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This study investigated the effects of recurrent water deficit on drought tolerance traits in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) ʻBragantinaʼ. Plants were subjected to three cycles of water deficit followed by recovery periods. Water deficit reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration, and water potential while increasing water-use efficiency. In addition, intercellular CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, root starch, and adaptive morphological characteristics in leaves and roots increased. Despite these adaptations, plants did not recover vegetative growth after rehydration. The primary tolerance mechanisms observed included increased abaxial epidermis thickness, stomatal density, fine roots, periderm thickness, and starch accumulation in roots. Although gas exchange and leaf water potential were restored, vegetative growth did not fully recover. This study highlights the response of black pepper to recurrent water stress and the underlying mechanisms of its drought tolerance.

Panstrongylus geniculatus is one of the mostwidely distributed species of Triatominae in Southand Central America, occurring in several biomeswith different climatic characteristics. We presentthe results of captures of P. geniculatus providedfrom a 10-year program of entomologicalsurveillance in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil.We also present an updated geographicdistribution map of P. geniculatus obtained froman extensive literature review. The entomologicalsurveillance program, between 1996 and 2005,provided 110 capture registers of P. geniculatus inEspírito Santo. These are the first records of P.geniculatus from 15 municipalities in this state. P.geniculatus extends through 18 countries inCentral and South America, from southernMexico to northern Argentina.

Cytotoxic activity is a hallmark of the immunopathogenesis in human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this study, we identified accumulation of CD4+ granzyme B producing T cells with increased cytotoxic capacity in CL lesions. These cells showed enhanced expression of activating NK receptors (NKG2D and NKG2C), diminished expression of inhibitory NKG2A, along with the upregulation of the senescence marker CD57. Notably, CD4+ T cells freshly isolated from CL lesions demonstrated remarkable capacity to mediate NL-like bystander cytolysis. Phenotypic analyses revealed that lesional CD4+ T cells are mainly composed of late-differentiated effector (CD27-CD45RA-) and terminally differentiated (senescent) TEMRA (CD27-CD45RA+) subsets. Interestingly, the TEMRA CD4+ T cells exhibited higher expression of granzyme B and CD107a. Collectively, our results provide the first evidence that senescent cytotoxic CD4+ T cells may support the skin pathology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis and, together with our previous findings, support the notion that multiple subsets of cytotoxic senescent cells may be involved in inducing the skin lesions in these patients.

Abstract Introduction: In December 2016, an outbreak of sylvatic yellow fever (YF) occurred in the non-endemic areas of the south-eastern region of Brazil. The immune response to the yellow fever vaccine and its safety in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) living in YF-endemic regions are not thoroughly understood. The objective of this study is to assess the incidence of adverse events and the serological response after primary vaccination with the 17DD-YF vaccine in CKD patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study involving 223 individuals with CKD who were on dialysis after primary vaccination against YF. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics were collected and the vaccine adverse event (VAE) were assessed. Around 35 months after vaccination, the serological response was evaluated in 71 (32%) patients using neutralization tests. Results: No serious VAE occurred in any patient. Local reactions were reported in 13 individuals (5.8%), while 6 (2.7%) reported generalized systemic reactions and 205 (91.9%) did not display any VAE. No clinical or epidemiologic characteristic predicted the occurrence of VAE. Adequate serological response was found in 38% of participants and none of the clinical or epidemiological characteristics were associated with immunogenicity. Conclusion: The outcomes of our study suggest that the yellow YF vaccine is well-tolerated in CKD patients undergoing dialysis, but it does not induce adequate immune response. Future research should focus on evaluating both cellular and humoral immune responses following administration of various doses of the YF vaccine.

Studies that simulate recurrent drought events with subsequent episodes of rehydration better reflect natural conditions and allow visualization of differential acclimatization responses resulting from memory and tolerance mechanisms. Piper aduncum and Piper tuberculatum were grown in a greenhouse and were subjected to three successive cycles of drought and subsequent rehydration. After suspending irrigation, gas exchanges were measured daily with IRGA. When stomatal conductances close to zero were obtained, the plants were rehydrated and kept irrigated. In P. tuberculatum, stomatal conductance was always higher after periods of rehydration compared to the period before the drought, while the transpiration rate was lower only during the drought. The damage to the photosynthetic apparatus was caused by the influence of the interception of the flow of electrons in the transport chain. We came to the conclusion that the dehydrated plants showed an alert signal, which triggered response mechanisms to prevent or deal with the water stress situation.

This study investigates how cocoa rootstocks respond to flooding and post-flooding conditions, offering insights for cocoa plantation sustainability in flood-prone areas due to climate change. We studied Theobroma cacao L. rootstocks for 60 d of flooding and 30 d post-flooding, grafting PS-1319 scions onto five rootstocks (TSH-1188, Cepec-2002, Pará, Esfip-02, SJ-02). Photochemical performance remained stable across rootstocks, while flooding progressively reduced electron transport efficiency. Photochemical damage emerged after 7 d, worsening occurred at 19 d. Although post-flooding efficiency improved, recovery time was insufficient for full restoration. Stem diameter increased less in Esfip-02. TSH-1188 had the highest stem dry mass during flooding and the most root and total dry mass during post-flooding. SJ-02 had the lowest stem dry mass and post-flooding total dry mass. Principal component analysis revealed stem and root development as a key for recovery. SJ-02 and Esfip-02 showed lower flooding tolerance and recovery, while TSH-1188 and Pará exhibited higher resilience.

