Hepatozoon spp. in stray cats from the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the last few years, the number of studies on feline hepatozoonosis has increased, but our knowledge on the actual species of Hepatozoon and/or different genotypes affecting felines is still incipient. At least three species, namely Hepatozoon felis, H. canis, and H. silvestris, have been isolated from domestic cats in various countries. Additionally, there are indications that other species and genotypes may affect felines in given geographic areas. This study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in cats from Niterói, a municipality within the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Individual blood samples were collected from 28 cats enrolled in a spaying/castration program. DNA was extracted from all samples and subjected to sequencing specific for Hepatozoon spp. DNA of H. felis was found in 21/28 cats (75%), and four genetic polymorphisms never described thus far were detected. This is the first report of H. felis in cats living in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and the present data confirm that H. felis is a species complex encompassing different genotypes circulating within cat populations. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether different genotypes have different biology or pathogenicity for felids.

Title: Hepatozoon spp. chez les chats errants de la zone métropolitaine de Rio de Janeiro, Brésil. Abstract: Au cours des dernières années, le nombre d'études sur l'hépatozoonose féline a augmenté, mais nos connaissances sur les espèces d'Hepatozoon et/ou différents génotypes affectant les félins sont encore naissantes. Au moins trois espèces, à savoir Hepatozoon felis, H. canis et H. silvestris, ont été isolées chez des chats domestiques dans divers pays. De plus, il semble que d'autres espèces et génotypes puissent affecter les félins dans des zones géographiques données. Cette étude a été réalisée pour étudier la présence d'Hepatozoon spp. chez des chats de Niterói, une municipalité de la zone métropolitaine de Rio de Janeiro, au Brésil. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés individuellement sur 28 chats d'un programme de castration. L'ADN a été extrait de tous les échantillons et soumis à un séquençage spécifique de Hepatozoon spp. L'ADN de H. felis a été trouvé chez 21 chats sur 28 (75%) et quatre polymorphismes génétiques, jamais décrits jusqu'à présent, ont été détectés. Il s'agit du premier signalement de H. felis chez des chats vivant dans l'État de Rio de Janeiro et les données actuelles confirment que H. felis est un complexe d'espèces englobant différents génotypes circulant au sein des populations de chats. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour déterminer si les différents génotypes ont une biologie ou une pathogénicité différente pour les félidés.

Bilateral lipomatous hamartoma of the tongue: A case report in a child with oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI.

A hamartoma is a benign proliferation of typical mature cells specific to a particular anatomical site. In the oral cavity, they may occur as isolated cases or be associated with genetic syndromes. Oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI is a rare genetic disorder with an estimated incidence of one in 50,000-250,000 newborns. Here, we report a case of a 2-year-old boy diagnosed with oral-facial-digital syndrome type VI who was referred for evaluation of a bilateral and normochromic to slightly pinkish nodule on the lateral surface of the tongue. Clinically, the child presented hypotonia, low visual acuity, absence of oculocephalic reflex, delay in neuropsychomotor development, and polydactyly in the feet. Excisional biopsies of both sides of the tongue were performed using a 1.5 W high-power diode laser (wavelength of 980 nm), and histopathological analysis revealed abundant mature adipocytes predominantly arranged in lobules that mainly surrounded the minor salivary gland parenchyma. The surgical sites healed with no complications and the patient remains under follow-up for 10 months. Due to the limited literature on this syndrome and the frequent presence of tongue hamartomas in children, dentists need to be familiar with them.

PI3K Signaling Pathways as a Molecular Target for Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of cancer that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It currently accounts for about 2% of diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide, with 296,000 new cases reported per year. The first-choice treatment consists of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy, which increases patients' survival by 15 months. New clinical and pre-clinical research aims to improve this prognosis by proposing the search for new drugs that effectively eliminate cancer cells, circumventing problems such as resistance to treatment. One of the promising therapeutic strategies in the treatment of GBM is the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is closely related to the process of tumor carcinogenesis. This review sought to address the main scientific studies of synthetic or natural drug prototypes that target specific therapy co-directed via the PI3K pathway, against human glioblastoma.

