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The main motivation for this study was to determine the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan widespread zoonotic parasite distribution that can infect a wide variety of mammals and birds, in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Brazil. In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the number of penguins originating from Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, where these birds are born, that arrive on the Brazilian coast, where many of them are stranded and rescued. Tissue samples were collected from 330 individuals surveyed from 2012-2015 at the Institute for Marine Animal Research and Rehabilitation (IPRAM) located in Cariacica, state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Serum were collected from 145 animals surveyed in 2015 for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT ≥20) and 18 birds were positive, with titers of 20 (7 birds), 40 (9 birds) and 80 (2 birds). Mouse bioassay for the isolation of T. gondii was performed using tissues from 54 penguins that were also surveyed in 2015, but no isolates were obtained. DNA from tissue samples of 330 individuals was PCR amplified and sequenced to detect tissue cyst forming coccidians by using pan sarcocystids-directed primers (based on 18S rDNA). These samples were from animals surveyed in 2015 and from frozen stocked tissues from animals surveyed in the years 2012 and 2013. The positives were PCR amplified and sequenced with genus Sarcocystis-specific primers (based on internal transcribed spacer 1, RNA polymerase beta subunit coding gene, and cytochrome B coding gene) and with Sarcocystis falcatula/Sarcocystis neurona- specific primers (based on surface antigens SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4). Sixteen (3.0%) of pectoral muscle samples were positive by all the seven molecular markers and all the samples were identical to each other. Organisms close related to Sarcocystis falcatula were confirmed in all cases. This is the first report on molecular detection of infection by S. falcatula-related organisms and the first report of seropositivity for T. gondii in free-living Magellanic penguins in Brazil. Felids and didephid opossums are definitive hosts of T. gondii and S. falcatula, respectively. Where the penguins acquire the infective forms of the parasites shed by the terrestrial mammals remains to be elucidated.

Neste artigo analisamos os discursos sobre Educação Matemática e como eles constituem as práticas desenvolvidas com alunos surdos. Como material de análise consideramos os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (PCN) da área de Matemática para o Ensino Fundamental e os Projetos Político-Pedagógicos (PPPs) de três escolas para surdos. As análises são feitas a partir da noção de discurso desenvolvida por Michel Foucault (1996). Também dialogamos com Viana e Barreto (2014) e Borges e Nogueira (2013) para pensar sobre Educação Matemática, bem como com Hall (2000), Thoma e Klein (2010) e Thoma (2012) para discutir sobre identidades, diferença surda, currículo, cultura e poder. Nos PCN e PPPs analisados, é bastante presente o discurso de que sujeito surdo precisa construir conhecimentos matemáticos para se constituir um cidadão participativo, crítico, justo e autônomo. Assim, nosso recorte aqui, são os discursos sobre Matemática para a Cidadania.

O presente estudo relata a ocorrência e flutuação populacional de Somotricus unifasciatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), uma espécie predadora exótica. O experimento foi realizado por meio de armadilhas e teve a duração de 12 meses, sendo realizada uma coleta por semana, em aviário do Conjunto Agrotécnico Visconde da Graça (CAVG), localizado na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Nesse período 1.158 espécimes de S. unifasciatus foram capturados, sendo o período de maior ocorrência o mês de fevereiro (472), quando a temperatura média mensal foi de 24,7ºC, enquanto o menor índice de coleta ocorreu nos meses de julho (01), abril (0) e junho (0). O coleóptero apresentou uma variação da densidade de população ao longo do ano, sendo as maiores médias de captura obtidas nos meses com temperaturas médias maiores (dezembro, janeiro, fevereiro e março).

O presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar o melhor fundo de investimento em renda fixa disponível para o público do varejo no Banco do Brasil. Tema escolhido devido a grande quantidade de investidores que adentraram nesse mercado de investimento depois da estabilização econômica do Brasil, gerando diversas dúvidas e movimentando vultosos volumes de dinheiro. O trabalho foi realizado com oito fundos de investimentos de renda fixa no Banco do Brasil, disponíveis no segmento varejo, compreendendo o período de fevereiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2013. Para tanto foi empregado como ferramenta de avaliação de desempenho dos fundos o Índice de Sharpe (1966). Os resultados indicam o fundo BB Renda Fixa LP Ind 20 mil como sendo o melhor investimento.

