Alternative Non-Mammalian Animal and Cellular Methods for the Study of Host-Fungal Interactions

In the study of fungal pathogenesis, alternative methods have gained prominence due to recent global legislation restricting the use of mammalian animals in research. The principle of the 3 Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement) is integrated into regulations and guidelines governing animal experimentation in nearly all countries. This principle advocates substituting vertebrate animals with other invertebrate organisms, embryos, microorganisms, or cell cultures. This review addresses host-fungus interactions by employing three-dimensional (3D) cultures, which offer more faithful replication of the in vivo environment, and by utilizing alternative animal models to replace traditional mammals. Among these alternative models, species like Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio share approximately 75% of their genes with humans. Furthermore, models such as Galleria mellonella and Tenebrio molitor demonstrate similarities in their innate immune systems as well as anatomical and physiological barriers, resembling those found in mammalian organisms.

Alginate-Based 3D A549 Cell Culture Model to Study Paracoccidioides Infection

A three-dimensional (3D) lung aggregate model based on sodium alginate scaffolds was developed to study the interactions between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and lung epithelial cells. The suitability of the 3D aggregate as an infection model was examined using cell viability (cytotoxicity), metabolic activity, and proliferation assays. Several studies exemplify the similarity between 3D cell cultures and living organisms, which can generate complementary data due to the greater complexity observed in these designed models, compared to 2D cell cultures. A 3D cell culture system of human A549 lung cell line plus sodium alginate was used to create the scaffolds that were infected with Pb18. Our results showed low cytotoxicity, evidence of increased cell density (indicative of cell proliferation), and the maintenance of cell viability for seven days. The confocal analysis revealed viable yeast within the 3D scaffold, as demonstrated in the solid BHI Agar medium cultivation. Moreover, when ECM proteins were added to the alginate scaffolds, the number of retrieved fungi was significantly higher. Our results highlight that this 3D model may be promising for in vitro studies of host-pathogen interactions.

Integrated basic lung and heart ultrasound with X-ray (TUSX) for the diagnosis of asthma, chronic bronchitis and laryngeal paralysis, and treatment with inhaled fluticasone using home-made mask in dogs and cats

Basic lung and heart ultrasound examination combined with chest X-ray (TUSX) is currently considered to be very useful for differentiation of asthma, chronic bronchitis and laryngeal paralysis from other diseases with dyspnea/coughing. Among 252 client-owned animals with persistent dyspnea/cough/noisy breathing, in 197 of them: pulmonary edema, pneumonia, lung cancer, free pleural fluid, pneumothorax, lung contusion or heart disease were diagnosed. The remaining 55 animals (42 dogs and 13 cats) were diagnosed with asthma (in 13 cats), chronic bronchitis (in 37 dogs) and laryngeal paralysis (in 5 dogs) using TUSX. These animals were qualified for inhaled fluticasone treatment using 3 types of spacers - two commercial and a home- -made mask. 36 animals (65.5%) completed the trail. In 26 of them (72.2%) the owners observed complete, long lasting relief of the symptoms, and the owners of 7 animals (19.5%) declared a considerable clinical improvement, regardless of the type of spacer used. The owners of 3 animals (8.3%) did not see any improvement. The proposed diagnostic and therapeutic management improved long-term clinical status of the vast majority (91.7%) of animals. Therefore, it seems justified to include the TUSX diagnostic protocol in daily veterinary practice and to encourage owners to prepare home-made face masks for inhaled fluticasone treatment.

Nebulized enriched heparin to treat no critical patients with Sars-Cov-2: Triple-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory disease that spreads rapidly, reaching pandemic status, causing the collapse of numerous health systems, and a strong economic and social impact. The treatment so far has not been well established and there are several clinical trials testing known drugs that have antiviral activity, due to the urgency that the global situation imposes. Drugs with specific mechanisms of action can take years to be discovered, while vaccines may also take a long time to be widely distributed while new virus variants emerge. Thus, drug repositioning has been shown to be a good strategy for defining new therapeutic approaches. Studies of the effect of enriched heparin in the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro assays justify the advance for clinical tests.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A phase I/II triple-blind parallel clinical trial will be conducted. Fifty participants with radiological diagnosis of grade IIA pneumonia will be selected, which will be allocated in 2 arms. Participants allocated in Group 1 (placebo) will receive nebulized 0.9% saline. Participants allocated in Group 2 (intervention) will receive nebulized enriched heparin (2.5 mg/mL 0.9% saline). Both groups will receive the respective solutions on a 4/4 hour basis, for 7 days. The main outcomes of interest will be safety (absence of serious adverse events) and efficacy (measured by the viral load).Protocols will be filled on a daily basis, ranging from day 0 (diagnosis) until day 8.

