Artigos - Ciências Biológicas - FCFAR

URI Permanente para esta coleção

https://hdl.handle.net/11449/7388

Navegar

Agora exibindo 1 - 20 de 984

Exploring the Hidden World of Vectors of Chagas Disease: A Fascinating Look at the Taxonomic Aspects of the Psammolestes Genus (Hemiptera, Triatominae)
(2023-05-01) de Oliveira, Jader; Alevi, Kaio Cesar Chaboli; Almeida, Carlos Eduardo; Olaia, Nicoly [UNESP]; Cacini, Gustavo Lázari [UNESP]; Galvão, Cleber; Herrera, Heitor Miraglia; Santos, Filipe Martins; Rosa, João Aristeu da [UNESP]; Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Pavilhão Rocha Lima; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ); Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade Católica Dom Bosco
Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected illness affecting approximately seven million individuals, with vector transmission occurring via triatomine bugs. The Rhodniini tribe comprises 24 species, grouped into the Rhodnius and Psammolestes genera. Given the importance of accurately identifying CD vectors, the taxonomy of Psammolestes spp. was revisited using morphological and morphometric data. Specimens of P. tertius, P. coreodes, and P. arthuri were collected, and the morphological characteristics of the head, thorax, abdomen, and eggs were analyzed. Morphometric studies of eggs were also conducted. Dichotomous keys allowing for the differentiation of Psammolestes spp. were elaborated based on adult insect and egg morphological characteristics. Through these studies, it was possible to differentiate the three Psammolestes species and confirm that this genus should not be classified under the Rhodnius genus, contributing to Rhodniini taxonomy.
New Palladium(II) Complexes Containing Methyl Gallate and Octyl Gallate: Effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Campylobacter jejuni
(2023-05-01) Silva, Raphael Tristão Cruvinel; Guidotti-Takeuchi, Micaela; Peixoto, Jéssica Laura Miranda; Demarqui, Fernanda Manaia [UNESP]; Mori, Ananda Paula; Dumont, Carolyne Ferreira; Ferreira, Gabriella Rayane Aparecida; Pereira, Gabriele de Menezes; Rossi, Daise Aparecida; Corbi, Pedro Paulo; Pavan, Fernando Rogério [UNESP]; Rezende Júnior, Celso de Oliveira; Melo, Roberta Torres de; Guerra, Wendell; Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU); Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
This work describes the preparation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of four palladium(II) complexes, namely, [Pd(meg)(1,10-phen)] 1, [Pd(meg)(PPh3)2] 2, [Pd(og)(1,10-phen)] 3 and [Pd(og)(PPh3)2] 4, where meg = methyl gallate, og = octyl gallate, 1,10-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and PPh3 = triphenylphosphine. As to the chemical structures, spectral and physicochemical studies of 1–4 indicated that methyl or octyl gallate coordinates a palladium(II) ion through two oxygen atoms upon deprotonation. A chelating bidentate phenanthroline or two triphenylphosphine molecules complete the coordination sphere of palladium(II) ion, depending on the complex. The metal complexes were tested against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain and 2 exhibited high activity (MIC = 3.28 μg/mL). As to the tests with Campylobacter jejuni, complex 1 showed a significant effect in reducing bacterial population (greater than 7 log CFU) in planktonic forms, as well as in the biomass intensity (IBF: 0.87) when compared to peracetic acid (IBF: 1.11) at a concentration of 400 μg/mL. The effect provided by these complexes has specificity according to the target microorganism and represent a promising alternative for the control of microorganisms of public health importance.
