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Leishmaniasis is a complex disease caused by infection with different Leishmania parasites. The number of medications used for its treatment is still limited and the discovery of new drugs is a valuable approach. In this context, here we describe the in vitro leishmanicidal activity and the in silico interaction between trypanothione reductase (TryR) and (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B from the leaves of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. The compound (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B was isolated from V. surinamensis leaves, a plant found in the Brazilian Amazon, and it was characterized as (7R,8S,7R,8S)-3,4,5,3,4-pentamethoxy-7,7-epoxylignan. In vitro antileishmanial activity was examined against Leishmania amazonensis, covering both promastigote and intracellular amastigote phases. Cytotoxicity and nitrite production were gauged using BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy was applied to probe ultrastructural alterations, and flow cytometry assessed the shifts in the mitochondrial membrane potential. In silico methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics assessed the interaction between the most stable configuration of (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B and TryR from L. infantum (PDB ID 2JK6). As a result, the (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B was active against promastigote (IC50 7.0 µM) and intracellular amastigote (IC50 26.04 µM) forms of L. amazonensis, with acceptable selectivity indexes. (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B caused ultrastructural changes in promastigotes, including mitochondrial swelling, altered kDNA patterns, vacuoles, vesicular structures, autophagosomes, and enlarged flagellar pockets. It reduced the mitochondria membrane potential and formed bonds with important residues in the TryR enzyme. The molecular dynamics simulations showed stability and favorable interaction with TryR. The compound targets L. amazonensis mitochondria via TryR enzyme inhibition.

Atualmente percebe-se uma inquietação na educação básica acerca da implantação de inovações metodológicas, sobretudo para o alunado da geração “nativo digital”, que requer propostas pedagógicas mais atrativas e interativas. Tais propostas devem ser orientadas pelas competências e habilidades da Base Nacional Comum Curricular, bem como pelas Diretrizes Estaduais de Mato Grosso, com o intuito de evidenciar uma temática real e relevante para nossos estudantes, conforme a apresentada pela SEI – Sequência de Ensino Investigativo sobre a Dengue e seu vetor. Um produto educacional avaliado por professores de Biologia como inovador e atrativo, cuja metodologia é baseada em métodos de aprendizagem ativa e investigativa (MAAI), aplicável por meio das TDIC – Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação. Com vistas à evolução deste produto, propõe-se a incorporação da abordagem STEAM, (Ciências, Tecnologia, Engenharia, Artes e Matemática), que traz como destaque o protagonismo estudantil, melhorando o sentido para a aprendizagem no Ensino Médio. Como resultado, temos a referida SEI incrementada pela abordagem na qual se observa significativa correspondência com os documentos legais, pesquisas e aplicação de propostas em sala de aula que mostraram o desenvolvimento dos pensamentos científico e crítico, tomada de decisão estratégica, bem como a curiosidade, que leva à aprendizagem por investigação. Assim, almejamos disseminar tal proposta como suporte didático acessível aos professores, com possível aplicação aos estudantes, visto que seria uma oportunidade de se ter aulas mais atrativas, interativas, significativas e integrativas, visando, o conhecimento e a possibilidade de luta contra a Dengue, doença emergente no Estado de Mato Grosso.

Leishmaniasis is a complex disease caused by infection with different Leishmania parasites. The number of medications used for its treatment is still limited and the discovery of new drugs is a valuable approach. In this context, here we describe the in vitro leishmanicidal activity and the in silico interaction between trypanothione reductase (TryR) and (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B from the leaves of Virola surinamensis (Rol.) Warb. The compound (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B was isolated from V. surinamensis leaves, a plant found in the Brazilian Amazon, and it was characterized as (7R,8S,7′R,8′S)-3,4,5,3′,4′-pentamethoxy-7,7′-epoxylignan. In vitro antileishmanial activity was examined against Leishmania amazonensis, covering both promastigote and intracellular amastigote phases. Cytotoxicity and nitrite production were gauged using BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy was applied to probe ultrastructural alterations, and flow cytometry assessed the shifts in the mitochondrial membrane potential. In silico methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics assessed the interaction between the most stable configuration of (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B and TryR from L. infantum (PDB ID 2JK6). As a result, the (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B was active against promastigote (IC50 7.0 µM) and intracellular amastigote (IC50 26.04 µM) forms of L. amazonensis, with acceptable selectivity indexes. (-)-5-demethoxygrandisin B caused ultrastructural changes in promastigotes, including mitochondrial swelling, altered kDNA patterns, vacuoles, vesicular structures, autophagosomes, and enlarged flagellar pockets. It reduced the mitochondria membrane potential and formed bonds with important residues in the TryR enzyme. The molecular dynamics simulations showed stability and favorable interaction with TryR. The compound targets L. amazonensis mitochondria via TryR enzyme inhibition.

Destaca-se que há muitos conteúdos no campo do conhecimento biológico que requerem compreensão de caráter abstrato, o que dificultaria o processo de ensino aprendizagem. Nesse sentido, elegemos um dos objetos do conhecimento mais abstratos no âmbito do Ensino de Biologia, que são alguns conceitos abordados nas aulas de Microbiologia. Salienta-se que, a abstração é vista com frequência nas aulas de Microbiologia, principalmente em razão das dimensões dos organismos ali tratados. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se contribuir e facilitar a compreensão da biologia das bactérias que compõem o microbioma intestinal humano, tornando as aulas de Microbiologia menos abstratas e mais motivadoras desenvolvendo um aplicativo educacional que estimulasse a investigação sobre conceitos microbiológicos relacionados. Após a criação do aplicativo MicroBio Bactérias, visando sua análise como um recurso metodológico facilitador da aprendizagem, bem como sua validação, desenvolvemos uma pesquisa com abordagem metodológica qualitativa descritiva, utilizando um questionário elaborado no Google Forms com 21 questões objetivas e subjetivas, e enviado via link por aplicativos de mensagens a 30 professores de Biologia da rede pública do Estado de Mato Grosso. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que os colaboradores dessa pesquisa constataram a relevância do tema abordado no app e que o aplicativo MicroBio Bactérias assinala uma contribuição que pode facilitar a compreensão da Biologia das bactérias que compõem o microbioma intestinal com base no ensino investigativo.

Este artigo é um recorte do trabalho de conclusão do Curso de Mestrado Profissional em Biologia-PROFBIO-UFMT, executado de forma remota em razão da pandemia de Covid-19. Na intenção de persuadir os desafios educacionais, destaca-se, ainda, que, nesse período, havia um alto índice de Dengue no país. Desse modo, este estudo buscou, por meio do Ensino Remoto, empregar novas estratégias no processo de Ensino-Aprendizagem de Biologia, tendo como base a Sequência de Ensino Investigativo (SEI) associada a métodos de aprendizagem ativa sobre a temática da Dengue e seu vetor. Assim, a intenção foi produzir material pedagógico a fim de traçar caminhos para a Alfabetização Científica, valendo-se, também, das ferramentas digitais. Optou-se por utilizar métodos qualitativos com o emprego de questionários e entrevistas destinados a professores de Biologia. A análise de dados e a apresentação dos resultados estão pautadas na análise de conteúdo de Bardin, já que é um método muito aplicado neste tipo de pesquisa. Como material pedagógico educacional, tem-se a produção da SEI, sobre a Dengue e seu vetor, e o site Denguelogia 4.0. Ambos validados pelos participantes, a SEI como uma proposta inovadora condizente com a Alfabetização Científica, e o site como guia didático virtual aos professores interessados.

