Defense Of Organism Research Articles

Transcriptomic Analysis of Genes Associated with Stinger Development at Different Life Stages of Apis mellifera.

Stingers, evolved from ovipositors, are an important defense organ for the Apidae, Vespidae, and Formicidae species. However, the molecular mechanism of stinger development remains unclear. Here, we show that the earliest time point for the appearance of stingers in Apis mellifera is at the 1-day-old worker pupal stage based on morphological observations and anatomy from the pre-pupal to adult stages. To discover the genes related to stinger development, we first comprehensively compared the stinger transcriptome at different stages and screened 1282, 186, and 166 highly expressed genes in the stingers of 1- and 5-day-old worker pupae and newly emerged worker bees (NEBs), respectively, then identified 25 DEGs involved in the early stage of stinger development. We found that Dll was a key candidate gene in the early development of A. mellifera stingers by combining analyses of the protein-protein interaction network and spatiotemporal expression patterns. An RNAi experiment showed that about 20% of individuals exhibited tip bending in the piercing parts of their stingers in the Dll-dsRNA-treated group, with the morphology presenting as side-side or front-back tip bending. This indicates that Dll plays a vital role in the early development of A. mellifera stingers. Together, our study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of Hymenoptera stinger development and an inspiration for the molecular breeding of gentle honeybee species with stinger abnormalities.

Placental Nanoparticle-mediated IGF1 Gene Therapy Corrects Fetal Growth Restriction in a Guinea Pig Model.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) caused by placental insufficiency is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is currently no in utero treatment for placental insufficiency or FGR. The placenta serves as the vital communication, supply, exchange, and defense organ for the developing fetus and offers an excellent opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Here we show efficacy of repeated treatments of trophoblast-specific human insulin-like 1 growth factor (IGF1) gene therapy delivered in a non-viral, polymer nanoparticle to the placenta for the treatment of FGR. Using a guinea pig maternal nutrient restriction model (70% food intake) of FGR, nanoparticle-mediated IGF1 treatment was delivered to the placenta via ultrasound guidance across the second half of pregnancy, after establishment of FGR. This treatment resulted in correction of fetal weight in MNR + IGF1 animals compared to sham treated controls on an ad libitum diet, increased fetal blood glucose and decreased fetal blood cortisol levels compared to sham treated MNR, and showed no negative maternal side-effects. Overall, we show a therapy capable of positively impacting the entire pregnancy environment: maternal, placental, and fetal. This combined with our previous studies using this therapy at mid pregnancy in the guinea pig and in two different mouse model and three different human in vitro/ex vivo models, demonstrate the plausibility of this therapy for future human translation. Our overall goal is to improve health outcomes of neonates and decrease numerous morbidities associated with the developmental origins of disease.

Expanding Prospects for Dermal Health with Bioactive Phytochemicals

The largest and most defensive organ in the human body is the skin. Skin health significantly affects the quality of life due to its crucial function in aesthetic appearance. The onset of numerous skin illnesses is frequently accompanied by chronic skin inflammation. Immune-mediated reactions defend the body against external harm and need to be quickly controlled. If unregulated, they can result in long-term cellular damage and a variety of skin diseases. Dermatological illnesses encompass a wide range of skin conditions, including but not limited to acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, dermatitis, skin cancer, and fungal infections. Phytochemicals are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against pathogens that have various biological activities and can be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Through the quenching of free radicals and the suppression of nuclear factor-κB, phytochemicals shield the skin from damage. Phytochemicals also offer a safe topical delivery system for improving the skin and regenerative treatment. Some phytochemicals' direct molecular targets have been identified, and their underlying mechanisms of action are being researched. In this review, we summarise current studies on phytochemicals' impacts on dermal illnesses and their underlying mechanisms of action.