Synthesis and Anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis Activity of Imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine Derivatives against Multidrug-Resistant Strains
(2023-01-01) Fernandes, Guilherme F. S. [UNESP]; Manieri, Karyn F. [UNESP]; Bonjorno, Andressa F. [UNESP]; Campos, Debora L. [UNESP]; Ribeiro, Camila M. [UNESP]; Demarqui, Fernanda M. [UNESP]; Ruiz, Daniel A. G. [UNESP]; Nascimento-Junior, Nailton M. [UNESP]; Denny, William A.; Thompson, Andrew M.; Pavan, Fernando R. [UNESP]; Dos Santos, Jean L. [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); The University of Auckland; University College London
The emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis has raised concerns due to the greater difficulties in patient treatment and higher mortality rates. Herein, we revisited the 2-nitro-6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine scaffold and identified potent new carbamate derivatives having MIC90 values of 0.18–1.63 μM against Mtb H37Rv. Compounds 47–49, 51–53, and 55 exhibited remarkable activity against a panel of clinical isolates, displaying MIC90 values below 0.5 μM. In Mtb-infected macrophages, several compounds demonstrated a 1-log greater reduction in mycobacterial burden than rifampicin and pretomanid. The compounds tested did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against three cell lines or any toxicity to Galleria mellonella. Furthermore, the imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazine derivatives did not show substantial activity against other bacteria or fungi. Finally, molecular docking studies revealed that the new compounds could interact with the deazaflavin-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) in a similar manner to pretomanid. Collectively, our findings highlight the chemical universe of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazines and their promising potential against MDR-TB.
Karyotype Evolution in Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae): The Role of Chromosomal Rearrangements in the Diversification of Chagas Disease Vectors
(2023-04-01) Reis, Yago Visinho dos [UNESP]; de Oliveira, Jader; Madeira, Fernanda Fernandez [UNESP]; Ravazi, Amanda [UNESP]; Oliveira, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de [UNESP]; Bittinelli, Isadora da Silva [UNESP]; Delgado, Luiza Maria Grzyb [UNESP]; de Azeredo-Oliveira, Maria Tercília Vilela [UNESP]; Rosa, João Aristeu da [UNESP]; Galvão, Cleber; Alevi, Kaio Cesar Chaboli [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
Several cytogenetic studies have already been performed in Triatominae, such that different karyotypes could be characterized (ranging from 2n = 21 to 25 chromosomes), being the changes in the number of chromosomes related mainly to fusion and fission events. These changes have been associated with reproductive isolation and speciation events in other insect groups. Thus, we evaluated whether different karyotypes could act in the reproductive isolation of triatomines and we analyzed how the events of karyotypic evolution occurred along the diversification of these vectors. For this, experimental crosses were carried out between triatomine species with different karyotypes. Furthermore, based on a phylogeny with 88 triatomine taxa (developed with different molecular markers), a reconstruction of ancestral karyotypes and of anagenetic and cladogenetic events related to karyotypic alterations was performed through the ChromoSSE chromosomal evolution model. All crosses performed did not result in hybrids (prezygotic isolation in both directions). Our modeling results suggest that during Triatominae diversification, at least nine cladogenetic events may be associated with karyotype change. Thus, we emphasize that these alterations in the number of chromosomes can act as a prezygotic barrier in Triatominae (karyotypic isolation), being important evolutionary events during the diversification of the species of Chagas disease vectors.
Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and the Spatial Distribution of Species in Sergipe, Brazil
(2023-03-01) Andrade, David Campos; de Assis Lima, Antônio Fernando Viana; de Lourdes Sierpe Jeraldo, Verónica; de Melo, Cláudia Moura; Pinto, Mara Cristina [UNESP]; Madi, Rubens Riscala; Post-Graduation Program in Health and Environment; Entomology Laboratory; ITP; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Some sand fly species are the vectors responsible for the transmission of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the etiological agent of leishmaniasis, and in the state of Sergipe, the two main forms of the disease (visceral and cutaneous) are recorded. Few works show information about the species that form the Phlebotominae fauna in Sergipe. This study aimed to update and determine how they are distributed throughout the state.The study used data from surveys about phlebotomines in Sergipe, from the Program of Surveillance and Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis, carried out by the Central Public Health Laboratory of Sergipe, from 2008 to 2018, along with review and original data from 2022.The commentary on this information was developed with focus on the species that can be vectors for the disease. Sergipe has, up to now, 27 registered species of phlebotomines from 12 genera, 15 of them are of sanitary relevance.Twenty two of these species are in the mesoregion East, 19 in the Agreste, and 11 in the Sertão of Sergipe.The species with the greatest distribution was Evandromyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938), present in 74.6% of the municipalities of Sergipe, followed by Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), the main vector of the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, present in 68% of the municipalities studied.This study expands the number and distribution of species recorded in the state. This information can contribute to disease containment plans and support health education actions aimed at the control of leishmaniasis in Sergipe.