A grande geração de resíduos lignocelulósicos, a partir de processos industriais e da agricultura, torna o uso da biomassa uma fonte de energia térmica viável; sua compactação aumenta sua densidade, seu poder calorífico e sua resistência. O objetivo da pesquisa consistiu na comparação entre briquetes produzidos a partir de diferentes granulometrias de serragens de Eucalyptus grandis. Os tratamentos foram: T1 = serragem que passou pela peneira de 10 mesh e ficou retida na de 20 mesh (10 a 20); T2 = 20 a 60; T3 = 60 a 100 ; T4 = 10 a 100. As características da matéria-prima mostraram-se viáveis para a produção de briquetes, com teor de umidade de 12%, 88,65% de voláteis, 0,44% de cinzas, 10,80% de carbono fixo e poder calorífico de 4.229 kcal.kg-1. As comparações realizadas entre os tratamentos foram feitas a partir da expansão (diametral e longitudinal) e de ensaios de compressão diametral para força máxima e tensão de força máxima dos briquetes. O tratamento T4 foi o que apresentou os melhores resultados nesses testes (1,04%; 15,06%; 90,22 kgf; 0,6714 MPa, respectivamente), diferindo significativamente, a nível de 5% dos outros tratamentos. A produção em larga escala do tratamento T4 viabiliza a produção dos briquetes, pois não é necessário o processo de separação granulométrica.The great generation of lignocellulose wastes from industrial processes and agriculture makes the use of biomass a source of viable thermal energy; its compaction increases its density, its calorific value and its strength. The objective of the research consisted in comparing briquettes produced from different particle sizes of sawdust of Eucalyptus grandis. The treatments were: T1 = sawdust that passed through 10 mesh sieve and was retained on the 20 mesh (10 to 20); T2 = 20 to 60; T3 = 60 to 100; T4 = 10 to 100. The characteristics of the raw material proved feasibility to produce briquettes, with moisture content of 12%, 88.65% of volatile, 0.44% of ash, 10.80% of fixed carbon and calorific value of 4,229 kcal.kg-1. The comparisons between treatments were from the expansion (diametric and longitudinal) and diametrical compression tests for maximum strength and maximum power voltage of briquettes. The treatment T4 showed the best results in these tests (1.04%, 15.06%, 90.22 kgf; 0.6714 MPa, respectively), differing significantly, to a level of 5% to other treatments. The large-scale production of T4 treatment enables the production of briquettes as the process of particle size separation is not necessary.

The present study proposes a new method for cloud point preconcentration of Pb2+ ions based on complex formed with [4,5-dimercapto-1,3-dithyol-2-thionate] and posterior determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The preconcentration of Pb2+ was carried at pH 5.0 under following conditions: time and temperature of batch at 15 min. and 70oC, respectively, 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-114, 0.003 mol L-1 acetate/acetic acid buffer solution, 1.0 x 10-5 mol L-1 DMIT and 0.5% (m/v) NaCl. Under the best analytical conditions the method provided a limit of detection of 2.85 mg L-1 by preconcentrating 10.0 mL of sample and calibration curve ranging from 0 up to 650 mg L-1 (r = 0.99945). The applicability of proposed method for Pb2+ determination in natural waters without interferences was checked through addition/recovery tests.

Neste artigo pretende-se demonstrar como ocorreu o processo de criação, e o uso, do material didático utilizado nas aulas de Língua Brasileira de Sinais, Libras, na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Compreendendo a importância de um melhor aprendizado por parte dos alunos, foi desenvolvido o material didático em vídeo, com diálogos e sinalário. Deseja-se que o material produzido pelos professores seja plenamente utilizado no ensino e aprendizado da língua de sinais; tornando os alunos capazes de compreender não somente o sinalizar, mas também compreender a Libras enquanto língua de uma comunidade com valores sociais, culturais e linguísticos próprios.

