Low-Level Expression of p-S6 Is Associated with Nodal Metastasis in Patients with Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. The incidence of metastasis for cSCC is estimated to be around 1.2-5%. Ribosomal protein S6 (p-S6) and the p21 protein (p21) are two proteins that play central roles in other cancers. These proteins may be equally important in cSCC, and together, these could constitute a good candidate for metastasis risk assessment of these patients. We investigate the relationship of p-S6 and p21 expression with the impact on the prognosis of head and neck cSCC (cSCCHN). p-S6 and p21 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 116 patients with cSCCHN and associations sought with clinical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazard regression models were also used. The expression of p-S6 was significantly inversely associated with tumor thickness, tumor size, desmoplastic growth, pathological stage, perineural invasion and tumor buds. p21 expression was significantly inversely correlated with >6 mm tumor thickness, desmoplastic growth, and perineural invasion. p-S6-negative expression significantly predicted an increased risk of nodal metastasis (HR = 2.63, 95% CI 1.51-4.54; p < 0.001). p21 expression was not found to be a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis. These findings demonstrate that p-S6-negative expression is an independent predictor of nodal metastasis. The immunohistochemical expression of p-S6 might aid in better risk stratification and management of patients with cSCCHN.

Effects of complex decongestive therapy and aquatic physiotherapy on markers of the inflammatory process in individuals with lymphedema.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphedema is a progressive and inflammatory disease caused by impaired lymphatic transport. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and aquatic physiotherapy on markers of the inflammatory process and lower limb volumes in individuals with lymphedema. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with three groups: patients with lymphedema submitted to CDT, patients with lymphedema submitted to aquatic physiotherapy, and control group of individuals without lymphedema. The evaluation was performed through blood count, CRP measurements, C3, C4 complement, measurement of serum levels of cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins 4 (IL-4), 6 (IL-6), and 10 (IL-10), and the volume of a lower limb using the volume formula of a truncated cone. The study was registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-4tpkszn). RESULTS: Our work showed a reduction in the TNF-α levels of patients in the CDT group (p = .028). Significant differences were found between the control group and the CDT group for IL-10 (p = .049) and Monocytes (p = .039). No significant reduction in limb volume was found. CONCLUSION: Our results show that CDT was able to significantly reduce the inflammatory marker TNF-α in patients with lymphedema, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect of the therapy.

Spectrum of comorbid autoimmune diseases in patients with chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: a 17-year retrospective study of 215 patients in Asturias, northern Spain

Background: The cause of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CN) (Winkler's disease) is unknown, but potential associations with autoimmune diseases have been suggested in case reports, however, studies with large case series are lacking. Objectives: To clarify the frequency of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (CADs), and associated gender and age distribution, in a large cohort of patients with CN. Materials & Methods: The frequency of CADs (systemic and cutaneous) was assessed in 215 patients (65.1% males and 34.9% females; median age: 69.6 years) with a histopathological diagnosis of CN (2000-2017). Endocrine diseases were not included. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Twenty different CADs were diagnosed in 15.34% patients with CN. The most frequent were polymyalgia rheumatica (six patients), psoriasis (four patients, one with psoriatic arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis (three patients), CREST syndrome (two patients), vitiligo (two patients), and chronic dermatitis (two patients). Several CADs were strongly associated with tobacco smoking. Systemic CADs were more frequent in females (OR: 3.814; CI 1.513-9.613; p = 0.005; multivariate logistic regression analysis). Differences according to age at onset were not significant. Conclusion: We characterize, for the first time, the spectrum of CADs as well as age and gender distribution in patients with CN based on the largest cohort of patients to date. The possible accumulation of different disorders that are strongly associated with tobacco smoking (Buerger's disease, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus erythematosus, and others) merits further investigation, but the rarity of some of them makes this challenging.

Combined Electron Microscopy Approaches for Arterial Glycocalyx Visualization.

