Evolution of the ionisation energy with the stepwise growth of chiral clusters of [4]helicene.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely established as ubiquitous in the interstellar medium (ISM), but considering their prevalence in harsh vacuum environments, the role of ionisation in the formation of PAH clusters is poorly understood, particularly if a chirality-dependent aggregation route is considered. Here we report on photoelectron spectroscopy experiments on [4]helicene clusters performed with a vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron beamline. Aggregates (up to the heptamer) of [4]helicene, the smallest PAH with helical chirality, were produced and investigated with a combined experimental and theoretical approach using several state-of-the-art quantum-chemical methodologies. The ionisation onsets are extracted for each cluster size from the mass-selected photoelectron spectra and compared with calculations of vertical ionisation energies. We explore the complex aggregation topologies emerging from the multitude of isomers formed through clustering of P and M, the two enantiomers of [4]helicene. The very satisfactory benchmarking between experimental ionisation onsets vs. predicted ionisation energies allows the identification of theoretically predicted potential aggregation motifs and corresponding energetic ordering of chiral clusters. Our structural models suggest that a homochiral aggregation route is energetically favoured over heterochiral arrangements with increasing cluster size, hinting at potential symmetry breaking in PAH cluster formation at the scale of small grains.

Influence of the spaceflight environment on macrophage lineages.

Spaceflight and terrestrial spaceflight analogs can alter immune phenotypes. Macrophages are important immune cells that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in immunoregulatory processes of homeostasis. Furthermore, macrophages are critically involved in initiating immunity, defending against injury and infection, and are also involved in immune resolution and wound healing. Heterogeneous populations of macrophage-type cells reside in many tissues and cause a variety of tissue-specific effects through direct or indirect interactions with other physiological systems, including the nervous and endocrine systems. It is vital to understand how macrophages respond to the unique environment of space to safeguard crew members with appropriate countermeasures for future missions in low Earth orbit and beyond. This review highlights current literature on macrophage responses to spaceflight and spaceflight analogs.

Porous Organic Polymers for Efficient and Selective SO2 Capture from CO2-rich Flue Gas.

The quest for effective technologies to reduce SO2 pollution is crucial due to its adverse effects on the environment and human health. Markedly, removing a ppm level of SO2 from CO2-containing waste gas is a persistent challenge, and current technologies suffer from low SO2/CO2 selectivity and energy-intensive regeneration processes. Here using the molecular building blocks approach and theoretical calculation, we constructed two porous organic polymers (POPs) encompassing pocket-like structures with exposed imidazole groups, promoting preferential interactions with SO2 from CO2-containing streams. Markedly, the evaluated POPs offer outstanding SO2/CO2 selectivity, high SO2 capacity, and an easy regeneration process, making it one of the best materials for SO2 capture. To gain better structural insights into the notable SO2 selectivity of the POPs, we used dynamic nuclear polarization NMR spectroscopy (DNP) and molecular modelling to probe the interactions between SO2 and POP adsorbents. The newly developed materials are poised to offer an energy-efficient and environment-friendly SO2 separation process while we are obliged to use fossil fuels for our energy needs.

eIF2α phosphorylation evokes dystonia-like movements with D2-receptor and cholinergic origin and abnormal neuronal connectivity.

Dystonia is the 3rd most common movement disorder. Dystonia is acquired through either injury or genetic mutations, with poorly understood molecular and cellular mechanisms. Eukaryotic initiation factor alpha (eIF2α) controls cell state including neuronal plasticity via protein translation control and expression of ATF4. Dysregulated eIF2α phosphorylation (eIF2α-P) occurs in dystonia patients and models including DYT1, but the consequences are unknown. We increased/decreased eIF2α-P and tested motor control and neuronal properties in a Drosophila model. Bidirectionally altering eIF2α-P produced dystonia-like abnormal posturing and dyskinetic movements in flies. These movements were also observed with expression of the DYT1 risk allele. We identified cholinergic and D2-receptor neuroanatomical origins of these dyskinetic movements caused by genetic manipulations to dystonia molecular candidates eIF2α-P, ATF4, or DYT1, with evidence for decreased cholinergic release. In vivo, increased and decreased eIF2α-P increase synaptic connectivity at the NMJ with increased terminal size and bouton synaptic release sites. Long-term treatment of elevated eIF2α-P with ISRIB restored adult longevity, but not performance in a motor assay. Disrupted eIF2α-P signaling may alter neuronal connectivity, change synaptic release, and drive motor circuit changes in dystonia.

A validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of Brazilian green propolis main compounds.

Brazilian green propolis is used in folk medicine because of its various biological properties. The hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian green propolis is characteristic for possessing several pharmacological properties. Phytochemical investigations have attributed some of these properties to the presence of compounds, which were chosen as analytical markers. This paper reports the development and analytical validation using UPLC-MS/MS in MRM mode. Veratraldehyde was used as an internal standard in qualitative and quantitative analyses of the extracts. Relative standard deviation values obtained for intra-day and inter-day precision were lower than 4%. Of the five parameters for robustness, wavelength detection and flow rate were the critical ones. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.300 to 39.500 ng.mL-1 and from 1.400 to 85.00 ng.mL-1, respectively. The recoveries were between 94.00 and 119.00%, with relative standard deviation values around 5.0%. The developed method is precise, sensitive, and reliable for analysing Brazilian green propolis.

HPLC-Based Metabolomic Analysis and Characterization of Amaranthus cruentus Leaf and Inflorescence Extracts for Their Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Potential.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Amaranthus cruentus flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, hesperetin, naringenin, hesperidin, and naringin), cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid), and benzoic acids (vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) as antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agents. An analytical method for simultaneous quantification of flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, and benzoic acids for metabolomic analysis of leaves and inflorescences from A. cruentus was developed with HPLC-UV-DAD. Evaluation of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, and recovery was used to validate the analytical method developed. Maximum total flavonoids contents (5.2 mg/g of lyophilized material) and cinnamic acid derivatives contents (0.6 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in leaves. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the maximum total betacyanin contents (74.4 mg/g of lyophilized material) and betaxanthin contents (31 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in inflorescences. The leaf extract showed the highest activity in removing DPPH radicals. In vitro antidiabetic activity of extracts was performed with pancreatic α-glucosidase and intestinal α-amylase, and compared to acarbose. Both extracts exhibited a reduction in enzyme activity from 57 to 74%. Furthermore, the in vivo tests on normoglycemic murine models showed improved glucose homeostasis after sucrose load, which was significantly different from the control. In vitro antihypertensive activity of extracts was performed with angiotensin-converting enzyme and contrasted to captopril; both extracts exhibited a reduction of enzyme activity from 53 to 58%. The leaf extract induced a 45% relaxation in an ex vivo aorta model. In the molecular docking analysis, isoamaranthin and isogomphrenin-I showed predictive binding affinity for α-glucosidases (human maltase-glucoamylase and human sucrase-isomaltase), while catechin displayed binding affinity for human angiotensin-converting enzyme. The data from this study highlights the potential of A. cruentus as a functional food.

Protracted Exposure to a Sub-background Radiation Environment Negatively Impacts the Anhydrobiotic Recovery of Desiccated Yeast Sentinels.

