Search

Silicosis is an irreversible and progressive fibrotic lung disease caused by massive inhalation of crystalline silica dust at workplaces, affecting millions of industrial workers worldwide. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nintedanib (NTB), has emerged as a potential silicosis treatment due to its inhibitory effects on key signaling pathways that promote silica‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, chronic and frequent use of the oral NTB formulation clinically approved for treating other fibrotic lung diseases often results in significant side effects. To this end, we engineered a nanocrystal‐based suspension formulation of NTB (NTB‐NS) possessing specific physicochemical properties to enhance drug retention in the lung for localized treatment of silicosis via inhalation. Our NTB‐NS formulation was prepared using a wet‐milling procedure in presence of Pluronic F127 to endow the formulation with nonadhesive surface coatings to minimize interactions with therapy‐inactivating delivery barriers in the lung. We found that NTB‐NS, following intratracheal administration, provided robust anti‐fibrotic effects and mechanical lung function recovery in a mouse model of silicosis, whereas a 100‐fold greater oral NTB dose given with a triple dosing frequency failed to do so. Importantly, several key pathological phenotypes were fully normalized by NTB‐NS without displaying notable local or systemic adverse effects. Overall, NTB‐NS may open a new avenue for localized treatment of silicosis and potentially other fibrotic lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal fluid management is critical during mechanical ventilation to mitigate lung damage. Under normovolemia and protective ventilation, pulmonary tensile stress during pressure‐support ventilation (PSV) results in comparable lung protection to compressive stress during pressure‐controlled ventilation (PCV) in experimental acute lung injury (ALI). It is not yet known whether tensile stress can lead to comparable protection to compressive stress in ALI under a liberal fluid strategy (LF). A conservative fluid strategy (CF) was compared with LF during PSV and PCV on lungs and kidneys in an established model of ALI. Twenty‐eight male Wistar rats received endotoxin intratracheally. After 24 h, they were treated with CF (minimum volume of Ringer's lactate to maintain normovolemia and mean arterial pressure ≥70 mmHg) or LF (~4 times higher than CF) combined with PSV or PCV (VT = 6 ml/kg, PEEP = 3 cmH2O) for 1 h. Nonventilated animals (n = 4) were used for molecular biology analyses. CF‐PSV compared with LF‐PSV: (1) decreased the diffuse alveolar damage score (10 [7.8–12] vs. 25 [23–31.5], p = 0.006), mainly due to edema in axial and alveolar parenchyma; (2) increased birefringence for occludin and claudin‐4 in lung tissue and expression of zonula‐occludens‐1 and metalloproteinase‐9 in lung. LF compared with CF reduced neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and interleukin‐6 expression in the kidneys in PSV and PCV. In conclusion, CF compared with LF combined with PSV yielded less lung epithelial cell damage in the current model of ALI. However, LF compared with CF resulted in less kidney injury markers, regardless of the ventilatory strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized whether propofol or active propofol component (2,6‐diisopropylphenol [DIPPH] and lipid excipient [LIP‐EXC]) separately may alter inflammatory mediators expressed by macrophages and neutrophils in lean and obese rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 10) were randomly assigned to receive a standard (lean) or obesity‐inducing diet (obese) for 12 weeks. Animals were euthanized, and alveolar macrophages and neutrophils from lean and obese animals were exposed to propofol (50 µM), active propofol component (50 µM, 2,6‐DIPPH), and lipid excipient (soybean oil, purified egg phospholipid, and glycerol) for 1 h. The primary outcome was IL‐6 expression after propofol and its components exposure by alveolar macrophages extracted from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The secondary outcomes were the production of mediators released by macrophages from adipose tissue, and neutrophils from lung and adipose tissues, and neutrophil migration. IL‐6 increased after the exposure to both propofol (median [interquartile range] 4.14[1.95–5.20]; p = .04) and its active component (2,6‐DIPPH) (4.09[1.67–5.91]; p = .04) in alveolar macrophages from obese animals. However, only 2,6‐DIPPH increased IL‐10 expression (7.59[6.28–12.95]; p = .001) in adipose tissue‐derived macrophages. Additionally, 2,6‐DIPPH increased C‐X‐C chemokine receptor 2 and 4 (CXCR2 and CXCR4, respectively) in lung (10.08[8.23–29.01]; p = .02; 1.55[1.49–3.43]; p = .02) and adipose tissues (8.78[4.15–11.57]; p = .03; 2.86[2.17–3.71]; p = .01), as well as improved lung‐derived neutrophil migration (28.00[−3.42 to 45.07]; p = .001). In obesity, the active component of propofol affected both the M1 and M2 markers as well as neutrophils in both alveolar and adipose tissue cells, suggesting that lipid excipient may hinder the effects of active propofol.In obesity, the active component of propofol affected M1 and M2 alveolar macrophages from adipose tissue differently. In neutrophils from lung and adipose tissue, only the active propofol component increased chemokine receptors, suggesting that lipid excipient may hinder the effects of active propofol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: In this study, the characteristics of A‐ and B‐type starch granules from three wheat cultivars exhibiting weak, medium, and strong gluten forces were investigated. It was analyzed the wheat flour chemical composition and gluten content, wet starch extraction yield, and the physicochemical, morphological, and digestion properties of isolated A‐ and B‐type starch granules. The starches were characterized for swelling power, solubility, pasting properties, gel texture profile, thermal properties, relative crystallinity, morphology, and in vitro starch digestibility. Findings: