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In response to the restrictions imposed by their epiphytic habit, orchids have developed structural traits that allow greater efficiency in water uptake and use, such as a complex adventitious root system with velamen. The composition of cell wall of this specialized epidermis can be altered according to the substrate to which it is fixed, influencing wall permeability, absorption, and storage of water in roots. The current study aimed to evaluate the cell wall composition of adventitious roots of Vanilla phaeantha (Orchidaceae) that grow attached to the phorophyte, fixed in the soil, or hung free. Immunocytochemical analyses were used to determine the protein, hemicellulose, and pectin composition of the cell walls of aerial and terrestrial roots. We observed that pectins are present in the different tissues of the aerial roots, while in the terrestrial roots, they are concentrated in the cortical parenchyma. The deposition of xyloglucans, extensins, and arabinogalactans was greater in the epidermis of the free side of the roots attached to the phorophyte. The strong labeling of pectins in aerial roots may be related to the influx of water and nutrients, which are generally scarce in this environment. The arrangement of hemicelluloses and proteins with the pectins may be associated with increased cell rigidity and sustainability, a feature of interest for the aerial roots. In summary, the habit of roots can interfere with the non-cellulosic composition of the cell walls of V. phaeantha, possibly related to changes in cell functionality., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex, multifactorial skin disease, characterized by pruritus and predominant Th2 inflammation. Innate immune cells may play a role in AD development and are composed of granulocytes, macrophages, innate-like T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. This study investigates the phenotypic and functional profile of circulating CLA + natural killer (NK) cells and its role in the skin-homing to NK cells infiltrated in adults' skin with AD. We selected 44 AD patients and 27 non-AD volunteers for the study. The results showed increased frequencies of both CLA + CD56 bright and CLA + CD56 dim NK cell populations in the peripheral blood, mainly in severe AD patients. Upon SEB stimulation, we observed an augmented percentage of CLA + CD56 dim NK cells expressing CD107a, IFN-γ, IL-10, and TNF, reinforcing the role of staphylococcal enterotoxins in AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we demonstrated increased dermal expression of both NK cell markers NCAM-1/CD56 and pan-granzyme, corroborating the skin-homing, mostly in severe AD. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the potential role of NK cells in the chronification of the inflammatory process in AD skin, as well as their possible relationship with staphylococcal enterotoxins, and as practicable therapeutic targets., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The aerial environment appears to structurally modify roots, which frequently show specializations for absorbing water and nutrients. Among those specializations are the velamen, a multiseriate epidermis generally composed of dead mature cells, and greater degrees of lignification in the endodermis, exodermis, and pith. Vanilla phaeantha is a hemiepiphyte used here as a model of study to determine which root characteristics demonstrate the most plasticity in response to aerial and terrestrial environments. It produces roots growing under three conditions: (1) aerial and free, growing from the highest branches towards the ground; (2) aerial roots attached to the phorophyte; and (3) terrestrial. Samples taken 3 cm from the apices were used to prepare histological slides. The tissues and other anatomical structures were measured and histochemically characterized. The most plastic characteristics were the external periclinal thicknesses of the exodermis and the total area occupied by the aerenchyma lacunae. The free roots were the longest, did not evidence root hairs, and had the largest number of the aerenchyma lacunae; they also evidenced greater thicknesses of the exodermis in contact with the epidermis walls that helped maintain their shapes. Terrestrial roots had root hairs around the entire circumference and intense infestations of mycorrhiza, indicating their involvement in nutrient acquisition. The adhering roots evidenced free regions similar to those of aerial roots, as well as adhering regions showed characteristics similar to terrestrial roots (with root hairs and mycorrhiza infestations)., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Spondias tuberosa is a highly perishable fruit that is difficult to transport, which limits its consumption in local areas. Thus, for economic reasons, there is a need for technologies to extend post-harvest shelf life of these fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the life of Spondias tuberosa fruit using edible coatings composed of Chlorella sp. and pomegranate seed oil (PSO) during cold storage. Coated and uncoated S. tuberosa fruits were stored for 12 days at 14 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5% RH and evaluated every 3 days. Chlorella sp. + PSO coatings retarded ripening, maintained firmness, mass, and a greener color when compared to control treatment - since by default controls are not treated. Coatings in association with the best quality fruit presented 2.0% of Chlorella sp., 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 © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Innate immunity is one of the main protection mechanisms against viral infections, but how this system works at the maternal-fetal interface, especially during HIV infection, is still poorly known. In this study, we investigated the relationship between pregnancy and innate mechanisms associated with HIV immunity by evaluating the expression of DAMPs, inflammasome components and type I/III IFNs in placenta and serum samples from HIV-infected mothers and exposed newborns. Our results showed that most of these factors, including HMGB1, IL-1, and IFN, were increased in placental villi from HIV-infected mothers. Curiously, however, these factors were simultaneously repressed in serum from HIV-infected mothers and their exposed newborns, suggesting that pregnancy could restrict HIV immune activation systemically but preserve the immune response at the placental level. An effective local antiviral status associated with a suppressed inflammatory environment can balance the maternal immune response, promoting homeostasis for fetal development and protection against HIV infection in neonates., (Copyright © 2020 Pereira, Branco, Manfrere, de Lima, Yoshikawa, Milanez, Pereira, Sotto, Duarte and Sato.)

