Microplastics alter the leaf litter breakdown rates and the decomposer community in subtropical lentic microhabitats.

Microplastics, pervasive pollutants in aquatic environments, have been primarily studied for their impact on marine ecosystems. However, their effects on freshwater systems, particularly in forested phytotelmata habitats, remain understudied in Subtropical systems. This research examines the influence of varying microplastic concentrations (0.0, 200, 2,000, 20,000, and 200,000 ppm) on leaf litter breakdown of Inga vera (in bags of 10 and 0.05 mm mesh) and the naturally associated invertebrate community occurring in forested phytotelmata. The study employs an experimental design with microplastic concentration treatments in artificial microcosms (buckets with 800 mL of rainwater) arranged in an area of Atlantic Rain Forest native vegetation of Subtropical systems. The results indicate that elevated concentrations of microplastics may enhance leaf litter breakdown (6-8%), irrespective of the bag mesh, attributed to heightened decomposer activity and biofilm formation. Consequently, this contributes to increased invertebrate richness (33-37%) and greater shredder abundance (21-37%). Indicator analysis revealed that Culicidae, Stratiomyidae, Chironomidae, Empididae, Planorbidae, and Ceratopogonidae were indicative of some microplastic concentrations. These findings underscore the significance of accounting for microplastics when evaluating the taxonomic and trophic characteristics of invertebrate communities, as well as the leaf breakdown process in Subtropical systems.

Ethnically distinct populations and coping with violence against children in the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To identify policies and programs adopted by a Brazilian municipality to address violence against children during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: A qualitative documentary study. The study setting was the municipality of Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. Data was collected from official websites between November 2021 and February 2022. Thematic content analysis was used with the support of webQDA software. RESULTS: Three empirical categories emerged: a) Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence against children; b) Action strategies for tackling violence against children in the COVID-19 pandemic; c) Evaluation indicators and targets for action strategies for tackling violence against children. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The documents revealed few direct mentions of children, especially traditional populations; they presented superficial and ineffective evaluations of the policies and programs adopted, using exclusively quantitative indicators.

Cellulose Sulfate Nanofibers for Enhanced Ammonium Removal.

In this study, a sulfonation approach using chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) to prepare cellulose sulfate nanofibers (CSNFs) from raw jute fibers is demonstrated. Both elemental sulfur content and zeta potential in the CSNFs are found to increase with increasing CSA content used. However, the corresponding crystallinity in the CSNFs decreases with the increasing amount of CSA used due to degradation of cellulose chains under harsh acidic conditions. The ammonium adsorption results from the CSNFs with varying degrees of sulfonation were analyzed using the Langmuir isotherm model, and the analysis showed a very high maximum ammonium adsorption capacity (41.1 mg/g) under neutral pH, comparable to the best value from a synthetic hydrogel in the literature. The high ammonium adsorption capacity of the CSNFs was found to be maintained in a broad acidic range (pH = 2.5 to 6.5).

Comparative analysis of Chrysoporthe cubensis exoproteomes and their specificity for saccharification of sugarcane bagasse.

The phytopathogenic fungus Chrysoporthe cubensis is a relevant source of lignocellulolytic enzymes. This work aimed to compare the profile of lignocellulose-degrading proteins secreted by C. cubensis grown under semi-solid state fermentation using wheat bran (WB) and sugarcane bagasse (SB). The exoproteomes of the fungus grown in wheat bran (WBE) and sugarcane bagasse (SBE) were qualitative and quantitatively analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD046075. Label-free proteomic analysis of WBE and SBE showed that the fungus produced a spectrum of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) with exclusive characteristics from each extract. While SBE resulted in an enzymatic profile directed towards the depolymerization of cellulose, the enzymes in WBE were more adaptable to the degradation of biomass rich in hemicellulose and other non-lignocellulosic polymers. Saccharification of alkaline pre-treated sugarcane bagasse with SBE promoted glucose release higher than commercial cocktails (8.11 g L-1), while WBE promoted the higher release of xylose (5.71 g L-1). Our results allowed an in-depth knowledge of the complex set of enzymes secreted by C. cubensis responsible for its high lignocellulolytic activity and still provided the identification of promising target proteins for biotechnological applications in the context of biorefinery.