This study evaluated the side-cleft grafting in native species of the genus Piper (Piper aduncum L., Piper hispidum Sw., and Piper tuberculatum Jacq.) with BRS Kottanadan pepper cultivar as rootstocks (Experiment 1). The top-cleft grafting was evaluated in native species Piper arboreum Aubl., P. aduncum, and P. tuberculatum with Balankotta pepper cultivar as graft using black pepper cv. Bragantina (Experiment 2). Black pepper cv. Bragantina autograft was considered as control. The rootstock P. tuberculatum showed initial incompatibility with the cv. Bragantina, with survival of about 34.8% (side) and 62.5% (top) and total inhibition of graft shooting. The side and top graft on P. aduncum resulted in 84.0 and 47.5% of survival, respectively. The JIP-test parameters indicated better photochemical efficiency in the species grafted using the method of side-cleft grafting. Finally, the initial compatibility was associated with greater survival, shooting, and better energy flow through the electron transport chain.

Este trabalho deriva de uma pesquisa de tese que estudou o romance Drácula e as características góticas encontradas no texto. Ao trabalharmos com uma perspectiva que abrangia também os aspectos sonoros durante a análise, foi possível perceber que há, no romance, marcas importantes que dizem tanto sobre a literatura gótica, quanto sobre os entrelaçamentos nas relações entre música, sociedade e natureza, formando, assim, uma paisagem sonora.

Cobalt‐based oxides have attracted attention as active electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. However, highly OER active catalysts at near‐neutral pHs are also desired for practical applications. Herein, a dry phosphate functionalization process is presented to enhance the OER activity of different cobalt‐based catalysts at near‐neutral pHs. Electrochemical evaluations show that the P‐functionalization can effectively improve the OER activity at near‐neutral pHs for La0.2Sr0.8CoO3–δ , La0.2Sr0.8Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ , and CoO x catalysts, but not for La0.5Sr1.5CoO4–δ . Bulk and surface sensitive X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy unveil the influence of P incorporated in the order of ppm on the electronic state, local structure, and surface composition of the investigated catalysts. The P‐functionalization reduces the Co oxidation state in La0.2Sr0.8CoO3–δ and La0.5Sr1.5CoO4–δ , but the latter also presents significant Sr‐based segregations on the surface‐inhibiting OER activity at near‐neutral pHs. Differently, La0.2Sr0.8CoO3–δ , and to a lesser extent La0.2Sr0.8Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ and CoO x , shows improved OER activity at neutral pH after the P‐functionalization. The findings disclose that P‐functionalization successfully enhances OER activity at near‐neutral pHs and that both phosphate ion assistance in the OER mechanism and catalyst Co oxidation state can play a role in the enhanced OER activity.

O presente artigo resgata o papel das mulheres no desenvolvimento e consolidação das comunidades cristãs primitivas, por meio da análise do livro bíblico Ato dos Apóstolos. Os objetivos principais da pesquisa foram apresentar e compreender de que maneira as figuras femininas são mencionadas no texto, discutindo o papel da mulher na Igreja Católica Apostólica Romana. Para tanto, realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica e a análise do referido livro da Bíblia. Assim, foi possível enfatizar a importância da mulher na Igreja, além de constatarmos a existência de diversas menções as mulheres, tanto figuras femininas chamadas por seus nomes próprios, quanto as que são apenas designadas como mulheres, que constituíram o grupo das primeiras cristãs.

The effects of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and lead on the chlorophyll content, carbon assimilation, and the antiradical activity of Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa were evaluated in regions affected by the Fundão dam disruption in Brazil. The mine waste which settled and accumulated in the sediments could represent long-term contamination. It can be expected that the iron oxyhydroxides deposited in the sediments will be solubilized, leading to chronic contamination by trace metals and the accumulation of these metals in the biota. In this sense, biological indicators prove to be important tools to assess this type of damage. The different bioaccumulation of metals by the species revealed that R. mangle was more impacted by Mn and Cu and that L. racemosa showed alterations in its physiological responses in the presence of Cu, Zn, and Fe. The concentration of these metals in the leaves, with values above previous local reference limits, was associated with reductions in the chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b content and carbon assimilation, mainly in L. racemosa. The antiradical activity was also altered, suggesting a lower ability of both species to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS). A possible reason for the symptoms of oxidative stress may be due to the reduced efficiency of antioxidant defense by Cu2+ and Zn2+. In addition, the presence of Pb in the leaf tissue may be toxic to the fauna and the bioaccumulation of this metal and trace elements can be a way to transfer them into the food web by biomagnification.

