RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to demonstrate the use of a standardized health informatics framework to generate reliable and reproducible real-world evidence from Latin America and South Asia towards characterizing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Global South. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient-level COVID-19 records collected in a patient self-reported notification system, hospital in-patient and out-patient records, and community diagnostic labs were harmonized to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership common data model and analyzed using a federated network analytics framework. Clinical characteristics of individuals tested for, diagnosed with or tested positive for, hospitalized with, admitted to intensive care unit with, or dying with COVID-19 were estimated. RESULTS: Two COVID-19 databases covering 8.3 million people from Pakistan and 2.6 million people from Bahia, Brazil were analyzed. 109 504 (Pakistan) and 921 (Brazil) medical concepts were harmonized to Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership common data model. In total, 341 505 (4.1%) people in the Pakistan dataset and 1 312 832 (49.2%) people in the Brazilian dataset were tested for COVID-19 between January 1, 2020 and April 20, 2022, with a median [IQR] age of 36 [25, 76] and 38 (27, 50); 40.3% and 56.5% were female in Pakistan and Brazil, respectively. 1.2% percent individuals in the Pakistan dataset had Afghan ethnicity. In Brazil, 52.3% had mixed ethnicity. In agreement with international findings, COVID-19 outcomes were more severe in men, elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 data from 2 large countries in the Global South were harmonized and analyzed using a standardized health informatics framework developed by an international community of health informaticians. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates a potential open science framework for global knowledge mobilization and clinical translation for timely response to healthcare needs in pandemics and beyond.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Idoso , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Atenção à SaúdeRESUMO
Recessive gene mutations underlie many developmental disorders and often lead to disabling neurological problems. Here, we report identification of a homozygous c.170G>A (p.Cys57Tyr or C57Y) mutation in the gene coding for protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3, also known as ERp57), an enzyme that catalyzes formation of disulfide bonds in the endoplasmic reticulum, to be associated with syndromic intellectual disability. Experiments in zebrafish embryos show that PDIA3C57Y expression is pathogenic and causes developmental defects such as axonal disorganization as well as skeletal abnormalities. Expression of PDIA3C57Y in the mouse hippocampus results in impaired synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. Proteomic and functional analyses reveal that PDIA3C57Y expression leads to dysregulation of cell adhesion and actin cytoskeleton dynamics, associated with altered integrin biogenesis and reduced neuritogenesis. Biochemical studies show that PDIA3C57Y has decreased catalytic activity and forms disulfide-crosslinked aggregates that abnormally interact with chaperones in the endoplasmic reticulum. Thus, rare disease gene variant can provide insight into how perturbations of neuronal proteostasis can affect the function of the nervous system.
Assuntos
Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/genética , Retículo Endoplasmático/metabolismo , Isomerases de Dissulfetos de Proteínas/genética , Proteostase , Adolescente , Adulto , Animais , Axônios/metabolismo , Axônios/patologia , Adesão Celular , Células Cultivadas , Criança , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/metabolismo , Deficiências do Desenvolvimento/patologia , Feminino , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Hipocampo/patologia , Humanos , Integrinas/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Mutação de Sentido Incorreto , Crescimento Neuronal , Plasticidade Neuronal , Linhagem , Isomerases de Dissulfetos de Proteínas/metabolismo , Peixe-ZebraRESUMO
There is evidence that palmatine (PA), an alkaloid isolated from the Guatteria friesiana plant, has some important biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) effects of PA were assessed. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo through 7 distinct assays, and the anti-AChE activity was determined in vitro. The standards, trolox and ascorbic acid were used for the in vitro antioxidant test, while hydrogen peroxide was selected as a stressor for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae test. Additionally, PA was also combined with trolox and ascorbic acid to determine the likelihood of synergistic effects occurrence to what concerns to antioxidant potential. PA exhibited a potent and concentration-dependent antioxidant potential, although a stronger antioxidant activity was stated using the PA + trolox combination. PA was also found to inhibit AChE activity when compared to the negative control. Thus, PA may be viewed as a promissory phytotherapeutic agent to manage oxidative stress-mediated neurological diseases, especially the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Assuntos
Acetilcolinesterase/metabolismo , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Alcaloides de Berberina/farmacologia , Inibidores da Colinesterase/farmacologia , Peróxido de Hidrogênio/toxicidade , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
The growing number of bacterial strains resistant to therapeutic agents has been surpassing the various antibiotics developed by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This problem has driven the development of research using agents with antimicrobial potential, with an emphasis on plant-derived natural products. This study evaluated the chemical compounds present in Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EOEc) cultivated in northeastern Brazil and its properties as an antibacterial agent and resistance modifier against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and ß-lactamase-producing strains. The EOEc was obtained using the hydrodistillation method, later analyzed by GC/MS, presenting a total of twelve compounds, with citronellal (65.45%); citronellol (14.87%); isopulegol (11.80%) and citronellyl acetate (2.51%) as its main constituents. The microdilution test was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the bacterial resistance modulation of the essential oil. The EOEc did not present significant activity against the tested strains (MIC > 1000 µg mL-1). However, when evaluating the capacity of the EOEc to modify the resistance of S. aureus and E. coli strains to different antimicrobials, synergistic effects were obtained with reduced MIC values for all tested antibiotics being obtained. The EOEc showed antimicrobial and ß-lactam optimizing potential against resistant strains, presenting itself as a possible alternative for the use of these drugs at concentrations lower than those indicated against resistant strains.
