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Trabecular bone is highly dynamic in response to external and internal stimuli, and changes in its structure can be quantified through fractal analysis. However, fractal analysis is still an incipient technique in equine research. This study aimed to evaluate the complexity, heterogeneity, and density of the trabecular bone of the proximal phalanx (P1) of healthy adult horses of different breeds and sexes by measuring the values of fractal dimension (FD), lacunarity, and bone area fraction (BA/TA) in 65 radiographic examinations of the metacarpophalangeal joint and evaluate the agreement between the BoneJ and FracLac plugins for measuring FD. Regions of interest of 50 × 50 pixels were manually selected on the trabecular bone in the proximal epiphysis of the P1. No differences were observed for FD, lacunarity, and BA/TA between horses of different breeds and sexes (p > 0.1). The BoneJ and FracLac plugins showed no agreement when measuring FD (p < 0.01). Therefore, the radiographic texture of the trabecular bone of the P1 in horses had no influence depending on the analyzed breed or sex. The FracLac plugin measured higher FD values, and hence standardization using the BoneJ plugin is recommended. Further studies are required to evaluate other breeds, age groups, and training levels.

Introdução: A faringite é uma infecção muito frequente do trato respiratório, podendo ser causadas por bactérias, vírus e fungos. Desconhece-se os agentes etiológicos implicados na etiologia das faringotonsilites agudas em nosso meio. Objetivo: O presente projeto teve como objetivo investigar a etiologia das faringosontilites agudas como parte de projeto de pesquisa de uso de terapia fotodinâmica no tratamento de faringotonsilites agudas. Método: Casuítica e métodos: Os paciente com farintotonsilite aguda confirmada por avaliação clínica eram inclusos no estudo mediante assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. A investigação etiológica do protocolo incluiu coleta de swab de orofaringe para teste rápido para EBHGA; coloração de Gram e cultura geral em ágar sangue, chocolate e Mac Conkey; reação em cadeia por polimerase (PCR) para Fusobacterium necrophorum e painel de detecção de vírus respiratórios por PCR (vírus influenza A e B, adenovírus, rhinovírus, coronavírus OC43, vírus Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex vírus, e coronavírus-19). Resultados: Resultados preliminares: De 20 e maio de 2019 a 29/01/2020 foram inclusos no estudo 47 pacientes com faringotonsilite aguda, sendo 53,2% do sexo masculino, com idade média de 23,6 anos. A etiologia foi bacteriana em 20 pacientes (42,6%), viral em sete pacientes (14,9%), e mista – bacteriana e viral em 5 pacientes (10,6%). O EBHGA foi responsável por 25,5% dos casos, o Fusobacterium necrophorum 10,6%, e EBHGB por 4,3% e o Staphylococcus aureus por 4,3%. Em relação aos vírus, o HSV foi responsável por 8% dos casos, e o EBV por 4,3%. Todos os isolados de Streptococcus beta-hemolítico Grupo A eram sensíveis à penicilina, entre 55 e 60% eram resistentes aos macrolídeos e 50% eram resistentes à clindamicina. Conclusão: As faringotonsilites agudas no estudo foram causadas por bacterias em 42,6% dos pacientes, por vírus em 14,9%, e por bactérias e virus em 10,6%. Não foi possivel isolar o agente em 31,9% dos casos. O principal agente bacteriano foi o Streptococcus beta-hemolitico do grupo A, sensivel à penicilina, com alta resistência a macrolideos (55-60%), e àclindamicina (50%). O segundo agente bacteriano foi o anaerobio Fusobacterium necrophorum, geralmente não investigado laboratorialmente nem tratado de forma rotineira, e com potencial de complicação supurativa grave. Em relação ás etiologias virais, em resultado preliminar o HSV foi responsável por 17% das faringotonsilites agudas, e o Vírus Epstein-Barr por 4,3%.

Introdução: Cargas virais do SARS-CoV-2 elevadas e mantidas em secreções respiratórias parecem estar relacionadas a gravidade da COVID-19. No entanto, alguns autores observaram elevada carga viral mesmo em pessoas assintomáticas. Diversos fatores podem estar implicados como maior inóculo na transmissão, menor controle de replicação, menor resposta ao tratamento. Assim, são necessários estudos da influência da dinâmica de secreção viral em secreções respiratórias na letalidade por COVID-19. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre a evolução da carga viral do SARS-CoV-2 em secreções respiratórias e o prognostico da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) por COVID-19, em termos de necessidade de ventilação mecânica não invasiva (VMNI), de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI), ou de evolução para óbito ou para desenvolvimento de sequelas, e seus fatores associados. Método: Estudo de coortes. Exposição: carga viral do SARS-CoV-19 estimada pelo método ΔCt; desfecho: VMNI, VMI, sequela cardíaca ou pulmonar, alta/óbito. Participaram do estudo indivíduos adultos (idade ≥18 anos) internados por SRAG por SARS-CoV-2. Realizado questionário padronizado com informações demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, virológicas, laboratoriais e de imagem, de necessidade de suporte, e de tratamento, no programa RedCap. Os pacientes eram reavaliados em mais quatro ocasiões com novos RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 em secreção de nasofaringe (48-72h, 6-8 dias, 10-15 dias, 20-25 dias). Avaliada a evolução com VMNI ou VMNI, alta/óbito hospitalar, sequelas pulmonares e cardiovasculares, além da produção de anticorpos neutralizantes (AN). Resultados: Entre 10/2020 e 11/2021, foram inclusos 23 pacientes com SRAG por SARS-CoV-2. Metade dos pacientes necessitaram suporte de O2 com máscara com reservatório e 26,1% foram submetidos a VMI. Dois pacientes evoluiram com o óbito. A carga viral do SARS-CoV-2 por ΔCt em swab de naso/orofaringe se manteve elevada (> 10) após 7d de internação em pacientes que evoluiram com óbito. Fatores associados ao óbito na admissão foram idade > 60 anos, hipotermia, bradicardia, hipotensão, alterações ECG (alargamento da onda p e BAV de 1 grau), contagem neutrófilos < 5000 células/mm3, D-dímero > 1 mg/L; PCR < 10 mg/dL e bilirrubina total < 0,4 mg/dL. Os dois pacientes que evoluíram com o óbito não receberam corticoide nas primeiras 72h de internação. > 95% dos pacientes evoluíram com produção de AN após a doença (mediana de 99,3%). Conclusão: A manutenção de carga viral elevada após uma semana parece associada à letalidade.

