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1.
Fungal Biol Biotechnol ; 11(1): 5, 2024 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38715132

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans is one of the most prevalent fungi causing infections in the world. Mnt1 is a mannosyltransferase that participates in both the cell wall biogenesis and biofilm growth of C. albicans. While the cell wall performs crucial functions in pathogenesis, biofilm growth is correlated with sequestration of drugs by the extracellular matrix. Therefore, antifungals targeting CaMnt1 can compromise fungal development and potentially also render Candida susceptible to drug therapy. Despite its importance, CaMnt1 has not yet been purified to high standards and its biophysical properties are lacking. RESULTS: We describe a new protocol to obtain high yield of recombinant CaMnt1 in Komagataella phaffii using methanol induction. The purified protein's identity was confirmed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectroscopy. The Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectra demonstrate that the secondary structure of CaMnt1 is compatible with a protein formed by α-helices and ß-sheets at pH 7.0. The fluorescence spectroscopy results show that the tertiary structure of CaMnt1 is pH-dependent, with a greater intensity of fluorescence emission at pH 7.0. Using our molecular modeling protocol, we depict for the first time the ternary complex of CaMnt1 bound to its two substrates, which has enabled the identification of residues involved in substrate specificity and catalytic reaction. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that Tyr209 stabilizes the formation of an oxocarbenium ion-like intermediate during nucleophilic attack of the acceptor sugar, opposing the double displacement mechanism proposed by other reports. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology presented here can substantially improve the yield of recombinant CaMnt1 expressed in flask-grown yeasts. In addition, the structural characterization of the fungal mannosyltransferase presents novelties that can be exploited for new antifungal drug's development.

2.
Port J Card Thorac Vasc Surg ; 31(1): 33-39, 2024 May 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38743516

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Portugal has one of the highest prevalence of patients on a regular dialysis program. This population has a higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease with higher rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Our goal was to compare outcomes between dialysis and non-dialysis patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) submitted to infrapopliteal bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study of infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI was performed between 2012 and 2019. Patients were divided in two groups based on dialysis status (group 1 incorporated patients on dialysis). Primary end point was 1-year freedom from CLTI. Secondary end points were limb-salvage, survival and primary (PP) and tertiary patency (TP) rates at 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 352 infrapopliteal bypasses were performed in 310 patients with CLTI. Fourteen percent of the revascularizations were performed on dialysis patients (48/352). Median age was 73 years (interquartile range - IQR 15) and 74% (259/352) were male. Median follow-up was 26 months (IQR 42). Overall, 92% (325/352) had tissue loss and 44% (154/352) had some degree of infection. The majority of revascularization procedures were performed with vein grafts (61%, 214/352). The 30-day mortality was 4% (11/310), with no difference between groups (p = 0.627). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no difference between groups regarding freedom from CLTI (76% vs. 79%; HR 0.96, CI 0.65-1.44, p=0.857), limb-salvage (70% vs. 82%; HR 1.40, CI 0.71-2.78, p=0.327) and survival (62% vs. 64%; HR 1.08, CI 0.60-1.94, p=0.799). PP rates were 39% in group 1 and 64% in group 2 (HR 1.71, CI 1.05-2.79, p=0.030). TP rates were not different between groups (57% and 78%; HR 1.79, CI 0.92-3.47, p=0.082). CONCLUSION: Infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI, on dialysis patients, resulted in lower PP rates. No differences were observed in freedom from CLTI, TP, limb salvage and survival.


Subject(s)
Limb Salvage , Peripheral Arterial Disease , Popliteal Artery , Renal Dialysis , Vascular Patency , Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Retrospective Studies , Peripheral Arterial Disease/surgery , Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality , Popliteal Artery/surgery , Portugal/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Ischemia/mortality , Ischemia/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Vascular Grafting/adverse effects , Risk Factors
3.
Autops Case Rep ; 14: e2024484, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38562645

ABSTRACT

Neuroendocrine breast cancer (NEBC) is a rare and heterogeneous entity. It most commonly presents a luminal phenotype and a worse prognosis. When diagnosed in an advanced stage, metastasis from another neuroendocrine tumor should be excluded. This case features a premenopausal woman with an oligometastatic breast large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, estrogen receptor (ER) positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative. Since the patient was very symptomatic at the presentation of the disease, chemotherapy was started. Complete radiological response of the metastatic disease was achieved, and the patient was then submitted to radical breast surgery and bilateral oophorectomy. She subsequently underwent radiation therapy. Since then and to date, she has been under endocrine therapy (ET) and a CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i), with no evidence of malignant disease. Evidence to guide the choice of treatment for these tumors is currently scarce. In cases with oligometastatic disease, radical treatment should be considered. Given that this entity is rare, its reporting should be encouraged.

