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Background The Brazilian population has a tri-hybrid composition with a high degree of ethnic admixture. We hypothesized that Brazilian individuals with CF from different Brazilian regions have a specific distribution of CFTR variants. Methods Individuals with CF with data available in the Patient Registry and without an established genotype were submitted to CFTR sequencing by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methodology, and results were anonymously incorporated to the Registry Database. Genotyping results were expressed as ‘positive’, ‘inconclusive’ or ‘negative’. Logistic regression models were performed to investigate the association between demographic/clinical variables and genotyping results. Mediation analysis was conducted to estimate direct and indirect effects of Brazilian region on a binary positive genotyping response. Results In October 2017, data from 4,654 individuals with CF were available, and 3,104(66.7%) of them had a genotyping result. A total of 236 variants (114 new variants) were identified, with F508del identified in 46% of the alleles tested. Genotyping revealed 2,002(64.5%) individuals positive, 757(24.4%) inconclusive and 345(11.1%) negative. Distribution of genotype categories was markedly different across Brazilian Regions, with greater proportions of negative individuals in the North (45%) and Northeast (26%) regions. Newborn screening (CF-NBS) and age at diagnosis were identified as mediators of the effect of Brazilian region on a positive genotyping result. Conclusions This large initiative of CFTR genotyping showed significant regional discrepancies in Brazil, probably related to socio-economic conditions, lack of adequate CF-NBS and poor access to reliable sweat testing. These results may be useful to indicate Regions where CF care demands more attention.

Objective Advances in medicine have increased the life expectancy of pediatric patients with chronic illnesses, and challenges with the guided transition of adolescents and young adults from pediatric clinics to adult clinics have grown. The aim of this study was to better understand readiness and factors related to this transition process in Brazil. Method In this cross-sectional study of 308 patients aged from 16 to 21 years under follow-up in pediatric specialties, the degree of readiness for transition was assessed using the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ) and its domains. Associations with demographic data, clinical data, socio-economic level, medication adherence, family functionality, and parental satisfaction with health care were evaluated. Results The median TRAQ score was 3.7 (3.2 - 4.2). Better readiness was associated with female patients, socio-economic class A-B, current active employment, higher level of education, not failing any school year, attending medical appointments alone, functional family, and a good knowledge of disease and medications. A low correlation was observed between TRAQ and age. TRAQ presented good internal consistency (alpha-Cronbach 0.86). In the multiple linear regression, TRAQ score showed a significant association with female gender, advanced age, socio-economic class A-B, better knowledge of disease and medications, and independence to attend appointments alone. Conclusion TRAQ instrument can guide healthcare professionals to identify specific areas of approach, in order to support adolescents with chronic disease to set goals for their own personal development and improve their readiness to enter into the adult healthcare system. In this study, some factors were related to better TRAQ scores.

Objective: To compare pulmonary function parameters and the prevalence of altered pulmonary function in children born preterm and full-term, using the Global Lung Initiative reference values. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 6–9-year-old children submitted to measurement of airway resistance (Rint) and spirometry according to the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. The inclusion criteria were, among the preterm group: gestational age 2500g, recruited at two public schools in São Paulo, Brazil, matched by sex and age with the preterm group. As exclusion criteria, congenital malformations, cognitive deficit, and respiratory problems in the past 15 days were considered. Results: A total of 112 children were included in each group. Preterm children had gestational age of 30.8±2.8 weeks and birth weight of 1349±334g. Among them, 46.6% were boys, 46.4% presented respiratory distress syndrome, 19.6% bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 65.2% were submitted to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal unit. At study entry, both groups were similar in age and anthropometric parameters. Parameters of pulmonary function (Z scores) in preterm and full-term groups were: Rint (0.13±2.24 vs. -1.02±1.29; p

To achieve highly selective ablation of lacZ-positive cells in a biological milieu in vivo, we developed an activatable photosensitizer, SPiDER-killer-βGal, targeted to β-galactosidase encoded by the lacZ reporter gene. Hydrolysis of SPiDER-killer-βGal by β-galactosidase simultaneously activates both its photosensitizing ability and its reactivity to nucleophiles, so that the phototoxic products generated by light irradiation are trapped inside the lacZ-positive cells. The combination of SPiDER-killer-βGal and light irradiation specifically killed lacZ-positive cells in coculture with cells without lacZ expression. Furthermore, β-galactosidase-expressing cells in the posterior region of cultured Drosophila wing discs and in pupal notum of live Drosophila pupae were selectively killed with single-cell resolution. This photosensitizer should be useful for specific ablation of targeted cells in living organisms, for example, to investigate cellular functions in complex networks., We developed an activatable photosensitizer, SPiDER-killer-βGal, targeted to β-galactosidase, which specifically induces the death of lacZ-positive cells with single-cell resolution.