Multiple Tolerization Subtractive Immunization (MTSI) Protocol: Effects on Mice and Monoclonal Antibody Specificity

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been a valuable tool to elucidate several biological processes, such as stem cell differentiation and cancer, and contributed to virtually all areas of biomedical sciences. Yet, it remains a challenge to obtain mAbs specific to poorly expressed epitopes, or to epitopes that are actually involved in important biological phenomena, such as cell differentiation and metastasis. Drug-induced subtractive immunization, and recently the multiple tolerization subtractive immunization (MTSI) technique, reported by our group, have the potential to level up the field, as they direct the host´s immune response towards these epitopes. However, due to cyclophosphamide (CY) treatment, high mice mortality can be observed, and only a few data are available on how these techniques affect the immune system of mice. Tolerogen and immunogen cells, RWPE-1 and PC-3 cells, respectively, were individually seeded at 2 × 104 cells/cm2, and then adjusted to 2 × 106 cells per mouse before immunization, which was conducted in a subtractive approach (MTSI) with CY. Immunosuppression of mice was recorded via total white blood counting, as well the reactivity of circulating polyclonal antibodies (pAbs). General parameters, including weight, physical appearance, and behavior on mice subjected to three different concentrations of CY were recorded. mAbs were obtained using classical hybridoma techniques, using the spleen of immunized mice. After purification, antibodies were characterized by Western blotting, and Indirect immunofluorescence. In conclusion, all CY dosage were efficient in creating an immunosuppression state, but only the 100 mg/kg body weight was feasible, as the others resulted in extensive mice mortality. pAbs obtained in the peripheral blood of mice showed more reactivity towards tumor cells. MAbs 2-7A50 and 2-5C11 recognized antigens from tumor cells, but not from their non-tumor counterparts, as shown in western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. MTSI technique was successful in generating mAbs that recognize tumor-specific antigens.

Nasal carriage of various staphylococcal species in small ruminant lentivirus-infected asymptomatic goats

The study was carried out in Polish goat population to estimate the prevalence of the nasal cavity infection with various staphylococcal species including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), investigate the potential permissive role of small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection and determine the level of clonality of S. aureus nasal isolates. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collec-ted from 1300 clinically healthy adult goats from 21 Polish goat herds. Blood samples were serological-ly screened for SRLV. Staphylococci were isolated from nasal swabs and identified using classical microbiological methods, MALDI-TOF, multiplex-PCR, and their clonality was assessed using PFGE. Antimicrobial resistance was determined on the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration and by demonstration of the presence of the mecA gene encoding the multiplex-PCR PBP2a protein and of the five main types of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec. The apparent prevalence of staphylococ-cal and S. aureus infection of the nasal cavity was 29.1% (CI 95%: 26.9%, 31.5%) and 7.3% (CI 95%: 6.1%, 8.8%), respectively. No relationship was found between the SRLV-infection and the presence of any staphylococcal species including S. aureus (p=0.143). Only 9.8% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and 5.9% to chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. All tested isolates proved to be phenotypically and genotypically sensitive to methicillin, which yielded the appar-ent prevalence of MRSA of 0% (CI 95%: 0%, 7.0%). S. aureus isolates show high genetic similarity within goat herds, however vary considerably between herds. Goats do not appear to be an important source of S. aureus for humans in Poland.

Herd-level seroprevalence of pestivirus infection in goat population in Poland

A disease survey was conducted between 2014 and 2018 in the Polish goat population to determine the seroprevalence of pestiviral infection. Blood samples from 910 goats (782 females and 128 males) were collected in 62 goat herds and tested for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection with a competitive ELISA in a serial fashion. Between 10 and 13 adult female goats were randomly selected from each herd, assuming individual-level seroprevalence of pestiviral infection in a herd of at least 30% and a level of confidence of 95%. In each herd, all males were tested. At least one seropositive goat was found in each of the 4 herds. However, in one herd, the only positive goat tested negative in serial retesting. Finally, 3 herds were consi-dered as seropositive which yielded apparent herd-level seroprevalence of 4.8% (CI 95%: 1.7%, 13.3%). After adjusting for the ELISA herd-level sensitivity and specificity, the true herd-level prevalence was 3.9% (CI 95%: 1.2%, 12.0%). No males tested positive. In 2 out of 3 seropositive herds, goats regularly shared pastures with cattle.

Detection of factor VIII and D-dimer biomarkers for venous thromboembolism diagnosis using electrochemistry immunosensor

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious clinical condition which early and accurate diagnosis may contribute to the reduction of associated morbidity and mortality. VTE occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) blocks the vein blood flow causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, when it migrates to the lungs, it may clog the pulmonary arteries characterizing pulmonary embolism (PE). Analysis using fibrin degradation products or D-dimer and coagulation factor VIII may assist early diagnosis of VTE. Thus, two immunosensors were built using layer-by-layer (LbL) films technique, one containing the anti-D-dimer immobilized on polyethylene imine (PEI) and another the anti-FVIII on silk fibroin (SF). Immunosensor response, the antigen-antibody specific interaction, was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. When immunosensors, PEI/anti-D-dimer and SF/anti-FVIII, were exposed to antigens, D-dimer and Factor VIII, the voltammograms area and current were significantly increased with increasing specific antigen concentration. The specific interaction was confirmed with control experiments, electrodes containing only PEI or SF, that no significant changes in the voltammogram responses were observed and principal component analysis confirmed these results. The films formation and response were verified using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The developed immunosensor seems to be a promising and effective early complementary exam to assist in the VTE diagnosis, through the combined response of two biomarkers very sensible.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSc) secretome: A possible therapeutic strategy for intensive-care COVID-19 patients

As an emerging global health challenge, COVID-19 requires international knowledge to reach novel possible therapeutic strategies, especially for intensive-care patients. During the early stages of infection, pneumocytes II are the primary infected cells, harming the respiratory system. We have previous evidence in murine models that MSc's secretome can be used to treat pulmonary injuries induced with bleomycin, due to its content: growth factors, extracellular vesicles, and exosomes. We hypothesize and strongly recommend MSc secretome testing and production, in xenofree conditions, to be used as an alternative approach in SARS-Cov-2 patients in critical conditions.

