Effect of Green Tea Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated the potential benefits of green tea on the inflammatory process in metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results are inconclusive and inconsistent. In the present study, we performed a literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of green tea supplementation on inflammatory markers [e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] among patients with MetS and related disorders. We systematically searched for relevant publications up to March 2022 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022320345). Mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were pooled on the basis of the random effects model to compare the effects of green tea with placebo. We used meta-regression and subgroup analyses to determine the cause of heterogeneity and performed study quality assessment using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We assessed publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's tests. Out of the total 15 RCTs that were included in this systematic review, 12 were chosen for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that green tea significantly decreased TNF-α levels but did not affect CRP and IL-6 levels. Subgroup analysis showed that green tea supplementation in studies lasting ≤8 weeks significantly increased CRP levels. Furthermore, meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between increasing IL-6 concentration and treatment duration. According to our meta-analysis, green tea was shown to considerably lower circulating TNF-α levels. To confirm these findings, carefully planned trials are required.

Efficient and easily scaled-up biosorbent based on natural and chemically modified macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) to remove Al3+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ from surface water contaminated with iron mining tailings.

The ruptures of tailings mine dams in the cities of Mariana and Brumadinho contaminated local Brazilian Rivers with toxic metals. Herein, we describe a scaled-up biosorbent based on natural macauba endocarp (NTE) and macauba endocarp chemically treated (TE) to remove Al3+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ from aqueous solutions. For the TE material: the variation of pH and temperature of water did not cause significant sorption interferences; the kinetics studies suggest a pseudo-second-order model; the adsorption isotherms revealed that the Langmuir equation was the best fit for Al3+ and Mn2+, while the Freundlich equation best described the Fe3+; and the maximum adsorption capacities were between 0.268 mg g-1 and 1.379 mg g-1. A scaled-up was carried out using an adsorption column to remove the metals from Rio Paraopeba River water samples and the results showed that both NTE and TE are potentially low cost biosorbents for removing Al3+, Mn2+ and Fe3+.

Machine learning partners in criminal networks.

Recent research has shown that criminal networks have complex organizational structures, but whether this can be used to predict static and dynamic properties of criminal networks remains little explored. Here, by combining graph representation learning and machine learning methods, we show that structural properties of political corruption, police intelligence, and money laundering networks can be used to recover missing criminal partnerships, distinguish among different types of criminal and legal associations, as well as predict the total amount of money exchanged among criminal agents, all with outstanding accuracy. We also show that our approach can anticipate future criminal associations during the dynamic growth of corruption networks with significant accuracy. Thus, similar to evidence found at crime scenes, we conclude that structural patterns of criminal networks carry crucial information about illegal activities, which allows machine learning methods to predict missing information and even anticipate future criminal behavior.

Profile of T and B lymphocytes in individuals resistant to Schistosoma mansoni infection.

The mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to infection/reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni still arouse great interest and controversy. Some authors demonstrate that resistance to infection is attributed to a mixed Th1 and Th2 response and resistance to reinfection after repeated treatments through mechanisms associated with the Th2 response. Through flow cytometry, the phenotypic characterization of B and T lymphocytes in individuals residing in endemic areas with low parasite loads over 10 years was evaluated for the first time in humans. In this study, individuals with low parasite loads for Schistosoma mansoni had a higher proportion of Th1 and Th2 cells. In addition, lymphocytes from these individuals showed a higher degree of expression of costimulatory molecules CD28 and CTLA-4 and regulatory molecules FoxP3 and IL-10, when compared to individuals with high parasite loads. Our data indicate that the control of the parasite load of S. mansoni must be associated with a Th1, Th2, and regulatory response, and that further studies are needed to elucidate the possibility of mechanisms associated with the hyporesponsiveness of lymphocytes from individuals with high parasite loads.