Introdução: Queixas de uretrite e proctite são comuns na prática clínica, sendo as principais etiologias a Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) e a Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), geralmente tratadas empiricamente. No entanto, outros agentes pouco lembrados como os micoplasmas, ureaplasmas e tricomonas eventualmente são os causadores destes sintomas. Com isso, a terapia empírica pode não necessariamente levar à cura e facilita a resistência aos antimicrobianos. Ademais, considerando as alterações das manifestações do monkeypox ao longo do tempo, a redução de sua notificação e o fato do vírus poder apresentar essas manifestações na transmissão sexual, essa poderia ser uma outra etiologia. Objetivo: Avaliar características clínicas, epidemiológicas e etiológicas de pacientes com uretrite e/ou proctite em São Carlos-SP, avaliar o impacto da implantação de teste molecular rápido para CT e NG (CT/NG qPCR) em seu manejo clínico e desenvolver qPCR para identificação dos outros agentes. Método: Estudo observacional transversal incluiu indivíduos adultos com sintomas de uretrite e/ou proctite e/ou lesões cutâneas, genitais ou anais compatíveis com monkeypox. Realizada entrevista, exame físico, coleta e congelamento de urina para CT/NG qPCR e para posterior realização de reações em cadeia por polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) para Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma spp, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis e vírus Monkeypox. Realizados testes rápidos para IST (TR), cultura geral de secreção uretral e eventualmente VDRL e anti-HSV. Os qPCR foram desenvolvidos com o uso de SYBR green, com base em primers da literatura, analisados e modificados nas ferramentas BLAST/NCBI e OligoAnalyzer. Resultados: Até o momento, foram incluídos oito homens, entre 21 e 43 anos, todos com descarga uretral, disúria, desconforto peniano e/ou escrotal, quatro com alterações de faringe ou mucosa oral, três com lesões ulceradas genitais e quatro com adenomegalia. O CT/NG qPCR excluiu infecção por CT em todos os pacientes e de NG em quatro. Evitou-se o uso empírico de azitromicina em sete pacientes e de ceftriaxona em três. Houve paciente com quatro ISTs simultâneas. Conclusão: A implantação do CT/NG qPCR teve resultados benéficos na pequena amostra de pacientes incluídos até o momento, permitindo o tratamento direcionado e a redução do uso empírico de azitromicina e ceftriaxona. No entanto, o diagnóstico nem sempre se reverte em diminuição do uso empírico de antimicrobianos.

A review of training protocols for the 5.000m race was carried out in order to facilitate the search and comparison between the existing protocols. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the physical training protocols applied to athletes and well-trained runners who have investigated the impacts on performance in 5,000m races and/or recognised performance parameters in this distance. This review was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search used PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases. The PICOS strategy was used to define eligibility criteria. A total of 35 studies were included in the systematic review, 25 studies were selected for qualitative analysis from the databases, and 10 articles were identified during the reading of the articles selected by the main search. Selected studies had their methodological quality and risk of bias assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Interval running protocols are the main potentiators for performance in the 5.000m. Among all running protocols that improved the 5,000m time trial or any of the predicted variables studied in this review, 33.33% used both interval and continuous training, 33.33% used uphill HIIT, and 13.33% used HIIT. Neuromuscular protocols showed effects mainly on running economy. Eight of the eleven neuromuscular intervention protocols showed improvement in this variable. Among all neuromuscular protocols that improved the 5,000m time trial or any of the predicted variables studied in this review, 50% applied complex training, 25% used plyometric as an intervention and 25% used strength resistance training. The coach must choose the combination of the studied protocols in order to guarantee performance improvement.

Ceratocystis fimbriata is the causal agent of Ceratocystis wilt in eucalypt plantations, resulting in lower volumetric growth, lower pulp yields and reduced timber. Therefore, the first hypothesis is these changes also could affect root-associated bacterial communities; and second hypothesis is that some bacteria associated with eucalyptus roots may act as a natural barrier against C. fimbriata. The structure and composition of bacterial communities associated to roots of eucalyptus plants presenting four levels of infection by C. fimbriata were evaluated. The abundance of rhizoplane community was higher than in endorhizosphere. On rhizoplane the abundance was higher in healthy than the infected plants, suggesting that these communities respond differentially to the C. fimbriata infection. C. fimbriata infection has effect on the endophytic bacterial community. The Pseudomonas fluorescens, P veronii, and Rahnella aquatilis were isolated only from roots of healthy plants. It was confirmed that R. aquatilis effectively controls C. fimbriata in vitro, strongly suggesting a negative association between the abundance of these bacterial species and the presence of C. fimbriata infection. In summary, data clearly suggest that sequential dynamics in shifting bacterial communities could be taken into account to increase understanding of the underlying mechanisms of C. fimbriata root infection.

O uso de armadilhas é um método prático e econômico para realizar a captura e o monitoramento de tripes em cultivos de morangueiro. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a eficiência de captura de tripes em armadilhas do tipo Moericke de diferentes tonalidades de azul (clara, intermediária e escura). As coletas dos tripes ocorreram de outubro de 2022 a outubro de 2023 em cultivo convencional semi-hidropônico de morangueiro dos cultivares San Andreas e Monterrey. As armadilhas foram distribuídas completamente ao acaso, dispostas na mesma altura da bancada de cultivo, com quatro repetições por tonalidade de azul. Para a contagem dos tripes, amostras de 20mL de água foram coletadas semanalmente do fundo de cada bacia. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). A armadilha Moericke de coloração azul-clara foi mais eficaz na captura de tripes em cultivo semi-hidropônico de morangueiro.

Esse artigo apresenta discussões sobre as paisagens urbanas de Goiânia, Goiás. O texto analisa e enaltece abordagens teóricas plasmadas na perspectiva da representação social e da diferenciação dos arranjos espaciais. Para isso, utilizou-se uma metodologia qualitativa, de natureza bibliográfica, de obras relacionadas às temáticas da pesquisa e trabalhos de campo realizados em dois locais distintos da cidade (Jardim América e Alphaville Flamboyant), sendo fundamental para identificar os elementos de diferenciação e as espacialidades urbanas nestes lugares, a partir das análises da paisagem e dos registros fotográficos. Como resultados, o trabalho sinaliza, de maneira introdutória, as contribuições significativas de estudos clássicos e contemporâneos, que ampliam o debate sob diferentes perspectivas, tais como: arranjos urbanos; periferias; dinâmica socioespacial; entre outras. Essa análise se revela como essencial para decifrar as representações socioespaciais, fato que requer uma “atitude crítica” a ser apoiada pela Geografia, pela especificidade analítica e questionadora desta ciência. Nessa direção, o artigo enaltece reflexões importantes no debate sobre as paisagens urbanas de Goiânia, que se abrem como possibilidades e como formas de repensar o papel dos estudos geográficos na sociedade brasileira.

ABSTRACT Garlic (Allium sativum) is normally grown under conventional tillage (CT) with soil being excessively mixed by plowing and harrowing operations that degrade soil structure, increase production costs, and increase environmental contamination. Alternatively, cover crops can be grown and their residues placed on soil surface, enabling garlic to be grown under no-tillage (NT) system. However, for subtropical climate there is little information on the impacts of tillage systems and cover crop species, particularly of their decomposition process and nutrients release, on garlic nutritional status and yield. This study aimed to evaluate garlic yield, and the decomposition rate and nutrient release from aboveground residues of cover crops cultivated in CT and NT methods, in a subtropical climate. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria ochroleuca) were cultivated as cover crops previous to garlic, under CT or NT, for two consecutive years in the same area. The highest dry matter yield and nutrient release by cover crops were observed for millet and sunn hemp. The highest accumulations of P and K were observed in millet residue. Total garlic yield averaged 16.2 Mg ha-1 yr-1 and was affected neither by tillage method nor by cover crop species. The yield of marketable garlic was higher when soil was covered with bean residue in NT. Yield of non-marketable garlic was higher under CT in the first year, when high precipitation occurred shortly before harvest. The highest residue decomposition and nutrient release rates were observed under CT, in the three cover crop species. No-tillage increases marketable yield of garlic and the residence time of cover crop residues. We recommend cultivation in NT systems using cover crops, thus increasing marketable garlic yield and nutrient cycling.