Development of resistance to eprinomectin in gastrointestinal nematodes in a goat herd with pre-existing resistance to benzimidazoles

We described a first case of resistance to eprinomectin in goat herd in Poland in which resistance to benzimidazoles had been previously reported. The herd was established in 2011 by purchasing several goats from a single herd in south-eastern Poland. Resistance to benzimidazoles in the herd was first reported in 2017. Shortly after the owner started to signal low effectiveness of the treatment with eprinomectin. In June 2018 the larval development test from pooled faecal sample was performed and the results indicated the presence of resistance to macrocyclic lactones and levamisole. In July 2018 a faecal egg count (FEC) reduction test was performed in 39 animals with levamisole, eprinomectin and one untreated control group. Drugs were used in doses recommended for goats. Three methods of calculation of FEC reduction were compared. After eprinomectin treatment, FEC reduction ranged from 0 to 20%, depending on the method of calculation. FEC reduction following levamisole treatment was 100%. Main species present in the faecal samples after treatment and in larvicidal concentrations in larval development test was Haemonchus contortus. This is the first report of anthelminthic resistance to macrocylic lactones (eprinomectin) in goats in Poland.

Malignant thymoma - the most common neoplasm in goats

In the literature the occurrence of thymomas in goats varies from 0.7 to 25%, depending on the study. Therefore the current investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence of thymoma in goats in Poland. Between 2007 and 2018 at the Warsaw Veterinary Faculty 399 goat autopsies and ultrasound examinations of the chest in other 145 goats were performed. Mediastinal tumors were diagnosed during post mortem examination in 2 goats. Additionally, ultrasound examination of the chest revealed a large mass close to the heart in the thoracic cavity in 1 case. This goat was euthanized and an autopsy confirmed a mediastinal tumor. Histopathological examination, with immunohistochemical tests to anti cytokeratin, p63 and p40 confirmed thymomas in all three cases. In our study thymomas were found in 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1% to 1.8%) of examined goats and they represented the most common malignancy in this species.

Multiple Tolerization Reduces Antibody Binding Against Tolerogen Cells: Implications for the Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

We report an immunization technique that can update the production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs): the multiple tolerization subtractive immunization (MTSI). A total of 10 BALB/C mice were used. Animals in group 1 received one inoculation of RWPE-1 cells (nontumoral), followed by cyclophosphamide, and then received serial inoculations of nonirradiated PC3 cells (tumoral). Animals in group 2 received our MTSI protocol, as follows: one inoculation of RWPE-1 cells, followed by cyclophosphamide (Cy). This whole tolerization step was repeated three other times, with 14-day intervals between the last Cy exposure and the next RWPE-1 cell inoculation. Finally, the animals received the same nonirradiated PC3 cell exposure as group 1. Blood was taken from each animal, and their polyclonal sera individually tested against the nontumoral RWPE-1 cells in flow cytometry. We found out that, after the MTSI was employed, the serum of the immunized animals, in group 2, contained considerably less antibodies that reacted against the tolerogenic cells, compared with the serum of the animals that underwent regular subtractive immunization. We showed that, by repeating the tolerization cycles, the polyclonal antibodies produced by mice have a reduced specificity toward common/immunodominant epitopes present at nontumoral cells, and thus this technique can be readily used by others in studies involving murine mAb protocols.

Ultrastructural analysis and residual DNA evaluation of rabbit vein scaffold

PURPOSE

To investigate the ultrastructural characteristics and analysis of residual DNA in scaffold models, produced with decellularized vena cava in an experimental model with rabbits.

METHODS

Three groups were created for ultrastructural and residual DNA analysis: group 1 - control, consisting of samples of vena cava in natura; group 2 - SD, consisting of vein fragments submitted to 2% sodium deoxycholate decellularization by shaking (160rpm - Shaker News Brunswick Scientific®) for 1 hour at controlled temperature shaker at 37°C; group 3 - SDS, consisting of vein fragments submitted to 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate decellularization under the same previous condition, for 2 hours.

RESULTS

The ultrastructural matrix of the blood vessel maintained its vintegrity after either decellularization models. The results of the two quantification methods demonstrated a significant decrease in the DNA content of the decellularized vena cava samples as compared to the control samples and, differed statistically from each other, p <0.05.

CONCLUSION

The 2% DS protocol for vein decellularization, in this experimental model, was considered the best protocol because it presented less amount of residual DNA without causing substantial destruction of the extracellular matrix.

