ABSTRACT
Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T. cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.
O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T. cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.
Subject(s)
Animals , Crosses, Genetic , DNA Damage , Gene Expression , Trypanosoma cruzi/geneticsABSTRACT
Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.
Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.
Resumo O reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos (NER) atua reparando danos no DNA, como lesões causadas por cisplatina. A proteína Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) está envolvida no reconhecimento de danos pela via de reparação global do genoma pelo NER (GG-NER) e tem sido estudada em diferentes organismos devido à sua importância em outros processos celulares. Neste trabalho, estudamos proteínas do NER em Trypanosoma cruzi e Trypanosoma evansi, parasitos de humanos e animais, respectivamente. Modelos tridimensionais das proteínas XPC de T. cruzi e T. evansi foram feitos e observou-se poucas diferenças estruturais entre estas proteínas. Durante testes, a inserção do gene XPC de T. evansi (TevXPC) em T. cruzi resultou em crescimento celular mais lento em condições normais. Após o tratamento com cisplatina, T. cruzi superexpressando seu próprio gene XPC (TcXPC) foi capaz de recuperar as taxas de divisão celular mais rapidamente do que T. cruzi expressando o gene TevXPC. Com base nesses testes, sugere-se que TevXPC (sendo uma proteína exógena em T. cruzi) interfere negativamente nos processos celulares em que TcXPC (a proteína endógena) está envolvida. Isso provavelmente ocorreu pois TevXPC é capaz de interagir com algumas moléculas ou proteínas endógenas de T.cruzi, mas é incapaz de interagir com outras. Isso reforça a importância do correto funcionamento de XPC dentro da célula.
Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics , Xeroderma Pigmentosum , DNA Damage/genetics , Computational Biology , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , DNA Repair/geneticsABSTRACT
Nucleotide excision repair (NER) acts repairing damages in DNA, such as lesions caused by cisplatin. Xeroderma Pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) protein is involved in recognition of global genome DNA damages during NER (GG-NER) and it has been studied in different organisms due to its importance in other cellular processes. In this work, we studied NER proteins in Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi, parasites of humans and animals respectively. We performed three-dimensional models of XPC proteins from T. cruzi and T. evansi and observed few structural differences between these proteins. In our tests, insertion of XPC gene from T. evansi (TevXPC) in T. cruzi resulted in slower cell growth under normal conditions. After cisplatin treatment, T. cruzi overexpressing its own XPC gene (TcXPC) was able to recover cell division rates faster than T. cruzi expressing TevXPC gene. Based on these tests, it is suggested that TevXPC (being an exogenous protein in T. cruzi) interferes negatively in cellular processes where TcXPC (the endogenous protein) is involved. This probably occurred due interaction of TevXPC with some endogenous molecules or proteins from T.cruzi but incapacity of interaction with others. This reinforces the importance of correctly XPC functioning within the cell.
