Removal of acephate and methamidophos from water: Coagulation and adsorptive treatment approaches.

Pesticides has transformed the agricultural industry, primarily by enhancing productivity. However, the indiscriminate use of such compounds can adversely affect human health and disrupt ecosystem balance. Limited knowledge exists regarding the removal of these compounds from water, particularly for organophosphate pesticides when employing conventional treatment technologies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the removal of acephate (ACE) and methamidophos (MET) - considered priority pesticides in Brazil - from waters with high and low turbidity during the clarification process carried out with aluminum sulfate (AS) and ferric chloride (FC), either alone or combined with powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption. All water samples were submitted to solid phase extraction (SPE C18 cartridges) prior to acephate and methamidophos analysis by HPLC MS/MS. The clarification process with either AS or FC coagulant did not efficiently remove acephate or methamidophos and maximum average removal (27 %) was observed with waters of high turbidity when using ferric chloride as coagulant. Addition of mineral PAC was also ineffective for removing both pesticides. However, the use of vegetable PAC (10 mg/L) resulted in better removal percentages, up to 80%, but only for methamidophos. The limited removal rates were attributed to the high hydrophilicity of acephate and methamidophos, along with their neutral charge at coagulation pH. These factors hinder the interaction of such organophosphorus pesticides with the flocs formed during coagulation as well as with PAC surface.

Lactoperoxidase catalytically oxidize hydrogen sulfide via intermediate formation of sulfheme derivatives.

The biological chemistry of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with physiologically important heme proteins is in the focus of redox biology research. In this study, we investigated the interactions of lactoperoxidase (LPO) with H2S in the presence and absence of molecular dioxygen (O2) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Under anaerobic conditions, native LPO forms no heme-H2S complex upon sulfide exposure. However, under aerobic conditions or in the presence of H2O2 the formation of both ferrous and ferric sulfheme (sulfLPO) derivatives was observed based on the appearances of their characteristic optical absorptions at 638 nm and 727 nm, respectively. Interestingly, we demonstrate that LPO can catalytically oxidize H2S by H2O2 via intermediate formation of relatively short-lived ferrous and ferric sulfLPO derivatives. Pilot product analyses suggested that the turnover process generates oxidized sulfide species, which include sulfate S O 4 2 - and inorganic polysulfides ( H S x - ; x = 2-5). These results indicated that H2S can serve as a non-classical LPO substrate by inducing a reversible sulfheme-like modification of the heme porphyrin ring during turnover. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance data suggest that H2S can act as a scavenger of H2O2 in the presence of LPO without detectable formation of any carbon-centered protein radical species, suggesting that H2S might be capable of protecting the enzyme from radical-mediated damage. We propose possible mechanisms, which explain our results as well as contrasting observations with other heme proteins, where either no sulfheme formation was observed or the generation of sulfheme derivatives provided a dead end for enzyme functions.

Evaluation of harmful drinking among professional drivers by direct ethanol biomarkers and its relation with psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the alcohol consumption among professional truck and bus drivers using direct ethanol biomarkers, and to explore its relationship with anxiety, depression, and stress. METHODS: The assessment of potential harmful drinking was conducted through the measurement of direct biomarkers: phosphatidylethanol (PEth), ethyl glucuronide (EtG), and ethyl sulfate (EtS), using dried blood spots (DBS). Additionally, self-reported data from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C) were used. Emotional states, including depression, anxiety, and stress, were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). RESULTS: A total of 97 drivers participated in the study, with the majority being male (96%) and identified as truck drivers (75.3%). Among them, 43.3% reported working more than 10 h daily. The majority of volunteers exhibited normal levels of stress (81.4%), anxiety (83%), and depression (86.6%). According to the AUDIT-C assessment, 30.9% were categorized as having a moderate risk, while 11.3% were deemed to be at high risk for harmful alcohol consumption behavior. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) levels, indicating recent ethanol consumption, were detected in 14.4% of the drivers. In contrast, the long half-life metabolite PEth (16:0-18:1) was present in 88.7% of the volunteers. A moderate correlation (rs = 0.45, p < .01) was observed between PEth levels and AUDIT-C scores. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, utilizing a PEth threshold of ≥ 59.0 ng ml-1, displayed 78% sensitivity and 73% specificity in effectively distinguishing high risk for alcohol intake. Notably, no significant associations were found between alcohol consumption and levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate a noteworthy proportion of drivers engaging in regular alcohol consumption alongside a demanding workload. Notably, PEth measurements highlighted an underreporting within the AUDIT-C self-reports. These results lend robust support for the utilization of biomarkers in assessing alcohol consumption patterns among drivers.

