Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by structural abnormalities and the progressive loss of kidney function. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human umbilical cord tissue (hUCT)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and expanded human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-derived CD133+ cells (eCD133+) maintain the characteristics of the parent cells, providing a new form of cell-free treatment. We evaluated the effects of EVs from hUCT-derived MSCs and hUCB-derived CD133+ cells on rats with CDK induced by an adenine-enriched diet. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and electron microscopy. The animals were randomized and divided into the MSC-EV group, eEPC-EV group and control group. Infusions occurred on the seventh and 14th days after CKD induction. Evaluations of kidney function were carried out by biochemical and histological analyses. Intense labeling of the α-SMA protein was observed when comparing the control with MSC-EVs. In both groups treated with EVs, a significant increase in serum albumin was observed, and the increase in cystatin C was inhibited. The results indicated improvements in renal function in CKD, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of EVs derived from MSCs and eCD133+ cells and suggesting the possibility that in the future, more than one type of EV will be used concurrently.

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A interferência humana no comportamento de aves sinantrópicas deve ser considerada nos debates a respeito do bem-estar da fauna urbana. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar comparativamente forrageamento de Furnarius rufus e Turdus rufiventris no Campus Curitiba da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, no período de novembro de 2012 a novembro de 2013 em duas etapas: análise do consumo parental na fase pré-oviposição e consumo de alimento na fase de cuidado parental. Os alimentos consumidos por adultos de ambas as espécies na fase pré-oviposição, se constituíram preferencialmente de insetos e restos de alimentos de diversas origens, deixados pelos frequentadores do Campus. Enquanto que na fase de cuidado parental, ambas as espécies, se alimentaram preferencialmente de alimentos industrializados, contudo, levaram ao ninho insetos e minhocas. Esse resultado evidencia que embora as aves adultas aprendam a usar recursos alternativos de maior valor energético, exibem comportamento instintivo ao alimentar os filhotes preferindo alimentos naturais, mesmo diante da alta disponibilidade de alimentos industrializados.

In order to use fluconazole as an antifungal in cell cultures, we evaluated its possible cytotoxic effects and its influence on the proliferation and viability of canine dental pulp-derived stem cells (cDPSCs). Methods: Samples from permanent canine teeth were placed in a sterile tube with IMDM, penicillin-streptomycin, sodium heparin, and different concentrations of fluconazole. Dental pulp was digested (collagenase type II) and expanded in vitro. After 12 days of culture, enzymatic dissociation of the cDPSCs was performed to quantify, differentiate, and characterize the cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated based on cell viability in response to fluconazole treatment using the 7-AAD dye. Results: Characterization of the cDPSCs revealed that fluconazole had no influence on the immunophenotypic characteristics and differentiation of these cells. Cell proliferation assay revealed that fluconazole did not significantly interfere with the replication capacity of the cDPSCs. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed a loss of cell viability as the fluconazole concentration increased. Although there was an increase in cell mortality, the number of dead cells remained low. Though the higher concentration of fluconazole (240 μg/mL) resulted in a higher number of non-viable cells, it remained safe for use. Conclusion:To prevent fungal contamination that causes a loss of samples during expansion of cDPSCs and to maintain minimal cell toxicity, we suggest adding 120 μg/mL of fluconazole to the teeth collection medium and cDPSCs culture.