Asymptomatic and underreported individuals remain a source of coronafig disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission to others. Data on the prevalence and epidemiological factors influencing transmission are ...fundamental for establishing control measures, especially in vulnerable regions such as the Amazon. This study aimed to determine the point prevalence and active infection of COVID-19 among the population in Araguaína, a Brazilian city located in the Amazon region, analyzed the socioeconomic and behavioral variables of a statistically representative sample of this population using an epidemiological survey, and identify the viral genomic diversity in the region. During the sixth epidemiological week of 2021 (February 8 to 12), samples of 497 inhabitants of the municipality asymptomatic for respiratory syndromes underwent reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and serological tests (immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G). A questionnaire collated data on socioeconomic factors, prevention measures, and health status history. The active infection rate was 6.2%, and the prevalence was 13.5% of the study population. Active infection cases were under-reported; each reported positive case represented 14-28 under-reported cases. Lineages P.2, P.1, and B.1.1 were detected. Working from home was a protective factor against the infection, and clinical signs of fever, dry cough, and loss of taste or smell were associated with testing positive (p <0.05). A descriptive analysis of the indicators revealed that the entire population was susceptible to the disease. Intensified vaccination strategies are required regardless of socioeconomic factors, health conditions, and preventive measures. Implementation of objective, comprehensive, and efficient management tools to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in this municipality can serve as a model for other regions of Brazil.
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Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cassava (
) is one of the main food sources of energy in developing countries owing to its starch-rich roots (Pinweha et al., 2015). Anthracnose is considered the most destructive disease of the ...aerial part of this crop (Bragança et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2019), and it is caused by species such as
(Liu et al., 2019), and
(Oliveira et al, 2016). In 2019, leaves with irregular necrotic spots, typical symptoms of anthracnose, were collected in Pará, Brazil. Commercial sampled fields showed 20% of incidence of anthracnose.
strains were isolated and cultured on potato dextrose agar at 25 ºC with a 12-h light photoperiod from surface-disinfected (70% alcohol and 1% sodium hypochlorite) lesion transition area. Five of the obtained isolates exhibited brown colonies on the upper and lower surfaces. Conidia were hyaline, cylindrical and aseptate, 12.82-15.23 μm × 3.52-5.25 μm in size. These phenotypic characters were similar to those belonging to
sensu lato (Damm et al. 2019). Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), β-tubulin (TUB2), chitin synthase 1(CHS-1), and histone HIS3 partial gene were amplified and sequenced for one representative isolate (UFT/Coll89). Sequences were deposited in GenBank Accession numbers: MT396235 (GAPDH), MT800856 (TUB2), MT800870 (CHS-1), and MT856672 (HIS3). BLASTn searches of CHS-1 and HIS3 sequences showed 100% identity to
. Maximum Likelihood Phylogenetic analysis, including previously published sequences of closely related species, placed the isolate from Cassava in the
clade with 100% support, and confidently it assigned to this species. Pathogenicity was proven with inoculations by spraying a conidial suspension (10
conida mL-1) on 3-month-old cassava plants (three unwounded leaves per plant). The plants were placed in a humid chamber at 25 °C for 48h, and a 12-h photoperiod. The negative control was represented by plants inoculated with sterile distilled water. The experiment was repeated twice. The same symptoms observed in the field were reproduced only in inoculated leaves, from which the pathogen was reisolated lesions fulfilling Koch's postulates. No symptoms were observed on the negative control. To our knowledge, this is the first report of
joining a group of new and emergent species of
causing anthracnose in cassava producing regions around the world. The identification of this species causing cassava anthracnose is crucial to improve the disease control strategies and resistance breeding programs.
Landscape characteristics can influence gene flow depending on the species ability to disperse. This imposes different levels of resistance to movement, determining the genetic structure and ...diversity of populations. Waterfalls and rapids in the Amazon basin have been suggested as contributing factors to the diversification and genetic structure of freshwater species, including turtles. Thus, along some main rivers of the Brazilian Amazon: Juruá, Madeira, Amazonas, Trombetas, Tapajós, Xingu, Tocantins, and Araguaia, we evaluated the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and characterized the population structure of Podocnemis unifilis, a widely distributed and endangered Amazonian turtle, using the mitochondrial DNA control region. We tested for isolation by geographic distance and by resistance models through an integrative approach using genetic, geographic, and ecological data, comparing these matrices with genetic distance. We found heterogeneous levels of genetic diversity and no spatial patterns. Results supported the isolation by resistance hypothesis, where the movement of individuals was influenced by freshwater, vegetational, climatological, and geomorphological variables, explaining the genetic distance of P. unifilis. Rapids and waterfalls impose greater resistance although they are barriers with different levels of permeability to the P. unifilis gene flow. Thus, the idiosyncrasies of each sub‐basin must be considered in the interpretation of the patterns found in assessing phylogeographic history.
in Portuguese is available with online material.