Obesity is characterized by excess fat, which favors the development of intestinal diseases. Arthrospira platensis (AP) has been the subject of several studies. However, few studies involve its effects on intestinal reactivity and associated mechanisms of action. The effects of AP and the mechanisms by which the seaweed prevents damage to contractile reactivity in the ileum were evaluated. Rats were fed on standard diet (SD), hypercaloric diet (HCD), or HCD supplemented with AP at a dose of 25 mg/kg (HCD + AP25). The preventive effects of seaweed were associated with positive modulation of the Rho kinase complex (ROCK), nitric oxide (NO), contractile prostanoids, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase signaling pathways, which may be associated with the presence of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), as the main component of AP. Therefore, AP appears as an adjunct in the prevention of obesity and intestinal diseases.

Abstract Background Environmental conditions vary among deserts across the world, spanning from hyper-arid to high-elevation deserts. However, prior genomic studies on desert adaptation have focused on desert and non-desert comparisons overlooking the complexity of conditions within deserts. Focusing on the adaptation mechanisms to diverse desert environments will advance our understanding of how species adapt to extreme desert environments. The hairy-footed jerboas are well adapted to diverse desert environments, inhabiting high-altitude arid regions, hyper-arid deserts, and semi-deserts, but the genetic basis of their adaptation to different deserts remains unknown. Results Here, we sequenced the whole genome of 83 hairy-footed jerboas from distinct desert zones in China to assess how they responded under contrasting conditions. Population genomics analyses reveal the existence of three species in hairy-footed jerboas distributed in China: Dipus deasyi, Dipus sagitta, and Dipus sowerbyi. Analyses of selection between high-altitude desert (elevation ≥ 3000m) and low-altitude desert (< 500m) populations identified two strongly selected genes, ATR and HIF1AN, associated with intense UV radiation and hypoxia in high-altitude environments. A number of candidate genes involved in energy and water homeostasis were detected in the comparative genomic analyses of hyper-arid desert (average annual precipitation < 70mm) and arid desert (< 200mm) populations versus semi-desert (> 360mm) populations. Hyper-arid desert animals also exhibited stronger adaptive selection in energy homeostasis, suggesting water and resource scarcity may be the main drivers of desert adaptation in hairy-footed jerboas. Conclusions Our study challenges the view of deserts as homogeneous environments and shows that distinct genomic adaptations can be found among desert animals depending on their habitats.

Klebsiella aerogenes is an important opportunistic pathogen with the potential to develop resistance against last-line antibiotics, such as carbapenems, limiting the treatment options. Here, we investigated the antibiotic resistance profiles of 10 K. aerogenes strains isolated from patient samples in the intensive-care unit of a Brazilian tertiary hospital using conventional PCR and a comprehensive genomic characterization of a specific K. aerogenes strain (CRK317) carrying both the blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 genes simultaneously. All isolates were completely resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, including ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem with differencing levels of resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones, and tigecycline also observed. Half of the strains studied were classified as multidrug-resistant. The carbapenemase-producing isolates carried many genes of interest including: β-lactams (blaNDM-1, blaKPC-2, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-1 group, blaOXA-1 group and blaSHVvariants in 20-80% of the strains), aminoglycoside resistance genes [aac(6’)-Ib and aph(3’)-VI, 70 and 80%], a fluoroquinolone resistance gene (qnrS, 80%), a sulfonamide resistance gene (sul-2, 80%) and a multidrug efflux system transporter (mdtK, 70%) while all strains carried the efflux pumps Acr (subunit A) and tolC. Moreover, we performed a comprehensive genomic characterization of a specific K. aerogenes strain (CRK317) carrying both the blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1 genes simultaneously. The draft genome assembly of the CRK317 had a total length of 5,462,831 bp and a GC content of 54.8%. The chromosome was found to contain many essential genes. In silico analysis identified many genes associated with resistance phenotypes, including β-lactamases (blaOXA-9, blaTEM-1, blaNDM-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaAmpC-1, blaAmpC-2), the bleomycin resistance gene (bleMBL), an erythromycin resistance methylase (ermC), aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes [aac(6’)-Ib, aadA/ant(3”)-Ia, aph(3’)-VI], a sulfonamide resistance enzyme (sul-2), a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (catA-like), a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance protein (qnrS1), a glutathione transferase (fosA), PEtN transferases (eptA, eptB) and a glycosyltransferase (arnT). We also detected 22 genomic islands, eight families of insertion sequences, two putative integrative and conjugative elements with a type IV secretion system, and eight prophage regions. This suggests the significant involvement of these genetic structures in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The results of our study show that the emergence of carbapenemase-producing K. aerogenes, co-harboring blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-1, is a worrying phenomenon which highlights the importance of developing strategies to detect, prevent, and control the spread of these microorganisms.

Conservation planning in areas prone to human–wildlife interactions requires strong integration between biodiversity protection and other human society needs. Livestock depredation by felids is one of the most reported human–wildlife conflicts in Tibet, reinforced by expanding rangeland and rebounding of wildlife populations. Tibet harbors the richest felid diversity in China; nevertheless, only two protected areas were designated targeting this emblematic group. Here, we combined species distribution modeling and systematic conservation planning approaches to identify priority areas for felid conservation in Tibet. Specifically, we assessed conservation priorities based on three complementary biodiversity indexes (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) integrated with livestock density, land use, and human disturbances. Based on the most comprehensive dataset of felid species, we found that large parts of Tibet remain poorly studied and most of the felid populations inhabit unprotected Tibetan lands. In addition, we detected that livestock density is positively related to large-sized felid distributions, reflecting the long-term conflict in this region. Our prioritization analyses identified large priority areas for felid conservation in Tibet. Worrisomely, approximately 76% of them lie outside of existing and planned protected areas, with four noteworthy gaps. The largest extension of these key regions for felid conservation is located in southeastern Tibet close to the border with India, Bhutan, and Nepal, revealing the need for transnational conservation efforts across the Pan-Himalaya region. Our study represents the first attempt of systematic conservation planning for Tibetan felids taking into account the balance between multiple conservation values and competing land use for societal development.

