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Trichomonas vaginalis is the etiologic agent of trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with an estimated 260 million new cases annually. T. vaginalis contains organelles common to all eukaryotic cells, uncommon cell structures such as hydrogenosomes, and a complex and elaborate cytoskeleton constituting the mastigont system. The mastigont system is mainly formed by several proteinaceous structures associated with basal bodies, the pelta-axostylar complex made of microtubules, and striated filaments named the costa and the parabasal filaments (PFs). Although the structural organization of trichomonad cytoskeletons has been analyzed using several techniques, observation using a new generation of scanning electron microscopes with a resolution exceeding 1 nm has allowed more detailed visualization of the three-dimensional organization of the mastigont system. In this study, we have investigated the cytoskeleton of T. vaginalis using a diverse range of scanning probe microscopy techniques, which were complemented by electron tomography and Fast-Fourier methods. This multi-modal approach has allowed us to characterize an unknown parabasal filament and reveal the ultrastructure of other striated fibers that have not been published before. Here, we show the differences in origin, striation pattern, size, localization, and additional details of the PFs, thus improving the knowledge of the cell biology of this parasite.

BackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease among white populations of European origin. Frequencies among Latin Americans continue to be studied, however, epidemiologic, and clinical characterization studies lack from Central American and Caribbean countries. Ethnicity in these countries is uniformly similar with a prevalent Mestizo population.Methods and resultsData from January 2014 to December 2019 from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Aruba on demographic, clinical, MRI and phenotypic traits were determined in coordinated studies: ENHANCE, a population-based, retrospective, observational study on incidence and clinical characteristics, and from the subgroup with MS national registries (Aruba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Panama), data on prevalence, phenotypes and demographics. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and therapeutic schemes were included. ENHANCE data from 758 patients disclosed 79.8% of Mestizo ethnicity; 72.4% female; median age at onset 31.0 years and 33.2 at diagnosis. The highest incidence rate was from Aruba, 2.3–3.5 × 100,000 inhabitants, and the lowest, 0.07–0.15 × 100,000, from Honduras. Crude prevalence rates per 100,000 inhabitants fluctuated from 27.3 (Aruba) to 1.0 (Honduras). Relapsing MS accounted for 87.4% of cases; EDSS

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the in-vitro effect of single applications of CPP-ACP pastes and different fluoridated solutions on the prevention of dental caries around orthodontic brackets. Material and Methods: Tooth/bracket sets (n=65) were immersed in artificial saliva (1h at 37ºC) and randomly subjected to single applications (100µL; 1min) of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP emulsion), CPP-ACP with fluoride (CPP-ACPF emulsion), solutions of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) or sodium fluoride (NaF), or no treatment (CG). Multispecies biofilm (5 x 105 CFU/mL) was formed in the presence of 2% sucrose. After 24 h, the pH and the concentration of total soluble fluoride (TSF) were analyzed by culture medium. The presence of active white spot lesions (WSL) evaluated by macroscopic examination and the percent surface mineral loss (%SML) were analyzed. Also, the topography of enamel was detected by analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data was assessed by chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). Results: Fluoride-containing compounds led to a smaller pH reduction than did CPP-ACP and CG (p NaF > CPP-ACPF > CPP-ACP > CG. Regarding the presence of WSL and %SML, the NaF group obtained lower values (p0.05). SEM demonstrated that fluoride-free groups had a larger surface dissolution. Conclusion: Fluoridated groups including solutions and CPP-ACPF were more effective than CPP-ACP in reducing enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets after a single application.

