MelastomaTRAITs 1.0: A database of functional traits in Melastomataceae, a large pantropical angiosperm family.

The recent availability of open-access repositories of functional traits has revolutionized trait-based approaches in ecology and evolution. Nevertheless, the underrepresentation of tropical regions and lineages remains a pervasive bias in plant functional trait databases, which constrains large-scale assessments of plant ecology, evolution, and biogeography. Here, we present MelastomaTRAITs 1.0, a comprehensive and updatable database of functional traits for the pantropical Melastomataceae, the ninth-largest angiosperm family with 177 genera and more than 5800 species. Melastomataceae encompass species with a wide diversity of growth forms (herbs, shrubs, trees, epiphytes, and woody climbers), habitats (including tropical forests, savannas, grasslands, and wetlands from sea level to montane areas above the treeline), ecological strategies (from pioneer, edge-adapted and invasive species to shade-tolerant understory species), geographic distribution (from microendemic to continental-wide distribution), reproductive, pollination, and seed dispersal systems. MelastomaTRAITs builds on 581 references, such as taxonomic monographs, ecological research, and unpublished data, and includes four whole-plant traits, six leaf traits, 11 flower traits, 18 fruit traits, and 27 seed traits for 2520 species distributed in 144 genera across all 21 tribes. Most data come from the Neotropics where the family is most species-rich. Miconieae (the largest tribe) contains the highest number of trait records (49.6%) and species (41.1%) records. The trait types with the most information in the database were whole-plant traits, flowers, and leaf traits. With the breadth of functional traits recorded, our database helps to fill a gap in information for tropical plants and will significantly improve our capacity for large-scale trait-based syntheses across levels of organization, plant-animal interactions, regeneration ecology, and thereby support conservation and restoration programs. There are no copyright restrictions on the dataset; please cite this data paper when reusing the data.

Experimental Susceptibility of Nyssomyia antunesi and Lutzomyia longipalpis (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) to Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi (Trypanosomatidae: Leishmaniinae).

The present work assessed the experimental susceptibility of Nyssomyia antunesi and Lutzomyia longipalpis to Leishmania (Viannia) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi. A L. (Leishmania) chagasi-Lu. longipalpis combination was used as a susceptible control. Wild-caught Ny. antunesi and laboratory-bred Lu. longipalpis were membrane-fed on blood with a 5 × 106/mL log-phase promastigote culture suspension and dissected on days 2 and 8 post-blood meal (pbm) for analysis focused on the assessment of parasitoses, as well as placement and promastigote morphotyping. Survival curves were constructed. In all combinations, promastigotes were observed on day 8 pbm. For both Leishmania species, in Lu. longipalpis, the presence of parasites was observed up to the stomodeal valve, while in Ny. antunesi, the presence of parasites was observed up to the cardia. There were no significant differences in parasitosis between L. (V.) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi in either Ny. antunesi or Lu. longipalpis. Six morphological promastigote forms were distinguished in Giemsa-stained gut smears. The survival curves of all combinations decreased and were affected differently by several Lu. longipalpis-parasite combinations, as well with Lu. longipalpis-uninfected blood. These findings stress Lu. longipalpis as experimentally susceptible to Leishmania spp. and suggest the putative susceptibility of Ny. antunesi to L. (V.) lainsoni and L. (V.) lindenbergi.

Descriptions of a new species and of three unknown males of Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 from the Neotropical region (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopini).

A new species of the previously monotypic subgenus Xylocopa (Xylocopina), X. asedothae Zama & Silveira sp. nov., and males of three species previously known only from females, X. (Diaxylocopa) truxali Hurd & Moure, 1963, X. (Dasyxylocopa) fortuita Melo, 2017 and X. (Schonnherria) ornata Smith, 1874, are described and illustrated for the first time. Diagnoses, comments on morphological variation, photographs and updated geographical distributions for all them are also provided. An identification key for both sexes of the species of X. (Dasyxylocopa) is updated and photographs of the genital capsules for males specimens used here are also provided.

Anti-leishmanial activity of Eleutherine plicata Herb. and predictions of isoeleutherin and its analogues.

