Features of lumbar spine texture extracted from routine MRI correlate with bone mineral density and can potentially differentiate patients with and without fragility fractures in the spine

The use of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to potentially assess skeletal fragility has been widely studied in osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone texture attributes (TA) from routine lumbar spine (LS) MRI and their correlation with vertebral fragility fractures (VFF) and bone mineral density (BMD). Sixty-four post-menopausal women were submitted to LS densitometry, total spine radiographs, and routine T2-weighted LS MRI. Twenty-two TA were extracted with the platform IBEX from L3 vertebra. The statistical difference was evaluated using ANOVA and Duncan's post-test. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman's coefficient. Statistical significance was considered when P<0.05. The results did not show a significant difference in BMD between the women with and without fractures. Two bone TA (cluster tendency and variance) were significantly lower in the fracture group. Cluster tendency with VFF in osteopenia was 1.54±1.37 and in osteoporosis was 1.11±58. Cluster tendency without VFF in osteopenia was 2.23±1.38 and in osteoporosis was 1.88±1.14). Variance with VFF in osteopenia was 1.44±1.37 and in osteoporosis was 1.13±59. Variance without VFF in osteopenia was 2.34±1.38 and in osteoporosis was 1.89±1.14. There was a significant correlation between BMD and cluster prominence (r=0.409), cluster tendency (r=0.345), correlation (r=0.570), entropy (r=0.364), information measure corr1 (r=0.378), inverse variance (r=0.449), sum entropy (r=0.320), variance (r=0.338), sum average (r=-0.274), and sum variance (r=-0.266). Our results demonstrated the potential use of TA extracted from routine MRI as a biomarker to assess osteoporosis and identify the tendency of skeletal fragility vertebral fractures.

Contributing to the advancement of the state-of-the-art in biodiversity research: the role of FAPESP in the last 60 years / Contribuindo para o avanço do estado da arte da pesquisa em biodiversidade: o papel da FAPESP nos últimos 60 anos

Abstract Since its creation in 1960, the São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP) has been supporting biodiversity research; however, in the early years, this large umbrella was still divided into botany, ecology, and zoology. This support became more effective by the establishment of the Research Program on Characterization, Conservation, and Sustainable Use of the Biodiversity of São Paulo State, better known as the BIOTA/FAPESP Program, in 1999. The program adopted the definition of biodiversity of the Convention on Biological Diversity and focused on 4 priorities: a) advancing scientific knowledge about Brazilian biodiversity; b) training high-level personnel (master's degrees, PhDs and postdocs) to carry out biodiversity research; c) transferring the advancement of knowledge to improve public policies on biodiversity conservation and restoration; and d) transferring private sector knowledge to economically explore the potential of Brazilian biodiversity by using it sustainably. This paper summarizes the major achievements of the BIOTA/FAPESP Program, now entering its third decade of existence.

Resumo: Desde sua criação em 1960, a Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) vem apoiando a pesquisa em biodiversidade, embora nos primeiros anos este grande guarda-chuva tenha sido dividido em botânica, ecologia e zoologia. Este apoio tornou-se mais efetivo com a criação em 1999 do Programa de Pesquisa em Caracterização, Conservação e Uso Sustentável da Biodiversidade do Estado de São Paulo, mais conhecido como Programa BIOTA/FAPESP. O Programa adotou a definição de biodiversidade da Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica, e focalizou em 4 prioridades: a) o avanço do conhecimento científico sobre a biodiversidade brasileira, b) o treinamento pessoal de alto nível (mestrado, doutorado e pós-doutorado) para a realização de pesquisas em biodiversidade, c) a transferência do avanço do conhecimento para melhorar as políticas públicas de conservação e restauração da biodiversidade, d) a transferência para o setor privado do conhecimento para explorar economicamente o potencial da biodiversidade brasileira, utilizando-o de forma sustentável. Este documento resume as principais realizações do Programa BIOTA/FAPESP, atualmente denominado Programa de Pesquisa em Caracterização, Conservação, Restauração e Uso Sustentável da Biodiversidade, agora entrando em sua terceira década de existência.

