Extraction of phenolic compounds from grape pomace using ohmic heating: Chemical composition, bioactivity and bioaccessibility

This study addresses the effectiveness of ohmic heating technology (OH) for the sustainable recovery of phenolic compounds from Grape Pomace (GP) by hydroethanolic extraction. GP extracts biological potential was evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity and preventive effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS). To understand if GP extracts can be used as a functional ingredient, simulated gastrointestinal digestion was performed to evaluate the bioaccessibility. OH-assisted hydroethanolic extraction proved to be an effective process for the recovery of GP phenolic compounds with high antioxidant capacity. The digestion process increased the concentration of total phenolics and the biotransformation of high-molecular phenolics (anthocyanins, flavonoids and resveratrol) in simpler phenolic acids, improving bioaccessibility. GP extract displayed a selective action against cancer cells (Caco-2 and HeLa) and promoted ROS prevention. The results highlighted the ability of OH to extract bioactives from GP and its potential application as a nutraceutical or for functional food formulations.

Efficacy and safety of renal drainage options for percutaneous nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold-standard for treatment of renal stones larger than 20 mm. Traditionally, a nephrostomy tube (NT) is placed, causing discomfort and prolonged hospitalization but some surgeons prefer the tubeless technique (TL). Simultaneously, the effectiveness of ureteral stents after PNCL is doubtful. We investigated the safety of the TL technique as well as that of the single loop (SL) over double loop (DL) stents.

METHODS

Three hundred and twenty-one individuals submitted to PCNL in a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare procedures regarding safety and effectiveness (stone size, residual stones, operative time, peri- and post-operative complications, need for blood transfusion and length of hospital stay) between two groups regarding presence or absence of NT placement (NT [N.=198] vs. TL [N.=123]); and according to the type of stent used (SL [N.=74] vs. DL [N.=247]).

RESULTS

NT was associated with a higher complications rate compared to the TL (30.3% and 13%, respectively; P=0.001) and longer hospitalization (4 vs. 2 days; P=0.001). Regarding ureteral stents, they cause similar morbidities (20.7% and 24.4%; P=0.881), and median length of stay (3 days; P=0.947). NT and DL were more frequent in patients with higher stone burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubeless PCNL encompasses lower morbidity and should be considered as an option for select patients, particularly with less stone burden and uncomplicated procedures. Regarding ureteral stents, SL is a safe option and does not require further procedures for removal.

PML has a predictive role in tumor cell permissiveness to interferon-sensitive oncolytic viruses

The oncotropic phenotypes of several viruses correlate with tumor-associated deficiencies within interferon (IFN) signaling pathways. This observation formed the conceptual basis for developing oncolytic viruses deleted for viral proteins that inhibit the host IFN-dependent antiviral response, such as herpes simplex virus type-1 infected cell protein-0 (ICP0) and vesicular stomatitis virus matrix protein. Many viruses have evolved means to disrupt promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies. For example, ICP0 promotes PML degradation to inhibit the antiviral activities of this IFN-stimulated gene. As PML is downregulated in a variety of tumors, we hypothesized ICP0-null herpes simplex type-1 viruses are selectively oncolytic in tumors with impaired PML expression. We illustrate that ICP0-null herpes simplex type-1 viruses target tumor cells that either possess impaired PML signaling or cannot upregulate PML because of impaired IFN responsiveness. Disruption of PML signaling through overexpression of the dominant-negative protein PML-retinoic acid receptor alpha in PML-positive cells renders them sensitive to oncolysis by ICP0-null herpes simplex virus type-1 and vesicular stomatitis virus M protein mutant viruses, whereas PML overexpression reverses this phenomenon. Together, these data illustrate that PML mediates an antiviral mechanism that predicts the tropism of IFN-sensitive oncolytic viruses. To our knowledge, these viruses are the first examples of anti-cancer therapeutics capable of targeting deficiencies in PML expression.

Immunolocalization and pathological alterations following Strongyloides venezuelensis infection in the lungs and the intestine of MHC class I or II deficient mice

The present study, investigated the mechanisms involved in the immune responses of Major Histocompatibility Complex class I or class II knockout mice, following Strongyloides venezuelensis infection. Wild-type C57BL/6 (WT), MHC II(-/-) and MHC I(-/-) mice were individually inoculated with 3000 larvae (L3) of S. venezuelensis and sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 13 and 21 post-infection (p.i.). Samples of blood, lungs and small intestines were collected. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for the pathological analysis. The presence of the parasite was demonstrated by immunoperoxidase analysis. MHC II(-/-) mice presented a significantly higher number of adult worms recovered from the small intestine on day 5p.i. and presented elevated numbers of eggs in the feces. The infection by S. venezuelensis was completely eliminated 13 days after infection in WT as well as in MHC I(-/-) mice. In MHC II(-/-) mice, eggs and adult worms were still found on day 21 p.i., however, there was a significant reduction in their numbers. In the lung, the parasite was observed in MHC I(-/-) on day 1 p.i. and in MHC II(-/-) mice on days 1 and 5 p.i. In the small intestine of WT mice, a larger number of parasites were observed on day 8 p.i. and their absence was observed after day 13 p.i. Through immunohistochemistry analysis, the parasite was detected in the duodenum of WT on days 5 and 8 p.i., and in knockout mice on days 5, 8 and 13 p.i.; as well as in posterior portions of the small intestine in MHC I(-/-) and MHC II(-/-) on day 13 p.i., a finding which was not observed in WT mice. We concluded that immunohistochemistry analysis contributed to a more adequate understanding of the parasite localization in immunodeficient hosts and that the findings aid in the interpretation of immunopathogenesis in Strongyloides infection.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs from different living conditions in Uberlândia, Brazil