ABSTRACT: Experiments that examine the impacts of subnatural background radiation exposure provide a unique approach to studying the biological effects of low-dose radiation. These experiments often need to be conducted in deep underground laboratories in order to filter surface-level cosmic radiation. This presents some logistical challenges in experimental design and necessitates a model organism with minimal maintenance. As such, desiccated yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) is an ideal model system for these investigations. This study aimed to determine the impact of prolonged sub-background radiation exposure in anhydrobiotic (desiccated) yeast at SNOLAB in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. Two yeast strains were used: a normal wild type and an isogenic recombinational repair-deficient rad51 knockout strain ( rad51 Δ). Desiccated yeast samples were stored in the normal background surface control laboratory (68.0 nGy h -1 ) and in the sub-background environment within SNOLAB (10.1 nGy h -1 ) for up to 48 wk. Post-rehydration survival, growth rate, and metabolic activity were assessed at multiple time points. Survival in the sub-background environment was significantly reduced by a factor of 1.39 and 2.67 in the wild type and rad51 ∆ strains, respectively. Post-rehydration metabolic activity measured via alamarBlue reduction remained unchanged in the wild type strain but was 26% lower in the sub-background rad51 ∆ strain. These results demonstrate that removing natural background radiation negatively impacts the survival and metabolism of desiccated yeast, highlighting the potential importance of natural radiation exposure in maintaining homeostasis of living organisms.

An updated meta-analysis of the anti-methanogenic effects of monensin in beef cattle.

Meta-analyses were performed to quantitatively summarize the effects of monensin on in vivo methane (CH4) production in beef cattle, and differentiate these outcomes according to dietary management, dose of monensin, and length of monensin supplementation. Data from 11 manuscripts describing 20 individual studies were used, and CH4 was converted to g/d when required. Studies were classified according to dose of monensin (mg/kg of diet dry matter), length of monensin supplementation prior to the last CH4 measurement, feeding management (ad libitum vs. limited-fed), and diet profile (high-forage or high-concentrate diets). Variance among studies were assessed using a χ² test of heterogeneity and calculated using I² statistics. The inclusion of monensin decreased (P < 0.01) CH4 production by 17.5 g/d when all studies were analyzed together. A moderate (P < 0.01) heterogeneity (I²â€…= 55%) was detected for CH4 production estimates between studies; thus, meta-analyses were performed within classes. The reduction in CH4 differed (P < 0.01) according to dose of monensin, as it decreased (P < 0.01) by 25.6 g/d when the high recommended dose range was used (32 to 44 mg/kg), and tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.07) by 9.7 and 13.5 g/d when the moderate (≤31 mg/kg) and above recommended (≥45 mg/kg) doses were used, respectively. The reduction in CH4 also differed (P < 0.01) according to the length of monensin supplementation. Monensin decreased (P ≤ 0.05) CH4 production by 24.3 g/d when supplemented for <15 d, by 15.4 g/d when supplemented from 23 to 33 d, by 24.3 g/d when supplemented from 52 to 79 d, and tended to decrease (P = 0.06) CH4 production by 3.21 g/d when supplemented from 94 to 161 d. The reduction in CH4 did not differ (P = 0.37) according to diet profile, despite a 30% difference in reduction when monensin was added to high-forage (20.89 g/d) compared with high-concentrate diets (14.6 g/d). The reduction in CH4 tended to differ according to feeding management (P = 0.08), decreasing by 22.9 g/d (P < 0.01) when monensin was added to diets offered ad libitum, and by 11.5 g/d (P = 0.05) in limit-fed diets. Collectively, this study provides novel insights and further corroborates monensin as CH4 mitigation strategy in beef cattle operations. The most effective responses were observed during the first 79 d of monensin supplementation, and when monensin was included between 32 to 44 mg/kg of diet, was added to high-forage diets, and added to diets fed ad libitum.

