The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Neuroregeneration and Neuroprotection: A Review.

Neurogenesis is a high energy-demanding process, which is why blood vessels are an active part of the neurogenic niche since they allow the much-needed oxygenation of progenitor cells. In this regard, although neglected for a long time, the "oxygen niche" should be considered an important intervenient in adult neurogenesis. One possible hypothesis for the failure of numerous neuroprotective trials is that they relied on compounds that target a highly specific neuroprotective pathway. This approach may be too limited, given the complexity of the processes that lead to cell death. Therefore, research should adopt a more multifactorial approach. Among the limited range of agents with multimodal neuromodulatory capabilities, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing secondary brain damage in various brain injury models. This therapy functions not only as a neuroprotective mechanism but also as a powerful neuroregenerative mechanism.

Toxicity of REEs, Th, and U: A Biodisponibility, Cytotoxicity, and Bioaccumulation Assessment in Marine Sediment.

In this work, bioaccessibility tests for rare earth elements (REEs), Th, and U in marine sediment were carried out, in addition to complementary tests for cytotoxicity and bioaccumulation for the elements La, Ce, Eu, and Gd. The evaluation of human health risk through dermal absorption and oral ingestion was performed using the hazard quotient (HQ). According to the gastric digestion simulation (SBET), it was observed that the elements Ce and Nd exhibited higher absorption capacities in the human body (> 2 µg g-1). La and Sc presented intermediate concentrations (close to 1 µg g-1), while the remaining elements displayed concentrations below 0.5 µg g-1. In the gastrointestinal digestion extraction stage (PBET), all the elements maintained a similar absorption capacity to that observed in SBET, except for the absorption of Y which increased. The results of the bioaccumulation test conducted with fibroblast cells (L929) indicated that La and Eu had a 25% probability of intracellular accumulation. The cell viability test, with exposure to a standard REEs, Th, and U solution in 2% v v-1 HNO3 medium (until 100 µg mL-1) and an aqueous solution of La2O3, Gd(NO3)3, Ce(NO3)3, and Eu2O3 (until 1000 µg mL-1), did not demonstrate cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. Considering the ingestion hazard quotient (HQing) and dermal hazard quotient (HQderm) obtained, it was suggested that there is no significant risk of non-carcinogenic effects (< 1). However, they had higher HQing values compared to HQderm, indicating that REEs pose more significant risk to human health through oral ingestion absorption than dermal absorption.

Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Outcomes Under Different Levels of Glaucoma Severity: A Multicenter, Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) under different levels of glaucoma severity. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicenter, before-and-after study. METHODS: One eye from all primary open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent GATT combined with cataract surgery (Phaco-GATT) or GATT stand-alone with 12 months of follow-up were included and divided according to glaucoma severity (mild = GI, moderate = GII, and advanced = GIII) and the outcomes compared. RESULTS: A total of 270 eyes were included: 90 in GI, 75 in GII, and 105 in GIII. The IOP was reduced from 18.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg in GI, 19.7 ± 6.4 mm Hg in GII, and 21.0 ± 7.9 mm Hg in GIII, preoperatively, to 11.9 ± 2.6 mm Hg in GI, 11.8 ± 2.1 mm Hg in GII, and 11.9 ± 3.0 mm Hg in GIII at 12 months postoperatively (P < .001 for all). The number of hypotensive ocular medications were reduced from 2.7 ± 1.0 in GI, 3.1 ± 0.8 in GII, and 3.2 ± 1.2 in GIII to 0.6 ± 0.9 in GI, 1.0 ± 1.1 in GII, and 1.2 ± 1.1 in GIII at the last postoperative visit (P < .001 for all). Relative success was achieved, at 1 year, in 93.8% of the eyes in GI, 89.0% in GII, and 88.1% in GIII (P = .3). Complete success was achieved in 61.8% of the eyes in GI, 43.8% in GII, and 37.6% in GIII (P = .007). No serious adverse event was observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: GATT is a safe and effective procedure in glaucoma, regardless of its preoperative severity.

Harvesting the Power of Green Synthesis: Gold Nanoparticles Tailored for Prostate Cancer Therapy.