Mainly constituted of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the glycocalyx is anchored in the plasma membrane, covering, in particular, the extracellular face of the arterial endothelium. Due to its complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture, the glycocalyx interacts with a wide variety of proteins, contributing to vascular permeability, the flow of mechanotransduction, and the modulation of local inflammatory processes. Alterations of glycocalyx structure mediate the endothelial dysfunction and contribute to the aggravation of peripheral vascular diseases. Therefore, the exploration of its ultrastructure becomes a priority to evaluate the degree of injury under physiopathological conditions and to assess the impact of therapeutic approaches. The objective of this study was to develop innovative approaches in electron microscopy to visualize the glycocalyx at the subcellular scale. Intravenous perfusion on rats with a fixing solution containing aldehyde fixatives enriched with lanthanum ions was performed to prepare arterial samples. The addition of lanthanum nitrate in the fixing solution allowed the enhancement of the staining of the glycocalyx for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and to detect elastic and inelastic scattered electrons, providing complementary qualitative information. The strength of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used on resin-embedded serial sections, allowing rapid and efficient large field imaging and previous correlative TEM observations for ultrastructural fine details. To demonstrate the dynamic feature of the glycocalyx, 3D tomography was provided by dual-beam focus-ion-beam-SEM (FIB-SEM). These approaches allowed us to visualize and characterize the ultrastructure of the pulmonary artery glycocalyx under physiological conditions and in a rat pulmonary ischemia-reperfusion model, known to induce endothelial dysfunction. This study demonstrates the feasibility of combined SEM, TEM, and FIB-SEM tomography approaches on the same sample as the multiscale visualization and the identification of structural indicators of arterial endothelial glycocalyx integrity.

Analysis of the Continuous Feeding of Catalyst Particles during the Growth of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes by Aerosol-Assisted CCVD.

Aerosol-assisted catalytic chemical vapor deposition (AACCVD) is a powerful one-step process to produce vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs), characterized by the continuous supply of the catalyst precursor (metallocene). The behavior of catalyst species all along the synthesis is essential for the continuous growth of VACNTs. It is there investigated through detailed observations and elemental analyses at scales of VACNT carpets and of individual CNTs. Our approach is based on two complementary experiments: quenching of the sample cooling, and sequential injection of two distinct metallocenes. Metal-based nanoparticles nucleated in the gas-phase during the whole synthesis duration are shown to diffuse in between the growing VACNTs from the top of the CNT carpet towards the substrate. They are much smaller than the catalyst particles formed on the substrate in the initial steps of the process and evidences are given that they continuously feed these catalyst particles at the VACNT roots. Particularly, the electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) analyses of metal-based segments found into a single CNT show that the second injected metal is very gradually incorporated in the particle initially formed from the metal firstly injected. The feeding of the catalyst particles by the nanoparticles continuously nucleated in the gas-phase is therefore an essential feature of the base-growth of CNTs by AACCVD.

Controlling solid-liquid-solid GeSn nanowire growth modes by changing deposition sequences of a-Ge:H layer and SnO2nanoparticles.

Alloying Ge with Sn is one of the promising ways for achieving Si compatible optoelectronics. Here, GeSn nanowires (NWs) are realized via nano-crystallization of a hydrogenated amorphous Ge (a-Ge:H) layer with the help of metal Sn droplets. The full process consists of three steps: (1) SnO2nanoparticle (NP) reduction in a hydrogen plasma to produce Sn catalyst; (2) a-Ge:H deposition at 120 °C and (3) annealing. GeSn alloys with rich morphologies such as discrete nanocrystals (NCs), random, and straight NWs were successfully synthesized by changing process conditions. We show that annealing under Ar plasma favors the elaboration of straight GeSn NWs in contrast to the conventional random GeSn NWs obtained when annealing is performed under a H2atmosphere. Interestingly, GeSn in the form of discrete NCs can be fabricated during the deposition of a-Ge:H at 180 °C. Even more, the synthesis of out-of-plane GeSn NWs has been demonstrated by reversing the deposition sequence of SnO2NPs and a-Ge:H layer.

Ustekinumab Drug Survival in Patients with Psoriasis: A retrospective Study of Real Clinical Practice.