Chagas disease is a severe infectious and parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and considered a public health problem. Chemotherapeutics are still the main means of control and treatment of the disease, however with some limitations. As an alternative treatment, plants have been pointed out due to their proven pharmacological properties. Many studies carried out with Terminalia catappa have shown several biological activities, but its effect against T. cruzi is still unknown. The objective of this work is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracts and fractions obtained from T. catappa on the parasite T. cruzi, in addition to analyzing its antioxidant activity. T. catappa ethyl acetate fraction were produced and submitted the chemical characterization by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). From all T. catappa extracts and fractions evaluated, the ethyl acetate and the aqueous fraction displayed the best antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method (IC50 of 7.77 ± 1.61 and 5.26 ± 1.26 µg/mL respectively), and by ferric ion reducing (FRAP) method (687.61 ± 0.26 and 1009.32 ± 0.13 µM of Trolox equivalent/mg extract, respectively). The ethyl acetate fraction showed remarkable T. cruzi inhibitory activity with IC50 of 8.86 ± 1.13, 24.91 ± 1.15 and 85.01 ± 1.21 µg/mL against epimastigotes, trypomastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, respectively, and showed no cytotoxicity for Vero cells (CC50 > 1000 µg/mL). The treatment of epimastigotes with the ethyl acetate fraction led to drastic ultrastructural changes such as the loss of cytoplasm organelles, cell disorganization, nucleus damage and the loss of integrity of the parasite. This effect could be due to secondary compounds present in this extract, such as luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, ellagic acid and derivatives. The ethyl acetate fraction obtained from T. catappa leaves can be an effective alternative in the treatment and control of Chagas disease, and material for further investigations.

Leishmaniasis represents a serious world health problem, with 1 billion people being exposed to infection and a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations with a potentially fatal outcome. Based on the limitations observed in the treatment of leishmaniasis, such as high cost, significant adverse effects, and the potential for drug resistance, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the leishmanicidal activity of the compounds pseurotin A and monomethylsulochrin isolated from the biomass extract of Aspergillus sp. The chromatographic profiles of the extract were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array UV-Vis detector (HPLC-DAD-UV), and the molecular identification of the pseurotin A and monomethylsulochrin were carried out by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-ESI-MS-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Antileishmanial activity was assayed against promastigote and intracellular amastigote of Leishmania amazonensis. As a control, cytotoxicity assays were performed in non-infected BALB/c peritoneal macrophages. Ultrastructural alterations in parasites were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry. Only monomethylsulochrin inhibited the promastigote growth (IC50 18.04 ± 1.11 µM), with cytotoxicity to peritoneal macrophages (CC50 5.09 91.63 ± 1.28 µM). Activity against intracellular amastigote forms (IC50 5.09 ± 1.06 µM) revealed an increase in antileishmanial activity when compared with promastigotes. In addition to a statistically significant reduction in the evaluated infection parameters, monomethylsulochrin altered the ultrastructure of the promastigote forms with atypical vacuoles, electron-dense corpuscles in the cytoplasm, changes at the mitochondria outer membrane and abnormal disposition around the kinetoplast. It was showed that monomethylsulochrin leads to a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (25.9%, p = 0.0286). Molecular modeling studies revealed that monomethylsulochrin can act as inhibitor of sterol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51), a therapeutic target for human trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Assessed for its drug likeness, monomethylsulochrin follows the Lipinski Rule of five and Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge criteria. Furthermore, monomethylsulochrin can be used as a reference in the development of novel and therapeutically useful antileishmanial agents.

O presente relato sintetiza o resultado de uma pesquisa de doutoramento que se dedicou a investigar e apresentar indicadores qualitativos para o processo de escolarização de estudantes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) no contexto da Educação Inclusiva. Foi estabelecido um conjunto de indicadores qualitativos estruturados em seis dimensões: Estratégias Pedagógicas e de Aprendizagem; Gestão Escolar; Família; Ambiente; Parcerias Intersetoriais Articuladas; e, Estruturas de Organização Inclusiva e as Políticas Públicas. Estas dimensões foram estruturadas a partir de referências como Booth e Ainscow (2000), Humphrey e Lewis (2008), Echeita Sarrionandía e Ainscow (2011), UNESCO-OEI (2018) e Silva e Garcez (2019) e foram denominadas como “dimensões da escolarização de estudantes com TEA no contexto da Educação Inclusiva”. A pesquisa original constituiu-se em um estudo teórico-metodológico, com aportes quantitativos e qualitativos e com a participação de 61 colaboradores divididos em cinco grupos: professores, gestores, familiares, profissionais do atendimento multidisciplinar e pessoas com transtorno do espectro autista. A perspectiva quantitativa se deu no primeiro passo da pesquisa para a caracterização geral do perfil destes colaboradores. Partindo desta análise, foi enviado um formulário aos colaboradores com mais experiência e vivência em relação ao processo de escolarização, para que avaliassem os indicadores, tendo em vista a sua pertinência em cada uma das dimensões propostas. Ao final, apresenta-se um Índice para as Dimensões como um instrumento metodológico e de avaliação destes indicadores que podem ser utilizados nas escolas regulares para o fortalecimento de práticas e políticas inclusivas.

Abstract Prokaryotes contribute to the health of marine sponges. However, there is lack of data on the assembly rules of sponge-associated prokaryotic communities, especially for those inhabiting biodiversity hotspots, such as ecoregions between tropical and warm temperate southwestern Atlantic waters. The sympatric species Aplysina caissara, Axinella corrugata, and Dragmacidon reticulatum were collected along with environmental samples from the north coast of São Paulo (Brazil). Overall, 64 prokaryotic phyla were detected; 51 were associated with sponge species, and the dominant were Proteobacteria, Bacteria (unclassified), Cyanobacteria, Crenarchaeota, and Chloroflexi. Around 64% and 89% of the unclassified operational taxonomical units (OTUs) associated with Brazilian sponge species showed a sequence similarity below 97%, with sequences in the Silva and NCBI Type Strain databases, respectively, indicating the presence of a large number of unidentified taxa. The prokaryotic communities were species-specific, ranging 56%–80% of the OTUs and distinct from the environmental samples. Fifty-four lineages were responsible for the differences detected among the categories. Functional prediction demonstrated that Ap. caissara was enriched for energy metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, whereas D. reticulatum was enhanced for metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, as well as xenobiotics’ biodegradation and metabolism. This survey revealed a high level of novelty associated with Brazilian sponge species and that distinct members responsible from the differences among Brazilian sponge species could be correlated to the predicted functions.

