New phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors present airways relaxant activity in a guinea pig acute asthma model.

Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation and hyper responsiveness of airways. We aimed to assess the relaxant potential of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors N-sulfonilhidrazonic derivatives on non-asthmatic and asthmatic guinea pig trachea. Firstly, guinea pigs were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin, and then morphological, and contractile changes were evaluated resulting from asthma, followed by evaluation of relaxant effect of derivatives on guinea pig trachea and the cAMP levels measurement by ELISA. It has been evidenced hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle, inflammatory infiltrate, and vascular abnormalities. Moreover, only sensitized tracheal rings were responsive to OVA. Contractile response to histamine, but not to carbachol, was greater in sensitized animals, however the relaxant response to aminophylline and isoprenaline were the same in non-asthmatics and asthmatics. N-sulfonilhidrazonic derivatives presented equipotent relaxant action independent of epithelium, with exception of LASSBio-1850 that presented a low efficacy (< 50%) and LASSBio-1847 with a 4-fold higher potency on asthmatics. LASSBio-1847 relaxant curve was impaired in the presence of propranolol and potentiated by isoprenaline in both groups. Furthermore, relaxation was potentiated 54- and 4-fold by forskolin in non-asthmatics and asthmatics, respectively. Likewise, LASSBio-1847 potentiated relaxant curve of aminophylline 147- and 4-fold in both groups. The PKA inhibitor H-89 impaired the relaxant potency of the derivative. Finally, LASSBio-1847 increased tracheal intracellular cAMP levels similarly to rolipram, selective PDE4 inhibitor, in both animals. LASSBio-1847 showed to be promising to relax guinea pig trachea from non-sensitized and sensitized guinea pigs by activation of ß2-adrenergic receptors/AC/cAMP pathway.

Construction and validation of educational videos for adolescents with Down Syndrome based on health literacy - LISA Down Program / Construção e validação de vídeos educativos para adolescentes com síndrome de down fundamentados no letramento em saúde - Programa LISA Down

Abstract Objectives: to construct and validate educational videos as part of the LISA Down Program - Literacy and Innovation in Health for Adolescents with Down Syndrome. Methods: this is a methodological study of construction and validation of educational videos based on health literacy designed for adolescents with Down syndrome, assisted by an Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE) (Association of Parents and Friends of the Exceptional) located in the Northeast of Brazil. The stages of construction and validation of the vídeos were: pre-production, production and post-production. The storyboards were prepared according to the fundamentals of health literacy and validated by seven expert judges. Subsequently, the storyboards were transformed into videos (production) and these were evaluated by 13 adolescents with Down Syndrome (postproduction). Results: the storyboards totaled 248 scenes, ranging from 39 to 67 scenes each, were approved by the judges with percentages of agreement ranging from 94% to 100%. The vídeos recorded were approved by adolescentes with Down syndrome, in agreement of percentages ranging from 79.17% to 83.33%. Conclusion: the educational vídeos were validated and well evaluated and, therefore, can be used among adolescents in social spaces in which the focus of attention is adolescentes with Down syndrome.

Resumo Objetivos: construir e validar vídeos educativos como parte do Programa LISA Down- Letramento e Inovação em Saúde para Adolescentes com Síndrome de Down. Métodos: trata-se de estudo metodológico de construção e validação de vídeos educativos fundamentados no letramento em saúde arquitetados para adolescentes com síndrome de Down, atendidos por uma Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais (APAE), localizada no Nordeste brasileiro. As etapas da construção e validação dos vídeos foram: pré-produção, produção e pósprodução. Os storyboards foram elaborados de acordo com os fundamentos do letramento em saúde e validados por sete juízes especialistas. Na sequência os storyboards foram transformados em vídeos (produção) e estes foram avaliados por 13 adolescentes com Síndrome de Down (pós-produção). Resultados: os storyboards totalizaram 248 cenas, variando de 39 a 67 cenas cada um, foram aprovados pelos juízes com percentuais de concordância que variaram de 94% a 100%. Os vídeos gravados foram aprovados pelos adolescentes com síndrome de Down, com percentuais de concordância que variaram de 79,17% a 83,33%. Conclusão: os vídeos educativos foram validados e bem avaliados e, portanto, podem ser utilizados entre adolescentes em espaços sociais nos quais o foco da atenção sejam os adolescentes com síndrome de Down.

