Assuntos
Deleção de Sequência , Talassemia alfa , Humanos , Talassemia alfa/genética , Brasil , Masculino , alfa-Globinas/genética , Criança , Feminino , Hemoglobina H/genéticaRESUMO
AIMS: To examine the antioxidant activity of Bacterioruberin (Bctr)-rich extracts isolated from a hyperpigmented, genetically modified Haloferax volcanii strain (HVLON3) and to investigate the effect on cold-sensitive ram sperm cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: The strain HVLON3 produces higher Bctr amounts than most haloarchaea (220 ± 13 mg g-1 DW). HVLON3-Bctr extract has higher antioxidant activity than ß-carotene (threefold) as evaluated using 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl combined with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance analysis (EC50 4·5 × 10-5 mol l-1 vs 13·9 × 10-5 mol l-1 respectively). Different concentrations of HVLON3-Bctr extracts were assayed on ram sperm after freezing/thawing and physiologically relevant parameters were examined. Extracts containing 7 and 20 µmol l-1 Bctr significantly improved cell viability (P < 0·0001), total and progressive motility (P < 0·0001) and sperm velocities (P = 0·0172 for curvilinear velocity VCL, P = 0·0268 for average path velocity VAP and P = 0·0181 for straight line velocity VSL) and did not affect other parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: HVLON3 is an excellent source of natural microbial C50 carotenoids with applicability in Biotechnology, Biomedical and Veterinary fields. HVLON3 Bctr extract improves the quality of cryopreserved ram sperm cells and could be applied to increase insemination yields. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides an insight on the bioactive properties of a bioproduct derived from haloarchaea (carotenoids) which are so far underexploited.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Carotenoides/farmacologia , Haloferax volcanii/química , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Carotenoides/metabolismo , Criopreservação , Haloferax volcanii/genética , Haloferax volcanii/metabolismo , Masculino , Ovinos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/citologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: The present work aims at evaluating intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the larynx and hypopharynx. METHODS/PATIENTS: We performed a single institutional retrospective analysis on 116 pharyngo (29%)-laryngeal (71%) SCC patients (93% male) treated with IMRT-SIB to 66-69.96 Gy in 33 fractions between 2008 and 2016. Those who underwent surgery (54%) received adjuvant radiation of 66 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction to the surgical bed. 16 patients (14%) were treated for a local recurrence after prior surgery. High-risk lymph node regions received 59.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction and low risk regions 54.12 Gy at 1.64 Gy/fraction. The median age was 60 years and 95% of patients had an ECOG performance status 0-2. Most had advanced stage disease (III 22%, IV 74%). Chemotherapy was delivered in 74% of cases. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 32 months. Two and three-year overall survival for all patients was 87% and 82%, respectively. There were 28 (24%) locoregional recurrences and 19 (16%) distant failures. Grade 3 mucositis, dermatitis, and xerostomy were observed in 12%, 10%, and 3%, respectively. A longer IMRT-SIB overall treatment time was associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR 1.09, CI 1.01-1.17, P = 0.02). Postoperative IMRT-SIB associated with a significantly lower risk of any recurrence (HR 0.34, CI 0.18-0.64, P = 0.001) and higher local control (HR 0.06, CI 0.01-0.24, P < 0.01). Additionally, it associated with a lower risk of mucositis (P = 0.029) compared with definitive radio (chemo) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT-SIB is a safe and feasible radiation treatment technique for pharyngo-laryngeal SCC patients with a tolerable acute toxicity profile.
Assuntos
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/radioterapia , Neoplasias Laríngeas/radioterapia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/mortalidade , Neoplasias Faríngeas/radioterapia , Radioterapia de Intensidade Modulada/efeitos adversos , Radioterapia de Intensidade Modulada/mortalidade , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Laríngeas/patologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Faríngeas/patologia , Planejamento da Radioterapia Assistida por Computador/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Taxa de Sobrevida , Testes de Toxicidade , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
This work offers researchers the first version of an open-source sperm tracker software (Sperm Motility Tracker, V1.0) containing a novel suit of algorithms to analyze sperm motility using ram and buck sperm as models. The computer-assisted semen analysis is used in several publications with increasing trend worldwide in the last years, showing the importance of objective methodologies to evaluate semen quality. However, commercial systems are costly and versatility is constrained. In the proposed method, segmentation is applied and the tracking stage is performed by using individual Kalman filters and a simplified occlusion handling method. The tracking performance in terms of precision (number of true tracks), the percentage of fragmented paths and percentage of correctly detected particles were manually validated by three experts and compared with the performance of a commercial motility analyzer (Microptic's SCA). The precision obtained with our sperm motility tracker was higher than the one obtained with a commercial software at the current acquisition frame rate of 25 fps (P < 0.0001), concomitantly with a similar percentage of fragmentized tracks (P = 0.0709) at sperm concentrations ranging 25-37 × 106 cells/mL. Moreover, our tracker was able to detect trajectories that were unseen by SCA. Kinetic values obtained by using both methods were contrasted. The higher values found were explained based on the better performance of our sperm tracker to report speed parameters for very fast motile sperm. To standardize results, acquisition conditions are suggested. This open-source sperm tracker software has a good plasticity allowing researchers to upgrade according requirements and to apply the tool for sperm from a variety of species.