Understanding species responses to climatic change over extended timescales helps elucidate past and future extinction events. Amphibians are one of the most environmentally sensitive groups and yet showed high resilience to the Cretaceous-Paleogene (KPg) mass extinction, an event marked by sudden cooling and drought. To understand this past resilience and the associated filter mechanisms, we investigated the evolutionary history of key survival traits (body size and lifestyle) and explored climate-driven body-size selectivity of modern anuran assemblages. We found clear environment constraints on present-day anurans, where extreme temperatures and high seasonality filter against extreme-sized species. Our fossil-extant phylogenetic reconstruction reveals that anuran assemblages surrounding the KPg were mostly medium-sized species but large anuran species went extinct at the KPg, which is consistent with the uneven size-resilience to climate across modern anurans. Additionally, we found that cooling periods were marked by accelerated body-size diversification in anurans, and we inferred a close association between the evolution of arboreal frogs and angiosperms. Using the climate resilience of modern species as baselines, we estimate that future climate change will impact tropical anurans the most, where up to ∼500 species may face increased climate-related extinction pressure by 2100. Here we show that size-extinction selectivity in anurans is consistent over time and space, with extreme climate conditions filtering out larger and smaller species, conditions of which are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the future.

Abstract Background Swine production expanded in the last decades. Efforts have been made to improve meat production and to understand its relationship to pig gut microbiota. Copper (Cu) is a usual supplement to growth performance in animal production. Here, two performance studies were conducted to investigate the effects of three different sources of Cu on the microbiota of piglets. A total of 256 weaned piglets were randomly allocated into 4 treatments (10 replicates per treatment of 4 piglets per pen in Trial 1 and 8 replicates of 3 piglets per pen in Trial 2). Treatments included a control group (fed 10 mg/kg of Cu from CuSO4), a group fed at 160 mg/kg of Copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) or tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC), and a group fed with Cu methionine hydroxy analogue chelated (Cu-MHAC) at 150, 80, and 50 mg/kg in Phases 1 (24–35 d), 2 (36–49 d), and 3 (50–70 d), respectively. At 70 d, the cecum luminal contents from one pig per pen were collected and polled for 16 S rRNA sequencing (V3/V4 regions). Parameters were analyzed in a completely randomized block design, in which each experiment was considered as a block. Results A total of 1337 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified. Dominance and Simpson ecological metrics were statistically different between control and treated groups (P

Genome assembles for Northern three-toed jerboa, Siberian jerboa, Midday jird and Desert hamster and provides insights into similarities and differences in mechanisms for desert adaptation.

Abstract Dengue, yellow fever, Chinkungunya, Zika virus, and West Nile fever have infected millions and killed a considerable number of humans since their emergence. These arboviruses are transmitted by mosquito bites and topical chemical repellents are the most commonly used method to protect against vector arthropod species. This study aimed to develop a new generation of repellent formulations to promote improved arboviruses transmission control. A repellent system based on polycaprolactone (PCL)-polymeric nanoparticles was developed for the dual encapsulation of IR3535 and geraniol and further incorporation into a thermosensitive hydrogel. The physicochemical and morphological parameters of the prepared formulations were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), nano tracking analysis (NTA), atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro release mechanisms and permeation performance were evaluated before and after nanoparticles incorporation into the hydrogels. FTIR analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of formulation epidermal contact. Potential cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT reduction test and disc diffusion methods. The nanoparticle formulations were stable over 120 days with encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 60% and 99% for IR3535 and geraniol, respectively. AFM analysis revealed a spherical nanoparticle morphology. After 24 h, 7 ± 0.1% and 83 ± 2% of the GRL and IR3535, respectively, were released while the same formulation incorporated in poloxamer 407 hydrogel released 11 ± 0.9% and 29 ± 3% of the loaded GRL and IR3535, respectively. GRL permeation from PCL nanoparticles and PCL nanoparticles in the hydrogel showed similar profiles, while IR3535 permeation was modulated by formulation compositions. Differences in IR3535 permeated amounts were higher for PCL nanoparticles in the hydrogels (36.9 ± 1.1 mg/cm2) compared to the IR3535-PCL nanoparticles (29.2 ± 1.5 mg/cm2). However, both active permeation concentrations were low at 24 h, indicating that the formulations (PCL nanoparticles and PCL in hydrogel) controlled the bioactive percutaneous absorption. Minor changes in the stratum corneum (SC) caused by interaction with the formulations may not represent a consumer safety risk. The cytotoxicity results presented herein indicate the carrier systems based on poly-epsilon caprolactone (PCL) exhibited a reduced toxic effect when compared to emulsions, opening perspectives for these systems to be used as a tool to prolong protection times with lower active repellent concentrations.

Digital transformations in manufacturing systems confer advantages for enhancing competitiveness and ensuring the survival of companies by reducing operating costs, improving quality, and fostering innovation, falling within the overarching umbrella of Industry 4.0. This study aims to provide a framework for the integration of smart statistical digital systems into existing manufacturing control systems, exemplified with guidelines to transform an existent statistical process control into a smart statistical process control. Employing the design science research method, the research techniques include a literature review and interviews with experts who critically evaluated the proposed framework. The primary contribution lies in a set of general-purpose guidelines tailored to assist practitioners in manufacturing systems with the implementation of digital, smart technologies aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0. The resulting guidelines specifically target existing manufacturing plants seeking to adopt new technologies to maintain competitiveness. The main implication of the study is that practitioners can utilize the guidelines as a roadmap for the ongoing development and implementation of project management. Furthermore, the study paves the way for open innovation initiatives by breaking down the project into defined steps and encouraging individual or collective open contributions, which consolidates the practice of open innovation in manufacturing systems.

Nosso propósito com este artigo é colocar sob investigação nossos processos de lembrar e contar, advindos das relações entre memória, narrativa, experiência e subjetividades. Para isso, vamos tomar uma cena da série “Veneno”, em que uma mulher transexual, conhecida como La Veneno, recorda a primeira vez em que alguém a nomeou como bicha. A cena, isoladamente, não nos interessa, mas, sim, o processo de lembrar e contar que ela provoca. Neste caminho investigativo, inspiramo-nos em autores das perspectivas pós-estruturalista e foucaultiana para problematizar as narrativas das crianças bichas que são incitadas pela cena, considerando que o cinema tem um aspecto poético que nos possibilita preencher o que vemos com nossas histórias e experiências, abrindo espaços para que possamos inventar outras formas de ser e estar no mundo.

Esse artigo pensa e discute as expansões, os obstáculos e as imaginações da teoria queer no presente para problematizar sobre o que podemos pesquisar em currículo e educação no Brasil. Consideramos que o queer, como analítica da normalização, seja uma ferramenta de que não podemos abrir mão para pensar os efeitos das normas nas vidas de muitas pessoas que demandam ainda mais expansões em territórios, sejam físicos e/ou conceituais; defendemos que há, ainda, obstáculos em pesquisar algumas temáticas queer desde a educação e o currículo, porque algumas áreas são legitimadas para tal; concordamos que há imaginações porvir que tensionem, ampliem e possam nos fazer pensar o mundo para além das normas e que se fabule a existência em seu sentido amplo.

A poesia possui como objetivo refletir sobre necropolítica, racismo e políticas de morte no Brasil contemporâneo.