Introdução: A prevalência de transtornos depressivos na população em geral é significativa, e a Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) desempenha um papel crucial na abordagem dessas questões. A implementação de instrumentos de rastreamento e diagnóstico desses transtornos na APS é uma das estratégias propostas para aprimorar a qualidade do atendimento. No entanto, há uma lacuna de conhecimento em relação à eficácia dessas abordagens. Objetivo: Identificar os instrumentos de rastreamento e entrevistas diagnósticas mais empregados em pesquisas envolvendo pacientes que procuram assistência em serviços de APS devido a sintomas depressivos. Métodos: Este estudo constitui uma revisão integrativa da literatura, que abordou as bases de dados LILACS e MEDLINE no período compreendido entre outubro e dezembro de 2020. A seleção dos artigos incorporou pesquisas realizadas na APS, as quais empregaram um ou mais instrumentos para rastreamento e/ou diagnóstico de transtornos depressivos. A análise dos títulos, resumos e textos completos foi realizada por pelo menos dois pesquisadores, que extraíram os dados por meio de uma planilha padronizada. Os resultados são apresentados de forma descritiva e narrativa. Resultados: Após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 413 artigos. Foram identificados 22 instrumentos empregados no rastreamento e diagnóstico da depressão em estudos realizados na APS. O instrumento de rastreamento mais mencionado é o Patient Health Questionnaire e a entrevista diagnóstica mais utilizada foi a Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Predominam os estudos publicados após 2011, realizados na Europa, com população adulta não idosa, visando identificar a prevalência de depressão em diferentes grupos sociais. A maioria dos estudos utilizou instrumentos longos, com critérios analíticos complexos, sem validação e/ou adaptação para a APS, além de apresentarem restrições quanto aos problemas de saúde analisados, tornando-os limitados para uso geral na APS. Conclusões: O emprego de instrumentos de rastreamento e diagnóstico para depressão na APS pode representar uma estratégia relevante para aprimorar os cuidados oferecidos a essa população. Contudo, é crucial conduzir pesquisas adicionais a fim de analisar tanto os benefícios quanto as potenciais desvantagens dessa abordagem. Além disso, é imperativo um esforço mais substancial na seleção criteriosa dos instrumentos mais adequados para aplicação.

Introdução: A esporotricose disseminada, rara em hospedeiros imunocompetentes, possui apresentações clínicas mais graves, maior carga fúngica e necessidade de terapia antifúngica sistêmica mais longa. Este trabalho objetiva apresentar um caso raro de esporotricose óssea disseminada em paciente imunocompetente. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 33 anos, usuário de crack, maconha, alta carga tabágica e alcoólica, morador de zona metropolitana. Iniciou febre persistente (40°C) um dia após acampar em floresta, sem sintomas associados. Após 20 dias, sofreu trauma laboral em hálux esquerdo que evoluiu com infecção secundária profunda. Concomitantemente, surgiram lesões papulares, hiperemiadas, diminutas, esparsas em pele que evoluíram em aproximadamente 4 dias para lesões maiores (4 a 7 cm), dolorosas, não pruriginosas, com halo eritematoso, aspecto descamativo, seco, centro necrótico e ulcerado, com drenagem purulenta. Não apresentou lesões genitais, corrimento uretral e linfonodomegalia. Fez uso tópico de neomicina e diversas antibioticoterapias, sem sucesso. Foi adimitido em nosso serviço dois meses após o início dos sintomas. RNM do pé esquerdo confirmou osteomielite no sítio da lesão de hálux, com múltiplos pequenos focos nodulares ≥1 cm esparsos pela medular óssea dos segmentos examinados, com hipersinal periférico, sinal intermediário em T1 e aspecto em alvo em T2, sem evidência de fraturas. RNM de corpo inteiro demonstrou lesões similares em vértebras e epífises bilaterais de ossos longos. O raspado de lesão cutânea evidenciou fungo dimórfico, com crescimento de Sporothrix em cultura. Hemoculturas (3) negativas. Sorologias para paracoccidioidomicose e histoplasmose negativas, VDRL reagente 1/64, demais sorologias negativas. Foi realizado tratamento com anfotericina B lipossomal 200 mg/dia por 30 dias (dose acumulada de 6g), evoluiu com IRA KDIGO 2, optando-se por transacionar tratamento para uso de itraconazol 200 mg 12/12h VO+anfotericina B lipossomal 3 frascos 3 × /semana em hospital-dia. Paciente evoluiu com melhora clínica progressiva. Comentários: A esporotricose óssea, apesar de rara, pode acometer hospedeiros imunocompetentes. Para instauração desse quadro é teorizada a necessidade de depressão imunológica, ainda que momentânea e por vezes não identificada. É uma condição crônica, desafiadora, com tratamento prolongado, prognóstico ruim e possíveis sequelas, devendo ser prontamente identificada para diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado.

