Identification and recombinant expression of an antimicrobial peptide (cecropin B-like) from soybean pest Anticarsia gemmatalis

Insects can be found in numerous diverse environments, being exposed to pathogenic organisms like fungi and bacteria. Once these pathogens cross insect physical barriers, the innate immune system operates through cellular and humoral responses. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules produced by immune signaling cascades that develop an important and generalist role in insect defenses against a variety of microorganisms. In the present work, a cecropin B-like peptide (AgCecropB) sequence was identified in the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis and cloned in a bacterial plasmid vector for further heterologous expression and antimicrobial tests. Methods AgCecropB sequence (without the signal peptide) was cloned in the plasmid vector pET-M30-MBP and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expression host. Expression was induced with IPTG and a recombinant peptide was purified using two affinity chromatography steps with Histrap column. The purified peptide was submitted to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and structural analyses. Antimicrobial tests were performed using gram-positive (Bacillus thuringiensis) and gram-negative (Burkholderia kururiensis and E. coli) bacteria. Results AgCecropB was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) at 28°C with IPTG 0.5 mM. The recombinant peptide was purified and enriched after purification steps. HRMS confirmed AgCrecropB molecular mass (4.6 kDa) and circular dichroism assay showed α-helix structure in the presence of SDS. AgCrecropB inhibited almost 50% of gram-positive B. thuringiensis bacteria growth. Conclusions The first cecropin B-like peptide was described in A. gemmatalis and a recombinant peptide was expressed using a bacterial platform. Data confirmed tertiary structure as predicted for the cecropin peptide family. AgCecropB was capable to inhibit B. thuringiensis growth in vitro.(AU)

Comparação da qualidade de vida entre atletas e paratletas brasileiros de alto rendimento / Comparison of the quality of life among high performance Brazilian athletes and parathletes

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar as características antropométricas e produção de potência aeróbia (pico de velocidade no teste de Carminatti [PVT-CAR]) entre diferentes categorias e níveis maturacionais em atletas de futebol. Cinquenta e três atletas do sexo masculino participaram do estudo divididos entre as categorias sub-11 (n=17), sub-13 (n=16), sub-15 (n=11) e sub-17 (n=9), e realizaram duas visitas: a primeira consistiu em avaliações antropométricas com massa corporal, estatura e dobras cutâneas, e questionário do estado pubertário; e a segunda visita foi avaliada a produção de potência aeróbia realizada com um teste progressivo com 5 séries de corrida vai-e-vem de 12 segundos, com 6 segundos de repouso, até a exaustão voluntária. A distância inicial do teste foi de 15 metros, com aumentos de progressivos de 1 metro a cada série, a maior velocidade atingida no teste (km.h-1 ) foi determinada como máxima produção de potência aeróbia (PVT-CAR). Os resultados demonstraram que as variáveis idade, estatura, massa corporal e PVT-CAR se diferenciam entre as categorias, e estágios maturacionais (púberes e pós-púberes, comparado com pré-púberes) (p<0,05), quanto a gordura corporal, não houve diferença entre as categorias e estágios maturacionais, assim como FCMÁXT-CAR (p>0,05). Em conclusão, a idade cronológica e os estágios maturacionais exercem importante função em relação as variáveis antropométricas e potência aeróbia. Por fim, o PVT-CAR se apresenta como uma ferramenta útil para classificação de um grupo, visto que atletas maturados suportam maiores cargas de treino....(AU)

The aim study was compare anthropometric characteristics and power aerobic production (peak velocity in Carminatt's Test [PVT-CAR]) between differences categories and levels maturational in soccer athletes. Fifty-three male athletes divided between categories under-11 (n=17), under-13 (n=16),under-15 (n=11) and under-17 (n=9) and performed two visits; the first consisted in evaluation anthropometrics with body mass, height and skinfolds, and pubertal status questionnaire; the second visit was evaluated the aerobic power production realized as the progressive test with 5 series running shuttlerun in 12 seconds, with 6 second rest, until the voluntary exhaustion. The distance initial the test was of 15 meters, with progressives increases in 1 meters every series, the highest velocity reached in the test (km.h1) was determined as maximum yield of aerobic power (PVT-CAR). The results demostred that variables age,stature, body mass and PVT-CAR differentiate between categories, and maturational stages (pre-pubertal and pubertal, compared with post-pubertal) (P<0.05), how much the body fat, there was no differences between categories and levels maturational, as HRMÁX-TCAR (P>0.05). In conclusion, the chronological age and maturational stages exert important function on anthropometric variables and aerobic power. Finally,the PVT-CAR presents itself as an useful tool for classifying a group, since mature athletes support higher training loads...(AU)

