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Abstract Background Due to their environmentally friendly character, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are becoming increasingly used as microbial agents in biological pest control over chemical pesticides. However, EPF are sensitive to the influence of abiotic factors, such as temperature, radiation, and humidity. To improve their efficiency as bioinsecticides, in this work, the development of a new microparticles-based formulation loading EPF conidia (B. bassiana aerial conidia) into sodium alginate/maltodextrin microparticles obtained by spray-drying was proposed. Different concentrations of both polysaccharides were tested to reach the optimal ratio and ensure a high viability of encapsulated conidia. Results All the produced formulations showed a moisture content

BackgroundTo develop an effective vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, the most widely dispersed human malaria parasite, it is critical to understand how coinfections with other pathogens could impact malaria-specific immune response. A recent conceptual study proposed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly prevalent human herpesvirus that establishes lifelong persistent infection, may influence P. vivax antibody responses. Here, it was investigated whether EBV could impact the longevity of humoral immune response to P. vivax.Methodology/principal findingsA 14-year follow-up study was carried out among long-term P. vivax-exposed Amazonian individuals (272, median age 35 years), and included 9 cross-sectional surveys at periods of high and low malaria transmission. The experimental approach focused on monitoring antibodies to the major blood-stage P. vivax vaccine candidate, the Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII-Sal1), including a novel engineered DBPII-based vaccine targeting conserved epitopes (DEKnull-2). In parallel, the status of EBV infection was determined over time by the detection of circulating EBV DNA (EBV-DNAemia) and EBV-specific antibodies to lytic (VCAp18) or latent (EBNA1) antigens. Regardless of the malaria transmission period, the results demonstrated that one or multiple episodes of EBV-DNAemia did not influence the longevity of DBPII immune responses to both strain-specific (Sal-1) or strain-transcending (DEKnull-2) antibodies. Also, the average time in which DBPII-responders lost their antibodies was unrelated to the EBV serostatus. Considering all malaria cases detected during the study, there was a predominance of P. vivax mono-infection (76%), with a positive correlation between malaria infection and EBV-DNAemia.Conclusions/significanceIn an immunocompetent P. vivax-exposed adult population neither sporadic episodes of EBV-DNAemia nor antibody responses to lytic/latent EBV antigens influence the longevity of both strain-specific and strain-transcending DBPII immune responses. Further studies should investigate the role of acute P. vivax infection in the activation of EBV replication cycle.

Abstract The discovery of mimivirus in 2003 prompted the search for novel giant viruses worldwide. Despite increasing interest, the diversity and distribution of giant viruses is barely known. Here, we present data from a 2012–2022 study aimed at prospecting for amoebal viruses in water, soil, mud, and sewage samples across Brazilian biomes, using Acanthamoeba castellanii for isolation. A total of 881 aliquots from 187 samples covering terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes were processed. Electron microscopy and PCR were used to identify the obtained isolates. Sixty-seven amoebal viruses were isolated, including mimiviruses, marseilleviruses, pandoraviruses, cedratviruses, and yaraviruses. Viruses were isolated from all tested sample types and almost all biomes. In comparison to other similar studies, our work isolated a substantial number of Marseillevirus and cedratvirus representatives. Taken together, our results used a combination of isolation techniques with microscopy, PCR, and sequencing and put highlight on richness of giant virus present in different terrestrial and marine Brazilian biomes.

In this work, electrochemical tests were performed to measure hydrogen permeation during free dissolution of carbon steel in the presence of the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [(EMIM)+(Ac)-], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide [(EMIM)+(Br)-], and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [(BMIM)+(BF4)-] in 5.4 mol L-1 HCl aqueous solution. The permeation inhibition efficiencies (IEp (%)) of 5-hydroxy-2-nitromethylene-hexahydropyrimidine (HPY) and a commercial corrosion inhibitor (CCI) were also evaluated. Among the ILs, the (BMIM)+(BF4)- compound presented the highest corrosion and hydrogen permeation inhibition efficiencies, with values of 23% and 30%, respectively. The (EMIM)+(Br)- and (EMIM)+(Ac)- compounds were not effective against corrosion, but they presented IEp of 15.8% and 23%, respectively. The HPY compound demonstrated 61% effectiveness in preventing corrosion, while in silico evaluation indicated no toxicity. However, neither the HPY compound nor the CCI compound inhibited the entry of hydrogen into the carbon steel during the pickling process.