Subject(s)
Trypanosoma cruzi , Xeroderma Pigmentosum , Animals , Computational Biology , DNA Damage/genetics , DNA Repair/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics , DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Humans , Trypanosoma cruzi/geneticsABSTRACT
Donepezil is one of the main compounds used in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. Oral administration of this drug presents many drawbacks, resulting in treatment non-adherence among patients. Thus, the development of transdermal formulations for donepezil delivery is important. The aim of this study was to prepare and to evaluate nanostructured lipid carrier-based gels (NLC gel) able to improve the skin delivery of donepezil free base (DPB). The components of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were selected after evaluating their enhancing effects using in vitro DPB skin delivery assays. DPB-loaded NLC were prepared by a microemulsion technique, by employing stearic acid as a solid lipid, oleic acid as a liquid lipid, lecithin as a surfactant, and sodium taurodeoxycholate as a co-surfactant. The DPB-NLC dispersions were characterized morphologically using atomic force microscopy and physicochemically using dynamic light scattering and surface charge measurements. These data along, with the encapsulation studies, indicated that uniformly nano-sized particles with high drug encapsulation were fabricated. In vitro skin permeation assays were performed, and the results indicated that drug skin permeation from DPB-NLC gel was increased, not only by the enhancing effect of their components, but the lipid nanocarriers also presented an additional enhancing effect to increase drug flux across the skin. Therefore, DPB-NLC gel is an interesting formulation for the enhanced treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Subject(s)
Donepezil/chemistry , Drug Delivery Systems , Lipids/chemistry , Nanostructures/chemistry , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Liberation , Gels/chemistry , Particle Size , Skin Absorption , Surface PropertiesABSTRACT
Genomes are affected by a wide range of damage, which has resulted in the evolution of a number of widely conserved DNA repair pathways. Most of these repair reactions have been described in the African trypanosome Trypanosoma brucei, which is a genetically tractable eukaryotic microbe and important human and animal parasite, but little work has considered how the DNA damage response operates throughout the T. brucei life cycle. Using quantitative PCR we have assessed damage induction and repair in both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of the parasite. We show differing kinetics of repair for three forms of DNA damage, and dramatic differences in repair between replicative life cycle forms found in the testse fly midgut and the mammal. We find that mammal-infective T. brucei cells repair oxidative and crosslink-induced DNA damage more efficiently than tsetse-infective cells and, moreover, very distinct patterns of induction and repair of DNA alkylating damage in the two life cycle forms. We also reveal robust repair of DNA lesions in the highly unusual T. brucei mitochondrial genome (the kinetoplast). By examining mutants we show that nuclear alkylation damage is repaired by the concerted action of two repair pathways, and that Rad51 acts in kinetoplast repair. Finally, we correlate repair with cell cycle arrest and cell growth, revealing that induced DNA damage has strikingly differing effects on the two life cycle stages, with distinct timing of alkylation-induced cell cycle arrest and higher levels of damage induced death in mammal-infective cells. Our data reveal that T. brucei regulates the DNA damage response during its life cycle, a capacity that may be shared by many microbial pathogens that exist in variant environments during growth and transmission.
Subject(s)
DNA Damage , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/growth & development , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/genetics , Alkylation , Cell Cycle Checkpoints/genetics , DNA Adducts/metabolism , DNA Repair , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , DNA, Protozoan/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/genetics , Rad51 Recombinase/metabolism , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/cytology , Trypanosoma brucei brucei/metabolismABSTRACT
Este artigo objetiva realizar uma reflexão sobre um dos discursos presentes na Educação Física, o "No Pain, No Gain", buscando-se aproximações com a noção de renúncia de si, encontrada nos estudos de Michel Foucault. Estabelece-se relação com abordagens do corpo na atualidade, com certas peculiaridades, principalmente no que concerne à apropriação de discursos e práticas presentes em espaços de academia, bodybuilders e atletas de alto rendimento de diversas modalidades, onde a dor e o sacrifício são vistos como meios para a conquista, a vitória e o sucesso. Diante dos resultados apresentados é possível compreender que para se chegar ao corpo idealizado, o sujeito se coloca em diversas provações. Observamos nos exemplos citados que a renúncia de si é ressignificada pelos parâmetros biomédicos e do treinamento esportivo. A ênfase da renúncia de si se estabelece numa vida regrada, por meio de ações reguladoras e pela aderência do sujeito às drogas como parte do próprio treinamento. Neste estudo identificamos a produção de subjetividades proporcionadas por práticas de renúncia de si presentes em cenários esportivos na contemporaneidade. Destacamos ainda que o discurso "No Pain, No Gain" vai se espalhando pela sociedade e não se restringe somente aos atletas de rendimento ou aos bodybuilders, como podemos observar no nosso dia a dia, como profissionais da Educação Física. Quanto aos impactos relacionados à área da Educação Física, pensamos na responsabilidade desta possibilitar que o sujeito reflita a respeito de ditames que surgem na sociedade, assumindo-se como ser singular dotado de sensações diversas e desejos constantes....(AU)