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, classified as tegumentary and visceral. The disease treatment is still a serious problem, due to the toxic effects of available drugs, the costly treatment and reports of parasitic resistance, making the search for therapeutic alternatives urgent. This study assessed the in vitro anti-leishmanial potential of the extract, fractions, and isoeleutherin from Eleutherine plicata, as well as the in silico interactions of isoeleutherin and its analogs with Trypanothione Reductase (TR), in addition to predicting pharmacokinetic parameters. Methods: From the ethanolic extract of E. plicata (EEEp) the dichloromethane fraction (FDEp) was obtained, and isoeleutherin isolated. All samples were tested against promastigotes, and parasite viability was evaluated. Isoeleutherin analogues were selected based on similarity in databases (ZINK and eMolecules) to verify the impact on structural change. Results and Discussion: The extract and its fractions were not active against the promastigote form (IC50 > 200 µg/mL), while isoeleutherin was active (IC50 = 25 µg/mL). All analogues have high intestinal absorption (HIA), cell permeability was moderate in Caco2 and low to moderate in MDCK. Structural changes interfered with plasma protein binding and blood-brain barrier permeability. Regarding metabolism, all molecules appear to be CYP3A4 metabolized and inhibited 2-3 CYPs. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics assessed the interactions between the most stable configurations of isoeleutherin, analogue compound 17, and quinacrine (control drug). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stability and favorable interactions with TR. In summary, fractionation contributed to antileishmanial activity and isoleutherin seems to be promising. Structural alterations did not contribute to improve pharmacokinetic aspects and analogue 17 proved to be more promising than isoeleutherin, presenting better stabilization in TR.

Assessment of light-emitting diodes for sampling phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) from an urban park of the Brazilian Amazon.

The present study aimed to assess different light sources for sampling phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Bosque Rodrigues Alves, a forested park surrounded by the urban area of Belém in the Brazilian Amazon. Centers for Disease Control traps, baited with blue, green, and warm white light-emitting diodes (LEDs), as test group, and incandescent light, as control group, were used. The electromagnetic spectra and luminous intensities of the light sources were characterized. Fractional vegetation cover at each sampling site was also estimated. Abundance, richness, rarefaction curves, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, phlebotomines/trap/hour, and phlebotomines/trap/night were estimated and compared. The light sources of the test group presented greater luminous intensity than the control, but were similar to each other. There were no differences in vegetation cover at each site. A total of 1,346 phlebotomines comprising 11 species were sampled. The most abundant species were as follows: Nyssomyia antunesi (Coutinho, 1939), Trichophoromyia ubiquitalis (Mangabeira, 1942), Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (Mangabeira, 1942), and Th. brachipyga (Mangabeira, 1942). Light traps with LEDs had richness, abundance, and Shannon diversity indices similar to those obtained with incandescent light. The warm white LED had a higher Simpson's index than the other light sources. Phlebotomine responses to incandescent light were similar to those to LEDs in most analyses, confirming the applicability of these light sources as alternative devices for entomological surveillance. Low consumption ensures greater autonomy of the traps, providing better operability during fieldwork.

Brazilian guidelines on chronic venous disease of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.

The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has set up a committee to provide new evidence-based recommendations for patient care associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Topics were divided in five groups: 1. Classification, 2. Diagnosis, 3. Conservative or non-invasive treatment, 4. Invasive treatment and 5. Treatment of small vessels. This last series is closely related to the activities of Brazilian angiologists and vascular surgeons, who are heavily involved in the treatment of small superficial veins. These guidelines are intended to assist in clinical decision-making for attending physicians and health managers. The decision to follow a guideline recommendation should be made by the responsible physician on a case-by-case basis taking into account the patient's specific condition, as well as local resources, regulations, laws, and clinical practice recommendations.

A Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular organizou uma comissão para fornecer novas recomendações baseadas em evidências sobre questões críticas de atendimento ao paciente com insuficiência venosa crônica. São abordados aqui os temas de classificação, diagnóstico, tratamento conservador, tratamento invasivo e tratamento de pequenos vasos. Esta última série está muito relacionada à atividade de angiologistas e cirurgiões vasculares, que possuem forte atuação no tratamento de pequenas veias superficiais. Estas diretrizes destinam-se a auxiliar na tomada de decisões clínicas de médicos assistentes e gestores de saúde. A decisão de seguir uma recomendação de diretriz deve ser feita pelo médico responsável caso a caso, levando em consideração a condição específica do paciente, bem como recursos locais, regulamentos, leis e recomendações de prática clínica.

