Human adenovirus replication and persistence in hypertrophic adenoids and palatine tonsils in children.

The role of human adenovirus (HAdV) infection in different acute diseases, such as febrile exudative tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, and pharyngoconjunctival fever is well established. However, the relationships, if any, of HAdV persistence and reactivation in the development of the chronic adenotonsillar disease is not fully understood. The present paper reports a 3-year cross-sectional hospital-based study aimed at detecting and quantifying HAdV DNA and mRNA of the HAdV hexon gene in adenoid and palatine tonsil tissues and nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) from patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy or recurrent adenotonsillitis. HAdV C, B, and E were detectable in nearly 50% of the patients, with no association with the severity of airway obstruction, nor with the presence of recurrent tonsillitis, sleep apnea or otitis media with effusion (OME). Despite the higher rates of respiratory viral coinfections in patients with HAdV, the presence of other viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses, had no association with HAdV replication or shedding in secretions. Higher HAdV loads in adenoids showed a significant positive correlation with the presence of sleep apnea and the absence of OME. Although this study indicates that a significant proportion (~85%) of individuals with chronic adenotonsillar diseases have persistent nonproductive HAdV infection, including those by HAdV C, B, and E, epithelial and subepithelial cells in tonsils seem to be critical for HAdV C production and shedding in NPS in some patients, since viral antigen was detected in these regions by immunohistochemistry in four patients, all of which were also positive for HAdV mRNA detection.

Effects of Bothrops alternatus venom in zebrafish: a histopathological study.

Zebrafish is an excellent model organism for studying tissue alterations caused by Bothrops alternatus venom (BAV) and for screening new anti-venom drugs. To study tissue alterations following exposure to BAV and the roles that glucocorticoids play in these tissue reactions, zebrafish were randomly divided into five groups: the free injection control group (FIC), the phosphate-buffered saline injection control group (PIC), the venom injected group (VI), the group treated with dexamethasone 1 h before venom injection (D1hBVI) and the group treated with dexamethasone 1 h after venom injection (D1hAVI). The concentration of BAV injected was 0.13 mg/mL and each fish received an injection of 20 µL. Body weight measurements and histopathological characteristics of the gills, kidneys, liver, and intestine were determined. Histopathological analyses showed necrosis, inflammation and weight gain in animals that received BAV. The histological alteration indices of the gills, liver, kidneys, and intestines were statistically higher in the animal groups treated with BAV. These alteration indices were lower in the D1hBVI and D1hAVI groups compared to the group treated with BAV alone. The D1hBVI group is presented with minor alterations. A significant difference in the histological alterations index was observed in the intestinal tissue of the FIC group compared to the PIC group. Cumulatively, zebrafish may serve as a useful biomarker for alterations induced by BAV. Interestingly, dexamethasone reduced the damage caused by BAV in the organs studied, which suggests that zebrafish might be useful for screening new drugs that can mitigate tissue damage caused by snakebites.

Oropouche virus is detected in peripheral blood leukocytes from patients.

Oropouche virus (OROV) is a frequent cause of arboviral febrile disease in the Amazon. The present report describes studies done in two patients, one of them; the first OROV human case acquired outside of the Amazon, which have revealed for the first time the presence of OROV in peripheral blood leukocytes. This novel finding raises important issues regarding pathogenesis of human infections and may offer a new tool, for the rapid diagnosis of this neglected infection. J. Med. Virol. 89:1108-1111, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Syncytia Induction by Clinical Isolates of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus A.

OBJECTIVE: Syncytia formation is the hallmark of the cytopathic effect caused by human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), which is the most important viral respiratory pathogen in children. This article reports methodological improvements in primary HRSV isolation and the importance of syncytia formation and mRNA levels of F protein for the progeny yield, using clinical isolates of HRSV. METHODS: The A and B strains of HRSV were isolated in HEp-2 cell cultures from fresh and frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates. The formation of syncytia was evaluated using 2 different assays. Levels of F protein mRNA were quantified by real-time PCR while HRSV progeny titration was done by plaque assay. RESULTS: HRSV was primarily isolated from 238 of 312 (90.7%) samples, and 13 of these (12 HRSV-A and 1 HRSV-B) were continuously passaged in vitro. The quantity and size of syncytia formed by 6 pure HRSV-A clinical isolates were different, as were the levels of F protein mRNA. CONCLUSION: There is a direct correlation of quantities of syncytia and inoculum size, but not with mRNA levels of HRSV-A F protein. Importantly, levels of F protein mRNA were directly related to progeny production.