There is limited evidence about the use of medications among pregnant women with COVID-19, as well as risk factors for hospitalization due to COVID-19 in pregnancy. We aimed to describe the use of medications among SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women at the time around infection and identify predictors for hospitalization due to COVID-19 in two hospitals in Brazil. This is a hospital record-based study among pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests between March 2020 and August 2022 from two Brazilian hospitals. Characteristics of sociodemographic, obstetrical, and COVID-19 symptoms were extracted retrospectively. The prevalence use of medications was based on self-reported use, and this was administered at the hospital. Logistic regression was used to estimate predictors of hospitalization due to COVID-19. There were 278 pregnant women included in the study, of which 41 (14.7%) required hospitalization due to COVID-19. The remaining 237 (85.3%) had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic. Most of the women had the infection in the third trimester (n=149; 53.6%). The most prevalent medications used across all trimesters were analgesics (2.4% to 20.0%), antibacterials (15.0% to 23.1%), and corticosteroids (7.2% to 10.4%). Pre- or gestational hypertensive disorder (odds ratio (OR) 4.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65, 14.87) and having at least one dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04, 0.39) were associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19. Analgesics, antibacterials, and corticosteroids were the most frequently used medications among pregnant women with COVID-19. Women with hypertensive disorders have almost a five-fold increased risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. Vaccination was the strongest protective factor for severe COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women should be promoted, and pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 who have hypertensive disorders should be closely monitored.

Objetivo: Reavaliar os lapidários do município de Joaquim Felício com diagnóstico de silicose em 2004 e promover novas ações de assistência e vigilância nas oficinas de lapidação do município. Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, que descreve as ações da vigilância de ambientes e processos de trabalho no município de Joaquim Felício, realizadas por acadêmicos da Faculdade de Medicina da UFMG e pelas equipes de Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Em 2022, reiniciou-se o acompanhamento ambulatorial dos pacientes com diagnóstico prévio de silicose. Em 11/07/2022, foi realizada uma reunião com os lapidários em atividade, numa parceria com a Secretaria Municipal de Cultura e representantes do Centro de Referência Regional em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST) de Montes Claros, para apresentação e discussão do projeto. Além disso, foi proposta a marcação de consultas médicas e visitas de inspeção nas oficinas de lapidação. Resultados: Foram identificados 14 pacientes dentre os 70 avaliados previamente em 2004. Destes, um paciente havia falecido, 2 haviam se mudado do município e 2 não puderam comparecer à Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Nove pacientes foram reavaliados e encaminhados para retorno no Hospital das Clínicas-UFMG (HC-UFMG). Foram identificadas 21 oficinas de lapidação em atividade no município, com inspeção em 17 destas. Foram realizadas orientações quanto à organização e à higiene do ambiente de trabalho e quanto à prevenção de Silicose, Perda Auditiva Induzida por Ruído (PAIR) e Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT). Foram agendados atendimentos para 14 trabalhadores que, de acordo com a história clínica e ocupacional, foram encaminhados ao HC-UFMG, CEREST de Montes Claros ou para a Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). Além da consulta médica, foram solicitadas radiografias de tórax padrão Organização Internacional do Trabalho e audiometrias. Conclusão: Este estudo evidenciou a importância e viabilidade da execução de ações de promoção, assistência e vigilância em saúde do trabalhador na APS, em especial no contexto de trabalhos informais, domiciliados e precários, como demonstrado na atividade de lapidação, tão frequente em Joaquim Felício.

Naphthoquinones are important natural or synthetic compounds belonging to the general class of quinones. Many compounds in this class have become drugs that are on the pharmaceutical market for the treatment of various diseases. A special naphthoquinone derivative is menadione, a synthetic naphthoquinone belonging to the vitamin K group. This compound can be synthesized by different methods and it has a broad range of biological and synthetic applications, which will be highlighted in this review.

