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Fabric structures are prone to contamination with microorganisms, as their morphology and ability to retain moisture creates a proper environment for their growth. In this work, a novel, easily processed and cheap coating for a nylon fabric with antimicrobial characteristics was developed. After plasma treatment, made to render the fabric surface more reactive sites, the fabric was impregnated with chitosan and silver nanoparticles by simply dipping it into a mixture of different concentrations of both components. Silver nanoparticles were previously synthesized using the Lee–Meisel method, and their successful obtention was proven by UV–Vis, showing the presence of the surface plasmon resonance band at 410 nm. Nanoparticles with 25 nm average diameter observed by STEM were stable, mainly in the presence of chitosan, which acted as a surfactant for silver nanoparticles, avoiding their aggregation. The impregnated fabric possessed bactericidal activity higher for Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus than for Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria for all combinations. The percentage of live S. aureus and P. aeruginosa CFU was reduced to less than 20% and 60%, respectively, when exposed to each of the coating combinations. The effect was more pronounced when both chitosan and silver were present in the coating, suggesting an effective synergy between these components. After a washing process, the antimicrobial effect was highly reduced, suggesting that the coating is unstable after washing, being almost completely removed from the fabric. Nevertheless, the new-coated fabric can be successfully used in single-use face masks. To our knowledge, the coating of nylon fabrics intended for face-mask material with both agents has never been reported.

Embryo implantation into the uterine wall is a highly modulated, complex process. We previously demonstrated that Annexin A1 (AnxA1), which is a protein secreted by epithelial and inflammatory cells in the uterine microenvironment, controls embryo implantation in vivo. Here, we decipher the effects of recombinant AnxA1 in this phenomenon by using human trophoblast cell (BeWo) spheroids and uterine epithelial cells (Ishikawa; IK). AnxA1-treated IK cells demonstrated greater levels of spheroid adherence and upregulation of the tight junction molecules claudin-1 and zona occludens-1, as well as the glycoprotein mucin-1 (Muc-1). The latter effect of AnxA1 was not mediated through IL-6 secreted from IK cells, a known inducer of Muc-1 expression. Rather, these effects of AnxA1 involved activation of the formyl peptide receptors FPR1 and FPR2, as pharmacological blockade of FPR1 or FPR1/FPR2 abrogated such responses. The downstream actions of AnxA1 were mediated through the ERK1/2 phosphorylation pathway and F-actin polymerization in IK cells, as blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation reversed AnxA1-induced Muc-1 and claudin-1 expression. Moreover, FPR2 activation by AnxA1 induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by IK cells, and the supernatant of AnxA1-treated IK cells evoked angiogenesis in vitro. In conclusion, these data highlight the role of the AnxA1/FPR1/FPR2 pathway in uterine epithelial control of blastocyst implantation.

Acacia dealbata biomass, either from forest exploitation or from the management of invasive species, can be a strategic topic, namely as a source of high-value compounds. In this sense, the present study aimed at the detailed characterization of the lipophilic components of different morphological parts of A. dealbata and the evaluation of their cytotoxicity in cells representative of different mammals’ tissues. The chemical composition of lipophilic extracts from A. dealbata bark, wood and leaves was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC−MS). Terpenic compounds (representing 50.2%−68.4% of the total bark and leaves extracts, respectively) and sterols (60.5% of the total wood extract) were the main components of these extracts. Other constituents, such as fatty acids, long-chain aliphatic alcohols, monoglycerides, and aromatic compounds were also detected in the studied extracts. All the extracts showed low or no cytotoxicity in the different cells tested, demonstrating their safety profile and highlighting their potential to be used in nutraceutical or pharmaceutical applications. This study is therefore an important contribution to the valorization of A. dealbata, demonstrating the potential of this species as a source of high value lipophilic compounds.

Menopause-induced changes may include increased incidence of both depression/anxiety and obesity. We hypothesized that behavioral changes that may develop after ovarian failure could be related to neurochemical and metabolic aspects affected by this condition and that high-fat intake may influence these associations. The present study investigated in rats the effects of ovariectomy, either alone or combined with high-fat diets enriched with either lard or fish-oil, on metabolic, behavioral and monoaminergic statuses, and on gene expression of neuropeptides and receptors involved in energy balance and mood regulation. Female rats had their ovaries removed and received either standard chow (OvxC) or high-fat diets enriched with either lard (OvxL) or fish-oil (OvxF) for 8 weeks. The Sham group received only chow diet. Ovariectomy increased feed efficiency and body weight gain and impaired glucose homeostasis and serotonin-induced hypophagia, effects either maintained or even accentuated by the lard diet but counteracted by the fish diet. The OvxL group developed obesity and hyperleptinemia. Regarding components of hypothalamic serotonergic system, both ovariectomy alone or combined with the fish diet increased 5-HT2C expression while the lard diet reduced 5-HT1B mRNA. Ovariectomy increased the anxiety index, as derived from the elevated plus maze test, while both high-fat groups showed normalization of this index. In the forced swimming test, ovariectomy allied to high-lard diet, but not to fish-oil diet, reduced the latency to immobility, indicating vulnerability to a depressive-like state. Linear regression analysis showed hippocampal AgRP to be negatively associated with the anxiety index and hypothalamic AgRP to be positively associated with the latency to immobility. These AgRp gene expression associations are indicative of a beneficial involvement of this neuropeptide on both depression and anxiety measures. The present findings demonstrate metabolic, neurochemical and behavioral alterations after ovaries removal and highlight a positive effect of high-fat feeding on the anxiety-like behavior shown by ovariectomized animals. Since the polyunsaturated ômega-3 intake (fish diet), unlike the saturated fat intake (lard diet), failed to induce deleterious metabolic or neurochemical consequences, further studies are needed focusing on the potential of this dietary component as an adjuvant anxiolytic agent after menopause.