Necropolítica e vidas não passíveis de luto: a (re)produção midiática do inimigo / Necropolítica y vidas sin duelo: la (re)producción mediática del enemigo / Necropolitics and non-mourning lives: the enemy's media (re)production

RESUMO. Este artigo visa discutir a produção da personagem 'envolvido' pela narrativa midiática e seus efeitos na legitimação da necropolítica brasileira. Para tanto, faz uso das contribuições teóricas de Cecília Coimbra, Achille Mbembe e Judith Butler para analisar as repercussões das fake News nas redes sociais direcionadas ao jovem Marcos Vinícius da Silva, morto na favela da Maré, no Rio de Janeiro, quando ia para a escola. A maneira como esse assassinato foi tratado nas redes sociais oferece elementos para a compreensão da produção e ratificação da personagem 'envolvido' na justificação de mortes de pessoas que participaram (ou não) de situações ilícitas, colocando-os como sujeitos matáveis na atual política de gestão da morte. As considerações finais do trabalho assinalam a urgência de uma postura crítica por parte da mídia e um engajamento teórico-prático que desnaturalize a necropolítica e as relações de poder cada vez mais recrudescidas pela atual conjuntura política no Brasil.

RESUMEN. Este artículo analiza la producción del personaje 'involucrado' en la narrativa de los medios y sus efectos sobre la legitimación de la necropolítica brasileña. Para ello, utilizo las contribuciones teóricas de Cecilia Coimbra, Achille Mbembe y Judith Butler para analizar las repercusiones de las noticias falsas en las redes sociales dirigidas al joven Marcos Vinícius da Silva, quien murió en la favela Maré en Río de Janeiro mientras se dirigía a la escuela. La forma en que se trató este asesinato en las redes sociales, ofrece elementos para comprender la producción y la ratificación del personaje 'involucrado' en la justificación de la muerte de personas que participaron (o no) en situaciones ilícitas, ubicándolas como sujetos matables en la política actual de manejo de la muerte. Las consideraciones finales del trabajo apuntan a la urgencia de una actitud crítica por parte de los medios y un compromiso teórico-práctico que desnaturalice las relaciones cada vez más necropolíticas y de poder en Brasil.

ABSTRACT. This article discusses the production of the character 'involved' by the media narrative and its effects on the legitimation of the Brazilian necropolitics. To this end, we used the theoretical contributions by Cecília Coimbra, Achille Mbembe and Judith Butler to analyze the repercussions of fake news on social media directed against the young boy Marcos Vinícius da Silva, who was killed in the favela of Maré in Rio de Janeiro while on his way to school. The way this murder was addressed on social networks offers elements for understanding the production and ratification of the character 'involved' in justifying the deaths of people who participated or not in illicit situations, placing them as killable subjects in the current death management policy. The final considerations of the work point to the urgency of a critical approach by the media and a theoretical-practical engagement that denaturalizes necropolitics and the power relations increasingly intensified by the current political situation in Brazil.

Supplementation with Spirulina platensis Prevents Uterine Diseases Related to Muscle Reactivity and Oxidative Stress in Rats Undergoing Strength Training.

Strength training increases systemic oxygen consumption, causing the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, which in turn, provokes oxidative stress reactions and cellular processes that induce uterine contraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effect of Spirulina platensis (SP), an antioxidant blue algae, on the contractile and relaxation reactivity of rat uterus and the balance of oxidative stress/antioxidant defenses. Female Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (CG), trained (TG), and T + supplemented (TG50, TG100) groups. Reactivity was analyzed by AQCAD, oxidative stress was evaluated by the malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and the antioxidant capacity was measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Strength training increased contractile reactivity and decreased the pharmaco-mechanical component of relaxing reactivity in rat uterus. In addition, training decreased oxidation inhibition in the plasma and exercise increased oxidative stress in the uterine tissue; however, supplementation with algae prevented this effect and potentiated the increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study demonstrated that food supplementation prevents changes in reactivity and oxidative stress induced by strength training in a rat uterus, showing for the first time, that the uterus is a target for this exercise modality and antioxidant supplementation with S. platensis is an alternative means of preventing uterine dysfunction.

Memória da presença e desenvolvimento emocional em Winnicott / Presence memory and emotional development in Winnicott

O presente artigo busca mostrar como a constituição do si mesmo winnicottiano está ancorada na experiência de sustentação oportunizada por um ambiente suficientemente bom. Ambiente que se inscreve na experiência do bebê como uma memória da presença, assim designada por nós. Essa memória da presença constitui-se nas marcas da presença materna que o bebê já é capaz de sentir e confiar, pelas repetidas experiências em que ele pôde se retirar do mundo "objetivo" tranquilamente, retornando ao seu mundo subjetivo, no descanso e relaxamento propiciados por um ambiente adaptado à sua necessidade de criação do mundo, vivendo a ilusão de onipotência na relação primitiva mãe-bebê. Discutimos ainda como o paciente constituído pela memória da presença poderá apresentar necessidades especificas na clínica, por meio da regressão à dependência.

