In Vitro Synergistic Activity of Rifampicin Combined with Minimal Effective Antibiotic Concentration (MEAC) of Polymyxin B Against Extensively Drug-Resistant, Carbapenem-, and Polymyxin B-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates.

We investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of the combination rifampicin (RIF) + polymyxin B (PB) against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. We evaluated clinical isolates co-resistant to PB (non-mcr carriers; eptB, mgrB, pmr operon, and ramA mutations) and to carbapenems (KPC, CTX-M, and SHV producers; including KPC + NDM co-producer), belonging to sequence types (ST) ST16, ST11, ST258, ST340, and ST437. We used the standard broth microdilution method to determine RIF and PB minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the checkerboard assay to evaluate the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of RIF + PB as well as to investigate the lowest concentrations of RIF and PB that combined (RIF + PB) had antibacterial activity.

Cloud point method applied to the extraction and preconcentration of thiabendazole pesticide from whole grape juice samples and amperometric detection by HPLC.

A cloud point method was developed and applied for the first time to extract and preconcentrate thiabendazole (TBZ) from commercial whole grape juice samples, with determination by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection (HPLC/EC), using a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD). The best conditions for extraction and preconcentration of TBZ by cloud point extraction (CPE) were performed at pH 6.0, by adding 1 mL of the surfactant Tergitol TMN-6 at 10% (mass-to-mass ratio), without heating (at 27 °C) and ultrasonic stirring time of (20 kHz) for 60 min.

Hospital wastewater as source of human pathogenic bacteria: A phenotypic and genomic analysis of international high-risk clone VIM-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235/O11.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa belong to the special pathogen group capable of causing serious infections, with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to describe the antibiotic resistance and genomic characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa belonging to international high-risk clone ST235 (GPAE0131 isolate), obtained from hospital wastewater. P.

PLA-MjTX-II from Bothrops moojeni snake venom exhibits antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects on human lung cancer cells.

Phospholipases A (PLAs) from snake venom possess antitumor and antiangiogenic properties. In this study, we evaluated the antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of MjTX-II, a Lys49 PLA isolated from Bothrops moojeni venom, on lung cancer and endothelial cells. Using in vitro and ex vivo approaches, we demonstrated that MjTX-II reduced cell proliferation and inhibited fundamental processes for lung cancer cells (A549) growth and metastasis, such as adhesion, migration, invasion, and actin cytoskeleton decrease, without significantly interfering with non-tumorigenic lung cells (BEAS-2B).

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) induces changes in IFN-pathway and Interferon-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) on the bovine endometrium at Day 18 of pregnancy.

We hypothesized that the hCG modulates the expression of IFNT-pathway and ISGs in bovine endometrium during early pregnancy. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of hCG on IFNT-pathway signals and ISGs expression in endometrial cells. For this, 29 non-lactating cross-bread cows were used in the study and submitted to a 9-day fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol.

Altered Fhod3 expression involved in progressive high-frequency hearing loss via dysregulation of actin polymerization stoichiometry in the cuticular plate.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common sensory impairment with complex underlying mechanisms. In our previous study, we performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in mice and identified a novel locus on chromosome 18 associated with ARHL specifically linked to a 32 kHz tone burst stimulus. Consequently, we investigated the role of Formin Homology 2 Domain Containing 3 (Fhod3), a newly discovered candidate gene for ARHL based on the GWAS results.

Antiangiogenic properties of BthMP, a P-I metalloproteinase from Bothrops moojeni snake venom by VEGF pathway in endothelial cells.

Angiogenesis is a process that is controlled by a delicate combination of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules and can be disrupted in various illnesses, including cancer. Non-cancerous diseases can also have an abnormal or insufficient vascular growth, inflammation and hypoxia, which exacerbate angiogenesis. These conditions include atherosclerosis, psoriasis, endometriosis, asthma, obesity and AIDS.

Morphological diversification and functional maturation of human astrocytes in glia-enriched cortical organoid transplanted in mouse brain.

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, are underrepresented in traditional cortical organoid models due to the delayed onset of cortical gliogenesis. Here we introduce a new glia-enriched cortical organoid model that exhibits accelerated astrogliogenesis. We demonstrated that induction of a gliogenic switch in a subset of progenitors enabled the rapid derivation of astroglial cells, which account for 25-31% of the cell population within 8-10 weeks of differentiation.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the inner ear epithelial cells of splitnose rockfish ().

The inner ear of teleost fish regulates the ionic and acid-base chemistry and secretes protein matrix into the endolymph to facilitate otolith biomineralization, which is used to maintain vestibular and auditory functions. The otolith is biomineralized in a concentric ring pattern corresponding to seasonal growth, and this calcium carbonate (CaCO) polycrystal has become a vital aging and life-history tool for fishery managers, ecologists, and conservation biologists. Moreover, biomineralization patterns are sensitive to environmental variability including climate change, thereby threatening the accuracy and relevance of otolith-reliant toolkits.

Oligodendrocyte calcium signaling promotes actin-dependent myelin sheath extension.

Myelin is essential for rapid nerve signaling and is increasingly found to play important roles in learning and in diverse diseases of the CNS. Morphological parameters of myelin such as sheath length are thought to precisely tune conduction velocity, but the mechanisms controlling sheath morphology are poorly understood. Local calcium signaling has been observed in nascent myelin sheaths and can be modulated by neuronal activity.

Pilot study testing the effects of a multicomponent intervention for increasing moderate-intensity physical exercise.

