Genotyping and Persistence of Candida albicans from Pregnant Women with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.

Objective: To study Candida albicans genotypes using RAPD and their susceptibility to fluconazole in healthy pregnant women and in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) patients after topical treatment with clotrimazole.

Methods: Vaginal swabs were collected at t = 0 and t = 1 (1 month later) in pregnant women (control group, n = 33), and before (t = 0), at 1 month (t = 1) and at 2 months (t = 2) after clotrimazole treatment in pregnant women with VVC.

Results: Candida albicans was isolated in 30% of healthy pregnant women and 80% of patients with VVC.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Embothrium coccineum Used as Traditional Medicine in Patagonia against Multiresistant Bacteria.

J.R. Forst.

ATP Induces IL-1 Secretion in -Infected Human Macrophages by a Mechanism Not Related to the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Axis.

(Ngo) has developed multiple immune evasion mechanisms involving the innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent findings have reported that Ngo reduces the IL-1 secretion of infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). Here, we investigate the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in production and release of IL-1 in Ngo-infected MDM.

Antiplatelet effect of differentially charged PEGylated lipid-polymer nanoparticles.

PEGylated nanoparticles have been extensively investigated in different platforms for drug delivery. However, the physiological effects related to platelet activation, and the potential procoagulant activity which could lead to thrombosis and further cardiovascular diseases have not been widely examined. In this work, we studied the effect of differentially charged PEGylated lipid-polymer nanoparticles in the human platelet aggregation and activation by light transmission aggregometry and flow cytometry.

Lose to win: marT pseudogenization in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi contributed to the surV-dependent survival to HO, and inside human macrophage-like cells.

The difference in host range between Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) can be partially attributed to the gain of functions, to the loss of functions (i.

Androgens modulate male-derived endothelial cell homeostasis using androgen receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms.

Background: Sex-related differences in the role of androgen have been reported in cardiovascular diseases and angiogenesis. Moreover, androgen receptor (AR) has been causally involved in the homeostasis of human prostate endothelial cells. However, levels of expression, functionality and biological role of AR in male- and female-derived human endothelial cells (ECs) remain poorly characterized.

Escaping Antiangiogenic Therapy: Strategies Employed by Cancer Cells.

Tumor angiogenesis is widely recognized as one of the "hallmarks of cancer". Consequently, during the last decades the development and testing of commercial angiogenic inhibitors has been a central focus for both basic and clinical cancer research. While antiangiogenic drugs are now incorporated into standard clinical practice, as with all cancer therapies, tumors can eventually become resistant by employing a variety of strategies to receive nutrients and oxygen in the event of therapeutic assault.

Salmonella Typhimurium exhibits fluoroquinolone resistance mediated by the accumulation of the antioxidant molecule H2S in a CysK-dependent manner.

Objectives: To evaluate the contribution of cysK and cysM to the fluoroquinolone (ofloxacin) antibiotic resistance in Salmonella Typhimurium, and their impact on HS and cysteine production through targeted mutagenesis.

Methods: Salmonella Typhimurium 14028s and its cysK and cysM mutants were tested for their susceptibility to ofloxacin, as determined by a broth microdilution test (to determine the MIC) and survival curves. HS levels were measured by the Pb(AC) method and cysteine levels were determined using 5,5-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid.

HDAC 1 and 6 modulate cell invasion and migration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been reported to be overexpressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), whereas the expression of class II HDACs is unknown.

Methods: Four isogenic cell lines C2/C2VHL and 786-O/786-OVHL with differential VHL expression are used in our studies. Cobalt chloride is used to mimic hypoxia in vitro.

Mechanistic Studies on the Self-Assembly of PLGA Patchy Particles and Their Potential Applications in Biomedical Imaging.

Currently, several challenges prevent poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles from reaching clinical settings. Among these is a lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of these particles. We have been studying in depth the formation of patchy polymeric particles.

Effect of Housing Types on Growth, Feeding, Physical Activity, and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Background: Animal welfare and accurate data collection are equally important in rodent research. Housing influences study outcomes and can challenge studies that monitor feeding, so housing choice needs to be evidence-based. The goal of these studies was to (1) compare established measures of well-being between rodents housed in wire grid-bottom floors with a resting platform compared to solid-bottom floors with bedding and (2) determine whether presence of a chewable device (Nylabone) affects orexin-A-induced hyperphagia.

Effect of Terminal Groups of Dendrimers in the Complexation with Antisense Oligonucleotides and Cell Uptake.

Poly(amidoamine) dendrimers are the most recognized class of dendrimer. Amino-terminated (PAMAM-NH2) and hydroxyl-terminated (PAMAM-OH) dendrimers of generation 4 are widely used, since they are commercially available. Both have different properties, mainly based on their different overall charges at physiological pH.

Effect of single post-ovulatory administration of mifepristone (RU486) on transcript profile during the receptive period in human endometrium.

Progesterone regulates uterine function during the luteal phase and is essential for the acquisition of endometrial receptivity. The objective of the present study was to identify endometrial transcripts whose expression is altered during the window of implantation after the administration of 200 mg of the antiprogestin mifepristone, 48 h after the LH peak (LH+2, LH+0=LH peak), and to determine the relationship of these transcripts with those regulated during the acquisition of receptivity. Endometrial samples were obtained in LH+7 from seven women of proven fertility, each one contributing with one cycle treated with placebo and another with mifepristone.

Role of the non-opioid dynorphin peptide des-Tyr-dynorphin (DYN-A(2-17)) in food intake and physical activity, and its interaction with orexin-A.

