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BACKGROUND/AIM Liver metastases are among the principal mortality causes in cancer patients. Dendritic cell immunotherapies have shown promising results in some tumors by mediating immunological mechanisms that could be involved in liver metastases during primary tumor growth. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of prophylactic dendritic cell vaccination on the liver of mice with 4T1 mouse breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult female Balb/c mice were submitted or not to vaccination with dendritic cells before the induction of 4T1 tumor lineage. Liver tissues from mice were analyzed by flow cytometry (markers CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ, T-bet, GATA3, RORγt, and FoxP3) and hematoxylin-eosin. The dendritic cell vaccine was differentiated and matured ex vivo from the bone marrow. RESULTS Prophylactic vaccination reduced areas of liver metastases (p=0.0049), induced an increase in the percentage of total T and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (p

Recent data has signaled that in addition to its therapeutic indications as antidepressant and analgesic, amitriptyline (AM) exerts anti-inflammatory effects in humans and experimental animal models of acute inflammation. We tested the hypothesis that this compound could also modulate the chronic inflammatory process induced by synthetic matrix in mice. Polyether-polyurethane sponge disks were implanted subcutaneously in 9-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. The animals received by oral gavage 5.0 mg/kg of amitriptyline for seven consecutive days in two treatment regimens. In the first series, the treatment was initiated on the day of surgery and the implants removed at day 7 post-implantation. For the assessment of the effect of amitriptyline on chronic inflammation, the treatment was initiated 7 days post-implantation and the sponge discs removed 14 after implantation. The inflammatory markers evaluated, myeloperoxidase - MPO, nitrite content, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, CXCL1 and CCL2 levels, and NF-κB transcription factor activation were reduced in implants when the treatment began 7 days post-implantation (chronic inflammation). In contrast, only mast cell number, MPO activity and activation of NF-κB pathway decreased when the treatment began soon after implantation (sub-acute inflammation) in 7-day old implants. The anti-inflammatory effects of amitriptyline described here, extend its range of actions as a potential agent able to attenuate long-term inflammatory processes.

Objective To assess the predictive abilities of serum and urinary cystatin C levels for glomerular lesions in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia. Methods In this study, kidney function markers were compared between38 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 22 healthy pregnant women. Results The serum and urine levels of cystatin C and urea were significantly higher in the pre-eclampsia group than in the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the serum cystatin C level (91.7%) had a superior diagnostic accuracy for pre-eclampsia than the other markers. Conclusion Serum cystatin C level maybe a significant marker of pre-eclampsia.

This study approached the use of atmospheric emissions as a source of carbon for the cultivation of microalgae in high rate ponds (HRPs), continuously fed with domestic sewage pre-treated in a septic tank. To do so, two HRPs were used: one had CO2 at a concentration of 99.9% (HRP 1), and the other had gas from the combustion of gasoline (HRP 2). Biomass yield, sewage treatment efficiency and the economic viability of using these two sources were assessed. The results showed that the CO2 source did not influence the domestic sewage treatment or the yield and biochemical composition of biomass, since there was no statistical difference (p

The human population blast has brought several problems related with the overconsumption of a wide range of feedstocks and natural resources conducting to their risk of depletion. The consumption of fossil fuels is an example, with increasing levels of exploitation and negative impacts caused by their use. Anthropogenic activities have triggered the over accumulation of many hazardous substances and wastes which are regarded to be detrimental to life in the Earth and to the various planet ecosystems. There is an urgent need to restore natural resources and unwanted residues and wastes to levels prior the demographic explosion. Microalgal biotechnology appears to be pivotal to achieve this goal in a near future to come. This review presents the current resource problems affecting the Earth and how microalgae are expected to be an important part of the solution, discussing how the production of renewable energy from microalgae can help in an integrated way to mitigate different environmental problems. Microalgae are able to convert wastewaters, CO2 and organic residues in marketable biomass for different uses, including biofuels, converting waste in value. An inventory of current microalgal-based biorefineries in operation as well as a directory of companies, products and applications are also presented. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. 5- Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a conventional and most effective drug used in the clinic for the treatment of CRC. However, the clinical use of 5-FU is limited due to the acquired resistance and systemic toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity. Objective: Recent advances in nanomedicine are being exploited to develop nanoparticle platforms to overcome resistance and therapeutic delivery of active molecules. Here, we developed 5-FU loaded sulfadiazine-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (SUL-PLGA NPs) to be applied in the colorectal cancer model. Methods: We assessed the in vivo efficacy of the SUL-PLGA NPs to enhance the antitumor effect of 5-FU. Results: In vivo treatment with 5-FU-SUL-PLGA NPs significantly reduced tumor growth in a colon cancer xenograft model compared to free 5-FU and 5-FU loaded non-targeted NPs. Treatment with 5-FU-SUL-PLGA NPs also increased blood vessel diameters within tumors, which could act in conjunction to enhance antitumor efficacy. In addition, 5-FU-SUL-PLGA NPs significantly reduced liver mass and lung mass, which are the most common metastasis sites of CRC, and decreased liver hepatotoxicity compared to free 5-FU drug and 5-FU loaded non-targeted NPs. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the use of 5-FU-SUL-PLGA NPs is a promising strategy to enhance 5-FU efficacy against CRC.

A number of genetic factors have been linked to the development of diabetes, a condition that often requires implantable devices such as glucose sensors. In normoglycaemic individuals, this procedure induces a foreign body reaction (FBR) that is detrimental to bioimplant functionality. However, the influence of the genetic background on this reaction in diabetes has not been investigated. We examined the components of FBR (capsule thickness, collagen deposition, mast cell and foreign body giant cell number) in subcutaneous implants of polyether polyurethane (SIPP) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in Swiss, C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice. The fasting blood glucose levels before STZ injections were 133.5 ± 5.1 mg/dL, after the treatment increased 68.4% in Swiss mice, 62.4% in C57BL/6 and 30.9% in Balb/c mice. All FBR features were higher in implants of Swiss and C57BL/6 mice compared with those in implants of Balb/c. Likewise, the apoptotic index was higher in implants of diabetic Swiss and C57BL/6 mice whose glycaemic levels were the highest. Our findings show an association between the severity of hyperglycaemic levels and the intensity of the FBR to SIPP. These important strain-related differences in susceptibility to diabetes and the intensity of the FBR must be considered in management using implantable devices in diabetic individuals.

