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To avoid the necessity of a removable provisional prosthesis, and therefore preserve the patient's functional outcome, esthetics, and quality of life, a clinical protocol was developed to approach periodontally compromised patients presenting a full-arch irreversibly lost dentition: full-arch extraction and immediate replacement with a provisional acrylic resin implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD). A total of 23 periodontally compromised patients (11 women, 12 men; 4 smokers, 4 controlled diabetics) were included in this study. Pretreatment casts were taken and vertical dimension of occlusion was determined. In most patients, 6 Straumann implants were distributed along the arch according to the surgical guide or bone availability, with the most distal ones in the maxilla slightly tilted so they could emerge more distally. A total of 168 implants (146 Straumann, 10 Nobel Biocare, 8 Biomet 3i, and 4 Lifecore) were placed (83 in the maxilla, 85 in the mandible). Of those in the maxilla, 74 were loaded immediately (implant stability quotient mentor [ISQm] > 70) and 9 placed with delayed loading (ISQm =/< 70). Of the 85 implants placed in the mandible, all were loaded immediately (ISQm > 70). If an FPD had not been fabricated already, impressions were taken during surgery to do so. The prosthesis was then adapted (cemented or screwed) to the 6 implants within the first 48 hours postsurgery. After 2 months, definitive impressions were taken, and a definitive porcelain-fused-to-metal implant-supported 12-element FPD was fabricated and cemented or screwed to all 6 implants. Of the 168 implants, 108 were immediate implants and 159 immediately loaded. Only 2 implants (1 in the mandible, 1 in the maxilla) did not osseointegrate. This yields a 3-year cumulative survival rate of 98.74% (98.65% in the maxilla, 98.82% in the mandible). From a total of 26 immediately loaded prostheses (12 in the maxilla, 14 in the mandible), 6 were cemented and 20 screw-retained. The 3-year cumulative survival rate was 100%. Immediate loading in mandibular and maxillary periodontally compromised patients presents itself as a predictable technique with a 100% cumulative survival rate for provisional and definitive prosthetic rehabilitations. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2010;30:447-455.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapered implants have become routine for immediate implant placement after tooth extraction. It seemed extremely advantageous to use tapered implants in type 4 bone, where primary stability is difficult to achieve. The authors established a surgical implant placement protocol to be followed in areas where type 4 bone and a wide bone ridge (> or = 8 mm) are present. First, preparation of the implant alveolus is done exclusively with cylindric osteotomes, rather than with conic osteotomes or drills. The final cylindric osteotome is the same diameter as the final twist drill that is typically used in conventional preparation of the implant alveolus (a technique that can be adapted for use with other tapered implants). Because of the self-tapping property of the tapered implant used and its anatomic design, this surgical technique was developed to optimize the bone compaction effect in the coronal third of the implant, improving bone density and providing better primary stability values (> or = 70 ISO, via the Osstell Mentor device). With the strong bond that is created between the implant surface and the surrounding bone using this technique, immediate loading can be predictable, even in the type 4 bone that is commonly found in the maxillary tuberosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, length of hospital stay (LOS), and quality of life (QOL) following coronary artery bypass graft surgery., Methods: The search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Handbook and included the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and CENTRAL. The review included randomized controlled trials utilizing IMT during phase 1 or 2 postoperative cardiac rehabilitation (PoCR) versus alternative treatment (active or passive control) in patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery., Results: Fifteen studies were included (11 phase 1 studies, 4 phase 2 studies) with no reported adverse events. In phase 1 PoCR, IMT reduced the LOS (-1.02 days; 95% CI = -2.00 to -0.03) and increased exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance) (+75.46 m; 95% CI = 52.34 to 98.57), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (10.46 cm H2O; 95% CI = 2.83 to 18.10), but had no effect on maximal expiratory pressure. In phase 2 PoCR, IMT increased 6-minute walk distance (45.84 m; 95% CI = 10.89 to 80.80), MIP (-23.19 cm H2O; 95% CI = -31.31 to -15), maximal expiratory pressure (20.18 cm H2O; 95% CI = 9.60 to 30.76), and QOL (-11.17; 95% CI = -17.98 to -4.36), with no effect on peak oxygen uptake. There was a high risk of bias for MIP (75% of the phase 1 studies) and 6MWT (1 of 4 phase 2 studies). The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate., Conclusion: IMT significantly improves exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, LOS, and QOL in phase 1 and 2 PoCR., Impact: IMT may benefit patients during phase 1 and 2 of PoCR, considering the safety, low cost, and potential benefits., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The present study aims to assess the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous and protease inhibitors extracts of Sterculia striata on breast cancer cell lines. The in vitro results showed significant reductions in the highest concentrations from the S. striata seed extract for all cell lines. The aqueous extract reduced the viability by up to 35% in the MCF-7, 25% in the 4T1, and 35% in the MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Regarding the protease inhibitor extract, a 50% reduction in cell viability was observed in the MDA-MB-231 at concentration of 333 µg/mL. The aqueous and the protease inhibitor extracts showed mild reduction in the viability of macrophage cell lines. Chemical characterisation analysis revealed several polyphenols such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and other secondary metabolites including terpenes, steroids, fatty acids, and organic acids, which may be related to the promising bioactivity observed. The S. striata showed antitumor activity, emphasising its pharmacological potential.

We took advantage of the increasingly evolving approaches for in silico studies concerning protein structures, protein molecular dynamics (MD), protein-protein and protein-DNA docking to evaluate: (i) the structure and MD characteristics of the HLA-G well-recognized isoforms, (ii) the impact of missense mutations at HLA-G receptor genes (LILRB1/2), and (iii) the differential binding of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) to hypoxia-responsive elements (HRE) at the HLA-G gene. Besides reviewing these topics, they were revisited including the following novel results: (i) the HLA-G6 isoforms were unstable docked or not with β 2 -microglobulin or peptide, (ii) missense mutations at LILRB1/2 genes, exchanging amino acids at the intracellular domain, particularly those located within and around the ITIM motifs, may impact the HLA-G binding strength, and (iii) HREs motifs at the HLA-G promoter or exon 2 regions exhibiting a guanine at their third position present a higher affinity for HIF1 when compared to an adenine at the same position. These data shed some light into the functional aspects of HLA-G, particularly how polymorphisms may influence the role of the molecule. Computational and atomistic studies have provided alternative tools for experimental physical methodologies, which are time-consuming, expensive, demanding large quantities of purified proteins, and exhibit low output., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Human Antigen Leukocyte-G ( HLA-G ) gene encodes an immune checkpoint molecule that has restricted tissue expression in physiological conditions; however, the gene may be induced in hypoxic conditions by the interaction with the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF1). Hypoxia regulatory elements (HRE) located at the HLA-G promoter region and at exon 2 are the major HIF1 target sites. Since the G allele of the -964G > A transversion induces higher HLA-G expression when compared to the A allele in hypoxic conditions, here we analyzed HIF1-HRE complex interaction at the pair-atom level considering both -964G > A polymorphism alleles. Mouse HIF2 dimer crystal (Protein Data Bank ID: 4ZPK) was used as template to perform homology modelling of human HIF1 quaternary structure using MODELLER v9.14. Two 3D DNA structures were built from 5'GCRTG'3 HRE sequence containing the -964G/A alleles using x3DNA. Protein-DNA docking was performed using the HADDOCK v2.4 server, and non-covalent bonds were computed by DNAproDB server. Molecular dynamic simulation was carried out per 200 ns, using Gromacs v.2019. HIF1 binding in the HRE containing -964G allele results in more hydrogen bonds and van der Waals contact formation than HRE with -964A allele. Protein-DNA complex trajectory analysis revealed that HIF1-HRE-964G complex is more stable. In conclusion, HIF1 binds in a more stable and specific manner at the HRE with G allele.