RESUMO O Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus é responsável por consideráveis perdas na pecuária brasileira. O controle desse parasita tem sido feito, principalmente, com o uso de carrapaticidas, sendo os isoterápicos uma alternativa para seu combate. Objetivou-se neste trabalho analisar a eficiência da utilização da isopatia como ferramenta de controle alternativo do carrapato-do-boi. Foram utilizadas 18 fêmeas bovinas de raça europeia, mantidas em sistema de pecuária extensiva, no município de Canguçu, Rio Grande do Sul. Os animais foram divididos em grupo controle (Lote A) e grupo tratado com isoterápico (Lote B). O sal mineral foi utilizado como veículo para a administração da isopatia, sendo que o Lote A recebeu sal mineral com placebo (açúcar) e o Lote B sal mineral com isopatia. Os animais foram infestados artificialmente com 10 mil larvas deR. (B.) microplus , e no 20º, 21º e 22º dias pós-infestação, foram realizadas contagem e coleta de fêmeas ingurgitadas. As teleóginas de cada lote foram divididas ao acaso em nove grupos de dez indivíduos para análise dos parâmetros biológicos e posterior cálculo do Índice Nutricional e Índice de Eficácia Reprodutiva. Para comparação da média de teleóginas de cada grupo, foi empregada análise de variância e Teste LSD. Os bovinos tratados com isopatia apresentaram uma redução de 53,4% do número médio de teleóginas, quando comparados com o grupo não tratado (p = 0,001). Quanto aos padrões biológicos, não houve diferença estatística. Conclui-se que o uso de isopatia foi capaz de reduzir a infestação de R.(B.) microplus , mostrando-se uma alternativa promissora para o controle deste ixodídeo.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a acurácia do exame simples de urina para diagnóstico de infecção urinária em gestantes de alto risco. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal, prospectivo, em 164 gestantes admitidas na enfermaria de alto risco do Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), no período de janeiro a junho de 2011. Foram excluídas as pacientes em uso de antibiótico nos últimos dez dias. Todas as pacientes foram submetidas aos exames de urina simples e urocultura no início de sua admissão. A concordância entre os resultados dos exames foi avaliada pelo índice Kappa (K), sendo, ainda, determinados a acurácia, sensibilidade, especificidade e valor preditivo positivo (VPP) e negativo (VPN). RESULTADOS: Utilizando como critério de diagnóstico apenas a presença de piócitos no exame simples de urina para sugerir bacteriúria, observou-se uma fraca concordância quando comparado à urocultura (K=0,16). A acurácia foi de 61%, com sensibilidade de 62,5% e especificidade de 60,6%. O VPP foi de 27,78% e o VPN, de 87%. CONCLUSÃO: Na presença de alteração do exame simples de urina não necessariamente está em curso uma infecção urinária, sendo necessária a realização da urocultura. Porém, quando o exame simples de urina for normal, a urocultura pode ser dispensada.PURPOSE: To identify the accuracy of urinalysis in the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in pregnant women at high risk. METHODS: a prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 pregnant women admitted to the high-risk the ward of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) during the period from January to June 2011. Patients who had been taking antibiotics in the last ten days were excluded. All patients were subjected to simple urine tests and urine culture at the beginning of their admission. The agreement between the results of the examinations was evaluated by Kappa indices (K), and accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values were also determined. RESULTS: When only the presence of pus cells in urinalysis was used as a diagnostic criterion suggesting bacteriuria, there was a poor agreement when compared to uroculture (K=0.16). Accuracy was 61%, sensitivity 62.5%, and specificity 60.6%. PPV was 27.78% and NPV was 87%. CONCLUSION: The presence of alteration of urinalysis does not necessarily indicate an ongoing urinary tract infection, with urine culture being necessary. However, when urinalysis data are normal, uroculture may be avoided.

The present study proposes a method for cloud point preconcentration of copper ions at pH 2.0 based on complexes formed with [4,5-dimercapto-1,3-dithyol-2-thionate] and subsequent determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Under optimal analytical conditions, the method provided limits of detection of 0.84 and 0.45 µg L-1, by preconcentrating 12.0 and 24.0 mL of sample, respectively. The method was applied for copper determination in water samples, synthetic saliva, guarana powder, tea samples and soft drinks and the accuracy was assessed by analyzing the certified reference materials Dogfish Liver (DOLT-4) and Lobster Hepatopancreas (TORT-2).