Gender-related differences in the modulation of anthropometric, biochemical, and immune markers by physical activity in hypertensive and diabetic individuals.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compose the two major noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases. Physical activity has been shown as a promising complementary approach to control the systemic inflammation. However, it is still unclear whether this modulation is gender-dependent. The objective of this study was evaluate the gender-related influence of physical activity on the inflammatory response and biochemical profile of individuals with SAH and T2DM. An international physical activity questionnaire was applied to 376 individuals diagnosed with SAH and T2DM in order to access their exercises routine and was evaluated the influence of physical activity in biochemical, anthropometrical, and immunological markers involved in these disorders in men and women. Even though active individuals have exhibited lower serum levels of IL-1ß, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A, the ratios between IL-10 and all inflammatory cytokines were higher in men than in women. Physically active individuals also demonstrated increased HDL/LDL and HDL/VLDL ratios. Moreover, multiple correlations revealed that in active women both IL-10 and TNF-α serum levels positively correlate with fasting glucose levels, and were negatively associated with HDL levels. Our findings suggest that gender-related differences dictate a distinct crosstalk between inflammatory and biochemical markers in physically active individuals.

Regular physical activity reduces the proinflammatory response in older women with diabetes and hypertension in the postmenopausal phase.

Aging in women is characterized by extreme hormonal changes leading them to develop a chronic low-grade inflammation that is linked to the development of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this scenario, physical activity emerges as an interesting methodology, since it seems to be connected to a decrease in serum levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, most studies evaluate these cytokines in an isolated manner not considering the influence of comorbidities on the responsiveness of participants to the benefits of physical activity. So, this study aimed to assess the influence of physical activity on body composition, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers of diabetic and hypertensive older postmenopausal women. We evaluated 163 women aged from 60 to 80 years, diagnosed with T2DM and SAH that were assisted by the Family Health Units in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The pratice of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire with the participants being classified as active or sedentary individuals. Active older women presented better body composition, lipid profile and inflammatory balance. This was connected to a better correlation profile between these factors in active older women, characteristics that were not noticed in sedentary older women. Moreover, IL-17A and the relationship between IL-10 and the other pro-inflammatory cytokines examined was greatly influenced by physical activity. Consequently, physical activity is linked to a global improvement in T2DM and SAH risk factors and with a positive inflammatory modulation in diabetic and hypertensive older women.

Phenotypic Characterization of CD4+ T Lymphocytes in Periportal Fibrosis Secondary to Schistosomiasis.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects about 166 million people around the world. It is estimated that 5%-10% of individuals with schistosomiasis develop severe forms of the disease, which are characterized by pulmonary hypertension, ascites, periportal fibrosis, and other significant complications. The chronic phase of the disease is associated with a Th2 type immune response, but evidence also suggests there are roles for Th1 and Th17 in the development of severe disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CD4+ T lymphocyte profile of patients with different degrees of periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis. These individuals had been treated for schistosomiasis, but since they live in a S. mansoni endemic area, they are at risk of reinfection. They were evaluated in relation to the degree of periportal fibrosis and classified into three groups: without fibrosis or with incipient fibrosis (WF/IFNE), n=12, possible periportal fibrosis/periportal fibrosis, n=13, and advanced periportal fibrosis/advanced periportal fibrosis with portal hypertension, n=4. We observed in the group without fibrosis a balance between the low expression of Th2 cytokines and high expression of T reg cells. As has already been described in the literature, we found an increase of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the group with periportal fibrosis. In addition, this group showed higher expression of IL-17 and IL-10 but lower IL-10/IL-13 ratio than patients in the WF/IFNE group. Cells from individuals who present any level of fibrosis expressed more TGF-ß compared to the WF/IFNE group and a positive correlation with left lobe enlargement and portal vein wall thickness. There was a negative correlation between IL-17 and the thickness of the portal vein wall, but more studies are necessary in order to explore the possible protective role of this cytokine. Despite the fibrosis group having presented a higher expression of pro-fibrotic molecules compared to WF/IFNE patients, it seems there is a regulation through IL-10 and T reg cells that is able to maintain the low morbidity of this group.

