Polyploid goldback and silverback ferns (Pentagramma) occupy a wider, colder, and wetter bioclimatic niche than diploid counterparts.

PREMISE: The western North American fern genus Pentagramma (Pteridaceae) is characterized by complex patterns of ploidy variation, an understanding of which is critical to comprehending both the evolutionary processes within the genus and its current diversity. METHODS: We undertook a cytogeographic study across the range of the genus, using a combination of chromosome counts and flow cytometry to infer ploidy level. Bioclimatic variables and elevation were used to compare niches. RESULTS: We found that diploids and tetraploids are common and widespread, and triploids are rare and sporadic; in contrast with genome size inferences in earlier studies, no hexaploids were found. Diploids and tetraploids show different geographic ranges: only tetraploids were found in the northernmost portion of the range (Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia) and only diploids were found in the Sierra Nevada of California. Diploid, triploid, and tetraploid cytotypes were found to co-occur in relatively few localities: in the southern (San Diego County, California) and desert Southwest (Arizona) parts of the range, and along the Pacific Coast of California. CONCLUSIONS: Tetraploids occupy a wider bioclimatic niche than diploids both within P. triangularis and at the genus-wide scale. It is unknown whether the wider niche of tetraploids is due to their expansion upon the diploid niche, if diploids have contracted their niche due to competition or changing abiotic conditions, or if this wider niche occupancy is due to multiple origins of tetraploids.

Proteomics: Unraveling the Cross Talk Between Innate Immunity and Disease Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Treatment Options.

Inflammation is crucial in diseases, and proteins play a key role in the interplay between innate immunity and pathology. This review explores how proteomics helps understanding this relationship, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. We explore the dynamic innate response and the significance of proteomic techniques in deciphering the complex network of proteins involved in prevalent diseases, including infections, cancer, autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Proteomics identifies key proteins in host-pathogen interactions, shedding light on infection mechanisms and inflammation. These discoveries hold promise for diagnostic tools, therapies, and vaccines. In cancer research, proteomics reveals innate signatures associated with tumor development, immune evasion, and therapeutic response. Additionally, proteomic analysis has unveiled autoantigens and dysregulation of the innate immune system in autoimmunity, offering opportunities for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and new therapeutic targets. Moreover, proteomic analysis has identified altered protein expression patterns in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies. Proteomics of the innate immune system provides a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms, identifies biomarkers, and enables effective interventions in various diseases. Despite still in its early stages, this approach holds great promise to revolutionize innate immunity research and significantly improve patient outcomes across a wide range of diseases.

A miR-137-Related Biological Pathway of Risk for Schizophrenia Is Associated With Human Brain Emotion Processing.

BACKGROUND: miR-137 is a microRNA involved in brain development, regulating neurogenesis and neuronal maturation. Genome-wide association studies have implicated miR-137 in schizophrenia risk but do not explain its involvement in brain function and underlying biology. Polygenic risk for schizophrenia mediated by miR-137 targets is associated with working memory, although other evidence points to emotion processing. We characterized the functional brain correlates of miR-137 target genes associated with schizophrenia while disentangling previously reported associations of miR-137 targets with working memory and emotion processing. METHODS: Using RNA sequencing data from postmortem prefrontal cortex (N = 522), we identified a coexpression gene set enriched for miR-137 targets and schizophrenia risk genes. We validated the relationship of this set to miR-137 in vitro by manipulating miR-137 expression in neuroblastoma cells. We translated this gene set into polygenic scores of coexpression prediction and associated them with functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in healthy volunteers (n1 = 214; n2 = 136; n3 = 2075; n4 = 1800) and with short-term treatment response in patients with schizophrenia (N = 427). RESULTS: In 4652 human participants, we found that 1) schizophrenia risk genes were coexpressed in a biologically validated set enriched for miR-137 targets; 2) increased expression of miR-137 target risk genes was mediated by low prefrontal miR-137 expression; 3) alleles that predict greater gene set coexpression were associated with greater prefrontal activation during emotion processing in 3 independent healthy cohorts (n1, n2, n3) in interaction with age (n4); and 4) these alleles predicted less improvement in negative symptoms following antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS: The functional translation of miR-137 target gene expression linked with schizophrenia involves the neural substrates of emotion processing.