Association of physical performance and sarcopenia with use of health services in elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Access is considered one of the necessary conditions for achieving effectiveness and quality in health services. However, it represents a complex construct, with several interpretations, and can be understood as the ease or degree of difficulty with which people obtain effective and timely care. Barriers to access can be related to individual characteristics and those of health systems and services. Regarding elderly people living in rural riverine localities, these limitations are exacerbated due to the territorial dispersion of households and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary care near their homes. The aim of this study was to describe and test the association of sarcopenia and physical performance with primary healthcare attributes and the use of health services by elderly people living in rural riverside areas in the Amazon, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in households with individuals aged 60 years or older living in nine communities located on the left bank of the Negro River, in the rural riverside area of the municipality of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The study evaluated socioeconomic and demographic conditions, health services utilization and the primary care attributes related to the use of and access to services, assessed by components of the Primary Care Assessment Tool instrument (PCATool-Brazil), a reduced version validated for Brazilian adult users. Physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery scale, and handgrip strength was also assessed, according to a dynamometer. The Sarcopenia Formulary (SARC-F) and calf circumference (CC) were used to assess sarcopenia (SARC-CalF). The association of sarcopenia and physical performance with the study outcomes was evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression for health services utilization (having had a medical consultation in the last year), and hierarchical linear regression for the continuous outcomes of the PCATool-Brazil (total score and each of the domains). The sociodemographic variables were inserted in model 1 and the clinical variables in model 2. Variables with p<0.20 were kept in the models. RESULTS: A total of 98 elderly people (55.1% men; mean age 70±7.4 years) were included in the study. Low physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia were observed in 52.5% and 28.9% of the study participants, respectively. Elderly with better physical performance reported more health services utilization (odds ratio (OR)=1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.03-1.81) and higher scores in the affiliation (β=1.67; 95%CI=0.37-2.98), utilization (β=1.19; 95%CI=0.06-2.33) and longitudinality (β=0.99; 95%CI=0.09-1.90) domains of the PCATool-Brazil. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed high prevalence of impairment in physical performance and suggestive signs of sarcopenia in elderly people living in the studied rural riverside localities. Better physical performance was associated with use of health services in the previous year and with better evaluation of some primary care attributes.

Bilateral intraosseous lipoma of the maxillary tuberosity: A challenging entity.

Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body where fat cells are present; however, intraosseous lipomas are rare. Although solitary lesions have already been reported in the gnathic bones, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral intraosseous lipoma. A 62-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of a swelling on both maxillary tuberosities. The radiographic examination showed a mixed radiolucent-radiopaque image with ill-defined borders on the right side of the maxilla, and an ill-defined radiolucency on the left side. Histologically, both sides revealed numerous mature adipocytes surrounded by immature bone and dystrophic calcification. The patient remains under follow-up and free of disease for 8 months. Due to the rarity of the intraosseous lipomas in the jaws, a literature review of the published cases was performed jointly with this unique case report.

New immunodiagnostic methods for human tegumentary leishmaniasis in the last 10 years: Technological prospecting.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease and more than 1 billion people live in endemic areas with the risk of infection worldwide. Although it is an important epidemiological issue, the gold standard method of diagnosis requires invasive sample collection and is accompanied by a high level of sensitivity variation in results. The present study aims to conduct a patent prospection of immunodiagnostic methods for human tegumentary leishmaniasis in the last 10 years, focused on those with high sensitivity and specificity, and simple usability. We searched seven patent databases: The LENS, WIPO, EPO, USPTO, Patent Inspiration, Google patents, and INPI. Eleven patents were found that satisfy our search criteria, with six of them being registered in 2017. Most patents were registered in Brazil. The information obtained here covers the main characteristics of the immunodiagnostic methods evaluated. Moreover, our prospective study reveals the latest biotechnological advancements achieved in the immunodiagnosis of tegumentary leishmaniasis, especially in Brazil, which holds the majority of patents in this subject. However, no patent for immunodiagnostic methods was found in the last three years, which raises concerns about the present and future trends of leishmaniasis diagnosis.