Ethnically distinct populations and coping with violence against children in the COVID-19 pandemic / Poblaciones étnicamente diversas y la lucha contra la violencia infantil en la pandemia de COVID-19 / Populações etnicamente distintas e o enfrentamento da violência contra crianças na pandemia da COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify policies and programs adopted by a Brazilian municipality to address violence against children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A qualitative documentary study. The study setting was the municipality of Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. Data was collected from official websites between November 2021 and February 2022. Thematic content analysis was used with the support of webQDA software. Results: Three empirical categories emerged: a) Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on violence against children; b) Action strategies for tackling violence against children in the COVID-19 pandemic; c) Evaluation indicators and targets for action strategies for tackling violence against children. Final considerations: The documents revealed few direct mentions of children, especially traditional populations; they presented superficial and ineffective evaluations of the policies and programs adopted, using exclusively quantitative indicators.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar políticas y programas adoptados por un municipio brasileño para hacer frente a la violencia infantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Se trata de un estudio cualitativo documental. El escenario fue el municipio de Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. Los datos se recogieron de sitios de internet oficiales entre noviembre de 2021 y febrero de 2022. Se utilizó el análisis temático de contenido con el apoyo del software webQDA. Resultados: Surgieron tres categorías empíricas: a) Impactos de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la violencia contra los niños; b) Estrategias de acción para abordar esta violencia; c) Indicadores de evaluación y metas de las estrategias de acción para este afrontamiento. Consideraciones finales: Los documentos revelaron pocas menciones sobre los niños de las poblaciones tradicionales en especial y presentaron evaluaciones superficiales de las políticas y programas adoptados, utilizando exclusivamente indicadores cuantitativos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar políticas e programas adotados por um município brasileiro para o enfrentamento da violência contra crianças durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudo qualitativo do tipo documental. O cenário de estudo foi Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. A coleta de dados foi realizada em sites oficiais, de novembro de 2021 a fevereiro de 2022. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo temática apoiada pelo software webQDA. Resultados: Emergiram três categorias empíricas: a) Impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na violência contra crianças; b) Estratégias de enfrentamento desta violência; c) Indicadores de avaliação e metas das estratégias para este enfrentamento Considerações finais: Há poucas menções diretas às crianças, especialmente às de populações tradicionais; apresentaram avaliações ineficazes das políticas, apenas qualitativamente.

Less is more: partial larvicidal efficacy of plant leachate leads to larger Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

Major efforts to control the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes involve the use of synthetic insecticides, which can be harmful to the environment. Most plant compounds are eco-friendly and some of them have biocontrol potential, whereas a fraction of these compounds is released into the environment through the leaf-leaching process. We evaluated the effects of secondary compounds from Ateleia glazioviana and Eucalyptus grandis senescent leaf leachates on Ae. aegypti larval mortality, adult emergence time, and wing size using a microcosm approach. The microcosms consisted of 10 larvae kept in water (control) and under four treatments with leachates from a combination of plant species and leaching time (7 or 14 days). Chemical analyses of the leachates showed the presence of carboxaldehyde and Heptatriocotanol, which have antimicrobial properties, potentially reducing the food available for larvae. ß-Sitosterol, Stigmasterol, α-Amyrin, and Lupeol are compounds with inhibitory, neurotoxic, and larvicidal effects. Both plant species' leachates increased larval mortality and decreased emergence time due to the presence of compounds toxic to the larvae. Larger organisms emerged in treatments with 7-days leachates, likely due to the high concentration of dissolved organic matter in the leachates. The higher mortality in 7-days leachates may also increase the organic matter from co-specific decomposition, improving adult size. Therefore, if the mosquito population is not locally extinct, compounds present in leaf leachates may act as a resource enhancing larvae growth, potentially increasing survivors' fitness. In conclusion, biocontrol attempts using urban green spaces may have unexpected outcomes, such as resulting in larger pest organisms.