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of HPV-HIV co-infection among pregnant women and to relate it to CD4+ cell count in peripheral blood, to the expression of protein p16 in the epithelium of the uterine cervix and to the presence of HPV DNA in cervical biopsies. Methods: Pregnant women at the same age were selected and distributed into two groups with 70 patients each: HIV positive (Study Group) and HIV negative (Control I). Another group (Control II) comprised 36 HIV negative patients at different ages and with the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, in the period from 2000 to 2007. Colpocytology and/or cervical biopsy of these patients were analyzed for the occurrence of morphological characteristics, suggesting HPV infection; for the CD4 count in peripheral blood; and expression of protein p16 in the cervix epithelium and compared the findings with p16 expression in a group of 36 women with cervical epithelial neoplasm. PCR was performed in the samples of the Study Group to confirm the presence of HPV DNA. Rresults: The 70 HIV positive pregnant patients were aged from 15 to 45 years (mean of 28 years, median of 28.2 years). Twenty-two (31.4%) of them presented morphological changes consistent with cervical HPV infection; of these, 16 presented CD4 count lower than 500 cells (p=0.03). In the HIV negative Group, one patient (1.4%) had cervical intraepithelial lesion. Ten cervical biopsies in the Study Group presented HPV DNA in the PCR. The Control Group II showed similar results to the Study Group. Cconclusions: The incidence of HPV-HIV co-infection in pregnant women was relevant compared to the HIV negative Group. In the HIV-positive Group, the incidence of HPV was directly related to low immunity. The p16 expression was stronger among the cases diagnosed as having higher grade intraepithelial cervical lesions (CIN 2 and 3). The presence of HPV DNA was confirmed through PCR in cervical lesions of HIV positive pregnant women. This study points to the importance of having periodic gynecological exams and routine cytology screening tests for the early detection of HPV infection during antenatal care of HIV-positive pregnant women.

Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with cutaneous and vascular lesions. Both discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and systemic lupus (SLE) affect the skin. Visible skin lesions in young women can cause loss of self esteem. In the present study we aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of life in SLE and LED through an observational study of 64 patients. These patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1: SLE (n = 38); group 2: DLE (n = 26) and then completed the quality of life questionnaire - Dermatology Life Quality Index or DLQI. It was found that patients with DLE have a worse quality of life than patients with SLE. It is believed that this fact is generated by the difference in the spectrum of injuries.Lúpus eritematoso é uma doença auto-imune de etiologia desconhecida, com lesões cutâneovasculares. Tanto o Lúpus Eritematoso Discóide (LED) como o Sistêmico (LES) acometem a pele. Lesões cutâneas visíveis em mulheres jovens podem causar perda de auto estima. No presente estudo procurou-se avaliar e comparar a qualidade de vida em 64 pacientes com LED e LES através de um estudo observacional. Esses pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo 1: LES (n=38); grupo 2: LED (n=26). A seguir aplicou-se o questionário de qualidade de vida - Dermatology Life Quality Índex ou DLQI. Verificou-se que pacientes com LED têm pior qualidade de vida que pacientes com LES Acredita-se que este fato seja gerado pela diferença no espectro de suas lesões.

Esta produção textual registra a experiência vivida por uma estudante de Psicologia em duas situações acadêmicas de formação profissional, a saber: enquanto coordenação do “Grupo de Gestantes e Familiares: uma alternativa de atenção interdisciplinar”, atividade de natureza grupal operativa desenvolvida no âmbito da extensão universitária e a experiência enquanto estagiária de Psicologia Clínica, na Clínica-Escola, ambas na Unijuí. A vivência permite reconhecer que o espaço grupal se institui como campo privilegiado de fala sobre o desejo de gestar um filho e também como um lócus em que as dificuldades para a elaboração deste processo são acolhidas. Durante a gestação, os pais fazem projeções em torno do que virá a ser a criança que esperam. Estas projeções, por sua vez, se inscreverão na criança, constituindo-a. Quando em situação de atendimento a uma criança, na Clínica Psicanalítica, faz-se necessário conhecer o contexto subjetivo em que esta foi gestada, na intenção de compreender os significantes inscritos e “sintomatizados” por ela. Para tal, é preciso que os pais venham “falar o filho”, sobre o momento em que foi gestado, as antecipações e histórias criadas em torno dele. Neste ponto, articula-se a vivência da autora nos espaços formativos, uma vez que o grupo operativo aprimora o entendimento sobre as questões referentes à maternidade e a clínica com crianças reconhece que os fantasmas parentais que incidem sobre elas, desde a sua gestação, são peças-chave na sua subjetivação. A possibilidade de ouvir uma questão em dois pólos distintos – maternidade- infância – enriquece a formação, conclui a acadêmica.

