Fungi: friends or foes-an outreach science initiative for the collection of airborne fungal spores by high school students.

Fungi mostly reproduce through spores that are adapted for airborne dispersal; hence, fungal spores (and fungi) are found virtually everywhere. Fungi can be "friends or foes." Our friends include fungi used in the food and biotech industries, fungi that contribute to the cycling of carbon and nutrients, and those involved in the decontamination of polluted soils and/or water, to mention just a few examples. Many species, however, are foes-they are detrimental to plants, animals, and/or humans. Annually, >1.5 million people die due to invasive fungal infections. With the aim of enhancing microbiology literacy and the understanding of microbial concepts, we set up a project for the collection of airborne spores (the principal agent through which human airways are exposed to fungi). Students from five high schools in the Oeiras municipality partnered with us as citizen scientists; they carried out sampling by collecting fungal spores on adhesive stickers. The fungal spores collected by the students were subsequently processed in the schools and our research laboratory. Results obtained by the students themselves revealed a large variety of fungal species capable of growing in a rich medium at 30°C. In the research laboratory, using selective isolation conditions, 40 thermotolerant fungi were isolated, 32 of which were taxonomically identified as aspergilla, mostly from within the Aspergillus fumigatus taxa, yet exhibiting high genetic heterogeneity. The protocols and results were presented to the students, who were made aware of the local dispersal of airborne fungal spores, including some from potentially pathogenic fungi. Through carrying out scientific activities, the students developed both the interest and the self-confidence needed to implement future environmental investigations.

Lower calcium and iron intake in adolescent gymnasts: A case of concern for youth sports nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Diet is important for the appropriate development and maturation of young amateur athletes. The aim of this study was to determine whether young gymnasts were consuming adequate amounts of nutrients, particularly calcium and iron. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Portugal's Almada and Lisbon regions in 2020. To determine if participants' diet was adequate, weight, height, and skinfold measurements were taken. Dietary consumption was examined using two 24-h recalls. We collected data from 66 participants (60% females, 12-18 y of age), of whom 82% had normal weight and 39% had ideal body fat. RESULTS: The daily total energy intake (TEI) was1605 ± 601 kcal. Of the TEI, 19%, 31%, and 50% were comprised of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, respectively. The most often consumed protein sources were poultry and ultra-processed meat products (52% and 45%, respectively). The average daily consumption of calcium and iron was 626 ± 293 and 9 ± 3 mg, respectively. Only 2 of the 66 participants had calcium intake within recommended levels, and 1of 5 had iron intake within recommended levels, the percentage of which was lower in girls than boys (7.5% versus 38.5%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite having a sufficient macronutrient distribution, Portuguese gymnasts consume a high amount of ultra-processed items and a low amount of calcium and iron. The low proportion of female gymnasts with adequate iron consumption is cause for worry in sports nutrition.

"Hora do colinho": colo como terapia humanizada para recém-nascidos de unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatal / "Colinho time": colo as humanized therapy for newborns / "Colinho time": colo como terapia humanizada para recién nacidos

Objetivo: Relatar a importância da oferta do colo para recén nascidos que estão em uma Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários Neonatal com vínculo materno ou familiar rompido pelo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato experiência embasado na implantação do projeto "hora do colinho" em um hospital público de referência, localizado na cidade de João Pessoa/Paraíba. Resultados: Foi observado que a oferta do colo não tinha impacto apenas na redução do estresse e da dor nos recémnascidos, mas no ganho ponderal do peso à medida que o gasto de energia era minimizado através da diminuição do choro. O tempo de permanência na unidade influenciado pelo peso também sofreu decréscimo ao se comparar com os meses anteriores ao estudo. Conclusão: A hora do colinho proporcionou o fortalecimento do acolhimento em ambientes que são notoriamente reconhecidos como estressantes, tanto para pacientes quanto para profissionais. Ampliou-se a humanização na assistência de enfermagem neonatal durante o período pandêmico e o relacionamento entre equipe e familiares dos recém nascidos. (AU)

