Anti-Candida targets and cytotoxicity of casuarinin isolated from Plinia cauliflora leaves in a bioactivity-guided study

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Quantifying responses of dung beetles to fire disturbance in tropical forests:the importance of trapping method and seasonality

Understanding how biodiversity responds to environmental changes is essential to provide the evidence-base that underpins conservation initiatives. The present study provides a standardized comparison between unbaited flight intercept traps (FIT) and baited pitfall traps (BPT) for sampling dung beetles. We examine the effectiveness of the two to assess fire disturbance effects and how trap performance is affected by seasonality. The study was carried out in a transitional forest between Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) and Amazon Forest. Dung beetles were collected during one wet and one dry sampling season. The two methods sampled different portions of the local beetle assemblage. Both FIT and BPT were sensitive to fire disturbance during the wet season, but only BPT detected community differences during the dry season. Both traps showed similar correlation with environmental factors. Our results indicate that seasonality had a stronger effect than trap type, with BPT more effective and robust under low population numbers, and FIT more sensitive to fine scale heterogeneity patterns. This study shows the strengths and weaknesses of two commonly used methodologies for sampling dung beetles in tropical forests, as well as highlighting the importance of seasonality in shaping the results obtained by both sampling strategies

Systematic review of the effects of coffee or its components on platelets and their regulators

Coffee includes some potentially bioactive components that can interfere with platelets, which can influence coagulation, despite generating controversy. The aim of this systematic review is to verify whether coffee or its components can influence platelet regulators and/or aggregation. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted on July 29, 2021, in PubMed, Scopus, andWeb of Science, using the followingmesh-terms: (caffeine)) OR (coffee)) AND (platelets). Eligibility criteria were: studies carried out in humans, referring to the effects of coffee consumption, or one of its components, on platelets or their regulators. We exclude in vitro or animal studies, reviews, editorials, and non-English written studies. From a total of 836 publications, 17 articles were included from which we extracted the relationship between coffee consumption and changes in blood platelets and performed a subjective assessment of bias. Results: Ten articles refer to the non-interference of coffee or its components with platelets, nine affirm results that support the increase in platelet aggregation, and eight articles observe the decrease in platelet aggregation when coffee is consumed. Some articles presented the lack of data regarding the sample collection location, age group, or classification as to the type of study, which is limiting. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of results makes it difficult to correctly interpret the possible interaction of coffee or its components with platelets or their regulators. For better interpretation, further studies on this topic should be carried out considering the individualization of coffee components, different platelet regulators, and the size of the sample used.The Centro de Investigac¸a˜o de Montanha (CIMO) received financial support from Fundac¸a˜o para Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT, Portugal) and from Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER), under PT2020 program (UIDB/00690/2020).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Advances in cryopreservation of Syzygium maire (swamp maire, maire tawake) zygotic embryos, a critically endangered tree species endemic to New Zealand

IntroductionSyzygium maire is a threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its highly recalcitrant seed, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. Our previous attempts to cryopreserve the embryonic axis (EAs) of S. maire were unsuccessful but did provide a better understanding of desiccation behavior, biochemical composition, oxidative status, and ultrastructural changes associated with desiccation in EAs.MethodsWe incorporated this knowledge with biophysical information to investigate two advanced cryopreservation technologies: a droplet vacuum infiltration vitrification (DVIV) method and a novel metal-mesh vacuum infiltration vitrification (MVIV) method using Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for cryopreservation of the EAs.ResultsThe PVS2 treatment at room temperature (~20°C) proved phytotoxic with extended PVS2 incubation significantly reducing EA survival. No EAs survived cryopreservation using DVIV, however MVIV resulted in post-cryopreservation survival of up to 19% following PVS2 incubation for 20 min. Biophysical thermal analysis using Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed a 15-fold reduction in ice crystallization following incubation in PVS2 for 20 min or more, with all freezable water removed after 60 min incubation.DiscussionThese results present a significant advance in being able to successfully cryopreserve S. maire EAs. The findings from this study will aid the development of cryopreservation protocols for other extremely recalcitrant seeded species, many of which are threatened with extinction due to climate change, plant pathogens, and habitat destruction

Strategies for cancer treatment based on photonic nanomedicine

Traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are still the most effective clinical practice options. However, these treatments may display moderate to severe side effects caused by their low temporal or spatial resolution. In this sense, photonic nanomedicine therapies have been arising as an alternative to traditional cancer treatments since they display more control of temporal and spatial resolution, thereby yielding fewer side effects. In this work, we reviewed the challenge of current cancer treatments, using the PubMed and Web of Science database, focusing on the advances of three prominent therapies approached by photonic nanomedicine: (i) photothermal therapy; (ii) photodynamic therapy; (iii) photoresponsive drug delivery systems. These photonic nanomedicines act on the cancer cells through different mechanisms, such as hyperthermic effect and delivery of chemotherapeutics and species that cause oxidative stress. Furthermore, we covered the recent advances in materials science applied in photonic nanomedicine, highlighting the main classes of materials used in each therapy, their applications in the context of cancer treatment, as well as their advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. Finally, although some photonic nanomedicines are undergoing clinical trials, their effectiveness in cancer treatment have already been highlighted by pre-clinical studies