Abstract Coralline algae constitute one of the main groups of highly vulnerable calcified benthic organisms to ocean acidification. Although damaging effects of seawater acidification on the coralline algae skeleton have been widely demonstrated, the susceptibility to dissolution varies according to the Mg2+ in the calcite lattice. Even though the Southwest Atlantic Ocean exhibits the world’s largest rhodolith beds, which occupies 20,902 km2, there is no information regarding the coralline algae species mineralogy in this area. Here, we provide mineralogical data of twenty-four coralline algae species, examine the similarity in taxonomic groups, spatial occurrence and the vulnerability of these algae to seawater acidification. Mineralogy revealed that coralline algae skeletons were mainly composed of high-Mg calcite (> 70%) with minor presence of aragonite (

Here, a study of NMOSD in Central America and the Caribbean with a multinational collaborative, multicentric and descriptive approach involving 25 institutions from 9 countries is presented. Demographics, clinical manifestations, expanded disability scale status (EDSS), brain and spinal cord MRI, serological anti-AQP4-IgG and anti-MOG-IgG antibodies, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands were included. A central serological repository utilized the cell-based assay. The specimens outside of this network employed diverse methodologies. Data were collected at the Gorgas Commemorative Institute of Health Studies (ICGES), Panama, and included 186 subjects, of which 84% were females (sex ratio of 5.6:1). Mestizos constituted 72% of the study group. The median age was 42.5 years (IQR: 32.0–52.0). Associated autoimmune diseases (8.1%) were myasthenia gravis, Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common manifestation was optic neuritis-transverse myelitis (42.5%). A relapsing course was described in 72.3% of cases. EDSS scores of 0–3.5 were reported in 57.2% of cases and higher than 7.0 in 14.5%. Positive anti-AQP4-IgG antibody occurred in 59.8% and anti-MOG-IgG antibody in 11.5% of individuals. Antibody testing was lacking for 13.4% of patients. The estimated crude prevalence of NMOSD from Panama and the Dominican Republic was 1.62/100,000 (incidence of 0.08–0.41) and 0.73/100,000 (incidence 0.02–0.14), respectively. This multinational study contributes additional insights and data on the understanding of NMOSD in this Latin American region.

O manejo da Tuberculose (TB) enfrentou barreiras geradas pela pandemia do coronavírus (2020- 2021), provocando elevação nas mortes pela doença no mundo. Desse modo, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar o impacto da COVID-19 na morbimortalidade da TB no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, observacional e quantitativo, de base documental com procedimento comparativo- estatístico. A coleta de dados teve como universo de pesquisa o Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan Net) e do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS). Os resultados demonstraram diminuição no número de notificações da doença entre 2019 e 2021 (10%). No entanto, a taxa de mortalidade aumentou, passando de 7.93% para 11.38%. A doença teve predomínio entre os pacientes do sexo masculino (70.13%), na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos (77.38%), na cor/raça parda (49.34%) e com baixa escolaridade (41.38%). A maioria dos casos eram pulmonares (84.73%), novos (79.62%) e evoluíram para cura (53.38%). Um pequeno percentual dos casos, eram resistentes (.48%), principalmente a drogas de primeira linha. O estudo evidenciou o aumento na morbimortalidade da Tuberculose com o avento da pandemia do COVID-19. A co- infeção, a reativação da TB, a desestruturação do esquema de combate a Tuberculose, comprometeu o tratamento, a orientação ao paciente, a detecção precoce o que contribuiu para o aumento da morbidade da Tuberculose no período estudado.

Abstract Background Acute cellular rejection beyond the 6th month posttransplant is an uncommon complication after liver transplantation. The inadequate immunosuppression (IS) remains the main risk factor. We report a case of acute cellular rejection after a switch to everolimus monotherapy at 11 months following liver transplantation. Case presentation This was a 69-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation after hepatocellular carcinoma. The initial immunosuppression was a combination of three immunosuppressive drugs (corticosteroids + tacrolimus + mycophenolate mofetil). The corticosteroid therapy was stopped at the 4th month posttransplant. Serious side effects of the immunosuppressive drugs (agranulocytosis and renal dysfunction), which occurred 4 months after transplantation, required a reduction and then a discontinuation of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Everolimus was introduced as a replacement. The patient was consulted at 11 months after liver transplantation, 1 month after stopping the two immunosuppressive drugs, for liver function test abnormalities such as cytolysis and anicteric cholestasis. A moderate late acute cellular rejection was confirmed by a liver biopsy. A satisfactory biological evolution was observed following corticosteroid boluses and optimization of basic immunosuppressive drugs. Conclusion Late acute cellular rejection remains an uncommon complication, observed mostly in the first year after liver transplantation. The main risk factor is usually the decrease of immunosuppression.

