Inflammatory Response and Activation of Coagulation after COVID-19 Infection.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection is responsible for causing a disease with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Predisposition to thromboembolic disease due to excessive inflammation is also attributed to the disease. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and laboratory aspects of hospitalized patients, in addition to studying the pattern of serum cytokines, and associate them with the occurrence of thromboembolic events. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study with 97 COVID-19 patients hospitalized from April to August 2020 in the Triângulo Mineiro macro-region was carried out. A review of medical records was conducted to evaluate the clinical and laboratory aspects and the frequency of thrombosis, as well as the measurement of cytokines, in the groups that presented or did not present a thrombotic event. RESULTS: There were seven confirmed cases of thrombotic occurrence in the cohort. A reduction in the time of prothrombin activity was observed in the group with thrombosis. Further, 27.8% of all patients had thrombocytopenia. In the group that had thrombotic events, the levels of IL1b, IL-10, and IL2 were higher (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied sample, there was an increase in the inflammatory response in patients with thrombotic events, confirmed by the increase in cytokines. Furthermore, in this cohort, a link was observed between the IL-10 percentage and an increased chance of a thrombotic event.

Development of Ag-ZnO/AgO Nanocomposites Effectives for Leishmania braziliensis Treatment.

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. Leishmania braziliensis (L.b) is one of the most clinically relevant pathogens that affects the skin and mucosa, causing single or multiple disfiguring and life-threatening injuries. Even so, the few treatment options for patients have significant toxicity, high dropout rates, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains, which implies the need for studies to promote new and better treatments to combat the disease. Zinc oxide nanocrystals are microbicidal and immunomodulatory agents. Here, we develop new Ag-ZnO/xAgO nanocomposites (NCPs) with three different percentages of silver oxide (AgO) nanocrystals (x = 49%, 65%, and 68%) that could act as an option for tegumentary leishmaniasis treatment. Our findings showed that 65% and 68% of AgO inhibit the extra and intracellular replication of L.b. and present a high selectivity index. Ag-ZnO/65%AgO NCPs modulate activation, expression of surface receptors, and cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells toward a proinflammatory phenotype. These results point to new Ag-ZnO/AgO nanocomposites as a promising option for L. braziliensis treatment.

Clinical-Epidemiology Aspect of Inpatients With Moderate or Severe COVID-19 in a Brazilian Macroregion: Disease and Countermeasures.

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is an infectious viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. Since its emergence, its epidemiology has been explored; however, for some regions of the world, COVID-19's behavior, incidence, and impact remain unclear. In continental nations like Brazil, this lack of knowledge results in nonuniform control, prevention, and treatment measures, which can be controversial in some locations. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of patients with COVID-19 in the macroregion of Triângulo Sul in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Between March 25 and October 21, 2020, data were collected and statistically analyzed from 395 hospitalized patients in the city of Uberaba, MG, suspected to have moderate or severe forms of the disease. Of the 395 suspected cases, 82% were confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. The mean age of positive patients was 58.4 years, and 60.76% were male. Following these patients throughout their hospitalization, a mortality rate of 31.3% was observed. In the population positive for COVID-19, the risk of death increased by 4% for each year of the patient's age. Likewise, the older the patient, the longer their hospitalization and the higher the risk of developing acute respiratory failure. Among the treatments tested in patients, heparin was associated with protection against mortality, and the absence of anticoagulant use was linked to a more than six times greater risk of death. Finally, comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 were positively correlated with increased hospitalization time. In summary, this study revealed that age, presence of comorbidities, length of hospitalization, and drug treatment considerably altered COVID-19's lethality. To understand infection rates and the factors involved in COVID-19's lethality, knowledge of the local epidemiology is necessary.