Innate immunity is an ancient and conserved defense system that provides an early effective response against invaders. Many immune genes of Anopheles mosquitoes have been implicated in defense against a variety of pathogens, including plasmodia. Nevertheless, only recent work identified some immune genes of Anopheles aquasalis mosquitoes upon P. vivax infection. Among these was a GATA transcription factor gene, which is described here. This is an ortholog of GATA factor Serpent genes described in Drosophila melanogaster and Anopheles gambiae. Gene expression analyses showed an increase of GATA-Serpent mRNA in P. vivax-infected A. aquasalis and functional RNAi experiments identified this transcription factor as an important immune gene of A. aquasalis against both bacteria and P. vivax. Besides, we were able to identify an effect of GATA-Serpent knockdown on A. aquasalis hemocyte proliferation and differentiation. These findings expand our understanding of the poorly studied A. aquasalis-P. vivax interactions and uncover GATA-Serpent as a key player of the mosquito innate immune response.

In recent years, the functions of glial cells, namely, astrocytes and microglia, have gained prominence in several diseases of the central nervous system, especially in glioblastoma (GB), the most malignant primary brain tumor that leads to poor clinical outcomes. Studies showed that microglial cells or astrocytes play a critical role in promoting GB growth. Based on the recent findings, the complex network of the interaction between microglial/astrocytes cells and GB may constitute a potential therapeutic target to overcome tumor malignancy. In the present review, we summarize the most important mechanisms and functions of the molecular factors involved in the microglia or astrocytes–GB interactions, which is particularly the alterations that occur in the cell’s extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We overview the cytokines, chemokines, neurotrophic, morphogenic, metabolic factors, and non-coding RNAs actions crucial to these interactions. We have also discussed the most recent studies regarding the mechanisms of transportation and communication between microglial/astrocytes – GB cells, namely through the ABC transporters or by extracellular vesicles. Lastly, we highlight the therapeutic challenges and improvements regarding the crosstalk between these glial cells and GB.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disorder and the most common type of dementia in the elderly. The clinical symptoms of AD include a progressive loss of memory and impairment of cognitive functions interfering with daily life activities. The main neuropathological features consist in extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition and intracellular Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of hyperphosphorylated Tau. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie neurodegeneration in AD is essential for rational design of neuroprotective agents able to prevent disease progression. According to the “Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis” the critical molecular event in the pathogenesis of AD is the accumulation of Aβ neurotoxic oligomers. Since the proteolytic processing of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) by β-secretase (beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, BACE1) is the rate-limiting step in the production of Aβ, this enzyme is considered a major therapeutic target and BACE1 inhibitors have the potential to be disease-modifying drugs for AD treatment. Therefore, intensive efforts to discover and develop inhibitors that can reach the brain and effectively inhibit BACE1 have been pursued by several groups worldwide. The aim of this review is to highlight the progress in the discovery of potent and selective small molecule BACE1 inhibitors over the past decade.

RESUMO Os morcegos filostomídeos são potenciais dispersores de sementes, devido ao seu hábito de forrageio e grande mobilidade, sendo os principais responsáveis pela regeneração de florestas neotropicais. No Mato Grosso do Sul as pesquisas com dieta de morcegos se concentram na região do Pantanal, com poucos trabalhos focados na porção de Cerrado, e somente um em área urbana. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a dieta de filostomídeos frugívoros em dois remanescentes urbanos de Cerrado em Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, avaliando-se se a formulação da dieta das espécies é baseada em preferências alimentares específicas ou não. Os morcegos foram capturados em duas unidades de conservação (a Estação Ecológica Dahma e o Parque Estadual do Prosa) por 12 noites em cada área, usando-se seis redes-de-neblina, que permaneceram abertas durante seis horas a partir do ocaso. Após a captura, cada morcego foi mantido em saco de algodão individual por uma hora para coleta das fezes. As amostras fecais foram armazenadas individualmente em frasco hermético e imersas em glicerina, sendo posteriormente analisadas em laboratório. Todas as sementes encontradas nas amostras foram identificadas. Foram capturados 250 morcegos, distribuídos em dez espécies, oito gêneros e duas famílias. Os filostomídeos constituíram 93,2% das capturas (n=233). As espécies mais frequentes foram Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (27,6%) e Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818) (27,2%). Foram encontradas sementes em 46 amostras fecais de sete espécies de morcegos filostomídeos. A maioria das sementes encontradas era da família Piperaceae (69,6% das amostras), sendo um recurso-chave consumido por quase todas as espécies de filostomídeos. Os frugívoros auxiliam na manutenção de unidades de conservação, pois promovem a auto-renovação, sendo a frugivoria um processo importante em remanescentes florestais. O consumo exclusivo de espécies pioneiras é um indício do papel de morcegos na manutenção destes remanescentes urbanos de Cerrado.