The highly adaptable parasite Trypanosoma cruzi undergoes complex developmental stages to exploit host organisms effectively. Each stage involves the expression of specific proteins and precise intracellular structural organization. These morphological changes depend on key structures that control intracellular components’ growth and redistribution. In trypanosomatids, the flagellar attachment zone (FAZ) connects the flagellum to the cell body and plays a pivotal role in cell expansion and structural rearrangement. While FAZ proteins are well-studied in other trypanosomatids, there is limited knowledge about specific components, organization, and function in T. cruzi. This study employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to label endogenous genes and conduct deletions to characterize FAZ-specific proteins during epimastigote cell division and metacyclogenesis. In T. cruzi, these proteins exhibited distinct organization compared to their counterparts in T. brucei. TcGP72 is anchored to the flagellar membrane, while TcFLA-1BP is anchored to the membrane lining the cell body. We identified unique features in the organization and function of the FAZ in T. cruzi compared to other trypanosomatids. Deleting these proteins had varying effects on intracellular structures, cytokinesis, and metacyclogenesis. This study reveals specific variations that directly impact the success of cell division and differentiation of this parasite.

Racist and discriminatory federal, state, and local housing policies significantly contribute to disparities in cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality for individuals that self-identify as Black or African American. Here we highlight three key housing policies – “redlining,” zoning, and the construction of highways – which have wrought a powerful, sustained, and destructive impact on cardiovascular health in Black/African American communities. Redlining and highway construction policies have restricted access to quality health care, increased exposure to carcinogens such as PM2.5, and increased exposure to extreme heat. At the root of these policy decisions are longstanding, toxic societal factors including racism, segregation, and discrimination, which also serve to perpetuate racial inequities in cardiovascular health. Here, we review these societal and structural factors and then link them with biological processes such as telomere shortening, allostatic load, oxidative stress, and tissue inflammation. Lastly, we focus on the impact of inflammation on the immune system and the molecular mechanisms by which the inflamed immune microenvironment promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We propose that racial residential segregation and discrimination increases tissue inflammation and cytokine production, resulting in dysregulated immune signaling, which promotes plaque formation and cardiovascular disease. This framework has the power to link structural racism not only to cardiovascular disease, but also to cancer.

Context: The side effects of bleaching products are still incompletely known. Aims: This work aims to evaluate the effects of bleaching regimens on colour variation, microstructure, roughness, composition and nanohardness of human dental enamel until 8 weeks. Settings and Design: Twenty teeth were cross-sectioned to obtain eighty enamel fragments (50 × 50 mm) divided into four groups: CN (control Negative-artificial saliva), CP10 (10% carbamide peroxide), HP10 (10% hydrogen peroxide), and WS (whitening strips-10% hydrogen peroxide). Methods and Material: Roughness (atomic force microscopy–AFM and 3-D surface scanning), morphology (confocal laser scanning microscopy–CLSM and AFM), hardness and elastic modulus (nanoindentation), and composition (Raman microspectroscopy) were analysed before the therapy and after 4 and 8 weeks. Colour measures were performed weekly. Statistical Analysis Used: Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures (P < 0.05). Results: Bleaching stabilizes after 3 weeks for HP10 and after 4 weeks for CP10 and WS. Roughness evaluation showed statistical difference for HP10 after 8 weeks for Sa and Sq, for HP10 and WS after 4 weeks and for CP10 after 8 weeks. The same occurred for hardness and elastic modulus. The morphological evaluation demonstrated the most significant effects after 8 weeks of treatment for HP10 and WS. Composition analysis revealed modifications in peaks related to the organic content spectra (protein) with an increase in detection after 4 weeks, followed by a decrease after 8 weeks. Conclusions: H2O2-based products caused morphological and compositional alterations on enamel.

