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Resumo: Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa que trata da contribuição da sequência didática como estratégia facilitadora para o ensino de matemática a partir de uma perspectiva colaborativa envolvendo quatro professores de uma instituição estadual do Rio de Janeiro. Nosso referencial teórico se baseou em Tardif, Shulman e Zabala. A busca por possibilidades de colaboração com a prática docente e o beneficiamento da aprendizagem dos alunos foram os principais objetivos que procuramos alcançar. Os instrumentos para coleta de dados foram mediados por entrevistas e questionários. Os dados foram analisados por Análise Textual Discursiva. Neste artigo, apresentamos as análises de um dos participantes. Os resultados e a construção colaborativa de uma sequência didática mostraram-se positivos para contribuir como estratégias facilitadoras à prática pedagógica desenvolvida pelos professores, assim como possibilitaram questionamentos e discussões sobre o tema trabalhado, projetando anseios e desafios que envolvem o fazer docente.Palavras-chave: Prática docente; Sequência didática; Análise textual discursiva. Collaborative construction of a didactic sequence: facilitating strategies for the teaching practice of teachers of mathematicsAbstract: This article presents research that deals with the contribution of the didactic sequence as a facilitating strategy for teaching mathematics, based on a collaborative research involving four teachers from a state institution in Rio de Janeiro city. Our theoretical reference was based on Tardif, Shulman and Zabala. The search for possibilities of collaboration with the teaching practice and the improvement of student learning were the main objectives that we seek to achieve. The instruments for data collection were interviews and questionnaires and the data were analyzed from Discursive Textual Analysis. Let us, in this article, present the analyses of one of the subjects. The results and the collaborative construction of a didactic sequence proved to be positive to contribute as facilitating strategies for the pedagogical practice developed by the teachers, as well as allowing questions and discussions on the theme worked, projecting concerns and challenges that involve teaching.Keywords: Teaching practice; Didactic sequence; Discursive textual analysis.

Introduction. The absence of a standardized classification scheme for the antifungal potency of compounds screened against Candida species may hinder the study of new drugs. This systematic review proposes a scheme of interpretative breakpoints for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bioactive compounds against Candida species in in vitro tests. Materials and Methods. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, and SciFinder databases for the period from January 2015 to April 2020. The following inclusion criterion was used: organic compounds tested by the microdilution technique according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocol against reference strains of the genus Candida. A total of 545 articles were retrieved after removing duplicates. Of these, 106 articles were selected after applying the exclusion criteria and were evaluated according to the number of synthesized molecules and their chemical classes, the type of strain (reference or clinical) used in the antifungal test, the Candida species, and the MIC (in μg/mL) used. Results. The analysis was performed based on the median, quartiles (25% and 75%), maximum, and minimum values of four groups: all strains, ATCC strains, C. albicans strains, and C. albicans ATCC strains. The following breakpoints were proposed to define the categories: MIC < 3.515 μ g / mL (very strong bioactivity); 3.516-25 μg/mL (strong bioactivity); 26-100 μg/mL (moderate bioactivity); 101-500 μg/mL (weak bioactivity); 500-2000 μg/mL (very weak bioactivity); and >2000 μg/mL (no bioactivity). Conclusions. A classification scheme of the antifungal potency of compounds against Candida species is proposed that can be used to identify the antifungal potential of new drug candidates.

Smoking is a technique used to improve the sensory attributes and increase the shelf life of fish. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional, physicochemical, microbiologic...

HIV-1 genetic diversity evolution was deeply characterized during the first year of infection among recently-infected patients using deep sequencing technology and correlated with disease progression surrogate markers. RNA and DNA samples from twenty-five individuals (13 female) encoding the protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the pol gene, and the V3 region of the env gene were evaluated at recent infection and during established infection. Infection by a unique HIV-1 strain was inferred in 70.1% of the individuals, with no differences between genders. Infections by multiple strains were associated with higher viral loads and faster CD4+ T cell declines. Either low or high levels of viral loads accompanied low levels of genetic diversity and lower selective pressure. With massive sequence data from 3 distinct genomic HIV-1 regions from plasma and PBMCs over time, we propose a model for HIV-1 genetic diversity, which correlates to basal viral loads of patients.

Although interleukin-24 (IL-24) has been extensively explored in the immunopathologies of autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and infections, its role in HIV-1 infection has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the gene and protein expressions of IL-24 at the initial moments of HIV infection in PBMCs. Due to the pro-apoptotic role of IL-24, we evaluated the protein expression of caspase-3, as well as Annexin V/Propidium Iodide flow cytometry and phosphorylation of ERK, which may induce an apoptotic signal block when phosphorylated. The results of this study demonstrated that HIV-1 infection had an impact on the gene and protein expressions of IL-24 and ERK. Annexin V/Propidium Iodide assay demonstrated decrease in the mechanisms of apoptosis in infected cells after incubation of IL-24 neutralizing antibody. Studies on how HIV-1 regulates IL-24 expression may play a role in characterizing viral persistence mechanisms and designing antiretroviral strategies.

This study evaluated the effect of different sources of nitrogen [soybean meal (SM); cottonseed meal (CM); cottonseed + urea (CU); and urea (U)] associated with spineless cactus on intake, digestibility, performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Forty male Santa Inês sheep, uncastrated, with initial body weight of 23.00 ± 1.66 kg were distributed in random blocks design and slaughtered after 58 days of confinement. Dry matter (DM) intake (1.16 ± 0.19 kg/day) did not differ (P > 0.05) between nitrogen sources, but the intake of crude protein (CP) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) was lower (P

The emergence of new human viral pathogens and re-emergence of several diseases are of particular concern in the last decades. Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV) is an arbovirus endemic to South and Central America tropical regions, responsible to several epidemic events in the last decades. There is little information regarding the ability of OROV to be transmitted by urban/peri-urban mosquitoes, which has limited the predictability of the emergence of permanent urban transmission cycles. Here, we evaluated the ability of OROV to infect, replicate, and be transmitted by three anthropophilic and urban species of mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. We show that OROV is able to infect and efficiently replicate when systemically injected in all three species tested, but not when orally ingested. Moreover, we find that, once OROV replication has occurred in the mosquito body, all three species were able to transmit the virus to immunocompromised mice during blood feeding. These data provide evidence that OROV is restricted by the midgut barrier of three major urban mosquito species, but, if this restriction is overcome, could be efficiently transmitted to vertebrate hosts. This poses a great risk for the emergence of permanent urban cycles and geographic expansion of OROV to other continents.

In this review we examine how exploiting the Wolbachia–mosquito relationship has become an increasingly popular strategy for controlling arbovirus transmission. Field deployments of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes have led to significant decreases in dengue virus incidence via high levels of mosquito population suppression and replacement, emphasizing the success of Wolbachia approaches. Here, we examine how improved knowledge of Wolbachia–host interactions has provided key insight into the mechanisms of the essential phenotypes of pathogen blocking and cytoplasmic incompatibility. And we discuss recent studies demonstrating that extrinsic factors, such as ambient temperature, can modulate Wolbachia density and maternal transmission. Finally, we assess the prospects of using Wolbachia to control other vectors and agricultural pest species.