Leishmaniasis represents a complex of diseases with a broad clinical spectrum and epidemiological diversity, considered a major public health problem. Although there is treatment, there are still no vaccines for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Because Leishmania spp. is an intracellular protozoan with several escape mechanisms, a vaccine must provoke cellular and humoral immune responses. Previously, we identified the Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated C kinase (LACK) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) proteins as strong immunogens and candidates for the development of a vaccine strategy. The present work focuses on the in silico prediction and characterization of antigenic epitopes that might interact with mice or human major histocompatibility complex class I. After immunogenicity prediction on the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) and the Database of MHC Ligands and Peptide Motifs (SYFPEITHI), 26 peptides were selected for interaction assays with infected mouse lymphocytes by flow cytometry and ELISpot. This strategy identified nine antigenic peptides (pL1-H2, pPL3-H2, pL10-HLA, pP13-H2, pP14-H2, pP15-H2, pP16-H2, pP17-H2, pP18-H2, pP26-HLA), which are strong candidates for developing a peptide vaccine against leishmaniasis.

Marine sponges are known to harbor a diverse and complex microbiota; however, a vast majority of surveys have been investigating the prokaryotic communities in the north hemisphere and Australia. In addition, the mechanisms of microbial community assembly are poorly understood in this pivotal player of the ecosystem. Thus, this survey addressed the holobiome of the sponge species in the São Paulo region (Brazil) for the first time and investigated the contribution of neutral and niche processes of prokaryotic, fungal, and unicellular eukaryotic assemblage in three sympatric species Aplysina caissara, Aplysina fulva, and Tedania ignis along with environmental samples. The compositions of the holobiome associated with the sponges and detected in environmental samples were strikingly different. Remarkably, between 47 and 88% of the assigned operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were specifically associated with sponge species. Moreover, around 77, 69, and 53% of the unclassified OTUs from prokaryotic, fungal, and unicellular eukaryotic communities, respectively, showed less than 97% similarity with well-known databases, suggesting that sponges from the southwestern Atlantic coast are an important source of microbial novelty. These values are even higher, around 80 and 61% of the unclassified OTUs, when excluding low abundance samples from fungal and unicellular eukaryotic datasets, respectively. Host species were the major driver shaping the sponge-associated microbial community. Deterministic processes were primarily responsible for the assembly of microbial communities in all sponge species, while neutral processes of prokaryotic and fungal community assembly were also detected in the sympatric A. caissara and T. ignis replicates, respectively. Most of the species-rich sponge-associated lineages from this region are also found in the Northern seas and many of them might play essential roles in the symbioses, such as biosynthesis of secondary metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial and antiviral activities, as well as provide protection against host predation. Overall, in this study the microbiota was assembled by interactions with the host sponge in a deterministic-based manner; closely related sponge species shared a strong phylogenetic signal in their associated prokaryotic and fungal community traits and Brazilian sponges were a reservoir of novel microbial species.

We emphasize that, the search for methodologies that are suitable for teaching that enables the intellectual and citizen education of students becomes increasingly strong and emerging. In this perspective, the different Trends in Mathematics Education can make a decisive contribution and, in the specific case of the Modelling in Mathematical Education and Mathematical Investigation in the Classroom trends, we observe converging aspects. In this regard, we reflect, in this article, about the possibilities of Mathematical Modelling as an investigative methodology in Mathematics classes, as well as about what may favor or hinder this methodology’s implementation in the classroom and about the importance of oral communication between the participants of the interactions, in the validation phase, particularly.

Este artigo compartilha uma ação educativa fundamentada na abordagem STEAM, a qual articula Ciências, Tecnologia, Engenharia, Artes e Matemática sob a perspectiva da melodia do pássaro Pitangus sulphuratus, o popular bem-te-vi. O cenário e ambiente de aprendizagem é o Parque Mãe Bonifácia, em Cuiabá (MT). O objetivo consiste em desenvolver propostas de atividades a partir da abordagem STEAM. A problemática caracterizou-se em como elaborar a abordagem STEAM a partir de um hóspede natural local do parque, o bem-te-vi. Alinhando se com essa ideia, com respaldo em uma perspectiva de Educação Científica, entrelaçam-se cinco áreas em dois conceitos estruturantes: a Bioacústica e o Biomimetismo. Assim, apresenta-se a articulação de conceitos imersos nesse conjunto de ideias para a contribuição de processos que potencializem, nos estudantes, as habilidades, visando a uma participação crítica e consciente em relação ao conhecimento, a partir do hóspede natural do Parque, o bem-te-vi.

Esta pesquisa traz reflexões sobre como o grupo dos protozoários de vida livre em ambientes aquáticos, mesmo com os avanços tecnológicos e pesquisas, ainda é negligenciado em termos ecológicos, sendo apresentado nos livros didáticos e pela maioria dos professores como organismos vilões, apesar de terem funções variadas nos ecossistemas aquáticos como reguladores de populações de algas e bactérias, atuando diretamente nas microcadeias alimentares desses ambientes. Nosso problema de pesquisa foi verificar se as abordagens metodológicas empregadas nas aulas de Ciências/Biologia auxiliam os alunos a refletirem sobre a função ecológica dos protozoários. Os objetivos que orientaram esta pesquisa foram: avaliar a forma de abordagens prévias sobre protozoários em sala de aula e testar métodos pedagógicos inovadores e inclusivos para a compreensão do papel ecológico dos protozoários. No percurso metodológico, foram testados métodos de aprendizagem ativa como a aprendizagem colaborativa, empregando elementos de uma abordagem educativa inovadora – o modelo de educação STEAM –, além da elaboração de um produto educacional em forma de Sequência Didática (SD), que visou contribuir com o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de alunos do Ensino Fundamental II. Como resultados desta pesquisa, destacamos as narrativas dos alunos, que revelaram gostar da disciplina de Ciências. Os discentes mostraram desconhecer a existência de protozoários de vida livre, bem como suas funções ecológicas antes da Sequência Didática desenvolvida de forma inclusiva e integrativa.

Acknowledging the need of identifying new compounds for the treatment of leishmaniasis, this study aimed to evaluate, from in vitro trials, the activity of flavones from Arrabidaea chica against L. amazonensis. The chromatographic profiles of the hydroethanolic extract and a flavone-rich fraction (ACFF) from A. chica were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array UV-Vis detector (HPLC-DAD-UV) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-ESI-MS-MS). The flavones luteolin (1) and apigenin (2), isolated from chromatographic techniques and identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of 1H and 13C, were also quantified in ACFF, showing 190.7 mg/g and apigenin 12.4 mg/g, respectively. The other flavones were identified by comparing their spectroscopic data with those of the literature. The in vitro activity was assayed against promastigotes and intramacrophagic amastigote forms of L. amazonensis. Cytotoxicity tests were performed with peritoneal macrophages of BALB/c mice. Nitrite quantification was performed with Griess reagent. Ultrastructural investigations were obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Anti-Leishmania assays indicated that the IC50 values for ACFF, apigenin, and luteolin were obtained at 40.42 ± 0.10 and 31.51 ± 1.13 μg/mL against promastigotes, respectively. ACFF and luteolin have concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. ACFF and luteolin also inhibited the intra-macrophagic parasite (IC50 3.575 ± 1.13 and 11.78 ± 1.24 μg/mL, respectively), with a selectivity index of 11.44 for ACFF. Promastigotes exposed to ACFF and luteolin exhibited ultrastructural changes, such as intense cytoplasm vacuolization and mitochondrial swelling. These findings data evidence the antileishmanial action of flavone-rich fractions of A. chica against L. amazonensis, encouraging further studies.