This paper aims to show how the constitution of the Winnicottian self is grounded on the experience of support that is made possible by a good enough environment. This environment gets inscribed into the baby's experience as a memory of presence, as we call it. The memory of presence comprises marks of a mother's presence, which babies can already feel and trust, and which repeatedly allows them to make themselves calmly absent from the "objective" world, thus returning to their subjective world at state of rest and relaxation. This is rendered possible by an environment adapted to the baby's need for the creation of a world, while living under the illusion of omnipotence in the primitive mother-baby relationship. The paper also discusses how the patient constituted by the memory of presence may exhibit specific needs while in clinical sessions, by regressing to dependency.

Suckling by Schistosoma mansoni-infected mothers restored IgG2a and TGF-ß production, but not IL-6 and delayed-type hypersensitivity in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice.

INTRODUCTION: Suckling by schistosomotic mice improves anti-ovalbumin (OA) antibody production, while delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) remains unaffected. This property of milk from schistosomotic mice was investigated in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice (IL-12p40KO). METHODS: We compared anti-OA DTH, IgG2a and cytokines in wild-type and IL-12p40KO mice suckled by infected (SIM) or non-infected (CONTROL) mothers. RESULTS: SIM mice showed similar intensity and eosinophils in the DTH, which was abolished in IL-12p40KO and IL-12p40KO-SIM mice. In IL-12p40KO-SIM, IgG2a and TGF-ß levels were higher, but IL-6 levels were lower. CONCLUSIONS: Milk from schistosomotic mothers may evoke IgG2a without eliciting DTH in IL-12/IL-23 deficiencies, by changing TGF-ß/IL-6 levels.

Essential oil from Lippia microphylla Cham. modulates nitric oxide pathway and calcium influx to exert a tocolytic effect in rat uterus.

The essential oil of Lippia microphylla (LM-OE) presents several pharmacological activities. This work evaluates the tocolytic effect of LM-OE on rats. LM-OE inhibited phasic contractions and relaxed tonic contractions on rat uterus. Considering that nitric oxide (NO) pathway regulates uterine contraction, LM-OE potency was attenuated in the presence of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor and this reduction was reversed in the presence of a NOS substrate. Similarly, the relaxant potency of LM-OE was reduced in the presence of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitors. LM-OE also demonstrates a positive modulation of large and small conductance calcium-activated, voltage-gated and adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels and inhibited curves to CaCl2 as well as relaxed the uterus pre-contracted by S-(-)-Bay K8644, suggesting voltage-gated calcium channels type-1 (CaV1) blockade. Thus, the tocolytic effect of LM-OE on rat involves positive modulation of NO/NOS/sGC/PKG/K+-channels pathway and Ca2+ influx blockade through CaV1.[Formula: see text].

Tall and short-sized elephant grass genotypes: morphophysiological aspects cut-and-carry, and grazing management / Capins-elefante de porte alto e baixo: aspectos morfofisiológicos, manejo do pastejo e de capineiras

ABSTRACT: Elephant grass (pennisetum purpureum schum.) has been grown only in cut-and-carry systems for a long time. However, interest in its grazing management has been increasing because of the selection of short-sized genotypes, which have gained new relevance since 1988 with the registration of 'mott' grass. in this sense, tall and short-sized genotypes present important differences in morphology, quality and productivity; although, environmental factors also exert influence on these aspects. This review aimed to approach how the elephant grass size can influence the morphophysiological characteristics, management decisions, and exploitation of this species. the morphophysiological aspects and the elephant grass sizes are important to direct their utilization in the different production systems. The research results from previous decades suggest that the particularities of the tall-sized genotypes, such as great forage accumulation, high organic reserves content, and stem elongation, favor their management in cut-and-carry systems and industrial sectors. Conversely, the short-sized elephant grass genotypes present aspects as higher leaf proportion in the harvested forage, leaf/stem ratio, and tillering. these factors facilitate their exploitation in grazing systems.