Introdução: A esporotricose é uma infecção causada pelo fungo dimórfico do gênero Sporothrix que comumente se apresenta na forma linfocutânea, por inoculação local, com formação de úlcera e linfangite nodular associada. Formas extracutâneas são incomuns e geralmente acometem indivíduos imunocomprometidos. O envolvimento osteoarticular geralmente surge da disseminação hematogênica, mas também pode ocorrer por inoculação local. Epidemiologicamente, homens de meia idade que fazem uso abusivo de álcool são os mais acometidos por essa forma. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 55 anos, caminhoneiro, hipertenso, tabagista e não etilista, iniciou quadro de artralgia, edema e diminuição da amplitude de movimento de punho direito após atividade laboral extenuante. Na ocasião, negava lesões cutâneas ou outros sintomas sistêmicos. Em investigação inicial, foi submetido a ressonância magnética e a biópsia de punho direito, as quais evidenciaram achados sugestivos de otmailst inflamatória. O paciente foi encaminhado ao serviço de reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes (HUCAM) onde foi submetido à punção de líquido sinovial com cultura positiva para Sporothrix sp. Após discussão em conjunto com o serviço de infectologia, foi concluído o diagnóstico de artrite séptica pelo Sporothrix sp sem ponto de inoculação identificado, sendo iniciado o tratamento com Itraconazol 400 mg por dia em duas tomadas. Após 30 dias, o paciente retornou ao serviço com melhora parcial do edema, da artralgia e da amplitude de movimento, com ausência de outros sinais flogísticos ao exame físico. Paciente segue em acompanhamento clínico. Comentários: Trata-se de uma manifestação atípica de uma doença de impacto importante no cenário brasileiro. Dos mais de 500 pacientes diagnosticados com esporotricose no serviço de infectologia do HUCAM, apenas 0,4% apresentaram a forma articular sem o envolvimento cutâneo. O número de casos novos de esporotricose vem aumentando gradativamente, e apesar de rara, a esporotricose extracutânea deve ser considerada em pacientes com condições predisponentes, possível exposição ambiental e má resposta à terapia empírica a outras doenças. A cultura possui papel essencial para o diagnóstico diferencial, especialmente em casos com menor suspeição.

Introdução: A esquistossomose é uma doença parasitária endêmica no Brasil, considerada um problema de saúde pública devido a sua alta prevalência em diversas regiões do país e a potencial gravidade das formas clínicas. O Schistosoma mansoni é o principal causador da esquistossomose no Brasil, sendo as formas intestinal e hepatoesplênica as mais comuns. Formas clínicas mais raras, com o acometimento do sistema genitourinário, geralmente são causadas por outras espécies. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 62 anos, carpinteiro, natural de Pancas-ES, e residente de Viana-ES, compareceu em consulta com urologista devido a queixa de incontinência urinária, disúria, polaciúria e diminuição de jato urinário com início há cerca de 2 anos. Em investigação, obteve resultados de Antígeno Prostático Específico (PSA) elevados para os valores de referência em quatro exames, seguindo com realização de biópsia de próstata. O laudo histopatológico evidenciou granuloma calcificado em lobo direito e reação granulomatosa focal associada a ovos de Schistosoma mansoni em lobo esquerdo. Encaminhado para seguimento no serviço de infectologia do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes (Hucam) onde foi tratado com praziquantel 40 mg/kg, em dose única. Em pesquisa de vínculo epidemiológico, paciente relata banhos em lagoas/rios de áreas rurais endêmicas. Comentários: Neste caso, relatamos um acometimento prostático pelo S. mansoni, incomum para esta espécie, sendo o Schistosoma haematobium a mais comumente envolvida nas formas genitourinárias. É possível que a fêmea adulta tenha migrado através da circulação colateral e realizado a postura na próstata. Os ovos podem provocar inflamação granulomatosa, ulcerações e desenvolvimento de pseudopólipos que podem simular uma neoplasia. Ainda não está clara a associação entre S. mansoni e neoplasia de próstata, associação esta já estabelecida com o S. haematobium. O processo inflamatório crônico pode justificar o aumento do PSA. Apesar de rara, é possível a ocorrência da esquistossomose na próstata, devendo ser eventualmente colocada como diagnóstico diferencial nos acometimentos desse órgão, especialmente em pacientes provenientes de regiões endêmicas, com comportamento de risco.

Introdução: As características clínicas da leishmaniose dependem das propriedades do parasita (infecciosidade, patogenicidade, virulência) e fatores do hospedeiro (idade, estado nutricional, imunidade inata e celular). A reativação espontânea da leishmaniose, rara em pacientes imunocompetentes, geralmente ocorre devido à resistência a medicamentos ou inadequação terapêutica. Este relato de caso objetiva demonstrar uma apresentação rara de leishmaniose. O quadro é atípico pelo envolvimento da epiglote e evolução inesperada para um paciente imunocompetente. Descrição do caso: Paciente masculino, 51 anos, lavrador aposentado, tabagista 56 maços-ano, residiu em Marabá-PA por 30 anos, com histórico de leishmaniose cutânea aos 14 anos (lesões ulceradas crônicas em face e membros). Em 2010, apresentou febres vespertinas, emagrecimento, tosse e odinofagia, com ressurgimento de lesões em região nasal e cavidade oral em 2014. Foi tratado em 2018 com anfotericina B lipossomal 2700mg e em 2019, por recidiva, com nova dose 2500mg. Em 2022, interna por quadro de disfagia, odinofagia, disfonia, escarros hemoptóicos, perda ponderal e febre vespertina, com lesão erosiva em septo e desabamento de pirâmide nasal. Escarro e baciloscopia para tuberculose negativos. Tomografia mostra palato mole deslocado e aderido à parede posterior da rinofaringe, com obliteração da coluna aérea; epiglote não caracterizada, formação tecidual de aspecto expansivo em sua topografia e obliteração subtotal da valécula. À laringoscopia: importante deformação anatômica com ausência de epiglote, extensas áreas infiltradas com granulações e placas de fibrina em cordas vocais. Biópsia incisional da lesão laríngea evidenciou inflamação crônica inespecífica com presença de escassas amastigotas. Evoluiu com necessidade de traqueostomia e gastrostomia e realizado novo tratamento com anfotericina B lipossomal 3000 mg. Apresentou boa evolução clínica, recebendo alta para seguimento ambulatorial. Comentários: A leishmaniose mucocutânea pode simular condições infecciosas e neoplásicas, tornando o diagnóstico desafiador. A falha no diagnóstico precoce e a inadequação terapêutica podem resultar em pior prognóstico e maior chance de recidiva. Ambos os fatores foram determinantes na evolução do caso relatado e na disfunção orotraqueal perpetuada no paciente. Por fim, o tratamento, quando corretamente instituído, gera excelente resposta clínica e laboratorial, sendo imprescindível à contenção do quadro.