Assuntos
Análise do Sêmen/métodos , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Animais , Cabras , Masculino , Ovinos , Software , Contagem de EspermatozoidesRESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and treatment outcome of intensity modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-IMRT) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 NSCLC patients with stage IIB (3%), IIIA (36%), and IIIB (61%) were treated with concomitant (N = 47; 73%) or sequential (N = 9; 14%) chemotherapy between February 2009 and January 2014. Eight patients (13%) received RT alone. All patients received the same irradiation scheme using IMRT: prophylactic dose for mediastinum was 56 Gy at 1.65 Gy/fraction and SIB to macroscopic disease up to 68 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 16 months (range, 1-70 months). The overall survival rate for all patients was 79% after 1 year and 46% after 2 years. Disease-free survival (DFS) was 81 and 45% after 1 and 2 years, respectively, resulting in a median DFS of 16 months. Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between stage IIIB patients and a higher risk of mortality (HR 2.11; P = 0.019). In addition, T4 stage associated with higher risk of recurrence (HR 2.23; P = 0.024) while concomitant chemoradiation was associated with lower risk of any recurrence (HR 0.34; P = 0.004) No patient experienced grade ≥3 esophagitis and only 6 cases (9%) had grade 3 pneumonitis. Only having a higher lung volume was associated with higher risk of pneumonitis in the multivariate analysis (HR 16.21; P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: This study in advanced NSCLC patients shows that SIB-IMRT is an effective technique with acceptable toxicity, also when combined with chemotherapy.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/terapia , Quimiorradioterapia/efeitos adversos , Doenças do Esôfago/etiologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/terapia , Radioterapia de Intensidade Modulada/efeitos adversos , Adenocarcinoma/patologia , Adenocarcinoma/terapia , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma de Células Grandes/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Grandes/terapia , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/terapia , Doenças do Esôfago/patologia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologia , Dosagem Radioterapêutica , Planejamento da Radioterapia Assistida por Computador/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Taxa de Sobrevida , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
This paper presents original results on the Sb and heavy metals contents in sediments and waste tailings, plants and water from the giant Wadley antimony mine district (San Luis Potosí State, Mexico). The dominant antimony phases in mining wastes are stibiconite, montroydite and minor hermimorphite. The waste tailings contain high concentrations of metals and metalloids (antimony, iron, zinc, arsenic, copper, and mercury). Manganese, copper, zinc, and antimony contents exceed the quality guidelines values for groundwater, plants and for waste tailings. Results indicate that peak accumulation is seasonal due to the concentration by high metabolism plants as Solanaceae Nicotiana. The metal phytoavailability in waste tailings is highly dependant on the metal speciation, its capability to be transported in water and, more particularly, the plant metabolism efficiency.
Assuntos
Antimônio/metabolismo , Poluentes Ambientais/metabolismo , Metaloides/metabolismo , Metais Pesados/metabolismo , Plantas/metabolismo , Antimônio/análise , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Sedimentos Geológicos/análise , Água Subterrânea/análise , Resíduos Industriais/análise , Metaloides/análise , Metais Pesados/análise , México , Mineração , Especificidade da EspécieRESUMO
La malformación de Arnold Chiari es una rara enfermedad incapacitante que afecta al 0,5 por ciento de la población, siendo el 80 por ciento mujeres. La hidrocefalia resultante es causada por el exceso de líquido cefalo raquídeo en el sistema ventricular, o por una falta de equilibrio entre la formación y su absorción, lo que da lugar a un progresivo aumento de las cavidades ventriculares. Se presenta el caso de una paciente con malformación de Arnold Chiari tipo I, en la cual hay un descenso anormal en grado variable de la porción inferior del cerebelo, del bulbo y el cuarto ventrículo hacia el conducto raquídeo a través del agujero occipital. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir el cuadro clínico y compararlo con la literatura médica revisada, del caso en cuestión...
Assuntos
Humanos , Adulto , Feminino , Hidrocefalia/etiologia , Malformação de Arnold-Chiari/cirurgia , Malformação de Arnold-Chiari/complicações , Malformação de Arnold-Chiari/diagnóstico , Malformação de Arnold-Chiari/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos da Cefaleia/diagnósticoRESUMO
El agua de mar refinada aparece en la literatura científica reciente como una potencial ayuda terapéutica en el tratamiento de varias enfermedades en humanos y animales por su contenido de minerales y oligoelementos. En Colombia, Nicaragua y España se utiliza de forma natural por recogida de la orilla e ingesta; sin embargo, esto puede representar un riesgo para la salud por los problemas de contaminación microbiológica y química. Los tratamientos de control microbiano del agua de mar permiten mejorar su calidad microbiológica. Objetivo: comparar la eficiencia de tres métodos de control microbiano: microfiltración, exposición solar y cuarentena. Metodología: se recolectaron 30 muestras de agua de mar en recipientes de polietileno de alta densidad con capacidad de 20 litros, en tres lugares diferentes de la costa atlántica colombiana. Resultados: de 30 muestras recolectadas, 15 resultaron con en- terobacterias como E. coli y bacterias halófilas como Vibrio y Aeromonas. La microfiltración a través de cerámica de 0,5 μm produce una desinfección de 100% de las muestras, mientras que la cuarentena por cinco meses y la desinfección solar son efectivas en 66 y 21% respectivamente. Esta última requiere de ciertas condiciones climáticas para alcanzar la desinfección y solo permite el manejo de pequeños volúmenes. Discusión: Respecto de la contaminación química en ciertos lugares, que no es controlable por los métodos de desinfección, se recomienda recoger el agua en altamar, en lugares limpios, y realizar la microfiltración.