Glycemic variability and mortality in oncologic intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic variability and mortality in patients admitted to oncologic intensive care units. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a convenience sample of 30 medical records of patients over 18 years of age of both sexes. Glycemic variability was measured using the standard deviation and general amplitude. Statistical analysis was performed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). The significance level (α) was set at 5% with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. RESULTS: The study included 14 male patients (46.67%) with a mean age of 60±15 years. A total of 1503 blood glucose samples were collected. The AUC analysis for the standard deviation did not show a statistically significant result (p=.966; 95% CI=[0.283, 0.726]). In contrast, the general amplitude had a statistically significant association with mortality (p=.049; 95% CI=[0.514, 0.916]). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that glycemic variability measured by the general amplitude was significantly associated with patient mortality in oncologic intensive care units. These findings suggest that monitoring glycemic variability may be an important factor in the management of critically ill patients in oncologic intensive care units.

Inviabilidad de un régimen legal especial para la tenencia compartida de niños y niñas con discapacidad en el Perú / Unviability of a special legal regime for the shared custody of children with disabilities in Perú / Inviabilidade de um regime legal especial para a guarda compartilhada de meninos e meninas com incapacidade no Peru

En materia de Derecho de familia, la legislación peruana contempla la posibilidad de una tenencia compartida, regulada expresamente en el Código de los Niños y Adolescentes, sin establecer precisiones sobre las condiciones y formas de aplicación, lo que es similar en el Derecho comparado. Sustentado en principios bioéticos y jurídicos, en el presente artículo se analiza la posibilidad de generar una regulación especial para la tenencia compartida, enfocada en la necesidad de establecer criterios especiales que puedan tener en cuenta los jueces en los casos concretos que involucren a niños y niñas. Estos criterios deben partir de un modelo social dirigido a quebrar las barreras impuestas, dotando de las condiciones más adecuadas para un desarrollo integral y pleno. En esa línea de pensamiento, es fundamental el interés superior del niño, el compromiso de los progenitores y la implementación de ajustes razonables.

In terms of family law, Peruvian legislation contemplates the possibility of shared custody, expressly regulated in the Code of Children and Adolescents, without establishing details on the conditions and forms of application, which is similar in comparative law. Based on bioethical and legal principles, this article analyses the possibility of generating a special regulation for shared custody, focusing on the need to establish special criteria that judges can take into account in specific cases involving children. These criteria should be based on a social model aimed at breaking down the barriers imposed, providing the most appropriate conditions for an integral and full development. In this line of thought, the best interests of the child, the commitment of the parents and the implementation of reasonable accommodations are fundamental.

Em matéria de Direito de família, a legislação peruana contempla a possibilidade de uma guarda compartilhada, regulada expressamente no Código das Crianças e Adolescentes, sem estabelecer especificações sobre as condições e formas de aplicação, o que é similar no Direito comparado. Apoiado em princípios bioéticos e jurídicos, no presente artigo se analisa a possibilidade de gerar uma regulação especial para a guarda compartilhada, focada na necessidade de estabelecer critérios especiais que juízes possam ter em conta nos casos concretos que envolvem meninos e meninas. Esses critérios devem partir de um modelo social dirigido a quebrar as barreiras impostas, dotando as condições mais adequadas para um desenvolvimento integral e pleno. Nessa linha de pensamento, é fundamental o interesse superior da criança, o compromisso dos pais e a implementação de ajustes razoáveis.

Ecological niches in the polyploid complex Linum suffruticosum s.l.