Background and objectives: The efficacy and safety of ustekinumab have been proved in clinical trials. In daily clinical practice, knowing the factors that determine survival differences of biological drugs allows psoriasis treatment to be optimized as a function of patient characteristics. The main objectives of this work are to understand ustekinumab drug survival in patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis in the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA Dermatology Department, and to identify the predictors of drug discontinuation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study, including data from 148 patients who were receiving ustekinumab (Stelara®) between 1 February 2009 and 30 November 2019, were collected. Survival curves were approximated through the Kaplan-Meier estimator and compared using the log-rank test. Proportional hazard Cox regression models were used for multivariate analyses while both unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were used for summarizing the studied differences. Results: The average duration of the treatment before discontinuation was 47.57 months (SD 32.63 months; median 41 months). The retention rates were 82% (2 years), 66% (5 years), and 58% (8 years). Median survival was 80 months (95% confidence interval. CI 36.9 to 123.01 months). The survival study revealed statistically significant differences between patients with arthritis (log-rank test, p < 0.001) and those who had previously received biological treatment (log-rank test, p = 0.026). The five-year prevalence in patients still under treatment was 80% (those without arthritis) and 54% (arthritis patients). In the multivariate analysis, only the patients with arthritis had a lower rate of drug survival. No statistically significant differences were observed for any of the other comorbidities studied. The first and second most frequent causes of discontinuation were secondary failure and arthritis inefficacy, respectively. Conclusion: Ustekinumab is a biological drug conferring high survival in plaque psoriasis patients. Ustekinumab survival is lower in patients with arthritis.

Promoting self-control in overweight and obese children / Promoción del autocontrol en niños con sobrepeso y obesos

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: impulsiveness might affect the ability of an individual to plan meals, eat regularly, and resist impulses to enjoy foods that are high in fat and sugars in a particular way. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a fading strategy regarding a reinforcer dimension to promote the development of self-control and decrease impulsive choice among 14 overweight and obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: to meet this objective, an experimental procedure of choice behavior was used to evaluate the impulsivity and self-control choices influenced by four reinforcer dimensions on a computer: reinforcement rate, reinforcer quality, immediacy of the reinforcement, and response effort. RESULTS: the results indicate that the children's decisions were influenced primarily by the immediacy of the reinforcement and the reinforcement rate; therefore, the children's behavior can be classified as impulsive. Based on these results, a fading procedure was implemented for self-control training in which the immediacy values of the reinforcement and other influential dimensions that devalued the reinforcer were progressively increased. CONCLUSIONS: after this fading strategy, a change in preference was observed among the children with regard to the proportion of alternative responses that produced high rates of reinforcement or were of higher quality compared with the allocation of choices associated with immediate reinforcement, which required less effort and were of lower quality. It is possible to design strategies regarding the development of self-control based on the contrasting qualities of these dimensions and the gradual training of tolerance of restrictions on access to the reinforcer

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: la impulsividad puede afectar a la capacidad de la persona para planificar su alimentación, comer con regularidad y resistir los impulsos para disfrutar de alimentos con alto contenido de grasas y azúcares en particular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de una estrategia de desvanecimiento con respecto a una dimensión del reforzador para promover el desarrollo del autocontrol y disminuir la elección impulsiva entre 14 niños con sobrepeso y obesos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: para cumplir con este objetivo se utilizó un procedimiento experimental sobre la conducta de elección para evaluar los comportamientos impulsivos y autocontrolados influenciados por cuatro dimensiones del reforzador (tasa de reforzamiento, calidad del reforzador, inmediatez del refuerzo y esfuerzo de la respuesta) en una tarea computarizada. RESULTADOS: los resultados indican que las decisiones de los niños fueron influenciadas principalmente por la inmediatez del refuerzo y la tasa de refuerzo; por lo tanto, el comportamiento de los niños puede clasificarse como impulsivo. Sobre la base de estos resultados se implementó un procedimiento de desvanecimiento para el entrenamiento del autocontrol en el que los valores de inmediatez del refuerzo y otras dimensiones influyentes que devaluaron el reforzador aumentaron progresivamente. CONCLUSIONES: después de esta estrategia de desvanecimiento se observó un cambio en la preferencia de los niños con respecto a la proporción de respuestas alternativas que produjeron altas tasas de refuerzo o fueron de mayor calidad en comparación con la asignación de opciones asociadas con el refuerzo inmediato, que requirieron menos esfuerzo y fueron de menor calidad. Fue posible diseñar estrategias con respecto al desarrollo del autocontrol basado en el contraste de las cualidades de estas dimensiones y el entrenamiento gradual de la tolerancia a las restricciones de acceso al reforzador

Promoting self-control in overweight and obese children.

