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ABSTRACTIntroductionAnimal models play a crucial role in breast cancer research, in particular mice and rats, who develop mammary tumors that closely resemble their human counterparts. These models allow the study of mechanisms behind breast carcinogenesis, as well as the efficacy and safety of new, and potentially more effective and advantageous therapeutic approaches. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each model is crucial to select the most appropriate one for the research purpose.Area coveredThis review provides a concise overview of the animal models available for breast cancer research, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each one for searching new and more effective approaches to treatments for this type of cancer.Expert opinionRodent models provide valuable information on the genetic alterations of the disease, the tumor microenvironment, and allow the evaluation of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. However, invivomodels have limitations, and one of them is the fact that they do not fully mimic human diseases. Choosing the most suitable model for the study purpose is crucial for the development of new therapeutic agents that provide better care for breast cancer patients.

The prone position (PP) used in the treatment of critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, may be a barrier to enteral nutrition (EN). This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and complications of EN in the PP, as well as clinical outcomes.

Ti52-xNi38Cu10Nbxalloys with Nb additions of x = 4, 6, and 10 at.% were produced through arc melting. The phase constitution and morphology were evaluated through X-ray diffraction, microstructural analyses (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), and thermodynamic calculations (ThermoCalc). The as-cast alloys exhibited a TiNi matrix, β-Nb/TiNi eutectic, and Ti2Ni precipitates. Under equilibrium conditions, TiNi and a small fraction of β-Nb were expected. Increasing the Nb content resulted in a higher β-Nb volume fraction, development of different morphologies for Ti2Ni precipitates, and formation of Ti particles. The Scheil calculator and virtual composition of the liquid were used to simulate the effect of chemical segregation during solidification. We demonstrated that the metastable phases formed during solidification and the Nb content played a vital role in the solidification sequence, phase distribution, and morphology of the alloy.

The article discusses how librarians can help high school students prepare for college and beyond by teaching them important research skills and how to use databases. It mentions that proper citation and reuse of information are highlighted by librarians as essential skills for students to possess. It features insights from librarians in various locations, including El Paso Community College, U.S., and Anne Frank Elementary School.

Ascites is a common complication of several conditions, but it is rare in cases of Chlamydia trachomatisinfection. We report a 36-year-old patient presenting with abdominal swelling for a week prior to hospitalization. An extensive workup excluded liver or heart disease and malignancy. A computed tomography scan demonstrated massive ascites and severe thickening of peritoneal reflections. Laboratory tests showed low serum-ascites albumin gradient, high total protein, and low adenosine. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed inflammatory signs of both fallopian tubes. The histopathological results from peritoneal biopsy were consistent with lymphoid proliferation with reactive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. A gynecological investigation showed a positive DNA for C. trachomatisin the cervical swab. After treatment with doxycycline, there was a complete resolution of ascites.

Brazilian traditional medicine has explored the antiviral properties of many plant extracts, including those from the Brazilian pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius. In the present study, we investigated the chemical composition and anti-mayaro virus (MAYV) activity of S. terebinthifoliusfruit. Extensive virucidal activity (more than 95%) was detected for the ethyl acetate extract and the isolated biflavonoids. From the ethyl acetate extract of Schinus terebinthifoliusfruits, two bioflavonoids were isolated ((2S, 2″S)-2,3,2″,3″-tetrahydroamentoflavone and agathisflavone), which showed strong virucidal activity against Mayaro virus. Furthermore, several other compounds like terpenes and phenolics were identified by hyphenated techniques (GC–MS, LC–MS and HPLC–UV), as well as by mass spectrometry. Immunofluorescence assay confirmed antiviral activity and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage in viral particles treated with biflavonoids. The data suggest the direct action of the extract and the biflavonoids on the virus particles. The biflavonoids tetrahydroamentoflavone and agathisflavone had strong virucidal activity and reduced MAYV infection.