Altered PBP4 and GdpP functions synergistically mediate MRSA-like high-level, broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. S. aureus infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are particularly difficult to treat due to their resistance to next-generation ß-lactams (NGBs) such as methicillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin. Resistance to NGBs, which is alternatively known as broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance, is classically mediated by PBP2a, a penicillin-binding protein encoded by mecA (or mecC) in MRSA. Thus, presence of mec genes among S. aureus spp. serves as the predictor of resistance to NGBs and facilitates determination of the proper therapeutic strategy for a staphylococcal infection. Although far less appreciated, mecA-deficient S. aureus strains can also exhibit NGB resistance. These strains, which are collectively termed as methicillin-resistant lacking mec (MRLM), are currently being identified in increasing numbers among natural resistant isolates of S. aureus. The mechanism/s through which MRLMs produce resistance to NGBs remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that mutations that alter PBP4 and GdpP functions, which are often present among MRLMs, can synergistically mediate resistance to NGBs. Furthermore, our results unravel that this novel mechanism potentially enables MRLMs to produce resistance toward NGBs at levels comparable to those of MRSAs. Our study provides a fresh new perspective about alternative mechanisms of NGB resistance, challenging our current overall understanding of high-level, broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance in S. aureus. It thus suggests reconsideration of the current approach toward diagnosis and treatment of ß-lactam-resistant S. aureus infections. IMPORTANCE: In Staphylococcus aureus, high-level, broad-spectrum resistance to ß-lactams such as methicillin, also referred to as methicillin resistance, is largely attributed to mecA. This study demonstrates that S. aureus strains that lack mecA but contain mutations that functionally alter PBP4 and GdpP can also mediate high-level, broad-spectrum resistance to ß-lactams. Resistance brought about by the synergistic action of functionally altered PBP4 and GdpP was phenotypically comparable to that displayed by mecA, as seen by increased bacterial survival in the presence of ß-lactams. An analysis of mutations detected in naturally isolated strains of S. aureus revealed that a significant proportion of them had similar pbp4 and GGDEF domain protein containing phosphodiesterase (gdpP) mutations, making this study clinically significant. This study not only identifies important players of non-classical mechanisms of ß-lactam resistance but also indicates reconsideration of current clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of S. aureus infections.

In situ triggered, floating delivery systems of capsaicin for prolonged gastroprotection.

Capsaicin (CAP) has been implicated as a gastroprotective agent in the treatment of peptic ulcers. However, its oral administration is hampered by its poor aqueous solubility and caustic effect at high administered doses. To address these limitations, we describe the development of gastric floating, sustained release electrospun films loaded with CAP. The nanofiber films were formulated using the polymers Eudragit RL/RS and sodium bicarbonate (SB) as the effervescent agent. The films were tested for their physicochemical properties, and film buoyancy and in vitro release of CAP were assessed in simulated gastric fluid. The cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties of the films were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Caco-2 cells. The amorphous films showed improved wettability, a short floating lag time (<1 s) and a total floating time of over 24 h accompanied by sustained CAP release for up to 24 h. CAP-loaded films demonstrated biocompatibility with Caco-2 cells and potential cytoprotective effects by attenuating inflammatory cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. The gastric floating electrospun films could serve as a platform for sustained and stomach-specific drug delivery applications.

Changes in the Dentate Gyrus Gene Expression Profile Induced by Levetiracetam Treatment in Rats with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common forms of focal epilepsy. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug whose mechanism of action at the genetic level has not been fully described. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the relevant gene expression changes in the dentate gyrus (DG) of LEV-treated rats with pilocarpine-induced TLE. Whole-transcriptome microarrays were used to obtain the differential genetic profiles of control (CTRL), epileptic (EPI), and EPI rats treated for one week with LEV (EPI + LEV). Quantitative RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the RNA levels of the genes of interest. According to the results of the EPI vs. CTRL analysis, 685 genes were differentially expressed, 355 of which were underexpressed and 330 of which were overexpressed. According to the analysis of the EPI + LEV vs. EPI groups, 675 genes were differentially expressed, 477 of which were downregulated and 198 of which were upregulated. A total of 94 genes whose expression was altered by epilepsy and modified by LEV were identified. The RT-qPCR confirmed that LEV treatment reversed the increased expression of Hgf mRNA and decreased the expression of the Efcab1, Adam8, Slc24a1, and Serpinb1a genes in the DG. These results indicate that LEV could be involved in nonclassical mechanisms involved in Ca2+ homeostasis and the regulation of the mTOR pathway through Efcab1, Hgf, SLC24a1, Adam8, and Serpinb1a, contributing to reduced hyperexcitability in TLE patients.