As abelhas são insetos de grande utilidade para o homem, vivem em harmonia com a natureza e são os principais polinizadores das espécies florais, sendo as grandes responsáveis pela produção de alimentos do planeta. As espécies Apis mellifera L. e Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) possuem capacidade de produção que podem ser comercializadas, porém criadas de maneiras distintas, com colmeias próprias desenvolvidas para cada espécie. Devido a este fato, surgiu o interesse em pesquisar se estas espécies de vidas sociais semelhantes, poderiam viver harmoniosamente em uma mesma colônia. A pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar a vida social entre as abelhas A. mellifera e T. angustula. O experimento utilizou dez colmeias de A. mellifera com população avaliada de aproximadamente 20.000 abelhas, com um ninho com dez quadros uma melgueira com dez quadros e tela excluidora. Na melgueira foram retirados cinco quadros e introduzidos no espaço dos quadros um enxame de abelhas Jataí (T. angustula) com avaliação populacional de aproximadamente 1.000 abelhas. Seis meses após o preparo das colmeias foi avaliado a sociabilidade entre as espécies estudadas e a evolução dos enxames preparados, considerando a quantidade de alimentos armazenados, o número estimado de abelhas e o espaço reservado a cada enxame. Os dados extraídos da pesquisa mostram que as abelhas A. mellifera e T. angustula podem viver harmoniosamente em um mesmo espaço, sem ocorrência de interferência entre os enxames.

Decellularized cardiac extracellular matrix scaffolds with preserved composition and architecture can be used in tissue engineering to reproduce the complex cardiac extracellular matrix. However, evaluating the extent of cardiomyocyte repopulation of decellularized cardiac extracellular matrix scaffolds after recellularization attempts is challenging. Here, we describe a unique combination of biochemical, biomechanical, histological, and physiological parameters for quantifying recellularization efficiency of tissue-engineered cardiac patches compared with native cardiac tissue. Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were seeded into rat heart atrial and ventricular decellularized cardiac extracellular matrix patches. Confocal and atomic force microscopy showed cell integration within the extracellular matrix basement membrane that was accompanied by restoration of native cardiac tissue passive mechanical properties. Multi-electrode array and immunostaining (connexin 43) were used to determine synchronous field potentials with electrical coupling. Myoglobin content (~60%) and sarcomere length measurement (>45% vs 2D culture) were used to evaluate cardiomyocyte maturation of integrated cells. The combination of these techniques allowed us to demonstrate that as cellularization efficiency improves, cardiomyocytes mature and synchronize electrical activity, and tissue mechanical/biochemical properties improve toward those of native tissue.

Abstract The precise role of tumor associated macrophages remains unclear in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) while TGF-ß has an unclear role in metastases formation. In order to understand the role of IL23, an interleukin associated with macrophage polarization, we investigated IL23 in the context of TGF-ß expression in PDAC. We hypothesized that IL23 expression is associated with metastatic development and survival in PDAC. We investigated IL23 and TGF-ß protein expression on resected PDAC patient tumor sections who were divided into short-term (30 months) survivors. Panc-1 cells treated with IL23, TGF-ß, macrophages, or combinations thereof, were orthotopically implanted into NSG mice. Patients in the long-term survivor group had higher IL23 protein expression (P = 0.01). IL23 expression was linearly correlated with TGF-ß expression in patients in the short-term survivor group (P = 0.038). Macrophages induce a higher rate of PDAC metastasis in the mouse model (P = 0.02), which is abrogated by IL23 and TGF-ß treatment (P

Context: Despite the relevance of the sandwich technique, there are still doubts about the best adhesive strategy and surface treatment for glass ionomer cements (GICs). Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the best surface treatment for GIC to ensure an effective and durable adhesion to resin, through micro-shear test, using an alternative method to build up test specimens. Subjects and Methods: Eighty GIC samples were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to five surface treatments (none, etching, air drying, grinding, and grinding plus etching) and according to the adhesive system (conventional or self-etch). Five starch tubes were positioned on each sample, and a flowable composite was inserted generating 50 resin test bodies per group and a total of 400 tested areas. All specimens were submitted to the micro-shear test: half immediately and half after thermal cycling (10,000 cycles of 20 s each/5° and 55°C). All samples were analyzed to evaluate fracture. Representative samples were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc test (P