Tonsils are major sites of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in children.

In the present study, we show that SARS-CoV-2 can infect palatine tonsils, adenoids, and secretions in children without symptoms of COVID-19, with no history of recent upper airway infection. We studied 48 children undergoing tonsillectomy due to snoring/OSA or recurrent tonsillitis between October 2020 and September 2021. Nasal cytobrushes, nasal washes, and tonsillar tissue fragments obtained at surgery were tested by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and neutralization assay. We detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in at least one specimen tested in 27% of patients. IHC revealed the presence of the viral nucleoprotein in epithelial surface and in lymphoid cells in both extrafollicular and follicular regions, in adenoids and palatine tonsils. Also, IHC for the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein NSP-16 indicated the presence of viral replication in 53.8% of the SARS-CoV-2-infected tissues. Flow cytometry showed that CD20+ B lymphocytes were the most infected phenotypes, followed by CD4+ lymphocytes and CD123 dendritic cells, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD14+ macrophages. Additionally, IF indicated that infected tonsillar tissues had increased expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. NGS sequencing demonstrated the presence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants in tonsils from different tissues. SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection was not restricted to tonsils but was also detected in nasal cells from the olfactory region. Palatine tonsils and adenoids are sites of prolonged RNA presence by SARS-CoV-2 in children, even without COVID-19 symptoms. IMPORTANCE This study shows that SRS-CoV-2 of different lineages can infect tonsils and adenoids in one quarter of children undergoing tonsillectomy. These findings bring advancement to the area of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, by showing that tonsils may be sites of prolonged infection, even without evidence of recent COVID-19 symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 infection of B and T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells may interfere with the mounting of immune responses in these secondary lymphoid organs. Moreover, the shedding of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory secretions from silently infected children raises concern about possible diagnostic confusion in the presence of symptoms of acute respiratory infections caused by other etiologies.

Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solution by hydrous zirconium oxide.

Synthetic ZrO2 x nH2O was used for phosphate removal from aqueous solution. The optimum adsorbent dose obtained for phosphate adsorption on to hydrous zirconium oxide was 0.1 g. The kinetic process was described very well by a pseudo-second-order rate model. The phosphate adsorption tended to increase with the decrease in pH. The adsorption capacity increased from 61 to 66 mg g(-1) when the temperature was increased from 298 to 338 K. A phosphate desorption of approximately 74% was obtained using water at pH 12.

Host Retromer Protein Sorting Nexin 2 Interacts with Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Structural Proteins and is Required for Efficient Viral Production.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) envelope glycoproteins traffic to assembly sites through the secretory pathway, while nonglycosylated proteins M and N are present in HRSV inclusion bodies but must reach the plasma membrane, where HRSV assembly happens. Little is known about how nonglycosylated HRSV proteins reach assembly sites. Here, we show that HRSV M and N proteins partially colocalize with the Golgi marker giantin, and the glycosylated F and nonglycosylated N proteins are closely located in the trans-Golgi, suggesting their interaction in that compartment. Brefeldin A compromised the trafficking of HRSV F and N proteins and inclusion body sizes, indicating that the Golgi is important for both glycosylated and nonglycosylated HRSV protein traffic. HRSV N and M proteins colocalized and interacted with sorting nexin 2 (SNX2), a retromer component that shapes endosomes in tubular structures. Glycosylated F and nonglycosylated N HRSV proteins are detected in SNX2-laden aggregates with intracellular filaments projecting from their outer surfaces, and VPS26, another retromer component, was also found in inclusion bodies and filament-shaped structures. Similar to SNX2, TGN46 also colocalized with HRSV M and N proteins in filamentous structures at the plasma membrane. Cell fractionation showed enrichment of SNX2 in fractions containing HRSV M and N proteins. Silencing of SNX1 and 2 was associated with reduction in viral proteins, HRSV inclusion body size, syncytium formation, and progeny production. The results indicate that HRSV structural proteins M and N are in the secretory pathway, and SNX2 plays an important role in the traffic of HRSV structural proteins toward assembly sites.IMPORTANCE The present study contributes new knowledge to understand HRSV assembly by providing evidence that nonglycosylated structural proteins M and N interact with elements of the secretory pathway, shedding light on their intracellular traffic. To the best of our knowledge, the present contribution is important given the scarcity of studies about the traffic of HRSV nonglycosylated proteins, especially by pointing to the involvement of SNX2, a retromer component, in the HRSV assembly process.