Prevalence and incidence of canine visceral leishmaniasis and its clinical-immunological features in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: A cohort study for 2 years period analysed the prevalence, incidence and clinical-immunological features of canine Leishmania (L.) chagasi-infection in 316 mongrel dogs in a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area in Pará State, Brazil. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: Diagnosis of infection was performed by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT-IgG), the leishmanin skin test (LST) and a parasite search (from the popliteal lymph node aspiration) at the beginning of the study and at 6, 12 and 24 months intervals. RESULTS: IFAT/LST revealed three immune profiles of infection: (I) IFAT(+) /LST(-) (81), (II) IFAT(-) /LST(+) (17) and (III) IFAT(+) /LST(+) (13). Prevalence of profiles I, II and III were 25.6, 5.4 and 4.1%, and an overall prevalence 35.1%. Incidence of profiles I, II and III were 5.4, 0.3 and 0.0%, and an overall incidence 5.7% dogs per month. Incidence at the age ranges <1 year, ≥1 year, <7 years and ≥7 years evidenced a highest rate in the age range <1 year (6.6% dogs per month). Parasitological diagnosis was positive in 19% dogs at the prevalence (85.7% profile I), and in 11% at the incidence (100% profile I). The clinical picture of 179 infected dogs showed 145 (81%) of profile I (82% subclinical); 21 (11.7%) of profile II (100% subclinical); and 13 (7.3%) of profile III (84.6% subclinical). Conversion from subclinical to sick dogs was higher (p < 0.05) in profile I (40.2%) than in profiles II (5.8%) and III (9%). Immunological conversion showed that only 3.2% of profile I dogs (prevalence) converted to LST(+) (two at the end of the first 6 months and 1 after 24 months), while 82.3% of profile II dogs converted to IFAT(+) (11 in the first 6 months, whereas three after 12 months). A 100% death rate was observed in dogs from profile I alone. CONCLUSION: These results reinforce the need of adopting preventive strategies against CVL as early as in the first semester of the dog's life.

A promising new target to control fasciolosis: Fasciola hepatica leucine aminopeptidase 2.

Parasite M17 leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) have been associated with critical roles in different key functions such as the nutrition, migration, and invasion of the natural host. Native or recombinant LAP used as a vaccine antigen has proved effective to elicit protection against Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep, pointing to potential vaccine candidates against fascioliasis in ruminant species. Previously, the FhLAP1, abundantly secreted in vitro by the mature adult parasite was used as a vaccine antigen obtaining promising protection results against F. hepatica challenge in small ruminants. Here, we report the biochemical characterization of a second recombinant LAP (FhLAP2) associated with the juvenile stage of F. hepatica. FhLAP2 showed aminopeptidase activity using different synthetic substrates, including leucine, arginine, and methionine and was increased in the presence of Mn+ 2 and Mg+ 2. The activity was inhibited by bestatin, 1,10-phenanthroline, and EDTA, specific inhibitors of aminopeptidase and/or metalloproteases. Finally, the recombinant FhLAP2 functional form was tested in combination with Freund's incomplete adjuvant in an immunization trial in mice followed by an experimental challenge with F. hepatica metacercariae. The immunization with FhLAP2/FIA resulted in a significant reduction of parasite recovery compared to control groups. The immunized group elicited total specific IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2 antibody responses. This study highlights the potential of a new candidate vaccine formulation with potential applications in natural ruminant hosts, especially those targeting the juvenile stage.

Quillaja brasiliensis nanoparticle adjuvant formulation improves the efficacy of an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in mice.

The threat of viral influenza infections has sparked research efforts to develop vaccines that can induce broadly protective immunity with safe adjuvants that trigger robust immune responses. Here, we demonstrate that subcutaneous or intranasal delivery of a seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) adjuvanted with the Quillaja brasiliensis saponin-based nanoparticle (IMXQB) increases the potency of TIV. The adjuvanted vaccine (TIV-IMXQB) elicited high levels of IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies with virus-neutralizing capacity and improved serum hemagglutination inhibition titers. The cellular immune response induced by TIV-IMXQB suggests the presence of a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) skewed toward an IgG2a phenotype, a positive delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, and effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. After challenge, viral titers in the lungs were significantly lower in animals receiving TIV-IMXQB than in those inoculated with TIV alone. Most notably, mice vaccinated intranasally with TIV-IMXQB and challenged with a lethal dose of influenza virus were fully protected against weight loss and lung virus replication, with no mortality, whereas, among animals vaccinated with TIV alone, the mortality rate was 75%. These findings demonstrate that TIV-IMXQB improved the immune responses to TIV, and, unlike the commercial vaccine, conferred full protection against influenza challenge.