This article objective to make a refl ection about one of present speeches on Physical Education the "No Pain, No Gain", seeking approximations with the notion the renounce of the self, found in the studies of Michel Foucault. Is established relationships with current body approaches, with certain peculiarities, especially regarding the appropriation of discourses and practices present in spaces of academy, bodybuilding, high performance athletes of various modalities, where pain and sacrifi ce are seen as a means to conquest, victory and success. On the results it is possible to understand that to reach the idealized body, the subject arises in several trials. We see in the examples cited to the renouncing of si is resigned by biomedical parameters and sports training. The emphasis of the renunciation of self is established in a life ruled by means of regulatory actions and the subject drug adherence as part of the training itself. In this study we identify the production of subjectivities off ered by resignation of you present in sports scenarios in contemporary times. We highlight that the speech "No Pain, No Gain" is marching by society and not restricted only to athletes or bodybuilders, how can we observe in our daily lives, such as physical education professionals. As for the impacts related to the fi eld of physical education, we think of the responsibility to enable the subject to refl ect about dictates that arise in society, taking as being unique with diff erent sensations and desires....(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Physical Education and Training , Human Body , Address , MentoringABSTRACT
Resumen: Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue describir las percepciones de docentes de enfermería de habla hispana en América Latina, sobre las competencias relacionadas a la salud global que deben mostrar los estudiantes de enfermería del pregrado. Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo fue basado en una muestra de docentes de escuelas de enfermería miembros de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Escuelas y Facultades de Enfermería (ALADEFE) y de la Asociación de Escuelas de la Zona Centro Sur de México, las cuales recibieron un correo electrónico con una liga para responder una encuesta electrónica por Survey Monkey©. La encuesta incluyó una lista de 30 competencias en salud global dividida en seis dimensiones. Los docentes indicaron en una escala Likert de 4 puntos la relevancia de cada competencia para la educación de enfermería en el nivel de pregrado (1 = Completamente en desacuerdo; 2 = En desacuerdo; 3 = De acuerdo; 4 = Completamente de acuerdo). Resultados: En total, 110 profesores de nueve países respondieron a la encuesta. El promedio de cada ítem fue entre 3.0 - 4.0, esto indica que los profesores estuvieron de acuerdo en que todas las competencias son relevantes para la formación de estudiantes de enfermería a nivel de pregrado. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio sugirieron que estas competencias deben ser incluidas en los currículos de enfermería a nivel de pregrado, para formar a los estudiantes en su labor como enfermeras y enfermeros en un mundo globalizado y prepararlos para contribuir a la Cobertura y el Acceso Universal a la Salud (Salud Universal).
Abstract: Objective: To describe the perceptions of Spanish-speaking nursing teachers in Latin America on the global health competences which, undergraduate nursing students should demonstrate. Methods: This descriptive study was based on a sample of teachers of nursing schools belonging to the Latin American Association of Nursing Schools and Faculties, and the Association of Schools of the Center-South Zone in Mexico. These institutions received an invitation via e-mail to respond to a survey through the Survey Monkey© platform. The survey included a list of 30 Global Health competencies grouped in 6 dimensions. Teachers indicated through a 4-point Likert scale their perception on the relevance to undergraduate nursing education of each of these competencies (1 = total disagreement, 2 = disagreement, 3 = agreement, 4 = total agreement). Results: In total, 110 professors of 9 countries responded to the survey. The average score per item was 3.0 - 4.0 suggesting that the teachers agreed that all competencies are relevant to the formation of undergraduate nursing students. Conclusions: These results suggested that these competencies should be part of the objectives of undergraduate nursing curricula in order to prepare the students to contribute to the Coverage and Access to Universal Health agenda.