The effect of coffee husks used as pellet bedding material on the intestinal barrier, immune-related gene expression and microbiota composition in the broiler chicken caecum

Abstract Introduction Using coffee husks as waste material for bedding contributes to sustainable development. A sustainable choice of bedding has also, however, to be a safe choice for poultry. The study analysed immune-related gene expression in the intestinal mucosa and indicator bacteria in caecal content collected from broiler chickens bedded on material with coffee husk addition. Material and Methods One-day-old Ross 308 chickens were divided into four groups of 10 birds each in five replicates: C, the control group kept on wheat straw bedding; CH10, a group kept on bedding of 10% coffee husks and 90% wheat straw; CH25, a group kept on bedding of 25% husks and 75% straw; and CH50, a group kept on bedding of 50% husks and 50% straw. After 42 days, the birds were slaughtered, the caecal mucosae were removed for RNA isolation and the caecal content was collected for bacterial DNA isolation. The expression of genes involved in intestinal immune response and host organism defence and the relative abundance of indicator bacteria were analysed. Results Upregulation of the expression of genes related to the immune response and intestinal tightness was correlated with an increase in the percentage of coffee husks in the pellet. Coffee husk pellets at 50% bedding content caused a significant numerical increase in Bifidobacterium and a statistically significant increase in Lactobacillus. A significant reduction in E. coli bacteria was also demonstrated in this group. Coffee husk pellets at all content percentages resulted in a statistically significant diminution of the level of Streptococcus bacteria. Conclusion The addition of coffee husks to poultry litter effects beneficial changes in the expression of genes related to intestinal health and the caecal bacterial profile.

Multi-Directional Mechanisms of Participation of the TRIM Gene Family in Response of Innate Immune System to Bacterial Infections.

The multigene TRIM family is an important component of the innate immune system. For a long time, the main function of the genes belonging to this family was believed to be an antiviral defense of the host organism. The issue of their participation in the immune system response to bacterial invasion has been less studied. This review is the first comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms of functioning of the TRIM family genes in response to bacterial infections, which expands our knowledge about the role of TRIM in the innate immune system. When infected with different types of bacteria, individual TRIM proteins regulate inflammatory, interferon, and other responses of the immune system in the cells, and also affect autophagy and apoptosis. Functioning of TRIM proteins in response to bacterial infection, as well as viral infection, often includes ubiquitination and various protein-protein interactions with both bacterial proteins and host cell proteins. At the same time, some TRIM proteins, on the contrary, contribute to the infection development. Different members of the TRIM family possess similar mechanisms of response to viral and bacterial infection, and the final impact of these proteins could vary significantly. New data on the effect of TRIM proteins on bacterial infections make an important contribution to a more detailed understanding of the innate immune system functioning in animals and humans when interacting with pathogens. This data could also be used for the search of new targets for antibacterial defense.

The venom and telopodal defence systems of the centipede Lithobius forficatus are functionally convergent serial homologues

BackgroundEvolution of novelty is a central theme in evolutionary biology, yet studying the origins of traits with an apparently discontinuous origin remains a major challenge. Venom systems are a well-suited model for the study of this phenomenon because they capture several aspects of novelty across multiple levels of biological complexity. However, while there is some knowledge on the evolution of individual toxins, not much is known about the evolution of venom systems as a whole. One way of shedding light on the evolution of new traits is to investigate less specialised serial homologues, i.e. repeated traits in an organism that share a developmental origin. This approach can be particularly informative in animals with repetitive body segments, such as centipedes.ResultsHere, we investigate morphological and biochemical aspects of the defensive telopodal glandular organs borne on the posterior legs of venomous stone centipedes (Lithobiomorpha), using a multimethod approach, including behavioural observations, comparative morphology, proteomics, comparative transcriptomics and molecular phylogenetics. We show that the anterior venom system and posterior telopodal defence system are functionally convergent serial homologues, where one (telopodal defence) represents a model for the putative early evolutionary state of the other (venom). Venom glands and telopodal glandular organs appear to have evolved from the same type of epidermal gland (four-cell recto-canal type) and while the telopodal defensive secretion shares a great degree of compositional overlap with centipede venoms in general, these similarities arose predominantly through convergent recruitment of distantly related toxin-like components. Both systems are composed of elements predisposed to functional innovation across levels of biological complexity that range from proteins to glands, demonstrating clear parallels between molecular and morphological traits in the properties that facilitate the evolution of novelty.ConclusionsThe evolution of the lithobiomorph telopodal defence system provides indirect empirical support for the plausibility of the hypothesised evolutionary origin of the centipede venom system, which occurred through functional innovation and gradual specialisation of existing epidermal glands. Our results thus exemplify how continuous transformation and functional innovation can drive the apparent discontinuous emergence of novelties on higher levels of biological complexity.