The damaging effects of obesity extend to multiple pre-existing tissue/organs. However, the influence of this condition on key components (inflammation and angiogenesis) of fibrovascular connective proliferating tissue, essential in repair processes, has been neglected. Our objective in this study was to investigate whether obesity would influence inflammatory-angiogenesis induced by synthetic matrix of polyether-polyurethane implanted subcutaneously in high-fat-fed obese C57/BL6 mice. Fourteen days after implantation, the inflammatory and angiogenic components of the newly formed tissue intra-implant were evaluated. The pro-inflammatory enzyme activities, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), the levels of TNF-α, CXCL1/KC and CCL2 and NF-κB transcription factor were examined. Angiogenesis was determined by morphometric analysis of implant blood vessels, intra-implant levels of hemoglobin content, VEGF levels, and western blot for VEGFR2. All inflammatory and angiogenic markers were increased in the implants of obese mice compared with their non-obese counterparts. Similarly, activation of the NF-κB pathway and phosphorylation of VEGFR2 were higher in implants of obese mice (1.60 ± 0.28 Np65/Cp65; 0.96 ± 0.08 p-VEGFR2/VEGFR2-T) compared with implants of non-obese animals (1.40 ± 0.14; 0.49 ± 0.08). These observations suggest that obesity exerts critical role in sponge-induced inflammatory-angiogenesis, possibly by activating fibrovascular components in the inflamed microenvironment. Thus, this pathological condition causes damage not only to pre-existing tissues/organs but also to newly formed proliferating fibrovascular tissue. This is relevant to the development of therapeutic approaches to improve healing processes in patients with obesity.

Color dilution alopecia is characterized by follicular dysplasia that leads to alopecia characterized by an abnormal distribution of melanin in the hair. There are few reports of mixed breed dogs and the diagnosis can be reached based on trichogramma and confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The aim of this study was to report a case of Color dilution alopecia in a mixed breed dog treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro that had generalized hypotrichosis. Trichogramma was performed and was observed the presence of melanin aggregates along the hair shafts. Histopathological evaluation showed the presence of atypical macromelanossomas and melanin plugs into follicular structures scattered throughout the superficial dermis and deep, mild acanthosis with hyperkeratosis and absence of many follicles. The changes observed were consistent with color diluted alopecia. It is concluded that in order to obtain the diagnosis of color diluted alopecia, clinical history is important as well as a well-done clinical and dermatological examination, with the exclusion of possible diagnoses and the skin histopathology, which is an important tool for diagnosis, A alopecia por diluição da cor é caracterizada por displasia folicular que leva à alopecia caracterizada pela distribuição anormal de melanina no pelo. Há poucos relatos em cães sem raça definida e o diagnóstico pode ser obtido baseado no tricograma e confirmado através de avaliação histopatológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de alopecia por diluição da cor em um cão sem raça definida atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro que apresentava hipotricose generalizada. Foi realizado tricograma e observou-se a presença de agregados de melanina ao longo das hastes pilosas. O exame histopatológico apresentou macromelanossomas atípicos e plugues de melanina em estruturas foliculares espalhadas por toda a derme superficial e profunda, ligeira acantose com hiperqueratose e ausência de muitos folículos. As alterações observadas foram consistentes com alopecia por diluição da cor. Conclui-se que para se obter o diagnóstico da alopecia por diluição da cor é importante o histórico, um exame clínico e dermatológico bem feito, com a exclusão de possíveis diagnósticos diferencias além da histopatologia de pele que é uma importante ferramenta para auxiliar no diagnóstico.&nbsp

Sporotrichosis is a chronic, granulomatous and usually lymphocutaneous infection of animals and humans, caused by a dimorphic fungus, Sporothrix schenckii complex. The disease in dogs is considered rare, however, in the last years a crescent registration of cases was observed in Brazil, especially in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Fifteen dogs with ulcerated cutaneous lesions were seen at the Dermatology Service in the Small Animal’s Hospital at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, between January 2014 and October 2015. Most lesions were located on the head, mainly the nose. Lesions were even seen on the chest, disseminated on the body and on the limbs. Three dogs (20%) exhibited the cutaneous-lymphatic form, with lesions initially on the distal aspect of one leg and ascending via lymphatics up the leg to the trunk and head. It was not ruled out the disseminated form in at least 3 dogs (20%). They had consistent signs of generalized or disseminated disease exhibiting respiratory symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, stertorous breathing), anorexia and weight loss. Draining tracts and cellulitis were very common. Some had large areas of skin necrosis with exposure of muscle and bone. Definitive diagnosis was obtained by cytological examination of exudates, histological examination, and/or isolation of S. schenckii complex by fungal culture. Because of the severity of the lesions that mimic other disorders like neoplasms or autoimmune skin diseases, and due to the difficulties of getting an accurate diagnosis, this study describes 15 advanced cases of canine sporotrichosis. RESUMO: A esporitricose é uma doença infecciosa crônica, granulomatosa e frequentemente linfocutânea, causada por um fungo dimórfico do Complexo Sporothrix schenckii. A doença em cães é considerada rara, no entanto, nos últimos anos, um número crescente de casos foi registrado no Brasil, especialmente no Rio de Janeiro. Quinze cães com lesões cutâneas ulceradas foram atendidos no Setor de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário de Pequenos Animais da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, entre Janeiro de 2014 e Outubro de 2015. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao exame clínico e dermatológico. A maioria das lesões estava localizada na cabeça, principalmente no plano nasal. Havia também lesões no tórax, disseminada pelo corpo e nos membros. Três cães (20%) apresentaram a forma cutâneo-linfática, com lesões inicialmente nos membros e se propagavam via vasos linfáticos para o tronco e a cabeça. Não foi descartada a forma disseminada em pelo menos 3 cães (20%). Estes cães apresentaram sinais consistentes de doença generalizada ou disseminada, exibindo sinais respiratórios (descarga nasal, espirros, estertoração), anorexia e perda de peso. Fístulas e celulite eram muito comuns. Alguns tinham grandes áreas de necrose que desencadearam a exposição de músculo e osso. O diagnóstico definitivo da infecção foi obtido por exame citológico de exsudato e por exame histológico, e/ou apenas isolamento do complexo S. schenckii pela cultura de fungos. Por causa da severidade das lesões que imitam outras enfermidades, principalmente neoplasias e doenças autoimunes, e pela dificuldade de se obter o diagnóstico correto, este estudo descreve 15 casos avançados de esporotricose canina.

Objective Obesity is a highly prevalent multifactorial metabolic condition in which the need for functional bioengineered substitutes (e.g., scaffolds for tissue engineering) is likely to occur. However, the adverse foreign body response (FBR) that invariably takes place adjacent to implant devices impairing their function is poorly characterized in this condition. This study investigated the influence of obesity on the host response to a synthetic matrix implanted subcutaneously in high-fat-fed obese mice. Methods Histological analysis of 14-day-old implants was performed to identify collagen deposition, capsule thickness, fibroblast-like cells, foreign body giant cells, and mast cells. In addition, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels in the implants and serum were determined. Results All fibrogenic markers (and TGF-β1 levels) increased in the implants of obese mice compared with their nonobese counterparts. Particularly relevant was the fibrous capsule thickness in implants of obese mice (234.2 ± 22.1 µm vs. 109.2 ± 13.4 µm in implants of nonobese animals). Conclusions The study results showing that obesity upregulates the main features of the FBR induced by subcutaneous implants in mice may be relevant in understanding biomaterial integration and performance in this condition. This is crucial to the development of strategies to maintain the integrity and function of implantable devices.