Treatment of leishmaniasis is a challenging subject. Although available, chemotherapy is limited, presenting toxicity and adverse effects. New drugs with antileishmanial activity are being investigated, such as antiparasitic compounds derived from plants. In this work, we investigated the antileishmanial activity of the biflavonoid amentoflavone on the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. Although the antileishmanial activity of amentoflavone has already been reported in vitro, the mechanisms involved in the parasite death, as well as its action in vivo, remain unknown. Amentoflavone demonstrated activity on intracellular amastigotes in macrophages obtained from BALB/c mice (IC50 2.3 ± 0.93 μM). No cytotoxicity was observed and the selectivity index was estimated as greater than 10. Using BALB/c mice infected with L. amazonensis we verified the effect of an intralesional treatment with amentoflavone (0.05 mg/kg/dose, in a total of 5 doses every 4 days). Parasite quantification demonstrated that amentoflavone reduced the parasite load in treated footpads (46.3% reduction by limiting dilution assay and 56.5% reduction by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). Amentoflavone decreased the nitric oxide production in peritoneal macrophages obtained from treated animals. The treatment also increased the expression of ferritin and decreased iNOS expression at the site of infection. Furthemore, it increased the production of ROS in peritoneal macrophages infected in vitro. The increase of ROS in vitro, associated with the reduction of NO and iNOS expression in vivo, points to the antioxidant/prooxidant potential of amentoflavone, which may play an important role in the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory patterns at the infection site. Taken together these results suggest that amentoflavone has the potential to be used in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, working as an ally in the control and development of the lesion.

A Educação Sexual, quando oferecida em nossas escolas, responde às necessidades de aprendizagem dos estudantes do século XXI? Esta questão motriz originou se de momentos de discussão com estudantes da rede pública de ensino. O objetivo geral desta pesquisa propõe o desenvolvimento de uma Educação Sexual inovadora, ancorada em elementos dos métodos da aprendizagem ativa, tendo o aluno no papel de protagonista do seu processo educacional. Este estudo foi organizado em seis momentos e desenvolveu-se em uma escola pública na cidade de Várzea Grande – MT, com estudantes do 2º ano do Ensino Médio. A pesquisa caracterizou-se como qualitativa com abordagem investigativa, fundamentada na ABProj - Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos, alicerçada na aprendizagem colaborativa e no uso das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação. Iniciamos com a problematização, empregando a roda de conversa seguida da construção das hipóteses pelos estudantes com a aplicação da técnica de tempestade de ideias (brainstorming), para as chamadas “reuniões de foco investigativo”, com o propósito de investigar possíveis resoluções às questões levantadas pelos estudantes e futuro compartilhamento com outros jovens. A coleta de dados se deu por meio da aplicação de questionários e observações in loco. Com o presente trabalho, observamos que a abordagem investigativa associada aos métodos ativos despertou o interesse, a criatividade e o compartilhamento de saberes com outros colegas, bem como potencializou o uso de suas habilidades, o que nesta pesquisa resultou na produção autoral de páginas no Instagram e na criação do aplicativo educacional Educasex.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antileishmanial effect, the mechanisms of action and the association with miltefosine of Vernonia brasiliana essential oil against Leishmania infantum promastigotes. This essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and its chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The antileishmanial activity against L. infantum promastigotes and cytotoxicity on DH82 cells were evaluated by MTT colorimetric assay. Ultrastructural alterations were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, in the production of reactive oxygen species, and analysis of apoptotic events were determined by flow cytometry. The association between the essential oil and miltefosine was evaluated using the modified isobologram method. The most abundant component of the essential oil was β-caryophyllene (21.47 %). Anti-Leishmania assays indicated an IC50 of 39.01 ± 1.080 μg/mL for promastigote forms after 72 h of treatment. The cytotoxic concentration for DH82 cells was 63.13 ± 1.211 μg/mL after 24 h of treatment. The effect against L. infantum was proven through the ultrastructural changes caused by the oil, such as kinetoplast and mitochondrial swelling, vesicles in the flagellar pocket, discontinuity of the nuclear membrane, nuclear fragmentation and condensation, and loss of organelles. It was observed that the oil leads to a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (35.10 %, p = 0.0031), increased reactive oxygen species production, and cell death by late apoptosis (17.60 %, p = 0.020). The combination of the essential oil and miltefosine exhibited an antagonistic effect. This study evidences the antileishmanial action of V. brasiliana essential oil against L. infantum promastigotes.

RoundUp® (RUp) is a comercial formulation containing glyphosate (N-(phosphono-methyl) glycine), and is the world’s leading wide-spectrum herbicide used in agriculture. Supporters of the broad use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) claim they are innocuous to humans, since the active compound acts on the inhibition of enzymes which are absent in human cells. However, the neurotoxic effects of GBH have already been shown in many animal models. Further, these formulations were shown to disrupt the microbiome of different species. Here, we investigated the effects of a lifelong exposure to low doses of the GBH-RUp on the gut environment, including morphological and microbiome changes. We also aimed to determine whether exposure to GBH-RUp could harm the developing brain and lead to behavioral changes in adult mice. To this end, animals were exposed to GBH-RUp in drinking water from pregnancy to adulthood. GBH-RUp-exposed mice had no changes in cognitive function, but developed impaired social behavior and increased repetitive behavior. GBH-Rup-exposed mice also showed an activation of phagocytic cells (Iba-1–positive) in the cortical brain tissue. GBH-RUp exposure caused increased mucus production and the infiltration of plama cells (CD138-positive), with a reduction in phagocytic cells. Long-term exposure to GBH-RUp also induced changes in intestinal integrity, as demonstrated by the altered expression of tight junction effector proteins (ZO-1 and ZO-2) and a change in the distribution of syndecan-1 proteoglycan. The herbicide also led to changes in the gut microbiome composition, which is also crucial for the establishment of the intestinal barrier. Altogether, our findings suggest that long-term GBH-RUp exposure leads to morphological and functional changes in the gut, which correlate with behavioral changes that are similar to those observed in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Carajurin is the main constituent of Arrabidaea chica species with reported anti-Leishmania activity. However, its mechanism of action has not been described. This study investigated the mechanisms of action of carajurin against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Carajurin was effective against promastigotes with IC50 of 7.96 ± 1.23 μg.mL−1 (26.4 µM), and the cytotoxic concentration for peritoneal macrophages was 258.2 ± 1.20 μg.mL−1 (856.9 µM) after 24 h of treatment. Ultrastructural evaluation highlighted pronounced swelling of the kinetoplast with loss of electron-density in L. amazonensis promastigotes induced by carajurin treatment. It was observed that carajurin leads to a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential (p = 0.0286), an increase in reactive oxygen species production (p = 0.0286), and cell death by late apoptosis (p = 0.0095) in parasites. Pretreatment with the antioxidant NAC prevented ROS production and significantly reduced carajurin-induced cell death. The electrochemical and density functional theory (DFT) data contributed to support the molecular mechanism of action of carajurin associated with the ROS generation, for which it is possible to observe a correlation between the LUMO energy and the electroactivity of carajurin in the presence of molecular oxygen. All these results suggest that carajurin targets the mitochondria in L. amazonensis. In addition, when assessed for its drug-likeness, carajurin follows Lipinski’’s rule of five, and the Ghose, Veber, Egan, and Muegge criteria.