Background: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are proteins of the innate immune system that can limit infections of the malaria-carrying parasite Plasmodium, which develops inside anopheline mosquitoes, the human malaria vectors. Despite this, studies on Brazilian Amazon species of anopheline mosquitoes are still needed. The aim of the study is to develop a standard molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect the AMPs cecropin A (CecA) and defensin from Anopheles darlingi to support studies involving their detection and amplification and better understanding of the roles of these peptides in the Anopheles-Plasmodium interaction. Methods: The collection of anopheline mosquitoes was carried out in three municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon: Altamira and Peixe-Boi, in the state of Pará, and Cruzeiro do Sul, in the state of Acre. The primers were built based on the sequences available in GenBank, and PCR followed standard protocols with different annealing temperatures tested. The PCR products were purified and then sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method. Results: CecA and defensin amplification were standardized with annealing temperatures of 59ºC and 55ºC, respectively. The amplified products and sequencing demonstrated the good quality of both primer sets. Conclusions: For the first time, a standardized molecular technique for detecting AMPs was described in An. darlingi, a mosquito species from the Brazilian Amazon, supporting future studies aiming to understand the interactions of this species and the action of these peptides during infection and providing important molecular markers for the control of human malaria.

Likely as in other viral respiratory diseases, SARS-CoV-2 elicit a local immune response, which includes production and releasing of both cytokines and secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the levels of specific-SIgA for SARS-CoV-2 and cytokines in the airways mucosa 37 patients who were suspected of COVID-19. According to the RT-PCR results, the patients were separated into three groups: negative for COVID-19 and other viruses (NEGS, n = 5); negative for COVID-19 but positive for the presence of other viruses (OTHERS, n = 5); and the positive for COVID-19 (COVID-19, n = 27). Higher specific-SIgA for SARS-CoV-2, IFN-β, and IFN-γ were found in the COVID-19 group than in the other groups. Increased IL-12p70 levels were observed in OTHERS group as compared to COVID-19 group. When the COVID-19 group was sub stratified according to the illness severity, significant differences and correlations were found for the same parameters described above comparing severe COVID-19 to the mild COVID-19 group and other non-COVID-19 groups. For the first time, significant differences are shown in the airway's mucosa immune responses in different groups of patients with or without respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This study shows the development of a powdered non-dairy probiotic 40:60% (w/w) acerola:siriguela mixed juice. The mixed juice enriched with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus LPAA 01, Lactobacillus casei LPAA 02 and Lactobacillus plantarum LPAA 03 strains was microencapsulated by spray drying using 140 °C air inlet temperature, 0.60 L/h feed flow rate and 10% (w/w) 5 dextrose equivalent maltodextrin. Microcapsules were analyzed in terms of physicochemical characteristics, chemical composition, in vitro bioaccessibility, microbial viability and stability at 5 and 25 °C for 45 days. Viable cell counts were >6 log CFU. g−1 for up to 20 days at 5 °C and 14 days at 25 °C, and physicochemical properties of microparticles were shown to be in acceptable ranges. Each specific primer pair showed unique amplification, confirming the survival of all the three probiotics. The levels of phenolic compounds, with the exception of quercetin, as well as antioxidant activity by ORAC method increased after exposure to simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Brazilian soils can have high concentrations of toxic elements, mainly mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), metals also associated with anthropogenic activities (e.g. intensive agriculture, mining, deforestation and hydroelectric plants). This can lead to large amounts of these elements reaching and/or being mobilized in the aquatic ecosystem, which constitutes a serious threat to the environment and to the health of local populations. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of analyzing the tissues of freshwater fish species for monitoring toxic and trace element accumulation within the aquatic ecosystem in the Lower Amazon, Brazil. Two fish species were considered: Cichla temensis (Tucunare), a carnivorous species, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Acari), a detritivorous species. Samples of liver and muscle from both species were evaluated in relation to their potential use for biomonitoring purposes. The study findings clearly demonstrate the value these fish species and tissues, particularly liver, for biomonitoring toxic and trace element concentrations in the aquatic environment across the study region. While Tucunare liver proved the best option for biomonitoring elements that accumulate through the food chain (e.g. Hg), Acari liver better reflected elements that typically accumulate in the sediments (e.g. As). Moreover, the trace element profiles, determined using chemometric (multivariate) techniques, differed greatly in specimens from waters in the Andean mountain range (sampling sites located in the main course of the Amazon River) with high sediment concentrations, and in specimens from the Guyana and Brazilian shields (Porto Trombetas on the Trombetas River and Itaituba on the Tapajos River). The findings also indicate that deposition of elements in freshwater fish in this area is mainly associated with the geological origin of the soils and that large amounts of toxic elements can reach the aquatic ecosystem due to anthropogenic activities, thereby posing a serious danger to the environment and the health of the riverside communities.

Plant co-products currently represent an attractive alternative to the food industry, especially to the growing market of development low-fat products. Among the co-products resulting from tropical fruits' processing, the cashew apple's fibre presents unusual nutritional and sensory characteristics. In several food preparations could use it as an ingredient. In this work, the bioactive compounds of both artisanal and industrialized cashew apple fibre were studied and the influence of the different cooking methods on their bioactive content, and the acceptance and sensory preference of products new plants-based products formulated. It was observed that both artisanal and industrial cashew apple fibres presented a rich composition in the bioactive compounds, especially regarding the content of ascorbic acid found in artisanal (147.8 mg.100g−1) and carotenoids in industrialized fibre (1.87 mg 100 g−1), which resulted in a higher antioxidant activity for both samples in each method evaluated. Frying (180 °C/3 min) and cooking in a combination oven (98 °C/10 min) exhibited higher averages regarding the retention of the bioactive compounds in the fibres, resulting in a higher antioxidant activity for the products processed by these methods. In contrast, it was boiling processing (100 °C/18min) leads to leach of water-soluble biocompounds and, consequently, their products presented a reduced antioxidant activity. The cashew apple “paçoca” and “meatballs” were judged in terms of their attributes (appearance, aroma, taste, overall impression) and buy intention. In general, the average of these results indicated a high sensorial acceptance and a partial possibility in their purchase of these products. The cashew apple fibres are a source of nutrients. Its incorporation in culinary preparations can be a friendly way to avoid waste and promote new food products., Food Science; Food Analysis; Nutrition; Cashew apple fibre; By-product Gastronomy; Cooking Methods; Antioxidant Activity; Sensory Analysis

Mayaro virus (MAYV), a sylvatic arbovirus belonging to the Togaviridae family and Alphavirus genus, is responsible for an increasing number of outbreaks in several countries of Central and South America. Despite Haemagogus janthinomys being identified as the main vector of MAYV, laboratory studies have already demonstrated the competence of Aedes aegypti to transmit MAYV. It has also been demonstrated that the Wolbachia wMel strain is able to impair the replication and transmission of MAYV in Ae. aegypti. In Ae. aegypti, the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is an important antiviral mechanism, however, it remains unclear whether siRNA pathway acts against MAYV infection in Ae. aegypti. The main objective of this study was to determine the contribution of the siRNA pathway in the control of MAYV infection. Thus, we silenced the expression of AGO2, an essential component of the siRNA pathway, by injecting dsRNA-targeting AGO2 (dsAGO2). Our results showed that AGO2 is required to control MAYV replication upon oral infection in Wolbachia-free Ae. aegypti. On the other hand, we found that Wolbachia-induced resistance to MAYV in Ae. aegypti is independent of the siRNA pathway. Our study brought new information regarding the mechanism of viral protection, as well as on Wolbachia mediated interference.