The starch extraction yield was higher for the wheat sample exhibiting weak gluten force, followed by the samples with medium and strong gluten. There was no difference between the A‐ and B‐type starch granules regarding starch extraction yield. The wheat starch physicochemical properties varied depending on gluten force and starch granule size, specified as A‐type or B‐type. Weak gluten‐containing wheat starch displayed a slower glucose release compared with the medium‐ and strong gluten‐containing samples. A‐type granules exhibited slower in vitro starch digestibility and digestion rate in the small intestine in all cultivars. Conclusions: The obtained results allow a great application diversity of wheat starch granules through their separation based either on the genotype or on the granule size. Significance and novelty: Starch extraction from wheat with different gluten forces could be an alternative to obtain starch with different characteristics as well as the separation of A‐ and B‐type granules that would fulfill the needs of specific markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Incorporating spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a by‐product from coffee brewing, in growth substrate of beneficial edible mushrooms is an approach that has to be further studied due to its potential positive outcomes: environmental impact mitigation, production costs reduction and beneficial impact on consumer health. Hence, cultivation of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Pleurotus salmoneo‐stramineus was tested using SCG which enabled maximum production yield of P. citrinopileatus which was of 25.1% (w/w). Variable antidiabetic potential was observed between aqueous and enzymatic extracts (3.8%–29% inhibition) regardless species and substrates, whereas aqueous extract of P. citrinopileatus grown in substrate without SCG stood out presenting the highest antioxidant activity and inhibition activity of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (IC50 = 123 μg mL−1). Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of both Pleurotus species grown in the presence or absence of SGC proved to be an interesting prebiotic source for growth of Bifidobacterium animalis Bo in comparison with fructooligosaccharides (FOS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Our aim was to describe the reproductive system of males and the formation of sperm packages in the seminal receptacle (SR) of recently mated females of the arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis. The male reproductive system was analyzed, and was described using light microscopy and histological and histochemical methods. The first pair of gonopods was described by means of scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the dehiscence of spermatophores was tested using samples obtained from the vas deferens of males and from the seminal receptacle of recently mated females. Testes were tubular type, and each vas deferens consisted of three regions: the anterior vas deferens (AVD), including a proximal portion that was filled with free spermatozoa and a distal portion contained developing spermatophores; the median vas deferens (MVD) that contained completely formed spermatophores; and the posterior vas deferens (PVD), which contained only granular secretions. The accessory gland, which was filled with secretions, was located in the transition region between the MVD and the PVD. The spermatophores from the MVD were of different sizes, and none of them showed dehiscence in seawater, whereas those spermatophores in contact with the seminal receptacle were immediately broken. The ultrastructure of the gonopods revealed the presence of denticles at the distal portion, which contribute to the mechanical rupture of the spermatophore wall during the transfer of sperm. The contents of the PVD and accessory gland of males are transferred together with the spermatophores, and are responsible for the secretions observed among the sperm packets in the SR of the female. We suggest that these secretions formed the layers found in the SR of recently mated females, and may play a role in sperm competition in arrow crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent dementias in the elderly and is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. AD is also accompanied by functional changes and psychiatric disorders in older adults with AD. In addition to drug treatment, non‐pharmacological interventions can contribute to attenuating cognitive and functional decline, improving well‐being and psychiatric symptoms. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of interventions with isolated physical activity program and multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (including physical activity sessions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, art therapy, games, cognitive and computer stimulation) on physical capacities, neuromotor components and depressive symptoms in elderly with AD. Method: Third four elderly patients with previous diagnosis of AD were include in control group (CG = 8), intervention group with isolated physical activity (PAG = 12), and the multidisciplinary rehabilitation group (MG = 14). All participants underwent neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluation, physical activity level questionnaire and functional tests (including muscular endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility and agility/dynamic balance) at the beginning and the end of the study. The physical activity program included aerobic exercises, motor coordination, strength, flexibility, and cool down for 3 months, twice a week, with 75 min each session. The MG group participated in physical activity sessions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, art therapy, games, cognitive and computer stimulation. The duration of these workshops was 60 to 90 min each (totaling 6 hours a day), 2 days a week, for 3 months. Result: There was a significant improvement in the physical capacities, neuromotor components, and total physical activity levels of