When prosthetic joint infection may lead to premalignant colorectal lesion detection

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common treatment for advanced OA. However, joint replacement surgeries may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), surgical site infection, and prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Our objective is to discuss a Streptococcus bovis group (SBG) PJI case after TKA and its possible consequences in clinical practice. We describe a 67-year-old female who underwent TKA and developed initial complications including wound hematoma, symptomatic anemia, and acute DVT. Further investigations because of knee pain persistence and inflammatory signs post TKA revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the synovial and scar tissues from the knee and SBG in the periprosthetic membrane from the revision surgery, as well as mitral infective endocarditis and a large stenosing villous polypoid lesion in the ascending colon. SBG osteoarticular infection post TKA is a rare condition, but it may be associated with severe diseases. This article highlights the link between SBG and colorectal cancer (CRC) and emphasizes the importance of an echocardiogram and a colonoscopy for early detection and prompt treatment of infective endocarditis and CRC. This diagnostic workup should be performed even in the absence of symptoms, for early diagnosis and increased chance of cure. A multidisciplinary approach, involving orthopedists, infectious disease specialists, cardiologists, and gastroenterologists, among others, is advised to effectively manage SBG infections and improve patient outcomes

Human leukemia cells (HL-60) proteomic and biological signatures underpinning cryo-damage are differentially modulated by novel cryo-additives

Cryopreservation is a routinely used methodology for prolonged storage of viable cells. The use of cryo-protective agents (CPAs) such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol, or trehalose is paramount to reducing cellular cryo-injury, but their effectiveness is still limited. The current study focuses on establishing and modulating the proteomic and the corresponding biological profiles associated with the cryo-injury of human leukemia (HL-60) cells cryopreserved in DMSO alone or DMSO +/-novel CPAs (e. g., nigerose [Nig] or salidroside [Sal]). Findings: To reduce cryo-damage, HL-60 cells were cultured prior and post cryopreservation in malondialdehyde Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium-1640 media +/- Nig or Sal. Shotgun proteomic analysis showed significant alterations in the levels of proteins in cells cryopreserved in Nig or Sal compared to DMSO. Nig mostly affected cellular metabolism and energy pathways, whereas Sal increased the levels of proteins associated with DNA repair/duplication, RNA transcription, and cell proliferation. Validation testing showed that the proteome profile associated with Sal was correlated with a 2.8-fold increase in cell proliferative rate. At the functional level, both Nig and Sal increased glutathione reductase (0.0012 +/- 6.19E-05 and 0.0016 +/- 3.04E-05 mU/mL, respectively) compared to DMSO controls (0.0003 +/- 3.7E-05 mU/mL) and reduced cytotoxicity by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase activities (from -2.5 to -4.75 fold) and lipid oxidation (-1.6 fold). In contrast, only Nig attenuated protein carbonylation or oxidation. Conclusions: We have identified key molecules and corresponding functional pathways underpinning the effect of cryopreservation (+/- CPAs) of HL-60 cells. We also validated the proteomic findings by identifying the corresponding biological profiles associated with promoting an anti-oxidative environment post cryopreservation. Nig or Sal in comparison to DMSO showed differential or additive effects in regard to reducing cryo-injury and enhancing cell survival/proliferation post thaw. These results can provide useful insight to cryo-damage and the design of enhanced cryomedia formulation83CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP460 289/2014–42014/14 881–1; 2013/0 8711–3; 2014/10 068–4This work was supported by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology research fund. J.S.C. and D.,M.S. are funded by FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation, grants 2014/14 881–1, 2013/0 8711–3, and 2014/10 068–4) and CNPq (the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, grant 460 289/2014–4

PESQUISA NA WEB: ANÁLISE DOS CAMINHOS INVESTIGATIVOS COM MÚLTIPLOS TEXTOS

Com o advento da tecnologia, a sociedade que se configura exige do sujeito letrado conhecimentos mais complexos para enfrentar novas situações, em diversos campos da atuação humana. No âmbito escolar, apesar de contarem com diversos aparatos tecnológicos, o que se tem visto é uma educação com base na transferência de informações, suscitando um trabalho ainda nos moldes tradicionais. Por esse motivo, é viável dizer que o ensino com as tecnologias deve ser ressignificado. Nesse sentido, é crucial que o professor se aproprie de saberes que possibilitem a (re)estruturação em sua prática pedagógica. Sendo assim, pretende-se aqui apresentar um trabalho investigativo, decorrente de pesquisas na Web, envolvendo múltiplos textos, com alunos da EJA, além de análises dos caminhos percorridos pelos aprendizes, ao longo do processo. Intenta-se argumentar sobre a importância da mediação do professor e de um trabalho de ensino sistematizado, em contraposição a um trabalho espontâneo e livre