Periodontal ligament cells mobilized by transforming growth factor-beta 1 and migrated without stimuli showed enhanced osteogenic differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the ability of G-CSF and TGF-ß1 to mobilize periodontal ligament stem cells to obtain populations with better potential for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. DESIGN: Primary cultures were established from the periodontal ligament of Wistar rats. After a cell migration assay, four experimental groups were obtained: PDLSC, composed of the primary culture, non-mobilized cells; MPDLSC, the spontaneously migrated cells; MPDLSC-GCSF, the cells mobilized with G-CSF; and MPDLSC-TGF-ß1, the cells mobilized with TGF-ß1. The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers was assessed by flow cytometry. Clonogenicity, viability, proliferative potential, and osteogenic differentiation capacity were also analyzed. RESULTS: All the study groups expressed well-known mesenchymal stem cell markers and exhibited clonogenic capacity. The higher proliferation potential was seen in the PDLSC and MPDLSC groups, while the MPDLSC and MPDLSC-TGFß1 groups showed a higher number of mineralized deposits in vitro and higher ALP activity after osteogenic differentiation induction. Cells of all the groups also expressed mRNA of genes associated with osteogenic differentiation without previous induction. CONCLUSIONS: Both agents were able to mobilize stem cells from the periodontal ligament, but G-CSF did not show an advantage, whereas TGF-ß1 appears to direct the cells towards a state of increased osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, spontaneous cell migration through a membrane was sufficient to enrich the cell population.

Focal melanocytic lesions of the oral mucosa: An epidemiological and morphological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the clinical and histopathological characteristics of focal oral melanocytic lesions in a Brazilian reference service in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted over an 18-year period. Demographic data and clinical features were collected from the archives, and all biopsy specimens diagnosed as oral melanocytic lesions were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: We identified 339 melanocytic lesions. Of these, 191 were melanotic macules, 112 melanocytic nevi, 14 mucosal lentigo simplex, 12 melanomas, 9 solar lentigos, and 1 melanoacanthoma. Lesions occurred mostly in white-skinned (74.2%) women (65.2%). The main reported clinical aspect was the macule (67.4%), and the most affected site was the lip vermilion (25.4%), followed by the palate (22.9%). Melanomas were larger in size and were observed in older patients with an overall shorter time of onset. The most frequent subtypes of melanocytic nevi were intramucosal (44.6%), compound (24.1%), and blue nevus (20.5%). They showed a heterogeneous architectural pattern with the presence of the three cell types. CONCLUSION: The most frequent lesions are melanotic macule and nevus, especially the intramucosal subtype. Patients are usually white-skinned women presenting a small, long-lasting, macular lesion on the lip vermilion or palate.

Pyroligneous extracts with therapeutic action: A technological prospect

Abstract The Pyroligneous extract is a product from the combustion of plant biomass with applications in the fields of health, industrial chemistry, and agriculture. The discovery of new molecules with therapeutic potential and of natural origin continues to be one of the great challenges for research centres around the world. The following work aims to analyze, through a technological prospection, the use of pyroligneous extracts for therapeutic purposes. To carry out the study, searches were carried out in documents deposited in Brazil, Europe, and the United States and searched on platforms specialized in patents. The number of inventions using pyroligneous extract with therapeutic applications is still quite small, however, innovations have been observed for the treatment of diseases of great clinical relevance such as cancer and hypertension. The systematic mapping of innovations is of great importance for the development of new technologies.

Sarcopenia e fatores associados em pessoas idosas residentes em localidades rurais ribeirinhas na Amazônia / Sarcopenia and associated factors in older people living in rural riverside areas of the Amazon

