Despite visceral leishmaniasis (VL) being epidemic in most Brazilian regions, the Northeast region is responsible for the highest morbidity and mortality outcomes within the country.
To analyse the ...spatiotemporal dynamics of VL cases to identify the temporal trends and high-risk areas for VL transmission, as well as the association of the disease with social vulnerability in Brazilian Northeast.
We carried out an ecological time series study employing spatial analysis techniques using all VL confirmed cases of 1,794 municipalities of Brazilian Northeast between the years 2000 to 2017. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to represent the social vulnerability. Incidence rates were standardized and smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian Method. Time trends were examined through segmented linear regression. Spatiotemporal analysis consisted of uni- and bivariate Global and Local Moran indexes and space-time scan statistics.
Incidence rate remained stable and ranged from 4.84 to 3.52 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was higher case prevalence between males (62.71%), children and adolescents (63.27%), non-white (69.75%) and urban residents (62.58%). Increasing trends of new cases were observed among adult male subjects (≥ 40 years old) and urban residents. Importantly, VL incidence showed a direct spatial dependence. Spatial and space-time clusters were identified in sertão and meio-norte sub-regions, overlapping with high social vulnerability areas.
VL is a persistent health issue in Brazilian Northeast and associated with social vulnerability. Space-time clustering of VL cases in socially vulnerable municipalities demands intersectoral public policies of surveillance and control, with focus on reducing inequalities and improving living conditions for regional inhabitants.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The supramolecular organization of organic salts has been widely researched, revealing recurring patterns in crystalline lattices that describe their supramolecular properties. In recent years, our ...research group has underscored the importance of considering the crystalline structures as a whole, incorporating all the necessary energetic and topological information for a comprehensive understanding of the crystalline system. Given this context, we investigated a series of ammonium mono- and dicarboxylate salts (
1-12
) to determine whether subtle structural modifications in the anionic organic component lead to relevant energy and topology changes in the crystalline lattice. To achieve this, we selected structures whose carboxylate anion only possesses an alkyl chain and is devoid of other functional groups. The ammonium cation (NH
4
+
) was fixed to determine the effect of variations in the alkyl chains of the selected mono- and dicarboxylates, such as length and degree of unsaturation. Additionally, probable crystallization mechanisms were proposed to elucidate some of the topological and energetic aspects involved in the crystallization of these compounds. Destabilizing interactions were observed in 10 crystalline structures, and the MEP data showed that the most destabilizing interactions occur by the proximity of portions with the same type of charge. Some dimers have unexpectedly low intermolecular interaction energies despite having large contact areas. Based on these data we demonstrate the additivity of intermolecular interactions, that is, the low intermolecular interaction energy in these dimers is the result of the sum of destabilizing energies and stabilizing energies. The cluster energy efficiency data revealed that most crystal lattices display typical characteristics of uncharged organic compounds. The proposed crystallization mechanisms showed a gradual increase in nucleus complexity in the initial stages and the total number of nucleation stages, resulting in five main patterns: monomer → 1D → 3D (
1-2
), monomer → dimer → 2D → 3D (
3
), monomer → 1D → 2D → 3D (
4-5
), monomer → dimer → 3D (
6
), and monomer → 2D → 3D (
7-12
).
The supramolecular organization of organic salts has been widely researched, revealing recurring patterns in crystalline lattices that describe their supramolecular properties.
The quest for understanding crystal structures using supramolecular cluster demarcation has been applied to various uncharged compounds, and, more recently, it has also been applied to charged ...compounds in ammonium salts. Given this context, this study sought to expand this approach for intermediate compounds, between compounds with and without localized charges. The selected structures were mesoionic compounds, which have delocalized charges. This study raises some questions: do mesoionic compounds have intermediate characteristics between salts and uncharged molecules? Or are they similar to one of these models? A molecular and supramolecular investigation of mesoionic models was carried out to answer these questions. The study was based on demarcating the supramolecular cluster, enabling us to propose the crystallization mechanisms of twenty-three mesoionic compounds, in which stabilizing and destabilizing energies were observed. In addition, the Cluster Energy Efficiency (CEE) parameter was applied, allowing us to quantitatively evaluate the similarity between compounds containing both stabilizing and destabilizing energies in the crystalline lattice. The CEE data revealed that most mesoionic compounds have CCE = 1000, a characteristic comportment of uncharged compounds. In addition, the compound 2,3-diphenyl-1,3,4-thiadiazolium-5-thiolate (
18
) was synthesized and characterized to better understand the molecular and supramolecular behavior. Concentration-dependent NMR and LC-MS/MS experiments reveal the first aggregates in solution in the crystallization process of compound
18
. The crystallization mechanisms evidenced six different crystallization patterns, and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) allowed us to evaluate the different patterns of electrostatic potential dispersion of all compounds.