Galectin-3 orchestrates the histology of mesentery and protects liver during lupus-like syndrome induced by pristane.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) controls intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix interactions during immunological responses. In chronic inflammation, Gal-3 is associated with fibrotic events, regulates B cell differentiation and delays lupus progression. Gal-3 deficient mice (Lgals3-/-) have intense germinal center formation and atypical plasma cell generation correlated to high levels IgG, IgE, and IgA. Here, we used pristane (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane) to induce lupus-like syndrome in Lgals3-/- and Lgals3+/+ BALB/c mice. Mesentery and peritoneal cells were monitored because promptly react to pristane injected in the peritoneal cavity. For the first time, mesenteric tissues have been associated to the pathogenesis of experimental lupus-like syndrome. In Lgals3+/+ pristane-induced mice, mesentery was hallmarked by intense fibrogranulomatous reaction restricted to submesothelial regions and organized niches containing macrophages and B lymphocytes and plasma cells. In contrast, Lgals3-/- pristane-treated mice had diffuse mesenteric fibrosis affecting submesothelium and peripheral tissues, atypical M1/M2 macrophage polarization and significant DLL1+ cells expansion, suggesting possible involvement of Notch/Delta pathways in the disease. Early inflammatory reaction to pristane was characterized by significant disturbances on monocyte recruitment, macrophage differentiation and dendritic cell (DC) responses in the peritoneal cavity of pristane-induced Lgals3-/- mice. A correlative analysis showed that mesenteric damages in the absence of Gal-3 were directly associated with severe portal inflammation and hepatitis. In conclusion, it has suggested that Gal-3 orchestrates histological organization in the mesentery and prevents lupoid hepatitis in experimental lupus-like syndrome by controlling macrophage polarization, Notch signaling pathways and DC differentiation in mesenteric structures.

A doença de Alzheimer: controvérsiasm velhice e esquecimento na mídia impressa / Alzheimer's disease: controversies, old age and neglect by the printed media

Tendo como pressuposto a Doença de Alzheimer – uma doença cerebral degenerativa primária e de etiologia desconhecida que acomete potencialmente indivíduos acima de 65 anos de idade – , este artigo destaca a importância da divulgação científica no âmbito de um assunto que ainda é mistério para a ciência e para o jornalismo. A mídia impressa desempenha um papel importante na compreensão de significados, especialmente aqueles referentes ao risco de adoecimento. A Doença de Alzheimer é analisada na cobertura jornalística feita por um jornal moderno, no caso a Folha de S. Paulo, no período de 2000 a 2005.

Having the Alzheimer’s Disease as presupposition – a primary degenerative illness of the brain whose etiology is unknown and which potentially affects individuals over 65 years of age – , this paper highlights the importance of scientific dissemination in the scope of a matter that is still a mystery for science and journalism. The printed media plays an important role in the understanding of meanings, especially those referring to the risk of becoming ill. Alzheimer’s Disease in analyzed in the journalism coverage performed by a modern newspaper, Folha de S. Paulo, in the period from 2000 to 2005.

A Doença de Alzheimer: controvérsiasm velhice e esquecimento na mídia impressa / Alzheimer's Disease: controversies, old age and neglect by the printed media

Tendo como pressuposto a Doença de Alzheimer – uma doença cerebral degenerativa primária e de etiologia desconhecida que acomete potencialmente indivíduos acima de 65 anos de idade – , este artigo destaca a importância da divulgação científica no âmbito de um assunto que ainda é mistério para a ciência e para o jornalismo. A mídia impressa desempenha um papel importante na compreensão de significados, especialmente aqueles referentes ao risco de adoecimento. A Doença de Alzheimer é analisada na cobertura jornalística feita por um jornal moderno, no caso a Folha de S. Paulo, no período de 2000 a 2005.AU

Having the Alzheimer’s Disease as presupposition – a primary degenerative illness of the brain whose etiology is unknown and which potentially affects individuals over 65 years of age – , this paper highlights the importance of scientific dissemination in the scope of a matter that is still a mystery for science and journalism. The printed media plays an important role in the understanding of meanings, especially those referring to the risk of becoming ill. Alzheimer’s Disease in analyzed in the journalism coverage performed by a modern newspaper, Folha de S. Paulo, in the period from 2000 to 2005.AU

Standardization of 67Ga, 51Cr and 55Fe by live-timed anti-coincidence counting with extending dead time.