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of performing a hemodynamic stratification in patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction using transthoracic echocardiography. Materials and methods: A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study that included 30 patients in sinus rhythm with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction, admitted to the coronary care unit of Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins. Cardiac output, left ventricle filling pressure, systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance were estimated. Results: The mean age was 67 ± 10.6 years old, with male predominance (86.7%). The estimation of cardiac output and left ventricle filling pressure was possible in 100% of the individuals. The systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance could be estimated in 29 (96.6%) and 28 (93.3%) patients, respectively. The hemodynamic stratification was as follows: stage I (normal): 18 patients (60%), stage II (congestive): 6 patients (20%), stage III (hypovolemia, RV infarction): 5 patients (16.7%) and stage IV (shock): 1 patient (3.3%). Conclusions: It is concluded that a transthoracic chocardiographic hemodynamic stratification may be performed in the studied population.

This article deals with the different forms of private initiative in the design and execution of public works projects. This action may occur in the internal phase or in the external phase of the bid. From the model included in Law no. 8.666/93, which is strictly related to the participation of the private sector, the collaborative schemes for project structuring, provided by the Differentiated Contracting System and by the Law of Public companies, are analyzed. From this analysis, it has been stated that the lens constructed from the General Law of Tenders no longer applies to new regimes. On the other hand, tools such as design and build models and the risk matrix must be used in specific objects, with a view to the technical and economic efficiency of the contract.

A new species of Charinus is described and illustrated from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Charinus ruschii sp. n. is found in Santa Lúcia reserve, Espírito Santo state, and is sympatric with C. brasilianus and C. montanus. The new species can be easily distinguished from the other species of the genus by the combination of the following characters: number of spines on the pedipalp tarsus, size and shape of the female genitalia, shape of the sternum and number of teeth in the cheliceral claw. The behavioral repertory is also described for this species based on five hours of qualitative and 24 hours of quantitative observations in order to define the behavioral categories. Five behavioral categories were detected and 21 behavioral acts. The most conspicuous category was Immobility, followed by Antenniform leg movement, Environmental exploration, Self-grooming, and Feeding. It was also found that juveniles spend longer time inside the shelter, even during peaks of adult activity, which could be related to a survival strategy.

Este trabalho propõe a verificação da relação entre a altmetria e os estudos tradicionais de citação por meio de uma orientação temática como traço identificador dos trabalhos que analisa, bem como no emprego do Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson (CCP). Para tanto, categoriza-se 441 artigos da Revista DataGramaZero segundo uma taxonomia que dispõe de dez temáticas de pesquisa para a ciência da informação, comparando as citações desses artigos com seus dados altmétricos com objetivo de qualificar a correlação entre esses dois conjuntos de dados. Houve destaque para a categoria: “aspectos teóricos e gerais da ciência da informação” tanto com mais artigos citados quanto em maior índice de atenção online. Verificou-se, dentre outros aspectos, que há uma correlação forte e diretamente proporcional (P1 = 0,8018) entre as variáveis de tempo de publicação e número de citações, e uma correlação forte, porém inversamente proporcional (P2 = -0,7068), entre as variáveis de tempo de publicação e número de menções altmétricas; bem como uma baixa correlação entre o número de menções e o número de citações por artigo. Ao serem calculados os coeficientes das médias ponderadas das duas variáveis por categoria temática, a correlação tornou-se moderada (P = 0,65). A discussão dos resultados foi ao encontro de pesquisas anteriores, e reforçam as potencialidades no emprego do CCP para estudos métricos da Ciência da Informação.