The quest for understanding crystal structures using supramolecular cluster demarcation has been applied to various uncharged compounds, and, more recently, to charged compounds. So, what would be the supramolecular behavior of mesoionic compounds?
The supramolecular architectures of amide-containing compounds are highly dependent on the side-chain substituents, although the potential impact of isoxazole substituents on polymorph formation has ...not been thoroughly explored. Hence, three distinct forms of N 1 , N 3 -bis(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)malonamide (1) were obtained and characterized: two polymorphic forms and one solvate. An in-depth analysis of the interactions and energy content of the crystals based on supramolecular clusters allowed us to propose crystallization mechanisms (crystal retrosynthesis). Specifically, the energy similarities between the interaction of the first sites NH amide ⋯OC amide (form 1I) and the symmetric sites NH amide ⋯N isox (form 1II) were found to contribute to their formation. Nonetheless, the presence of DMSO resulted in the formation of form 1III, where the solvent molecule disrupted amide-amide interactions. The first nuclei are more stable than forms 1I and 1II. The compound of N 1 , N 2 -bis(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)oxalamide (2) was used as a comparison, and through the absence of polymorphs, revealed that the central carbon in molecule 1 allows a flexible adaptation that leads to the three forms. These findings suggest that variations in solvents, flexibility, and the presence/absence of amide–amide interactions can modulate the competition between amide-containing isoxazole compounds.
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•TBT reduced GFR and increased proteinuria levels in female rats.•TBT increased renal mensagial expansion and collagen deposition.•TBT increased inflammation and oxidative stress in ...renal tissue.
Tributyltin chloride (TBT) is an organometallic pollutant that is used as a biocide in antifouling paints. TBT induces several toxic and endocrine-disrupting effects. However, studies evaluating the effects of TBT on renal function are rare. This study demonstrates that TBT exposure is responsible for improper renal function as well as the development of abnormal morphophysiology in mammalian kidneys. Female rats were treated with TBT, and their renal morphophysiology was assessed. Morphophysiological abnormalities such as decreased glomerular filtration rate and increased proteinuria levels were observed in TBT rats. In addition, increases in inflammation, collagen deposition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression were observed in TBT kidneys. A disrupted cellular redox balance and apoptosis in kidney tissue were also observed in TBT rats. TBT rats demonstrated reduced serum estrogen levels and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) protein expression in renal cortex. Together, these data provide in vivo evidence that TBT is toxic to normal renal function and that these effects may be associated with renal histopathology complications, such as inflammation and fibrosis.
New diesters derived from phthaloylglycine (7a-7i) were synthesized and their structures characterized by infrared, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The compounds were ...evaluated in an in silico study, which demonstrated positive features indicating a possible drug candidate. The diesters showed antifungal activity ranging from moderate to strong against strains of Candida. Compounds 7a, 7b, 7c, 7e and 7i had a moderate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1024 µg mL−1 against all fungal strains, while 7h showed a very good MIC of 256 µg mL−1 against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei and 64 µg mL−1 against Candida tropicalis. However, only 7h and 7i were able to inhibit bacterial growth of strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli with an MIC of 1024 µg mL−1.
Nonphlogistic migration of macrophages contributes to the clearance of pathogens and apoptotic cells, a critical step for the resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. Angiotensin-(1-7) ...Ang-(1-7) is a heptapeptide of the renin-angiotensin system that acts through Mas receptor (MasR). Ang-(1-7) has recently emerged as a novel proresolving mediator, yet Ang-(1-7) resolution mechanisms are not fully determined. Herein, Ang-(1-7) stimulated migration of human and murine monocytes/macrophages in a MasR-, CCR2-, and MEK/ERK1/2-dependent manner. Pleural injection of Ang-(1-7) promoted nonphlogistic mononuclear cell influx alongside increased levels of CCL2, IL-10, and macrophage polarization toward a regulatory phenotype. Ang-(1-7) induction of CCL2 and mononuclear cell migration was also dependent on MasR and MEK/ERK. Of note, MasR was upregulated during the resolution phase of inflammation, and its pharmacological inhibition or genetic deficiency impaired mononuclear cell recruitment during self-resolving models of LPS pleurisy and E. coli peritonitis. Inhibition/absence of MasR was associated with reduced CCL2 levels, impaired phagocytosis of bacteria, efferocytosis, and delayed resolution of inflammation. In summary, we have uncovered a potentially novel proresolving feature of Ang-(1-7), namely the recruitment of mononuclear cells favoring efferocytosis, phagocytosis, and resolution of inflammation. Mechanistically, cell migration was dependent on MasR, CCR2, and the MEK/ERK pathway.