Cytotoxic and apoptotic effectiveness of Cypriot honeybee (Apis mellifera cypria) venom on various cancer cells

Abstract Objectives The bee stinger is the defense organ of honeybees. The venom sac of a worker bee is connected to its stinger, which is used as a defense mechanism, and it has a potent and complex combination of substances that is unique in the animal kingdom. Many immune-related illnesses have been successfully treated with bee venom and recent evidence on the efficacy of applications targeting malignancies has attracted considerable attention. Methods The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the crude venom, and the flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the apoptotic potential. The cytotoxic activity of Apis mellifera cypria venom collected from two different apiaries in Cyprus was evaluated for the first time against breast (MDA-MB-231), colon (Caco-2), cervix (HeLa), prostate (PC-3), pancreas (Panc-1), lung (A549), glioblastoma (U-87MG) human cancerous and healthy lung fibroblast (CCD-34Lu) cells. Results The venom concentration that killed 50 % of the cells (inhibitory concentration, IC50) is expressed as venom cytotoxicity. The IC50 values of A. m. cypria crude venom on cultured cells varied from 4.18±0.75 to 22.00±1.71 μg/mL after treatment with crude venom for 48 h, with the most potent activities against PC-3, Panc-1, and HeLa cells. Analysis of apoptotic cells by flow cytometry of both venom samples showed that bee venom slightly induced early apoptosis on A549 and Panc-1 cells. Conclusions The venom of the A. m. cypria is discussed in this article, displaying promising results as a potential source for an alternative treatment method because of its cytotoxic effect.

Neutrophil extracellular traps in the anti-infectious defense of human organism

Background. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are net-like structures that have been investigated in inflammatory diseases. However, the presence of NETs in infected persons without clinical symptoms has not been yet studied.Aim. To reveal NETs in healthy persons during and after the H1N1 influenza pandemic as well as to study the functional activity of NETs.Materials and methods. The study included two groups of volunteers (n = 10 in each group) aged 20–25 years. The first group of volunteers was examined in the absence of acute diseases during one month before the study and in the absence of chronic diseases in the medical history. Volunteers of the second group were in contact with patients with influenza, but did not get sick. The comparative study also included patients with acute inflammation in the abdominal cavity (appendicitis, cholecystitis, abscess; 12 patients) and 9 patients with non-specific ulcerative colitis. Neutrophils were isolated from the blood by the traditional method of Ficoll density centrifugation. The number, morphology, and functional activity of NETs were determined (by capture of Klebsiella pneumoniae). SYBR Green I-based fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize and quantify NETs.Results. In healthy volunteers who were not in contact with infected patients, spontaneous NETs formation did not occur. Neutrophils of persons who were in contact with infected patients spontaneously formed NETs. In this case the number of NETs reached 8.58 ± 0.51%, and the size of NETs amounted to 39.68 ± 3.52 µm. NETs effectively captured cells of the tested microorganism, which was accompanied by retraction of network fibers and transformation of the network structure into a cloud-like one, which retained 89.38 ± 5.86 microbial cells. For comparison, the NETs in patients with acute inflammation in the abdominal cavity captured and bound 20.2 ± 1 .67 microbial cells and with non-specific ulcerative colitis – 5.53 ± 0.34 cells.Conclusion. High binding capacity of NETs is a factor contributing to effective defense of the body against the development of an infectious disease with manifested clinical symptoms.

Evaluation of antioxidant and bioactive phytochemical properties of Achyranthes aspera L.