High rate algal pond (HRAP) was evaluated according to its energy potential and productivity by two rates, net energy ratio (NER) and specific biomass productivity. All energy inputs were calculated according to one HRAP with pre-ultraviolet disinfection treating anaerobic domestic sewage. The outputs were calculated for two energetic pathways: lipid and biogas production for the raw biomass (RB) and biomass after lipid extraction. The non-polar lipid content in dry biomass was 7.6%, reaching a daily lipid productivity of 0.2 g/m2·day and the biogas production potential was 0.20 m3/kg solids. For the biomass after lipid extraction, the biogas production reached 2.6 m3/kg solids. NER values of 10−3 for the RB were similar for lipids and biogas routes. The specific biomass productivity was 0.7 mg/kJ. For the residual biomass, after lipid extraction, NER value was 10−2 for the integrated route (lipids + biogas) and the specific biomass productivity of the extracted biomass was 0.4 mg/kJ. The best energetic pathway was to integrate both lipids and biogas route.

Microalgae biomass (MB) is a promising source of renewable energy, especially when the cultivation is associated with wastewater treatment. However, microalgae wastewater technologies still have much to improve. Additionally, microalgae biomass valorization routes need to be optimized to be a sustainable and feasible source of green bioenergy. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the production of briquettes from MB, cultivated during domestic wastewater treatment. Also, it was evaluated how much the drying of the MB affected the life cycle and the environment. Improvements in the life cycle to mitigate the environmental impacts of this energy route were proposed. Cradle-to-gate modeling was applied to obtain a life cycle assessment (LCA) from cultivation to the valorization of MB, through its transformation into a solid biofuel. With LCA, it was possible to identify which technical aspect of the process needs to be optimized so that environmental sustainability can be achieved. Two scenarios were compared, one with the microalgae growth in a high-rate algal pond (HRAP) (scenario 1) and the other in a hybrid reactor, formed by a HRAP and a biofilm reactor (BR) (scenario 2). LCA highlighted the electric power mix, representing, on average, 60% of the total environmental impacts in both scenarios. The valorization of MB in briquettes needs to consume less energy to offset its yield. The environment suffered pressure in freshwater eutrophication, due to the release of 3.1E-05 and 3.9E-05 kg of phosphorus equivalent; in fossil resources scarcity, with the extraction of 1.4E-02 and 4.5E-02 kg of oil equivalent; and in climate change, by the emission of 1.0E-01 and 1.9E-01 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, in scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. Scenario 1 was highly damaging to terrestrial ecotoxicity, with the release of 3.5E-01 kg of 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, coming from the CO2 used in MB growth. This category was the one that most negatively pressured the environment, differing from scenario 2, in which this input was not required. This was the only impact category in which scenario 2 had a better environmental performance when compared to scenario 1. Cotton, required in scenario 2, represented up to 87% of emissions in some of the evaluated categories. Despite the impacts that occurred in the two modeled scenarios, the environmental gains due to the use of wastewater for microalgae growth, replacing the synthetic cultivation medium, stood out. In the sensitivity analysis, two alternative scenarios were proposed: (i) electricity consumption for drying has been reduced, due to the natural decrease of MB humidity, and (ii) MB briquettes were considered a substitute for coal briquettes. Results indicated that pressures on climate change and fossil resource scarcity were eliminated in both scenarios and this also occurred for freshwater eutrophication in scenario 2. This paper contributes to the improvement and development of converting MB routes into more sustainable products, causing less pressure on the environment. Also, the study contributes to filling a gap in the literature, discussing methods and technologies to be improved, and consequently making microalgae biotechnology environmentally feasible and a potential renewable energy alternative.

This study evaluated the effect of high-rate ponds (HRPs) of different depths (20, 30 and 40 cm) on the carbon assimilation by microalgae cultivated in domestic sewage. The efficiency of the dissolution provided by the carbonation column and the carbon release to the atmosphere through the movement of the paddle wheels were also investigated. Dissolution efficiencies of 50%, 48% and 46% were obtained in the HRPs of 20, 30 and 40 cm depth, respectively. These differences can be attributed to the time necessary to recirculate the volume of each HRP in the carbonation column. The volumetric mass transfer coefficients regarding the release to the atmosphere were 0.0007, 0.0005 and 0.0004 min−1 for the 20, 30 and 40 cm HRPs, respectively. The carbon assimilation by the biomass was inversely proportional to depth, with values of 90%, 72% and 68% for the 20, 30 and 40 cm HRPs, respectively. Chlorophyll-a concentration was also higher in the 20 cm HRP. The radiation attenuation at the beginning of the ope...

The mast cell tumor is described as the second most common skin neoplasm in cats, but in Brazil we found few reports in this species. The aim of the study is to report a case of cutaneous mast cell tumor in an eight years, male, short hair Brazilian feline attended at the Dermatology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the University Federal Rural of Rio de Janeiro that had a single nodule, erythematosus, alopecic and ulcerated in the left supraorbital region. Cytological examination revealed the presence of a lot of well-differentiated neoplastic mast cells. The animal was taken to the surgical removal of the nodule. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mast cell tumor. It is concluded that cytology is an important tool for the diagnosis of this neoplasm in cats and that surgery is the preferred therapy.

Versican and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are involved in growth and metastases in several cancers. Here, we investigated the potential role of versican, a matrix proteoglycan, and its correlation with TAMs infiltrates in different stages of two different breast cancer models: spontaneous canine mammary gland carcinomas and the murine 4T1 breast cancer model. The stromal versican expression was correlated with TAMs accumulation in tumors with an advanced stage from spontaneous canine mammary carcinoma samples. Versican expression in mice, identified in late stages of tumor progression, was associated to a high number of peri-tumoral infiltrating TAMs. Indeed, TAMs were related to a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic state in the primary tumor. Furthermore, TAMs accumulation was related to versican expression in the lungs and an increased number of pulmonary metastatic nodules with pulmonary mechanical dysfunction, which was due to leukocyte influx in the airways and elevated growth factor levels in the microenvironment. Thus, we suggest that versican and TAMs as attractive targets for breast cancer therapy. ispartof: FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY vol:9 ispartof: location:Switzerland status: published

The application of algal biomass in the soil represents an alternative of efficient use of fertilizers. In the present study, the environmental impacts generated by the application of 1 kg of nitrogen from the algal biomass (biofertilizer) were analyzed through life cycle analysis. Nitrogen was recovered from a meat processing industry effluent in a high-rate algal pond. Impacts related to the entire biofertilizer chain were mainly impacting on climate changes (115 kgCO2eq). Other categories (particle formation, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity) were not very representative. Biomass cultivation was the most critical step regarding energy and time consumption. On the other hand, the use of effluent as the culture medium for microalgae growth reduced impact categories, such as freshwater eutrophication. Results showed that microalgae cultivation and harvesting steps need to be technologically developed, especially when compared to a conventional fertilizer already established in the market. In order to make microalgae biofertilizer environmental advantageous, alternatives should be beforehand: i) the use of photovoltaic energy instead of hydropower energy; ii) the use of a nitrogen richer effluent; iii) and the consideration of an environmental compensation for the treatment of effluent can be accounted for, disregarding the biomass production stage.