4.
Cureus ; 16(3): e55709, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38586756

ABSTRACT

Diagnosing fever of unknown origin (FUO) presents a substantial challenge due to its potential association with various diseases affecting different organs. In 1961, Petersdorf and Beeson initially defined FUO as a condition characterized by a temperature exceeding 38.3 °C on at least three occasions over a minimum three-week period. Despite a week of inpatient investigation, a definitive diagnosis remains unclear.  Sarcoidosis, a granulomatous disease impacting multiple systems, is among the causes of FUO. While the lungs are commonly affected, any organ can be involved, leading to diverse manifestations and clinical courses. Diagnosis relies on clinicopathologic findings and the exclusion of alternative causes of granulomatous disease. The hallmark of sarcoidosis is the development of granulomas in affected organs. Here, we present the case of a 61-year-old man with a history of recurrent spontaneous periurethral abscesses who underwent multiple urological interventions. He developed FUO during hospitalization following treatment for the infectious condition.

5.
Plant Sci ; 344: 112079, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38588981

ABSTRACT

The cotton boll weevil (CBW, Anthonomus grandis) stands as one of the most significant threats to cotton crops (Gossypium hirsutum). Despite substantial efforts, the development of a commercially viable transgenic cotton event for effective open-field control of CBW has remained elusive. This study describes a detailed characterization of the insecticidal toxins Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa against CBW. Our findings reveal that CBW larvae fed on artificial diets supplemented exclusively with Cry23Aa decreased larval survival by roughly by 69%, while supplementation with Cry37Aa alone displayed no statistical difference compared to the control. However, the combined provision of both toxins in the artificial diet led to mortality rates approaching 100% among CBW larvae (LC50 equal to 0.26 PPM). Additionally, we engineered transgenic cotton plants by introducing cry23Aa and cry37Aa genes under control of the flower bud-specific pGhFS4 and pGhFS1 promoters, respectively. Seven transgenic cotton events expressing high levels of Cry23Aa and Cry37Aa toxins in flower buds were selected for greenhouse bioassays, and the mortality rate of CBW larvae feeding on their T0 and T1 generations ranged from 75% to 100%. Our in silico analyses unveiled that Cry23Aa displays all the hallmark characteristics of ß-pore-forming toxins (ß-PFTs) that bind to sugar moieties in glycoproteins. Intriguingly, we also discovered a distinctive zinc-binding site within Cry23Aa, which appears to be involved in protein-protein interactions. Finally, we discuss the major structural features of Cry23Aa that likely play a role in the toxin's mechanism of action. In view of the low LC50 for CBW larvae and the significant accumulation of these toxins in the flower buds of both T0 and T1 plants, we anticipate that through successive generations of these transgenic lines, cotton plants engineered to overexpress cry23Aa and cry37Aa hold promise for effectively managing CBW infestations in cotton crops.


Subject(s)
Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins , Bacterial Proteins , Endotoxins , Gossypium , Hemolysin Proteins , Larva , Plants, Genetically Modified , Weevils , Gossypium/genetics , Gossypium/parasitology , Animals , Weevils/genetics , Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics , Endotoxins/genetics , Endotoxins/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/genetics , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Bacterial Proteins/pharmacology , Hemolysin Proteins/genetics , Hemolysin Proteins/metabolism , Hemolysin Proteins/pharmacology , Larva/drug effects , Bacillus thuringiensis/genetics , Pest Control, Biological
6.
Cureus ; 16(2): e53748, 2024 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38465131

ABSTRACT

Chronic diarrhea is a common disorder in tropical regions, affecting residents, visitors, and even expatriates. It may stem from a myriad of infectious, inflammatory, and even malignant causes. In patients in whom no etiology has been found, tropical sprue (TS) is an important diagnosis to consider. We report the case of a 60-year-old man originally from Guatemala, presenting with chronic diarrhea and megaloblastic anemia due to severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Biopsies of the small bowel revealed partial villous atrophy and inflammatory infiltrate with the participation of eosinophils. The diagnosis of TS was established after exclusion of other causes of malabsorption syndrome. This is a disease of unknown etiology with complex and multifactorial pathophysiology, with an important component of intestinal dysbiosis. Antibiotics and vitamin supplementation are the pillars of therapy. Awareness of this disorder is essential in preventing delayed diagnosis and subsequent morbidity.