Resumo: Objetivo: O propósito deste estudo foi descrever as percepções de docentes de enfermagem de fala hispana na América Latina, sobre as competências relacionadas à saúde global que devem mostrar os estudantes de enfermagem de graduação. Métodos: Este estudo descritivo foi baseado em uma amostra de docentes de escolas de enfermagem membros da Associação Latino-americana de Escolas e Faculdades de Enfermagem (ALADEFE) e da Associação de Escolas da Zona Centro Sul do México, as quais receberam um e-mail electrónico com um link para responder uma enquete electrónica por Survey Monkey©. A enquete incluiu uma lista de 30 competências em saúde global dividida em seis dimensões. Os docentes indicaram em uma escala Likert de 4 pontos a relevância de cada competência para a educação de enfermagem no nível de graduação (1 = Completamente em discordância; 2 = Em discordância; 3 = Em concordância; 4 = Completamente em concordância). Resultados: Em total, 110 professores de nove países responderam à enquete. A média de cada item foi entre 3.0-4.0, isto indica que os professores concordaram em que todas as competências são relevantes para a formação de estudantes de enfermagem a nível de graduação. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo sugeriram que estas competências devem ser incluídas nos currículos de enfermagem a nível de graduação, para formar aos estudantes em seu labor como enfermeiras e enfermeiros em um mundo globalizado e prepará-los para contribuir à Cobertura e o Acesso Universal à Saúde (Saúde Universal).
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , FemaleABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the action of organic acids produced by the fungal population associated with the biodeterioration process of the Twelve Prophets of Aleijadinho, a set of soapstone sculptures in Congonhas, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For this, samples of fungi were obtained from the surface of each of the 12 outdoor stone sculptures that comprise the set of Prophets. The identification of the colonizing filamentous fungi was performed by classical microbiology and molecular methods. Some species of filamentous fungi-dependent cultivation were detected, and the presence of species Aspergillus versicolor, Curvularia lunata, Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium citrinum and Pseudocercospora norchiensis indicated a connection with the excretion of organic acids. The acids produced by each of these fungal species were analysed quantitatively by chromatographic methods, revealing potential biodeterioration by the action of acidic metabolites excreted in the stone. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Minas Gerais, Brazil, is vulnerable to the activities of mineral extraction industries, posing an imminent risk to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized cities, e.g. Congonhas. Many of these municipalities hold many soapstone religious sculptures and historical monuments. Consequently, soapstone is susceptible to filamentous fungi attack causing irreversible biodeterioration. Despite the concern related to nondestructive sampling of 18th century sculptures, in this study, we have discussed the factors that lead to biodeterioration of soapstone due to organic acid excretion by the fungi that damage the stone, thereby providing an insight in conserving and preserving the soapstone monuments.
Subject(s)
Fungi/isolation & purification , Fungi/metabolism , Geologic Sediments/microbiology , Brazil , Ecosystem , Environment , Fungi/classification , Fungi/genetics , Geologic Sediments/chemistry , History, Ancient , Sculpture/historyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients have increased stroke risk from direct and indirect malignancy effects. Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is standard medical treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). AIM: To review rtPA use in AIS patients with active cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational case-control study evaluating patients with AIS and cancer admitted to our stroke unit between January/2010 and June/2015. RESULTS: Seven cases were identified (86% male; median age: 76), and 20 controls were included matched for age and Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification. 29% experienced direct procedure complications vs 30% within the control group, 14% suffered haemorrhagic transformation (vs 20%), one patient experienced serious systemic haemorrhage (case) and one patient experienced serious intracerebral haemorrhage (control). After three months' follow-up, 43% were independent compared with 25% controls, and 29% had died (vs 30%). Undetermined aetiology subtype (TOAST classification) was more frequent in cancer patients when compared to controls (71% vs 20%). CONCLUSION: Severe haemorrhagic complications, potentiated by rtPA, carry increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, selected cancer patients with AIS may benefit from rtPA treatment. Active cancer should not be considered an absolute contraindication to rtPA use. Risk of complications and life expectancy should be assessed when making this decision.