The objective of this study was to assess the energy potential, in terms of lipids and biogas, of the algal biomass cultivated in a photobioreactor using effluent from a meat processing plant (primary effluent = after the flotation unit and secondary effluent = after the activated sludge unit) as culture medium. Among the tested routes, the objective was to define the best one for energy use of the biomass and, in order to incorporate the concept of biorefinery, the biogas production was assessed with and without the previous lipid extraction. After 6 days of operation, the biomass cultivated in both effluents presented similar lipid content (7.0 and 6.1%), accounting for mean lipid productivities of 10.0 mg/L·d for the primary effluent and 3.4 mg/L·d for the secondary effluent. The methane production potential (MPP) of the post-flotation biomass was 0.44 m3 biogas/kg of total volatile solids (TVS) and of the post-activated sludge 0.28 m3 biogas/kg TVS. For the biomass after lipid extraction, the MPP was 2.38 m3 biogas/kg TVS for cultivation in the post-flotation effluent and 2.26 m3 biogas/kg TVS in the post-activated sludge effluent. None of the energy routes presented a net energy ratio (NER) higher than one. The energy gain with production of biogas after the lipid extraction was small, although higher NER values were obtained for this pathway. The biogas production from raw biomass, regardless of the culture medium, was the most favorable energy route.

Knowing the influence of land use/land cover changes on the hydrological behavior of a subwatershed is essential to land use planning. The Alto Paraguacu Watershed is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, and currently the largest producer of English potato in the north/northeast of Brazil. The water availability in the region can be considered the limiting factor to the expansion of agricultural frontiers. Therefore, in order to assess the influence of land use/land cover on the quality and quantity of the water resources in the subwatershed, three sampling campaigns were carried out (two in the rainy season and one in the dry season) at ten points throughout the watershed, as well as the hydrological analysis and land use/land cover changes assessment for both seasons. The objective was to relate land use/land cover indicators with hydrological indicators in order to fit a model to predict water changes in the studied subwatershed. The results showed that the changes that occurred in land use/land cover for the development of the current agriculture have significantly impacted the hydrological behavior in the Alto Paraguacu watershed. It was possible to observe that the quality and quantity of water were directly influenced by the anthropization process. This study highlights the importance of suitable land use/land cover for the conservation of water resources.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniacea) has been used in popular medicine in Brazil to treat inflammation, skin diseases and leukemia. This work aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antitumoral activities of the A. chica aqueous (AE) and ethanol (EE) extracts. Materials and methods The murine sponge model was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic activities of AE and EE. Accumulation of neutrophil and macrophage in the implants were determined by assaying myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities and the neovascularization evaluated by the amount of hemoglobin present in the implant using the Drabkin method. The antitumoral activity was evaluated using the MTT colorimetric method against Jurkat, HL60 and MCF-7 cells. Semi-purified fractions F1-F4 from the EE extract were obtained by a liquid–liquid solvent extraction method and their in vitro anti-proliferative effects were also investigated. Results Ethanol and aqueous extracts of A. chica decreased neutrophil accumulation and hemoglobin content in the sponge implants without altering the level of cytokines (IL-2, IL- 4, IL-5, IFN-γ, TNF-α and VEGF) and the albumin/globulin ratio in the serum of treated animals. There was no sign of toxicity (clinical, laboratory or histopathology). The ethanol extract presented antiproliferative activity (IC50 21.5–36.3 µg/mL) against HL60 and Jurkat cell lineages and proapoptotic activity at 50 µg/mL in HL60 cells. The fraction F1 also demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity (IC50 38.5 µg/mL) and proapoptotic activity against HL60 cells in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions Aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. chica attenuate the inflammatory and angiogenic components of the subcutaneous fibrovascular tissue induced by the synthetic matrix in mice. In addition, the ethanol extract from Arrabidaea chica and its fraction F1 presented in vitro antiproliferative activity and could be useful for developing potential chemopreventive substances.

In this study, biomass production and domestic sewage treatment in hybrid systems under bacterial-microalga consortia were assessed. Biomass was grown suspended in the growth media of high-rate ponds (HRPs) and attached in biofilm reactors (BRs). These hybrid systems were operated with and without the addition of CO 2 (HS2 and HS1, respectively) in the HRP growth media. The performances of these systems were compared with that of a conventional HRP with CO 2 supplementation. Regarding sewage treatment with microalgae and bacteria consortia, the three systems showed no significant differences in the removal of organisms associated with faecal contamination, organic matter and most nutrients. However, nitrate levels were increased in the hybrid systems due to the presence of BRs. There were no differences in algal biomass production among the three systems, which remained in the 0.6–0.7 g m −2 range. HS1 showed the highest total biomass production of 101.31 g m −2 at a production rate of 6.79 g m −2 day −1 . The BR of HS1 was able to supply the necessary CO 2 and therefore no additional gas supplementation was required. This result indicates that a conventional HRP with CO 2 supplementation can be replaced by a hybrid system with biofilm reactor, with additional advantages of resources saving, operational simplicity and easier harvesting.