Food intake and physical activity are regulated by multiple neuropeptides, including orexin and dynorphin (DYN). Orexin-A (OXA) is one of two orexin peptides with robust roles in regulation of food intake and spontaneous physical activity (SPA). DYN collectively refers to several peptides, some of which act through opioid receptors (opioid DYN) and some whose biological effects are not mediated by opioid receptors (non-opioid DYN).

Behavioral characterization of a model of differential susceptibility to obesity induced by standard and personalized cafeteria diet feeding.

Despite the increase in obesity prevalence over the last decades, humans show large inter-individual variability for susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. Understanding the biological basis of this susceptibility could identify new therapeutic alternatives against obesity. We characterized behavioral changes associated with propensity to obesity induced by cafeteria (CAF) diet consumption in mice.

Prothrombin C20209T mutation in deep vein thrombosis: a case report.

Thrombophilias is a recognized risk factor for thrombotic events. The prothrombin variant G20210A gene mutation has been commonly examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Currently, in many clinical laboratories, performing the PCR in real-time technique, which, in addition to identifying the G20210A mutation, makes possible the detection of other mutations in the 3'UTR of the prothrombin gene by melting curve analysis, due to the ability of this analysis to be amplicon-dependent (e.

Drug Delivery Nanocarriers from a Fully Degradable PEG-Conjugated Polyester with a Reduction-Responsive Backbone.

The remarkably high intracellular concentration of reducing agents is an excellent endogenous stimulus for designing nanocarriers programmed for intracellular delivery of therapeutic agents. However, despite their excellent biodegradability profiles, aliphatic polyesters that are fully degradable in response to the intracellular reducing environment are rare. Herein, a reduction-responsive drug delivery nanocarrier derived from a linear polyester bearing disulfide bonds is reported.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Modulates Immunity by Polarizing Human Macrophages to a M2 Profile.

Current data suggest that Neisseria gonorrhoeae is able to suppress the protective immune response at different levels, such as B and T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. The present report is focused on gonococcus evasion mechanism on macrophages (MФ) and its impact in the subsequent immune response. In response to various signals MФ may undergo classical-M1 (M1-MФ) or alternative-M2 (M2-MФ) activation.

Preclinical Development and In Vivo Efficacy of Ceftiofur-PLGA Microparticles.

Drug delivery systems based on polymeric microparticles represent an interesting field of development for the treatment of several infectious diseases for humans and animals. In this work, we developed PLGA microparticles loaded with ceftiofur (PLGA-cef), a third- generation cephalosporin that is used exclusively used in animals. PLGA-cef was prepared by the double emulsion w/o/w method, and exhibited a diameter in the range of 1.

Multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles doubly loaded with SPION and ceftiofur retain their physical and biological properties.

Background: Advances in nanostructure materials are leading to novel strategies for drug delivery and targeting, contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), agents for hyperthermia and nanocarriers. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are useful for all of these applications, and in drug-release systems, SPIONs allow for the localization, direction and concentration of drugs, providing a broad range of therapeutic applications. In this work, we developed and characterized polymeric nanoparticles based on poly (3-hydroxybutyric acid-co-hydroxyvaleric acid) (PHBV) functionalized with SPIONs and/or the antibiotic ceftiofur.

Promotion of Wakefulness and Energy Expenditure by Orexin-A in the Ventrolateral Preoptic Area.

Study Objectives: The ventrolateral preoptic area (VLPO) and the orexin/hypocretin neuronal system are key regulators of sleep onset, transitions between vigilance states, and energy homeostasis. Reciprocal projections exist between the VLPO and orexin/hypocretin neurons. Although the importance of the VLPO to sleep regulation is clear, it is unknown whether VLPO neurons are involved in energy balance.

Physicochemical assessment of dextran-g-poly (ɛ-caprolactone) micellar nanoaggregates as drug nanocarriers.

Self-assembling polymers in aqueous solution have attracted significant attention with recent research efforts focused on the development of new strategies to design devices useful in the field of controlled drug delivery. In this context, amphiphilic copolymers having specific structural features and self-assembling behaviors in aqueous media that would enable controlled drug release over longer time periods. In this work, we report on the synthesis and characterization of a Poly (ɛ-caprolactone)-grafted Dextran copolymer and its use in the preparation of micellar nanoaggregates.

Insight into nanoparticle cellular uptake and intracellular targeting.

Collaborative efforts from the fields of biology, materials science, and engineering are leading to exciting progress in the development of nanomedicines. Since the targets of many therapeutic agents are localized in subcellular compartments, modulation of nanoparticle-cell interactions for efficient cellular uptake through the plasma membrane and the development of nanomedicines for precise delivery to subcellular compartments remain formidable challenges. Cellular internalization routes determine the post-internalization fate and intracellular localization of nanoparticles.

Evaluation of ceftiofur-PHBV microparticles in rats.

Despite the high number of antibiotics used for the treatment of infectious disease in animals, the development of slow release formulations presents a significant challenge, particularly in using novel biomaterials with low cost. In this report, we studied the pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and therapeutic activity of ceftiofur-PHBV (ceftiofur-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)) in rats. The pharmacokinetic study demonstrated a sustained release of ceftiofur into the bloodstream, with detectable levels over the minimum inhibitory concentration for at least 17 days after a single intramuscular injection of ceftiofur-PHBV (10 mg/kg weight).

Role of spontaneous physical activity in prediction of susceptibility to activity based anorexia in male and female rats.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic eating disorder affecting females and males, defined by body weight loss, higher physical activity levels and restricted food intake. Currently, the commonalities and differences between genders in etiology of AN are not well understood. Animal models of AN, such as activity-based anorexia (ABA), can be helpful in identifying factors determining individual susceptibility to AN.