Toxoplasma gondii in the faeces of wild felids from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a apicomplexan parasite of virtually all warm-blooded species. All true cats (Felidae) can act as definitive hosts for this parasite by shedding resistant oocysts into the environment. However, the patterns of oocysts shedding are only partially understood in domestic cats and largely unknown in wild felids. OBJECTIVES We carried out molecular analysis of 82 faecal samples from wild felids collected in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (Parnaso), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS We screened samples for T. gondii DNA using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting the 529bp DNA fragment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive samples were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. RESULTS Only one faecal sample from a Puma yagouaroundi was PCR-positive [cycle threshold (Ct) = 26.88]. This sample was contaminated by a T. gondii strain of BrIII lineage, a common lineage in domestic animals from Brazil. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This first report of T. gondii in faeces of wild South American felids in their natural environment indicates infrequent oocyst shedding and suggests a role of acquired immunity in limiting re-excretion as in domestic cats. The presence of a domestic strain of T. gondii in a faecal sample from a wild felid at very low concentrations (not detected by microscopy) is consistent with the hypothesis of host-parasite co-adaptations limiting the circulation of T. gondii strains between domestic and wild environments.

Formação psicanalítica em tempos de covid-19: considerações sobre o papel da Associação dos Membros Filiados na formação psicanalítica no Instituto Durval Marcondes / Psychoanalytic training in times of covid-19 / Formación psicoanalítica en tiempos del covid-19 / Formation psychanalytique en période de covid-19

Neste artigo, as autoras partem de uma retomada histórica sobre o papel da Associação dos Membros Filiados (AMF) em suas cinco décadas de existência e apresentam resultados de pesquisa realizada a propósito do impacto da pandemia da covid-19 nas formações, nas clínicas e nas vidas dos filiados. Descrevem como neste momento de pandemia a Associação aproximou-se de modo mais significativo de seus membros e se tornou ainda mais um espaço de escuta, de trocas e um porta-voz dos filiados diante da diretoria do Instituto Durval Marcondes e da SBPSP. Com base nessas reflexões, conclui-se que a AMF precisa, para conservar seu vigor e caráter, manter-se como um lugar reflexivo e independente, em que seus membros possam ser ouvidos, respeitados e a formação, debatida.

In this article, the authors begin with a historical review of the role of the Affiliated Members Association (AMF) in its five decades of existence and report the results of research conducted on the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the training, clinics, and lives of affiliates. They describe how, in this moment of pandemic, the Association came closer in a more significant way to its members and became even more a space for listening, exchanges and a spokesperson for the affiliates before the board of the Instituto Durval Marcondes and the SBPSP. From the reflections of the article we conclude that the AMF needs, in order to maintain its vigor and character, to remain a reflective and independent place where its members can be heard, respected and their training debated.

En este artículo, las autoras parten de una reanudación histórica del papel de la Asociación de Miembros Afiliados (AMF) en sus cinco décadas de existencia y presentan los resultados de la investigación realizada sobre el impacto de la pandemia covid-19 en la formación, clínicas y vidas de los afiliados. Describen cómo, en este momento pandémico, la Asociación se volvió más significativa para sus miembros y se convirtió aún más en un espacio de escucha, intercambio y en portavoz de los afiliados junto el directorio del Instituto Durval Marcondes y de SBPSP. De estas reflexiones, se puede concluir que la AMF necesita, para mantener su vigor y carácter, permanecer como un lugar reflexivo e independiente, donde sus miembros puedan ser escuchados, respetados y discutida la formación.

Dans cet article, les auteurs partent d'une reprise historique du rôle de l'Association des membres affiliés (AMF) au cours de ses cinq décennies d'existence et présentent les résultats d'une recherche sur l'impact de la pandémie de covid-19 sur la formation, les cliniques et la vie des affiliés. Elles décrivent comment, en ce moment de pandémie, l'Association est devenue plus significative pour ses membres et est devenue encore plus un espace d'écoute, d'échanges et de porte-parole des affiliés à l'Instituto Durval Marcondes et au SBPSP. Des réflexions de l'article, on peut conclure que l'AMF a besoin, pour conserver sa vigueur et son caractère, de rester comme un lieu de réflexion et d'indépendance, où ses membres peuvent être entendus, respectés et la formation peut être discutée.