Background: This study aimed to track the toxic ions released by MTA Fillapex, BioRoot RCS, and an experimental tricalcium silicate-based sealer (CEO) into local and distant tissues as well as to investigate their potential adverse effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of the sealers were also evaluated. The main components of the dry powders, pastes, and mixed sealers were characterized., Material and Methods: Dry powder and sealer discs were each set for 72 h and their main components were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Polyethylene tubes filled with sealers were used to measure silicon and calcium ions. Polyethylene tubes filled with sealers or empty tubes were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats. On days 7, 15, 30, and 45, the animals were euthanized and their brains, livers, kidneys, and subcutaneous tissues were removed and processed to determine the concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, iron, magnesium and nickel using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer., Results: The main compounds in all sealers were carbon, oxygen, silicon, and calcium. MTA Fillapex release more Si while highest levels of Si were found in presence of BioRoot. The release of Si and Ca ions promoted by MTA Fillapex raise by time. No traces of cobalt, chromium, or magnesium were detected in any tissue. Irrespective of the sealer, no traces of copper and lead were found in the subcutaneous tissue; however, they were observed in the organs. The highest concentration of iron was identified in the liver. All sealers exhibited similar nickel traces in the brain, kidney, and liver except for MTA Fillapex, which demonstrated levels higher than CEO in the subcutaneous tissue on day 7. Tracing nickel ions over time revealed that lowest concentrations were found in subcutaneous tissue., Conclusion: Taken together, our data demonstrate that CEOs have chemical compositions similar to those of other commercial sealers. Furthermore, none of them exhibited a threat to systemic health. Moreover, the minimal amounts of iron and nickel detected were not related to the sealers., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and biological properties of Ambroxol associated with glycerin (GLI), propylene glycol (PG), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a possible vehicle for an experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, with the intention of developing a new biomaterial. Mouse undifferentiated dental pulp cells (OD-21) were cultured, and the effects of different association on cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production were investigated. Antimicrobial adhesion of Enterococcus faecalis to setting sealers at 2 h was evaluated. Polyethylene tubes containing experimental sealers and empty tubes were implanted into dorsal connective tissues of 12 male 3- to 4-months-old Wistar rats (250-280 g). After 7 and 30 days, the tubes were removed and processed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction and ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for parametric data and Kruskal-Wallis followed by Dunn for nonparametric (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was dose-dependent, since all association were cytotoxic at higher concentrations; however, Ambroxol-PEG showed significantly higher cytotoxicity than other association (p < 0.05). In addition, irrespective of the association, no cytokine production was observed in vitro. Ambroxol-GLI reduced bacterial viability, whereas Ambroxol-PEG increased (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed no significant difference in the inflammatory response (p > 0.05) and mineralization ability in all association. Additionally, IL-1β and TNF-α were upregulated on Ambroxol-PEG in relation to Control at 07 days (p < 0.05). Ambroxol-GLI was the best vehicle for experimental tricalcium silicate sealer, as it promoted an increase in antimicrobial activity without altering the inflammatory response or mineralization ability., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Our objective is to investigate the phytochemical components, antioxidant capacity and in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory action from Cecropia hololeuca bark aqueous extract (AECh). The chemical characterization of AECh was performed through CE-UV, FTIR and NMR Spectroscopy. In vitro assays were performed with the AECh on murine macrophages J774A.1 cells in order to analyse cell viability, NO, TNF-α and IL-1β productions and the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential in acute carrageenan paw oedema in mice. The AECh showed a decrease in the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-1β, without altering the cell viability and reduction of the paw thickness in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th hour. The extract presented 72% free radical scavenging, 0.60% flavonoid content and showed the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid and catechin as major constituents. The C. hololeuca bark extract showed important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, emphasizing the industrial and pharmacological potential of this plant.

Environmental contamination has been a cause of concern worldwide, being aggravated by anthropogenic activities carried out without the correct disposal of toxic products in the various habitats on our planet. In Brazil, mining companies are responsible for the contamination of large river basins with toxic elements from mining activities. Among these elements, arsenic draws attention because it is highly carcinogenic and found in waters in concentrations above those recommended by regulatory agencies. Here, Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 nanoparticles are synthesized and used as a filter medium in water purification systems contaminated with arsenic. The adsorption kinetics of arsenic by Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 nanoparticles is fast, showing pseudo-second-order rate constants of 0.0044, 0.0080, and 0.0106 g mg -1  min -1 for As 3+ , As 5+ , and MMA, respectively. The adsorption isotherms are better adjusted with the Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson models, indicating that the arsenic adsorption occurs in monolayers on the Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 surface. The Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 adsorption capacities determined for the As 3+ , As 5+ , and MMA species are 16.1, 23.1, and 23.5 mg g -1 , respectively. The Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 filter is efficient in purifying arsenic-contaminated water, reducing its initial concentration from 1000 μg L -1 to levels close to zero. Biological tests indicate that Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 nanoparticles and filtered water have no cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic risks to human life. Those results suggest that the Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 filter can be used as an efficient and safe technology for the purification of water contaminated by arsenic.

Sm16 is an immunomodulatory protein that seems to play a key role in the suppression of the cutaneous inflammatory response during Schistosoma mansoni penetration of the skin of definitive hosts. Therefore, Sm16 represents a potential target for protective immune responses induced by vaccination. In this work, we generated the recombinant protein rSm16 and produced polyclonal antibodies against this protein to evaluate its expression during different parasite life-cycle stages and its location on the surface of the parasite. In addition, we analyzed the immune responses elicited by immunization with rSm16 using two different vaccine formulations, as well as its ability to induce protection in Balb/c mice. In order to explore the biological function of Sm16 during the course of experimental infection, RNA interference was also employed. Our results demonstrated that Sm16 is expressed in cercaria and schistosomula and is located in the schistosomula surface. Despite humoral and cellular immune responses triggered by vaccination using rSm16 associated with either Freund's or alum adjuvants, immunized mice presented no reduction in either parasite burden or parasite egg laying. Knockdown of Sm16 gene expression in schistosomula resulted in decreased parasite size in vitro but had no effect on parasite survival or egg production in vivo . Thus, our findings demonstrate that although the vaccine formulations used in this study succeeded in activating immune responses, these failed to promote parasite elimination. Finally, we have shown that Sm16 is not vital for parasite survival in the definitive host and hence may not represent a suitable target for vaccine development., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Wilma Patrícia de Oliveira Santos Bernardes et al.)