BackgroundConsidering the complexity of the factors involved in the immunopathology of Chagas disease, which influence the Chagas’ disease pathogenesis, anti-T. cruzi immune response, and chemotherapy outcome, further studies are needed to improve our understanding about these relationships. On this way, in this article we analyzed the host genetic influence on hematological, histopathological and immunological aspects after T. cruzi infection.MethodsBALB/c and A mice were intragastrically infected with T. cruzi SC2005 strain, isolated from a patient of an outbreak of Chagas disease. Parameters such as parasite load, survival rates, cytokines production, macrophages, T and B cell frequencies, and histopathology analysis were carried out.ResultsBALB/c mice presented higher parasitemia and mortality rates than A mice. Both mouse lineages exhibited hematological alterations suggestive of microcytic hypochromic anemia and histopathological alterations in stomach, heart and liver. The increase of CD8+ T cells, in heart, liver and blood, and the increase of CD19+ B cells, in liver, associated with a high level of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ), confer a resistance profile to the host. Although BALB/c animals exhibited the same findings observed in A mice, the response to infection occurred later, after a considerable parasitemia increase. By developing an early response to the infection, A mice were found to be less susceptible to T. cruzi SC2005 infection.ConclusionsHost genetics background shaping the response to infection. The early development of a cytotoxic cellular response profile with the production of proinflammatory cytokines is important to lead a less severe manifestation of Chagas disease.

Atualmente está sendo bastante utilizada, principalmente no Reino Unido, a metodologia de ensino STEAM, que é um acrônimo de Ciência, Tecnologia, Engenharia, Artes e Matemática. Para utilizar essa metodologia ao ensinar, é preciso estabelecer inter-relações entre essas cinco áreas do conhecimento. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo é fruto das discussões realizadas e da atividade solicitadas pela disciplina Tendências e abordagens de pesquisas em ensino de Ciências e Matemática, que ocorreu em julho de 2017, ofertada pelo Programa de Doutorado em Educação em Ciências e Matemática (PPGECEM/REAMEC). Seu objetivo foi conjecturar possibilidades de problematizações STEAM na Atividade de Campo durante uma visita ao Parque Mãe Bonifácia, em Cuiabá-MT. Foram realizadas observações não estruturadas com intuito de identificar possibilidades didáticas, por meio de elementos, estruturas e lugares do referido parque. As possibilidades de problematizações encontradas foram as estruturas construídas no parque, sendo as cabanas de descanso, a estátua que faz referência à matriarca do parque e o mirante. Esta última já não existe mais devido a comprometimento em sua conjuntura estrutural, mas pode ser trabalhado devido registros em sites de notícias locais e nacionais. Logo, o estudo mostrou ser possível utilizar a metodologia STEAM para favorecer a construção de conhecimentos de forma inter-relacionada.

Neste trabalho serão apresentados dois locais públicos de Cuiabá-MT, amplamente utilizados como locais turísticos, potenciais espaços não formais de aprendizagem. Tanto o Museu do Morro, quanto o Mercado do Porto são espaços urbanos, com fácil acesso, o que possibilita o deslocamento de professores e alunos para ambos os lugares. O artigo traz a sugestão de abordagem interdisciplinar, envolvendo os professores de física, química, matemática, biologia, geografia e história. Descrevemos algumas possibilidades didáticas, para que os professores possam realizar sua prática com a finalidade de instigar em seus alunos o prazer pela aprendizagem. Valorizando o processo de ensino aprendizagem a partir de aulas de campo ou aulas visitas.

O presente artigo descreve e analisa a criação do Comitê Gestor Institucional (COMFOR), a organização e execução de Programas e Ações financiados pelo MEC, e desenvolvidos pela Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso – UFMT, por meio do seu COMFOR, no período de fevereiro de 2013 a 2016 são aqui sintetizados. A oferta dos cursos, majoritariamente a distância, proporcionou formação continuada para mais de trinta e seis mil profissionais do magistério que atuam na Rede Pública de Educação Básica em todos os municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso. A formação contribuiu para que os educadores além de atualizarem seus métodos e ferramentas pedagógicas, refletissem sobre sua práxis visando melhorá-las.

Objetivando conhecer a concepção de sexualidade de alunos surdos (AS) e não surdos (NS) e como a expressam, realizou-se uma entrevista semi-estruturada, empregando recursos visuais, com os alunos do 3º Ano do Ensino Médio. Os dados revelaram que o preservativo é o método contraceptivo mais utilizado por ambos os grupos entrevistados. Entre os AS não há um diálogo muito amplo sobre sexualidade com a família, diferindo dos demais. Quanto a realização de atividades relativas ao tema na escola, entre os AS foi unânime a necessidade de aulas de educação sexual, e uma minoria foi contrária à ideia entre os NS. Para a maioria dos AS a sexualidade está relacionada ao ato da prática do sexo, evidenciando a importância de discussão sobre a temática. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciaram que os AS conseguem vivenciar sua sexualidade como qualquer indivíduo NS, não tendo sido identificada diferença significativa entre suas concepções.

During the last decades it has become increasingly clear that the microbes that live on and in humans are critical for health. The communities they form, termed microbiomes, are involved in fundamental processes such as the maturation and constant regulation of the immune system. Additionally, they constitute a strong defense barrier to invading pathogens, and are also intricately linked to nutrition. The parameters that affect the establishment and maintenance of these microbial communities are diverse, and include the genetic background, mode of birth, nutrition, hygiene, and host lifestyle in general. Here, we describe the characterization of the gut microbiome of individuals living in the Amazon, and the comparison of these microbial communities to those found in individuals from an urban, industrialized setting. Our results showed striking differences in microbial communities from these two types of populations. Additionally, we used high-throughput metabolomics to study the chemical ecology of the gut environment and found significant metabolic changes between the two populations. Although we cannot point out a single cause for the microbial and metabolic changes observed between Amazonian and urban individuals, they are likely to include dietary differences as well as diverse patterns of environmental exposure. To our knowledge, this is the first description of gut microbial and metabolic profiles in Amazonian populations, and it provides a starting point for thorough characterizations of the impact of individual environmental conditions on the human microbiome and metabolome.