Enhanced immunization techniques to obtain highly specific monoclonal antibodies

Despite fast advances in genomics and proteomics, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are still a valuable tool for areas such as the evolution of basic research in stem cells and cancer, for immunophenotyping cell populations, diagnosing and prognosis of diseases, and for immunotherapy. To summarize different subtractive immunization approaches successfully used for the production of highly specific antibodies, we identified scientific articles in NCBI PubMed using the following search terms: subtractive immunization, monoclonal antibody, tolerization, neonatal, high-zone tolerance, masking immunization. Patent records were also consulted. From the list of results, we included all available reports, from 1985 to present, that used any enhanced immunization technique to produce either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies. Our examination yielded direct evidence that these enhanced immunization techniques are efficient in obtaining specific antibodies to rare epitopes, with different applications, such as to identify food contaminants or tumor cells.

Cadmium exposure inhibits MMP2 and MMP9 activities in the prostate and testis

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc (Zn(2+)) and calcium (Ca(2+)) dependant endopeptidases, capable of degradation of numerous components of the extracellular matrix. Cadmium (Cd(2+)) is a well known environmental contaminant which could impair the activity of MMPs. In this sense, this study was conducted to evaluate if Cd(2+) intake inhibits these endopeptidases activities at the rat prostate and testicles and if it directly inhibits the activity of MMP2 and MMP9 at gelatinolytic assays when present in the incubation buffer. To investigate this hypothesis, Wistar rats (5 weeks old), were given tap water (untreated, n = 9), or 15 ppm CdCl2 diluted in drinking water, during 10 weeks (n = 9) and 20 weeks (n = 9). The animals were euthanized and their ventral prostate, dorsal prostate, and testicles were removed. These tissue samples were processed for protein extraction and subjected to gelatin zymography evaluation. Additionally, we performed an experiment of gelatin zymography in which 5 μM or 2 mM cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was directly dissolved at the incubation buffer, using the prostatic tissue samples from untreated animals that exhibited the highest MMP2 and MMP9 activities in the previous experiment. We have found that CdCl2 intake in the drinking water led to the inhibition of 35% and 30% of MMP2 and MMP9 (p < 0.05) at the ventral prostate and testis, respectively, in Cd(2+) treated animals when compared to controls. Moreover, the activities of the referred enzymes were 80% and 100% inhibited by 5 μM and 2 mM of CdCl2, respectively, even in the presence of 10 mM of CaCl2 within the incubation buffer solution. These important findings demonstrate that environmental cadmium contamination may deregulate the natural balance in the extracellular matrix turnover, through MMPs downregulation, which could contribute to the toxic effects observed in prostatic and testicular tissue after its exposure.

Polidocanol versus hypertonic glucose for sclerotherapy treatment of reticular veins of the lower limbs: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The prevalence of chronic venous disease is high and occurs more frequently in females. According to the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathological classification (CEAP) definition, the reticular veins are included in the C1 class and are mainly associated with aesthetic complaints. Several invasive techniques are used for treatment, including mini phlebectomy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation. However, a wide range of sclerosing agents may serve as minimally invasive alternatives, promoting chemical sclerosis of the vein wall. Although this technique is routinely performed around the world, there is no consensus on the most efficacious and safe chemical agent to be used.

Methods/design

Inclusion criteria are women between 18 and 69 years old with at least 10 cm long reticular veins in the lower limbs, on the outer side of the leg/thigh. Patients with CEAP 2 to 6, or with allergies, pregnancy, performing breastfeeding, or with any dermatologic or clinical problems will be excluded. Patients with venous ultrasound mapping showing involvement of saphenous trunks and/or a deep venous system will also be excluded. Patients will be randomized into two groups, one receiving 75% pure glucose and the other group receiving 0.2% polidocanol diluted in 70% glucose. Just one limb and one session per patient will be performed. The sclerosing agent volume will not exceed 5 mL. Clinical follow-up will include visits on days 7 and 60, always with photographic documentation.

Discussion

This project aims to enroll 96 patients and subject them to a double-blind treatment after the randomization process. The design is intended to evaluate efficacy through a primary end point and safety through a secondary end point. Forty-eight patients have currently been enrolled. Preliminary results for these patients showed that 25 received treatment, 2 were excluded, and 22 returned after 7 days and showed no greater adverse events. To date, establishing efficacy criteria has not been possible, and no patients have reached the 60-day return point. These data may help doctors choose the best chemical agent for the treatment of reticular veins.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02054325, 3/02/2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-497) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Tissue-engineered blood vessel substitute by reconstruction of endothelium using mesenchymal stem cells induced by platelet growth factors

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases remain leaders as the major causes of mortality in Western society. Restoration of the circulation through construction of bypass surgical treatment is regarded as the gold standard treatment of peripheral vascular diseases, and grafts are necessary for this purpose. The great saphenous vein is often not available and synthetic grafts have their limitations. Therefore, new techniques to produce alternative grafts have been developed and, in this sense, tissue engineering is a promising alternative to provide biocompatible grafts. This study objective was to reconstruct the endothelium layer of decellularized vein scaffolds, using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors obtained from platelets.

METHODS

Fifteen nonpregnant female adult rabbits were used for all experiments. Adipose tissue and vena cava were obtained and subjected to MSCs isolation and tissue decellularization, respectively. MSCs were subjected to differentiation using endothelial inductor growth factor (EIGF) obtained from human platelet lysates. Immunofluorescence, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were employed for the final characterization of the obtained blood vessel substitute.

