scholarly journals Herbicides: the Face and the Reverse of the Coin. An in Vitro Approach to the Toxicity of Herbicides in Non-Target Organisms

Author(s):  
Amlia Jurado ◽  
Maria Fernandes ◽  
Romeu Videira ◽  
Francisco Peixoto ◽  
Joaquim Vicente
Keyword(s):  

1981 ◽  
Vol 153 (4) ◽  
pp. 871-882 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Y Tse ◽  
J J Mond ◽  
W E Paul

For the purpose of examining more closely the interaction between T and B lymphocytes, we have developed an in vitro T lymphocyte-dependent B lymphocyte proliferation assay. Proliferation of B lymphocytes in response to antigen was found to depend on the presence of primed T lymphocytes; the B lymphocytes could be derived from nonprimed animals. It appears that these B cells were nonspecifically recruited to proliferate. This nonspecific recruitment, however, was found to be Ir-gene restricted in that B lymphocytes from B10.S mice, which are genetic nonresponders to the polymer Glu60-Ala30-Tyr10 (GAT), could not be stimulated by GAT-primed (responder X nonresponder) F1 T cells. The apparent lack of antigen specificity in the face of Ir gene-restricted T-B interaction may have important implications in our understanding of the recognition unit(s) on T lymphocytes.



Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 103 (7) ◽  
pp. 2691-2698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Rosenblum ◽  
Edit Olasz ◽  
Jeffery E. Woodliff ◽  
Bryon D. Johnson ◽  
Marja C. Konkol ◽  
...  

Abstract During apoptotic cell death, biochemical processes modify self-proteins and create potential autoantigens. To maintain self-tolerance in the face of natural cell turnover, the immune system must prevent or control responses to apoptosis-associated autoantigens or risk autoimmunity. The molecular mechanisms governing this process remain largely unknown. Here, we show that expression of the immunoregulatory protein CD200 increases as murine dendritic cells (DCs) undergo apoptosis. We define CD200 as a p53-target gene and identify both p53- and caspase-dependent pathways that control CD200 expression during apoptosis. CD200 expression on apoptotic DCs diminishes proinflammatory cytokine production in response to self-antigens in vitro and is required for UVB-mediated tolerance to haptenated self-proteins in vivo. Up-regulation of CD200 may represent a novel mechanism, whereby immune reactivity to apoptosis-associated self-antigens is suppressed under steady state conditions. (Blood. 2004;103: 2691-2698)



Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 523
Author(s):  
Hui-Ling Lin ◽  
Yu-Chi Lee ◽  
Ssu-Hui Wang ◽  
Li-Ying Chiang ◽  
Jui-Fang Liu

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a newly designed foam cushion on the air leakage and pressure when applied to the face. Methods: A teaching manikin connected to a bilevel positive airway pressure ventilator attached to four different brands of oronasal masks (Amara, Mirage, Forma, and Wizard) was used. The foam cushions of 5-mm and 10-mm-thickness were attached to the masks, and each mask was tested without a cushion. Six pressure sensors were placed on the manikin’s face, and data were recorded. Inspiratory volume and air leak flow from the ventilator were observed. Results: Air leakage was influenced by both the mask brand and the presence of a cushion. The presence of a cushion did not affect the Wizard mask in terms of leakage (p = 0.317) or inspiratory volume (p = 0.726). The Wizard and Amara masks generated the lowest contact pressure on the frontal forehead (p < 0.001) compared to the other five points. Conclusions: Utilisation of a cushion reduces air leakage and maintains greater inspiratory volume regardless of its thickness. The contact pressure varies depending on the brand of the mask, which would require a difference in the thickness of the cushion for pressure reduction.