Obesity is characterized by an energy imbalance caused by caloric intake and expenditure, being a risk factor associated with a wide range of pathophysiological conditions including gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, it has been shown that overexpression of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines is a mechanistic link between obesity and cellular functions in animals and humans. Some natural products are reported to be effective in counteracting the adverse effects of oxidative stress. Thus, Arthorpira platensis (AP) stands out, an alga with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, the objective is to evaluate the preventive effects of AP supplementation on oxidative stress and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels in the ileum of rats fed a hypercaloric diet. The rats were divided into a group fed a standard diet (SD), a hypercaloric diet (HCD) and/or fed a hypercaloric diet and supplemented simultaneously with AP 25 mg/Kg (HCD + AP25), after 8 weeks of treatment the ileum was collected for The analyses. It was observed that in the DHC group there was underproduction of antioxidant enzymes as well as overexpression of oxidative stress in the ileum of rats, interestingly this damage was prevented by the alga. Furthermore, the DHC group showed high levels of IL-1β (940.6 ± 34.5) such an increase was prevented in the HCD + AP25 group (597.2 ± 33.3). It is evident, therefore, that AP prevents the increase in oxidative stress and the inflammatory profile in the ileum of obese rats, making it a promising therapeutic alternative in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases aggravated by obesity.

Os tripes são importantes insetos-praga do morangueiro e o uso de armadilhas para a captura e o monitoramento destes insetos é um método prático e de baixo custo. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a flutuação populacional e a eficiência de armadilhas coloridas do tipo Moericke na captura de tripes em cultivo semi-hidropônico de morangueiro San Andreas, em Caçador, SC. As coletas dos tripes ocorreram de outubro de 2019 a outubro de 2021, utilizando-se armadilhas Moericke feitas com bacias de coloração branca, amarela e azul. As armadilhas foram distribuídas completamente ao acaso, com quatro repetições por cor, dispostas na mesma altura da bancada de cultivo. Para a contagem dos tripes, amostras de 20mL de água foram coletadas semanalmente do fundo de cada bacia. Os dados foram transformados em ln(x) e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). Os dados de contagem e as variáveis meteorológicas foram submetidos à análise de correlação de Pearson (p≤ 0,01 e 0,05) pelo teste t de Student. A população de tripes aumenta no início da primavera (setembro e outubro), com picos populacionais no verão (janeiro, fevereiro e março). Em julho a população reduz em função da diminuição das temperaturas. A armadilha de coloração azul foi a mais eficiente na captura de tripes. O monitoramento semanal dos tripes com armadilha do tipo Moericke permite observar os picos populacionais e auxilia na tomada de decisão de controle da praga em cultivo de morangueiro semi-hidropônico.

ABSTRACT To increase knowledge on Brevundimonas pathogens, we conducted in-depth genomic and phenotypic characterization of a Brevundimonas strain isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient admitted in a neonatal intensive care unit. The strain was identified as a member of the genus Brevundimonas based on Vitek 2 system results and 16S rRNA gene sequencing and presented a multidrug resistance profile (MDR). Several molecular and biochemical tests were used to characterize and identify the species for in-depth results. The draft genome assembly of the isolate has a total length of 3,261,074 bp and a G+C of 66.86%, similar to other species of the genus. Multilocus sequence analysis, Type (Strain) Genome Server, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, and average nucleotide identity confirmed that the Brevundimonas sp. studied represents a distinct species, for which we propose the name Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov. In silico analysis detected antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs) mediating resistance to β-lactams (penP, blaTEM-16, and blaBKC-1) and aminoglycosides [strA, strB, aac(6′)-Ib, and aac(6′)-Il]. We also found AMRGs encoding the AcrAB efflux pump that confers resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. Colistin and quinolone resistance can be attributed to mutation in qseC and/or phoP and GyrA/GyrB, respectively. The Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov. genome contained copies of type IV secretion system (T4SS)-type integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs); integrative mobilizable elements (IME); and Tn3-type and IS3, IS6, IS5, and IS1380 families, suggesting an important role in the development and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The isolate presented a range of virulence-associated genes related to biofilm formation, adhesion, and invasion that can be relevant for its pathogenicity. Our findings provide a wealth of data to hinder the transmission of MDR Brevundimonas and highlight the need for monitoring and identifying new bacterial species in hospital environments. IMPORTANCE Brevundimonas species is considered an opportunistic human pathogen that can cause multiple types of invasive and severe infections in patients with underlying pathologies. Treatment of these pathogens has become a major challenge because many isolates are resistant to most antibiotics used in clinical practice. Furthermore, there are no consistent therapeutic results demonstrating the efficacy of antibacterial agents. Although considered a rare pathogen, recent studies have provided evidence of the emergence of Brevundimonas in clinical settings. Hence, we identified a novel pathogenic bacterium, Brevundimonas brasiliensis sp. nov., that presented a multidrug resistance (MDR) profile and carried diverse genes related to drug resistance, virulence, and mobile genetic elements. Such data can serve as a baseline for understanding the genomic diversity, adaptation, evolution, and pathogenicity of MDR Brevundimonas.

ABSTRACT Thermotolerance is a remarkable virulence attribute of Aspergillus fumigatus, but the consequences of heat shock (HS) to the cell membrane of this fungus are unknown, although this structure is one of the first to detect changes in ambient temperature that imposes on the cell a prompt adaptative response. Under high-temperature stress, fungi trigger the HS response controlled by heat shock transcription factors, such as HsfA, which regulates the expression of heat shock proteins. In yeast, smaller amounts of phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acid (FA) chains are synthesized in response to HS, directly affecting plasma membrane composition. The addition of double bonds in saturated FA is catalyzed by Δ9-fatty acid desaturases, whose expression is temperature-modulated. However, the relationship between HS and saturated/unsaturated FA balance in membrane lipids of A. fumigatus in response to HS has not been investigated. Here, we found that HsfA responds to plasma membrane stress and has a role in sphingolipid and phospholipid unsaturated biosynthesis. In addition, we studied the A. fumigatus Δ9-fatty acid desaturase sdeA and discovered that this gene is essential and required for unsaturated FA biosynthesis, although it did not directly affect the total levels of phospholipids and sphingolipids. sdeA depletion significantly sensitizes mature A. fumigatus biofilms to caspofungin. Also, we demonstrate that hsfA controls sdeA expression, while SdeA and Hsp90 physically interact. Our results suggest that HsfA is required for the adaptation of the fungal plasma membrane to HS and point out a sharp relationship between thermotolerance and FA metabolism in A. fumigatus. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a life-threatening infection accounting for high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. The ability of this organism to grow at elevated temperatures is long recognized as an essential attribute for this mold to cause disease. A. fumigatus responds to heat stress by activating heat shock transcription factors and chaperones to orchestrate cellular responses that protect the fungus against damage caused by heat. Concomitantly, the cell membrane must adapt to heat and maintain physical and chemical properties such as the balance between saturated/unsaturated fatty acids. However, how A. fumigatus connects these two physiological responses is unclear. Here, we explain that HsfA affects the synthesis of complex membrane lipids such as phospholipids and sphingolipids and controls the enzyme SdeA, which produces monounsaturated fatty acids, raw material for membrane lipids. These findings suggest that forced dysregulation of saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance might represent novel strategies for antifungal therapy.

