Multi-omics Analysis of Young Portulaca oleracea L. Plants' Responses to High NaCl Doses Reveals Insights into Pathways and Genes Responsive to Salinity Stress in this Halophyte Species.

Soil salinity is among the abiotic stressors that threaten agriculture the most, and purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a dicot species adapted to inland salt desert and saline habitats that hyper accumulates salt and has high phytoremediation potential. Many researchers consider purslane a suitable model species to study the mechanisms of plant tolerance to drought and salt stresses. Here, a robust salinity stress protocol was developed and used to characterize the morphophysiological responses of young purslane plants to salinity stress; then, leaf tissue underwent characterization by distinct omics platforms to gain further insights into its response to very high salinity stress. The salinity stress protocol did generate different levels of stress by gradients of electrical conductivity at field capacity and water potential in the saturation extract of the substrate, and the morphological parameters indicated three distinct stress levels. As expected from a halophyte species, these plants remained alive under very high levels of salinity stress, showing salt crystal-like structures constituted mainly by Na+, Cl-, and K+ on and around closed stomata. A comprehensive and large-scale metabolome and transcriptome single and integrated analyses were then employed using leaf samples. The multi-omics integration (MOI) system analysis led to a data-set of 51 metabolic pathways with at least one enzyme and one metabolite differentially expressed due to salinity stress. These data sets (of genes and metabolites) are valuable for future studies aimed to deepen our knowledge on the mechanisms behind the high tolerance of this species to salinity stress. In conclusion, besides showing that this species applies salt exclusion already in young plants to support very high levels of salinity stress, the initial analysis of metabolites and transcripts data sets already give some insights into other salt tolerance mechanisms used by this species to support high levels of salinity stress. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00061-2.

Perceived stress and associated factors in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study nested within a population-based cohort / Estresse percebido e fatores associados em gestantes: estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte de base populacional

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of perceived stress and verify the associated factors in pregnant women assisted by Family Health teams in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brazil. Methods: epidemiological, cross-sectional, and analytical study, nested in a population-based cohort. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and physical and mental health conditions were assessed. The stress level was estimated by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted, followed by the Poisson Regression model with robust variance. Results: a total of 1,279 pregnant women participated. The prevalence of high-stress levels was 23.5% (CI95%=20.8%-26.2%). The outcome was more prevalent among pregnant women aged above 35 years (PR=1.38; CI95%=1.09-1.74) and less than or equal to 19 (PR=1.41; CI95%=1.13-1.77); without a partner (PR=1.33; CI95%=1.09-1.62); with low social support (PR=1.42; CI95%=1.18-1.70); multiparous (PR=1.30; CI95%=1.02-1.66); with current unplanned pregnancy (PR=1.23; CI95%=1.00-1.52); urinary tract infection (PR=1.35; CI95%=1.12-1.62); high level of anxiety symptoms (PR=1.42; CI95%=1.18-1.71); severe (PR=4.74; CI95%=3.60-6.26) and moderate (PR=3.19; CI95%=2.31-4.39) symptoms of depression; and neurological complaints (PR=1.77; CI95%=1.27-2.47). Conclusions: there was a significant prevalence of high perceived stress among pregnant women, an outcome associated with sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric, and emotional factors, which demonstrates the need for comprehensive care of pregnant women's health.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a prevalência de estresse percebido e verificar os fatores associados em gestantes assistidas por equipes da Saúde da Família de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brasil. Métodos: estudo epidemiológico, transversal e analítico, aninhado a uma coorte de base populacional. Avaliaram-se características sociodemográficas, obstétricas, condições de saúde física e mental. O nível de estresse foi estimado pela Escala de Estresse Percebido (Perceveid Stress Scale, PSS-14). Foram conduzidas análise descritiva e bivariada, seguidas do modelo de Regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: participaram 1.279 gestantes. A prevalência do nível de estresse elevado foi de 23,5% (IC95%=20,8%-26,2%). O desfecho foi mais prevalente entre gestantes com idade acima dos 35 anos (RP=1,38; IC95%=1,09-1,74) e menor ou igual a 19 (RP=1,41; IC95%=1,13-1,77); sem companheiro(a) (RP=1,33; IC95%=1,09-1,62); com baixo apoio social (RP=1,42; IC95%=1,18-1,70); multíparas (RP=1,30; IC95%=1,02-1,66); com gravidez atual não planejada (RP=1,23; IC95%=1,00-1,52); infecção urinária (RP=1,35; IC95%=1,12-1,62); alto nível de sintomas de ansiedade (RP=1,42; IC95%=1,18-1,71); sintomas graves (RP=4,74; IC95%=3,60-6,26) e moderados (RP=3,19; IC95%=2,31-4,39) de depressão; e queixas neurológicas (RP=1,77; IC95%=1,27-2,47). Conclusões: houve expressiva prevalência de elevado estresse percebido entre gestantes, desfecho associado a fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos, obstétricos e condições emocionais, o que demonstra a necessidade de atenção integral à saúde da gestante.