the PAG and MG in relation to the CG. In addition, MG intervention was also able to reduce depressive symptoms in patients with AD. Conclusion: Interventions with isolated physical activity program and in a multidisciplinary team were effective for improvement of the physical capacities and neuromotor components of the elderly with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most prevalent disease among all dementias, and is characterized by progressive deficits in cognitive function and activities of daily living.The aim of this study was compare effects of multimodal physical activity program in functional capacity, memory, and attention in elderly with and without AD. Method: Eighteen elderly with AD were ramdomized into the control (AD‐C) or multimodal physical activity program (AD‐T) groups. Also twenty without AD were divided in the control (NAD‐C) or physical activity program (NAD‐T) groups. All participants performed the international physical activity questionnaire, neuropsicological evaluation using Mini Mental State Examination, Syndrom Kurztest (SKT), clinical dementia rating. The functional fitness test was evaluated by the muscular resistance (30‐second chair stand and arm curl), aerobic capacity (2‐minute step in the place), lower and upper body flexbility (chair sit‐and‐reach, and back scratch tests) and agility/dynamic balance (8‐foot up and go). The shoulder and ankle amplitude were measured using a Fleximeter. The multimodal physical activity program included warm up, aerobic exercises, strength, flexibility, and cool down for 3 months, twice a week, with 75 min each session for NAD‐T and AD‐T groups. Result: The physical activity program significantly increased the leisure‐time physical activity level, upper body muscular strength, aerobic capacity, upper and lower body flexibility, shoulder and ankle extension range in the NAD‐T and AD‐T (P<0.05). Also increased agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group (P<0.05). Concerning the cognition, the multimodal training improved SKT‐memory in both groups NAD‐T and AD‐T (P<0.05). SKT‐atention improved in the NAD‐T group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The multimodal physical activity program was effective in increasing the level of leisure‐time physical activity, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, lower limb flexibility, shoulder extension, and memory, independent of the AD. Additionaly, the program attenuated the decline in agility/dinamic balance compared to the AD‐C group. Attentional function improved in the NAD‐T group. These benefits may contribute to a better performance in activities of daily living, reduction of falls and attenuation of the decline of cognitive functions in elderly people with and without AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Biodegradable films of native or acetylated starches with different concentrations of cellulose fibers (0%, 10% and 20%) were prepared. The films were characterized by morphological, mechanical, barrier, and thermal properties. RESULT The tensile strength of the acetylated starch film was lower than those of the native starch film, without fibers. The addition of fibers increased the tensile strength and decreased the elongation and the moisture of native and acetylated starches films. The acetylated starch film showed higher water solubility when compared to native starch film. The addition of cellulose fibers reduced the water solubility of the acetylated starch film. The films reinforced with cellulose fiber exhibited a higher initial decomposition temperature and thermal stability. CONCLUSION The mechanical, barrier, solubility, and thermal properties are factors which direct the type of the film application in packaging for food products. The films elaborated with acetylated starches of low degree of substitution were not effective in a reduction of the water vapor permeability. The addition of the cellulose fiber in acetylated and native starches films can contribute to the development of more resistant films to be applied in food systems that need to maintain their integrity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the female reproductive system of the yellowline arrow crab Stenorhynchus seticornis by means of histological and histochemical techniques. Mature specimens obtained in the field were kept in the laboratory for mating experiments. After 24 h, newly mated females were dissected, and their reproductive trait routinely processed for embedding in historesin. The specimens examined each possessed a pair of kidney-shaped seminal receptacles ( SR), and these we classified as ventral type, based on the location of the oviduct opening. The mesodermal dorsal region ( DR) of SR consisted of a stratified epithelium with scaly cells, while the ectodermal ventral region ( VR) was composed of a simple epithelium covered by a cuticle. The oviduct opened at the transition region ( TR) between DR and VR and had no velum. The simple epithelium of TR had more folds on the face of the oviduct opening. The vagina exhibited the same features as the TR epithelium and was contiguous to VR, anchored by muscles. In the lumen, from one to three strata of sperm packets were observed, the dorsal one containing free sperm, and the most ventral stratum, spermatophores. An acidophilic glycoprotein layer enclosed the strata. Spermatophores in the ventral stratum were enclosed in a voluminous secretion, composed by acid polysaccharides most likely from the last male mated. The ventral-type receptacle, stratified sperm packets, and polyandry, usually observed in females of Majoidea, suggest the occurrence of sperm competition in S. seticornis, favoring the sperm of the last male mated, as its sperm mass is located near the opening of the female oviduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image, by Shanise Lisie Mello El Halal et al., is based on the Research Paper Morphological, mechanical, barrier and properties of films based on acetylated starch and cellulose from barley, DOI: . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]