ABSTRACTTo improve a DNA vaccine containing the truncated dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) envelope (E) protein and evaluate the influence of precursor membrane (prM) glycoprotein polymorphism on E protein immunogenicity, two vaccine candidates have been constructed by upstream insertion of the DENV-2 and DENV-3 prM genes into the DENV-2 E gene, named pCID2EtD2prM and pCID2EtD3prM, respectively. Both constructs were able to induce antibody production, which were neutralizing against DENV-2 in a murine model. Splenocytes of immunized groups, when challenged with virus, demonstrated Th1 cytokine pattern and proliferation, in addition to the increase of specific T cells. Vaccine candidates pCID2EtD2prM and pCID2EtD3prM confer 70% and 90% protection against DENV-2, respectively. The pCID2EtD3prM plasmid conferred only 40% protection in the lethal challenge with DENV-2. The results demonstrate that DENV-3 prM has a greater influence on the immunogenicity of the E protein and, probably due to its role as a chaperone, these results may be related to the correct folding and, consequently, an increase in the presentation efficiency of produced transcripts.

Spent grain is a solid waste from the brewery process which is used as feed for ruminants or as organic fertiliser. Due to the large scale generation of spent grain, new technological and industrial applications are being developed. In this work, spent grain was modified by chemical treatments for use in the biosorption of hexavalent chromium. For spent grain treated with acid, alkali, petroleum ether and hydrogen peroxide, the amount of hexavalent chromium removed was respectively 97, 21, 0.9 and 0.5%. The kinetic data of spent grain biosorbent treated with acid, untreated and treated with alkali were applied to pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order and intraparticle diffusion models. The pseudo‐second order model showed the best fit to the kinetic data, indicating chemisorption in the biosorption processes. The effects of pH and biosorbent concentration were analysed for spent grain treated with acid. The optimum values for pH and concentration of the biosorbent were pH 2 and 2 g/L.

Listeria Monocytogenes, a small facultative anaerobic, gram positive, motile bacillus is a rare, but consequential etiologic agent of food borne illness which inordinately impacts immunocompromised individuals. The organism infects many types of animals and contaminates a multitude of foodstuffs such as milk, chicken, beef and vegetables. This microbe additionally has a distinct proclivity to infect the maternal-fetoplacental unit with resultant adverse perinatal outcomes inclusive of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, chorioamnionitis, neonatal meningitis and death. We present a case of Listeriosis complicating pregnancy with a subsequent comprehensive review of the literature.

Background: Lactobacilli are the dominant bacteria in the healthy vaginal tract, preventing the income of pathogenic microorganisms, either sexually or not transmitted. Probiotics are used to restore the vaginal microbiome by local administration. However, the ascendant colonization is proposed as a way to restore the vaginal balance, and to exert some complementary effects on the host, situation that requires that probiotic strains resist the gastrointestinal tract passage. Objective: To determine which probiotic vaginal strains were able to resist different gastrointestinal factors (pH, bile salts, and enzymes) to advance in the design of oral formulas. Methods: Different protocols were applied to evaluate the growth of 24 beneficial vaginal lactic bacteria (BVL) strains at low pH and high bile salts (individually evaluated) and in combined protocols. The viability of the strains in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions was studied to select the most resistant strains. Results: A low number of BVL was able to grow at low pH. Most of the strains did not survive at high bile salts concentration. The passage through pH first and bile salts later showed that only three strains were able to survive. In the simulated intestinal conditions, only Lactobacillus gasseri CRL1290, L. jensenii CRL1313, and L. jensenii CRL1349 decrease one or two logarithmic growth units (UFC/ml) at the end of the assay, maintaining their beneficial properties. Conclusion: The behavior of BVL in the conditions assayed is not related to specific strain or metabolic group, because the resistance is strain-specific. The results highlight the importance of the screening performed in a way to select the most adequate strains to be included in the oral designed formula for the restoration of the vaginal tract microbiome.

Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester that has FDA and CE approval as a medical device. Nonetheless, the lack of toxicity exhibited by the polymer cannot be extrapolated to its nanomaterial conformation. Despite PCL-based NPs being widely studied in the biomedical field for their advantages as controlled drug delivery systems, little data describe PCL NPs’ toxicity, particularly immunotoxicity. This work assessed different PCL-based delivery systems intended for protein delivery regarding their immunotoxicity and hemocompatibility. Two different molecular weight PCL polymers were used, as well as blends with chitosan and glucan. Results showed that the presence of NaOH during the production of PCL2NPs and PCL2/glucan NPs induced PCL alkali hydrolysis, generating more reactive groups (carboxyl and hydroxyl) that contributed to an increased toxicity of the NPs (higher reduction in peripheral blood mononuclear cell viability and lower hemocompatibility). PCL2/glucan NPs showed an anti-inflammatory activity characterized by the inhibition of LPS stimulated nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α. In conclusion, generalizations among different PCL NP delivery systems must be avoided, and immunotoxicity assessments should be performed in the early stage of product development to increase the clinical success of the nanomedicine.

ABSTRACTThere are notable examples of repeated evolution of ecomorphs within groups of closely related species, these are typically viewed as remarkable cases of natural selection. In most cases, directional selection for certain phenotypic traits under specific (and differing) environmental conditions is implicated. Differing ecomorphological forms for closely related species (or for populations within a species) have been documented for several lineages of South African dwarf chameleons (Bradypodion), although this pattern is not ubiquitous across the genus. Within one species, Bradypodion pumilum, two ecomorphs have been observed, these differ in terms of morphology, performance, ecology and habitat, yet genetic differences (mtDNA) were not apparent, with shared haplotypes across the ecomorphs. We investigated whether more sensitive genetic markers (eight microsatellite loci) would show population level structure between ecomorphs, which could indicate lack of gene flow across the ecological (habitat) boundary. Our results suggest that the two ecomorphs are distinct at a population level, implying that gene flow is absent or reduced and that the two ecomorphs are on separate evolutionary trajectories. Given that mtDNA could not detect population structure, we infer that the ecological boundary between ecomorphs is relatively recent in evolutionary history. The two ecomorphs are distinctive in terms of their morphology, ecology, habitat and functional traits, these differences are likely driven and maintained by reproductive isolation across the habitat boundary.

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Omphalocele is characterized as a ventral wall defect in which there exists a midline herniation of abdominal viscera into the base of the umbilical cord. Fetuses with a diagnosis of this entity are at a significantly increased risk of having an aneuploidy, additional anomalies, or associations with other syndromes such as Beckwith Wiederman. Secondary to these interconnections, there is an elevated risk of fetal loss in affected pregnancies. Detection of concordant abnormalities, appropriate genetic counseling, and involvement of pediatric subspecialties are paramount in affording a prognosis, and providing optimal perinatal management of omphalocele.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping is deemed a fundamental tool for the diagnosis of B‐cell neoplasms. Currently, the investigation of novel immunophenotypic markers has gained importance, as they can assist in the precise subclassification of B‐cell malignancies by flow cytometry. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the expression of CD307a during normal B‐cell maturation and in B‐cell malignancies as well as to investigate its potential role in the differential diagnosis of these entities. CD307a expression was assessed by flow cytometry in normal precursor and mature B cells and in 115 samples collected from patients diagnosed with precursor and mature B‐cell neoplasms. CD307a expression was compared between neoplastic and normal B cells. B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases exhibited minimal expression of CD307a, displaying a similar expression pattern to that of normal B‐cell precursors. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cases showed the lowest levels of CD307a among mature B‐cell neoplasms. CD307a expression was statistically lower in MCL cases than in chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) cases. No statistical differences were observed between CD307a expression in neoplastic and normal plasma cells. These results indicate that the assessment of CD307a expression by flow cytometry could be helpful to distinguish CLL from MCL, and the latter from MZL. Although these results are not entirely conclusive, they provide a basis for further studies in a larger cohort of patients. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society

