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Abstract Background Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum, L. major and L. tropica is endemic in Morocco. Growing evidence of both human and canine Leishmania infections in urban centres has been reported. Since many forms of the disease are zoonotic, veterinarians play an important role in leishmaniosis control by intervening at the parasite host level. This study aimed to bring together One Health principles to connect canine and feline leishmaniosis epidemiology within urban centres of Morocco (Rabat and Fez) and assess the level of awareness of Moroccan veterinarians about facing this threat. Methods A molecular survey was conducted for Leishmania DNA detection in canine (n = 155) and feline (n = 32) whole-blood samples. Three conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols were implemented. The first PCR aimed at identifying infected animals by targeting Leishmania spp. kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA). The second and third PCR targeted the Leishmania internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1) and the Leishmania small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSUrRNA) gene, respectively, aiming at identification of the infecting species after Sanger sequencing-positive amplicons. Total immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Leishmania spp. was evaluated in 125 dogs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) using an in-house protocol, including three Leishmania-specific antigens (SPLA, rKDDR and LicTXNPx). Sera from 25 cats were screened for total IgG to Leishmania spp. by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). An online questionnaire was presented to Moroccan veterinarians addressing their knowledge and practices towards animal leishmaniosis. Results Overall, 19.4% of the dogs tested positive for Leishmania kDNA and ITS-1 and sequencing revealed infection with L. infantum among PCR-positive dogs. These animals presented a wide range of ELISA seropositivity results (16.7%, 34.9% and 51.6%) according to the tested antigens (rKDDR, SPLA and LicTXNPx, respectively). Use of kDNA-PCR revealed 12.5% cats positive to Leishmania spp. otherwise found to be seronegative by IFAT. Conclusions A considerable prevalence of infection was identified in dogs from urban centres of Morocco. Additionally, this is the first report of feline infection with Leishmania spp. in this country and in urban settings. Moroccan veterinarians are aware that animal leishmaniosis is endemic in Morocco, representing a public health threat, and are knowledgeable about canine leishmaniosis diagnosis and treatment. Graphical Abstract

Background: In Europe, up to 70% of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) cases occurring in adults living with HIV. People living with HIV with VL co-infection often display persistent parasitemia, requiring chronic intermittent anti-Leishmania therapies. Consequently, frequent VL relapses and higher mortality rates are common in these individuals. As such, it is of paramount importance to understand the reasons for parasite persistence to improve infection management. Methods: To outline possible causes for treatment failure in the context of HIV-VL, we followed a person living with HIV-VL co-infection for nine years in a 12-month period. We characterized: HIV-related clinicopathological alterations (CD4+ T counts and viremia) and Leishmania-specific seroreactivity, parasitemia, quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimulation and studied a Leishmania clinical isolate recovered during this period. Results: The subject presented controlled viremia and low CD4+ counts. The subject remained PCR positive for Leishmania and also seropositive. The cellular response to parasite antigens was erratic. The isolate was identified as the first Leishmania infantum case with evidence of decreased miltefosine susceptibility in Portugal. Conclusion: Treatment failure is a multifactorial process driven by host and parasite determinants. Still, the real-time determination of drug susceptibility profiles in clinical isolates is an unexplored resource in the monitoring of VL.

Superhydrophobic surfaces offer innovative solutions, particularly in water/oil separation systems, as they repel water and attract oil, enabling efficient separation. The study aimed to analyze coatings developed on galvanized steel and aluminum, regarding their wettability in saline water and diesel oil, aiming for applications in the oil and gas industry. Specimens underwent texturizing, in-situ growth of layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) film and modification with stearic acid (STA). Both LDH films exhibited similar binary hierarchical structures of hexagonal petals and micrometric flowers, interconnecting along the surface, forming pores that allowed for air entrapment after STA modification. CA for saline water exceeded 150º, and for diesel oil was under 10º, characterizing the coatings as superhydrophobic and superoleophilic. The coatings show promising potential for water/oil separation using recyclable substrates and a simple, low-cost, environmentally friendly process.

Abstract Objective To analyze the death of Brazilian pregnant and postpartum women due to COVID-19 or unspecific cause. Methods This is retrospective, descriptive-exploratory, population-based study carried out with the Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe) database, with pregnant and postpartum women of reproductive age who died from confirmed COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. The chosen variables were: age, gestational period, type and number of comorbidities, skin color, using the statistical software R Foundation for Statistical Computing Platform, version 4.0.3 and Statistical Package for Social Science, version 29.0 for analysis. Results A total of 19,333 cases of pregnant and postpartum women aged between 10 and 55 years diagnosed with SARS were identified, whether due to confirmed COVID-19 or unspecific causes. Of these, 1,279 died, these cases were classified into two groups according to the cause of death: deaths from COVID-19 (n= 1,026) and deaths from SARS of unspecific cause (n= 253). Conclusion The risk of death increased among black and brown women, in the postpartum period and with the presence of comorbidities, mainly diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. The data presented here draw attention to the number of deaths from SARS, especially among sociodemographic profiles, precarious access to health, such as the black population. In addition, limitations in adequate access to health care are reinforced by even lower rates of ICU admissions among women who died from SARS of an unspecified cause.