Background: A 9-year-old child with a 9-month history of complaints of dizziness, headache, and motion sensitivity came to physical therapy. The child complained of difficulties playing on a playground, running, riding in a car, watching "action movies," sitting under fluorescent lights, and making quick head movements., Methods: An initial evaluation included a clinical oculomotor examination, vergence testing, static and dynamic visual acuity testing, head impulse testing, subjective visual vertical, balance testing, the pediatric vestibular symptom questionnaire, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory-child caregivers version (DHI-PC) and a visual vertigo analog scale. Physical therapy included virtual reality with Xbox games plus adaptation, habituation, and balance exercises. She was seen once per week and given a home program of exercises 2 to 3 times a day., Results: After 10 treatment sessions, she reported that playing was easier, headaches had reduced, she could travel as a passenger in a car for long distances without complaints, and that she could watch 3-dimensional action movies without symptoms. Her pediatric vestibular symptom questionnaire scores had reduced from 0.7 to 0.1. The DHI-PC had decreased from 22 to 12 points and her visual vertigo analog scale scores were improved., Conclusions: Vestibular rehabilitation improved this child's quality of life. She was able to return to her daily living activities with fewer symptoms.

Great efforts have been made to identify promising antigens and vaccine formulations against schistosomiasis. Among the previously described Schistosoma vaccine candidates, cyclophilins comprise an interesting antigen that could be used for vaccine formulations. Cyclophilin A is the target for the cyclosporine A, a drug with schistosomicide activity, and its orthologue from Schistosoma japonicum induces a protective immune response in mice. Although Schistosoma mansoni cyclophilin A also represents a promising target for anti-schistosome vaccines, its potential to induce protection has not been evaluated. In this study, we characterized the cyclophilin A (SmCyp), initially described as Smp17.7, analyzed its allergenic potential using in vitro functional assays, and evaluated its ability to induce protection in mice when administered as an antigen using different vaccine formulations and strategies. Results indicated that SmCyp could be successfully expressed by mammalian cells and bacteria. The recombinant protein did not promote IgE-reporter system activation in vitro, demonstrating its probable safety for use in vaccine formulations. T and B-cell epitopes were predicted in the SmCyp sequence, with two of them located within the active isomerase site. The most immunogenic antigen, SmCyp (107-121), was then used for immunization protocols. Immunization with the SmCyp gene or protein failed to reduce parasite burden but induced an immune response that modulated the granuloma area. In contrast, immunization with the synthetic peptide SmCyp (107-121) significantly reduced worm burden (48-50%) in comparison to control group, but did not regulate liver pathology. Moreover, the protection observed in mice immunized with the synthetic peptide was associated with the significant production of antibodies against the SmCyp (107-121) epitope. Therefore, in this study, we identified an epitope within the SmCyp sequence that induces a protective immune response against the parasite, thus representing a promising antigen that could be used for vaccine formulation against schistosomiasis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The delayed diagnosis and the inadequate treatment of diabetes increase the risk of chronic complications. The study of regulatory molecules such as miRNAs can provide expression profiles of diabetes and diabetes complications. We evaluated the mononuclear cell miRNA profiles of 63 Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients presenting or not microvascular complications, and 40 healthy controls, using massive parallel sequencing. Gene targets, enriched pathways, dendograms and miRNA-mRNA networks were performed for the differentially expressed miRNAs. Six more relevant miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR and data mining analysis. MiRNAs associated with specific complications included: i) neuropathy (miR-873-5p, miR-125a-5p, miR-145-3p and miR-99b-5p); ii) nephropathy (miR-1249-3p, miR-193a-5p, miR-409-5p, miR-1271-5p, miR-501-3p, miR-148b-3p and miR-9-5p); and iii) retinopathy (miR-143-3p, miR-1271-5p, miR-409-5p and miR-199a-5p). These miRNAs mainly targeted gene families and specific genes associated with advanced glycation end products and their receptors. Sets of miRNAs were also defined as potential targets for diabetes/diabetes complication pathogenesis., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Thirty-eight patients (aged 25 to 74) requesting extraction-socket and sinus augmentation procedures (27 and 11 patients, respectively) prior to implant placement volunteered to participate in this case series protocol. Surgical sites were grafted with either biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) + collagen (for extraction-socket augmentation) or BCP with a collagen barrier membrane (for maxillary sinus augmentation). All patients completed the 1-year postloading follow-up, which consisted of clinical and radiographic evaluations. No implants were lost, and both healthy soft tissue support and good radiographic evidence of supporting bone were found around implants. The result of this short-term evaluation of implants placed in areas grafted with alloplasts seemed to be favorable and promising.

The helminth Schistosoma mansoni is one of main causes of human schistosomiasis, a health and economic concern in some of the world's poorest countries. Current treatment regimens can lead to serious side effects and are not suitable for breastfeeding mothers. As such, efforts have been undertaken to develop a vaccine to prevent infection. Of these, Sm29 is a promising candidate that has been associated with resistance to infection/reinfection in humans and mice. Its ability to induce resistance to reinfection has also been recently demonstrated using a vaccine formulation containing Freund's adjuvant. However, Freund's adjuvant is unsuitable for use in human vaccines. We therefore evaluated the ability of Sm29 to induce protection against S. mansoni reinfection when formulated with either alum or MPLA as an adjuvant, both approved for human use. Our data demonstrate that, in contrast to Sm29 with MPLA, Sm29 with alum reduced parasite burden after reinfection compared to a control. We next investigated whether the immune response was involved in creating the differences between the protective (Sm29Alum) and non-protective (Sm29MPLA) vaccine formulations. We observed that both formulations induced a similar mixed-profile immune response, however, the Sm29 with alum formulation raised the levels of antibodies against Sm29. This suggests that there is an association between a reduction in worm burden and parasite-specific antibodies. In summary, our data show that Sm29 with an alum adjuvant can successfully protect against S. mansoni reinfection in mice, indicating a potentially effective vaccine formulation that could be applied in humans.