Resumo—Portuguese
As características da paisagem podem influenciar o fluxo gênico dependendo da capacidade de dispersão das espécies, impondo diferentes níveis de resistência ao movimento, determinando a estrutura genética e a diversidade das populações. Cachoeiras e corredeiras na bacia amazônica têm sido sugeridas como fatores que causam a diversificação e a estrutura genética de espécies de água doce, incluindo tartarugas. Assim, ao longo de alguns dos principais rios da Amazônia brasileira: Juruá, Madeira, Amazonas, Trombetas, Tapajós, Xingu, Tocantins e Araguaia, avaliamos a distribuição espacial da diversidade genética e caracterizamos a estrutura populacional de Podocnemis unifilis, uma tartaruga amplamente distribuída e ameaçada de extinção. Utilizando a região controle do DNA mitocondrial, testamos o isolamento por distância geográfica e por modelos de resistência através de uma abordagem integrativa utilizando dados genéticos, geográficos e ecológicos, comparando essas matrizes com a distância genética. Encontramos níveis heterogêneos de diversidade genética e nenhum padrão espacial. Os resultados apoiaram a hipótese de isolamento por resistência, onde o movimento dos indivíduos é influenciado por variáveis aquáticas, vegetacionais, climatológicas e geomorfológicas, explicando a distância genética de P. unifilis. Corredeiras e cachoeiras impõem maior resistência embora sejam barreiras com diferentes níveis de permeabilidade ao fluxo gênico de P. unifilis. Assim, as idiossincrasias de cada sub‐bacia devem ser consideradas na interpretação dos padrões encontrados na avaliação da história filogeográfica.
The genetic structure and diversity of Podocnemis unifilis, an endangered Amazonian turtle, were assessed along major rivers in the Brazilian Amazon. Our study revealed heterogeneous levels of genetic diversity, with landscape features such as waterfalls and rapids influencing gene flow patterns. Our findings support the isolation by resistance hypothesis, highlighting the importance of considering the unique characteristics of each sub‐basin in understanding the phylogeographic history of P. unifilis.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on peak torque (PT) and fatigue rate in Paralympic weightlifting athletes. Eight Paralympic powerlifting ...athletes participated in the study, with 25.40 ± 3.30 years and 70.30 ± 12.15 kg. The measurements of muscle strength, fatigue index (FI), peak torque (PT), force (kgf), force (N), rate of force development (RFD), and time to maximum isometric force (time) were determined by a Musclelab load cell. The study was performed in a single-blind manner, with subjects conducting the experiments first with placebo supplementation and then, following a 7-day washout period, beginning the same protocol with creatine supplementation for 7 days. This sequence was chosen because of the lengthy washout of creatine. Regarding the comparison between conditions, Cr supplementation did not show effects on the variables of muscle force, peak torque, RFD, and time to maximum isometric force (
> 0.05). However, when comparing the results of the moments with the use of Cr and placebo, a difference was observed for the FI after seven days (U
: 1.12; 95% CI: (0.03, 2.27);
= 0.02); therefore, the FI was higher for placebo. Creatine supplementation has a positive effect on the performance of Paralympic powerlifting athletes, reducing fatigue index, and keeping the force levels as well as PT.
To reduce transmission of the coronavirus, the Brazilian government adopted containment measures to control the virus’ spread, including limitations to the practice of physical activity. It was aimed ...to analyze the effects of COVID-19 quarantine on physical activity levels, energy expenditure, quality of life, and level of stress in a sample of the Brazilian population. The sample included 426 participants (7 to 80 years). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Short form survey-36 (SF-36), and Stress Perception Scale, were used to assess the level of physical activity, quality of life and stress, respectively. The anthropometric data was used to the assessment of body mass index and basal metabolic rate. Body weight increased significantly in all sample (p < 0.05). During the pandemic, 84% of the sample indicated a low level of physical activity. Furthermore, weekly energy expenditure decreased significantly in all age groups during the pandemic (children p < 0.0001; adolescents: p < 0.0001; adults p < 0.001, and elderly p < 0.0001). All aspects of quality of life, significantly reduced in both sexes in all age groups (p < 0.05). With the exception of children, stress levels increased significantly during the pandemic (adolescents: male: p = 0.003, female: p < 0.05; adults: male: p = 0.003, female: p = 0.01, and elderly: male: p = 0.02, female: p = 0.03). Findings from the present study suggests that COVID-19 social isolation has negatively affected Brazilian’ physical activity and quality of life.
Leishmaniasis is a group of infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania. Currently, there is no human vaccine, and the available treatments are associated ...with toxicity, high cost, and the emergence of resistant strains. These factors highlight the need to identify new antileishmanial candidates. In this study, we synthesized twenty-four methoxylated cinnamides containing 1,2,3-triazole fragments and evaluated their antileishmanial activity against the Leishmania braziliensis species, which is the main etiological agent responsible for American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL). The cinnamides were synthetically prepared using nucleophilic acyl substitution and copper(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions. The compounds were characterized using infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. We performed preliminary studies to evaluate the biological activity of these compounds against L. braziliensis promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. Compound 28, N-((1-(7-(diethylamino)-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-yl) methyl)-3,4-dimethoxy cinnamide, demonstrated relevant antileishmanial activity with low toxicity in murine cells. The selectivity index values for this compound were superior compared with data obtained using amphotericin B. Furthermore, this cinnamide derivative reduced the infection percentage and number of recovered amastigotes in L. braziliensis-infected macrophages. It also induced an increase in reactive oxygen species production, depolarization of the mitochondrial potential, and disruption of the parasite membrane. Taken together, these findings suggest that this synthetic compound holds potential as an antileishmanial candidate and should be considered for future studies in the treatment of ATL.