RESULTS

The scaffolds were successfully decellularized with sodium dodecyl sulfate. MSCs actively adhered at the scaffolds, and through stimulation with EIGF were differentiated into functional endothelial cells, secreting significantly higher quantities of von Willebrand factor (0.85 μg/mL; P < .05) than cells cultivated under the same conditions, without EIGF (0.085 μg/mL). Cells with evident morphologic characteristics of endothelium were seen at the lumen of the scaffolds. These cells also stained positive for fascin protein, which is highly expressed by differentiated endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the use of decellularized bioscaffold and subcutaneous MSCs seems to be a potential approach to obtain bioengineered blood vessels, in the presence of EIGF supplementation.

Determination of critical concentrations of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the BACTEC MGIT 960 system

OBJECTIVES

To determine critical concentrations of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin for rapid evaluation of drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Middlebrook 7H9 broth using the automated system BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960.

METHODS

In total we studied 152 strains. Critical concentrations of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin in the BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 and on Lowenstein-Jensen medium were determined using a panel of 68 strains. The proportion method on Middlebrook 7H10 medium was used as a reference method. Drug susceptibility testing against fluoroquinolones was done for the other 84 strains using the established critical concentrations. The gyrA and gyrB genes of all strains were studied by molecular tests.

RESULTS

The critical concentrations determined for moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin were 0.25 mg/L in the BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 system and 0.75 mg/L on Lowenstein-Jensen medium (absolute concentration method).

CONCLUSIONS

The moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin critical concentrations that we have established are reliable for rapid drug susceptibility testing in the BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960.

Expressão Diferencial de MicroRNAs no Câncer de Próstata

Introdução: MicroRNAs são pequenos RNAs não codificantes, que atuam como reguladores pós-transcricionais de RNAs mensageiros-alvo. Estudos recentes demonstram que a expressão diferencial de alguns microRNAs associa-se com o desenvolvimento, invasão e metástase de vários tipos de câncer, incluindo o câncer de próstata. Os avanços nas técnicas de detecção e descoberta de novos marcadores moleculares são ferramentas importantes para o diagnóstico precoce e tratamento individual dos pacientes. Objetivo: Realizar revisão científica sobre os principais microRNAs alterados no câncer de próstata. Método: O PubMed foi a base de dados escolhida para a pesquisa e as palavras-chave utilizadas foram microRNA e câncer de próstata. A descoberta e o estudo dos microRNAs envolvidos na progressão do câncer são temas científicos recentes e, das 260 publicações encontradas, 25 foram selecionadas para compor esta revisão. Resultados: Muitos microRNAs são classificados como promotores da sobrevivência celular e do cresci mento tumoral. Os trabalhos selecionados para esta revisão descrevem expressão diferenciada de microRNAs em amostras de tumores prostáticos e em células tumorais prostáticas estudadas in vitro. A alteração de microRNAs no plasma, na urina e no tecido tumoral mostrou-se uma ferramenta interessante para distinguir pacientes com cancer de próstata de pacientes saudáveis, classificando essas moléculas como biomarcadores promissores. Conclusão: A excelente qualidade das publicações evidencia a importância da regulação pós-transcricional exercida pelos microRNAs na progressão do câncer de próstata. Apesar de o tema ser recente, técnicas moleculares de ultima geração estão sendo empregadas para a descoberta de novos microRNAs e para a caracterização da função daqueles já existentes.  

Fibronectin induces MMP2 expression in human prostate cancer cells

High-grade prostate cancers express high levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), major enzymes involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the tumor cell lines commonly employed for prostate cancer research express only small amounts of MMPs when cultivated as monolayer cultures, in common culture media. The present study was conducted to ascertain whether culture conditions that include fibronectin can alter MMP2 and MMP9 expression by the human prostatic epithelial cell lines RWPE-1, LNCaP and PC-3. These cells were individually seeded at 2×10(4) cells/cm(2), cultivated until they reached 80% confluence, and then exposed for 4h to fibronectin, after which the conditioned medium was analyzed by gelatin zymography. Untreated cells were given common medium. Only RWPE-1 cells express detectable amounts of MMP9 when cultivated in common medium, whereas the addition of fibronectin induced high expression levels of pro and active forms of MMP2 in all tested cell lines. Our findings demonstrate that normal and tumor prostate cell lines express MMP2 activity when in contact with extracellular matrix components or blood plasma proteins such as fibronectin. Future studies of transcriptomes and proteomes in prostate cancer research using these cell lines should not neglect these important conclusions.