7.
Birth Defects Res ; 116(1): e2290, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38102779

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare congenital heart disease characterized by loss of continuity between the ascending and the descending aorta. Prenatal diagnosis of IAA by echocardiography is challenging but nonetheless can be accomplished via a systematization of cardiac fetal evaluation. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of fetal IAA type A prenatally diagnosed through two-dimensional echocardiography using both a three vessel-trachea view and a sagittal view. CONCLUSION: Prenatal counseling regarding the diagnosis and prognosis about this anomaly is still challenging nowadays due to associated anomalies/chromosomal abnormalities who may impact the prognosis. Fetal autopsy in all cases of pregnancy termination after abnormal ultrasound findings is important in order to make a full diagnosis and characterize the anomaly.


Subject(s)
Aorta, Thoracic , Aortic Coarctation , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Aorta, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Aorta, Thoracic/abnormalities , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Trachea , Prenatal Diagnosis
8.
Ann Vasc Surg ; 98: 201-209, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37355019

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (HePTFE) graft as an alternative conduit in infrapopliteal revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) in the absence of an autologous vein conduit. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with CLTI submitted to infrapopliteal bypasses with autologous vein graft (VEIN group) or HePTFE graft (HePTFE group) was implemented. Primary end points were freedom from CLTI at 12 months and recurrence of CLTI at 3 years. Secondary end points included freedom from major amputation, amputation-free survival (AFS), survival, and primary (PP) and secondary patency (SP) rates at 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 348 limbs submitted to infrapopliteal bypasses, 214 with venous graft and 134 with HePTFE graft, were followed-up for a median of 25 months. Most patients of the HePTFE group were male (69%), with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range [IQR] 15). Fifty-nine percent of the limbs of the HePTFE group had Wound grade ≥2, being 46% of them infected. Eighty-eight percent were GLASS stage III. Freedom from CLTI was not significantly different between HePTFE and VEIN groups (75% vs. 84%, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.88, confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.18, P = 0.401). Recurrence of CLTI was higher in the HePTFE group (42% vs.18% at 3 years; aHR 2.82, CI 1.59-5.00, P < 0.001). The VEIN group achieved higher rates of freedom from major amputation (87% vs.69% at 3 years; aHR 2.21, CI 1.31-3.75, P = 0.003) and AFS (59% vs. 37% at 3 years; aHR 1.39, CI 1.02-1.88, P = 0.036), but no significance in survival (aHR 1.10, CI 0.72-1.66, P = 0.667). Patency rates were inferior in the HePTFE group, with 2-year PP and SP rates of 52% vs. 74%, and 76% vs. 90%, respectively (PP: aHR 1.70, CI 1.11-2.59, P = 0.014; SP: aHR 2.51, CI 1.42-4.42, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Infrapopliteal bypass with autologous vein graft is the gold standard to treat CLTI limbs. HePTFE graft should be regarded as an alternative for complex infrapopliteal revascularization when lacking an autologous vein conduct.


Subject(s)
Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Heparin , Humans , Male , Aged , Female , Heparin/adverse effects , Anticoagulants , Polytetrafluoroethylene , Retrospective Studies , Blood Vessel Prosthesis , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Vascular Patency , Treatment Outcome , Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Ischemia/surgery , Limb Salvage , Risk Factors
9.
Autops. Case Rep ; 14: e2024484, 2024. graf
Article in English | LILACS-Express | LILACS | ID: biblio-1550053

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Neuroendocrine breast cancer (NEBC) is a rare and heterogeneous entity. It most commonly presents a luminal phenotype and a worse prognosis. When diagnosed in an advanced stage, metastasis from another neuroendocrine tumor should be excluded. This case features a premenopausal woman with an oligometastatic breast large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, estrogen receptor (ER) positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative. Since the patient was very symptomatic at the presentation of the disease, chemotherapy was started. Complete radiological response of the metastatic disease was achieved, and the patient was then submitted to radical breast surgery and bilateral oophorectomy. She subsequently underwent radiation therapy. Since then and to date, she has been under endocrine therapy (ET) and a CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i), with no evidence of malignant disease. Evidence to guide the choice of treatment for these tumors is currently scarce. In cases with oligometastatic disease, radical treatment should be considered. Given that this entity is rare, its reporting should be encouraged.