Fruit-bearing food products are controlled by phytosanitary regulatory mechanisms. Among the existing pests of economic interest, Cetatitis capitata (medfly) can be highlighted, which can infest from 250 to 400 vegetable varieties. Vicilins, constitutive proteins of chitin-binding seeds, are potentially candidates to fight this pest. Vicillin-rich fractions of Erythrina veluntina (mulungu), Canavalia ensiformis (pork beans) and Phaseolus vulgaris (common beans), isolated by affinity chromatography on a chitin column, were tested on adults of C. capitata, in laboratory and semi-laboratory bioassays. field. All were able to bind chitin, have acidic characteristics and association with carbohydrates. E. velutina vicilin was the only one to present a high lethality (100 %) in a 15 % diet (w/w). In semi-field it was observed that 10 and 15 % (w/w) of vicilin added to the diet were lethal. For TL50, death of half the population in days were 3.5 (10 %) and 3 (15 %). These results showed that vicilins are potential bioinsecticides in the control of C. capitata.

O ensino de Biologia no Ensino Médio é visto pelos estudantes como complexo. No entanto, o uso de tecnologias digitais de aprendizagem, dentre elas o Quiz, podem auxiliar o professor a promover uma aprendizagem mais dinâmica e estimulante. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a aceitabilidade e eficiência do uso de um Quiz, por meio de uma plataforma, na promoção da aprendizagem sobre a temática “Mitose”. Para tanto, 60 estudantes do 1º ano do ensino médio em uma escola pública estadual de Tangará da Serra responderam questionários referente ao ensino de Mitose antes e após a realização de aulas com e sem o uso do Quiz, participando também de uma entrevista. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados estatisticamente e os qualitativos por meio da análise de conteúdo. Como esperado, com a plataforma utilizada nas aulas, observou-se maiores notas e expressiva motivação dos alunos, aspectos estes que foram confirmados pelos relatos obtidos na pesquisa enfatizando a importância do uso do Quiz para a aprendizagem em biologia.

Conservation of poorly known species is challenging as lack of knowledge on their specific requirements may hamper effective strategies. Here, by integrating biogeographical and landscape analyses, we show that informed actions can be delineated for species with limited presence-only data available. We combine species distribution and connectivity models with temporal land cover changes to define priority areas for conservation of the endemic Brazilian three-banded armadillo, one of the most threatened xenarthrans that was once considered extinct in the wild. We revealed that areas of savanna and grassland are the most suitable habitats for the species and that uplands in the Caatinga ecoregion have a greater likelihood for dispersal. The few remnant armadillo populations are spatially associated with core areas of natural vegetation remnants. Worrisomely, 76% of natural core areas were lost in the past 30 years, mirroring the species’ severe population decline. Preserving the remnant core natural areas should be a high priority to ensure the species’ survival. We highlight key areas for proactive and reactive conservation actions for the three-banded armadillo that will benefit other threatened sympatric species. Our integrative framework provides a set of valuable information for guided conservation management that can be replicated for other poorly known species.

Considerando a importância da utilização de recursos tecnológicos no contexto escolar, neste artigo, analisamos software livres ou gratuitos para a alfabetização da leitura e escrita no Ensino Fundamental. Realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental que contou com a apresentação dos software em suas relações com os “Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais” e os “Direitos de Aprendizagem do Ciclo de Alfabetização do Ensino Fundamental”. Os resultados da pesquisa demonstraram a existência de um grande número desse tipo de software, nos quais percebemos potencialidades e limitações. Concluímos que o papel do professor é fundamental na escolha desses aplicativos, pois nessa escolha é importante considerar qual concepção de ensino de língua está implícito na proposta de utilização do software.

Mineral licks are important components of terrestrial ecosystems that have special value to the maintenance of fluid balance of mammals, by providing them with essential mineral nutrients such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium. In the Anzihe Nature Reserve, southwest China, seven species of ungulates and one species of primates were frequently observed visiting the mineral licks in high densities. As a consequence, mineral licks have attracted illegal hunters and facilitated the spread of parasites and diseases, leading to a depletion of local populations. Therefore, we suggest that regions with abundant mineral licks should be designated as key protected areas in the Anzihe Nature Reserve and relevant zones for animal health surveillance.

Introdução: A depressão tem prevalência estimada de 7,6% em brasileiros com 18 anos ou mais, sendo mais comum em mulheres. Quanto aos estudantes universitários, esse número alcança a faixa de 15% a 25%, contudo, entre acadêmicos de medicina os índices variam entre 30 a 60%. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de depressão e correlacioná-la com características de saúde e demográficas de estudantes do curso de medicina de uma faculdade do interior do nordeste brasileiro. Material e Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal, com abordagem quantitativa com 138 estudantes de medicina das Faculdades Integradas de Patos (76,7% do universo de pesquisa), utilizando-se do Inventário de Depressão de Beck, e realizando correlações estatísticas com o software IBM SPSS Statistics. A coleta de dados foi realizada após a aprovação do projeto pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa das Faculdades Integradas de Patos - CAAE: 56479516.8.0000.5181/Número do Parecer: 1.582.097/2016. Resultados: A prevalência de depressão nos estudantes foi de 52,8%, distribuídos em depressão leve (39,1%), moderada (12,3%) e grave (1,4%). Maiores pontuações de depressão em mulheres (r = 0,24; p < 0,01), naqueles sem bolsa de estudo (r = 0,27; p < 0,01), entre os alunos que já pensaram em desistir do curso (r = 0,48; p < 0,01) e os que já precisaram tomar medicamento devido ao curso (r = 0,24; p < 0,01). Conclusões: O estudo indicou quadro depressivo leve entre os estudantes, sinalizando a necessidade de intervenções urgentes

Embora Michel Foucault seja amplamente acionado no campo da educação, as suas ferramentas conceituais são pouco exploradas no ensino de história. É essa constatação que motivou nosso propósito em trabalhar com o conceito de problematização nos seus desafios e potencialidades. Para isso, vamos trazer para discussão o investimento da disciplina de estágio de uma universidade pública federal, tomando como provocação para análise a escrita dos relatórios finais e as definições de problematização. Nosso argumento é que a problematização no ensino de história diz do processo de constituição dos sujeitos, tanto dos professores e professoras quanto dos alunos e alunas, que passa pelo questionamento das formas de pensar, ser e estar no mundo.

De uma pesquisa mais abrangente com mulheres negras nos seus processos de formação docente, como cotistas de uma universidade pública estadual, selecionamos dois pontos para analisar: suas histórias de vida e trajetórias escolares na infância e na adolescência. Nossa pretensão é pensar que a constituição dessas mulheres negras professoras antecede a formação inicial. Nesse sentido, queremos explorar a discussão interseccional entre gênero, raça a partir da perspectiva pós-estruturalista que considera que somos sujeitos resultados de discursos. Vamos trabalhar com cinco mulheres negras professoras e ex-cotistas da primeira turma de Pedagogia, a partir da política de cotas, assumindo a entrevista narrativa como procedimento metodológico que aciona memórias e conhecimentos sobre si.