Cardiac glycosides (CGs) are natural compounds used traditionally to treat congestive heart diseases. Recent investigations repositioned CGs as potential anticancer agents. To discover novel cytotoxic CG scaffolds, we selected the cardenolide glucoevatromonoside (GEV) out of 46 CGs for its low nanomolar anti-lung cancer activity. GEV presented reduced toxicity toward non-cancerous cell types (lung MRC-5 and PBMC) and high-affinity binding to the Na+/K+-ATPase α subunit, assessed by computational docking. GEV-induced cell death was caspase-independent, as investigated by a multiparametric approach, and culminates in severe morphological alterations in A549 cells, monitored by transmission electron microscopy, live cell imaging and flow cytometry. This non-canonical cell death was not preceded or accompanied by exacerbation of autophagy. In the presence of GEV, markers of autophagic flux (e.g. LC3I-II conversion) were impacted, even in presence of bafilomycin A1. Cell death induction remained unaffected by calpain, cathepsin, parthanatos, or necroptosis inhibitors. Interestingly, GEV triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis in U937 acute myeloid leukemia cells, witnessing cancer-type specific cell death induction. Differential cell cycle modulation by this CG led to a G2/M arrest, cyclin B1 and p53 downregulation in A549, but not in U937 cells. We further extended the anti-cancer potential of GEV to 3D cell culture using clonogenic and spheroid formation assays and validated our findings in vivo by zebrafish xenografts. Altogether, GEV shows an interesting anticancer profile with the ability to exert cytotoxic effects via induction of different cell death modalities.

Updated information of the dispersion dynamics of Chagas disease (CD) and a systemic analysis of these data will aid the early identification of areas that are vulnerable to transmission and enable efficient intervention. This work synthesized spatiotemporal information regarding triatomine fauna and analyzed this information in combination with the results from serological tests to elucidate the epidemiological panorama of CD in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. This is a retrospective analytical study that utilized information from the database of the National Chagas Disease Control Program. Between 2010 and 2016, 838 triatomines of eight species, namely, Panstrongylus geniculatus, which was first recorded in the state of Sergipe, Panstrongylus lutzi, P. megistus, Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, T. tibiamaculata, T. melanocephala, and Rhodnius neglectus, were collected. Optical microscopy revealed that 13.2% of triatomines examined were infected by Trypanosoma cruzi-like flagellates. The distribution of triatomines exhibits an expanding south-central to northern dispersion, with a preference for semiarid and agreste areas and occasional observations in humid coastal areas due to anthropogenic actions reflected in the environment. Of the human cases analyzed from 2012 to 2016, 8.3% (191/2316) presented positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, and this proportion showed a gradual increase in the southern center of the state and new notifications in coastal regions. There is a need for intensification and continuity of the measures adopted by the Chagas Disease Control Program in Sergipe, identifying new priority areas for intervention and preferential ecotopes of the vectors, considering the occurrence of positive triatomines intradomicilliary and a source of new triatomines in the peridomiciles.

In this paper, we assess and map the risk that atmospheric nitrogen (atN) pollution poses to biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites in mainland Portugal. We first review the ecological impacts of atN pollution on terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on the biodiversity of Natura 2000 sites. These nature protection sites, especially those located within the Mediterranean Basin, are under-characterized regarding the risk posed by atN pollution. We focus on ammonia (NH3) because this N form is mostly associated with agriculture, which co-occurs at or in the immediate vicinity of most areas of conservation interest in Portugal. We produce a risk map integrating NH3 emissions and the susceptibility of Natura 2000 sites to atN pollution, ranking habitat sensitivity to atN pollution using expert knowledge from a panel of Portuguese ecological and habitat experts. Peats, mires, bogs, and similar acidic and oligotrophic habitats within Natura 2000 sites (most located in the northern mountains) were assessed to have the highest relative risk of biodiversity change due to atN pollution, whereas Natura 2000 sites in the Atlantic and Mediterranean climate zone (coastal, tidal, and scrubland habitats) were deemed the least sensitive. Overall, results allowed us to rank all Natura 2000 sites in mainland Portugal in order of evaluated risk posed by atN pollution. The approach is of great relevance for stakeholders in different countries to help prioritize site protection and to define research priorities. This is especially relevant in countries with a lack of expertise to assess the impacts of nitrogen on biodiversity and can represent an important step up from current knowledge in such countries.

Five new polyoxygenated marine steroids—punicinols A–E (1–5)—were isolated from the gorgonian Leptogorgia punicea and characterized by spectroscopic methods (IR, MS, 1H, 13C and 2-D NMR). The five compounds induced in vitro cytotoxic effects against lung cancer A549 cells, while punicinols A and B were the most active, with IC50 values of 9.7 μM and 9.6 μM, respectively. The synergistic effects of these compounds with paclitaxel, as well as their effects on cell cycle distribution and their performance in the clonogenic assay, were also evaluated. Both compounds demonstrated significant synergistic effects with paclitaxel.

Key priorities in biochar research for future guidance of sustainable policy development have been identified by expert assessment within the COST Action TD1107. The current level of scientific understanding (LOSU) regarding the consequences of biochar application to soil were explored. Five broad thematic areas of biochar research were addressed: soil biodiversity and ecotoxicology, soil organic matter and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, soil physical properties, nutrient cycles and crop production, and soil remediation. The highest future research priorities regarding biochar’s effects in soils were: functional redundancy within soil microbial communities, bioavailability of biochar’s contaminants to soil biota, soil organic matter stability, GHG emissions, soil formation, soil hydrology, nutrient cycling due to microbial priming as well as altered rhizosphere ecology, and soil ph buffering capacity. Methodological and other constraints to achieve the required LOSU are discussed and options for efficient progress of biochar research and sustainable application to soil are presented. First published online: 14 Dec 2016

Biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) have received considerable attention because of their possible use in the development of strategies for the topical delivery of oils and therapeutic drugs, particularly when drug penetration in dermis is desired. Zein is a prolamine and is a promising material for the design of drug delivery systems. In this study, NPs were prepared with zein and were used to encapsulate and release terpinen-4-ol, which is a therapeutic agent for the treatment of melanoma. The results show that the zein NPs are promising nanostructured systems for the prolonged delivery of T4OL with potential applications in anti-melanoma therapy.