Author(s):  
Ashwini S. Kaware ◽  
Pramod U Ingle ◽  
Aniket K. Gade ◽  
Mahendra Rai

Introduction: Alternaria spp. and Candida spp. are the main fungal pathogen of indoor environment like house, office, classroom, etc. These may cause various diseases and infections like systemic infections, or chronic asthma in immunocompromised individuals through secretion of various toxic substances. Chemical-based commercially available room fresheners used to control the fungal load of indoor environment are not beneficial to human health. Objective: was to provide viable alternative in the form of nanoparticle-based approach for the management of air-borne fungi. Methodology: The present study primarily focuses on the isolation, microscopic and biochemical identification of indoor fungi; Azadirachta indica-mediated sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesis, their detection and characterization; and in vitro assessment of SNPs against isolated fungi present in indoor environment. Result: The isolated fungi were identified as Alternaria spp and Candida spp. The SNPs showed absorbance maxima at 291 nm. NTA analysis showed average size of 188.4 nm, and zeta potential of -4.94 mV which represented synthesis of stable SNPs. XRD pattern confirmed the face centered cubic, crystalline nature of SNPs. FTIR spectrum depicted the presence of polyhydroxyl, nitrile, keto, aromatic and carboxylic compounds which stabilized the SNPs. The antifungal assays demonstrated the significant activity of the formulated SNPs and eucalyptus oil infused air freshener. Conclusion: It can be concluded that A. indica-mediated SNPs can be applied in the formulation and manufacture of an ecofriendly air freshener for the management of indoor fungal pathogens like Alternaria spp. and Candida spp.



1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (3) ◽  
pp. R799-R808 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Buchholz ◽  
Kim Edwards-Teunissen ◽  
Sue P. Duckles

To examine effects of development and chronic high-altitude hypoxia on sympathetic nerve function in sheep, norepinephrine release was measured in vitro from middle cerebral and facial arteries. Capsaicin was used to test the role of capsaicin-sensitive sensory nerves; norepinephrine release was not altered by capsaicin treatment. N ω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), an inhibitor of NO synthase, decreased stimulation-evoked norepinephrine release in middle cerebral arteries from normoxic sheep with no effect in hypoxic arteries or facial arteries. Thus NO-releasing nerves augmented norepinephrine release. Furthermore, the function of NO-releasing nerves declined after chronic hypoxia. Despite loss of the augmenting effects of NO, stimulation-evoked fractional norepinephrine release was unchanged after chronic hypoxia, suggesting that middle cerebral arteries adapt to hypoxia by increasing stimulation-evoked norepinephrine release. In fetal facial arteries, chronic hypoxia resulted in a decline in stimulation-evoked norepinephrine release, but there was an increase in the adult facial artery. In the adult, adaptation to chronic hypoxia is similar in both cerebral and facial arteries. However, differential adaptation in fetal adrenergic nerves may reflect differences in fetal redistribution of blood flow in the face of chronic hypoxia but could also possibly contribute to increased incidence of fetal morbidity.