Asthma is a genetically complex chronic inflammatory airway disorder, and according to disease pathogenesis, clinical manifestations may vary according to asthma severity. A gene region close to the human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) gene was identified as an independent susceptibility marker for asthma. Considering that the HLA-G immune checkpoint molecule may modulate inflammation, we evaluated the diversity of the HLA-G 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) in asthmatic patients stratified according to disease severity. We evaluate the entire HLA-G 3'UTR segment in 115 Brazilian patients stratified into mild (n=29), moderate (n=21) and severe asthmatics (n=65), and in 116 healthy individuals. HLA-G 3'UTR typing was performed using Sanger sequencing. The multiple comparisons among patients stratified according to disease severity revealed several associations; however, after Bonferroni's correction, the following results remained significant: i) the +3010C and +3142G alleles were overrepresented in mild asthma patients when compared to controls; ii) the +3010G and +3142C alleles were overrepresented in severe asthma patients in comparison to patients with mild asthma. In conclusion, the +3010C/G and +3142C/G HLA-G 3'UTR variation sites were differentially associated according to asthma severity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective and Design: The present work investigates the modulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using genistein before the EAE induction., Material: Female C57BL/6 mice (n = 96 mice/experiment), 4-6 weeks old, were used to induce the EAE. The mice were divided into three experimental groups: non-immunized group, immunized group (EAE), and immunized and treated with genistein group (Genistein)., Treatment: Genistein was used at a dose of 200 mg/kg s.c. and were initiated 2 days before the immunization and continued daily until day 6 postimmunization., Methods: Animals were monitored daily for clinical signs of EAE up to day 21. Inflammatory infiltration, demyelination, Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression, cytokines and transcription factors were analyzed in spinal cords., Results: The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the genistein ability to modulate the factors involved in the innate immune response in the early stages of EAE. The genistein therapy delayed the onset of the disease, with reduced inflammatory infiltration and demyelination. In addition, the expression of TLR3, TLR9 and IFN-β were increased in genistein group, with reduction in the factors of TH1 and Th17 cells., Conclusion: These findings shed light on the potential of genistein as a prophylactic strategy for multiple sclerosis (MS) prevention.

Background and aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the presence of fat in hepatocytes because of decreased β-oxidation and increased lipogenesis. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotic have modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota and may influence the gut-liver axis. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic, probiotics, and synbiotic on liver histopathology and gene expression related to β-oxidation and lipogenesis after hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Wistar male adult rats ( n = 40) were submitted to hypercholesterolemic conditions (HPC) (60 days). On Day 30 of HPC, rats were subdivided in 5 groups: negative control (NC): without HPC + Gv (distilled water); positive control (PC): with HPC + Gv (distilled water); prebiotic (PRE): HPC + Gv with prebiotic (Fiber FOS ® ); probiotic (PRO): HPC + Gv with probiotic strains Gv (Probiatop ® ); and synbiotic (SYN): HPC + Gv with synbiotic (Simbioflora ® ). All rats were sacrificed on Day 30 post-treatment. Blood was collected to verify total serum cholesterol, and liver tissue was sampled to verify histopathological changes and gene expression. Gene expression related to ß-oxidation (PPAR-α and CPT-1) and lipogenesis (SREBP-1c, FAS and ME) was evaluated in liver tissue using RT-qPCR. Results: PC had higher cholesterol levels when compared to NC. PRE and SYN rats had lower cholesterol levels than PC. PC rats showed more histopathological changes than NC rats; PRE and SYN rats showed fewer alterations than PC rats. PPAR-α was expressed at higher levels in SYN and PC rats compared with PRE and PRO rats. CPT-1 expression was similar in all groups. SREBP-1c was expressed at higher levels in PC rats compared with NC rats; levels were lower in SYN rats compared with PRO rats; levels were lower in PRE rats compared with PC and PRO rats. FAS was expressed at lower levels in PRE rats compared with SYN rats. ME expression was lower in PC rats compared with NC rats. Conclusion: Prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation improve hepatic alterations related to hypercholesterolemia. These changes appear to be mediated by altered expression of genes related to β-oxidation and lipogenesis.

Asthma is characterized by intermittent airway obstruction and chronic inflammation, orchestrated primarily by Th2 cytokines. There is a strong rationale for developing new asthma therapies, since current treatment protocols present side effects and may not be effective in cases of difficult-to-control asthma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of ferulic acid, a phenolic acid commonly present in plants, in the ovalbumin-induced pulmonary allergy murine model., Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin, and treatments were provided by gavage. Six groups of mice (n = 6) were studied, labeled as: control, pulmonary allergy, dexamethasone, and 3 receiving ferulic acid (at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were collected for analysis., Results: Ferulic acid treatment inhibited an established allergic Th2-response by decreasing the key features of pulmonary allergy, including lung and airway inflammation, eosinophil infiltration, mucus production and serum levels of OVA-specific IgE. These results were associated with lower levels of CCL20, CCL11 and CCL5 chemokines and IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, TSLP, IL-25 and IL-33 cytokines in lung tissue homogenate., Conclusions: In this study it was demonstrated for the first time that ferulic acid treatment is able to suppress one of the main features of the airway remodeling, indicated by reduction of mucus production, besides the Th2 pathogenic response on ovalbumin-induced pulmonary allergy. Taken together, results shows that the immunopathological mechanism underlying these effects is linked to a reduction of the epithelial-derived chemokines and cytokines, suggesting that ferulic acid may be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for asthma., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that obesity affects the development and phenotype of asthma by inducing inflammatory mechanisms in addition to eosinophilic inflammation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of obesity on allergic airway inflammation and T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses using an experimental model of asthma in BALB/c mice. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and analyses were performed at 24 and 48 h after the last OVA challenge. Obesity induced an increase of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-expressing macrophages and neutrophils which peaked at 48 h after the last OVA challenge, and was associated with higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-9, IL-17A, leptin and interferon (IFN)-γ in the lungs. Higher goblet cell hyperplasia was associated with elevated mast cell influx into the lungs and trachea in the obese allergic mice. In contrast, early eosinophil influx and lower levels of IL-25, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), CCL11 and OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE) were observed in the obese allergic mice in comparison to non-obese allergic mice. Moreover, obese mice showed higher numbers of mast cells regardless of OVA challenge. These results indicate that obesity affects allergic airway inflammation through mechanisms involving mast cell influx and the release of TSLP and IL-25, which favoured a delayed immune response with an exacerbated Th1, Th2 and Th17 profile. In this scenario, an intense mixed inflammatory granulocyte influx, classically activated macrophage accumulation and intense mucus production may contribute to a refractory therapeutic response and exacerbate asthma severity., (© 2017 British Society for Immunology.)

