Poor Immune Reconstitution in HIV-Infected Patients Associates with High Percentage of Regulatory CD4(+) T Cells

CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the maintenance of the immune system's equilibrium, by dampening the activation of potential auto-reactive T cells and avoiding excessive immune activation. To correctly perform their function, Tregs must be maintained at the right proportion with respect to effector T cells. Since this equilibrium is frequently disrupted in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we hypothesize that its deregulation could hamper immune reconstitution in patients with poor CD4(+) T cell recovery under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We analysed Tregs percentages amongst CD4(+) T cells in 53 HIV-infected patients under HAART, with suppression of viral replication and distinct levels of immune reconstitution. As controls, 51 healthy individuals were also analysed. We observed that amongst the patients with Nadir values (the lowest CD4(+) T cell counts achieved) = 10% of total CD4(+) T cells) had the worse CD4(+) T cell reconstitution. In accordance, the well-described direct correlation between the Nadir value and CD4(+) T cell reconstitution is clearly more evident in individuals with high Tregs proportions. Furthermore, we observed a strong negative correlation between Tregs percentages and CD4(+) T cell recovery among immunological non-responder HIV+ individuals. All together, this work shows that high Tregs frequency is an important factor associated with sub-optimal CD4(+) T cell recovery. This is particularly relevant for immunological non-responders with low Nadir values. Our results suggest that the Tregs proportion might be of clinical relevance to define cut-offs for HAART initiation

USO DE Crotalaria juncea EM ÁREAS CULTIVADAS COM CANA DE AÇÚCAR

Detailed research on the interaction between Crotalaria juncea and sugarcane has revealed broad benefits for agricultural sustainability, including soil condition improvement, cost reduction, and positive environmental impacts. The study aimed to analyze this interaction, understanding its effectiveness in promoting soil health and fostering better agricultural practices. Additionally, it examined economic benefits such as reduced spending on nitrogen fertilizers and identified economic models to encourage farmers to adopt these practices. Favorable environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction and biodiversity conservation, were also assessed. Resistance to pests and diseases, as well as reduced reliance on pesticides in sugarcane, were highlighted. In conclusion, the study not only demonstrates the benefits of the interaction between Crotalaria juncea and sugarcane but also emphasizes the importance of an integrated, collaborative approach. This research provides a valuable contribution to researchers, farmers, and policymakers, driving towards more sustainable agricultural practices.  La investigación detallada sobre la interacción entre Crotalaria juncea y la caña de azúcar reveló amplios beneficios para la sostenibilidad agrícola, incluyendo la condición del suelo, la reducción de costos e impactos ambientales positivos. El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar esta interacción, comprendiendo su eficacia en la promoción de la salud del suelo y fomentando mejores prácticas agrícolas. Además, examinó los beneficios económicos, como la disminución de los gastos en fertilizantes nitrogenados, e identificó modelos económicos para alentar a los agricultores a adoptar estas prácticas. Se destacaron los impactos ambientales favorables, como la reducción de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y la conservación de la biodiversidad. Se resaltó la resistencia a plagas y enfermedades, así como la reducción de la dependencia de pesticidas en la caña de azúcar. En conclusión, el estudio no solo demuestra los beneficios de la interacción entre Crotalaria juncea y la caña de azúcar, sino que también destaca la importancia de un enfoque integrado y colaborativo. Esta investigación ofrece una contribución para investigadores, agricultores y formuladores de políticas, impulsando prácticas agrícolas más sostenibles.  A pesquisa detalhada sobre a interação entre Crotalaria juncea e cana-de-açúcar revelou benefícios amplos para a sustentabilidade agrícola, incluindo a condição do solo, redução de custos e impactos ambientais positivos. O estudo visou analisar essa interação, compreendendo sua eficácia na promoção da saúde do solo e promover melhores práticas de agricultura. Além disso, examinou os benefícios econômicos, como a diminuição dos gastos com fertilizantes nitrogenados, e identificou modelos econômicos para encorajar os agricultores a adotarem essas práticas. Impactos ambientais favoráveis, como a redução das emissões de gases de efeito estufa e a conservação da biodiversidade. A resistência a pragas e doenças, bem como a redução da dependência de pesticidas na cana-de-açúcar, foram destacadas. Em conclusão, o estudo não só demonstra os benefícios da interação entre Crotalaria juncea e cana-de-açúcar, mas também ressalta a importância de uma abordagem integrada e colaborativa. Essa pesquisa oferece uma contribuição para pesquisadores, agricultores e formuladores de políticas, impulsionando práticas agrícolas mais sustentáveis.  A pesquisa detalhada sobre a interação entre Crotalaria juncea e cana-de-açúcar revelou benefícios amplos para a sustentabilidade agrícola, incluindo a condição do solo, redução de custos e impactos ambientais positivos. O estudo visou analisar essa interação, compreendendo sua eficácia na promoção da saúde do solo e promover melhores práticas de agricultura. Além disso, examinou os benefícios econômicos, como a diminuição dos gastos com fertilizantes nitrogenados, e identificou modelos econômicos para encorajar os agricultores a adotarem essas práticas. Impactos ambientais favoráveis, como a redução das emissões de gases de efeito estufa e a conservação da biodiversidade. A resistência a pragas e doenças, bem como a redução da dependência de pesticidas na cana-de-açúcar, foram destacadas. Em conclusão, o estudo não só demonstra os benefícios da interação entre Crotalaria juncea e cana-de-açúcar, mas também ressalta a importância de uma abordagem integrada e colaborativa. Essa pesquisa oferece uma contribuição para pesquisadores, agricultores e formuladores de políticas, impulsionando práticas agrícolas mais sustentáveis.