Este artigo propõe um instrumento de avaliação para a educação a distância, e relata a sua aplicação na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. No desenvolvimento da proposta, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica e, posteriormente, uma pesquisa de campo a fim de testar o pré-instrumento de avaliação proposto junto aos alunos do Curso de Pedagogia a distância e a sua validação junto à amostra considerada. O instrumento proposto possui 67 itens que permitem avaliar as dimensões: (i) corpo docente, corpo de tutores e coordenação; (ii) organização didático-pedagógica e; (iii) instalações físicas. O alfa de Cronbach do instrumento foi de 0,982, o que indica alta consistência interna, oportunizando a validação do instrumento. No total, 165 alunos participaram da pesquisa. Dada a generalidade do instrumento proposto, conclui-se que o mesmo pode ser aplicado para a avaliação da educação a distância ofertada por qualquer tipo de Instituição, seja de natureza pública ou privada.

The synthesis, characterisation and homogeneous catalytic oxidation results of two manganese(III) porphyrins of the so-called second-generation of metalloporphyrin catalysts, containing one or four 3,5-dichloropyridyl substituents at the meso positions are reported for the first time. The catalytic efficiency of these novel manganese(III) porphyrins was evaluated in the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, under homogeneous conditions. High conversions were obtained in the presence of both catalysts, obtaining the corresponding epoxide as the major product. The asymmetric metalloporphyrin, chloro[5,10,15-tris(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-20-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)porphyrinate]manganese(III), CAT-4, evidences a similar activity to that obtained with the well-known and highly efficient second-generation metalloporphyrin catalyst, chloro[5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrinate]manganese(III), CAT-2. CAT-4 was covalently attached onto Merrifield resin and 3-bromopropylsilica supports. The solid materials obtained were characterized by several techniques including diffuse reflectance, UV—VIS spectrophotometry, SEM and XPS. The catalytic results for the oxidation of cyclooctene and styrene using the immobilized catalysts are also presented. The Merrifield-supported catalyst showed to be very efficient, leading to five catalytic cycles in the oxidation of cyclooctene, using tert-butyl hydroperoxide as the oxidant.

This study proposes a workflow for land use and land cover (LULC) classification of Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar-2 (PALSAR-2) images of the Brazilian tropical savanna (Cerrado) biome. The following LULC classes were considered: forestlands; shrublands; grasslands; reforestations; croplands; pasturelands; bare soils/straws; urban areas; and water reservoirs. The proposed approach combines polarimetric attributes, image segmentation, and machine-learning procedures. A set of 125 attributes was generated using polarimetric ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 images, including the van Zyl, Freeman−Durden, Yamaguchi, and Cloude−Pottier target decomposition components, incoherent polarimetric parameters (biomass indices and polarization ratios), and HH-, HV-, VH-, and VV-polarized amplitude images. These attributes were classified using the Naive Bayes (NB), DT J48 (DT = decision tree), Random Forest (RF), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. The RF, MLP, and SVM classifiers presented the most accurate performances. NB and DT J48 classifiers showed a lower performance in relation to the RF, MLP, and SVM. The DT J48 classifier was the most suitable algorithm for discriminating urban areas and natural vegetation cover. The proposed workflow can be replicated for other SAR images with different acquisition modes or for other types of vegetation domains.

The increasing availability and volume of remote sensing data, such as Landsat satellite images, have allowed the multidimensional analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) changes. However, the performance of image classification is highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the training set and its temporal continuity, which may affect the accuracy of the classification and bias the analysis of the LULC changes. In this study, we intended to apply a long-term LULC analysis in a rural region based on a Landsat time series of 21 years (1995 to 2015). Here, we investigated the use of open LULC source data to provide training samples and the application of the K-means clustering technique to refine the broad range of spectral signatures for each LULC class. Experiments were conducted on a predominantly rural region characterized by a mixed agro-silvo-pastoral environment. The open source data of the official Portuguese LULC map (Carta de Uso e Ocupação do Solo, COS) from 1995, 2007, 2010, and 2015 were integrated to generate the training samples for the entire period of analysis. The time series was computed from Landsat data based on the normalized difference vegetation index and normalized difference water index, using 221 Landsat images. The Time-Weighted Dynamic Time Warping (TWDTW) classifier was used, since it accounts for LULC-type seasonality and has already achieved promising overall accuracy values for classifications based on time series. The results revealed that the proposed method was efficient in classifying a long-term satellite time-series with an overall accuracy of 76%, providing insights into the main LULC changes that occurred over 21 years.

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a free, open-access Volunteered geographic information (VGI) platform that has been widely used over the last decade as a source for Land Use Land Cover (LULC) mapping and visualization. However, it is known that the spatial coverage and accuracy of OSM data are not evenly distributed across all regions, with urban areas being likelier to have promising contributions (in both quantity and quality) than rural areas. The present study used OSM data history to generate LULC datasets with one-year timeframes as a way to support regional and rural multi-temporal LULC mapping. We evaluated the degree to which the different OSM datasets agreed with two existing reference datasets (CORINE Land Cover and the official Portuguese Land Cover Map). We also evaluated whether our OSM dataset was of sufficiently high quality (in terms of both completeness accuracy and thematic accuracy) to be used as a sampling data source for multi-temporal LULC maps. In addition, we used the near boundary tag accuracy criterion to assesses the fitness of the OSM data for producing training samples, with promising results. For each annual dataset, the completeness ratio of the coverage area for the selected study area was low. Nevertheless, we found high thematic accuracy values (ranged from 77.3% to 91.9%). Additionally, the training samples thematic accuracy improved as they moved away from the features’ boundaries. Features with larger areas (> 10 ha), e.g., Agriculture and Forest, had a steadily positive correlation between training samples accuracy and distance to feature boundaries