Hashtag bone: detrimental effects on bone contrast with metabolic benefits one and five years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Bone loss is a potential adverse consequence of rapid and sustained weight loss after bariatric surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bone mass, body fat distribution, and metabolic parameters in women submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The study included the following three groups: one group of lean women (control [C] group) and two groups of obese women, one evaluated one year (B1) and the other five years (B5) after RYGB. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging were used to determine bone mineral density (BMD; lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck) and abdominal fat content (subcutaneous [SAT] and visceral [VAT] adipose tissues, and intrahepatic lipids [IHL]). The BMD/body mass index ratio was lower in the B5 compared with the C group at all sites. Serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels were higher in the B1 and B5 groups compared with the C group. Individuals submitted to RYGB showed greater SAT but similar VAT and IHL values compared with those in the C group. However, the B5 group had higher mean parathyroid hormone levels compared with the other two groups. Individuals submitted to RYGB presented increased levels of CTX and low BMD for body weight than those in the C group, suggesting that bone catabolism is a persistent alteration associated with RYGB. In conclusion, the long-lasting metabolic benefits obtained with RYGB in obesity are counterbalanced by a persistent catabolic effect of the procedure on bone and mineral metabolism.

Oxidative stress in female dogs with mammary neoplasms

ABSTRACT: The result of the reaction of free radicals with biomolecules is the formation of substances with the potential of inducing oxidative damage, a condition known as oxidative stress. There are voluminous literature data reporting the association, both as a cause and as a consequence, between different diseases and oxidative stress. In this study, 144 female dogs with mammary neoplasia were analyzed. The animals were submitted to clinical evaluation for disease staging, hematological evaluation, serum biochemistry (renal and hepatic function tests), and dosage of the oxidative damage biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA), at the time of its approach and 30 days after treatment. A control group of 100 healthy animals was also submitted to determination of serum MDA levels. The mean age of the animals affected by mammary neoplasms was 9.88±2.95 (4 to 14) years, while in healthy animals it was 2.31±1.90 years (1 to 6). Of the 144 animals, 113 (78.9%) had malignant neoplasms, and 15, 21, 46, 17 and 14 animals were in clinical stage I, II, III, IV and V respectively and the carcinoma in a mixed tumor was the most frequent histological pattern in this group (26%). Thirty-one animals were diagnosed with benign neoplasms and mammary adenoma was the most frequent histological pattern in 15 animals (51.61%). Hematological changes in the preoperative period were observed in 44 (38.9%) and 12 (38.7%) animals with malignant and benign neoplasias, respectively, and there was a positive correlation between anemia and higher levels of MDA (P=0.0008) for animals with malignant tumors. Regarding serum biochemical parameters, the most frequent alterations in animals with malignant neoplasms were elevated ALT levels in 12 animals (10.6%), creatinine in 10 animals (8.84%) and urea in eight animals (7.07%). Females with benign neoplasms presented less occurrence of changes in these parameters. In the group of healthy animals (control), the mean serum MDA values were 12.08±4.18, whereas in the pre-treatment group, mean MDA was 24.80±5.74 for bitches with benign neoplasms and 32.27±10.24 for bitches with malignant tumors. A significant increase (P 0.001) in MDA levels was observed in animals with malignant mammary neoplasms when compared to healthy animals and with benign tumors. In addition, a significant reduction (P 0.001) was observed 30 days after treatment in MDA levels (27.37±7.86) in animals with malignant tumors. In conclusion, our results indicate an association between MDA seric levels and mammary neoplasms in dogs. The results suggest that this factor can be used as a biomarker of oxidative stress with a potential impact in the prognostic of mammary tumors, since significantly higher levels of MDA were detected especially in dogs carrying malignant tumors and presenting anemia.