The present study aimed to develop and characterize super-hydrophobic nickel coatings through the electrodeposition process, employing myristic acid as a surface energy reducing agent, with the objective of enhancing corrosion resistance. ASTM A36 carbon steel (E00) specimens served as substrates for the application of three different coating conditions: pure nickel (E10); nickel associated with myristic acid (E01); and a bilayer structure consisting of a base layer of pure nickel succeeded by an additional layer of nickel enriched with myristic acid (E11). The samples were characterized through Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Corrosion resistance of the coatings was analyzed through potentiodynamic polarization (PP) tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). XRD and FTIR tests confirmed the deposition of metallic nickel onto the substrate and the successful incorporation of the surface energy reducing agent. Micrographs illustrated the distinctive cauliflower-like clusters in the E11 coating, denoting its pronounced super-hydrophobic characteristics, culminating in a contact angle of 165º. Corrosion tests demonstrated superior anticorrosive behavior in the E11 sample, as evidenced by a heightened corrosion potential, diminished anodic current density, and an augmented impedance modulus. The results emphasize the role of superhydrophobicity in influencing the corrosion resistance of the developed coatings.

Este estudo objetiva analisar uso da língua inglesa durante a experiência de ensino-aprendizagem, pautada no sociointeracionismo, em uma turma da Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA), no Estágio Supervisionado, em uma escola pública da Paraíba. Consideramos Crystal (2003), Seidlhofer (2011), Vygotsky (1984) e Pólio e Duff (1994) como alicerces para tal proposta, a fim de compreender alguns caminhos que demonstram que é possível aprender inglês em contextos de uso autêntico. Desta forma, esta pesquisa classifica-se como qualitativa, interpretativista (MOREIRA; CALEFFE, 2008) e no âmbito da Linguística Aplicada (MOITA LOPES, 2006). Na análise de dados, constatamos que, por meio da implementação de uma sequência didática voltada para a temática culinária e o gênero textual de receitas, foi possível aos alunos mergulharem na construção de conhecimentos, em inglês, através da ação e da socialização de receitas propostas no ambiente escolar.

RESUMO O Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA) é um transtorno do neurodesenvolvimento que compromete a comunicação e as habilidades sociais. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os recursos educacionais utilizados por profissionais de nível técnico e superior que lidam com alunos com TEA. Essa revisão foi registrada no PROSPERO CRD42020212986 e seguiu as recomendações da lista de verificação Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). As bases científicas utilizadas na busca foram Medline via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science e Lilacs. Dez artigos foram selecionados para a revisão. Os recursos educacionais que se destacaram ao longo do percurso foram: a formação em competências sociais e organizacionais; apoio e acompanhamento educacional/profissional; artefatos tecnológicos para interação audiovisual; e ferramentas de avaliação com capacidade educacional. Entende-se que a melhoria dos recursos educacionais, enfatizando a comunicação clara e objetiva, bem como a sociabilidade das aulas se torna fundamental para promover um ambiente educacional mais eficaz e estimulante para o aprendizado dos estudantes autistas.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents with blood coagulation disorders and hemoglobinopathies (BCDH). The study was cross-sectional and included 61 individuals aged 2 to 18 years with BCDH. Exams for dental caries (dmft/DMFT index), oral hygiene (simplified oral hygiene index – OHI-S), and gingival health (modified gingival index – MGI) were performed. The pediatric quality of life inventory™ (PedsQL™) generic core scale and oral health scale were used to measure HRQoL and OHRQoL. Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ) and the Mann-Whitney test (α = 0.05) were conducted to assess the relationship between covariates and the PedsQL™ oral health scale. The mean PedsQL™ oral health scale score was 76.66 (SD = 21.36). Worse OHRQoL was correlated with poor oral hygiene (ρ = -0.383; p: 0.004), poor gingival health (ρ = -0.327; p = 0.014), and better HRQoL (ρ = 0.488; p < 0.001). Greater untreated dental caries experience was associated with worse OHRQoL (p = 0.009). Worse oral health status in children and adolescents with BCDH negatively impacts OHRQoL, and OHRQoL and quality of life analyzed from a generic perspective are positively correlated constructs in this population.

Este artigo objetiva discutir, a partir da experiência em Estágio Supervisionado no curso de licenciatura em Letras-Inglês, a importância de considerar o emocional dos discentes no ambiente escolar, bem como os desafios de uma prática docente autônoma no que tange ao reconhecimento socioemocional e as particularidades que circundam o desempenho escolar do alunado. Assim, como aporte teórico, ancoramo-nos em Kumaravadivelu (1994, 2003), Fonseca (2016), Freire (2011), Machado (2011) e Silva (2017), dentre outros, ao mobilizar discussões voltadas ao ensino de línguas em uma perspectiva disruptiva. Em termos metodológicos, a pesquisa classifica-se como interpretativista, qualitativa, exploratória e como um estudo de caso (GONSALVES, 2003; MOREIRA; CALEFFE, 2008). Após análise da investigação, compreendemos que se faz necessário que o professor de línguas trabalhe por meio de atividades que considerem o emocional de seus alunos, priorizando o bem-estar de todos, inclusive o seu próprio, pois isso impacta diretamente no desempenho das notas escolares.

Este trabalho investiga o tratamento didático dispensado ao fenômeno da multimodalidade nas atividades de leitura da coleção de livros didáticos Ser Protagonista, destinada ao Ensino Médio. Sob a perspectiva da Pedagogia dos Multiletramentos do Grupo de Nova Londres, aderida no Brasil por Rojo (2012), Kleiman (2014), Kalantzis, Cope e Pinheiro (2020), entre outros, a análise examina como as propostas de atividades de leitura abordam a integração de diferentes semioses. Constatou-se um tratamento limitado, revelando a primazia da linguagem verbal sobre outras semioses.