In this work, the activity standardization of 51Cr, 55Fe and 67Ga by live-timed anti-coincidence counting with extending dead time is described. The difficulties of the method, the uncertainties of the results of the measurements and the comparison of these results with others measurement methods are discussed.

Neutrophil haptotaxis induced by mouse MNCF: interactions with extracellular matrix glycoproteins probably contribute to overcoming the anti-inflammatory action of dexamethasone.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: The Macrophage-derived Neutrophil Chemotactic Factor (MNCF) has been characterized as a dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil chemotactic lectin produced by rat macrophages. This study was undertaken to evaluate different MNCF cellular sources and investigate the mechanisms by which MNCF overcomes the anti-inflammatory actions of dexamethasone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mouse macrophage-like cell line P388D1 and thioglycollate-elicited mouse macrophages were studied regarding their capacity to release MNCF. Neutrophil migration assays were performed in vivo and in vitro, in either the presence or absence of extracellular matrix glycoproteins (ECM). RESULTS: Mouse and P388D1 macrophages release a lectin that reproduces the activities of rat MNCF. The ability of MNCF to induce neutrophil adhesion and haptotaxis is enhanced through its interaction with laminin and fibronectin. These properties are not inhibited by dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results suggest that dexamethasone-resistant neutrophil migration induced by MNCF occurs probably because of its interactions with ECM.

Efeito da substituição do feno de Tifton 85 pelo caroço de algodão como fonte de fibra na dieta de bezerros / Effect of substitution of Tifton 85 hay by whole cotton seed as fiber source in the diets of calves

Para avaliar a substituição do feno Tifton 85 pelo caroço de algodão como fonte de fibra na dieta foram utilizados 24 bezerros da raça Holandesa, distribuídos em dois grupos. O grupo-feno recebeu feno e concentrado separados, fornecidos à vontade, e o grupo- algodão recebeu caroço de algodão incorporado ao concentrado (13,5 por cento), à vontade. O consumo de alimentos, o peso, as alturas da cernelha e do íleo, as circunferências torácica e abdominal, a concentração de glicose sangüínea, as concentrações de acetato, propionato e butirato, o pH do fluido ruminal e os pesos dos compartimentos do estômago foram mensurados. O consumo de alimentos, o desenvolvimento ponderal dos animais, as concentrações de acetato, propionato e butirato, o pH do fluido ruminal, as concentrações de glicose sangüíneas e o peso dos compartimentos do estômago foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). A necropsia, não foram observadas alterações sugestivas de intoxicação por gossipol. Concluiu-se que o caroço de algodão substituiu, sem prejuízos, o feno como fonte de fibra na dieta de bezerros

Twenty-four Holstein calves divided into two groups were used to evaluate Tifton 85 hay or whole cotton seed as fiber source in their diets. One group received Tifton 85 hay and concentrate ad libitum (hay group) and the other received ad libitum (cotton group) only concentrate with whole cotton seed incorporated (13,5 percent). Feed intake; weight; whither and ileum heights; thoracic and abdominal circumferences; acetate, propionate and butyric concentrations; pH of ruminal content; blood glucose; and rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum weights were measured. Feed intake; animal performance; acetate, propionate and butyric concentrations; pH of ruminal content; blood glucose and weight of stomach compartments did not differ between the groups (P>0.05). No clinical evidence of gossypol intoxication was observed. It was concluded that whole cotton seed replaced hay as fiber source in the diets of calves

Standardization of a 89Sr solution from a BIPM intercomparison using a liquid scintillation method.