The current standard treatment for leishmaniasis has remained the same for over 100 years, despite inducing several adverse effects and increasing cases of resistance. In this study we evaluated the in vitro antileishmanial activity of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3 triazole compounds and carried out in silico predictive study of their pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties. Ten compounds were analyzed, with compound 6 notably presenting IC50: 14.64 ± 4.392 µM against promastigotes, IC50: 17.78 ± 3.257 µM against intracellular amastigotes, CC50: 547.88 ± 3.256 µM against BALB/c peritoneal macrophages, and 30.81-fold selectivity for the parasite over the cells. It also resulted in a remarkable decrease in all the parameters of in vitro infection. Ultrastructural analysis revealed lipid corpuscles, a nucleus with discontinuity of the nuclear membrane, a change in nuclear chromatin, and kinetoplast swelling with breakdown of the mitochondrial cristae and electron-density loss induced by 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole treatment. In addition, compound 6 enhanced 2.3-fold the nitrite levels in the Leishmania-stimulated macrophages. In silico pharmacokinetic prediction of compound 6 revealed that it is not recommended for topical formulation cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment, however the other properties exhibited results that were similar or even better than miltefosine, making it a good candidate for further in vivo studies against Leishmania parasites.

Violacein is a violet pigment produced by Chromobacterium violaceum that possesses several functions such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. The search for potential compounds and therapies that may interfere with and modulate the gut microbial consortia without causing severe damage and increased resistance is important for the treatment of inflammatory, allergic, and metabolic diseases. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the ability of violacein to change microbial patterns in the mammalian gut by favoring certain groups over the others in order to be used as a therapy for diseases associated with changes in the intestinal microflora. To do this, we used male Wistar rats, and administered violacein orally, in low (50 μg/ml) and high (500 μg/ml) doses for a month. Initially, the changes in the microbial diversity were observed by DGGE analyses that showed that the violacein significantly affects the gut microbiota of the rats. Pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA was then employed using a 454 GS Titanium platform, and the results demonstrated that higher taxonomic richness was observed with the low violacein treatment group, followed by the control group and high violacein treatment group. Modulation of the microbiota at the class level was observed in the low violacein dose, where Bacilli and Clostridia (Firmicutes) were found as dominant. For the high violacein dose, Bacilli followed by Clostridia and Actinobacteria were present as the major components. Further analyses are crucial for a better understanding of how violacein affects the gut microbiome and whether this change would be beneficial to the host, providing a framework for the development of alternative treatment strategies for intestinal diseases using this compound.

The dichotomy between high microbial abundance (HMA) and low microbial abundance (LMA) sponges has been observed in sponge-microbe symbiosis, although the extent of this pattern remains poorly unknown. We characterized the differences between the microbiomes of HMA (n = 19) and LMA (n = 17) sponges (575 specimens) present in the Sponge Microbiome Project. HMA sponges were associated with richer and more diverse microbiomes than LMA sponges, as indicated by the comparison of alpha diversity metrics. Microbial community structures differed between HMA and LMA sponges considering Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) abundances and across microbial taxonomic levels, from phylum to species. The largest proportion of microbiome variation was explained by the host identity. Several phyla, classes, and OTUs were found differentially abundant in either group, which were considered “HMA indicators” and “LMA indicators.” Machine learning algorithms (classifiers) were trained to predict the HMA-LMA status of sponges. Among nine different classifiers, higher performances were achieved by Random Forest trained with phylum and class abundances. Random Forest with optimized parameters predicted the HMA-LMA status of additional 135 sponge species (1,232 specimens) without a priori knowledge. These sponges were grouped in four clusters, from which the largest two were composed of species consistently predicted as HMA (n = 44) and LMA (n = 74). In summary, our analyses shown distinct features of the microbial communities associated with HMA and LMA sponges. The prediction of the HMA-LMA status based on the microbiome profiles of sponges demonstrates the application of machine learning to explore patterns of host-associated microbial communities.

Historicamente, a educação de surdos esteve voltada para questões linguísticas, em específico, para a discussão do ensino da Língua Portuguesa, oral e/ou escrito, e do uso da língua de sinais. Pouco se tem falado em relação à aprendizagem de outras áreas do ensino, como as Ciências. Pesquisar e compreender metodologias que facilitem o ensino para esses alunos torna-se muito importante, visto que passamos por um período escolar onde o processo inclusivo inicia-se, e a atenção deve ser redobrada. A interação entre os diferentes no intuito de que percebam os outros e ocorra um auxilio mútuo, trazendo o olhar para a educação não apenas conteudista, mas visando o desenvolvimento humano, de compartilhamento de saberes/experiências. Objetivou-se despertar um olhar diferenciado nos professores quanto ao ensino para esses alunos, na tentativa de desmistificar a incapacidade de surdos na aprendizagem diferenciada que envolva elementos dos quais achamos necessária à audição, obtendo como resultado uma proposta de aula diferenciada para o ensino do Sistema Ósseo tendo a dança como elemento introdutório e motivador.

Marine sponges harbour complex microbial communities of ecological and biotechnological importance. Here, we propose the application of the widespread sponge family Irciniidae as an appropriate model in microbiology and biochemistry research. Half a gram of one Irciniidae specimen hosts hundreds of bacterial species—the vast majority of which are difficult to cultivate—and dozens of fungal and archaeal species. The structure of these symbiont assemblages is shaped by the sponge host and is highly stable over space and time. Two types of quorum-sensing molecules have been detected in these animals, hinting at microbe-microbe and host-microbe signalling being important processes governing the dynamics of the Irciniidae holobiont. Irciniids are vulnerable to disease outbreaks, and concerns have emerged about their conservation in a changing climate. They are nevertheless amenable to mariculture and laboratory maintenance, being attractive targets for metabolite harvesting and experimental biology endeavours. Several bioactive terpenoids and polyketides have been retrieved from Irciniidae sponges, but the actual producer (host or symbiont) of these compounds has rarely been clarified. To tackle this, and further pertinent questions concerning the functioning, resilience and physiology of these organisms, truly multi-layered approaches integrating cutting-edge microbiology, biochemistry, genetics and zoology research are needed.

Este artigo propõe algumas reflexões acerca da temática Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS), por uma perspectiva que vá além do dual ensino e pesquisa, com vistas a uma Universidade Empreendedora. As incubadoras, enquanto agentes do ecossistema empreendedor, ainda no espaço da universidade, poderiam cumprir esse papel de ressignificar os projetos científicos e a geração de negócios, a partir deles. No entanto, ao entrevistarmos os coordenadores das incubadoras de empresas e instituto de pesquisa, em Manaus, verificamos o fosso ainda existente, principalmente no que tange as questões empreendedoras na área da Ciência, na contramão do interesse dos próprios estudantes, que se mostraram interessados, mas não conseguem enxergar, como associar com a educação, a tecnologia e/ou a Educação em Ciências. Concluímos que é necessário pensar estratégias específicas, de forma a proporcionar ações do ponto de vista da CTS, para além do dual ensino e pesquisa, ao fortalecer o empreendedorismo na universidade.

The benthic macroinvertebrates are among the main organisms used in the evaluation of environmental and biological monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. The distribution of these organisms is mainly determined by the type and diversity of habitats available to the community. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the distribution of macroinvertebrates in the state of Mato Grosso, analyzing the macroinvertebrates orders and families occurring in a spring dammed in an agricultural land in the municipality of Campo Verde-MT, evaluating the structure of the community in rainy and dry periods The study area is located in the headwaters of São Lourenço River - TM, where soybeans, millet and cotton (latitude S 15 ° 37 '18.8 "W and longitude 55 º 10 '24.8") are cultivated. In its vicinity (ca. 30 m) one of its sources was dammed, sampled at its input (P2) in the limnetic zone (P3) and at its output (P4). In addition to these three points, we sampled one of its sources (P1) and a stream below the dam (P6). Each point was sampled six times, three during the rainy season and three during the dry season, with three replicates at each point. The increased occurrence of organisms occurred in the rainy season, with 216 organisms at P2 and P3 points. Diptera was the most abundant in the rainy season, represented by the Chironomidae family.