Introduction: The high frequency of polyploidy in the evolutionary history of many plant groups occurring in the Mediterranean region is likely a consequence of its dynamic paleogeographic and climatic history. Polyploids frequently have distinct characteristics that allow them to overcome the minority cytotype exclusion. Such traits may enable polyploid individuals to grow in habitats different from their parentals and/or expand to new areas, leading to spatial segregation. Therefore, the successful establishment of polyploid lineages has long been associated with niche divergence or niche partitioning and the ability of polyploids to cope with different, often more stressful, conditions. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of environmental variables associated with the current distribution patterns of cytotypes within the polyploid complex Linum suffruticosum s.l.. Methods: The distribution and environmental niches of the five main cytotypes of Linum suffruticosum s.l. (diploids, tetraploids, hexaploids, octoploids and decaploids) were studied across its distribution range. Realized environmental niche of each cytotype was determined using niche modelling tools, such as maximum entropy modelling and niche equivalency and similarity tests. Results: Differences in the environmental conditions of L. suffruticosum s.l. cytotypes were observed, with polyploids being associated with habitats of increased drought and soil pH, narrower temperature ranges and decreased soil water and cation exchange capacities. Diploids present the widest environmental niche, and polyploids occupy part of the diploid niche. Although some polyploids have equivalent potential ecological niches, cytotypes do not co-occur in nature. Additionally, the ecological niche of this polyploid complex is different between continents, with North African habitats being characterised by differences in soil texture, higher pH, and low cation exchange capacity, precipitation and soil water capacity and higher temperatures than habitats in southwest Europe. Discussion: The different ecological conditions played a role in the distribution of cytotypes, but the mosaic distribution could not be entirely explained by the environmental variables included in this study. Other factors, such as reproductive isolation and competitive interactions among cytotypes, could further explain the current diversity and distribution patterns in white flax. This study provides relevant data on the niche requirements of each cytotype for further competition and reciprocal transplant experiments. further competition and reciprocal transplant experiments.

Impact of genome duplications in drought tolerance and distribution of the diploid-tetraploid Jasione maritima.

Polyploidy has important ecological effects, including ploidy-mediated effects on morphology, breeding system and ecological tolerances. However, there is still little comprehensive research available to test its adaptive significance and its role in driving distributional patterns. This work aimed to assess the contribution of genome duplications to ecological divergence using an experimental approach with the diploid-tetraploid Jasione maritima polyploid complex. We explored if individuals with different ploidy differ in their tolerance to water deficit and if this may contribute to explaining the distribution patterns along a latitudinal gradient in the northwest Iberian Peninsula. For that, we used three cytogenetic entities: diploids and established tetraploids collected in natural populations along a latitudinal gradient, and neotetraploids synthesized from diploid populations after treatments with colchicine. Thirty plants from each of the nine populations were grown under controlled conditions with half randomly assigned to the water deficit treatment, and half used as control. We determined experimental plants' response by measuring fitness-related parameters, such as above and belowground biomass, plant water status, photosynthetic efficiency and pigments, membrane stability, antioxidant capacity and sugars content. Our data shows that biomass, chlorophyll content, photochemical quenching (qP) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in neotetraploids and established tetraploids were significantly higher than in diploids and that these differences could be attributed to genome duplications. In response to the water deficit, diploids seem to use a strategy of avoidance, whereas tetraploids seem to employ the strategy of tolerance to overcome water deficit stress, which appears equally efficient. Additionally, we did not observe a response pattern along the latitudinal gradient of the distributional range of the J. maritima complex. The results indicate that the response to water deficit is population dependent. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of ploidy in explaining the distribution patterns of the J. maritima complex.

Purification and Biological Properties of Raniseptins-3 and -6, Two Antimicrobial Peptides from Boana raniceps (Cope, 1862) Skin Secretion.

The number of multidrug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms has been growing in recent years, most of which is due to the inappropriate use of the commercial antibiotics that are currently available. The dissemination of antimicrobial resistance represents a serious global public health problem. Thus, it is necessary to search for and develop new drugs that can act as antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising alternative for the development of new therapeutic drugs. Anurans' skin glands are a rich source of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compounds and hylids, a large and diverse family of tree frogs, are known as an important source of antimicrobial peptides. In the present study, two novel antimicrobial peptides, named Raniseptins-3 and -6, were isolated from Boana raniceps skin secretion and their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Raniseptins-3 and -6 are cationic, rich in hydrophobic residues, and adopt an α-helix conformation in the presence of SDS (35 mM). Both peptides are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive pathogens, with low hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. No activity was observed for yeasts, but the peptides are highly cytotoxic against B16F10 murine melanoma cells and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. None of the tested compounds showed improvement trends in the MTT and LDH parameters of MHV-3 infected cells at the concentrations tested.

Factors associated with grazing behavior in candidates for bariatric surgery at a hospital in the Amazon.