11.
J Gastrointestin Liver Dis ; 32(2): 141, 2023 06 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37345601

ABSTRACT

A 67-year-old man with previous cardiovascular disease was referred to our consultation due to a 5-month history of recurrent epigastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and full blood workup presented no alterations. CT scan showed an irregularly shaped mass at the root of the mesentery, measuring 40x25x47mm, with spiculated contours and retractile behaviour (a). Simultaneous densification of the adjacent fat and infracentimetric ganglionic formations scattered throughout the mesentery were shown. Surgical biopsy revealed extensive storiform fibrosclerosis, with the presence of interstitial lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate and obliterative phlebitis (b); the plasma cells had mostly IgG expression, with IgG4:IgG ratio >40% (c), accounting for more than 30- 40 IgG4 plasma cells per field. The serum IgG4 level was 137mg/dL. A diagnosis of IgG4-related sclerosing mesenteritis was made, without other organ involvement. Prednisolone (0.6mg/kg/d) improved partially the abdominal pain, so steroid sparing strategy with off-label rituximab was associated. Due to its low prevalence, the understanding of this entity is scarce, and its diagnosis is challenging. Unlike other manifestations of IgG4-related disease, the intra-abdominal disease is identified in later stages, due to unspecific symptoms. This case aims to raise awareness about this condition as a differential diagnosis of abdominal pain.


Subject(s)
Panniculitis, Peritoneal , Male , Humans , Aged , Panniculitis, Peritoneal/complications , Panniculitis, Peritoneal/diagnosis , Panniculitis, Peritoneal/drug therapy , Immunoglobulin G , Prednisolone/therapeutic use , Abdominal Pain/etiology , Mesentery/metabolism , Mesentery/pathology
12.
Port J Card Thorac Vasc Surg ; 30(1): 61-63, 2023 Apr 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37029948

ABSTRACT

Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) is an uncommon benign vascular lesion usually present as subcutaneous nodules in the head and neck area. Sometimes, these lesions can occur in the peripheral arteries, and when they do, they can be mistaken for aneurysmal dilatations of that respective vessel. We report a case of a 43-year-old male who underwent surgical recession of a radial aneurysm, which after anatomopathological examination, revealed an EH.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm , Hemangioma , Male , Humans , Adult , Hemangioma/diagnosis , Aneurysm/diagnosis , Arteries/pathology , Head/pathology , Neck/pathology
14.
J Vasc Surg ; 76(5): 1347-1353.e2, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35738475

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the relationship of the global limb anatomic staging system (GLASS) stage with the clinical outcomes for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) who had undergone distal bypass with vein grafting. METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with CLTI who had undergone distal bypass with vein grafting from January 2012 to December 2019. The primary end point was freedom from CLTI, including amputation-free survival, complete wound healing, and no ischemic rest pain. The secondary end points included a composite outcome of recurrence (patients who had achieved freedom from CLTI but had developed a new wound or ischemic rest pain), major limb amputation, amputation free-survival, overall survival, major adverse limb events, limb-based patency, and primary and secondary patency rates. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients had undergone 211 distal bypasses with a median follow-up of 30 months. Of these patients, 80% had had diabetes or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Most patients (63%) had experienced major or extensive tissue loss (WIfI [wound, ischemia, foot infection] wound class ≥2), and more than one half of these had had some degree of infection of the foot. A severe anatomic pattern (GLASS stage III) was predominant, with a prevalence of 78%. No significant differences were found between GLASS stage I and II and GLASS stage III groups for all the outcomes analyzed. Approximately 80% of the 211 revascularized limbs were free of CLTI at 12 months after treatment. At 4 years of follow-up, we observed that 25% of the patients had had CLTI recurrence, 83% were free from major amputation, and 61% were free from major adverse limb events. Limb-based patency, primary patency, and secondary patency were 79%, 80%, and 93% at 1 year and 64%, 65%, and 81% at 4 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The GLASS stage was not related to patency or the clinical outcomes after distal bypass with vein grafting. Distal open revascularization resulted in excellent rates of freedom from CLTI with low rates of CLTI recurrence, two key time-integrated outcomes of clinical disease severity for patients with CLTI.


