Serum From Preeclamptic Women Triggers Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway and Expression of Angiogenic Factors in Trophoblast Cells.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy-associated with placental cell death and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. It is unknown whether systemic factors aggravate placental dysfunction. We investigated whether serum factors in pregnant women with PE activate ER stress and unfolded protein responses (UPRs) in placental explants and trophoblast cells lineage. We cultured placental explants from third-trimester term placentas from control non-preeclamptic (NPE) pregnant women with serum from women with PE or controls (NPE). In PE-treated explants, there was a significant increase in gene expression of GADD34, CHOP, and SDF2. At the protein level, GRP78, SDF2, p-eIF2α, and p-eIF2α/eIF2α ratio were also augmented in treated explants. Assays were also performed in HTR8/SV-neo trophoblast cell line to characterize the putative participation of trophoblast cells. In PE serum-treated protein levels of p-eIF2a and the ratio p-elF2 α/elF2α increased after 12 h of treatment, while the gene expression of GADD34, ATF4, and CHOP was greater than control. Increased expression of SDF2 was also detected after 24 h-cultured HTR8/SV-neo cells. PE serum increased sFLT1 gene expression and decreased PlGF gene expression in placental explants. Morphologically, PE serum increased the number of syncytial knots and reduced placental cell metabolism and viability. Analysis of the serum of pregnant women with PE through Raman spectroscopy showed changes in amino acids, carotenoids, lipids, and DNA/RNA, which may be associated with the induction of ER stress found in chorionic villi treated with this serum. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the serum of pregnant women with PE may impact placental villi changing its morphology, viability, and secreted functional factors while triggers ER stress and an UPR. The differences between PE and control sera include molecules acting as inducing factors in these processes. In summary, the results obtained in our assays suggest that after the development of PE, the serum profile of pregnant women may be an additional factor that feeds a continuous imbalance of placental homeostasis. In addition, this study may expand the possibilities for understanding the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Odor characterization of post-consumer and recycled automotive polypropylene by different sensory evaluation methods and instrumental analysis.

Despite the growing interest of the automotive industry in using recycled polymers, their undesired odor is limiting their application in vehicles' interior components. To get deeper insights into its causes, this study aimed at characterizing the odor of post-consumer and recycled automotive polypropylene with different contents of talc and an anti-fogging additive. Samples were evaluated by different sensory methods currently applied by the automotive industry (GMW 3205 and VDA 270), which confirmed, that they are not feasible for reuse in interior automotive applications. As these odor evaluations are usually performed by non-trained panelists and do not allow a detailed description of the samples' single odor qualities, sensory evaluation according to ISO 13299 was performed by trained panelists. Samples showed medium-high odor intensities rated from 5.1 to 5.6, and a general dislike of the odor with hedonic ratings from 1.8 to 2.6 (scale 0-10). Their odor profiles correlated well with the odorants identified by chemo-analytical characterization using gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and two-dimensional GC-O coupled with mass spectrometry (2D-GC-MS/O). An array of odorants with benzene and phenolic structures were identified as potential contributors to the samples' overall smell and are likely to originate from degradation of additives commonly used in automotive components. While the addition of talc or anti-fogging additive did not significantly improve the odor of the samples, the description of the samples' smell and the identification of odor-active compounds related to it allow the development of avoidance strategies for the manufacturing of neutral smelling products intended for vehicles' interior applications.

Recycling of viscose yarn waste through one-step extraction of nanocellulose.

Textile manufacturing industries generate large amounts of viscose yarn waste (VW) that causes serious environmental pollution. In this study, VW was used as raw material to successfully extract nanocellulose (NC) in a facile one-step extraction process, without any pretreatment. Different hydrolysis reaction times (5-60 min) were employed, and the extracted material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Interestingly, it was possible to obtain NC in only 5 min of reaction without any pretreatment and with an increase of 50% in the crystallinity, which was attributed to the pretreatments VW undergone in textile industry that swell cellulose chains and make them more accessible to further reactions. The higher crystallinity index was observed after 30 min of reaction (87%), and through microscopy, it was verified that the morphology of the VW was completely changed to irregular nanoparticles with average size of 42 nm. The obtained NC showed interesting properties to be used in several potential applications, including stabilization of oil/water Pickering emulsions. These results indicate that VW is an attractive source to obtain NC, making the extraction of NC from VW a value-added alternative to recycle this textile waste.

Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from pineapple crown waste and their potential uses.

Pineapple crown is an important source of cellulose that is still going to waste because of the lack of knowledge about their economic uses. The isolation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from pineapple crown leaf (PCL) wastes arises as an important alternative to use PCL wastes in high value-added applications, and has not been reported yet. In this study, CNC were successfully extracted from PCL wastes using chemical treatments followed by acid hydrolysis using sulfuric acid. FTIR results confirmed the removal of the non-cellulosic compounds of PCL through the mercerization and bleaching treatments. SEM and AFM showed that the diameter of PCL fibers was reduced from 18 µm to 39 nm after the hydrolysis reaction, resulting in CNC with rod-like shape. The obtained CNC showed cellulose I crystalline structure with high crystallinity index (73%). The thermal degradation of CNC started at 124 °C, what was attributed to the presence of surface sulfate groups identified by elemental analysis. The high hydrophilicity of CNC was verified by its high moisture content and absorption. The results showed that the CNC isolated from PCL have interesting properties to be used in many liquid media applications, besides their use as reinforcement in nanocomposites.

A percepção do paciente renal crônico sobre a vivência em hemodiálise / La percepción del paciente renal crónico sobre la experiencia en hemodiálisis / Chronic renal patient perception on experience in hemodialysis

A hemodiálise é o tratamento mais indicado para os pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica. OBJETIVO: Compreender a percepção do paciente portador de IRC que se submete a hemodiálise, bem como conhecer os fatores que dificultam e/ou facilitam essa experiência e as estratégias de enfrentamento. MÉTODO: Por meio de uma pesquisa de campo, de delineamento qualitativo, foram entrevistados nove pacientes que fazem hemodiálise em um hospital geral particular de Belo Horizonte. Os dados foram analisados segundo a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. RESULTADOS: O estudo evidenciou que, apesar dos benefícios da hemodiálise, que impactam inclusive na melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente, a sua percepção sobre o tratamento ainda é negativa, considerando que restringe suas atividades diárias. Somam-se os sentimentos de tristeza e revolta, envoltos à essa vivência. Destacam-se o apoio da família, a fé em Deus e apoio da própria equipe de saúde, como forma de enfrentar as dificuldades advindas do tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: Considerando esse impacto sobre a vida do paciente, é essencial ampliar o conhecimento e compreensão acerca dessa vivência, a fim de que todos os envolvidos possam refletir sobre ela e, a partir daí, promover discussões que poderão, entre outros benefícios, nortear a prática, melhorar o entendimento, e qualificar a assistência prestada.

Hemodialysis is the most appropriate treatment for patients with chronic renal insufficiency. OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of patients with CRF who undergo hemodialysis; as well as knowing the factors that impede and/or facilitate this experience and the coping strategies. METHODS: Through a field survey, qualitative design, nine patients undergoing hemodialysis were interviewed in a private general hospital in Belo Horizonte. The data were analyzed according to the thematic content analysis technique. RESULTS: The study showed that, despite the benefits of hemodialysis, which impact even in the improvement of the patients’ life quality, their perception about the treatment is still negative, considering that it restricts their daily activities. To this fact, the sadness and anger feelings are added, wrapped to this experience. Family support, faith in God, and the health team support stand out, in order to face the difficulties arising from treatment. CONCLUSION: Considering this impact on patient’s life, it is essential to increase the knowledge and understanding about this experience, so that everyone involved can reflect about it and, from there, to promote discussions, which may, among other benefits, guide the practice, improve the understanding, and qualify the provided assistance.

