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This study introduces an orbital monitoring system designed to quantify non-technical losses (NTLs) within electricity distribution networks. Leveraging Sentinel-2 satellite imagery alongside advanced techniques in computer vision and machine learning, this system focuses on accurately segmenting urban areas, facilitating the removal of clouds, and utilizing OpenStreetMap masks for pre-annotation. Through testing on two datasets, the method attained a Jaccard index (IoU) of 0.9210 on the training set, derived from the region of France, and 0.88 on the test set, obtained from the region of Brazil, underscoring its efficacy and resilience. The precise segmentation of urban zones enables the identification of areas beyond the electric distribution company's coverage, thereby highlighting potential irregularities with heightened reliability. This approach holds promise for mitigating NTL, particularly through its ability to pinpoint potential irregular areas.

Exploring new biomass sources for nanocellulose (NC) extraction is crucial in elevating the economic value of readily available renewable resources. This study compares NC extracted from acai (Euterpe oleracea) bagasse using different methods: mixed acid hydrolysis, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO) mediation, and ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidations. A comprehensive analysis investigates the impact of each treatment on the physical-chemical properties of the nanoparticles, including chemical structure, crystallinity, morphology, and thermal and suspension stability. NCs obtained through mixed acid hydrolysis exhibit the highest crystallinity (62 %) and low sulfate groups on their surfaces. Consequently, they demonstrate excellent thermal stability but poor colloidal stability in water. Oxidized NCs undergo chemical modification, converting alcoholic groups into carboxyl, resulting in NCs with zeta potentials ranging between -25.30 ± 0.81 and - 27.49 ± 1.07 mV. APS oxidation produces nanoparticles with superior thermal stability compared to TEMPO oxidation. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images reveal that all nanocelluloses share characteristics of nanofibers (CNFs). This comprehensive characterization highlights the potential of acai bagasse for yielding high-added-value bioproducts suitable for versatile applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We describe the use of bismuth(III) triflate as an efficient and environmentally friendly catalyst for the Nazarov reaction of aryl vinyl ketones, leading to the synthesis of 3-aryl-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-indanones and 3-aryl-1-indanones. By changing the temperature and reaction time, it was possible to modulate the reactivity, allowing the synthesis of two distinct product classes (3-aryl-2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-indanones and 3-aryl-1-indanones) in good to excellent yield. The reaction did not require additives and was insensitive to both air and moisture. Preliminary biological evaluation of some indanones showed a promising profile against some human cancer line cells., (Copyright © 2024, Rodrigues Jr. et al.)

Second-degree burns require greater care, as the damage is more extensive and worrisome and the use of a biomaterial can help in the cell repair process, with better planning, low cost, and better accessibility. Arnica has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in skin lesions treatments and laser therapy is another therapeutic alternative for burns. Evaluate the effects of arnica incorporated into PVA associated or not with low intensity laser on burns in rats. PVA and PVA with arnica (PVA+A) were obtained and characterized physicochemically. Through in vivo studies, the effects of PVA and PVA+A with or without the application of laser on the lesions allowed histological and immunohistochemical analyzes. PVA+A was biocompatible and with sustained release of the active, being a promising pharmacological tool and confirmed that laser therapy was effective in accelerating the healing process, due to its potential biomodulator, improving inflammatory aspects, promoting rapid healing in skin lesions., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Cancer is a worldwide health problem with high mortality in children and adults, making searching for novel bioactive compounds with potential use in cancer treatment essential. Piplartine, also known as piperlongumine, is an alkamide isolated from Piper longum Linn, with relevant therapeutic potential. Therefore, this review covered research on the antitumor activity of piplartine, and the studies reported herein confirm the antitumor properties of piplartine and highlight its possible application as an anticancer agent against various types of tumors. The evidence found serves as a reference for advancing mechanistic research on this metabolite and preparing synthetic derivatives or analogs with better antitumor activity in order to develop new drug candidates.

In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the main mechanisms of pharmacological action of essential oils and their components in various biological systems. A brief introduction on essential oil chemistry is presented to better understand the relationship of chemical aspects with the bioactivity of these products. Next, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities are discussed. The mechanisms of action against various types of viruses are also addressed. The data show that the multiplicity of pharmacological properties of essential oils occurs due to the chemical diversity in their composition and their ability to interfere with biological processes at cellular and multicellular levels via interaction with various biological targets. Therefore, these natural products can be a promising source for the development of new drugs.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-rater reliability in the analysis of digital images of donor areas for skin in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin in the ImageJ®., Methods: Donor sites were reviewed by two independent reviewers in duplicate. The capture of images was standardized on the same device and distance (with a millimeter ruler), without a flash. The evaluators were trained to capture the images and use the plugin., Results: We selected 70 images from donor areas, from men and women between 18 and 60 years old. In the analysis of intra-examiner reliability, eight of the nine variables exhibited excellent reliability (0.985-0.998) and one (entropy) exhibited good reliability (0.525). The same was true for the inter-examiner analysis: excellent reliability for eight variables (0.824-0.993) and good reliability for entropy (0.501)., Conclusions: The CaPAS plugin has proven to be a reliable tool for use in research in skin donor areas in burns, as demonstrated by its excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability values. This is a pioneering study in the quantitative assessment of skin donor areas in burn patients using the CaPAS plugin.

Ocular tuberculosis is often a challenging diagnosis with extremely diverse clinical manifestations and, most times, impractical bacilli isolation. Here we describe an unprecedented case of presumed ocular tuberculosis presenting with bilateral pseudoretinitis pigmentosa and retinal vasculitis., Competing Interests: None of the authors have financial disclosures., (© 2022 The Authors.)

This paper analyzes crime reports and police activity in Rio de Janeiro during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate there was an overall drop in crime rates starting in April, especially in property crimes, which plummet to extremely unusual levels when compared with previous patterns. This pattern is most likely associated with an unprecedented decline in public mobility in some areas of the state. We show that the most significant reductions in street robberies occurred in neighborhoods where there was a greater decline in presence on the streets. Measures of police activity, in particular drug seizures and different types of arrests, displayed a reduction comparable with the drop in criminal indicators. In contrast, the number of police killings followed a unique pattern: in April, immediately after the adoption of social distance measures, this indicator increased above the average from the previous four years; as of May, however, it assumed a downward trend, which turned into extraordinarily low levels in June. The extreme variation in the use of force by the police during the pandemic reinforces the documented dissonance between police lethality and criminal dynamics in Rio de Janeiro, shedding light on the mechanisms that regulate police violence in the state.