Leprosy and tuberculosis control scenario of the national program for the improvement of access and quality of primary care in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, despite advances in public health policies aimed at eliminating and controlling infectious and parasitic diseases, the incidence of neglected diseases is still high. The epidemiological scenario in Brazil of diseases such as tuberculosis and leprosy evidences a public policy agenda that has not been resolute in terms of control, nor in terms of elimination. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the actions of diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in the context of primary health care. METHODS: In this ecological study, data from the third cycle of the Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care were extracted from electronic address of the Primary Health Care Secretariat of Brazil in the area of Actions, Programs and Strategies. A total of 37,350 primary health care teams were that answered the questionnaire were eligible, with variables extracted from leprosy and tuberculosis control actions. The municipalities were grouped according to the characteristic of the Brazilian municipality. The partition chi-square and the Residuals Test were used to assess whether there was a difference in the proportion of tuberculosis and leprosy actions between types of municipalities. Statistics were carried out using Minitab 20 and Bioestat 5.3. RESULTS: Regarding the leprosy treatment location, there is a higher proportion of people referred to be treated at the reference in adjacent rural (p = 0.0097) and urban (p < 0.0001) municipalities; monitoring of people with leprosy referred to the service network (p. = 0.0057) in remote rural areas. Lower proportion of teams requesting bacilloscopy in remote rural areas (p = 0.0019). Rural areas have a higher proportion of teams that diagnose new cases (p = 0.0004). Regarding the actions of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. There is a higher proportion of teams that carry out consultations at the unit itself in rural areas when compared to adjacent intermediaries (p = 0.0099) and urban (p < 0.0001); who requested sputum smear microscopy in adjacent intermediaries (p = 0.0021); X-ray in adjacent intermediaries (p < 0.0001) and urban (p < 0.0001); collection of the first sputum sample in urban (p < 0.0001) and adjacent rural areas (p < 0.0001); directly observed treatment (p < 0.0001) in adjacent rural municipalities. CONCLUSION: There are inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis among the types of municipalities.

Dissection of schistosome tissues under LC-MS compatible preservative conditions for quantitative proteomics.

Schistosomes are blood flukes with specialised tissues and organs, each one playing a pivotal role in perpetuating the parasite life cycle. Herein, we describe a detailed methodology for preserving the proteome of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms during manual dissection for enrichment of tissues associated with the parasite's alimentary tract. We provide step-by-step directions for specimen storage and dissection while in preservative solution, tissue homogenisation, protein extraction and digestion using a methodology fully compatible with downstream quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Our methodology uses label-free and QconCAT-based absolute quantification for detection of S. mansoni oesophageal gland products proposed as vaccine candidates. Through stabilisation of the proteome and minimising sample degradation during dissection our approach has allowed us to access the hidden proteome of target tissues not readily available from total lysates because of their small volume. This protocol can be replicated or adapted to other Schistosoma species lacking quantitative proteomics characterisation of specialised tissues for discovery of proteins with potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility.

Monitorização residencial da pressão arterial no controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica: percepções de enfermeiras / Home blood pressure monitoring in the control of systemic arterial hypertension: nurses' perceptions / Monitoreo domiciliario de la presión arterial con miras a controlar la hipertensión arterial sistémica: percepciones de las enfermeras

Objetivo: analisar as percepções de enfermeiras sobre a Monitorização Residencial da Pressão Arterial no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos: estudo descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em sete Unidades de Saúde da Família de Belém, Pará, com participação de 14 enfermeiras, que atuavam no Programa HiperDia. A coleta de dados ocorreu nos meses de janeiro a março de 2017, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais, empregando roteiro elaborado pelos pesquisadores. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e submetidas à técnica de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: emergiram quatro categorias temáticas, abordando os conhecimentos sobre a Monitorização Residencial da Pressão Arterial, as práticas e estratégias no manejo da pessoa com hipertensão, a importância da monitorização, os recursos e métodos para o diagnóstico da doença e as dificuldades na execução dessa monitorização. Conclusão: as enfermeiras reconheceram a importância da Monitorização Residencial da Pressão Arterial nas ações empreendidas por suas equipes, destacando a aplicação desse método na prevenção de complicações da hipertensão. Todavia, ressaltaram que a efetividade perpassa pelo uso de aparelho adequado, não disponível nos serviços. (AU)