Background/Objectives Pancreas regenerative capacity after injury is not always sufficient to comply with the body's requirement of digestive enzymes and hormones. We present an alternative system to induce pancreas parenchyma proliferation (exocrine and endocrine components), rather than regeneration or remodeling in normoglycemic mice. Methods Porous discs of polyether-polyurethane were surgically placed adjacent to the native pancreas and removed at days 15, 30 and 45 after implantation. No exogenous growth factors or extracellular matrix components were added to the platform. The synthetic matrix provided a platform that was filled with parenchymal and non-parenchymal pancreas tissue as detected by histological analysis. Immunohistochemistry analysis were performed to identify insulin positive cells in the newly formed tissue. In addition, angiogenic, inflammatory and metabolic parameters were carried out in those mice. Results At day 15, the pores of the platform were filled with inflammatory cells, spindled-shaped like fibroblasts, extracellular matrix components, blood vessels and clusters of pancreatic parenchyma (acini, ducts and islet-like structures). At days 30 and 45 the pancreas features remained well organized; its organization resembled that of a native pancreas. Interestingly, besides islet-like structures that showed positive cells to insulin, some ductal cells were also positive for insulin immunostaining. No significant differences in serum glucose and c-peptide concentrations during the experimental period were detected. Conclusions The plain synthetic porous platform (without addition of exogenous molecules) placed adjacent to the native organ exhibits potential to restore and/or expand exocrine (acini, ducts) and endocrine (β-cell mass) components in pancreatic injuries and in high metabolic demand.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peripheral and menstrual blood in women with (n=10) and without (n=7) endometriosis. NAG and MPO activities were evaluated by enzymatic methods, whereas TNF-α and VEGF by immunoassay. No significant differences were found for these markers, neither in menstrual nor in peripheral blood between groups. Menstrual blood NAG (P=0.039) and MPO (P=0.0117) activities in the endometriosis group were significantly higher than in peripheral blood. NAG and MPO presented positive linear correlation in peripheral (P=0.07; r=0.641) and menstrual blood (P=0.01; r=0.603). These findings point to the existence of an increased local inflammatory activity in women with endometriosis.

Fibroproliferative processes are regulated by a wide variety of tissue components and genetic factors. However, whether there are genetic differences in peritoneal fibroproliferative tissue formation, with consequent differences in response to drug treatment, is unclear. We characterize the influence of the genetic background on peritoneal fibroproliferative tissue induced by sponge implants in DBA/1, Swiss, C57BL/6, and BALB/c mouse strains. In addition, responses to dipyridamole in the implants were evaluated. Angiogenesis, assessed by intra-implant hemoglobin content, was highest in Swiss mice, whereas levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were highest in C57BL/6 mice. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of inflammatory enzymes (myeloperoxidase- and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase) were also strain-related. The pro-fibrogenic markers transforming growth factor beta-1 and collagen were lowest in implants placed in DBA/1 mice, whereas those in C57BL/6 mice had the highest levels. Differential sensitivity to dipyridamole was also observed, with this compound being pro-angiogenic in implants placed in DBA/1 mice but antiangiogenic in implants placed in Swiss. An overall anti-inflammatory response was observed in the inbred strains. Antifibrogenic effects were observed only in implants placed in C57BL/6 mice. These important strain-related differences in the development of peritoneal fibrosis and in response to dipyridamole must be considered in the design and analysis of studies on fibrogenesis in mice.

Genetic susceptibility is associated with inflammation, neovascularization, and diabetes phenotypes. However, to what extent this susceptibility influences inflammatory angiogenesis in internal injuries in diabetes has not been fully investigated. Using the subcutaneous implantation of a synthetic matrix as an internal wound model in Swiss, C57BL/6 and Balb/c mice, we have studied inflammation, angiogenesis, and cytokine production in the fibrovascular tissue induced by implants in diabetic animals. The hyperglycemic levels (mg/dl) after the diabetogenic treatment were 455.0±15 in Swiss, 393.0±22 in C57BL/6, and 190.0±10 in Balb/c mice. Angiogenesis in Swiss implants from non-diabetic animals were higher than those in the implants from the other strains. However, the angiogenic inducers VEGF and nitric oxide (NO) were higher in implants from non-diabetic Swiss and Balb/c mice. Strain-related differences were also observed in the angiogenic parameters in implants from diabetic mice. Hb content and number of vessels decreased more than 40% in Swiss implants. In contrast, Hb content did not alter in implants from Balb/c diabetic mice and the number of vessels decreased. VEGF levels increased in implants from Swiss and C57BL/6 diabetic mice, but decreased in Balb/c implants. The levels of pro-inflammatory markers intra-implant also varied among the strains in both conditions. In the hyperglycemic environment, almost all inflammatory markers increased in implants from diabetic Swiss mice. These findings demonstrate the major contribution of genetic background in the pattern of inflammatory angiogenesis components of internal injury, in both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic animals.

The attached microalgal biomass production in wastewater is promising for the development of biofilm reactors aimed at the economic separation and harvesting of biomass. However, the current impasse in the attached algal biomass production relies on the ability of materials to support such adherence. This study evaluated the effects of different support materials on the production and composition of algal biomass cultivated in domestic sewage. Durability and adherence of algal biomass to the threads of the support material were the most important criteria for choosing the material with the best performance. Three support materials were evaluated: cotton, nylon, and polyester. Polyester presented the best results in terms of durability; its resistance to friction tests was the highest, and even increased after its use in the experiment; this was associated with the high biomass production, mostly after the biomass inoculum (50.1 g∙m−2). This support also demonstrated greater development of nitrifying bacteria, which are essential for biofilm formation due to the presence of filaments in their cells. As for biomass characterization, it was observed that the different support materials did not interfere in the composition of the cells present in the attached biomass.

Background Chagas' disease is one of the leading causes of heart failure in Latin American countries. Despite its great social impact, there is no direct evidence in the literature explaining the development of heart failure in Chagas' disease. Therefore, the main objective of the study was to investigate the development of the Chagas' disease towards its chronic phase and correlate with modifications in the cellular electrophysiological characteristics of the infected heart. Methods and results Using a murine model of Chagas' disease, we confirmed and extended previous findings of altered electrocardiogram and echocardiogram in this cardiomyopathy. The observed changes in the electrocardiogram were correlated with the prolonged action potential and reduced transient outward potassium current density. Reduced heart function was associated with remodeling of intracellular calcium handling, altered extracellular matrix content, and to a set of proteins involved in the control of cellular contractility in ventricular myocytes. Furthermore, disruption of calcium homeostasis was partially due to activation of the PI3Kinase/nitric oxide signaling pathway. Finally, we propose a causal link between the inflammatory mediators and heart remodeling during chagasic cardiomyopathy. Conclusion Altogether our results demonstrate that heart failure in Chagas' disease may occur due to electrical and mechanical remodeling of cardiac myocytes, and suggest that AKT/PI3K/NO axis could be an important pharmacological target to improve the disease outcome.

Airport complexes are great water consumers where the adoption of reuse practices adapted to their particular characteristics may represent significant savings of financial and environmental resources. Greywater reuse is an important alternative for reducing potable water consumption in airports. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of greywater produced in airport environments and the reuse potential of such effluent. This study was developed in a mid-size airport in Brazil, where a qualitative assessment of greywater produced by different activities was performed. The results were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Greywater production in the administrative buildings was estimated by the application of questionnaires and interviewing employees, and compared to the non-potable demand in these buildings. The results showed that the quality of the greywater produced in the airport is similar to that produced in residences and can be easily treated for reuse purposes. In quantitative terms, greywater reuse can meet the non-potable demand and provide great savings of water and financial resources, in addition to priceless environmental benefits.