B cell lymphomas' (BCL) current diagnosis is usually based on a combination of morphology, immunophenotype, recurrent cytogenetic aberration and clinical features. However, even with these diagnostic tools, a definitive diagnosis can be difficult to achieve. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the profile of CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 expressions in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cases. To address this issue, we investigated the expression of CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 by eight‐color flow cytometry in retrospective cases from 2014 to 2016. The study included 27 adult patients diagnosed with DLBCL, FL, and BL during the study period. Four patients were diagnosed with germinal center B cell‐like DLBCL (GCB DLBCL), seven with non‐GCB DLBCL, nine with FL, and seven with BL. CD39 seems to be especially relevant to differentiate non‐GCB DLBCL from BL and from FL. BL showed stronger expression of CD43 when compared to FL and GCB DLBCL. Moreover, CD43 may help to distinguish non‐GCB DLBCL from GCB DLBCL. CD81 expression was much stronger in BL when compared to the other three groups of patients. Lastly, CD95 may also help to distinguish BL from the other subtypes, as BL cells expressed this antigen at low levels. In combination, CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 expressions appear to be helpful to distinguish CD10+BCL, particularly BL. Phenotypic distinction between FL and GCB DLBCL remains challenging and requires further studies. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society

Background: Bladder cancer is the second type of malignant carcinoma of the urinary tract. The treatment is time-consuming and requires maintenance doses of the drug for long period of time with important side effects. Curcumin has shown evident clinical advances in the treatment of cancer. The technology of microencapsulation and the use of mucoadhesive materials can contribute to modify the delivery and improve the bioavailability of curcumin. Objective: The aim of this study was to design and characterize mucoadhesive microparticles containing curcumin using multivariate analysis and the spray-drying technique. Methods: A factorial design 32+1 was employed to investigate the influence of gelatin, ethylcellulose, and curcumin on size, polydispersity index, drug content and entrapment efficiency. Microparticles were also evaluated by ATR-FTIR, X-ray diffraction, antioxidant activity, in-vitro release profile, exvivo mucoadhesion performance, and in-vitro cytotoxicity. Results: Microparticles showed non-uniform surface, mean diameter from 2.73 µm to 4.62 µm and polydispersity index from 0.72 to 1.09, according to the different combinations of the independent factors. These independent variables also had a significant effect on the drug content. The highest values of drug trapping efficiency were obtained with the highest concentration of curcumin and polymers. Formulations displayed slow drug release and important antioxidant activity. The good mucoadhesive performance of microparticles was assessed by the falling film technique. Moreover, the formulations did not display in vitro toxicity against Artemia salina and Fibroblasts LM(TK). Conclusion: The design results were useful for developing of curcumin dosage form with good physicochemical characteristics and mucoadhesive properties for the bladder administration.

Background: In recent decades, the development of the environmentally responsive systems for drug delivery has been well regarded, with enormous potential in different applications. Methods: These environmentally sensitive, smart, intelligent formulations have the ability to alter their physical properties in response to small changes in physical or chemical conditions, such as temperature, glucose, pH, ultrasound, light, electric field and redox potential with a huge potential in drug delivery systems. The use of formulations containing smart materials enables to carry the drug to the target tissue, cells and release in a triggered way. Consequently, they have demonstrated several advantages like decreased dose frequency, ease of preparation and administration, prolonged release with reduced side effects, as well as, reduced costs when compared to conventional processes for industrial applications. In this sense, many patents have deposited, displaying different pharmaceutical devices using responsive systems. Results: There are more than twenty-five patents deposited about thermoresponsive systems. Furthermore, a few number of patents within glucose responsive, ultrasound responsive and light responsive deposited. There also are about eight patents that are pH-responsive, four as electric-field responsive. Most of them cover more than one type of stimuli. Conclusion: Therefore, in this review, since 1975 to 2016, we have categorized, reviewed and discussed the patents, applications, pharmaceutical dosage forms, the importance and perspectives of this environmentally responsive approach as potentially useful therapeutic modality.