ABSTRACT: Fatty acid accumulation in hepatocytes induced by high concentrations of fatty acids due to lipolysis and the associated oxidative damage they cause occur most frequently after calving. Because of their role in esterification of fatty acids, diacylglycerol acyltransferase isoforms (DGAT1 and DGAT2) could play a role in the susceptibility of dairy cows to develop fatty liver. To gain mechanistic insights, we performed in vivo and in vitro analyses using liver biopsies or isolated primary hepatocytes. The in vivo study (n = 5 cows/group) involved healthy cows [average liver triacylglycerol (TAG) = 0.78%; 0.58 to 0.93%, ratio of triglyceride weight to wet liver weight] or cows diagnosed with fatty liver (average TAG = 7.60%; 5.31 to 10.54%). In vitro, hepatocytes isolated from 3 healthy female calves (1 d old, 44 to 53 kg) were challenged with (fatty acids) or without (control) a 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids in an attempt to induce metabolic stress. Furthermore, hepatocytes were treated with DGAT1 inhibitor or DGAT2 inhibitor for 2 h followed by a challenge with (DGAT1 inhibitor + fatty acids or DGAT2 inhibitor + fatty acids) or without (DGAT1 inhibitor or DGAT2 inhibitor) the 1.2 mM mixture of fatty acids for 12 h. Data analysis of liver biopsies was compared using a 2-tailed unpaired Student's t-test. Data from calf hepatocyte treatment comparisons were assessed by one-way ANOVA, and multiplicity for each experiment was adjusted by the Holm's procedure. Data indicated that both fatty liver and in vitro challenge with fatty acids were associated with greater mRNA and protein abundance of SREBF1, FASN, DGAT1, and DGAT2. In contrast, mRNA and protein abundance of CPT1A and very low-density lipoprotein synthesis-related proteins MTTP and APOB were markedly lower. However, compared with fatty acid challenge alone, DGAT1 inhibitor + fatty acids led to greater mRNA and protein abundance of CPT1A and APOB, and greater mRNA abundance of SREBF1 and MTTP. Furthermore, this treatment led to lower mRNA abundance of FASN and DGAT2 and TAG concentrations. Compared with fatty acid challenge alone, DGAT2 inhibitor + fatty acids led to greater mRNA and protein abundance of CPT1A, MTTP, and APOB, and lower mRNA and protein abundance of SREBF1 and FASN. In addition, compared with control and fatty acids, there was greater protein abundance of GRP78 and PERK in both DGAT1 and DGAT2 inhibitor with or without fatty acids. Furthermore, compared with control and fatty acids, reactive oxygen species concentrations in the DGAT1 inhibitor with or without fatty acid group was greater. Overall, data suggested that DGAT1 is particularly relevant in the context of hepatocyte TAG synthesis from exogenous fatty acids. Disruption of both DGAT1 and DGAT2 altered lipid homeostasis, channeling fatty acids toward oxidation and generation of reactive oxygen species. Both DGAT isoforms play a role in promoting fatty acid storage into TAG and lipid droplets to protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage.

Hydrogen embrittlement can occur when atomic hydrogen is absorbed by steel during the acid cleaning process. In the literature, studies of corrosion inhibition by organic compounds in acid solutions have not given attention to the inhibition of hydrogen permeation in the steel. In this work, we show that the best corrosion inhibition does not always indicate the best hydrogen permeation inhibition. For the first time, imidazole-based compounds were studied as hydrogen permeation inhibitors during carbon steel pickling in hydrochloric acid at high concentration (5.4 mol L−1). The immersion of steel in solutions containing 250 mg L−1 of the inhibitors 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim]BF4) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) resulted in low corrosion inhibition efficiency of approximately 18% in both cases. On the other hand, the hydrogen permeation inhibition efficiency was 59%. The addition of 2-(nitromethylene) imidazolidine (IMD) and 2-(nitromethylene) oxazolidine (OXA) to HCl solutions provided corrosion inhibition efficiencies of 46.7% and 24.4%, respectively. However, these compounds did not present hydrogen permeation inhibition effects.