TITLE: Seguridad y efectividad del rtPA en el ictus isquemico agudo en pacientes con cancer activo: estudio de casos y controles.Introduccion. Los pacientes con cancer tiene un mayor riesgo de ictus debido a los efectos malignos directos e indirectos. La trombolisis intravenosa con activador tisular del plasminogeno recombinante (rtPA) constituye un tratamiento medico estandar para el ictus isquemico agudo. Objetivo. Revisar el uso de rtPA en el ictus isquemico agudo en pacientes con cancer activo. Sujetos y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo observacional de casos y controles para evaluar pacientes con ictus isquemico agudo y cancer admitidos en la unidad de ictus entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2015. Resultados. Se identificaron siete casos (86% varones; mediana de edad: 76 años) y tambien se incluyeron 20 controles pareados por edad y clasificacion del Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project. Un 29% de casos experimento complicaciones directas del procedimiento frente a un 30% en el grupo control. Un 14% sufrio transformacion hemorragica (frente a un 20%). Un paciente (caso) sufrio una hemorragia sistemica grave, y otro (control), una hemorragia intracerebral grave. A los tres meses, un 43% era independiente (frente a un 25% de los controles) y un 29% habia fallecido (frente a un 30%). Un subtipo etiologico indeterminado (clasificacion TOAST) era mas frecuente en pacientes con cancer (71% frente a 20%). Conclusion. Complicaciones hemorragicas graves, potenciadas por el rtPA, pueden incrementar el riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Sin embargo, pacientes seleccionados con cancer que padecen un ictus isquemico agudo pueden beneficiarse del tratamiento con rtPA. Un cancer activo no deberia considerarse una contraindicacion de uso de rtPA, aunque debe evaluarse el riesgo de complicaciones y la esperanza de vida para tomar la decision.
Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/drug therapy , Stroke/drug therapy , Tissue Plasminogen Activator/therapeutic use , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brain Ischemia/complications , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/complications , Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Stroke/complicationsABSTRACT
Doze vacas lactantes Holandês-Gir (1/2), em sistema de pasto rotativo de Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça, foram suplementadas com concentrados contendo milho seco finamente moído (MM), milho expandido (ME), milho floculado a vapor (MF) ou milho moído reidratado e ensilado (MU). O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de quadrado latino 4 x 4, com três repetições. O consumo de pasto foi maior quando as vacas foram suplementadas com MF, o que se refletiu em maior consumo de MS, PB, FDN para o mesmo tratamento. A digestibilidade aparente da MS foi maior para as dietas de MF e MM. A digestibilidade aparente da FDN foi menor para MU. A produção e composição do leite das vacas não diferiram entre os tratamentos, entretanto a eficiência alimentar foi menor para MF...
Twelve lactating Holstein-Gyr (1/2) cows in a rotational grazing system with Panicum maximum cv. Mombasa were supplemented with different concentrates containing finely ground dried corn (MM), expanded corn (ME), steam flaked corn (MF) or silage of re-hydrated ground corn (MU). The experiment was arranged in a 4 x 4 Latin square design with three replications. Pasture intake was higher when cows were supplemented with MF, which resulted in higher DM, CP, and NDF. The apparent digestibility of DM was higher for MF and MM diets. The NDF apparent digestibility was lower for MU. Milk yield and composition did not differ between treatments; however, feed efficiency was lower for MF...