Archeranthes aspera, a member of the Amaranthaceae family, is now widely distributed. This species has become invasive in Nigeria. Despite the natural antioxidant defense and repair mechanisms present in humans and other organisms, continuous exposure to free radicals inevitably causes biological harm that cannot be entirely mitigated. In a recent study, extracts of Achyranthes aspera were examined for their secondary metabolites, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial effects against several strains including Staphylococcus aureus (NCIB 8588), Bacillus cereus (NCIB 6349), Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCIB 418), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCIB). Phytochemical analysis of the plant leaf revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, general glycosides, and terpenoids. Quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites showed that the plant extract contained 7.0 ± 2.5 mg/100g alkaloids, 11.5 ± 2.0 mg/100g tannins, 15.0 ± 3.1 mg/100g general glycosides, and 14.0 ± 1.5 mg/100g terpenoids. The investigation revealed that the concentration of leaf extract enhanced DPPH scavenging activity, albeit to a lesser extent than ascorbic acid. At concentrations of 50 and 100µg/ml, ascorbic acid exhibited scavenging activities of 22.66 ± 2.34% and 40.55 ± 1.55%, respectively, whereas Achyranthes aspera leaf extract displayed activities of 6.33 ± 2.04% and 11.65 ± 6.18%. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the plant extract inhibited the growth of bacteria, rendering them vulnerable. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Achyranthes aspera ethanol leaf extract was found to be lowest against S. aureus and highest against B. cereus. These findings suggest that the ingredients present in the plant leaf extract hold promise for potential use in chemotherapy.

New sensitive tools to characterize meta-metabolome response to short- and long-term cobalt exposure in dynamic river biofilm communities

Untargeted metabolomics is a non-a priori analysis of biomolecules that characterizes the metabolome variations induced by short- and long-term exposures to stressors. Even if the metabolite annotation remains lacunar due to database gaps, the global metabolomic fingerprint allows for trend analyses of dose-response curves for hundreds of cellular metabolites. Analysis of dose/time-response curve trends (biphasic or monotonic) of untargeted metabolomic features would thus allow the use of all the chemical signals obtained in order to determine stress levels (defense or damage) in organisms. To develop this approach in a context of time-dependent microbial community changes, mature river biofilms were exposed for 1 month to four cobalt (Co) concentrations (from background concentration to 1 × 10−6 M) in an open system of artificial streams. The meta-metabolomic response of biofilms was compared against a multitude of biological parameters (including bioaccumulation, biomass, chlorophyll a content, composition and structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities) monitored at set exposure times (from 1 h to 28 d). Cobalt exposure induced extremely rapid responses of the meta-metabolome, with time range inducing defense responses (TRIDeR) of around 10 s, and time range inducing damage responses (TRIDaR) of several hours. Even in biofilms whose structure had been altered by Co bioaccumulation (reduced biomass, chlorophyll a contents and changes in the composition and diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities), concentration range inducing defense responses (CRIDeR) with similar initiation thresholds (1.41 ± 0.77 × 10−10 M Co2+ added in the exposure medium) were set up at the meta-metabolome level at every time point. In contrast, the concentration range inducing damage responses (CRIDaR) initiation thresholds increased by 10 times in long-term Co exposed biofilms. The present study demonstrates that defense and damage responses of biofilm meta-metabolome exposed to Co are rapidly and sustainably impacted, even within tolerant and resistant microbial communities.

The Potential Role of Major Argan Oil Compounds as Nrf2 Regulators and Their Antioxidant Effects.

In recent years, research on the discovery of natural compounds with potent antioxidant properties has resulted in growing interest in these compounds due to their potential therapeutic applications in oxidative-stress-related diseases. Argan oil, derived from the kernels of a native tree from Morocco, Argania spinosa, is renowned for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, prominently tocopherols, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Interestingly, a large body of data has shown that several components of argan oil activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, playing a crucial role in the cellular defense against oxidative stress. Activation of this Nrf2 pathway by argan oil components leads to the increased expression of downstream target proteins like NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and catalase (CAT). Such Nrf2 activation accounts for several health benefits related to antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular health, and neuroprotection in organisms. Furthermore, the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds in argan oil enhances the Nrf2 pathway. Accordingly, the modulation of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)/Nrf2 signaling pathway by these components highlights the potential of argan oil in protecting cells from oxidative stress and underlines its relevance in dietetic prevention and therapeutic applications. This review aims to provide an overview of how major compounds in argan oil activate the Nrf2 pathway, updating our knowledge on their mechanisms of action and associated health benefits.