This article aims to perform a review of literature regarding care of women victims of sexual violence through a search in indexed journals in the Virtual Health Library and Scopus databases, including publications since 2003. Data collection was conducted in May 2013 using the keywords “ violencia sexual ” [“sexual violence”], “assistencia” [“assistance”], “servicos de saude da mulher” [“women’s health services”], “aborto” [“abortion”] and “ gravidez” [“pregnancy”]. Fifteen publications were retrieved, and the results were grouped into two the-matic categories: bioethical issues related to women’s access to care services, and bioethical aspects present in treatment. The discussion was based in risk and protection bioethics, showing that the government must ensure universal access for the victims of sexual violence, and that health care professionals should be bio-ethically prepared for such care. Keywords: Bioethics. Sexual violence. Women’s health services. Resumo Bioetica e atendimento a mulheres vitimas de violencia sexual: revisao de literaturaBuscando efetuar revisao de literatura sobre atendimento a mulheres vitimas de violencia sexual, realizou-se busca em periodicos indexados nas bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual de Saude e Scopus, considerando publicacoes a partir do ano de 2003. A coleta de dados foi realizada em maio de 2013, utilizando descritores “violencia sexual” [“sexual violence”], “assistencia” [“assistance”], “servicos de saude da mulher” [“women’s health services”], “aborto” [“abortion”] e “gravidez” [“pregnancy”]. Foram recuperados quinze artigos, e os resultados foram agrupados em categorias tematicas: aspectos bioeticos relacionados ao acesso de mulheres a servicos de atendimento, e aspectos bioeticos presentes no atendimento. A discussao ocorreu a luz da bio-etica do risco e protecao, evidenciando que o Estado deve garantir a universalidade do acesso as vitimas de violencia sexual e os profissionais de saude devem estar bioeticamente preparados para esse atendimento.

Injury of skeletal abdominal muscle wall is a common medical condition and implantation of synthetic or biological material is a procedure to repair musculofascial defects. We proposed to characterize the dynamics of inflammatory cell recruitment, newly formed blood vessels, cytokine production and fibrogenesis in the abdominal skeletal muscle in response to polyether–polyurethane sponge implants in mice. At 2, 4, 7 and 10 days after implantation the muscle tissue underneath the sponge matrix was removed for the assessment of the angiogenic response (hemoglobin content, vascular endothelial growth factor and morphometric analysis of the number of vessels) and inflammation (myeloperoxidase and n-acethyl-B- d -glucosaminidase activities, cytokines). In addition, muscle fibrogenesis was determined by the levels of TGF-β1 and collagen deposition. Hemoglobin content, wash out rate of sodium fluorescein (indicative of blood flow) and the number of vessels increased in the abdominal muscle bearing the synthetic matrix in comparison with the intact muscle. Neutrophil recruitment peaked in the muscle at day 2, followed by macrophage accumulation at day 4 post-injury. The levels of the cytokines, VEGF, TNF-α, CCL-2/MCP-1 were higher in the injured muscle compared with the intact muscle and peaked soon after muscle injury (days 2 to 4). Collagen levels were higher in sponge-bearing muscle compared with the non-bearing tissue soon after injury (day 2). The implantation technique together with the inflammatory and vascular parameters used in this study revealed inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic events and mechanisms associated with skeletal muscle responses to synthetic implanted materials.

In this preliminary study the occupational safety and health practices among flower greenhouses workers were evaluated. The study was carried out in the alto Tietê region, located at the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Inadequate welfare facilities; poor pesticide storage, use and disposal conditions; use of highly toxic pesticides; lack of adequate data regarding pesticide use; and incorrect use and maintenance of PPE were observed in most of the visited greenhouses. These results suggest that, in greenhouses, workers may be at higher risk of pesticide exposure, due to many factors that can intensify the exposure such as the lack of control on reentry intervals after pesticide application. Specific regulations are needed to ensure better OSH practices on pesticide use and to improve working conditions in greenhouses, in order to deal with the peculiarities of greenhouse working environment. Some of the special requirements for greenhouses workers' protection are the establishment of ventilation criteria for restricted entry interval; clear reentry restrictions; and EPI for workers other than applicators that need to enter the greenhouse before expiring REI interval. Another important way to improve OSH practices among workers includes the distribution of simple guidelines on the dos and don'ts regarding OSH practices in greenhouses and extensively training interventions to change the perception of hazards and the behavior towards risk.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vasculopathies represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Vascular malfunctioning in diabetes is associated with abnormal vasoconstriction and Ca2+ handling by smooth muscle cells (SMC). Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) are key mediators of insulin action and have been shown to modulate the function of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels (CaV1.2). In the present work, we investigated the involvement of PI3K signalling in regulating Ca2+ current through CaV1.2 (ICa,L) and vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of type I diabetes. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in isometric tension were recorded on myograph. Ca2+ currents in freshly dissociated mice aortic SMCs were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Antisense techniques were used to knock-down the PI3Kδ isoform. KEY RESULTS Contractile responses to phenylephrine and KCl were strongly enhanced in diabetic aorta independent of a functional endothelium. The magnitude of phenylephrine-induced ICa,L was also greatly augmented. PI3Kδ expression, but not PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kγ, was increased in diabetic aortas and treatment of vessels with a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor normalized ICa,L and contractile response of diabetic vessels. Moreover, knock-down of PI3Kδin vivo decreased PI3Kδ expression and normalized ICa,L and contractile response of diabetic vessels ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase δ was essential to the increased vascular contractile response in our model of type I diabetes. PI3Kδ signalling was up-regulated and most likely accounted for the increased ICa,L, leading to increased vascular contractility. Blockade of PI3Kδ may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat vascular dysfunction in diabetic patients. LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Sturek, pp. 1455–1457 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00997.x

Based on the notion that inflammation favors tumorigenesis, our experiments comparatively assessed the influence of acute and chronic inflammation on the development of a murine mammary tumor (4T1). In addition, we characterized angiogenic and inflammatory markers in the tumor tissue and systemically. Subcutaneous implantation of polyether-polyurethane sponge discs in Balb/c mice was used to host 4T1 tumor cells (1x10(6)), which were inoculated intraimplant 24 h or 10 days post implantation. Flow cytometric analysis of enzyme-digested implants revealed that, after 24 hours, the population of leukocytes was primarily characterized by neutrophils (42.53% +/- 8.45) and monocytes (37.53% +/- 7.48), with some lymphocytes (16.27% +/- 4.0) and a few dendritic cells (1.82% +/- 0.36). At 10 days, macrophages were predominant (37.10% +/- 4.54), followed by lymphocytes (28.1% +/- 4.77), and monocytes (22.33% +/- 3.05), with some dendritic cells (13.60% +/- 0.55) and neutrophils (11.07% +/- 2.27). A mammary tumor grown in a chronic inflammatory environment was 2-fold when compared with one grown in acute inflammation and 5-fold when compared with tumor alone. The levels of pro-angiogenic cytokine (VEGF-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) were higher in implant-bearing tumor when 4T1 cells were grown in 10-day old implants as compared to the VEGF levels of the two other groups. Overall, the levels of the inflammatory markers evaluated (NAG -N-acetylglucosaminidase, TNF-α-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) were higher in both groups of implant-bearing tumors and in serum from those animals when compared with the tumor alone levels. This inflammation-related difference in tumor growth may provide new insights into the contribution of different inflammatory cell populations to cancer progression.