Structural and functional analysis of stress-inducible genes and their promoters selected from young oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) under salt stress.

BACKGROUND: Soil salinity is a problem in more than 100 countries across all continents. It is one of the abiotic stress that threatens agriculture the most, negatively affecting crops and reducing productivity. Transcriptomics is a technology applied to characterize the transcriptome in a cell, tissue, or organism at a given time via RNA-Seq, also known as full-transcriptome shotgun sequencing. This technology allows the identification of most genes expressed at a particular stage, and different isoforms are separated and transcript expression levels measured. Once determined by this technology, the expression profile of a gene must undergo validation by another, such as quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This study aimed to select, annotate, and validate stress-inducible genes-and their promoters-differentially expressed in the leaves of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plants under saline stress. RESULTS: The transcriptome analysis led to the selection of 14 genes that underwent structural and functional annotation, besides having their expression validated using the qRT-PCR technique. When compared, the RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR profiles of those genes resulted in some inconsistencies. The structural and functional annotation analysis of proteins coded by the selected genes showed that some of them are orthologs of genes reported as conferring resistance to salinity in other species. There were those coding for proteins related to the transport of salt into and out of cells, transcriptional regulatory activity, and opening and closing of stomata. The annotation analysis performed on the promoter sequence revealed 22 distinct types of cis-acting elements, and 14 of them are known to be involved in abiotic stress. CONCLUSION: This study has helped validate the process of an accurate selection of genes responsive to salt stress with a specific and predefined expression profile and their promoter sequence. Its results also can be used in molecular-genetics-assisted breeding programs. In addition, using the identified genes is a window of opportunity for strategies trying to relieve the damages arising from the salt stress in many glycophyte crops with economic importance.

Physical activity is associated with nutritional biomarkers in hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between physical activity levels and nutritional biomarkers in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Eighty-six patients responded to the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to estimate the metabolic equivalent of tasks (MET) per week. A MET-min per week <600 was considered as sedentary. The nutritional biomarkers (i.e., albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio) were collected. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (75.6%) were sedentary. Binary logistic regression showed that patients with low albumin levels had an 89% lower chance to be physically active (p = 0.037), but it was not significant in the adjusted analysis (p = 0.052). Albumin and albumin/globulin ratio levels were correlated with MET-min per week (r = 0.34 and 0.30; both p < 0.05). Additionally, lower median albumin and albumin/globulin ratio levels were found in the sedentary patients (p = 0.021 and p = 0.031), respectively. CONCLUSION: The physical activity levels were associated with albumin and albumin/globulin ratio, surrogates of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. These nutritional biomarkers were lower in sedentary patients.

COVID-19 pandemic: dissatisfaction with work among teachers in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. / Pandemia da COVID-19: insatisfação com o trabalho entre professores(as) do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

This article aimed to verify the prevalence and factors associated with dissatisfaction with teaching work among teachers from the state public basic education network in the state of Minas Gerais during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a websurvey, carried out with these teachers between August and September 2020 via digital form. The dependent variable was job satisfaction during the pandemic, with satisfied people being the reference category. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used. 15,641 teachers from 795 municipalities participated in the study. Regarding work satisfaction, 21.6% were satisfied, 44.7% were indifferent and 33.7% were unsatisfied. The chances of being unsatisfied were higher among those without a spouse (OR=1.23), longer teaching time (OR=1.19), difficulty with remote activities (OR=37.60), without possession of a computer (OR=1.40), smokers (OR=1.27), using alcoholic beverages (OR=1.54), sedentary (OR=1.22) and absent leisure activities (OR=1.49). The changes caused in the educational system in the face of the pandemic impacted the teacher's routine, contributing to the dissatisfaction with the work of this professional.