Most hybrid brain-computer interfaces (hBCI) aim at improving the performance of single-input BCI. Many combinations are possible to configure an hBCI, such as using multiple brain input signals, different stimuli or more than one input system. Multiple studies have been done since 2010 where such interfaces have been tested and analyzed. Results and conclusions are promising but little has been discussed as to what is the best approach for the pediatric population, should they use hBCI as an assistive technology. Children might face greater challenges when using BCI and might benefit from less complex interfaces. Hence, in this scoping review we included 42 papers that developed hBCI systems for the purpose of control of assistive devices or communication software, and we analyzed them through the lenses of potential use in clinical settings and for children. We extracted taxonomic categories proposed in previous studies to describe the types of interfaces that have been developed. We also proposed interface characteristics that could be observed in different hBCI, such as type of target, number of targets and number of steps before selection. Then, we discussed how each of the extracted characteristics could influence the overall complexity of the system and what might be the best options for applications for children. Effectiveness and efficiency were also collected and included in the analysis. We concluded that the least complex hBCI interfaces might involve having a brain inputs and an external input, with a sequential role of operation, and visual stimuli. Those interfaces might also use a minimal number of targets of the strobic type, with one or two steps before the final selection. We hope this review can be used as a guideline for future hBCI developments and as an incentive to the design of interfaces that can also serve children who have motor impairments.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of altering the duration of the eccentric phase in isotonic contractions on muscle hypertrophy and strength of the quadriceps femoris. Ten healthy young adults (8 men and 2 women: Height: 173.3 ± 9.6 cm: Body mass: 69.84 ± 10.88 kg; Body fat: 19.47 ± 8.42%; Age: 25.3 ± 4.8 years) performed unilateral isotonic knee extension exercise, whereby each leg was randomly allocated to perform the eccentric phase of movement with a duration of either 2 seconds (G2S) or 4 seconds (G4S). Both conditions carried out the concentric phase of each repetition at a 1 second duration with no rest in the transition phases. Each condition performed 5 sets using 70% of 1 repetition maximum until muscle failure with 3 minutes of rest between sets for 8 weeks. The change in muscle strength was assessed by 1RM knee extension and muscle thickness was assessed by A-mode ultrasound. For each outcome variable, linear mixed-effects models were fit using restricted maximum likelihood. Hedges’ g effect sizes were calculated to provide insights into the magnitude of effects. Results showed all muscles increased in size over time; mean effects were similar in all muscles except for the vastus medialis, which favored the G4S condition. Conversely, only a trivial and highly variable effect was observed between interventions for strength gain. Our results suggest different eccentric durations produce similar increases in hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris; however, the vastus medialis showed greater growth from the slower eccentric duration. Eccentric duration did not differentially affect strength-related adaptations.

In the present study, we benchmark computational protocols for predicting Co-59 NMR chemical shift. Quantum mechanical calculations based on density functional theory were used, in conjunction with our NMR-DKH basis sets for all atoms, including Co, which were developed in the present study. The best protocol included the geometry optimization at BLYP/def2-SVP/def2-SVP/IEF-PCM(UFF) and shielding constant calculation at GIAO-LC-ωPBE/NMR-DKH/IEF-PCM(UFF). This computational scheme was applied to a set of 34 Co(III) complexes, in which, Co-59 NMR chemical shift ranges from +1162 ppm to +15,100 ppm, and these were obtained in distinct solvents (water and organic solvents). The resulting mean absolute deviation (MAD), mean relative deviation (MRD), and coefficient of determination (R2) were 158 ppm, 3.0%, and 0.9966, respectively, suggesting an excellent alternative for studying Co-59 NMR.

ABSTRACT The use of remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) to apply plant protection products has grown a lot in agriculture worldwide. However, little research data are available regarding the efficiency and safety of this method, especially in Brazil. Thus, this review aimed to present the current scenario of scientific research involving RPAs in the application of pesticides. Several factors interfere with the quality of this type of application. Among them are height and flight speed, droplet generator elements, application rate, and spray solution properties. In general, applications have been performed between 1.0 m and 3.0 m of height and 1.0 m s-1 and 7.0 m s-1 of speed. As for the droplet generator element, there is still no clarity as to the ideal system. Efficacy studies involving RPA applications demonstrate the potential of this method in replacing applications performed mainly by using knapsack equipment in an effort to reduce occupational risks. However, it is essential to observe the advantages of RPA use, while also taking into account the risk of drift. The aerodynamic effect in the droplets, qualified personnel, appropriate formulations, regulations, and details in labels are challenges that still need to be addressed for this new technology to be successful.