RESUMO: O capim-elefante (pennisetum purpureum schum.) foi durante muito tempo cultivado apenas em capineiras. porém, o interesse pelo seu manejo sob pastejo vem aumentando por conta da seleção de genótipos de porte baixo, que ganhou nova relevância a partir de 1988, com o registro do capim mott. Neste sentido, genótipos de porte alto e baixo apresentam diferenças morfológicas, produtivas e qualitativas importantes, mesmo que fatores ambientais também exerçam influência sob estes aspectos. o objetivo desta revisão foi abordar como o porte do capim-elefante pode influenciar características morfofisiológicas, decisões de manejo e formas de utilização da espécie. Os aspectos morfofisiológicos e o porte do capim-elefante são importantes para direcionar sua utilização nos diferentes sistemas de produção. os resultados de pesquisa das últimas décadas sugerem que as particularidades dos genótipos de porte alto, como elevado acúmulo de forragem, reservas orgânicas e alongamento dos colmos favorecem seu manejo sob corte e sua utilização em setores industriais. já o capim-elefante de porte baixo apresenta aspectos como elevada proporção de folhas na forragem colhida, alta relação folha: colmo e elevado perfilhamento. Estes fatores facilitam sua utilização em sistemas de produção a pasto.

Suckling by Schistosoma mansoni-infected mothers restored IgG2a and TGF-β production, but not IL-6 and delayed-type hypersensitivity in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice

Abstract INTRODUCTION Suckling by schistosomotic mice improves anti-ovalbumin (OA) antibody production, while delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) remains unaffected. This property of milk from schistosomotic mice was investigated in IL-12/IL-23-deficient mice (IL-12p40KO). METHODS We compared anti-OA DTH, IgG2a and cytokines in wild-type and IL-12p40KO mice suckled by infected (SIM) or non-infected (CONTROL) mothers. RESULTS SIM mice showed similar intensity and eosinophils in the DTH, which was abolished in IL-12p40KO and IL-12p40KO-SIM mice. In IL-12p40KO-SIM, IgG2a and TGF-β levels were higher, but IL-6 levels were lower. CONCLUSIONS Milk from schistosomotic mothers may evoke IgG2a without eliciting DTH in IL-12/IL-23 deficiencies, by changing TGF-β/IL-6 levels.

TST conversions and systemic interferon-gamma increase after methotrexate introduction in psoriasis patients.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis screening in psoriasis patients is complex due to the immunological alterations associated with psoriasis, the presence of comorbidities, and the effect of immunosuppressive treatment. However, it is not established whether the results of screening tests are affected by these factors in psoriasis patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a change in the results of the tuberculin skin test (TST) or the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) in psoriasis patients living in tuberculosis (TB)-endemic area after 12 weeks of methotrexate (MTX) treatment and to investigate the association of the test results with clinical and inflammatory markers. METHODS: Forty-five patients were selected for a prospective single-arm self-controlled study and followed for at least 18 months. The TST, IGRA, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and inflammatory factors (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels), were determined before and after 12 weeks of oral 15 mg per week MTX administration and compared. The associations between the IGRA and TST results were verified before and after treatment according to inflammatory factors and clinical characteristics (age, blood glucose, weight, body mass index, disease duration, and PASI). RESULTS: We collected data on 25 patients who completed the full course of therapy and the follow-up. None of the patients developed TB. TST positivity was significantly elevated at week 12 (25% baseline vs 44% at week 12, P < 0.037). Three IGRAs followed the TST conversions. There was no difference between TST and IGRA pre- or posttreatment. Serum IFN-γ increased significantly in week 12 (15.95 pg/ml baseline vs 18.82 pg/ml at week 12, P < 0.005) and tended to be higher among TST-positive patients (P = 0.072). The baseline IGRA was associated with a higher ESR (P = 0.038). None of the test results were associated with clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the classic booster effect, TST conversions in patients using MTX can occur due to an increase in IFN-γ. However, it is not possible to exclude true TST conversions. Therefore, other diagnostic methods, like IGRA or chest tomography, should be used when the TST has intermediate results.

Endogenous endophthalmitis due to Kingella Kingae infectious endocarditis / Endoftalmite endógena por endocardite infecciosa devido a Kingella Kingae

Abstract This report presents a rare case of endogenous endophthalmitis due to Kingella kingae infectious endocarditis. Endogenous endophthalmitis is a rare condition that has a systemic underlying cause, with hematogenic dissemination of a pathogen that will eventually reach and infect the eye. In this article, we present a case of a 54-year-old woman with fever, chills and decreased visual acuity and pain in the right eye. The slit-lamp exam showed conjunctival injection, anterior chamber reaction with a great amount of fibrinous material obscuring her visual axis. Ultrasound echography revealed profuse exudates and scarce membranous formation in the posterior segment. Blood culture was positive for Kingella kingae, and the patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, along with topic dexamethasone and mydriatic. After 15 days of intravenous antibiotic therapy, the patient exhibited best visual acuity of 20/60. Endogenous endophthalmitis is an ocular emergency that demands quick diagnosis and aggressive intervention in order to preserve vision. Therefore, it is important to recognize its signs and symptoms with no retard.