Este artigo situa-se no âmbito dos letramentos críticos, atentando para a relevância dessa perspectiva na formação de professores, e em especial, no ensino de língua inglesa. O trabalho ancora-se, então, nas contribuições teóricas do campo dos letramentos críticos, considerando as orientações da BNCC (BRASIL, 2018) para o ensino de inglês. Assim, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar as implicações dos letramentos críticos na formação cidadã de alunos, na aula de inglês, durante o Estágio Supervisionado por meio da produção do gênero textual advertisements. Este é um estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa, ambientado em uma turma do 9º ano de uma escola estadual da cidade de Campina Grande, interior do estado da Paraíba. Observamos o engajamento dos discentes nos processos de leitura, planejamento e escrita dos textos, além da tomada de posições críticas e reflexivas diante de tópicos emergentes nos âmbitos de convivência escolar e social.

Esse artigo traz algumas considerações categoriais destacadas em uma análise documental e em um levantamento de dados realizado por meio de um questionário aplicado a 25 professores de todo o Brasil que participaram do Programa de Desenvolvimento Profissional de Professores de Educação Básica no Canadá no ano de 2019. Observando o edital nº3/2019 da CAPES, os documentos orientadores da proposta enviados pela CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada) e os aspectos empíricos apresentados pelos participantes do programa, essa investigação busca compreender as perspectivas de formação continuada presentes entre os documentos oficiais do Programa de Desenvolvimento Profissional de Professores da Educação Básica no Canadá e a realidade vivida pelos professores participantes no edital CAPES 3/2019.

Neste trabalho, abordamos as práticas de letramentos digitais (FREITAS, 2010) no ensino fundamental durante o Estágio Supervisionado II em uma universidade pública da Paraíba. Através da aplicação de uma sequência didática (CRISTOVÃO, 2009), utilizamos como foco de estudo e produção o Google Maps. Sendo assim, objetivamos analisar as práticas de letramentos digitais, em relação ao uso do Maps em sala de aula. Esta pesquisa classifica-se como um estudo de caso qualitativo-interpretativista (MOREIRA; CALEFFE, 2008). Na análise, descrevemos como os estudantes interagiram com o website e contrastamos o modelo de panfletos produzidos pelos estagiários com os feitos pelos estudantes. A pesquisa identificou os seguintes aspectos: de um lado, resistência ao uso do Maps em Inglês, além da falta de acesso a instrumentos digitais. Por outro lado, aquisição dinâmica de vocabulário e maior nível de engajamento dos alunos.

Abstract The growing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) over recent years has led to their characterization in numerous organisms. However, there is currently a lack of data available on miRNAs from triatomine bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae), which are the vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of vectors provides new insights into insect-host interactions and insect control approaches, which are key methods to prevent disease incidence in endemic areas. In this work, we describe the miRNome profiles from gut, hemolymph, and salivary gland tissues of the Rhodnius prolixus triatomine. Small RNA sequencing data revealed abundant expression of miRNAs, along with tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments. Fifty-two mature miRNAs, previously reported in Ecdysozoa, were identified, including 39 ubiquitously expressed in the three tissues. Additionally, 112, 73, and 78 novel miRNAs were predicted in the gut, hemolymph, and salivary glands, respectively. In silico prediction showed that the top eight most highly expressed miRNAs from salivary glands potentially target human blood-expressed genes, suggesting that R. prolixus may modulate the host’s gene expression at the bite site. This study provides the first characterization of miRNAs in a Triatominae species, shedding light on the role of these crucial regulatory molecules.

Este artigo tem como objetivo promover uma discussão sobre a produção de emoções no consumo de moda, com foco no riso. O acontecimento midiático que nos instigou foram paródias sobre o visual apresentado por Kim Kardashian na Semana de Moda de Paris, em 2022. A celebridade compareceu ao evento vestida de fitas adesivas com o logotipo da marca de luxo Balenciaga tornando-se objeto de memes em redes sociais. O problema de pesquisa que nos inquietou diz respeito a qual o papel do riso como emoção na fabricação de sentidos sobre a moda em um contexto de interação via redes sociais. Desenvolvemos uma pesquisa exploratória a partir de estudo de caso, utilizando levantamento documental, com uma abordagem qualitativa, tendo como recorte empírico publicações feitas no Instagram. Empregamos um olhar interdisciplinar e referencial teórico que inclui leituras da antropologia das emoções, da moda e da comunicação.

Introdução: A saúde materna e infantil é essencial na saúde pública, especialmente durante a gravidez, quando infecções urogenitais podem afetar mães e fetos. Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) aumentam riscos obstétricos e têm conexões complexas com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). No Brasil, gestantes com HIV são uma preocupação crescente, requerendo foco e intervenções adequadas. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas das infecções urogenitais em mulheres grávidas com e sem HIV, avaliando se há diferenças notáveis entre esses grupos. Métodos: Uma revisão de escopo foi conduzida, seguindo as diretrizes Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) e Joanna Briggs Institute. Bases de dados como Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) foram exploradas com termos relevantes. Os critérios de inclusão/exclusão selecionaram nove estudos para análise. Uma abordagem do tipo População, Intervenção, Comparação, Desfecho e Desenho do Estudo (PICOS) direcionou a pesquisa. Resultados: Mulheres grávidas com HIV apresentaram alta prevalência de IST, incluindo Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis e vaginose bacteriana. A infecção por HIV parece influenciar o risco e a gravidade das infecções urogenitais. A gravidez aumentou o risco de IST, independentemente do status de HIV. Os parceiros masculinos também podem influenciar a presença de IST em mulheres grávidas, especialmente aquelas com HIV. Conclusão: A associação entre o status de HIV e as infecções urogenitais em mulheres grávidas indica a necessidade de rastreamento e cuidado adequado. A prevenção e o tratamento de IST em gestantes são essenciais para a saúde materno-infantil, independentemente do status de HIV.