ABSTRACT The use of ultra-coarse droplets for herbicide application reduces the risk of drift but may compromise the coverage and efficacy of the treatment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of ultra-coarse droplets, in different spray volumes, in the application of dicamba herbicide in association with glyphosate, for the control of weeds in two field trials. The first trial was conducted in a 5 x 2 factorial design, with five spray volumes (58, 72, 96, 144, and 177 L ha-1) and two air induction flat-fan spray tips (MUG 110015 - MagnoJet and TTI 110015 - Teejet). The control efficiency of Commelina benghalensis and the spray deposition on the target were evaluated by detecting a tracer using spectrophotometry. The second was conducted in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, using two volumes (100 and 125 L ha-1) and two tips (MUG 11002 and TTI 11002). The control efficiency of Conyza spp. and fresh matter were evaluated. The different spray volumes and tips did not differ in relation to the deposition of the tracer. The use of ultra-coarse droplets was adequate for weed control. The TTI and MUG tips gave similar and adequate control performance starting at 96 L ha-1. Increasing the volume above 100 L ha-1 did not result in better control.

BackgroundThe simultaneous infection of Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could promote the development of the aggressive endemic Burkitt's Lymphoma (eBL) in children living in P. falciparum holoendemic areas. While it is well-established that eBL is not related to other human malaria parasites, the impact of EBV infection on the generation of human malaria immunity remains largely unexplored. Considering that this highly prevalent herpesvirus establishes a lifelong persistent infection on B-cells with possible influence on malaria immunity, we hypothesized that EBV co-infection could have impact on the naturally acquired antibody responses to P. vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite.Methodology/principal findingsThe study design involved three cross-sectional surveys at six-month intervals (baseline, 6 and 12 months) among long-term P. vivax exposed individuals living in the Amazon rainforest. The approach focused on a group of malaria-exposed individuals whose EBV-DNA (amplification of balf-5 gene) was persistently detected in the peripheral blood (PersVDNA, n = 27), and an age-matched malaria-exposed group whose EBV-DNA could never be detected during the follow-up (NegVDNA, n = 29). During the follow-up period, the serological detection of EBV antibodies to lytic/ latent viral antigens showed that IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA-p18) were significantly different between groups (PersVDNA > NegVDNA). A panel of blood-stage P. vivax antigens covering a wide range of immunogenicity confirmed that in general PersVDNA group showed low levels of antibodies as compared with NegVDNA. Interestingly, more significant differences were observed to a novel DBPII immunogen, named DEKnull-2, which has been associated with long-term neutralizing antibody response. Differences between groups were less pronounced with blood-stage antigens (such as MSP1-19) whose levels can fluctuate according to malaria transmission.Conclusions/significanceIn a proof-of-concept study we provide evidence that a persistent detection of EBV-DNA in peripheral blood of adults in a P. vivax semi-immune population may impact the long-term immune response to major malaria vaccine candidates.

ABSTRACT Adjuvants are tools to maximize pesticide spray quality. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction effects between adjuvants and the fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr on the physicochemical characteristics, droplet evaporation time, and spray droplet size. The experiment was carried out using a 2×6 factorial scheme, in which the first factor was the absence or presence of the fungicide mixture (water or water + fungicide) and the second factor was the presence of different adjuvants (water and five adjuvants). The parameters evaluated were surface tension, pH, viscosity, electrical conductivity, droplet evaporation time, volume median diameter, percentage of droplets smaller than 100 μm, and relative amplitude of the droplet spectrum. The silicone and propionic acid + soy lecithin adjuvants reduced the pH of the spray solution, and the sodium lauryl ether sulfate, propionic acid + soy lecithin, and orange essential oil adjuvants reduced droplet evaporation when mixed with the fungicide. All tested adjuvants improved spray quality related to the characteristics of the droplet spectrum, reducing the percentage of droplets smaller than 100 μm, and allowing more uniform droplet size. The fungicide azoxystrobin + benzovindiflupyr affected droplet evaporation time.