Vascular dementia: neurological assessment and cardiovascular manifestations

Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by brain damage resulting from problems with blood flow to the brain. It is often associated with risk factors and cardiovascular manifestations, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, among others. These factors may contribute to the development and progression of vascular dementia, as well as increase the risk of complications and mortality. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between vascular dementia and neurological and cardiovascular changes, as well as to identify the main strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Methodology: followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist, which consists of a set of recommendations to guarantee the quality and transparency of systematic reviews. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: “vascular dementia”, “neurological assessment”, “cardiovascular manifestations”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. Only articles published in the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2023), in English or Portuguese, that addressed the topic of vascular dementia and its neurological and cardiovascular implications were included. Articles that were not original (reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, etc.), that did not present sufficient or reliable data, that had an inadequate methodology or that were not relevant to the objective of the review were excluded. Results: 17 studies were selected. The neurological evaluation of vascular dementia should include a detailed anamnesis, a complete physical examination, a cognitive and functional assessment, as well as complementary exams such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull. The cardiovascular assessment of vascular dementia must consider modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory and imaging findings. Pharmacological interventions may include medications to improve cognitive function (such as cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists), to control cardiovascular risk factors (such as antihypertensives, hypoglycemic agents, or anticoagulants), or to prevent complications (such as anti-inflammatories). or antidepressants). Conclusion: Vascular dementia is a serious and prevalent disease that affects both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Its prevention, diagnosis and treatment require an integrated and multidimensional approach, which considers the neurological and cardiovascular aspects involved. Carrying out more studies on this topic is essential to expand scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life of patients with vascular dementia.Vascular dementia is a form of dementia caused by brain damage resulting from problems with blood flow to the brain. It is often associated with risk factors and cardiovascular manifestations, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation, among others. These factors may contribute to the development and progression of vascular dementia, as well as increase the risk of complications and mortality. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between vascular dementia and neurological and cardiovascular changes, as well as to identify the main strategies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Methodology: followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist, which consists of a set of recommendations to guarantee the quality and transparency of systematic reviews. Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: “vascular dementia”, “neurological assessment”, “cardiovascular manifestations”, “risk factors” and “treatment”. Only articles published in the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2023), in English or Portuguese, that addressed the topic of vascular dementia and its neurological and cardiovascular implications were included. Articles that were not original (reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, etc.), that did not present sufficient or reliable data, that had an inadequate methodology or that were not relevant to the objective of the review were excluded. Results: 17 studies were selected. The neurological evaluation of vascular dementia should include a detailed anamnesis, a complete physical examination, a cognitive and functional assessment, as well as complementary exams such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the skull. The cardiovascular assessment of vascular dementia must consider modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, clinical manifestations, and laboratory and imaging findings. Pharmacological interventions may include medications to improve cognitive function (such as cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists), to control cardiovascular risk factors (such as antihypertensives, hypoglycemic agents, or anticoagulants), or to prevent complications (such as anti-inflammatories). or antidepressants). Conclusion: Vascular dementia is a serious and prevalent disease that affects both the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Its prevention, diagnosis and treatment require an integrated and multidimensional approach, which considers the neurological and cardiovascular aspects involved. Carrying out more studies on this topic is essential to expand scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life of patients with vascular dementia