The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations to the physiological profile (cortisol, glycaemia, and blood parameters) of Lithobates catesbeianus caused by the stressors density and hypoxia. The organisms were in the prometamorphosis stage and exposed to different tadpole densities: 1 tadpole/L (T1), 5 tadpoles/L (T2), and 10 tadpoles/L (T3) for 12 days. The blood was collected through the rupture of the caudal blood vessel and collected under normoxia (immediate collection) and hypoxia (after 15 minutes of air exposure) conditions. Cortisol levels rose on the fourth and eighth days of treatment and returned to basal levels by the end of the experiment. The stressor mechanisms tested did not affect glycaemia. White blood cells (total number of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils) showed a significant difference at the twelfth day of the experiment when compared with the start of the experiment. We concluded that, under controlled conditions, a density of up to 10 tadpoles/L and air exposure for 15 minutes did not cause harmful physiological alterations during the experimental period. The answer to these stressors maybe was in another hormonal level (corticosterone).

The immunomodulatory properties of lipophosphoglycans (LPG) from New World species of Leishmania have been assessed in Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis, the causative agents of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. This glycoconjugate is highly polymorphic among species with variation in sugars that branch off the conserved Gal(β1,4)Man(α1)-PO4 backbone of repeat units. Here, the immunomodulatory activity of LPGs from Leishmania amazonensis, the causative agent of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, was evaluated in two strains from Brazil. One strain (PH8) was originally isolated from the sand fly and the other (Josefa) was isolated from a human case. The ability of purified LPGs from both strains was investigated during in vitro interaction with peritoneal murine macrophages and CHO cells and in vivo infection with Lutzomyia migonei. In peritoneal murine macrophages, the LPGs from both strains activated TLR4. Both LPGs equally activate MAPKs and the NF-κB inhibitor p-IκBα, but were not able to translocate NF-κB. In vivo experiments with sand flies showed that both stains were able to sustain infection in L. migonei. A preliminary biochemical analysis indicates intraspecies variation in the LPG sugar moieties. However, they did not result in different activation profiles of the innate immune system. Also those polymorphisms did not affect infectivity to the sand fly.

record of 591 patients that presented positive culture for CRE admitted from January 2012 to July 2013. Other factors associated with mortality of patients with CRE were: sex, age, microorganism isolation site, unit and length of stay, and clinical feature (infection and colonization). Data normality was tested by Shapiro-Wilk. Quantitative data was presented as median (interquartile range). The associations were made through 2x2 and tendency Chi-square test. Significance level was set at P

Few studies have addressed early cerebrovascular lethality in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 10 and 28-day stroke case-fatality rates in three hospitals in three Brazilian cities. METHODS: We described the stroke registries in São Paulo, João Pessoa, and Natal. RESULTS: Out of a total of 962 first-ever events (mean age, 68.1 years-old; 53% men), 83.6% (804 cases) were classified as ischemic and 16.4% (158) as hemorrhagic stroke. Overall, the case-fatality rates and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for hemorrhagic stroke events were higher than for ischemic events, both at 10 (12.3%; 95%CI 7.2-17.4 versus 7.0%; 95%CI 5.3-8.8) and at 28 days (19.8%; 95%CI 13.6-26.0 versus 11.1%; 95%CI 8.9-13.3). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any substantial differences in early case-fatality rates according to stroke subtypes, when comparing the three centers.

In the present study, the in vitro cytotoxic effects of six semi-synthetic derivatives of elatol (1) and isoobtusol (2) were investigated. Chemical modifications were performed on the hydroxyl groups aiming to get derivatives of different polarity, namely the hemisuccinate, carbamate and sulfamate. The structural elucidation of the new derivatives was based on detailed NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses. The in vitro cytotoxicity of compounds 1 to 8 was evaluated against A459 and RD tumor cell lines with CC50 values ranging from 4.93 to 41.53 µM. These results suggest that the structural modifications performed on both compounds could be considered a good strategy to obtain more active derivatives.

This laboratory project is planned for an undergraduate chemistry laboratory in which students prepare a manganese porphyrin able to mimic the oxidative metabolism of carbamazepine, one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the treatment of epilepsy. The in vitro oxidation of carbamazepine results in the formation of the corresponding 10,11-epoxide, the main in vivo metabolite. The reaction is catalyzed by manganese porphyrin in the presence of H2O2, an environmentally-friendly oxidant. Through this project students will develop their skills in organic synthesis, coordination chemistry, chromatographic techniques such as TLC and HPLC, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and NMR spectroscopy.