Sugarcane froghoppers in northeast Brazil / Cigarrinhas da cana-de-açúcar no nordeste brasileiro

Froghoppers (Mahanarva spp.) are pests of great economic importance for various regions of Brazil. Many species have a variation in the alar pattern, a parameter that often leads to incorrect identification. We collected froghopper adults in sugarcane fields in the municipalities of Murici and Maceió, in Alagoas, Lagoa de Itaenga and Camutanga, in Pernambuco, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras, in Maranhão, and União and Boa Hora, in the Teresina microregion in Piauí. The froghoppers were assembled and identified and are representatives of three species: M. spectabilis, M. fimbriolata, and M. posticata. This is the first record of M. spectabilis attacking sugarcane fields in the states of Piauí and Maranhão, Brazil. We found the species M. posticata and M. fimbriolata in the sugarcane fields of Alagoas and only M. posticata in Pernambuco.(AU)

As cigarrinhas (Mahanarva spp.) são pragas de grande importância econômica em várias regiões do país. Muitas espécies têm variação no padrão alar, parâmetro que leva muitas vezes à identificação de forma incorreta. Adultos de cigarrinhas foram coletados em canaviais nos municípios de Murici e Maceió em Alagoas, Lagoa de Itaenga e Camutanga em Pernambuco, São Raimundo das Mangabeiras em Maranhão e União e Boa Hora, microrregião de Teresina em Piauí, e foram montados e identificados. As cigarrinhas coletadas são representantes de três espécies M. spectabilis, M. fimbriolata e M. posticata, sendo este o primeiro registro da espécie M. spectabilis atacando canaviais nos estados do Piauí e Maranhão. Em canaviais de Alagoas, foram encontradas as espécies M. posticata e M. fimbriolata e, em Pernambuco, apenas M. posticata.(AU)

Characterization of memory T cells in individuals resistant to Schistosoma mansoni infection.

Schistosomiasis affects about 240 million people worldwide and is estimated that about 700 million people live in areas at risk of infection. In the context of immune response associated with infection by Schistosoma mansoni, the role of memory T cells is not well understood. AIM: To evaluate the frequency of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from individuals resistant and susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: We selected individuals with low (resistant) and high (susceptible) parasite burden using databases generated during previous studies carried out in the same endemic area. The cell surface markers were performed using flow cytometry. In this study, the resistant individuals showed an increase in the CD4+ memory T-cell pool associated with an increase in the central memory cell (TCM) and a decrease in the effector memory cell (TEM ). Individuals susceptible to infection had higher frequencies of effector memory cells compared to resistant individuals. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that resistance to S mansoni infection may be associated with an increase in the number of CD4+ memory T cells and susceptibility to infection is associated with a decrease in the central memory cell as well as high proportions of effector memory cells.

Impaired immunoregulatory network of the CD4 T lymphocytes in refractory asthma.

BACKGROUND: The immunopathogenesis of severe asthma has been associated with an inefficient regulatory response. There are a few studies about the CD4 T cells profile among individuals with severe asthma refractory to treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the CD4 T lymphocyte profile from individuals with severe asthma according to their response to treatment, relating to their atopy status and age of asthma onset. METHODS: We evaluated nineteen individuals with severe asthma refractory to treatment (SAR), 21 with well-controlled or partly controlled severe asthma (CSA) and 23 with mild-to-moderate asthma (MMA). Lymphocytes were obtained from PBMC, and the frequency of expression of different molecules in this population was assessed using the flow cytometry. RESULTS: We observed the frequency of CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells was higher in atopic individuals with SAR than with CSA. In addition, among the atopic and early-onset asthma (EOA), the frequency of CD4+ CTLA-4+ T cells was lower in the SAR group than the CSA group. In relation to non-atopic and late-onset asthma (LOA) phenotypes, we noted the frequency of CD4+ FoxP3+ T cells was lower in individuals with SAR than with CSA. We also observed among the LOA patients, the frequency of CD4+ TGF-ß+ T cells was decreased in SAR group than the in CSA group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our data suggest that refractoriness to treatment in asthma is associated with a lower expression of distinct regulatory molecules by CD4 T cells between those who are atopic and have EOA and those who are non-atopic and have LOA. Thus, these results may contribute to the identification of new regulatory strategies to treat asthma according to their phenotypes.