Infection rates with Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were compared among dogs living under different conditions. Stool samples (n = 433) collected from dogs of different ages, gender, living conditions and origin were analyzed using three techniques, i.e., centrifugal flotation in zinc sulfate solution, centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution, and methylene blue gram safranin staining. Eighty-nine of the samples were from stay dogs living in shelters run by animal protection societies, 199 were from kennels and 122 from households. A total of 119 (29.0%) had G. duodenalis cysts and six (1.4%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Dogs from kennels were most frequently affected by G. duodenalis (49.7%) while those from shelters showed a higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (2.2%). A significant difference (p < or = 0.05) was observed between immature dogs and adults only with respect to Giardia infection. There was no significant difference between the gender with regard to the presence of either protozoan.

Absence of Vacuolar Membrane Involving Toxoplasma gondii During Its Intranuclear Localization

Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii were located inside the nucleus of both skeletal muscle cells infected in vitro and peritoneal exudate cells collected from infected mouse in vivo. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated that T. gondii invades the nucleus of host cells by the parasite apical region and with constriction of its body. We noted that the rhoptry, a secretory organelle of the parasite that is involved in the host cell invasion mechanism, was empty in the intranuclear T. gondii. The parasites were found in the nuclear matrix without evidence of the vacuolar membrane. Frequently, new parasites invaded host cell nucleus, which was already infected. The significance of this nuclear invasion could reflect an alternative route of T. gondii for its transitory survival or an escape mechanism from the host immune response during the in vivo infection (or both).

[Nursing understood as a vocation and its relationship to nurses' attitudes towards work conditions]

This study aimed at reflecting about nursing as job by disconsidering the widely accepted conception that identifies it as an assistance activity for that conception might hinder actions towards coping with and changing work conditions. The study attempted to place in history the context in which the vocational/religious model was elaborated as well as to identify the manifestations of that conception in the discourse of Nursing freshmen and seniors, pointing out the fact that the teaching activity must be permeated by the conception of nursing/work.

[Revealing the nurses participation in the Brazilian Nurses Association-Cascavel region]

The objective of the present research is to identify the reasons for the scarce participation of nursing professionals in the Brazilian Association of Nursing (ABEn) and other professional associations. The data was collected from nurses in the city of Cascavel-Paraná and was analysed according to qualitative and quantitative methods. Results show that a small number of professionals take part in the events promoted by ABEn-Cascavel and that there is little interest in joining any professional association. 36.6%, of nurses interviewed showed interest in becoming members of ABEn. Thus, for these professionals ABEn should define strategies of inclusion. The data collected in this research, regarding the reasons for the participation of nurses in the association, has provided ABEN-Cascavel with information that can support its performance in the city, as well as help on the planning of new activities and policies such as the promotion of events and changes on the price of the tuition, which was pointed out as one of the main reasons for the scarce participation of nurses in the association.

[Nursing care theory and practice: teaching and the labor market]

This study identifies how faculty nurses and clinical nurses experience the relationship between teaching and the labor market in Nursing. Data were collected by means of interviews and documentary analysis. Methodological and content categories were utilized for analysis. It became evident that teaching is far from the clinical practice and that it is based on contents which do not have correspondents; there is a phase displacement between what is taught in undergraduation and the incorporation of new technologies, practices and knowledge. Action towards reflections about nursing teaching in order to approach it to clinical work areas is pointed out.

[Care of patients with psychiatric disorders]

Nursing care to the human being in psychical suffering is the theme of this investigation, developed in a psychiatric hospital, in the west region of the Paraná State. This is a qualitative research with the aim of finding out nurses' understanding about their work in psychiatric nursing. Authors used open interview to all the nurses of the institution. Then, data were grouped in thematic unities and analysed through the analysis of the content.

[Simultaneous determination of specific antigen, antibody and immune complexes in the serum of patients with chronic schistosomiasis]

The main steps of a sensitive and quantitative technique for the simultaneous determination, in the same microplate, of antigen, antibody and specific immune complexes has been described. The assay involved principles of the double sandwich technique used in the "Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay" (ELISA). The technique proved to be useful for the estimation of antigen, antibody and specific immune complexes in sera of patients with human chronic hepato-intestinal schistosomiasis.