Characterization of protective immune responses induced by pneumococcal surface protein A in fusion with Pneumolysin derivatives

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and Pneumolysin derivatives (Pds) are important vaccine candidates, which can confer protection in different models of pneumococcal infection. Furthermore, the combination of these two proteins was able to increase protection against pneumococcal sepsis in mice. The present study investigated the potential of hybrid proteins generated by genetic fusion of PspA fragments to Pds to increase cross-protection against fatal pneumococcal infection. Pneumolisoids were fused to the N-terminus of clade 1 or clade 2 pspA gene fragments. Mouse immunization with the fusion proteins induced high levels of antibodies against PspA and Pds, able to bind to intact pneumococci expressing a homologous PspA with the same intensity as antibodies to rPspA alone or the co-administered proteins. However, when antibody binding to pneumococci with heterologous PspAs was examined, antisera to the PspA-Pds fusion molecules showed stronger antibody binding and C3 deposition than antisera to co-administered proteins. In agreement with these results, antisera against the hybrid proteins were more effective in promoting the phagocytosis of bacteria bearing heterologous PspAs in vitro, leading to a significant reduction in the number of bacteria when compared to co-administered proteins. The respective antisera were also capable of neutralizing the lytic activity of Pneumolysin on sheep red blood cells. Finally, mice immunized with fusion proteins were protected against fatal challenge with pneumococcal strains expressing heterologous PspAs. Taken together, the results suggest that PspA-Pd fusion proteins comprise a promising vaccine strategy, able to increase the immune response mediated by cross-reactive antibodies and complement deposition to heterologous strains, and to confer protection against fatal challenge

Metodologias de ensino na educação a distância em ciências da saúde: formação lato sensu

The aim was to identify the role of teaching methodologies used in lato sensu courses in Distance Education in Health Sciences. Descriptive qualitative research. Research subjects: professors/coordinators of lato sensu courses in the areas of health in Distance Education. A form on teaching tools and methodologies and a semi-structured interview were used. For data analysis, the content analysis method was used under the concepts of Vygotsky's socio-interactionist theory. The data raised the tools used in the teaching platforms. The analysis of the interviews resulted in four categories. These data showed the difficulties, experiences and expectations of teachers/coordinators. Distance Education provides expansion and deepening of knowledge. There is concern about the quality of teaching, directed to the need to adapt the methodologies applied to the use of different tools. Distance Education provides expansion of access to professional qualification, consequently improving health care for the population.Objetivou-se identificar o papel das metodologias de ensino utilizadas em cursos lato sensu em Educação a Distância nas Ciências da Saúde. Pesquisa qualitativa descritiva. Sujeitos da pesquisa: professores/coordenadores de cursos lato sensu nas áreas da saúde em Educação a Distância. Foram utilizados formulário sobre ferramentas e metodologias de ensino e entrevista semiestruturada. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo sob os conceitos da teoria sócio-interacionista de Vygotsky. Os dados levantaram as ferramentas utilizadas nas plataformas de ensino. A análise das entrevistas resultou em quatro categorias. Esses dados mostraram as dificuldades, experiências e expectativas dos professores/coordenadores. A Educação a Distância proporciona expansão e aprofundamento de conhecimento. Existe preocupação quanto a qualidade do ensino, direcionada a necessidade de adequação das metodologias aplicadas ao uso das diferentes ferramentas. A Educação a Distância proporciona ampliação ao acesso à qualificação profissional, consequentemente melhorando a assistência de saúde à população

Metodologias de ensino na educação a distância em ciências da saúde: formação lato sensu