Subject(s)
Animals , Cattle , Brachiaria/adverse effects , Diet/veterinary , Flocculation , Panicum/adverse effects , Breast-Milk Substitutes , Poaceae , Infant Nutritional Physiological PhenomenaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: While a dermal proliferation of monotypic monoclonal lymphocytes and plasma cells suggests above all cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (CMZL) or plasmacytoma, it may also correspond to a Borrelia infection of which the clinic picture is evocative, as demonstrated in the cases presented herein. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The files of two patients were submitted for discussion at the regional multidisciplinary staff meeting on cutaneous lymphomas after review of the skin biopsies led to a diagnosis of plasmacytoma and CMZL on the basis of infiltrate containing abundant plasma cells. The infiltrates of both patients showed a kappa monotypic light chain and cutaneous B-cell clones were detected. However, the clinical features, with monomelic maculopapular rash, were evocative primarily of Borrelia infection. Diagnosis was confirmed by positive serology and clinical cure was achieved after 3 weeks of oral tetracycline, without relapse. COMMENTS: A link between Borrelia infection and cutaneous lymphomas has long been thought to exist. Further, it is recommended that antibiotics be considered in CMZL before undertaking systemic therapy. The classic histological appearance of the tertiary phase of early-stage Lyme's disease shows perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate comprising lymphocytes and plasma cells. At the later stages, epidermal atrophy occurs with thinning of the dermis. The monoclonal and monotypic nature of skin proliferation points above all to CMZL or plasmacytoma. However, clinicopathological correlation is an essential step before such a diagnosis may be made. In the event of monomelic erythema, as in our patients, it is important to screen for Borrelia infection, which responds well to appropriate treatment.
Subject(s)
Acrodermatitis/etiology , B-Lymphocytes/pathology , Diagnostic Errors , Lyme Disease/diagnosis , Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/diagnosis , Plasma Cells/pathology , Plasmacytoma/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Acrodermatitis/pathology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Antibodies, Monoclonal/analysis , Atrophy , Biopsy , Borrelia burgdorferi/immunology , Chronic Disease , Doxycycline/therapeutic use , Erythema/etiology , Female , Humans , Lyme Disease/blood , Lyme Disease/complications , Lyme Disease/drug therapy , Lyme Disease/pathology , Male , Middle Aged , Remission Induction , Skin/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Angola is one of the largest African countries with continuing levels of insecurity, considerable weakness in terms of respect for human rights, destroyed infrastructure and low transparency and social accountability levels. The health system displays gaps and nursing represents the main contingent among human resources in health. AIM: This research aims to understand the healthcare context in Angola from the perspective of Brazilian nurses who were involved in helping their Angolan colleagues. This general view of health services is followed by a description of nursing workforce particularities at a tertiary health service in the province of Luanda. METHODS: Data were extracted from the database of the Global Network of World Health Organization Collaborating Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Development, constructed based on technical visits to Angola in 2009. Information related to health service characteristics was used, focusing on nursing human resource activities at two tertiary, one secondary and one primary health institutions located in the province of Luanda. The study data were analysed through descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: Among the problems the nursing workforce faces, the lack of human, material and financial resources stands out, as well as insufficient professional qualification, excessive work journeys, low remunerations, non-valuation of professionals, leading to unsatisfactory work environments and discouraged human resources. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing in Angola is conquering its professional space. Therefore, regulatory policies are fundamental, defining the rights and obligations of all categories involved, with a view to determining nurses' function in the health team, including respect for and acknowledgement of their role in the community.
Subject(s)
Attitude of Health Personnel , Health Policy , International Cooperation , Nurses/supply & distribution , Angola , Brazil , Demography , Female , Health Services Needs and Demand , Humans , Interviews as Topic , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Universities worldwide are seeking objective measures for the assessment of their faculties' research products to evaluate them and to attain prestige. Despite concerns, the impact factors (IF) of journals where faculties publish have been adopted. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The study aims to explore conditions created within five countries as a result of policies requiring or not requiring faculty to publish in high IF journals, and the extent to which these facilitated or hindered the development of nursing science. DESIGN: The design was a multiple case study of Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand (with IF policies, Group A), United Kingdom and the United States (no IF policies, Group B). Key informants from each country were identified to assist in subject recruitment. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed for data collection. The study was approved by a human subject review committee. Five faculty members of senior rank from each country participated. All communication occurred electronically. FINDINGS: Groups A and B countries differed on who used the policy and the purposes for which it was used. There were both similarities and differences across the five countries with respect to hurdles, scholar behaviour, publishing locally vs. internationally, views of their science, steps taken to internationalize their journals. CONCLUSIONS: In group A countries, Taiwan seemed most successful in developing its scholarship. Group B countries have continued their scientific progress without such policies. IF policies were not necessary motivators of scholarship; factors such as qualified nurse scientists, the resource base in the country, may be critical factors in supporting science development.
