Exposure to Zika Virus Results in sex-Specific Memory Deficits and Neurological Alterations in Adult Mice.

exposure to ZIKV leads to decreased number of neurons in adult mice. Female mice exposed to ZIKV exhibit lower levels of BDNF, a decrease in synaptic markers, memory deficits, and risk-taking behavior during adulthood.

Wound healing modulation by a latex protein-containing polyvinyl alcohol biomembrane.

In a previous study, we performed the chemical characterization of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane supplemented with latex proteins (LP) displaying wound healing activity, and its efficacy as a delivery system was demonstrated. Here, we report on aspects of the mechanism underlying the performance of the PVA-latex protein biomembrane on wound healing. LP-PVA, but not PVA, induced more intense leukocyte (neutrophil) migration and mast cell degranulation during the inflammatory phase of the cicatricial process.

Prolonged viability of human organotypic skin explant in culture method (hOSEC).

Background: Currently, the cosmetic industry is overwhelmed in keeping up with the safety assessment of the increasing number of new products entering the market. To meet such demand, research centers have explored alternative methods to animal testing and also the large number of volunteers necessary for preclinical and clinical tests.

Objectives: This work describes the human skin ex-vivo model (hOSEC: Human Organotypic Skin Explant Culture) as an alternative to test the effectiveness of cosmetics and demonstrate its viability through cutaneous keratinocytes' proliferative capacity up to 75 days in culture.

Hyaluronidase modulates inflammatory response and accelerates the cutaneous wound healing.

Hyaluronidases are enzymes that degrade hyaluronan an important constituent of the extracellular matrix. They have been used as a spreading agent, improving the absorption of drugs and facilitating the subcutaneous infusion of fluids. Here, we investigated the influence of bovine testes hyaluronidase (HYAL) during cutaneous wound healing in in vitro and in vivo assays.

Phototherapy promotes healing of cutaneous wounds in undernourished rats.

Background: Various studies have shown that phototherapy promotes the healing of cutaneous wounds.

Objective: To investigate the effect of phototherapy on healing of cutaneous wounds in nourished and undernourished rats.

Methods: Forty rats, 20 nourished plus 20 others rendered marasmus with undernourishment, were assigned to four equal groups: nourished sham, nourished Light Emitting Diode treated, undernourished sham and undernourished Light Emitting Diode treated.

Chitosan-alginate membranes accelerate wound healing.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-alginate membrane to accelerate wound healing in experimental cutaneous wounds. Two wounds were performed in Wistar rats by punching (1.5 cm diameter), treated with membranes moistened with saline solution (CAM group) or with saline only (SL group).

Clinical and immunohistopathological aspects of venous ulcers treatment by Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS).

The immunological mechanisms that are triggered by Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) in wound healing are unknown. In the present study, experimental groups were used to assess the treatment of chronic venous ulcers with 30mW/cm(2) SATA peripheral LIPUS three times per week compared to a daily treatment of 1% silver sulfadiazine (SDZ). The ulcers of the SDZ group (n=7) (G1) and LIPUS group (n=9) (G2) were photographed five times three months, and the images were analyzed using ImageJ software to quantify the total area (S), fibrin/sphacel area (yellow) and granulation area (red).

Clinical and immunological evaluation after BCG-id vaccine in leprosy patients in a 5-year follow-up study.

Introduction: The use of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) has long been considered a stimulus for immune reactivity in leprosy household contacts. Probably, the combination of multidrug therapy with BCG could facilitate the clearance of leprosy bacilli in the host, reduce relapse rates, and shorten the duration of skin-smear positivity.

Methods: To investigate the mechanism of action of BCG, a study involving 19 leprosy patients, eleven multibacillary (MB) and eight paucibacillary, was performed to assess the in vitro production of interleukin (IL)-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, and IL-17 in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, before and 30 days after inoculation with BCG intradermally (BCG-id).

The vegetal biomembrane in the healing of chronic venous ulcers.

Background: The vegetal biomembrane has been used to treat cutaneous ulcers.

Objectives: To assess the role of the vegetal biomembrane on the chronic venous ulcers treatment compared to treatment with collagenase cream.

Methods: Fourteen patients were selected to be treated with vegetal biomembrane and 7 with Fibrase(®) (CONTROL), followed clinically and photographically by the Wound Healing Index by ImageJ during 120 days and biopsied on the 1(st) and 30(th) days for histological examination.

Natural-biomembrane dressing and hypersensitivity.

Background: The natural biomembrane of latex extracted from Hevea brasiliensis has been used as a dressing for skin ulcers.

Objectives: To evaluate how safe the natural biomembrane is in relation to hypersensitivity to latex when used as a dressing.

Methods: We selected patients with skin ulcers, forming the following groups: control - low occupational exposure to latex (n = 17); latex-exposed control - high occupational exposure (n = 14); ulcerated, using the natural biomembrane (n = 13); ulcerated control, not using the natural biomembrane (n = 14); and new cases (n = 9), assessed before and after 3 months of using the natural biomembrane.

Self-care competence in the case of Brazilian patients with diabetes mellitus in a multiprofessional educational programme.

Aim: To compare self-care competencies in the physical, cognitive and emotional and motivational dimensions of patients with diabetes mellitus before and after participation in an educational programme.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is mainly characterised by a dysfunction of glucose metabolism. The growth of diabetes mellitus as a chronic condition requires continuous management and requires health services to implement care strategies.

Experimental models of malnutrition and its effect on skin trophism.

Background: The skin requires adequate levels of nutrients to function properly.

Objective: To analyze skin trophism in well-nourished and undernourished rats using two models of malnutrition.

Methods: In the marasmus model, 60 Wistar rats were kept on a controlled diet, 30 being randomly selected to receive half the established diet for 60 days.