Estimada em quase 8 milhões de hectares, a área cultivada com cana no País possui 60% de sua extensão dentro do Estado de São Paulo e encontra-se distribuída de maneira heterogênea pelo seu território. Em junho de 2007, a União da Indústria de Cana-de-Açúcar (UNICA) e a SMA-SP assinaram um protocolo agroambiental para antecipar a extinção da queima da palha para 2014, em áreas com declividade inferior a 12%. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma análise sobre a adesão dos municípios a este protocolo frente à dinâmica da prática da queima, utilizando técnicas de análise espacial. Foram selecionadas duas regiões de acordo com o índice de Moran, e realizadas análises sobre a mudança em relação à prática da queima no período entre 2006 e 2008. Matrizes de transição foram calculadas usando um modelo estacionário baseado na cadeia de Markov. Um segundo modelo, prescritivo, foi elaborado por indicação de especialistas. Os resultados apontaram que há clusters onde a adesão ao protocolo é maior, como no entorno de Barretos e Ribeirão Preto, enquanto em outras áreas a prática da queima ainda prevalece, como nas proximidades de Ourinhos e Jaú. No entanto, as análises feitas mostraram que há forte inclinação à adesão em todas as regiões de estudo.The estimated sugarcane cultivated area in Brazil lies around 8 million hectares, 60% of which are found within the state of São Paulo, unevenly scattered throughout its territory. In June 2007, the Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) and SMA-SP signed an AgrI-Environment protocol, designed to anticipate the end of straw burning in areas with slope under 12% until 2014. The objective of this study is to perform an analysis of São Paulo municipalities' compliance with this protocol, considering the dynamics of burning practices, using spatial analysis techniques. Two study areas were selected according to Moran's index, and analyses on the harvesting practices changes during the period between 2006 and 2008 were performed. Transition matrices were calculated using a stationary model based on the Markov chain. A second model, prescriptive, was elaborated based on expert counseling. The results showed that there are clusters where the compliance with the protocol is higher, close to Barretos and Ribeirão Preto municipalities, while near Ourinhos and Jaú, the practice of burning is still regularly kept. However, the analysis showed that in all study areas there is a strong trend to reduce the pre-harvest burning.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso sobre a utilização de redes sociais na comunicação mediada por computador por uma turma de alunos que estão sendo capacitados para o mercado de trabalho, através do projeto Jovem Profissional Feevale. Os participantes são jovens entre 15 e 21 anos, provenientes de famílias de baixa renda, em situação de vulnerabilidade social e estudantes do Ensino Médio de três escolas públicas do município de Campo Bom/RS. A turma, composta por 20 alunos, iniciou as atividades conhecendo os recursos básicos do computador e pacotes de aplicativos para escritório, evoluindo para a utilização da Internet. Com o decorrer do curso, incrementou-se o aspecto interacionista através da utilização de ferramentas da web 2.0, mais especificamente, ferramentas presentes em redes sociais na Internet, adotadas como estímulo à interação entre os participantes do projeto e servindo de apoio ao aprendizado e à aquisição do conhecimento. O período de observação das atividades da turma foi de 40 dias e os resultados obtidos sinalizaram no sentido de que a utilização das ferramentas interativas presentes em redes sociais podem ser utilizadas com dois enfoques principais: a) na socialização dos jovens, mais notadamente em relação àqueles de comportamento mais introspectivo, aos quais a virtualização permitiu maior liberdade de expressão e b) na aquisição de habilidades e competências técnicas úteis quando do ingresso no mercado de trabalho, como a correta utilização do computador, a troca de informações no trabalho em equipe e rápida adaptação ao manuseio de diferentes softwares. Finalizamos considerando que houve indicativos de que o uso de redes sociais e de blogs favoreceu a interação desse grupo de estudantes, significando a possibilidade de que essas habilidades se estendam à sua futura área profissional, favorecendo o desempenho social e técnico desses jovens, quando do ingresso no mercado de trabalho. Palavras-chave: Redes Sociais. Interação. Tecnologia. Capacitação Profissional.

Specialized metabolites are of great interest due to their possible industrial and clinical applications. The increasing number of antimicrobial resistant infectious agents is a major health threat and therefore, the discovery of chemical diversity and new antimicrobials is crucial. Extensive genomic data from Streptomyces spp. confirm their production potential and great importance. Genome sequencing of the same species strains indicates that specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene cluster (SMBGC) diversity is not exhausted, and instead, a pool of novel specialized metabolites still exists. Here, we analyze the genome sequence data from six phylogenetically close Streptomyces strains. The results reveal that the closer strains are phylogenetically, the number of shared gene clusters is higher. Eight specialized metabolites comprise the core metabolome, although some strains have only six core gene clusters. The number of conserved gene clusters common between the isolated strains and their closest phylogenetic counterparts varies from nine to 23 SMBGCs. However, the analysis of these phylogenetic relationships is not affected by the acquisition of gene clusters, probably by horizontal gene transfer events, as each strain also harbors strain-specific SMBGCs. Between one and 15 strain-specific gene clusters were identified, of which up to six gene clusters in a single strain are unknown and have no identifiable orthologs in other species, attesting to the existing SMBGC novelty at the strain level.

The American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), recently named Lithobates catesbeianus is currently farmed for commercial purposes throughout various regions of Brazil. Stressful situations such as problems of management, inadequate facilities and environmental changes with consequent reduction of immunity are common in intensive production. The assessments of these situations of stress allow us detect these problems decreasing the injuries causes by confinement. The main objective of this study was to use the biological markers of plasma cortisol and glucose level and hematological parameters to evaluate the response of bullfrog tadpoles submitted to stressed mechanisms of capture and hypoxia. The animals were subjected to three treatments: stress due to individual capture with a hand net; stress due to batch capture with a hand net; and stress due to capture by emptying. The results obtained demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences in the parameters tested when comparing the treatments with and without exposure to air (normoxia and hypoxia). Based on these results we can conclude that the stressful stimuli tested were not adequate to alter the biomarker tested. For the cortisol, probably this should have occurred due to the synergistic action between this hormone and thyroxin, which induces metamorphosis in these animals.A rã-touro americana (Rana catesbeiana) recentemente denominada Lithobates catesbeianus é cria da com propósito comercial em várias regiões do Brasil. Situações estressantes tais como problemas de manejo, criação inadequada e alterações ambientais com consequente redução da imunidade são comuns em produções intensivas. A avaliação destas situações de estresse permite-nos detectar estes probemas e diminuir as injurias causadas pelo confinamento. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar os marcadores biológicos de cortisol, glicemia e dados hematológicos para avaliar a resposta de girinos de rã-touro submetidos aos mecanismos estressores de captura e hipóxia. Os animais foram distribuídosem três tratamentos: estresse por captura individual com puçá; estresse por captura em massa com puçá e estresse por captura por escoamento. Os resultados obtidos demostraram não haver diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os parametros avaliados quando comparou-se os grupos com e sem exposição ao ar (normoxia e hipoxia). Com base nestes resultados pode-se concluir que os estímulos estressores avaliados não foram adequados para alterar os valores plasmáticos dos marcadores biológicos testados. Para o cortisol, isto ocorreu provavelmente em virtude da ação sinérgica deste hormônio e a tiroxina, que induz a metamorfose nestes animais.