Growing concerns regarding sustainability in agriculture include the availability of drinking water, which is putting pressure on livestock production, especially the beef sector, for more efficient practices. Thus, genetic parameters were estimated for traits related to water intake and water use efficiency in Senepol cattle. Senepol females (n = 925) and males (n = 191) were evaluated in performance tests carried out from 2014 to 2019. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake (WI) were recorded by electronic feed and water bunks (Intergado Ltd.). Other traits assessed included average daily gain (ADG); mid-test metabolic BW (BW 0.75 ); residual water intake based on ADG (RWI ADG ), estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of WI on ADG and BW 0.75 ; residual water intake based on DMI (RWI DMI ), estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of WI on DMI and BW 0.75 (RWI DMI ); water conversion ratio (= WI/ADG); gross water efficiency (GWE = ADG/WI); residual feed intake estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of DMI on ADG and BW 0.75 (RFI); feed conversion ratio (= DMI/ADG) and gross feed efficiency. Genetic (co)variances were estimated with bivariate analyses. The heritabilities for WI, RWI ADG and RWI DMI were 0.38, 0.36 and 0.33, respectively. Water conversion ratio, RWI ADG and RWI DMI showed positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with WI, whereas GWE was negatively correlated with WI, suggesting that traits related to water use efficiency may be useful to identify cattle with reduced WI. Water intake showed positive genetic (r = 0.79) and phenotypic (r = 0.60) correlations with DMI, suggesting the use of WI to estimate DMI in future studies. Both RWI ADG and RWI DMI were genetically correlated with RFI (0.67 and 0.57, respectively) and ADG (0.49 and 0.44, respectively), showing that RWI is positively associated with feed efficiency, but has an antagonistic relationship with growth. This antagonism, however, may be managed using selection indexes. Genetic improvement of water use efficiency in Senepol cattle is possible through selection and may reduce the water requirements of beef production systems., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Improving feed efficiency is a key breeding goal in the beef cattle industry. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters for feed efficiency and carcass traits in Senepol cattle raised in tropical regions. Various indicators of feed efficiency [gain to feed ratio (G:F), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual weight gain (RG), residual intake and body weight gain (RIG), and residual feed intake (RFI)] as well as growth [final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and DM intake (DMI)], and carcass [rib-eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), intramuscular fat score, and carcass conformation score] traits were included in the study. After data editing, records from 1 393 heifers obtained between 2009 and 2018 were used for the analyses. We fitted an animal model that included contemporary group (animals from the same farm that were evaluated in the same test season) as the fixed effect, and a linear effect of animal age at the beginning of the test as a covariate; in addition to random direct additive genetic and residual effects. The (co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference in uni- and bivariate analyses. Our results showed that feed efficiency indicators derived from residual variables such as RG, RIG, and RFI can be improved through genetic selection (h 2 = 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.13 ± 0.06, and 0.20 ± 0.08, respectively). Variables calculated as ratios such as G:F and FCR were more influenced by environmental factors (h 2 = 0.08 ± 0.05 and 0.09 ± 0.05), and were, therefore, less suitable for use in breeding programs. The traits with the greatest and impact on genetic progress in feed efficiency were ADG, REA, and BF. The traits with the greatest and least impact on growth and carcass traits were RG and RFI, respectively. Selection for feed efficiency will result in distinct overall effects on the growth and carcass traits of Senepol heifers. Direct selection for lower RFI may reduce DMI and increase carcass fatness at the finishing stage, but it might also result in reduced growth and muscle deposition. Residual BW gain is associated with the highest weight gain and zero impact on REA and BF, however, it is linked to higher feed consumption. Thus, the most suitable feed efficiency indicator was RIG, as it promoted the greatest decrease in feed intake concomitant with faster growth, with a similar impact on carcass traits when compared to the other feed efficiency indicators., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The heat produced by magnetic nanoparticles, when they are submitted to a time-varying magnetic field, has been used in many auspicious biotechnological applications. In the search for better performance in terms of the specific power absorption (SPA) index, researchers have studied the influence of the chemical composition, size and dispersion, shape, and exchange stiffness in morphochemical structures. Monodisperse assemblies of magnetic nanoparticles have been produced using elaborate synthetic procedures, where the product is generally dispersed in organic solvents. However, the colloidal stability of these rough dispersions has not received much attention in these studies, hampering experimental determination of the SPA. To investigate the influence of colloidal stability on the heating response of ferrofluids, we produced bimagnetic core@shell NPs chemically composed of a ZnMn mixed ferrite core covered by a maghemite shell. Aqueous ferrofluids were prepared with these samples using the electric double layer (EDL) as a strategy to maintain colloidal stability. By starting from a proper sample, ultrastable concentrated ferrofluids were achieved by both tuning the ion/counterion ratio and controlling the water content. As the colloidal stability mainly depends on the ion configuration on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles, different levels of nanoparticle clustering are achieved by changing the ionic force and pH of the medium. Thus, the samples were submitted to two procedures of EDL destabilization, which involved dilution with an alkaline solution and a neutral pH viscous medium. The SPA results of all prepared ferrofluid samples show a reduction of up to half the efficiency of the standard sample when the ferrofluids are in a neutral pH or concentrated regime. Such results are explained in terms of magnetic dipolar interactions. Our results point to the importance of ferrofluid colloidal stability in a more reliable experimental determination of the NP heat generation performance.