ABSTRACT A common agricultural problem in many regions of Brazil is maize lodging, as a consequence of strong winds and rain which impacts on crop growth and yield. However, collecting data using ground-based, manual field measurement methods is inefficient. An emerging tool is the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), capable of delivering spatial data with high resolution and flexible periodicity. In this study, the potential to detect the maize lodging using crop surface models derived from RPAS was assessed. Our RPA-based approach uses a quantitative threshold to determine lodging percentage. The threshold values of plant height, used to detect the occurrence of lodging, were based on fixed and variable values. The validation of percentage lodging was performed using the RGB orthomosaic. The derived lodging estimates showed a very high correlation to the reference data. High correlations were observed for the fixed threshold at 60% (R2 = 0.93, RSME = 8.72%) and the variable thresholds, Jenks natural breaks and iso-clusters (R2 = 0.92, RSME = 8.89% and R2= 0.92, RSME = 9%, respectively). This study demonstrated the potential of the use of this technique, reducing the subjectivity of ground-based evaluation and the laborious traditional technique of lodging inference.

Researchers from the Rett Syndrome Natural History Study organized a longitudinal study across the United States of America with the aim to characterize hand stereotypies in patients with Rett syndrome.

Entomopathogenic fungi are microbial agents of insect control in nature. They have been used as biologic strategies to manage insect invasion; however, the challenge is to maintain their shelf life and viability when exposed to high temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and humidity. Synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from fungal extracellular enzymes are an alternative using these microorganisms to obtain nanoparticles with insecticidal action. The present study evaluates the biomass production and the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles using entomopathogenic fungi isolates. Sixteen isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were used in this study. The fungi pathogenicity and virulence were evaluated using the insect model Tenebrio molitor, at a concentration of 5 × 106 conidia/mL. The fungal biomass was produced in a liquid medium, dried, and weighed. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was performed with aqueous extracts of the entomopathogenic fungi and silver nitrate solution (1 mM), following characterization by a UV/vis spectrophotometer, mean size, and polydispersity index. The results showed a significant variation in pathogenicity, virulence, and biomass production among the evaluated fungi isolates; however, only one of the isolates did not have the potential to synthesize silver nanoparticles. Pearson’s correlation showed significant correlation values only between virulence × biosynthesis potential and biomass production × biosynthesis potential, both with negative values, indicating an inverse correlation. Thus, AgNPs with entomopathogenic fungus extract can produce an innovative bioinsecticide product using a green production process.