RESUMO: O resultado da reação de radicais livres com biomoléculas é a formação de substâncias que podem ser utilizadas como marcadores de dano oxidativo, condição mais conhecida como estresse oxidativo. Evidências científicas comprovam a relação, quer como causa, quer como consequência, entre muitas doenças e o estresse oxidativo. Neste estudo, 144 cadelas portadoras de neoplasia de mama, foram submetidas à avaliação clínica para estadiamento da doença, avaliação hematológica, testes de função renal e hepática e dosagem do biomarcador de dano oxidativo, malondialdeído (MDA), no momento de sua abordagem e 30 dias após realização de tratamento. Um grupo controle de 100 cadelas saudáveis foi submetido também à determinação dos níveis séricos de MDA. A idade média dos animais acometidos por neoplasias mamárias foi de 9,88±2,95 (4 a 14) anos, enquanto que nos animais saudáveis foi de 2,31±1,90 anos (1 a 6). Dos 144 animais, 113 (78, 9%) apresentavam neoplasias malignas, sendo que 15, 21, 46, 17 e 14 animais encontravam-se em estadiamento clínico I, II, III, IV e V respectivamente, e o carcinoma em tumor misto foi o padrão histológico mais frequente neste grupo (26%). Trinta e um animais tiveram diagnóstico de neoplasias benignas, sendo que 7 estavam no estádio I, 16 no estádio II e 8 no estádio III e o adenoma mamário foi o padrão histológico mais frequente em 15 animais (51,61%). Alterações hematológicas no período pré-operatório foram observadas em 44 (38,9%) e 12 (38,7%) animais portadores de neoplasias malignas e benignas, respectivamente, sendo que houve correlação positiva entre anemia e níveis mais elevados de MDA (P=0,0008), para os animais com tumores malignos. Em relação aos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos, as alterações mais frequentes nos animais com neoplasias malignas foram a elevação dos níveis de ALT em 12 animais (10,6%), de creatinina em 10 animais (8,84%) e de ureia em oito animais (7,07%) Cadelas portadoras de neoplasias benignas apresentaram menor ocorrência de alterações nesses parâmetros. No grupo controle, a média dos valores séricos de MDA foi 12,08±4,18, enquanto que no grupo pré-tratamento, a média de MDA foi de 24,80±5,74 para as cadelas com neoplasia benigna e 32,27±10,24 para as neoplasias malignas. Verificou-se aumento significativo do valor sérico de MDA em cadelas portadoras de neoplasias malignas em comparação com os animais hígidos ou com neoplasias benignas (P 0,001). Ainda, 30 dias após o tratamento observou-se uma diminuição significativa (P 0,001) no valor médio de MDA (27,37±7,86) nos animais com neoplasias malignas. Em conclusão, os resultados deste estudo evidenciam uma associação entre níveis séricos aumentados de MDA e presença de neoplasias mamárias em cadelas. Os resultados sugerem que este fator pode ser utilizado como biomarcador de estresse oxidativo em cães, com provável impacto no prognóstico dos tumores mamários, uma vez que níveis significativamente mais altos de MDA foram detectados especialmente nas cadelas portadoras de tumores malignos e apresentando anemia.

Oxidative stress in female dogs with mammary neoplasms / Estresse oxidativo em cadelas com neoplasia mamária