Pair-wise competition produces asymmetric consequences for the interacting species, resulting in reduction of species fitness at the individual scale; however, little is known of the effects of competition on the allometric patterns of insects. In this study, we explored how competition, by means of pod infestation, affects the development of female and male individuals in the co-occurring bruchine beetles Merobruchus teraniand Stator maculatopygus. We found differences between M. teraniand S. maculatopygusin all morphometric traits, but no significant differences between males and females in either species. We also found, with an increasing degree of pod infestation, a positive trend in the pronotum, elytron and body weight of M. teraniand a negative trend in morphological traits and body weight of S. maculatopygus.A negative allometry was maintained, suggesting that with increasing body weight, the body structures did not increase proportionally. On the other hand, we found that increasing the degree of pod infestation produced a wider variation in the individuals’ body size than in low levels of infestation. Finally, we discuss how pod infestation can trigger competition between species, with both positive and negative impacts, even though the species function similarly in resource exploitation.

AbstractIntraspecific genetic diversity provides the basis for evolutionary change and is therefore considered the most fundamental level of biodiversity. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite loci are the markers most typically used in population-level studies; however, their patterns of genetic variation are not always congruent. This can result in different interpretations of the data, which can impact on management decisions, especially for threatened species. Consequently, in this study, we developed and analysed novel microsatellite markers for the Endangered Western Leopard Toad (WLT), Sclerophrys pantherina, and compared the results to previously published mtDNA data to compare the level of genetic diversity between the two molecular markers. The microsatellite evidence showed signs of a past bottleneck, yet relatively high levels of genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation between two sampling sites. In contrast, the mtDNA revealed moderate to low levels of diversity between sampling sites, and strong genetic differentiation. An explanation for the conflicting patterns may be that the current genetic signature, as depicted by the microsatellite data, is not yet reflected in the mitochondrial dataset; and, as such the data are depicting a timeline for genetic variation within the WLT. Both markers revealed important information about the two sampling sites, which can help inform conservation management of the species.

The first natural occurrence in optically active form of the dimeric flavonoid agathisflavone and definition of its axial chirality using chiroptical spectroscopic methods are described. The experimental electronic circular dichroism, electronic dissymmetry factor, optical rotatory dispersion, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), and vibrational dissymmetry factor spectra of agathisflavone are presented and analyzed with their corresponding quantum chemical predictions to definitively assign the axial chirality of (−)-agathisflavone as (aS).

In this study, low-pressure reverse osmosis was analyzed to remove heavy metal ions (nickel and copper) from highly diluted feed flows. Given the ability of these ions to form complexes with EDTA, the effectiveness of a preliminary stage of complexation was also evaluated. The experimental system consisted of a reactor with commercial flat membrane of polyamide and cross flow. Studies employing solutions of single ions and also mixture of ions in different concentration ranges reached removals of 99%. The complexing agent forms a larger complex than the single ion in aqueous phase, thus increasing ion removal in terms of final concentration in permeate. Experiments made at different pressures showed the increase in pressure has an effect on increasing rejection and permeate flow, but the applied pressure of 0.5 MPa is sufficient to achieve 98.5% removal of metal ions and a flow of about 13 L/h m2.

AbstractIn this study, low-pressure reverse osmosis was analyzed to remove heavy metal ions (nickel and copper) from highly diluted feed flows. Given the ability of these ions to form complexes with EDTA, the effectiveness of a preliminary stage of complexation was also evaluated. The experimental system consisted of a reactor with commercial flat membrane of polyamide and cross flow. Studies employing solutions of single ions and also mixture of ions in different concentration ranges reached removals of 99%. The complexing agent forms a larger complex than the single ion in aqueous phase, thus increasing ion removal in terms of final concentration in permeate. Experiments made at different pressures showed the increase in pressure has an effect on increasing rejection and permeate flow, but the applied pressure of 0.5 MPa is sufficient to achieve 98.5% removal of metal ions and a flow of about 13 L/h m2.