Chronic caffeine intake increases androgenic stimuli, epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia in rat ventral prostate

Coffee intake has been associated with a low risk of developing cancer, including prostate cancer, which is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. However, few studies have evaluated the chronic effects of caffeine, which is the most abundant methylxanthine in coffee, on prostate morphology and physiology. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic, low-dose caffeine intake on rat prostate morphology from puberty to adulthood. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups: caffeine-treated (20 ppm in drinking water, n = 12) and control (n = 12). The ventral and dorsolateral prostates were dissected, weighted and submitted to morphological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical analysis of cellular proliferation, apoptosis and androgen receptor (AR) tissue expression. The testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were measured in the plasma. Our results show that caffeine intake increased the concentrations of T and DHT, organ weight, epithelial cell proliferation and AR tissue expression in the ventral prostatic lobe. All the ventral prostates from the caffeine-treated animals presented various degrees of epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. Our results suggest that chronic caffeine intake from puberty increases androgenic signalling and cell proliferation in the rat prostate gland and can be related to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Platelet lysate 3D scaffold supports mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis: an improved approach in cartilage tissue engineering

Articular lesions are still a major challenge in orthopedics because of cartilage's poor healing properties. A major improvement in therapeutics was the development of autologous chondrocytes implantation (ACI), a biotechnology-derived technique that delivers healthy autologous chondrocytes after in vitro expansion. To obtain cartilage-like tissue, 3D scaffolds are essential to maintain chondrocyte differentiated status. Currently, bioactive 3D scaffolds are promising as they can deliver growth factors, cytokines, and hormones to the cells, giving them a boost to attach, proliferate, induce protein synthesis, and differentiate. Using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiated into chondrocytes, one can avoid cartilage harvesting. Thus, we investigated the potential use of a platelet-lysate-based 3D bioactive scaffold to support chondrogenic differentiation and maintenance of MSCs. The MSCs from adult rabbit bone marrow (n = 5) were cultivated and characterized using three antibodies by flow cytometry. MSCs (1 × 10(5)) were than encapsulated inside 60 µl of a rabbit platelet-lysate clot scaffold and maintained in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium Nutrient Mixture F-12 supplemented with chondrogenic inductors. After 21 days, the MSCs-seeded scaffolds were processed for histological analysis and stained with toluidine blue. This scaffold was able to maintain round-shaped cells, typical chondrocyte metachromatic extracellular matrix deposition, and isogenous group formation. Cells accumulated inside lacunae and cytoplasm lipid droplets were other observed typical chondrocyte features. In conclusion, the usage of a platelet-lysate bioactive scaffold, associated with a suitable chondrogenic culture medium, supports MSCs chondrogenesis. As such, it offers an alternative tool for cartilage engineering research and ACI.

Isolation and immunophenotypic characterization of mesenchymal stem cells derived from equine species adipose tissue

The purpose of this work was to isolate and cultivate mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from equine adipose tissue and conduct cellular characterization with the following markers: CD90, CD44 and CD13. Adipose tissue collection was performed at the base of the horses' tails, followed by immediate isolation and cultivation of the MSC and posterior characterization by flow cytometry for the interspecies reaction test using mouse anti-rat CD90 monoclonal antibody (mAb), fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and tests with specific mAb mouse anti-horse CD13 and mouse anti-horse CD44. The technique used for isolation and cell cultivation proved to be safe and viable. The CD90 mAb expressed cross-reaction with MSC derived from equine adipose tissue and CD44 showed greater expression in cells as the number of culture passages increased. Although marker CD13 expresses reaction in other studies involving MSC in different species, it presented no expression in the experiment realized. The results obtained revealed the immunophenotypic characterization of the surface of isolated and cultivated MSC, classifying these cells as a promising type of progenitor cells that can be applied in equine cellular therapy.

Prescription pattern of codeine for non-malignant pain: a pharmacoepidemiological study from the Norwegian Prescription Database

BACKGROUND

Opioid prescription for pain relief is increasing. Codeine is the dominating opioid in several European countries, with Norway being among the highest codeine users.

AIM

To determine whether codeine is primarily used for acute pain or whether there is a prescription pattern indicating problematic opioid use.

METHODS

All pharmacies in Norway are obliged to submit data electronically to the Norwegian Prescription Database at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health on all dispensed prescriptions. Because all prescriptions are identified with a unique person identifier, it is possible to identify all prescriptions to one subject. All subjects who had prescription(s) of codeine dispensed to them in 2004, 2005 or 2006 are included in the study.

RESULTS

385 190 Norwegian persons had at least one prescription of codeine dispensed to them due to non-cancer pain in 2005, corresponding to a 1-year periodic prevalence of 8.3%. 223 778 (58%) received only one prescription in 2005, 121 025 (31%) received more than one prescription but <120 defined daily doses (DDDs), 30 939 (8%) received between 120 and 365 DDDs, 7661 (2%) between 365 and 730 DDDs, while only 1787 (0.5%) exceeded the maximum recommended dose of 730 DDDs. In the latter group, co-medication with benzodiazepines (65%) and carisoprodol (45%) was prevalent.

CONCLUSION

About one in 10 adult persons in Norway were dispensed codeine in 2005. A majority (58%) received codeine only once, most likely for acute pain, whereas a small minority (0.5%) had a prescription pattern indicating problematic opioid use.