Comparação das características antropométricas e da potência aeróbia de atletas de futebol em diferentes categorias e estágios maturacionais / Comparation of anthropometric characteristics and aerobic power of soccer athletes in different categories and maturational stages

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar as características antropométricas e produção de potência aeróbia (pico de velocidade no teste de Carminatti [PVT-CAR]) entre diferentes categorias e níveis maturacionais em atletas de futebol. Cinquenta e três atletas do sexo masculino participaram do estudo divididos entre as categorias sub-11 (n=17), sub-13 (n=16), sub-15 (n=11) e sub-17 (n=9), e realizaram duas visitas: a primeira consistiu em avaliações antropométricas com massa corporal, estatura e dobras cutâneas, e questionário do estado pubertário; e a segunda visita foi avaliada a produção de potência aeróbia realizada com um teste progressivo com 5 séries de corrida vai-e-vem de 12 segundos, com 6 segundos de repouso, até a exaustão voluntária. A distância inicial do teste foi de 15 metros, com aumentos de progressivos de 1 metro a cada série, a maior velocidade atingida no teste (km.h-1 ) foi determinada como máxima produção de potência aeróbia (PVT-CAR). Os resultados demonstraram que as variáveis idade, estatura, massa corporal e PVT-CAR se diferenciam entre as categorias, e estágios maturacionais (púberes e pós-púberes, comparado com pré-púberes) (p<0,05), quanto a gordura corporal, não houve diferença entre as categorias e estágios maturacionais, assim como FCMÁXT-CAR (p>0,05). Em conclusão, a idade cronológica e os estágios maturacionais exercem importante função em relação as variáveis antropométricas e potência aeróbia. Por fim, o PVT-CAR se apresenta como uma ferramenta útil para classificação de um grupo, visto que atletas maturados suportam maiores cargas de treino....(AU)

The aim study was compare anthropometric characteristics and power aerobic production (peak velocity in Carminatt's Test [PVT-CAR]) between differences categories and levels maturational in soccer athletes. Fifty-three male athletes divided between categories under-11 (n=17), under-13 (n=16), under-15 (n=11) and under-17 (n=9) and performed two visits; the first consisted in evaluation anthropometrics with body mass, height and skinfolds, and pubertal status questionnaire; the second visit was evaluated the aerobic power production realized as the progressive test with 5 series running shuttlerun in 12 seconds, with 6 second rest, until the voluntary exhaustion. The distance initial the test was of 15 meters, with progressives increases in 1 meters every series, the highest velocity reached in the test (km.h1) was determined as maximum yield of aerobic power (PVT-CAR). The results demostred that variables age, stature, body mass and PVT-CAR differentiate between categories, and maturational stages (pre-pubertal and pubertal, compared with post-pubertal) (P<0.05), how much the body fat, there was no differences between categories and levels maturational, as HRMÁX-TCAR (P>0.05). In conclusion, the chronological age and maturational stages exert important function on anthropometric variables and aerobic power. Finally, the PVT-CAR presents itself as an useful tool for classifying a group, since mature athletes support higher training loads....(AU)

Physical and chemical study of lattice kaolinites and their interaction with orthophosphate

ABSTRACT This study covers the evaluation of the structure and the capacity in adsorbing orthophosphate ions of kaolinites collected from sampling sites in Manaus (Brazil). The kaolinites were obtained using physical fractioning (sieving/siphoning) techniques and chemical treatment with HCl, H2SO4, H2O2 and KCl. The investigation of the kaolinite lattices involved the Hinckley and Plançon indexes determined from X-ray diffraction data, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The absorption capacity of orthophosphate ions was calculated by Freundlich and Langergren isotherms. A transitional state was observed in the crystallographic structure from kaolinites because of the isomorphic substitution of Al3+ by Fe3+. This isomorphic substitution occurs accompanied by the optical pleochroism behavior, but it also reduces the mean particle sizes and increases the number of structural defects and magnetic properties of these kaolinites. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the substituting Fe3+ preferentially occupies octahedral sites. In the kaolinite lattices there are different octahedral sites of Al bounded by cis-OH-Fe3+ and trans-OH-Fe3+ octahedral sites. The kaolinite from the Kao1 sample has a higher number of cis-OH-Fe3+ from octahedral sites and is able to adsorb higher contents of orthophosphate ions than those from samples Kao2 and Kao3.