Physical inactivity has been associated with several health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Although many of these health problems are preventable through regular exercise, a small percentage of the adult population engages in the recommended levels. Reinforcement-based interventions have been implemented successfully to promote physical activity, but studies targeting moderate or vigorous physical exercise using behavior-analytic interventions are scarce.

Cloud point extraction of carbendazim fungicide from strawberry samples and amperometric detection with boron doped diamond.

The cloud point extraction (Tergitol® surfactant) method was used for the first time to extract and preconcentrate the fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) from strawberry samples, while electrochemical detection (boron doped diamond electrode) in association with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-EC) was used for the determination of CBZ. The variables of bath temperature, ultrasonic stirring time, mass of NaCl and amount of surfactant were investigated using a 2 full factorial design. Limits of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) and quantification (LOQ) of 3.

Multidrug-resistant Enterobacter spp. in wastewater and surface water: Molecular characterization of β-lactam resistance and metal tolerance genes.

Among the ESKAPE group pathogens, Enterobacter spp. is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacillus, widely dispersed in the environment, that causes infections. In the present study, samples of hospital wastewater, raw and treated urban wastewater, as well as surface receiving water, were collected to assess the occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacter spp.

Gestational and congenital syphilis: gaps to be elucidated.

Congenital and gestational syphilis are increasingly prevalent multisystemic infections in Brazil. This study aimed to present a case series of three children diagnosed with congenital syphilis even though their mother had unreactive treponemal tests. The VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) titers of a 22-year-old mother with three pregnancies decreased after treatment.

Oligodendrocyte calcium signaling sculpts myelin sheath morphology.

Myelin is essential for rapid nerve signaling and is increasingly found to play important roles in learning and in diverse diseases of the CNS. Morphological parameters of myelin such as sheath length and thickness are regulated by neuronal activity and can precisely tune conduction velocity, but the mechanisms controlling sheath morphology are poorly understood. Local calcium signaling has been observed in nascent myelin sheaths and can be modulated by neuronal activity.

Community mental health care network: an evaluative approach in a Brazilian state.

In recent decades, public policies of the Unified Health System (SUS) in Brazil have structured a community mental health care network (RAPS) based on various community actions and services. This study carried out evaluative research on the implementation of the structure and process dimensions of this care network in Minas Gerais, the second most populous state of Brazil, generating indicators that can enhance the strategic management of the public health system in the strengthening the psychosocial care in the state. The application of a multidimensional instrument, previously validated (IMAI-RAPS), in 795 of the 853 municipalities in Minas Gerais was carried out between June and August 2020.

Characterization of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and affected patients of a pediatric hospital in Brazil.

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKp) infections are important threats to pediatric populations. Thus, a retrospective study was conducted in a Brazilian reference pediatric hospital, and 26 CPKp isolates obtained from 23 patients were characterized. The affected population had important underlying diseases, reflecting previous hospitalization and antibiotic use.

Mutant Prion Protein Endoggresomes are Hubs for Local Axonal Organelle-Cytoskeletal Remodeling.

Dystrophic axons comprising misfolded mutant prion protein (PrP) aggregates are a characteristic pathological feature in the prionopathies. These aggregates form inside endolysosomes -called endoggresomes-, within swellings that line up the length of axons of degenerating neurons. The pathways impaired by endoggresomes that result in failed axonal and consequently neuronal health, remain undefined.

The usefulness of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid for maintenance phase of adult female acne: Results from a randomized exploratory investigator-blinded comparative study.

Background: Acne is a very common condition. Currently, there are relatively few studies available to help guidance-based decisions for its long-term management, especially studies with cosmetic care products. We have developed a skin care product dedicated to adult female acne.

FSH Regulates YAP-TEAD Transcriptional Activity in Bovine Granulosa Cells to Allow the Future Dominant Follicle to Exert Its Augmented Estrogenic Capacity.

The molecular mechanisms that drive the granulosa cells' (GC) differentiation into a more estrogenic phenotype during follicular divergence and establishment of follicle dominance have not been completely elucidated. The main Hippo signaling effector, YAP, has, however, emerged as a potential key player to explain such complex processes. Studies using rat and bovine GC demonstrate that, in conditions where the expression of the classic YAP-TEAD target gene tissue growth factor () is augmented, expression and activity and, consequently, estradiol (E2) secretion are reduced.

A set of antibiotic-resistance mechanisms and virulence factors in GES-16-producing Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae from hospital wastewater revealed by whole-genome sequencing.

Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae has emerged as a human pathogen and sporadic isolates from non-clinical sources were reported. Here, we described the phenotypic- and genomic-characteristics of a multidrug-resistant (MDR) and potentially hypervirulent (MDR-hv) Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp.

In Vitro and In Vivo Cell-Interactions with Electrospun Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA): Morphological and Immune Response Analysis.

Random electrospun three-dimensional fiber membranes mimic the extracellular matrix and the interfibrillar spaces promotes the flow of nutrients for cells. Electrospun PLGA membranes were analyzed in vitro and in vivo after being sterilized with gamma radiation and bioactivated with fibronectin or collagen. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells and primary fibroblast-like cells from hamster's cheek paunch proliferated over time on these membranes, evidencing their good biocompatibility.

A Nesprin-4/kinesin-1 cargo model for nuclear positioning in cochlear outer hair cells.

Nuclear positioning is important for the functionality of many cell types and is mediated by interactions of cytoskeletal elements and nucleoskeleton proteins. Nesprin proteins, part of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, have been shown to participate in nuclear positioning in multiple cell types. Outer hair cells (OHCs) in the inner ear are specialized sensory epithelial cells that utilize somatic electromotility to amplify auditory signals in the cochlea.