O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar a prevalência e fatores associados à insatisfação com o trabalho docente entre professores(as) da rede pública estadual de educação básica do estado de Minas Gerais durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Inquérito epidemiológico do tipo websurveys, realizado com esses(as) professores(as) entre agosto e setembro de 2020 via formulário digital. A variável dependente foi a satisfação com o trabalho durante a pandemia, sendo os(as) satisfeitos(as) a categoria de referência. Foi utilizada a Regressão Logística Multinomial. Participaram do estudo 15.641 professores(as) de 795 municípios. Em relação a satisfação com o trabalho, 21,6% estavam satisfeitos(as), 44,7% indiferentes e 33,7% insatisfeitos(as). As chances de estarem insatisfeitos(as) foram maiores entre aqueles(as) sem cônjuge (OR=1,23), maior tempo de docência (OR=1,19), dificuldade com atividades remotas (OR=37,60), sem posse de computador (OR=1,40), tabagistas (OR=1,27), em uso de bebida alcoólica (OR=1,54), sedentários(as) (OR=1,22) e atividade de lazer ausente (OR=1,49). As mudanças causadas no sistema educacional diante da pandemia impactaram a rotina do(a) professor(a), contribuindo para a insatisfação com o trabalho deste(a) profissional.

Pandemia da COVID-19: insatisfação com o trabalho entre professores(as) do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil / COVID-19 pandemic: dissatisfaction with work among teachers in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar a prevalência e fatores associados à insatisfação com o trabalho docente entre professores(as) da rede pública estadual de educação básica do estado de Minas Gerais durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Inquérito epidemiológico do tipo websurveys, realizado com esses(as) professores(as) entre agosto e setembro de 2020 via formulário digital. A variável dependente foi a satisfação com o trabalho durante a pandemia, sendo os(as) satisfeitos(as) a categoria de referência. Foi utilizada a Regressão Logística Multinomial. Participaram do estudo 15.641 professores(as) de 795 municípios. Em relação a satisfação com o trabalho, 21,6% estavam satisfeitos(as), 44,7% indiferentes e 33,7% insatisfeitos(as). As chances de estarem insatisfeitos(as) foram maiores entre aqueles(as) sem cônjuge (OR=1,23), maior tempo de docência (OR=1,19), dificuldade com atividades remotas (OR=37,60), sem posse de computador (OR=1,40), tabagistas (OR=1,27), em uso de bebida alcoólica (OR=1,54), sedentários(as) (OR=1,22) e atividade de lazer ausente (OR=1,49). As mudanças causadas no sistema educacional diante da pandemia impactaram a rotina do(a) professor(a), contribuindo para a insatisfação com o trabalho deste(a) profissional.

Abstract This article aimed to verify the prevalence and factors associated with dissatisfaction with teaching work among teachers from the state public basic education network in the state of Minas Gerais during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a websurvey, carried out with these teachers between August and September 2020 via digital form. The dependent variable was job satisfaction during the pandemic, with satisfied people being the reference category. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used. 15,641 teachers from 795 municipalities participated in the study. Regarding work satisfaction, 21.6% were satisfied, 44.7% were indifferent and 33.7% were unsatisfied. The chances of being unsatisfied were higher among those without a spouse (OR=1.23), longer teaching time (OR=1.19), difficulty with remote activities (OR=37.60), without possession of a computer (OR=1.40), smokers (OR=1.27), using alcoholic beverages (OR=1.54), sedentary (OR=1.22) and absent leisure activities (OR=1.49). The changes caused in the educational system in the face of the pandemic impacted the teacher's routine, contributing to the dissatisfaction with the work of this professional.

