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Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most impairing complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA), responsible for 20% of mortality in patients. Rheological alterations, adhesive properties of sickle reticulocytes, leukocyte adhesion, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are related to the vasculopathy observed prior to ischemic events. The role of the vascular endothelium in this complex cascade of mechanisms is emphasized, as well as in the process of ischemia-induced repair and neovascularization. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative transcriptomic analysis of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from SCA patients with and without IS. Next, to gain further insights of the biological relevance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction network (PPI) construction and in silico prediction of regulatory factors were performed. Among the 2469 DEGs, genes related to cell proliferation (AKT1, E2F1, CDCA5, EGFL7), migration (AKT1, HRAS), angiogenesis (AKT1, EGFL7) and defense response pathways (HRAS, IRF3, TGFB1), important endothelial cell molecular mechanisms in post ischemia repair were identified. Despite the severity of IS in SCA, widely accepted molecular targets are still lacking, especially related to stroke outcome. The comparative analysis of the gene expression profile of ECFCs from IS patients versus controls seems to indicate that there is a persistent angiogenic process even after a long time this complication has occurred. Thus, this is an original study which may lead to new insights into the molecular basis of SCA stroke and contribute to a better understanding of the role of endothelial cells in stroke recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is an essay that depicts the line of a mountain ridge as an element to contemplate the abyssal condition expressed in the landscape of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Brazil's Minas Gerais province. The landscape is understood as the mediation of abyssal lines that determine the center and the periphery, based on the dichotomies culture/nature, belonging/non-belonging. This reflection, underpinned by the interpretation of photographic images, discusses the predatory forces of mining activities, real estate speculation in the landscape, resistance movements linked to socio-environmental struggle and the urban landscape production, examining them from culturally diverse references. Lastly, an analysis is done of the line created by the mountain and portrayed in nature paintings on city walls in order to enhance the perception of its symbology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracts of brown algae are used commercially for agricultural crops due to their plant growth-promoting effects and they can also be applied to help improve seaweed cultivation. Gracilaria caudata is commercially exploited as a raw material for agar production in Brazil, and Laurencia catarinensis is a source of halogenated terpenoids with several biological activities. Investigations to understand the development of seaweeds of biotechnological interest are required in order to improve their cultivation and the sustainability for biomass production on an industrial scale. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Ascophyllum/Acadian marine plant extract powder (AMPEP), a commercial, water-soluble extract of the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum, on the growth, branching development, and pigment content of G. caudata and L. catarinensis. Four concentrations of AMPEP (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mg L−1) were added to sterilized seawater (seawater+AMPEP), and to a medium comprised of half-strength von Stosch solution (VSES/2+AMPEP). Experiments were performed under conditions of 23 ± 2 °C, a light:dark cycle of 14:10 h, salinity at 32 psu, and photon flux densities of 60 ± 10 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by a posteriori multiple comparison, Student-Newman-Keuls' test. Treatments of seawater+AMPEP at concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg L−1 stimulated the growth rates of G. caudata when compared to the control. However, the effects of seawater+AMPEP and VSES/2+AMPEP on the branching architecture of the thalli were not significant for either species. Concentrations of phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, and chlorophyll-a in L. catarinensis were stimulated by the highest concentration of VSES/2+AMPEP (i.e., 5.0 mg L−1). This is the first study to report the stimulatory effect of AMPEP on the phycobiliprotein contents of selected red algae. Furthermore, seawater+AMPEP in concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg L−1 stimulated growth rates of G. caudata, which could be applied in its large-scale cultivation. The results obtained for G. caudata and L. catarinensis, an agar-producing and a terpenoid-producing species, respectively, contributed to extending the knowledge of the beneficial uses of a brown seaweed-derived extract with biostimulatory properties for use with cultivated, economically