Recent data has indicated that, besides its classical therapeutic indication in hyperurecemia and gout, xanthine oxidase inhibitors can be used to various forms of ischemia and other types of tissue and vascular injuries. We tested the hypothesis that allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (XO), might modulate acute and/or chronic inflammatory angiogenesis induced by subcutaneous implantation of synthetic matrix in mice. C57/BL6 male mice (6–7 weeks) were implanted with polyether–polyurethane sponge discs. The animals received by oral gavage 1.0 mg/kg of allopurinol for six consecutive days in two treatment regimen. In the first series of experiments, the treatment was initiated 24 h post-implantation and the implants were removed at day 7 post-implantation. For the assessment of the effect of the compound on chronic inflammation, the treatment was initiated at day 8 post-implantation and the implants removed 14 days post-implantation. Angiogenesis as determined by hemoglobin content, VEGF levels and number of vessels intraimplant, and inflammation (myeloperoxidase —MPO, n-acetyl-β- d -glucosaminidase —NAG, TNF-α and CCL2 levels) were reduced by allopurinol treatment in acute phase. Similarly, the treatment inhibited nitric oxide and H 2 O 2 production. However, fibrogenesis determined by collagen deposition and levels of TGF-β1 increased in the implants after allopurinol treatment. In marked contrast with the effects when the treatment initiated 24 h post-implantation, allopurinol increased angiogenesis and inflammation but reduced collagen and TGF-β1 levels intra-implant, when the treatment was started during the chronic inflammatory process. The dual effects of allopurinol described here, extend its range of actions as a potential agent able to modulate the components of the fibrovascular tissue present in both physiological (healing processes) as well as in chronic fibroproliferative diseases. These modulatory effects depended on the phase at which the treatment was initiated.

The production of different species of microalgae in consortium with other micro-organisms from wastewaters may represent an alternative process, to reduce the costs, for obtaining biofuels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of pre-ultraviolet disinfection (UV) in the production of lipids from biomass produced in high rate ponds. Two high rate algal ponds were evaluated: a pond that received domestic sewage without disinfection and the other receiving domestic sewage previously disinfected by UV radiation (uvHRAP). The UV disinfection did not lead to significant differences in fatty acid profile and total lipid productivities, although it increased algal biomass concentration and productivity as well as lipid content. Moreover, the overall biomass concentrations and productivities decreased with the UV disinfection, mostly as a consequence of a loss in bacterial load. We thus conclude that uvHRAP disinfection may represent a potential strategy to promote the cleaner and safer growth of algal biomass when cultivated in consortium with other micro-organisms. Mainly regarding the use of wastewater as culture medium, together with a cheaper production of lipids for biodiesel, pre-disinfection may represent an advance since extraction costs could be significantly trimmed due to the increase in lipid content.

Inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrogenesis are key components of physiological (wound repair) and pathological conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer). These processes can be induced using implantation of biomaterials allowing, therefore the characterization of cellular and molecular events involved in the development of the fibrovascular tissue. Damage to tissue is resolved through a series of overlapping phases (inflammation, cell proliferation/migration and tissue remodeling) leading to variable outcomes depending on various systemic and/or local factors. The implantation technique has been used for the assessment of the various phases of normal healing as well as the foreign body reaction. This approach has characterized the mechanisms regulating the response to injury represented by the implant and the influence of a number of factors (pathological conditions, genetic manipulation). In addition, modulation of the process by potential therapeutic compounds has been extensively studied using synthetic matrix-based methodology. We provide here a detailed description of the methodology.

The objective of this paper is to compare the lipid content and composition ofbiomass produced by a consortium of microalgae and bacteria, cultivated under different solar radiation intensities and tropical conditions in pilot-scale high-rate ponds (HRPs) using domestic sewage as culture medium. The treatment system consisted of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by UV disinfection and six HRPs covered with shading screens that blocked 9%, 18%, 30%, 60% and 80% of the solar radiation. The total lipid content does not vary significantly among the units, showing a medium value of 9.5%. The results show that blocking over 30% of the solar radiation has a negative effect on the lipid productivity. The units with no shading and with 30% and 60% of solar radiation blocking have statistically significant lipid productivities, varying from 0.92 to 0.96 gm(-2) day(-1). Besides radiation, other variables such as volatile suspended solids and chlorophyll-a are able to explain the lipid accumulation. The lipid profile has a predominance of C16, C18:1 and C18:3 acids. The unsaturation of fatty acids increases with the reduction in solar radiation. On the other hand, the effect of polyunsaturation is not observed, which is probably due to the presence of a complex and diverse biomass.

Greywater reuse is one of the main alternatives for reducing potable water consumption in households, industries and commercial buildings. Airport complexes need large amounts of water to maintain their operation routine, and replacing potable water with greywater may represent significant savings of financial and environmental resources. The objectives of this study were to discuss aspects related to greywater reuse in airports of different regions, as well as to present a case study of an airport in Brazil. Greywater treatment and reuse are quite common worldwide, although not many airports have already implemented such practice. Even though several sophisticated technologies have been widely used in some airports, treating source-separated effluent requires simple techniques and facilitates reuse. The case study evaluated a system consisting of an anaerobic filter followed by ultraviolet disinfection. The results were satisfactory according to less strict reuse standards and an economic analysis showed that in five years the cost of the investment will be returned. Due to its simple operation, the system is mostly indicated for small and mid-size airports, or for decentralized treatment in large airports. Greywater reuse must increasingly become part of a set of integrated actions toward the rational use of water, since this type of effluent represents an alternative source for non-potable uses, with extensive applicability in airports.