La hemodiálisis es el tratamiento más adecuado para los pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica. OBJETIVO: Comprender la percepción del paciente portador de IRC que se somete a hemodiálisis; así como conocer los factores que dificultan y/o facilitan esa experiencia y las estrategias de enfrentamiento. MÉTODO: Por medio de una investigación de campo, de delineamiento cualitativo, fueron encuestados nueve pacientes que hacen hemodiálisis en un hospital general particular de Belo Horizonte. Los datos fueron analizados según la técnica de análisis de contenido temático. RESULTADOS: El estudio evidenció que, a pesar de los beneficios de la hemodiálisis, que impactan incluso en la mejora de la calidad de vida del paciente, su percepción acerca del tratamiento todavía es negativa, teniendo en cuenta que limita sus actividades diarias. Se suman los sentimientos de tristeza y revuelta, envueltos en esa vivencia. Se destacan el apoyo de la familia, la fe en Dios y el apoyo del propio equipo de salud, como medio de enfrentar las dificultades derivadas del tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: Teniendo en cuenta este impacto sobre la vida del paciente, es esencial ampliar el conocimiento y comprensión acerca de esa vivencia, a fin de que todos los involucrados, puedan reflexionar sobre ella y, a partir de ahí, promover discusiones que podrán, entre otros beneficios, orientar la práctica, mejorar el entendimiento, y calificar la asistencia prestada.

Circular Dichroism of Chiral Nematic Films of Cellulose Nanocrystals Loaded with Plasmonic Nanoparticles.

In the search for induced chiral plasmonic activity, cholesteric films formed by cellulose nanocrystals have attracted great interest as potential hosts for plasmonic nanoparticles. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the composite films exhibit two peaks, one of which is ascribed to the cholesteric host and the other one to plasmonic chiroptical activity of the plasmonic nanoparticles. Here we report the results of comprehensive studies of extinction and CD properties of composite films formed by different types of cellulose nanocrystals and different types of plasmonic nanoparticles. We show that the second peak in the CD spectra acquired using CD spectrometers appears as the result of the local reduction of the CD signal of the host material, due to excessive absorption by the nanoparticles, and thus it cannot be interpreted as induced plasmonic chiroptical activity. Instead, we propose an alternative way to measure CD spectra of plasmonic cholesteric films by using Mueller matrix transmission ellipsometry. The results of this study are important for ongoing research in the field of chiral plasmonics and for the optical characterization of a broad range of chiral nematic nanostructured materials.

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in placental compartments of renal-transplanted pregnant women.

PROBLEM: Immunosuppressive drugs change gestational IDO activity at the maternal-fetal interface. METHOD OF STUDY: Analysis of placental IDO expression and activity, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-10 expression and NFkB activity in renal transplant recipient women under immunosuppressive treatment. RESULTS: We demonstrated a significant reduction in IDO activity (P = 0.0275) and expression (P = 0.026) and in NFkB activity (P = 0.0176) in the villous region of renal transplanted mother. These findings did not correlate with the higher serum levels of kynurenine (P = 0.002). In the decidual compartment, IDO was immunolocalized mainly on the extravillous cytotrophoblast but did not show significant differences among the experimental groups; kynurenine was significantly higher (P = 0.036) and was inversely proportional to the decidual IFN-γ profile (P = 0.0433). No change was seen in IL-10 levels. NFkB activity was significantly higher in decidual compartment correlating with the higher IDO activity and suggesting that in immunosuppressant pregnancy, IDO activity and expression remain regulated by NFkB. CONCLUSION: The increased IDO activity in decidua may indicate an attempt to offset the low expression. These findings call attention to the relevance of IDO activity at the maternal interface in pregnant transplant recipients, likely modulated by immunosuppressive agents and associated with a high risk of associated gestational disorders.