Population structure analysis of emm77 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates demonstrated that the Clonal Complex ST63/369, previously reported in Italian pharyngeal strains, can also be found in non-pharyngeal strains.The success of ST63/369 may be due to the association of specific resistance [iMLS-B/erm(A); tet(O)] and virulence [internalization-gene prtF1] traits.

Abstract The objective of the study was to report on a fatal case of feline toxoplasmosis with coinfection with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). A domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) presented intense dyspnea and died three days later. In the necropsy, the lungs were firm, without collapse and with many white areas; moderate lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly were also observed. The histopathological examination showed severe necrotic interstitial bronchopneumonia and mild necrotic hepatitis, associated with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii that were positive by anti-T. gondii immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation. The bone marrow showed chronic myeloid leukemia and the neoplastic cells were positive by anti-FeLV IHC evaluation. DNA extracted from lungs was positive for T. gondii by PCR targeting REP-529. T. gondii was characterized by PCR-RFLP and by the microsatellites technique. ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #10, i.e. the archetypal type I, was identified. Microsatellite analysis showed that the strain was a variant of type I with two atypical alleles. This was the first time that a T. gondii clonal type I genotype was correlated with a case of acute toxoplasmosis in a host in Brazil.

Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common adenocarcinoma in men >50 y of age. It has a long latency period, which provides time for preventive strategies like incorporating healthy eating habits. Yerba mate (YM) intake has been associated with numerous health benefits. Since YM is one of the most popular infusions in Argentina, the of this study was to examine the influence of YM on PCa development., Methods: We carried out an in vivo model of PCa through subcutaneous inoculation of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate-C1 cells in C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, the animals were divided into two groups: mate (25 mg/mL of YM in drinking water, n = 15), and control (only drinking water, n = 15). We also developed an in vitro model to study the direct effects of YM on three human PCa cell lines: lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP), PC-3, and DU-145., Results: Our in vivo model showed that YM intake slightly reduced body weight, increased the latency of tumor appearance (P <0.01), and diminished the tumor volume (P <0.05) compared with the control group. In agreement, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and nuclear estrogen receptor α were lower in the tumors of the mate animals (P <0.05). In vitro, YM decreased the viability, proliferation, and adhesion of the three tumor cell lines (P < 0.001) and retarded the migration of LNCaP (P <0.05) and DU-145 (P <0.005), without modifying the migration of PC-3 cells., Conclusions: YM showed anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo and were more effective on the androgen-sensitive cell line (LNCaP)., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tumor cells can interact with neighboring adipose cells and adipocyte dedifferentiation appears to be an important aspect of tumorigenesis. We evaluated the size of adipocytes in human adipose explants from normal (hRAN) and kidney cancer (hRAT); changes in the expression of WAT and BAT/beige markers in hRAN and hRAT; the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cell markers in human kidney tumor (786-O, ACHN and Caki-1); and non-tumor (HK-2) epithelial cell lines incubated with the conditioned media (CMs) of hRAN and hRAT. We observed that hRAT adipocytes showed a significantly minor size compared to hRAN adipocytes. Also, we observed that both Prdm16 and Tbx1 mRNA and the expression of UCP1, TBX1, PPARγ, PCG1α, c/EBPα LAP and c/EBPα LIP was significantly higher in hRAT than hRAN. Finally, we found an increase in vimentin and N-cadherin expression in HK-2 cells incubated for 24 h with hRAT-CMs compared to hRAN- and control-CMs. Furthermore, desmin and N-cadherin expression also increased significantly in 786-O when these cells were incubated with hRAT-CMs compared to the value observed with hRAN- and control-CMs. We observed a significant decrease in E-cadherin expression in the ACHN cell line incubated with hRAT-CMs versus hRAN- and control-CMs. However, we did not observe changes in E-cadherin expression in HK-2, 786-O or Caki-1. The results obtained, together with the results previously published by our group, allow us to conclude that perirenal white adipose tissue browning contributes to tumor development in kidney cancer. In addition, hRAT-CMs increases the expression of mesenchymal markers in renal epithelial cells, which could indicate a regulation of EMT due to this adipose tissue., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus for which there is no vaccine available for human use. Thus, the aims of this study are to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a first-generation vaccine against L. amazonensis and to identify its immunodominant antigens. BALB/c mice were inoculated with phosphate buffer sodium (PBS), total L. amazonensis antigens (TLAs), or TLA with Poly (I:C) and Montanide ISA 763. The humoral and cellular immune response was evaluated before infection. IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a were measured on serum, and IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 cytokines as well as cell proliferation were measured on a splenocyte culture from vaccinated mice. Immunized mice were challenged with 10 4 infective parasites of L. amazonensis on the footpad. After infection, the protection provided by the vaccine was analyzed by measuring lesion size, splenic index, and parasite load on the footpad and spleen. To identify immunodominant antigens, total proteins of L. amazonensis were separated on 2D electrophoresis gel and transferred to a membrane that was incubated with serum from immunoprotected mice. The antigens recognized by the serum were analyzed through a mass spectrometric assay (LC-MS/MS-IT-TOF) to identify their protein sequence, which was subjected to bioinformatic analysis. The first-generation vaccine induced higher levels of antibodies, cytokines, and cell proliferation than the controls after the second dose. Mice vaccinated with TLA + Poly (I:C) + Montanide ISA 763 showed less footpad swelling, a lower splenic index, and a lower parasite load than the control groups (PBS and TLA). Four immunodominant proteins were identified by mass spectrometry: cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase, an uncharacterized protein, a kinetoplast-associated protein-like protein, and a putative heat-shock protein DNAJ. The identified proteins showed high levels of conserved sequence among species belonging to the Leishmania genus and the Trypanosomatidae family. These proteins also proved to be phylogenetically divergent to human and canine proteins. TLA + Poly (I:C) + Montanide ISA 763 could be used as a first-generation vaccine against leishmaniasis. The four proteins identified from the whole-protein vaccine could be good antigen candidates to develop a new-generation vaccine against leishmaniasis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Germanó, Mackern-Oberti, Vitório, Duarte, Pimenta, Sanchez, Bruna, Lozano, Fernandes and Cargnelutti.)