Background: Triple-negative BC is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and its lack of responsiveness to conventional therapies requires screening of new chemical entities. Anti-migratory compounds are promising to treat metastatic cancer since they inhibit one of the main steps of the metastatic cascade. Spirocyclic compounds are non-conventional structures used as building blocks for the synthesis of biologically active molecules and considered interesting structures in the search for new targets in cancer research., Objective: Here, we evaluated the potential of eight synthetic spirocyclohexadienones as cell migration inhibitors., Methods: The anti-migratory ability of compounds was tested by wound healing and Boyden chamber approaches. Experiments in tubulin were performed by fluorescence and tubulin polymerization techniques. Finally, compounds were submitted to cell proliferation inhibition and flow cytometry assays to explore the mechanism by which they inhibit cell migration., Results: Four compounds inhibited cell migration significantly. Analogs containing the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenil ring at R 1 position were the most potent and, thus, selected for additional experiments. Tubulin polymerization and fluorescence assays highlighted a possible binding of spirocyclohexadienones in the colchicine binding site; however, these compounds did not affect the cell cycle to the same extent as colchicine. Cell proliferation was affected and, notably, the most potent analogs induced apoptosis of tumor cells, suggesting a different mechanism by which they inhibit cell migration., Conclusion: We presented, for the first time, a series of eight synthetic spirocyclohexadienones with the ability to inhibit TNBC cell migration. These compounds represent a new category to be explored as anticancer agents., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Crossbreeding represents an important technique to improve growth, beef quality and adaptability in beef production systems in tropical countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate sire and dam breed effects on performance and carcass traits of crossbred cattle produced in a tropical environment. Heifers and steers were evaluated during the pre-weaning, the post-weaning (n = 173) and the finishing phase (n = 123). Animals were produced by mating Nellore (N&#95;N), Angus × Nellore (A&#95;N) and Caracu × Nellore (C&#95;N) dams with Braford, Charbray and Caracu sires. After weaning, animals were raised grazing on Marandu grass for 12 months; thereafter they were housed in individual pens and finished in a feedlot, receiving a total mixed ration. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed to determine ribeye area (R&#95;A), backfat thickness (B&#95;T) and rump fat thickness (R&#95;T). A&#95;N progeny were heavier at birth than N&#95;N (P < 0.05), and Braford progeny had greater birth BW than Caracu (P < 0.05). Greater weaning BW was observed in the A&#95;N and C&#95;N offspring compared to N&#95;N (P < 0.01). Greater average daily gain during the post-weaning period was verified in the N&#95;N progeny compared to C&#95;N (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were observed for BW at the end of the post-weaning period (P > 0.05). Progeny of N&#95;N cows had greater B&#95;T (P < 0.05) and R&#95;T (P < 0.01) at the end of the post-weaning period in relation to C&#95;N. Greater R&#95;A was observed in the Caracu progeny than in the Braford (P < 0.05), which showed greater R&#95;T than the Charbray progeny at the end of the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). No dam or sire breed effects were verified for final BW at the feedlot or for feed efficiency traits (P > 0.05). A&#95;N progeny were superior in final B&#95;T compared to C&#95;N (P < 0.01), and Braford progeny had greater R&#95;T at the end of finishing than Charbray (P = 0.05). The use of crossbred dams allows an increase in productivity until weaning, but this is not maintained in the post-weaning and finishing periods. The use of Braford sires produces similar growth performance in the different stages of the production system to those seen with Charbray and Caracu sires but generates animals with higher fat thickness at the end of finishing, which may improve carcass quality and commercial value.

The "Critical Routes" seminars, held since 2006, aim to discuss and present data on research and interventions regarding violence against women. This text presents a narrative synthesis of the International Seminar on Critical Routes 8, entitled "Feminicides: We need to talk about this," held in Porto Alegre in 2017. The interview format was used to present the narratives, theoretical references and specific situations of each region. Feminicides have increased under the neoliberal model that is taking place in the countries of Latin America, and there is an excess mortality among young, migrant, unprotected, poor and racialized women. The publication of these types of syntheses is an opportunity to make public research data that denounce specific situations of risk and vulnerability. The article shares critical reflections and conversations among Brazilian and Spanish-speaking Latin American researchers, seeking to strengthen actions to combat violence.

We compare both magnetic blocking properties and remanence curves for dilute ferrofluid and powder samples of ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. Low field DC magnetization, AC susceptibility, isothermal remanent magnetization and DC demagnetization techniques are employed to investigate the role of interparticle magnetic interactions on the superparamagnetic relaxation, the magnetic anisotropy and on the super-spin-glass state in closely packed particles. The samples used herein are 3 nm sized spinel-type nanocrystals made of a cobalt ferrite core covered by a layer of maghemite on its outermost surface and can be obtained as aqueous colloidal dispersions thanks to this core-shell strategy. They show large anisotropy attributed to an enhanced surface contribution and the blocking temperature is shifted towards higher values as interparticle distance decreases. For all investigated diluted liquids and powder samples the frequency dependency of the peak temperature is well accounted by a Vogel-Fulcher law, with the insertion of a phenomenological temperature associated to the magnitude of interparticle dipolar interactions. The fractional change of the peak temperature per decade of frequency enlights the presence of interactions between particles in dilute liquids and of a spin-glass-like state in powder samples. The remanence curves always show global demagnetizing behavior, attributed to the combination of both spin surface disorder and interparticle dipolar interactions, the former being predominant in isolated nanoparticles and the latter in powder samples. However, in the most compacted powder, exchange interaction between surface ions of different particles becomes more pronounced and promotes an additive magnetizing effect.

Background: The most important cause of dementia affecting elderly people is the Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patients affected by this progressive and neurodegenerative disease have severe memory and cognitive function impairments. Some medicines used for treating this disease in the early stages are based on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Population aging should contribute to increase the cases of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, thus requiring the development of new therapeutic entities for the treatment of this disease., Methods: The objective of this work is to identify new substances that have spatial structural similarity with donepezil, an efficient commercial drug used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and to evaluate the capacity of inhibition of these new substances against the enzyme acetylcholinesterase., Results: Based on a previous results of our group, we prepared a set of 11 spirocyclohexadienones with different substitutions patterns in three steps and overall yield of up to 59%. These compounds were evaluated in vitro against acetylcholinesterase. We found that eight of them are able to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.12 to 12.67 µM. Molecular docking study indicated that the spirocyclohexadienone, 9e (IC50 = 0.12 µM), a mixedtype AChE inhibitor, showed a good interaction at active site of the enzyme, including the cationic (CAS) and the peripheral site (PAS)., Conclusion: We described the first study aimed at investigating the biological properties of spirocyclohexadienones as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Thus, we have identified an inhibitor, which provided valuable insights for further studies aimed at the discovery of more potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: To characterize scrotal involvement in children and adolescents with IgA vasculitis., Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study included 296 IgA vasculitis (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES criteria) patients, 150/296 (51%) were males and assessed by demographic/clinical/laboratory and treatments. Scrotal involvement was defined by the presence of scrotal edema and/or pain/tenderness in physical examination and/or testicular Doppler ultrasound abnormalities., Results: Scrotal involvement was observed in 28/150 (19%) IgA vasculitis patients. This complication was evidenced at IgA vasculitis diagnosis in 27/28 (96%). Acute recurrent scrotal involvement was observed in 2/150 (1%) and none had chronic subtype. Further analysis of patients with scrotal involvement at first episode (n = 27) compared to those without this complication (n = 122) revealed that the median age at diagnosis [4.0 (2.0-12) vs. 6 (1.3-13) years, p = 0.249] was similar in both groups. The frequency of elevated serum IgA was significantly lower in IgA vasculitis patients with scrotal involvement versus without this manifestation (18% vs. 57%, p = 0.017), whereas glucocorticoid (93% vs. 49%, p < 0.0001) and ranitidine use (63% vs. 30%, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the former group., Conclusions: The scrotal involvement occurred in almost one fifth of IgA vasculitis patients and was commonly evidenced as acute subtype at diagnosis. Scrotal signs/symptoms improved after a prompt use of glucocorticoid and was associated with low frequency of elevated IgA serum levels.

