Cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of the food additive tartrazine on eukaryotic cells.

BACKGROUND: Among the food additives used in the food industry, food dyes are considered the most toxic. For instance, tartrazine (TRZ) is a food colorant commercially available with conflicting data regarding its cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of TRZ using different eukaryotic cells (in vitro). METHODS: This study employed 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), brine shrimp lethality, Allium cepa and Saccharomyces cerevisiae tests. Different concentrations of TRZ and different exposure times were used in this study. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that TRZ induced a concentration-dependent toxic effect on the test systems. It also exerted cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and human gastric cells. In addition, TRZ showed mutagenic effects on the A. cepa test system. However, its toxicogenic effects may not relate to the oxidizing activity, which was confirmed by the S. cerevisiae test model. CONCLUSION: Taken together, TRZ exerted toxicogenic effects on the test systems. Therefore, it may be harmful to health, especially its prolonged use may trigger carcinogenesis.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da Leishmaniose Visceral Humana no estado do Piauí, Brasil (2007-2017) / Epidemiological aspects of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in the state of Piauí, Brazil (2007- 2017) / Aspectos epidemiológicos de la Leishmaniasis Visceral Humana en el estado do Piauí, Brasil (2007-2017)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A leishmaniose visceral apresenta considerável expansão em centros urbanos no Piauí, e a sua ocorrência é marcada por sucessivos registros de surtos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os casos notificados de Leishmaniose Visceral Humana no Piauí, entre os anos de 2007 e 2017. Métodos: Os dados sobre os números de casos e variáveis, como a distribuição no tempo, no espaço e algumas características das pessoas atingidas, óbitos e diagnóstico, foram através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINANDatasus). Resultados: Foram notificados 2.447 casos, com 2.265 casos autóctones (92,56%), e o diagnóstico laboratorial conclusivo foi realizado em 86,6% dos casos. O ano de 2014 foi o ano com maior registro (283 casos) e maior coeficiente de letalidade anual de 14,1%. Ao todo, 183 municípios (81,7%) apresentaram casos positivos em residentes. Na capital, Teresina, ocorreu o maior número de casos em residentes (734 casos, 30%) e foi o município que mais notificou em todo o estado (1.859 casos, 75,97%). Os mais acometidos foram indivíduos do sexo masculino (66,30%) e faixa etária menor que 10 anos (43,44%). Em relação à escolaridade, a classificação "não se aplica" foi mais prevalente (39,84%), assim como a raça/cor parda (88,27%) e a zona residencial urbana (67,63%). Conclusão: A realização destas análises fornece informações sobre a situação epidemiológica da leishmaniose visceral no Piauí em uma série histórica de 2007 a 2017, como a distribuição espacial dos casos, municípios com maiores incidências, a dificuldade de acesso ao diagnóstico, grupos sociais mais acometidos e óbitos, podendo auxiliar no direcionamento das ações para o controle da doença no estado.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis presents considerable expansion in urban centers in the state of Piauí and its occurrence is marked by successive records of outbreaks. To analyze the reported cases of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Piauí, between 2007 and 2017. Methods: The data about the number of cases and variables such as distribution in time, space and some characteristics of the affected people, deaths and diagnosis were obtained from Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN-Datasus) Results: 2,447 cases were reported, of which 2,265 autochthonous cases (92.56%). The conclusive diagnosis was made in 86.6% of the cases. The year with the highest record (283 cases) was 2014, also the annual lethality rate was 14.1%. Positive cases were registered in residents of 183 municipalities (81.7%). The capital Teresina presents the highest number of cases in residents (734.30%) and notification (1,859, 75.97%). Males (66.30%) were the most affected and individuals under 10 years old (43.44%). Regarding education, the classification "does not apply" (39.84%) was the most prevalent, as well as brown race/color (88.27%) and the urban residential area (67.63%). Conclusion: Epidemiological assay provides knowledge about the real epidemiological situation in the state of Piauí, such as profile characterization, frequency of cases occurrence, assisting in actions for control and eradication of the disease in the state.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La Leishmaniasis visceral presenta una expansión considerable en los centros urbanos de Piauí, y su aparición está marcada por sucesivos registros de brotes. Analizar los casos reportados de Leishmaniasis Visceral Humana en Piauí, entre los años 2007 a 2017. Métodos: Datos sobre el número de casos y variables como distribución en tiempo, espacio y algunas características de las personas afectadas, defunciones y diagnóstico fueron obtenido mediante el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades Notificables (SINAN-Datasus). Resultados: Fueron notificados 2.447 casos, con 2.265 casos autóctonos (92,56%). El diagnóstico de laboratorio concluyente se realizó en el 86,6% de los casos. 2014 fue el año con el récord más alto (283 casos) y la tasa de letalidad anual del 14,1%. 183 municipios (81,7%) presentó casos positivos en residentes. La capital Teresina tuvo el mayor número de casos en residentes (734 casos, 30%) y fue el municipio que más reportó en todo el estado (1.859 casos, 75,97%). Los más afectados pertenecían al sexo masculino (66,30%) y los menores de 10 años (43,44%). En cuanto a la educación, la clasificación "no aplica" fue más prevalente (39,84%) y la zona residencial urbana (67,63%). Conclusión: La realización de estos análisis aporta conocimiento sobre la situación epidemiológica en Piauí en una serie histórica de 2007 a 2017, como la caracterización de los casos, las fallas en los registros y la frecuencia de ocurrencia de los casos, ayudando a orientar las acciones para el control en el estado.(AU)