Subject(s)
Faculty, Nursing , Nursing Research/trends , Periodicals as Topic/trends , Publishing/trends , Americas , Asia , Faculty, Nursing/organization & administration , Humans , Nursing Research/organization & administration , Organizational Policy , United KingdomABSTRACT
The bacterial community structures (BCSs) of Cerrado soils cultivated under conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT) and under native Cerrado (NC) vegetation were evaluated using PCR/DGGE of bacterial 16S rRNA (rrs) and rpoB genes and of Pseudomonas group genes. Soil chemical analysis, microbial biomass and the enzyme activities were also evaluated and correlated with the BCS measurements. The multivariate ordinations of DGGE profiles showed differences between the BCS of the NC area and those from cultivated areas. The BCSs of the CT and NT areas also differed in all DGGE fingerprints, including changes in the profile of Pseudomonas populations, indicating that agricultural systems can also be responsible for changes within specific microbial niches, although the clearest differences were found in the rpoB profiles. The MRPP analysis demonstrated significant differences between the BCSs from different soil layers of NT areas based on all gene fingerprints and those of NC areas based on bacterial 16S rRNA and rpoB genes fingerprints. No differences were observed in the microbial fingerprints of CT samples from different depths, indicating that ploughing affected the original BCS stratification. The BCS from NC areas, based on all gene fingerprints, could be related to higher levels of soil acidity and higher amounts of MBC and of phosphatase activity. In contrast, the BCSs from cultivated areas were related to higher levels of Ca + Mg, P and K, likely as a result of a history of chemical fertilisation in these areas. The relationships between rpoB and Pseudomonas BCSs and all chemical and biochemical properties of soils were significant, according to a Mantel test (P < 0.05), indicating that the different changes in soil properties induced by soil use or management may drive the formation of the soil BCS.
Subject(s)
Agriculture , Bacterial Physiological Phenomena , Ecosystem , Pseudomonas/physiology , Soil Microbiology , Soil/chemistry , Acid Phosphatase/analysis , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/genetics , Biodiversity , Biomass , Brazil , DNA Fingerprinting , DNA, Bacterial/analysis , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Phylogeny , Polymerase Chain Reaction , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , beta-Glucosidase/analysisABSTRACT
The genus Adelomelon Dall, 1906 comprises a group of South American marine gastropods. We present updated information on the genus Adelomelon, with emphasis on the status and location of type material, including that of junior synonyms. Scaphella arnheimi Rivers, 1891 and Voluta paradoxa Lahille, 1895 are removed from the synonymy of Adelomelon ancilla (Lightfoot, 1758) and Adelomelon barattinii Klappenbach and Ureta, 1966 is included. The subgenus Weaveria Clench and Turner, 1964 is placed in synonymy with Adelomelon s.s. A key to the species of Adelomelon is provided.
O gênero Adelomelon Dall, 1906 engloba um grupo de gastrópodes sul-americanos. Apresentamos informações atualizadas sobre o gênero Adelomelon, com ênfase no status e localização do material-tipo, também dos sinônimos juniores. Os táxons Scaphella arnheimi Rivers, 1891 e Voluta paradoxa Lahille, 1895 são removidos da lista sinonímica de Adelomelon ancilla (Lightfoot, 1758) e Adelomelon barattinii Klappenbach and Ureta, 1966 é incluído. Também o subgênero Waveria Clench and Turner, 1954 é colocado na lista sinonímica de Adelomelon s.s. e uma chave para as espécies de Adelomelon é apresentada.