Objective: To report the importance of offering the cervix for newborns who are in a Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit with a maternal or family bond broken by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Methods: This is a descriptive study of the experience report type, based on the implementation of the "colo time" project in a public reference hospital, located in the city of João Pessoa/Paraíba. Results: It was observed that the offer of the cervix had an impact not only on reducing stress and pain in newborns, but on the weight gain in weight as energy expenditure was minimized through the reduction of crying. The length of stay in the unit influenced by weight also decreased when compared to the months prior to the study. Conclusion: Colinho time provided the strengthening of reception in environments that are notoriously recognized as stressful, both for patients and professionals. The humanization of neonatal nursing care during the pandemic period and the relationship between the team and the newborns' families was expanded. (AU)

Objetivo: Informar sobre la importancia de ofrecer toque y regazo a los RN que se encuentran en una Unidad de Cuidados Intermedios Neonatales y que tuvieron sus vínculos maternos os familiares quebrantados por el SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo del tipo relato de experiencia, basado en la implementación del proyecto "tiempo colinho" en una Unidad de Atención Neonatal Intermedia en un hospital público de referencia para Covid-19, ubicado en la ciudad de João Pessoa, Paraíba. Resultados: Se observó que la oferta del cérvix no solo incidió en la reducción del estrés y el dolor en los recién nacidos, sino en el aumento de peso en peso ya que se minimizó el gasto energético a través de la reducción del llanto. En consecuencia, la estancia en la unidad influida por el peso también disminuyó con respecto a los últimos meses previos a este estudio. Conclusión: colinho time proporcionó el fortalecimiento de la recepción en entornos notoriamente reconocidos como estresantes tanto para pacientes como para profesionales. Además, amplió la humanización de los cuidados de enfermería neonatal durante el período pandémico y posibilitó la relación entre el equipo y las familias de los RN, brindando oportunidades para un mayor vínculo entre ellos, sin mencionar claramente una mayor implicación entre profesionales y pacientes. (AU)

Does Fetal Growth Adequacy Affect the Nutritional Composition of Mothers' Milk?: A Historical Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the association between intrauterine growth of preterm infants and energy and macronutrient contents in their mothers' milk. STUDY DESIGN: A historical cohort of mothers of preterm infants was assessed according to offspring's intrauterine growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as small-for-gestational age or appropriate for gestational age with fetal growth deceleration. During the first 4 weeks after delivery, the composition of daily pool samples of mothers' milk was measured by using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. Explanatory models for milk energy, true protein, total carbohydrate, and fat contents were obtained by generalized additive mixed effects regression models. RESULTS: In total, 127 milk samples were analyzed from 73 mothers who delivered 92 neonates. Energy content was significantly higher in mothers with chronic hypertension (average: +6.28 kcal/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-12.01; p = 0.034) and for extremely preterm compared with very preterm infants (average: +5.95 kcal/dL; 95% CI: 2.16-9.73; p = 0.003), and weakly associated with single pregnancies (average: +3.38 kcal/dL; 95% CI: 0.07-6.83; p = 0.057). True protein content was significantly higher in mothers with chronic hypertension (average: +0.91 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.63-1.19; p < 0.001) and with hypertension induced by pregnancy (average: +0.25 g/dL, 95% CI: 0.07-0.44; p = 0.007), and for extremely preterm compared with very and moderate preterm infants (average: +0.19; 95% CI: 0.01-0.38; p = 0.043 and +0.28 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.05-0.51; p = 0.017, respectively). Fat content was weakly and negatively associated with FGR, both in SGA infants and AGA infants with fetal growth deceleration (average: -0.44 g/dL; 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.05; p = 0.079 and average: -0.36 g/dL; 95% CI: -0.74 to -0.02; p = 0.066, respectively). CONCLUSION: Energy and macronutrient contents in mothers' milk of preterm infants was significantly and positively associated with the degree of prematurity and hypertension. The hypothesis that the composition of milk is associated with FGR was not demonstrated. KEY POINTS: · Energy and protein are higher for more immature infants.. · Energy and/or protein is higher in hypertension.. · Fat may be lower for infants with intrauterine growth restriction..