Objective: Use fluorescence analysis to evaluate the effect of polishing and surface sealant on the color of composite resin bleached with carbamide peroxide and subjected to staining., Materials and Methods: Forty-eight composite resin specimens (Z250/Z350XT) were fabricated. After 24 hours stored in distilled water, all specimens were submitted to in situ bleaching with 16% home peroxide for 8 hours daily for a period of 14 days. Subsequently specimens were separated in three groups according to surface treatment proposed (group 1-polishing Sof-Lex; group 2-BisCover; group 3-control). After this, all the specimens were stained with red wine. A spectrofluorometer was used to evaluate the fluorescence in two readouts (L0-after surface treatment and L1-after staining).Data were analyzed by applying ANOVA using a statistical software program., Results: No differences were shown for the factor treatment and other interactions. The lowest mean fluorescence value was found for Z350XT resin (1759.18 ± 0.13) when compared with Z250 (6863.92 ± 0.13). There was significant difference in the mean fluorescence values for all surface treatments between the two different readouts L0 (4820.93 ± 0.05) and L1 (3802.17 ± 0.05)., Conclusion: The results suggested that all surface treatments proposed did not influenced the results of wine staining of bleached resins when compared with the control evaluated by the fluorescence method., Clinical Significance: The purposes of this research was to find solutions, by means of surfaces treatment, to achieve restorations with a satisfactory and similar final aspect in relation to the teeth, and avoid discrepancies related to the esthetics and longevity of the restoration., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Although the neonatal period is characterized by relative immunological immaturity, an inflammatory response due to Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation is observed. Histamine may be one of the factors playing a role in restraining inflammation during the early stages of life. Therefore, we evaluated the responsiveness of human cord blood cells to TLR4 agonists and the immunomodulatory function of histamine in the inflammatory response. Compared with adults, mononuclear cells (MNCs) from newborns (NBs) exhibit impaired production of IFN-γ-inducible chemokines, such as CXCL10 and CXCL9, upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Notably, LPS induced a 5-fold increase in CCL2 secretion in NBs. Evaluation of the effect of histamine on LPS-induced CCL2 secretion showed an inhibitory effect in the majority of adults, whereas this effect was detectable in all NBs. Histamine receptor (HR) blockage revealed partial involvement of H1R, H2R and H4R in LPS-induced CCL2 inhibition in MNCs from both NBs and adults. As monocytes are the main type of mononuclear cell that produces CCL2, we evaluated genes related to TLR signaling upon LPS stimulation. Monocytes from NBs showed up-regulation of genes associated with JAK/STAT/NF-κB and IFN signaling. Some differentially expressed genes encoding proinflammatory factors were preferentially detected in LPS-activated monocytes from NBs, and markedly down-regulated by histamine. The immunomodulatory role of histamine on CCL2 and CXCL8 was detected at the transcript and protein levels. Our findings show that NBs have enhanced CCL2 responsiveness to LPS, and that histamine acts in immune homeostasis during the neonatal period to counterbalance the robustness of TLR stimulation.