Resumo O presente relato apresenta um raro caso de endoftalmite endógena por endocardite devido à Kingella kingae. Endoftalmite endógena é uma doença pouco comum com uma causa sistêmica subjacente. A disseminação hematogênica de um microrganismo infeccioso leva à infecção ocular. Nesse artigo, apresentamos o caso de uma mulher com 54 anos, febre, calafrios, baixa da acuidade visual e dor em olho direito. Ao exame na lâmpada de fenda apresentava injeção conjuntival, reação de câmara anterior e acúmulo de fibrina no eixo visual. Ultrassonografia revelou exsudatos profusos e escassa formação membranosa em segmento posterior.A hemocultura foi positiva para Kingella kingae e a paciente foi tratada com ceftriaxone venoso conjuntamente com dexametasona e midriático tópicos. Após 15 dias de terapia antibiótica endovenosa, a paciente apresentou acuidade visual corrigida de 20/60. Endoftalmite endógena é uma emergência ocular que demanda rápido diagnóstico e intervenção agressiva para preservar a visão. Portanto, é importante o reconhecimento precoce dos sinais e sintomas.

Extract of Ascaris suum induces TGF-ß and early production of IgG1 in experimental autoimmune hepatitis.

In experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) of Th1 profile, an extract of adult Ascaris suum worms (ASC) was previously found to deviate the immune response to a Th2/IL-10 pattern. Here, the effects of treatment with ASC on production of TGF-ß and the anti-Ascaris isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a in EAH were evaluated. EAH was induced in BALB/c mice, intravenously with concanavalin A. Two hours later, these animals received ASC (EAH+ASC group) or PBS vehicle (EAH group). IgG1 and IgG2a were evaluated 8 h, 24 h and 7 d after induction. TGF-ß was measured in a splenocyte culture at this last time. The isotype levels in the EAH group were low throughout the kinetics. In the EAH+ASC group, there was significant production of IgG1 at 24 h and 7 d, but of IgG2a only at 7 d. There was statistically greater production of TGF-ß in the EAH+ASC group. The higher levels of IgG1 and TGF-ß in this group suggest that an additional Th1 response control route exists in EAH, which needs to be investigated.

Whey milk proteomics from Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice reveals proteins involved in immunomodulation of the offspring.

Milk from schistosomotic mothers can modulate the immune response of their offspring. However, its characterization and potential of modulating immunity has not yet been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whey proteins from the milk of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice in order to identify the fractions which can act as potential immunomodulatory tools. For this, we did a mass spectrometry (nanoUPLC-MSE) analysis to characterize the proteomic profile of milk from infected (MIM) and non-infected mice (MNIM). It was possible to identify 29 differentially expressed proteins: 15 were only found in MIM, 10 only found in MNIM, and 4 were downregulated in MIM group. Gene Ontology (GO), pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses indicated differentially expressed proteins linked to biological processes and pathways in MIM group such as the following: fructose 1,6-biphosphate metabolic and glycolytic processes, glucose metabolism, and neutrophil degranulation pathways. The downregulated and unique proteins identified in MNIM group were involved in the positive regulation of B cell activation and receptor signaling pathway, in the innate immune response, complement activation, and phagocytosis. The present findings revealed a protein profile that may be involved in the activation and deactivation of the offspring's immune system in the long term, conferring a protective character due to the previous contact with milk from infected mothers.

Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation Prevents Airway Hyperreactivity of Guinea Pigs with Chronic Allergic Lung Inflammation by Antioxidant Mechanism.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by immune cell infiltrates, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and declining lung function. Thus, the possible effects of virgin coconut oil on a chronic allergic lung inflammation model were evaluated. Morphology of lung and airway tissue exhibited peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, and smooth muscle thickening in guinea pigs submitted to ovalbumin sensitization, which were prevented by virgin coconut oil supplementation. Additionally, in animals with lung inflammation, trachea contracted in response to ovalbumin administration, showed a greater contractile response to carbachol (CCh) and histamine, and these responses were prevented by the virgin coconut oil supplementation. Apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, did not reduce the potency of CCh, whereas tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic, reduced potency only in nonsensitized animals. Catalase reduced the CCh potency in nonsensitized animals and animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, indicating the participation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the hypercontractility, which was prevented by virgin coconut oil. In the presence of L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, the CCh curve remained unchanged in nonsensitized animals but had increased efficacy and potency in sensitized animals, indicating an inhibition of endothelial NOS but ineffective in inhibiting inducible NOS. In animals sensitized and treated with coconut oil, the CCh curve was not altered, indicating a reduction in the release of NO by inducible NOS. These data were confirmed by peribronchiolar expression analysis of iNOS. The antioxidant capacity was reduced in the lungs of animals with chronic allergic lung inflammation, which was reversed by the coconut oil, and confirmed by analysis of peribronchiolar 8-iso-PGF2α content. Therefore, the virgin coconut oil supplementation reverses peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate, epithelial hyperplasia, smooth muscle thickening, and hypercontractility through oxidative stress and its interactions with the NO pathway.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS: We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS: Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.

O processo de morrer e morte de pacientes com Covid-19: uma reflexão à luz da espiritualidade / El proceso de murir y de muerte de pacientes con Covid-19: una reflexión a la luz de la espiritualidad / The dying process and death of patients with Covid-19: a reflection in the light of spirituality

OBJETIVO: refletir sobre o processo de morrer e morte de pacientes com Covid-19 à luz da espiritualidade. DESENVOLVIMENTO: em meio à pandemia provocada pelo novo Coronavírus, mais uma vez nos defrontamos com a temida morte, com um agravante: mortes em números crescentes e marcadas pela ausência da oportunidade de um momento para despedidas, pacientes morrendo em companhia apenas dos profissionais de saúde, e os corpos seguindo direto para os cemitérios. Cabe-nos discutir um elemento pelo qual a maioria das pessoas busca uma fortaleza, a espiritualidade. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: importa compreender o sentido da espiritualidade por parte dos profissionais de saúde, em busca do apoio aos pacientes em processo de morrer e às famílias enlutadas, o que a torna um potencial integrador e harmonizador das relações interpessoais.

OBJETIVO: reflexionar acerca del proceso de morir y de muerte de pacientes con Covid-19 a la luz de la espiritualidad. DESARROLLO: en razón de la pandemia provocada por el nuevo Coronavirus, una vez más uno se queda delante de la muerte, pero con un agravante: muertes en números crecientes y señaladas por la ausencia da oportunidad de un momento para despedidas, pacientes muriendo solos, en compañía únicamente de los profesionales de salud, y los cuerpos siguiendo directamente a los cementerios. El objetivo es, por lo tanto, discutir un elemento por el cual la mayoría de las personas busca una fuente de fuerza, la espiritualidad. CONSIDERACIONES FINALES: es importante comprender el sentido de la espiritualidad por parte de los profesionales de salud, en búsqueda del apoyo a los pacientes en proceso de morir y a las familias enlutadas, lo que los vuelve un potencial integrador y armonizador de las relaciones interpersonales.

OBJECTIVE: to reflect on the dying process and death of patients with Covid-19 in the light of spirituality. DEVELOPMENT: Amid the pandemic caused by the new Coronavirus, we once again face the feared death, with an aggravating factor: increasing number of deaths characterized by the lack of opportunity for the individuals to say goodbye to their loved ones, dying patients accompanied only by health professionals, and bodies taken directly to the cemeteries. It is worth discussing here an element through which most people seek strength: spirituality. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Understanding the sense of spirituality on the part of health professionals, in search of support for dying patients and bereaved families is important, as spirituality can be a potential factor of integration and harmonization of interpersonal relationships.

Extract of Ascaris suum induces TGF-ß and early production of IgG1 in experimental autoimmune hepatitis / Extrato de Ascaris suum induz TGF-ß e produção precoce de IgG1 na hepatite autoimune experimental

Abstract In experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) of Th1 profile, an extract of adult Ascaris suum worms (ASC) was previously found to deviate the immune response to a Th2/IL-10 pattern. Here, the effects of treatment with ASC on production of TGF-β and the anti-Ascaris isotypes IgG1 and IgG2a in EAH were evaluated. EAH was induced in BALB/c mice, intravenously with concanavalin A. Two hours later, these animals received ASC (EAH+ASC group) or PBS vehicle (EAH group). IgG1 and IgG2a were evaluated 8 h, 24 h and 7 d after induction. TGF-β was measured in a splenocyte culture at this last time. The isotype levels in the EAH group were low throughout the kinetics. In the EAH+ASC group, there was significant production of IgG1 at 24 h and 7 d, but of IgG2a only at 7 d. There was statistically greater production of TGF-β in the EAH+ASC group. The higher levels of IgG1 and TGF-β in this group suggest that an additional Th1 response control route exists in EAH, which needs to be investigated.