Nocardia é uma bactéria filamentosa, gram-positiva, aeróbica que pode ser encontrada em solo, matéria orgânica e em ambientes aquáticos. Infecções em humanos decorrem usualmente de inoculação direta ou inalação, ocorrendo principalmente em contexto de imunossupressão.No entanto, séries recentes de estudos inferiram uma prevalência entre 18-45% em imunocompetentes. Paciente feminina, 50 anos, sem comorbidades, realizou meniscectomia parcial de menisco medial de joelho por lesão em corno posterior. Após 1 semana da intervenção cirúrgica, inicia com repetidas deiscências de sutura e sinais de infecção de pele e partes moles, sem melhora após uso de cefalexina e ciprofloxacino. Apresentou quadro de artrite séptica em 40° pós-operatório, sendo realizada drenagem cirúrgica com coleta de material para cultura, posteriormente positiva para Nocardia nova. Optado por realizar sulfametoxazol+trimetoprim 1600+240 mg tid por 21 dias associado a amicacina 15 mg/kg por 3 dias, com alta para seguimento ambulatorial. A apresentação clínica mais comum de Nocardia é pulmonar, mas pode manifestar-se por infecção disseminada, cutânea ou no sistema nervoso central. O crescimento é lento e progressivo, podendo necessitar de até 2 semanas de incubação, sendo importante notificar o laboratório de microbiologia sobre a possibilidade de nocardia.Não há consenso sobre o tratamento otimizado de infecção por nocardia, muitas vezes necessitando de combinações de antimicrobianos baseadas em perfil de sensibilidade, associado à evidência retrospectiva e observacional. Frequentemente, a terapia combinada é indicada inicialmente, com sulfametoxazol + trimetoprim como droga de escolha no esquema, seja como base da combinação ou até como droga única.O tempo de tratamento pode variar de 1 a 3 meses em imunocompetentes com lesão de pele leve a até mais que 1 ano em pacientes imunossuprimidos com nocardiose disseminada. No caso de artrite séptica sem infecção de prótese associada, a monoterapia levou a uma alta taxa de cura (86%) com tratamento médio de 12 semanas, com opção de combinação de antimicrobianos inicialmente para melhora clínica mais rápida, associado a drenagem cirúrgica.

Causada pelo fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis e Paracoccidioides lutzii, a paracoccidioidomicose é uma micose sistêmica que costuma ser mais comum entre trabalhadores rurais, visto que o fungo habita o solo de plantações. Ocorre inalação de conídios ou fragmentos de micélios, que evoluem para a forma leveduriforme dentro das células. O Brasil concentra 80% dos casos no mundo, tendo registrado 3.181 mortes pela doença entre 1980 e 1995. Paciente masculino, 69 anos, portador de miastenia gravis em uso de prednisona 60 md/dia há 20 anos. Admitido por lesão cutânea em antebraço esquerdo, com 40 dias de evolução, associada a dor, calor e rubor local, caracterizada por 3 úlceras de fundo purulento, bordos hiperemiados e necrose central. Ultrassonografia de partes moles apontou processo inflamatório local, indicativo de celulite. Optado por internamento, debridamento e, devido suspeita de infecção bacteriana, início de antibioticoterapia com daptomicina e piperacilina/tazobactam. Após 12 dias de tratamento não houve sinal de melhora clínica e o quadro passou a incluir tosse seca e dessaturação, com necessidade oxigenioterapia. Tomografia de tórax demonstrou processo inflamatório pulmonar difuso com extensa consolidação de lobo superior esquerdo e áreas de necrose, sugestivo de pneumonia necrotizante. Pela suspeita de embolização bacteriana, optou-se por troca do esquema antimicrobiano para Meropenem e Linezolida. Paciente continuou progredindo de forma desfavorável, com necessidade progressiva de oxigênio suplementar. Nova tomografia torácica demonstrou aumento da lesão em lobo superior esquerdo, com micronódulos esparsos, e aparecimento de área de escavação em lobo superior direito. Broncoscopia permitiu a visualização de lesões ulceradas na árvore brônquica, de aspecto destrutivo, deixando a cartilagem exposta. No lavado broncoalveolar foi possível identificar microrganismo em formato de “roda de leme” na microscopia eletrônica, fechando o diagnóstico de paracoccidioidomicose. Suspenso antibióticos e iniciado tratamento com Itraconazol. A forma crônica da doença representa 90% dos casos e está associada a reativação após meses ou anos da exposição inicial. Os marcadores de gravidade incluem perda ponderal acima de 10%, comprometimento pulmonar extenso e acometimento de adrenais, sistema nervoso central ou ossos. O tratamento é realizado preferencialmente com itraconazol (disponível pelo Ministério da Saúde) e pode durar de 12 a 24 meses, a depender da gravidade.

Abstract This study aimed to carry out a floristic-taxonomic survey of the Lythraceae representatives, as part of the project “Flora do Ceará: knowing to conserve”. The data were obtained via the morphologicals analysis of samples collected in the field, and collections in herbaria as well as in specialized bibliographies. In the state of Ceará, Lythraceae is represented by 15 species belonging to four genera: Ammannia (2); Cuphea (9), Lafoensia (3) and Pleurophora (1). The species were recorded in different phytophysiognomies, but they occur preferentially in the Steppic Savanna (Caatinga and/or Carrasco), in the Dense Ombrophilous Forest (Wet Forest) and in the Vegetation Complex of the Coastal Zone (Dunes and Lowland Semideciduous Forests). The taxon with the highest number of records was Cuphea campestris, which ocurrs in 26 municipalities. Eight species were recorded in ten conservation units in Ceará. Four species are endemic to the northeastern region: Cuphea campestris, C. laricoides, C. loefgrenii and Lafoensia glyptocarpa. Lafoensia glyptocarpa and L. pacari are new records for Ceará. The identification key, morphological descriptions, comments on distribution, ecology, phenology, uses, maps, and species illustrations are presented.

