Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Titanium Dioxide, Niobium Pentoxide, Titanium:Niobium, and Ruthenium-Modified Oxides Synthesized Using Sol-Gel Methodology.

The aim of this work was the development and morphological/chemical, spectroscopic, and structural characterization of titanium dioxide, niobium pentoxide, and titanium:niobium (Ti:Nb) oxides, as well as materials modified with ruthenium (Ru) with the purpose of providing improvement in photoactivation capacity with visible sunlight radiation. The new materials synthesized using the sol-gel methodology were characterized using the following techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM-EDS analyses showed the high purity of the bases, and the modified samples showed the adsorption of ruthenium on the surface with the crystals' formation and visible agglomerates for higher calcination temperature.

Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil.

Background: The sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L.

Modulation of Genes and MicroRNAs in the Neurospheres of Glioblastoma Cell Lines U343 and T98G Induced by Ionizing Radiation and Temozolomide Therapy.

Introduction: Glioblastoma is the most prevalent primary malignant neoplasm of the central nervous system. It has increased its incidence, while the overall survival remains over 14 months.

Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the expression of the genes EGFR, PTEN, MGMT, and IDH1/2, and microRNAs miR-181b, miR-145, miR-149, and miR-128a in adhered cells (AC) and neurospheres (NS) from cell lines (T98G and U343) submitted to temozolomide (TMZ) and ionizing radiation (IR).

Expression of microRNAs miR-21 and miR-326 associated with HIF-1α regulation in neurospheres of glioblastoma submitted to ionizing radiation treatment.

Background: Glioblastoma is an incurable neoplasm. Its hypoxia mechanism associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs) demonstrates hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression regulation, which is directly related to tumor malignancy. The aim of this study was to identify a possible tumor malignancy signature associated with regulation of HIF-1α by microRNAs miR-21 and miR-326 in the subpopulation of tumor stem cells which were irradiated by ion in primary culture of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Expression of pluripotency-related genes in human glioblastoma.

Background: Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by several disruptions of the genetic and epigenetic components of cell biology. Some types of cancer have been shown to be constituted by a mosaic of cells with variable differentiation states, with more aggressive tumors being more undifferentiated. In most cases, undifferentiated tumor cells express associated embryonic markers such as the OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and CARM1 genes.

TiONTs bio-inspired coatings: revisiting electrochemical, morphological, structural, and mechanical properties.

By altering some synthesis variables, the morphology and structural properties of anodic TiOnanotube arrays (TiONTs) can be tailored to a specific application. This study aims to investigate the effect of electrolyte-containing ions from human plasma and annealing temperature on structural, morphological, and mechanical parameters of TiONTs films, targeting its potential biomedical applications. Bio-inspired TiONTs were grown from Tiand its Ti6Al4V alloy by potentiostatic anodization in the recently developed SBF-based electrolyte, maintained at 10 °C and 40 °C.

Apoptosis related microRNAs and MGMT in glioblastoma cell lines submitted to treatments with ionizing radiation and temozolomide.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of radiotherapy and temozolomide on the expression of miRNAs apoptotic (miRNAs-21, -221, -222 (anti-apoptotic) and miRNAs-15a, -16 (pro-apoptotic)) and the gene MGMT in glioblastoma cell lines.

Background: The limited knowledge of the molecular biology of malignant gliomas may hinder the development of therapeutic modalities. In this scenario, one of the greatest advances of recent years was the identification of microRNAs.

Beyond HIV infection: Neglected and varied impacts of CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 on viral diseases.

The interactions between chemokine receptors and their ligands may affect susceptibility to infectious diseases as well as their clinical manifestations. These interactions mediate both the traffic of inflammatory cells and virus-associated immune responses. In the context of viral infections, the human C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) receives great attention from the scientific community due to its role as an HIV-1 co-receptor.

CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 in bacterial and parasitic infections: Thinking chemokine receptors outside the HIV box.

The CCR5 molecule was reported in 1996 as the main HIV-1 co-receptor. In that same year, the CCR5Δ32 genetic variant was described as a strong protective factor against HIV-1 infection. These findings led to extensive research regarding the CCR5, culminating in critical scientific advances, such as the development of CCR5 inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection.

microRNA-181d associated with the methylation status of the MGMT gene in Glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem cells submitted to treatments with ionizing radiation and temozolomide.

Despite the increased understanding of the oncological mechanisms underlying Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) pathophysiology, and recent advances in therapeutic strategies such as maximal surgical resection and post-operative radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy, the prognosis for patients with brain tumors remains limited. Evidences indicate that the assessment of DNA methylation status in cancer stem cells would allow identifying molecules expressed in these cells, to lead to targeted elimination of this critical population from brain tumors, making the glioblastoma treatment more effective. This study aimed to analyze the role of microRNA-181d associated with the methylation status of the O-methylguanine methyl transferase (MGMT) gene in Glioblastoma multiforme cancer stem cells subjected to treatment with temozolomide and ionizing radiation.

A new species and new records of Leptogium (Ach.) Gray (Collemataceae, Peltigerales) from Rio Grande do Sul State with an identification key for the genus.

Specimens of Leptogium collected in ten localities from the State of Rio Grande do Sul were studied. Sixteen species were found of 28 records mentioned to the state, which represents around 57% of the Leptogium diversity known for Rio Grande do Sul. Leptogium exaratum is proposed as a new species.