Grasslands are the most threatened physiognomies of the Cerrado biome (Brazilian savanna), a biodiversity hotspot with conservation as a priority. The Serra da Canastra National Park protects the most important remnants of the Cerrado's southern grasslands, which are under strong anthropogenic pressure. The present study describes the structure of bird assemblages that directly use food resources in burned areas, comparing areas affected by natural fire to the areas where controlled fires were set (a management strategy to combat arson). The tested null hypothesis was that different bird assemblages are structured in a similar manner, regardless of the post-fire period or assessed area. Between December/2012 and January/2015, 92 species were recorded foraging in the study areas. The results indicate that both types of burnings triggered profound and immediate changes in bird assemblages, increasing the number of species and individuals. Natural fires exhibited a more significant influence on the structure (diversity and dominance) than prescribed burnings. Nevertheless, all the differences were no longer noticeable after a relatively short time interval of 2-3 months after prescribed burnings and 3-4 after natural fires. The findings may help the understanding of prescribed burnings as a management strategy for bird conservation in grasslands.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of interaction between nitrogen topdressing and different application ways (active ingredients) a.i. fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen in weed control and agronomic performance of common bean. The experiment was conducted during winter 2003 in Selvíria/MS. The experimental design used was a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial scheme 2x7. The first factor was composed by the absence or presence of nitrogen topdressing, while the second factor consisted of different application ways of fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen. The following variables were measured: leaf N content, dry matter of plants, yield components (number of pods plant-1, number of grains plant-1, the average number of grains pod-1 and mass of 100 grains), grain yield, phytotoxicity and weed control percentage. The nitrogen topdressing with 75 kg ha-1provided higher dry matter of plants, higher weed control and higher common bean yield of irrigated winter. In the absence of nitrogen topdressing in the application of urea before or together to fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen increased their effectiveness in controlling weeds without interference in the agronomic performance of common bean.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex multicellular structure acting as selective barrier controlling the transport of substances between these compartments. Accumulating evidence has shown that chronic hypertension is accompanied by BBB dysfunction, deficient local perfusion and plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) access into the parenchyma of brain areas related to autonomic circulatory control. Knowing that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit deficient autonomic control and brain Ang II hyperactivity and that exercise training is highly effective in correcting both, we hypothesized that training, by reducing Ang II content, could improve BBB function within autonomic brain areas of the SHR. After confirming the absence of BBB lesion in the pre-hypertensive SHR, but marked fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC, 10 kD) leakage into the brain parenchyma of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), nucleus of the solitary tract, and rostral ventrolateral medulla during the established phase of hypertension, adult SHR, and age-matched WKY were submitted to a treadmill training (T) or kept sedentary (S) for 8 weeks. The robust FITC leakage within autonomic areas of the SHR-S was largely reduced and almost normalized since the 2nd week of training (T2). BBB leakage reduction occurred simultaneously and showed strong correlations with both decreased LF/HF ratio to the heart and reduced vasomotor sympathetic activity (power spectral analysis), these effects preceding the appearance of resting bradycardia (T4) and partial pressure fall (T8). In other groups of SHR-T simultaneously infused with icv Ang II or saline (osmotic mini-pumps connected to a lateral ventricle cannula) we proved that decreased local availability of this peptide and reduced microglia activation (IBA1 staining) are crucial mechanisms conditioning the restoration of BBB integrity. Our data also revealed that Ang II-induced BBB lesion was faster within the PVN (T2), suggesting the prominent role of this nucleus in driven hypertension-induced deficits. These original set of data suggest that reduced local Ang II content (and decreased activation of its downstream pathways) is an essential and early-activated mechanism to maintain BBB integrity in trained SHR and uncovers a novel beneficial effect of exercise training to improve autonomic control even in the presence of hypertension.

O estudo compreendeu a avaliação da deficiência de Glicose-6-Fosfato Desidrogenase (G6PD) e perfil hematológico em 122 indivíduos (69 homens e 53 mulheres), com idade variando entre 3 a 84 anos, selecionados conforme a aceitação em participação no estudo, residentes na área urbana e rural do município de Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brasil, no período de julho de 2003 a agosto de 2004. A análise foi realizada utilizando-se o método da glicose NaNO2, e hemograma completo. Foram detectados quatro indivíduos do sexo masculino com deficiência da G6PD, sendo 5,8% entre os homens e 3,3% do total analisado. Dos indivíduos com deficiência da G6PD nenhum apresentava malária, através de diagnóstico realizado pela gota espessa corado pelo Giemsa. Entre os homens, 19 (27,5%) apresentaram malária, sendo 15 por Plasmodium vivax e quatro por Plasmodium falciparum; 48 (69,5%) apresentaram valores de hemoglobina abaixo de 14,0 g/dl, e 26 (37,6%) apresentaram valores eritrocitários abaixo do 4,5 milhões/mm³. Entre as mulheres apenas duas (3,7%) apresentaram malária por Plasmodium vivax; 24 (45,2%) apresentaram valores de hemoglobina abaixo de 12,0 g/dl, e 12 (22,6%) apresentaram massa eritrocitária abaixo de 4,0 milhões/mm³. A eosinofilia esteve presente em 47 (68,1%) dos homens e em 34 (64,1%) das mulheres. A incidência de deficiência da G6PD foi significativa na população masculina que procurou assistência médica devido a sintomas febris. Considerando que a primaquina é utilizada para o tratamento da malária vivax e falciparum, o risco de ocorrência de hemólise intravascular grave entre os indivíduos é significante. O teste utilizado é muito simples e de baixo custo e sugerimos a adoção desta metodologia na rotina dos laboratórios de atendimento público em áreas endêmicas de malária.This study consisted of evaluations of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and the hematologic profile of 122 individuals (69 men and 53 women) with ages varying between 3 and 83 years old. The individuals, all of whom were residents of the rural and urban areas of Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil, were selected according to their acceptance to participate in the study. The data of this study were collected in the period from July 2003 to August 2004. The analyses consisted of using the glucose NaNO2 method and complete Blood Cell count. Four men had G6PD deficiency (5.8% among the men and 3.3% of the total cases analyzed). None of the individuals with G6PD deficiency presented malaria tested using a thick smear stained with Giemsa stain 20. Among the men, 19 individuals (27.5%) presented malaria with 15 infected by Plasmodium vivax and 4 infected by Plasmodium falciparum. Forty-eight men (69.5%) presented with haemoglobin values of less than 14.0 g/dL and 26 (37.6%) presented erythrocytary values of less than 4.5 millions/mm³. Among the women, just 2 (3.2%) presented with malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax and 24 (45.2%) presented haemoglobin values less than 12.0 g/dL. Twelve (22.6%) presented erithrocytary values less than 4.0 millions/mm³. Eosinophilia was seen in 47 (68.1%) men and 34 (64.1%) women. The incidence of G6PD deficiency was significant among the male population who sought medical assistance due to fever. As primaquine is used in the radical treatment of malaria caused by both vivax and falciparum infections, the risk of serious intravascular hemolysis is significant among these individuals. The test used is very simple and has a low cost so we suggest its adoption in routine public service laboratories in endemic areas.