BACKGROUND Constipation is prevalent in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and colonic motility has not been studied in this population. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the total and segmental colonic transit time in children and adolescents with CF based on the presence of constipation and radiological fecal impaction. METHODS In this case series, all patients aged 3 to 20 years of a CF reference center were invited to participate. CF-associated constipation was diagnosed based on the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition criteria. Total and segmental colonic transit time was determined using radiopaque markers. Fecal impaction on plain abdominal radiography was assessed based on the Barr score. RESULTS Of the 43 eligible patients, 34 (79%) agreed to participate. Constipation was found in 44.1% of children and adolescents, predominantly in girls. The total colonic transit time (medians of 42 and 24 hours, respectively, P = 0.028) and the segmental right colon transit time (medians of 8 and 2 hours, respectively, P = 0.012) were significantly longer in CF-associated constipation group than in the group of patients without constipation. The frequency of radiological fecal impaction was similar in patients with (50.0%) and without (64.2%) CF-associated constipation (P = 0.70). There was no relationship between radiological fecal impaction and the total and segmental colonic transit time. CONCLUSIONS Children and adolescents with CF-associated constipation had a longer total and segmental right colon transit time. Colonic transit time was similar in patients with and without radiological fecal impaction.

Conventionally, a disassembly and reassembly method has been used for encapsulation of drug molecules in ferritin protein nano-cages. However, clinical applications of ferritin have been greatly restricted by its limited drug-loading capacity and process complexity. Here, we establish a simple high yield process for preparing high drug-loaded ferritin nanomedicine for industrial production. A complex of ferritin and a target drug was obtained by incubating the mixture at an appropriate pH. An electrostatic charge potential and small ferritin cavity facilitates the passage of drug molecules through the pores, traversing the ferritin shell and enabling deposition of the drug in the ferritin cavity. Compared to the disassembly/reassembly method, the loading capacity of a doxorubicin-loaded ferritin heavy chain (DOX-FTH), constructed by our novel method, was over 3-fold higher, while doxorubicin recovery was 10-fold higher. Results of transmission electron microscopy, size exclusion chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential indicate that DOX-FTH exhibits the same physicochemical characteristics of natural apo-ferritin. Moreover, DOX-FTH can be taken up and induce apoptosis of cancer cells overexpressing TfR1. Here, we have demonstrated the successful introduction of more than ten drug molecule types into ferritin nano-cages using a novel method. These results demonstrate that this one-step method is a powerful production process to construct a drug-loading ferritin drug delivery system carrier.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:42:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-08-01 Objective: This study aimed at assessing the oral prevalence ofCandida species in cystic fibrosis patients and the antifungal susceptibility of the isolates. Design: One hundred patients aged 3–20 years old were included in the study and were divided into three groups: G1 (low severity disease): 25 cystic fibrosis patients with Shwachman-Kulczycki score (SK) between 100 and 71; G2 (high severity disease): 25 cystic fibrosis patients with SK score under 40; and G3 (control): 50 healthy patients age- and gender-matched to cystic fibrosis patients. Stimulated saliva samples were collected and the oral fungal concentrations were assessed. Isolates were identified by phenotypic and genotypic tests. Antifungal susceptibilities to amphotericin B, flucytosine and fluconazole were determined by CLSI methodology. Fungal counts were compared by Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's test (5%). Results: A total of 68 % of Group 1, 80 % of Group 2, and 44 % of controls yielded positive Candida cultures. Oral concentrations of fungi were significantly higher in cystic fibrosis patients in relation to the control group (p < 0.0005). No significant difference was observed between low and high severity cystic fibrosis groups (p > 0.05). C. albicans was most frequently isolated species in all groups. Higher variability of Candida species was observed in the control group. C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis were only detected among cystic fibrosis groups. All the isolates were susceptible to flucytosine and fluconazole. Conclusions: Patients with cystic fibrosis were more frequently colonized by Candida species and showed higher oral fungal burden. No antifungal resistant isolates were detected. Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP, Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777, São José dos Campos Department of Pediatrics Federal University of São Paulo/UNIFESP Graduate Program in Biotechnology Federal University of Amazonas Institute of Science and Technology São Paulo State University/UNESP, Av. Engenheiro Francisco José Longo, 777, São José dos Campos

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited, genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by defective phagocytic cell microbicidal function, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. CGD is caused by mutations in components of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system, which is responsible for reactive oxygen species production during phagocytosis. Mutations in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NCF2) gene account for

We adopted a spirocyclization-based strategy to design γ-glutamyl hydroxymethyl selenorhodamine green (gGlu-HMSeR) as a photo-inactive compound that would be specifically cleaved by the tumor-associated enzyme γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) to generate the potent photosensitizer HMSeR. gGlu-HMSeR has a spirocyclic structure and is colorless and does not show marked phototoxicity toward low-GGT-expressing cells or normal tissues upon irradiation with visible light. In contrast, HMSeR predominantly takes an open structure, is colored, and generates reactive oxygen species upon irradiation. The γ-glutamyl group thus serves as a tumor-targeting moiety for photodynamic therapy (PDT), switching on tumor-cell-specific phototoxicity. To validate this system, we employed chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), a widely used model for preliminary evaluation of drug toxicity. Photoirradiation after gGlu-HMSeR treatment resulted in selective ablation of implanted tumor spheroids without damage to healthy tissue.