Triatomine bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Domiciles of the Guaribas Valley Territory, in Northeastern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Triatomine bugs are hematophagous insects that are extremely important in public health because they are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the occurrence of triatomine species and the natural T. cruzi infection in the Guaribas Valley territory, an endemic region for Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Insects were actively captured from July 2017 to October 2019 in the intra- and peridomiciles of 16 municipalities of the Guaribas Valley territory, in the southeast area of Piauí state. Triatomine species were identified following a taxonomic key, and natural infection was investigated through insects' fresh feces exams. RESULTS: A total of 430 triatomines were collected, including 211 nymphs and 219 adults. Of all collected specimens, 39 (9.1%) were from the intradomiciles and 391 (90.9%) from peridomiciles. Nine species, including two subspecies, could be identified: Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, T. brasiliensis macromelasoma, T. pseudomaculata, T. sordida, T. juazeirensis, T. melanocephala, Panstrongylus lutzi, Rhodnius domesticus, R. nasutus, and R. robustus. T. brasiliensis were the most frequently collected bugs, representing 72% of all the identified insects. None of the examined invertebrates presented flagellate forms of T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of T. b. macromelasoma and T. juazeirensis in the Guaribas Valley territory. The persistence of triatomine species in the domiciles in an endemic area for Chagas disease emphasizes the relevance of entomological surveillance and vector control measures in the studied area.

Formas parasitárias encontradas em hortaliças comercializadas em feira livre de Picos, Piauí: a importância do processo de sanitização / Parasites found in the vegetables sold in open fairs in Picos, Piauí: the importance of sanitation process

O consumo diário de vegetais fornece inúmeros benefícios para a saúde do ser humano, no entanto têm sido um dos alimentos mais relacionados a surtos de toxinfecção alimentar em nível mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de estruturas parasitárias em hortaliças comercializadas na feira livre do município de Picos, Piauí antes e após a utilização de hipoclorito de sódio como sanitizante. Foram analisadas 160 amostras, sendo 40 de alfaces-crespa (Lactuca sativa L.), 40 amostras de acelga (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.), 40 amostras de coentro (Coriandrum sativum L.) e 40 amostras de cebolinha (Allium fistulosum L.), todas oriundas de plantio convencional. Para a busca parasitária, utilizou-se o método de sedimentação espontânea (Hoffmann). Os resultados mostraram que 75% das amostras, após lavagem com água destilada, estavam contaminadas por alguma estrutura parasitária, incluindo casos de múltipla contaminação. Os parasitos que prevaleceram nas amostras foram Ancilostomídeo (ovo e larva), Ascaris lumbricoides (ovo), Entamoeba histolytica (cisto), Taenia sp. (ovo) e Trichuris trichiura (ovo e larva). Após a sanitização das amostras, houve a redução da carga parasitária, o que torna indispensável esse processo. Esses dados demonstram a situação higiênico-sanitária precária das hortaliças comercializadas na feira livre e a necessidade da realização de campanhas de educação em saúde para produtores, comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças da região. Essas medidas proporcionam melhora na qualidade das hortaliças e segurança para quem as consome.