Hypothyroidism is a protective factor against breast cancer but long-term exposure or overdoses of thyroid replacement therapy with thyroxine (T 4 ) may increase breast cancer risk., Objective: to study, in vivo and in vitro, the effects of T4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of mammary tumors of hypo- and euthyroid rats, and the possible mechanisms involved in these effects., Material and Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a single dose of dimethylbenzathracene (15 mg/rat) at 55 days of age and were divided into three groups: hypothyroidism (HypoT; 0.01% 6-N-propyl-2-thiouracil -PTU- in drinking water, n = 20), hypothyroidism treated with T 4 (HypoT + T 4 ; 0.01% PTU in drinking water and 0.25 mg/kg/day T 4 via sc; n = 20) and EUT (untreated control, n = 20). At sacrifice, tumor explants from HypoT and EUT rats were obtained and treated either with 10 -10  M T 4 in DMEM/F12 without phenol red with 1% Charcoalized Fetal Bovine Serum or DMEM/F12 only for 15 min to evaluate intracellular signaling pathways associated with T 4 , and 24 h to evaluate changes in the expression of hormone receptors and proteins related to apoptosis and proliferation by immunohistochemistry and Western Blot., Results: In vivo, hypothyroidism retards mammary carcinogenesis but its treatment with T 4 reverted the protective effects. In vitro, the proliferative and anti-apoptosis mechanisms of T 4 were different regarding the thyroid status. In EUT tumors, the main signaling pathway involved was the cross-talk with other receptors, such as ERα, PgR, and HER2. In HypoT tumors, the non-genomic signaling pathway of T 4 was the chief mechanism involved since αvβ3 integrin, HER2, β-catenin and, downstream, PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways were activated., Conclusion: T 4 can regulate mammary carcinogenesis by mainly activating its non-genomic signaling pathway and by interacting with other hormone or growth factor pathways endorsing that overdoses of thyroid replacement therapy with T4 can increase the risk of breast cancer., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Maternal milk consumption can cause changes in the mammary epithelium of the offspring that result in the expression of molecules involved in the induction of differentiation, reducing the risk of developing mammary cancer later in life. We previously showed that animals that maintained a higher intake of maternal milk had a lower incidence of mammary cancer. In the present study, we evaluated one of the possible mechanisms by which the consumption of maternal milk could modify the susceptibility to mammary carcinogenesis. We used Sprague Dawley rats reared in litters of 3 (L3), 8 (L8), or 12 (L12) pups per mother in order to generate a differential consumption of milk. Whole mounts of mammary glands were performed to analyze the changes in morphology. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we analyzed the expression of mammary Pinc, Tbx3, Stat6, and Gata3 genes. We use the real-time methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction method to assess the methylation status of Stat6 and Gata3 CpG sites. Our findings show an increase in the size of the epithelial tree and a smaller number of ducts called terminal end buds in L3 vs. L12. We observed an increased expression of mRNA of Stat6, Gata3, Tbx3, and a lower expression of Pinc in L3 with respect to L12. Stat6 and Gata3 are more methylated in the CpG islands of the promoter analyzed in L12 vs. L3. In conclusion, the increased consumption of maternal milk during the postnatal stage generates epigenetic and morphological changes associated with the differentiation of the mammary gland.

The oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which has a high morbidity rate, affects patients worldwide. Changes in SPINK7 in precancerous lesions could promote oncogenesis. Our aim was to evaluate SPINK7 as a potential molecular biomarker which predicts OSCC stages, compared to: HER2, TP53, RB1, NFKB and CYP4B1. This study used oral biopsies from three patient groups: dysplasia (n = 33), less invasive (n = 28) and highly invasive OSCC (n = 18). The control group consisted of clinically suspicious cases later to be confirmed as normal mucosa (n = 20). Gene levels of SPINK7, P53, RB, NFKB and CYP4B1 were quantified by qPCR. SPINK7 levels were correlated with a cohort of 330 patients from the TCGA. Also, SPINK7, HER2, TP53, and RB1, were evaluated by immunohistofluorescence. One-way Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-hoc with a p < 0.05 significance was used to analyze data. In OSCC, the SPINK7 expression had down regulated while P53, RB, NFKB and CYP4B1 had up regulated (p < 0.001). SPINK7 had also diminished in TCGA patients (p = 2.10e-6). In less invasive OSCC, SPINK7 and HER2 proteins had decreased while TP53 and RB1 had increased with respect to the other groups (p < 0.05). The changes of SPINK7 accompanied by HER2, P53 and RB1 can be used to classify the molecular stage of OSCC lesions allowing a diagnosis at molecular and histopathological levels.

BACKGROUND Unfortunately, no any vaccine against leishmaniasis has been developed for human use. Therefore, a vaccine based on total Leishmania antigens could be a good and economic approach; and there are different methodologies to obtain these antigens. However, it is unknown whether the method to obtain the antigens affects the integrity and immune response caused by them. OBJECTIVES to compare the protein profile and immune response generated by total L. amazonensis antigens (TLA) produced by different methods, as well as to analyse the immune response and protection by a first-generation vaccine formulated with sonicated TLA (sTLA) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)]. METHODS TLA were obtained by four different methodologies and their integrity and immune response were evaluated. Finally, sTLA was formulated with Poly (I:C) and their protective immune response was measured. FINDINGS sTLA presented a conserved protein profile and induced a strong immune response. In addition, Poly (I:C) improved the immune response generated by sTLA. Finally, sTLA + Poly (I:C) formulation provided partial protection against L. amazonensis infection. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The protein profile and immune response depend on the methodology used to obtain the antigens. Also, the formulation sTLA + Poly (I:C) provides partial protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice.