Efeito agudo da intensidade do exercício sobre as variáveis cardiorrespiratórias e metabólicas em jovens com excesso de peso / Acute effect of exercise intensity on the cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables in young with excess weight

O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar a resposta aguda das variáveis aeróbias durante o exercício intervalado de alta intensidade (EIAI) e o exercício contínuo moderado (ECONT) realizado por jovens com excesso de peso. Participaram do estudo 12 jovens (11,01 ± 1,82 anos; 69,09 ± 22,50kg; 154,43 ± 15,17; 28,27 ± 4,82kg/m2 ). Na primeira visita foi realizado um teste incremental máximo em cicloergômetro para determinação do consumo de oxigênio pico (VO2pico), potência pico e da frequência cardíaca pico (FCpico).Na segunda e terceira visitas foram realizados os protocolos de EIAI (10 repetições de 60s a 90% da potência pico para 60s de intervalo passivo) e ECONT (18 minutos contínuos a 50% da potência pico), ambos equalizados pelo trabalho total (kJ). Durante o EIAI e o ECONT, a FC e o consumo de oxigênio (VO2) foram continuamente mensurados. A concentração de lactato sanguíneo ([La]) foi determinada imediatamente após o término dos protocolos de exercício. Apesar da equalização do trabalho, os valores de FCpico (182 ± 3,34 vs 164 ± 3,34bpm), percentual do VO2pico (91 ± 2,00 vs. 76 ± 2,00 %), potência pico (105,0 ± 2,86 vs. 58,33 ± 2,86 W) e [La] (3,2 ± 0,12 vs. 1,8 ± 0,12 mmol.L-1 ) foram significantemente maiores no EIAI quando comparados ao ECONT. Concluímos que o EIAI resultou em maior estresse cardiovascular e metabólico comparado ao ECONT, refletido pelos valores de %VO2pico, FC e [La]. Por fim, destacamos a possibilidade do EIAI ser incorporado aos exercícios aeróbios de natureza contínua durante diferentes programas de atividade física praticada pelos jovens....(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare the acute response of aerobic variables during high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate continuous exercise (MCE) performed by obese adolescents. The study included 12 young (11.01 ± 1.82 years; 69.09 ± 22,50 kg; 154.43 ± 15.17cm; 28.27 ± 4.82 kg/m2 ). At the first visit was done a maximum incremental test on a cycle ergometer to determine the peak power and peak heart rate (HRpeak). At the second and third visits were conducted the EIAI (10 repetitions of 60s to 90% of peak power to 60s passive interval) and ECONT protocols (18 minutes continuously at 50% of peak power), both equalized by work (kJ). During HIIE and MCE, HR and oxygen consumption (VO2) were continuously measured. The blood lactate concentration ([La]) was determined immediately after the end of exercise protocols. Despite the equalization of work, HRpeak values (182 ± 3.34 vs 164 ± 3.34 bpm), percentage of VO2 peak (91 ± 2.00 vs. 2.00 ± 76%), power peak (105.0 ± 2.86 vs. 58.33 ± 2.86 W) and [La] (3.2 ± 1.8 vs. 0.12 ± 0.12 mmol.L-1 ) were significantly higher in HIIE compared to MCE. Concluded that HIIE results in an increase in cardiovascular and metabolic stress when VO2 peak, HR and [La]. Finally, we highlight the possibility to incorporate the HIIE in aerobic exercise continuous during different physical activity programs practiced by obese adolescents....(AU)

Gill parasites of fish from two estuaries in northeastern Brazil: new hosts and geographical records