Gallium and indium complexes with isoniazid-derived ligands: Interaction with biomolecules and biological activity against cancer cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(2023-03-01) Leitao, Renan C.F.; Silva, Francisco; Ribeiro, Gabriel H.; Santos, Isabel C.; Guerreiro, Joana F.; Mendes, Filipa; Batista, Alzir A.; Pavan, Fernando R. [UNESP]; da S. Maia, Pedro Ivo; Paulo, António; Deflon, Victor M.; Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Universidade de Lisboa; Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar); Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro
Gallium and indium octahedral complexes with isoniazid derivative ligands were successfully prepared. The ligands, isonicotinoyl benzoylacetone (H2L1) and 4-chlorobenzoylacetone isonicotinoyl hydrazone (H2L2), and their respective coordination compounds with gallium and indium [GaL1(HL1)] (GaL1), [GaL2(HL2)] (GaL2), [InL1(HL1)] (InL1) and [InL2(HL2)] (InL2) were investigated by NMR, ESI-MS, UV–Vis, IR, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. In vitro interaction studies with human serum albumin (HSA) evidenced a moderate affinity of all complexes with HSA through spontaneous hydrophobic interactions. The greatest suppression of HSA fluorescence was caused by GaL2 and InL2, which was associated to the higher lipophilicity of H2L2. In vitro interaction studies with CT-DNA indicated weak interactions of the biomolecule with all complexes. Cytotoxicity assays with MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), PC-3 (prostate carcinoma) and RWPE-1 (healthy human prostate epithelial) cell lines showed that complexes with H2L2 are more active and selective against MCF-7, with the greatest cytotoxicity observed for InL2 (IC50 = 10.34 ± 1.69 μM). H2L1 and H2L2 were labelled with gallium-67, and it was verified that 67GaL2 has a greater lipophilicity than 67GaL1, as well as higher stability in human serum or in the presence of apo-transferrin. Cellular uptake assays with 67GaL1 and 67GaL2 evidenced that the H2L2-containing radiocomplex has a higher accumulation in MCF-7 and PC-3 cells than the non-halogenated congener 67GaL1. The anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis assays revealed that both ligands and metal complexes are potent growth inhibitors, with MIC90 (μg mL−1) values observed from 0.419 ± 0.05 to 1.378 ± 0.21.
Lycopene, Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles and Their Association: A Possible Alternative against Vulvovaginal Candidiasis?
(2022-12-01) Carvalho, Gabriela Corrêa [UNESP]; Marena, Gabriel Davi [UNESP]; Leonardi, Gabriela Ricci; Sábio, Rafael Miguel [UNESP]; Corrêa, Ione [UNESP]; Chorilli, Marlus [UNESP]; Bauab, Tais Maria [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); University of Ribeirão Preto (UNAERP)
Commonly found colonizing the human microbiota, Candida albicans is a microorganism known for its ability to cause infections, mainly in the vulvovaginal region known as vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). This pathology is, in fact, one of the main C. albicans clinical manifestations, changing from a colonizer to a pathogen. The increase in VVC cases and limited antifungal therapy make C. albicans an increasingly frequent risk in women’s lives, especially in immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and the elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic options, especially those involving natural products associated with nanotechnology, such as lycopene and mesoporous silica nanoparticles. From this perspective, this study sought to assess whether lycopene, mesoporous silica nanoparticles and their combination would be an attractive product for the treatment of this serious disease through microbiological in vitro tests and acute toxicity tests in an alternative in vivo model of Galleria mellonella. Although they did not show desirable antifungal activity for VVC therapy, the present study strongly encourages the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles impregnated with lycopene for the treatment of other human pathologies, since the products evaluated here did not show toxicity in the in vivo test performed, being therefore, a topic to be further explored.