Author(s):  
Pokpong Amornvit ◽  
Sasiwimol Sanohkan

Face scanners promise wide applications in medicine and dentistry, including facial recognition, capturing facial emotions, facial cosmetic planning and surgery, and maxillofacial rehabilitation. Higher accuracy improves the quality of the data recorded from the face scanner, which ultimately, will improve the outcome. Although there are various face scanners available on the market, there is no evidence of a suitable face scanner for practical applications. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the face scans obtained from four scanners; EinScan Pro (EP), EinScan Pro 2X Plus (EP+) (Shining 3D Tech. Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, China), iPhone X (IPX) (Apple Store, Cupertino, CA, USA), and Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid (PM) (Planmeca USA, Inc. IL, USA), and to compare scans obtained from various scanners with the control (measured from Vernier caliper). This should help to identify the appropriate scanner for face scanning. A master face model was created and printed from polylactic acid using the resolution of 200 microns on x, y, and z axes and designed in Rhinoceros 3D modeling software (Rhino, Robert McNeel and Associates for Windows, Washington DC, USA). The face models were 3D scanned with four scanners, five times, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations; EinScan Pro (Shining 3D Tech. Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, China), EinScan Pro 2X Plus (Shining 3D Tech. Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, China) using Shining Software, iPhone X (Apple Store, Cupertino, CA, USA) using Bellus3D Face Application (Bellus3D, version 1.6.2, Bellus3D, Inc. Campbell, CA, USA), and Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid (PM) (Planmeca USA, Inc. IL, USA). Scan data files were saved as stereolithography (STL) files for the measurements. From the STL files, digital face models are created in the computer using Rhinoceros 3D modeling software (Rhino, Robert McNeel and Associates for Windows, Washington DC, USA). Various measurements were measured five times from the reference points in three axes (x, y, and z) using a digital Vernier caliper (VC) (Mitutoyo 150 mm Digital Caliper, Mitutoyo Co., Kanagawa, Japan), and the mean was calculated, which was used as the control. Measurements were measured on the digital face models of EP, EP+, IPX, and PM using Rhinoceros 3D modeling software (Rhino, Robert McNeel and Associates for Windows, Washington DC, USA). The descriptive statistics were done from SPSS version 20 (IBM Company, Chicago, USA). One-way ANOVA with post hoc using Scheffe was done to analyze the differences between the control and the scans (EP, EP+, IPX, and PM). The significance level was set at p = 0.05. EP+ showed the highest accuracy. EP showed medium accuracy and some lesser accuracy (accurate until 10 mm of length), but IPX and PM showed the least accuracy. EP+ showed accuracy in measuring the 2 mm of depth (diameter 6 mm). All other scanners (EP, IPX, and PM) showed less accuracy in measuring depth. Finally, the accuracy of an optical scan is dependent on the technology used by each scanner. It is recommended to use EP+ for face scanning.



2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Áurea Gabriel ◽  
Ana Valério-Bolas ◽  
Joana Palma-Marques ◽  
Patrícia Mourata-Gonçalves ◽  
Pedro Ruas ◽  
...  

This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive outline of the immune response displayed against cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), the more common zoonotic infection caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. Although of polymorphic clinical presentation, classically CL is characterized by leishmaniotic lesions on the face and extremities of the patients, which can be ulcerative, and even after healing can lead to permanent injuries and disfigurement, affecting significantly their psychological, social, and economic well-being. According a report released by the World Health Organization, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to leishmaniasis are close to 2.4 million, annually there are 1.0–1.5 million new cases of CL, and a numerous population is at risk in the endemic areas. Despite its increasing worldwide incidence, it is one of the so-called neglected tropical diseases. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of the existing knowledge of the host innate and acquired immune response to cutaneous species of Leishmania. The use of animal models and of in vitro studies has improved the understanding of parasite-host interplay and the complexity of immune mechanisms involved. The importance of diagnosis accuracy associated with effective patient management in CL reduction is highlighted. However, the multiple factors involved in CL epizoology associated with the unavailability of vaccines or drugs to prevent infection make difficult to formulate an effective strategy for CL control.



Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 1581-1586 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Low ◽  
BM Willardson ◽  
N Mohandas ◽  
M Rossi ◽  
S Shohet

Abstract In an effort to evaluate the role of the band 3-ankyrin linkage in maintenance of red blood cell membrane integrity, solution conditions were sought that would selectively dissociate the band 3-ankyrin linkage, leaving other membrane skeletal interactions intact. For this purpose erythrocytes were equilibrated overnight in nutrient-containing buffers at a range of elevated pHs and then examined for changes in mechanical stability and membrane skeletal composition. Band 3 was found to be released from interaction with the membrane skeleton over a pH range (8.4 to 9.5) that was observed to dissociate the band 3- ankyrin interaction in vitro. In contrast, all other membrane skeletal associations appeared to remain intact up to pH 9.3, after which they were also seen to dissociate. Whereas hemolysis of mechanically unstressed cells did not begin until approximately pH 9.3, where the membrane skeletons began to disintegrate, enhanced fragmentation of shear stressed membranes was seen to begin near pH 8, where band 3 dissociation was first observed. Furthermore, the shear-induced fragmentation rate was found to reach a maximum at pH 9.4, ie, where band 3 dissociation was essentially complete. Based on these correlations, we hypothesize that the band 3-ankyrin linkage of the membrane skeleton to the lipid bilayer is essential for red blood cell stability in the face of mechanical distortion but not for cellular integrity in the absence of mechanical stress.