Subject(s)
Animals , Gastropoda/anatomy & histology , Gastropoda/classification , Terminology as TopicABSTRACT
Recent studies performed under laboratory conditions have shown that single exposure to high levels of several xenoestrogens is able to induce imposex in at least two neogastropod species. In an attempt to evaluate if xenoestrogens, at environmentally relevant conditions, do contribute to imposex induction, we have tested the effects of a mixture containing xenoestrogens (municipal sewage effluents) on imposex development in the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus. Exposure for 3 months to the raw (0.25% and 1%) and the final sewage effluent (12.5% and 50%) rendered no increase in the severity of imposex. Conversely, as exposure to high concentrations of natural steroids, estradiol and estrone, had previously been shown to partially rescue imposex development under laboratory conditions, we have also tested if exposure to the final sewage effluent could ameliorated the severity of imposex induction by tributyltin (TBT). The results demonstrated that co-exposure to the final sewage effluent leads to a decrease trend in the severity of imposex in the presence of TBT. Within the studied imposex parameters, the Relative Penis Size index (RPSI) was the most affected with a 50% decrease in the effluent 12.5% plus TBT exposed group and 25% decrease in the effluent 50% plus TBT, if compared with the TBT alone. Overall, our results give further support to the use of imposex in N. lapillus as a specific biomarker of TBT contamination. However, in areas of high inputs of sewage effluents, the assessment of TBT contamination by the use of the imposex phenomenon should ideally also include data on the tissue levels of butyltins.
Subject(s)
Androgen Antagonists/toxicity , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Estrogens/toxicity , Gastropoda/drug effects , Sewage/adverse effects , Sexual Development/drug effects , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Androgen Antagonists/analysis , Animals , Benzhydryl Compounds , Disorders of Sex Development/chemically induced , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Endocrine Disruptors/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Estradiol/analysis , Estradiol/toxicity , Estrogens/analysis , Female , Male , Penis/drug effects , Penis/growth & development , Phenols/analysis , Phenols/toxicity , Reproducibility of Results , Sewage/chemistry , Trialkyltin Compounds/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysisABSTRACT
Free-range chickens are assumed to consume low to moderate levels of pasture, although the effects of forage intake in broiler performance and poultry meat quality remain to be established. In addition, despite cellulases and hemicellulases being widely used as feed supplements to improve the nutritive value of cereal-based diets for fast-growing broilers, the potential interest of these biocatalysts in the production of free-range chicken is yet to be established. In this study, broilers of the RedBro Cou Nu x RedBro M genotype were fed a cereal-based diet in portable floorless pens located either on a rainfed subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) pasture or on an irrigated white clover (Trifolium repens) pasture. Control birds were maintained at the same site in identical pens but with no access to pastures. The importance of pasture intake and enzyme supplementation in the performance and meat sensory properties of the free-range chicken from d 28 to 56 was investigated. The results revealed that although cellulase and hemicellulase supplementation had no impact on broiler performance (P > 0.05), birds foraging on legume-based pastures reached significantly greater final BW. The data suggest that the improvement in broiler performance results from increased intake of the cereal-based feed rather than from an improvement in the efficiency of nutrient utilization per se. Interestingly, although the intake of the subterranean clover pasture had no impact on the tenderness, juiciness, and flavor of broiler meat, members of a 30-person consumer panel classified the meat from grazing broilers with greater scores for overall appreciation. Together, the results suggest that pasture intake promotes bird performance while contributing to the production of broiler meat with preferred sensory attributes.
Subject(s)
Animal Husbandry/methods , Chickens/metabolism , Meat/standards , Medicago , Animal Feed , Animals , Body Weight , Eating , Humans , Male , Random Allocation , Seasons , TasteABSTRACT
The genus Adelomelon Dall, 1906 comprises a group of South American marine gastropods. We present updated information on the genus Adelomelon, with emphasis on the status and location of type material, including that of junior synonyms. Scaphella arnheimi Rivers, 1891 and Voluta paradoxa Lahille, 1895 are removed from the synonymy of Adelomelon ancilla (Lightfoot, 1758) and Adelomelon barattinii Klappenbach and Ureta, 1966 is included. The subgenus Weaveria Clench and Turner, 1964 is placed in synonymy with Adelomelon s.s. A key to the species of Adelomelon is provided.