Oropouche virus entry into HeLa cells involves clathrin and requires endosomal acidification.

Oropouche virus (ORO), family Bunyaviridae, is the second most frequent cause of arboviral febrile illness in Brazil. Studies were conducted to understand ORO entry in HeLa cells. Chlorpromazine inhibited early steps of ORO replication cycle, consistent with entry/uncoating. The data indicate that ORO enters HeLa cells by clathrin-coated vesicles, by a mechanism susceptible to endosomal acidification inhibitors. Transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence indicated that ORO associates with clathrin-coated pits and can be found in association with late endosomes in a time shorter than 1h.

Neofascismo, ultraneoliberalismo e corrosão da essencialidade da previdência social no Brasil / Neofascism, ultraneoliberalism and corrosion of the essentiality of social security in Brazil

Este artigo trata da corrosão da essencialidade da previdência social e do aprofundamento de seu desmonte no contexto de crise do capital e de fortalecimento da extrema direita no Brasil. Traz resultados parciais da pesquisa "o Estado brasileiro e os paradoxos da implementação da seguridade social no Brasil" que se realiza sob a perspectiva dialética materialista, referenciada na revisão de literatura especializada e análise de dados e documentos. Os resultados revelam o caráter neofascista e ultraneoliberal do governo Bolsonaro; o avanço do processo de corrosão da essencialidade e entrega da previdência social aos capitais; denunciam medidas de ajuste à EC 103/2019, durante a pandemia da covid-19, que limitam o acesso aos direitos, reorientam a finalidade e fragilizam o INSS, instituem a política securitária sob diretrizes mercadológicas, forjam a unificação de regimes de previdência e transferência da gestão dos benefícios não programados ao setor privado

This article deals with the erosion of the essentiality of social security and the deepening of its dismantling in the context of capital crisis and the strengthening of the far right in Brazil. It brings partial results of the research "the Brazilian State and the paradoxes of the implementation of social security in Brazil", which is carried out under a dialectical materialist perspective, referenced in the review of specialized literature and analysis of data and documents. The results reveal the neo-fascist and ultra-neoliberal character of the Bolsonaro government; the progress of the process of corrosion of essentiality and delivery of social security to capitals; highlight measures of adjustment to EC 103/2019, during the covid-19 pandemic, which limit access to rights, reorient the purpose and weaken the INSS, institute the insurance policy under marketing guidelines, forge the unification of pension systems and transfer of management of unscheduled benefits to the private sector

Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of a Brazilian version of the CYRM-28 / Adaptação e avaliação psicométrica de uma versão brasileira da CYRM-28 / Adaptación y evaluación psicométrica de una versión brasileña del CYRM-28

Using a sample of 832 young people, between 13 and 25 years old, the present research examined the psychometric properties of a Brazilian adaptation of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-28 (CYRM-28), a scale empirically derived from a threefactor resilience model that has been promising for cross-cultural research. To establish validation, we use Confirmatory Factor Analysis to determine whether the traditional three-factor structure and the original items of CYRM-28 are compatible with a Brazilian sample. This was followed by tests of internal consistency by examining Cronbach's alpha and convergent validity by testing correlations with the CD-RISC-10. The results led to a reduced version of 19 items distributed in three resilience factors. The findings are consistent with those observed in samples from other cultures and suggest that CYRM-19-Br is promising for use in resilience research in Brazil.