RESUMO O artigo analisa interações entre membros do empresariado e o governo brasileiro durante o governo Lula, de 2003 a 2010, no âmbito das políticas públicas domésticas e externa nacionais que teriam fomentado as relações com países africanos com vistas a ganhos instrumentais. Defende-se que tanto atores privados quanto estatais, por convergências e/ou associações de interesses, teriam obtido vantagens ao trabalhar sincronicamente. Enquanto o setor privado lograria diminuir seus custos políticos e financeiros com investimentos no exterior, o governo brasileiro, paralelamente, poderia utilizar-se desses investimentos privados como meio de expandir sua influência internacional e lograr seus objetivos. Nesse contexto, foram analisados três casos de empresas brasileiras que realizaram investimentos na África no período indicado.

This work addresses an important issue regarding the performance of simultaneous test procedures: the construction of multiple tests that at the same time are optimal from a statistical perspective and that also yield logically-consistent results that are easy to communicate to practitioners of statistical methods. For instance, if hypothesis A implies hypothesis B, is it possible to create optimal testing procedures that reject A whenever they reject B? Unfortunately, several standard testing procedures fail in having such logical consistency. Although this has been deeply investigated under a frequentist perspective, the literature lacks analyses under a Bayesian paradigm. In this work, we contribute to the discussion by investigating three rational relationships under a Bayesian decision-theoretic standpoint: coherence, invertibility and union consonance. We characterize and illustrate through simple examples optimal Bayes tests that fulfill each of these requisites separately. We also explore how far one can go by putting these requirements together. We show that although fairly intuitive tests satisfy both coherence and invertibility, no Bayesian testing scheme meets the desiderata as a whole, strengthening the understanding that logical consistency cannot be combined with statistical optimality in general. Finally, we associate Bayesian hypothesis testing with Bayes point estimation procedures. We prove the performance of logically-consistent hypothesis testing by means of a Bayes point estimator to be optimal only under very restrictive conditions.

Este artigo objetiva descobrir como se articula o suporte social às pessoas com baixa visão no Facebook, a partir de uma abordagem quantitativa e exploratória dos grupos de apoio voltados para pessoas afetadas por Doenças Degenerativas da Retina (DDR), seus amigos e familiares. Os dados dos relacionamentos de amizade dos membros de 129 grupos do Facebook foram coletados, utilizando técnicas da Análise de Redes Sociais (ARS) e métodos estatísticos de análise de correlação entre variáveis. Os resultados apontaram para um conjunto variado de grupos, com membros de todos os continentes e, em sua maioria, do sexo feminino. Os grupos maiores possuem um número maior de relacionamentos de amizade, porém configuram redes menos densas. Dentre outras descobertas, a pesquisa também identificou que 3 em cada 4 usuários coletados participam em um único grupo. A partir das descobertas da presente pesquisa, foi estabelecido um conjunto de desdobramentos para futuras investigações que auxiliem na identificação de características de redes de suporte social informacional e comportamentos informacionais favoráveis à promoção da saúde dos usuários de mídias sociais.

BACKGROUND:We previously reported increased unstimulated blood levels of interferon-gamma in persons with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in the United States, suggesting enhanced immune activation in LTBI. To investigate this further in a TB-endemic setting, we assessed interferon-gamma levels in persons with and without LTBI in Peru. METHODS:We analyzed data from patients with and without a recent type 1 (spontaneous) acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were enrolled from two public hospital networks in Lima, Peru, and underwent LTBI testing using the QuantiFERON® TB Gold In-tube (QFT) assay. Participants with a positive QFT test were defined as having LTBI, whereas participants with a negative QFT test were defined as non-LTBI. Unstimulated interferon-gamma was quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the QFT nil-tube, which does not contain antigens. We compared unstimulated interferon-gamma levels between LTBI and non-LTBI groups using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. We used proportional odds modeling for multivariable analysis. RESULTS:Data from 214 participants were included in this analysis. Of those, 120 (56%) had LTBI. There were no significant differences in age, sex and comorbidities between LTBI and non-LTBI participants, except for recent AMI that was more frequent in LTBI. LTBI participants had higher unstimulated interferon-gamma levels compared to non-LTBI participants (median, interquartile range; 14 pg/mL, 6.5-52.8 vs. 6.5 pg/mL, 4.5-15; P

