A paracoccidioidomicose (PCM) é infecção granulomatosa sistêmica, causada pelo fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, prevalente na América Latina, particularmente no Brasil. Acomete o sistema nervoso central (SNC) em 10% dos casos. Foram estudados 13 pacientes com paracoccidioidomicose no SNC, entre 1991 e 2001, com ênfase para os aspectos clínicos, neuroradiológicos e terapêuticos. Onze pacientes eram do sexo masculino (84,6%) e dois do feminino (15,4%), com idade entre 30 e 71 anos (M= 47,1 ± 11,6 Me= 46). Os sintomas mais freqüentes foram déficits motores (53,8%), alterações cognitivas (53,8%), emagrecimento (46,1%), cefaléia (46,1%) e crises convulsivas (46,1%). O diagnóstico foi confirmado pela detecção do P. brasiliensis no SNC. Todos os pacientes apresentavam a forma granulomatosa e quatro (30,8%) tinham a forma meningoencefalítica associada. Todos foram estudados com tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio e um caso com ressonância magnética (RM) encefálica. Dez pacientes (76,9%) realizaram sorologia para o HIV, todos com resultados negativos. A anfotericina B foi utilizada em 12 casos (92,3%), em um deles por via intratecal. Em oito casos (61,5%) o sulfametoxazol-trimetropim foi utilizado; em dois (15,4%) a sulfadiazina e pirimetamina, e o fluconazol, cetoconazol e itraconazol, cada um deles em um paciente. Seis pacientes (46,1%) morreram e sete evoluíram satisfatoriamente. O tempo de seguimento variou de 2 a 74 meses (M=30,9). Conclui-se que as manifestações clínicas assim como os exames de imagem na PCM do SNC são inespecíficos.
Polyurethanes (PUs) have been considered good candidates to be used in biomedical temporary devices that require mechanical properties comparable to soft tissues. However, toxicity of some PUs is still a concern, since these polyurethanes can contain potential toxic components and residual organic solvents derived from their synthesis. In this work, in vitro tests to measure viability and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in contact with PUs with tunable biodegradability were performed by employing MTT, alkaline phosphatase and collagen secretion assays. PUs were produced in an aqueous environment by employing isophorone diisocyanate/ hydrazine (hard segment) and poly(caprolactone diol)/2,2-bis (hydroxymethyl) propionic acid (soft segment) as the main reagents. Three series of PUs having different soft segment contents were synthesized. These PUs had their chemical structure, morphology and hydrolytic degradation investigated. The rate of hydrolysis of the obtained PUs was tailored by modifying the soft segment content of the polymers. In vitro results showed that PUs can provide a satisfactory environment for the adhesion and proliferation of hMSCs.
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a human systemic granulomatous mycosis caused by thermodimorphic fungi from Paracoccidioides genus. The disease is prevalent in Latin America and triggers a serious clinical condition. Consequently, rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent progression of the disease, which can result in death. Currently, there are several established methods for PCM diagnosis. However, many of these tests still present challenges in terms of cost, accessibility and efficiency. In this scenario, gold nanoparticles represent a promising alternative since they have particular optical and electronic properties, which allow its use for biomolecules detection. This review will briefly present techniques available for PCM diagnosis and the perspectives of implementation of gold nanoparticles for diagnosis of this mycosis.
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), the most prevalent deep mycosis in Latin America. The treatment varies according to the chemotherapeutic drug and the disease severity, and the lack of it can results in high frequency of relapse and sequels. Thus, the search for new therapeutic alternatives is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of P. brasiliensis yeast cells attenuated by gamma irradiation (LevRad) in Balb/c mice. Mice immunized with LevRad and/or treated with fluconazole presented a significant decrease in the CFU recovery from the lung, liver and spleen in comparison with non-immunized and non-treated infected mice (60 and 120 days after infection). After 120 days from fungal inoculation, no fungi colonies were obtained from the organs of treated and immunized mice. The tissue structure of these organs was largely preserved. At the same time, anti-Mexo specific IgG antibodies levels and TGF-β, IFN-γ, iNOS transcript levels were high and a decrease on the IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-α transcript levels was also verified. An additive protective effect of immunization with LevRad associated to chemotherapy in a PCM experimental model was verified, providing evidence of the therapeutic effect of attenuated yeast for fungal infections.
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