Efficacy of photoactivated Myrciaria cauliflora extract against Staphylococcus aureus infection - A pilot study.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major microorganisms that cause human diseases, leading from mild skin infections to serious diseases. With the use of semi-synthetic penicillins, methicillin-resistant strains called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have emerged, whose resistance pattern extends to other beta-lactam antibiotics. It has already been shown that photodynamic therapy is capable of inactivating MRSA as the laser excites the photosensitizer responsible for transferring its electrons to the molecular oxygen, generating extremely reactive molecules, such as singlet oxygen, being these reactive components the chemicals that promote the bacterial clearance. Thus, the research aiming at the development of new photosensitizers becomes important, especially to increase the amount of therapeutic resources available for the treatment of persistent infections related to this bacterium. In this context, Myrciaria cauliflora is a plant that has antimicrobial action and there are no reports of the use of its crude extract as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. In that way, this work conveys an innovative way of the use of M. cauliflora extract as a photosensitizer, comprising its use as an antimicrobial agent when activated by light, against S. aureus. In vitro tests were performed where it was observed that after the photoactivation with blue LED light, the extract presented an augment in its antimicrobial activity, together with production of singlet oxygen. In the model of intradermal infection in Balb/c mice, a reduction in bacterial load was also detected, with raised expression of TNF-α, IL-17A, and MPO. Here, we demonstrate that the extract of M. cauliflora has photosensitizing action, promoting the production of singlet oxygen, besides IL-17A, TNF-α, and MPO.

Photoactivated resveratrol against Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice.

BACKGROUND: Among the pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus is the main causative agent of bacterial diseases in the world. In this context, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) appears as a promising tool by means of microbial inactivation with the use of light. aPDT is applied in treatments involving photosensitizers capable of generating oxygen free radicals. Thus, this work proposes the use of resveratrol as a photosensitizer. METHODS: In vitro tests were performed to determine the antibacterial activity of photoactivated resveratrol with blue LED light, as well as uric acid experiments for verification of singlet oxygen formation. Possible resveratrol structural changes were evaluated by HPLC. In the in vivo assays, the air pouch model was performed in mice for antimicrobial activity and cytokine production. RESULTS: The photoactivated resveratrol exhibited an increase in its antibacterial action and it is possibly brought about by the singlet oxygen formation. In the air pouch model, TNF-α and IL-17A cytokines were produced, diminishing the bacterial load, and consequently, reducing inflammation after 24 h of infection. Cellular number decrease in the inflammatory environment was associated with resolution of inflammation along with greater IL-10 production. CONCLUSION: It is the first time that resveratrol has been associated with aPDT. It was demonstrated in this work that resveratrol activated by blue LED light can be a promising photosensitizer. This compound, after the light stimulus, produces singlet oxygen, in addition to having effects on the immune system triggering TNF-α and IL-17A production, aiding in the clearance of several bacteria, including S. aureus.

Susceptibility of dendritic cells from individuals with schistosomiasis to infection by Leishmania braziliensis.

Coinfection with leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis has been associated with increased time to healing of cutaneous lesions of leishmaniasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Leishmania braziliensis infection on co-cultures of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) with autologous lymphocytes from patients with schistosomiasis and patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. MoDCs were differentiated from peripheral blood monocytes, isolated by magnetic beads, infected with L. braziliensis, and co-cultured with autologous lymphocytes. Expression of HLA-DR, CD1a, CD83, CD80, CD86, CD40, and the IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) on MoDCs as well as CD28, CD40L, CD25, and CTLA-4 on lymphocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry. The production of the cytokines IL-10, TNF, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ were evaluated by sandwich ELISA of the culture supernatant. The infectivity evaluation was performed by light microscopy after concentration of cells by cytospin and Giemsa staining. It was observed that the frequency of MoDCs expressing CD83, CD80, and CD86 as well as the MFI of HLA-DR were smaller in the group of patients with schistosomiasis compared to the group of patients with leishmaniasis. On the other hand, the frequency of IL-10R on MoDCs was higher in patients with schistosomiasis than in patients with leishmaniasis. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes from patients with schistosomiasis presented a lower frequency of CD28 and a higher frequency of CTLA-4 compared to lymphocytes from patients with leishmaniasis. Levels of IL-10 were higher in the supernatants of co-cultures from individuals with schistosomiasis compared to those with leishmaniasis. However, levels of TNF, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ were lower in the group of individuals with schistosomiasis. Regarding the frequency of MoDCs infected by L. braziliensis after 72h in culture, it was observed that higher frequencies of cells from patients with schistosomiasis were infected compared to cells from patients with leishmaniasis. It was concluded that MoDCs from patients with schistosomiasis are more likely to be infected by L. braziliensis, possibly due to a lower degree of activation and a regulatory profile.