In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity and eye irritation potential of preservatives widely used in cosmetics
(2022-01-01) Corrêa, Gabriela de Oliveira Prado [UNESP]; Marcato, Danieli Camilo [UNESP]; Ramos, Wagner Soares [UNESP]; Corrêa, Marcos Antônio [UNESP]; Cicarelli, Regina Maria Barretto [UNESP]; Isaac, Vera Lucia Borges [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
The consumption of cosmetics has been increasing every year and is expected to reach $675 billion by 2020 at an estimated growth rate of 6.4% per year. Exposure to skin irritants is the major cause of non-immunological inflammation of the skin. Therefore, the safety evaluation of cosmetic preservatives should be increased. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity as the viability endpoint and the eye irritation potential of preservatives used in cosmetics. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT and NRU in human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa), and human hepatoma cells (HepG2). The eye irritation potential was evaluated using the Hen’s Egg Test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). The evaluated preservatives were methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP), phenoxyethanol (PE), and a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (CMI/MI). All preservatives showed cytotoxic potential within the permitted concentrations for use in cosmetic products. In the HET-CAM test, PE and CMI/MI, MP, and PP were classified as severe, moderate, and poor irritants, respectively. Our results indicate that proper safety evaluations are required to ensure the beneficial properties of preservatives on cosmetic products without exceeding exposure levels that would result in adverse health effects for consumers.
Latent Tuberculosis: A Promising New Compound to Treat Non-Replicating and Intramacrophagic Mycobacteria
(2022-10-01) Campos, Débora Leite [UNESP]; Demarqui, Fernanda Manaia [UNESP]; Solcia, Mariana Cristina [UNESP]; de Souza, Paula Carolina [UNESP]; da Silva Maia, Pedro Ivo; Deflon, Victor Marcelo; Pavan, Fernando Rogério [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Triangulo Mineiro Federal University—UFTM
As a biologic reservoir of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), one-quarter of the world population is infected with the well-known latent tuberculosis (LTBI). About 5–10% of LTBI patients will progress to active disease in the first years after primary infection and, despite using the recommended treatment, 20% can still reactivate the infection. A new LTBI treatment could minimize adverse effects and antibiotic resistance that can occur when the same drug is used to treat the latent and active disease. New hydrazones were evaluated, and they showed great inhibitory activity against intramacrophagic and non-replicating M. tb, commonly found at this stage of infection, in addition to bactericidal and narrow-spectrum activity. When tested against eukaryotic cells, the hydrazones showed great safety at different exposure times. In vitro, these compounds performed better than isoniazid and could be considered new candidates for LTBI treatment, which may promote greater engagement in its prescription and adherence.