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Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Farmacorresistência Bacteriana Múltipla/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Eucalyptus/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Sensibilidade MicrobianaRESUMO
Citrinin (CIT) is a cytotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic metabolite obtained from Penicillium citrinum, that has been increasingly searched as an anticancer drug candidate. In this study, we assessed the antitumor effects of citrinin, using cytogenetic biomarkers for genotoxicity in Sarcoma 180 (S-180) ascitic fluid cells of mice. Citrinin, extracted from P. citrinum acetonitrile extract, was characterized by LC-MS. Cytotoxic assessment was done through using comet (alkaline version) and micronucleus assays. In S-180 cells, CI50 of CIT was 3.77 µg/mL, while at 12.5 and 100 µg/mL, CIT was as cytotoxic as doxorubicin (2 µg/mL). At 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 µg/mL, it induced genotoxicity and mutagenicity in S-180 cells, especially at 2 µg/mL, triggering oxidative damage similar to hydrogen peroxide (10 mM). The antitumor effects were evidenced by a marked increase in S-180 cells apoptosis and necrosis due to clastogenic and/or aneugenic cytogenetic effects (micronucleus formation), as well as by induction of nucleoplasm bridges and nuclear buds, culminating in S-180 apoptosis and necrosis. CIT has potential as drug candidate for antitumor purposesbyinvolving cytogenetic mechanisms.
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Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Citrinina/uso terapêutico , Análise Citogenética , Sarcoma 180/tratamento farmacológico , Sarcoma 180/genética , Animais , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Ascite/patologia , Morte Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Citrinina/isolamento & purificação , Citrinina/farmacologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Camundongos , Mutagênicos/toxicidade , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Penicillium/químicaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and modulatory potential of the Ziziphus joazeiro bark and leaf extracts, both in isolation and in association with fluconazole, against resistant species from the Candida genus. Antifungal assays were used to determine the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract in isolation and in combination with fluconazole using the broth microdilution method and spectrophotometric readings, followed by verification of the minimum fungicidal concentration by solid medium subculture. According to the cell viability curve, both extracts inhibited fungal growth in a concentration dependent manner, in addition to showing inhibitory concentrations similar to fluconazole. However, the extracts behaved in a fungistatic manner with minimum inhibitory concentration > 8.19 mg/mL and IC50 values ranging from 0.450 mg/mL to 9 mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration for both extracts decreased when in combination with fluconazole, with the AEL standing out against Candida albicans URM 4387, displaying an IC50 equal to that of fluconazole (0.002 mg/mL). Nevertheless, fluconazole antagonism was observed against the tested strains. Overall, the evaluation of both extracts against Candida spp. presented inhibitory concentration values greater than fluconazole. Moreover, despite these being chemically complex crude extracts, they did demonstrate antifungal effects and properties that concur with their ethno-biological aspect.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Metaboloma , Compostos Fitoquímicos/farmacologia , Ziziphus/metabolismo , Antifúngicos/química , Candida/efeitos dos fármacos , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Fluconazol/farmacologia , Concentração Inibidora 50 , Viabilidade Microbiana/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos Fitoquímicos/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , ÁguaRESUMO
Poro cheese is a regional product originally from the area of Los Rios, Tabasco in Mexico. In the context of preserving the heritage of Poro cheese and protecting the specific characteristics that define its typicity through an origin designation, the present study was conducted to establish a general profile of Poro cheese by characterizing their physicochemical, textural, rheological, sensorial and microbiological characteristics. Differences in moisture, proteins, fats, NaCl, titrable acidity, pH, color texture and rheology amongst cheese factories were observed and ranges were established. Fifteen descriptors were generated to provide a descriptive analysis, eight of which were significantly different amongst the factories with no differences in the global acceptability of cheese. The favorite cheese had the highest scores for aroma attributes. Conventional and molecular methods were used to identify the main microorganisms, for which Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus were the main microorganisms found in Porocheese. The obtained data constituted the parameters for characterizing Poro cheese, which will strongly help to support its origin appellation request process.