Can domestic dogs be considered a good reservoir of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi in an endemic area of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southern Honduras?

Dogs are considered to be the main domestic reservoir associated with the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi to humans in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in America. However, little is known about the role of canines as a source of infection in endemic areas of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of dogs as a possible reservoir of the parasite in Southern Honduras. Dogs (n = 107) living with individuals affected by NUCL were clinically examined and biological material was collected for parasitological and immunological diagnosis. Most animals showed a healthy appearance and a few presented slight weight loss (64%), alopecia (7%), onychogryphosis (5%) and skin lesions (1%). The overall seroprevalence of Leishmania infection based on the DDP ® quick test and/or in-house ELISA serological test was 41%. The presence of the parasite's DNA was confirmed in 94% of the dogs; however, the average parasite load in the buffy coat was low at 6.09 parasites/µL, ranging between 0.221 and 50.2. The skin of seropositive dogs examined by histopathology using paraffin sections stained by hematoxylin and immunohistochemistry did not show cutaneous lesions or parasite amastigotes. Based on the absence of parasites in the skin and the low parasite load detected in the buffy coat, it seems that the dog does not represent a good source of infection for the vector in the endemic area of NUCL transmission in Southern Honduras. Other domestic and/or wild animals should be investigated.

Gene Signatures of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Clinical-Immunological Profiles of Human Infection by Leishmania (L.) chagasi in Amazonian Brazil.

Individuals infected with Leishmania (L.) chagasi may present different asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of infection, which vary in the clinical-immunological profiles that can be classified as asymptomatic infection (AI), subclinical resistant infection (SRI), indeterminate initial infection (III), subclinical oligosymptomatic infection (SOI), and symptomatic infection (SI) (=American visceral leishmaniasis, AVL). However, little is known about the molecular differences between individuals having each profile. Here, we performed whole-blood transcriptomic analyses of 56 infected individuals from Pará State (Brazilian Amazon), covering all five profiles. We then identified the gene signatures of each profile by comparing their transcriptome with those of 11 healthy individuals from the same area. Symptomatic individuals with SI (=AVL) and SOI profiles showed higher transcriptome perturbation when compared to those asymptomatic III, AI and SRI profiles, suggesting that disease severity may be associated with greater transcriptomic changes. Although the expression of many genes was altered on each profile, very few genes were shared among the profiles. This indicated that each profile has a unique gene signature. The innate immune system pathway was strongly activated only in asymptomatic AI and SRI profiles, suggesting the control of infection. In turn, pathways such as MHC Class II antigen presentation and NF-kB activation in B cells seemed to be specifically induced in symptomatic SI (=AVL) and SOI profiles. Moreover, cellular response to starvation was down-regulated in those symptomatic profiles. Overall, this study revealed five distinct transcriptional patterns associated to the clinical-immunological (symptomatic and asymptomatic) profiles of human L. (L.) chagasi-infection in the Brazilian Amazon.

Role of antigen-presenting cells in non-ulcerated skin lesions caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi.

In Central America, infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi causes visceral leishmaniasis and non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). This work aimed to evaluate the participation of subpopulations of antigen-presenting cells in skin lesions of patients affected by NUCL through double-staining immunohistochemistry using cellular and intracellular markers. Twenty-three skin biopsies from patients affected by NUCL were used. Histological sections stained by HE were used for histopathological study. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using primary antibodies against Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and the cytokines IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-10. The histopathological lesions were characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphohistiocytic, of variable intensity, with a diffuse arrangement associated with epithelioid granulomas and discreet parasitism. Double-staining immunohistochemistry showed higher participation of dendritic cells producing the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12 in relation to the other evaluated cytokines. Activation of the cellular immune response was marked by a higher density of CD8 Tc1-lymphocytes followed by CD4 Th1-lymphocytes producing mainly IFN-γ. The data obtained in the present study suggest that antigen-presenting cells play an important role in the in situ immune response through the production of proinflammatory cytokines, directing the cellular immune response preferentially to the Th1 and Tc1 types in NUCL caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi.

Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi isolated from skin lesions of patients affected by non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis lead to visceral lesion in hamsters.