Thiazole, triazole, thio- and semicarbazone derivatives - Promising moieties for drug development for the treatment of tuberculosis
(2021-07-01) Scarim, Cauê Benito [UNESP]; Pavan, Fernando Rogério [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Thiazole, triazole, thio and semicarbazones are privileged motifs that act as pharmacophores in bioactive compounds for various diseases, such as Tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and was responsible for 4,000 deaths a day in 2019 worldwide. The resistance and the gap of new drugs is the main cause of the slow drop in TB infections. In this review article, we analyse recent contributions of thiazole, triazole, thio and semicarbazone scaffolds to anti-TB drugs. Beyond these recent trends, we demonstrate the potential of the thiazole, triazole, thio and semicarbazone approach in the medicinal chemistry field of anti-M. tuberculosis drug discovery.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric investigation of the palatable eating motives scale (PEMS) for a sample of Brazilian adults
(2023-01-01) Santos, Priscila Carvalho [UNESP]; da Silva, Wanderson Roberto [UNESP]; Marôco, João; Campos, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Social and Life Sciences (ISPA)
Highly palatable foods and beverages can significantly stimulate appetite through the reward system leading to hedonic hunger. Investigating palatable food is important, especially in Brazil, which lacks this type of study based on psychometric instruments such as the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS). 1. To adapt the PEMS from English to Portuguese; 2. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the PEMS for a sample of young adults; 3. To verify the influence of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) on motives for consuming highly palatable foods and drinks. The PEMS was cross-culturally adapted and translated into Portuguese. Psychometric properties included analyses of validity (factorial, convergent, discriminant, and external) and reliability. A hypothetically causal structural model was constructed to verify the relationship between individuals’ characteristics and PEMS factors. 1031 people participated in the study [female = 61.6%, mean age = 25.5 (SD = 5.3) years]. A PEMS model proposed in Turkish contexts showed adequate adjustment to the sample. Females and younger individuals reported consuming highly palatable foods and drinks more frequently for Coping; Enhancement; and other reasons compared to males and older individuals. Individuals with a higher BMI indicated that they consumed these foods and drinks more frequently only for Coping. The Portuguese version of the PEMS was presented and the data obtained for the sample were valid and reliable. Sex, age, and BMI are important characteristics to investigate consumption of highly palatable foods and drinks.
Membranolytic Activity Profile of Nonyl 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate: A New Anti-Biofilm Compound for the Treatment of Dermatophytosis
(2023-05-01) Costa-Orlandi, Caroline B. [UNESP]; Bila, Níura M. [UNESP]; Bonatti, Jean Lucas C. [UNESP]; Vaso, Carolina O. [UNESP]; Santos, Mariana B. [UNESP]; Polaquini, Carlos R. [UNESP]; Santoni Biasioli, Mariana M. [UNESP]; Herculano, Rondinelli D. [UNESP]; Regasini, Luis O. [UNESP]; Fusco-Almeida, Ana Marisa [UNESP]; Mendes-Giannini, Maria José S. [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM)
The ability of dermatophytes to live in communities and resist antifungal drugs may explain treatment recurrence, especially in onychomycosis. Therefore, new molecules with reduced toxicity that target dermatophyte biofilms should be investigated. This study evaluated nonyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (nonyl) susceptibility and mechanism of action on planktonic cells and biofilms of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Metabolic activities, ergosterol, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified, and the expression of genes encoding ergosterol was determined by real-time PCR. The effects on the biofilm structure were visualized using confocal electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes biofilms were susceptible to nonyl and resistant to fluconazole, griseofulvin (all strains), and terbinafine (two strains). The SEM results revealed that nonyl groups seriously damaged the biofilms, whereas synthetic drugs caused little or no damage and, in some cases, stimulated the development of resistance structures. Confocal microscopy showed a drastic reduction in biofilm thickness, and transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the compound promoted the derangement and formation of pores in the plasma membrane. Biochemical and molecular assays indicated that fungal membrane ergosterol is a nonyl target. These findings show that nonyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate is a promising antifungal compound.
Anti-Candida auris activity in vitro and in vivo of micafungin loaded nanoemulsions
(2023-02-01) Marena, Gabriel Davi [UNESP]; Carvalho, Gabriela Corrêa [UNESP]; Dos Santos Ramos, Matheus Aparecido [UNESP]; Chorilli, Marlus [UNESP]; Bauab, Tais Maria [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Fungi are becoming increasingly resistant, especially the new strains. Therefore, this work developed nanoemulsions (NE) containing micafungin (MICA), in order to improve its action against infections caused by Candida auris. The NEs were composed of the surfactants polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (Brij 58®)/soy phosphatidylcholine at 10%, sunflower oil/cholesterol at 10%, and 80% PBS. The NEs were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). For the microbiological in vitro evaluation the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ergosterol/sorbitol, time kill and biofilms tests were performed. Additionally, the antifungal activity was also evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The same model was used in order to evaluate acute toxicity. The NE showed a size of ∼42.12 nm, a polydispersion index (PDI) of 0.289, and a zeta potential (ZP) of -3.86 mV. NEM had an average size of 41.29 nm, a PDI of 0.259, and a ZP of -4.71 mV. Finally, both nanoemulsions showed good stability in a storage period of 3 months. Although NEM did not show activity in planktonic cells, it exhibited action against biofilm and in the in vivo infection model. In the alternative in vivo model assay, it was possible to observe that both, NEM and free MICA at 0.2 mg/l, was effective against the infection, being that NEM presented a better action. Finally, NEM and free MICA showed no acute toxicity up to 4 mg/l. NEM showed the best activities in in vitro in mature antibiofilm and in alternative in vivo models in G. mellonella. Although, NEs showed to be attractive for MICA transport in the treatment of infections caused by C. auris in vitro and in vivo studies with G. mellonella, further studies should be carried out, in mice, for example.