Schistosoma mansoni rSm29 Antigen Induces a Regulatory Phenotype on Dendritic Cells and Lymphocytes From Patients With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

The immune response induced by Schistosma mansoni antigens is able to prevent immune-mediated diseases. Conversely, the inflammatory response in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although responsible for controlling the infection, is also associated with the pathogenesis of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the S. mansoni Sm29 antigen to change certain aspects of the profiles of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) and lymphocytes from subjects with CL in vitro. Expression of surface molecules and intracellular cytokines in the MoDCs and lymphocytes as well as the proliferation of Leishmania braziliensis were evaluated by flow cytometry. Levels of cytokines were evaluated in culture supernatants by ELISA. It was observed that stimulation by rSm29 increased the frequency of expression of CD83, CD80, CD86, and IL-10R in MoDCs compared to non-stimulated cultures. Additionally rSm29 decreased the frequency CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD28 and increased the frequency of CD4+CD25hi and CD4+CTLA-4+ T lymphocytes. Addition of rSm29 to cultures increased IL-10 levels and decreased levels of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ, while not altering TNF levels compared to non-stimulated cultures. This study showed that rSm29 induced a regulatory profile in MoDCs and lymphocytes and thereby regulated the exaggerated inflammation observed in CL. Considering that there are few therapeutic options for leishmaniasis, the use of rSm29 may be an alternative to current treatment and may be an important strategy to reduce the healing time of lesions in patients with CL.

Tratamento de pênfigo vulgar com imunoglobulina humana como adjuvante ao corticoide oral: um relato de caso / Pemphigus vulgaris treatment with human immunoglobulin as adjuvant to oral corticoid: a case report

Introdução: o pênfigo vulgar é uma doença de caráter autoimune, que leva à formação de bolhas locais ou generalizadas causadas pelo ataque de autoanticorpos às estruturas da epiderme. A terapêutica Recebido em: 25/09/2018 com imunoglobulina humana como adjuvante é uma excelente opção para os casos em que há resistência ao tratamento habitual, além de poder diminuir o tempo de tratamento com imunossupressores. Objetivo: descrever um relato de caso sobre um paciente portador de pênfigo vulgar submetido ao tratamento com imunoglobulina humana como adjuvante ao corticoide oral. Relato do caso: paciente 49 anos, foi internado apresentando lesões erosivas em mucosa oral e conjuntival, com piora sistêmica após início de tratamento com antibióticos e anti-inflamatório. Inicialmente realizou-se o tratamento convencional com corticoterapia, porém sem resultados satisfatórios. Devido ao agravamento da clínica, e ao estabelecimento do diagnóstico de pênfigo vulgar, foi incluída no tratamento a imunoglobulina humana como adjuvante, o que culminou em uma melhora progressiva do paciente. Conclusão: apesar de o tratamento do pênfigo vulgar ter os corticoides como primeira opção, é importante conhecer tratamentos adjuvantes e/ou alternativos, como as imunoglobulinas humanas, para auxiliar no tratamento dos pacientes que não respondem ao corticoide.

Introduction: Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disease that leads to the formation of local or generalized blisters as a result of autoantibodies against epidermal structures. Therapy with human immunoglobulin as an adjuvant is an excellent option for cases where there is resistance to usual treatment, in addition to being able to reduce the time of treatment with immunosuppressant. Thus, it is an alternative treatment for patients with severe infections or immunological deficiencies. Aim: to describe a case report about a carrier patient of pemphigus vulgaris treated with human immunoglobulin as adjuvant to oral corticosteroids. Case report: patient with 49 years old, was hospitalized in the city of Belo Horizonte (MG) presenting erosive lesions in the oral and conjunctival mucosa, with systemic worsening after starting treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. Initially, conventional steroid therapy was performed, but with no satisfactory results. Due to worsening symptoms and the diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris, human immunoglobulin was included in the treatment as an adjuvant, which resulted in a progressive improvement of the patient. Conclusion: although treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris has steroids as the first option, it is vital that the physician knows adjuvant and/or alternative therapies, such as human immunoglobulins, to assist in the treatment of patients who do not respond to steroids.