Biosynthetic gold nanoparticles (bAuNPs) present a promising avenue for enhancing bio-compatibility and offering an economically and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional production methods, achieved through a reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals. While the potential of bAuNPs as anticancer agents has been explored, there is a limited body of research focusing on the crucial physicochemical conditions influencing bAuNP production. In this study, we aim to identify the optimal growth phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures that maximizes the redox potential and coordinates the formation of bAuNPs with increased efficiency. The investigation employs 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) as a redox indicator. Simultaneously, we explore the impact of temperature, pH, and incubation duration on the biosynthesis of bAuNPs, with a specific emphasis on their potential application as antitumor agents. Characterization of the resulting bAuNPs is conducted using ATR-FT-IR, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. To gain insights into the anticancer potential of bAuNPs, an experimental model is employed, utilizing both non-neoplastic (HPEpiC) and neoplastic (PC3) epithelial cell lines. Notably, P. aeruginosa cultures at 9 h/OD600 = 1, combined with biosynthesis at pH 9.0 for 24 h at 58 °C, produce bAuNPs that exhibit smaller, more spherical, and less aggregated characteristics. Crucially, these nanoparticles demonstrate negligible effects on HPEpiC cells while significantly impacting PC3 cells, resulting in reduced viability, migration, and lower IL-6 levels. This research lays the groundwork for the development of more specialized, economical, and ecologically friendly treatment modalities.

Polyphenols, Antioxidants, and Wound Healing of Lecythis pisonis Seed Coats.

To better use the Lecythis pisonis Cambess. biomass, this study investigates whether Sapucaia seed coats present wound healing properties. We analyzed the antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing-promoting potentials, plus cytotoxicity and stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A. The chemical composition was analyzed by positive ion mode electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. A total of 19 compounds were identified, such as proanthocyanidin A1, procyanidins A1, B2, and C1, epigallocatechin, and kaempferol (p-coumaroyl) glycoside. Potent antioxidant strength/index was verified for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (IC50 = 0.99 µg/mL) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (IC50 = 1.09 µg/mL). The extract did not present cytotoxicity and promoted significant cell migration and/or proliferation of fibroblasts (p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor-A was stimulated dose-dependently at 6 µg/mL (167.13 ± 8.30 pg/mL), 12.5 µg/mL (210.3 ± 14.2 pg/mL), and 25 µg/mL (411.6 ± 29.4 pg/mL). Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (0.002 µg/mL) was stimulated at 215.98 pg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to the extract, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The identified compounds benefit the antioxidant activity, promoting hemostasis for the wound healing process, indicating that this extract has the potential for use in dermatological cosmetics.

Unveiling the Path to Resilience: Prioritizing Mental Health, Sleep, and Nutrition in the Post-COVID Era.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily life, impacting relationships, work, and education. This has led to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, along with altered sleep patterns and eating behaviors. Quarantine and isolation have worsened mental health, especially in children and the elderly, due to the loss of activities and physical contact. Sleep disorders and negative dreams perpetuate poor sleep quality, increasing the risk of health issues. Sedentary lifestyles and emotional effects contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and obesity, exacerbated by disrupted routines and limited outdoor activities. Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing mental health, promoting healthy sleep habits, and addressing obesity factors. The pandemic has profoundly affected human well-being, but resilience, mental health, sleep, and nutrition can enhance overall well-being and adaptability in the post-COVID era. This comprehensive opinion aims to raise awareness of the wide-ranging impacts of this pandemic on various aspects of human well-being and to emphasize the importance of implementing strategies that prioritize mental health, improve sleep habits, address eating behaviors, and foster resilience to navigate and thrive in the face of future challenges.

Organizational culture of public health services from the perspective of nursing professionals / Cultura organizacional dos serviços públicos de saúde na perspectiva dos profissionais de enfermagem

INTRODUCTION: Culture is present in all environments, representing, in general, the ways of thinking, acting, feeling, learning, and sharing by a plurality of people. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the values and practices that characterize the organizational culture of health services of the public network from the perspective of nursing workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, quantitative study was conducted with 156 nursing workers from the public health services of a city in the State of Goias, Brazil. The Brazilian Instrument for Assessment of Organizational Culture and a sociodemographic and labor characterization questionnaire were used. The data were analyzed in the STATA program. RESULTS: It was identified that the female sex was significant with the reward and training practices (p=0.050). The professional nurse category was related to the values of competitive, individualistic, satisfaction, and well-being professionalism (p=0.036 and p=0.041). Income was correlated with cooperative professionalism (p=0.010). CONCLUSION: Managers of health institutions must promote an adequate work environment, with the use of tools capable of assessing the needs and abilities of subjects.