The study proposes to evaluate the photosynthetic plasticity of Rhizophora mangle L. in four mangrove sites distributed along with the Great Vitória Estuarine System. The variation in organic matter content, which implies the higher essential nutrient availability, contributed to better energy flux performance related to electron transport. Furthermore, salinity damaged the reaction centers (RC), since the site with the highest salinity showed changes in the number and size of active photosynthetic RC and in the specific energy flows per active RC (absorption flux, trapped energy flux, and dissipated energy flux), but the plasticity of the species in response to salt stress was confirmed by the increase of performance index for energy conservation (PITotal), net photosynthetic rate (PN), and the water-use efficiency (WUE). Also, the results showed that the luminous intensity available compromises the functionality of PSII, in turn, it increases WUE. The results indicate the effect of the chlorophyll a content, which provides more substrate for light absorption, on the electron flow and PITotal is related to PN and WUE. The study indicates the ecological plasticity of R. mangle to the conditions of the evaluated area.

Abstract Climate change has led to shifts in phenology in many species distributed widely across taxonomic groups. It is, however, unclear how we should interpret these shifts without some sort of a yardstick. We assessed climate change effects on Allagoptera arenaria, a acaulescent palm, using open top chambers (OTCs) and rain gutters in the field to mimic expected temperature and rainfall changes in this area. In a coastal environment (restinga), using open top chambers (OTCs) and rain gutters in the field to mimic expected temperature and rainfall changes in this area, 40 A. arenaria individuals were selected and randomly allocated to four treatments: control (C), 25% rainfall increase (P), 2 °C temperature increase (T), and 2 °C temperature plus 25% rainfall increase (TP). For 2 years, every two weeks, we measured changes in growth and reproduction phenology to assess whether this species altered allocation patterns in response to new environmental conditions. Increases in aboveground biomass were higher in the TP than in the T treatment, which in turn had more reproductive cycles throughout the experimental period. We conclude that temperature increases may shorten the reproductive cycle of A. arenaria.

Description of the subject. Knowledge of morphophysiological status of plants and their responses to excess metals, such as copper (Cu), allows determining their potential use as bio-indicators. In vitro techniques are promising in studies that involve physiology and anatomy because they can isolate the effects of trace elements on morphophysiological features from other possible stress factors. Objectives. The aim was to verify the morphophysiological changes and adjustments of Alcantarea imperialis induced by excess Cu under in vitro conditions. Method. Alcantarea imperialis plants were transferred to in vitro culture media containing a concentration gradient of Cu (0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 μM). After 90 days, the contents of photosynthetic pigments and Cu were analyzed along with growth and anatomical features. Results. Plants cultured with Cu concentrations higher than 50 µM Cu had clear signs of toxicity, such as chlorosis. Plants exposed to 200 µM Cu showed a severe level of toxicity and were dead after 90 days. A drastic reduction of all photosynthetic pigments, as well as their ratios, was verified with exposure to 100 µM Cu. Plants exposed to that copper level presented the smallest stomata area, the lowest xylem number, as well as the thinnest vessel elements. The Cu content in the plants increased linearly as a function of Cu concentrations in the medium. Alcantarea imperialis plants can bioaccumulate high amounts of Cu. Conclusions. Alcantarea imperialis plants have good potential for bio-indication in urban areas due to their high Cu bioaccumulation capacity and clear morphophysiological changes. However, they have a low tolerance to very high Cu levels.

Description of the subject. It is common for cultivated plants to face a single water deficit event, but in the wild plants are exposed to repeated cycles of drought and rehydration and the consequences of such repetitive events are less well understood. Objectives. The objective of this study was to understand how crambe’s performance under water limiting conditions is affected by previous exposure to water deficit. Method. Crambe plants were grown in 5.5 l pots and exposed to one (1WD) or three (3WD) water deficit cycles. As reference, plants were grown with daily irrigation. At the end of three water deficit cycles, the leaf anatomy, leaf relative water content (RWC), stomatal conductance, extravasation of electrolytes and chlorophyll fluorescence were analyzed. Results. Under water deficit, RWC significantly decreased in 1WD plants. However, in plants of the FMS CR 1307 lineage, the application of three water deficit cycles did not change the RWC and decreased the stomatal conductance and extravasation of electrolytes compared to the reference plants. Likewise, the kinetic difference in chlorophyll fluorescence (K-band and L-band) indicated improved stability and efficiency in utilizing energy. Conclusions. Our results show that the drought stress imposed three times induced adjustments in the physiology and anatomy of crambe plants. The FMS CR 1307 lineage was better able to store information from previous stressful events than the FMS Brilhante and FMS CR 1326 lineages, showing better performance under water deficit.