Utilizando uma amostra de 832 jovens, entre 13 e 25 anos, a presente investigação examinou as propriedades psicométricas de uma adaptação brasileira da Child and Youth Resilience Measure-28 (CYRM-28), uma escala empiricamente derivada de um modelo de resiliência de três fatores que tem sido promissora para pesquisas interculturais. Para estabelecer a validação, usamos a Análise Fatorial Confirmatória para determinar se a estrutura tradicional de três fatores e os itens originais da CYRM-28 são compatíveis com uma amostra brasileira. Isso foi seguido por testes de consistência interna examinando o alfa de Cronbach e a validade convergente testando correlações com o CD-RISC-10. Os resultados levaram a uma versão reduzida de 19 itens distribuídos em três fatores de resiliência. Os achados são consistentes com aqueles observados em amostras de outras culturas e sugerem que a CYRM-19-Br é promissora para uso em pesquisas de resiliência no Brasil.

Utilizando una muestra de 832 jóvenes, entre 13 y 25 años, la presente investigación examinó las propiedades psicométricas de una adaptación brasileña de Child and Youth Resilience Measure-28 (CYRM-28), una escala derivada empíricamente de un modelo de escala de tres factores de resiliencia que ha sido prometedor para la investigación intercultural. Para establecer la validación, utilizamos el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio para determinar si la estructura tradicional de tres factores y los ítems originales de CYRM-28 son compatibles con una muestra brasileña. A esto le siguieron pruebas de consistencia interna examinando el alfa de Cronbach y la validez convergente probando las correlaciones con el CD-RISC-10. Los resultados llevaron a una versión reducida de 19 ítems distribuidos en tres factores de resiliencia. Los hallazgos son consistentes con los observados en muestras de otras culturas y sugieren que el CYRM-19-Br es prometedor para su uso en la investigación de resiliencia en Brasil.

Trocas na selva: uma experiência com grupo de fotoexpressão em meio ao distúrbio psicossomático / Exchanges in the jungle: a photoexpression group experience amid psychosomatic disorder / Cambios en la selva: una experiencia con grupo de fotoexpresión en medio al disturbio psicosomático

Este trabalho é mobilizado pela experiência institucional em um serviço de saúde publica que acolhe pacientes cuja problemática da somatização forma essencialmente seu quadro clínico. No sofrimento que circula no distúrbio psicossomático a incerteza do alojamento da psique no soma é a questão central. Todavia, esta clínica apresenta especificidades que desafiam as constantes de um enquadre psicanalítico tradicional. A técnica da Fotoexpressão como objeto mediador, utilizada em grupos, é observada como uma estratégia bastante apropriada no manejo destes pacientes. A situação clínica que este recurso suscita busca restabelecer a área de jogo e mediante uma zona intermediária, tenta abrir caminhos para processos elementares da experiência. Por meio de um recorte clínico buscamos problematizar a dimensão corporal e o elemento da violência diante do recurso da Fotoexpressão, analisando seus efeitos e possibilidades de deslocamentos.

This work is mobilized by an institutional experience in a public health service that welcomes patients whose somatization problem essentially forms their clinical picture. In the suffering that circulates in the psychosomatic disturbance the uncertainty of the psyche's accommodation in the soma is the central issue. However, this clinic has specificities that defy the constants of a traditional psychoanalytic framework. The technique of Photoexpression as a mediator object, used in groups, is observed as a very appropriate strategy in the management of these patients. The clinical situation that this resource raises seeks to reestablish the playing area and through an intermediate zone, tries to open the way for elementary processes of experience. Through a clinical outline we seek to problematize the body dimension and the element of violence in the face of the Photoexpression resource, analyzing its effects and possibilities of displacement.