Associação entre os sintomas depressivos e a gordura corporal em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Association between depressive symptoms and body fat in chronic kidney patients in hemodialysis

| INTRODUÇÃO: O excesso de gordura corporal causa alterações metabólicas complexas que acentuam na patogênese e progressão da doença renal crônica (DRC). Além disto, os aspectos comportamentais negativos, como sintomas depressivos e o sedentarismo, são comuns e podem estar associados ao acúmulo de gordura corporal em pacientes que realizam tratamento em hemodiálise (HD). OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre os sintomas depressivos e a gordura corporal em pacientes com DRC em HD. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal de um centro clínico de HD em Brasília−DF. Trinta e nove pacientes foram incluídos (59,3±16,7; idade). A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio de bioimpedância tetrapolar. O inventário de depressão de Beck foi empregado para mensurar os sintomas depressivos. Para analisar a associação entre os sintomas depressivos e a gordura corporal foi adotado o teste de correlação de Spearman. RESULTADOS: Foi observado uma prevalência de depressão de 17,9%. Os sintomas depressivos foram positivamente correlacionados com a gordura corporal (r = 0,42; p = 0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossos resultados, confirmamos que os sintomas depressivos estão associados à gordura corporal em pacientes com DRC em HD. Estes achados demonstram-se importantes para a prática clínica dos profissionais de saúde, sobretudo, nos aspectos dietéticos e psicológicos em pacientes com DRC, de forma que iniciativas de diagnóstico, prevenção e tratamentos sejam priorizadas com o objetivo de reduzir tais condições.

INTRODUCTION: Excess body fat causes complex metabolic changes that enhance the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, negative behavioral aspects such as depressive symptoms and a sedentary lifestyle are common and may be associated with the accumulation of body fat in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between depressive symptoms and body fat in HD patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that enrolled thirty-nine patients (59,3 ± 16,7; age). The body composition was evaluated by bioimpedance tetrapolar. Beck's depression inventory was used to measure depressive symptoms. Anda, to analyze possible association between depressive symptoms and body fat, Spearman's correlation test was applied. RESULTS: A depression prevalence of 17.9% was observed. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with body fat (r = 0.42; p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our results confirmed that depressive symptoms were associated with body fat in HD patients. These findings are important for the clinical practice of health professionals, especially in the dietary and psychological aspects; therefore, treatment initiatives for diagnosis, prevention are important to reduce these conditions.

Ideação suicida e fatores associados entre estudantes de ensino médio e superior: uma análise hierarquizada / Suicidal ideation and associated factors among high school and university students: a hierarchical analysis

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e analisar os fatores associados à ideação suicida em estudantes de ensino médio e superior. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, analítico, realizado em Montes Claros, MG, Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, aplicou-se um questionário contendo questões relativas às características sociodemográficas, escolares, ocupacionais e de estilo de vida, e às condições socioafetivas e psíquicas. Investigou-se a ideação suicida por meio de um item do Inventário de Depressão de Beck. Na análise de dados, efetuou-se estatística descritiva das variáveis e a Regressão Logística hierarquizada para avaliar os fatores associados à ideação suicida. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se prevalência de ideação suicida de 11,6% entre estudantes do ensino médio e de 9,8% no ensino superior. No ensino médio, os fatores associados foram: sexo feminino (RO: 2,14; IC 95%: 1,39-3,27), uso de drogas (RO: 3,25; IC 95%: 1,40-7,52), consumo de álcool (RO: 2,50; IC 95%: 1,54-4,04), sentimento de raiva e hostilidade (RO: 1,73; IC 95%: 1,05-2,87) e síndrome de burnout (RO: 2,27; IC 95%: 1,31-3,95). No ensino superior, identificaram-se os fatores: ausência de companheiro (RO: 2,19; IC 95%: 1,68-4,14), turno de estudo noturno (RO: 0,51; IC 95%: 0,36-0,72), consumo de tabaco (RO: 1,74; IC 95%: 1,05-2,91), ausência de pensamento otimista (RO: 2,66; IC 95%: 1,75-4,03), adicção em internet (RO: 1,64; IC 95%: 1,08-2,50) e alto hábito de checagem corporal (RO: 1,69; IC 95%: 1,15-2,50). Sono prejudicado (RO: 1,62; IC 95%: 1,02-2,59; RO: 1,62; IC 95%: 1,05-2,51), interação dialogada prejudicada (RO: 3,04; IC 95%: 1,93-4,82; RO: 2,66; IC 95%: 1,81- 3,92), sentimento de desapontamento e tensão (RO: 4,80; IC 95%: 2,97-7,77; RO: 4,02; IC 95%: 2,69-6,02) foram fatores associados nos dois grupos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Houve importante prevalência de ideação suicida, associada a fatores sociodemográficos, do estilo de vida, socioafetivos e psíquicos.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and analyze the factors associated with suicidal ideation in high school and college students. METHODS: Epidemiological, transversal, analytical study, carried out in Montes Claros, MG, Brazil. For data collection, a questionnaire was applied, containing questions related to sociodemographic, school, occupational, lifestyle, socio-affective and psychological conditions. Suicidal ideation was investigated using an item in the Beck Depression Inventory. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics of the variables and hierarchical Logistic Regression were used to evaluate the factors associated with suicidal ideation. RESULTS: There was a prevalence of suicidal ideation of 11.6% among high school students and 9.8% in higher education. In high school, the associated factors were: female gender (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.39-3.27), drug use (OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.40-7.52), alcohol consumption (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.54-4.04), feeling of anger and hostility (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.05-2.87), burnout syndrome (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.31-3.95). In higher education, the following factors were identified: absence of a partner (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.68-4.14), night shift (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.36-0.72), tobacco consumption (OR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.05-2.91), absence of optimistic thinking (OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.75-4,03), internet addiction (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.08-2.50), high body check habit (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.15-2.50). Impaired sleep (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.02- 2.59; OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.05-2.51), impaired dialog interaction (OR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.93-4.82; OR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.81-3.92), feeling of disappointment and tension (OR: 4.80; 95% CI: 2.97-7.77; OR: 4.02; 95% CI: 2.69-6.02) were associated factors in both groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was an important prevalence of suicidal ideation, associated with sociodemographic, lifestyle, socio-affective and psychic factors.