Osmotic response in Leptospirillum ferriphilum isolated from an industrial copper bioleaching environment to sulfate.

Iron and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms play important roles in several natural and industrial processes. Leptospirillum (L.) ferriphilum, is an iron-oxidizing microorganism with a remarkable adaptability to thrive in extreme acidic environments, including heap bioleaching processes, acid mine drainage (AMD) and natural acidic water. A strain of L. ferriphilum (IESL25) was isolated from an industrial bioleaching process in northern Chile. This strain was challenged to grow at increasing concentrations of sulfate in order to assess changes in protein expression profiles, cells shape and to determine potential compatible solute molecules. The results unveiled changes in three proteins: succinyl CoA (SCoA) synthetase, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASD); which were notably overexpressed when the strain grew at elevated concentrations of sulfate. ASD plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of the compatible solute ectoine, which was identified along with hydroxyectoine by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The relationship between IDH, SCoA, and ectoine production could be due to the TCA cycle, in which both enzymes produce metabolites that can be utilized as precursors or intermediates in the biosynthesis of ectoine. In addition, distinct filamentous cellular morphology in L. ferriphilum IESL25 was observed when growing under sulfate stress conditions. This study highlights a new insight into the possible cellular responses of L. ferriphilum under the presence of high sulfate levels, commonly found in bioleaching of sulfide minerals or AMD environments.

In silico evaluation of the gene expression profile of syndecan-4 in different breast tumor subtypes / Avaliação in silico do perfil de expressão gênica do sindecam-4 nos diferentes subtipos de tumores de mama

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. Luminal tumors A and B show good response with hormonal treatments, tumors that overexpress HER-2 can be treated with monoclonal antibodies, whereas triple negative tumors have few treatments available because they present low or absent expression of hormone receptors and HER-2, in addition, they present worse tumor progression. Syndecans are heparan sulfate proteoglycans that have the function of interacting with growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix, thus modulating important processes in tumor progression. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the expression of syndecan-4 in different subtypes of breast tumors. METHODS: Bioinformatics is a useful tool for the study of new biomarkers. In the present study, the TCGA database (514 patients) and Metabric (1,898 patients) were analyzed using the cBioportal software. Gene expression data were analyzed by RNA-Seq and Microarray from biopsies of breast tumors. RESULTS: An alteration in syndecan-4 gene expression was observed among the different subtypes of breast tumors. Patients with a triple-negative tumor had decreased expression for syndecan-4 in both databases. CONCLUSION: Syndecan-4 is a potential biomarker for breast tumor prognosis since decreased expression of syndecan-4 is related to triple-negative breast cancer.

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de mama corresponde a uma das principais causas de morte em mulheres. Os tumores luminais A e B apresentam boa resposta com tratamentos hormonais, os tumores que superexpressam HER-2 podem ser tratados com anticorpos monoclonais, já os tumores triplo-negativos apresentam poucos tratamentos disponíveis por apresentarem expressão baixa ou ausente dos receptores hormonais e HER-2, além de pior progressão tumoral. Os sindecans são proteoglicanos de heparam sulfato que tem função de interagir com fatores de crescimento, citocinas e matriz extracelular, modulando assim processos importantes na progressão tumoral. OBJETIVO: Analisar a expressão o sindecam-4 nos diferentes subtipos de tumores de mama. MÉTODOS: A bioinformática vem se mostrando útil para estudo de novos biomarcadores. No presente estudo, foi analisado o banco de dados TCGA (514 pacientes) e Metabric (1898 pacientes) utilizando o software cBioportal. Foram analisados os dados de expressão gênica por RNA-Seq e Microarray. RESULTADOS: Foi verificada alteração de expressão gênica do sindecam-4 entre os diferentes subtipos de tumores de mama. Pacientes com tumor triplo-negativo tiveram a expressão diminuída para sindecam-4 em ambos os bancos de dados. CONCLUSÃO: Foi verificado que sindecam-4 parece ser um potencial biomarcador em tumores de mama, a expressão diminuída de sindecam-4 parece estar relacionada a um pior prognóstico.