Resumo Na hepatite autoimune experimental (HAE) de perfil Th1, o extrato de vermes adultos Ascaris suum (ASC) desviou a resposta imune para um padrão Th2/IL-10. Neste trabalho, foram avaliados os efeitos do tratamento com ASC na produção TGF-β e dos isótipos de IgG1 e IgG2a anti-Ascaris na HAE. Esta foi induzida em camundongos BALB/c intravenosamente com Concanavalina A. Após duas horas, os animais receberam ASC (grupo HAE+ASC) ou veículo PBS (grupo HAE). IgG1 e IgG2a foram avaliados em 8 horas, 24 horas e 7 dias após indução. TGF-β foi mensurado em cultura de esplenócitos nesse último tempo. Os níveis dos isótipos no grupo HAE foram baixos durante toda a cinética. No grupo HAE+ASC, houve produção significativa de IgG1 em 24 horas e 7 dias, mas somente em 7 dias para IgG2a. A produção de TGF-β foi estatisticamente maior no grupo HAE+ASC. Níveis mais altos de IgG1 e TGF-β nesse grupo sugerem uma via adicional de controle da resposta Th1 na HAE que precisa ser investigada.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida em portadores de esclerose múltipla: impacto da fadiga, ansiedade e depressão / Evaluación de la calidad de vida en portadores de esclerosis múltiple: impacto de la fatiga, ansiedad y depresión / Evaluation of quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: impact of fatigue, anxiety and depression

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM) e verificar se há associação com fadiga, ansiedade e depressão. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com amostra composta por 100 indivíduos com diagnóstico de EM cadastrados no Centro de Referência para Atenção ao Paciente Portador de Doença Desmielinizante do Hospital da Restauração. Foram aplicadas: a escala de determinação funcional da qualidade de vida na EM (Defu), a escala modificada do impacto da fadiga (MFIS-BR) e a escala hospitalar de ansiedade (HAD-a) e depressão (HAD-d). Os pacientes com a forma clínica primariamente progressiva apresentaram pior percepção da qualidade de vida (66,90±3,47) quando comparados às formas secundariamente progressivas (71,65±5,92) e remitente-recorrente (79,00±6,62), com diferença estatística significativa (p<0,001). Houve forte correlação positiva entre os escores da Defu e da MFIS-BR (r=0,84), e forte correlação negativa entre Defu e HAD-a (r=−0,85) e Defu e HAD-d (r=−0,82). A diminuição da percepção da qualidade de vida em pacientes com EM é mais crítica nas formas progressivas da doença e tem associação com a presença de fadiga, depressão e ansiedade.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la percepción de calidad de vida en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) y verificar si existe una asociación con fatiga, ansiedad y depresión. Este es un estudio transversal con una muestra de 100 individuos diagnosticados con EM, registrados en el Centro de Referencia para Atención al Paciente con Enfermedades Desmielinizantes en el Hospital da Restauração. Aplicamos: la Escala de Determinación Funcional de Calidad de Vida en EM (Defu), la Escala de Impacto de Fatiga Modificada (MFIS-BR) y la Escala de Ansiedad Hospitalaria (HAD-a) y Depresión (HAD-d). Los pacientes con la forma clínica primaria progresiva tenían una peor percepción de la calidad de vida (66,90±3,47) en comparación con la forma secundaria progresiva (71,65±5,92) y recurrente-remitente (79,00±6,62), con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,001). Hubo una fuerte correlación positiva entre los puntajes Defu y MFIS-BR (r=0,84), y una fuerte correlación negativa entre Defu y HAD-a (r=−0,85) y Defu y HAD-d (r=−0,82). La disminución de la percepción de la calidad de vida en pacientes con EM es más crítica en las formas progresivas de la enfermedad y se asocia con la presencia de fatiga, depresión y ansiedad.