Objective: to analyze nurses' perceptions about Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in the context of Primary Health Care. Methods: a descriptive, qualitative study, carried out in seven Family Health Care Units in Belém, Pará, in which 14 nurses, who worked in the HiperDia Program participated. Data collection was conducted from January to March 2017, through individual semi-structured interviews, using a script prepared by the researchers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and submitted to content analysis technical procedures. Results: four thematic categories emerged, addressing knowledge about Home Blood Pressure Monitoring, the proceedings, and strategies in the management of people with hypertension, the importance of monitoring, the resources and methods for diagnosing the disease, and the difficulties in carrying out this monitoring. Conclusion: the nurses acknowledged the relevance of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in the actions carried out by their teams, highlighting the use of this method in preventing complications of hypertension. However, they emphasized that effectiveness involves the use of an adequate device, which is not available in the services. (AU)

Objetivo: analizar las percepciones de las enfermeras sobre el Monitoreo Domiciliario de la Presión Arterial en el contexto de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y cualitativo realizado en siete Unidades de Salud Familiar en Belém, Pará, con la participación de 14 enfermeras que trabajaron en el Programa HiperDia. La recopilación de datos tuvo lugar entre enero y marzo de 2017, mediante entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas, utilizando un guion preparado por los investigadores. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas, transcritas y sometidas a la técnica de análisis de contenido. Resultados: surgieron cuatro categorías temáticas, abordando el conocimiento sobre el control de la presión arterial en el domicilio, las prácticas y estrategias en el manejo de la persona con hipertensión, la importancia del monitoreo, los recursos y métodos para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y las dificultades para realizar este monitoreo. Conclusión: las enfermeras reconocen la importancia del Monitoreo Domiciliario de la Presión Arterial en las acciones llevadas a cabo por sus equipos, subrayando la aplicación de este método en la prevención de las complicaciones de la hipertensión. No obstante, resaltaron que la eficacia requiere el uso de aparatos adecuados, que no están disponibles en los servicios. (AU)

Cuidados paliativos da enfermagem no cenário pandêmico conforme a Teoria de final de vida pacífico / Palliative care of nursing in the pandemic scenario according to the pacific end-of-life theory / Cuidados paliativos de enfermería en el escenario de pandemia según la teoría del terminal de vida del pacífico

Objetivo: descrever a perspectiva assistencial da equipe de enfermagem em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva para os pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 e fora de possibilidades terapêuticas, a luz da Teoria de Final de Vida Pacífico. Métodos: estudo qualitativo com suporte da Teoria de Final de Vida Pacífico, em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva adulto do Norte do Brasil. A coleta no segundo semestre de 2020 obteve nove profissionais, contando com roteiro semiestruturado e posterior análise de três etapas. Resultados: inter-relação entre "Não sentir dor" e "Experiência de Conforto", uma polissemia de perspectivas quanto a "Experiência de dignidade e respeito" e "Estar em paz", já a "Proximidade com outros significativos" foi totalmente abalada. Considerações finais: preceitos da humanização alinharam-se a teoria, porém foi um problema a falta de padronização quanto a avaliação de dor. A exclusão dos outros significativos impossibilitou o final de vida pacífico para os pacientes com COVID-19.

Objective: to describe the care perspective of the nursing team in an Intensive Care Unit for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and out of therapeutic possibilities, in the light of the Peaceful End of Life Theory. Methods: qualitative study supported by the Theory of Peaceful End of Life, in an adult Intensive Care Unit in Northern Brazil. The collection in the second half of 2020 obtained nine professionals, with a semi-structured script and subsequent analysis of three stages. Results: interrelationship between "Not feeling pain" and "Experience of Comfort", a polysemy of perspectives regarding "Experience of dignity and respect" and "Being at peace", whereas "Proximity to significant others" was totally affected. Finalconsiderations: humanization precepts were in line with the theory, but the lack of standardization regarding pain assessment was a problem. Excluding significant others made peaceful end-of-life impossible for COVID-19 patients.

Objetivo: describir la perspectiva del cuidado del equipo de enfermería en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos a pacientes diagnosticados con COVID-19 y fuera de posibilidades terapéuticas, a la luz de la Teoría del Final de Vida Tranquilo. Métodos:estudio cualitativo sustentado en la Teoría del Final de la Vida en Paz, en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de adultos en el Norte de Brasil. La colección del segundo semestre de 2020 obtuvo nueve profesionales, con un guión semiestructurado y posterior análisis de tres etapas. Resultados: interrelación entre "No sentir dolor" y "Experiencia de Confort", polisemia de perspectivas sobre "Experiencia de dignidad y respeto" y "Estar en paz", mientras la "proximidad a otras personas significativas" se vio totalmente afectada. Consideraciones finales: los preceptos de humanización estaban en línea con la teoría, pero la falta de estandarización en cuanto a la evaluación del dolor fue un problema. La exclusión de otras personas importantes hizo imposible el final de la vida pacífica para los pacientes con COVID-19.