Este trabajo es movilizado por la experiencia institucional en un servicio de salud pública que acoge pacientes cuya problemática de la somatización forma esencialmente su cuadro clínico. En el sufrimiento que circula en el disturbio psicosomático la incertidumbre del alojamiento de la psique en suma es la cuestión central. Todavía, esta clínica presenta especificidades que desafian las constantes de un encuadre psicoanalítico tradicional. La técnica de la Fotoexpresión como objeto mediador, utilizada en grupos, es observada como una estrategia bastante apropiada en el manejo de estos pacientes. La situación clínica que este recurso suscita busca restablecer la área del juego y mediante una zona intermediaria, intenta abrir caminos para procesos elementares de experiencia. Por medio de un recorte clínico buscamos problematizar la dimensión corporal y el elemento de la violencia ante al recurso de la Fotoexpresión analizando sus efectos y posibilidades de desplazamientos.

Homofobia: o que a psicologia brasileira tem a dizer? Artigo de revisão / Homophobia: What does Brazilian Psychology Have to Say? Review Article / Homofobia: ¿Qué tiene que decir la psicología brasileña? Artículo de revisión

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste em realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre os estudos que abordam a homofobia no contexto da psicologia brasileira. Para isso utilizamos cinco bases de dados: SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library Online), PePSIC, Index Psi, LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), e PsycINFO. Contamos com um total de 74 artigos científicos, sendo 35 artigos teóricos e 39 artigos derivados de investigações empíricas. Neste último tipo de artigo verificamos que o tema mais presente foi a relação de alguns fatores com a homofobia, por exemplo, avaliar e analisar a homofobia através da Escala de Homofobia Explícita e Implícita e do Inventário de Sexismo. A psicologia brasileira tem contribuído para ampliação do conhecimento acerca da temática homofobia, dada a quantidade de artigos encontrados nas últimas décadas acerca do tema em estudos da psicologia. Os construtos associados à homofobia que surgiram durante a pesquisa foram os aspectos psicossociais, a saúde, a educação e as políticas públicas. Os periódicos que se destacaram na publicação de artigos sobre a temática homofobia foram aqueles que abordaram os aspectos psicossociais, envolvendo as percepções psicopolíticas, o comportamento e a ideação suicida, a religiosidade, as representações sociais sobre a natureza da homossexualidade e a adoção de crianças por famílias homoafetivas. Conclui-se que as pesquisas realizadas no Brasil sobre homofobia estão pautadas no conhecimento e explanação de valores, ideias e comportamentos em relação à homofobia, comparando grupos e relacionando fatores na tentativa de melhor conhecer os aspectos pouco tratados sobre o tema.

Abstract The objective of this research is to carry out a systematic review on the studies that approach homophobia in the context of Brazilian psychology. For this, we used five databases: SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), PePSIC, Index Psi, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences), and PsycINFO. It was considered 74 scientific articles, being 35 theoretical articles and 39 articles derived from empirical investigations. In this last type of article, we verified that the most mentioned issue was the relation of some factors with homophobia, for example, to evaluate and analyze homophobia through the Explicit and Implicit Homophobia Scale and the Sexism Inventory. Brazilian psychology has contributed to increase the knowledge about homophobia, given the number of articles found over the last decades about the subject in psychology studies. The constructs associated with homophobia that emerged during the research were psychosocial aspects, health, education and public policies. The highlighted journals for the publication of articles about homophobia were those that addressed psychosocial aspects, involving psychopolitical perceptions, suicidal behavior and ideation, religiosity, social representations about the nature of homosexuality and the adoption of children by homoaffective families. It is concluded that researches carried out in Brazil on homophobia have been based on knowledge and explanation of values, ideas and behaviors in relation to homophobia, comparing groups and relating factors in order to better understand the little-discussed aspects on the subject.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación consistió en realizar una revisión sistemática sobre los estudios que abordan la homofobia en el contexto de la psicología brasileña. Para ello utilizamos cinco bases de datos: SciELO (Scientific Eletronic Library Online), PePSIC, Index Psi, LILACS (Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud), y PsycINFO. Contamos con un total de 74 artículos científicos, siendo 35 artículos teóricos y 39 artículos derivados de investigaciones empíricas. En este último tipo de artículo verificamos que el tema más presente fue la relación de algunos factores con la homofobia, por ejemplo, evaluación y análisis de la homofobia a través de la Escala de Homofobia Explícita e Implícita y del Inventario de Sexismo. La psicología brasileña ha contribuido a la ampliación del conocimiento acerca de la homofobia, dada la cantidad de artículos encontrados en las últimas décadas acerca del tema en estudios de la psicología. Los constructos asociados a la homofobia que surgieron durante la investigación fueron los aspectos psicosociales, la salud, la educación y las políticas públicas. Las revistas que se destacaron en la publicación de artículos sobre la temática homofobia fueron aquellos que abordaron los aspectos psicosociales, incluyendo las percepciones psicopolíticas, el comportamiento y la ideación suicida, la religiosidad, las representaciones sociales sobre la naturaleza de la homosexualidad y la adopción de niños por familias homoafectivas. Se concluye que las investigaciones realizadas en Brasil sobre homofobia están basadas en el conocimiento y explicación de valores, ideas y comportamientos en relación a la homofobia, comparando grupos y relacionando factores en el intento de mejor conocer los aspectos poco tratados sobre el tema.