Histopathological effects of long-term exposure to realistic concentrations of cadmium in the hepatopancreas of Sparus aurata juveniles

In recent decades, cadmium has emerged as an environmental stressor in aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence and toxicity. It can enter water bodies from various natural and anthropogenic sources and, once introduced into aquatic systems, can accumulate in sediments and biota, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain. For this reason, the effects of cadmium on aquatic life remain an area of ongoing research and concern. In this paper, a multidisciplinary approach was used to assess the effects of long-term exposure to an environmental concentration on the hepatopancreas of farmed juveniles of sea bream, Sparus aurata. After determining metal uptake, metallothionein production was assessed to gain insight into the organism's defence response. The effects were also assessed by histological and ultrastructural analyses. The results indicate that cadmium accumulates in the hepatopancreas at significant concentrations, inducing structural and functional damage. Despite the parallel increase in metallothioneins, fibrosis, alterations in carbohydrate distribution and endocrine disruption were also observed. These effects would decrease animal fitness although it did not translate into high mortality or reduced growth. This could depend on the fact that the animals were farmed, protected from the pressure deriving from having to search for food or escape from predators. Not to be underestimated is the return to humans, as this species is edible. Understanding the behaviour of cadmium in aquatic systems, its effects at different trophic levels and the potential risks to human health from the consumption of contaminated seafood would therefore be essential for informed environmental management and policy decisions.

Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues (TTXs) in the Food-Capture and Defense Organs of the Palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), an extremely potent low-molecular-weight neurotoxin, is widespread among marine animals including ribbon worms (Nemertea). Previously, studies on the highly toxic palaeonemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula showed that toxin-positive structures are present all over its body and are mainly associated with glandular cells and epithelial tissues. The highest TTXs concentrations were detected in a total extract from the intestine of the anterior part of the body and also in a total extract from the proboscis. However, many questions as to the TTXs distribution in the organs of the anterior part of the worm's body and the functions of the toxins in these organs are still unanswered. In the present report, we provide additional results of a detailed and comprehensive analysis of TTXs distribution in the nemertean's proboscis, buccal cavity, and cephalic gland using an integrated approach including high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), confocal laser scanning microscopy with anti-TTX antibodies, light and electron microscopies, and observations of feeding behavior. For the proboscis, we have found a TTXs profile different from that characteristic of other organs and tissues. We have also shown for the first time that the major amount of TTXs is localized in the anterior part of the proboscis that is mainly involved in hunting. TTX-containing glandular cells, which can be involved in the prey immobilization, have been found in the buccal cavities of the nemerteans. A significant contribution of the cephalic gland to the toxicity of this animal has been shown for the first time, and the role of the gland is hypothesized to be involved not only in protection against potential enemies but also in immobilizing prey. The data obtained have made it possible to extend the understanding of the role and features of the use of TTXs in the organs of the anterior part of nemertean's body.

The cGAS-STING signaling pathway is modulated by urolithin A

During aging, general cellular processes, including autophagic clearance and immunological responses become compromised; therefore, identifying compounds that target these cellular processes is an important approach to improve our health span. The innate immune cGAS-STING pathway has emerged as an important signaling system in the organismal defense against viral and bacterial infections, inflammatory responses to cellular damage, regulation of autophagy, and tumor immunosurveillance. These key functions of the cGAS-STING pathway make it an attractive target for pharmacological intervention in disease treatments and in controlling inflammation and immunity. Here, we show that urolithin A (UA), an ellagic acid metabolite, exerts a profound effect on the expression of STING and enhances cGAS-STING activation and cytosolic DNA clearance in human cell lines. Animal laboratory models and limited human trials have reported no obvious adverse effects of UA administration. Thus, the use of UA alone or in combination with other pharmacological compounds may present a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of human diseases that involves aberrant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway or accumulation of cytosolic DNA and this warrants further investigation in relevant transgenic animal models.

Fishing Innate Immune System Properties through the Transcriptomic Single-Cell Data of Teleostei.

The innate immune system is the first line of defense in multicellular organisms. Danio rerio is widely considered a promising model for IIS-related research, with the most amount of scRNAseq data available among Teleostei. We summarized the scRNAseq and spatial transcriptomics experiments related to the IIS for zebrafish and other Teleostei from the GEO NCBI and the Single-Cell Expression Atlas. We found a considerable number of scRNAseq experiments at different stages of zebrafish development in organs such as the kidney, liver, stomach, heart, and brain. These datasets could be further used to conduct large-scale meta-analyses and to compare the IIS of zebrafish with the mammalian one. However, only a small number of scRNAseq datasets are available for other fish (turbot, salmon, cavefish, and dark sleeper). Since fish biology is very diverse, it would be a major mistake to use zebrafish alone in fish immunology studies. In particular, there is a special need for new scRNAseq experiments involving nonmodel Teleostei, e.g., long-lived species, cancer-resistant fish, and various fish ecotypes.