Abstract Parasites are responsible for the most neglected tropical diseases, affecting over a billion people worldwide (WHO, 2015) and accounting for billions of cases a year and responsible for several millions of deaths. Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has increased in recent years and demonstrated that EVs shed by pathogenic parasites interact with host cells playing an important role in the parasite's survival, such as facilitation of infection, immunomodulation, parasite adaptation to the host environment and the transfer of drug resistance factors. Thus, EVs released by parasites mediate parasite‐parasite and parasite‐host intercellular communication. In addition, they are being explored as biomarkers of asymptomatic infections and disease prognosis after drug treatment. However, most current protocols used for the isolation, size determination, quantification and characterization of molecular cargo of EVs lack greater rigor, standardization, and adequate quality controls to certify the enrichment or purity of the ensuing bioproducts. We are now initiating major guidelines based on the evolution of collective knowledge in recent years. The main points covered in this position paper are methods for the isolation and molecular characterization of EVs obtained from parasite‐infected cell cultures, experimental animals, and patients. The guideline also includes a discussion of suggested protocols and functional assays in host cells

Nos últimos anos, na fronteira Brasil-Paraguai, as cidades gêmeas Porto Murtinho e Carmelo Peralta têm recebido especial atenção por parte das autoridades dos dois países. O par de cidades será contemplado com uma ponte internacional, financiada pela Itaipu Binacional, que deverá compor o Corredor Bioceânico da Rota de Integração Latino-Americana (RILA). Projetada para potencializar a exportação de commodities, unindo o Porto de Santos aos portos do norte do Chile, a RILA também irá configurar importante infraestrutura para o desenvolvimento do turismo naquela região transfronteiriça. Nesse sentido, este artigo traz, a partir de uma pesquisa qualitativa, pautada em análise bibliográfica, uma abordagem dos possíveis impactos ocasionados pela nova infraestrutura de transportes no potencial turístico de Porto Murtinho e Carmelo Peralta.

The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of scientific publications describing physiological and pathological functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a collective term covering various subtypes of cell-released, membranous structures, called exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, apoptotic bodies, and many other names. However, specific issues arise when working with these entities, whose size and amount often make them difficult to obtain as relatively pure preparations, and to characterize properly. The International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) proposed Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles ("MISEV") guidelines for the field in 2014. We now update these "MISEV2014" guidelines based on evolution of the collective knowledge in the last four years. An important point to consider is that ascribing a specific function to EVs in general, or to subtypes of EVs, requires reporting of specific information beyond mere description of function in a crude, potentially contaminated, and heterogeneous preparation. For example, claims that exosomes are endowed with exquisite and specific activities remain difficult to support experimentally, given our still limited knowledge of their specific molecular machineries of biogenesis and release, as compared with other biophysically similar EVs. The MISEV2018 guidelines include tables and outlines of suggested protocols and steps to follow to document specific EV-associated functional activities. Finally, a checklist is provided with summaries of key points.

This work aimed to perform bioclimatic zoning based on the temperature and humidity index (THI) for quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life during the rainy season in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, in order to identify the most suitable mesoregions among the Zona da Mata, Agreste, Borborema and Sertão for the breeding of these birds and to propose mitigating measures for the thermal comfort of the animals. The monthly air temperature and relative humidity data for calculating the THI were obtained from conventional meteorological stations of the National Meteorological Institute of the Brazilian federal government from 1961 to 2015, in turn making maps with the spatial distribution of the index. The index ranged from 71 to 76 in the various mesoregions of Paraíba, with Agreste being the best mesoregion for breeding quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life, thus providing a thermal comfort zone for birds and only requiring a few corrective measures in their facilities, when necessary, followed by the Sertão, Zona da Mata and Borborema mesoregions.

ABSTRACT Based on the temperature and humidity index, for quails from the 3rd to the 5th week of life, in the dry period in Paraíba state, Brazil, the objective was to carry out a bioclimatic zoning, identifying as regions suitable for the reproduction of quails and, when necessary, mitigating measures for greater animal comfort. The bioclimatic zoning was carried out for the mesoregions of the state, the climatic data used are from meteorological stations in the period from 1961 - 2015, from them maps were elaborated with the spatial distribution of the index, identifying as regions with ideal thermal comfort conditions for the animals. For quails in the third week, the Agreste mesoregion presents the best situation in the dry season, not requiring corrective measures to maintain the comfort of these animals. In the fourth week of life of the quails, the mesoregions that would provide THI values within the ZCT in the dry period would be the Zona da Mata paraibana and Sertão, while the ZCT for quails in the fifth week of life, could be found throughout the state of Paraíba.

In this review, numerous aspects of sand flies as vectors of Leishmania parasites—from biology to the vector parasite interactions—are discussed.

Natural products are a very rich source for obtaining new compounds with therapeutic potential. In the search for new antiparasitic and antimicrobial agents, molecular hybrids were designed based on the structures of antimicrobial marine quinazolinones and eugenol, a natural phenolic compound. Following reports of the therapeutic potential of quinazolinones and eugenol derivatives, it was expected that the union of these pharmacophores could generate biologically relevant substances. The designed compounds were obtained by classical synthetic procedures and were characterized by routine spectrometric techniques. Nine intermediates and final products were then evaluated in vitro against Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania infantum. Antifungal and antibacterial activity were also evaluated. Six compounds (9b, 9c, 9d, 10b, 10c, and 14) showed mild activity against T. brucei with IC50 in the range of 11.17–31.68 μM. Additionally, intermediate 9c showed anti-Leishmania activity (IC50 7.54 μM) and was six times less cytotoxic against THP-1 cells. In conclusion, novel derivatives with a simple quinazolinone scaffold showing selectivity against parasites without antibacterial and antifungal activities were disclosed, paving the way for new antitrypanosomal agents.