Erythema Nodosum Leprosum (ENL) is an immune reaction in leprosy that aggravates the patient´s clinical condition. ENL presents systemic symptoms of an acute infectious syndrome with high ...leukocytosis and intense malaise clinically similar to sepsis. The treatment of ENL patients requires immunosuppression and thus needs to be early and efficient to prevent both disabilities and permanent nerve damage. Some patients experience multiple episodes of ENL and prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs may lead to serious adverse effects. Thalidomide treatment is extremely effective at ameliorating ENL symptoms. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the efficacy of thalidomide in ENL, including the inhibition of TNF production. Given its teratogenicity, thalidomide is prohibitive for women of childbearing age. A rational search for molecular targets during ENL episodes is essential to better understand the disease mechanisms involved, which may also lead to the discovery of new drugs and diagnostic tests. Previous studies have demonstrated that IFN-γ and GM-CSF, involved in the induction of CD64 expression, increase during ENL. The aim of the present study was to investigate CD64 expression during ENL and whether thalidomide treatment modulated its expression. Leprosy patients were allocated to one of five groups: (1) Lepromatous leprosy, (2) Borderline leprosy, (3) Reversal reaction, (4) ENL, and (5) ENL 7 days after thalidomide treatment. The present study demonstrated that CD64 mRNA and protein were expressed in ENL lesions and that thalidomide treatment reduced CD64 expression and neutrophil infiltrates-a hallmark of ENL. We also showed that ENL blood neutrophils exclusively expressed CD64 on the cell surface and that thalidomide diminished overall expression. Patient classification based on clinical symptoms found that severe ENL presented high levels of neutrophil CD64. Collectively, these data revealed that ENL neutrophils express CD64, presumably contributing to the immunopathogenesis of the disease.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has significant socioeconomic relevance in Brazil and other developing countries, as one of the main sources of carbohydrates for human and animal consumption (De ...Oliviera et al., 2011). Among the cassava crop diseases, anthracnose is one of the main limiting factors for production and may be caused by species like Colletotrichum plurivorum, C. karstii, C. fructicola, and C. siamense (Bragança et al., 2016; Liu et al., 2019; Oliveira et al., 2016; Sangpueak; Phansak; Buensanteai, 2018). Severity in the field is variable, depending on the resistance of the variety used and is also highly influenced by the climate, being the most severe disease under high humidity and high temperature. Under these conditions, it can cause losses of up to 100%. In 2019, cassava leaves presenting dark brown necrotic injuries of different sizes and irregular borders-typical anthracnose symptoms- were collected from commercial plantations in the states of Pará and Tocantins, Brazil. Symptomatic tissue fragments were superficially disinfected, placed in plates with potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated under 25 ± 2 °C for seven days. In the 56 isolates used in the morphological identification, the colonies were white and gray at the top and dark gray in the bottom with sector formation. The conidia were hyaline, cylindrical, and aseptic, 10.04 to 17.83 μm long × 3.29 to 5.75 μm wide. These phenotypical characteristics were similar to those of C. gloeosporioides lato sensu species (Weir et al., 2012). Genomic DNA was extracted from two representative isolates (UFT/Coll69, collected in the municipality of Casa de Tábua-PA; UFT/Coll82, collected in Pau Darco-PA) and the APN2 / MAT-IGS, DNA lyase (Apn2), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-IGS (GAP2-IG) intergenic spacers were amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in the GenBank (accession numbers: MT409462, MT396231, MT759633, MT396239, MT396232, MT800846). The BLASTn (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) showed a 99 to 100% similarity with Colletotrichum chrysophillum. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis grouped the isolates in the C. chrysophillum clade, with a high bootstrap value (98%). Based on morphocultural characteristics and the phylogenetic analysis, the isolates associated with M. esculenta anthracnose were identified as C. chrysophillum, with a frequency of 6.67% among Colletotrichum colonies isolated from cassava leaves. The inoculation of three isolates was carried out in three plants, three leaves for each plant, by spraying spore solution with a concentration of 1×106 conidia / ml, without wounding the leaves and placed in a humid chamber at 25 ° C for ten days. Control plants were inoculated with sterile distilled water. From the 2nd day after inoculation, small irregular necrotic lesions appeared that increased in size over time, while control plants remained asymptomatic. Both were pathogenic and the symptoms caused after inoculation were similar to each other and to those observed in the field. In Brazil, anthracnose by C. chrysophillum was reported in cashew (Veloso et al., 2018) and banana trees (Vieira et al., 2017). To our knowledge, this is the first report of cassava anthracnose disease by C. chrysophillum.
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