The first 3 to 6 mo of the life of calves is the period during which active immunity is established. During this period, greater morbidity and mortality is caused by bronchopneumonia because of the immaturity of the pulmonary immune system or the exaggerated cytotoxic response at subsequent infection. The aim of this study was to examine the maturity of the immune system during this phase of activation of acquired immunity in calves. For this purpose, the functions of phagocytosis and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) of alveolar macrophages CD14+ were evaluated. Further, the classes of immunoglobulins and the cytokines implicated in lymphocyte response patterns Th1 and Th2 in 10 healthy Holstein calves were quantified. Samples were taken from calves every 15 d, from the third to the sixth month of life. The alveolar macrophage CD14+ functions increased progressively until 150 d of age (phagocytosis, P = 0.02, ROS, P = 0.05), IgG1 and IgG2 isotype secretion reached an equilibrium, and the cytokine profiles were compatible with the Th1 response. At 165 d of age, there was a decrease in cellular function (phagocytosis P = 0.02, ROS P = 0.04) and an increase in IgG1 titers (P = 0.005) and IL-10 mRNA expression (P = 0.09). At 180 d of life, we observed an IgG1 and IgG2 secretion balance, a decrease in IL-10 mRNA expression, and an increase in IL-12 mRNA (P = 0.04) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA expressions (P = 0.0003) and alveolar macrophage oxidative metabolism were observed. These results indicate that the calves had an active immune response that was distinctive for the age group. The CD14+ response is more reactive at 150 d. A regulatory and/or humoral response begins at 165 d of life as the equilibrium of Th1 and Th2 profiles is reached at 180 d of life. This may be clinically relevant for the development of specific therapies and prophylactic measures for bronchopneumonia in calves at 135 to 180 d of life., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Severe burns benefit from skin grafting, and grafting surgery is of great importance in the treatment of these injuries. As a result, there is formation of an additional wound at the donor site, which is painful and susceptible to infection. However, the therapeutic approach to these problems at donor sites for skin grafting is insufficiently explored in the literature., Aim: To evaluate electrical stimulation of the donor sites of burn patients treated by grafting surgery., Methods: This work evaluated 30 donor sites of cutaneous graft burn patients treated with high-voltage electrical stimulation. Subjects were randomized into two groups: electrical stimulation (GES), treated with electrostimulation (50min, 100Hz, twin pulses 15 us, monophasic), and the sham group (GS), treated by the same procedures but without current. Pain was assessed by visual analog scale daily before and after the electrical stimulation. The time elapsed until complete epithelization was evaluated (time of primary dressing detached spontaneously). Skin temperature was measured by thermography. The characteristics of donor sites were qualitatively evaluated using images and the plug-in CaPAS ® (Carotid Plaque Analysis Software)., Results: The results showed a significant decrease in pain, which was absent on the third day in the GES and the sixth day in the GS. The time the primary dressing detached spontaneously in days decreased (p<0.05) (4.7±0.2) compared to the GS group (7.0±1.3). Donor site healing characteristics such as vascularization, pigmentation, height, the quantity of crust formed, irregularities, and the quality of healing was better in the GES; moreover, homogeneity and inertia of the images confirmed higher healing quality., Conclusion: As a result of the study, the technology shows promise and merits a larger study with objective assessments and different physical variables., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.)

The present study aimed to validate the use of R-phycoerythrin (R-PE)-labeled Mannheimia haemolytica to simultaneously stimulate phagocytosis and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by blood phagocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Initially, R-PE-labeled M. haemolytica was inactivated using a water bath at 60 °C for 60 min. Afterwards, R-PE labelling of bacteria was confirmed by flow cytometry. The geometric mean fluorescence intensity of R-PE-labeled bacteria (FL2 detector, 585 ± 42 nm) was analyzed by flow cytometry and was 41.5-fold higher than the respective unlabeled controls, confirming the success of bacterial conjugation to R-PE. Phagocytosis and intracellular production of ROS by blood neutrophils and monocytes, and by BAL CD14 + macrophages, in 12 healthy 6-month-old male calves were then performed using R-PE-labeled bacteria and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) as probes. Confocal microscopy was used to confirm phagocytosis of R-PE-labeled M. haemolytica by phagocytes and to exclude erroneous measurements of bacteria adhering to the leukocyte membrane. The present study showed that there is no difference in the ROS production without stimulus and in the presence of M. haemolytica by peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes, in contrast to the increased ROS production by local alveolar macrophages upon stimulation by M. haemolytica. This emphasizes the importance of alveolar macrophages in the maintenance of homeostasis and health of the respiratory system, which can be supported during the inflammatory process by the rapid recruitment of neutrophils with high microbicidal and phagocytic capacity. The method described here provides an easy and feasible tool to measure phagocytosis and intracellular ROS production by phagocytes, especially when commonly used probes for intracellular ROS production were used, such as DCFH-DA and dihydrorhodamine 123., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