INTRODUCTION: Background and objective: impulsiveness might affect the ability of an individual to plan meals, eat regularly, and resist impulses to enjoy foods that are high in fat and sugars in a particular way. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a fading strategy regarding a reinforcer dimension to promote the development of self-control and decrease impulsive choice among 14 overweight and obese children. Material and methods: to meet this objective, an experimental procedure of choice behavior was used to evaluate the impulsivity and self-control choices influenced by four reinforcer dimensions on a computer: reinforcement rate, reinforcer quality, immediacy of the reinforcement, and response effort. Results: the results indicate that the children's decisions were influenced primarily by the immediacy of the reinforcement and the reinforcement rate; therefore, the children's behavior can be classified as impulsive. Based on these results, a fading procedure was implemented for self-control training in which the immediacy values of the reinforcement and other influential dimensions that devalued the reinforcer were progressively increased. Conclusions: after this fading strategy, a change in preference was observed among the children with regard to the proportion of alternative responses that produced high rates of reinforcement or were of higher quality compared with the allocation of choices associated with immediate reinforcement, which required less effort and were of lower quality. It is possible to design strategies regarding the development of self-control based on the contrasting qualities of these dimensions and the gradual training of tolerance of restrictions on access to the reinforcer.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción y objetivo: la impulsividad puede afectar a la capacidad de la persona para planificar su alimentación, comer con regularidad y resistir los impulsos para disfrutar de alimentos con alto contenido de grasas y azúcares en particular. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de una estrategia de desvanecimiento con respecto a una dimensión del reforzador para promover el desarrollo del autocontrol y disminuir la elección impulsiva entre 14 niños con sobrepeso y obesos. Material y métodos: para cumplir con este objetivo se utilizó un procedimiento experimental sobre la conducta de elección para evaluar los comportamientos impulsivos y autocontrolados influenciados por cuatro dimensiones del reforzador (tasa de reforzamiento, calidad del reforzador, inmediatez del refuerzo y esfuerzo de la respuesta) en una tarea computarizada. Resultados: los resultados indican que las decisiones de los niños fueron influenciadas principalmente por la inmediatez del refuerzo y la tasa de refuerzo; por lo tanto, el comportamiento de los niños puede clasificarse como impulsivo. Sobre la base de estos resultados se implementó un procedimiento de desvanecimiento para el entrenamiento del autocontrol en el que los valores de inmediatez del refuerzo y otras dimensiones influyentes que devaluaron el reforzador aumentaron progresivamente. Conclusiones: después de esta estrategia de desvanecimiento se observó un cambio en la preferencia de los niños con respecto a la proporción de respuestas alternativas que produjeron altas tasas de refuerzo o fueron de mayor calidad en comparación con la asignación de opciones asociadas con el refuerzo inmediato, que requirieron menos esfuerzo y fueron de menor calidad. Fue posible diseñar estrategias con respecto al desarrollo del autocontrol basado en el contraste de las cualidades de estas dimensiones y el entrenamiento gradual de la tolerancia a las restricciones de acceso al reforzador.