Resumo Objetivo Estimar a prevalência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia, bem como seus fatores associados, em pessoas idosas residentes em comunidades rurais ribeirinhas de Manaus. Método Estudo transversal de base domiciliar conduzido de abril a junho de 2021 com o universo de pessoas idosas (≥60 anos) que residiam em nove comunidades rurais ribeirinhas do rio Negro, Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil. Os sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia foram identificados por meio do Sarcopenia Formulary combinado à circunferência da panturrilha. Os aspectos sociodemográficos, o desempenho físico (equilíbrio estático em pé, velocidade de marcha em passo habitual e força muscular dos membros inferiores), a força de preensão palmar e as condições de saúde autorreferidas (hipertensão, diabetes, acidente vascular encefálico, dor lombar crônica e multimorbidade) representaram as variáveis explicativas. Utilizou-se regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para avaliação dos fatores associados aos sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia. Resultados Foram analisados os dados de 98 pessoas idosas (55,1% do sexo masculino), com idade média de 69,6±7,4 anos. Identificou-se que 50,5% apresentavam diminuição de força de preensão palmar, 52,6% incapacidade/baixo desempenho físico e 43,0% apresentaram multimorbidade. A ocorrência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia foi observada em 28,9% das pessoas idosas e associou-se à idade mais elevada (RP=1,1; IC95%=1,1-1,1) e ao maior número de moradores no domicílio (RP=1,2; IC95%=1,0-1,3). Conclusão Os achados do estudo evidenciaram elevada prevalência de sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia (28,9%) na população de pessoas idosas de localidades rurais ribeirinhas da Amazônia, sendo que maiores médias de idade e maior número de moradores no domicílio aumentaram a probabilidade de ocorrência dessa condição clínica.

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of signs suggestive of sarcopenia and its associated factors in an older rural riverside population of the Amazon. Method A cross-sectional household-based study was carried out from April to June 2021 involving the universe of older people (age ≥60 years) living in nine rural communities on the banks of the Rio Negro, Manaus city, Amazonas state, Brazil. Signs suggestive of sarcopenia were identified using the Sarcopenia Formulary combined with calf circumference. Sociodemographic aspects, physical performance (static standing balance, gait speed at usual pace, and chair sit and stand), handgrip strength and self-reported health conditions (hypertension, diabetes, stroke, chronic low-back pain and multimorbidity) represented the explanatory variables. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to assess factors associated with signs suggestive of sarcopenia. Results Data from 98 older individuals (55.1% male) with a mean age of 69.6±7.4 years were analyzed. Results revealed that 50.5% had low handgrip strength, 52.6% disability/low physical performance and 43.0% multimorbidity. Sarcopenia was identified in 28.9% of participants and associated with higher age (PR=1.1; 95%CI=1.1-1.1) and greater number of residents in the household (PR=1.2; 95%CI=1.0-1.3). Conclusion The findings of the study showed a high prevalence of signs suggestive of sarcopenia (28.9%) among the population of older people in rural riverside areas of the Amazon, where higher mean age and greater number of residents in the household increased the probability of occurrence of this clinical condition.

Relação da ação e raciocínio pedagógicos com trajetória de docentes de programas de pós-graduação em enfermagem / Association between pedagogical reasoning and action and the trajectory of the faculty of postgraduate nursing programs / Relación de la acción y el razonamiento pedagógico con la trayectoria de los profesores de programas de posgrado en Enfermería

Resumo Enquadramento: A ação e raciocínio pedagógico são sustentadas por fontes e conhecimentos base para o ensino, que subsidiam as fases do Modelo de Ação e Raciocínio Pedagógicos. Objetivo: Analisar as relações entre a trajetória de acesso às fontes de conhecimento base e as fases da ação e raciocínio pedagógicos de professores permanentes de programas de pós-graduação em enfermagem, bem como as suas implicações para a formação didático-pedagógica. Metodologia: Métodos mistos, 28 docentes permanentes de dois programas de pós-graduação stricto sensu (PPGENF) da Região Norte do Brasil. A colheita dos dados ocorreu em três etapas, fontes documentais (Plataforma Sucupira e Lattes) e (1) entrevista. Análise qualitativa - método de comparações constantes, e quantitativa (estatística descritiva, à luz de conceitos de Shulman). Resultados: Acesso às fontes de conhecimento na trajetória, a sabedoria adquirida durante a prática docente e experiência como estudante, melhora o raciocínio pedagógico dos professores nas fases de compreensão, transformação e ensino. Conclusão: O raciocínio pedagógico dos professores sugere fragilidades no estímulo à formação didático-pedagógica curricular em ambos os PPPGENF.