The term basal plate of the human placenta as a source of functional extravillous trophoblast cells.

BACKGROUND: Extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells are of pivotal importance in human embryo implantation and homeostasis of the maternal fetal interface. Invasion of the endometrium by EVT contributes to placental anchorage, spiral artery remodeling, immunological defense, tolerogenic responses, and several collaborative cross talks involved in establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy. We report here an improved protocol for the isolation of fully differentiated EVT cells from the basal plate of the human term placenta. METHODS: The basal plate was carefully dissected from the villous tissue and the amniochorion membrane prior to enzymatic digestion. Term basal EVT cells were isolated using a 30 and 60% Percoll gradient. A panel of markers and characteristics of the isolated cells were used to confirm the specificity and efficiency of the method so that their potential as an investigative tool for placental research could be ascertained. RESULTS: Isolated cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin-7 (CK-7), placental growth factor, placental alkaline phosphatase, human leukocyte antigen G1 (HLA-G1), and α1 and α5 integrins, similarly to the EVT markers from first trimester placental villi. Around 95% of the isolated cells labeled positively for CK-7 and 82% for HLA-G1. No significant change in viability was observed during 48 h of EVT culture as indicated by propidium iodide incorporation and trypan blue test exclusion. Genes for metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP9 (positive regulators of trophoblast invasiveness) were expressed up to 48 h of culturing, as also the gelatinolytic activity of the isolated cells. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, which inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of first-trimester EVT cells, also reduced invasion of isolated term EVT cells in transwell assays, whereas epidermal growth factor was a positive modulator. CONCLUSIONS: Term basal plate may be a viable source of functional EVT cells that is an alternative to villous explant-derived EVT cells and cell lines. Isolated term EVT cells may be particularly useful in investigation of the role of trophoblast cells in pathological gestations, in which the precise regulation and interactive ability of extravillous trophoblast has been impaired.

Compartmentalization of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in renal-transplanted pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated whether chronic exposure to immunosuppression in transplant recipients modulate the placental inflammatory cytokine levels associated to gestational tolerance mechanisms. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 12 renal transplanted pregnant under immunosuppressive regimen treatment and 10 healthy women in second/third trimester of gestation. Term placental tissues (decidua and chorionic villi) were also obtained after elective caesarean. Serum IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70 and TNF-α were measured, as also in placental homogenates, by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) combined with flow cytometry and, TGF-ß and IL-18 were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum levels of IL-6 (p = 0.0001) and TNF-α (0.0112) were higher in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and in decidua the spectrum of increased pro inflammatory cytokines was wider: IL-1ß (p = 0.0001), IL-6 (p = 0.0001), IL-8 (p = 0.0001), IL-12p70 (p = 0.0001), TGF-ß (p = 0.0089) and TNF-α (p = 0.0002). TGF-ß1 was particularly increased in decidual compartment (p = 0.001). In the chorionic villous, pro inflammatory profile also were maintained. High IL-1ß (p = 0.0001), IL-6 (p = 0.0001), IL-8 (p = 0.0001) and TNF-α (p = 0.0001) levels establish a similar pattern to that seem in decidua. CONCLUSION: Immunosuppressors may impair the immune response, but when associated with pregnancy the cytokine levels seems to shift a proinflammatory profile in placental compartments, which might also impact on the gestational outcomes in transplanted mothers.

