Federal University of São Paulo

About: Federal University of São Paulo is a education organization based out in São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Transplantation. The organization has 27971 authors who have published 49365 publications receiving 935536 citations. The organization is also known as: Universidade Federal de São Paulo & Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo.

Zearalenone, an Estrogenic Mycotoxin, Is an Immunotoxic Compound

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the toxic effects of zearalenone (ZEA) on the immune function. Ovariectomised rats were treated daily by gavage with 3.0 mg/kg of ZEA for 28 days. Body weight gain, food consumption, haemotological parameters, lymphoid organs, and their cellularities were evaluated. Moreover, acquired immune responses and macrophage activity were also assessed. ZEA promoted reduction in body weight gain, which is not fully explained by diminished food consumption. Despite no effect on haematological parameters, ZEA caused thymic atrophy with histological and thymocyte phenotype changes and decrease in the B cell percentage in the spleen. With respect to acquired and innate immune responses, no statistically significant differences in delayed-type hypersensitivity were noticed; however, in the ZEA-treated rats, antibody production and peroxide release by macrophages were impaired. The observed results could be related to ZEA activity on ERs; thus, ZEA is an immunotoxic compound similar to estrogen and some endocrine disruptors.

Biogenic nanoparticles: copper, copper oxides, copper sulphides, complex copper nanostructures and their applications

Abstract: Copper nanoparticles have been the focus of intensive study due to their potential applications in diverse fields including biomedicine, electronics, and optics. Copper-based nanostructured materials have been used in conductive films, lubrification, nanofluids, catalysis, and also as potent antimicrobial agent. The biogenic synthesis of metallic nanostructured nanoparticles is considered to be a green and eco-friendly technology since neither harmful chemicals nor high temperatures are involved in the process. The present review discusses the synthesis of copper nanostructured nanoparticles by bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, showing that biogenic synthesis is an economically feasible, simple and non-polluting process. Applications for biogenic copper nanoparticles are also discussed.

A Review of the Latest Advances in Encrypted Bioactive Peptides from Protein-Rich Waste

Abstract: Bioactive peptides are considered the new generation of biologically active regulators that not only prevent the mechanism of oxidation and microbial degradation in foods but also enhanced the treatment of various diseases and disorders, thus increasing quality of life. This review article emphasizes recent advances in bioactive peptide technology, such as: (i) new strategies for transforming bioactive peptides from residual waste into added-value products; (ii) nanotechnology for the encapsulation, protection and release of controlled peptides; and (iii) use of techniques of large-scale recovery and purification of peptides aiming at future applications to pharmaceutical and food industries.

Staphylococcus aureus prophylaxis in hemodialysis patients using central venous catheter: effect of mupirocin ointment.

Abstract: Central venous catheterization is a common technique to establish rapid and temporary access for hemodialysis. However, it is a known risk factor for Staphylococcus aureus infection and bacteremia. Mupirocin is a topical antibiotic with high in vitro anti-staphylococcal activity. A randomized prospective trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of mupirocin ointment in the prevention of Staphylococcus aureus skin and catheter colonization, and episodes of bacteremia in 136 end-stage renal disease patients. Of these, 67 received skin disinfection at the venous catheter insertion site with povidone iodine (control group), and 69 received the same treatment followed by application of 2% mupirocin ointment at the cannula site after catheter placement and at the end of each dialysis session. Patients were followed until catheter removal and were monitored for the development of Staphylococcus aureus skin/catheter colonization and episodes of bacteremia. Median duration of catheter use was greater in the mupirocin than in the control group (37 versus 20 d, P < 0.01). Patients in the mupirocin group had a significantly lower rate of Staphylococcus aureus isolation from the pericatheter skin (1.76 per 1000 versus 14.27 per 1000 patient-days, P < 0.001) and from the catheter surface (3.17 per 1000 versus 14.27 per 1000 patient-days, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with Staphylococcus aureus skin infection at the insertion site was lower in the mupirocin group (4.3% versus 23.9%, P = 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus-associated bacteremia was observed in 17 patients (two in the mupirocin group [0.71 episodes per 1000 patient-days] and 15 in the control group [8.92 per 1000 patient-days], P < 0.001). The hazard ratio of developing Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia was 7.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 31.6) times greater in patients not receiving mupirocin. Mupirocin applied to the insertion site significantly reduces the risk of Staphylococcus aureus skin and catheter colonization, exit-site infection, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.