Efficacy of Benzocaine, Eugenol, and Menthol as Anesthetics for Freshwater Angelfish.

For the production and commercialization of ornamental fish species, it is indispensable to collect biometric data that facilitate the selection of animals for trade and genetic improvement of the stock. However, during the handling process, fish receive more stress if proper anesthetics are not used. Thus, application of appropriate anesthetics is an important tool for minimizing stress in animals.

High expression of XIAP and Bcl-2 may inhibit programmed cell death in glioblastomas.

Unlabelled: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma and represents 29% of all brain tumors. Tumorigenesis is intimately connected with characteristics acquired in the physiologic pathway of cellular death.

Objective: In the present study, the expression of anti-apoptotic (XIAP and Bcl-2) and apoptotic (cytochrome C, caspase 9, APAF-1), caspase 3 and the Smac/DIABLO genes related to the apoptosis pathway were evaluated in 30 samples of glioblastoma.

High expression of anti-apoptotic genes in grade I and II meningiomas.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of c-FLIP, XIAP, Bcl-2, caspase 3, 8 and 9, cytochrome c, APAF 1 and Smac/DIABLO genes related to apoptosis pathways.

Methods: The gene expression was evaluated in 30 meningiomas (WHO grades I and II) and in 10 normal samples (from arachnoid tissue) through PCR-RT.

Results: The results showed higher expression of anti-apoptotic genes in meningiomas when compared to the control group, which had a low expression of pro-apoptotic genes.

Expression of NMDA receptor and microRNA-219 in rats submitted to cerebral ischemia associated with alcoholism.

Objective:: To evaluate the microRNA-219 and NMDA expression in brain tissue and blood of animals subjected to cerebral ischemia associated with alcoholism.

Methods:: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into groups: control, sham, ischemic, alcoholic, and ischemic plus alcoholic. The expression of microRNA-219 and NMDA were analyzed by real-time PCR.

Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis of apoptosis in the cerebellum of rats subjected to focal cerebral ischemia with or without alcoholism model.

Purpose:: To evaluated histopathological changes, morphometric and expression of proteins CASPASE-3, BCL-2 and XIAP related to apoptosis in the cerebellum after induction of temporary focal cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion, with or without a model of chronic alcoholism.

Methods:: Fifty Wistar rats were used and divided into: control group (C), sham group (S), ischemic group (I), alcoholic group (A), and ischemic and alcoholic group (IA). The cerebellum samples collected were stained for histopathological and morphometric analysis and immunohistochemistry study.

Multidisciplinary Treatment of Impacted Maxillary Central Incisors: Literature Review and Case Report.

Tooth impaction is an eruption disorder frequently observed in orthodontic clinical practice. A 9-year-old female patient presented with impacted permanent maxillary central incisors and two supernumerary teeth in the region. The early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment approach adopted in our case allowed to successfully restore esthetic appearance and occlusion.

DNA Barcoding of Neotropical Sand Flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae): Species Identification and Discovery within Brazil.

DNA barcoding has been an effective tool for species identification in several animal groups. Here, we used DNA barcoding to discriminate between 47 morphologically distinct species of Brazilian sand flies. DNA barcodes correctly identified approximately 90% of the sampled taxa (42 morphologically distinct species) using clustering based on neighbor-joining distance, of which four species showed comparatively higher maximum values of divergence (range 4.

From one side to the other: what is essential? Perception of oncology patients and their caregivers in the beginning of oncology treatment and in palliative care.

Objective: To evaluate the perception of oncology patients and their caregivers upon diagnosis and beginning of the therapy and during palliative care.

Methods: A cross-sectional study at the oncology and palliative care outpatients clinics of the Faculdade de Medicina do ABC. Clinical and demographic data from patients and their caregivers were collected and questionnaires regarding the elements considered important in relation to the treatment were applied.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian failure and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome due to a 6p deletion.

Cryptic deletions in balanced de novo translocations represent a frequent cause of abnormal phenotypes, including Mendelian diseases. In this study, we describe a patient with multiple congenital abnormalities, such as late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), primary ovarian failure and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), who carries a de novo t(6;14)(p21;q32) translocation. Genomic array analysis identified a cryptic 1.

The sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) of the Parque Estadual da Serra da Tiririca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the state of Rio de Janeiro is sporadic and can be characterised as a peridomestic transmission that occurs in modified natural environments. The aim of this work was to study the fauna and ecological characteristics of sandflies in an environmentally protected area (the State Park of Serra da Tiririca) within the remnants of the Atlantic Forest in the municipalities of Niterói and Maricá and their possible relationship with leishmaniasis. Captures were performed using light traps during the night once a month for one year in both sylvatic environments and areas surrounding homes near the park.

The sand fly fauna (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in the region of Saquarema, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, is sporadic in many rural and suburban areas of Rio de Janeiro State. An investigation was carried out during 2008/9 in the Municipality of Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, in order to identify the phlebotomine sand fly fauna. More than 2,100 sand flies were collected in peridomestic areas in two chicken coops using CDC light traps.

Peridomiciliary colonies of Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in rural areas of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

In Brazil, the colonization of human dwellings by triatomines occurs in areas with native vegetation of the caatinga or cerrado types. In areas of Atlantic forest such as in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, there are no species adapted to live in human habitations. The few autochthonous cases of Chagas disease encountered in Espírito Santo have been attributed to adult specimens of Triatoma vitticeps that invade houses from forest remnants.