Recent scientific literature presents seawater as a potential aid to solve a variety of health diseases in animals and human beings because by means of its mineral and trace elements content. In Colombia, Nicaragua and Spain it is collected in a natural way from de shore and drunk; however, this can represent a health risk because of the problems related to chemical and microbiological contamination. Microbial control of seawater allows the improvement of its microbiological quality. Objective: to compare the efficiency of three microbial control methods: microfiltration, solar exposition and quarantine. Methodology: 30 samples were collected in 20-liter high density polyethylene containers in three different places in the Colombian Atlantic coast. Results: 15 samples out of 30 showed the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and halophiles bacteria like Vibrio and Aeromonas. Microfiltration through ceramic filters of 0.5 μm produces disinfection in 100% of the samples but the quarantine for five months and solar disinfection are effective in 66 and 21% respectively. The latter requires certain weather conditions to achieve disinfection and it only allows managing small quantities of water. Dicussion: Considering chemical contamination in some places which cannot be controlled through disinfection methods, the collection of water offshore in clean places is suggested and then microfiltration treatment should be performed.
Assuntos
Água Costeira , Desinfecção , Ingestão de LíquidosRESUMO
Tadpoles of the toad Bufo arenarum treated with cypermethrin (CY) at concentrations above 39 mug CY/L showed dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in immature cells of the central nervous system as demonstrated by morphometric analysis, the TUNEL method, and DNA fragmentation assay. Light-and electron-microscopic studies showed structural alterations in the intermediate and marginal layers of the brain. Immature cerebral tissue showed cellular shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation and increase of intercellular spaces. In this study we demonstrated high toxicity of CY to larval stages of Bufo arenarum. Our results show that doses lower than those used in routine insecticide applications can cause massive apoptosis in the immature cells of the central nervous system. These results coincide with our previous studies in Physalaemus biligonigerus, confirming the severe toxic effects of CY to the central nervous system of anuran species from Argentina. This may increase the mortality index in wild animals and contribute to the loss of biodiversity in our agroecosystems. We postulate that CY induces apoptosis in central nervous system cells of Bufo arenarum tadpoles by specific neurotoxic mechanisms.
Assuntos
Bufo arenarum/fisiologia , Sistema Nervoso Central/efeitos dos fármacos , Larva/efeitos dos fármacos , Piretrinas/farmacologia , Telencéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Apoptose , Bufo arenarum/anatomia & histologia , Sistema Nervoso Central/ultraestrutura , Fragmentação do DNA , Microscopia Eletrônica , Telencéfalo/ultraestruturaRESUMO
O tratamento etiológico da síndrome do desconforto respiratório (SDR) por imaturidade pulmonar com surfactante exógeno é uma estratégia de eficácia comprovada. Entretanto, a eficácia relativa dos diversos preparados tensoativos, de origem natural ou sintética, pode näo ser semelhante. O objetivo é avaliar se há evidencias de que um ou mais preparados tensoativos podem ser considerados mais eficazes no tratamento e profilaxia da síndroome do desconforto respiratório. Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica intensa em várias bases de dados, para identificar os estudos comparativos dos diferentes compostos tensoativos. Existem casos que corroboram que os surfactantes de origem natural produzem uma melhora mais rápida da oxigenaçäo, em comparaçäo com os de origem sintética. Também foram observadas as taxas de complicaçöes e as de mortalidade mais baixas com o emprego de surfactantes naturais. Dos dois surfactantes naturais comercializados na Espanha, o produto de origem porcina(poractant alfa) parece apresentar vantagens sobre o produto de origem bovina (beractant), como uma açäo mais rápida, expressa por uma razäo de PaO2/PaO2 mais favorável dentro das primeiras 24 horas de tratamento. Também existe uma tendência a que os pacientes tratados com surfactante porcino apresentem uma taxa de mortalidade global mais baixa, em comparaçäo com os pacientes tratados com surfactante bovino. Näo existe nenhuma razäo científica que corrobore o uso dos surfactantes sintéticos comercializados atualmente. O surfactante natural de origem porcina poderia ser considerado de primeira escolha, embora seja conveniente dispor de estudos adicionais que confirmem esse achado.(au)