Molecular characterization and confocal laser scanning microscopic study of Pygidiopsis macrostomum (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) parasites of guppies Poecilia vivipara.

Pygidiopsis macrostomum and Ascocotyle (Phagicola) pindoramensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae) parasitize guppies as intermediate hosts and, respectively, fish-eating mammals or birds as definitive hosts. Heterophyids have zoonotic potential, and molecular studies associated with morphological and ecological aspects have helped to clarify their taxonomy and phylogeny. Poecilia vivipara naturally parasitized by metacercariae of both species (100% prevalence) exhibit no external signs of parasitism.

Photoaging and the clinical utility of fractional laser.

The description of atomic structure by Niels Bohr set the basis for the emergence of quantum physics. Based on these fundamentals, Einstein published in 1917 a paper on the amplification of energy by Stimulated Emission of Radiation as part of his quantum theories. In 1955, Townes and Gordon turned Einstein's theories into practice, creating a coherent and amplified microwave device using ammonia gas in an optical medium.

Limited proteolysis of myoglobin opens channel in ferrochelatase-globin complex for iron to zinc transmetallation.

Recombinant ferrochelatase (BsFECH) from Bacillus subtilis expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was found by UV-visible spectroscopy to bind the model substrate tetraphenylporphyrin-sulfonate, TPPS, with Ka=3.8 10(5)mol/L in aqueous phosphate buffer pH 5.7 at 30°C, and to interact with metmyoglobin with Ka=1.

Chitosan-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for doxorubicin: Optimization and modelling.

In the present work, two drug delivery systems were produced by encapsulating doxorubicin into chitosan and O-HTCC (ammonium-quaternary derivative of chitosan) nanoparticles. The results show that doxorubicin release is independent of the molecular weight and is higher at acidic pH (4.5) than at physiological pH.

Open lung approach ventilation abolishes the negative effects of respiratory rate in experimental lung injury.

Background: We recently reported that a high respiratory rate was associated with less inflammation than a low respiratory rate, but caused more pulmonary edema in a model of ARDS when an ARDSNet ventilatory strategy was used. We hypothesized that an open lung approach (OLA) strategy would neutralize the independent effects of respiratory rate on lung inflammation and edema. This hypothesis was tested in an ARDS model using two clinically relevant respiratory rates during OLA strategy.

Multimeric species in equilibrium in detergent-solubilized Na,K-ATPase.

In this work, we find an equilibrium between different Na,K-ATPase (NKA) oligomeric species solubilized in a non-ionic detergent C12E8 by means of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Spectrophotometry (absorption at 280/350nm) and enzymatic activity assay. The NKA sample after chromatography purification presented seven different populations as identified by AUC, with monomers and tetramers amounting to ∼55% of the total protein mass in solution. These two species constituted less than 40% of the total protein mass after increasing the NKA concentration.

Low sequence identity but high structural and functional conservation: The case of Hsp70/Hsp90 organizing protein (Hop/Sti1) of Leishmania braziliensis.

Parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania are subjected to extensive environmental changes during their life cycle; molecular chaperones/co-chaperones act as protagonists in this scenario to maintain cellular homeostasis. Hop/Sti1 is a co-chaperone that connects the Hsp90 and Hsp70 systems, modulating their ATPase activities and affecting the fate of client proteins because it facilitates their transfer from the Hsp70 to the Hsp90 chaperone. Hop/Sti1 is one of the most prevalent co-chaperones, highlighting its importance despite the relatively low sequence identity among orthologue proteins.

Feasibility of (68)Ga-labeled Siglec-9 peptide for the imaging of acute lung inflammation: a pilot study in a porcine model of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

There is an unmet need for noninvasive, specific and quantitative imaging of inherent inflammatory activity. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) translocates to the luminal surface of endothelial cells upon inflammatory challenge. We hypothesized that in a porcine model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), positron emission tomography (PET) with sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 9 (Siglec-9) based imaging agent targeting VAP-1 would allow quantification of regional pulmonary inflammation.

Energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge from UASB reactors: case study of the Laboreaux wastewater treatment plant.

This work assessed the energy potential and alternative usages of biogas and sludge generated in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors at the Laboreaux sewage treatment plant (STP), Brazil. Two scenarios were considered: (i) priority use of biogas for the thermal drying of dehydrated sludge and the use of the excess biogas for electricity generation in an ICE (internal combustion engine); and (ii) priority use of biogas for electricity generation and the use of the heat of the engine exhaust gases for the thermal drying of the sludge. Scenario 1 showed that the electricity generated is able to supply 22.

Exercise Training Reverses Structural Microvascular Rarefaction and Improves Endothelium-Dependent Microvascular Reactivity in Rats with Diabetes.

Background: We evaluated structural microvascular alterations in the skeletal muscle and left ventricle, as well as endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity in the skeletal muscle, of diabetic rats subjected to long-term aerobic exercise training.

Methods: Diabetes was experimentally induced by a combination of a high-fat diet with a single low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.

Zero expiratory pressure and low oxygen concentration promote heterogeneity of regional ventilation and lung densities.

Background: It is not well known what is the main mechanism causing lung heterogeneity in healthy lungs under mechanical ventilation. We aimed to investigate the mechanisms causing heterogeneity of regional ventilation and parenchymal densities in healthy lungs under anesthesia and mechanical ventilation.

Methods: In a small animal model, synchrotron imaging was used to measure lung aeration and regional-specific ventilation (sV̇).

Effect of continuous and interval aerobic exercise training on baroreflex sensitivity in heart failure.

Introduction: The ability of continuous aerobic exercise training (AET) to increase baroreflex control and cardiac function in heart failure (HF) has been well described, but the comparison between continuous and interval AET on these functions is inconclusive.