Abstract Background: Pedagogical reasoning and action are underpinned by sources of the knowledge base for teaching, which support the phases of the Pedagogical Reasoning and Action Model. Objective: To analyze the association between the trajectory of access to the sources of the knowledge base and the processes of pedagogical reasoning and action of permanent faculty members of postgraduate nursing programs, as well as their implications for didactic-pedagogical training. Methodology: Mixed-methods study with 28 permanent teachers from two stricto sensu postgraduate programs in northern Brazil. Data collection took place in three stages, through documentary sources (Sucupira and Lattes Platform) and (1) interview. The constant comparative method was used for qualitative analysis, and descriptive statistics based on Shulman's concepts was used for quantitative analysis. Results: Access to sources of knowledge along the way, wisdom acquired during teaching practice and experience as a student, better pedagogical reasoning of teachers in the stages of understanding, transformation, and teaching Conclusion: The faculty's pedagogical reasoning suggests weaknesses in the investment in didactic-pedagogical training in the curricula of both postgraduate nursing programs.

Resumen Marco contextual: La acción y el razonamiento pedagógicos se apoyan en fuentes y conocimientos base para la enseñanza, que sostienen las fases del Modelo de Acción y Razonamiento Pedagógico. Objetivo: Analizar las relaciones entre la trayectoria de acceso a las fuentes de conocimiento base y las fases de la acción y el razonamiento pedagógicos de los profesores titulares de programas de posgrado en enfermería, así como sus implicaciones para la formación didáctico-pedagógica. Metodología: Métodos mixtos, 28 profesores titulares de dos programas de posgrado stricto sensu (PPGENF) de la Región Norte de Brasil. La recogida de datos se realizó en tres etapas, fuentes documentales (Plataforma Sucupira y Lattes) y (1) entrevista. Análisis cualitativo: método de comparaciones constantes, y cuantitativo (estadística descriptiva según los conceptos de Shulman). Resultados: El acceso a las fuentes de conocimiento en la trayectoria, la sabiduría adquirida durante la práctica docente y la experiencia como estudiante mejoran el razonamiento pedagógico de los profesores en las fases de comprensión, transformación y enseñanza. Conclusión: El razonamiento pedagógico de los profesores indica que existen deficiencias en la estimulación de la formación didáctico-pedagógica curricular en ambos PPPGENF.

Phosphate solubilization by Antarctic yeasts isolated from lichens.

Antarctica has a great diversity of microorganisms with biotechnological potential but is not very well Known about yeasts with phosphate solubilization activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of yeasts from Antarctica lichens to solubilize phosphate in vitro. In the screening, 147 yeasts were tested and 43 (29%) showed P solubilization in solid NBRIP medium at 15.0 °C, with a higher prevalence of positive genera Vishniacozyma, followed by Cystobasidium. Most of the positive yeasts were isolated from Usnea auratiacoatra, followed by Polycauliona regalis and Lecania brialmontii. Two strains with better activity after screening were selected for the solubilization in the liquid medium, Vishniacozyma victoriae 2.L15 and A.L6 (unidentified). Vishniacozyma victoriae 2.L15 exhibiting activities at 25.0 °C (29.91 mg/L of phosphate and pH 6.85) and at 30.0 °C (619.04 mg/L of phosphate and pH 3.73) and A.L6 strain at 25.0 °C (25.05 mg/L of phosphate and pH 6.69) and at 30.0 °C (31.25 mg/L of phosphate and pH 6.47). Of eight organic acids tested by HPLC, tartaric and acetic acids were detected during phosphate solubilization, with greater release in the period of 144 (2.13 mg/L) and 72 (13.72 mg/L) hours, respectively. Future studies to elucidate the presence of functional genes for P metabolism in lichens, as well as studies in the field of proteomics for the discovery of yeast proteins related to P solubilization are needed. Thus, the high prevalence of lichen-associated yeast communities probably contributed to the high frequency of phosphate-solubilizing isolates in this study.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Emotional Factors on the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Perceived Stress among Men Residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The analysis of sociodemographic and emotional factors is essential to understanding how men perceive stress and practice self-compassion. In health crises, this problem becomes an emergency for public health. This study aimed to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and emotional factors on the relationship between self-compassion and the perceived stress of men residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a nationwide cross-sectional study carried out between June and December 2020 with 1006 men who completed a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Data were collected using the snowball technique. Perceived stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and self-compassion was assessed using the Self-Compassion Scale. Most men had low self-compassion (51.5%; n = 516) and a moderate level of perceived stress (60.9%; n = 613), while 15.9% (n = 170) had a high level of stress. The prevalence of men in the combined situation of low self-compassion and high perceived stress was 39.4% (n = 334). Living with friends had a higher prevalence of low self-compassion and high perceived stress. The prevalence of common mental disorders was high (54.3%). Men with low levels of self-compassion reported higher levels of perceived stress; however, this association was moderated by emotional and sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual and contextual factors in public policies promoting men's mental health.