Targets and Effects of Common Biocompounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Delphinidin-3-Sambubiosid, Quercetin, and Hibiscus Acid) in Different Pathways of Human Cells According to a Bioinformatic Assay.

The utilization of food as a therapeutic measure for various ailments has been a prevalent practice throughout history and across different cultures. This is exemplified in societies where substances like Hibiscus sabdariffa have been employed to manage health conditions like hypertension and elevated blood glucose levels. The inherent bioactive compounds found in this plant, namely, delphinidin-3-sambubioside (DS3), quercetin (QRC), and hibiscus acid (HA), have been linked to various health benefits. Despite receiving individual attention, the specific molecular targets for these compounds remain unclear. In this study, computational analysis was conducted using bioinformatics tools such as Swiss Target Prediction, ShinnyGo 0.77, KEGG, and Stringdb to identify the molecular targets, pathways, and hub genes. Supplementary results were obtained through a thorough literature search in PubMed. DS3 analysis revealed potential genetic alterations related to the metabolism of nitrogen and glucose, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, particularly impacting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. QRC analysis demonstrated interconnected targets spanning multiple pathways, with some overlap with DS3 analysis and a particular focus on pathways related to cancer. HA analysis revealed distinct targets, especially those associated with pathways related to the nervous system. These findings emphasize the necessity for focused research on the molecular effects of DS3, QRC, and HA, thereby providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic pathways.

Physalis virginiana as a Wild Field Host of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'.

The potato/tomato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc), is among the most important pests of solanaceous crops as a vector of the pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso). Lso-infected psyllids often arrive in crop fields from various wild species of Solanaceae and Convolvulaceae, especially those that provide early-season hosts for the vector. Physalis species are perennial plants within the family Solanaceae with often broad geographical distributions that overlap those of B. cockerelli, yet the status of many Physalis species as hosts for B. cockerelli or Lso remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether wild Physalis species that occur in the potato-growing region of Galeana, Nuevo León, Mexico, host B. cockerelli populations and whether they also are susceptible to Lso. Sampling was carried out in the potato-growing zone of Galeana, Nuevo León, Mexico, where unidentified Physalis spp. are common. In March to October 2021, a wild plant identified as Physalis virginiana was observed; eggs, nymphs, and adults of B. cockerelli were observed on these plants throughout the growing season, and nymphs completed development on these plants under laboratory conditions. Lso also was detected in 22 of the 93 (23.7%) wild P. virginiana plants using conventional PCR, while 13.3% of B. cockerelli adults that emerged from P. virginiana cuttings harbored the pathogen. This is the first report that P. virginiana is a host for B. cockerelli and for Lso. These results suggest that P. virginiana is a likely source of Lso-infected psyllids colonizing solanaceous crops in northeastern Mexico. The importance of P. virginiana and other wild hosts on the population dynamics of the vector and pathogen should be investigated to assist in pest management decision-making.

Strength and endurance training in cytokine and body composition of people with hiv/aids / Entrenamiento de fuerza y resistencia en citoquinas y composición corporal de personas con vih/sida / Treinamento de força e resistência em citocinas e composição corporal de pessoas com hiv/aids