In Central America, Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the course of an experimental infection in hamsters caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi isolated from patients affected by NUCL compared with a strain isolated from a patient with VL. Stationary phase parasites in culture were inoculated through subcutaneous and intraperitoneal routes in hamsters. Following the post-infection times, a histopathological study, parasite load and cytokine determination in skin from the cutaneous inoculation site and viscera were performed. Animals subcutaneously infected with the different strains did not develop macroscopic lesions at the inoculation site, and the histopathological changes in the dermis were very slight. Regarding the histopathological study of the viscera, we observed the portal mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, the presence of nodules in the hepatic parenchyma and the proliferation of macrophages in the spleen, which increased over the infection course. Overall, the parasite load in the liver and spleen and in the total IgG titres in the sera of infected hamster showed an increase with the time of infection, regardless of the route of inoculation. Regarding cellular immunity, we did not observe an increase or decrease in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the healthy control, except for IL-10, which was evident in the infected animals. The data showed that strains isolated from NUCL cause visceral lesions in the hamsters regardless of the route of inoculation, and they were similar to parasites isolated from VL humans.

Influence of radiologic pattern and the presence of diffuse parenchymal lung disease on outcome in ventilated patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: impact on prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Suspected organising pneumonia (OP) is a common finding in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the impact on outcomes of the radiological patterns of diffuse parenchymal lung disease on outcome of these patients is still uncertain. AIMS: Investigate the presence of radiological images compatible with OP and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 submitted to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). METHODS: Retrospective, unicentric cohort study composed of patients who required IMV and underwent chest computerized tomography to investigate secondary complications of COVID-19. We compared patients with radiological findings characteristic of suspected OP with those without this condition. The main outcome was hospital mortality. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten patients were included, and 65 had signals compatible with OP. All patients with suspected OP were treated with corticosteroids. There was no difference in IVM-free days until day 28 between the groups (median, 0 days; interquartile range [IQR], 0-14.8) in the group with suspected OP vs 0 days (IQR, 0-11) in the group without suspected OP (P = 0.14). In univariate analysis, the presence of suspected OP was associated with lower hospital mortality; however, after correction for potential confounding variables, it was not associated with the outcome, even after matching by propensity score in patients without this condition. CONCLUSION: OP radiologic pattern in patients with severe COVID-19 is not associated with worse outcomes.

Can domestic dogs be considered a good reservoir of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi in an endemic area of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis in Southern Honduras?

ABSTRACT Dogs are considered to be the main domestic reservoir associated with the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi to humans in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in America. However, little is known about the role of canines as a source of infection in endemic areas of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of dogs as a possible reservoir of the parasite in Southern Honduras. Dogs (n = 107) living with individuals affected by NUCL were clinically examined and biological material was collected for parasitological and immunological diagnosis. Most animals showed a healthy appearance and a few presented slight weight loss (64%), alopecia (7%), onychogryphosis (5%) and skin lesions (1%). The overall seroprevalence of Leishmania infection based on the DDP ® quick test and/or in-house ELISA serological test was 41%. The presence of the parasite's DNA was confirmed in 94% of the dogs; however, the average parasite load in the buffy coat was low at 6.09 parasites/µL, ranging between 0.221 and 50.2. The skin of seropositive dogs examined by histopathology using paraffin sections stained by hematoxylin and immunohistochemistry did not show cutaneous lesions or parasite amastigotes. Based on the absence of parasites in the skin and the low parasite load detected in the buffy coat, it seems that the dog does not represent a good source of infection for the vector in the endemic area of NUCL transmission in Southern Honduras. Other domestic and/or wild animals should be investigated.

Brazilian guidelines on chronic venous disease of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery / Diretriz brasileira de doença venosa crônica da Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular

Abstract The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has set up a committee to provide new evidence-based recommendations for patient care associated with chronic venous insufficiency. Topics were divided in five groups: 1. Classification, 2. Diagnosis, 3. Conservative or non-invasive treatment, 4. Invasive treatment and 5. Treatment of small vessels. This last series is closely related to the activities of Brazilian angiologists and vascular surgeons, who are heavily involved in the treatment of small superficial veins. These guidelines are intended to assist in clinical decision-making for attending physicians and health managers. The decision to follow a guideline recommendation should be made by the responsible physician on a case-by-case basis taking into account the patient's specific condition, as well as local resources, regulations, laws, and clinical practice recommendations.