Abstract Introduction Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America, with frequent reports of poor treatment adherence resulting in worse clinical outcomes. The present study evaluated factors related to treatment adherence in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis. Methods This cross‐sectional study included data from medical records of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis treated between 2005 and 2018 in a reference hospital in southeastern Brazil. Clinical variables, demographic characteristics, and smoking and alcohol consumption were collected and analyzed. Results Of the 198 cases included, most were adults (median age = 51 years), males (93.4%), presented chronic paracoccidioidomycosis (83.8%), reported smoking (90.4%) and alcohol consumption (84.8%), and 56.6% adhered to treatment. Treatment adherence was associated with the discontinuation of alcohol consumption (odds ratios (OR) = 5.227; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.697–10.129) and smoking (OR = 3.365; 95% CI = 1.781–6.358) during therapy. Conclusions Patients' continued consumption of alcohol and tobacco was associated with non‐adherence to treatment, suggesting that a joint therapeutic approach that addresses alcohol and tobacco use alongside paracoccidioidomycosis treatment may hold promise for improving adherence and patients' quality of life.

In order to establish a link between the evolutionary history and the photochemical attributes, measurements of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence were made in Cattleya warneri, C. shofieldiana and C. harrisoniana exposed to high irradiance for 5, 35, and 120 min (hereafter referred to as treatments T5, T35, and T120, respectively). The following questions are addressed: (1) Is the increased energy dissipation enough to counterbalance the excess energy that drives photosynthesis at different times of high irradiance exposure? (2) Is there an influence of the incidence and duration of light radiation on Cattleya species in full sunlight, compared to Cattleya species submitted to low irradiance? Higher relative variable fluorescence at the J-step (Vj) values followed by the lower quantum yield of electron transport (ψEo) indicate the accumulation of reduced Quinone A (QA) proportionally of sunflecks exposure time in C. warneri. The higher performance index (PIABS) and plasticity index values in C. schofieldiana indicate higher efficiency in modulating the photosynthetic apparatus under sunflecks. C. harrisoniana shows the lowest plasticity index, suppression of maximum fluorescence (Fm), and no recovery of PIABS after sunflecks. This study evidences the importance of physiological plasticity in the current geographic distribution of Cattleya in response to light pulses in species derived from fragmented habitats and the maintenance of shade to species of more primitive clades.

A partir de discussões que são ancoradas em teóricos da recepção e sobre o corpo feminino e sua dimensão na literatura, este artigo discute a narrativa fílmica de "Picnic na Montanha Misteriosa" (1975), de Peter Weir, adaptação de romance homônimo de Joan Lindsay (1967). O estudo tem como intenção entender a mitificação da figura feminina através dos efeitos produzidos pela obra cinematográfica do diretor em questão, tendo como contraponto a figura da audiência e a apreensão para a concretização do sentido da obra. Para tanto, é importante destacar as reflexões que abarcam as relações de gênero no cinema, pois, assim como em outras linguagens, a representação do feminino, quase sempre, alterna entre presença e ausência, ou seja, ora como um objeto mediante um olhar masculino, ora como uma imagem esmaecida quando protagoniza a criação de sentido. Em contrapartida, a teoria feminista do cinema (Rosen, 1973, Mellen, 1974 & Haskell, 1987) há muito tem proposto uma nova perspectiva ao espaço obscurecido pela construção social dos gêneros. O cinema é uma área importante para que sejam estabelecidas as discussões sobre gênero.

Salt stress is one of the most severe abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and development. The application of silicon (Si) is an alternative that can increase the tolerance of plants to various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. The objective was to evaluate salt stress’s effect in vitro and Si’s mitigation potential on Aechmea blanchetiana plants. For this purpose, plants already established in vitro were transferred to a culture medium with 0 or 14 µM of Si (CaSiO3). After growth for 30 days, a stationary liquid medium containing different concentrations of NaCl (0, 100, 200, or 300 µM) was added to the flasks. Anatomical and physiological analyses were performed after growth for 45 days. The plants cultivated with excess NaCl presented reduced root diameter and effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (ΦPSII) and increased non-photochemical dissipation of fluorescence (qN). Plants that grew with the presence of Si also had greater content of photosynthetic pigments and activity of the enzymes of the antioxidant system, as well as higher values of maximum quantum yield of PSII (FV/FM), photochemical dissipation coefficient of fluorescence (qP) and fresh weight bioaccumulation of roots and shoots. The anatomical, physiological and biochemical responses, and growth induced by Si mitigated the effect of salt stress on the A. blanchetiana plants cultivated in vitro, which can be partly explained by the tolerance of this species to grow in sandbank (Restinga) areas.

Investigamos a maneira como o indivíduo projeta a capacidade de transmitir à superfície sua maneira de ver o mundo. Levando em consideração contribuições de Omar Calabrese, faremos breves estudos de caso, tendo como foco a exposição de Sean Scully, no museu CAC Málaga. Propomos dois Atlas de imagens no contexto de A. Warburg, e G.Didi-Huberman.