ABSTRACT This study aims to assess the perception of quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to verify if there is an association with fatigue, anxiety and depression. This is a cross-sectional study with a sample composed by 100 individuals with a diagnosis of MS enrolled in the Centro de Referência para Atenção ao Paciente Portador de Doença Desmielinizante do Hospital da Restauração. The Functional Determination Scale for Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis (DEFU), the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-BR), and the Hospital Anxiety (HADS-S) and Depression Scale (HADS-D) were applied. Patients with a Primary progressive clinical form presented worse perception of quality of life (66.90±3.47) when compared to the Secondary progressive (71.65±5.92) and Relapse-remitting (79.00±6.62) forms, with Significant difference (p<0.001). There was a strong positive correlation between the DEFU and the MFIS-BR scores (r=0.84), and a strong negative correlation between DEFU and HADS-A (r=−0.85), and DEFU and HADS-D (r=−0.82). The decrease in the perception of quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis is more critical in progressive forms of the disease and is associated with the presence of fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Forage production and mineral composition of cactus intercropped with legumes and fertilized with different sources of manure / Produção de forragem e composição mineral da palma consorciada com leguminosas e adubada com diferentes fontes de esterco

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive potential and mineral composition of the forage cactus IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). This species was analyzed both in monoculture and intercropped with leucaena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit.] and gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq. Steud.], and was assessed with different sources of manure (cattle, sheep, goat, and broiler litter) serving as fertilizer. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco in Caruaru, PE, Brazil. Treatments were allocated in a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. Main plots consisted of cropping systems, while the split-plots were dedicated to manure sources. Cactus harvest was carried out after two years of regrowth. Response variables included both production and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations. No differences were observed for cactus production between the cropping systems, with an average value of 22.1Mg dry matter ha-1 2 years-1. In the intercropped systems, greater proximity to the legumes increased the production of the cactus in the treatments with the cattle and sheep manure, and increased the concentrations of P, K, and Mg, but not of N. The introduction of tree legumes, along with the application of manure, contributes to an increase in production and nutrient concentration of IPA-Sertânia cactus.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o potencial produtivo e a composição mineral da palma forrageira IPA-Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck), em cultivo isolado e consorciada com leucena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.] ou gliricídia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.], e adubada com as fontes de esterco bovino, ovino, caprino e cama de frango. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental do Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco - IPA, em Caruaru. O delineamento foi casualizado em blocos, em parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições. As parcelas foram representadas pelos sistemas de cultivo e as subparcelas pelas fontes de esterco. A colheita da palma foi realizada aos dois anos de crescimento e analisada quanto à produção e aos teores de nitrogênio (N), fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca) e magnésio (Mg). Não foram observadas diferenças de produção da palma entre os sistemas de cultivo, atingindo valor médio de 22,1t ha-1 2 anos-1 de matéria seca (MS). Nos sistemas consorciados, a maior proximidade com as leguminosas incrementou a produção da palma, nos tratamentos com os estercos bovino e ovino, e elevou os teores de P, K e Mg, mas não os teores de N. A introdução de leguminosas arbóreas, juntamente com a aplicação dos estercos, contribui para elevar a produção e os níveis de nutrientes da palma IPA-Sertânia.

Gestation and breastfeeding in schistosomotic mice differentially alters the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in adult offspring

BACKGROUND Breastfeeding or gestation in schistosomotic mothers can cause long-term alterations in the immune response of offspring. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) (all classes), the production of cytokines by T and B lymphocytes and macrophages, and the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells in adult offspring born and/or suckled by schistosomotic mothers. METHODS We harvested splenocytes from offspring born to (BIM), suckled by (SIM), or born to/suckled by (BSIM) schistosomotic mothers and animals from noninfected mothers (Control) at seven-weeks old and cultured them with/without Concanavalin A. HDAC expression was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and cytokines and membrane markers were evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). FINDINGS Compared to Control, BIM mice showed increased expression of HDAC9 and frequency of CD4+IL-10+-cells. The SIM group had increased expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC6, HDAC7, HDAC10, Sirt2, Sirt5, Sirt6, and Sirt7. The BSIM group only had increased HDAC10 expression. The SIM and BSIM groups exhibited decreased frequencies of CD4+IL-4+-cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+-cells, along with a higher frequency of CD14+IL-10+-cells and an increase in CD45R/B220+IL-10+-cells. The BSIM group also showed a high frequency of CD4+IL10+-cells. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Breastfeeding induced the expression of HDACs from various classes involved in reducing inflammatory responses. However, gestation enhanced the expression of a single HDAC and breastfeeding or gestation appears to favour multiple IL-10-dependent pathways, but not cells with a regulatory phenotype.