β-Adrenergic agonists (β-AA) are non-hormonal growth promoters which promote muscle hypertrophy in supplemented animals. The effects of two β-AA in combination with the immunocastration technique on the performance and carcass traits were evaluated using 96 feedlot Nellore males in a randomized complete block design with two sex conditions (immunocastrated (IC) v. non-castrated (NC)) and three treatments: CON (no β-agonists added), RH (300 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/day, for 33 days) or ZH (80 mg of zilpaterol·hydrochloride animal/day for 30 days, removed 3 days for required withdrawal period). The trial was carried for 100 days where in the first 70 days animals did not receive β-AA (phase 1) and during the last 30 days they were treated with β-AA (phase 2). The performance and ultrasound measurements of longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT) were evaluated in both phases. No sex condition v. treatment interactions were observed for any trait. The NC animals had higher average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than the IC animals, but they did not differ in dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (gain to feed). The NC animals showed greater LMA (P=0.0001) and hot carcass weight (P=0.0006), and smaller BFT (P=0.0007), RFT (P=0.0039) and percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat (P<0.0001) when compared with IC animals. The animals fed ZH showed greater ADG (P=0.0002), G : F (P<0.0001) and dressing per cent (P=0.0136) than those fed RH and CON diets. No differences in BW and DMI were observed. A interaction between treatment and time on feed was observed for LMA and BFT, in which the animals fed ZH diet showed greater LMA (P<0.01) and lower BFT (P<0.01) at 100 days than the animals fed RH and CON diets, whereas RH and CON diets did not differ. Immunocastration decreases muscle development and increases carcass finishing. In contrast, β-AA increases muscle and decreases fat deposition. The ZH has a higher action on the muscle metabolism than animals fed RH diet. However, RH diet achieves a better balance because it has an intermediary performance between non-supplemented and ZH animals and does not decrease the carcass fat.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess outcomes of childhood systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) in three different age groups evaluated at last visit: group A early-onset disease (<6 years), group B school age (≥6 and <12 years) and group C adolescent (≥12 and <18 years). Methods An observational cohort study was performed in ten pediatric rheumatology centers, including 847 cSLE patients. Results Group A had 39 (4%), B 395 (47%) and C 413 (49%). Median disease duration was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (8.3 (0.1-23.4) vs 6.2 (0-17) vs 3.3 (0-14.6) years, p < 0.0001). The median Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-DI) (0 (0-9) vs 0 (0-6) vs 0 (0-7), p = 0.065) was comparable in the three groups. Further analysis of organ/system damage revealed that frequencies of neuropsychiatric (21% vs 10% vs 7%, p = 0.007), skin (10% vs 1% vs 3%, p = 0.002) and peripheral vascular involvements (5% vs 3% vs 0.3%, p = 0.008) were more often observed in group A compared to groups B and C. Frequencies of severe cumulative lupus manifestations such as nephritis, thrombocytopenia, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia were similar in all groups ( p > 0.05). Mortality rate was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C (15% vs 10% vs 6%, p = 0.028). Out of 69 deaths, 33/69 (48%) occurred within the first two years after diagnosis. Infections accounted for 54/69 (78%) of the deaths and 38/54 (70%) had concomitant disease activity. Conclusions This large multicenter study provided evidence that early-onset cSLE group had distinct outcomes. This group was characterized by higher mortality rate and neuropsychiatric/vascular/skin organ damage in spite of comparable frequencies of severe cumulative lupus manifestations. We also identified that overall death in cSLE patients was an early event mainly attributed to infection associated with disease activity.

The elevated T-maze was developed to test the hypothesis that serotonin plays an opposing role in the regulation of defensive behaviors associated with anxiety and panic. Previous pharmacological exploitation of this test supports the association between inhibitory avoidance acquisition and escape expression with anxiety and fear/panic, respectively. In the present study, we extend the pharmacological validation of this test by investigating the effects of other putative or clinically effective anxiety- and panic-modulating drugs. The results showed that chronic, but not acute injection of the reversible monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor moclobemide (3, 10 and 30mg/kg) inhibited escape expression, indicating a panicolytic-like effect. The same effect was observed after either acute or chronic treatment with alprazolam (1, 2 and 4mg/kg), a high potency benzodiazepine. This drug also impaired inhibitory avoidance acquisition, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. On the other hand, subcutaneous administration of the 5-HT1D/1B receptor agonist sumatriptan (0.1, 0.5 and 2.5μg/kg) facilitated escape performance, indicating a panicogenic-like effect, while treatment with α-para-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA; 4days i.p injections of 100mg/kg, or a single i.p injection of 300mg/kg), which caused marked 5-HT depletion in the amygdala and striatum, was without effect. Altogether, these results are in full agreement with the clinical effects of these compounds and offer further evidence that the elevated T-maze has broad predictive validity for the effects of anxiety- and panic-modulating drugs., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate demographic data and clinical and laboratory features at disease diagnosis in 3 different age groups of childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): group A, early-onset (<6 years); group B, school age (≥6 to <12 years); and group C, adolescent (≥12 to <18 years)., Methods: This was a Brazilian multicenter cohort retrospective study in 10 pediatric rheumatology centers, including 847 childhood-onset SLE patients., Results: Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A with 39 patients (4%), group B with 395 patients (47%), and group C with 413 patients (49%). Of 39 childhood-onset SLE patients in group A, 3 (8%) were ages <2 years, 4 (10%) were ≥2 to <3 years, and 32 (82%) were ≥3 and <6 years. A total of 74 childhood-onset SLE patients were analyzed for C1q levels, and complete C1q deficiency was observed in 3 of 74 patients (4%), all in group A. Groups were similar regarding high frequencies of female sex, nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 score ≥8, autoantibody profile, elevated acute phase proteins, and low complement levels (P > 0.05). However, the frequency of fever (78% versus 61% versus 47%; P < 0.0001), hepatomegaly (42% versus 29% versus 14%; P < 0.0001), splenomegaly (28% versus 12% versus 4%; P < 0.0001), and discoid lupus (13% versus 4% versus 4%; P = 0.020) was significantly higher in group A compared to groups B and C. The frequency of weight loss >2 kg (19% versus 28% versus 36%; P = 0.017), photosensitivity (34% versus 41% versus 51%; P = 0.006), leukopenia <4,000/mm 3 (14% versus 25% versus 30%; P = 0.048), and lymphopenia <1,500/mm 3 (22% versus 41% versus 47%; P = 0.011) was significantly lower in group A., Conclusion: Our large multicenter study identified the finding that the initial appearance of childhood-onset SLE is characterized by comparable high frequency of internal organ involvement and some distinct clinical and laboratory features in early-onset and adolescent groups., (© 2016, American College of Rheumatology.)

This work compares the phenolic contents and the total antioxidant capacity of the 36 most popular Brazilian foods submitted to aqueous extraction or in vitro digestion. The purpose was to evaluate the extent by which digestion differs from the simple aqueous extraction procedures of several food matrices. After in vitro digestion, cereals, legumes, vegetables, tuberous vegetables, chocolates and fruits showed higher phenolic contents and higher antioxidant activities than those obtained by aqueous extraction. Contrarily, the digestion caused a reduction in the phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of beverages (red wine, coffee and yerba mate). Our results suggest that the phenolics of food groups with solid and complex matrix are protected against enzymatic action and alteration in pH during the digestion, what does not occur in liquid food matrices such as the beverages. This fact would overestimate the antioxidant activities of beverages submitted solely to aqueous extraction.