Sporotrichosis is a neglected subcutaneous fungal infection that affects humans and animals worldwide caused by species belonging to the genus Sporothrix. This study aims to examine the range of genetic variations, assess molecular epidemiology significance, and explore potential modes of transmission of the Sporothrix species associated with the current sporotrichosis outbreaks in Espírito Santo, Brazil. In this investigation, 262 samples were evaluated, including 142 from humans and 120 from felines, collected between 2016 and 2021. The isolates were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Sexual idiomorphs were determined by mating-type PCR using primers specific to the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 loci. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was employed to assess the genetic variability of Sporothrix spp. Finally, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed following the CLSI M38-A2 protocol. Of the 142 human samples, 125 were identified as S. brasiliensis and 17 as S. schenckii s. str. The presence of S. brasiliensis was overwhelming (100%) during outbreaks, highlighting the significant role of domestic cats in the emergence of this species. Heterothallism was the only observed mating strategy. However, the MAT1-2 idiomorph was predominant in cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis (χ2 = 202.976; p < 0.0001). Our AFLP results show significant intraspecific variability observed among S. brasiliensis isolates in Espírito Santo. Different genotypes forming subgroups within the same population suggest that these isolates do not originate from a single ancestor, indicating multiple emergences. Furthermore, terbinafine was the antifungal with the best results in vitro. However, in clinical practice, itraconazole remains the primary treatment choice. Sporotrichosis continues to advance in the state; therefore, the health system must outline one-health strategies to contain the disease to prevent future epidemics.

Cytotoxic activity is a hallmark of the immunopathogenesis in human cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). In this study, we identified accumulation of CD4+ granzyme B producing T cells with increased cytotoxic capacity in CL lesions. These cells showed enhanced expression of activating NK receptors (NKG2D and NKG2C), diminished expression of inhibitory NKG2A, along with the upregulation of the senescence marker CD57. Notably, CD4+ T cells freshly isolated from CL lesions demonstrated remarkable capacity to mediate NL-like bystander cytolysis. Phenotypic analyses revealed that lesional CD4+ T cells are mainly composed of late-differentiated effector (CD27-CD45RA-) and terminally differentiated (senescent) TEMRA (CD27-CD45RA+) subsets. Interestingly, the TEMRA CD4+ T cells exhibited higher expression of granzyme B and CD107a. Collectively, our results provide the first evidence that senescent cytotoxic CD4+ T cells may support the skin pathology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis and, together with our previous findings, support the notion that multiple subsets of cytotoxic senescent cells may be involved in inducing the skin lesions in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction: liver tumors are rare neoplasms in childhood (1-2%), and about 2/3 are malignant. Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most frequent, followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In both, the main treatment is surgical resection. Currently, chemotherapy and liver transplantation have improved outcomes. Objective: study of the epidemiological profile and evolution of liver cancer cases in a referral pediatric hospital. Methodology: a retrospective survey of medical records of patients aged up to 18 years with a diagnosis of primary malignant hepatic neoplasm between 2012 and 2020, carried out in the largest exclusively pediatric hospital in Brazil. Results: a total of 13 patients with malignant liver tumors (HB 12, HCC 1) were treated. Of the HB cases, 66,7% were male, with a mean age of 2 years and the main alteration in the palpable abdominal mass. Tumors involved an average of 3 liver segments, more in the right lobe (54%). Only one patient was treated with surgery without neoadjuvant therapy, another one underwent transplantation like the first treatment, and another 2 required liver transplantation as a rescue. The middle follow-up time of patients with HB was 39 months and only 1 case died due to febrile neutropenia. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival was 91.7% and 81.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Advanced staging at the time of diagnosis has always been a poor prognostic factor in patients with primary malignant liver tumors. However, the results and survival have improved with the advancement of chemotherapy, surgical technique, and liver transplantation.

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among the worldwide population has been associated with a range of adverse health consequences such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic abnormalities that occur more commonly in overweight individuals. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a dietary approach used for weight loss and overall health. TRF may be an option for those subjects who struggle with extreme restriction diets with foods that generally do not belong to an individual's habits. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of TRF on body composition and the association of weight loss with metabolic and cardiovascular risks in obese middle-aged women. Methods A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was performed over 3 months in obese women (TRF group, n = 20, BMI 32.53 ± 1.13 vs. Control n = 12, BMI 34.55 ± 1.20). The TRF protocol adopted was 16 h without any energy intake followed by 8 h of normal food intake. Main outcomes and measures Anthropometric measurements, body composition, blood biomarkers, cardiovascular risk in 30 years (CVDRisk30y), and quality of life were evaluated at baseline and after the 3 months. Results TRF was effective in reducing weight (~ 4 kg), BMI, % of body fat (%BF), waist circumference from baseline without changes in blood biomarkers associated with MetS. TRF promoted a reduction in CVDRisk30y (12%) wich was moderately correlated with %BF (r = 0.62, n = 64, p

This study evaluated the effect of silicon (Si)-supplementation in controlling the fusariosis in two Piper nigrum cultivars (Bragantina and Kottanadan). We hypothesized that susceptible cultivar improves the photosynthetic performance with Si-supplementation. Under greenhouse conditions, six-month-old plants were treated with silicon 30 and 15 d before inoculation with Fusarium solani f. sp. piperis and compared with untreated plants and with healthy control plants. All samples remained photosynthetically active after infection. Chlorophyll content, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and leaf gas-exchange parameters were less affected in Si-supplemented plants as well as healthy control plants. The net carbon assimilation, stomatal conductance, associated with higher internal carbon values suggest that the lower CO2 influx in inoculated plants of Bragantina cultivar was caused by photochemical and biochemical limitations. Si-supplementation reduced the disease severity improving protection, apparently associated with the preservation of photosynthetic performance, especially for Bragantina cultivar.