ABSTRACT Introduction: HIV/AIDS is considered one of the great cases of public health, but it is seen that patients who use antiretroviral therapy (ART) and practice strength training promote a promotion of their health. Objectives: Assess the impact of strength and resistance training on cytokines and body composition in people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, the sample consisted of 12 patients, 7 from the Strength Group (GF) and 5 from Group 2, Muscular Resistance (MGR). We compared the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α cytokines and body composition in the first and last sessions. The patients completed 36 strength and resistance training sessions over 12 weeks. Results: After 36 sessions of GRM resistance training, there was a significant increase from 4,734 pg/mL to 5,050 pg/mL of IL-10 (p=0.002). Regarding the GFR, no significant results were found. For body composition, there were significant differences in GFR due to the increase in lean mass of the arms from 6,441g to 7,014g (p=0.04), legs from 16,379g to 17,281g (p=0.02) and whole body of 45,640g to 47,343g (p=0.01). In G2 there was a significant decrease in the percentage of fat in the arms from 23,160% to 20,750% (p = 0.04). To assess quality of life, the WHOQOL-HIV-Bref questionnaire was used, where significant improvement was found in all domains, except for the level of independence domain. Conclusion: We conclude that muscular resistance training is effective in increasing IL-10 and decreasing the percentage of fat in the arms, whereas strength training increases lean mass in arms, legs, and the whole body. Level of Evidence I; Randomized Clinical Trial.

RESUMEN Introducción: El VIH/SIDA es considerado uno de los grandes casos de salud pública, sin embargo, está comprobado que pacientes que hacen uso de la terapia antirretroviral (TARV) y practican entrenamiento de fuerza provoca una promoción de su salud. Objetivos: Evaluar el impacto del entrenamiento de fuerza en la resistencia a las citoquinas y en la composición corporal de las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA. Métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, la muestra estuvo compuesta por 12 pacientes, siete del Grupo de Fuerza (TFG) y cinco del Grupo de Resistencia Muscular (GRM). Se compararon los niveles de las citocinas IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 y TNF-α y la composición corporal en la primera y la última sesión. Los pacientes completaron 36 sesiones de entrenamiento de fuerza y resistencia durante 12 semanas. Resultados: Tras 36 sesiones de entrenamiento de resistencia GRM, se produjo un aumento significativo de 4.734 pg/mL a 5.050 pg/mL de IL-10 (p=0,002). En cuanto a la TFG, no se encontraron resultados significativos. En cuanto a la composición corporal, hubo diferencias significativas en la TFG debido al aumento de la masa magra en brazos de 6.441g a 7.014g (p=0,04), piernas de 16.379g a 17.281g (p=0,02) y cuerpo entero de 45.640g a 47.343g (p=0,01). En el GRM hubo una disminución significativa del porcentaje de grasa en los brazos de 23.160% a 20.750% (p = 0,04). Para la evaluación de la calidad de vida se utilizó el cuestionario WHOQOL-HIV-Bref, donde se encontró una mejoría significativa en todos los dominios, excepto en el dominio nivel de independencia. Conclusión: Concluimos que el entrenamiento de resistencia muscular es eficaz para aumentar la IL-10 y disminuir el porcentaje de grasa en los brazos, mientras que el entrenamiento de fuerza aumenta la masa magra total. Nivel de Evidencia I; Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

RESUMO Introdução: O HIV/AIDS é considerado um dos grandes casos de saúde pública, porém verifica-se que pacientes que fazem uso de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) e praticam treinamento de força provocam uma promoção de sua saúde. Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto do treinamento de força sobre a resistência nas citocinas e a composição corporal de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, a amostra foi composta por 12 pacientes, sendo sete do Grupo Força (TFG) e cinco do Grupo Resistência Muscular (GRM). Comparou-se os níveis das citocinas IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 e TNF-α e a composição corporal na primeira e na última sessão. Os pacientes completaram 36 sessões de treinamento de força e resistência ao longo de 12 semanas. Resultados: Após 36 sessões de treinamento resistido GRM, houve um aumento significativo de 4.734 pg/mL para 5.050 pg/mL de IL-10 (p=0,002). Em relação à TFG, não foram encontrados resultados significativos. Para composição corporal, houve diferenças significativas na TFG devido ao aumento da massa magra dos braços de 6.441g para 7.014g (p=0,04), pernas de 16.379g para 17.281g (p=0,02) e corpo inteiro de 45.640g para 47.343g (p=0,01). No GRM houve diminuição significativa do percentual de gordura nos braços de 23.160% para 20.750% (p = 0,04). Para avaliação da qualidade de vida foi utilizado o questionário WHOQOL-HIV-Bref, onde foi encontrada uma melhora significativa em todos os domínios, exceto no domínio nível de independência. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o treinamento de resistência muscular é eficaz em aumentar a IL-10 e diminuir o percentual de gordura nos braços, enquanto o treinamento de força aumenta a massa magra geral. Nível de Evidência I; Ensaio Clínico Randomizado.