Implicações da dieta hiperlipídica e do exercício de natação sobre os parâmetros imunológicos em ratas

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar alterações imunes, entre obesidade e exercício (natação). Ratas Wistar foram alocadas, conforme regime dietético: Grupo Labina (GL) e Grupo Hiperlipídico (GH); e, aos 60 dias, segundo o exercício. Após protocolo de exercício, avaliaram-se parâmetros murinométricos, gordura visceral, série branca do sangue e cultura de macrófagos. Observamos aumento nos parâmetros murinométricos, na gordura visceral do GH sedentário e nos linfócitos, neutrófilos e basófilos do GH exercitado. A taxa de fagocitose e a produção de óxido nítrico estimulado com lipopolissacarídeos aumentaram nos ratos exercitados. A natação parece reverter o fenótipo de sobrepeso, promovido pela dieta hiperlipídica, atenuou os efeitos dessa no sistema imune e melhorou sua resposta.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate immune changes between obesity and swimming. Wistar rats were allocated according to dietary regimen: Labina Group (LG) and Hyperlipid Group (HG); and at 60 days, according to the exercise. After exercise protocol, murinometric parameters, visceral fat, white blood series and macrophage culture were evaluated. We observed an increase in the murinometric parameters and visceral fat of the sedentary HG, and in the lymphocytes, neutrophils and basophils of the exercised HG. The rate of phagocytosis and the production of nitric oxide stimulated with lipopolysaccharides increased in the exercised rats. Swimming seems to reverse the overweight phenotype promoted by the hyperlipid diet and attenuated the effects it on the immune system, improving its response.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este artículo fue evaluar cambios inmunológicos entre obesidad y ejercicio (natación). Se distribuyó a ratas Wistar según el régimen dietético: grupo labina (GL) y grupo hiperlipídico (GH). Y a los 60 días, según el ejercicio. Después del protocolo de ejercicio, se evaluaron los parámetros murinométricos, grasa visceral, serie blanca de la sangre y cultivo de macrófagos. Se observó un aumento de los parámetros murinométricos y de la grasa visceral del GH sedentario, así como en los linfocitos, neutrófilos y basófilos del GH ejercitado. La tasa de fagocitosis y la producción de óxido nítrico estimulado con lipopolisacárido aumentaron en las ratas ejercitadas. Parece que la natación revierte el fenotipo de sobrepeso promovido por la dieta hiperlipídica y atenúa los efectos de esta en el sistema inmunitario, por lo que mejora su respuesta.

Adiposity, inflammation and fat-soluble vitamins in adolescents / Adiposidade, inflamação e vitaminas lipossolúveis em adolescentes

Abstract Objective: Evaluate the association between inflammatory process, adiposity, and vitamins A, D, and E in adolescents, according to gender. Methods: Cross-sectional study with adolescents aged 12-19 years old of both genders attending public schools in Recife. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic level, lifestyle, and food intake of adolescents. Then, an anthropometric evaluation and a blood sampling were performed to analyze serum concentrations of α-1-acid glycoprotein, retinol, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D. Results: The levels of α-1-acid glycoprotein were higher for abdominal obesity in both genders. Male adolescents with insufficient serum α-tocopherol levels had low levels of α-1-acid glycoprotein (p = 0.03) and an increased risk of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D and β-carotene deficiency in relation to total and abdominal fat; female adolescents had an increased risk of insufficient β-carotene with abdominal obesity (PR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.2-1.5). Conclusion: Abdominal adiposity implies a higher risk of inflammation and causes different changes to the levels of fat-soluble vitamins according to gender.

Resumo: Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre processo inflamatório, adiposidade e as vitaminas A, D e E em adolescentes, segundo o sexo. Métodos: Estudo transversal com adolescentes de 12 a 19 anos de ambos os sexos de escolas públicas de Recife. Foi utilizado um questionário para coleta de dados socioeconômicos, de estilo de vida e de consumo alimentar dos adolescentes. Em seguida, realizou-se a avalição antropométrica e coleta de sangue para análise das concentrações séricas de α-1-glicoproteína ácida, retinol, β-caroteno, α-tocoferol e 25-hidroxivitamina D. Resultados: Os níveis de α-1-glicoproteína ácida foram maiores na obesidade abdominal de ambos os sexos. Os meninos com níveis séricos insuficientes de α-tocoferol expressaram níveis reduzidos de α-1-glicoproteína ácida (p = 0,03) e apresentaram um maior risco de deficiência de 25-hidroxivitamina D e β-caroteno na adiposidade total e abdominal, enquanto as meninas mostraram maior risco de insuficiência de β-caroteno com a obesidade abdominal (RP 1,33; IC 95% 1,2-1,5). Conclusão: A adiposidade abdominal reflete maior risco de inflamação e causa alterações distintas nas concentrações das vitaminas lipossolúveis, de acordo com o sexo.