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture reflects many of the important properties of solid tumors, such as the inadequate diffusion of oxygen that results in hypoxia. To understand the mitochondrial states in cancer, we performed comparisons of the levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), fusion- and fission-related mitochondrial messenger RNA (mRNA), and mitochondrial protein expression between monolayer (2D)- and 3D-cultured cancer cells. The mtDNA levels were observed to be significantly lower in the 3D cells compared with the monolayer cells. In contrast, the differences in expression of the mitochondrial fusion- and fission-related mRNAs and mitochondrial proteins between 2D- and 3D-cultured cancer cells were not significant, as shown by real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis. Therefore, although mtDNA levels decrease as a whole during 3D culture, this does not appear to affect the fusion and fission of individual mitochondria. Indeed, the factors regulating mitochondrial dynamics during 3D cell culture remain unclear. This study provides the basis for future, more detailed studies on the regulation of mtDNA.

金沢大学医薬保健研究域医学系, Aims: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a major chemotactic factor for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) associated with hepatic fibrosis. In this study, among several fibrogenetic factors derived from biliary epithelial cells (BECs), MCP-1 produced by the biliary innate immune system was found to be most critical in the histogenesis of hepatic fibrogenesis. Methods: Using cultured human BECs, the expression of five fibrogenetic factors including MCP-1 on stimulation with Toll-like receptor ligands, inflammatory cytokines or bile acids was examined. Moreover, in situ detection of MCP-1 and α-smooth muscle actin proteins was performed using sections from normal and diseased livers by immunohistochemistry. Results: All fibrogenetic factors were detected in BECs, but only MCP-1 expression was upregulated, by all the Toll-like receptor ligands, IL-1β, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Proliferating bile ductules in interface areas expressed MCP-1 in diseased livers accompanying α-smooth muscle actin-positive activated HSCs. Conclusions: Bile ductules proliferate in various hepatobiliary diseases, and its significance is still unknown. This study demonstrated that BECs in bile ductules could produce MCP-1, particularly, via biliary innate immunity, suggesting that MCP-1 derived from BECs plays an important role in the recruitment of HSCs to interface areas and the activation of HSCs resulting in the progression of periportal fibrosis. Copyright Article author (or their employer) 2011.

Background/aims: To clarify the primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-specific antigen-presenting mechanism, we examined the distribution and phenotypic characteristics of infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) with respect to bile ducts and the mechanism of migration in terms of the periductal cytokine milieu and biliary innate immunity. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry using liver sections from patients with PBC and controls revealed that blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)-2 1 plasmacytoid DCs were found mainly in the portal tracts in PBC and the controls, but their distribution was not related to bile ducts. BDCA-1 1 and CD19 � myeloid DCs were also found in portal tracts in PBC and the controls and, in particular, Langerin1Langerhans cells (LCs) were dominantly scattered around or within biliary epithelial layers of the damaged bile ducts in PBC. Moreover, experiments with cultured human biliary epithelial cells (BECs) showed that an LC-attracting chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-3a, was produced by BECs in the response to cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1b, tumour necrosis factor-a and IL-17] and pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Conclusions: LCs existing around or within biliary epithelial layers are important as periductal antigen-presenting cells in PBC and the migration of LCs into bile ducts is closely associated with the periductal cytokine milieu and biliary innate immunity in PBC.

Lipase was covalently immobilized on silicas with differently controlled pore size distribution and utilized in benzene to catalyze esterification. When silicas were converted to alkylamino derivatives in preparation for immobilization, their physical properties, such as average pore size, changed remarkably, but were relatively unchanged during the succeeding immobilization. Thus the derivatives determined immobilized quantity of the enzyme with their physical properties such that they generally immobilized more enzyme as their pores became larger in size and in volume. The activity of the immobilized enzyme depended on the immobilized quantity of the enzyme, water content, resistance of intra-mass transfer affected by pore size distribution, chemical properties of the silica surface and an over-crowding effect possibly emerging among immobilized lipase molecules. Among these factors, the first two were principal ones and activity was highest at the water content where their pores were filled, being generally higher with an increase in the immobilized quantity of the enzyme.

Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of pathological conditions, ranging from simple steatosis to hepatic fibrosis with progression to cirrhosis. While activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are known to be involved in intralobular, perisinuosidal fibrosis, the mechanisms of portal and bridging fibrosis remain speculative. This study investigated the roles of bile ductules in portal and septal fibrosis. Methods 48 liver biopsies were obtained from NAFLD patients. These cases were divided into four stages according to the Brunt classification. Results Bile ductules positive for CK19 were increased along with the progression of staging and fibrosis of NAFLD, and the increased bile ductules were associated with portal inflammation and fibrosis. The cellular senescence marker; p16INK4a and p21WAF1/Cip1-positive bile ductular cells were increased in stages 3 and 4. Such senescent bile ductules frequently express chemotactic protein, CCL2 (MCP-1), which may be responsible for chemoattraction of activated HSC around the bile ductules in portal and septal fibrosis and for portal inflammation. The migration of cultured mouse HSC was significantly facilitated in the presence of cultured senescent mouse biliary epithelial cells (BEC), and this migration was mediated by CCL2 secreted from senescent cultured BEC. Small spindle-like cells positive for CK7 alone in the hepatic parenchyma in the advanced stage seem to differentiate to periportal bile ductular cells positive for CK19 and CK7. Conclusions It seems possible that increased bile ductules expressing cellular senescence markers and chemokines are at least partly involved in the progressive portal and bridging fibrosis in NAFLD.

INTRODUÇÃO: Em contraste aos bons resultados do transplante pulmonar no tratamento de pacientes com doença supurativa pulmonar avançada, a colonização por Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), sobretudo o genomovar III, vem sendo relacionada a pior prognóstico e, por conseguinte, uma contraindicação ao procedimento em alguns centros transplantadores. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto em sobrevida após o transplante pulmonar de pacientes com doença pulmonar supurativa colonizados por BCC, além de determinar a incidência da colonização e suas variantes genômicas no Instituto do Coração/HC-FMUSP. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados prospectivamente dados clínicos e amostras de culturas do trato respiratório dos pacientes que realizaram transplante pulmonar por doença supurativa entre janeiro de 2008 e dezembro de 2013. A tipagem molecular para estudar os diferentes genótipos da BCC foi realizada a partir de janeiro de 2012 por método de sequenciamento genético e análise do gene RecA. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 132 transplantes pulmonares, 62 pacientes com doença pulmonar supurativa, sendo 28 em pacientes com Bronquiectasias e 34 com Fibrose Cística. Observou-se a colonização por BCC em 16 pacientes; em 7 amostras identificados os seguintes subtipos: três cepas B. metallica e quatro cepas B. cenocepacia. A incidência de BCC nos pacientes com Fibrose Cística foi de 38,2%, enquanto nos pacientes com Bronquiectasias foi 10,7%. Dentre os 16 pacientes colonizados por BCC, ocorreram 2 óbitos, nenhum deles relacionados à infecção pelo agente. Um óbito foi atribuído a sepse por Acinetobacter baumannii resistente a múltiplas drogas e o outro, a disfunção orgânica múltipla. O estudo desenvolvido demostrou que a colonização por BCC não gerou impacto em mortalidade nos pacientes após o transplante pulmonar, mesmo quando colonizados pelo subtipo B. cenocepacia INTRODUCTION: Notwithstanding the good results of lung transplantation for treatment of patients with advanced lung suppurative disease, colonization by Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), especially genomovar III has been related to a worse prognosis in these patients and therefore contraindication to the procedure certain centers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on survival after lung transplantation in patients with suppurative lung disease colonized with BCC to determine the incidence of colonization and its genomic variants at the Heart Institute / HC -FMUSP. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed clinical data and respiratory tract samples of suppurative lung disease patients that performed lung transplantation from January-2008 through November-2013. From January-2012 through December-2013, we also subtyed the different B. cepacia genotypes by DNA sequencing primers of the gene RecA. RESULTS: 132 lung transplantation were performed, 62 patients with suppurative lung disease, 28 patients with Bronchiectasis and 34 with Cystic Fibrosis. BCC was observed in 16 patients; in 7 samples we identified the following subtypes: three strains B. metallica and four strains B. cenocepacia. The incidence of BCC in patients with Cystic Fibrosis was 38.2% while in patients with Bronchiectasis was only 10.7%. Among the 16 patients colonized with BCC, there were two deaths, none of them related to infection by the agent. One death due to sepsis Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to multiple drugs and the other, multiple organ dysfunction. The study demonstrated that colonization by BCC developed no impact on the mortality rate of patients after lung transplantation, even when colonized by the subtype B. cenocepacia