Staphylococcus aureus colonizes the skin of atopic dermatitis (AD) individuals, but the impact of its enterotoxins on the chronic activation of CD4 + T cells demands further analysis. We aimed to analyze the CD4 + T cell anergy profile and their phenotypic and functional features through differential expression of cellular activation markers, cytokine production and response to staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA). A panel of 84 genes relevant to T cell anergy was assessed by PCR array in FACS-sorted CD4 + T cells, and the most prominent genes were validated by RT-qPCR. We evaluated frequencies of circulating CD4 + T cells secreting single or multiple (polyfunctional) cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, TNF, IFN-γ, and MIP-1β) and expression of activation marker CD38 in response to SEA stimulation by flow cytometry. Our main findings indicated upregulation of anergy-related genes (EGR2 and IL13) promoted by SEA in AD patients, associated to a compromised polyfunctional response particularly in CD4 + CD38 + T cells in response to antigen stimulation. The pathogenic role of staphylococcal enterotoxins in adult AD can be explained by their ability to downmodulate the activated effector T cell response, altering gene expression profile such as EGR2 induction, and may contribute to negative regulation of polyfunctional CD4 + T cells in these patients.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated skin disease characterized by skin colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Interleukin (IL)-22, in cooperation with IL-17, triggers antimicrobial peptide elaboration and enhances certain immunological responses. In AD, IL-22 is related to epidermal hyperplasia, keratinocyte apoptosis, and inhibition of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. We aimed to evaluate the impact of staphylococcal enterotoxins on the Tc22/Th22 induction in the peripheral blood of AD patients and on CD4 +/ CD8 + T cells expressing IL-22 in AD skin. Our study showed inhibition of the staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) response by Th22 (CD4 + IL-22 + IL-17A - IFN-γ - ) cells in AD patients. In contrast, Tc22 (CD8 + IL-22 + IL-17A - IFN-γ - ) cells were less susceptible to the inhibitory effects of staphylococcal enterotoxins and exhibited an enhanced response to the bacterial stimuli. In AD skin, we detected increased IL-22 transcript expression and T lymphocytes expressing IL-22. Together, our results provide two major findings in response to staphylococcal enterotoxins in adults with AD: dysfunctional CD4 + IL-22 secreting T cells and increased Tc22 cells. Our hypothesis reinforces the relevance of CD8 T cells modulated by staphylococcal enterotoxins as a potential source of IL-22 in adults with AD, which is relevant for the maintenance of immunological imbalance.