Hip joint contact pressure and force: a scoping review of in vivo and cadaver studies.

Aims: Research on hip biomechanics has analyzed femoroacetabular contact pressures and forces in distinct hip conditions, with different procedures, and used diverse loading and testing conditions. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and summarize the available evidence in the literature for hip contact pressures and force in cadaver and in vivo studies, and how joint loading, labral status, and femoral and acetabular morphology can affect these biomechanical parameters. Methods: We used the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews for this literature search in three databases. After screening, 16 studies were included for the final analysis. Results: The studies assessed different hip conditions like labrum status, the biomechanical effect of the cam, femoral version, acetabular coverage, and the effect of rim trimming. The testing and loading conditions were also quite diverse, and this disparity limits direct comparisons between the different researches. With normal anatomy the mean contact pressures ranged from 1.54 to 4.4 MPa, and the average peak contact pressures ranged from 2 to 9.3 MPa. Labral tear or resection showed an increase in contact pressures that diminished after repair or reconstruction of the labrum. Complete cam resection also decreased the contact pressure, and acetabular rim resection of 6 mm increased the contact pressure at the acetabular base. Conclusion: To date there is no standardized methodology to access hip contact biomechanics in hip arthroscopy, or with the preservation of the periarticular soft-tissues. A tendency towards improved biomechanics (lower contact pressures) was seen with labral repair and reconstruction techniques as well as with cam correction.

Computational and experimental assessment of efficient dye adsorption method from aqueous effluents by halloysite and palygorskite clay minerals.

The removal of dyes from effluents of textile industries represents a technological challenge, due to their significant environmental impact. The application of halloysite (Hal) and palygorskite (Pal) clay minerals as adsorbents for the removal of Congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) was evaluated in this work. The materials were applied both in natural and acid-treated forms, and characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, FTIR, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques to identify their properties and main active sites. The adsorbents showed potential to remove CR (> 98%) and MB (> 85%) within 180 min, using 0.3 g adsorbent and initial dye concentration of 250 mg L-1. Semi-empirical quantum mechanical calculations (SQM) confirmed the interaction mechanism between dyes and the adsorbents via chemisorption (- 69.0 kcal mol-1 < Eads < - 28.8 kcal mol-1), which was further observed experimentally due to the high fit of adsorption data to pseudo-second order kinetic model (R2 > 0.99) and Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.98). The use of Pal and Hal to remove dyes was proven to be economically and environmentally viable for industrial application.

Altered PBP4 and GdpP functions synergistically mediate MRSA-like high-level, broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. S. aureus infections caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are particularly difficult to treat due to their resistance to Next Generation ß-lactams (NGB) such as Methicillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin etc. Resistance to NGBs, which is alternatively known as broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance is classically mediated by PBP2a, a Penicillin-Binding Protein encoded by mecA (or mecC) in MRSA. Thus, presence of mec genes among S. aureus serves as the predictor of resistance to NGBs and facilitates determination of the proper therapeutic strategy for a staphylococcal infection. Although far less appreciated, mecA deficient S. aureus strains can also exhibit NGB resistance. These strains, which are collectively termed as Methicillin-Resistant Lacking mec (MRLM) are currently being identified in increasing numbers among natural resistant isolates of S. aureus. The mechanism/s through which MRLMs produce resistance to NGBs remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that mutations that alter PBP4 and GdpP functions, which are often present among MRLMs can synergistically mediate resistance to NGBs. Furthermore, our results unravel that this novel mechanism potentially enables MRLMs to produce resistance towards NGBs at levels comparable to that of MRSAs. Our study, provides a fresh new perspective about alternative mechanisms of NGBs resistance, challenging our current overall understanding of high-level, broad-spectrum ß-lactam resistance in S. aureus. It thus suggests reconsideration of the current approach towards diagnosis and treatment of ß-lactam resistant S. aureus infections.