Estudo da prevalência das uveítes em hospital oftalmológico terciário em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a prevalência das uveítes em pacientes atendidos em um serviço oftalmológico terciário em Teresina, Piauí. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo baseado em prontuários de pacientes atendidos nesse serviço. Foram descritos: gênero, faixa etária, procedência, doença de base, diagnóstico anatômico, aspecto clínico e tempo de evolução. Resultados: foram incluídos 403 prontuários constatando-se que a cada 1000 pacientes atendidos neste serviço, 3,2 tinham uveíte.A idade média dos pacientes foi de 42 anos, tanto o gênero feminino (50,6%) quanto o gênero masculino (49,4%) foram acometidos similarmente, com 61,5% dos pacientes provenientes da capital. A doença de base mais frequente foi a toxoplasmose, seguida das uveítes idiopáticas apenas com manifestações oculares. Quanto à classificação anatômica, 49,6% foram posteriores e 3,5% foram intermediárias. Em relação ao aspecto clínico, 64% foram granulomatosas, 24,8% não-granulomatosas e 11,2% não foram classificáveis. Segundo a evolução clínica, 41,4% foram agudas, seguidas de 30,8% crônicas, 14,4% recorrentes e em 13,4% os pacientes não foi feito o acompanhamento. Conclusão: pudemos constatar que para cada 1000 pacientes atendidos neste serviço 3,2 tinham uveíte, apresentando-se a toxoplasmose como importante fonte de uveíte neste serviço

Association between polymorphisms in genes related to DNA base-excision repair with risk and prognosis of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)We examined the influence of OGG1 c.977C > G (rs1052133), APEX1 c.444T > G (rs1130409), XRCC1 c.-77T > C (rs3213245), c.580C > T (rs1799782), c.839G > A (rs25489) and c.1196G > A (rs25487) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), involved in base-excision repair (BER) pathway, on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) risk and prognosis. Aiming to identify the genotypes, DNA from 200 consecutive OPSCC patients and 200 controls was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. The prognostic impact of genotypes of SNPs on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival of OPSCC patients was examined using the Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression analyses. XRCC1 c.580CT or TT genotypes (19.5 vs. 11.0 %, P = 0.04) and XRCC1 TTGG haplotype from c.-77T > C, c.580C > T, c.839G > A and c.1196G > A SNPs (17.5 vs. 10.0 %, P = 0.04) were more common in patients with OPSCC than in controls. Carriers of combined genotypes of c.580C > T and TTGG haplotype of XRCC1 gene were under 3.35- and 3.22-fold increased risk of OPSCC than others. For survival analysis, we selected only patients with tumor at stage IV. The median follow-up time was 24.5 months. At 24 months of follow-up, PFS was shorter in patients with OGG1 c.977CC genotype when compared with others genotypes (35.5 vs. 52.1 %, log-rank test, P = 0.03). After multivariate Cox analysis, patients with OGG1 c.977CC genotype had more chance to present tumor progression when compared with others (HR 1.68, P = 0.02). Our data present, for the first time, evidence that inherited OGG1 c.977C > G; XRCC1 c.-77T > C, c.580C > T, c.839G > A and c.1196G > A abnormalities of DNA BER pathway are important determinants of OPSCC and predictors of patient outcomes.We examined the influence of OGG1 c.977C > G (rs1052133), APEX1 c.444T > G (rs1130409), XRCC1 c.-77T > C (rs3213245), c.580C > T (rs1799782), c.839G > A (rs25489) and c.1196G > A (rs25487) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), involved in base-excision142919171926FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)2012/18623-