important red algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) of the cement tiles in the "cradle to gate" approach. • Embodied CO 2 , embodied energy, and the presence of potentially toxic components. • Cement tiles have an environmental impact similar to other coatings commonly used. • Cement tiles have stronger aesthetic, cultural, and historical appeals. The present work investigates cement (hydraulic) tiles, an artisanal cement-based coating, from an environmental perspective. Although cement tiles are historically widely used, few studies about this material have been published. In this context, we estimated the embodied CO 2 and the embodied energy through a life cycle assessment and explored the presence of potentially toxic components with a leaching test. The embodied CO 2 and energy were estimated through indirect correlations made from primary data, collected directly with the manufacturers. No similar analysis has ever been done for cement tiles, so the present work introduces relevant primary data and information related the life cycle of this material. As a result, the average embodied CO 2 of cement tiles is 8.3258 kgCO 2 /m2 (0.2504 kgCO 2 /kg) and their average embodied energy is 59.7547 MJ/m2 (1.8011 MJ/kg). Neither the cement tiles nor the water from their curing tanks was classified as toxic. In conclusion, cement tiles have an environmental impact similar to other wall and floor coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travel narratives are inviting for the reading because they are linked to several areas of knowledge and sensibility, and bring up reflections, among them, about the structuring and propagation of travel discourse. Inside the universe of travel literature, we propose a transversal reading of the texts that are distinguished by valorization of the testimony. Previously understood as proof and fragment of the truth, the typical traveler-narrator testimony acquires, in time, an ethos of playacting. In the same way, the emphasis on traveling as a way to witness places takes the shape of superficialized practices. Portrayed as consumer goods, travels are sold as "colorful" packages with cliché images that boost easy admiration and quick registering throughout standard routes. The tourism trade's strong influence in structuring travel culture boosts a renewal of the traditional traveler identities, usually inspired by the notion of travelers as witnesses. The travel notes from Alain Botton and Claude Lévi-Strauss are helpful on this reflection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmissible Venereal Tumor is a malignant round cell neoplasm, that most commonly affects the external genitalia of both sexes, but can also be found in the extragenital form. Transmission occurs through the implantation of tumor cells on the mucosal surfaces of the genitalia during coitus and actions preceding it, as well as licking, biting, and scratching, and may lead to the implantation of transmissible venereal tumor cells, also in the oral and nasal mucosa. The diagnosis is made through clinical, hematological, radiographic and cytological exams, which cytology is the most reliable exam, with fewer risks to the patient and lower costs. The transmissible venereal tumor has a good prognosis, since chemotherapy presents, in most cases, positive results of total remission. Vincristine sulfate was the chemotherapeutic agent chosen for the treatment of the patient in this report, and it is also the drug with the most efficient results for this type of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The use of synbiotic in the management of constipation seems to be promising, particularly in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which have constipation as a frequent symptom. Objective: To evaluate the effect of synbiotic supplementation on intestinal function of constipated patients with ALS. Materials and Methods: This interventional study was performed with ALS patients followed at the ALS multidisciplinary ambulatory of Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes (HUOL) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Subjects were arranged in three groups: 10 healthy controls (group 1), 10 ALS constipated patients (group 2), and 10 ALS non-constipated patients (group 3). All subjects received synbiotic supplementation (6g/day) during 15 days and their intestinal function was monitored daily. Results: We studied 30 subjects (13 male and 17 female) with mean age 54.3 ± 10.6 years. Group 1 didn't show major modifications in the parameters observed. Nevertheless, groups 2 and 3 improved the intestinal function, with increased frequency of bowel movements, improved stool consistency and less evacuation effort. These benefits were observed after one-week of synbiotic supplementation. Conclusion: Regular use of synbiotic can improve intestinal function in both constipated and non-constipated ALS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P. vivax-infected Retics (iRetics) express human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I), are recognized by CD8+ T cells and killed by granulysin (GNLY) and granzymes. However, how Plasmodium infection