The result of the reaction of free radicals with biomolecules is the formation of substances with the potential of inducing oxidative damage, a condition known as oxidative stress. There are voluminous literature data reporting the association, both as a cause and as a consequence, between different diseases and oxidative stress. In this study, 144 female dogs with mammary neoplasia were analyzed. The animals were submitted to clinical evaluation for disease staging, hematological evaluation, serum biochemistry (renal and hepatic function tests), and dosage of the oxidative damage biomarker, malondialdehyde (MDA), at the time of its approach and 30 days after treatment. A control group of 100 healthy animals was also submitted to determination of serum MDA levels. The mean age of the animals affected by mammary neoplasms was 9.88±2.95 (4 to 14) years, while in healthy animals it was 2.31±1.90 years (1 to 6). Of the 144 animals, 113 (78.9%) had malignant neoplasms, and 15, 21, 46, 17 and 14 animals were in clinical stage I, II, III, IV and V respectively and the carcinoma in a mixed tumor was the most frequent histological pattern in this group (26%). Thirty-one animals were diagnosed with benign neoplasms and mammary adenoma was the most frequent histological pattern in 15 animals (51.61%). Hematological changes in the preoperative period were observed in 44 (38.9%) and 12 (38.7%) animals with malignant and benign neoplasias, respectively, and there was a positive correlation between anemia and higher levels of MDA (P=0.0008) for animals with malignant tumors. Regarding serum biochemical parameters, the most frequent alterations in animals with malignant neoplasms were elevated ALT levels in 12 animals (10.6%), creatinine in 10 animals (8.84%) and urea in eight animals (7.07%). Females with benign neoplasms presented less occurrence of changes in these parameters. In the group of healthy animals (control), the mean serum MDA values were 12.08±4.18, whereas in the pre-treatment group, mean MDA was 24.80±5.74 for bitches with benign neoplasms and 32.27±10.24 for bitches with malignant tumors. A significant increase (P<0.001) in MDA levels was observed in animals with malignant mammary neoplasms when compared to healthy animals and with benign tumors. In addition, a significant reduction (P<0.001) was observed 30 days after treatment in MDA levels (27.37±7.86) in animals with malignant tumors. In conclusion, our results indicate an association between MDA seric levels and mammary neoplasms in dogs. The results suggest that this factor can be used as a biomarker of oxidative stress with a potential impact in the prognostic of mammary tumors, since significantly higher levels of MDA were detected especially in dogs carrying malignant tumors and presenting anemia.(AU)

O resultado da reação de radicais livres com biomoléculas é a formação de substâncias que podem ser utilizadas como marcadores de dano oxidativo, condição mais conhecida como estresse oxidativo. Evidências científicas comprovam a relação, quer como causa, quer como consequência, entre muitas doenças e o estresse oxidativo. Neste estudo, 144 cadelas portadoras de neoplasia de mama, foram submetidas à avaliação clínica para estadiamento da doença, avaliação hematológica, testes de função renal e hepática e dosagem do biomarcador de dano oxidativo, malondialdeído (MDA), no momento de sua abordagem e 30 dias após realização de tratamento. Um grupo controle de 100 cadelas saudáveis foi submetido também à determinação dos níveis séricos de MDA. A idade média dos animais acometidos por neoplasias mamárias foi de 9,88±2,95 (4 a 14) anos, enquanto que nos animais saudáveis foi de 2,31±1,90 anos (1 a 6). Dos 144 animais, 113 (78, 9%) apresentavam neoplasias malignas, sendo que 15, 21, 46, 17 e 14 animais encontravam-se em estadiamento clínico I, II, III, IV e V respectivamente, e o carcinoma em tumor misto foi o padrão histológico mais frequente neste grupo (26%). Trinta e um animais tiveram diagnóstico de neoplasias benignas, sendo que 7 estavam no estádio I, 16 no estádio II e 8 no estádio III e o adenoma mamário foi o padrão histológico mais frequente em 15 animais (51,61%). Alterações hematológicas no período pré-operatório foram observadas em 44 (38,9%) e 12 (38,7%) animais portadores de neoplasias malignas e benignas, respectivamente, sendo que houve correlação positiva entre anemia e níveis mais elevados de MDA (P=0,0008), para os animais com tumores malignos. Em relação aos parâmetros bioquímicos séricos, as alterações mais frequentes nos animais com neoplasias malignas foram a elevação dos níveis de ALT em 12 animais (10,6%), de creatinina em 10 animais (8,84%) e de ureia em oito animais (7,07%) Cadelas portadoras de neoplasias benignas apresentaram menor ocorrência de alterações nesses parâmetros. No grupo controle, a média dos valores séricos de MDA foi 12,08±4,18, enquanto que no grupo pré-tratamento, a média de MDA foi de 24,80±5,74 para as cadelas com neoplasia benigna e 32,27±10,24 para as neoplasias malignas. Verificou-se aumento significativo do valor sérico de MDA em cadelas portadoras de neoplasias malignas em comparação com os animais hígidos ou com neoplasias benignas (P<0,001). Ainda, 30 dias após o tratamento observou-se uma diminuição significativa (P<0,001) no valor médio de MDA (27,37±7,86) nos animais com neoplasias malignas. Em conclusão, os resultados deste estudo evidenciam uma associação entre níveis séricos aumentados de MDA e presença de neoplasias mamárias em cadelas. Os resultados sugerem que este fator pode ser utilizado como biomarcador de estresse oxidativo em cães, com provável impacto no prognóstico dos tumores mamários, uma vez que níveis significativamente mais altos de MDA foram detectados especialmente nas cadelas portadoras de tumores malignos e apresentando anemia.(AU)