COVID-19 in Brazil: Are there any differences in Mental Health Literacy between young and aged men? / COVID-19 no Brasil: existem diferenças no letramento em saúde mental entre homens jovens e idosos?

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the Mental Health Literacy of young and aged men living in Brazil in the COVID-19 pandemic context. METHOD: a qualitative study conducted with 87 men by means of an asynchronous online survey. The data were processed in the NVIVO12® software, structured with the Collective Subject Discourse method and analyzed through Anthony Jorm's theoretical concept of Mental Health Literacy. RESULTS: six central ideas emerged from the analysis of a synthesis discourse on the components of the Mental Health Literacy, namely: Ability to recognize specific disorders or different types of psychological distress; Knowledge and beliefs about risk factors and causes; Knowledge and beliefs about self-help interventions; Knowledge and beliefs about available professional help; Attitudes that facilitate recognition and the search for adequate help; and Knowledge on how to seek information on mental health. CONCLUSION: there are differences in the mental health literacy of young and aged men living in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aged men were more competent for mental health care management and protection than young men, in relation to the Mental Health Literacy levels.

Pre-clinical evaluation of LASSBio-1491: From in vitro pharmacokinetic study to in vivo leishmanicidal activity.

Leishmaniasis is a public health issue. It is among the top five parasitic illnesses worldwide and is one of the most neglected diseases. The current treatment disease includes limitations of toxicity, variable efficacy, high costs and inconvenient doses and treatment schedules. LASSBio-1736 was described as antileishmanial drug-candidate to cutaneous leishmaniasis, displaying plasma stability and with no preliminary signals of hepatic or renal toxicity. In this paper, we described the in vitro pharmacokinetic study of LASSBio-1491 (a less lipophilic isostere of LASSBio-1736) and it is in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal activities. Our results demonstrated that LASSBio-1491 has high permeability, satisfactory aqueous solubility, long plasma and microsomal half-lives and low in vitro systemic clearance, suggesting a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for its use in a single daily dose. The antileishmanial effect of LASSBio-1491 was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. It exhibited no cytotoxic effect to mammalian cells and displayed good in -vivo effect against BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania major LV39 substrain, being 3 times more efficient than glucantime.

Antarctic organisms as a source of antimicrobial compounds: a patent review.

Currently, antimicrobial resistance has become a global public health problem, which has made the need for new antimicrobial compounds to deal with resistant infections an emergency. However, environments that once offered so many innovative molecules, now already exhaustively exploited, do not meet this need. In this context, a geographically isolated, under-explored and extreme environment, such as Antarctica, which holds organisms with unique physiological and biochemical characteristics, assumes great importance as a potential source of new compounds with antimicrobial activity. In this patent review, we investigate the state of technological development in the field of antimicrobial compounds obtained from Antarctic organisms, highlighting the main countries and researchers active in the field, the species utilized, the compounds obtained, and their possible therapeutic applications. As results, few patent documents were found, however they encompass a wide diversity of compounds and species, indicating a great antimicrobial potential present in Antarctic biota, including compounds active against the most important human pathogenic microorganisms, such as including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. and multi-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Furthermore, due to the increasing trend in patent applications, a significant rise in the number of patents in this area is expected in the coming years.