induces MHC-I expression on Retics is unknown. In addition, whether GNLY helps control Plasmodium infection in vivo has not been studied. Here, we examine these questions using rodent infection with the P. yoelii 17XNL strain, which has tropism for Retics. Infection with P. yoelii caused extramedullary erythropoiesis, reticulocytosis and expansion of CD8+CD44+CD62L- IFN-γ-producing T cells that form immune synapses with iRetics. We now provide evidence that MHC-I expression by iRetic is dependent on IFN-γ-induced transcription of IRF-1, MHC-I and β2-microglobulin (β2-m) in erythroblasts. Consistently, CTLs from infected wild type (WT) mice formed immune synapses with iRetics in an IFN-γ- and MHC-I-dependent manner. When challenged with P. yoelii 17XNL, WT mice cleared parasitemia and survived, while IFN-γ KO mice remained parasitemic and all died. β2-m KO mice that do not express MHC-I and have virtually no CD8+ T cells had prolonged parasitemia, and 80% survived. Because mice do not express GNLY, GNLY-transgenic mice can be used to assess the in vivo importance of GNLY. Parasite clearance was accelerated in GNLY-transgenic mice and depletion of CD8+ T cells ablated the GNLY-mediated resistance to P. yoelii. Altogether, our results indicate that in addition to previously described mechanisms, IFN-γ promotes host resistance to the Retic-tropic P. yoelii 17XNL strain by promoting MHC-I expression on iRetics that become targets for CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and GNLY. Author summary: CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important for immune defense against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, and tumor surveillance. CTLs, which recognize peptide epitopes presented by MHC-I molecules expressed in nucleated cells, become activated and kill infected target cells by releasing the contents of cytotoxic granules into the immunological synapse. Since most Plasmodium spp. infect erythrocytes that are enucleated and do not express MHC-I, the role of CD8+ T cells in the blood-stage of malaria has been neglected. We recently showed that P. vivax-infected reticulocytes express MHC-I and are killed in a manner dependent on granulysin (GNLY), a cytotoxic granule effector protein. However, the protective role of CD8+ T cells is controversial and the role of GNLY in vivo remains to be demonstrated. Here, we show that CTLs and GNLY mediate mouse resistance to blood-stage infection with P. yoelii, a rodent malaria parasite that preferably infects reticulocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the world's main cause of irreversible blindness, is an asymptomatic and neurodegenerative disease of multifactorial etiology with ethnic and geographic disparities. Multiethnic genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in ATXN2, FOXC1, and TXNRD2 loci as risk factors for POAG pathophysiology and/or endophenotypes. The aim of this case–control study was to investigate the association of the variants rs7137828 (ATXN2), rs2745572 (FOXC1), and rs35934224 (TXNRD2), as risk factors for POAG development, additionally to rs7137828 association with glaucoma clinical parameters in a Brazilian cohort from the Southeast and South regions. This investigation comprised 506 cases and 501 controls. Variants rs2745572 and rs35934224 were genotyped through TaqMan® assays and validated by Sanger sequencing. Variant rs7137828 was genotyped exclusively by Sanger sequencing. The primary research outcome revealed that the variant rs7137828 (ATXN2) was associated with an increased risk for the development of POAG in the presence of the TT genotype compared to the CC genotype (p = 0.006; Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.717; Confidence Interval [CI] 95% = 1.169–2.535). There was no significant association of rs2745572 and rs35934224 genotypes with POAG. The CT genotype of the rs7137828 was associated with the vertical cup-to-disk ratio (VCDR) (p =.023) but not with the age at diagnosis or the mean deviation. Our data indicate the rs7137828 associated with increased risk for the development of POAG and VCDR in a Brazilian cohort. If validated in additional populations, these findings may enable the development of relevant strategies for early diagnosis of glaucoma in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that immunosuppressive drugs impair the airway mucociliary clearance of rats. However, considering the high specificity of basiliximab (BSX) and the absence of studies reporting its side effects, our aim was to investigate whether BSX, associated or not with triple therapy, impairs the mucociliary system. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, BSX, Triple, and BSX + Triple. After 15 days of treatment, animals were euthanized and the ciliary beating frequency (CBF), mucociliary transport velocity (MCTV), neutral and acid mucin production, Muc5ac and Muc5b gene expression, inflammatory cell number, and interleukin (IL)-6 concentration were analyzed. CBF and MCTV were lower in Triple and BSX + Triple groups (p < 0.05). Neutral mucin percentage was higher in Triple group (p < 0.05), and acid mucin percentage was higher in Triple and BSX + Triple groups (p < 0.05). The Muc5ac and Muc5b gene expression was higher in Triple and BSX + Triple groups (p < 0.05). Animals from Triple and BSX + Triple groups presented fewer mononuclear cells (p < 0.05). The number of polymorphonuclear cells was higher in the Triple group (p < 0.05). In the analysis of inflammatory cells in the blood, there was a decrease in lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils in the Triple and BSX + Triple groups (p < 0.05). The concentration of IL-6 significantly increased in the animals of the Triple and BSX + Triple groups (p < 0.05). BSX did not change the mucociliary apparatus of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Bone marrow mononuclear and mesenchymal cells have beneficial effects in experimental asthma. [•] Bone marrow mononuclear cells reduce remodeling more effectively. [•] Cells in the bone marrow mononuclear fraction have a synergistic interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and the anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic rhizomes, stems, and leaf extracts of Renealmia petasites using in vitro and in vivo assays. The chemical composition of the extracts was characterized in a linear iron trap mass spectrometer. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content were determined by spectrophotometry analyses. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was investigated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages evaluating the influence on the production of superoxide anion (O2−), nitric oxide (NO), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In vivo effects were determined using the air pouch model in which were inoculated carrageenan and thereafter treated with 50 mg/kg of the hydroethanolic extracts of R. petasites. After 4 and 24 h, the cellular influx, protein exudation, cytokines, and nitric oxide were evaluated. Eight compounds were tentatively identified in the R. petasites extracts, suggesting five diarylheptanoids, one flavonoid, and two fatty alcohols. The in vitro results showed that the extracts were capable of blocking free radicals and/or inhibiting their intracellular actions by inhibiting the production of important mediators of the inflammatory process, such as NO, O2−, TNF-α, and IL-6. In vivo, R. petasites significantly decrease the influx of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, protein exudation, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 concentration in the air pouch model. The results evidenced that R. petasites can be considered a promising alternative therapy for the treatment and management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion has been widely applied for waste treatment, renewable energy generation and biofertilizer production. The biogas potential in Brazil is sizable, but the state of Rio de Janeiro is largely dependent on fossil fuels, and there is a lack of biogas potential assessments in the state. Thus, this study evaluated biomethane, electricity and biofertilizer potentials in the region. Three different scenarios of biomass supply were considered for four major biowaste streams: sewage sludge; cattle manure; sugarcane processing waste; and food waste. Biomethane generation from the assessed sources could reach 0.6–1.3 billion Nm3 year−1, corresponding to 1,768–3,961 GWh year−1 of electricity and 1.6–3.3 million Mg year−1 of biofertilizer. Cattle manure was responsible for 73–84% of the projected biomethane production, presenting an opportunity to reduce the significant emissions from livestock farming. The estimated biofertilizer production could meet the demands of the state, and the produced electricity could offset up to 10% of the demand. The gas grid could facilitate the distribution of upgraded biomethane, and 10–22% of the natural gas demand could be met. The findings of this work highlight the high potential for biogas generation in Rio de Janeiro, which is up to seven times larger than the current production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The school has enough reasons to support School Sports, since the sport is a perfect mediator for education and is the source of great excitement and pleasure (Valdano, 2002). The objective of this study aims to perceive problems that School Sports live now according to PE teachers. In this context, we interviewed six teachers who teach school sports for more than nine years, about its development and operation. The interviews were transcribed and coded verbatim with the help of software QRS - NVivo 10, in order to group and categorize the opinions and experiences of the respondents. The results show that it is necessary for the school to become more active and capable of producing new ideas, because the better the activity plan, more students will be captivated. It is also noteworthy that the increase we are experiencing in our country with regard to physical inactivity and obesity should be tackled in the School through physical activity: it is essential that the current model offers a number of competitive moments that are desirable and do not spend too much time in commuting and in the intervals between games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]