Schistosoma mansoni antigens alter activation markers and cytokine profile in lymphocytes of patients with asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation, obstruction and hyperresponsiveness. Severe asthma affects a small proportion of subjects but results in most of the morbidity, costs and mortality associated with the disease. Studies have suggested that Schistosoma mansoni infection reduces the severity of asthma and prevent atopy. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the ability of S. mansoni antigens, Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 to modulate lymphocyte activation status in response to the allergen of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p1) in cell cultures of individuals with asthma. METHODS: Thirty four patients were enrolled in this study: seventeen patients with severe asthma (SA group), seventeen patients with mild asthma (MA group) and six controls with no asthma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained and stimulated with Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 in the presence or absence of Der p1. The expression of surface markers and cytokines on lymphocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry and the levels of IL-10 in the culture supernatant were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The addition of Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 antigens to PBMC cultures from both groups of subjects with asthma stimulated with Der p1 reduced the frequency of CD4+CD25low cells whereas and increased frequency of CD4+CD25high population was observed compared to unstimulated cultures. Moreover, cultures stimulated with Sm29TSP-2 showed a reduction in the frequency of T cells expressing CD69, IFN-γ, TNF and TGF-ß in the MA group and an increase in the frequency of CD4+TSLPR+ T cells in the SA group. The addition of Sm29 to the cultures reduced the frequency of CD4+CD69+ and CD4+IL-5+ T cells in all asthmatic groups, and reduced the frequency of CD4+ T cells expressing IL-13 in the MA group. The cultures stimulated with Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 showed an increase in the level of IL-10 in the supernatants. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the addition of Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 to the cells cultures from subjects with asthma reduced cell activation markers and altered the cytokine production pattern in a way that can potentialy control the inflammatory response associated with asthma.

Immunological Profile in Individuals with Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most serious ectopic presentation of Schistosoma mansoni infection. The pathogenesis occurs mainly via the host inflammatory response to the eggs of the parasite that are stuck in the central nervous system, and the diagnosis is generally made by the exclusion of other neurological diseases. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the immune status of SMR patients and to identify a marker for SMR diagnosis. METHODS: We enrolled 15 patients with a presumptive diagnosis of SMR, and the control groups included 17 patients with myelopathy associated with human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and 11 with other neurological disorders. The determination of soluble egg antigen-specific IgE and the levels of cytokines from Th1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory cell profiles and the chemokines MIP-1a and RANTES were measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum using an ELISA technique. RESULTS: We observed that SMR leads to an increase in IgE levels in the CSF compared to serum, and the levels of IL-13 and MIP-1α were significantly higher in the CSF and serum of the SMR patients than in the patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. The levels of MIP-1α and RANTES were higher in the CSF than in the serum of the SMR group. The ratio between levels of IL-13, MIP-1α and RANTES over IL-10 was positive in the CSF of the SMR patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that S. mansoni-specific IgE in the CSF is a promising marker for the diagnosis of SMR and that the cytokines and chemokines associated with the Th2 profile may be important factors in the immunopathogenesis of SMR.

Pathological and histometric analysis of the gills of female Hyphessobrycon eques (Teleostei:Characidae) exposed to different concentrations of the insecticide Dimilin(®).

Female individuals of Hyphessobrycon eques were exposed to Diflubenzuron (Dimilin(®)) in order to determine whether exposure to sublethal levels of this insecticide causes changes in gill morphology. Fish were exposed to 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0mgL(-1) for 96h and 17 days and then submitted to pathological and histometric evaluation. Pathological lesions, such as hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, vascular congestion, secondary lamellar disarray, vasodilatation, hemorrhage and increased lamellar epithelium, were significantly more common in the gills of fish exposed to Dimilin(®) than the control. Histometric analysis documented significant changes in blood vessel diameter, primary lamellae width and secondary lamellae length, and the appearance of hemorrhage foci in all concentrations tested. Even at low Dimilin(®) concentrations, the histopathological alteration index was mild to moderate, thereby indicating that the function of this tissue was compromised. These findings indicate that indiscriminate use of Dimilin(®) can adversely affect the structural integrity of the gills of H. eques, which can cause numerous problems for fish farming systems.