Extracellular Vesicles during TriTryps infection: Complexity and future challenges.

The trypanosomatid pathogens Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, currently grouped as TriTryps, have evolved through the time to overcome the upfront innate immune response and establish the infection in humans adapting many aspects of the parasite-cell host interaction. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerge as critical structures carrying different key molecules from parasites and target cells that interact continuously during infection. Current information regarding the structure and composition of these vesicles provide new insights into the primary role of TriTryps-EVs reviewed in this work. Expanding knowledge about these critical vesicular structures will promote advances in basic sciences and in translational applications controlling pathogenesis in the neglected tropical diseases caused by TriTryps.

Exercise interventions improve depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review examined the effects of exercise interventions on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted between August 2019 and February 2020 at PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCO, Scopus, LILACS, EMBASE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Cochrane Library databases. Original clinical trial studies that examined the effects of exercise on depression and anxiety in chronic kidney disease patients, stages 3-5, were included. A total of eight studies were included in the systematic review after applying the eligibility criteria, and six studies used for the meta-analysis procedures. RESULTS: The meta-analysis demonstrated statistical difference on depression in favour to exercise when compared to active control (SMD = - 0.66 [- 1.00, - 0.33], p < 0.0001) and passive control (MD = - 6.95 [- 8.76, - 5.14], p < 0.00001). Same results on anxiety demonstrated statistical difference between exercise and active control (SMD = - 0.78 [- 1.21, - 0.34], p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: From the current limited number and quality of published studies, exercise seems to be more effective than sedentary control and other active control groups for improving depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic kidney disease patients.

Effect of DODAB Nano-Sized Cationic Bilayer Fragments against Leishmania amazonensis.

The dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) is a double-chained cationic lipid with potent bactericide and fungistatic activities; however, its toxicity on protozoan parasites is still unknown. Here, we show the antileishmanial activity of DODAB nano-sized cationic bilayer fragments on stationary-phase promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis, the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Upon treatment with DODAB, we analyzed the parasite surface zeta-potential, parasite viability, cellular structural modifications, and intracellular proliferation. The DODAB cytotoxic effect was dose-dependent, with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 25 µM for both life-cycle stages, comparable to the reported data for bacteria and fungi. The treatment with DODAB changed the membrane zeta-potential from negative to positive, compromised the parasite's morphology, affected the cell size regulation, caused a loss of intracellular organelles, and probably dysregulated the plasma membrane permeability without membrane disruption. Moreover, the parasites that survived after treatment induced small parasitophorous vacuoles and failed to proliferate inside macrophages. In conclusion, DODAB displayed antileishmanial activity, and it remains to be elucidated how DODAB acts on the protozoan membrane. Understanding this mechanism can provide insights into the development of new parasite-control strategies.