The microbial synthesis of nanoparticles is a green chemistry approach that combines nanotechnology and microbial biotechnology. The aim of this study was to obtain silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using aqueous extract from the filamentous fungus Fusarium oxysporum as an alternative to chemical procedures and to evaluate its antifungal activity. SNPs production increased in a concentration-dependent way up to 1 mM silver nitrate until 30 days of reaction. Monodispersed and spherical SNPs were predominantly produced. After 60 days, it was possible to observe degenerated SNPs with in additional needle morphology. The SNPs showed a high antifungal activity against Candida and Cryptococcus , with minimum inhibitory concentration values ≤ 1.68 µg/mL for both genera. Morphological alterations of Cryptococcus neoformans treated with SNPs were observed such as disruption of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane and lost of the cytoplasm content. This work revealed that SNPs can be easily produced by F. oxysporum aqueous extracts and may be a feasible, low-cost, environmentally friendly method for generating stable and uniformly sized SNPs. Finally, we have demonstrated that these SNPs are active against pathogenic fungi, such as Candida and Cryptococcus .

Este artigo propõe uma análise da imagem da mulher que se esboça em alguns artigos do Código Penal Brasileiro. Para isso, valemo-nos de algumas orientações teóricas daAnálise do Discurso, no que diz respeito às Formações Discursivas, Ação e Racionalidade e Intencionalidade. Através desse aparato teórico, o trabalho levanta algumas questões de ordem lingüístico-discursivas, fundadoras de um discurso que constrói uma determinada visão da mulher brasileira, no Código Penal.

A administração isolada de xilazina (XIL) e acepromazina (ACP) pode diminuir o hematócrito (HT) de equinos. Na rotina anestésica, estes fármacos são administrados em associações, cujo efeito final no HT não é conhecido, mas pode causar falsas impressões sobre o grau de hidratação, perda sanguínea e índices hematimétricos. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os valores de HT de equinos anestesiados com XYL, ACP, cetamina, midazolam, EGG, isofluorano e efedrina. Vinte equinos hígidos foram pré-tratados com XIL 0,8 mg/kg (grupo XIL, n=10) ou XIL 0,5 mg/kg associada à ACP 0,05 mg/kg (grupo XIL+ACP, n=10). A anestesia foi induzida com cetamina, midazolam e EGG e mantida com isofluorano. A efedrina foi utilizada para suporte cardiovascular. O HT, parâmetros vitais e hemogasometria foram avaliados no momento basal, entre administração de cada fármaco, após retorno à posição quadrupedal e 24 horas após momento basal (24hBL). A diminuição do HT iniciou-se 17 e 40 minutos após administração da medicação préanestésica no grupo XIL e grupo XIL+ACP, respectivamente (p

BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is a protozoan member of the Kinetoplastidae family characterized for the presence of specific and unique structures that are involved in different cell activities. One of them is the paraflagellar rod (PFR), a complex array of filaments connected to the flagellar axoneme. Although the function played by the PFR is not well established, it has been shown that silencing of the synthesis of its major proteins by either knockout of RNAi impairs and/or modifies the flagellar motility. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we present results obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of replicas of quick-frozen, freeze-fractured, deep-etched and rotary-replicated cells to obtain detailed information of the PFR structures in regions of the flagellum in straight and in bent state. The images obtained show that the PFR is not a fixed and static structure. The pattern of organization of the PFR filament network differs between regions of the flagellum in a straight state and those in a bent state. Measurements of the distances between the PFR filaments and the filaments that connect the PFR to the axoneme as well as of the angles between the intercrossed filaments supported this idea. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Graphic computation based on the information obtained allowed the proposal of an animated model for the PFR structure during flagellar beating and provided a new way of observing PFR filaments during flagellar beating.

BackgroundFusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium associated with periodontal disease. Some oral bacteria, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, evade the host immune response by inhibiting inflammation. On the other hand, F. nucleatum triggers inflammasome activation and release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in infected gingival epithelial cells.MethodsIn this study, we characterized the pro-inflammatory response to F. nucleatum oral infection in BALB/c mice. Western blots and ELISA were used to measure cytokine and DAMP (HMGB1) levels in the oral cavity after infection. Histology and flow cytometry were used to observe recruitment of immune cells to infected tissue and pathology.ResultsOur results show increased expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines during infection. Furthermore, we observe that F. nucleatum infection leads to recruitment of macrophages in different tissues of the oral cavity. Infection also contributes to osteoclast recruitment, which could be involved in the observed bone resorption.ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggest that F. nucleatum infection rapidly induces inflammation, release of DAMPs, and macrophage infiltration in gingival tissues and suggest that osteoclasts may drive bone resorption at early stages of the inflammatory process.

The use of Information and Communication Technologies can be seen as an important factor for social inclusion in its different aspects - economic, social, relational and informational, among others. Inclusion potentiality is even more relevant for groups of people who face limiting life conditions which determine social barriers. This study investigated the social support offered to people with disabilities based on the social network analysis method. The research objective was to make the online support dynamics for low vision people, friends and relatives evident, having as case study the Facebook Low Vision group. The social network modelling and quantitative analysis were performed from user data collection, posts, comments and likes. Contents were classified according to the type of support (Emotional or Instrumental) and according to its intention (Offered or Requested), represented in graphs as indicators for analysis. Results pointed towards a larger use rate of Instrumental and Offered support although a more intense and comprehensive exchange of Emotional and Requested support was found. Data collection limitations indicate the need for more empirical studies on the social use of socio-technical networks for different types of social support. This theme points to a research agenda about the role of information and communication technologies as a possible condition for inclusion, life quality and well-being of people with disabilities.

ABSTRACT Background - Antimicrobial resistance is the major factor leading to eradication failure in H. pylori treatment. Molecular tests are useful to detect genetic mutations predictive of clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones resistance. Knowledge of the local prevalence rate of resistance is important to define the best recommended treatment. Objective - To assess the prevalence of primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones, using a molecular test, in a Southeastern urban Brazilian population. Methods - A total of 72 H. pylori seropositive patients [65% female, mean age 39 (19-73) years] never treated before for this infection were studied. All patients underwent gastroscopy in addition to antrum and corpus biopsies and molecular test GenoType HelicoDR (Hain Life Science, Germany) to detect H. pylori and point mutations in genes responsible for clarithromycin and fluoroquinolone resistance. The molecular procedure was divided into three steps: DNA extraction from biopsy samples, a multiplex amplification with biotinylated primers and a reverse hybridization. The most frequent point mutations involved in resistance to the two antibiotics were evaluated. Results - Resistance to clarithromycin was detected in nine (12.5%) patients and to fluoroquinolones in eight (11.1%) patients. The point mutation A2147G was the most common (77.8%) among resistant strains to clarithromycin. In 50% of the resistant strains to fluoroquinolones, the mutant codon couldn't be identified. Conclusion - The resistance rates to clarithromycin and fluorquinolones in a large urban population in the Southeast of Brazil were acceptable, suggesting that these drugs remain appropriate options to first and second-line of H. pylori treatment. The molecular test represents an adequate diagnostic tool for monitoring H. pylori resistance.

Abstract Objective There is increasingly common the consumption more times a day of foods and acidic drinks in the diet of the population. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of a calcium mesoporous silica nanoparticle single application of other calcium and/or fluoride products in reducing the progression of dental erosion. Methodology Half of the eroded area was covered of 60 blocks of enamel, after which the block was submitted to the following treatments: (Ca2+-MSN), casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP); CPP-ACP/F-(900 ppm F−); titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4 1%) (positive control); sodium fluoride (NaF 1.36%) (positive control); and Milli-Q® water (negative control) before being submitted to a second erosive challenge. A surface analysis was performed via a three-dimensional (3D) noncontact optical profilometry to assess the volumetric roughness (Sa) and tooth structure loss (TSL) and and through scanning electron microscopy (MEV). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test were performed. Results Regarding Sa, all experimental groups exhibited less roughness than the control (p0.05) and more effective in minimizing tooth loss compared with the other groups (p