Treinamento muscular respiratório em idosos: estudo de revisão / Respiratory muscle training in older adults: review article

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory muscle training has been considered one of the main strategies to alleviate sarcopenia in older adults. Therefore, the present study aimed to verify which respiratory muscle training protocols are most used in this population and their main benefits described in the literature. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). For this, we used the terms: respiratory muscle training, older adults, and muscle weakness. A total of 80 articles were studied, of which only 8 met the inclusion criteria of this study, whose methodology, variables studied, and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 8 articles analyzed, we can observe an important diversity of the studied protocols; and all articles showed the most varied gains possible with respiratory muscle training. CONCLUSION: The protocols used in the various studies depend directly on the objective to be achieved with respiratory muscle training; and the main outcomes were improvements in strength, lung function, physical fitness level, quality of life, inflammatory markers and glucose intake.

OBJETIVO: O treinamento muscular respiratório vem sendo considerado uma das principais estratégias para amenizar a sarcopenia em idosos, portanto, o presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar quais protocolos de treinamento muscular respiratório são mais utilizados em idosos e os seus principais benefícios encontrados na literatura. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Para tanto, foram utilizados os termos: treinamento muscular respiratório, idosos e fraqueza muscular. Foi estudado um total de 80 artigos, dos quais apenas 8 preencheram os critérios de inclusão deste estudo, cuja metodologia, variáveis estudadas e desfecho foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Dos oito artigos analisados, podemos observar uma importante diversidade dos protocolos estudados; e em todos os artigos foram encontrados ganhos dos mais variados possíveis com o treinamento muscular respiratório. CONCLUSÃO: Os protocolos utilizados nos diversos estudos dependem diretamente do objetivo a ser alcançado com o treinamento muscular respiratório; e os principais desfechos foram a melhora na força, na função pulmonar, no nível de aptidão física, na qualidade de vida, em marcadores inflamatórios e no consumo da glicose.

Morphofunctional Effect of Stem Cells on the Regeneration of the Facial Nerve in a Rat Model.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical, histologic, and histomorphometric influence of stem cells on the regeneration of facial nerves in rats submitted to neurotmesis with 5-mm defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were submitted to neurotmesis. In group 1 (n = 18), the 2 extremities of the nerve trunk were sutured in a polyethylene tube containing a protein matrix (Matrigel; Invitrogen, BD Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, NJ). Group 2 (n = 18) underwent the same procedures with the incorporation of stem cells in the tube. The groups were subdivided by the day of euthanasia (30, 60, and 90 days). Evaluations of the central portion and distal extremity of the tubes were performed in both groups. RESULTS: During the functional evaluation, group 2 exhibited better closing of the eyelids at 30 and 60 days. The histomorphometric analyses revealed a significant reduction in the area of the nerve fibers in group 1 compared with group 2 at all 3 evaluation (P = .031). In group 2, the area of the nerve fibers was significantly greater (P = .031), and the thickness of the myelin sheath was significantly greater in the center (P = .002) and distal (P = .019) extremity of the tube at 30 days compared with the findings in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that the use of stem cells in nerve injuries will result in faster, more effective regeneration within the intervals analyzed.

Functionality and quality of life of patients with unilateral lymphedema of a lower limb: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema of the lower limbs is a chronic disease caused by damage to the lymphatic system that influences people's mobility, functionality, and quality of life. Questionnaires and physical test are very practical, easy to apply, and low cost methods that provide important data for evaluation of these patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of unilateral lower limb lymphedema on functionality and quality of life, correlating 3 assessment tools. METHODS: This was a descriptive study investigating 25 patients of both sexes with unilateral lymphedema in a lower limb. Limb volume was assessed using circumferential tape measurements, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life, the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Lower Limb Lymphoedema (Lymph-ICF-LL) was used to assess physical, mental, and social skills related to lymphedema, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used for functional assessment. RESULTS: Lymphedema was present throughout the affected lower limb of participants. The domains most affected by lymphedema were physical aspects (25.0 ± 31.4) and emotional aspects (36.0 ± 42.9) from the SF-36 and the mobility domain (6.0 ± 2.6) from the Lymph -ICF-LL. Patients performed the TUG in 9.88 ± 1.98 seconds. The TUG was correlated with the questionnaires and the questionnaires were correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS: People with unilateral lower limb lymphedema exhibited negative impacts on quality of life and functionality, as evaluated by questionnaires, which were correlated with each other. TUG performance was within normal limits, but results correlated with the questionnaires used.

