavity, 41.67% in the palm of the hand, and 16.67% in both hands and nasal cavity. Another microorganism detected was Escherichia coli , present in 29.17% of handlers, being 28.57% in nasal cavity and 71.43% in the hands of manipulators. In 12.5% of food handlers were found both S. aureus and E. coli in their hands. The demonstrations of S. aureus e E. coli in the food handlers´ isolated samples indicate food contamination; arise from contaminated hands and nasal cavity of them. The prevention for this contamination can be applied adopting an orientation procedure and available of products that facilitate the right sanitation of the hands in the work environment. s soaked in saline solution. These samples were sown in culture medium for isolation and identification of the microorganisms. All 24 food handlers presented

Fish Oil Supplementation Reduces Inflammation but Does Not Restore Renal Function and Klotho Expression in an Adenine-Induced CKD Model

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease and inflammation promote loss of Klotho expression. Given the well-established anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids, we aimed to investigate the effect of fish oil supplementation in a model of CKD. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice received supplementation with an adenine-enriched diet (AD, n = 5) or standard diet (CTL, n = 5) for 10 days. Two other experimental groups were kept under the adenine diet for 10 days. Following adenine withdrawal on the 11th day, the animals returned to a standard diet supplemented with fish oil (Post AD-Fish oil, n = 9) or not (Post AD-CTL, n = 9) for an additional period of 7 days. RESULTS: Adenine mice exhibited significantly higher mean serum urea, creatinine, and renal expression of the pro-inflammatory markers Interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in addition to prominent renal fibrosis and reduced renal Klotho gene expression compared to the control. Post AD-Fish oil animals demonstrated a significant reduction of IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine 9 (CXCL9), and IL-1β compared to Post AD-CTL animals. However, serum creatinine, renal fibrosis, and Klotho were not significantly different in the fish oil-treated group. Furthermore, renal histomorphological changes such as tubular dilatation and interstitial infiltration persisted despite treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil supplementation reduced renal pro-inflammatory markers but was not able to restore renal function nor Klotho expression in an adenine-induced CKD model

Genetically Modified Labeling Policies: Moving Forward or Backward?

One of the priorities to address food security is to increase the access of farmers to biotechnology, through the application of scientific advances, such as genetically modified organisms and food (GMF). However, the spread of (mis)information about their safety strengthens the clamor for mandatory GMF labeling. This paper provides an overview of food labeling policies, considering the principles suggested by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and analyzes the consequences for the world food security of the Brazilian labeling policies compared to developed countries. We discuss the discriminatory application of GMF mandatory labeling in the absence of any scientific evidence as it has the potential of causing social harm and jeopardizes research, production, and distribution of food and consumers' right to information

A new species of Bryconops (Teleostei: Characidae) from the rio Madeira basin, Northern Brazil

Uma nova espécie de Bryconops é descrita para um tributário do rio Madeira na bacia do rio Amazonas, Brasil. Bryconops piracolina pertence ao subgênero Bryconops por não possuir dentes ou raramente apresentar apenas um dente na maxila, e por possuir uma área nua na face entre o segundo e terceiro infraorbitais. A espécie nova se distingue de todas as espécies do subgênero Bryconops pela presença de uma grande mancha negra na base da nadadeira dorsal. Além disto, difere de todas as espécies do gênero, exceto B. inpai, por possuir a nadadeira adiposa inteiramente preta. Difere de B. inpai pela ausência de manchas umerais. Difere de todas as espécies de Bryconops, exceto B. caudomaculatus, por possuir as últimas escamas da série longitudinal de escamas da linha lateral sem poros além da terminação da placa hipural e difere de B. caudomaculatus pelo menor número de escamas com poros da linha lateral (31-36, média 34,6 vs. 37-43 média, 40,6; respectivamente).A new species of Bryconops is described from a tributary to the rio Madeira in the Amazon basin, State of Rondônia, Brazil. Bryconops piracolina belongs to the subgenus Bryconops by having no teeth or rarely one tooth in the maxilla, and a naked area on cheek between the second and third infraorbitals. The new species is distinguished from all species of this subgenus by the presence of a large black blotch on dorsal-fin base. Furthermore, it is distinguished from all congeners, except B. inpai, by possessing the adipose fin entirely black. It differs from B. inpai by the lack of humeral spots. It further differs from all species of the subgenus Bryconops, except B. caudomaculatus, by having the last scales of the longitudinal series of scales that bears the lateral line series not pored beyond the end of the hypural plate, and differs from B. caudomaculatus by the smaller number of pored lateral line scales (31-36, mean 34.6, vs. 37-43, mean = 40.6, respectively)