In March 2020, WHO declared a pandemic state due to SARS-CoV-2 having spread. TaqMan-based real-time RT-qPCR is currently the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, it is a high-cost assay, inaccessible for the majority of laboratories around the world, making it difficult to diagnose on a large scale. The objective of this study was to standardize lower cost molecular methods for SARS-CoV-2 identification. E gene primers previously determined for TaqMan assays by Colman et al. (2020) were adapted in SYBR Green assay and RT-PCR conventional. The cross-reactivity test was performed with 17 positive samples for other respiratory viruses, and the sensibility test was performed with 8 dilutions (10 based) of SARS-CoV-2 isolated and 63 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples. The SYBR Green assays and conventional RT-PCR have not shown amplification of the 17 respiratory samples positives for other viruses. The SYBR Green-based assay was able to detect all 8 dilutions of the isolate. The conventional PCR detected until 107 dilution, both assays detected the majority of the 63 samples, 98.42% of positivity in SYBR Green, and 93% in conventional PCR. The average Ct variation between SYBR Green and TaqMan was 1.92 and the highest Ct detected by conventional PCR was 35.98. Both of the proposed assays are less sensitive than the current gold standard; however, our data shows a low sensibility variation, suggesting that these methods could be used by laboratories as a lower cost molecular method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s42770-020-00347-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of corn by cassava dregs (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in the diet of lamb on physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile, and sensory attributes of meat. Forty male non-castrated Santa Inês crossbred lambs with an initial average weight of 20 ± 1.87 kg were slaughtered after 70 days. The physicochemical parameters and chemical composition of meat were not affected by the diets. Eicosenoic (C20:1n-9) and linolenic (C18:3n-3) acids increased linearly and there was a linear decreasing effect for the flavor score with increasing cassava dregs in the diets. The replacement of corn by cassava dregs did not influence omega-6:omega-3 ration or the total desirable fatty acids, as well as the color, aroma, tenderness, juiciness, or overall evaluation scores. Cassava dregs may be added in the diets of lambs, without negative effects on physicochemical characteristics, chemical composition, and fatty acid indexes, with positive effects on unsaturated fatty acid content. However, the total replacement of corn altered the sensory attributes and decreased purchase intent of the meat.

It was aimed to evaluate the effects of replacement of wheat bran in lambs' diets with spineless cactus (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a lamb's diet on the physicochemical parameters, fatty acids and sensory analyasis of meat. The evaluation utilized 36 loins and legs from F1 ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês lambs, with an average initial body weight of 19.5 ± 1.6 kg, were slaughtered after 70 days of confinement. Were found average values of 5.70, 11.27 N, 55.44 mg/100 g, of meat pH, shear force, and cholesterol, respectively. However, stearic acid, linoleic, linolenic, eicosatrienoic and eicosapentaenoic which linearly decreased. The color, aroma, texture, flavor, juiciness and global acceptance of meat were acceptable by the evaluators, additionally, they said they would buy meat coming of animals fed with 100% replacement. It is recommended that wheat bran is replaced by spineless cactus in the diet of lambs when this shows to be an ingredient with better cost-benefit ratio compared to wheat bran.

To evaluate the effect of the parenteral administration of vitamins ADE blend during the transition period, 27 adult Santa Ines sheep, which were healthy and in the last month of pregnancy, were distributed into two groups: a treated-group, which received 1 mL/50 kg BW of a vitamins ADE blend (270.000 UI vitamin A, 80.000 UI vitamin D and 80 UI vitamin E /mL) via intramuscular injection 30 days and 10 days before partum, and a control-group, which received saline solution at the same times and volumes. On days -30, -10, 0, 7, 14 and 28 to parturition, the following levels were determined: plasma concentrations of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxyburyrate (BHB), serum activities of AST, GGT and CK enzymes and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD). The in vitro intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by current polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and intensity of phagocytosis were also evaluated. There was no effect of time and treatment to the biochemical parameters and oxidative status. NEFA concentration reduced in the control and the ADE groups after lambing. Close to the lambing period, ROS production increased when stimulated by LPS and PI-Sa, and phagocytosis decreased in all sheep. The increase in ROS production in sheep treated with the ADE vitamin blend was milder than in the control group, either with stimulus of LPS or no stimulus. The use of two doses of ADE vitamin blend in sheep at 120 and 140 days of gestation improved in vitro the antioxidant capacity of PMN when animals were well fed and it presented a moderate, negative energy balance in the transition period.

Background Latent HIV-1 is a major hurdle in obtaining HIV-1 sustained virological remission (SVR). Here we explored histone deacetylation inhibition property of nicotinamide (NAM; n = 17) for the first time in comparison to a combination of methyltransferase inhibitors (MTIs; Chaetocin and BIX01294; n = 25) to reactivate latent HIV ex vivo in CD8-depleted PBMCs from antiretroviral treated aviremic individuals. Results NAM reactivated HIV-1 from 13/17 (76.4%) samples compared to 20/25 (80.0%) using MTIs with mean viral load (VLs) of 4.32 and 3.22 log10 RNA copies/mL, respectively (p = 0.004). Mean purging time after NAM and MTIs stimulation was 5.1 and 6.75 days, respectively (p = 0.73). Viral purging in autologous cultures exhibited blunted HIV recovery with fluctuating VLs followed by a complete viral extinction when expanded in allogenic system. Electron microscopy from five supernatants revealed anomalous viral particles, with lack of complete viral genomes when characterized by ultradeep sequencing through metagenomics approach (n = 4). Conclusion NAM alone was more potent HIV-1 activator than combination of MTIs, with potential of clinical use.

Several studies have related epigenetic mechanisms to HIV-1 latency. However, the epigenetic modifications of the host cell genome involved in the early stages of HIV-1 infection remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate epigenetic factors that are regulated at the beginning of HIV-1 infection in activated and resting CD4+ T cells. We analyzed the gene expression of 84 epigenetic targets, global DNA methylation, and HIV-1 replication kinetics for 36 h after infecting CD4+ T cells obtained from the blood of twelve healthy donors. The epigenetic targets aurora kinase B (AURKB), aurora kinase C (AURKC) and DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B), and the global DNA methylation profile are regulated during HIV-1 replication in CD4+ T cells, and this regulation can be influenced by the activation state of the cell at the time of infection. Approaches that affect the expression of these epigenetic targets could help current strategies to suppress HIV-1 replication.

Wolbachia, an intracellular endosymbiont present in up to 70% of all insect species, has been suggested as a sustainable strategy for the control of arboviruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. As Mayaro virus outbreaks have also been reported in Latin American countries, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vector competence of Brazilian field-collected Ae. aegypti and the impact of Wolbachia (wMel strain) upon this virus. Our in vitro studies with Aag2 cells showed that Mayaro virus can rapidly multiply, whereas in wMel-infected Aag2 cells, viral growth was significantly impaired. In addition, C6/36 cells seem to have alterations when infected by Mayaro virus. In vivo experiments showed that field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are highly permissive to Mayaro virus infection, and high viral prevalence was observed in the saliva. On the other hand, Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes showed significantly impaired capability to transmit Mayaro virus. Our results suggest that the use of Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes may represent an effective mechanism for the reduction of Mayaro virus transmission throughout Latin America.

