Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã : a project to inspire, stimulate scientific thinking, and introduce scientific methodology for young students.

The Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã project is an immersive science training program developed by the Program of Post-Graduation in Health Sciences at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. This program was conducted in partnership with Volunteering and Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Professor Paulo Freire in Paraisópolis, São Paulo, Brazil. The Scientists of Tomorrow Program comprised a short training period conducted in May 2022 involving 37 students, and a long training period from August to December 2022, which included 15 students. It aimed to popularize science through practical activities; transfer knowledge to young students; sensitize and guide them to pursue academic-scientific careers; reduce stereotypes about scientific work and scientists; and help students understand the social, political, and ethical roles of science within society. All activities were led by postgraduate students and professors from our postgraduate program, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, biomedicals, and veterinarians from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, as well as medical students from Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein . Activities in the short training included lectures on cinema and science, strategies to combat fake news, non-violent communication, innovation, design-thinking framework, and developing a scientific project. During the long training period, discussions were focused on nanotechnology, animal research, big data, bioinformatics, meditation, blood and bone marrow donation, telemedicine, sex and sexually-transmitted infections, rehabilitation, career opportunities, and scientific integrity. In addition, practical activities were further expanded using optical and confocal microscopy, cytometry, and basic concepts regarding the structure and function of living cells. The program also included the launching of the open-air outreach Education E-natureza activity, which turned students into ambassadors of nature. In conclusion, the Scientists of Tomorrow Program was innovative and enabled young students to learn that science is a collective activity that can enhance public health. In Brief Rangel et al. enumerated the Scientists of Tomorrow/Cientistas do Amanhã program, an immersive science initiative conducted in collaboration with a public school. The program, which involved 15 students, aimed to promote science, share knowledge, inspire academic paths, and underscore societal impacts. Led by postgraduates, professors, and healthcare experts, the program included diverse lectures and practical laboratory activities. Highlights Every research endeavor commences with a fundamental question. Sharing of findings by researchers and students contributes toward the expansion of knowledge. Teaching scientific methodology is a pivotal step in nurturing critical thinking skills. Science permeates our daily lives and plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues.

Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva after rinsing with mouthwashes containing cetylpyridinium chloride: a randomized clinical study.

Background: Symptomatic patients with COVID-19 typically have a high SARS-CoV-2 viral load in their saliva. Procedures to reduce the viral load in their oral cavity are important for mitigating the viral transmission. Methods: This randomized clinical trial investigated the impact of two mouthwashes (0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride plus 0.28% zinc lactate (CPC+Zn) (n = 32), and 0.075% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) (n = 31)) on the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva when compared to the distilled water negative control (n = 32). Saliva was collected before (T0) and after (5 min, T1; 30 min, T2; and 60 min, T3) the intervention. Viral load in saliva was measured by qRT-PCR assays. The data in both groups was normalized for T0 and Negative Control, resulting in fold change values. Results: CPC+Zn oral solution reduced the viral load in saliva by 6.34-fold at T1, 3.6-fold at T2 and 1.9-fold at T3. Rinsing with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva by 2.5-fold at T1, 1.9-fold at T2 and 2.0-fold at T3. Conclusion: CPC+Zn mouthwash or with the CPC mouthwash reduced the viral load in saliva of COVID-19 patients immediately after rinsing. These reductions extended up to 60 min.