Nutritional senolytics and senomorphics: Implications to immune cells metabolism and aging - from theory to practice.

Aging is a natural physiological process, but one that poses major challenges in an increasingly aging society prone to greater health risks such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, frailty, increased susceptibility to infection, and reduced response to vaccine regimens. The loss of capacity for cell regeneration and the surrounding tissue microenvironment itself is conditioned by genetic, metabolic, and even environmental factors, such as nutrition. The senescence of the immune system (immunosenescence) represents a challenge, especially when associated with the presence of age-related chronic inflammation (inflammaging) and affecting the metabolic programming of immune cells (immunometabolism). These aspects are linked to poorer health outcomes and therefore present an opportunity for host-directed interventions aimed at both eliminating senescent cells and curbing the underlying inflammation. Senotherapeutics are a class of drugs and natural products that delay, prevent, or reverse the senescence process - senolytics; or inhibit senescence-associated secretory phenotype - senomorphics. Natural senotherapeutics from food sources - nutritional senotherapeutics - may constitute an interesting way to achieve better age-associated outcomes through personalized nutrition. In this sense, the authors present herein a framework of nutritional senotherapeutics as an intervention targeting immunosenescence and immunometabolism, identifying research gaps in this area, and gathering information on concluded and ongoing clinical trials on this subject. Also, we present future directions and ideation for future clinical possibilities in this field.

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.: A Multi-Benefit Potential to Be Exploited.

Consumer interest in foods with enhanced nutritional quality has increased in recent years. The nutritional and bioactive characterization of fruits and their byproducts, as well as their use in the formulation of new food products, is advisable, contributing to decrease the global concerns related to food waste and food security. Moreover, the compounds present in these raw materials and the study of their biological properties can promote health and help to prevent some chronic diseases. Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (prickly pear) is a plant that grows wild in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, being a food source for ones and a potential for others, but not properly valued. This paper carries out an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of prickly pear and its constituents, as well as its main biological activities and applications. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Many of its natural compounds have interesting biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial. The antioxidant power of prickly pear makes it a good candidate as an ingredient of new food products with fascinating properties for health promotion and/or to be used as natural extracts for food, pharmaceutic or cosmetic applications. In addition, it could be a key player in food security in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, where there are often no more plants.

Host-directed therapies for COVID-19.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-induced hyperinflammation is a major cause of death or end-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. We review adjunct host-directed therapies (HDTs) for COVID-19 management. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as HDT for COVID-19 has been shown to be safe in phase 1 and 2 trials. Trials of anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies show promising mortality benefit in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Repurposed drugs and monoclonal antibodies targeting specific cytokines acting on different aspects of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades are under evaluation. SUMMARY: A range of HDTs shows promise for reducing mortality and improving long term disability in patients with severe COVID-19, and require evaluation in randomized, controlled trials.

Immunometabolism: new insights and lessons from antigen-directed cellular immune responses.

Modulation of immune responses by nutrients is an important area of study in cellular biology and clinical sciences in the context of cancer therapies and anti-pathogen-directed immune responses in health and disease. We review metabolic pathways that influence immune cell function and cellular persistence in chronic infections. We also highlight the role of nutrients in altering the tissue microenvironment with lessons from the tumor microenvironment that shapes the quality and quantity of cellular immune responses. Multiple layers of biological networks, including the nature of nutritional supplements, the genetic background, previous exposures, and gut microbiota status have impact on cellular performance and immune competence against molecularly defined targets. We discuss how immune metabolism determines the differentiation pathway of antigen-specific immune cells and how these insights can be explored to devise better strategies to strengthen anti-pathogen-directed immune responses, while curbing unwanted, non-productive inflammation.

Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A comprehensive review of the evidence.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered the most common behavioural disorder in school-age children. ADHD is a complex and multifactorial disorder characterised by a variety of symptoms, including concentration problems, excessive motor activity and impulsivity which interferes with execution of simple school tasks. Diagnosis has been essentially subjective, since no specific laboratory tests are available. However, ADHD remains overdiagnosed, probably due to social pressures for children to be successful in school from an early age, which leads parents to seek medical support. Although therapeutic approaches for ADHD have been essentially pharmacologic, in recent years several studies were performed to investigate the role of nutrition, especially omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega 3-PUFA), in the development and treatment of this disorder. In this review, the authors gathered the most relevant evidence regarding omega 3-PUFA, mainly docosahexaenoic acid, as coadjutant or as a single therapy, in the management of ADHD symptoms. The authors also reviewed this disorder's current medical and therapeutic features.

Effects of red wine, grape juice and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters of Wistar rats submitted to high-fat diet and physical training / Efectos del consumo de vino rojo, jugo de uva y reservatrol sobre los parámetros óseos de las ratas Wistar presentadas con dieta rica en grasas y entrenamiento físico

Introduction: intake of diets with high saturated fat may produce deleterious effects on bone mineralization. Lifestyle changes help reduce the bone loss observed in osteoporosis. Resveratrol, present in grape juice and red wine, has osteogenic and osteoinductive effects, being potentially beneficial for bone health. Objective: to evaluate the effects of red grape juice, red wine and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters in Wistar rats submitted to a high-fat diet and physical training. Method: female Wistar rats, with 90 days of age, were divided into five groups and followed up for 60 days: a) control group; b) high-fat group; c) grape juice group; d) red wine group; and e) resveratrol group. The different groups of animals performed a physical training protocol. Animal's weight and consumption were monitored weekly. After 60 days, femoral dimensions, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated. Results: there was no difference in body mass; however, all groups consuming the high-fat diet had higher consumption (p < 0.05). RWG presented a greater distance between the epiphyses, femoral mass and BMC (p < 0.05). RWG and RG presented greater mean diaphysis point width and BMD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the results suggest that the bioactive compounds present in red wine and resveratrol solution together with regular exercise were able to promote beneficial effects on bone health, even when associated with a high saturated fat diet

Introducción: el consumo de dietas ricas en grasas saturadas puede producir efectos nocivos sobre la mineralización ósea. Los cambios en el estilo de vida ayudan en la reducción de la pérdida ósea que se produce en la osteoporosis. El resveratrol, presente en el zumo de uva y el vino tinto, tiene efectos osteogénicos y osteoinductores, y es potencialmente beneficioso para la salud ósea. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos del consumo de zumo de uva roja, vino tinto y resveratrol sobre los parámetros óseos en ratas sometidas a una dieta alta en grasa y entrenamiento físico. Métodos: ratas Wistar, hembras, con 90 días, fueron divididas en cinco grupos y monitorizadas durante 60 días: a) grupo de control; b) grupo hiperlipidemia; c) grupo zumo de uva roja; d) grupo de vino tinto; y e) grupo de resveratrol. Los distintos grupos de animales fueron sometidos a un protocolo de entrenamiento físico. El peso y el consumo de los animales se monitorizaron semanalmente. Después de 60 días, se evaluaron el tamaño del fémur, la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y el contenido mineral óseo (CMO). Resultados: no hubo diferencias en el consumo, sin embargo, todos los grupos que consumieron la dieta rica en grasas tenían un mayor consumo (p < 0,05). GV tenía una mayor distancia entre las epífisis, mayor tamaño del fémur y un mayor CMO (p < 0,05). SGS y GR tenía mayor anchura media de diáfisis y una mayor DMO (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que los compuestos bioactivos presentes en el vino tinto y la solución de resveratrol, combinados con el ejercicio físico regular, fueron capaces de promover efectos beneficiosos sobre la salud ósea, incluso cuando se asocian con una dieta alta en grasas saturadas

Effects of red wine, grape juice and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters of Wistar rats submitted to high-fat diet and physical training.