Subject(s)
Endovascular Procedures , Peripheral Arterial Disease , Humans , Limb Salvage/methods , Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects , Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Risk Factors , Time Factors , Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Ischemia/surgery , Pain/etiology
15.
Planta ; 255(2): 44, 2022 Jan 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35050413

ABSTRACT

MAIN CONCLUSION: Minc03328 effector gene downregulation triggered by in planta RNAi strategy strongly reduced plant susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita and suggests that Minc03328 gene is a promising target for the development of genetically engineered crops to improve plant tolerance to M. incognita. Meloidogyne incognita is the most economically important species of root-knot nematodes (RKN) and causes severe damage to crops worldwide. M. incognita secretes several effector proteins to suppress the host plant defense response, and manipulate the plant cell cycle and other plant processes facilitating its parasitism. Different secreted effector proteins have already been identified in M. incognita, but not all have been characterized or have had the confirmation of their involvement in nematode parasitism in their host plants. Herein, we characterized the Minc03328 (Minc3s00020g01299) effector gene, confirmed its higher expression in the early stages of M. incognita parasitism in plants, as well as the accumulation of the Minc03328 effector protein in subventral glands and its secretion. We also discuss the potential for simultaneous downregulation of its paralogue Minc3s00083g03984 gene. Using the in planta RNA interference strategy, Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) were generated to specifically targeting and downregulating the Minc03328 gene during nematode parasitism. Transgenic Minc03328-dsRNA lines that significantly downregulated Minc03328 gene expression during M. incognita parasitism were significantly less susceptible. The number of galls, egg masses, and [galls/egg masses] ratio were reduced in these transgenic lines by up to 85%, 90%, and 87%, respectively. Transgenic Minc03328-dsRNA lines showed the presence of fewer and smaller galls, indicating that parasitism was hindered. Overall, data herein strongly suggest that Minc03328 effector protein is important for M. incognita parasitism establishment. As well, the in planta Minc03328-dsRNA strategy demonstrated high biotechnological potential for developing crop species that could efficiently control RKN in the field.


Subject(s)
Arabidopsis , Tylenchoidea , Animals , Arabidopsis/genetics , Down-Regulation , Plant Diseases , Plant Roots/genetics
16.
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med ; 8(4): 002448, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33987124

ABSTRACT

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is the most common antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). We describe the case of a 38-year-old woman with relapsing GPA who presented with intracranial hypertension, followed by the appearance of cavitated lung nodules despite treatment with azathioprine. Clinical improvement and ANCA titre reduction were observed after rituximab treatment. We report a rare form of GPA relapse and highlight the challenge of following-up patients with GPA, in whom can be hard to distinguish relapse from the consequences of long-term immunosuppression. LEARNING POINTS: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare inflammatory disease with pauci-immune focal necrotising lesions that affect small and medium vessels. It has a wide clinical presentation, affecting mainly the upper and lower respiratory tract and kidneys.Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is frequently associated with PR3-ANCA and is risk factor for relapse.Follow-up of ANCA titres, which may rise before the development of symptoms, is crucial for recurrence diagnosis. Titres can also be used to distinguish recurrence from the consequences of long-term immunosuppression.

17.
RNA Biol ; 18(11): 1653-1681, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33302789

ABSTRACT

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing can be used to control specific insect pest populations. Unfortunately, the variable efficiency in the knockdown levels of target genes has narrowed the applicability of this technology to a few species. Here, we examine the current state of knowledge regarding the miRNA (micro RNA) and siRNA (small interfering RNA) pathways in insects and investigate the structural variability at key protein domains of the RNAi machinery. Our goal was to correlate domain variability with mechanisms affecting the gene silencing efficiency. To this end, the protein domains of 168 insect species, encompassing the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, were analysed using our pipeline, which takes advantage of meticulous structure-based sequence alignments. We used phylogenetic inference and the evolutionary rate coefficient (K) to outline the variability across domain regions and surfaces. Our results show that four domains, namely dsrm, Helicase, PAZ and Ribonuclease III, are the main contributors of protein variability in the RNAi machinery across different insect orders. We discuss the potential roles of these domains in regulating RNAi-mediated gene silencing and the role of loop regions in fine-tuning RNAi efficiency. Additionally, we identified several order-specific singularities which indicate that lepidopterans have evolved differently from other insect orders, possibly due to constant coevolution with plants and viruses. In conclusion, our results highlight several variability hotspots that deserve further investigation in order to improve the application of RNAi technology in the control of insect pests.