Objectives: To compare the effects of continuous and interval AET on cardiac function and baroreflex sensitivity (BrS) in an experimental model of HF.

Methods: Rats were divided into the following groups: continuous training (HF-CT), intense interval training (HF-IIT), moderate interval training (HF-MIT), sedentary group (HF-SED), and sham sedentary (SHAM-SED).

Validity of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Estimation Fat-Free Mass in the Army Cadets.

Background: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a fast, practical, non-invasive, and frequently used method for fat-free mass (FFM) estimation. The aims of this study were to validate predictive equations of BIA to FFM estimation in Army cadets and to develop and validate a specific BIA equation for this population.

Methods: A total of 396 males, Brazilian Army cadets, aged 17-24 years were included.

Molecular detection of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle herds of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

Background: The present study aimed to direct detect Mycobacterium bovis in milk (n = 401) and blood (n = 401) samples collected from 401 dairy cows of 20 properties located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the region of difference 4 (RD4). Risk factors possibly associated with bovine tuberculosis (BTB) were also evaluated.

Results: Of the 802 samples analyzed, one milk (0.

Minimum Time to Achieve the Steady State and Optimum Abbreviated Period to Estimate the Resting Energy Expenditure by Indirect Calorimetry in Healthy Young Adults.

Background: The optimum abbreviated period for measurement by indirect calorimetry (IC) to estimate the resting energy expenditure (REE), including the acclimation period, in healthy individuals has not been established. This study aimed to determine the acclimation time required to achieve the REE steady state during a 30-minute IC measurement and to define the optimum abbreviated measurement period in the steady state to estimate the REE in healthy young adults.

Methods: Thirty-nine volunteers (27 men and 12 women; age, 18-31 years) were recruited.

Lecithin, gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen orally disintegrating films: functional properties.

Orally disintegrating films (ODFs) can transport natural active compounds such as ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). This paper aimed to investigate the effect of lecithin on different gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen (HC) polymeric matrices with addition of EEP. ODFs were prepared by casting technique and were characterized (color parameters, water content, mechanical properties, microstructure, disintegration time (DT), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle (CA), swelling degree and total phenolic content).

There is no cephalocaudal gradient of computed tomography densities or lung behavior in supine patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Background: There is debate whether pressure transmission within the lungs and alveolar collapse follow a hydrostatic pattern or the compression exerted by the weight of the heart and the diaphragm causes collapse localized in the areas adjacent to these structures. The second hypothesis proposes the existence of a cephalocaudal gradient in alveolar collapse. We aimed to define whether or not lung density and collapse follow a 'liquid-like' pattern with homogeneous isogravitational layers along the cephalocaudal axis in acute respiratory distress syndrome lungs.

Open Lung Approach for the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Pilot, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The open lung approach is a mechanical ventilation strategy involving lung recruitment and a decremental positive end-expiratory pressure trial. We compared the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome network protocol using low levels of positive end-expiratory pressure with open lung approach resulting in moderate to high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure for the management of established moderate/severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design: A prospective, multicenter, pilot, randomized controlled trial.

Effects of a 2-Year Supervised Exercise Program Upon the Body Composition and Muscular Performance of HIV-Infected Patients.

Background: There is a lack of research investigating long-term effects of exercise training upon the body composition and muscle function in HIV-infected patients (PHIV). The study investigated the influence of a 2-year supervised exercise program on body composition and strength of PHIV under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods: A training program including aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises was performed by 27 PHIV (17 men/ 10 women; age: 48.

Aerobic bacterial profile and antibiotic resistance in patients with diabetic foot infections.

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the frequencies of bacterial isolates cultured from diabetic foot infections and assess their resistance and susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics.

Methods: This prospective study included 41 patients with diabetic foot lesions. Bacteria were isolated from foot lesions, and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and/or broth method [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)].

Thermal and magnetic properties of iron oxide colloids: influence of surfactants.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively studied in the last few decades for several biomedical applications such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic drug delivery and hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a technique used for cancer treatment which consists in inducing a temperature of about 41-45 °C in cancerous cells through magnetic NPs and an external magnetic field. Chemical precipitation was used to produce iron oxide NPs 9 nm in size coated with oleic acid and trisodium citrate.

Molecular studies on larvae of Pseudoterranova parasite of Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758 and Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus, 1766) off Brazilian waters.

Pseudoterranova larvae parasitizing cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus and bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix from Southwest Atlantic coast of Brazil were studied in this work by morphological, ultrastructural and molecular approaches. The genetic analysis were performed for the ITS2 intergenic region specific for Pseudoterranova decipiens, the partial 28S (LSU) of ribosomal DNA and the mtDNA cox-1 region. We obtained results for the 28S region and mtDNA cox-1 that was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and sequenced to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships between sequences of this study and sequences from the GenBank.

Altering the mechanical scenario to decrease the driving pressure.

Ventilator settings resulting in decreased driving pressure (ΔP) are positively associated with survival. How to further foster the potential beneficial mediator effect of a reduced ΔP? One possibility is promoting the active modification of the lung's "mechanical scenario" by means of lung recruitment and positive end-expiratory pressure selection. By taking into account the individual distribution of the threshold-opening airway pressures to achieve maximal recruitment, a redistribution of the tidal volume from overdistended to newly recruited lung occurs.

THAM reduces CO2-associated increase in pulmonary vascular resistance - an experimental study in lung-injured piglets.

Introduction: Low tidal volume (VT) ventilation is recommended in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This may increase arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), decrease pH, and augment pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). We hypothesized that Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (THAM), a pure proton acceptor, would dampen these effects, preventing the increase in PVR.