Sustainable Plant-Based Biopolymer Membranes for PEM Fuel Cells.

Carboxycellulose nanofibers (CNFs) promise to be a sustainable and inexpensive alternative material for polymer electrolyte membranes compared to the expensive commercial Nafion membrane. However, its practical applications have been limited by its relatively low performance and reduced mechanical properties under typical operating conditions. In this study, carboxycellulose nanofibers were derived from wood pulp by TEMPO oxidation of the hydroxyl group present on the C6 position of the cellulose chain. Then, citric acid cross-linked CNF membranes were prepared by a solvent casting method to enhance performance. Results from FT-IR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and XRD reveal a chemical cross-link between the citric acid and CNF, and the optimal fuel cell performance was obtained by cross-linking 70 mL of 0.20 wt % CNF suspension with 300 µL of 1.0 M citric acid solution. The membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), operated in an oxygen atmosphere, exhibited the maximum power density of 27.7 mW cm-2 and the maximum current density of 111.8 mA cm-2 at 80 °C and 100% relative humidity (RH) for the citric acid cross-linked CNF membrane with 0.1 mg cm-2 Pt loading on the anode and cathode, which is approximately 30 times and 22 times better, respectively, than the uncross-linked CNF film. A minimum activation energy of 0.27 eV is achieved with the best-performing citric acid cross-linked CNF membrane, and a proton conductivity of 9.4 mS cm-1 is obtained at 80 °C. The surface morphology of carboxycellulose nanofibers and corresponding membranes were characterized by FIB/SEM, SEM/EDX, TEM, and AFM techniques. The effect of citric acid on the mechanical properties of the membrane was assessed by tensile strength DMA.

Schistosome proteomics: updates and clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION: Schistosomes are long-lived blood dwelling helminth parasites using intricate mechanisms to invade, mature, and reproduce inside their vertebrate hosts, whilst simultaneously deploying immune evasion strategies. Their multi-tissue organization and solid body plan presents particular problems for the definition of sub-proteomes. AREAS COVERED: Here, we focus on the two host-parasite interfaces of the adult worm accessible to the immune system, namely the tegument and the alimentary tract, but also on the secretions of the infective cercaria, the migrating schistosomulum and the mature egg. In parallel, we introduce the concepts of "leakyome' and 'disintegrome' to emphasize the importance of interpreting data in the context of schistosome biology so that misleading conclusions about the distinct proteome compositions are avoided. Lastly, we highlight the possible clinical implications of the reviewed proteomic findings for pathogenesis, vaccine design and diagnostics. EXPERT OPINION: Proteomics has provided considerable insights into the biology of schistosomes, most importantly for rational selection of novel vaccine candidates that might confer protective immunity, but also into the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. However, given the increasing sensitivity of mass spectrometric instrumentation, we stress the need for care in data interpretation since schistosomes do not deviate from the fundamental rules of eukaryotic cell biology.

Comparative venomic profiles of three spiders of the genus Phoneutria.