Daily intake of vegetables provides numerous benefits to human health, yet they have been one of the foods most related to food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic structures in vegetables sold in the open fairs in Picos – Piauí, before and after the use of 2% sodium hypochlorite as a sanitizer. One hundred and sixty samples were analyzed: 40 of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), 40 samples of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.), 40 samples of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and 40 samples of chives (Allium fistulosum L.), all from conventional planting. For parasitic search, the spontaneous sedimentation method (Hoffmann) was used. All samples examined were contaminated by some parasitic structure and had multiple contamination. The predominant parasites were hookworm (egg and larva), Ascaris lumbricoides (egg), Entamoeba histolytica (cyst), Taenia sp. (egg) and Trichuris trichiura (egg and larva). The samples were sanitized, and the process reduced the parasite load by more than half. It is important to carry out health education campaigns for producers, traders and consumers of vegetables in the region and a strict supervision of the hygienic-sanitary quality of these foods, measures that provide improvement in the quality of vegetables and safety for those who consume them.

Formas parasitárias encontradas em hortaliças comercializadas em feira livre de Picos, Piauí: A importância do processo de sanitização / PARASITES FOUND IN THE VEGETABLES SOLD IN OPEN FAIRS IN PICOS, PIAUÍ: THE IMPORTANCE OF SANITATION PROCESS

O consumo diário de vegetais fornece inúmeros benefícios para a saúde do ser humano, no entanto têm sido um dos alimentos mais relacionados a surtos de toxinfecção alimentar em nível mundial. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de estruturas parasitárias em hortaliças comercializadas na feira livre do município de Picos, Piauí antes e após a utilização de hipoclorito de sódio como sanitizante. Foram analisadas 160 amostras, sendo 40 de alfaces-crespa (Lactuca sativa L.), 40 amostras de acelga (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.), 40 amostras de coentro (Coriandrum sativum L.) e 40 amostras de cebolinha (Allium fistulosum L.), todas oriundas de plantio convencional. Para a busca parasitária, utilizou-se o método de sedimentação espontânea (Hoffmann). Os resultados mostraram que 75% das amostras, após lavagem com água destilada, estavam contaminadas por alguma estrutura parasitária, incluindo casos de múltipla contaminação. Os parasitos que prevaleceram nas amostras foram Ancilostomídeo (ovo e larva), Ascaris lumbricoides (ovo), Entamoeba histolytica (cisto), Taenia sp. (ovo) e Trichuris trichiura (ovo e larva). Após a sanitização das amostras, houve a redução da carga parasitária, o que torna indispensável esse processo. Esses dados demonstram a situação higiênico-sanitária precária das hortaliças comercializadas na feira livre e a necessidade da realização de campanhas de educação em saúde para produtores, comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças da região. Essas medidas proporcionam melhora na qualidade das hortaliças e segurança para quem as consome

Daily intake of vegetables provides numerous benefits to human health, yet they have been one of the foods most related to food poisoning outbreaks worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of parasitic structures in vegetables sold in the open fairs in Picos ­ Piauí, before and after the use of 2% sodium hypochlorite as a sanitizer. One hundred and sixty samples were analyzed: 40 of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), 40 samples of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla L.), 40 samples of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and 40 samples of chives (Allium fistulosum L.), all from conventional planting. For parasitic search, the spontaneous sedimentation method (Hoffmann) was used. All samples examined were contaminated by some parasitic structure and had multiple contamination. The predominant parasites were hookworm (egg and larva), Ascaris lumbricoides (egg), Entamoeba histolytica (cyst), Taenia sp. (egg) and Trichuris trichiura (egg and larva). The samples were sanitized, and the process reduced the parasite load by more than half. It is important to carry out health education campaigns for producers, traders and consumers of vegetables in the region and a strict supervision of the hygienic-sanitary quality of these foods, measures that provide improvement in the quality of vegetables and safety for those who consume them