A comprehensive update of the metabolic and toxicological considerations for immunosuppressive drugs used during pancreas transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant advancements in immunosuppressive regimens and surgical techniques, the prevalence of adverse events related to immunosuppression remains a major challenge affecting the long-term survival rates of pancreas and kidney allografts. AREAS COVERED: This article presents a comprehensive review of the literature and knowledge (Jan/2012-Feb/2023) concerning glucose metabolism disorders and nephrotoxicity associated with tacrolimus and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi). Novel signaling pathways potentially implicated in these adverse events are discussed. Furthermore, we extensively examine the findings from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus, mTORi, and steroid minimization. EXPERT OPINION: Tacrolimus-based regimens continue to be the standard treatment following pancreas transplants. However, prolonged use of tacrolimus and mTORi may lead to hyperglycemia and nephrotoxicity. Understanding and interpreting experimental data, particularly concerning novel signaling pathways beyond calcineurin-NFAT and mTOR pathways, can offer valuable insights for therapeutic interventions to mitigate hyperglycemia and nephrotoxicity. Additionally, critically analyzing clinical trial results can identify opportunities for personalized safety-based approaches to minimize side effects. It is imperative to conduct randomized-controlled studies to assess the impact of mTORi use and steroid-free protocols on pancreatic allograft survival. Such studies will aid in tailoring treatment strategies for improved transplant outcomes.

Antimicrobial oral lavage reduces the SARS-CoV-2 load in intubated patients: randomized clinical trial.

Background: The oral cavity can be a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 and may play a crucial role in the viral transmission in the hospital environment. Objective: To investigate whether an oral hygiene protocol with chlorhexidine (CHX) used alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide (HP) in the intensive care unit was effective in reducing the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral cavity. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured on oral fluid samples collected from patients undergoing orotracheal intubation. The study sample was randomly in: CHX group (n = 19) - oral rinse using only 0.12% CHX solution; HP+CHX group (n = 24) - oral rinse with 1.5% HP and 0.12% CHX. The samples were collected before the interventions (T0), immediately (T1), 30 minutes (T2) and 60 minutes (T3) after the procedure. Results: A significant viral load reduction was observed at T1 (mean ± SD:-0.57 ± 0.19 log10;-73.2%;p = 0.022) in the HP+CHX group. No statistically significant differences between any time points were observed in the CHX group. Conclusion: The HP+CHX oral rinses significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the oral fluid immediately after the procedure. The CHX oral rinse alone did not result in any significant viral load reductions.

Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã : a project to inspire, stimulate scientific thinking, and introduce scientific methodology for young students

ABSTRACT The Scientists of Tomorrow/ Cientistas do Amanhã project is an immersive science training program developed by the Program of Post-Graduation in Health Sciences at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. This program was conducted in partnership with Volunteering and Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Professor Paulo Freire in Paraisópolis, São Paulo, Brazil. The Scientists of Tomorrow Program comprised a short training period conducted in May 2022 involving 37 students, and a long training period from August to December 2022, which included 15 students. It aimed to popularize science through practical activities; transfer knowledge to young students; sensitize and guide them to pursue academic-scientific careers; reduce stereotypes about scientific work and scientists; and help students understand the social, political, and ethical roles of science within society. All activities were led by postgraduate students and professors from our postgraduate program, physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, biomedicals, and veterinarians from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, as well as medical students from Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein . Activities in the short training included lectures on cinema and science, strategies to combat fake news, non-violent communication, innovation, design-thinking framework, and developing a scientific project. During the long training period, discussions were focused on nanotechnology, animal research, big data, bioinformatics, meditation, blood and bone marrow donation, telemedicine, sex and sexually-transmitted infections, rehabilitation, career opportunities, and scientific integrity. In addition, practical activities were further expanded using optical and confocal microscopy, cytometry, and basic concepts regarding the structure and function of living cells. The program also included the launching of the open-air outreach Education E-natureza activity, which turned students into ambassadors of nature. In conclusion, the Scientists of Tomorrow Program was innovative and enabled young students to learn that science is a collective activity that can enhance public health.

Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Pre-Clinical Model of Diabetic Kidney Disease and Obesity.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a worldwide microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). From several pathological mechanisms involved in T2DM-DKD, we focused on mitochondria damage induced by hyperglycemia-driven reactive species oxygen (ROS) accumulation and verified whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy modulation, and pro-mitochondria homeostasis therapeutic potential curtailed T2DM-DKD progression. For that purpose, we grew immortalized glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in hyper glucose media containing hydrogen peroxide. MSCs prevented these cells from apoptosis-induced cell death, ROS accumulation, and mitochondria membrane potential impairment. Additionally, MSCs recovered GMCs' biogenesis and mitophagy-related gene expression that were downregulated by stress media. In BTBRob/ob mice, a robust model of T2DM-DKD and obesity, MSC therapy (1 × 106 cells, two doses 4-weeks apart, intra-peritoneal route) led to functional and structural kidney improvement in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, MSC-treated animals exhibited lower levels of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, less mesangial expansion, higher number of podocytes, up-regulation of mitochondria-related survival genes, a decrease in autophagy hyper-activation, and a potential decrease in cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Collectively, these novel findings have important implications for the advancement of cell therapy and provide insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms of MSC-based therapy in T2DM-DKD setting.

COVID-19: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression and tissue susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is not only an enzyme but also a functional receptor on cell surfaces through which SARS-CoV-2 enters the host cells and is highly expressed in the heart, kidneys, and lungs and shed into the plasma. ACE2 is a key regulator of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). SARS-CoV-2 causes ACE/ACE2 balance disruption and RAAS activation, which leads ultimately to COVID-19 progression, especially in patients with comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, ACE2 expression may have paradoxical effects, aiding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, yet conversely limiting viral infection. This article reviews the existing literature and knowledge of ACE2 in COVID-19 setting and focuses on its pathophysiologic involvement in disease progression, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic potential.

Klotho and Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review on Cell and Gene Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease and Acute Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are public health problems, and their prevalence rates have increased with the aging of the population. They are associated with the presence of comorbidities, in particular diabetes mellitus and hypertension, resulting in a high financial burden for the health system. Studies have indicated Klotho as a promising therapeutic approach for these conditions. Klotho reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis and counter-regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In CKD and AKI, Klotho expression is downregulated from early stages and correlates with disease progression. Therefore, the restoration of its levels, through exogenous or endogenous pathways, has renoprotective effects. An important strategy for administering Klotho is through mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In summary, this review comprises in vitro and in vivo studies on the therapeutic potential of Klotho for the treatment of CKD and AKI through the administration of MSCs.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review of the Studies Using Syngeneic, Autologous, Allogeneic, and Xenogeneic Cells.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and comprises multifactorial pathophysiologic mechanisms. Despite current treatment, around 30-40% of individuals with type 1 and type 2 DM (DM1 and DM2) have progressive DKD, which is the most common cause of end-stage chronic kidney disease worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) based therapy has important biological and therapeutic implications for curtailing DKD progression. As a chronic disease, DM may impair MSC microenvironment, but there is compelling evidence that MSC derived from DM1 individuals maintain their cardinal properties, such as potency, secretion of trophic factors, and modulation of immune cells, so that both autologous and allogeneic MSCs are safe and effective. Conversely, MSCs derived from DM2 individuals are usually dysfunctional, exhibiting higher rates of senescence and apoptosis and a decrease in clonogenicity, proliferation, and angiogenesis potential. Therefore, more studies in humans are needed to reach a conclusion if autologous MSCs from DM2 individuals are effective for treatment of DM-related complications. Importantly, the bench to bedside pathway has been constructed in the last decade for assessing the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the DM setting. Laboratory research set the basis for establishing further translation research including preclinical development and proof of concept in model systems. Phase I clinical trials have evaluated the safety profile of MSC-based therapy in humans, and phase II clinical trials (proof of concept in trial participants) still need to answer important questions for treating DKD, yet metabolic control has already been documented. Therefore, randomized and controlled trials considering the source, optimal cell number, and route of delivery in DM patients are further required to advance MSC-based therapy. Future directions include strategies to reduce MSC heterogeneity, standardized protocols for isolation and expansion of those cells, and the development of well-designed large-scale trials to show significant efficacy during a long follow-up, mainly in individuals with DKD.