The supramolecular architectures of amide-containing compounds are highly dependent on the side-chain substituents, although the potential impact of isoxazole substituents on polymorph formation has ...not been thoroughly explored. Hence, three distinct forms of
N
1
,
N
3
-bis(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)malonamide (
1
) were obtained and characterized: two polymorphic forms and one solvate. An in-depth analysis of the interactions and energy content of the crystals based on supramolecular clusters allowed us to propose crystallization mechanisms (crystal retrosynthesis). Specifically, the energy similarities between the interaction of the first sites NH
amide
O&z.dbd;C
amide
(form
1I
) and the symmetric sites NH
amide
N
isox
(form
1II
) were found to contribute to their formation. Nonetheless, the presence of DMSO resulted in the formation of form
1III
, where the solvent molecule disrupted amide-amide interactions. The first nuclei are more stable than forms
1I
and
1II
. The compound of
N
1
,
N
2
-bis(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)oxalamide (
2
) was used as a comparison, and through the absence of polymorphs, revealed that the central carbon in molecule
1
allows a flexible adaptation that leads to the three forms. These findings suggest that variations in solvents, flexibility, and the presence/absence of amide-amide interactions can modulate the competition between amide-containing isoxazole compounds.
Variations in solvents, flexibility, and the presence/absence of amide-amide interactions can modulate the competition between amide-containing isoxazole polymorphs.
Several arboviruses, including dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, circulate in northeast Brazil. Diseases caused by these viruses ...are of great public health relevance, however, their epidemiological features in areas where the three viruses co-circulate are scarce. Here, we present analyses of molecular and serological diagnostics in a prospective study of acute febrile patients recruited from May 2015 to May 2016 in Recife, Brazil.
Two hundred sixty-three acute febrile patients with symptoms suggestive of an arboviral disease who attended an urgent heath care clinic in the Recife Metropolitan Region in northeast Brazil were enrolled. Acute and convalescent blood samples were collected and tested using molecular and serological assays for infection with DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV.
Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (qRTPCR) performed on acute phase sera detected no patients positive for DENV, but 26 (9.9%) positive for ZIKV and 132 (50.2%) positive for CHIKV. There were a few suspected and only one confirmed dengue case. Specific serological assays for ZIKV and CHIKV confirmed the qRTPCR data. Analyses of DENV IgM and IgG ELISAs in the context of qRTPCR results suggested high levels of cross reactive antibodies in ZIKV-positive samples. Results from neutralization assays highly corroborated those from qRTPCR and ZIKV ELISA, indicating very few positive DENV cases. ZIKV infections were temporally clustered in the first months of the study and started to decrease concomitantly with an increase in CHIKV infections in August 2015. The proportion of CHIKV infections increased significantly in September 2015 and remained high until the end of the study period, with an average of 84.7% of recruited patients being diagnosed from August 2015 to May 2016. ZIKV infections exhibited a female bias and the cases were spread over the study site, while CHIKV cases had a male bias and were spatially clustered in each month.
In 2015-2016 in the Recife Metropolitan Region, we detected the tail end of a Zika epidemic, which was displaced by a chikungunya epidemic. Few dengue cases were identified despite a high number of official dengue notifications in the area during this period. We show here important epidemiological features of these cases.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Highlights•A novel texture descriptor based on Bag-of-Visual-Words through Complex Networks.•The proposed methodology relies on relevant measures from the complex networks.•It provides better image ...description using different threshold and vocabulary sizes.•It achieved better results when compared with state-of-the-art methods.•It was evaluated using different classifiers and datasets.
Over the last years complex data (e.g. images) have been growing in a very fast pace. This demands the ability to describe and to categorize them. To solve this problem it is essential to develop efficient and effective vision-based expert techniques. Hence, the cornerstone of our work is to propose a new methodology, called BoVW-CN, that combines Bag-of-Visual-Words and complex networks for describing keypoints detected in a given image. Our insight is that describing just the relevant points of an image we can achieve a more cost-effective and better image description. The obtained results testify that BoVW-CN, applied to public image datasets, outperforms the widely used state-of-the-art methods. We not only obtained good accuracies (e.g. 78.18%), but also performed analyses to find the best trade-off between computational cost and accuracy. Besides, to the best of our knowledge, our work is the first one to propose such integration of Bag-of-Visual-Words and complex networks through a texture-based focus.
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