Programs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV have reduced the transmission rate of perinatal HIV infection and have thereby increased the number of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants. Natural immunity to HIV-1 infection in both mothers and newborns needs to be further explored. In this study, we compared the expression of antiviral restricting factors in HIV-infected pregnant mothers treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnancy (n=23) and in cord blood (CB) (n=16), placental tissues (n=10-13) and colostrum (n=5-6) samples and compared them to expression in samples from uninfected (UN) pregnant mothers (n=21). Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were prepared from maternal and CB samples following deliveries by cesarean section. Maternal (decidua) and fetal (chorionic villus) placental tissues were obtained, and colostrum was collected 24 h after delivery. The mRNA and protein expression levels of antiviral factors were then evaluated. We observed a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of antiviral factors in MNCs from HIV-infected mothers and CB, including the apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme 3G (A3G), A3F, tripartite motif family-5α (TRIM-5α), TRIM-22, myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA), stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) and IFN-β, compared with the levels detected in uninfected (UN) mother-CB pairs. Moreover, A3G transcript and protein levels and α-defensin transcript levels were decreased in the decidua of HIV-infected mothers. Decreased TRIM-5α protein levels in the villi and increased STING mRNA expression in both placental tissues were also observed in HIV-infected mothers compared with uninfected (UN) mothers. Additionally, colostrum cells from infected mothers showed increased tetherin and IFN-β mRNA levels and CXCL9 protein levels. The data presented here indicate that antiviral restricting factor expression can be induced in utero in HIV-infected mothers. Future studies are warranted to determine whether this upregulation of antiviral factors during the perinatal period has a protective effect against HIV-1 infection.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the investigation actions of home contacts of tuberculosis (TB) index cases in the Tuberculosis Control Program (TCP) of Pelotas/RS - Brazil. This cross-sectional descriptive study was based on data from the records of index cases. The sample consisted of 163 contacts of 68 subjects with pulmonary TB in treatment in the TCP between June and August, 2009. These contacts were predominantly female, over 10 years of age and the daughters of index cases. The requested examination was a chest radiography and bacilloscopy. Active TB was found in 1.8 % of contacts. Results show that assistance for TB patients in Pelotas-Brazil, which is centralized in a single specialized service, hinders the investigation of home contacts. Primary care is required to narrow the gap between professionals and the family, and facilitate early diagnosis and interruption of the TB transmission chain in a timely manner.

Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl. (Menispermaceae) root infusion is used in Northeast Brazil to treat allergic asthma. We have previously shown that oral use of the plant extract reduces eosinophil infiltration into the lung of ovalbumin (OVA)- sensitized mice. However, drugs taken by inhalation route to treat asthma achieve better outcomes. Thereby, in this study, we evaluated the inhaled C. sympodialis alcoholic extract as a therapeutic treatment in OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice. The parameters which were analyzed consisted of leukocyte recruitment to the airway cavity, tissue remodeling and cell profile. The inhaled extract inhibited mainly eosinophil recruitment to the pleural cavity, bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood. This treatment reduced the OVA-specific IgE serum titer and leukocyte infiltration in the peribronchiolar and pulmonary perivascular areas as well as mucus production. In addition, we also tested isolated alkaloids from the plant extract. The flow cytometric analysis showed that methylwarifteine (MW) and, mainly, the inhaled extract reduced the number of CD3+T cells and eosinophil-like cells. Therefore, inhaled C. sympodialis extract and MW lead to down-regulation of inflammatory cell infiltration with remarkable decrease in the number of T cells in an experimental model of respiratory allergy, suggesting that the plant can be delivered via inhalation route to treat allergic asthma., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

This study present areas of the body more prone to develop diseases by musculoskeletal efforts, ie, RTD, in two companies of Paraiba, Brazil. To this end, was made a comparative analysis with respect to the type of work performed (standing, sitting) and the parts that suffer most discomfort after a day's work in a footwear industry and a bus transportation company. The quanti-qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 227 employees in the period 2008 to 2009, having as methodological the tool diagram of painful areas of Corlett and Manenica. It was concluded that the areas most affected by musculoskeletal disorders are located in the neck (9,2%), backs (23,6%), shoulders (14,5%) and legs (11,3%), being usually caused by inappropriate postures, repetitive movements and work station no adequate the anthropometry of the users. Thus, we recommend the adoption of ergonomic measures that enable a healthy and safe environment for workers.