Schistosomiasis is the second leading cause of death due to parasitic diseases in the world. Seeking an alternative for the control of disease, the World Health Organization funded the genome sequencing of the major species related to schistosomiasis to identify potential vaccines and therapeutic targets. Therefore, the aim of this work was to select T and B-cell epitopes from Schistosoma mansoni through computational analyses and evaluate the immunological potential of epitopes in vitro. Extracellular regions of membrane proteins from the Schistosoma mansoni were used to predict promiscuous epitopes with affinity to different human Major Histocompatibility Class II (MHCII) molecules by bioinformatics analysis. The three-dimensional structure of selected epitopes was constructed and used in molecular docking to verify the interaction with murine MHCII H2-IA b . In this process, four epitopes were selected and synthesized to assess their ability to stimulate proliferation of CD4 + T lymphocytes in mice splenocyte cultures. The results showed that Sm041370 and Sm168240 epitopes induced significant cell proliferation. Additionally, the four epitopes were used as antigens in the Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to assess the recognition by serum from individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Sm140560, Sm168240, and Sm041370 epitopes were recognized by infected individuals IgG antibodies. Therefore, Sm041370 and Sm168240 epitopes that stood out in in silico and in vitro analyses could be promising antigens in schistosomiasis vaccine development or diagnostic kits. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:804-814, 2017., (© 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Introduction: Nitric oxide (NO) modulates inflammatory reactions, having beneficial or toxic effects depending on the concentration. Its elevation can cause proinflammatory effects amplifying the inflammatory process with the participation of cytokines. Smoking has a negative impact on health and is considered one of the risk factors that influence disease development facilitating inflammatory processes., Aim: To compare the serum concentration of NO and cytokines in smokers at baseline and after 4months of abstinence treatment., Methods: Blood samples which were collected to obtain the serum, at baseline and after 4months, were stored at -80°C until analysis. NO was measured by the total dose of nitrite determined by the Greiss method. CBA was the used technique to determine the concentration of cytokines in supernatants serum. The initial and final results of NO, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12 that remained after 4months treatment were compared. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the data and Spearman test for correlations between NO and other variables. A significance level of p<0.05 was adopted., Results: The analysis of NO observed a significant reduction (p=0.001) of the initial median value of 18.80 (3.55-80.01) μmol/L to 8.10 (2.85-14.97) μmol/L after 4months of treatment. There were no significant differences in cytokines from baseline to the end of treatment., Conclusion: The results may not mean harm to the body, but an adaptive process, decreasing the metabolism of abstinents due to the reduction of the use of nicotine., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Several studies have used placebo acupuncture methods in recent years as a way for blinding therapeutic effect of acupuncture, however placebo method selection has not followed enough methodological criteria to the point of stabilishing a consensus of what should be the best method to be used. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three different placebo acupuncture methods for blinding applied in healthy subjects., Methods: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sergipe with the number 47193015.5.0000.5546 and all individuals participating in the study signed a free and informed consent. For this study, 321 healthy volunteers were randomly divided into seven groups using the abdominal point stomach (ST) 25 and seven groups using the lumbar point bladder (Bl) 52 for stimulation. For real acupuncture procedure, three different methods of placebo acupuncture plus a mix between real acupuncture and placebo applied in the same individual, totaling fourteen groups in this study. Outcome assessments were performed before and immediately after applying the technique. Investigator who assessed variables had no knowledgement about the method was applied. Identification, weight and height were measured before puncture by using. At the end, subjects were asked if they believed they were receiving real or placebo acupuncture., Results: There was no significant difference between groups for the perception about the type o stimulation (wheter real or placebo puncture). Percentage of subjects who reported to have received real acupuncture in the abdominal point was 69.56% in real group, 86.95% in group Park Sham, 82.60% in needle + foam, 91.30% in insertion and removal, 78.26% in real + Park Sham, 86.36% in real + needle and foam, 86.95% in real + insertion and removal, and for the lumbar point was 86.36% in real group, 86.95% in group Park Sham, 69.56% in needle + foam, 72% in insertion and removal, 86.95% in real + Park Sham, 81.81% in real + needle and foam and 78.26% in real + insertion and removal., Conclusion: All placebo acupuncture methods proposed in this study were equally effective for bliding the study participants using either abdominal or lumbar acupoints, and none of the placebo methods presented benefit compared to the other to be used in future clinical trials., Ethics Committee: Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), number of approval: 47193015.5.0000.5546 TRIAL REGISTRATION: ensaiosclinicos.gov.br RBR-3w2p32 Registered in 28th January 2016.

The literature has questioned the real need for some clinical and laboratory procedures considered essential for achieving better results for complete denture fabrication. The aim of this study was to review the current literature concerning the relevance of a two-step impression procedure to achieve better clinical results in fabricating conventional complete dentures. Through an electronic search strategy of the PubMed/MEDLINE database, randomised controlled clinical trials which compared complete denture fabrication in adults in which one or two steps of impressions occurred were identified. The selections were made by three independent reviewers. Among the 540 titles initially identified, four studies (seven published papers) reporting on 257 patients evaluating aspects such as oral health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction with dentures in use, masticatory performance and chewing ability, denture quality, direct and indirect costs were considered eligible. The quality of included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines. The clinical studies considered for this review suggest that a two-step impression procedure may not be mandatory for the success of conventional complete denture fabrication regarding a variety of clinical aspects of denture quality and patients' perceptions of the treatment., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Flaxseed oil is an alpha linolenic acid source important in the growth and body development stage; furthermore, this acid acts on adipose tissue and bone health. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, fatty acid composition, hormone profile, retroperitoneal adipocyte area and femur structure of pups at weaning, whose mothers were fed a diet containing flaxseed oil during lactation. After birth, pups were randomly assigned: control (C, n = 12) and flaxseed oil (FO, n = 12), rats whose mothers were treated with diet containing soybean or flaxseed oil. At 21 days, the pups were weaned and body mass, length, body composition, biochemical parameter, leptin, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, fatty acids composition, intra-abdominal fat mass and femur structure were analyzed. FO showed (p < 0.05): higher body mass (+12 %) and length (+9 %); body fat mass (g, +45 %); bone mineral density (+8 %), bone mineral content (+55 %) and bone area (+35 %), osteocalcin (+173 %) and osteoprotegerin (+183 %). Arachidonic acid was lower (p < 0.0001), alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were higher (p < 0.0001). Intra-abdominal fat mass was higher (+25 %), however, the retroperitoneal adipocytes area was lower (-44 %). Femur mass (+10 %), distance between epiphyses (+4 %) and bone mineral density (+13 %) were higher. The study demonstrates that adequate flaxseed oil content during a lactation diet plays an important role in the development of pups.