Design of a New Vaccine Prototype against Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), M. hyopneumoniae and M. hyorhinis Based on Multiple Antigens Microencapsulation with Sulfated Chitosan.

This work evaluated in vivo an experimental-multivalent-vaccine (EMV) based on three Porcine Respiratory Complex (PRC)-associated antigens: Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2), M. hyopneumoniae (Mhyop) and M. hyorhinis (Mhyor), microencapsulated with sulfated chitosan (M- ChS + PRC-antigens), postulating chitosan sulphate (ChS) as a mimetic of the heparan sulfate receptor used by these pathogens for cell invasion. The EMV was evaluated physicochemically by SEM (Scanning-Electron-Microscopy), EDS (Energy-Dispersive-Spectroscopy), Pdi (Polydispersity-Index) and zeta potential. Twenty weaned pigs, distributed in four groups, were evaluated for 12 weeks. The groups 1 through 4 were as follows: 1-EMV intramuscular-route (IM), 2-EMV oral-nasal-route (O/N), 3-Placebo O/N (M-ChS without antigens), 4-Commercial-vaccine PCV2-Mhyop. qPCR was used to evaluate viral/bacterial load from serum, nasal and bronchial swab and from inguinal lymphoid samples. Specific humoral immunity was evaluated by ELISA. M-ChS + PRC-antigens measured between 1.3-10 µm and presented low Pdi and negative zeta potential, probably due to S (4.26%). Importantly, the 1-EMV protected 90% of challenged animals against PCV2 and Mhyop and 100% against Mhyor. A significant increase in antibody was observed for Mhyor (1-EMV and 2-EMV) and Mhyop (2-EMV), compared with 4-Commercial-vaccine. No difference in antibody levels between 1-EMV and 4-Commercial-vaccine for PCV2-Mhyop was observed. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the first EMV with M-ChS + PRC-antigens in pigs, which were challenged with Mhyor, PCV2 and Mhyop, evidencing high protection for Mhyor, which has no commercial vaccine available.

Effects of syndecan-4 silencing on the extracellular matrix remodeling in anoikis-resistant endothelial cells.

Anoikis is a process of programmed cell death induced by the loss of cell/matrix interactions. In previous work, we have shown that the acquisition of anoikis resistance upregulates syndecan-4 (SDC4) expression in endothelial cells. In addition, SDC4 gene silencing by microRNA interference reverses the transformed phenotype of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells. Due to this role of SDC4 in regulating the behavior of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells, we have evaluated that the functional consequences of SDC4 silencing in the extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in anoikis-resistant rabbit aortic endothelial cells submitted to SDC4 gene silencing (miR-Syn4-Adh-1-EC). For this, we evaluated the expression of adhesive proteins, ECM receptors, nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinases, and ECM-degrading enzymes and their inhibitors. Altered cell behavior was monitored by adhesion, migration, and tube formation assays. We found that SDC4 silencing led to a decrease in migration and angiogenic capacity of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells; this was accompanied by an increase in adhesion to fibronectin. Furthermore, after SDC4 silencing, we observed an increase in the expression of fibronectin, collagen IV, and vitronectin, and a decrease in the expression of integrin α5ß1 and αvß3, besides that, silenced cells show an increase in Src and FAK expression. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis demonstrated that SDC4 silencing leads to altered gene and protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, and HSPE. Compared with parental cells, SDC4 silenced cells showed a decrease in nitric oxide production and eNOS expression. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that SDC4 plays an important role in ECM remodeling. In addition, our findings represent an important step toward understanding the mechanism by which SDC4 can reverse the transformed phenotype of anoikis-resistant endothelial cells.