The structure of laser glasses in the system (Y(2)O(3))(0.2){(Al(2)O(3))(x))(B(2)O(3))(0.8-x)} (0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.40) has been investigated by means of (11)B, (27)Al, and (89)Y solid state NMR as well as electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) of Yb-doped samples. The latter technique has been applied for the first time to an aluminoborate glass system. (11)B magic-angle spinning (MAS)-NMR spectra reveal that, while the majority of the boron atoms are three-coordinated over the entire composition region, the fraction of three-coordinated boron atoms increases significantly with increasing x. Charge balance considerations as well as (11)B NMR lineshape analyses suggest that the dominant borate species are predominantly singly charged metaborate (BO(2/2)O(-)), doubly charged pyroborate (BO(1/2)(O(-))(2)), and (at x = 0.40) triply charged orthoborate groups. As x increases along this series, the average anionic charge per trigonal borate group increases from 1.38 to 2.91. (27)Al MAS-NMR spectra show that the alumina species are present in the coordination states four, five and six, and the fraction of four-coordinated Al increases markedly with increasing x. All of the Al coordination states are in intimate contact with both the three- and the four-coordinate boron species and vice versa, as indicated by (11)B/(27)Al rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) data. These results are consistent with the formation of a homogeneous, non-segregated glass structure. (89)Y solid state NMR spectra show a significant chemical shift trend, reflecting that the second coordination sphere becomes increasingly "aluminate-like" with increasing x. This conclusion is supported by electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) data of Yb-doped glasses, which indicate that both borate and aluminate species participate in the medium range structure of the rare-earth ions, consistent with a random spatial distribution of the glass components.

In the present work, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) emission of colourless natural topaz from Santo Antônio do Jacinto, Brazil, was studied as a function of thermal treatment and gamma irradiation dose, focussing on the use of this material as a radiation dosimeter. EPR measurements on "as-received" samples at room temperature provided signals in the region of about 500 at 5,000 G. The signal located around g approximately equal to 2, frequently attributed to (AlO(4))(0), increased with additional gamma dose and disappeared after thermal treatment at 500 degrees C for 1h. Irradiation after thermal treatment recovered this signal. The decay promoted by isochronal thermal treatment showed the (AlO(4))(0) defects to be directly related to the TL glows peaks. The variation of EPR spectrum with annealing temperature prior to irradiation showed that the variation of TL sensitivity is a consequence of the variation of the (AlO(4))(0) population.

The ATM/ATR kinases and the Mre11 (Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1) protein complex are central players in the cellular DNA damage response. Here we characterize possible interactions between Aspergillus nidulans uvsB(ATR) and the Mre11 complex (scaA(NBS1)). We demonstrate that there is an epistatic relationship between uvsB(ATR), the homolog of the ATR/MEC1 gene, and scaA(NBS1), the homolog of the NBS1/XRS2 gene, for both repair and checkpoint functions and that correct ScaA(NBS1) expression during recovery from replication stress depends on uvsB(ATR). In addition, we also show that the formation of UvsC foci during recovery from replication stress is dependent on both uvsB(ATR) and scaA(NBS1) function. Furthermore, ScaA(NBS1) is also dependent on uvsB(ATR) for nuclear focus formation upon the induction of DNA double-strand breaks by phleomycin. Our results highlight the extensive genetic interactions between UvsB and the Mre11 complex that are required for S-phase progression and recovery from DNA damage.

Purpose: There are several ways to propagation of parasitary diseases and how there aren't many bibliographic work about this theme, it was realized a study near to the Natal-RN population, to verify the enteroparasites transmission through the paper money., Methods: In the Laboratório Parasitologia Clínica was analysed 500 bills of several worths gotten in shops and, concomitantly it was examined samples of a water got from the washed hands of the people who held the money. The methods to realize the parasitologic exams were: Ritchie and Faust et al., Results: It was observed the following parasites prevalent in 48 (9.6%) examined bills: Endolimax nana 31 (6.2%), Entamoeba coli 06 (1.2%), Entamoeba histolytica 01 (0.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides 10 (2.0%). In the water, it vas observed that 40 (40.0%) of them had the same kinds of parasites in their hands., Conclusions: Finally, it is postulated that the paper money is important to the enteroparasites transmission and it is suggested that new researches must be done in this area.