Pleurotus pulmonarius was cultivated on a corncob-based substrate for producing of mushrooms and for assessing the transformation of the lignocellulosics during the development of fungal biomass. Associated events, such as the release of relevant enzymes and the H2O2 generation, were also monitored. The peaks of laccase and catalase activities occurred at the 5th day and that of Mn peroxidase at the 30th day, simultaneously with a high activity of superoxide dismutase. Increase in the endocellulase and xylanase activities was observed after 10 days, with maximal activities achieved during the 20-30-day period. Maximal values of H2O2 were found after 10 days of cultivation. Electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed strong alterations in the lignocellulosic fibers. The uncultivated and the cultivated substrates at different times were hydrolyzed with commercial cellulase and β-glucosidase. The highest values of reducing sugars (110.5 ± 5.6 μmol/mL), being 65 % glucose, were obtained using the 20-day cultivated substrate. After the fruiting stage (first flush), enzymatic hydrolysis of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) yielded 53.0 ± 2.8 and 77.5 ± 4.0 μmol/mL of glucose and total reducing sugars, respectively. Although the release of reducing sugars of the P. pulmonarius SMS was lower than that obtained after 20 days of cultivation, it was still 50 % higher than that obtained using the uncultured substrate. This observation, combined with the fact that SMS constitutes a residue generated as a by-product of the depletion of an agro-industrial residue, allows to conclude that this material offers an interesting economic perspective for the obtainment of cellulosic ethanol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of non- and sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the ovariectomized mice uterus, after treatment with ovarian steroids. For this purpose, 50 adult female mice were divided into five groups with 10 animals/each: control group: CG (ovary intact), and ovariectomized groups: OG (vehicle), EG (estradiol), PG (progesterone) and EPG (estradiol combined to progesterone). The treatments started 30 days after ovariectomy. All the animals were treated for 50 consecutive days. These hormones were administered in a sterile oily solution via gavage. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, all animals were euthanized, removing the uterine horn for biochemical analyses. To quantify, the hyaluronic acid (HA) used ELISA-like fluorometric assay, and the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) used agarose gel electrophoresis. The amount of HA was significantly higher in the group treated with progesterone (PG) compared to the others groups (p < 0.05), and in the group treated with estradiol (EG), the amount of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate was significantly higher compared to the others groups (p < 0.05), and in the group treated with progesterone (PG), the amount of heparan sulfate was significantly lower compared to the others groups, except to control group (p < 0.05). Our results showed that the estroprogestative therapy after long time (50 days) profoundly affected the amount of glycosaminoglycans in uterine. These changes may be indicative of uterine pathology such as the development of tumor.

Background: Various ways of using the Lekholm and Zarb (L&Z) classification have added to the lack of scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this clinical method in the evaluation of implant treatment., Purpose: The study aims to assess subjective jawbone classifications in patients referred for implant treatment, using L&Z classification with and without surgeon's hand perception at implant insertion. The association between bone type classifications and quantitative parameters of primary implant stability was also assessed., Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-five implants were inserted using conventional loading protocol. Three surgeons classified bone quality at implant sites using two methods: one based on periapical and panoramic images (modified L&Z) and one based on the same images associated with the surgeon's tactile perception during drilling (original L&Z). Peak insertion torque and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were recorded., Results: The modified and original L&Z were strongly correlated (rho = 0.79; p < .001); Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference in the distribution of bone type classification between pairs using the two methods (p = .538). Spearman correlation tested the association between primary stability parameters and bone type classifications (-0.34 to -0.57 [p < .001])., Conclusions: Tactile surgical perception has a minor influence on rating of subjective bone type for dental implant treatment using the L&Z classification., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Chronic Chagas disease presents different clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic (namely indeterminate) to severe cardiac and/or digestive. Previous results have shown that the immune response plays an important role, although no all mechanisms are understood. Immunoregulatory mechanisms such as apoptosis are important for the control of Chagas disease, possibly affecting the morbidity in chronic clinical forms. Apoptosis has been suggested to be an important mechanism of cellular response during T. cruzi infection. We aimed to further understand the putative role of apoptosis in Chagas disease and its relation to the clinical forms of the disease., Methods: Apoptosis of lymphocytes, under antigenic stimuli (soluble T. cruzi antigens - TcAg) where compared to that of non-stimulated cells. Apoptosis was evaluated using the expression of annexin and caspase 3(+) by T cells and the percentage of cells positive evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition activation and T cell markers were used for the identification of TCD4(+) and TCD8(+) subpopulations. The presence of intracellular and plasma cytokines were also evaluated. Analysis of the activation status of the peripheral blood cells showed that patients with Chagas disease presented higher levels of activation determined by the expression of activation markers, after TcAg stimulation. PCR array were used to evaluate the contribution of this mechanism in specific cell populations from patients with different clinical forms of human Chagas disease., Results: Our results showed a reduced proliferative response associated a high expression of T CD4(+)CD62L(-) cells in CARD patients when compared with IND group and NI individuals. We also observed that both groups of patients presented a significant increase of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell subsets in undergoing apoptosis after in vitro stimulation with T. cruzi antigens. In CARD patients, both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing TNF-α were highly susceptible to undergo apoptosis after in vitro stimulation. Interestingly, the in vitro TcAg stimulation increased considerably the expression of cell death TNF/TNFR superfamily and Caspase family receptors genes in CARD patients., Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that apoptosis may be an important mechanism for the control of morbidity in T. cruzi infection by modulating the expression of apoptosis genes, the cytokine environment and/or killing of effector cells.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used in chronic wounds due to its healing effects. However, bacterial species may colonize these wounds and the optimal parameters for effective bacterial inhibition are not clear. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of LLLT on bacterial growth in vitro. Bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were suspended in saline solution at a concentration of 10(3) cells/ml and exposed to laser irradiation at wavelengths of 660, 830, and 904 nm at fluences of 0 (control), 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 J/cm(2). An aliquot of the irradiated suspension was spread on the surface of petri plates and incubated at 37 °C for quantification of colony-forming unit after 24, 48, and 72 h. Laser irradiation inhibited the growth of S. aureus at all wavelengths and fluences higher than 12 J/cm(2), showing a strong correlation between increase in fluence and bacterial inhibition. However, for P. aeruginosa, LLLT inhibited growth at all wavelengths only at a fluence of 24 J/cm(2). E. coli had similar growth inhibition at a wavelength of 830 nm at fluences of 3, 6, 12, and 24 J/cm(2). At wavelengths of 660 and 904 nm, growth inhibition was only observed at fluences of 12 and 18 J/cm(2), respectively. LLLT inhibited bacterial growth at all wavelengths, for a maximum of 72 h after irradiation, indicating a correlation between bacterial species, fluence, and wavelength.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia on the tibial epiphyseal plate of hormone-treated oophorectomized mice. For this purpose, 18 animals with intact ovaries were allocated to two groups, M (metoclopramide) and V (vehicle). One hundred and eight oophorectomized animals were allocated to 12 subgroups: Oophx/V (vehicle); Ooph/M (metoclopramide); Oophx/V + E (vehicle + estradiol); Oophx/M + E (metoclopramide + estradiol); Oophx/V + P (vehicle + progesterone); Oophx/M + P (metoclopramide + progesterone); Oophx/V + T (vehicle + testosterone); Oophx/M + T (metoclopramide + testosterone); Oophx/V + E + P (Vehicle + estradiol + progesterone); Oophx/M + E + P (metoclopramide + estradiol + progesterone); Oophx/V + E + P + T (vehicle + estradiol + progesterone + testosterone); Oophx/M + E + P + T (metoclopramide + estradiol + progesterone + testosterone). After a 50-day treatment was performed histomorphometric and immunohistochemical cell death analysis. In the epiphyseal plate of the hyperprolactinemic and/or oophorectomized animals, cell proliferation and bone formation decreased, inducing intensified cell death. In the sex steroid-treated animals, estrogen boosted cell proliferation; progesterone, bone formation and testosterone, both cell proliferation and bone formation. These findings suggest that oophorectomy and hyperprolactinemia changed epiphyseal plate morphology causing cartilage degeneration. Treatment with combined sex steroids may diminish such deleterious effects.