Comparing photonic band structure calculation methods for diamond and pyrochlore crystals

The photonic band diagrams of close-packed colloidal diamond and pyrochlore structures, have been studied using Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) and plane-wave calculations. In addition, the occurrence of a band gap has been investigated for the binary Laves structures and their constituent large- and small-sphere substructures. It was recently shown that these Laves structures give the possibility to fabricate the diamond and pyrochlore structures by self-organization. The comparison of the two calculation methods opens the possibility to study the validity and the convergence of the results, which have been an issue for diamond-related structures in the past. The KKR calculations systematically give a lower value for the gap width than the plane-wave calculations. This difference can partly be ascribed to a convergence issue in the plane-wave code when a contact point of two spheres coincides with the grid.

Cultura de condrócitos em arcabouço tridimensional: hidrogel de alginato

OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo teve como objetivo cultivar condrócitos retirados da articulação do joelho de coelhos encapsulados em hidrogel de alginato (HA) e caracterizar a produção de matriz extracelular (ECM). MÉTODOS: A cartilagem articular foi removida do joelho de coelhos, com três a seis meses, fragmentada em pedaços de 1mm e submetida à digestão enzimática. Uma concentração de 1x106 céls/mL foram ressuspensas em uma solução de alginato de sódio a 1,5% (w/v), em seguida fez-se o processo de gelatinização em CaCl2 (102 mM), permitindo a formação do HA e cultivo em meio DMEM-F12 durante quatro semanas. A distribuição das células e a ECM foram acessadas através das secções histológicas coradas com e azul de toluidina hematoxilina e eosina (HE). RESULTADOS: Houve um aumento no número e na viabilidade dos condrócitos durante as quatro semanas de cultura. Através das análises histológicas dos HAs corados com azul de toluidina e HE foi possível observar a distribuição definida dos condrócitos no hidrogel, assemelhando-se a grupos isógenos e formação de matriz territorial. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou a eficiência do HA como arcabouço para ser usado na cultura de condrócitos, constituindo uma alternativa no reparo de lesões na cartilagem articular.

Gel de plaquetas: arcabouço 3D para cultura celular

INTRODUÇÃO: O reparo tissular é o objetivo final da cirurgia. A cultura celular requer arcabouço mecânico que dê suporte ao crescimento celular e difusão dos nutrientes. O uso do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) como um arcabouço 3D possui diversas vantagens: é material biológico, de fácil absorção pós-transplante, rico em fatores de crescimento, em especial PDGF- ββ e TGF-β que estimula síntese de matriz extracelular na cartilagem. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver arcabouço 3D à base de PRP. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Duas formas foram idealizadas: Sphere e Carpet. Condições estéreis foram utilizadas. O gel de plaquetas permaneceu em cultura celular, observado diariamente em microscópio invertido. RESULTADOS: Ambos arcabouços obtiveram sucesso, com aspectos positivos e negativos. DISCUSSÃO: A forma Sphere não aderiu ao plástico. Observou-se retração do gel e investigação ao microscópio dificultada devido às áreas opacas no campo visual. A forma Carpet não aderiu ao plástico e apresentou-se translúcida. O tempo de estudo foi de 20 dias. CONCLUSÕES: A produção de um arcabouço 3D PRP foi um sucesso, e trata-se de uma alternativa que necessita ser mais utilizado e investigado para que se consolide em uma rota eficiente e confiável na tecnologia de engenharia tissular, particularmente em cultura de tecido cartilaginoso.

Evaluation of hybridisation on oligonucleotide microarrays for analysis of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

A molecular approach was developed to identify drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by means of biochips with oligonucleotides immobilised in polyacrylamide gel pads. The technique was based on multiplex PCR, followed by hybridisation on an oligonucleotide microarray, and detected > 95% of rifampicin-resistant and c. 80% of isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates within 12 h. In total, 220 drug-resistant isolates and 131 clinical samples were tested using biochips. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed method were comparable with those of standard bacteriological testing of M. tuberculosis drug resistance.

Prevention of thromboembolic disease after non-cemented hip arthroplasty. A multimodal approach

Thromboembolism following total hip arthroplasty is a common complication that may result in significant morbidity and mortality. Despite this, optimal prophylactic regimen is controversial. We investigated the efficacy of a comprehensive approach encompassing the use of aspirin, intermittent compression devices ('foot pumps'), and early mobilization in a cohort of 200 consecutive patients after non-cemented total hip replacements. The surgical procedures were carried out under epidural anesthesia in most cases (91%). All patients were allowed full weight bearing and received ambulation training starting on the first post-operative day. Ankle-high pneumatic boots ('foot pumps') and aspirin (325 mg p.o./qd) were used immediately after surgery. The presence of deep vein thrombosis was determined with the routine use of venous duplex scans on post-operative day number 5 to 10 (mean 6.8). The duration of the follow-up was 3 months. No patients were lost to follow-up. Four distal DVT's (2%) were detected in three patients. None of the patients developed symptomatic pulmonary embolism during the follow-up period. There were no major wound complications. Venous thromboembolic disease after hip replacement surgery is largely associated with postoperative immobilization and venous stasis. It is the authors' opinion that a prevention strategy should include mechanical as well as pharmacological measures. The concomitant use of epidural anesthesia, "foot pumps", aspirin and early full weight bearing ambulation may be effective in further reducing the incidence of DVT after surgery.

Exponentially convergent lattice sums

For any oblique incidence and arbitrarily high order, lattice sums for one-dimensional gratings can be expressed in terms of exponentially convergent series. The scattering Green's function can be efficiently evaluated also in the grating plane. Numerical implementation of the method is 200 times faster than for the previous best result.