Vigor tests in seeds creole of Phaseolus lunatus L / Testes de vigor em sementes crioulas de Phaseolus lunatus L

Seeds with a good physiological quality are essential to high productivity. However, for some seeds, Phaseolus lunatus L., the viability and vigor analyze show deficiency in quality. This work aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of Phaseolus lunatus L. seeds using several vigor tests. The study was realized at the Laboratory of Seed Analysis of the Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraíba, in Areia ­ PB, Brazil. We used seeds from five cultivars of P. lunatus (Branca, Orelha de Vó, Cearense, Rosinha, and Roxinha). To determine the physiological quality, we measured the water content, the viability and vigor test (germination, emergence, electrical conductivity, tetrazolium, first germination count and emergence, seedling length and dry mass). We used a completely randomized design for seeds evaluation, and the field test was performed in randomized blocks. The water content of P. lunatus did not differ among the cultivars, indicating a uniformity in the percentage of moisture. Also, the percentage and speed of emergency and the dry mass of seedlings did not differ among the varieties. The tetrazolium and electrical conductivity tests indicated that Rosinha cultivar had the worst viability concerning the other cultivars, showing a low percentage of living tissue and lower electrical conductivity. The seeds of Roxinha cultivar had the better physiological quality, and the Cearense cultivar had the worst quality evaluation. We recommend the tetrazolium test but not the electrical conductivity test to evaluate the vigor of P. lunatus.

Em qualquer cultura, para se ter uma elevada produtividade é indispensável à aquisição de sementes com alta qualidade fisiológica, mas para sementes de Phaseolus lunatus L., ainda ocorre deficiência em análises de viabilidade e vigor. Dessa forma, o objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de cultivares de Phaseolus lunatus por diferentes testes de vigor. A pesquisa foi realizada no Laboratório de Análise de Sementes do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, em Areia - PB, com sementes de cinco cultivares de Phaseolus lunatus (Branca, Orelha de Vó, Cearense, Rosinha e Roxinha). Para avaliação da qualidade fisiológica das sementes determinou-se o teor de água e realizou-se testes de viabilidade e vigor (germinação, emergência, condutividade elétrica, tetrazólio, primeira contagem de germinação e emergência, comprimento e massa seca de plântulas). O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com exceção dos testes realizados em campo, que foi em blocos ao acaso. O teor de água das sementes dos cultivares de feijão-fava não diferiu estatisticamente entre si, indicando que houve uniformidade na porcentagem de umidade. Não houve diferença significativa entre as sementes dos cultivares de feijão-fava quando avaliou-se a porcentagem e velocidade de emergência, bem como a massa seca de plântulas. Os resultados dos testes de tetrazólio e condutividade elétrica constatou-se maior viabilidade para as sementes do cultivar Roxinha, Branca, Cearense e Orelha de Vó quando comparadas com as da Rosinha, uma vez que houve um maior percentual de tecidos vivos e uma menor condutividade elétrica, respectivamente. As sementes do cultivar Roxinha são de melhor qualidade fisiológica e, o cultivar Cearense de pior qualidade; o teste de tetrazólio é recomendado para avaliação do vigor de sementes de cultivares de Phaseolus lunatus, enquanto, o teste de condutividade elétrica não é recomendado para avaliar o vigor das sementes dos cultivares de P. lunatus.