Objectives The presence of minority transmitted drug resistance mutations was assessed using ultra-deep sequencing and correlated with disease progression among recently HIV-1-infected individuals from Brazil. Methods Samples at baseline during recent infection and 1 year after the establishment of the infection were analysed. Viral RNA and proviral DNA from 25 individuals were subjected to ultra-deep sequencing of the reverse transcriptase and protease regions of HIV-1. Results Viral strains carrying transmitted drug resistance mutations were detected in 9 out of the 25 patients, for all major antiretroviral classes, ranging from one to five mutations per patient. Ultra-deep sequencing detected strains with frequencies as low as 1.6% and only strains with frequencies >20% were detected by population plasma sequencing (three patients). Transmitted drug resistance strains with frequencies

Biquara is one of the main fish species caught in the northeast coast of Brazil but presents low commercial value. Therefore, the elaboration of biquara-based products with the addition of plant bran as a source of dietary fiber should be studied as a way to add value to biquara. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects of fishburgers made with biquara fillet with the addition of wheat bran (WB) (0, 1, 2, and 3%). The increase in WB decreased moisture and increased protein levels, ash, fiber, carbohydrates, and energy value. In addition, the inclusion of WB increased the cooking shrinkage and decreased hardness and cohesiveness of the samples. The fishburgers with the greatest WB levels presented a reddish-yellow hue. The microbial counts of the products were below the maximum limit allowed by the Brazilian legislation. The overall acceptance of the fishburgers improved with the addition of 0 to 2% WB. Therefore, the biquara fille...

This study analyzed Protease-PR and Reverse Transcriptase-RT HIV-1 genomic information entropy metrics among patients under antiretroviral virologic failure, according to the numbers of virologic failures or resistance mutations.For this purpose, we used genomic sequences from PR and RT of HIV-1 from a cohort of chronic patients followed up at São Paulo Hospital.Informational entropy proportionally increases with the number of antiretroviral virologic failures in PR and RT (p .001). Affected regions of PR were related to catalytic and structural functions, such as Fulcrum (K20) Flap (M46) and Cantilever (A71). In RT, this occurred at Fingers (E44) and Palm (K219). Informational entropy increases according to the number of resistance mutations in PR and RT (p .001). Higher PR entropy was proportional to the resistance mutation numbers in Fulcrum (L10), Active site (L24) Flap (M46), Cantilever (L63) and near Interface (L90). In RT, they related to regions responsible for protein stability such as Fingers (T39) and Palm (L100).The antiretroviral selective pressure affects HIV genomic informational entropy at the PR and RT regions, leading to the emergence of more unstable virions. Mapping the three-dimensional structure in these HIV-1 proteins is relevant to designing new antiretroviral targeting resistant strains.

The Lower Amazon region (Western Para, northern Brazil) is greatly affected by mining exploitations (particularly artisanal gold mines) and other industrial and intensive agricultural activities with potentially strong impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Although such impacts include contamination with various toxic elements, to date only the effects of Hg have been considered. In this study, toxic and trace element concentrations were determined in the flesh of 351 fish specimens, including detritivores (Acari, Pterygoplichthys pardalis), omnivores (Piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri; Pirarucu, Arapaima sp.) and carnivores (Caparari, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum; Tucunare, Cichla ocellaris), during the dry and wet seasons in 2015 and 2016. The range of concentrations of toxic element residues were 2–238 μg/kg fresh weight for As, 1–77 μg/kg for Cd, 4–1922 μg/kg for Hg and 1–30 μg/kg for Pb. Only the maximum concentrations of Hg established in the Brazilian legislation for fish destined for human consumption (0.5 mg/kg) were exceeded (in 16% of carnivorous species). The large between-species and seasonal differences observed for all these toxic elements are probably related to the seasonal behaviour and dietary habits of the different fish species. By contrast, essential trace element concentrations were low and not related to seasonal or dietary factors, and the observed differences may be at least partly related to the metabolism of each species. The associations between Hg and the essential trace elements Se, Fe, Co and Mn deserve special attention, as these trace elements may play a role in Hg cycling and methylation and merit further evaluation with the aim of reducing Hg toxicity in aquatic environments.

The ciriguela (Spondias purpurea L.) residue resulting from its pulp and juice processing stands out due to the high content of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process of phenolic compounds from ciriguela peel. The response surface method was used to investigate the effects of process-independent variables (ultrasonic amplitude, UA): 20%, 60% and 100%, and ultrasonic exposure time (T): 5, 10 and 15 min on the dependent variables (content of total phenolic compounds (TPC), DPPH − 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging (IC50) and ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) of ciriguela peel extract. The UA and time influenced TPC, IC50 and antioxidant activity by FRAP. However, the antioxidant activity of DPPH had no significant influence on the variables used. Ideal conditions were set at UA = 100% (200 W) and T = 15 min. The extract of phenolic compounds from the ciriguela peel obtained by optimized ultrasound was compared with other extraction techniques (conventional and microwave-assisted). UAE showed better results concerning the extraction yield of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity (35.15 mg GAE/g, IC 50 = 0.19 mg/mL), compared to conventional extraction (30.10 mg GA/g and IC 50 = 1.68 mg/mL) and microwave-assisted (23.31 mg GA/g and IC 50 = 4.29 mg/mL). These results demonstrate the efficacy and better usefulness of the ciriguela residue in obtaining the extracts of bioactive compounds using the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique.

Aspergillus fumigatus is a common widespread microorganism with environmental, biological and clinical relevance. After inhalation, swollen conidia can germinate, colonize and invade pulmonary tissues. Eosinophils have been described as key cells in A. fumigatus lung infection. However, their specific role in protecting or damaging lung tissue as well as their relatioship among different A. fumigatus strains is poorly understood. Previously, it has been reported that eosinophils are able to produce IL-17 and mediate an innate response that protected mice from infection using Af293 and CEA10 strains. Here, we have developed a set of new experiments with the CEA17-derived A1163 strain of A. fumigatus. Using ΔdblGATA1 mice, we demonstrate that eosinophils produce IL-17 and are involved in control of neutrophil, macrophage and lymphocyte recruitment. We found that eosinophils also induce high levels of cytokines and chemokines, generating an intense inflammatory process. Eosinophils are responsible for increased pulmonary dysfunction and elevated lethality rates in mice. Curiously, fungal burden was not affected. To address the role of IL-17 signaling, pharmacological inhibition of this mediator in the airways with anti-IL-17 antibody was able to reduce inflammation in the airways and protect infected mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that eosinophils control IL-17-mediated response and contribute to lung pathology after A. fumigatus infection. Therefore, eosinophils may represent a potential target for controlling exacerbated inflammation and prevent tissue damage during this fungal infection.

This investigation was financially supported by Norte Energia SA, Instituto Evandro Chagas and CNPq (grant number 302292/2017-9). Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios Bel?m, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-Gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios Bel?m, PA, Brasil. The Nuneztovari Complex of Anopheles (Diptera: Culicidae) comprises four species: An. nuneztovari Gabaldon, An. goeldii Rozeboom & Gabaldon, An. dunhami Causey and An. nuneztovari species A. This study aimed to identify morphologically the species of the Nuneztovari Complex that occur in the area of the Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. The morphological identification of adult males and male genitalia (aedeagus and ventral claspette) was performed. A statistical analysis of the difference in aedeagal leaflet length was done using the Mann-Whitney test. Of the 38 male genitalia of specimens of the Nuneztovari Complex examined, 33 were identified as An. goeldii/An. nuneztovari A and five as An. nuneztovari s.s. A statistically significant difference in aedeagal leaflet length was detected between the species: the mean length was 1.23 ?m for An. goeldii/An. nuneztovari A and 9.18 ?m for An. nuneztovari s.s. This is the first record of An. nuneztovari s.s.in areas of environmental modification in the Brazilian Amazon. This study provides a measurement tool that can identify and differentiate species of the complex in the region, which can be applied to the other species of the complex as well to other anopheline species; thus, fostering the acquisition of information about the role of each species in malaria transmission.