The aim was to identify the role of teaching methodologies used in lato sensu courses in Distance Education in Health Sciences. Descriptive qualitative research. Research subjects: professors/coordinators of lato sensu courses in the areas of health in Distance Education. A form on teaching tools and methodologies and a semi-structured interview were used. For data analysis, the content analysis method was used under the concepts of Vygotsky's socio-interactionist theory. The data raised the tools used in the teaching platforms. The analysis of the interviews resulted in four categories. These data showed the difficulties, experiences and expectations of teachers/coordinators. Distance Education provides expansion and deepening of knowledge. There is concern about the quality of teaching, directed to the need to adapt the methodologies applied to the use of different tools. Distance Education provides expansion of access to professional qualification, consequently improving health care for the population.Objetivou-se identificar o papel das metodologias de ensino utilizadas em cursos lato sensu em Educação a Distância nas Ciências da Saúde. Pesquisa qualitativa descritiva. Sujeitos da pesquisa: professores/coordenadores de cursos lato sensu nas áreas da saúde em Educação a Distância. Foram utilizados formulário sobre ferramentas e metodologias de ensino e entrevista semiestruturada. Para análise dos dados foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo sob os conceitos da teoria sócio-interacionista de Vygotsky. Os dados levantaram as ferramentas utilizadas nas plataformas de ensino. A análise das entrevistas resultou em quatro categorias. Esses dados mostraram as dificuldades, experiências e expectativas dos professores/coordenadores. A Educação a Distância proporciona expansão e aprofundamento de conhecimento. Existe preocupação quanto a qualidade do ensino, direcionada a necessidade de adequação das metodologias aplicadas ao uso das diferentes ferramentas. A Educação a Distância proporciona ampliação ao acesso à qualificação profissional, consequentemente melhorando a assistência de saúde à população

Applications of natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers in cosmetic formulations

Cosmetics composed of synthetic and/or semi-synthetic polymers, associated or not with natural polymers, exhibit a dashing design, with thermal and chemo-sensitive properties. Cosmetic polymers are also used for the preparation of nanoparticles for the delivery of, e.g., fragrances, with the purpose to modify their release profile and also reducing the risk of evaporation. Besides, other cosmetically active nutrients, dermal permeation enhancers, have also been loaded into nanoparticles to improve their bioactivities on the skin. The use of natural polymers in cosmetic formulations is of particular relevance because of their biocompatible, safe, and eco-friendly character. These formulations are highly attractive and marketable to consumers, and are suitable for a plethora of applications, including make-up, skin, and hair care, and as modifiers and stabilizers. In this review, natural synthetic, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers are discussed considering their properties for cosmetic applications. Their uses in conventional and novel formulations are also presented.This research was funded by Banco do Nordeste (FUNDECI 2017.0016), Coordenação Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Sergipe (FAPITEC)(PROCESSO: 88887.159533/2017-00), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq301964/2019-0, and Chamada CNPq nº01/2019) and by Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministryof Science and Education (FCT/MEC) through national funds, and co-financed by FEDER, under the project reference UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O papel do enfermeiro na prevenção das lesões na síndrome do pé diabético

The aim was to identify the role of nurses in preventive care for Diabetic Foot injuries. Descriptive-exploratory study, of a quantitative nature. Carried out in a health clinic located in the city of São Paulo, with 65 diabetic patients, between 18 and 90 years old. Among the study participants, the highest percentage of those who showed signs and symptoms of Diabetic Foot Syndrome were among those who had the diagnosis a longer time ago, had greater resistance to changes in habits and adherence to treatment, did not follow the guidelines on foot care and/or had other associated chronic diseases. The nurse is fundamental in early diagnosis, interventions and education on preventive care. The prevention of Diabetic Foot complications depends on the commitment, communication and training of the multidisciplinary team to reduce amputations and morbidity and mortality of diabetics.Objetivou-se identificar o papel do enfermeiro nos cuidados preventivos das lesões do Pé Diabético. Estudo descritivo-exploratório, de natureza quantitativa. Realizado em uma clínica de saúde localizada no município de São Paulo, com 65 pacientes diabéticos, entre 18 e 90 anos. Entre os participantes do estudo, a maior porcentagem dos que apresentavam sinais e sintomas da Síndrome do Pé Diabético, estavam entre os que tiveram o diagnóstico há mais tempo, possuíam maior resistência a mudanças de hábito e adesão ao tratamento, não seguiam as orientações sobre os cuidados com os pés e/ou possuíam outras doenças crônicas associadas. O enfermeiro é fundamental no diagnóstico precoce, intervenções e educação sobre cuidados preventivos. A prevenção das complicações do Pé Diabético depende do empenho, comunicação e treinamento da equipe multidisciplinar para a redução das amputações e morbimortalidade dos diabéticos