Background: Spider venoms induce different physio-pharmacological effects by binding with high affinity on molecular targets, therefore being of biotechnological interest. Some of these toxins, acting on different types of ion channels, have been identified in the venom of spiders of the genus Phoneutria, mainly from P. nigriventer. In spite of the pharmaceutical potential demonstrated by P. nigriventer toxins, there is limited information on molecules from venoms of the same genus, as their toxins remain poorly characterized. Understanding this diversity and clarifying the differences in the mechanisms of action of spider toxins is of great importance for establishing their true biotechnological potential. This prompted us to compare three different venoms of the Phoneutria genus: P. nigriventer (Pn-V), P. eickstedtae (Pe-V) and P. pertyi (Pp-V). Methods: Biochemical and functional comparison of the venoms were carried out by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry, enzymatic activities and electrophysiological assays (whole-cell patch clamp). Results: The employed approach revealed that all three venoms had an overall similarity in their components, with only minor differences. The presence of a high number of similar proteins was evident, particularly toxins in the mass range of ~6.0 kDa. Hyaluronidase and proteolytic activities were detected in all venoms, in addition to isoforms of the toxins Tx1 and Tx2-6. All Tx1 isoforms blocked Nav1.6 ion currents, with slight differences. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Pn-V, Pe-V and Pp-V are highly similar concerning protein composition and enzymatic activities, containing isoforms of the same toxins sharing high sequence homology, with minor modifications. However, these structural and functional variations are very important for venom diversity. In addition, our findings will contribute to the comprehension of the molecular diversity of the venoms of the other species from Phoneutria genus, exposing their biotechnological potential as a source for searching for new active molecules.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles and their ecotoxicological effect on edaphic organisms in tropical soil.

The demand for food has intensified production in agricultural areas and stimulated the use of nanotechnology to develop new inputs, especially nanoparticle materials. In this new context, predicting the impact of using nanoparticles on non-target organisms becomes a necessary measure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological potential of magnesium (Mg2+ ) added via magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs), magnesium oxide (MgO), and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (Mg [NO3 ]2 ·6H2 O) incubated over time in tropical soil on earthworms (Eisenia andrei), springtails (Folsomia candida), and enchytraeids (Enchytraeus crypticus). Tests were conducted using a clay-textured Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol), which received increasing doses of Mg2+ (0; 25; 50; 100; 200 and 400 mg kg−1 of soil) from the three sources tested added to the soil. Treated soil was incubated for 120 days in a room with controlled temperature and photoperiod, and the ecotoxicological tests were performed at 0, 60, and 120 days of incubation. Despite having caused reduction in the reproduction of F. candida at the incubation time 0, MgO-NPs showed a low toxic potential against the other species studied, with toxicity only at a higher dose of 50 mg Mg kg−1 when compared to the other sources of Mg2+ applied to the soil (MgO and Mg [NO3 ]2 ·6H2 O). Responses associated with incubation times showed that all magnesium sources tested have lower toxicity over incubation time.

Comparative venomic profiles of three spiders of the genus Phoneutria

Spider venoms induce different physio-pharmacological effects by binding with high affinity on molecular targets, therefore being of biotechnological interest. Some of these toxins, acting on different types of ion channels, have been identified in the venom of spiders of the genus Phoneutria, mainly from P. nigriventer. In spite of the pharmaceutical potential demonstrated by P. nigriventer toxins, there is limited information on molecules from venoms of the same genus, as their toxins remain poorly characterized. Understanding this diversity and clarifying the differences in the mechanisms of action of spider toxins is of great importance for establishing their true biotechnological potential. This prompted us to compare three different venoms of the Phoneutria genus: P. nigriventer (Pn-V), P. eickstedtae (Pe-V) and P. pertyi (Pp-V). Methods: Biochemical and functional comparison of the venoms were carried out by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry, enzymatic activities and electrophysiological assays (whole-cell patch clamp). Results: The employed approach revealed that all three venoms had an overall similarity in their components, with only minor differences. The presence of a high number of similar proteins was evident, particularly toxins in the mass range of ~6.0 kDa. Hyaluronidase and proteolytic activities were detected in all venoms, in addition to isoforms of the toxins Tx1 and Tx2-6. All Tx1 isoforms blocked Nav1.6 ion currents, with slight differences. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Pn-V, Pe-V and Pp-V are highly similar concerning protein composition and enzymatic activities, containing isoforms of the same toxins sharing high sequence homology, with minor modifications. However, these structural and functional variations are very important for venom diversity. In addition, our findings will contribute to the comprehension of the molecular diversity of the venoms of the other species from Phoneutria genus, exposing their biotechnological potential as a source for searching for new active molecules.(AU)