Genetic parameters, genetic trends, and genetic progress of carcass traits were estimated for 12,447 Nellore individuals from different Brazilian herds. The following carcass traits were analyzed: visual body scores of conformation (CONF), precocity (PREC), and muscularity (MUSC); rump width (RW) and rump length (RL), body size (frame); and ultrasound evaluation of ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT), and rump fat thickness (RFT). Heritability estimates (± SE) for CONF, PREC, and MUSC were 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.33 ± 0.03, and 0.31 ± 0.02, respectively. The heritability estimates (± SE) for RW, RL, and frame were 0.25 ± 0.05, 0.16 ± 0.04, and 0.31 ± 0.03, respectively. Ultrasound of the REA, BFT, and RFT presented mean heritability estimates (± SE) of 0.38 ± 0.03, 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.47 ± 0.04, respectively. The visual body score of CONF had high genetic correlations with RW, RL, and frame (0.74 ± 0.09, 0.82 ± 0.08, and 0.83 ± 0.04, respectively), indicating a high association of CONF with the measurements related to body structure. The REA had no correlation with BFT and RFT (-0.09 ± 0.04 and -0.03 ± 0.04, respectively) and showed only a moderate genetic correlation with MUSC (0.39 ± 0.05). The BFT and RFT had moderate genetic correlations with PREC (0.36 ± 0.07 and 0.29 ± 0.07, respectively) and no correlation with frame (-0.02 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.05, respectively), suggesting that selection for frame had no effect on the subcutaneous fat content of the carcass. Low genetic trends and low genetic progress were obtained for REA (0.026 cm, 0.02%), BFT (0.0031 mm, 0.05%), and RFT (0.0013 mm, 0.02%), with no significant values of genetic progress detected throughout the studied period. The CONF, PREC, and MUSC presented high genetic trends (0.030 points, 0.030 points, and 0.029 points, respectively) and high genetic progress (0.60%, 0.56%, and 0.59%, respectively), indicating a significant genetic progress for these traits throughout the evaluated period. Carcass traits evaluated by ultrasound and visual body scores are eligible for selection and can be used in genetic improvement programs in Nellore cattle; however, visual body score selection for carcass traits can result in slower genetic progress for carcass quality when compared to selection performed by ultrasound.

The aim of this study was to identify candidate genes and genomic regions associated with ultrasound-derived measurements of the rib-eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rumpfat thickness (RFT) in Nellore cattle. Data from 640 Nellore steers and young bulls with genotypes for 290 863 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for genomewide association mapping. Significant SNP associations were explored to find possible candidate genes related to physiological processes. Several of the significant markers detected were mapped onto functional candidate genes including ARFGAP3, CLSTN2 and DPYD for REA; OSBPL3 and SUDS3 for BFT; and RARRES1 and VEPH1 for RFT. The physiological pathway related to lipid metabolism (CLSTN2, OSBPL3, RARRES1 and VEPH1) was identified. The significant markers within previously reported QTLs reinforce the importance of the genomic regions, and the other loci offer candidate genes that have not been related to carcass traits in previous investigations., (© 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

The immune system of newborn calves is immature and must mature gradually. Understanding how this immunity is established may define different profiles. Twelve healthy calves were monitored during 8 time periods to assess the innate immune system during the first 90d. Blood samples were collected, and the blood phagocytes, identified by the expression of CD14 and CH138 surface molecules, were evaluated for phagocytic functionality (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli stained with propidium iodide) and the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (2,7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate oxidation). Functional changes in the CD14+ and CH138+ cells occurred at 40d of age, with sporadic increases in phagocytosis intensity and reactive oxygen species production, and decreased phagocytosis occurred at 60d of age. Therefore, fewer phagocytes were active from 40d of age, although those that were active performed their roles with greater efficacy. That change presumably occurred because the calf phagocytes began to support the immune response without the influence of passive immunity. The animals failed to reach the stability needed to complete the maturation of the innate immune response by 90d of age. These data are applicable for healthy calves only., (Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Pleurotus ostreatoroseus is a Brazilian edible mushroom whose chemical characterization and bioactivity still remain underexplored. In this study, the hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds as well as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of formulations (ethanol extracts) prepared with its fruiting bodies and submerged culture mycelia were compared. The bioactive formulations contain at least five free sugars, four organic acids, four phenolic compounds and two tocopherols. The fruiting body-based formulation revealed higher reducing power, DPPH scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and lipid peroxidation inhibition in brain homogenates than the mycelium-based preparation, as well as higher anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. The absence of hepatotoxicity was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells. These functional responses can be related to the levels of bioactive components including phenolic acids, organic acids and tocopherols.