Objetivos: Identificar e analisar o (des)conhecimento de enfermeiros quanto ao manejo da ventilação mecânica invasiva. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada em quatro bases de dados utilizando os descritores “mechanical ventilation”, “nursing”, “knowledge”, “lack of knowledge” (idioma inglês) e “ventilação mecânica”, “enfermagem” e “conhecimento” (idioma português); perfazendo uma amostra final de 12 artigos. Resultados: Foram identificados déficits de conhecimento relacionados a estratégias de proteção pulmonar, ao ajuste de parâmetros e de modos ventilatórios e ao reconhecimento de complicações relacionadas à ventilação mecânica. Além disso, constatou-se falta de competência de coordenação de cuidados de enfermagem e participação mínima do enfermeiro nas decisões relacionadas à ventilação mecânica. Conclusão: A assistência ventilatória é um desafio para o enfermeiro pois requer conhecimentos teóricos e práticos específicos. Há a necessidade de se investir no aprimoramento destes conhecimentos para melhorar a qualidade do atendimento.

Resumo Objetivo: caracterizar as práticas sexuais dos adolescentes e sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, fontes de informações e hábitos comportamentais. Método: estudo descritivo observacional, transversal, conduzido com 85 adolescentes de escolas públicas de ensino fundamental e médio de um município do estado de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário estruturado, autoaplicável e anônimo. A análise estatística realizada foi o teste do χ2 e teste de Fisher. Resultados: a iniciação da vida sexual foi de 21,2% através do sexo oral, com predominância o sexo feminino (94,4%), cor autorreferida parda (55,0%). A prática do sexo vaginal foi relatada em 31,8%, com idade média de iniciação aos 14,5 anos. O sexo feminino foi predominante (77,0%), com cor autorreferida parda (40,0%). A prática de sexo anal foi detectada em 7,1%, com média de idade aos 14,4 anos, prevalente no sexo feminino (83,3%), com cor autorreferida preta (50,0%). Ocorreu a associação entre o uso de álcool, drogas e tabaco com as práticas sexuais (p

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the prevalence of physical activity among subjects from birth cohorts of three cities located in different regions of Brazil according to sociodemographic characteristics and sex, comparing the relationships within and between cohorts. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 12,724 adolescents and young adults who participated in five birth cohorts: Ribeirão Preto [1978/79 (37/39 years old in 2016) and 1994 (22 years in 2016)]; Pelotas [1982 (30 years in 2012) and 1993 (22 years in 2015)], and São Luís [1997/98 (18/19 years in 2016)]. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated with questionnaires (insufficiently active:

Esta pesquisa origina-se das reflexões sobre as concepções de políticas públicas de formação continuada docente na América Latina. Há uma vasta literatura que permite identificar diferentes modelos de formação continuada já consolidados e praticados no Brasil ao longo de décadas. Tais estudos indicam que as políticas relativas à formação docente sofreram influência direta de organismos internacionais e de diversas concepções teórico-metodológicas no decorrer da história. Nesse sentido busca-se compreender as concepções e os princípios que constituem as políticas de formação continuada para professores da Educação Básica entre Brasil, Chile e Cuba. Como caminho metodológico, realizou-se uma revisão de literatura integrativa com a finalidade de entender as teorias, os pensamentos e as pesquisas que definem as políticas públicas de formação de professores, com base na perspectiva de formação continuada em Freitas (1999) e Curado Silva (2008; 2011; 2018). Para análise, foram utilizados, inicialmente os relatórios da UNESCO intitulados “A UNESCO e a Educação na América Latina e Caribe 1987-1997” (1998) e “Antecedentes y Criterios para la Elaboración de Políticas Docentes em América Latina y el Caribe” (2013). A partir dessa leitura foram elencados textos que discutem as políticas de formação nos países comparados. A análise dos escritos nos permite destacar que existem lacunas nos documentos que tratam sobre a realidade cubana. Também nos permite perceber a influência dos organismos internacionais na tessitura de caminhos para as políticas de formação de professores nos países latino-americanos, principalmente no que concerne a uma educação para o mercado de trabalho e pautada na prática de sala de aula.

Abstract Objectives: to describe life quality of women with HPV and analyze the accuracy of anal visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol compared to high-resolution anoscopy in the detection of anal intraepithelial lesions. Methods: diagnostic evaluation study conducted with adult solid-organ transplant recipients and/or diagnosed with HIV and/or with a history of anogenital neoplasia, attended at the High Resolution Anoscopy outpatient clinic between April and December 2018. To calculate the accuracy parameters, 87 women participated: 44 with lesions and 43 without them. The 44 women with lesions were also subjected to a descriptive study to assess their life quality using the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: it was observed that almost half of the women in the study practiced vaginal, anal and oral intercourse without condom. History of HPV infection and anogenital neoplasia were the most prevailing with percentages of 81% and 72.7%, respectively. In five out of the eight domains of SF-36 they did not perform well in regard to life quality. Visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol presented sensitivity of 22.7% and specificity of 100%. Conclusion: unsatisfactory life quality was evidenced. Direct visual inspection with acetic acid and lugol should not be used in trials to spot intraepithelial HPV lesions, for it presents low sensitivity.