Blackground: To assess grazing behavior and associated factors in candidates for bariatric surgery monitored at a public hospital that is a reference in the care of people with severe obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study, with candidates for bariatric surgery of both genders, treated in a public hospital in the Amazon. To assess grazing behavior, the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire was used, and to investigate patterns of eating behavior, the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire was used, which assesses: Emotional Eating, Cognitive Restriction and Uncontrolled Eating. Sociodemographic information was obtained through self-report and the description of medication use through the medical record. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated by measuring weight and height. The SPSS program, v. 21.0 was used. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: A total of 205 participants were evaluated, with a mean age of 37.5 ± 8.6 years, the majority (93.7%) being women and the majority (59.5%) was not also using medication to lose weight. About 66.3% of the participants had compulsive grazing. The factor with the highest score was cognitive restriction (p < 0.001). Individuals who used weight loss drugs had higher scores in the cognitive restriction factor (p = 0.015) and lower scores for uncontrolled eating (p = 0.008), compulsive grazing (p = 0.021) and non-compulsive grazing (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Linear regression showed that emotional eating and uncontrolled eating were predictors of both compulsive grazing and non-compulsive grazing behavior. It was observed that grazing behavior, cognitive restriction, emotional eating and uncontrolled eating are present and correlated in the studied patients. In addition, the use of weight loss drugs seems to help reduce dysfunctional eating behaviors in patients with severe obesity.

Glycemic variability and mortality in oncologic intensive care units / Variabilidade glicêmica e mortalidade em unidades de terapia intensiva oncológicas / Variabilidad glucémica y mortalidad en unidades de cuidados intensivos oncológicos

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic variability and mortality in patients admitted to oncologic intensive care units. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a convenience sample of 30 medical records of patients over 18 years of age of both sexes. Glycemic variability was measured using the standard deviation and general amplitude. Statistical analysis was performed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC). The significance level (α) was set at 5% with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: The study included 14 male patients (46.67%) with a mean age of 60±15 years. A total of 1503 blood glucose samples were collected. The AUC analysis for the standard deviation did not show a statistically significant result (p=.966; 95% CI=[0.283, 0.726]). In contrast, the general amplitude had a statistically significant association with mortality (p=.049; 95% CI=[0.514, 0.916]). Conclusions: This study found that glycemic variability measured by the general amplitude was significantly associated with patient mortality in oncologic intensive care units. These findings suggest that monitoring glycemic variability may be an important factor in the management of critically ill patients in oncologic intensive care units.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a associação entre a variabilidade glicêmica e a mortalidade em pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva oncológicas. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectivo foi conduzido utilizando uma amostra de conveniência de 30 prontuários médicos de pacientes com mais de 18 anos de ambos os sexos. A variabilidade glicêmica foi medida utilizando o desvio padrão e a amplitude geral. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando a curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) e a área sob a curva (AUC). O nível de significância (α) foi estabelecido em 5% com um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Resultados: o estudo incluiu 14 pacientes do sexo masculino (46,67%) com idade média de 60±15 anos. Um total de 1503 amostras de glicemia foram coletadas. A análise AUC para o desvio padrão não mostrou resultado estatisticamente significativo (p = 0,966; IC 95% = [0,283, 0,726]). Em contraste, a amplitude geral teve uma associação estatisticamente significativa com a mortalidade (p = 0,049; IC 95% = [0,514, 0,916]). Conclusões: Este estudo encontrou que a variabilidade glicêmica medida pela amplitude geral está significativamente associada à mortalidade do paciente em unidades de terapia intensiva oncológicas. Esses achados sugerem que o monitoramento da variabilidade glicêmica pode ser um fator importante no manejo de pacientes criticamente doentes em unidades de terapia intensiva oncológicas.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar la asociación entre la variabilidad glucémica y la mortalidad en pacientes ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos oncológicos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo utilizando una muestra de conveniencia de 30 historias clínicas de pacientes de ambos sexos mayores de 18 años. La variabilidad glucémica se midió utilizando la desviación estándar y la amplitud general. El análisis estadístico se realizó utilizando la curva ROC (receiver operating characteristic) y el área bajo la curva (AUC). El nivel de significancia (α) se estableció en un 5% con un intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados: El estudio incluyó a 14 pacientes masculinos (46,67%) con una edad media de 60±15 años. Se recopilaron un total de 1503 muestras de glucemia. El análisis AUC para la desviación estándar no mostró ningún resultado estadísticamente significativo (p = 0,966; IC del 95% = [0,283, 0,726]). Por el contrario, la amplitud general tuvo una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la mortalidad (p = 0,049; IC del 95% = [0,514, 0,916]). Conclusiones: Este estudio encontró que la variabilidad glucémica medida por la amplitud general está significativamente asociada con la mortalidad del paciente en unidades de cuidados intensivos oncológicos. Estos hallazgos sugieren que el monitoreo de la variabilidad glucémica puede ser un factor importante en el manejo de pacientes críticamente enfermos en unidades de cuidados intensivos oncológicos.