Sarcopenia is an emerging clinical condition determined by the reduction in physical function and muscle mass, being a health concern since it impairs quality of life and survival. Exercise training is a well-known approach to improve physical capacities and body composition, hence managing sarcopenia progression and worsening. However, it may be an ineffective treatment for many elderly with exercise-intolerant conditions. Thus, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) may be a plausible strategy, since these drugs can increase physical function and muscle mass. The decision to initiate AAS treatment should be guided by an evidence-based patient-centric perspective, once the balance between risks and benefits may change depending on the clinical condition coexisting with sarcopenia. This mini-review points out a critical appraisal of evidence and limitation of exercise training and AAS to treat sarcopenia.

In the conilon coffee tree, the stress caused by high light can reduce the photosynthetic rate, limit the development and also reduce the yield of beans. Considering that the quality of a sunscreen spray can influence photosynthetic performance, the goal was to understand the iterations between the quality of the spray and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence when applying sunscreen on conilon coffee trees. The parameters coverage, volumetric median diameter, density, droplet deposition, and the variation of the chlorophyll a fluorescence were evaluated. The nozzle and application rate factors did not show direct effects in the physiological responses of the plants. Plants with no sunscreen application showed high values of energy dissipation flux. The photosystem II (PSII) performance index and PSII photochemical maximum efficiency indicate that the use of sunscreen for plants promotes better performance of photosynthetic activity and that it provides photoprotection against luminous stress, regardless of the application rate and spraying nozzle; however, we recommend using the application rate of 100 L ha−1 and the cone jet nozzle type because they provide lower risks of product loss due to runoff.

Evidence of sylvatic yellow fever was first reported in Atlantic Forest areas in Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a yellow fever virus (YFV) outbreak in 1931. An entomological survey was conducted in six forest sites during and after an outbreak reported ~80 years after the last case in the area. Among 10,658 mosquitoes of 78 species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, and Hg. janthinomys/capricornii were considered the main vectors as they had a relatively high abundance, co-occurred in essentially all areas, and showed high YFV infection rates. Sabethes chloropterus, Sa. soperi, Sa. identicus, Aedes aureolineatus, and Shannoniana fluviatilis may have a secondary role in transmission. This is the first report of Sa. identicus, Ae. aureolineatus, and Sh. fluviatilis infected with YFV. Our study emphasizes the importance of entomological monitoring and maintenance of high vaccination coverage in receptive areas to YFV transmission.

The tolerance to low water availability is a decisive factor for growth and survival of orchids in their natural environment. The objective of this study was to characterize the photochemical traits of two epiphytic orchids (Cattleya warneri and Miltonia spectabilis) under water deficit (WD). Chlorophyll a fluorescence signals were recorded from young and fully expanded leaves of 5 plants/ species after dark-adaption for 60 minutes, between 6-9 a.m. after 0, 30, 60, and 90 days of WD, using a Handy-PEA fluorometer (Hansatech, UK). Increases of O-J and J-I phases and L and K-bands and decreases of I-P phase were observed after 30 days of WD, especially in C. warneri. Decreases in the capacity to photochemically reduce quinone A (QA) and the kinetic properties required for redox reactions of the plastoquinone pool, the loss of energetic connectivity between units of PSII, inactivation of the oxygen evolution complex, and decrease of the overall rate of reducing the electron acceptor pool of photosystem I were observed in M. spectabilis, a more tolerant species. The greater ability of this species to maintain higher relative water content (RWC) in photosynthetic tissues allows greater photochemical activity.

This study investigated the effects of recurrent water deficit on drought tolerance traits in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) 'Bragantina'. Plants were subjected to three cycles of water deficit followed by recovery periods. Water deficit reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration, and water potential while increasing water-use efficiency. In addition, intercellular CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, root starch, and adaptive morphological characteristics in leaves and roots increased. Despite these adaptations, plants did not recover vegetative growth after rehydration. The primary tolerance mechanisms observed included increased abaxial epidermis thickness, stomatal density, fine roots, periderm thickness, and starch accumulation in roots. Although gas exchange and leaf water potential were restored, vegetative growth did not fully recover. This study highlights the response of black pepper to recurrent water stress and the underlying mechanisms of its drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the photosynthetic efficiency in Rhizophora mangle plants in two mangrove forests, the highest salinity (HS) area, and the lower salinity (LS) area. The CO2 assimilation rate (PN), stomatal conductance, leaf transpiration, intrinsic water-use efficiency, and chlorophyll a fluorescence L-band, IP-phase, and performance index were higher in the LS area. The instantaneous water-use efficiency, initial fluorescence, maximum fluorescence, and J-step were higher in the HS area. The plants growing in the HS area exhibited greater efficiency in electron transfer between the oxygen-evolving complex and the acceptor side of the PSII. The plants growing in the LS area exhibited greater efficiency of the reduction of the final acceptors of the PSI, an important strategy to the stress conditions. The results show that a greater variation in salinity in the LS area had the effect on PN and long-term changes in the rainfall regime may alter the vegetation community of mangrove forests.