2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin T. Livingston ◽  
Md Huzzatul Mursalin ◽  
Michelle C. Callegan

Some tissues of the eye are susceptible to damage due to their exposure to the outside environment and inability to regenerate. Immune privilege, although beneficial to the eye in terms of homeostasis and protection, can be harmful when breached or when an aberrant response occurs in the face of challenge. In this review, we highlight the role of the PMN (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) in different bacterial ocular infections that invade the immune privileged eye at the anterior and posterior segments: keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, and endophthalmitis. Interestingly, the PMN response from the host seems to be necessary for pathogen clearance in ocular disease, but the inflammatory response can also be detrimental to vision retention. This “Pyrrhic Victory” scenario is explored in each type of ocular infection, with details on PMN recruitment and response at the site of ocular infection. In addition, we emphasize the differences in PMN responses between each ocular disease and its most common corresponding bacterial pathogen. The in vitro and animal models used to identify PMN responses, such as recruitment, phagocytosis, degranulation, and NETosis, are also outlined in each ocular infection. This detailed study of the ocular acute immune response to infection could provide novel therapeutic strategies for blinding diseases, provide more general information on ocular PMN responses, and reveal areas of bacterial ocular infection research that lack PMN response studies.



2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1874-1878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel T Cuba ◽  
Gerlan Rocha-Santos ◽  
Rodrigo Cayô ◽  
Ana Paula Streling ◽  
Carolina S Nodari ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PSA) imposes great limitations on empirical therapeutic choices, which are further complicated by metallo-β-lactamase production. This study evaluated in vitro antimicrobial synergy of ceftolozane/tazobactam in combination with aztreonam and fosfomycin against MDR PSA. Methods MICs were determined by broth microdilution and gradient strips. The effect of ceftolozane/tazobactam+aztreonam and ceftolozane/tazobactam+fosfomycin combinations were tested against 27 MDR PSA isolates carrying blaSPM-1 (n = 13), blaIMP (n = 4), blaVIM (n = 3), blaGES-1 (n = 2) and blaCTX-M-like (n = 2), and 3 isolates with no acquired β-lactamase production detected by gradient diffusion strip crossing (GDSC). Six genetically unrelated SPM-1-producing isolates were also evaluated by time–kill analysis (TKA). Results All CR-PSA isolates harbouring blaSPM-1, blaGES-1 and blaIMP-1 were categorized as resistant to ceftolozane/tazobactam, meropenem and fosfomycin, with 70% being susceptible to aztreonam. Synergism for ceftolozane/tazobactam+fosfomycin and ceftolozane/tazobactam+aztreonam combinations was observed for 88.9% (24/27) and 18.5% (5/27) of the isolates by GDSC, respectively. A 3- to 9-fold reduction in ceftolozane/tazobactam MICs was observed, depending on the combination. Ceftolozane/tazobactam+fosfomycin was synergistic by TKA against one of six SPM-1-producing isolates, with additional non-synergistic bacterial density reduction for another isolate. Aztreonam peak concentrations alone demonstrated a ≥3 log10 cfu/mL reduction against all six isolates, but all strains were within the susceptible range for the drug. No antagonism was observed. Conclusions In the context of increasing CR-PSA and the genetic diversity of resistance mechanisms, new combinations and stewardship strategies may need to be explored in the face of increasingly difficult to treat pathogens.



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