Weight gain is a key performance trait for beef cat-tle; however, attention should be given to the production costs for better profitability. Therefore, a feed efficiency trait based on per-formance can be an interesting approach to improve performance without increasing food costs. To identify candidate genes and ge-nomic regions associated with residual body weight gain (RWG), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 720 Nellore cattle using the GRAMMAR-Gamma association test. We identified 30 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), especially on chromosomes 2, 8, 12, and 17. Several genes and quantitative train loci (QTLs) present in the regions identified were appointed; we highlight DMRT2 (doublesex and mab-3 related tran-scription factor 2), IFFO2 (intermediate filament family orphan 2), LNX2 (ligand of numb-protein X 2), MTIF3 (mitochondrial transla-tional initiation factor 3), and TRNAG-CCC (transfer RNA glycine anticodon CCC). The metabolic pathways that can explain part of the phenotypic variation in RWG are related to oxidative stress and muscle control.

Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are among the microorganisms that often lead to infection in pressure ulcers. Polarized current has emerged as a possible intervention to limit bacterial proliferation. We analyzed the effect of fixed diphasic - Bernard (FD-B) and high voltage monophasic pulsed (HVMP) currents on bacteria S. aureus ATCC 25923 (Gram +), P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (Gram -), and E. coli ATCC 25922 (Gram -). After the bacterial strains were activated the bacteria were suspended in physiological solution (0.9%) and the concentration adjusted to 1.5 × 10(3) CFU/mL. The cultures were stimulated with FD-B current at (3, 6, and 9 mA, 100 Hz, 15 and 30 minutes) and HVMP (32, 64, and 95 V, 100 Hz, 30 and 60 min) while monitoring the pH and temperature. After the stimulation, the suspensions were plated and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Then the counts were made of colony forming units (CFU). Data were submitted to normality Shapiro-Wilk test followed by nonparametric ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test with p < 0.05. There was a decrease in the CFU for the two currents, but the most effective reduction was in FD-B. The temperature remained constant and the pH measured alkaline at the negative pole and acid at the positive pole during stimulation. The application of FD-B and HVMP currents promoted inhibition of bacterial proliferation when stimulated in vitro, acting as an adjuvant resource in the healing process., (© 2015 by the Wound Healing Society.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of blue laser on bacterial growth of the main species that usually colonize cutaneous ulcers, as well as its effect over time following irradiation., Background Data: The use of blue laser has been described as an adjuvant therapeutic method to inhibit bacterial growth, but there is no consensus about the best parameters to be used., Methods: Strains of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were suspended in saline solution at a concentration of 1.5×10(3) colony forming units (CFU)/mL. Next, 300 μL of this suspension was transferred to a microtitulation plate and exposed to a single blue laser irradiation (450 nm) at fluences of 0 (control), 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 J/cm(2). Each suspension was spread over the surface of a Petri plate before being incubated at 37°C, and counts of CFU were determined after 24 and 48 h., Results: Blue laser inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa at fluences >6 J/cm(2). On the other hand, E. coli was inhibited at all fluences tested, except at 24 J/cm(2)., Conclusions: Blue laser light was capable of inhibiting bacterial growth at low fluences over time, thus presenting no time-dependent effect.

The aim of this study was to quantify the sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the endometria of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Of the 18 patients recruited for this study, 10 patients with PCOS comprised the PCOS group (PCOSG), and eight patients with regular and ovulatory menstrual cycles comprised the control group (CG). The clinical, biochemical, morphological and endometrial data from both groups were analyzed. Biopsies were performed during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle for the CG and during the persistent proliferative phase for the PCOSG (all women were amenorrheic). In the PCOSG, there was a significant increase in the endometrial concentration levels of heparan sulfate (p = 0.03), but no difference in the concentrations of chondroitin sulfate was determined between the two groups (p = 0.77). Period of time without menstruation (p = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04) correlated directly and positively with heparan sulfate concentration. There was no association between heparan sulfate levels and basal insulin values (p = 0.08). High levels of endometrial heparan sulfate in women with PCOS indicate an interference with maternal-fetal recognition, which contributes to infertility; thus, endometrial heparan sulfate may be a predictive marker of future neoplasia risk.

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus has rarely been described in pediatric lupus population and the real prevalence of childhood-onset bullous systemic lupus erythematosus has not been reported. From January 1983 to November 2013, 303 childhood-onset SLE (c-SLE) patients were followed at the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit of the Childreńs Institute of Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina Universidade da Universidade de São Paulo, three of them (1%) diagnosed as childhood-onset bullous systemic lupus erythematosus. All three cases presented tense vesiculobullous lesions unassociated with lupus erythematosus lesions, with the median duration of 60 days (30-60). All patients fulfilled bullous systemic lupus erythematosus criteria. Two had nephritis and serositis and presented specific autoantibodies. The histological pattern demonstrated subepidermal blisters with neutrophils-predominant infiltrates within the upper dermis. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) showed deposits of IgG and complement along the epidermal basement membrane, in the presence or absence of IgA and/or IgM. A positive indirect immunofluorescence on salt-split skin demonstrating dermal binding was observed in two cases. All of them had moderate/severe disease activity at diagnosis with median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) of 18 (14-24). Two patients received dapsone and one with severe nephritis received immunosuppressive drugs. In conclusion, in the last 30 years the prevalence of bullous lupus in childhood-onset lupus population was low (1%) in our tertiary University Hospital. A diagnosis of SLE should always be considered in children with recurrent tense vesiculobullous lesions with or without systemic manifestations., (© The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)

Endophytic fungi, mostly belonging to the Ascomycota, are found in the intercellular spaces of the aerial plant parts, particularly in leaf sheaths, sometimes even within the bark and root system without inducing any visual symptoms of their presence. These fungi appear to have a capacity to produce a wide range of enzymes and secondary metabolites exhibiting a variety of biological activities. However, they have been only barely exploited as sources of enzymes of industrial interest. This review emphasizes the suitability and possible advantages of including the endophytic fungi in the screening of new enzyme producing organisms as well as in studies aiming to optimize the production of enzymes through well-known culture processes. Apparently endophytic fungi possess the two types of extracellular enzymatic systems necessary to degrade the vegetal biomass: (1) the hydrolytic system responsible for polysaccharide degradation consisting mainly in xylanases and cellulases; and (2) the unique oxidative ligninolytic system, which degrades lignin and opens phenyl rings, comprises mainly laccases, ligninases and peroxidases. The obvious ability of endophytic fungi to degrade the complex structure of lignocellulose makes them useful in the exploration of the lignocellulosic biomass for the production of fuel ethanol and other value-added commodity chemicals. In addition to this, endophytic fungi may become new sources of industrially useful enzymes such as lipases, amylases and proteases.