Riesgo en salud y habitabilidad de viviendas en zonas de alta vulnerabilidad en Bogotá, Colombia / Health risk factors associated with housing habitability in high vulnerability areas in Bogotá, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Evaluar las condiciones de habitabilidad de las viviendas y su incidencia sobre la salud en el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, en Bogotá (Colombia), en el marco del proyecto Hábitat Saludable, que es liderado por el Centro de estudios en Vivienda, Hábitat e Innovación Social (CENVIS). Métodos Se elaboró una herramienta de toma de información en campo sobre condiciones socioeconómicas y saludables de la unidad habitacional de familias adscritas al proyecto. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis cuantitativo de la información recolectada para responder al objetivo de la investigación. Resultados Al aplicar la herramienta, se encontró: a) inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, b) mala disposición de excretas humanas y desechos sólidos domiciliarios, c) mal manejo en el aprovechamiento del agua lluvia, d) inadecuada convivencia con animales domésticos y de consumo, e) contaminación del aire al interior y; f) sistemas autoconstrucción con materiales no seguros y sin asesoría técnica, además de construcción en terrenos inestables. Conclusiones En el sector de Mochuelo Bajo, existen falencias generalizables relacionadas con un inadecuado abastecimiento, almacenamiento y manejo del agua potable, una mala disposición de excretas humanas y de desechos sólidos domiciliarios. También respecto al manejo del agua lluvia, y la convivencia con animales tanto domésticos como de consumo.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the habitability conditions of dwellings and their impact on human health in Mochuelo Bajo, sector in Bogota Colombia, within the framework of the Healthy Habitat project led by the Housing, Habitat and Social Innovation Center (CENVIS). Methods A tool was developed for field data collection about socioeconomic and healthy conditions of housing units and families assigned to the project. After which, a quantitative analysis was performed in order to answer to the stablished objective. Results It was found through the tool application: a) inadequate supply, storage and management of drinking water, b) poor disposal of human excreta and solid household waste, c) poor management of rainwater use, d) inadequate coexistence with domestic and consumption animals, e) interior air pollution and f) self-construction systems with unsafe materials and without technical advice. Conclusions In the Mochuelo Bajo sector there were found generalized shortcomings related to an inadequate supplying and usage of potable water, a wrong disposition of human excreta and of solid household waste. At the same time, there are shortcomings in terms of rainwater and coexistence with animals, both domestic and for consumption.(AU)

Inhibitory activity of Varronia curassavica and Mikania laevigatafractions against pathogens associated with persistent dental infections

Herbal medicines have been studied as potential antimicrobial agents, emerging as treatments against oral diseases. The current study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of the crude extract and fractions of Mikania laevigata SchultzBip. ex Baker (ML) and Varronia curassavicaJacq (VC) against oral pathogens associated with persistent dental root infections, under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations were determined for the ML and VC fractions/extracts against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces israelii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans using the microdilution method. The best results were chosen for subsequent biofilm assays. All tested ML and VC extracts/fractions demonstrated inhibitory activity against E. faecalis and A. israelii. The ML ethyl acetate fraction affected the growth of all microorganisms tested. C. albicans and P. aeruginosawere not affected by any VC extract/fractions. The ML ethyl acetate fraction eliminated E. faecalis, A.israelii, and P. aeruginosa biofilms after 24h. A similar result was observed for ML crude hydroethanolic extract and its hexane fraction for A. israelii. The VC hexane fraction was able to eliminate A. israelli biofilms. None of the tested extracts or fractions eliminated C. albicans biofilm. The Mikania laevigata ethyl acetate fraction is an efficient antimicrobial agent against oral pathogens and could be indicated for the treatment of persistent dental infections.