Palaeohistology and palaeopathology of an Aeolosaurini (Sauropoda: Titanosauria) from Morro do Cambambe (Upper Cretaceous, Brazil)

Altres ajuts: CAISEP (Comisión de Ayudas a la Investigación de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología) project #2018-07153A recent publication of fossil bones of titanosaurs assigned to Aeolosaurini from the Morro do Cambambe site (Mato Grosso state, Brazil, Upper Cretaceous) reported anomalous growth in some of them. Here, we present osteohistological sections of elements to understand not only the microstructure and growth of such bones, but also the nature of those anomalies. The primary bone of all specimens consisted of a variation of the fibrolamellar complex, with the inner cortex being rich in woven bone with dispersed longitudinal canals, while the outer cortex was parallel-fibred with rows of longitudinal canals, interlayered by Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs). We identified a maximum of two LAGs in the cervical rib and haemal arch, and four in the dorsal rib. The haemal arch shows an External Fundamental System (EFS) in most sections. The advanced remodelling and variation of the fibrolamellar bone in the cortex suggests that all the specimens represent individuals that reached sexual maturity. However, the haemal arch was distinct due to the wide distribution of EFS. The dorsal rib exhibited periosteal and endosteal outgrowth. Such microstructure was assigned to a reactive bone due to an intra-thoracic infection (a pneumonia, probably related to a tuberculosis), which is the first report in a non-avian dinosaur. The microstructure resembles the medullary bone recovered in dinosaurs, which suggests that further studies of medullary bone in thoracic bones should also regard the pathological cases.En una reciente publicación de los huesos fósiles de titanosaurios asignados al clado Aeolosaurini provenientes del yacimiento de Morro do Cambambe (estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil, Cretácico Superior), se reconocieron anormalidades en el crecimiento de algunos de ellos. En el presente trabajo presentamos cortes osteohistológicos de elementos para entender no sólo la microestructura y crecimiento de los mismos, sino también la naturaleza de aquellas anomalías. Entre ellos, seleccionamos una costilla cervical y una costilla dorsal media posterior, así como un arco hemal. El hueso primario de todos los especímenes comprendía una variación del complejo fibrolamelar, siendo la corteza interna rica en tejido reticular óseo con canales longitudinales dispersos, mientras que la corteza externa tenía fibras paralelas con hileras de canales longitudinales, intercaladas por líneas de crecimiento detenido. Identificamos un máximo de dos líneas de crecimiento detenido tanto en la costilla cervical como en el arco hemal, y cuatro en la costilla dorsal. El arco hemal muestra un Sistema Externo Fundamental en la mayoría de las secciones. La remodelación avanzada y la variación del hueso fibrolamelar en la corteza, se sugiere que todas los especímenes alcanzaron la madurez sexual. Sin embargo, el arco hemal fue distinto debido a la amplia distribución de Sistema Externo Fundamental. Con base en la microestructura, identificamos un semaforonte subadulto, y probablemente a un adulto. La costilla dorsal mostró una excrecencia perióstica y endosteal. Dicha microestructura se ha identificado con un hueso reactivo a una infección intratorácica (una neumonía, probablemente relacionada con una tuberculosis), que es el primer informe de un dinosaurio no aviano. La microestructura se asemeja al hueso medular recuperado en los dinosaurios, lo que sugiere que los estudios posteriores del hueso medular en los huesos torácicos también deberían considerar los casos patológicos

Prognostic value of the immunohistochemical detection of epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers in oral epithelial dysplasia : a systematic review

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) comprise a range of clinical-pathological alterations that are frequently characterized as architectural and cytological derangements upon histological analysis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a critical mechanism for the acquisition of the malignant phenotype in neoplastic epithelial processes. This study aims to systematically review the current findings on the immunohistochemical expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers in oral potentially malignant disorders and to evaluate their possible application as biomarkers associated with the progression of oral epithelial dysplasias. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, and Cochrane Library. Articles that evaluated the relationship between the expression of EMT markers and the degree of oral epithelial dysplasia were selected for the systematic review. The quality of each eligible study was evaluated by independent reviewers that used operationalized prognostic biomarker reporting guidelines (REMARK). Seventeen articles met all inclusion criteria and were selected. The EMT markers analyzed exhibited an important association with the prognosis of the cases evaluated. The results showed a progressive increase in the expression of nuclear transcription factors and markers of mesenchymal differentiation, as well as negative regulation of epithelial and cell adhesion markers, according to the stage of oral epithelial dysplasia. The dysregulation of expression of important EMT components in oral dysplastic epithelium is a potential prognostic marker in OPMDs