BackgroundResidual HIV-1 replication among individuals under antiretroviral therapy (ART) relates to HIV micro-inflammation.ObjectivesTo determine levels of residual HIV replication markers among distinct subgroups of antiretroviral-treated individuals.Methods116 patients were distributed into 5 treatment groups: first-line suppressive ART with non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (n=26), first-line suppressive ART with boosted protease inhibitors (PI-r) (n=25), salvage therapy using PI-r (n=27), salvage therapy with PI-r and raltegravir (n=22) and virologic failure (n=16). Episomal and total DNA quantitation was evaluated. ELISA was used for HIV antibody and LPS quantitation.ResultsEpisomal DNA was positive in 26% to 38% of individuals under suppressive ART, being higher among individuals experiencing virologic failure (p=0.04). HIV proviral load was higher among patients with detectable episomal DNA (p=0.01). Individuals receiving initial PI-r treatment presented lower HIV antibodies (p=0.027) and LPS (p=0.029) than individuals receiving NNRTI. There was a negative correlation between episomal DNA quantitation and suppressive ART duration (p=0.04), CD4+ T-cell count (p=0.08), and CD8+ T-cell count (p=0.07).ConclusionsResidual HIV replication has been inferred among individuals under suppressive ART according to episomal DNA detection. Residual replication may decrease with longer periods of suppressive ART and higher levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The relationship between episomal DNA and total DNA suggests a replenishment of the proviral reservoir with impacts on HIV persistence. Lower antibody and LPS levels among patients with initial PI-r ART suggest these regimens may more effectively suppress HIV with higher capacity to decrease the HIV antigenic component.

Evandro Chagas Institute/SVS/MS, CNPq (Grant: n? 302292/2017-9), and CAPES (Grant: n? 88882.183965/2018-01). Federal University of Par?. P?s Gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA / Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Geoprocessamento. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Geoprocessamento. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Federal University of Par?. P?s Gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA / Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Federal University of Par?. P?s Gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA / Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Pesquisa B?sica em Mal?ria - Entomologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Plasmodium vivax sporozoites are differenced by circumsporozoite protein. Studies on the circulation of P. vivax VK210 and P. vivax VK247 in anopheline mosquitoes are important to verify the adaptability of these parasites on mosquitoes in different locations and periods. This study aimed to describe and compare the distribution of these genotypes in anopheline mosquitoes from four states of the Brazilian Amazon. Epidemiological databases about CSP infections on mosquitoes from Par? (2000-2015), Amap? (2000-2010), Roraima (2000-2003 and 2009-2011) and Acre States (2012-2015) were used for analysis. A total of 895 specimens were found infected mainly by P. vivax VK210. We showed that the distribution of P. vivax VK247 changed over time in the main malaria vectors on the Brazilian Amazon. We note that A. darlingi was abundant in certain localities while A. albitarsis s.l. in anothers, which highlights the importance of entomological studies for the control of human malaria.

The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass characteristics, meat quality, and organ and viscera weight of forty male sheep, not castrated, initially weighed 26.5 ± 1.85 kg, and confined for 100 days (44 days for the adjustment period and 56 days of the experimental period). The treatments were four levels of replacement of Bermuda grass hay with alfalfa hay (0, 200, 400, and 600 g/kg, based on dry matter). The design was randomized blocks (one lighter group and other heavier group) with 10 animals in each treatment. There were no effects on weight gain or carcass parameters. However, an increase was observed on dry matter intake (g/day), crude protein intake (g/day), empty body weight (kg), and subcutaneous fat thickness (mm). There was also an increase in total organ weights in kg and g/kg. The tissue composition of the leg had a quadratic effect on the bone tissue weight (g) and linear effect on adipose tissue relative (g/kg) and muscle-fat relations. There was also a quadratic effect on bone tissues (g/kg) and muscle-bone relations. Likewise, there was a quadratic effect on the qualitative characteristics of meat (measure of luminosity), with the replacement of Bermuda grass hay with alfalfa hay in sheep feed. The replacement of Bermuda grass hay with alfalfa did not change carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that was first identified in Brazil in 2014. It causes a febrile illness characterised by severe arthralgia and rash. Our group investigated a suspected CHIKV outbreak in Governador Valadares, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil and from 25 acute-phase patients, 10 had qRT-PCR positive sera samples and had E1 partial sequence amplified and Sanger sequenced. Samples were identified as East/Central/South African (ECSA) genotype by phylogenetic analysis and clustered with CHIKV sequences isolated in the neighbour state of Bahia. Our findings confirm previous predictions that ECSA genotype would spread through northeast and southeast of Brazil.

The anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties of three structurally correlated sea urchin-derived 3-linked sulfated &alpha, glycans and their low molecular-weight derivatives were screened comparatively through various in vitro and in vivo methods. These methods include activated partial thromboplastin time, the inhibitory activity of antithrombin over thrombin and factor Xa, venous antithrombosis, the inhibition of platelet aggregation, the activation of factor XII, and bleeding. While the 2-sulfated fucan from Strongylocentrotus franciscanus was observed to be poorly active in most assays, the 4-sulfated fucan from Lytechinus variegatus, the 2-sulfated galactan from Echinometra lucunter and their derivatives showed multiple effects. All marine compounds showed no capacity to activate factor XII and similar low bleeding tendencies regardless of the dose concentrations used to achieve the highest antithrombotic effect observed. The 2-sulfated galactan showed the best combination of results. Our work improves the background about the structure-function relationship of the marine sulfated glycans in anticoagulation and antithrombosis. Besides confirming the negative effect of the 2-sulfated fucose and the positive effect of the 2-sulfated galactose on anticoagulation in vitro, our results also demonstrate the importance of this set of structural requirements on antithrombosis in vivo, and further support the involvement of high-molecular weight and 4-sulfated fucose in both activities.

This study evaluated the effects of intramuscular alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) supplementation on meat quality characteristics of Santa Inês and Dorper crossbreed lambs. All animals were feed with a high concentrated diet in feedlot. Eight days before slaughter, the animals were distributed into four blocks according to weight gain. At the seventh and fourth days before slaughter, they were intramuscularly treated with 0, 10 or 20 IU of DL-alpha-tocopherol per kg of metabolic body weight. At slaughter they had 138 days of age and 43.6 kg of live weight, in average. Carcasses were stored for 24 hours under refrigeration at 2°C. Longissimus thoracis muscle pH (pH24h) and color (lightness, yellowness and redness) were analyzed and its samples were collected for evaluation of shear force (SF), cooking loss (WLC), fatty acid composition (FA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances after one (TBARS1m) and after five months (TBARS5m) of freezing. Linearity deviation effect was observed for lightness (L*; P=0.0042) and yellowness (b*; P=0.0082). Intramuscular administration of 10 or 20 IU of alpha-tocopherol/kg of metabolic weight did not influence the conservation of fatty acid in the carcasses, but benefit L* and b* values. RESUMO: O estudo avaliou os efeitos da suplementação pela via intramuscular de alfa-tocoferol (vitamina E) na qualidade da carne de cordeiros mestiços Santa Inês e Dorper. Os animais foram mantidos em confinamento, sendo alimentados com dieta contendo alto teor de concentrado energético. Oito dias antes do abate os cordeiros foram distribuídos em quatro blocos, de acordo com seu ganho de peso. No sétimo e quarto dias antes do abate eles foram tratados por via intramuscular com 0, 10 ou 20 UI de DL-alfa-tocoferol por kg de peso metabólico. No momento do abate os animais tinham, em média, 138 dias de idade e 43,6 kg de peso vivo. As carcaças foram armazenadas a 2°C por 24 horas. Foram determinados pH (pH24h) e cor (luminosidade, teor de vermelho e teor de amarelo) do músculo Longissimus thoracis, bem como força de cisalhamento, perda por cocção, composição dos ácidos graxos e quantidade de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico após um e cinco meses de congelamento. Observou-se efeito de desvio da linearidade para luminosidade (L*; P=0.0042) e para o croma amarelo (b*; P=0.0082). A administração intramuscular de 10 e 20 UI de alfa-tocoferol/kg de peso metabólico não influenciou a conservação de ácidos graxos das carcaças, mas melhorou os valores de L* e b*.