Occurrence of emerging organic contaminants and endocrine disruptors in different water compartments in Mexico - A review.

This review compiles the studies (2007-2021) regarding the occurrence of emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) and endocrine disruptors (EDs) in wastewater, surface water and groundwater in Mexico. A total of 174 compounds were detected, including pharmaceuticals, hormones, plasticizers, personal care products, sweeteners, drugs, and pesticides considered as EDs. The levels of EOCs and EDs varied from ng/L to 140 mg/L, depending on the compound, location, and compartment. Raw wastewater was the most studied matrix, showing a greater abundance and number of detected compounds. Nevertheless, surface waters showed high concentrations of bisphenol-A, butylbenzil-phthalate, triclosan, pentachlorophenol, and the hormones estrone, 17 α-ethinylestradiol, and 17 ß-estradiol, which exceeded the thresholds set by international guidelines. Concentrations of 17 α-ethinylestradiol and triclosan exceeding the above-mentioned limits were reported in groundwater. Cropland irrigation with raw wastewater was the principal activity introducing EOCs and EDs into groundwater. The groundwater abundance of EOCs was considerably lesser than that of wastewater, highlighting the attenuation capacity of soils/aquifers during wastewater infiltration. However, carbamazepine and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide showed higher concentrations in groundwater than those in wastewater, suggesting their accumulation/concentration in soils/pore-waters. Although the contamination of water resources represents one of the most environmental concerns in Mexico, this review brings to light the lack of studies on the occurrence of EOCs in Mexican waters, which is important for public health policies and for developing legislations that incorporates EOCs as priority contaminants in national water quality guidelines. Consequently, the development of legislations will support regulatory compliance for wastewater and drinking water, reducing the human exposure.

Mastoparans: A Group of Multifunctional α-Helical Peptides With Promising Therapeutic Properties.

Biologically active peptides have been attracting increasing attention, whether to improve the understanding of their mechanisms of action or in the search for new therapeutic drugs. Wasp venoms have been explored as a remarkable source for these molecules. In this review, the main findings on the group of wasp linear cationic α-helical peptides called mastoparans were discussed. These compounds have a wide variety of biological effects, including mast cell degranulation, activation of protein G, phospholipase A2, C, and D activation, serotonin and insulin release, and antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents.

Oral motor function in obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obese individuals may have impaired oral sensory functioning and abnormal oral motor function, a consequence of fat deposition in muscles. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the oral motor function in obese individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three observational cross-sectional studies were performed. In total, 140 participants were evaluated: (1) orofacial myofunctional evaluation (OMES) was performed in 26 obese and 26 control subjects; (2) time taken for suction of 50 ml of water through straws of 3 mm and 6 mm of diameter was measured in 30 obese and 30 control subjects; (3) the oral phase of swallowing of 5 ml moderately thick and 5 ml extremely thick boluses was analysed by videofluoroscopy in 14 obese and 14 control subjects. Obese and non-obese control subjects had body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 and <30 kg/m2 , respectively. RESULTS: Obese subjects had worse oral myofunctional evaluation scores in posture/appearance (lips, jaw, cheeks, tongue and hard palate), in mobility (lips, tongue, jaw and cheeks) and in breathing, deglutition and mastication functions (p ≤ .020). The OMES total score was 73.5 ± 5.5 in obese and 92.8 ± 3.7 in controls subjects (p < .001). There was no difference between the groups in the time taken for 50 ml of water suction through the 3-mm- or 6-mm-diameter straw. Videofluoroscopic evaluation of the bolus swallowed demonstrated a longer oral preparation time in obese individuals for both boluses (p ≤ .040) and no difference in oral transit time (p ≥ .140). CONCLUSION: A moderate change in oral motor function was observed in obese individuals with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 .