Ventricular dysfunction and dilation in severe sepsis and septic shock: relation to endothelial function and mortality.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate echocardiography-based indices of myocardial function and markers of vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the early phases of severe sepsis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-five adult patients (67% women; age 51 ± 18 years; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II score, 23 ± 7) admitted to the intensive care unit up to 24 hours after fulfilling criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock were studied. Clinical, laboratorial (endothelin 1 [ET1], vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1), and echocardiographic data were collected within the first 24 hours and again 72 hours and 7 days after admission. RESULTS: Intrahospital mortality was 33% (15 deaths). Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (LV ejection fraction <55%) was identified in 15 (33%) patients, whereas right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RV tissue Doppler peak systolic velocity [RV-Sm] <12 cm/s) was present in 14 (30%) patients. LogET1 was increased in patients with LV dysfunction (2.3 ± 0.6 vs 1.8 ± 0.4 pg/mL; P = .01) and RV dysfunction (2.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 0.4 pg/mL; P < .001) and had negative correlations with LV ejection fraction (r = -0.50; P = .002) and RV-Sm (r = -0.67; P < .001). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, RV-Sm, and diastolic dysfunction were able to discriminate survivors from nonsurvivors, and the combination of these parameters identified groups of very low and high risk. CONCLUSION: Both LV and RV systolic dysfunctions are prevalent in severe sepsis, being directly associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction. Left ventricular nondilation, RV dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction seem related to poor prognosis in this scenario.

Endothelial dysfunction assessed by brachial artery ultrasound in severe sepsis and septic shock.

PURPOSE: Noninvasive evaluation of endothelial function may be accomplished by ultrasound assessment of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. This study aims to investigate the role of FMD analysis on intrahospital prognosis of patients with sepsis. METHODS: Adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe sepsis or septic shock were consecutively included. Brachial artery FMD was measured upon admission, after 24 and 72 hours. A group of apparently healthy subjects paired for sex and age was used as controls. Patients were followed up to discharge or death. RESULTS: We studied 42 patients (mean age, 51 ± 19 years) with sepsis predominantly of abdominal or respiratory etiology (75%). Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II risk score was 23 ± 7, and intrahospital mortality rate was 33%. Flow-mediated vasodilation in septic patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (1.5 ± 7% vs 6 ± 4%, P < .001). Most of the nonsurvivors (86%) showed a decline in sequential FMD analyses, whereas only 43% of survivors showed a reduction of FMD (P = .01). In nonsurvivors, FMD was significantly lower 72 hours after sepsis onset (-3.3% ± 10% vs 5.2% ± 4%; P < .05; time-group interaction P value = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Brachial FMD is altered in septic patients with hemodynamic instability, and its deterioration may be an early marker of unfavorable prognosis.

Ainda é útil o uso de bicabornato no tratamento da cetoacidose diabética? / is still useful the use of bicabornate in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis?

O uso de bicarbonato de sódio no tratamento da cetoacidose diabética ainda é discutível e há poucos dados na literatura sobre este assunto. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar retrospectivamente os aspectos evolutivos de pacientes com cetoacidose grave (pH arterial < 7,1) tratados ou nao com bicarbonato. Foram identificados 11 pacientes que receberam bicarbonato de sódio (60 a 350 mEq) durante o tratamento da cetoacidose diabética e outros 11 pacientes que nao receberam tratamento alcalinizante. Os pacientes de cada grupo eram semelhantes em relaçao a idade, proporçao de sexos, tipo e duraçao de diabete, níveis glicêmicos e de acidose metabólica na admissao. Os pacientes que receberam bicarbonato nao diferiram dos que nao receberam este tratamento quanto ao tempo de recuperaçao da glicemia (7,8 ñ 6,5 vs 6,1 ñ 3,7 horas), tempo de desaparecimento da cetose (40,7ñ 19,1 vs 34,6 ñ 15,5 horas), a dose total de insulina empregada (223 ñ 132 vs 202 ñ 134 unidades), quantidade total de líquidos infundidos (l2,7 ñ 5,6 vs 12,3 ñ 4,6 litros), assim como, o número de episódios de hipopotassemia (2/8 vs 2/8) e de hipoglicemia (2/9 vs 1/9). Ocorreram 2 casos de óbito, ambos no grupo de pacientes que recebeu bicarbonato. O uso de bicarbonato nao esteve associado a qualquer benefício terapêutico e, portanto, nao há justificativa para o seu emprego rotineiro no tratamento da cetoacidose diabética.