INTRODUCTION: intake of diets with high saturated fat may produce deleterious effects on bone mineralization. Lifestyle changes help reduce the bone loss observed in osteoporosis. Resveratrol, present in grape juice and red wine, has osteogenic and osteoinductive effects, being potentially beneficial for bone health. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effects of red grape juice, red wine and resveratrol consumption on bone parameters in Wistar rats submitted to a high-fat diet and physical training. METHOD: female Wistar rats, with 90 days of age, were divided into five groups and followed up for 60 days: a) control group; b) high-fat group; c) grape juice group; d) red wine group; and e) resveratrol group. The different groups of animals performed a physical training protocol. Animal's weight and consumption were monitored weekly. After 60 days, femoral dimensions, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were evaluated. RESULTS: there was no difference in body mass; however, all groups consuming the high-fat diet had higher consumption (p < 0.05). RWG presented a greater distance between the epiphyses, femoral mass and BMC (p < 0.05). RWG and RG presented greater mean diaphysis point width and BMD (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the results suggest that the bioactive compounds present in red wine and resveratrol solution together with regular exercise were able to promote beneficial effects on bone health, even when associated with a high saturated fat diet.

Neurokinin-1 receptor, a new modulator of lymphangiogenesis in obese-asthma phenotype.

AIMS: Obesity and asthma are widely prevalent and associated disorders. Recent studies of our group revealed that Substance P (SP) is involved in pathophysiology of obese-asthma phenotype in mice through its selective NK1 receptor (NK1-R). Lymphangiogenesis is impaired in asthma and obesity, and SP activates contractile and inflammatory pathways in lymphatics. Our aim was to study whether NK1-R expression was involved in lymphangiogenesis on visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues and in the lungs, in obese-allergen sensitized mice. MAIN METHODS: Diet-induced obese and ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized Balb/c mice were treated with a selective NK1-R antagonist (CJ 12,255, Pfizer Inc., USA) or placebo. Lymphatic structures (LYVE-1+) and NK1-R expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. A semi-quantitative score methodology was used for NK1-R expression. KEY FINDINGS: Obesity and allergen-sensitization together increased the number of LYVE-1+ lymphatics in VAT and decreased it in SAT and lungs. NK1-R was mainly expressed on adipocyte membranes of VAT, blood vessel areas of SAT, and in lung epithelium. Obesity and allergen-sensitization combined increased the expression of NK1-R in VAT, SAT and lungs. NK1-R antagonist treatment reversed the effects observed in lymphangiogenesis in those tissues. SIGNIFICANCE: The obese-asthma phenotype in mice is accompanied by increased expression of NK1-R on adipose tissues and lung epithelium, reflecting that SP released during inflammation may act directly on these tissues. Blocking NK1-R affects lymphangiogenesis, implying a role of SP, with opposite physiological consequences in VAT, and in SAT and lungs. Our results provide a clue for a novel SP role in the obese-asthma phenotype.

Neurogenic inflammation in allergen-challenged obese mice: A missing link in the obesity-asthma association?