Comparative venomic profiles of three spiders of the genus Phoneutria

Abstract Background: Spider venoms induce different physio-pharmacological effects by binding with high affinity on molecular targets, therefore being of biotechnological interest. Some of these toxins, acting on different types of ion channels, have been identified in the venom of spiders of the genus Phoneutria, mainly from P. nigriventer. In spite of the pharmaceutical potential demonstrated by P. nigriventer toxins, there is limited information on molecules from venoms of the same genus, as their toxins remain poorly characterized. Understanding this diversity and clarifying the differences in the mechanisms of action of spider toxins is of great importance for establishing their true biotechnological potential. This prompted us to compare three different venoms of the Phoneutria genus: P. nigriventer (Pn-V), P. eickstedtae (Pe-V) and P. pertyi (Pp-V). Methods: Biochemical and functional comparison of the venoms were carried out by SDS-PAGE, HPLC, mass spectrometry, enzymatic activities and electrophysiological assays (whole-cell patch clamp). Results: The employed approach revealed that all three venoms had an overall similarity in their components, with only minor differences. The presence of a high number of similar proteins was evident, particularly toxins in the mass range of ~6.0 kDa. Hyaluronidase and proteolytic activities were detected in all venoms, in addition to isoforms of the toxins Tx1 and Tx2-6. All Tx1 isoforms blocked Nav1.6 ion currents, with slight differences. Conclusion: Our findings showed that Pn-V, Pe-V and Pp-V are highly similar concerning protein composition and enzymatic activities, containing isoforms of the same toxins sharing high sequence homology, with minor modifications. However, these structural and functional variations are very important for venom diversity. In addition, our findings will contribute to the comprehension of the molecular diversity of the venoms of the other species from Phoneutria genus, exposing their biotechnological potential as a source for searching for new active molecules.

Aborto legal na infância retratado pela imprensa escrita brasileira: perspectivas para o cuidado / Aborto legal en la infancia retratado por la prensa escrita brasileña: perspectivas para el cuidado / Legal abortion in childhood portraited by the brazilian written press: perspectives for care

Objetivo: identificar e interpretar à luz das categorias gênero e geração as contradições contidas em reportagens da imprensa escrita brasileira sobre caso envolvendo uma menina vítima de violência sexual e consequente aborto legal. Método: estudo documental de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de 78 reportagens publicadas em 2 jornais no período de agosto a outubro de 2020, por meio de instrumento semiestruturado. O tratamento foi realizado por análise de conteúdo temática com apoio do webQDA. Resultados: foram identificadas três categorias empíricas: Proteção da infância expressa na legislação e no discurso dos agentes públicos; Concepções sobre o aborto e a inviolabilidade da integridade da criança; Volição dos adultos versus a autonomia da criança. Considerações finais: as contradições identificadas nas reportagens da mídia escrita brasileira no caso de uma menina desvelaram que sua autonomia, assim como o direito à proteção da infância e descriminalização do aborto, não foram respeitados.

Objetivo: identificar e interpretar, a la luz de las categorías de género y generación, las contradicciones contenidas en los reportajes de la prensa brasileña sobre el caso de una niña víctima de violencia sexual y consecuente aborto legal. Método: estudio documental con enfoque cualitativo. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de 78 reportajes publicados en 2 periódicos de agosto a octubre de 2020, utilizando un instrumento semiestructurado. El tratamiento se realizó mediante análisis de contenido temático con apoyo de webQDA. Resultados: se identificaron tres categorías empíricas: Protección de la niñez expresada en la legislación y en el discurso de los agentes públicos; Concepciones sobre el aborto y la inviolabilidad de la integridad del niño; Voluntad adulta versus autonomía infantil. Consideraciones finales: los resultados revelan las contradicciones identificadas en el caso de una niña brasileña, cuya autonomía, así como el derecho a la protección de la infancia y la despenalización del aborto, no fueron respetados.

Objective: to identify and interpret, based on the gender and generation categories, the contradictions contained in Brazilian written press reports on a case involving a girl victim of sexual violence and consequent legal abortion. Method: this is a documentary study with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through 78 reports published in 2 newspapers from august to october 2020, using a semi-structured instrument. The treatment was performed by thematic content analysis with support from webQDA. Results: three empirical categories were identified: Child protection expressed in legislation and the discourse of public agents; Conceptions about abortion and the inviolability of the child's integrity; Adult volition versus child autonomy. Final considerations: the results reveal the contradictions identified in the case of a Brazilian girl, whose autonomy, as well as the right to protection of childhood and decriminalization of abortion, were not respected.