The increased prevalence of diabetes worldwide is associated with increasing numbers of diabetic individuals receiving synthetic matrices and biomedical implants to repair and/or replace biological tissues. This therapeutic procedure invariably leads to adverse tissue healing (foreign body reaction), thus impairing the biomedical device function of subcutaneous implants. However, the influence of diabetes on abnormal tissue healing in intraperitoneal implants is unclear. We investigated key components of foreign body reactions in diabetic rats. Polyether-polyurethane sponge discs were placed intraperitoneally in rats previously injected with streptozotocin for induction of diabetes and in non-diabetic rats. Implants removed 10 days after implantation were assessed by determining the components of the fibrovascular tissue (angiogenesis, inflammation, and fibrogenesis). In implants from diabetic rats, fibrous capsule thickness and fibrovascular tissue infiltration (hematoxylineosin and picrosirius staining) were reduced in comparison with implants from non-diabetic rats. Hemoglobin (Hb) content (vascular index) and VEGF levels (pro-angiogenic cytokine) were increased after diabetes. However, the number of vessels (HE and CD31-immunostaining) in the fibrovascular tissue from diabetic rats was decreased when compared with vessel numbers in implants from non-diabetic animals. Overall, all inflammatory parameters (macrophage accumulation-NAG activity; TNF-α and MCP-1 levels) increased in intraperitoneal implants after diabetes induction. The pro-fibrogenic cytokine (TGFβ-1) increased after diabetes, but collagen deposition remained unaltered in the implants from diabetic rats. These important diabetes-related changes (increased levels of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines) in peritoneal implant healing provide an insight into the mechanisms of the foreign body response in the diabetic environment in rats.

Background: Chronic inflammatory processes in the peritoneal cavity develop as a result of ischemia, foreign body reaction, and trauma. Brazilian green propolis, a beeswax product, has been shown to exhibit multiple actions on inflammation and tissue repair. Our aim was to investigate the effects of this natural product on the inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibrogenic components of the peritoneal fibroproliferative tissue induced by a synthetic matrix. Methods: Chronic inflammation was induced by placing polyether-polyurethane sponge discs in the abdominal cavity of anesthetized Swiss mice. Oral administration of propolis (500/mg/kg/day) by gavage started 24 hours after injury for four days. The effect of propolis on peritoneal permeability was evaluated through fluorescein diffusion rate 4 days post implantation. The effects of propolis on the inflammatory (myeloperoxidase and n-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activities and TNF-α levels), angiogenic (hemoglobin content-Hb), and fibrogenic (TGF-β1 and collagen deposition) components of the fibrovascular tissue in the implants were determined 5 days after the injury. Results: Propolis was able to decrease intraperitoneal permeability. The time taken for fluorescence to peak in the systemic circulation was 20 ± 1 min in the treated group in contrast with 15 ± 1 min in the control group. In addition, the treatment was shown to down-regulate angiogenesis (Hb content) and fibrosis by decreasing TGF-β1 levels and collagen deposition in fibroproliferative tissue induced by the synthetic implants. Conversely, the treatment up-regulated inflammatory enzyme activities, TNF-α levels and gene expression of NOS2 and IFN-γ (23 and 7 fold, respectively), and of FIZZ1 and YM1 (8 and 2 fold) when compared with the untreated group. Conclusions: These observations show for the first time the effects of propolis modulating intraperitoneal inflammatory angiogenesis in mice and disclose important action mechanisms of the compound (downregulation of angiogenic components and activation of murine macrophage pathways).

Airports consume significant amounts of water to maintain their infrastructure. Given the increasing worldwide demand for this type of transport and the current situation of water scarcity in many regions of the planet, efforts should be made to assess water consumption profiles as well as alternatives for its efficient use. In airport complexes, most of the water is used to meet non-potable demands, making them potential environments for implementing conservation practices aimed at reducing these demands – such as water metering and installation of water saving fixtures – and also for searching for alternative sources, such as rainwater and treated greywater or domestic sewage effluent. This review presents information regarding water consumption in globally important airports in order to provide a basis for studies that guide policies and decision-making toward a sustainable management of these environments during the planning and execution of construction, expansion and modernization projects.

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Results The proliferation of pancreatic parenchyma was observed into implants in both groups. In control group there was more cells of pancreatic islet immunostaining to insulin into implant. The diabetic group showed lower number of blood vessels but not VEGF levels. The inflammatory parameters assessed (TNF-a and CCL-2) it was higher in diabetic group than control. The number of foreign body giant cells decreased after diabetes. Conclusions Despite the diabetic state seems alters some characteristics of tissue that growth into implant, the synthetic matrix used support a favorable microenvironment to proliferation of pancreatic parenchyma in vivo.

Implantation of synthetic matrices and biomedical devices in diabetic individuals has become a common procedure to repair and/or replace biological tissues. However, an adverse foreign body reaction that invariably occurs adjacent to implant devices impairing their function is poorly characterized in the diabetic environment. We investigated the influence of this condition on the abnormal tissue healing response in implants placed subcutaneously in normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. In polyether-polyurethane sponge discs removed 10 days after implantation, the components of the fibrovascular tissue (angiogenesis, inflammation, fibrogenesis, and apoptosis) were assessed. Intra-implant levels of hemoglobin and vascular endothelial growth factor were not different after diabetes when compared with normoglycemic counterparts. However, there were a lower number of vessels in the fibrovascular tissue from diabetic rats when compared with vessel numbers in implants from non-diabetic animals. Overall, the inflammatory parameters (neutrophil accumulation - myeloperoxidase activity, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels and mast cell counting) increased in subcutaneous implants after diabetes induction. However, macrophage activation (N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity) was lower in implants from diabetic rats when compared with those from normoglycemic animals. All fibrogenic markers (transforming growth factor beta 1 levels, collagen deposition, fibrous capsule thickness, and foreign body giant cells) decreased after diabetes, whereas apoptosis (TUNEL) increased. Our results showing that hyperglycemia down regulates the main features of the foreign body reaction induced by subcutaneous implants in rats may be relevant in understanding biomaterial integration and performance in diabetes.

The objective of this study was to apply the concept of substrate complementarity. Algal biomass cultivated in effluent (domestic or from the brewing industry) in combination with olive mill wastewater was anaerobically digested, without any pre-treatment or correction of the substrate, allowing stability of the process and improvement of the digestion unit performance. For biomass produced in domestic sewage, the substitution of 10% of its volume by olive mill wastewater resulted in a better performance, with a yield of 0.10 m3 CH4 kg−1 volatile solids and an increase of 61% in methane production, when compared to the yield from the digestion of only algal biomass. Concerning algal biomass produced in domestic sewage, among others, the high content of ash (40%) and the low content of carbohydrates (3.6%) were the main factors to be overcome with the addition of complementary substrate. Regarding the algal biomass produced in brewing effluent, proportions of up to 20% of olive mill wastewater could be used without inhibiting anaerobic activity, however, a period of adaptation of the inoculum should be considered. Due to its more balanced chemical composition, biomass from the brewing industry alone presented better yield in methane production; 0.16 m3 CH4 kg−1 volatile solids, 14% higher than when digested together with 10% of the volume of olive mill wastewater substrate. The best performance of anaerobic digestion of algal biomass with another substrate was not related to the carbon–nitrogen ratio used. Therefore, other characteristics have influenced the algal biomass anaerobic process, such as the chemical constitution of algal biomass, mostly associated with the type of medium where it was cultivated.