Trata-se de uma pesquisa realizada em um acampamento cigano, com três mulheres ciganas. A perspectiva teórico-metodológica que orienta nossas problematizações é a pós-estruturalista, que significa pensar que os sujeitos são resultados de discursos e práticas atravessados por relações de saber-poder. Como procedimento metodológico, foram realizados encontros em que as falas das mulheres eram acionadas por suportes problematizadores do que é ser mulher cigana. Para este artigo, selecionamos um ponto que surgiu nos encontros que dizia dos trânsitos possíveis entre a comunidade cigana e não-cigana e seus efeitos na constituição dessas mulheres.

High-altitude environments impose intense stresses on living organisms and drive striking phenotypic and genetic adaptations, such as hypoxia resistance, cold tolerance, and increases in metabolic capacity and body mass. As one of the most successful and dominant mammals on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QHTP), the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) has adapted to the extreme environments of the highest altitudes of this region and exhibits tolerance to cold and hypoxia, in contrast to closely related species that inhabit the peripheral alpine bush or forests. To explore the potential genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of O. curzoniae to a high-altitude environment, we sequenced the heart tissue transcriptomes of adult plateau pikas (comparing specimens from sites at two different altitudes) and Gansu pikas (O. cansus). Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their primary functions. Key genes and pathways related to high-altitude adaptation were identified. In addition to the biological processes of signal transduction, energy metabolism and material transport, the identified plateau pika genes were mainly enriched in biological pathways such as the negative regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, the apoptosis signalling pathway, the cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, and ossification involved in bone maturation and heart development. Our results showed that the plateau pika has adapted to the extreme environments of the QHTP via protection against cardiomyopathy, tissue structure alterations and improvements in the blood circulation system and energy metabolism. These adaptations shed light on how pikas thrive on the roof of the world.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and map health care aimed at onco-hematological patients in times of Coronavirus 2019. Methods: this is a scoping review, anchored in the Joanna Briggs Institute theoretical framework, registered in the Open Science Framework, with searches carried out in June 2021, through searches in the databases. Results: a final sample consisting of 20 articles was obtained, with emphasis on general care, treatment and stem cell donation. The most reported care was the use of telemedicine, screening for Coronavirus Disease 2019, compliance with prevention practices and, in case of infection, postponing procedures. Conclusions: the study gathered the main evidence on care aimed at treating these patients in times of a pandemic. Such measures help in the clinical management with the objective of proceeding with treatment amidst the injuries caused, thus minimizing possible complications.

Neste artigo, problematizamos a formação docente a partir da inspiração em Michel Foucault, tomando sua noção de experiência, que envolve saber, poder e processos de (des)subjetivação, para pensar a formação profissional como um processo de se constituir como docente. Para isso, mobilizamos a experiência de uma estudante lésbica na disciplina de Estágio Supervisionado em Ensino de História, em um curso de licenciatura de uma universidade pública, discutindo como ela aciona conhecimentos sobre sexualidade e gênero para pensar a produção de si na formação docente. Como metodologia, adotamos a perspectiva pós-estruturalista com foco na problematização como um método de análise. O artigo conclui que a universidade e a formação, podem, respectivamente, ser espaço de formação e ação de questionamento de saberes já constituídos. Desse modo, podem ser estabelecidas relações novas com o que se está em questão, sendo, pois, possível que experiências de (des)subjetivação aconteçam e/ou técnicas de si sejam acionadas para viver de um outro modo possível.

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir acerca da contribuição da monitoria acadêmica para a formação dos licenciandos. Para tanto, toma-se por referência o curso de Licenciatura Plena em Geografia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (UEPB), Campus I, no qual podemos afirmar que a monitoria acadêmica tem sido planejada e executada como uma via para a ressignificação de saberes, metodologias e práticas que tanto contribuem para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem no curso em si, através dos componentes com monitorias ativas, quanto para o exercício docente dos licenciandos que se engajam nessas atividades. Metodologicamente, optou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa, do tipo relato de experiência fundamentada nas vivências práticas desenvolvidas no âmbito da monitoria acadêmica realizada entre os meses de Agosto e Dezembro de 2019 no componente curricular de Pedologia. Os resultados mostram que a monitoria representou um momento significativo que contribuiu na formação do monitor e dos discentes monitorados, pois, a partir das atividades desenvolvidas, foi possível que o monitor aprofundasse seus conhecimentos acerca dos conteúdos da disciplina, além de despertar o interesse pela docência. Já os demais discentes, com o auxílio do monitor, conseguiram sanar dúvidas sobre o conteúdo, favorecendo o processo de ensino de aprendizagem no componente curricular em questão.

O foco do nosso artigo é a problematização das discussões de gênero na Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), mais especificamente na área de Ciências da Natureza. Nossos objetivos são dois. Primeiro, construir o contexto de disputa e de tensionamentos em torno do conhecimento, tanto no que diz respeito às relações de gênero e sexualidade quanto à disciplina de Biologia. Segundo, é pensar as possibilidades de brechas e de outros currículos a partir do que está prescrito para a disciplina de Biologia, considerando que o gênero é um organizador social e, portanto, presente nos conteúdos elencados. A metodologia é a problematização, o que nos aproxima da perspectiva foucaultiana para colocar sob suspeita nossas formas de pensar e agir.

Zika and dengue incidence in the Americas declined in 2017–2018, but dengue resurged in 2019 in Brazil. This study uses epidemiological, climatological and genomic data to show that the decline of dengue may be explained by protective immunity from pre-exposure to ZIKV and/or DENV in prior years.

We present the first record of Aegolius harrisii (Cassin, 1849) from the state of Maranhão, extending the known distribution of the species 283 km to the west in the Brazilian Northeast. This record also represents the northernmost locality of the species within the Cerrado phytogeographic domain, which coincides with the ecotone between the Cerrado, Caatinga, and Amazon domains. Given the considerable gaps in the data on the occurrence of this owl in the Brazilian Northeast, we would recommend more surveys in specific areas with similar phytophysiognomies.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a evolução do consumo hídrico do morangueiro cv. Albion no primeiro ciclo cultivado em três substratos comerciais. O experimento foi conduzido em Caçador, SC, em ambiente protegido. Os tratamentos consistiram em três substratos comercias com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados o consumo hídrico diário das plantas de morangueiro por meio da subtração do volume diário de solução nutritiva aplicada e o volume diário de solução nutritiva drenada. A eficiência do uso da água foi obtida pela relação entre a produção de frutas e o consumo hídrico total durante o ciclo de cultivo. O maior consumo hídrico total foi obtido com dois substratos testados, com um consumo médio, durante a plena colheita de frutas, de 267,7 e 259,6mL planta-1 dia-1. O consumo hídrico diário durante o período de colheita não é constante, devido à inconstância das condições climáticas, típica da região de Caçador. Este fato dificulta o uso de frequência e tempos de irrigação fixos, acarretando muitas vezes em irrigações excessivas ou deficitárias.