Práticas Pedagógicas Inclusivas Bilíngues de Letramento para Estudantes Surdos / Inclusive Bilingual Pedagogical Practices of Literacy for Deaf Students

RESUMO: A preocupação sobre o ensino da Língua Portuguesa para surdos permeou a história com diferentes interfaces e concepções. Como uma forma de apresentar proposições sobre o tema, este artigo é um recorte do relato de pesquisa descrito na tese intitulada Análise sobre ensino de Língua Portuguesa para surdos: um estudo em dois Municípios Fluminenses (Castro, 2021), que teve como objetivo geral descrever e analisar as práticas pedagógicas bilíngues utilizadas para ensinar Língua Portuguesa para surdos, em turmas bilíngues inclusivas, no 6º ano do Ensino Fundamental II, em escolas-polo bilíngues do Rio de Janeiro e de Duque de Caxias. Os objetivos específicos foram: demonstrar práticas pedagógicas bilíngues de ensino de Língua Portuguesa para surdos realizadas em turmas bilíngues inclusivas de alunos surdos de escolas-polo dos municípios pesquisados; e destacar elementos que favorecem ou não a aprendizagem de Língua Portuguesa. A realização dessa investigação baseou-se em uma metodologia de abordagem qualitativa (Bauer & Gaskell, 2003), na matriz histórico-cultural com viés multicultural, do tipo estudo de caso (Gil, 2008). A análise dos dados foi realizada na perspectiva microgenética. Como resultado, observou-se que a forma como todos os envolvidos no processo de ensino aos alunos surdos e ouvintes medeiam o conhecimento da Língua Portuguesa, utilizando artefatos da metacognição ou da comunicação inter/multimodal por meio da Língua Brasileira de Sinais - Libras (Kelman, 2015), fazendo positivamente a diferença no ensino e na aprendizagem de todos os alunos. Enfim, considera-se que a qualidade da mediação semiótica utilizada por todos no processo ensino-aprendizagem dos surdos traz resultados positivos sobre a aprendizagem em Língua Portuguesa e sobre seu próprio desenvolvimento.

ABSTRACT: The concern about teaching Portuguese Language to the deaf has permeated history with different interfaces and conceptions. As a way of presenting propositions on the subject, this paper is a cutoff of the research report described in the thesis entitled Análise sobre ensino de Língua Portuguesa para surdos: um estudo em dois Municípios Fluminenses (Castro, 2021) [Analysis on Portuguese Language Teaching for the deaf: a study in two municipalities of Baixada Fluminense), whose main objective was to describe and analyze the bilingual pedagogical practices used to teach Portuguese language for the deaf in inclusive bilingual classes, in the 6th grade of Elementary School II, in bilingual schools of Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias. The specific objectives were: to demonstrate bilingual pedagogical practices of Portuguese Language teaching for the deaf carried out in inclusive bilingual classes of deaf students from schools in the municipalities surveyed, and to highlight elements that favor or not the learning of Portuguese Language. The realization of this investigation was based on a qualitative approach methodology (Bauer & Gaskell, 2003), in the historical-cultural matrix with multicultural perspective, of the case study type (Gil, 2008). The data analysis was performed from the microgenetic perspective. As a result, it was observed that the way everyone who were involved in the process of teaching deaf and hearing students mediate the knowledge of the Portuguese language, using artifacts of metacognition or inter/multimodal communication through the Brazilian Sign Language (Kelman, 2015), making a positive difference in the teaching and learning of all students. In summary, it is considered that the quality of semiotic mediation used by everyone in the teaching-learning process of the deaf brings positive results on their learning of Portuguese language and on their own development.

Antimicrobial activity and partial chemical structure of acylpolyamines isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis

Background: Acylpolyamines are one of the main non-peptide compounds present in spider venom and represent a promising alternative in the search for new molecules with antimicrobial action. Methods: The venom of Acanthoscurria natalensis spider was fractionated by reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and the antimicrobial activity of the fractions was tested using a liquid growth inhibition assay. The main antimicrobial fraction containing acylpolyamines (ApAn) was submitted to two additional chromatographic steps and analyzed by MALDI-TOF. Fractions of interest were accumulated for ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and ESI-MS/MS analysis and for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and hemolytic activity determination. Results: Five acylpolyamines were isolated from the venom with molecular masses between 614 Da and 756 Da, being named ApAn728, ApAn614a, ApAn614b, ApAn742 and ApAn756. The analysis of UV absorption profile of each ApAn and the fragmentation pattern obtained by ESI-MS/MS suggested the presence of a tyrosyl unit as chromophore and a terminal polyamine chain consistent with structural units PA43 or PA53. ApAn presented MIC between 128 µM and 256 µM against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, without causing hemolysis against mouse erythrocytes. Conclusion: The antimicrobial and non-hemolytic properties of the analyzed ApAn may be relevant for their application as possible therapeutic agents and the identification of an unconventional chromophore for spider acylpolyamines suggests an even greater chemical diversity.(AU)