Interaction between Work and Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical condition and a relevant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases; it occurs as a result of lifestyle factors, e.g., work. The aim of this research was to estimate the interaction between work and MS among primary health care (PHC) nursing professionals in the state of Bahia, Brazil. A sectional multicentered study carried out in 43 municipalities in Bahia, whose study population consisted of nursing professionals. The exposure variables were occupation, professional exhaustion, and working time, and the outcome variable was MS. Interaction measures based on the additivity criteria were verified by calculating the excess risks due to the interactions and according to the proportion of cases attributed to the interactions and the synergy index. The global MS prevalence is 24.4%. There was a greater magnitude in the exposure group regarding the three investigated factors (average level occupation, professional exhaustion, and working time in PHC for more than 5 years), reaching an occurrence of 44.9% when compared to the prevalence of 13.1% in the non-exposure group (academic education, without professional burnout, and working time in PHC for up to 5 years). The study's findings showed a synergistic interaction of work aspects for MS occurrence among PHC nursing professionals.

Extracellular hydrolytic enzymes produced by yeasts from Antarctic lichens.

In the Antarctic environment, yeasts are versatile eukaryotes that have shown wide dispersion in different substrates, producing active enzymes in extreme conditions, but their relevance in biotechnological applications is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of extracellular hydrolases by yeasts isolated from Antarctic lichens and molecularly identify these isolates. From a total of 144 isolates on the screening, 109 (76%) produced at least one of the hydrolases tested, with most activities for proteases 59 (41%), cellulases 58 (40%), esterases 57 (39%), lipases 29 (20%), amylases 23 (16%) and pectinases 20 (14%). Among these isolates, 76 were identified, most belonged to the phylum Basidiomycota (n=73) with the dominance of Vishniacozyma victoriae (n=27), Cystobasidium alpinum (n=3), Mrakia niccombsii (n=3), Cystobasidium laryngis (n=2), Bannozyma yamatoana (n=2), Holtermanniella nyarrowii (n=2), and Glaciozyma martinii (n=2). This study is the first one reporting extracellular enzyme production by yeasts isolated from thallus of the species of Antarctic lichens Lecania brialmontii, Polycauliona candelaria, Usnea capillacea, Cladonia metacorallifera, and Polycauliona regalis. With these data, it's possible to confirm lichens as a source of hydrolase-producing yeasts, reinforcing the potential of these microorganisms in bioprospecting studies of catalytic molecules from polar regions that may be useful in promising biotechnological applications.

Can inflammasomes promote the pathophysiology of glioblastoma multiforme? A view about the potential of the anti-inflammasome therapy as pharmacological target.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor with one of the worst general survivorship cases among the existing neoplasia. This aggressiveness is due to its complex molecular heterogeneity, immunohistochemistry and genetics. The current therapeutic approach brings little contribution to the improvement of the survival of the patients. Due to that, new forms of treatment have been explored, one of them being immunotherapy. In this aspect, the inflammasome pathway, which induces inflammation and immunosuppressive tumor response, contributing to the progression of the tumor, seems to be a new alternative to improve the treatment efficacy and the survival of the patients.

Antarctic environments as a source of bacterial and fungal therapeutic enzymes.

Microbial therapeutic enzymes are the protagonists in the pharmacological treatment of different human diseases. The intrinsic enzymatic characteristics, such as high affinity and specificity to the corresponding substrate, enable effective therapies, with minimal adverse effects and complete remission. However, immunogenicity, short half-life, low enzymatic yield, and low selectivity regarding available enzyme drugs are currently the main obstacles to their development and the broad adherence to therapeutic protocols. By harboring adapted and still unexplored microbial life, environments of extreme conditions, such as Antarctica, become especially important in the prospecting and development of new enzymatic compounds that present higher yields and the possibility of genetic improvement. Antarctic microorganisms have adaptation mechanisms, such as more fluid cell membranes, production of antifreeze proteins and enzymes with more malleable structures, more robust, stable, selective catalytic sites for their respective substrates, and high antioxidant capacity. In this context, this review aims to explore enzymes synthesized by bacteria and fungi from Antarctica as potential drug producers, capable of providing therapeutic efficacy, less adverse effects, and lower production costs with highlight to L-Asparaginase, collagenase, superoxide dismutase and ribonucleases. In addition, this review highlights the unique biotechnological profile of these Antarctic extremophile microorganisms.