O presente artigo consiste em um recorte do trabalho monográfico de conclusão do curso de Licenciatura Plena em Geografia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campus I. O estudo tem por objetivo discutir a relação entre a abordagem do componente solo na formação continuada e o modo como esse tema é trabalhado na Educação Básica. Para tanto, tomou-se como referência analítica o contexto formativo e de atuação docente de uma turma do Curso de Especialização em Ensino de Geografia, ofertada pela Universidade anteriormente citada. Metodologicamente, adotou-se uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, do tipo pesquisa-ação. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que se faz necessário repensar o ensino de solo na formação de professores. Ademais, é preciso problematizar a forma como assunto é abordado na Educação Básica no contexto da prática docente, que deve se voltar para uma aprendizagem mais prazerosa e significativa.

Chryseobacterium indologenes is a non-glucose-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus. This emerging multidrug resistant opportunistic nosocomial pathogen can cause severe infections in neonates and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to present the first detailed draft genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant C. indologenes strain isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid of an infant hospitalized at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Brazilian Tertiary Hospital. We first analyzed the susceptibility of C. indologenes strain to different antibiotics using the VITEK 2 system. The strain demonstrated an outstanding resistance to all the antibiotic classes tested, including β-lactams, aminoglycosides, glycylcycline, and polymyxin. Next, C. indologenes was whole-genome-sequenced, annotated using Prokka and Rapid Annotation using Subsystems Technology (RAST), and screened for orthologous groups (EggNOG), gene ontology (GO), resistance genes, virulence genes, and mobile genetic elements using different software tools. The draft genome contained one circular chromosome of 4,836,765 bp with 37.32% GC content. The genomic features of the chromosome present numerous genes related to cellular processes that are essential to bacteria. The MDR C. indologenes revealed the presence of genes that corresponded to the resistance phenotypes, including genes to β-lactamases (blaIND–13, blaCIA–3, blaTEM–116, blaOXA–209, blaVEB–15), quinolone (mcbG), tigecycline (tet(X6)), and genes encoding efflux pumps which confer resistance to aminoglycosides (RanA/RanB), and colistin (HlyD/TolC). Amino acid substitutions related to quinolone resistance were observed in GyrA (S83Y) and GyrB (L425I and K473R). A mutation that may play a role in the development of colistin resistance was detected in lpxA (G68D). Chryseobacterium indologenes isolate harbored 19 virulence factors, most of which were involved in infection pathways. We identified 13 Genomic Islands (GIs) and some elements associated with one integrative and conjugative element (ICEs). Other elements linked to mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as insertion sequence (ISEIsp1), transposon (Tn5393), and integron (In31), were also present in the C. indologenes genome. Although plasmids were not detected, a ColRNAI replicon type and the most resistance genes detected in singletons were identified in unaligned scaffolds. We provided a wide range of information toward the understanding of the genomic diversity of C. indologenes, which can contribute to controlling the evolution and dissemination of this pathogen in healthcare settings.

Abstract Uric acid (UA), a product of purine nucleotide degradation able to initiate an immune response, represents a breakpoint in the evolutionary history of humans, when uricase, the enzyme required for UA cleavage, was lost. Despite being inert in human cells, UA in its soluble form (sUA) can increase the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in murine macrophages. We, therefore, hypothesized that the recognition of sUA is achieved by the Naip1-Nlrp3 inflammasome platform. Through structural modelling predictions and transcriptome and functional analyses, we found that murine Naip1 expression in human macrophages induces IL-1β expression, fatty acid production and an inflammation-related response upon sUA stimulation, a process reversed by the pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Nlrp3. Moreover, molecular interaction experiments showed that Naip1 directly recognizes sUA. Accordingly, Naip may be the sUA receptor lost through the human evolutionary process, and a better understanding of its recognition may lead to novel anti-hyperuricaemia therapies.

Objectives: In this randomized open-label trial pilot study we assessed the antiviral effects and safety of various doses of ivermectin in patients with mild clinical symptoms of COVID-19. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive standard of care (SOC) treatment at hospital admission; SOC plus ivermectin 100 mcg/kg; SOC plus ivermectin 200 mcg/kg; or SOC plus ivermectin 400 mcg/kg. The primary assessed endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved two consecutive negative SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR tests within 7 days of the start of the dosing period. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04431466). Results: A total of 32 patients were enrolled and randomized to treatment. SOC treatment together with ivermectin did not result in any serious adverse events. All patients exhibited a reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load within 7 days; however, those who received ivermectin had a more consistent decrease as compared to the SOC alone group, characterized by a shorter time for obtaining two consecutive negative SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR tests. Conclusions: Ivermectin is safe in patients with SARS-CoV-2, reducing symptomatology and the SARS-CoV-2 viral load. This antiviral effect appears to depend on the dose used, and if confirmed in future studies, it suggests that ivermectin may be a useful adjuvant to the SOC treatment in patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms.

Aquaponics is the integration of aquaculture with crop production, where the residues of the first activity serve as inputs for the second, through biological transformations that occur in the system. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the initial density of ornamental fish (Carassius auratus) in mini aquaponics systems, consisting of 100 L aquariums and expanded clay cultivation beds (20 L). Two densities (three and six fish per system) were evaluated with three replications. Each growing bed received one seedling of basil (Ocimium basilicum) and one of parsley (Petroselinum crispum). The fish were fed daily to apparent satiety with 32% CP commercial feed, two to three times daily for 103 days. The highest values of fish weight gain were observed in lower density aquariums. Green mass production was higher in systems with higher initial fish density. It was concluded that the higher initial density of fish provided better production of green mass, despite presenting lower fish growth rates.

Abstract Understanding how biodiversity components are related under different environmental factors is a fundamental challenge for ecology studies, yet there is little knowledge of this interplay among the biotas, especially small mammals, in karst mountain areas. Here, we examine the elevation patterns of the taxonomic diversity (TD), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and functional diversity (FD) of small mammals in a karst mountain area, the Wuling Mountains, Southwest China, and compare these patterns between taxa (Rodentia and Eulipotyphla) and scales (broad‐ and narrow‐range species). We also disentangle the impacts of the human influence index, net primary productivity (NPP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation (AP), and annual mean temperature (AMT) on these three facets of biodiversity by using structural equation modeling. We recorded a total of 39 small mammal species, including 26 rodents and 13 species of the order Eulipotyphla. Our study shows that the facets of biodiversity are spatially incongruent. Net primary productivity has a positive effect on the three facets for most groups, while the effect of the NDVI is negative for TD and PD in most groups. AMT temperature and AP have negative effects on FD and PD, whereas TD is dependent on the species range scale. The human influence index effect on TD and PD also depends on the species range scale. These findings provide robust evidence that the ecological drivers of biodiversity differ among different biotas and different range scales, and future research should use multifacet approach to determine biodiversity conservation strategies.