Study the Use of Activated Carbon and Bone Char on the Performance of Gravity Sand-Bag Water Filter.

In this study, granulated activated charcoal (GAC) and bio charcoal (BC) is used as a filler in P3 biosand bag filter to study their filtration performance against a range of fluoride impurities from 1-1400 mg/L. A set of experiments are done to analyze the filtration efficiency of the sandbag filter against fluoride impurities after incorporating different amounts (e.g., 0.2, 2 kg) and a combination of GAC and BC. A combination of filler GAC and BC (1 kg each) have exhibited excellent results with 100% fluoride removal efficiency against 5 mg/L fluoride impurities for an entire experimental time of 165 min. It is because of the synergetic effect of adsorption caused by the high surface area (739 m2/g) of GAC and hydroxyapatite groups in BC. The data from remediation experiments using individual GAC and BC are fitted into the Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherm Models to check their adsorption mechanism and determine GAC and BC's maximum adsorption capacity (Qm). The remediation data for both GAC and BC have shown the better fitting to the Langmuir Isotherm Model with a high R2 value of 0.994 and 0.970, respectively, showing the excellent conformity with monolayer adsorption. While the GAC and BC have presented negative Kf values of -1.08 and -0.72, respectively, for Freundlich Model, showing the non-conformity to multilayer adsorption. The Qm values obtained from Langmuir Model for GAC is 6.23 mg/g, and for BC, it is 9.13 mg/g. The pH study on adsorption efficiency of individual GAC and BC against 5 mg/L of fluoride impurities indicates the decrease in removal efficiency with an increase in pH from 3 to 9. For example, BC has shown removal efficiency of 99.8% at pH 3 and 99.5% at pH 9, while GAC has exhibited removal efficiency of 96.1% at pH 3 and 95.9% at pH 9. Importantly, this study presents the significance of the synergetic application of GAC and BC in the filters, where GAC and BC are different in their origin, functionalities, and surface characteristics.

Absence of Biomarker-Driven Treatment Options in Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Selected Preclinical Candidates for Next Generation Combination Therapies.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States, and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for about 15% of all lung cancers. In SCLC, more than other malignancies, the standard of care is based on clinical demonstration of efficacy, and less on a mechanistic understanding of why certain treatments work better than others. This is in large part due to the virulence of the disease, and lack of clinically or biologically relevant biomarkers beyond routine histopathology. While first line therapies work in the majority of patients with extensive stage disease, development of resistance is nearly universal. Although neuroendocrine features, Rb and p53 mutations are common, the current lack of actionable biomarkers has made it difficult to develop more effective treatments. Some progress has been made with the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors. There are new agents, such as lurbinectedin, that have completed late-phase clinical testing while other agents are still in the pre-clinical phase. ONC201/TIC10 is an imipridone with strong in vivo and in vitro antitumor properties and activity against neuroendocrine tumors in phase 1 clinical testing. ONC201 activates the cellular integrated stress response and induces the TRAIL pro-apoptotic pathway. Combination treatment of lurbinectedin with ONC201 are currently being investigated in preclinical studies that may facilitate translation into clinical trials for SCLC patients.

Diversity of metazoan parasites in fish Triportheus angulatus and Triportheus auritus living in sympatry in the Brazilian Amazon.

The aim of this study was to compare the diversity and community structure of metazoan parasites in sympatric populations of Triportheus angulatus and Triportheus auritus in the Jari River basin, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. All the specimens of T. angulatus and T. auritus examined were infected by Anacanthorus furculus, Anacanthorus pithophallus, Digenea gen. sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Rhabdochona acuminata, Contracaecum sp., Ergasilus sp. and Acarina gen. sp. These parasites displayed aggregated or random dispersion. The parasite community in T. angulatus and T. auritus presented a similarity of 78%. The diversity indice and richness of parasite species were greater in T. auritus and there were differences in levels of host parasite infection for some infracommunities. Phyllodistomum spatula occurred only in T. angulatus, while metacercariae of Clinostomum marginatum and Digenea gen. sp.2 occurred only in T. auritus. The species richness of the parasites was influenced by host size, as well as the abundance of some parasite infracommunities. This is the first report of these parasites for T. angulatus and T. auritus, except for P. (S.) inopinatus and Contracaecum sp. for T. angulatus.