Triatomine bugs (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Domiciles of the Guaribas Valley Territory, in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION Triatomine bugs are hematophagous insects that are extremely important in public health because they are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In this study, we aimed to assess the occurrence of triatomine species and the natural T. cruzi infection in the Guaribas Valley territory, an endemic region for Chagas disease in northeastern Brazil. METHODS Insects were actively captured from July 2017 to October 2019 in the intra- and peridomiciles of 16 municipalities of the Guaribas Valley territory, in the southeast area of Piauí state. Triatomine species were identified following a taxonomic key, and natural infection was investigated through insects' fresh feces exams. RESULTS A total of 430 triatomines were collected, including 211 nymphs and 219 adults. Of all collected specimens, 39 (9.1%) were from the intradomiciles and 391 (90.9%) from peridomiciles. Nine species, including two subspecies, could be identified: Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, T. brasiliensis macromelasoma, T. pseudomaculata, T. sordida, T. juazeirensis, T. melanocephala, Panstrongylus lutzi, Rhodnius domesticus, R. nasutus, and R. robustus. T. brasiliensis were the most frequently collected bugs, representing 72% of all the identified insects. None of the examined invertebrates presented flagellate forms of T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of T. b. macromelasoma and T. juazeirensis in the Guaribas Valley territory. The persistence of triatomine species in the domiciles in an endemic area for Chagas disease emphasizes the relevance of entomological surveillance and vector control measures in the studied area.

Freshwater mollusks from three reservoirs of Piauí, northeastern Brazil / Moluscos límnicos de três reservatórios do Piauí, nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: The pronounced dry season determines the characteristics of the semiarid region of Brazil. Numerous small reservoirs are built to overcome this condition, accumulating multiple uses and causing important changes in the landscape and the local biota. Considering the limited amount of information about the malacofauna of reservoirs, mainly in the Northeast region of the country, this inventory provides a list of mollusks from three important reservoirs located in the city of São Julião, state of Piauí. The collections were carried out monthly between May/2017 and April/2018, sampling a total of 11,149 mollusks, corresponding to the species Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) (n = 9,724), Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) (n = 1,361) and Pomacea lineata (Spix, 1827) (n = 64). The richness of mollusks from the three reservoirs was low, similar to those described in studies conducted in other regions of Northeast Brazil. There was a significant difference in the abundance of M. tuberculata and B. straminea among the studied reservoirs. These environments are not connected and are installed in urban and rural areas, presenting different ecological conditions. The relationship between the human population and the reservoirs, associated with the lack of sanitation, increases the risks of spreading waterborne diseases besides the development of environmental imbalance by the introduction of exotic species.

Resumo: O período de seca pronunciado marca a região semiárida brasileira. Para superação dessa condição inúmeros reservatórios de pequeno porte são construídos, acumulando múltiplos usos e causando alterações importantes na paisagem e na biota local. Considerando as poucas informações sobre a malacofauna de reservatórios, principalmente na região nordeste do país, este trabalho apresenta o inventário das espécies de moluscos provenientes de três importantes reservatórios localizados no município de São Julião, estado do Piauí. As coletas foram realizadas mensalmente entre os meses de maio/2017 e abril/2018. Foi amostrado um total de 11.149 moluscos, correspondentes as espécies Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774) (n=9,724), Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848) (n=1,361) e Pomacea lineata (Spix, 1827) (n=64). A riqueza de moluscos amostrados nos três reservatórios foi baixa, não diferindo daquelas descritas em estudos realizados em outras regiões do Nordeste do Brasil. Houve diferença significativa na abundância de M. tuberculata e B. straminea entre os reservatórios estudados os quais não são conectados e encontram-se instalados em áreas urbana e rurais, com condições ambientais distintas. A relação entre a população humana da região e os reservatórios, juntamente com a falta de saneamento representam riscos à propagação de doenças transmitidas pela água e desequilíbrio ambiental pela introdução de espécies exóticas.

Acadêmicos, a percepção sobre o papilomavírus humano e sua relação com o câncer cervical / Academics, perception about the human papillomavirus and its correlation with cervical cancer