ABSTRACT Parasites are important components of communities and constitute great part of the biological diversity found in ecosystems, providing valuable information about their hosts and the environment in which they live. However, despite its importance, parasitic diversity is still not well known in some regions of Brazil, especially with respect to fish parasites in the Northeast Region. The present study aims to perform the survey of gill parasites of fish from two tropical estuaries located in northeastern Brazil: Paraíba and Mamanguape rivers. Two collections were made in each estuary, one during the dry period (November / 2013) and the other during the rainy season (July / 2014). The fish were caught using a beach seine net, dragged along the main channel margin. After the identification, biometry and necropsy of the fish, their parasites were collected, stored and identified. For each species of parasite, the values ​​of prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. Of the 882 examined fish, belonging to four species, 145 were parasitized by at least one species of parasite. In total, 18 taxa of parasites of the groups Monogenea, Digenea, Nematoda, Copepoda and Isopoda were recorded, being the copepod Acusicola brasiliensis the most abundant species of parasite.

Aptidão física e nível habitual de atividade física associados à saúde cardiovascular em adultos e idosos / Physical fitness and habitual level of physical activity associated with cardiovascular health in adults and elderly

O nível habitual de atividade física (NHAF) vem sendo utilizado para estabelecer uma relação entre estilo de vida ativo e saúde cardiovascular. No entanto, a avaliação da aptidão física permitiria a avaliação real das condições físicas do indivíduo, podendo assim apresentar melhores relações com a saúde cardiovascular. Objetivos: Relacionar o NHAF e aptidão física com a saúde cardiovascular de adultos e idosos e verificar a associação da prática regular de exercícios físicos supervisionada com os diferentes níveis de aptidão física. Método: Foram avaliados 213 adultos e idosos (> 50 anos) participantes de projetos comunitários. Os participantes realizaram as seguintes avaliações: NHAF por meio do questionário IPAQ, aptidão física por meio de uma bateria de testes motores que permitiu o cálculo do Índice de Aptidão Funcional Geral (IAFG), pressão arterial, perfil lipídico e índice de massa corporal. Resultados: O modelo linear generalizado evidenciou um maior número de diferenças com relação às variáveis relacionadas à saúde cardiovascular quando os participantes foram subdivididos em grupos tendo o IAFG como variável independente, comparado ao NHAF. O teste exato de Fisher evidenciou que os grupos de IAFG classificados como “bom” e “muito bom” apresentaram maior proporção de indivíduos com prática regular de exercícios físicos superior a 6 meses, com destaque para um maior número realizando a prática com supervisão (p<0,0001). Conclusão: O IAFG apresenta melhor associação com a saúde cardiovascular do que o NHAF e o tempo de prática e a supervisão estão associados ao nível de aptidão física...

The habitual level of physical activity (HLPA) has been used to establish the relation between active lifestyle and cardiovascular health. However, the assessment of physical fitness would review the actual physical condition of the individual, and thus can have better relations with cardiovascular health. Objectives: Relate HLPA and physical fitness with cardiovascular health of adults and elderly and to verify the association of supervised regular physical exercise with different levels of fitness. Method: 213 adults and elderly (> 50 years) participating in community projects were evaluated. The HLPA were assessed by the IPAQ and physical fitness through a battery of motor tests that allowed the calculation of the General Functional Fitness Index (GFFI). Blood pressure, lipid profile and body mass index were considered as indicators of cardiovascular health. Results: The generalized linear model showed a greater number of differences with respect to variables related to cardiovascular health when participants were subdivided having GFFI as an independent variable, compared to HLPA. The Fisher exact test showed that the groups GFFI classified as “good” and “very good” showed a higher proportion of individuals with regular practice for more than 6 months exercise, especially for a larger number performing the practice under supervision (p <0.0001). Conclusion: The GFFI has better association with cardiovascular health than HLPA and time of practice and supervision are associated with the level of physical fitness...

Relação entre a prática da caminhada não supervisionada e fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovascular em adultos e idosos / Relationship between the practice of unsupervised walking and riskfactors for cardiovascular disease in adults and elderly