Tumor cells can interact with neighboring adipose tissue. We evaluated components present in human adipose explants from normal (hRAN) and kidney cancer (hRAT) tissue, and we evaluated the effects of conditioned media (CMs) from hRAN and hRAT on proliferation, adhesion and migration of tumor and non-tumor human renal epithelial cell lines. In addition, we evaluated the expression of AdipoR1, ObR, CD44, vimentin, pERK and pPI3K on cell lines incubated with CMs. hRAN were obtained from healthy operated donors, and hRAT from patients who underwent a nephrectomy. hRAT showed increased levels of versican, leptin and ObR; and decreased levels of perilipin, adiponectin and AdipoR1, compared to hRAN. Cell lines showed a significant decrease in cell adhesion and increase in cell migration after incubation with hRAT-CMs vs. hRAN- or control-CMs. Surprisingly, HK-2, 786-O and ACHN cells showed a significant decrease in cell migration after incubation with hRAN-CMs vs. control-CMs. No difference in proliferation of cell lines was found after 24 or 48 h of treatment with CMs. AdipoR1 in ACHN and Caki-1 cells decreased significantly after incubation with hRAT-CMs vs. hRAN-CMs and control-CMs. ObR and CD44 increased in tumor line cells, and vimentin increased in non-tumor cells, after incubation with hRAT-CMs vs. hRAN-CMs and control-CMs. We observed an increase in the expression of pERK and pPI3K in HK-2, 786-O and ACHN, incubated with hRAT-CMs. In conclusion, results showed that adipose microenvironment can regulate the behavior of tumor and non tumor human renal epithelial cells., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Environmental factors during perinatal life can lead to changes in the mammary gland, making it susceptible to cancer in adulthood. Breastfeeding has a special importance since it takes place at a critical period of growth and development of the newborn. We aimed to analyze if an appropriate lactation protects the offspring against mammary carcinogenesis during adult life and explore the mechanisms involved in the protective effect. One-day-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly distributed in litters of three (L3), eight (L8) or 12 (L12) pups per dam, to induce a differential consumption of breast milk. At 55 days of age, the animals were treated with a single dose of dimethylbenzanthracene to study tumor latency, incidence and progression. Histological, immunohistochemical and Western blot studies were performed. We observed lower incidence and higher latency in L3 compared to the other groups. The mitotic index and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly augmented in tumors of L12 rats compared to L3 and L8, while the apoptotic index was augmented in tumors of L3 v. L12. Cleaved caspase 8 was significantly higher in tumors from L3 compared to L12. Tumors developed in L3 have a greater number of apoptotic bodies and a greater expression of caspase 8. These results demonstrate that the animals that maintained a higher intake of maternal milk (L3) presented lower incidence and greater tumor latency. Lower consumption of breast milk (L12) would increase tumor mitosis and the expression of PCNA, explaining the higher tumor incidence observed in this group.

To characterize the influence of hypothyroidism on the endocrine activity of mesenteric and omental adipose tissue (MOAT) and the peripheral regulation of energy balance (EB) in rats, we analyzed food intake (FI); basal metabolic rate (BMR); locomotor activity; body weight (BW); serum hormone concentrations and the expression of their receptors in MOAT. We evaluated the morphology and differentiation of adipocytes. Hypothyroidism decreased FI, BMR and BW. The percentage of visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) depots and the morphology of adipocytes were similar to euthyroid rats. Serum leptin and adiponectin expression in MOAT were altered by hypothyroidism. The expression of Perilipin 1, HSL, UCP1 and PRDM16 was significantly lower in MOAT of hypothyroid animals. Hypothyroidism in rats leads to a compensated EB by inducing a white adipocyte dysfunction and a decrease in BW, BMR, FI and adipokine secretions without changing the percentage of WAT depots and the morphology of the MOAT., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

We evaluated the effects of conditioned media (CMs) of human adipose tissue from renal cell carcinoma located near the tumor (hRATnT) or farther away from the tumor (hRATfT), on proliferation, adhesion and migration of tumor (786-O and ACHN) and non-tumor (HK-2) human renal epithelial cell lines. Human adipose tissues were obtained from patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT incubation. Proliferation, adhesion and migration were quantified in 786-O, ACHN and HK-2 cell lines incubated with hRATnT-, hRATfT- or control-CMs. We evaluated versican, adiponectin and leptin expression in CMs from hRATnT and hRATfT. We evaluated AdipoR1/2, ObR, pERK, pAkt y pPI3K expression on cell lines incubated with CMs. No differences in proliferation of cell lines was found after 24 h of treatment with CMs. All cell lines showed a significant decrease in cell adhesion and increase in cell migration after incubation with hRATnT-CMs vs. hRATfT- or control-CMs. hRATnT-CMs showed increased levels of versican and leptin, compared to hRATfT-CMs. AdipoR2 in 786-O and ACHN cells decreased significantly after incubation with hRATfT- and hRATnT-CMs vs. control-CMs. We observed a decrease in the expression of pAkt in HK-2, 786-O and ACHN incubated with hRATnT-CMs. This result could partially explain the observed changes in migration and cell adhesion. We conclude that hRATnT released factors, such as leptin and versican, could enhance the invasive potential of renal epithelial cell lines and could modulate the progression of the disease., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.