Antibiotics are known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities that may lead to inhibition or death of the infectious agent. A species of plant that has this characteristic is the garlic, Allium Sativum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test garlic antibacterial efficiency with different concentration gradients both in the form of watery extract and in natura on a Bacillus thuringiensis berliner. The samples of garlic passed through two methods to obtain the aqueous extract and in natura; at first, the garlic was previously washed with distilled water, triturated and filtered to get concentrations of 30%, 40%, 50% and 60 %; in natura garlic was just macerated. After the incubation period (24, 48 and 72 hours) 43 halos were mensured: 9 with concentration equal to 30%, 10 with 40%, 13 with 50% and 11 halos with a concentration of 60%. The average size of the inhibition halos ranged from 0.4 mm to 40%, 0.9 to 60%. This result shows a probable bacterial efficiency, for the inhibition halo increased in proportion to increasing concentrations, as well as bacteriostatic, for 48 hours in a concentration of 60%. Another conclusion is that the garlic in natura acted as bacteriostatic, although for a longer period, about 72 hours, than on Bacillus thuringiensis. So, this research shows that garlic has a bacterial and bacteriostatic action, but this methodology needs to be adapted to maintain the active principles of antibacterial action for a longer period, both in the garlic extract and in natura.

Tropical diseases caused by parasitic infections continue to cause socioeconomic distress worldwide. Among these, Chagas disease has become a great concern because of globalization. Caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, there is an increasing need to discover new, more effective methods to manage infections that minimize disease onset. Antimicrobial peptides represent a possible solution to this challenge. As effector molecules of the innate immune response against pathogens, they are the first line of defense found in all multi-cellular organisms. In amphibians, temporins are a large family of antimicrobial peptides found in skin secretions. Their functional roles and modes of action present unique properties that indicate possible candidates for therapeutic applications. Here, we investigated the trypanocide activity of temporizin and temporizin-1. Temporizin is an artificial, hybrid peptide containing the N-terminal region of temporin A, the pore-forming region of gramicidin and a C-terminus consisting of alternating leucine and lysine. Temporizin-1 is a modification of temporizin with a reduction in the region responsible for insertion into membranes. Their activities were evaluated in a cell permeabilization assay by flow cytometry, an LDH release assay, electron microscopy, an MTT assay and patch clamp experiments. Both temporizin and temporizin-1 demonstrated toxicity against T. cruzi with temporizin displaying slightly more potency. At concentrations up to 100 μg/ ml, both peptides exhibited low toxicity in J774 cells, a macrophage lineage cell line, and no toxicity was observed in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. In contrast, the peptides showed some toxicity in rat adenoma GH3 cells and Jurkat human lymphoma cells with temporizin-1 displaying lower toxicity. In summary, a shortened form of the hybrid temporizin peptide, temporizin-1, was efficient at killing T. cruzi and it has low toxicity in wild-type mammalian cells. These data suggest that temporizin-1 might be a candidate for Chagas disease therapy.

In this study spatial and temporal variations in limnological characteristics of a dam located in one of the headwaters of the São Lourenço River (Campo Verde, MT) were evaluated. The surrounding area is used for soybeans cultivation, corn, cotton, and pasture. We examined biotic (heterotrophic bacteria and chlorophyll a) and abiotic factors (precipitation, air and water temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, total phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia nitrogen) at three sampling sites along the longitudinal axis of the water body, and at three depths (at the surface, the Secchi depth, and at the sediment-water interface). Samples were taken bimonthly during 2010. Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between biotic and abiotic variables, and then principal components and cluster analyses were used to study the relationship between these factors and the variability observed among the various sampling sites, dam depths, and periods of observation. The analyses showed a strong correlation between factors such as rainfall, heterotrophic bacteria, conductivity, turbidity, and phosphorus, indicating the influence of seasonality in cultivated areas. It was observed that the variations between the sampling sites were more significant (p < 0.01) than in the water column for most of the variables, probably due to the particular characteristics of each sample point and its shallow water column.

Roots are the primary site of interaction between plants and microorganisms. To meet food demands in changing climates, improved yields and stress resistance are increasingly important, stimulating efforts to identify factors that affect plant productivity. The role of bacterial endophytes that reside inside plants remains largely unexplored, because analysis of their specific functions is impeded by difficulties in cultivating most prokaryotes. Here, we present the first metagenomic approach to analyze an endophytic bacterial community resident inside roots of rice, one of the most important staple foods. Metagenome sequences were obtained from endophyte cells extracted from roots of field-grown plants. Putative functions were deduced from protein domains or similarity analyses of protein-encoding gene fragments, and allowed insights into the capacities of endophyte cells. This allowed us to predict traits and metabolic processes important for the endophytic lifestyle, suggesting that the endorhizosphere is an exclusive microhabitat requiring numerous adaptations. Prominent features included flagella, plant-polymer-degrading enzymes, protein secretion systems, iron acquisition and storage, quorum sensing, and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Surprisingly, endophytes might be involved in the entire nitrogen cycle, as protein domains involved in N2-fixation, denitrification, and nitrification were detected and selected genes expressed. Our data suggest a high potential of the endophyte community for plant-growth promotion, improvement of plant stress resistance, biocontrol against pathogens, and bioremediation, regardless of their culturability.