Objectives The present study investigated the relationship between genomic variability and resistance of HIV-1 sequences in protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions of the pol gene. In addition, we analysed the resistance among 651 individuals presenting antiretroviral virological failure, from 2009 to 2011, in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods The genomic variability was quantified by using informational entropy methods and the relationship between resistance and replicative fitness, as inferred by the residual viral load and CD4+ T cell count. Results The number of antiretroviral schemes is related to the number of resistance mutations in the HIV-1 PR (α = 0.2511, P = 0.0003, R2 = 0.8672) and the RT (α = 0.7892, P = 0.0001, R2 = 0.9141). Increased informational entropy rate is related to lower levels of HIV-1 viral loads (α = -0.0121, P = 0.0471, R2 = 0.7923), lower levels of CD4+ T cell counts (α = -0.0120, P = 0.0335, R2 = 0.8221) and a higher number of antiretroviral resistance-related mutations. Conclusions Less organized HIV genomes as inferred by higher levels of informational entropy relate to less competent host immune systems, lower levels of HIV replication and HIV genetic evolution as a consequence of antiretroviral resistance.

HIV-1 entry into target cells influences several aspects of HIV-1 pathogenesis, including viral tropism, HIV-1 transmission and disease progression, and response to entry inhibitors. The evolution from CCR5- to CXCR4-using strains in a given human host is still unpredictable. Here we analyzed timing and predictors for coreceptor evolution among recently HIV-1-infected individuals. Proviral DNA was longitudinally evaluated in 66 individuals using Geno2pheno [coreceptor] . Demographics, viral load, CD4 + and CD8 + T cell counts, CCR5Δ32 polymorphisms, GB virus C (GBV-C) coinfection, and HLA profiles were also evaluated. Ultradeep sequencing was performed on initial samples from 11 selected individuals. A tropism switch from CCR5- to CXCR4-using strains was identified in 9/49 (18.4%) individuals. Only a low baseline false-positive rate (FPR) was found to be a significant tropism switch predictor. No minor CXCR4-using variants were identified in initial samples of 4 of 5 R5/non-R5 switchers. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with an FPR of >40.6% at baseline presented a stable FPR over time whereas lower FPRs tend to progressively decay, leading to emergence of CXCR4-using strains, with a mean evolution time of 27.29 months (range, 8.90 to 64.62). An FPR threshold above 40.6% determined by logistic regression analysis may make it unnecessary to further determine tropism for prediction of disease progression related to emergence of X4 strains or use of CCR5 antagonists. The detection of variants with intermediate FPRs and progressive FPR decay over time not only strengthens the power of Geno2pheno in predicting HIV tropism but also indirectly confirms a continuous evolution from earlier R5 variants toward CXCR4-using strains. IMPORTANCE The introduction of CCR5 antagonists in the antiretroviral arsenal has sparked interest in coreceptors utilized by HIV-1. Despite concentrated efforts, viral and human host features predicting tropism switch are still poorly understood. Limited longitudinal data are available to assess the influence that these factors have on predicting tropism switch and disease progression. The present study describes longitudinal tropism evolution in a group of recently HIV-infected individuals to determine the prevalence and potential correlates of tropism switch. We demonstrated here that a low baseline FPR determined by the Geno2pheno [coreceptor] algorithm can predict tropism evolution from CCR5 to CXCR4 coreceptor use.

The technology for the production of restructured fruit with high contents of fruit pulp using hydrocolloids as binding agents has not been fully developed. This study evaluated the effect of mixtures of sodium alginate, low methoxy pectin, and gelatin on the characteristics of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) fruit gels. The results of the central composite design showed that the models obtained, except for those of water activity and soluble solids, were predictive. Gelatin was the most important factor affecting firmness, pH, and the color parameters of the structured fruit pulp.

Para avaliar o metabolismo oxidativo, perfil bioquímico e o efeito da suplementação com vitamina E intramuscular no período periparto, foram utilizadas 24 ovelhas, hígidas, da raça Santa Inês, no último mês de gestação. As ovelhas foram distribuídas em dois grupos que receberam, com intervalo de 14 dias, duas aplicações pela via intramuscular profunda de 2 mL de solução fisiológica (grupo controle-GC), ou 200 UI de vitamina E (grupo tratado-GT). Estes grupos foram subdivididos em P1 e P2. No P1, as ovelhas receberam a segunda dose de solução fisiológica ou vitamina entre 1 e 7 dias da data do parto. No P2, a segunda dose foi administrada entre 15 e 25 dias da data do parto. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos seguintes momentos: previamente à primeira aplicação (M0), 15 dias após a primeira aplicação (M1), no momento do parto (M2), 7 dias após o parto (M3), duas semanas após o parto (M4) e 4 semanas após o parto (M5). Foram analisadas as variáveis do perfil bioquímico: proteína total, albumina, globulina, uréia, creatinina, creatinofosfoquinase (cK), ácido úrico, aspartatoaminotransferase (AST), gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT), colesterol, triglicérides, glicose, beta hidroxibutirato (BHB) , ácidos graxos não esterificados (NEFA). Do metabolismo oxidativo foram determinas as atividades da superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutationa reduzida (GSH) e habilidade de redução férrica plasmática (HRFP). Em P1, não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos tratado e controle nas concentrações de proteína total, globulina, cK, ácido úrico, glicose, triglicérides, BHB, NEFA, SOD, GSH-Px e GSH. Porém em P1, foram observadas maiores concentrações em de albumina em M0 (P=0,039); uréia em M1 (P=0,018), M2 (P=0,005) e M3 (P=0,040); a creatinina em M2 (P=0,030) e M3 (P=0,047); GGT em M1 (P= 0,01) e M2 (P=0,024); colesterol em M2 (P=0,041) e HRFP em M3 (P= 0,022) para as ovelhas tratadas em relação às controle. Em P1, a AST foi maior para o controle em relação ao tratado em M2 (P=0,030). Em P2, foram observadas maiores atividades para o grupo controle nas variáveis SOD em M3 (P=0,013) e GSH-Px em M4 (P=0,027) e maior HRFP em M4 (P=0,023) para o grupo tratado. A aplicação de duas doses de vitamina E (200 UI, via IM) aumentou as concentrações de HRFP no pós-parto tanto em P1 como em P2. Oxidative metabolism, biochemical profile and the effect of intramuscular vitamin E supplementation on sheeps per partum period were evaluated using 24 healthy Santa Ines sheep, in the last month of pregnancy. The lambs were randomly divided into two groups, control group-CG and treated group-TG. CG received 2 mL of saline and TG received 200 IU of vitamin E, both treatments were done with two doses within interval of 14 days, by deep intramuscular injection of. These groups were further divided into P1 and P2. In P1 the sheep received the second or vitamin saline dose between 1 and 7 days before delivery date. In P2, the second dose was administered between 15 and 25 days before delivery. Blood samples were collected at the following times: before the first application (M0), 15 days after (M1), at birth (M2), 7 days postpartum (M3), two weeks after delivery (M4) and four weeks after delivery (M5). The variables of biochemical profile analyzed were: total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acids non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Oxidative metabolism variable were: activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduced glutathione (GSH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (HRFP). No differences were observed between the P1 treated and control groups in the concentrations of total protein, globulin, CK, uric acid, glucose, triglycerides, BHB, NEFA, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH. However higher concentrations of albumin in M0 (P = 0.039), urea in M1 (P = 0.018), M2 (P = 0.005) and M3 (P = 0.040), creatinine in M2 (P = 0.030 ) and M3 (P = 0.047), GGT in M1 (P = 0.01) and M2 (P = 0.024), cholesterol in M2 (P = 0.041) and HRFP at M3 (P = 0.022) for ewes treated we observed. AST concentration was greater for control in M2 (P = 0.030). In P2, higher activities were observed for the control group in the variables SOD in M3 (P = 0.013), GSH-Px in M4 (P = 0.027) and higher FRAP in M4 (P = 0.023) for the treated group. The application of two doses of vitamin E (200 IU, im) increased the concentrations of FRAP postpartum in both P1 and P2.