Futebol. Do treino à competição. Planeamento e operacionalização

O Futebol é, hoje, uma das modalidades mais mediáticas a nível mundial e, por via disso, alvo de uma atenção significativa dos mídia e da população em geral. Esta popularidade do futebol está relacionada, em nosso entender, com a facilidade com que o jogo é entendido por quem o vê, pela imprevisibilidade do resultado final - mesmo quando jogam oponentes com forças diferentes – pelo facto de ser jogado com os pés (superfície que impõe dificuldades acrescidas), entre muitos outros aspetos. Toda esta atenção dada ao jogo de futebol reclama dos treinadores uma elevada competência no planeamento e operacionalização do processo de treino, espaço central e vital para levar a cabo o desenvolvimento dos jogadores e da equipa. Deste modo, Ser Treinador, nos dias de hoje, reivindica o desenvolvimento de um alargado quadro de saberes, conhecimentos e competências que podem ser desenvolvidos formal ou informalmente. Assim, este livro, foi pensado, construído e operacionalizado para dar resposta a muitas das principais interrogações do labor do treinador de futebol, sendo que, por via disso, está escrito num tom iminentemente prático e operativo, sem contudo negar a presença sistemática dos contributos das Ciências do Desporto. Por isso, este livro foi escrito para todos os treinadores de futebol, desde o alto rendimento até ao futebol amador. Aqui os treinadores encontrarão contributos decisivos sobre a organização de uma época desportiva, de uma microciclo, de uma sessão de treino, de um exercício, mas também, sobre a elaboração do modelo de jogo, a construção de uma equipa técnica, a comunicação do treinador, o treino de Guarda Redes, a identificação de talentos, o controlo do treino e o Treino da Força. No fundo, esta obra assume-se como uma manual prático e simples de Metodologia do Treino de Futebol, de fácil entendimento para todos quantos se dedicam ao ensino e treino desta modalidade. Se deseja ser um treinador competente e vencedor, não deverá deixar passar a oportunidade de ler este livro e, no final, verá que os seus saberes foram significativamente aumentados. Boas leituras!info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Immunological non-responders present a strong correlation between Tregs percentages and CD4⁺ T cell progression.

<p>Scatter plot illustrating the correlation between Tregs percentages and CD4⁺ T cell progression. Patients were selected on the basis of being under HAART for at least 5 years and whose actual CD4⁺ T cell counts are <500 cells/µL or >500 cells/µL. Each dot represents a single individual.</p

High variability of Tregs percentages in HIV⁺ individuals.

<p><b>A.</b> Representative dot plots from an HIV⁺ individual illustrating the gating strategy for Tregs analysis. Lymphocytes (selected according to FSC and SSC) were gated on CD3⁺CD4⁺ cells, on low or no expression of CD127 and on the expression of FOXP3 and high levels of CD25. <b>B.</b> Tregs percentages amongst CD4⁺ T cells in control and HIV⁺ individuals. Each dot represents a single individual and the lines the median Tregs percentages within CD4⁺ T cells. Dashed lines represent the range of Tregs percentages among total CD4⁺ T cells described for healthy individuals (between 5% and 10%) <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0057336#pone.0057336-Simonetta1" target="_blank">[51]</a>. <b>C.</b> Percentage of individuals with Tregs ≤5% and ≥10% in controls and HIV⁺ individuals. P-value for the comparison of these proportions (Chi-square test) and the 95% confidence interval are depicted.</p

HIV⁺ individuals with high Tregs percentages feature low CD4⁺ T cell counts and Nadir values.

<p><b>A.</b> Percentages of Tregs amongst HIV⁺ individuals were plotted against CD4⁺ T cell counts, CD4⁺ T cell progression and CD4⁺ T cell slope (for the first year of HAART). Each dot represents a single individual. <b>B.</b> Tregs percentages were plotted against CD4⁺ T cell counts in HIV⁺ individuals grouped by gender) number of years under HAART and the Nadir value.</p

Impacts of the Residual Trace Metals of Aquaculture in Net Cages on the Quality of Sediment

Anthropogenic pollution by trace metals in aquatic environments in semiarid zones is a critical area of investigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and spatial distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in the Rosário reservoir, which is affected by the intensive aquaculture of Tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Sediment samples were collected in three different areas, postculture (PCTV), cultivation (CTV) and control (CTRL) in the dry season in 2019. The granulometric composition, organic matter and concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni metals were determined. Multivariate statistics were used. Geochemical and ecotoxicological indices and a comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were used. The sediment was characterized by silty clay loam with an average organic matter of 18.76 ± 4.27. The analytical merit figures demonstrated accuracy (metal recoveries in certified standards) between 89 to 99% and high precision (RSD −1). The highest concentration values were found in the CTV areas (Fe: 40 ± 0.22, Mn: 66.48 ± 19.11, Zn: 114.83 ± 59.75 and Cr: 70.85 ± 2.62) and PCTV (Cd: 0.53 ± 0.04, Cu: 71.83 ± 21.20, Pb: 33.71 ± 4.34 and Ni: 44.60 ± 1.79). Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis confirmed the influence of fish farming on metals. Only Ni presented concentration values higher than the reference value established in the SQG. Thus, considering the probable geochemical and ecotoxicological effects, they comprise the two lowest levels of impact