A Multi-Species Phenotypic Screening Assay for Leishmaniasis Drug Discovery Shows That Active Compounds Display a High Degree of Species-Specificity.

High genetic and phenotypic variability between Leishmania species and strains within species make the development of broad-spectrum antileishmanial drugs challenging. Thus, screening panels consisting of several diverse Leishmania species can be useful in enabling compound prioritization based on their spectrum of activity. In this study, a robust and reproducible high content assay was developed, and 1280 small molecules were simultaneously screened against clinically relevant cutaneous and visceral species: L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. donovani. The assay is based on THP-1 macrophages infected with stationary phase promastigotes and posterior evaluation of both compound antileishmanial activity and host cell toxicity. The profile of compound activity was species-specific, and out of 51 active compounds, only 14 presented broad-spectrum activity against the three species, with activities ranging from 52% to 100%. Notably, the compounds CB1954, Clomipramine, Maprotiline, Protriptyline, and ML-9 presented pan-leishmanial activity, with efficacy greater than 70%. The results highlight the reduced number of compound classes with pan-leishmanial activity that might be available from diversity libraries, emphasizing the need to screen active compounds against a panel of species and strains. The assay reported here can be adapted to virtually any Leishmania species without the need for genetic modification of parasites, providing the basis for the discovery of broad spectrum anti-leishmanial agents.

A multi-species phenotypic screening assay for leishmaniasis drug discovery shows that active compounds display a high degree of species-specificity

High genetic and phenotypic variability between Leishmania species and strains within species make the development of broad-spectrum antileishmanial drugs challenging. Thus, screening panels consisting of several diverse Leishmania species can be useful in enabling compound prioritization based on their spectrum of activity. In this study, a robust and reproducible high content assay was developed, and 1280 small molecules were simultaneously screened against clinically relevant cutaneous and visceral species: L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. donovani. The assay is based on THP-1 macrophages infected with stationary phase promastigotes and posterior evaluation of both compound antileishmanial activity and host cell toxicity. The profile of compound activity was species-specific, and out of 51 active compounds, only 14 presented broad-spectrum activity against the three species, with activities ranging from 52% to 100%. Notably, the compounds CB1954, Clomipramine, Maprotiline, Protriptyline, and ML-9 presented pan-leishmanial activity, with efficacy greater than 70%. The results highlight the reduced number of compound classes with pan-leishmanial activity that might be available from diversity libraries, emphasizing the need to screen active compounds against a panel of species and strains. The assay reported here can be adapted to virtually any Leishmania species without the need for genetic modification of parasites, providing the basis for the discovery of broad spectrum anti-leishmanial agents.

A multi-species phenotypic screening assay for leishmaniasis drug discovery shows that active compounds display a high degree of species-specificity

High genetic and phenotypic variability between Leishmania species and strains within species make the development of broad-spectrum antileishmanial drugs challenging. Thus, screening panels consisting of several diverse Leishmania species can be useful in enabling compound prioritization based on their spectrum of activity. In this study, a robust and reproducible high content assay was developed, and 1280 small molecules were simultaneously screened against clinically relevant cutaneous and visceral species: L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis, and L. donovani. The assay is based on THP-1 macrophages infected with stationary phase promastigotes and posterior evaluation of both compound antileishmanial activity and host cell toxicity. The profile of compound activity was species-specific, and out of 51 active compounds, only 14 presented broad-spectrum activity against the three species, with activities ranging from 52% to 100%. Notably, the compounds CB1954, Clomipramine, Maprotiline, Protriptyline, and ML-9 presented pan-leishmanial activity, with efficacy greater than 70%. The results highlight the reduced number of compound classes with pan-leishmanial activity that might be available from diversity libraries, emphasizing the need to screen active compounds against a panel of species and strains. The assay reported here can be adapted to virtually any Leishmania species without the need for genetic modification of parasites, providing the basis for the discovery of broad spectrum anti-leishmanial agents.