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that S. mansoni infection and inoculation of the parasite eggs and antigens are able to modulate airways inflammation induced by OVA in mice. This modulation was associated to an enhanced production of interleukin-10 and to an increased number of regulatory T cells. The S. mansoni schistosomulum is the first stage to come into contact with the host immune system and its tegument represents the host-parasite interface. The schistosomula tegument (Smteg) has never been studied in the context of modulation of inflammatory disorders, although immune evasion mechanisms take place in this phase of infection to guarantee the persistence of the parasite in the host., Methodology and Principal Findings: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Smteg ability to modulate inflammation in an experimental airway inflammation model induced by OVA and to characterize the immune factors involved in this modulation. To achieve the objective, BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and then challenged with OVA aerosol after Smteg intraperitoneal inoculation. Protein extravasation and inflammatory cells were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage and IgE levels were measured in serum. Additionally, lungs were excised for histopathological analyses, cytokine measurement and characterization of the cell populations. Inoculation with Smteg led to a reduction in the protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and eosinophils in both BAL and lung tissue. In the lung tissue there was a reduction in inflammatory cells and collagen deposition as well as in IL-5, IL-13, IL-25 and CCL11 levels. Additionally, a decrease in specific anti-OVA IgE levels was observed. The reduction observed in these inflammatory parameters was associated with increased levels of IL-10 in lung tissues. Furthermore, Smteg/asthma mice showed high percentage of CD11b+F4/80+IL-10+ and CD11c+CD11b+IL-10+ cells in lungs., Conclusion: Taken together, these findings demonstrate that S. mansoni schistosomula tegument can modulates experimental airway inflammation.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a model for the study of multiple sclerosis, which is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Despite increased efforts to elucidate the function of toll-like receptors (TLRs) in autoimmune diseases of the CNS, the relative contribution of other factors, including the immunomodulatory properties of TLR signaling, role of the innate response and the presence or absence of myelin peptides remain unclear. The aim was to evaluate TLR expression in the CNS during EAE development by investigating the expression of TLRs in the initial phase of EAE and establishing correlations with the modulation of inflammatory factors. Mice were subcutaneously immunized at the tail base with 100 μg of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55), emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) supplemented with 400 μg of attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RA. Pertussis toxin (300 ng per animal) was intraperitoneally injected on the day of immunization and 48 h later. Another group (MOG(-)) received an equal emulsion of CFA and M. tuberculosis, without MOG35-55, and the same protocol of Pertussis toxin. The immunized mice presented signs of disease with increased IFN-γ production and presence of NK cells on Day 2 postimmunization and reduced the expression of TLR-3 and TLR-9. In the spinal cord, CCL5 and CCL20 were higher in EAE. This study establishes a correlation between TLR-3 and TLR-9 expression with the development of EAE. In addition, evidence of a role for the myelin peptide in targeting the innate inflammatory response to the CNS is presented.

Schistosome-host interaction is influenced by multiple factors, such as the type of immune response developed by the host, host genetic background, intensity, and number of infections. Those factors not only affect the development and elimination of Schistosoma mansoni , but also the pathology triggered by infection with this parasite. In the present study, we assessed the parasitological, pathological, and immunological aspects elicited by infection and reinfection in 2 different mouse strains commonly used as models in studies on schistosomiasis: BALB/c and C57BL/6. No differences in worm burden recovery or in the number of eggs per gram of intestine or feces were observed between the strains or between infected and reinfected mice from the same strain. However, the number of eggs trapped in the liver of the reinfected mice was significantly higher than the number of eggs in the liver of the infected animals. But, the granulomatous area was significantly lower in reinfected animals than in infected ones. Additionally, granuloma in the infected BALB/c mice was greater than in infected C57BL/6 animals. Regarding the cytokine profile, spleen cells from the infected/reinfected C57BL/6 mice produced higher interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels against egg antigens than BALB/c-infected/reinfected mice. BALB/c mice, in contrast, produced significantly higher IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines after infection/reinfection than the C57BL/6 mice, with the highest levels of IL-13 being observed after reinfection. Our results demonstrate that, although different host backgrounds did not impact resistance to S. mansoni , they result in different immunological profiles that suggest different pathological impacts on the liver.

Objective: to analyze cervical cancer mortality trends in the state of Rio Grande do Norte and its health micro-regions from 1996 to 2010, as well as to make projections for five-year periods from 2011 to 2030., Methods: this was an ecological time series study; negative binomial regression was used to analyze trends and projections., Results: rates above 5.0 deaths per 100,000 women were observed in all the micro-regions, with a stationary trend in the state as a whole and an upward trend in the micro-regions with the worst socioeconomic conditions; projections indicated reduction in mortality rates in the state, from 5.95/100,000 women (2006-2010) to 3.67 (2026-2030), although a 22% increase in the absolute number of deaths is expected., Conclusion: although a reduction in mortality rates is projected, they continue to be high, indicating the need for review and strengthening of the state's cervical cancer control program.

Objective: Analyze the factors associated with full hepatitis B vaccination (three doses) in patients with diabetes mellitus., Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a health unit in a city in the state of São Paulo, with 255 patients on outpatient follow-up, in 2014. Data were obtained from the computerized system of the Municipal Health Department and via a structured questionnaire. A logistic regression model was used for analysis., Results: Full hepatitis B vaccination was noted in 13.7% of the patients and shown to be directly associated with their educational level (OR=1.30; CI: 1.07-1.57) and current or previous work as a health professional (OR=3.21; CI: 1.16-8.89)., Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was found to be low in patients with diabetes mellitus, indicating their vulnerability to this serious and potentially fatal disease. Higher educational level and working in the field of health were associated with better vaccination coverage., Objetivo: Analisar os fatores associados à vacinação completa contra hepatite B (3 doses) em pacientes com diabetes mellitus., Método: Estudo transversal, realizado em uma Unidade de Saúde, de uma cidade do interior paulista, com 255 pacientes em seguimento ambulatorial, em 2014. Os dados foram obtidos no sistema informatizado da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde e por meio de um questionário estruturado e, para análise, modelo de regressão logística., Resultados: Vacinação completa contra hepatite B foi observada em 13,7% dos pacientes e mostrou-se diretamente associada ao nível de escolaridade (OR=1,30; IC: 1,07-1,57) e ao trabalho atual ou pregresso como profissional da saúde (OR=3,21; IC: 1,16-8,89)., Conclusão: A cobertura vacinal contra hepatite B mostrou-se baixa em pacientes com diabetes mellitus, evidenciando a vulnerabilidade a essa doença grave e potencialmente fatal. Maior escolaridade e o trabalho na área da saúde foram associados a melhor cobertura vacinal.