Subjective wellbeing of preschool children
(2023-01-01) Silva, Bianca Núbia Souza [UNESP]; Martins, Bianca Gonzalez [UNESP]; Campos, Lucas Arrais [UNESP]; Marôco, João; Campos, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Tampere University; Tampere University Hospital; University of Eastern Finland; and Life Sciences (ISPA); Nord University
Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) in pre-school children and estimate the influence of demographic characteristics on their subjective wellbeing. Methods: Construct validity was estimated using confirmatory analysis and the chi-square per degrees of freedom ratio (χ2/df), Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA). Reliability was assessed by the ordinal alpha (α) and omega (ω) coefficients and the factorial invariance by the difference in CFI (ΔCFI). Mean scores for each AUQEI item and the general score were calculated. Results: A total of 443 Preschool children enrolled in public education institutions participated. The original 4-factor AUQEI model showed collinearity between factors and a high correlation between two items. A single factor model was tested, presenting adequate fit to the data (χ2/df = 4.47; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.08; α = 0.98; ω = 0.93; UniCo > 0.95, EVC > 0.85, and MIREAL < 0.30) and strict model invariance (ΔCFI < 0.01). The AUQEI model proved to be valid in relation to the external variables. Most children (76.7%) had positive subjective wellbeing. Higher scores were observed for items concerning recreation, holidays, and birthdays, and lower scores for those referring to hospitalization, medication, medical consultation, and being away from the family. The relationship between the demographic characteristics of the child or his/her mother and subjective wellbeing was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The assessment of subjective wellbeing with the single-factor AUQEI model provided valid, reliable, and invariant. Thus, being a relevant and interesting instrument to assess wellbeing in young children.
Metabolic Profile of Innate Immune Cells
(2021-01-01) Codo, Ana Campos; de Aquino Penteado, Letícia [UNESP]; de Medeiros, Alexandra Ivo [UNESP]; de Moraes-Vieira, Pedro Manoel Mendes; Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP); Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Macrophages are immune cells broadly distributed in all tissues of the body and perform key roles in regulating inflammatory responses and tissue homeostasis. There is a large spectrum of macrophages subtypes, which still evolving.
Occurrence of triatomines in public spaces: An atypical case in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon
(2023-01-01) da Cruz, Karoline Silva; Ribeiro, Mariane Albuquerque Lima; Madeira, Fernanda Portela; Paixão, Daniela da Silva; de Jesus, Adila Costa; Camargo, Luis Marcelo Aranha; da Rosa, João Aristeu [UNESP]; de Oliveira, Jader; Bernarde, Paulo Sérgio; de Oliveira Meneguetti, Dionatas Ulises; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde na Amazônia Ocidental; Centro de Ciências da Saúde e do Desporto; Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Centro Multidisciplinar; Instituto Nacional de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental; Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondônia; Centro Universitário São Lucas; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Inovação e Tecnologia para a Amazônia; Colégio de Aplicação
Background: Triatomines infest atypical public spaces in the Western Amazon. Methods: Frequent visitors to these spaces captured the insects in the state of Acre, Brazil (Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul). Results: Six insects were found in a penitentiary, a church, a school, a university, a hospital, and a health center. Five of the insects were adults (three positive for Trypanosoma cruzi) and one was a nymph. Conclusions: This is the first report of triatomine occurrence in schools or churches. These data are important for implementing surveillance strategies and alerting individuals about possible changes in Chagas disease transmission dynamics.