This study aimed to carry out bioclimatic zoning based on the historical series of climatic variables such as air temperature, maximum, minimum and relative humidity collected in six conventional meteorological stations in the state of Paraíba, Brazil and from this to determine whether or not the animals are in thermal comfort by comparing with the results obtained in scientific research in each mesoregion in the rainy and dry periods. Then based on this the comfort conditions for small ruminants in the rainy and dry seasons of the mesoregions of Paraíba were observed using data from the literature, and demonstrated in spatial distribution maps. The variables air temperatures, maximum and minimum and relative humidity varied throughout the state for the rainy season between 22 to 27, 18 to 21, 25 to 31ºC and 64 to 82%, respectively, and in dry season is 23 to 27, 28 to 35, 19 to 23ºC and 49 to 76%, respectively. However, it is concluded that raising sheep and goats is viable in all mesoregions of the state of Paraíba in both periods

Arboviruses are a group of diseases that are transmitted by an arthropod vector. Since they are part of the Neglected Tropical Diseases that pose several public health challenges for countries around the world. The arboviruses' dynamics are governed by a combination of climatic, environmental, and human mobility factors. Arboviruses prediction models can be a support tool for decision-making by public health agents. In this study, we propose a systematic literature review to identify arboviruses prediction models, as well as models for their transmitter vector dynamics. To carry out this review, we searched reputable scientific bases such as IEE Xplore, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Scopus. We search for studies published between the years 2015 and 2020, using a search string. A total of 429 articles were returned, however, after filtering by exclusion and inclusion criteria, 139 were included. Through this systematic review, it was possible to identify the challenges present in the construction of arboviruses prediction models, as well as the existing gap in the construction of spatiotemporal models.

Abstract We examined the diversity and distribution of Caryocaraceae, Hypericaceae, and Rhizophoraceae in Ceará State, Brazil. Floristic treatments were carried out based on comparative analyses of the morphological characters of specimens from several Brazilian herbaria (ALCB, EAC, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HVASF, IAN, MBM, MOSS, SP, UEC and UFMT), the scientific literature, and photographs of type collections. Each family is represented here by a single species. Caryocar coriaceum occurs predominantly in the southern portion of Ceará State in typical open (cerrado) and forested savannas (cerradão). Vismia guianensis is widely distributed and occurs in several vegetation types, but mainly ombrophilous forests and savannas. Rhizophora mangle has a narrow distribution range, being recorded in coastal vegetation with fluvial and/or lacustrine influences (mangrove swamps). All three species were recorded in designated Conservation Areas. An identification key for the species, morphological descriptions, commentaries on their conservation, habitats and phenologies, as well as photographs and illustrations are provided.

Malaria is a major public health concern, as a highly effective human vaccine remains elusive. The efficacy of a subunit vaccine targeting the most abundant protein of the sporozoite surface, the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) has been hindered by difficulties in generating an effective humoral response in both quantity and quality. Using the rodent Plasmodium yoelii model we report here that immunization with CSP adjuvanted with 5’ppp-dsRNA, a RIG-I agonist, confers early and long-lasting sterile protection in mice against stringent sporozoite and mosquito bite challenges. The immunization induced high levels of antibodies, which were functional in targeting and killing the sporozoites and were sustained over time through the accumulation of long-lived plasma cells in the bone marrow. Moreover, 5’ppp-dsRNA-adjuvanted immunization with the CSP of P. falciparum was also significantly protective against challenges using a transgenic PfCSP-expressing P. yoelii parasite. Conversely, using the TLR3 agonist poly(A:U) as adjuvant resulted in a formulation that despite inducing high antibody levels was unable to generate equally functional antibodies and was, consequently, less protective. In conclusion, we demonstrate that using 5’ppp-dsRNA as an adjuvant to vaccines targeting CSP induces effective anti-Plasmodium humoral immunity.

Com a evolução das técnicas de cultivo, a produção mundial de frutas e hortaliças vem apresentando um crescimento contínuo. Apesar do aumento da produção, uma parcela significativa dos produtos colhidos é perdida, principalmente na pós-colheita, por fatores diversos, como manuseio, transporte e conservação inadequados, falta de seleção e classificação, embalagens mal dimensionadas, entre outros. De forma geral, a qualidade de frutas e hortaliças geralmente é avaliada pelos seguintes parâmetros: tamanho, forma, massa, cor, firmeza, maturação, ausência de contusões e patologias. Neste trabalho, o objetivo foi desenvolver um aplicativo no Matlab, para detectar, por meio de imagens, características morfológicas (largura, comprimento, área, perímetro) de mangas da variedade Mangifera indica L., ‘Tommy Atkins’, e, utilizando essas mesmas imagens, estimar a massa das frutas selecionadas. As imagens das mangas foram adquiridas com uma câmera digital, acoplada a uma caixa iluminada e, posteriormente, processadas em um aplicativo desenvolvido no Matlab. A partir das imagens, as características morfológicas das amostras foram obtidas, e uma equação para estimar sua massa foi determinada. A determinação da massa a partir das imagens teve uma correlação de 96% com a massa real medida com uma balança, ou seja, foi possível obter uma estimava confiável das massas das mangas a partir de material imagético.