A procedure to standardize 89Sr (as strontium chloride) solutions, within the frame of a BIPM intercomparison, by the CIEMAT/NIST method was presented for Instagel Plus, HiSafe III and Ultima Gold liquid scintillation cocktails. The stability was studied for two types of samples: those obtained by direct addition of the 89Sr solution and those by the extra addition of 0.5 ml of HCl (0.1 mol l(-1)) to the cocktails. The results only showed good stability with the three scintillants used when additional HCl was added to the cocktails. The activities per unit mass determined for 89Sr were: 26.344 kBq g(-1) for Instagel Plus; 26.335 kBq g(-1) for HiSafe III; and 26.310 kBq g(-1) for Ultima Gold (at a reference time of 2000.10.01, 00 h UT) with a total uncertainty of 0.5% in each case (k = 1).

Preservation of frozen yeast cells by trehalose.

Two different methods commonly used to preserve intact yeast cells-freezing and freeze-drying-were compared. Different yeast cells submitted to these treatments were stored for 28 days and cell viability assessed during this period. Intact yeast cells showed to be less tolerant to freeze-drying than to freezing. The rate of survival for both treatments could be enhanced by exogenous trehalose (10%) added during freezing and freeze-drying treatments or by a combination of two procedures: a pre-exposure of cells to 40 degrees C for 60 min and addition of trehalose. A maximum survival level of 71.5 +/- 6.3% after freezing could be achieved at the end of a storage period of 28 days, whereas only 25.0 +/- 1.4% showed the ability to tolerate freeze-drying treatment, if both low-temperature treatments were preceded by a heat exposure and addition of trehalose to yeast cells. Increased survival ability was also obtained when the pre-exposure treatment of yeast cells was performed at 10 degrees C for 3 h and trehalose was added: these treatments enhanced cell survival following freezing from 20.5 +/- 7. 7% to 60.0 +/- 3.5%. Although both mild cold and heat shock treatments could enhance cell tolerance to low temperature, only the heat treatment was able to increase the accumulation of intracellular trehalose whereas, during cold shock exposure, the intracellular amount of trehalose remained unaltered. Intracellular trehalose levels seemed not to be the only factor contributing to cell tolerance against freezing and freeze-drying treatments; however, the protection that this sugar confers to cells can be exerted only if it is to be found on both sides of the plasma membrane.

Trehalose: Its role in germination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Mutants with specific lesions were used to differentiate between the functions of glycogen and trehalose in S. cerevisiae. Diploids which harbor the glc1/glc1 mutation depend upon the phosphorylated, less active form of glycogen synthase and show a more active, phosphorylated form, of the enzyme trehalase. These conditions are due to a lesion in the regulating subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Such cells are unable to sporulate. Diploids which contain the sst1/sst1 mutation have normal glycogen metabolism but their trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is not active. Such strains sporulate but germination is poor and only one-spore tetrads are formed. These results confirm that glycogen is needed to trigger sporulation while trehalose plays a role in the germination process. Different systems, I and II, of trehalose accumulation were proposed. System I would require the UDPG-linked trehalose synthase, whereas system II would constitute an alternative pathway, specifically induced or activated by the expression of a MAL gene. The presence of system II in its constitutive form in the constructed diploids would favour trehalose synthesis during growth on glucose, however, it did not overcome the glycogen deficiency during sporulation nor the lack of trehalose for germination. It seems that only system I, namely trehalose 6-P-synthase, plays a role in the germination process.

Biochemical genetics of trehalose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibit alternative patterns of trehalose accumulation during growth on a glucose medium. The active pattern is designated as TAC(+) phenotype and the alternative, low-activity pattern as tac(-) phenotype. The tac(-) phenotype is expressed only during growth, since tac(-) strains actively accumulate trehalose during incubation in a glucose medium lacking a nitrogen source. The tac(-) phenotype appears to be determined by a single, recessive gene tac1. The quantitative expression of the dominant, alternative allele TAC1 is subject to wide variation. A highly active pattern of trehalose accumulation requires TAC1 and an amplification factor, TAM, which consists of one or more dominant gene(s). TAM does not appear to alter significantly the expression of tac1. Highly amplified TAC(+) strains may contain a labile factor not present in a TAC(+) strain which accumulates intermediate levels of trehalose.