Resumo A Sociedade Brasileira de Angiologia e de Cirurgia Vascular organizou uma comissão para fornecer novas recomendações baseadas em evidências sobre questões críticas de atendimento ao paciente com insuficiência venosa crônica. São abordados aqui os temas de classificação, diagnóstico, tratamento conservador, tratamento invasivo e tratamento de pequenos vasos. Esta última série está muito relacionada à atividade de angiologistas e cirurgiões vasculares, que possuem forte atuação no tratamento de pequenas veias superficiais. Estas diretrizes destinam-se a auxiliar na tomada de decisões clínicas de médicos assistentes e gestores de saúde. A decisão de seguir uma recomendação de diretriz deve ser feita pelo médico responsável caso a caso, levando em consideração a condição específica do paciente, bem como recursos locais, regulamentos, leis e recomendações de prática clínica.

A política social e o conservadorismo econômico: o que revela o período recente? / Social policy and economic conservatism: what do recent years reveal? / Política social y conservadurismo económico: ¿qué revela el período reciente?

O objetivo do artigo é averiguar se os brasileiros ficaram mais conservadores em termos econômicos, em especial, pós-2013, a despeito dos ganhos das gestões de centro-esquerda no campo social. Como metodologia, se apresenta uma análise descritiva de dados de diversas fontes, bem como a revisão da literatura sobre os protestos de 2013. Os resultados, com contribuição à literatura devido à amplitude de informações e de abordagem, apontam o avanço da política social com reflexos na queda da pobreza e da desigualdade, porém, com retrocessos se consubstanciando na Emenda Constitucional 95 e nas reformas trabalhista e previdenciária. Em meio à inflexão iniciada com as manifestações de 2013, a conclusão a que se chega é que parece ter havido uma onda de conservadorismo econômico, que teria atingido seu pico em algum momento no quinquênio posterior a 2013

The purpose of the paper is to investigate whether Brazilians have become more conservative in economic terms, especially after 2013, despite the gains of the center-left administrations in the social field. As a methodology, a descriptive analysis of data from different sources is presented, as well as a literature review on the 2013 protests. With contribution to the literature due to the breadth of data and approaches, the results point to the progress of social policy with repercussions on the fall of poverty and inequality, however, with setbacks materializing in the Constitutional Amendment 95 and in labor and social security reforms. Amid the inflection that started with the 2013 demonstrations, the conclusion is that there seems to have been a wave of economic conservatism, which would have reached its peak at some point in the five years after 2013

El objetivo del artículo es investigar si, a pesar de los avances logrados por las administraciones de centro-izquierda en el campo social, los brasileños se volvieron más conservadores en términos económicos, especialmente des-pués de 2013. Como metodología, se presenta un análisis descriptivo de datos de diferentes fuentes, y una revisión de la literatura sobre las protestas de 2013. Se identifica un avance de la política social con consecuencias en términos de reducción de la pobreza y de la desigualdad, sin embargo, con retrocesos, consustanciados en la Enmienda Constitucional 95 y en reformas laboral y previsional. Se concluye que parece haber habido una ola de conservadurismo económico, que habría alcanzado su pico en algún momento del quinquenio posterior a 2013

Artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae): is it time to repurpose biological membranes in light of ethical concerns?

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy of blood-feeding in phlebotomines through industrially processed membranes from the small intestine of pigs (used for the production of commercial sausages) and the skin of euthanized chicks. METHODS: Laboratory-bred Lutzomyia longipalpis and different field-caught phlebotomine species were subjected to the artificial feeding systems under similar conditions. Paired tests were performed using the control (skin from euthanized chicks) and test membranes (pig small intestine). The feeding rates were compared by paired t-test, and Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between the thickness of the membranes and feeding rate. RESULTS: The feeding rate was greater with the test membrane than with the control membrane for L. longipalpis (t-test, t = -3.3860, P = 0.0054) but not for the most frequent field-caught species, Nyssomyia antunesi (t-test, t = 0.7746, P = 0.4535). The average thicknesses of the control and test membranes were 184 ± 83 µm and 34 ± 12 µm, respectively (Mann-Whitney U-test, U = 0.00, Z = 2.8823, P = 0.0039); however, there was no correlation between feeding rate and membrane thickness. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the number of phlebotomines that fed and the total number of phlebotomines in the cage for each type of membrane and for each species. CONCLUSIONS: The test membrane is a viable alternative for the artificial blood-feeding of phlebotomines, and is thus a potential substitute for the skin of animals that are euthanized for this purpose. Feeding rate was independent of membrane thickness.