Impact of rising seawater temperature on a phagocytic cell population during V. parahaemolyticus infection in the sea anemone E. pallida.

Climate change is increasing ocean temperatures and consequently impacts marine life (e.g., bacterial communities). In this context, studying host-pathogen interactions in marine organisms is becoming increasingly important, not only for ecological conservation, but also to reduce economic loss due to mass mortalities in cultured species. In this study, we used Exaiptasia pallida (E. pallida), an anemone, as an emerging marine model to better understand the effect of rising temperatures on the infection induced by the pathogenic marine bacterium Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The effect of temperature on E. pallida was examined at 6, 24, or 30 h after bath inoculation with 108 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus expressing GFP (Vp-GFP) at 27°C (husbandry temperature) or 31°C (heat stress). Morphological observations of E. pallida and their Hsps expression demonstrated heat stress induced increasing damage to anemones. The kinetics of the infections revealed that Vp-GFP were localized on the surface of the ectoderm and in the mucus during the first hours of infection and in the mesenterial filaments thereafter. To better identify the E. pallida cells targeted by Vp-GFP infection, we used spectral flow cytometry. E. pallida cell types were identified based on their autofluorescent properties. corresponding to different cell types (algae and cnidocytes). We identified an AF10 population whose autofluorescent spectrum was identical to that of human monocytes/macrophage, suggesting that this spectral print could be the hallmark of phagocytic cells called "amebocytes''. AF10 autofluorescent cells had a high capacity to phagocytize Vp-GFP, suggesting their possible role in fighting infection. This was confirmed by microscopy using sorted AF10 and GFP-positive cells (AF10+/GFP+). The number of AF10+/GFP+ cells were reduced at 31°C, demonstrating that increased temperature not only damages tissue but also affects the immune response of E. pallida. In conclusion, our study provides a springboard for more comprehensive studies of immune defense in marine organisms and paves the way for future studies of the dynamics, activation patterns, and functional responses of immune cells when encountering pathogens.

USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A (BOTOX) AND ITS AESTHETIC BENEFITS

The skin is the most external organ responsible for protecting the innermost layers of the body, protecting it against thermal agents, climate change and other organic defenses in relation to the environment. Human development is marked by several natural processes within the body itself, however, skin aging is a factor that occurs intrinsically or extrinsically, leaving the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines visible. The use of botulinum toxin type A (TBA or Botox) has been carefully used for aesthetic purposes in the treatment of discomfort resulting from facial skin aging. The present study aimed to present the aesthetic benefits of using botulinum toxin - Botox. This is an integrative review of the literature using the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases with the search for articles using the descriptors “botulinum toxin”; “aesthetics” and “facial aging” registered in DeCS with the help of the boolean operator and. The selection of articles was carried out using the inclusion criteria where articles from the last five were selected, in Portuguese or foreign language and which were correlated with the main theme of the research. For the exclusion criteria, articles that were not consistent with the theme and duplicate articles were excluded by title or abstract. Thus, the present study aimed to achieve the objectives described through literature review analysis, where it was possible to verify the effectiveness and benefits of TBA in the facial aging process. Furthermore, it was possible to enable scientific research as a development for further studies in the area of aesthetics in general and contributing to a greater collection of knowledge.

Reeducation of the Upper Limb: A Case Study of a Multiple Trauma Patient, Who Suffered a Car Accident

The hand and the forearm are the main defensive organs and more than often they suffer serious traumatism in car accidents. Guiding these patients to rehabilitation areas is essential for the success of the process. The present case refers to a multiple trauma patient who suffered a car accident which had great impact on his upper left limb. The patient was treated at Hospital de São José, and later transferred for the Centro de Medicina e Reabilitação do Sul to start his rehabilitation. The complete description of the process in Occupational Therapy/Hand Therapy starts here, with the intention of evaluating the impact of this type of intervention on a multiple trauma patient, by assessing the evolution of the open wound, scar, edema, sensitiveness, joint range, muscular activation, limb functionality as well as Instrumental and Daily Life Activities. Despite improvements at motor and sensory levels, these were not as expected, as a result of the severity of the injuries and the late rehabilitation beginning. Nonetheless, at the functionality level the patient was able to achieve improvement levels that allowed a greater independence and a return to his job. A timely reference for treatment, in this case of multiple trauma in the upper limb, could have allowed for a greater success in the rehabilitation, at the same time, a more effective communication among all the structures involved in the case since the moment of the accident until rehabilitation would also have led to a faster closing of the wound, which would have a positive influence in the results. Although, and even with the late start, the Hand Therapy intervention was paramount for the patient’s independence.