INTRODUÇÃO: A cultura está presente em todos os ambientes, representa, em geral, os modos de pensar, agir, sentir, aprendidos e compartilhados por uma pluralidade de pessoas. OBJETIVO: Analisar os valores e práticas que caracterizam a cultura organizacional dos serviços de saúde da rede pública na perspectiva dos trabalhadores de enfermagem. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, descritivo-analítico, quantitativo, com 156 trabalhadores de enfermagem dos serviços públicos de saúde de um município do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram utilizados o Instrumento Brasileiro de Avaliação da Cultura Organizacional e um questionário sociodemográfico e de caracterização do trabalho. Os dados foram analisados no programa STATA. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se que o sexo feminino foi significativo com as práticas de recompensa e treinamento (p=0,050). A categoria profissional de enfermagem esteve relacionada aos valores de profissionalismo competitivo, individualismo, satisfação e bem-estar (p=0,036 e p=0,041). A renda foi correlacionada com o profissionalismo cooperativo (p=0,010). CONCLUSÃO: É importante que os gestores das instituições de saúde promovam um ambiente de trabalho adequado, com a utilização de ferramentas capazes de avaliar as necessidades e habilidades dos participantes.

Development of colorimetric cellulose-based test-strip for the rapid detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV2 virus.

Given the pandemic situation, there is an urgent need for an accurate test to monitor antibodies anti-SARS-CoV-2, providing crucial epidemiological and clinical information to monitor the evolution of coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) and to stratify the immunized and asymptomatic population. Therefore, this paper describes a new cellulose-based test strip for rapid and cost-effective quantitative detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV2 virus by colorimetric transduction. For this purpose, Whatman paper was chemically modified with sodium metaperiodate to introduce aldehyde groups on its surface. Subsequently, the spike protein of the virus is covalently bound by forming an imine group. The chemical control of cellulose paper modification was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and contact angle analysis. Colorimetric detection of the antibodies was performed by a conventional staining method using Ponceau S solution as the dye. Color analysis was performed after image acquisition with a smartphone using Image J software. The color intensity varied linearly with the logarithm of the anti-S concentration (from 10 ng/mL to 1 µg/mL) in 500-fold diluted serum samples when plotted against the green coordinate extracted from digital images. The test strip was selective in the presence of nucleocapsid antibodies, urea, glucose, and bovine serum albumin with less than 15% interference, and detection of antibodies in human serum was successfully performed. Overall, this is a simple and affordable design that can be readily used for mass population screening and does not require sophisticated equipment or qualified personnel. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10570-022-04808-y.

Enhanced 3T3-L1 Differentiation into Adipocytes by Pioglitazone Pharmacological Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-Gamma (PPAR-γ).

Despite the primary function of pioglitazone in antidiabetic treatment, this drug is a potent inducer of PPAR-γ, a crucial receptor that is involved in adipocyte differentiation. In this work, we propose an optimized methodology to enhance the differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts into adipocytes. This process is crucial for adipocyte secretome release, which is fundamental for understanding the molecular mechanisms that are involved in obesity for in vitro studies. To achieve this, a pioglitazone dose-response assay was determined over a range varying from 0 to 10 µM. Lipid accumulation was evaluated using Oil-Red-O. The results showed that 10 µM pioglitazone enhanced differentiation and increased secretome production. This secretome was then added into two cell lines: PC3 and RAW264.7. In the PC3 cells, an increase of aggressiveness was observed in terms of viability and proliferation, with the increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, in RAW264.7 cells, a reduction of viability and proliferation was observed, with a decrease in the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, the present work constitutes an improved method for adipocyte secretome production that is suitable for experimental biology studies and that could help with our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adiposity influence in other cells.

Analysis of Gliricidia sepium Leaves by MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

When investigating the potential use of plants as a raw material for an all-natural cosmetic formulation, the main parameters are the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial action, and toxicity. Additionally, the production of natural cosmetics should also consider the availability of primary materials and the environmental and socioeconomic impact. Gliricidia sepium is a species that produces a large amount of plant material, being cultivated in the agroforestry system. However, studies of phytochemical composition and chemical spatial distribution are scarcely using the MALDI MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry) and MALDI MSI (mass spectrometry imaging) techniques. A methodology was developed to optimize ionization parameters and analysis conditions by evaluating the efficiency of three matrices: α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole in MALDI MS analysis. All results were compared to ESI MS (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and afterward, MALDI MSI analysis was performed on the leaf surface. This study showed through phytochemical analysis that G. sepium leaves are composed of polyphenols and tannins, concluding that the methanolic extract had a higher amount of flavonoid content. Four compounds were identified on the leaf surface, and their spatial distribution was analyzed by MALDI MS using DHB as a matrix. Kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and some fatty acids showed potential applicability for cosmetical use. All the extracts presented antioxidant activity or antimicrobial action and no cytotoxicity. Therefore, extracts of G. sepium could be used as raw materials in cosmetics.