HIV has extraordinary genetic mutability, both among individuals and at the population level. However, studies of primary HIV-1 infection and serum-converters indicate that the viral population is homogeneous at the sequence level, which suggests clonal HIV transmission. It remains unclear whether this feature applies to the female population. Ten single genome amplification sequences were generated from ten individuals (five females) with recent heterosexually acquired HIV infection as determined by the serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion. Intra-individual genetic diversity was equally low in both genders (

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar os efeitos da substituição da proteína do farelo de soja (FS) pela da levedura de cana-de-açúcar (LEV) em rações de frangos contendo farelo da castanha de caju (FCC). O total de 325 pintos machos com um dia de idade foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco rações e cinco repetições de treze aves. Foram testadas cinco rações contendo 20% de FCC e os níveis de 0; 5; 10; 15 e 20% de substituição da proteína do FS pela da LEV. Conforme análise de regressão, houve efeito quadrático da substituição da proteína do FS pela da LE V sobre o consumo de ração e conversão alimentar e linear sobre o ganho de peso, na fase inicial (1 a 21 dias). Contudo, a substituição em níveis de até 20% não prejudicou significativamente o desempenho nas diferentes fases de criação e não alterou as características de carcaça em relação ao controle. Pelo estudo econômico, a substituição da proteína do FS pela da LEV se mostrou viável até o nível de 20%. Pode-se concluir que, em rações para frangos de corte, contendo 20% de FCC, a proteína do FS pode ser substituída pela da LEV em até 20%.

The weaning period of piglets is characterized by physiological alterations, such as decreased weight gain, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased serum cortisol levels with possible effects on the immune response. The effect of parenteral administration of vitamins A, D and E on production performance, oxidative metabolism, and the function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) was assessed in piglets during the weaning period. The sample was comprised of 20 male piglets that were given an injectable ADE vitamin combination (135,000 IU vitamin A, 40,000 IU vitamin D and 40mg vitamin E/ animal) at 20 and 40 days of age. Weight gain, concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the microbicidal and phagocytic activity of PMNLs were assessed. No difference was observed in the average piglet weight during the study; however, a greater percentage of weight gain was observed after weaning in the treated group. The concentrations of GSH and SOD did not differ between groups, although lipid peroxidation was greater in the control group at 60 days of age. The investigated variables of oxidative metabolism were correlated as follows: -0.41 for GSH and MDA, -0.54 for GSH and SOD and 0.34 for MDA and SOD. The intensity of intracellular ROS production, the percentage of ROS-producing PMNLs and the intensity of phagocytosis by PMNLs did not differ between treatment groups. Administration of the injectable ADE combination improved the percentage of weight gain between 20 and 40 days of age, decreased oxidative stress at 60 days of age and did not influence the function of PMNLs in piglets. O período de desmame nos leitões é caracterizado por alterações fisiológicas como menor ganho de peso, aumento na produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) e aumento na concentração plasmática de cortisol com possíveis implicações para a resposta imune. Foi avaliado o efeito da administração parenteral das vitaminas A, D e E sobre o desempenho produtivo, o metabolismo oxidativo e a função de leucócitos polimorfonucleares (PMNLs) em suínos durante esta fase de crescimento. Foram utilizados 20 leitões, machos, com 20 dias de idade que receberam ADE injetável (135.000 UI vitamina A, 40.000 UI vitamina D e 40mg vitamina E/animal), aos 20 e 40 dias de idade. Foi determinado o ganho de peso e as concentrações de glutationa reduzida (GSH), malondialdeído (MDA) e superóxido dismutase (SOD) e a capacidade microbicida e fagocítica dos PMNLs. Não houve diferença entre o peso vivo médio durante o experimento, porém maior ganho de peso percentual foi observado 20 dias após o desmame para o grupo tratado. As concentrações de GSH e SOD não diferiram entre os grupos, porém a lipoperoxidação foi maior no grupo controle aos 60 dias de idade. As correlações entre as variáveis do metabolismo oxidativo foram -0,41 para GSH e o MDA, -0,54 para GSH e SOD e 0,34 para MDA e SOD. A intensidade da produção intracelular de EROs, a porcentagem de PMNLs que produziram EROs e a intensidade de fagocitose dos PMNLs não diferiram entre os tratamentos. A administração de ADE injetável melhorou o ganho de peso percentual no período de 20 a 40 dias de idade, diminuiu o estresse oxidativo aos 60 dias de idade e não influenciou função dos PMNLs dos leitões.

Lectins, proteins that recognize carbohydrates, have been immobilized on inert supports and used in the screening or purification of glycoproteins. Anacardium occidentale bark infusion has been used as a hypoglycemic agent in Brazil. The toxicity of natural products may be evaluated determining their capability to alter the biodistribution of technetium-99M ((99m)Tc). This work reports the isolation and characterization of a lectin from A. occidentale bark (AnocBL), its evaluation as an affinity support for glycoprotein isolation and lectin effect on the uptake of (99m)Tc by rat adipocytes. AnocBL was isolated from 80 % ammonium sulphate supernatant by affinity chromatography on fetuin-agarose. SDS-PAGE showed a single protein band of 47 kDa. The monossacharide L-arabinose and the glycoproteins fetuin, asialofetuin, ovomucoid, casein, thyroglobulin, peroxidase, fetal bovine serum and IgG inhibited the activity. The lectin activity was stable until 70 °C and at a pH range of 3.0-7.5. AnocBL-Sepharose column bound fetuin indicating that the lectin matrix may be used to obtain glycoconjugates of biotechnological interest. In vitro assay revealed that glucose and insulin increase (99m)Tc uptake by rat adipocytes. AnocBL decreases (99m)Tc uptake, and this effect was not detected in the presence of glucose. Fetuin inhibited AnocBL effect in all insulin concentrations.