Subject(s)
Gene Silencing , Insect Proteins/metabolism , Insecta/classification , Insecta/genetics , MicroRNAs/genetics , RNA Interference , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Animals , Insect Proteins/genetics , Insecta/metabolism , Phylogeny , Protein Domains
18.
Port J Card Thorac Vasc Surg ; 28(3): 39-46, 2021 Nov 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35333470

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous disease (CVD) of the lower limbs is a very prevalent medical condition with important socioeconomic repercussions. Small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence, although less frequent than great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence, presents a more challenging treatment, with higher rates of complication and recurrence. OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and associated risk factors of varicose veins recurrence in patients submitted, for the first time and exclusively, to SSV surgery with 5 years of follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all exclusively first-time SSV surgeries, at Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, between January 1st, 2013, and December 31st, 2014. In March 2019, the authors performed clinical and venous doppler ultrasound reassessment of all included patients. RESULTS: A total of 23 limbs were evaluated, 56.5% were female and the mean age was 51.8 years. All patients were symptomatic and underwent ligation of the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ), 26.1% and 43.5% had total and partial SSV stripping, respectively. After venous doppler ultrasound at 5-year follow-up, we found that 21.7% did not present a correct SPJ ligation due to failure to identify its location, with a statistically significant association between SPJ ligation and varicose vein recurrence. In follow-up, we also diagnosed GSV incompetence in 21.7% for the first time, which is in agreement with the fact that this is a chronic disease. Finally, we found that all patients with symptomatic recurrence at 5-year follow-up had CVD, however, some asymptomatic patients also had ultrasound changes. CONCLUSION: Routine preoperative localization of the SPJ by doppler ultrasound guidance could have an impact in minimizing varicose vein recurrence. Imaging recurrence does not always translate into clinical recurrence. Because this is a chronic disease, patients should keep general care to prevent disease progression, even after surgery.


Subject(s)
Saphenous Vein , Varicose Veins , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Lower Extremity , Middle Aged , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Saphenous Vein/diagnostic imaging , Varicose Veins/diagnostic imaging
19.
Front Physiol ; 11: 591569, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33329040

ABSTRACT

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is the most economically important pest of cotton in Brazil. Pest management programs focused on A. grandis are based mostly on the use of chemical insecticides, which may cause serious ecological impacts. Furthermore, A. grandis has developed resistance to some insecticides after their long-term use. Therefore, alternative control approaches that are more sustainable and have reduced environmental impacts are highly desirable to protect cotton crops from this destructive pest. RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable reverse genetics tool for the investigation of gene function and has been explored for the development of strategies to control agricultural insect pests. This study aimed to evaluate the biological role of the Laccase2 (AgraLac2) gene in A. grandis and its potential as an RNAi target for the control of this insect pest. We found that AgraLac2 is expressed throughout the development of A. grandis with significantly higher expression in pupal and adult developmental stages. In addition, the immunolocalization of the AgraLac2 protein in third-instar larvae using specific antibodies revealed that AgraLac2 is distributed throughout the epithelial tissue, the cuticle and the tracheal system. We also verified that the knockdown of AgraLac2 in A. grandis resulted in an altered cuticle tanning process, molting defects and arrested development. Remarkably, insects injected with dsAgraLac2 exhibited defects in cuticle hardening and pigmentation. As a consequence, the development of dsAgraLac2-treated insects was compromised, and in cases of severe phenotypic defects, the insects subsequently died. On the contrary, insects subjected to control treatments did not show any visible phenotypic defects in cuticle formation and successfully molted to the pupal and adult stages. Taken together, our data indicate that AgraLac2 is involved in the cuticle tanning process in A. grandis and may be a promising target for the development of RNAi-based technologies.

20.
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med ; 6(3): 001044, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30931276

ABSTRACT

Behçet syndrome (BS) is a variable vessel vasculitis that has pleiotropic manifestations. A 43-year-old male with a previous diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) presented with deep venous thrombosis and bilateral superficial femoral artery aneurysms. A diagnosis of BS was made, and the patient was treated aggressively with immunosuppressive therapy and bilateral bypass surgery, attaining a favourable outcome. CD has many features that overlap with BS, and it may be challenging to distinguish between these two conditions, as our case illustrates. Nonetheless, the combination of venous thrombosis and arterial aneurysms should point the clinician towards a diagnosis of BS. LEARNING POINTS: Behçet syndrome is a variable vessel vasculitis of unknown aetiology that has pleiotropic manifestations.Crohn's disease has many overlapping features with Behçet syndrome, namely gastrointestinal, cutaneous, articular, ocular and cardiac manifestations.The combination of venous thrombosis and arterial aneurysms should point the clinician towards a diagnosis of Behçet syndrome.

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