O trabalho focaliza a escola como lócus de formação. Analisa o contexto de uma escola de sucesso da rede municipal de Campo Grande, Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, descrevendo-o em suas características. Entre estas, destaca a gestão e o clima escolar. Para tanto, entrevista professores e gestores sobre a organização da escola, o estilo de gestão, bem como sobre os seus efeitos no trabalho do professor e no desempenho dos alunos. O exame das entrevistas permitiu construir algumas categorias que definem o ethos da instituição: o porte pequeno, o trabalho em equipe, as relações democráticas e o compromisso com os alunos. A análise destaca o profissionalismo da gestão e da sua visão prospectiva sobre a tarefa educativa, estimulando os professores a enfrentarem os desafios e compartilhando com eles as formas de superar as dificuldades. O estudo aponta a importância da rede de relações que se estabelece no contexto da escola como forma de socialização da profissão, construção da identidade docente e espaço de formação de professores a partir da prática.This work focuses on the school as a place for teachers education. It analyses the context of a successful school in the Campo Grande municipal system, in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The article describes its characteristics, with emphasis on the school management and the school climate. Teachers and managers were interviewed about the school, its organization and management as well as about the way these dimensions affect their work and the students’ performance. By examining the interviews, it was possible to build up some of the categories that define the ethos of the school: the fact of it being small, team-work, democratic relationships and commitment to the students. The analysis highlights the professionalism of the management and its prospective vision of the educational task, which encourages the teachers to face up to the challenges and shares with them ways of overcoming the difficulties. It points out the importance of the network of relationships that are established within the context of the school as a way of socializing the profession, constructing a teaching identity and establishing a place were teachers can learn starting with teaching practice.

Interactions among nitrogen (N) management and water resources quality are complex and enhanced in transboundary river basins. This is the case of Tagus River, which is an important river flowing from Spain to Portugal in the Iberian Peninsula. The aim was to provide a N assessment review along the Tagus River Basin regarding mostly agriculture, livestock, and urban activities. To estimate reactive nitrogen (Nr) load into surface waters, emission factor approaches were applied. Nr pressures are much higher in Spain than in Portugal (~13 times), which is mostly because of livestock intensification. Some policy and technical measures have been defined aiming at solving this problem. Main policy responses were the designation of Nitrate Vulnerable and Sensitive Zones, according to European Union (EU) directives. Nitrate Vulnerable Zone comprise approximately one third of both territories. On the contrary, Sensitive Zones are more extended in Spain, attaining 60% of the watershed, against only 30% in Portugal. Technical measures comprised advanced urban and industrial wastewater treatment that was designed to remove N compounds before discharge in the water bodies. Given this assessment, Tagus River Basin sustainability can only be guaranteed through load inputs reductions and effective transnational management processes of water flows.

Defensive chemistry may be used against consumers and competitors by invasive species as a strategy for colonization and perpetuation in a new area. There are relatively few studies of negative chemical interactions between scleratinian corals. This study characterizes the secondary metabolites in the invasive corals Tubastraea tagusensis and T. coccinea and relates these to an in situ experiment using a submersible apparatus with Sep-Paks® cartridges to trap substances released by T. tagusensis directly from the sea-water. Colonies of Tubastraea spp were collected in Ilha Grande Bay, RJ, extracted with methanol (MeOH), and the extracts washed with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol, and analyzed by GC/MS. Methyl stearate and methyl palmitate were the major components of the hexane and hexane:MeOH fractions, while cholesterol was the most abundant in the DCM and DCM:MeOH fractions from Tubastraea spp. The organic material retained in Sep-Paks® cartridges was tentatively identified as hydrocarbons. There was a significant difference between treatments and controls for 1-hexadecene, n-hexadecane and n-eicosane contents. The production of defensive substances by the invasive corals may be a threat to the benthic communities of the region, which include endemic species.Substâncias químicas de defesa contra consumidores e competidores podem ser usadas por espécies invasoras marinhas como estratégia de colonização e perpetuação em novo ambiente. Entretanto, há poucos estudos experimentais que demonstrem as possíveis interações negativas entre corais escleractínios. Este trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar os metabólitos secundários dos corais invasores Tubastraea tagusensis e T. coccinea; avaliar através da técnica de amostragem in situ quais são as substâncias de T. tagusensis liberadas na água do mar, com o auxílio de aparelho subaquático com colunas Sep-Paks®. Colônias dos corais invasores Tubastraea spp foram coletadas na Baía de Ilha Grande, RJ, e extraídas com MeOH. Os extratos foram submetidos à eluições com hexano, DCM e MeOH, e analisados por CG-EM. Estearato de metila e palmitato de metila foram as substâncias majoritárias das frações hexânicas e hexano: DCM, enquanto o colesterol foi a substância mais abundante das frações DCM e DCM:MeOH de Tubastraea spp. O material orgânico retido nas colunas Sep-Paks® foi identificado como hidrocarbonetos. Diferenças significativas entre controle e tratamento foram relacionadas a diferentes quantidades de 1-hexadeceno, n-hexadecano e n-eicosano. A produção de substâncias de defesas em Tubastraea spp permite especular sobre a ameaça que estes corais invasores representam para as comunidades bentônicas da Ilha Grande.