Phase separation as a strategy to prevent sulfide-related drawbacks in methanogenesis: performance and energetic aspects.

The establishment of sulfate (SO42-) reduction during methanogenesis may considerably hinder the efficient energetic exploitation of methane, once removing sulfide from biogas is obligate and can be costly. In addition, sulfide generation can negatively impact the performance of methanogens by triggering substrate competition and sulfide inhibition. This study investigated the impacts of removing SO42- during fermentation on the performance of a second-stage methanogenic continuous reactor (R2), comparing the results with those obtained in a single-stage system (R1) fed with SO42--rich wastewater (SO42- of up to 400 mg L-1, COD/SO42- of 3.12-12.50). The organic load (OL) was progressively increased to 5.0 g COD d-1 in both reactors, showing completely discrepant performances. Sulfate-reducing bacteria outperformed methanogens in the consumption for organic matter during the start-up phase (OL = 2.5 g COD d-1) in R1, directing up to 73% of the electron flow to SO42- reduction. An efficient methanogenic activity was established in R1 only after decreasing the OL to 0.625 g COD d-1, after which methanogenesis prevailed by consuming ca. 90% of the removed COD. Nevertheless, high sulfide proportions (up to 3.1%) were measured in biogas. Conversely, methanogenesis was promptly established in R2, resulting in a methane-rich (> 80%) and sulfide-free biogas regardless of the operating condition. From an economic perspective, processing the biogas evolved from R2 would be cheaper, although the techno-economic impacts of managing the sulfur pollution in the fermentative reactor still need to be understood.

Sulfato de magnesio y aminofilina en el tratamiento de niños, niñas y adolescentes hospitalizados. Perfil de uso y respuesta terapéutica

Introducción: Sulfato de magnesio (MgSO4) y aminofilina son broncodilatadores intravenosos utilizados en el tratamiento de niños con broncoobstrucción (BO). La evidencia disponible para recomendar su uso es escasa. Objetivo: Caracterizar el perfil de uso y la respuesta terapéutica al MgSO4 y aminofilina en el tratamiento de la BO en niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal mediante revisión de historias y entrevistas. Se incluyeron a todos los menores de 15 años que utilizaron estos fármacos. Se evaluó la respuesta terapéutica a la administración de ambos fármacos en forma exclusiva y concomitante y la presencia de efectos adversos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 102 niños, mediana de edad 4 años, ≤5 años 62%. Los principales diagnósticos fueron: crisis asmática 56% y neumonía viral 31%. Recibieron ambos fármacos 48%, únicamente aminofilina 28% y exclusiva de MgSO4 24%. Se observó buena respuesta terapéutica a la administración: exclusiva de MgSO4 67%, consecutiva de MgSO4 y aminofilina 45% y exclusiva de aminofilina en 34%. En 38,2% se registró al menos un efecto adverso, 64% eran menores de 5 años, riesgo aumentado en 1,5 veces. Conclusiones: Se registraron variadas indicaciones, la mayoría en niños asmáticos y en un porcentaje menor indicaciones fuera de prospecto. Menos de la mitad presentaron buena respuesta luego de la administración de MgSO4 y/o aminofilina. En un porcentaje no despreciable se registraron efectos adversos, predominaron en menores de 5 años. Son necesarios nuevos estudios para continuar caracterizando el perfil de uso y seguridad de estos fármacos.