Flaxseed flour has been described as an excellent alpha-linolenic acid source. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour on body adiposity and bone health in rats fed a flaxseed flour diet during lactation until 90 days. At birth, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C) and experimental (FF) groups, whose dams were treated with a control or flaxseed flour diet, respectively, during lactation. At 21 days, pups were weaned and fed a control and experimental diet until 90 days. Food intake, body mass and length were evaluated during a 21-90 day period. At 90 days, composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, serum hormonal profile, intra-abdominal fat mass, and lumbar vertebra and femur analyses was determined. Differences were deemed significant at p < 0.05. The FF group displayed the following (P < 0.05): a higher total lean mass (+7%), a lower total (-16%) and intra-abdominal (-24%) fat mass, a smaller adipocyte area (-30%), a higher femoral mass (+5%), bone mineral density (+5%) and radiodensity (+20%), and a higher maximum force (+10%) and breaking strength (+11%). The flaxseed flour diet displayed functional properties related to body growth maintenance associated with a lower risk of developing metabolic alterations, obesity and bone fragility.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (-60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (-36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Objective: The effect on the marginal peri-implant tissues following repeated platform switching abutment removal and subsequent reconnection was studied., Material and Methods: Six adult female Beagle dogs were selected, and Pm3 and Pm4 teeth, both left and right sides, were extracted and the sites healed for 3 months. At this time, 24 bone level (BL) (Straumann, Basel, Switzerland) Ø 3.3/8 mm implants were placed, 2 in each side on Pm3 and Pm4 regions. In one side (control group), 12 bone level conical Ø 3.6 mm healing abutments and, on the other side (test group), 12 Narrow CrossFit (NC) multibase abutments (Straumann) , Basel, Switzerland) were connected at time of implant surgery. On test group, all prosthetic procedures were carried out direct to multibase abutment without disconnecting it, where in the control group, the multibase abutment was connected/disconnected five times (at 6/8/10/12/14 weeks) during prosthetic procedures. Twelve fixed metal bridges were delivered 14 weeks after implant placement. A cleaning/control appointment was scheduled 6 months after implant placement. The animals were sacrificed at 9 months of the study. Clinical parameters and peri-apical x-rays were registered in every visit. Histomorphometric analysis was carried out for the 24 implants. The distance from multibase abutment shoulder to the first bone implant contact (S-BIC) was defined as the primary histomorphometric parameter., Results: Wilcoxon comparison paired test (n = 6) found no statistically significant differences (buccal P = 0.917; Lingual P = 0.463) between test and control groups both lingually and buccally for S-BIC distance. Only Pm3 buccal aBE-BC (distance from the apical end of the barrier epithelium to the first bone implant contact) (P = 0.046) parameter presented statistically significant differences between test and control groups. Control group presented 0.57 mm more recession than test group, being this difference statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: It can be conclude, within the limits of this animal study, that the connection/disconnection of platform switching abutments during prosthetic phase of implant treatment does not induce bone marginal absorption. Furthermore, it may present a negative influence in the buccal connective tissue attachment that becomes shorter anyway preventing marginal hard tissue resorption, especially in thin biotypes., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between adherence to nutritional recommendations and sociodemographic variables in Brazilian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus., Methods: Cross-sectional observational study using a stratified random sample of 423 individuals. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used, and the Fisher's exact test was applied with 95% confidence interval (p<0.05)., Results: Of the 423 subjects, 66.7% were women, mean age of 62.4 years (SD = 11.8), 4.3 years of schooling on average (SD = 3.6) and family income of less than two minimum wages. There was association between the female gender and adherence to diet with adequate cholesterol content (OR: 2.03; CI: 1.23; 3.34), between four and more years of education and adherence to fractionation of meals (OR: 1 92 CI: 1.19; 3.10), and income of less than two minimum wages and adherence to diet with adequate cholesterol content (OR: 1.74; CI: 1.03, 2.95)., Conclusion: Adherence to nutritional recommendations was associated with the female gender, more than four years of education and family income of less than two minimum wages.

The successful development of vaccines depends on the knowledge of the immunological mechanisms associated with the elimination of the pathogen. In the case of schistosomes, its complex life cycle and the mechanisms developed to evade host immune system, turns the development of a vaccine against the disease into a very difficult task. Identifying the immunological effector mechanisms involved in parasite attrition and the major targets for its response is a key step to formulate an effective vaccine. Recent studies have described some promising antigens to compose a subunit vaccine and have pointed to some immune factors that play a role in parasite elimination. Here, we review the immune components and effector mechanisms associated with the protective immunity induced by those vaccine candidates and the lessons we have learned from the studies of the acquired resistance to infection in humans. We will also discuss the immune factors that correlate with protection and therefore could help to evaluate those vaccine formulations in clinical trials.

Background: A vaccine against schistosomiasis would have a great impact in disease elimination. Sm29 and Sm22.6 are two parasite tegument proteins which represent promising antigens to compose a vaccine. These antigens have been associated with resistance to infection and reinfection in individuals living in endemic area for the disease and induced partial protection when evaluated in immunization trials using naïve mice., Methodology/principals Findings: In this study we evaluated rSm29 and rSm22.6 ability to induce protection in Balb/c mice that had been previously infected with S. mansoni and further treated with Praziquantel. Our results demonstrate that three doses of the vaccine containing rSm29 were necessary to elicit significant protection (26%-48%). Immunization of mice with rSm29 induced a significant production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4; significant production of specific antibodies; increased percentage of CD4+ central memory cells in comparison with infected and treated saline group and increased percentage of CD4+ effector memory cells in comparison with naïve Balb/c mice immunized with rSm29. On the other hand, although immunization with Sm22.6 induced a robust immune response, it failed to induce protection., Conclusion/significance: Our results demonstrate that rSm29 retains its ability to induce protection in previously infected animals, reinforcing its potential as a vaccine candidate.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) shows distinct clinical courses. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model to study multiple sclerosis, can be induced by different protocols, which show distinct cytokine and antibody production. The factors involved in this heterogeneity remain unclear. The relevance of MOG concentration in triggering a regulatory response in the chronic model of EAE is imprecise. The aim of this study was investigate if 100 or 300 μg of MOG(35-55) could induce different EAE profiles. Modifications in the concentration of MOG were able to change the patterns of chemokines, cytokines, percentage of cells, inflammatory infiltrate and the development of a regulatory response. However, these changes were unable to modify the intensity of response, which explains the chronic progression of the disease in both concentrations. The results presented in this study contribute to understanding the intricate mechanisms that trigger EAE and provide insights into the pathogenesis of various forms of MS., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In recent decades, experimental and clinical studies have associated the development of obesity with the composition of the gut microbiota. Mechanisms potentially involved in the contribution of gut microbiota to body weight gain include changes in energy extraction from the diet and the modulation of lipid metabolism, endocrine functions, and the immune system. The host's specific genetic heritage, the type and amount of food intake, chronic inflammation, reduced body energy expenditure, and exposure to obesogenic pollutants are also potential contributing factors. The pathophysiological processes involved in the relationship between gut microbiota and obesity are not fully understood, and further studies are needed to establish whether differences in gut bacterial diversity between obese and normal body weight individuals are the cause or a consequence of obesity.

An indigo carmine doped polypyrrole embedded with gold nanoparticles nanocomposite (PPy-IC-Aunanop) was synthesized by in situ electrochemical polymerization of polypyrrole in the presence of HAuCl4. The nanocomposite was characterized by in situ spectroelectrochemical experiments to study the effect of embedded gold nanoparticles on the electrochromic properties of the material. The results show the formation of a nanocomposite presenting enhanced electrochromic and optical properties, higher electroactivity and 10% lower band-gap energies. The PPy-IC-Aunanop presented a two-fold increase in optical contrast when compared to PPy-IC, in addition to better optical stability.