Approximately 40% of the total energy consumed by western populations is represented by lipids, most of them being ingested as triacylglycerols and phospholipids. The focus of this review is to analyze the effect of the type of dietary fat on white adipose tissue metabolism and secretory function, particularly on haptoglobin, TNF-α, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin secretion. Previous studies have demonstrated that the duration of the exposure to the high-fat feeding, amount of fatty acid present in the diet and the type of fatty acid may or may not have a significant effect on adipose tissue metabolism. However, the long-term or short-term high fat diets, especially rich in saturated fatty acids, probably by activation of toll-like receptors, stimulated the expression of proinflammatory adipokines and inhibited adiponectin expression. Further studies are needed to investigate the cellular mechanisms by which dietary fatty acids affect white adipose tissue metabolism and secretory functions.Aproximadamente 40% do total de energia consumida pela população ocidental é representada pelos lipídios, a maioria dela sendo ingerida na forma de triglicerídeos e fosfolipídios. O foco desta revisão foi analisar o efeito dos tipos de gordura da dieta sobre o metabolismo e função secretora do tecido adiposo branco, principalmente, sobre a secreção de haptoglobina, TNF-α, inibidor do ativador de plasminogênio-1 e adiponectina. Estudos prévios demonstraram que durante a exposição de dietas hiperlipídicas, a quantidade e o tipo de ácidos graxos presentes na dieta podem ou não ter um efeito significante sobre o metabolismo do tecido adiposo. Entretanto, o tratamento a curto ou longo prazo com dieta hiperlipídica, especialmente rica em ácidos graxos saturados, provavelmente por ativar receptores toll-like, estimula a expressão de adipocinas pró-inflamatórias e inibe a expressão de adiponectina. Estudos adicionais são necessários para investigar os mecanismos celulares pelos quais os ácidos graxos da dieta afetam a função secretória e metabólica do tecido adiposo branco.

Roraima is the northernmost state of Brazil, bordering both Venezuela and Guyana. Appropriate climate and vector conditions for dengue transmission together with its proximity to countries where all four dengue serotypes circulate make this state, particularly the capital Boa Vista, strategically important for dengue surveillance in Brazil. Nonetheless, few studies have addressed the population dynamics of Aedes aegypti in Boa Vista. In this study, we report temporal and spatial variations in Ae. aegypti population density using ovitraps in two highly populated neighbourhoods; Centro and Tancredo Neves. In three out of six surveys, Ae. aegypti was present in more than 80% of the sites visited. High presence levels of this mosquito suggest ubiquitous human exposure to the vector, at least during part of the year. The highest infestation rates occurred during the peak of the rainy seasons, but a large presence was also observed during the early dry season (although with more variation among years). Spatial distribution of positive houses changed from a sparse and local pattern to a very dense pattern during the dry-wet season transition. These results suggest that the risk of dengue transmission and the potential for the new serotype invasions are high for most of the year.

The advertising about maternal milk substitutes has been pointed as one of the factors responsible for the breastfeeding low rates. In this way, legal support was created to assure that the use of such products would not interfere on the healthy breastfeeding habit of the population. This study, developed between June 2006 and May 2008 in the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, analyzed the food advertisements divulged under the validity of Law # 11.265/2006, which controls in Brazil the food commercialization and the publicity addressed to parents or keepers of nursling and children in the first childhood. 220 advertisements, being 141 of technical-scientific nature, and 79 for strictly commercial promotion, were collected and evaluated according to legal requirements. The results from this analysis showed that 100% of the advertisements of technical-scientific nature overstepped the clause V; 18.4% the clause IV and 14.2% the clauses I, II and III of article 19th of Law # 11265/2006. In 42% of the advertisements strictly for commercial promotion, the mandatory information mentioned at clauses I and II of the article 5th were not shown. In 8.7% of the advertisements containing such information, it was placed in an area that embarrassed its identification and reading, due to used fonts size and/or color; similarly as occurred with the information required by article 19th, in the advertisements of technical-scientific nature.A propaganda de substitutos do leite materno tem sido apontada como um dos fatores responsáveis pelos baixos índices da amamentação. Neste sentido, dispositivos legais foram criados para assegurar o uso desses produtos, sem que haja interferência no aleitamento materno. Este estudo objetivou analisar propagandas de alimentos abrangidos pela Lei nº 11.265/2006, que regulamenta a comercialização e publicidade de alimentos para lactentes e crianças de primeira infância no Brasil, no período de junho 2006 a maio de 2008, na cidade de Natal/RN. Foram coletadas 220 propagandas, sendo 141 de material técnico-científico e 79 de promoção comercial que foram avaliadas quanto às exigências legais. O resultado desta análise demonstrou que 100% das propagandas veiculadas em material técnico-científico infringiram o inciso V; 18,4% o inciso IV e 14,2% os incisos I, II e III do artigo 19 da Lei nº 11.265/2006. Em 42% das promoções comerciais não foram veiculadas as informações obrigatórias constantes dos incisos I e II do artigo 5º. Em 8,7% das que continham essas informações, estas estavam postas em local que dificultava sua identificação e leitura devido ao tamanho e cor das letras, semelhantemente ao ocorrido com as informações exigidas pelo artigo 19 nas propagandas veiculadas em material técnico-científico.