Introduction: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and aminophylline are intravenous bronchodilators used in the treatment of children with bronchoobstruction (BO). The evidence available to recommend their use is scarce. Objective: To characterize the use profile and therapeutic response to MgSO4 and aminophylline in the treatment of BO in children hospitalized in a reference center in Uruguay. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study through review of clinical histories and interviews. All children under 15 years of age who used these drugs were included. The therapeutic response to the administration of both drugs exclusively and concomitantly and the presence of adverse effects were evaluated. Results: 102 children were included, median age was 4 years, 62% were ≤5 years. The main diagnoses were: asthmatic crisis, 56% and viral pneumonia, 31%. 48% received both drugs, 28% only aminophylline and 24% exclusively MgSO4. Good therapeutic response was observed to the administration: MgSO4 exclusively, 67%, MgSO4 followed by aminophylline, 45% and aminophylline exclusively in 34%. At least one adverse effect was recorded in 38.2%, of these, 64% were under 5 years of age, risk increased by 1.5 times. Conclusions: Various indications were recorded, the majority in asthmatic children and a smaller percentage off-label indications. Less than half had a good response after the administration of MgSO4 and/or aminophylline. Adverse effects were recorded in a non-negligible percentage, predominating in children under 5 years of age. New studies are necessary to continue characterizing the use and safety profile of these drugs.

Emerging therapeutic strategies in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a focus on cognitive outcomes.

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia represents a significant risk to CNS development, leading to high mortality rates, diverse damages, and persistent neurological deficits. Despite advances in neonatal medicine in recent decades, the incidence of HIE remains substantial. Motor deficits can manifest early, while cognitive impairments may be diagnosed later, emphasizing the need for extended follow-up. This review aims to explore potential candidates for therapeutic interventions for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), with a focus on cognitive deficits. We searched randomized clinical trials (RCT) that tested drug treatments for HIE and evaluated cognitive outcomes. The results included studies on erythropoietin, melatonin, magnesium sulfate, topiramate, and a combination of vitamin C and ibuprofen. Although there are several indications of the efficacy of these drugs among animal models, considering neuroprotective properties, the RCTs failed to provide complete effectiveness in the context of cognitive impairments derived from HIE. More robust RCTs are still needed to advance our knowledge and to establish standardized treatments for HIE.

Characterization of water-soluble ions in PM10 over an industrial area in northern Colombia: Temporal variations and correlation with satellite data.

This study was designed to assess the concentrations of nine water-soluble ions in PM10 mass at two sites of an open-pit coal mine and to analyze the correlation and variation of the spatial distribution of sulfate ions with the PM10 sulfate aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (suaod550) in two (North and South) stations of the study area. The daily average of PM10 concentrations ranged from 20.48 to 53.10 µg/m3 and thus did not exceed the daily average maximum permissible level of PM10 (100 µg/m3) established in the Colombia standard at any station. The concentrations of nine water-soluble ions in PM10 (Cl-, NO3-, PO43-, SO42- Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) were determined. The ions under analysis, SO42-, Na+, and NH4+ had the highest concentrations. Combined, they accounted for 75% of the mass of water-soluble ions in a total of 210 samples. The SO42- concentrations in PM10 significantly correlated with suaod550 (r ranging from 0.57 to 0.66), emphasizing the strong effect of suaod550 from Venezuela (Lake Maracaibo) on central and northern Colombia. These results demonstrate that the effects of local sulfate emissions near monitoring sites can be predicted and assessed using satellite data.

Uterotonics, magnesium sulphate and antibiotics during childbirth and peripartum: Important obstetric drugs for the anaesthesiologist.

The main causes of maternal mortality are comorbidities, hypertensive pregnancy syndrome, obstetric haemorrhage, and maternal sepsis. For this reason, uterotonics, magnesium sulphate, and antibiotics are essential tools in the management of obstetric patients during labour and in the peripartum period. These drugs are widely used by anaesthesiologists in all departments, and play a crucial role in treatment and patient safety. For the purpose of this narrative review, we performed a detailed search of medical databases and selected studies describing the use of these drugs in patients during pregnancy, delivery and the pospartum period. Uterotonics, above all oxytocin, play an important role in the prevention and treatment of pospartum haemorrhage, and various studies have shown that in obstetric procedures, such as scheduled and emergency caesarean section, they are effective at lower doses than those hitherto accepted. We also discuss the use of carbetocin as an effective alternative that has a therapeutic advantage in certain clinical circumstances. Magnesium sulphate is the gold standard in the prevention and treatment of eclampsia, and also plays a neuroprotective role in preterm infants. We describe the precautions to be taken during magnesium administration. Finally, we discuss the importance of understanding microbiology and the pharmacology of antibiotics in the management of obstetric infection and endometritis, and draw attention to the latest trends in antibiotic regimens in labour and caesarean section.