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The Pantanal is the world's largest freshwater wetland, located in the geographical centre of South America. It is relatively well conserved, and features unique landscapes, ecosystems, and traditional cultural practices, shaped by the dynamic interaction of climatological, hydrological, geological, ecological, and anthropogenic factors. Its ecological integrity is increasingly threatened by human activities, particularly, in the wider catchment area, for example, deforestation, agricultural intensification, and construction of hydropower plants, with implications for local people's livelihoods. We present a synthesis of current literature on physical, ecological, and human dimensions of environmental change in the wetland, outline key research gaps, and discuss environmental management implications. The literature review suggests that better integration of insights from multiple disciplines is needed and that environmental management could be improved through a better grounding in traditional practices and local perspectives. We conclude with four recommendations: First, future environmental change research should build more strongly on the positive example of a small number of case studies where traditional and local knowledge of the environment was put into a dialogue with scientific knowledge and techniques. Second, we recommend a more explicit consideration of longer temporal scales (>10â¯years) in environmental change research, making use of oral and written histories, as well as palaeoecological techniques, to understand system responses to different magnitudes of human and climatic pressures, and ultimately, to inform future adaptation activities. Third, we suggest that enhanced stakeholder participation in conceiving and implementing research projects in the Pantanal would strengthen the practical relevance of research in addressing environmental management challenges, livelihood needs, and advocacy processes. Fourth, we call for a more systemic and integrative perspective on environmental education, which encompasses engagement activities between researchers, policy-makers, and citizens, to foster environmental awareness, scientific literacy, and public participation.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental , Áreas Alagadas , Agricultura , Biodiversidade , Brasil , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Ecossistema , Água Doce , Geografia , Hidrologia , Participação dos InteressadosRESUMO
Due to inconsistency in demand and supply of fishmeal there is immense need of alternate protein sources. Present project was therefore designed to replace costly fishmeal (FM) with low-priced fermented fish silage (FFS) in fish feed. Fermented fish silage was prepared by fermentation process using Lacto bacillus bacteria and its fatty acid profile and effect on digestive system of Labeo rohita was investigated. Lipid contents were isolated by Soxhlet apparatus and recorded as 6.23 ± 1.23 g/100g of fermented fish silage (FFS). Fatty acid profile of extracted Lipids was determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC), sufficient amount of unsaturated fatty acids were found with pattern mono unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) > saturated fatty acids (SFA) >poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Three treatment diets containing 100% silage (T1), 75% silage (T2) and 50% silage (T3) were prepared by mixing it with soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran as co-ingredients while fermented fish silage was replaced by fishmeal in control diet (T0). The experiment was conducted in glass aquaria in triplicate. Fish growth parameters were recorded fortnightly while physicochemical parameters of water were recorded on daily basis. After completion of feeding trial, three fish were randomly dissected to excise out their intestines and determine activity for protease, amylase and lipase enzymes. Non-significant differences (P<0.05) were recorded in growth parameters and enzymatic activity among all diets except lipase enzyme. Deceptively, it can be concluded that FFS has reasonable concentration of nutrients and unsaturated fatty acids so it can successfully replace fishmeal in fish diets.
Devido à diferença na procura e na oferta de farinha de peixe há imensa necessidade de qualquer membro suplente da fonte de proteína. Tão presente projeto foi projetada para substituir a dispendiosa farinha de peixe (FM) com barato peixe fermentado de ensilagem (FFS) em alimentos para peixes. FFS foi preparado pelo processo de fermentação usando Lactobacillus bactérias e seu perfil de ácidos graxos e efeito sobre o sistema digestivo de Labeo rohita foi investigado. Conteúdo lipídico foram isoladas pelo aparelho de Soxhlet e registadas como 6,23 ± 1,23 g/100g de FFS. Perfil de ácidos graxos extraídos de lipídios foi determinada por cromatografia líquida de gás (GLC). Quantidade suficiente de ácidos graxos insaturados foram encontrados com padrão MUFA > SFA > AGPI. Tratamento de três dietas contendo silagem de 100% (T1), 75% silagem (T2) e 50% silagem (T3) foram preparados misturando com farinha de soja (SBM) e farelo de arroz como co ingredientes enquanto FFS foi substituído pela FM na dieta controle (T0). O experimento foi conduzido em aquários de vidro em triplicado. O Crescimento dos peixes foram anotados os parâmetros quinzenal enquanto parâmetros físico-químicos de água foram registradas diariamente. Após a conclusão do teste de alimentação, três peixes foram aleatoriamente dissecada a impostos especiais de consumo os seus intestinos e determinar a atividade de protease, enzimas amilase e lipase. As variações não significativas (P<0,05) foi registrada em parâmetros de crescimento e atividade enzimática entre as dietas exceto enzima lipase mostrou diferença significativa entre as dietas de tratamento. Aparentemente, é possível concluir que a concentração razoável de FFS tem nutrientes e ácidos graxos insaturados de modo que ela possa substituir com êxito a farinha de peixe na dieta de peixes.