Amyloid-polysaccharide interfacial coacervates as therapeutic materials
(2023-12-01) Peydayesh, Mohammad; Kistler, Sabrina; Zhou, Jiangtao; Lutz-Bueno, Viviane; Victorelli, Francesca Damiani; Meneguin, Andréia Bagliotti [UNESP]; Spósito, Larissa [UNESP]; Bauab, Tais Maria [UNESP]; Chorilli, Marlus [UNESP]; Mezzenga, Raffaele; ETH Zurich; Paul Scherrer Institute PSI; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Coacervation via liquid-liquid phase separation provides an excellent opportunity to address the challenges of designing nanostructured biomaterials with multiple functionalities. Protein-polysaccharide coacervates, in particular, offer an appealing strategy to target biomaterial scaffolds, but these systems suffer from the low mechanical and chemical stabilities of protein-based condensates. Here we overcome these limitations by transforming native proteins into amyloid fibrils and demonstrate that the coacervation of cationic protein amyloids and anionic linear polysaccharides results in the interfacial self-assembly of biomaterials with precise control of their structure and properties. The coacervates present a highly ordered asymmetric architecture with amyloid fibrils on one side and the polysaccharide on the other. We demonstrate the excellent performance of these coacervates for gastric ulcer protection by validating via an in vivo assay their therapeutic effect as engineered microparticles. These results point at amyloid-polysaccharides coacervates as an original and effective biomaterial for multiple uses in internal medicine.
Burden of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses in Suspected COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional and Meta-Analysis Study
(2023-03-01) Costa, Vivaldo Gomes da [UNESP]; Gomes, Ana Júlia Chaves [UNESP]; Bittar, Cíntia [UNESP]; Geraldini, Dayla Bott [UNESP]; Previdelli da Conceição, Pâmela Jóyce [UNESP]; Cabral, Ágata Silva [UNESP]; Carvalho, Tamara [UNESP]; Biselli, Joice Matos [UNESP]; Provazzi, Paola Jocelan Scarin [UNESP]; Campos, Guilherme Rodrigues Fernandes; Sanches, Paulo Ricardo da Silva [UNESP]; Costa, Paulo Inácio [UNESP]; Nogueira, Maurício Lacerda; Araujo, João Pessoa [UNESP]; Spilki, Fernando Rosado; Calmon, Marília Freitas [UNESP]; Rahal, Paula [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP); Universidade Feevale
Non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viral infections, such as influenza virus (FluV) and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have contributed considerably to the burden of infectious diseases in the non-COVID-19 era. While the rates of co-infection in SARS-CoV-2-positive group (SCPG) patients have been determined, the burden of other respiratory viruses in the SARS-CoV-2-negative group (SCNG) remains unclear. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study (São José do Rio Preto county, Brazil), and we collected our data using a meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled prevalence of FluV and RSV among SCNG patients. Out of the 901 patients suspected of COVID-19, our molecular results showed positivity of FluV and RSV in the SCNG was 2% (15/733) and 0.27% (2/733), respectively. Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and FluV, or RSV, was identified in 1.7% of the patients (3/168). Following our meta-analysis, 28 studies were selected (n = 114,318 suspected COVID-19 patients), with a pooled prevalence of 4% (95% CI: 3–6) for FluV and 2% (95% CI: 1–3) for RSV among SCNG patients were observed. Interestingly, FluV positivity in the SCNG was four times higher (OR = 4, 95% CI: 3.6–5.4, p < 0.01) than in the SCPG. Similarly, RSV positivity was significantly associated with SCNG patients (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 2–4, p < 0.01). For subgroup analysis, cold-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting, were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the SCPG. In conclusion, these results show that the pooled prevalence of FluV and RSV were significantly higher in the SCNG than in the SCPG during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Structural and morphological properties of in-situ biosynthesis of biocompatible bacterial cellulose/Laponite nanocomposites
(2023-03-15) Domeneguetti, Rafael R. [UNESP]; Sakai, Vanessa Y.; Perotti, Gustavo F.; Silva, Isabel C. [UNESP]; Tercjak, Agnieszka; Barud, Hernane S.; Pavan, Fernando [UNESP]; Constantino, Vera R.L.; Ribeiro, Sidney J. [UNESP]; Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade de São Paulo (USP); Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM); University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Laboratório de BioPolímeros e Biomateriais (BioPolMat/Uniara)
Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were produced in culture media containing Komagataeibacter xylinus microorganism and four different concentrations of Laponite (Lap) XLG up to 1.0% (m/v) to evaluate the availability of in-situ method for production of BC/Lap nanocomposites. The effect of Lap on the structure and some properties of the biosynthesised polymer was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry (TGA-MS), Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman (FT-Raman) vibrational spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). TGA-MS and vibrational spectroscopy indicated that Lap particles were not incorporated into the BC membranes using 0.10 or 0.25% of the inorganic phase whereas all obtained results showed that its presence had a strong influence on the BC properties. This result can be an effect of the interaction of hydrophilic Lap particles with elementary fibrils of cellulose, expelled from the bacteria, fostering the disruption of chains organization. However, the 3D hierarchical organization of BC at the microscale was not collapsed according to SEM and AFM images. As the amount of Lap increased in the culture medium and in the produced membrane, the ribbons became less defined, suggesting the predominance of thinner ribbons. The transparency of the membranes was enhanced when the nanoclay loading was raised. The presence of high clay loadings in the BC/Lap nanocomposite did not negatively impact the cell viability against keratinocytes in comparison to pristine BC membranes, opening new opportunities to explore such nanocomposites for biomedical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics uses.
Chemical characterization of Brazilian savannah Byrsonima species (muricis) and their impact on genomic instability and chemopreventive effects
(2023-04-01) Specian, Ana Flávia L.; Tuttis, Katiuska; Serpeloni, Juliana M.; Ribeiro, Diego L.; Nunes, Higor Lopes; Tangerina, Marcelo M.P. [UNESP]; Sannomiya, Miriam; Varanda, Eliana A. [UNESP]; Vilegas, Wagner [UNESP]; Cólus, Ilce Mara S.; Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL); Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP); Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
The identification of new drugs with few or no adverse effects is of great interest worldwide. In cancer therapy, natural products have been used as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents. Plants from the Brazilian savannah belonging to the Byrsonima genus are popularly known as muricis and have attracted much attention due to their various pharmacological activities. However, there are currently no data on these plants concerning their use as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents in human cell lines. The present study assessed the potential of B. correifolia, B. verbascifolia, B. crassifolia, and B. intermedia extracts as natural alternatives in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. The chemical constituents present in each extract were analyzed by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MSN). The mutagenic/antimutagenic (micronucleus assay), genotoxic/antigenotoxic (comet assay), apoptotic/necrotic (acridine orange/ethidium bromide uptake), and oxidative/antioxidative (CM-H2DCFDA) effects of the extracts and their influence on gene expression (RT[sbnd]qPCR) were investigated in nonmetabolizing gastric (MNP01) and metabolizing hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) epithelial cells to evaluate the effects of metabolism on the biological activities of the extracts. The genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and apoptotic effects observed in HepG2 cells with B. correifolia and B. verbascifolia extracts are probably associated with the presence of proanthocyanidins and amentoflavone. In MNP01 cells, none of the four extracts showed mutagenic effects. B. crassifolia and B. intermedia extracts exhibited strong antimutagenicity and enhanced detoxification in HepG2 cells and antioxidant capacities in both types of cells, possibly due to the presence of gallic and quinic acids, which possess chemopreventive properties. This study identifies for the first time B. correifolia and B. verbascifolia extracts as potential agents against hepatocarcinoma and B. crassifolia and B. intermedia extracts as putative chemopreventive agents.

Navegar

Submissões Recentes