AIM: A number of studies have shown an association between obesity and asthma. Controversy remains on the mechanisms supporting this association. In this study we aimed to assess neurogenic inflammation in a model of diet-induced obesity and allergen-challenged mice. METHODS: High fat diet-induced (HFD) obese Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Glucose, insulin, OVA-specific IgE and substance P (SP), and the main tachykinin involved in neurogenic inflammation, were quantified in sera. Cell counts were performed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The extent of peribronchial infiltrates was estimated on lung tissue sections and inflammation was score based on inflammatory cell counts surrounding the bronchi. RESULTS: Obesity per se and allergen-sensitization per se increased serum SP (P = .027, P = .004, respectively). Further increased was observed in obese-sensitized mice (P = .007). Obese-sensitized mice also showed higher insulin (P = .0016), OVA-specific IgE (P = .016), peribronchial inflammatory score (P = .045), and tendency for higher glycemia. The interaction of obesity and asthma on SP levels was confirmed (P = .005, R(2) = 0.710). SP was positively correlated with metabolic (glycemia, r = 0.539, P = .007) and allergic inflammation parameters (BALF eosinophils, r = 0.445, P = 0.033; BALF mast cells, r = 0.574, P = .004; peribronchial inflammation score, r = 0.661, P < .001; and OVA-specific IgE, r = 0.714, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide support to the neurogenic inflammation link between obesity and asthma in mice. These two conditions independently increased SP and the presence of both pathologies further increased this level. Neurogenic inflammation may be a previously unrecognized mechanism beyond the obese-asthma phenotype. Further studies are need to confirm this role of SP in human obesity-asthma association.

Prognostic value of unrelated atypical serum immunofixation patterns during multiple myeloma therapy.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the gold standard therapy for suitable multiple myeloma (MM) patients after induction with high dose therapy. To date, the evidence of a reliable marker of prognosis in these cases remains scarce. Our aim was to evaluate appearance of unrelated atypical serum immunofixation patterns (ASIPs) as a marker of prognosis in MM patients submitted to ASCT. We retrospectively analysed data from 65 patients. Interestingly, we observed that presence of ASIPs was associated with longer progression-free survival and longer overall survival. Our results suggested that presence of ASIPs could be a novel marker of good prognosis in MM patients submitted to ASCT.

Tachykinin receptors antagonism for asthma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Tachykinins substance P, neurokinin A and neurokinin B seem to account for asthma pathophysiology by mediating neurogenic inflammation and several aspects of lung mechanics. These neuropeptides act mainly by their receptors NK1, NK2 and NK3, respectively which may be targets for new asthma therapy. METHODS: This review systematically examines randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of tachykinins receptors antagonism on asthma. Symptoms, airway inflammation, lung function and airway inflammation were considered as outcomes. We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialized Register of Asthma Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE. The search is as current as June 2010. Quality rating of included studies followed the Cochrane Collaboration and GRADE Profiler approaches. However, data were not pooled together due to different measures among the studies. RESULTS: Our systematic review showed the potential of NK receptor antagonist to decrease airway responsiveness and to improve lung function. However, effects on airway inflammation and asthma symptoms were poorly or not described. CONCLUSION: The limited available evidence suggests that tachykinin receptors antagonists may decrease airway responsiveness and improve lung function in patients with asthma. Further large randomized trials are still required.

Comparative study of technique to obtain stem cells from bone marrow collection between the iliac crest and the femoral epiphysis in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To assess the technique for the collection of rabbit bone marrow stem cells from different regions to be used as an experimental model in regenerative medicine. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were allocated into 2 groups: GROUP A, n=8, animals that underwent bone marrow blood (BMB) harvesting from the iliac crest; and GROUP B: including 22 rabbits that underwent BMB harvesting from the femur epiphysis. After harvesting, mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation (Ficoll - Histopaque). The number of mononuclear cells per ml was counted in a Neubauer chamber and cell viability was checked through Tripan Blue method. RESULTS: Harvesting from the iliac crest yielded an average of 1 ml of BMB and 3,6.10(6) cells/ml over 1 hour of surgery, whereas an average of 3ml of BMB and 11,79.10(6) cells./ml were obtained in 30 min from the femur epiphysis with a reduced animal death rate. CONCLUSION: The analysis for the obtention of a larger number of mononuclear cells/ml from rabbit bone marrow blood was more satisfactory in the femur epiphysis than in the iliac crest.