Genome-resolved metagenomics of Venice Lagoon surface sediment bacteria reveals high biosynthetic potential and metabolic plasticity as successful strategies in an impacted environment

Bacteria living in sediments play essential roles in marine ecosystems and deeper insights into the ecology and biogeochemistry of these largely unexplored organisms can be obtained from ‘omics’ approaches. Here, we characterized metagenome-assembled-genomes (MAGs) from the surface sediment microbes of the Venice Lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea) in distinct sub-basins exposed to various natural and anthropogenic pressures. MAGs were explored for biodiversity, major marine metabolic processes, anthropogenic activity-related functions, adaptations at the microscale, and biosynthetic gene clusters. Starting from 126 MAGs, a non-redundant dataset of 58 was compiled, the majority of which (35) belonged to (Alpha- and Gamma-) Proteobacteria. Within the broad microbial metabolic repertoire (including C, N, and S metabolisms) the potential to live without oxygen emerged as one of the most important features. Mixotrophy was also found as a successful lifestyle. Cluster analysis showed that different MAGs encoded the same metabolic patterns (e.g., C fixation, sulfate oxidation) thus suggesting metabolic redundancy. Antibiotic and toxic compounds resistance genes were coupled, a condition that could promote the spreading of these genetic traits. MAGs showed a high biosynthetic potential related to antimicrobial and biotechnological classes and to organism defense and interactions as well as adaptive strategies for micronutrient uptake and cellular detoxification. Our results highlighted that bacteria living in an impacted environment, such as the surface sediments of the Venice Lagoon, may benefit from metabolic plasticity as well as from the synthesis of a wide array of secondary metabolites, promoting ecosystem resilience and stability toward environmental pressures.

Health Implications of Lemna Dumpsite in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Lemna solid waste dumpsites is found within cities of Calabar and due to poor and ineffective management, the dumpsites turn to sources of serious concern to the people living in the vicinity of the site. Polluted air, leachate release from the site to the ground water, activities of scavengers in the site, bad odour, incubation and proliferation of flies, mosquitoes, and rodents; that, in turn, are disease transmitters with their effect on population’s health, has its organic defenses in a formative and creative state. This study therefore sought to evaluate the health implication of Lemna dumpsite in Calabar on the residents living around the site. Data were collected from 309 household heads, through the use of self- administered questionnaires. Households’ heads were selected through the use of simple random sampling technique. Data collected were subjected to analysis using principal component factor analysis. Result shows that cardiovascular diseases, birth defects, immune system defects, weakening of lungs functions, lung cancer, kidney problems, liver disease, skin cancer, stomach infections, liver failure, kidney failure and polio have the highest loading in factor one meaning that there are not prevalence in the study area although there are in existence as seen from the communalities loadings. Whereas, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, malaria and stomach ulcer were the prevalence sickness in the environment because they have the highest factor loadings in factor two. On the severity if such sickness in the study area, it was seen that households only visit hospital often due to the following health condition; birth defects, immune system defects, kidney problems, liver disease, skin cancer, stomach infections, cholera, malaria, dysentery, stomach, ulcer, and typhoid because the above mentioned sicknesses have the highest loadings in factor one (often visit hospital). Conversely, cardiovascular disease, weakening of lungs functions, lung cancer, liver failure, kidney failure and polio have highest factor loading in factor two, meaning that although there is occurrence of this sicknesses in the study area, households rarely visit hospital because of such health condition. Therefore, the study recommends recycling of solid waste, waste to energy incineration, anaerobic digestion, compositing/organic waste recycling, and advanced technologies as waste management control should be encourage in Calabar instead of the use of dumpsite.