Contrarreforma da Previdência Social sob o comando do capital financeiro / Counter reformation of Social Security under financial capital command

Resumo: Este texto trata do movimento de contrarreforma (restrições de direitos) referentes à Previdência Social iniciado na década de 1990 e das propostas para o seu aprofundamento, com a PEC nº 287/2016, diante do agravamento da crise estrutural do capital, da crescente (e questionável) dívida pública e das pressões das instituições financeiras (bancos, fundos de pensão, entre outras), sobre o Estado, para reorientar o máximo possível o fundo público a seu favor e de outras frações do grande capital. Trata ainda de possíveis consequências sociais diante de uma eventual aprovação da PEC nº 287/2016.

Abstract: This text deals with the counter reformation movement (restrictions of rights) concerning social welfare started in the 1990s and the proposals for its deepening, with the Proposed Constitutional Amendment - PEC nº 287/2016, in the face of the worsening structural crisis of capital, the growing (and questionable) public debt and the pressures of financial institutions (banks, pension funds, among others), on the State, in order to redirect as much as possible the public fund in its favor and other fractions of the big capital. It also discusses the possible social consequences of a probable approval of the referred PEC nº 287/ 2016.

Saúde masculina: o paralelo prevenção x cuidado à luz da Teoria da Ação Planejada (TAP) / Male health: prevention versus care in the light of Planned Activity Theory

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a intenção de homens, entre 25 e 59 anos, em um distrito sanitário de Maceió (AL), por procurar a Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS). Realizaram-se duas etapas: (1) análise das crenças de uma parcela da amostra, para a confecção de um instrumento quantitativo (N=25); (2) aplicação desse instrumento em uma amostra maior dessa população (N=106). Os resultados demonstraram que a intenção dos homens em procurar a UBS está associada aos atributos que facilitam e/ou dificultam a realização desse comportamento. Concluiu-se que apenas o construto Percepção de Controle se relacionou com a Intenção Comportamental. No entanto, os construtos Norma Subjetiva e Atitude não apresentaram impacto significativo sobre a Intenção dos homens de procurar a UBS. Discutiu-se a importância da elaboração de políticas públicas mais eficientes para o cuidado da saúde masculina, bem como a relevância de evidências empíricas para reflexões mais consistentes nessa área.

Current analysis evaluates why males, aged between 25 and 59 years, apply to a Basic Health Unit (UBS), in a health district unit in Maceió AL Brazil. Two stages were undertaken: (1) analysis of beliefs of a part of the sample for the elaboration of a qualitative instrument (N=25); (2) the application of the instrument to a larger sample of the population (N=106). Results demonstrate that the reason why males go to UBS is associated with attributes that facilitate or make difficult such behavior. Results show that only the construct Control Perception is related to the Behavior Intention. However, the construct Subjective Norm and Attitude did not have any significant impact on male intention for going to UBS. More efficient public policies should be prepared for male health and for the relevance of empirical evidence for more consistent conclusions on the theme.

Non-edible babassu oil as a new source for energy production-a feasibility transesterification survey assisted by ultrasound.

Ethyl esters of babassu oil were synthesized by alkaline catalysis to make the green production of biodiesel feasible with simple methods and available technology. Babassu oil is a transparent, light yellow oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Orbinya sp), and due to its high saturated fatty acid composition (83%), it is considered a non-inedible oil. Transesterification using ethanol represents a valid alternative to using methanol because of ethanol's lower toxicity and the higher yield on weight compared to methanol. Statistical methodology was applied to optimize the transesterification reaction, which was promoted by ultrasonic waves and mechanical agitation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to quantify the conversion attained. Alkaline transesterification assisted by ultrasound produced the best results with respect to reaction time and the phase separation step. The model obtained showed that conversions higher than 97% may be achieved in 10min with correct tuning of the process variables.

Preparation and characterization of cellulose/hydrous niobium oxide hybrid.