This cross-sectional study checks specific self-care activities of patients with diabetes mellitus enrolled in a self-monitoring blood glucose program from August to December 2012 in two Primary Health Care units in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil.The sample was composed of 74 female and male individuals, aged 18 years old or older. The Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire was used. It contains six dimensions: general diet, specific diet, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, foot care, medication usage, plus three items about smoking. Eight out of the 15 self-care activities were within desirable levels, namely: healthy diet, not eating sweets, blood glucose testing and as frequently as recommended, drying between toes after washing feet, and taking medications (three items).The results enabled the identification of gaps in specific self-care activities among patients with diabetes mellitus.

The isoflavone genistein 1 and some derivatives modulate IL-12, TNF-α and NO production by macrophages and lung cancer cell lines, and improve the clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Seven genistein derivatives connected at C-6 position of a sugar, such as d-glucose and d-galactose, were synthesized. The ability to modulate macrophage response was evaluated, showing variable inhibition capacity of NO and TNF-α production in J774.A1 and RAW 264.7. Five of the seven compounds were non-cytotoxic; compound 8 was more effective to inhibit NO and TNF-α production, without affecting cell viability., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Malnutrition is associated with the delay or failure of healing. We assessed the effect of experimental malnutrition and early enteral feeding with standard diet or diet supplemented with arginine and antioxidants on the levels of mRNA encoding growth factors in acute, open wound healing. Standardised cutaneous dorsal wounds and gastrostomies for enteral feeding were created in malnourished (M, n = 27) and eutrophic control (E, n = 30) Lewis male adult rats. Both M and E rats received isocaloric and isonitrogenous regimens with oral chow and saline (C), standard (S) or supplemented (A) enteral diets. On post-trauma day 7, mRNA levels of growth factor genes were analysed in wound granulation tissue by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). M(C) rats had significantly lower transforming growth factor β(TGF-β1 ) mRNA levels than E(C) rats (2·58 ± 0·83 versus 3·53 ± 0·57, P < 0·01) and in comparison with M(S) and M(A) rats (4·66 ± 2·49 and 4·61 ± 2·11, respectively; P < 0·05). VEGF and KGF-7 mRNA levels were lower in M(A) rats than in E(A) rats (0·74 ± 0·16 versus 1·25 ± 0·66; and 1·07 ± 0·45 versus 1·79 ± 0·89, respectively; P≤ 0·04), but did not differ from levels in E(C) and M(C) animals. In experimental open acute wound healing, previous malnutrition decreased local mRNA levels of TGF-β1 genes, which was minimised by early enteral feeding with standard or supplemented diets., (© 2012 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2012 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the adherence to drug and non-drug treatments in 17 Family Health Strategy units. A total of 423 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were selected through stratified random sampling in Family Health Strategy units of a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2010. The results showed that the prevalence rate of adherence to drug therapy was higher than 60% in the 17 units investigated; in relation to physical activity, adherence was higher than 60% in 58.8% units; and for the diet plan, there was no adherence in 52.9% units. Therefore, we concluded that adherence to drug therapy in most units was high and the practice of physical activity was heterogeneous, and in relation to diet adherence, it was low in all units. We recommend strengthening of institutional guidelines and educational strategies, in line with SUS guidelines, so that, professionals may face the challenges imposed by the lack of adherence.

Background: Severe asthma is associated with T helper (TH) 2 and 17 cell activation, airway neutrophilia and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) activation. Asthma exacerbations are commonly caused by rhinovirus (RV) and also associated with PI3K-driven inflammation. Anthraquinone derivatives have been shown to reduce PI3K-mediated AKT phosphorylation in-vitro., Objective: To determine the anti-inflammatory potential of anthraquinones in-vivo., Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with crude house dust mite extract to induce allergic airways disease and treated with mitoxantrone and a novel non-cytotoxic anthraquinone derivative. Allergic mice were also infected with RV1B to induce an exacerbation., Results: Anthraquinone treatment reduced AKT phosphorylation, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor expression, and ameliorated allergen- and RV-induced airways hyprereactivity, neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation, cytokine/chemokine expression, mucus hypersecretion, and expression of TH2 proteins in the airways. Anthraquinones also boosted type 1 interferon responses and limited RV replication in the lung., Conclusion: Non-cytotoxic anthraquinone derivatives may be of therapeutic benefit for the treatment of severe and RV-induced asthma by blocking pro-inflammatory pathways regulated by PI3K/AKT.

Optical neuritis (ON) is characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve, and is one of the first clinical signs of multiple sclerosis (MS). Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the animal model used to study MS and ON. The present study evaluated the induction, development and progression of ON using an EAE model induced by 100 μg or 300 μg of MOG35-55. An EAE model was induced in C57BL/6 mice by tail base injection of 100 μg or 300 μg of MOG35-55 in complete Freund's adjuvant, supplemented with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the day of injection and 48 h later, animals received intraperitoneally 300 ng of pertussis toxin. On days 7, 10, 14, 21 and 58 the optic nerve was dissected for histological analysis, production of CCL5 and immunohistochemical detection of CD4 and CD8. The histological changes observed in the optic nerves consisted of inflammatory cell infiltrates showing varying degrees of ON in the two groups. The onset of ON in the 300 μg of MOG35-55 group was coincident with higher production of CCL5, on day 10 after induction. However, the 100 μg MOG35-55 group showed more intense inflammatory infiltrate on day 14 after induction, with higher amounts of CD4 and CD8, reaching an excessive demyelination process on days 21 and 58 after induction. The results suggest that two different concentrations of MOG35-55 lead to different forms of evolution of optic neuritis.

The inflammation process is a coordinated response of the organism related to immune response with release of pro-inflammatory substances, as nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-1β. In this work, a series of lipophilic amino alcohols were evaluated on RAW264.7 and primary macrophages for the modulation of nitric oxide and TNF-α. The most potent compounds were submitted to the treatment of BALB/c mice and evaluation of the carrageenan-induced paw edema and TNF-α and IL1-β release in the paws and anti-OVA delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. RAW264.7 and primary macrophages were incubated in the presence of amino alcohols at different concentrations (1, 0.5, 0.05 and 0.005 μg mL(-1)). All tested compounds were not cytotoxic, however the inhibition of NO and TNF-α were observed only in RAW264.7 cultures. The NO production were reduced in 100% for all compounds, but only the compounds 4a and 4b expressively reduced the TNF-α release (67% and 92% respectively). On the carrageenan-induced paw edema, the compound 4b treatment showed reduction of edema, TNF-α and IL-1β as efficient as dexamethasone treatment. Meanwhile, the compound 4a treatment showed only slight reduction of paw edema. In the anti-OVA DTH reaction, both compounds showed reduction in the paw edema as effective as dexamethasone. In function of the observed results in vitro and in the acute and anti-OVA inflammation of mice paw edema compound 4b showed promissory anti-inflammatory properties., (© 2013.)