Counter-ion adsorption and electrostatic potential in sodium and choline dodecyl sulfate micelles - a molecular dynamics simulation study.

CONTEXT: Choline-based surfactants are interesting both from the practical point of view to obtaining environmental-friendly surfactants as well as from the theoretical side since the interactions between the choline and surfactants can help to understand self-assembly phenomena in deep eutectic solvents. Although no significant change was noticed in the micelle size and shape due to the exchange of the sodium counter-ion by choline in our simulations, the adsorption of the choline cation over the micelle surface is stronger than the adsorption of the sodium, which leads to a reduction of the exposed surface area of the micelle and remarkable effects over the electrostatic potential. The choline neutralizes the surface charge of the surfactant better than sodium; however, this is partially compensated by a stronger water orientation around the SDS micelle. The balance between the contributions from the surfactant, the counter-ion, and water to the electrostatic potential leads to a complex pattern with alternate regions of positive and negative potential at the micelle/water interface which can be important to the incorporation of other charged species at the micelle surface as well as for the interaction between micelles in solution. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of the counter-ion substitution, micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and choline dodecyl sulfate (ChDS) were studied and compared by means of molecular dynamics simulations in aqueous solution. In both cases, the simulations started from pre-assembled micelles with 60 dodecyl sulfate ions and 240-ns simulations were performed at NPT ensemble at T = 323.15 K and P = 1 bar using the Gromacs software with the OPLS-AA force field to describe dodecyl sulfate and choline, Åqvist parameters for sodium, and SPC model for water molecules.

Development of Fluorescent Sensors for Biorelevant Anions in Aqueous Media Using Positively Charged Quantum Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) have captured the attention of the scientific community due to their unique optical and electronic properties, leading to extensive research for different applications. They have also been employed as sensors for ionic species owing to their sensing properties. Detecting anionic species in an aqueous medium is a challenge because the polar nature of water weakens the interactions between sensors and ions. The anions bicarbonate (HCO3-), carbonate (CO32-), sulfate (SO42-), and bisulfate (HSO4-) play a crucial role in various physiological, environmental, and industrial processes, influencing the regulation of biological fluids, ocean acidification, and corrosion processes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop approaches capable of detecting these anions with high sensitivity. This study utilized CdTe QDs stabilized with cysteamine (CdTe-CYA) as a fluorescent sensor for these anions. The QDs exhibited favorable optical properties and high photostability. The results revealed a gradual increase in the QDs' emission intensity with successive anion additions, indicating the sensitivity of CdTe-CYA to the anions. The sensor also exhibited selectivity toward the target ions, with good limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs). Thus, CdTe-CYA QDs show potential as fluorescent sensors for monitoring the target anions in water sources.

Effect of High Sodium Intake on Gut Tight Junctions' Structure and Permeability to Bacterial Toxins in a Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Uremic toxicity changes the gut structure and permeability, allowing bacterial toxins to translocate from the lumen to the blood during chronic kidney failure (CKD). Clinical fluid overload and tissue edema without uremia have similar effects but have not been adequately demonstrated and analyzed in CKD. AIMS: To investigate the effect of sodium intake on the plasma concentration of gut-derived uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS), and p-cresyl sulfate (pCS) and the expression of genes and proteins of epithelial gut tight junctions in a rat model of CKD. METHODS: Sham-operated (control group, CG) and five-sixths nephrectomized (5/6Nx) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to low (LNa), normal (NNa), or high sodium (HNa) diets., Animals were then sacrificed at 8 and 12 weeks and analyzed for IS and pCS plasma concentrations, as well as for gene and protein expression of thigh junction proteins, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in colon fragments. RESULTS: The HNa 5/6Nx groups had higher concentrations of IS and pCS than CG, NNa, and LNa at eight and twelve weeks. Furthermore, HNa 5/6Nx groups had reduced expression of the claudin-4 gene and protein than CG, NNa, and LNa. HNa had reduced occludin gene expression compared to CG. Occludin protein expression was more reduced in HNa than in CG, NNa, and LNa. The gut epithelial tight junctions appear dilated in HNa compared to NNa and LNa in TEM. CONCLUSION: Dietary sodium intake and fluid overload have a significant role in gut epithelial permeability in the CKD model.