Comparative study of technique to obtain stem cells from bone marrow collection between the iliac crest and the femoral epiphysis in rabbits / Estudo comparativo da técnica para a obtenção de células tronco pela coleta de medula óssea entre a crista ilíaca e epífise do fêmur em coelhos

PURPOSE: To assess the technique for the collection of rabbit bone marrow stem cells from different regions to be used as an experimental model in regenerative medicine. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were allocated into 2 groups: GROUP A, n=8, animals that underwent bone marrow blood (BMB) harvesting from the iliac crest; and GROUP B: including 22 rabbits that underwent BMB harvesting from the femur epiphysis. After harvesting, mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation (Ficoll - Histopaque). The number of mononuclear cells per ml was counted in a Neubauer chamber and cell viability was checked through Tripan Blue method. RESULTS: Harvesting from the iliac crest yielded an average of 1 ml of BMB and 3,6.10(6) cells/ml over 1 hour of surgery, whereas an average of 3ml of BMB and 11,79.10(6) cells./ml were obtained in 30 min from the femur epiphysis with a reduced animal death rate. CONCLUSION: The analysis for the obtention of a larger number of mononuclear cells/ml from rabbit bone marrow blood was more satisfactory in the femur epiphysis than in the iliac crest.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a técnica mais promissora para a coleta de células tronco adultas de medula óssea de coelhos para a utilização do mesmo como modelo experimental na medicina regenerativa. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 30 coelhos divididos em 2 grupos: GRUPO A, n=8, onde realizamos a coleta de sangue de medula óssea (MO) da crista ilíaca e grupo B, n=22, onde realizamos a coleta de sangue da medula óssea da epífise do fêmur. Após as coletas, realizamos a separação das células mononucleadas através do gradiente de densidade (Ficoll-Hystopaque). Através da câmara de Neubauer realizamos a contagem das células mononucleadas por ml. Testamos a viabilidade celular através do método Tripan Blue. RESULTADOS: Na coleta de sangue de MO na crista ilíaca obtivemos a média de 1 ml durante 1 hora de procedimento cirúrgico, obtendo a quantidade de 3,6 .10(6) células/ml, enquanto que a punção na epífise do fêmur obtivemos a média de 3 ml durante 30 minutos de procedimento cirúrgico obtendo a quantidade de 11,79.10(6) cél./ml diminuindo o óbito dos animais. CONCLUSÃO: A análise para a obtenção de maior número de células mononucleadas/ml de sangue de medula óssea de coelho foi mais satisfatória na região da epífise do fêmur em comparação com a crista ilíaca.

Morbid obesity and inflammation: a prospective study after adjustable gastric banding surgery.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory status underlying obesity seems to be implicated in several aspects of metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between weight loss achieved by laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) surgery, chronic inflammatory markers, and nutritional state. METHODS: Thirty-two morbid obese females were enrolled in the study and evaluated at baseline, 1 and 18 months after LAGB surgery. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, total proteins, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin, ferritin, and transferrin soluble receptor were evaluated. In addition, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting glucose were also evaluated. RESULTS: In average, patients presented 18.7% and 63.2% excess body weight loss 1 and 18 months after LAGB, respectively (p < 0.01). CRP and total cholesterol mean levels were elevated (1.03 +/- 1.11 mg dL(-1) and 2.02 +/- 0.41 g L(-1)) at the presurgery study. CRP mean levels were significantly reduced when compared to reference range (p < 0.01) 18 months after the LAGB surgery. Prealbumin as well as serum total protein mean levels decreased 1 month after surgery (p < 0.01) and values returned to normal at 18 months after surgery. Albumin mean levels showed an increase during the postsurgery evaluations. Serum IgA and IgM concentrations were significantly increased at 1 month after surgery compared to baseline (p < 0.01, both cases). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that amelioration of inflammatory markers after LAGB does not seem to negatively impact nutritional status following weight reduction surgery. However, careful attention should be driven to serum IgA. Adequacy of nutritional intake and complete serial laboratory measurements should be always included in the required life-long follow-up of patients surgically treated for morbid obesity.