An evaluation was made of the effect of temporal variations on an assembly of Testaceae in several water bodies located in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. A sampling point was selected at each study site, where 4 samplings were collected per season, consideringthe climatic conditions of the dry and rainy periods. The findings revealed 80 infrageneric taxa, 05 families and 12 genera. Pearson’s correlation between the second axis of the DCA and the first axis of the PCA was significant, even after applying Bonferroni’s correction for multiple significance tests (r = 0.683; p = 0.014). Thus, the temporal variation of the limnological data, which showed higher values of turbidity, total solids, color and temperature for the rainy period and higher concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus during the dry season, was significantly correlated with the biotic data. The second axis of the PCA indicated that the variables remainedunchanged during the seasonal periods under study.O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da variação temporal sobre assembleia de Testáceas de alguns corpos d’água localizados no Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães. Elegeu-se, em cada estação de estudo, um ponto amostral e realizaram-se quatro amostragens/estação, considerando-se as condições climáticas do período de estiagem e chuvoso. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram 80 táxons infragenéricos, cinco famílias e 12 gêneros. A correlação de Pearson entre o segundo eixo da DCA e o primeiro eixo da PCA foi significativa, mesmo após a correção de Bonferroni para múltiplos testes de significância (r = 0,683; p = 0,014). Deste modo, a variação temporal dos dados limnológicos, que evidenciou maioresvalores de turbidez, sólidos totais, cor e temperatura para o período chuvoso, e maiores concentrações de nitrogênio e fósforo na estiagem, correlacionou-se significativamente com os dados bióticos. O segundo eixo da PCA evidenciou que as variáveis não variaram durante osperíodos sazonais estudados.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a long-term carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on nerve conduction studies (NCS) in hands treated non-surgically. METHOD: We retrospectively selected 261 symptomatic CTS hands (166 patients), all of them confirmed by NCS. In all cases, at least 2 NCS were performed in an interval greater than 12 months. Cases with associated polyneuropathy were excluded. NCS parameters for CTS electrodiagnosis included a sensory conduction velocity (SCV) 4.25 ms (wrist to APB, 8 cm). RESULTS: 92.8% were women; mean age was 49 years (20-76); the mean interval between NCS was 47 months (12-150). In the first exam, the median sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and the compound action muscular potential were absent in 9.8% and 1.9%, respectively. In the second/last exam, SCV worsened in 54.2%, remained unchanged in 11.6% and improved in 34.2%. SNAP amplitude worsened in 57.7%, remained unchanged in 13.1% and improved in 29.2%. DML worsened in 52.9%, remained unchanged in 7.6% and improved in 39.5%. Overall, NCS parameters worsened in 54.9%, improved in 34.3% and remained unchanged in 10.8%. CONCLUSION: Long-term changing in NCS of CTS hands apparently were not related to clinical symptomatology and could lead to some difficulty in clinical correlation and prognosis. Aging, male gender and absent SNAP were more related to NCS worsening, regardless the mean interval time between the NCS.OBJETIVO: Comparar evolutivamente parâmetros de condução nervosa (CN) na síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) em mãos não submetidas à cirurgia. MÉTODO: Foram selecionadas retrospectivamente 261 mãos (166 pacientes) com STC sintomática confirmadas por CN e que posteriormente realizaram exame controle com intervalo >12 meses; foram excluídos casos com polineuropatia. Os parâmetros eletrodiagnósticos anormais foram: velocidade de condução sensitiva (VCS) 4,25 ms, segmento pulso-APB (8 cm). RESULTADOS: 92,8% eram mulheres; a média de idade foi 49 anos (20-76); o tempo médio entre os exames foi 47 meses (12-150); 9,8% e 1,9% não apresentaram potenciais de ação do nervo sensitivo (PANS) e potenciais de ação muscular compostos, no primeiro exame. No segundo exame a VCS piorou em 54,2%, ficou igual em 11,6% e melhorou em 34,2%; a amplitude do PANS piorou em 57,7%, ficou igual em 13,1% e melhorou em 29,2%; a LDM piorou em 52,9%, ficou igual em 7,6% e melhorou em 39,5%. Incluindo todos os parâmetros eletrofisiológicos, houve piora em 54,9%, melhora em 34,3% e permaneceram sem alterações 10,8%. CONCLUSÃO: As anormalidades da CN na STC podem oscilar ao longo do tempo e aparentemente independem da sintomatologia clínica, dificultando a correlação e prognóstico; idade mais avançada, sexo masculino e PANS ausentes no primeiro exame foram as variáveis que tiveram menor percentual de melhora evolutiva, independentemente do intervalo entre os exames.

A cross-sectional study utilizing spatial analysis techniques was conducted to study water quality problems and risk of waterborne enteric diseases in a lower-middle-class urban district of Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Field surveys indicate high rates of supply water contamination in domiciles and, conspicuously, in public and private schools. Logistic regression models developed for the variables turbidity, Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and intestinal parasite infection did not identify singular explanatory factors for the supply water conditions and elevated incidences of enteric diseases among children. The contamination problems were found to be the result of precarious conditions involving both public infrastructure and in-building sanitary installations and their maintenance. GIS methods were successfully applied to create spatial datasets for logistic regression model building and to construct risk maps using regression coefficients.Foi realizado um estudo transversal incluindo técnicas da análise espacial para avaliar problemas de qualidade de água de consumo e riscos de doenças entéricas em um bairro da classe média baixa na cidade de Cuiabá, capital de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Os trabalhos de campo indicam altos índices de contaminação nos domicílios e, particularmente, nas escolas públicas e particulares. Modelos de regressão logística, desenvolvidos para as variáveis turbidez, Escherichia coli, coliformes totais e parasitas intestinais não puderam ser relacionados a fatores singulares que explicassem riscos de comprometimento da água de consumo e de infecção com parasitas em crianças. Os problemas detectados, entretanto, podem ser ligados às condições precárias da infra-estrutura pública de abastecimento e das instalações sanitárias e sua manutenção nos domicílios. Técnicas de geoprocessamento foram aplicadas com sucesso para a elaboração de planos de informação espaciais, utilizados na geração dos modelos de regressão logística e no mapeamento de risco com base nos coeficientes da regressão logística.

Célebre cartunista e teórico dos quadrinhos, Will Eisner se destaca principalmente por sua obra magistral, a história em quadrinho The Spirit, a qual será, basicamente, o centro de nosso ensaio. A HQ (entenda-se por história em quadrinho) narra às aventuras do detetive mascarado Spirit que protege sua cidade, Central City, de todos os tipos de vilões. Será através desse enredo que faremos relação entre a história em quadrinho e o livro teórico de Eisner “Os Quadrinhos e a Arte Sequencial” (Comics and Sequential Art, 1985), livro teórico que embasa significativas pesquisas e escritores na área das Histórias em Quadrinhos. É nessa obra que o artista cunha o conceito de Arte Sequencial, defendendo as HQs como sendo uma expressão artística e literária. Buscaremos, então, trabalhar a história em quadrinho com a relevância que o Will Eisner sempre defendeu e buscou dar às suas obras.

Chagas disease is a worldwide public health problem. Although the vectorial transmission of Chagas disease has been controlled in Brazil there are other ways of transmission, such as the ingestion of T. cruzi contaminated food, which ensures the continuation of this zoonosis. Here, we demonstrate the influence of the inoculation route on the establishment and development of the SC2005 T. cruzi strain infection in mice. Groups of Swiss mice were infected intragastrically (IG) or intraperitoneally (IP) with the T. cruzi SC2005 strain derived from an outbreak of oral Chagas disease. The results revealed that 100% of IP infected mice showed parasitemia, while just 36% of IG infected showed the presence of the parasite in blood. The parasitemia peaks were later and less intense in the IG infected mice. Mortality of the IP infected animals was more intense and earlier when compared to the IG infected mice. In the IP infected mice leucopenia occurred in the early infection followed by leucocytosis, correlating positively with the increase of the parasites. However, in the IG infected mice only an increase in monocytes was observed, which was positively correlated with the increase of the parasites. Histopathological analyses revealed a myotropic pattern of the SC2005 strain with the presence of inflammatory infiltrates and parasites in different organs of the animals infected by both routes as well as fibrosis foci and collagen redistribution. The flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a fluctuation of the T lymphocyte population in the blood, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of the infected animals. T. cruzi DNA associated with the presence of inflammatory infiltrates was detected by PCR in the esophagus, stomach and intestine of all infected mice. These findings are important for the understanding of the pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection by both inoculation routes.