Dogs are highly valued companions and work animals that are susceptible to many life-threatening conditions such as canine leishmaniosis (CanL). Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), exploited extensively in biomarker discovery, constitute a mostly untapped resource in veterinary sciences. Thus, the definition of proteins associated with plasma EVs recovered from healthy and diseased dogs with a relevant pathogen would be important for biomarker development. For this, we recovered, using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), EVs from 19 healthy and 20 CanL dogs’ plasma and performed proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS to define their core proteomic composition and search for CanL-associated alterations. EVs-specific markers were identified in all preparations and also non-EVs proteins. Some EVs markers such as CD82 were specific to the healthy animals, while others, such as the Integrin beta 3 were identified in most samples. The EVs-enriched preparations allowed the identification of 529 canine proteins that were identified in both groups, while 465 and 154 were only identified in healthy or CanL samples, respectively. A GO enrichment analysis revealed few CanL-specific terms. Leishmania spp. protein identifications were also found, although with only one unique peptide. Ultimately, CanL-associated proteins of interest were identified and a core proteome was revealed that will be available for intra- and inter-species comparisons.

The genus Leishmania (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) currently comprises just over 50 species, of which about 20 cause several syndromes in humans, collectively known as leishmaniasis or “leishmaniases” [...]

Iron aluminides are considered as candidate materials for high temperature applications for their excellent high temperature corrosion and oxidation resistance. In the present work, iron-aluminide coatings were developed by friction surfacing (6351 aluminum alloy deposited on a low-carbon steel substrate) followed by a diffusion heat treatment. The initial coatings were found to be geometrically homogenous and adhered well to the steel substrate. The heat treatment process was carried out at 550 °C for 48, 72 and 96 h and the resulting coatings were characterized in terms of microstructure, chemical composition, hardness distribution and phase composition. After heat treatment, the coating/substrate interface morphology was modified and presented patterns typical of Fe-Al intermetallic formation, as well as a substantial increase in hardness (>900 HV) relative to the initial as-deposited condition. With the diffusion treatment, initially Fe2Al5 was found to develop in the coatings, which was converted into FeAl2 after longer exposures.

Herein we report the design and the synthesis of a library of new and more hydrophilic bisindole analogues based on our previously identified antileishmanial compound URB1483 that failed the preliminary in vivo test. The novel bisindoles were phenotypically screened for efficacy against Leishmania infantum promastigotes and simultaneously for toxicity on human macrophage-like THP-1 cells. Among the less toxic compounds, eight bisindoles showed IC50 below 10 μM. The most selective compound 1h (selectivity index = 10.1, comparable to miltefosine) and the most potent compound 2c (IC50 = 2.7 μM) were tested for their efficacy on L. infantum intracellular amastigotes. The compounds also demonstrated their efficacy in the in vitro infection model, showing IC50 of 11.1 and 6.8 μM for 1h and 2c, respectively. Moreover, 1h showed a better toxicity profile than the commercial drug miltefosine. For all these reasons, 1h could be a possible new starting point for hydrophilic antileishmanial agents with low cytotoxicity on human macrophage-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background National, regional and global scientific production and research capacity for physical activity - PA may contribute to improving public health PA policies and programs. There is an uneven distribution of research productivity by region and country income group, where countries with the highest burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to physical inactivity having low research productivity. A first step towards improving global research capacity is to objectively quantify patterns, trends, and gaps in PA research. This study describes national, regional and global trends and patterns of PA research from 1950 to 2019. Methods A systematic review using searches in PubMed, SCOPUS and ISI Web of Knowledge databases was conducted in August 2017 and updated between January and May 2020. The review was registered at the PROSPERO database number CRD42017070153. PA publications per 100,000 inhabitants per country was the main variable of interest. Descriptive and time-trend analyses were conducted in STATA version 16.0. Results The search retrieved 555,468 articles of which 75,756 were duplicates, leaving 479,712 eligible articles. After reviewing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23,860 were eligible for data extraction. Eighty-one percent of countries (n = 176) had at least one PA publication. The overall worldwide publication rate in the PA field was 0.46 articles per 100,000 inhabitants. Europe had the highest rate (1.44 articles per 100,000 inhabitants) and South East Asia had the lowest (0.04 articles per 100,000 inhabitants). A more than a 50-fold difference in publications per 100,000 inhabitants was identified between high and low-income countries. The least productive and poorest regions have rates resembling previous decades of the most productive and the richest. Conclusion This study showed an increasing number of publications over the last 60 years with a growing number of disciplines and research methods over time. However, striking inequities were revealed and the knowledge gap across geographic regions and by country income groups was substantial over time. The need for regular global surveillance of PA research, particularly in countries with the largest data gaps is clear. A focus on the public health impact and global equity of research will be an important contribution to making the world more active.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utilization of benzodiazepines (BZD) in Brazilian older adults, based on the Pesquisa Nacional de Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos (PNAUM - National Survey of Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines). METHODS The PNAUM is a cross-sectional study conducted between 2013 and 2014, representing the Brazilian urban population. In the present study, we included 60 years or older (n = 9,019) individuals. We calculated the prevalence of BZD utilization in the 15 days prior to survey data collection according to independent variables, using a hierarchical Poisson regression model. A semistructured interview performed empirical data collection (household interview). RESULTS The prevalence of BZD utilization in the older adults was 9.3% (95%CI: 8.3–10.4). After adjustments, BZD utilization was associated with female sex (PR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.52–2.32), depression (PR = 5.31; 95%CI: 4.41–6, 38), multimorbidity (PR = 1.44; 95%CI: 1.20–1.73), emergency room visit or hospitalization in the last 12 months (PR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.18–1.70 ), polypharmacy (PR = 1.26; 95%CI: 1.01–1.57) and poor or very poor self-rated health (PR = 4.16; 95%CI: 2.10–8.22). Utilization was lower in the North region (PR = 0.18; 95%CI: 0.13–0.27) and in individuals who reported abusive alcohol consumption in the last month (PR = 0.42; 95%CI: 0.19–0.94). CONCLUSION Despite contraindications, results showed a high prevalence of BZD utilization in older adults, particularly in those with depression, and wide regional and sex differences.