Este trabalho avaliou o conhecimento dos alunos do Curso de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Senador Helvídio Nunes de Barros sobre o Papilomavírus Humano (HPV). A maioria dos estudantes universitários (n=218) eram do sexo feminino (78%), com idade entre 17 e 34 anos (60%), onde 84% eram solteiros e com renda familiar entre 2-5 salários mínimos (64%). A partir dos resultados, verificou-se que 87% conhecem o HPV, 83% o consideram como uma DST, 68% acreditam que tanto o homem quanto a mulher pode transmitir e se infectar pelo HPV, 48% acreditam na possibilidade de transmissão vertical, 35% consideram que o HPV possa infectar genitálias, cabeça e pescoço, 60% dos universitários responderam que o exame laboratorial utilizado para a prevenção e detecção inicial da infecção é o Papanicolau. Em relação aos fatores de risco, 64% afirmaram ter vida sexual ativa, 50% iniciaram sua vida sexual entre 13 e 17 anos, 44% usam preservativo durante relações sexuais, 63% consomem bebidas alcoólicas e 94% não fumam. A maioria afirmou (64%) não existir vacina contra o HPV, 52% acreditam em uma relação entre o HPV e o câncer de colo uterino e 97% gostariam de ler mais informações sobre o HPV. Assim, verificou-se que os alunos universitários revelaram conhecimento primário sobre o HPV e sobre formas de prevenção da doença.No entanto, quase a metade dos entrevistados desconhece a gravidade da infecção ocasionada por HPV como causa elementar para o surgimento de cânceres de colo uterino

This study evaluated the knowledge of students in Biological Sciences at the Federal University of Piauí, Campus Senador Helvidio Nunes de Barros about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The majority of the college students (n=218) were female (78%), between 17 and 34 years-old (60%), 84% were singleand with income between 2-5 times the national minimum wage rate (64%). Based on these results, it was found that 87% knew about HPV, 83% consider it as sexually transmitted disease, 68% believe that both men and women can transmit and be infected with the HPV, 48% believed in the possibilityof vertical transmission, 35% consider that HPV can infect genitals, head and neck, 60% of the studentsaffirmed that the laboratorial exam used to prevent and early detection of this infection is the Papsmear. Regarding risk factors, 64% have an active sexual life, 50% started their sexual life between 13 and 17 years of age, 44% use condoms during sexual intercourse, 63% consume alcohol, and 94% do not smoke. The majority stated there is no HPV vaccine (64%), 52% believe in the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer and 97% would like to read more information about HPV. Thus, it was found that academic students revealed primary knowledge about HPV and prevention of disease.However, almost half of the respondents were unaware about the severity of infections caused by HPV as elemental factor to the onset of cervical cancers.

The linked human imprintome v1.0: over 120 genes confirmed as imprinted impose a major review on previous censuses.

The whole set of human imprinted genes, termed imprintome, is here analysed by means of a reasonable, valid application of the Semantic Web and Linked Data approaches to a few structured datasets in order to provide a comprehensive collection of imprinted genes in the human genome. Thus, we have stored, organised, filtered, and analysed massive amounts of existing data on human imprinted genes towards compiling, structuring and linking data to comprise a sharing resource for genome and epigenome interrogated studies. Our datasets of linked data are the actual research outcome of this human imprintome analysis because as genomics become more and more data intensive, due to huge amounts of biological data, so does our needs for more structured data to be easier mined and shared. We present the resulting first version of the Linked Human Imprintome as a project within Linked Open Data (LOD) initiative (http://lod-cloud.net/) through Data Hub (http:// thedatahub.org/en/dataset/a-draft-version-of-the-linked-human-imprintome).

The genome of Anopheles darlingi, the main neotropical malaria vector.

Anopheles darlingi is the principal neotropical malaria vector, responsible for more than a million cases of malaria per year on the American continent. Anopheles darlingi diverged from the African and Asian malaria vectors ∼100 million years ago (mya) and successfully adapted to the New World environment. Here we present an annotated reference A. darlingi genome, sequenced from a wild population of males and females collected in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 10 481 predicted protein-coding genes were annotated, 72% of which have their closest counterpart in Anopheles gambiae and 21% have highest similarity with other mosquito species. In spite of a long period of divergent evolution, conserved gene synteny was observed between A. darlingi and A. gambiae. More than 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and short indels with potential use as genetic markers were identified. Transposable elements correspond to 2.3% of the A. darlingi genome. Genes associated with hematophagy, immunity and insecticide resistance, directly involved in vector-human and vector-parasite interactions, were identified and discussed. This study represents the first effort to sequence the genome of a neotropical malaria vector, and opens a new window through which we can contemplate the evolutionary history of anopheline mosquitoes. It also provides valuable information that may lead to novel strategies to reduce malaria transmission on the South American continent. The A. darlingi genome is accessible at www.labinfo.lncc.br/index.php/anopheles-darlingi.