Cannabidiol-loaded microparticles embedded in a porous hydrogel matrix for biomedical applications.

In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) were synthesized (PLGA@CBD microparticles) and embedded up to 10 wt% in a chondroitin sulfate/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel matrix. In vitro chemical, physical, and biological assays were carried out to validate the potential use of the modified hydrogels as biomaterials. The microparticles had spherical morphology and a narrow range of size distribution. CBD encapsulation efficiency was around 52%, loading was approximately 50%. Microparticle addition to the hydrogels caused minor changes in their morphology, FTIR and thermal analyses confirmed these changes. Swelling degree and total porosity were reduced in the presence of microparticles, but similar hydrophilic and degradation in phosphate buffer solution behaviors were observed by all hydrogels. Rupture force and maximum strain at rupture were higher in the modified hydrogels, whereas modulus of elasticity was similar across all materials. Viability of primary human dental pulp cells up to 21 days was generally not influenced by the addition of PLGA@CBD microparticles. The control hydrogel showed no antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas hydrogels with 5% and 10% PLGA@CBD microparticles showed inhibition zones. In conclusion, the PLGA@CBD microparticles were fabricated and successfully embedded in a hydrogel matrix. Despite the hydrophobic nature of CBD, the physicochemical and morphological properties were generally similar for the hydrogels with and without the CBD-loaded microparticles. The data reported in this study suggested that this original biomaterial loaded with CBD oil has characteristics that could enable it to be used as a scaffold for tissue/cellular regeneration.

Gene regulatory networks underlying sulfate deficiency responses in plants.

Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient for plants and its availability in soils is an important determinant for growth and development. Current regulatory policies aimed at reducing industrial S emissions together with changes in agronomical practices have led to a decline in S contents in soils worldwide. Deficiency of sulfate-the primary form of S accessible to plants in soil-has adverse effects on both crop yield and nutritional quality. Hence, recent research has increasingly focused on unraveling the molecular mechanisms through which plants detect and adapt to a limiting supply of sulfate. A significant part of these studies involves the use of omics technologies and has generated comprehensive catalogs of sulfate deficiency-responsive genes and processes, principally in Arabidopsis together with a few studies centering on crop species such as wheat, rice, or members of the Brassica genus. Although we know that sulfate deficiency elicits an important reprogramming of the transcriptome, the transcriptional regulators orchestrating this response are not yet well understood. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of gene expression responses to sulfate deficiency and recent efforts towards the identification of the transcription factors that are involved in controlling these responses. We further compare the transcriptional response and putative regulators between Arabidopsis and two important crop species, rice and tomato, to gain insights into common mechanisms of the response to sulfate deficiency.

Which detergent is most suitable for the generation of an acellular pancreas bioscaffold?

Pancreatic bioengineering is a potential therapeutic alternative for type 1 diabetes (T1D) in which the pancreas is decellularized, generating an acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold, which may be reconstituted by recellularization with several cell types to generate a bioartificial pancreas. No consensus for an ideal pancreatic decellularization protocol exists. Therefore, we aimed to determine the best-suited detergent by comparing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium deoxycholate (SDC), and Triton X-100 at different concentrations. Murine (n=12) and human pancreatic tissue from adult brain-dead donors (n=06) was harvested in accordance with Institutional Ethical Committee of the University of São Paulo Medical School (CEP-FMUSP) and decellularized under different detergent conditions. DNA content, histological analysis, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy were assessed. The most adequate condition for pancreatic decellularization was found to be 4% SDC, displaying: a) effective cell removal; b) maintenance of extracellular matrix architecture; c) proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and collagen fibers preservation. This protocol was extrapolated and successfully applied to human pancreas decellularization. The acellular ECM scaffold generated was recelullarized using human pancreatic islets primary clusters. 3D clusters were generated using 0.5×104 cells and then placed on top of acellular pancreatic slices (25 and 50 μm thickness). These clusters tended to connect to the acellular matrix, with visible cells located in the periphery of the clusters interacting with the ECM network of the bioscaffold slices and continued to produce insulin. This study provided evidence on how to improve and accelerate the pancreas decellularization process, while maintaining its architecture and extracellular structure, aiming at pancreatic bioengineering.