Using Thermography to Confirm Genotypic Variation for Drought Response in Maize.

The feasibility of thermography as a technique for plant screening aiming at drought-tolerance has been proven by its relationship with gas exchange, biomass, and yield. In this study, unlike most of the previous, thermography was applied for phenotyping contrasting maize genotypes whose classification for drought tolerance had already been established in the field. Our objective was to determine whether thermography-based classification would discriminate the maize genotypes in a similar way as the field selection in which just grain yield was taken into account as a criterion. We evaluated gas exchange, daily water consumption, leaf relative water content, aboveground biomass, and grain yield. Indeed, the screening of maize genotypes based on canopy temperature showed similar results to traditional methods. Nevertheless, canopy temperature only partially reflected gas exchange rates and daily water consumption in plants under drought. Part of the explanation may lie in the changes that drought had caused in plant leaves and canopy structure, altering absorption and dissipation of energy, photosynthesis, transpiration, and partitioning rates. Accordingly, although there was a negative relationship between grain yield and plant canopy temperature, it does not necessarily mean that plants whose canopies were maintained cooler under drought achieved the highest yield.

Challenges in drug discovery targeting TriTryp diseases with an emphasis on leishmaniasis.

Tritryps diseases are devastating parasitic neglected infections caused by Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei subspecies. Together, these parasites affect more than 30 million people worldwide and cause high mortality and morbidity. Leishmaniasis comprises a complex group of diseases with clinical manifestation ranging from cutaneous lesions to systemic visceral damage. Antimonials, the first-choice drugs used to treat leishmaniasis, lead to high toxicity and carry significant contraindications limiting its use. Drug-resistant parasite strains are also a matter for increasing concern, especially in areas with very limited resources. The current scenario calls for novel and/or improvement of existing therapeutics as key research priorities in the field. Although several studies have shown advances in drug discovery towards leishmaniasis in recent years, key knowledge gaps in drug discovery pipelines still need to be addressed. In this review we discuss not only scientific and non-scientific bottlenecks in drug development, but also the central role of public-private partnerships for a successful campaign for novel treatment options against this devastating disease.

Endocarditis-related tibioperoneal trunk pseudoaneurysm managed with endovascular treatment - case report.

Tibioperoneal trunk aneurysms are rare and the majority of them are pseudoaneurysms This report describes an unusual case of a pseudoaneurysm secondary to bacterial endocarditis diagnosed and treated several years previously. After ruling out ongoing infection, the patient was successfully treated by percutaneous covered stent implantation. In this scenario, the use of endovascular techniques offered a safe and effective alternative treatment.

A1AT polymorphisms may be associated with clinical characteristics of retrovirus infections in a mixed ethnic population from the Brazilian Amazon region.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association of alpha-1-antrypsin deficiency (A1AT; S and Z polymorphisms) with HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infection. METHODS: Blood samples from 201 HIV-1-infected and 115 HTLV-1-infected individuals were examined and compared with those from 300 healthy controls. Genotyping of A1AT (S and Z) and quantification of plasma viral load were performed using RT-PCR, and the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell count was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The wild-type MM genotype showed the highest frequency in each of the three groups investigated. SS and ZZ homozygous genotypes (variants) were observed only among HTLV-1 patients and controls, respectively. Genotype MS was significantly less frequent in HTLV-1-positive persons than in controls. Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing genotype frequencies between symptomatic and asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected persons. The distribution of plasma HIV-1 viral load among individuals with different genotypes of A1AT polymorphism also differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that A1AT polymorphisms may be associated with human retrovirus infections when dealing with an ethnically mixed population from the Amazon region of Brazil.