O papel do enfermeiro na prevenção das lesões na síndrome do pé diabético

The aim was to identify the role of nurses in preventive care for Diabetic Foot injuries. Descriptive-exploratory study, of a quantitative nature. Carried out in a health clinic located in the city of São Paulo, with 65 diabetic patients, between 18 and 90 years old. Among the study participants, the highest percentage of those who showed signs and symptoms of Diabetic Foot Syndrome were among those who had the diagnosis a longer time ago, had greater resistance to changes in habits and adherence to treatment, did not follow the guidelines on foot care and/or had other associated chronic diseases. The nurse is fundamental in early diagnosis, interventions and education on preventive care. The prevention of Diabetic Foot complications depends on the commitment, communication and training of the multidisciplinary team to reduce amputations and morbidity and mortality of diabetics.Objetivou-se identificar o papel do enfermeiro nos cuidados preventivos das lesões do Pé Diabético. Estudo descritivo-exploratório, de natureza quantitativa. Realizado em uma clínica de saúde localizada no município de São Paulo, com 65 pacientes diabéticos, entre 18 e 90 anos. Entre os participantes do estudo, a maior porcentagem dos que apresentavam sinais e sintomas da Síndrome do Pé Diabético, estavam entre os que tiveram o diagnóstico há mais tempo, possuíam maior resistência a mudanças de hábito e adesão ao tratamento, não seguiam as orientações sobre os cuidados com os pés e/ou possuíam outras doenças crônicas associadas. O enfermeiro é fundamental no diagnóstico precoce, intervenções e educação sobre cuidados preventivos. A prevenção das complicações do Pé Diabético depende do empenho, comunicação e treinamento da equipe multidisciplinar para a redução das amputações e morbimortalidade dos diabéticos

Bilayer mucoadhesive buccal film for mucosal ulcers treatment: development, characterization, and single study case

The formation of mucosal ulcers is an end result of epithelial damage, and it occurs due to some specific causes, such as trauma, aphthous stomatitis, lichen planus and lichenoid reactions, cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions and malignant settings. This study focused on films for target drug delivery with respect to the treatment of the diseases of the oral mucosa, specifically mucositis. The results of a single clinical study as a pre-experimental design was performed and followed up to the outcome until 30 days. The polymeric film was prepared in a mucoadhesive bilayer structure: the basal layer with lidocaine HCl had a faster release than the apical layer with benzydamine HCl and N-acetyl-cysteine. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and SEM characterized the physical–chemical and morphological properties. The cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated in cell line MCF7. The transport mechanism of the solvent (swelling) and the drugs in the basal or apical layer (drug release) was explained with mathematical models. To evaluate the effect of movement inside the mouth, the folding endurance was determined. The mucoadhesive bilayer film is biologically safe and stimulates cellular proliferation. A single study in vivo demonstrated the therapeutic effect of the mucoadhesive bilayer film in buccal mucositis.The authors express their gratitude to financial support from CAPES/PROSUP-Brazil; Sao Paulo Research Foundation 2011/21219-5; Sao Paulo Research Foundation. 2018/13432-0; Sao Paulo Research Foundation. 2018/11350-6; National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) 425271/2016-1.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Apathy and functional disability in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia

Background Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) has profound consequences on patients and their families. In this multicenter study, we investigated the contribution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric factors to everyday function at different levels of overall functional impairment. Methods In a retrospective cross-sectional study, 109 patients with bvFTD from 4 specialist frontotemporal dementia centers (Australia, England, India, and Brazil) were included. The measures administered evaluated everyday function (Disability Assessment for Dementia [DAD]), dementia staging (Clinical Dementia Rating [CDR]), general cognition (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination–revised [ACE-R]), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory [NPI]). Patients were then subdivided according to functional impairment on the DAD into mild, moderate, severe, and very severe subgroups. Three separate multiple linear regression analyses were run, where (1) total DAD, (2) basic activities of daily living (BADL), and (3) instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scores were dependent variables; ACE-R total score and selected NPI domains (agitation/aggression, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behavior) were used as independent variables. Age, sex, education, and country of origin were controlled for in the analyses. Results Cognitive deficits were similar across the mild, moderate, and severe subgroups but significantly worse in the very severe subgroup. NPI domain scores (agitation/aggression, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, aberrant motor behavior) did not differ across the DAD subgroups. In the multiple regression analyses, a model including ACE-R and NPI apathy explained 32.5% of the variance for total DAD scores. For IADL, 35.6% of the variance was explained by the ACE-R only. No model emerged for BADL scores. Conclusions Cognitive deficits and apathy are key contributors to functional disability in bvFTD but factors underlying impairment in BADLs remain unclear. Treatments targeting reduction of disability need to address apathy and cognitive impairment to ensure greater efficacy, especially in regards to IADLs

Antiparasitic Activity of Natural and Semi-Synthetic Tirucallane Triterpenoids from Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae): Structure/Activity Relationships

Leishmaniasis and Chagas are diseases caused by parasitic protozoans that affect the poorest population in the World, causing a high mortality and morbidity. As a result of highly toxic and long-term treatments, the discovery of novel, safe and more efficacious drugs is essential. in this work, the in vitro antiparasitic activity and mammalian cytotoxicity of three natural tirucallane triterpenoids, isolated from leaves of Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae), and nine semi-synthetic derivatives were investigated against Leishmania (L.) infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. Trypomastigotes of T. cruzi were the most susceptible parasites and seven compounds demonstrated a trypanocidal activity with IC50 values in the range between 15 and 58 mu g/mL. Four compounds demonstrated selectivity towards the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania, with IC50 values in the range between 28 and 97 mu g/mL. the complete characterization of triterpenoids was afforded after thorough analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Additionally, structure-activity relationships were performed using Decision Trees.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilAdolfo Lutz Inst, Ctr Parasitol, BR-01246902 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Paraiba, Ctr Ciencias Aplicadas & Educ, BR-58297000 Rio Tinto, BrazilUniv Fed Uberlandia, Inst Quim, BR-38400902 Uberlandia, MG, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Ambientais Quim & Farmaceut, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP, BrazilCNPq: 300546/2012-2CNPq: 471458/2012-0FAPESP: 2011/51739-0FAPESP: 2012/18756-1FAPESP: 2013/16320-4Web of Scienc

Genome of the Avirulent Human-Infective Trypanosome—Trypanosoma rangeli

Background: Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protozoan parasite infecting humans and other wild and domestic mammals across Central and South America. It does not cause human disease, but it can be mistaken for the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi. We have sequenced the T. rangeli genome to provide new tools for elucidating the distinct and intriguing biology of this species and the key pathways related to interaction with its arthropod and mammalian hosts.  Methodology/Principal Findings: The T. rangeli haploid genome is ,24 Mb in length, and is the smallest and least repetitive trypanosomatid genome sequenced thus far. This parasite genome has shorter subtelomeric sequences compared to those of T. cruzi and T. brucei; displays intraspecific karyotype variability and lacks minichromosomes. Of the predicted 7,613 protein coding sequences, functional annotations could be determined for 2,415, while 5,043 are hypothetical proteins, some with evidence of protein expression. 7,101 genes (93%) are shared with other trypanosomatids that infect humans. An ortholog of the dcl2 gene involved in the T. brucei RNAi pathway was found in T. rangeli, but the RNAi machinery is non-functional since the other genes in this pathway are pseudogenized. T. rangeli is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, a phenotype that may be explained by a smaller number of anti-oxidant defense enzymes and heatshock proteins.  Conclusions/Significance: Phylogenetic comparison of nuclear and mitochondrial genes indicates that T. rangeli and T. cruzi are equidistant from T. brucei. In addition to revealing new aspects of trypanosome co-evolution within the vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, comparative genomic analysis with pathogenic trypanosomatids provides valuable new information that can be further explored with the aim of developing better diagnostic tools and/or therapeutic targets