Increasing capacity to produce scenarios and models for biodiversity and ecosystem services / Capacitando profissionais para o desenvolvimento de cenários e modelos em biodiversidade e serviços ecossistêmicos

Abstract: Extensive anthropogenic activities driven by the demand for agriculture and forestry products have led to dramatic reductions in biodiversity worldwide and significant changes in the provisioning of ecosystem services. These trends are expected to continue in the future as the world continues to develop without much consideration of the role that nature plays in sustaining human livelihoods. Scenarios and models can be important tools to help policy- and decision-makers foresee the impact of their decisions; thus, increasing capacity in creating such models and scenarios is of utmost importance. However, postgraduate training schools that focus on this topic are still rare. Here we present and reflect on the experience of the São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Scenarios and Modelling on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services to Support Human Well-Being (SPSAS Scenarios). In addition, we introduce the Special Issue of Biota Neotropica that resulted from the activities taking place during the SPSAS Scenarios. In total, nine case studies emerged from the activities carried out during SPSAS Scenarios. These focused on a variety of ecosystems, their current drivers of change and expected trends, as well as on the development of alternative positive scenarios applying the recently developed Nature Futures Framework. We emphasize the need to increase capacity in scenario and modelling skills in order to address some of the existing gaps in producing policy-relevant scenarios and models for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Resumo: Atividades antropogênicas extensas, impulsionadas pela demanda por produtos da agricultura e da silvicultura, têm levado a reduções dramáticas na biodiversidade mundial e a mudanças significativas no provimento de serviços ecossistêmicos. Estas tendências devem continuar no futuro, pois o mundo continua a se desenvolver sem muita consideração pelo papel que a natureza desempenha em sustentar a subsistência humana. Cenários e modelos são ferramentas importantes para ajudar os tomadores de decisão a preverem o impacto de suas decisões, auxiliando na definição das melhores opções para políticas de conservação e uso sustentável; portanto o aumento da capacidade para o desenvolvimento de modelos e cenários é de suma importância. Entretanto, ainda são raros os cursos de pós-graduação que foquem na capacitação de profissionais para o desenvolvimento de modelos e cenários em biodiversidade e serviços ecossistêmicos. Neste trabalho apresentamos a experiência da Escola São Paulo de Ciências Avançadas de Cenários e Modelagem em Biodiversidade e Serviços Ecossistêmicos para Apoiar o Bem-Estar Humano (SPSAS Scenarios). Adicionalmente, apresentamos neste Número Especial da Biota Neotropica os resultados dos exercícios de modelagem e cenários desenvolvidos no decorrer da SPSAS Scenarios. No total, as atividades realizadas durante o SPSAS Scenarios resultaram em nove estudos de caso. Estes se concentraram em uma diversidade de ecossistemas, nos atuais drivers de mudança e as respectivas tendências, bem como nas alternativas de desenvolvimento visando cenários mais positivos propostos recentemente no contexto da Framework Futuros para Natureza da Plataforma Intergovernamental de Biodiversidade e Serviços Ecossistêmicos (IPBES). Enfatizamos aqui a necessidade de acelerar a capacitação de profissionais que trabalhem com cenários e modelagem de forma a preencher algumas lacunas existentes na produção de cenários e modelos relevantes para a tomada de decisão em biodiversidade e serviços ecossistêmicos

Speed and Grade Increment During Cardiopulmonary Treadmill Testing: Impact on Exercise Prescription