Identification of rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains by hybridization, PCR, and ligase detection reaction on oligonucleotide microchips

Three new molecular approaches were developed to identify drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using biochips with oligonucleotides immobilized in polyacrylamide gel pads. These approaches are significantly faster than traditional bacteriological methods. All three approaches-hybridization, PCR, and ligase detection reaction--were designed to analyze an 81-bp fragment of the gene rpoB encoding the beta-subunit of RNA polymerase, where most known mutations of rifampin resistance are located. The call set for hybridization analysis consisted of 42 immobilized oligonucleotides and enabled us to identify 30 mutant variants of the rpoB gene within 24 h. These variants are found in 95% of all mutants whose rifampin resistance is caused by mutations in the 81-bp fragment. Using the second approach, allele-specific on-chip PCR, it was possible to directly identify mutations in clinical samples within 1.5 h. The third approach, on-chip ligase detection reaction, was sensitive enough to reveal rifampin-resistant strains in a model mixture containing 1% of resistant and 99% of susceptible bacteria. This level of sensitivity is comparable to that from the determination of M. tuberculosis drug resistance by using standard bacteriological tests.

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy with hidradenitis suppurativa exacerbation: a case report

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) or complex regional pain syndrome type 1, is characterized by spontaneous pain or allodynia and hyperalgesia disproportionate to the inciting event, multiperipheral nerve involvement, edema, vasomotor or sudomotor change, and possible loss of function. It has been described in relation to various insults, including a number of infectious and inflammatory conditions. We report a case of a patient who developed RSD 1 week after an exacerbation of hidradenitis suppurativa, a rare chronic inflammatory disease of apocrine sweat glands. The patient responded well to a combination of range-of-motion exercises, thermal modalities, and oral steroids. Hidradenitis suppurativa should be considered when searching for an etiology of new onset RSD.

Important qualities in physiatrists: perceptions of rehabilitation team members and patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the personal qualities important in physiatrists as described by patients and rehabilitation team members.

DESIGN

An oral survey.

SETTING

Adult rehabilitation service at a teaching rehabilitation institution affiliated with an academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Convenience sample of 171 people including inpatients, rehabilitation nurses, occupational and physical therapists, and resident and full-time attending physicians.

INTERVENTIONS

Two questions to elicit the personal qualities that were considered important in a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjects' responses grouped as personal qualities (personality), working qualities (professionalism), competence, caring, and collegiality.

RESULTS

Caring and competence qualities were the most important to patients. Collegiality and caring were valued most by the rehabilitation staff. Personal qualities and competence were of relatively greater importance to the physiatrists.

CONCLUSIONS

There was significant variability in the relative. value assigned to each of the five groups of traits among the respondents. Knowledge of the desires and expectations of the people involved in the rehabilitation process may benefit rehabilitation patients, physicians, and staff.

In situ measurements of optical parameters in Lake Baikal with the help of a Neutrino telescope

We present results of an experiment performed in Lake Baikal at a depth of approximately 1 km. The photomultipliers of an underwater neutrino telescope under construction at this site were illuminated by a distant laser. The experiment not only provided a useful cross-check of the time calibration of the detector but also allowed us to determine inherent optical parameters of the water in a way that was complementary to standard methods. In 1997 we measured an absorption length of 22 m and an asymptotic attenuation length of 18 m. The effective scattering length was measured as 480 m. By use of (cos theta) = 0.95 (0.90) for the average scattering angle, this length corresponds to a geometric scattering length of 24 (48) m.

Inferior turbinate goblet cell secretion in patients with perennial allergic and nonallergic rhinitis

Perennial rhinitis is clinically associated with a significant increase in nasal mucus secretion. Moreover, it has already been established that the number of goblet cells, in the inferior turbinates of patients with perennial allergic and nonallergic rhinitis, does not differ from that of normal subjects. Thus a question is raised, whether the above-mentioned phenomenon is ascribed exclusively to submucosal glandular activity, or may also be a result of a nonhyperplastic increase of goblet cell functional activity. This study was conducted to assess inferior turbinate goblet cell mucus secretion in a cohort of patients with perennial allergic and nonallergic rhinitis compared with normal controls. A semiquantitative morphometric method was used to examine goblet cell mucus secretion in sections stained with Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff. Mucus secretion in each section was established in terms of secretory ratio, calculated as the number of secreting goblet cells divided by the number of nonsecreting ones. The mean secretory ratio of patients with perennial allergic (n = 11) and nonallergic rhinitis (n = 23) was 0.89 and 0.57, respectively, compared to controls (n = 10) 0.25. Statistical analysis confirmed that the secretory ratio of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis was significantly higher than that of the control group. No significant difference prevailed between patients with perennial nonallergic rhinitis and controls, as well as between allergic and nonallergic patients. Based on the results of the study, a basal state of nasal goblet cell mucus secretion in nonstimulated healthy people was established. Furthermore, it was concluded that the enhancement in mucus discharge, from the inferior turbinate goblet cells of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis, was attributed to a nonhyperplastic increase of nasal goblet cell functional activity.