Background: To develop an effective vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, the most widely dispersed human malaria parasite, it is critical to understand how coinfections with other pathogens could impact malaria-specific immune response. A recent conceptual study proposed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly prevalent human herpesvirus that establishes lifelong persistent infection, may influence P. vivax antibody responses. Here, it was investigated whether EBV could impact the longevity of humoral immune response to P. vivax. Methodology/principal findings: A 14-year follow-up study was carried out among long-term P. vivax-exposed Amazonian individuals (272, median age 35 years), and included 9 cross-sectional surveys at periods of high and low malaria transmission. The experimental approach focused on monitoring antibodies to the major blood-stage P. vivax vaccine candidate, the Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII-Sal1), including a novel engineered DBPII-based vaccine targeting conserved epitopes (DEKnull-2). In parallel, the status of EBV infection was determined over time by the detection of circulating EBV DNA (EBV-DNAemia) and EBV-specific antibodies to lytic (VCAp18) or latent (EBNA1) antigens. Regardless of the malaria transmission period, the results demonstrated that one or multiple episodes of EBV-DNAemia did not influence the longevity of DBPII immune responses to both strain-specific (Sal-1) or strain-transcending (DEKnull-2) antibodies. Also, the average time in which DBPII-responders lost their antibodies was unrelated to the EBV serostatus. Considering all malaria cases detected during the study, there was a predominance of P. vivax mono-infection (76%), with a positive correlation between malaria infection and EBV-DNAemia. Conclusions/significance: In an immunocompetent P. vivax-exposed adult population neither sporadic episodes of EBV-DNAemia nor antibody responses to lytic/latent EBV antigens influence the longevity of both strain-specific and strain-transcending DBPII immune responses. Further studies should investigate the role of acute P. vivax infection in the activation of EBV replication cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the indirect electro‐oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BA) using the copper/TEMPO catalytic system, which combines copper complexes with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO) in an anaerobic medium. We reexamine the impact of bpy ligand proportions, exploring ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 on catalytic activity. Cyclic voltammetry and visible spectroscopy reveal distinct electrochemical characteristics and complex formations at different bpy ratios. Simulations uncover intricate energy equilibria involving ion coordination, varying with oxidation state, and bpy proportion. Theoretical and experimental spectra align, supporting the proposed structures. The Brønsted base, triethylamine (TEA), essential in this anaerobic system, shows different voltammetric profiles with each ligand ratio, revealing key interactions with bpy complexes. In the presence of BA, the 1:1 and 2:1 ratios exhibit indirect catalytic activity, with the 2:1 ratio yielding significantly higher current densities. This establishes a new optimal condition where [Cu(bpy)2]2+$[{\rm Cu(bpy)}_{2}]{}^{2+}$ formed in a 2:1 stoichiometry demonstrates superior activity with a lower redox potential, while maintaining labile coordination points for necessary interactions. Theoretical results also indicate weaker TEMPO coordination to [Cu(bpy)2]2+$[{\rm Cu(bpy)}_{2}]{}^{2+}$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]