A composite of cellulose extracted from bagasse with Nb2O5·nH2O in three different proportions (16.67, 37.5 and 50.0 wt%) was prepared using the co-precipitation method. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TG data obtained show that the presence of inorganic material influenced slightly the stability of the hybrid material. The precipitation of 16.67 wt.% of oxide was sufficient to inhibit the combustion peaks present in the DSC curve of cellulose. This work will help find new applications for these materials.

High rates of detection of respiratory viruses in tonsillar tissues from children with chronic adenotonsillar disease.

Chronic tonsillar diseases are an important health problem, leading to large numbers of surgical procedures worldwide. Little is known about pathogenesis of these diseases. In order to investigate the role of respiratory viruses in chronic adenotonsillar diseases, we developed a cross-sectional study to determine the rates of viral detections of common respiratory viruses detected by TaqMan real time PCR (qPCR) in nasopharyngeal secretions, tonsillar tissues and peripheral blood from 121 children with chronic tonsillar diseases, without symptoms of acute respiratory infections. At least one respiratory virus was detected in 97.5% of patients. The viral co-infection rate was 69.5%. The most frequently detected viruses were human adenovirus in 47.1%, human enterovirus in 40.5%, human rhinovirus in 38%, human bocavirus in 29.8%, human metapneumovirus in 17.4% and human respiratory syncytial virus in 15.7%. Results of qPCR varied widely between sample sites: human adenovirus, human bocavirus and human enterovirus were predominantly detected in tissues, while human rhinovirus was more frequently detected in secretions. Rates of virus detection were remarkably high in tonsil tissues: over 85% in adenoids and close to 70% in palatine tonsils. In addition, overall virus detection rates were higher in more hypertrophic than in smaller adenoids (p = 0.05), and in the particular case of human enteroviruses, they were detected more frequently (p = 0.05) in larger palatine tonsils than in smaller ones. While persistence/latency of DNA viruses in tonsillar tissues has been documented, such is not the case of RNA viruses. Respiratory viruses are highly prevalent in adenoids and palatine tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillar diseases, and persistence of these viruses in tonsils may stimulate chronic inflammation and play a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Experimental infection of suckling mice by subcutaneous inoculation with Oropouche virus.

Oropouche virus, of the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus, serogroup Simbu, is an important causative agent of arboviral febrile illness in Brazil. An estimated 500,000 cases of Oropouche fever have occurred in Brazil in the last 30 years, with recorded cases also in Panama, Peru, Suriname and Trinidad. We have developed an experimental model of Oropouche virus infection in neonatal BALB/c mouse by subcutaneous inoculation. The vast majority of infected animals developed disease on the 5th day post infection, characterized mainly by lethargy and paralysis, progressing to death within 10 days. Viral replication was documented in brain cells by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and virus titration. Multi-step immunohistochemistry indicated neurons as the main target cells of OROV infection. Histopathology revealed glial reaction and astrocyte activation in the brain and spinal cord, with neuronal apoptosis. Spleen hyperplasia and mild meningitis were also found, without viable virus detected in liver and spleen. This is the first report of an experimental mouse model of OROV infection, with severe involvement of the central nervous system, and should become useful in pathogenesis studies, as well as in preclinical testing of therapeutic interventions for this emerging pathogen.

Oropouche virus experimental infection in the golden hamster (Mesocrisetus auratus).

Oropouche virus (OROV), of the family Bunyaviridae, is the second most frequent arbovirus causing febrile disease in Brazil. In spite of this, little is known about pathogenesis of OROV infection. This report describes an experimental model of OROV in golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Following subcutaneous inoculation of OROV, over 50% of the animals developed disease characterized by lethargy, ruffled fur, shivering, paralysis, and approximately one third died. Animals were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11 post-inoculation to collect tissue samples from brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen, muscle and blood for virus titration, histology and OROV immunohistochemistry. OROV was detected in high titers in blood, liver and brain, but not in the other organs. Histopathology revealed meningoencephalitis and hepatitis, with abundant OROV antigen detected in liver and brain. Diffuse galectin-3 immunostaining in brain and liver supports microglial and Kupfer cells activation. This is the first description of an experimental model for OROV infection and should be helpful to study pathogenesis and possibly to test antiviral interventions such as drugs and vaccine candidates.