Antimicrobial activity and partial chemical structure of acylpolyamines isolated from the venom of the spider Acanthoscurria natalensis

Abstract Background: Acylpolyamines are one of the main non-peptide compounds present in spider venom and represent a promising alternative in the search for new molecules with antimicrobial action. Methods: The venom of Acanthoscurria natalensis spider was fractionated by reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and the antimicrobial activity of the fractions was tested using a liquid growth inhibition assay. The main antimicrobial fraction containing acylpolyamines (ApAn) was submitted to two additional chromatographic steps and analyzed by MALDI-TOF. Fractions of interest were accumulated for ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and ESI-MS/MS analysis and for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and hemolytic activity determination. Results: Five acylpolyamines were isolated from the venom with molecular masses between 614 Da and 756 Da, being named ApAn728, ApAn614a, ApAn614b, ApAn742 and ApAn756. The analysis of UV absorption profile of each ApAn and the fragmentation pattern obtained by ESI-MS/MS suggested the presence of a tyrosyl unit as chromophore and a terminal polyamine chain consistent with structural units PA43 or PA53. ApAn presented MIC between 128 µM and 256 µM against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, without causing hemolysis against mouse erythrocytes. Conclusion: The antimicrobial and non-hemolytic properties of the analyzed ApAn may be relevant for their application as possible therapeutic agents and the identification of an unconventional chromophore for spider acylpolyamines suggests an even greater chemical diversity.

Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view.

The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued. However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.

Crawl technique observation sheet for beginning swimmers: an evaluation proposal for swimming teachers

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to present a technical evaluation proposal for the crawl stroke that can be used with large groups of swimmers, based on an observation sheet. Methods: Fifteen healthy university students aged between 18 and 30 years were chosen to participate in the study. The subjects were recorded swimming at a distance of 50 meters using the crawl technique at a comfortable and self-determined speed. The recordings simulated docent observation capacity. Five swimming teachers were selected to evaluate the proposed checklist and the subjects' technique. An observation sheet was created based on references present in literature containing ten items that are considered fundamental for swimming movements. The study was divided into (i) checklist validation, (ii) intra-evaluator consistency, and (iii) inter-evaluator consistency. Results: The proposed checklist fulfilled the validity criteria, with intra-evaluator consistency varying between reasonable and substantial, with k varying between 0.36 and 0.73 respectively, while inter-evaluator consistency was deemed reasonable (k = 0.24). Conclusion: According to the results that were obtained, the suggested list is valid and adequate for what it proposes to do.

Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view

The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued. However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.(AU)

Brazilian Theraphosidae: a toxicological point of view

Abstract The Theraphosidae family includes the largest number of species of the Mygalomorphae infraorder, with hundreds of species currently catalogued. However, there is a huge lack on physiologic and even ecologic information available, especially in Brazil, which is the most biodiverse country in the world. Over the years, spiders have been presented as a source of multiple biologically active compounds with basic roles, such as primary defense against pathogenic microorganisms or modulation of metabolic pathways and as specialized hunters. Spider venoms also evolved in order to enable the capture of prey by interaction with a diversity of molecular targets of interest, raising their pharmaceutical potential for the development of new drugs. Among the activities found in compounds isolated from venoms and hemocytes of Brazilian Theraphosidae there are antimicrobial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antitumoral, as well as properties related to proteinase action and neuromuscular blockage modulated by ionic voltage-gated channel interaction. These characteristics are present in different species from multiple genera, which is strong evidence of the important role in spider survival. The present review aims to compile the main results of studies from the last decades on Brazilian Theraphosidae with special focus on results obtained with the crude venom or compounds isolated from both venom and hemocytes, and their physiological and chemical characterization.