Relationships between phagocytosis, mucoid phenotype, and genetic characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates.

INTRODUCTION: The relationships between phagocytosis, and mucoid phenotype, plasmid profile and virulence, and resistance genetic characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates were evaluated. METHODS: Thirty isolates were used to determine the mucoid aspect. Four were selected for analysis of phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the samples presented the mucoid phenotype. The phagocytosis rate ranged from 21.5% to 43.43%. Phagocytosis was not correlated with the plasmid profile, but was apparently correlated with mucoid phenotype and antibiotic susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS: Several virulence factors act in parallel in K. pneumoniae to impair host defense.

Impact of neonatal malnutrition on expression TLR-9, NF-kB and cytokines of macrophages infected in vitro with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Early nutritional aggressions promote epigenetic adjustments that culminate in the loss of phenotype plasticity (with permanent long-term modifications). Maternal diet and inadequate neonatal nutrition can result in fetal programming that presents susceptibility to infections in adult life. Thus, it becomes essential to verify the impacts of neonatal malnutrition (even following nutritional replacement) on the immunological response to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Male rats were divided into two distinct groups: Nourished and Malnourished. After isolation of mononuclear cells, four systems were established: negative control, positive control and two testing systems, (MSSA and MRSA). Tests were performed to analyze expression of TLR-9, NF-kB, IL-1ß, IL-18 and IL-33. For statistical analysis, we used the Student t and ANOVA tests p < 0.05. Even after nutritional replacement, malnutrition in the neonatal period compromised the animals' weight gains p < 0.05. There was a reduction in the expression of the immunological response in the positive control, however deregulation was observed in the gene expression of MRSA-infected macrophages, with a reduction in TLR-9 expression, and overexpression in NF-kB and cytokines p < 0.05. Puppies inflicted with protein-calorie malnutrition were compromised; (long-term) body growth and immune response. In the infectious scenario, immune collapse is reflected in inflammatory response exacerbation with a likely histolytic character. Immune disabling (resulting from gene expression deregulation) causes susceptibility to infections due to ineffective recognition, intense pro-inflammatory mediation, and cell death. It is suggested that neonatal malnutrition can program susceptibility to multiresistant bacterial infections, and generally favors a triggering of more intense confrontations with fatal outcomes.

Superimposing a high-fat diet on Schistosoma mansoni infection affects renin-angiotensin system components in the mouse kidney.

INTRODUCTION: The levels of the full-length form of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR), a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), may be reduced in the membranes of kidneys in renal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the RAS components in the kidneys of mice submitted to a combination of a high-fat diet and Schistosoma mansoni infection. METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were maintained on a control or high-fat diet from 3 weeks of age. After 10 weeks on the designated diets, half the mice in each group were infected with S. mansoni cercariae. The blood and kidneys were harvested 8 weeks after infection. RESULTS: The high-fat diet increased the number of eggs in the feces and the number of adult worms in the mesenteric bed. Schistosoma mansoni infection reduced the plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol in the control and high-fat diet groups. In mice on the control diet, S. mansoni infection resulted in increased expression of IL-6 in the kidneys; however, in mice on the high-fat diet, the levels of IL-6 were reduced and those of superoxide anions were increased. The RAS components evaluated were ACE2, renin, PRR, AT1R, and AT2R, and the levels of PRR were found to be reduced in the kidneys of infected mice on the high-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: The finding regarding PRR is not yet clear. However, combining a high-fat diet and S. mansoni infection resulted in increased oxidative stress in the kidney that can aggravate hypertension as well as its associated complications.