A adoção de um estilo de vida ativo através da prática da caminhada é altamente recomendada pelos profissionais de saúde com o intuito de evitar, minimizar ou reverter diversos agravos de saúde que podem comprometer a qualidade de vida da população. Objetivo: Verificar se a prática da caminhada não supervisionada possui estímulo suficiente para a redução de fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares em adultos e idosos. Métodos: Participaram deste estudo 225 homens e mulheres saudáveis que foram divididos em 4 grupos: sedentário (G0), caminhada (G1), caminhada e uma atividade extra (G2) e, caminhada e duas atividades extras (G3). Todos os participantes realizaram as seguintes avaliações: International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - versão curta, bateria de testes de aptidão física (AAHPERD), pressão arterial, perfil lipídico e composição corporal. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram que a prática da caminhada não supervisionada (G1) promoveu benefícios limitados à saúde quando comparado ao grupo G3 (índice de aptidão funcional geral = 273,4±111 vs340,6±92; pressão arterial diastólica = 80,0±8 vs 75,4±7 mmHg; HDL colesterol = 44,3±10 vs 50,1±10mg/dL respectivamente). Conclusão: Participar de maior número de atividades foi benéfico para diminuir os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares quando comparados ao grupo sedentário e praticantes apenas de caminhadas...

Remain physically active through the practice of walking is highly recommended by health professionals in order to avoid, minimize or reverse various health disorders that can compromise a good quality of life for the population. Objective: To verify if the non supervised walk has enough stimulation to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease in adults and the elderly. Methods: This study included 225 healthy men and women who were divided in 4 groups: sedentary (G0), walk (G1), walk an extra activity (G2), and walk and 2 extra activities (G3). All participants performed the following assessments: questionnaire IPAQ, AAHPERD battery tests, blood pressure, lipid profile and body composition. Results: The results suggest that practice of non supervised walk (G1) promotes limited benefits to the health when compared to G3 (general functional fitness index = 273.4±111 vs 340.6±92; diastolic blood pressure = 80.0±8vs 75.4±7 mmHg; HDL cholesterol = 44.3±10 vs 50.1±10 mg/dL respectively). Conclusions: The increased number of activities (G3) was considered beneficial to reduce the risk factors of cardiovascular disease compared to sedentary (G0) and walk (G1) groups...

IgG and IgM western blot assay for diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of western blot (WB) analysis as a diagnostic tool for congenital toxoplasmosis in 215 newborn infants. The children were submitted to clinical examinations to assess macular, neurological and hearing signals. The WB results obtained were compared to the persistence of IgG antibodies at the end of 12 months, which is regarded as the "gold standard" diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Association between the WB results and the clinical signs presented by the infants was also assessed. Of the 215 children, 177 had a confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis and 38 were uninfected. IgG-WB showed a sensitivity of 73.5 percent and a specificity of 97.4 percent. IgM-WB showed a sensitivity of 54.8 percent and a specificity of 94.7 percent. The IgG-WB and IgM-WB combination increased the sensitivity to 86.5 percent. The IgM-WB-positive children had a 1.4-fold greater risk of presenting active macular lesions than did those that were IgM-WB-negative. This study showed that the WB assay is a useful tool to confirm a diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis and that the IgM-WB-positive results can indicate active macular lesions in newborn infants.

Fracture process characterization of fiber-reinforced dental composites evaluated by optical coherence tomography, SEM and optical microscopy

This study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) to evaluate qualitatively crack propagation and final fracture in restorative composite materials - Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) - with fiber reinforcement after cyclic loading. Samples were made using a split mold. Initially, 3-point bending tests were performed to determine the maximum force and tension at the fracture moment using samples without fiber reinforcement. Then, mechanical cycling tests were performed using samples with glass fiber embedded internally. The failures were analyzed using the 3 methods described before. OCT permitted good characterization of internal crack propagation of the dental composites, which, however, could not be visualized by either SEM or OM. OCT was proven to be laboratory research tool that is easy to use, does not require any specific preparation of the samples, and is less expensive than SEM.

Ion zinco: presença no sistema auditivo / Zinc ion: its presence in the auditory system

O ion zinco tem sido muito pesquisado nas últimas décadas, principalmente no que concerne a sua presença e papel na fisiologia do Sistema Nervoso Central. Tem sido bem descrito em regiões do cortex, cerebelo, sistema límbico e, mais recentemente, na coclea e núcleos cocleares. Parece atuar ligado ao neurotransmissor glutamato, exercendo atividade moduladora sobre o funcionamento das sinapses; também tem sido demonstrada sua participação em atividades protetoras contra radicais livres. Acredita-se que alterações nos níveis sistêmicos de zinco podem levar ao mau funcionamento das vias auditivas, gerando quadros clínicos como o zumbido e a presbiacusia. Os autores fazem uma revisão sobre o assunto