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and both first (VT1) and second (VT2) thresholds have been used as reference points for exercise prescription in different populations. Objective: We aimed to test the hypothesis that exercise prescription, based on VTs determined by treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is influenced by the rate of increase in treadmill workload. Methods: Nine healthy individuals underwent two CPETs, followed by two sessions of submaximal exercise, both in randomized order. For the "speed" protocol, there was an increment of 0.1 to 0.3 km.h-1 every 15s. The "grade" incremental protocol increased 1% every 30s and 0.1 km.h-1 every 45s. This was followed by submaximal exercise sessions lasting 40min at an intensity corresponding to heart rate (HR) between the VT1 and VT2. Results: The "speed" protocol resulted in higher VT1 (p = 0.01) and VT2 (p = 0.02) when compared to the "grade" incremental protocol, but there was no effect on VO2max. The target HR for the submaximal exercise sessions was higher in the "speed" protocol compared to the "grade" incremental protocol (p < 0.01) and remained stable during the two steady-state exercise sessions. Blood lactate remained stable during the submaximal exercise sessions, with higher values observed during the "speed" protocol than those "grade" incremental protocol (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Compared to a grade-based protocol, a speed-based protocol resulted in higher VT1 and VT2, which significantly affected cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses to prescribed exercise intensity in healthy young adults

Antigenic and immunogenic properties of the canine distemper virus nucleocapsid protein expressed in Escherichia coli employing codon optimized synthetic gene / Propriedades antigênicas e imunogênicas da proteína do nucleocapsídeo do virus da cinomose canina expressa em Escherichia coli empregando gene sintético com codons otimizados

Despite common occurrence and importance of canine distemper disease the majority of tests currently available for diagnosis are hampered by either low sensitivity or specificity. In this study it was evaluated antigenic and immunogenic characteristics of a conserved region of nucleocapsid protein of canine distemper virus (rCDV NP) expressed in Escherichia coli employing a codon optimized synthetic gene. The expression of rCDVNP in Star strain (mean 300μg/mL, purified) was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis by using His-Tag monoclonal antibodies. Western blot and ELISA, employing positive and negative control dog sera, demonstrated the rCDVNP antigenicity. The rCDVNP was inoculated in hens and immunoglobulin Y (IgY) was purified from the egg yolk. The mean yield of IgY was 28.55mg/mL. IgY reacted with the recombinant protein as demonstrated by Western blot and ELISA assays. In summary, our findings demonstrated that rCDVNP is antigenic since CDV positive dog sera recognized the protein in vitro. Additionally, the rCDVNP proved to be immunogenic in hens being possible to isolate a high concentration of specific IgY antibodies from the egg yolk. Taken together, these results indicate that the rCDVNP along with the specific IgY could be useful tools for development of the canine distemper immunodiagnostic assays.(AU)

Apesar da ocorrência comum e importância da cinomose canina, a maioria dos testes atualmente disponíveis para diagnóstico são prejudicados pela baixa sensibilidade ou especificidade. Neste estudo foram avaliadas características antigênicas e imunogênicas de uma região conservada da proteína do nucleocapsídeo do virus da cinomose canina (rCDV NP) expressa em Escherichia coli empregando um gene sintético e codons otimizados. A expressão na cepa Star (média de 300μg/mL, purificada) foi confirmada por SDS-PAGE e Western blot utilizando anticorpos monoclonais anti-His-Tag. A antigenicidade da rCDVNP foi demonstrada por western blot e ELISA empregando soros de cães positivos e negativos. A rCDVNP foi inoculada em galinhas e imunoglobulina Y (gY) foi obtida e purificada a partir da gema. A produção média de IgY foi 28.55mg/mL. Anticorpos IgY reagiram com a proteína recombinante, quando analisados por Western blot e ELISA. Em resumo, nossos achados demonstram que a rCDVNP produzida é antigênica, uma vez que os anticorpos de soro de cães positivos para CDV reconheceram a proteína in vitro. Além disso, a rCDVNP foi imunogênica em galinhas, sendo possível isolar anticorpos IgY específicos a partir da gema do ovo em altas concentrações. Tomados em conjunto, estes resultados indicam que a rCDVNP juntamente com a IgY específica podem ser ferramentas úteis para elaborar ensaios de imunodiagnóstico de cinomose canina.(AU)