Pre-eclampsia in low and middle-income settings: What are the barriers to improving perinatal outcomes and evidence-based recommendations?

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the points that still challenge low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and strategies that have been studied to help them overcome these issues. METHODS: Narrative review addressing 20 years of articles concerning pre-eclampsia morbidity and mortality in LMICs. We summarized evidence-based strategies to overcome the challenges in order to reduce the pre-eclampsia impact on perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Pre-eclampsia is the first or second leading cause in the ranking of avoidable causes of maternal death, and approximately 16% of all maternal deaths are attributable to eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. Considering the social and economic contexts, it represents a major public health concern, and prevention and early detection of pre-eclampsia seem to be a major challenge. Reducing maternal mortality related to hypertensive disturbances depends on public policies to manage these preventable conditions. Early and continuous recognition of signs of severity related to hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and childbirth, self-monitoring of symptoms and blood pressure, as well as preventive approaches such as aspirin and calcium, and magnesium sulfate, are lifesaving procedures that have not yet reached a universal scale. CONCLUSION: This review provides a vision of relevant points to support pregnant women in overcoming the constraints to healthcare access in LMICs, and strategies that can be applied in primary prenatal care units.

Anemia ferropénica en el embarazo: esquema de sulfato ferroso intermitente en comparación con el continuo / Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: comparison of intermittent versus continuous ferrous sulphate regimen

Resumen OBJETIVO: Comparar las concentraciones de hemoglobina en embarazadas con anemia por deficiencia de hierro que recibieron un tratamiento intermitente en comparación con el continuo de 200 mg de sulfato ferroso por vía oral. Además, comparar la frecuencia de efectos secundarios del tratamiento intermitente con el continuo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, no cegado, efectuado en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, en pacientes de 18 a 35 años atendidas entre los meses de enero a marzo del 2023 con 30 o más semanas de embarazo, diagnóstico de anemia ferropénica (definida operativamente solo con una biometría hemática inferior a 11 g/dL, con hipocromía y microcitosis), sin antecedentes de enfermedad crónico-degenerativa. El análisis estadístico se procesó en el programa SPSS v21, la distribución y características de la muestra con análisis univariado, seguido de un análisis bivariado con t de Student y diferencia de medias. Se consideró con significación estadística el valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 32 pacientes: 16 con esquema continuo y 16 con el intermitente. Ambos grupos con incremento de 1 g/dL entre la hemoglobina inicial y final (p < 0.01), con una diferencia de medias entre el aumento de los grupos con p = 0.4. Con disminución significativa de la epigastralgia y la náusea. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento intermitente con sulfato ferroso incrementa las concentraciones de hemoglobina igual que un esquema continuo, pero con menos efectos adversos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare hemoglobin concentrations in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia who received intermittent versus continuous treatment with 200 mg oral ferrous sulfate. In addition, to compare the incidence of side effects of intermittent versus continuous treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized, non-blinded, clinical trial conducted at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, in patients aged 18 to 35 years attended between January and March 2023 with 30 or more weeks of pregnancy, diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (operationally defined only with a blood biometry lower than 11 g/dL, with hypochromia and microcytosis), without a history of chronic degenerative disease. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v21 program, distribution and characteristics of the sample with univariate analysis, followed by bivariate analysis with Student's t and mean difference. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were studied: 16 with continuous and 16 with intermittent regimen. Both groups with increase of 1 g/dL between initial and final hemoglobin (p < 0.01), with a mean difference between groups increase with p = 0.4. With significant reduction in epigastralgia and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent treatment with ferrous sulfate increases hemoglobin concentrations.