Famine Foods of Brazil’s Seasonal Dry Forests: Ethnobotanical and Nutritional Aspects. Famine foods are used by people in times of food scarcity. Although the northeast of Brazil regularly faces periods of drought that cause a shortage of traditional foods, the use of famine foods is insufficiently recorded. The purpose of this study was to record the knowledge of famine food in two rural Caatinga communities, Carao and Cachoeira, in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba, respectively, and to determine the chemical composition of the major famine foods utilized. The ethnobotanical aspect was divided into two stages: free lists and semistructured interviews. Based on the interviews, the main famine foods known by communities were selected for nutritional analysis. The study revealed that certain foods are used by communities only in times of shortages. Carao showed a higher species richness than Cachoeira, but the food knowledge was more widespread among the interviewees in Cachoeira. In Carao, the main species mentioned were Dioclea grandiflora and Manihot dichotoma, whereas in Cachoeira, Encholirium spectabile and Pilosocereus gounellei were the major species indicated. The species examined had a high carbohydrate content, especially D. grandiflora, Manihot glaziovii, and M. dichotoma, and could be used for complementary feeding of the population if adverse effects could be minimized. Mandevilla tenuiflora is indicated for future studies of potential agro-industrial applications and the beneficial aspects of its root, which could represent an alternative source of income for the population.

Plant domestication is an evolutionary process guided by human groups who modify the landscape for their needs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic variations between populations of Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbuzeiro) when subjected to different local landscape management strategies. The influence of the landscape management system on these populations was evaluated in five identified regional units (mountains, base of mountains, pastures, cultivated areas and home gardens). Ten individuals were randomly selected from each region and subjected to morphological and chemical fruit analysis. The diversity index, based on Simpson's index, was determined for the different populations. We then evaluated the morphological differences between the individual fruits from the distinct landscape areas. We observed no significant differences in morphological diversity between the areas studied. Our data suggest that the umbuzeiro specimens in this region may be in the process of incipient domestication.

The present study seeks to increase the knowledge of the chemical and nutritional characteristics of the species in the Caatinga (semi-arid region from northeastern Brazil) and quantify total anthocyanins, flavonols and carotenoids that are in the native food resources. Nine species were selected from ethnobotanical survey conducted in two rural communities in northeastern Brazil. The study revealed the potential of various food plants in the Caatinga, especially in comparison to other wild species of the same genus that have been investigated in other studies. The following species are of interest for future studies on bioactive substances: Eugenia sp. and Sideroxylon obtusifolium . It is interesting to investigate the potential agroindustry of the latter species, along with Syagrus cearensis and Ziziphus joazeiro . Nevertheless, the most immediate impact of this study may be to improve the populations' use of species such as S. cearensis , S. obtusifolium , and Eugenia sp., which have elevated nutritional potential and could be used in programs to improve the quality of food among the rural population.

Although the epidemiology of transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance (TDR) mutations has been studied in a variety of settings [1–5], less is known about whether transmitted mutations persist without selection pressure from antiretroviral therapy (ART). Because many drug resistance mutations impair HIV fitness [6–10], replacement of TDR mutations with wild-type variants may confer a potential survival advantage. This is particularly true when resistant and wild-type viral populations co-exist, as typically occurs when resistance develops during treatment. However, when HIV is transmitted by a single drug-resistant virion, the emergence of wild-type variants requires evolution and back-mutation rather than emergence of an existing wild-type variant. Several studies have reported long-term persistence of most TDR mutations but have also documented replacement of certain mutations with wild-type variants [11–16]. Although valuable, these investigations did not have sufficient person-years of follow-up to quantify and compare replacement rates for each therapeutic drug class. Improved understanding of how quickly different mutation classes are replaced by wild-type variants is important for several reasons. First, most HIV diagnoses occur during chronic infection, rather than during acute and/or early infection. By the time genotyping is performed, TDR mutations may have waned below the detection threshold for population genotyping, but persist as minority variants. Therefore, knowledge about mutation replacement rates for each drug class could help clinicians interpret resistance tests performed during chronic infection. Second, the degree to which drug resistance will propagate among recently infected individuals depends on several factors including (1) the prevalence of drug resistance among chronically infected persons who are receiving partially suppressive therapy and (2) how long TDR persists in untreated persons and, thus, can propagate even without drug selection. The importance of propagation of transmitted mutations becomes amplified in resource-limited settings. Without genotyping and viral load monitoring, patients may initiate incompletely suppressive treatment regimens and sustain prolonged exposure to them. This leads to additional selection of drug resistance mutations [17, 18], further increasing the risk of resistance propagation and limiting patients’ second-line treatment options. Third, the interpretation of population-based surveys of TDR prevalence depends on understanding how long mutations persist after they are transmitted, because surveys will underestimate mutations that are quickly replaced by wild-type variants. To provide more detailed information about persistence of specific mutations, we analyzed participants in 2 large early infection cohorts with sustained periods of follow-up without treatment.

Problem statement: The aim of the present study was to characterize a nd differentiate the effects of addition of flavomycin or monensin on ru minal fermentation and degradability as well as on total digestibility in bovine. Approach: Twelve non-pregnant and non-lactating cows (736 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to three treatments: control , flavomycin (20 mg animal -1 day -1 ) and monensin (300 mg animal -1 day -1 ). The trial lasted 21 days. The last 10 days were used for external marker administration (15 g of chromic oxide animal -1 day -1 ). The last 5 days of the trial were used for feces collection and evaluation of corn grain, soybean me al or sugarcane ruminal degradability and the 21st day was used for ruminal fluid sampling. Results: Monensin increased 27.2%, on average, propionate molar proportion at 0, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after f eeding, compared to control and flavomycin groups. When compared to control, flavomycin reduced the degradation rate of soybean meal CP in 31.0%, decreasing the effective degradability when passage rates of 5 and 8% h -1 were used. Dry matter intake, pH, total Short Chain Fatty Acids (tSCFA) o r ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH 3-N) concentration were not influenced by the addition of either antib iotics. Effective degradability of sugarcane NDF wa s not influenced by the use of either antibiotic; nei ther were the TDN nor the digestibility of DM, CP, EE, NFE, ADF, NDF, GE or starch of the diet. Conclusion/Recommendations: In the present study, it was possible to show the beneficial effects of m onensin but not of flavomycin, on rumen fermentation.

In Brazil, where three distinct HIV-1 subtypes (B, F, and C) cocirculate, a significant portion of the HIV-infected population has been exposed to antiretroviral drugs. This study analyzes the antiretroviral resistance profiles of HIV-1-infected individuals failing antiretroviral therapy. Genotypic resistance profiles of 2474 patients presenting virologic failure to antiretroviral therapy in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were generated and analyzed. Resistance mutations to protease inhibitors and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were less common in subtype C viruses, whereas nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutations were less common in subtype F viruses. The thymidine analog mutation pathway known as pathway 1 was more prevalent in subtype B viruses than in subtype C viruses, whereas pathway 2 was more prevalent in subtype C viruses. Selected resistance mutations varied according to subtype for all three classes of antiretrovirals. We describe two distinct pathways of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance (to nevirapine and efavirenz). Although cross-resistance to etravirine should occur more frequently among individuals failing nevirapine treatment, the prevalence of cross-resistance to etravirine, darunavir, and tipranavir was found to be low. We found that increases in the number of resistance mutations will be related to increases in the viral load. Special attention should be given to resistance profiles in non-B subtype viruses. The accumulation of knowledge regarding such profiles in the developing world is desirable.