Efeito do fotoperíodo no crescimento, consumo alimentar e qualidade da carcaça de tilápias invertidas / Photoperiod effect on growth, feed intake and carcass quality reversed tilapia / Efecto de fotoperiodo en el crecimiento, consumo alimentar y calidad de caparazón de tilapias invertidas

A incidência luminosa pode induzir diversos efeitos sobre o crescimento, alimentação, desenvolvimento e reprodução de peixes. O fotoperíodo é sinal principal para maior influência sobre o ritmo circadiano dos peixes e pode afetar o ganho de peso, a ingestão de alimento e a utilização de energia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes regimes de fotoperíodo no crescimento, consumo alimentar e qualidade da carcaça de tilápias invertidas, em um sistema fechado. Foram utilizados 150 alevinos de tilápias invertidas, provenientes da estação de piscicultura. Os peixes foram acondicionados e distribuídos em 15 aquários com a capacidade de 65 litros cada um, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos diferenciarão nas simulações dos fotoperíodos emerais (horas de luz) que durarão T1= 24 horas de escuro, T2= 12 horas de escuro e 12 horas de Luz, T3= 24 horas de luz. Cada peixe foi considerado uma unidade experimental. Não houve diferença significativa para desempenho, mas houve diferença para Índice gonadossomático (IGS). Conclui-se que o fotoperíodo (12L:12E) promove melhor índice gonadossomático em tilápia. Para melhor qualidade de carcaça e desempenho produtivo sugere o fotoperíodo (24L:0E).

The light incidence can induce different effects on growth, feeding and development and reproduction of fish. The photoperiod is the main signal for greater influence on the circadian rhythm of the fish and can affect weight gain, feed intake and energy use. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of different photoperiodic regimes on growth, feed intake and carcass tilapia quality reversed in a closed system. 150 were used fry reversed tilapia, from fish farming station. The fish were packed and distributed in 15 tanks with a capacity of 65 liters each, in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five repetitions. Treatments differentiate in the simulations of emerais photoperiod (light hours) that will last T1 = 24 hours dark, T2 = 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours light, T3 = 24 hours of light. Each fish was considered an experimental unit. There was no significant difference in performance, but there were differences for IGS. I conclude that the photoperiod (12L: 12D) promotes better GSI in tilapia. To better carcass quality and growth performance suggests the photoperiod (24L: 0D).

La incidencia de luz puede inducir diversos efectos sobre el crecimiento, alimentación, desarrollo y reproducción de peces. El fotoperiodo es la señal principal de una mayor influencia en el ritmo circadiano de los peces y puede afectar la ganancia de peso, la ingestión de alimento y el consumo de energía. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido demostrar los efectos de diferentes regímenes de fotoperiodo sobre el crecimiento, consumo alimentar y calidad de caparazón de tilapias invertidas, en un sistema cerrado. Se utilizaron 150 alevines de tilapias invertidas, provenientes de la estación de piscicultura. Los peces fueron acondicionados y distribuidos en 15 tanques con una capacidad de 65 litros cada uno, en un diseño completamente al azar, con tres tratamientos y cinco repeticiones. Los tratamientos se diferencian en las simulaciones de fotoperiodos emerales (horas de luz) que durarán T1 = 24 horas de oscuridad, T2 = 12 horas de oscuridad y 12 horas de luz, T3 = 24 horas de luz. Cada pez fue considerado una unidad experimental. No hubo diferencia significativa en el rendimiento, pero hubo diferencia para el Índice Gonadosomático (IGS). Se concluye que el fotoperiodo (12L: 12D) promueve mejor GSI en tilapia. Para mejor calidad de caparazón y rendimiento de la producción se sugiere fotoperiodo (24L: 0E).

Increased prevalence of the alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency-related S gene in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Large variation exists in susceptibility to infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV), and disease progression. These observations demonstrate a role for antiretroviral host factors. Several reports describe α1-antitrypsin (A1AT), the most abundant circulating serine protease inhibitor, as a potent suppressor of HIV infection and replication. We identified the normal (M) and most common deficiency-associated (S and Z) isoforms of the A1AT gene in patients infected with HIV from four multicenter cohorts. The level of disease progression in the patients was characterized and the patients were grouped into as elite controllers (EC), long-term non-progressors (LTNP), or progressors (Prog). No significant difference in the distribution of A1AT alleles was observed in the EC, LTNP, or Prog groups. However, significantly increased prevalence of the A1AT deficiency-associated S allele was observed in HIV-infected patients compared to the prevalence of S A1AT in the general population. These results suggest that deficiency in A1AT may be a risk factor for acquisition of HIV infection, but physiological A1AT concentrations do not affect disease progression after infection occurs.