A promoterless AAV6.2FF-based lung gene editing platform for the correction of surfactant protein B deficiency.

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) deficiency is a rare genetic disease that causes fatal respiratory failure within the first year of life. Currently, the only corrective treatment is lung transplantation. Here, we co-transduced the murine lung with adeno-associated virus 6.2FF (AAV6.2FF) vectors encoding a SaCas9-guide RNA nuclease or donor template to mediate insertion of promoterless reporter genes or the (murine) Sftpb gene in frame with the endogenous surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene, without disrupting SP-C expression. Intranasal administration of 3 × 1011 vg donor template and 1 × 1011 vg nuclease consistently edited approximately 6% of lung epithelial cells. Frequency of gene insertion increased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 20%-25% editing efficiency with the highest donor template and nuclease doses tested. We next evaluated whether this promoterless gene editing platform could extend survival in the conditional SP-B knockout mouse model. Administration of 1 × 1012 vg SP-B-donor template and 5 × 1011 vg nuclease significantly extended median survival (p = 0.0034) from 5 days in the untreated off doxycycline group to 16 days in the donor AAV and nuclease group, with one gene-edited mouse living 243 days off doxycycline. This AAV6.2FF-based gene editing platform has the potential to correct SP-B deficiency, as well as other disorders of alveolar type II cells.

Marine heatwaves can limit the role of surfgrasses as biofilters for wastewaters.

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) can have detrimental effects on seagrasses, but knowledge about the impacts on their ecosystem services remains scarce. This work evaluated Phyllospadix scouleri (surgrass) as a biofilter for wastewater discharges, and how warming associated with MHW may affect this ecological function. The nitrogen uptake kinetics and assimilation abilities for ammonium, nitrate, and urea were examined under two different warming scenarios (single and repeated events) simulated in a mesocosm. N-uptake kinetics were related to urban sewage discharges close to surfgrass meadows. Our results revealed that surfgrasses can serve as effective biofilters because of their high nitrogen uptake rates and above-average canopy biomass. Nonetheless, exposure to both experimental warmings resulted in a significant decline in their ability to incorporate and assimilate nitrogen. Consequently, MHWs may reduce the capacity of surfgrasses to function as nitrogen sinks and green filters for sewage waters, jeopardizing their role as Blue Nitrogen systems.

Biological aspects and first record of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L) (Poaceae) fields of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil.

Larvae of Leucothyreus spp. have been reported causing damage to several crops in Brazil. From May 2012 to April 2013, adults and immatures of Leucothyreus alvarengai Frey (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Rutelinae) samples were obtained from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) (Poaceae) fields in the municipalities of Naviraí and Nova Andradina, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Adults were collected with the aid of light traps, whereas immatures were sampled by opening two trench sizes (30 x 30 x 30 cm and 80 x 50 x 40 cm) in the soil, beside the plants. The collected larvae were reared in laboratory conditions, fed by sugarcane seedlings. The biological cycle of L. alvarengai was completed in 230 days, displaying three larval instars with mean size of the cephalic capsule of 1.68, 2.46, and 3.00 mm for the first, second, and third instar, respectively. Adults were collected in greater numbers in December 2012, and first-instar larvae were observed as of January 2013. Conversely, pupae were observed in the field from July 2012 to January 2013. This is the first record of larvae and adults of L. alvarengai in sugarcane fields in Mato Grosso do Sul state, contributing with the knowledge about its biology and temporal distribution in the field.