Intensidade de exercício físico e imunomodulação: impactos em infecções das vias aéreas / Intensit y of physical exercises and immunomodulation: impacts in infections of the aerial pathways

A atividade física tem sido utilizada como ferramenta de auxílio para a diminuição da incidência de diversos riscos, tais como obesidade, desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares e diabetes. Além disso, ela tem sido descrita como medida imunomodulatória. O exercício físico possui algumas variáveis, dentre elas a frequência do exercício e a intensidade do mesmo. As variáveis nesse âmbito têm sido relacionadas a diferentes efeitos na modulação da resposta desenvolvida em diferentes sistemas e por vezes pode estar associada ao aumento da suscetibilidade a infecções ou ao aumento da resistência a infecções. O sistema respiratório representa uma das maiores portas de entrada para microrganismos patogênicos apresentando grande incidência de doenças infecciosas em atletas de elite. O exercício moderado tem sido associado a uma proteção contra infecções respiratórias causadas por vírus e por bactérias quando comparado ao exercício intenso, que de forma contrária, tem sido relacionado ao aumento da suscetibilidade a essas infecções principalmente em atletas praticantes de atividade física intensa. Nessa revisão pontuamos os aspectos mais recentes associados à modulação da resposta imune pela atividade física e suas implicações em infecções no sistema respiratório.

Physical activity has been employed as a tool to lessen the occurrence of several types of risks, such as obesity, development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In fact, it has been described as an immunomodulating measure. Physical exercise has several variables among which may be mentioned frequency of exercises and their intensity. Variables have been related to different effects in the modulation of response developed in several systems and frequently due to its association to increase in susceptibility to infections or to increase in the resistance to infections. The respiratory system is one of the biggest entrances for pathogenic microorganisms with the occurrence of infectious diseases in athletes. Moderate exercises have been associated to the protection against respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria when it is compared to intense exercises; otherwise, it is related to increase in susceptibility to these infections mainly in athletes who practice intense physical activity. Current review demonstrates the most recent aspects associated to the modulation of immune response by physical activity and its implications in the infections of the respiratory system.

Organização e Realização de Simpósio do Grinvex: Estudode Caso do Grinvex Curitiba / Joinville / Organization and Performance of a Grinvex Symposium: Case Study of Curitiba /Joinville Grinvex / Organización y Realización del Simposio del Grinvex: Estudio de Caso del GrinvexCuritiba / Joinville

O artigo tem por objetivo relatar e discutir a experiência grupal da realização deum simpósio de pesquisa conscienciológica relativo à especialidade Invexologia.Considera que eventos de divulgação paracientífica contribuem significativamentepara a alavancagem proexológica dos participantes por se tratar de uma forma otimizadapara troca de experiências evolutivas. O método utilizado foi o de escrita compartilhadaem grupo, através de relato de caso e pesquisa bibliográfica. Os resultadosapresentam as pontoações, facilitadores, dificuldades e benefícios presentes na organizaçãodo Simpósio do Grinvex (SIG). Conclui-se que, como este, eventos de pesquisae divulgação paracientífica propiciam o entrecruzamento proexológico dentroda maxiproéxis grupal(AU)

The objective of the article is to report and address a group experience about theorganization of a conscientiology research symposium related to Invexology. Parascientificdisclosure events highly contribute to proexis leverage of the participants forbeing optimized for evolutionary experiences exchange. The method used was thewriting work shared among the group, by means of case report and literature research.Results show figures, eases, difficulties and benefits present in the organizationof the Grinvex Symposium (SIG). It concludes that research events like the parascientificdisclosure ones provide proexis network within group maxiproexis(AU)

El artículo tiene por objetivo relatar y discutir la experiencia grupal en la realizacióndel simposio de investigación concienciológica relativo a la especia-lidad Invexología.Eventos de divulgación paracientífica contribuyen significativamente cualpalanca proexológica de los participantes por tratarse de una forma optimizada para elintercambio de experiencias evolutivas. El método utilizado fue el de la escritura engrupo, a través del relato de caso y la investigación bibliográfica. Los resultados presentanlas puntuaciones, facilitadores, dificultades y beneficios presentes en la organizacióndel Simposio del Grinvex (SIG). Se concluye que, eventos de investigacióne divulgación paracientífica como este, propician entrecruzamiento proexológico dentrode la maxiproexis grupal(AU)