Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan
Trypanosoma cruzi
, is an endemic parasitic disease of Latin America, affecting 7 million people. Although most patients are asymptomatic, 30% develop ...complications, including the often-fatal Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Although previous studies have demonstrated some genetic deregulations associated with CCCs, the causes of their deregulations remain poorly described. Based on bulk RNA-seq and whole genome DNA methylation data, we investigated the genetic and epigenetic deregulations present in the moderate and severe stages of CCC. Analysis of heart tissue gene expression profile allowed us to identify 1407 differentially expressed transcripts (DEGs) specific from CCC patients. A tissue DNA methylation analysis done on the same tissue has permitted the identification of 92 regulatory Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) localized in the promoter of DEGs. An in-depth study of the transcription factors binding sites (TFBS) in the DMRs corroborated the importance of TFBS’s DNA methylation for gene expression in CCC myocardium. TBX21, RUNX3 and EBF1 are the transcription factors whose binding motif appears to be affected by DNA methylation in the largest number of genes. By combining both transcriptomic and methylomic analysis on heart tissue, and methylomic analysis on blood, 4 biological processes affected by severe CCC have been identified, including immune response, ion transport, cardiac muscle processes and nervous system. An additional study on blood methylation of moderate CCC samples put forward the importance of ion transport and nervous system in the development of the disease.
Background, Few population-based studies of infectious etiologies of fever-rash illnesses have been conducted.This study reports on enhanced febrile-rash illness surveillance in Campinas, Brazil, a ...setting of low measles and rubella virus transmission. Methods. Cases of febrile-rash illnesses in individuals aged < 40 years that occurred during the period 1 May 2003-30 May 2004 were reported. Blood samples were collected for laboratory diagnostic confirmation, which included testing for adenovirus, dengue virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), enterovirus, human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), measles virus, parvovirus-B19, Rickettsia rickettsii, rubella virus, and group A streptococci (GAS) infections. Notification rates were compared with the prestudy period. Results. A total of 1248 cases were notified, of which 519 (42%) had laboratory diagnosis. Of these, HHV-6 (312 cases), EBV (66 cases), parvovirus (30 cases), rubella virus (30 cases), and GAS (30 cases) were the most frequent causes of infection. Only 10 rubella cases met the rubella clinical case definition currently in use.Notification rates were higher during the study than in the prestudy period (181 vs 52.3 cases per 100,000 population aged < 40 years). Conclusions. Stimulating a passive surveillance system enhanced its sensitivity and resulted in additional rubella cases detected. In settings with rubella elimination goals, rubella testing may be considered for all cases of febrile-rash illness, regardless of suspected clinical diagnosis.
This study aimed to review trans lational studies focusing on third molar removal surgeries through a systematic analytical approach.
A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (CRD42017060455) was ...conducted following the PRISMA statement to summarize current knowledge on gene expression in third molar surgeries. A search was performed in PubMed's Medline and Scopus databases, without date or language restrictions, using the logical expression {(Third molar) OR (preemptive) OR (cyclooxygenase inhibitors) OR (acute inflammation) AND (gene expression)}.
All studies included in the analysis evaluated gene expression in a third molar extraction model, using the preemptive analgesia methodology in seven investigations. The sample analyzed was obtained from gingival tissue biopsy (n=4), blood (n=1), transudate (n=1) and gingival tissue biopsy/transudate (n=1). There were differences with respect to evaluated genes, drug protocol, sample studied, and method for evaluating gene expression.
Third molar surgeries were found to be associated with different COX-related gene expression patterns. Although inflammatory events following the surgical procedure are associated with COX isoforms, data from preemptive analgesia studies are scarce, especially from studies correlating gene expression and clinical parameters. In the future, from a clinical perspective, identifying the molecular targets of a drug based on individual gene expression may be helpful to delineate specific third molar, surgery-related, preemptive analgesia protocols.
It is well known that environmental temperature influences several biological functions of ectotherms, notably in amphibians. The high permeability of anuran skin, associated with the effect of ...elevated environmental temperature, potentiates the dehydration process and this combination may restrict locomotor performance. Thoropa taophora is an endemic species from the Atlantic Rainforest whose tadpoles are semiterrestrial and predominantly diurnal, and are found in rocky seashores where they are exposed to sea spray and high temperatures. In this study we investigated how temperature and salinity conditions affect the locomotor performance in Thoropa taophora tadpoles. We also assessed how different osmotic concentrations affect the activity of the metabolic pathways that support muscle function. We measured the sprint speed of tadpoles of various sizes at different temperatures and salinities in the field. We also measured the activity of the enzymes pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and citrate synthase (CS) in different temperatures and osmotic concentrations, and calculated the thermal sensitivity and the activity constants for each osmolality. Our results showed that, in general, sprint speed decreased with increasing temperature and salinity. However, whereas the effect of increased salinity was similar in smaller and larger tadpoles, increased temperature had a higher negative impact on sprint speed of larger tadpoles, thus indicating low thermal sensitivity of small tadpoles. PK and LDH thermal sensitivities and LDH constant of activity decreased as the osmolality increased. In conclusion, the locomotor capacity of tadpoles was decreased by temperature and salinity, which may be related to a decrease in anaerobic metabolism both in terms of sensitivity and total energy turnover through enzymatic activity. We discuss the ecological consequences, including the potential impacts on predator escape behavior promoted by changes in metabolism and locomotor performance in an early stage of development of this species.
A new catalyst was synthesized from the South American Silver Croaker’s stone − the Silver Croaker is a fish widely consumed in Brazil and the stone is a residue from the fish’s head. The stone and ...the bio-based catalyst obtained from it were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, surface area, and soluble alkalinity. It was confirmed that the stone is composed of aragonite (calcium carbonate) and the catalyst obtained by calcination of calcium oxide (CaO). The catalytic activity was evaluated by transesterification reactions. The process was optimized by surface response methodology based on Box – Behnken design. Methanol:oil molar ratio of 11.8, 5.33 wt% of catalyst, 175 min of reaction time, and 67.85 °C were identified as optimal conditions, reaching conversions close to 99% and ester content of 97.4%. The catalyst derived from silver croaker stone was reused 5 times while maintaining its high performance. Thus, a new application was given to this little-known waste, showing its potential as a catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel.
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•The Silver Croaker’s stone was characterized for the first time.•The new bio-based catalyst (CaO) showed high catalytic activity.•The transesterification process was optimized by RSM based on BBD.•Soybean oil to biodiesel conversions close to 99% were obtained.•The catalyst was reused 6 times, maintaining its good activity (conversions > 90%).
Aquatic insects of the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) have a wide distribution and play an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems, primarily in nutrient cycling in ...lotic systems. They also exhibit high morphological and functional diversity. Although there are numerous studies evaluating the morphological and functional diversity of EPT, this knowledge is fragmented and dispersed in the literature. It is important to synthesize this information, especially in regions with high diversity like, the Amazon. This synthesis of morphological, ecological, and life history traits of EPT genera occurring in the Amazon can contribute to advancing our understanding of the functioning of freshwater ecosystems in the region and the management of their watersheds. The objective of this study was to compile information into a database of functional traits of EPT immatures stage with documented distribution in the Brazilian Amazon. The database of this study recorded information on eight morphological, ecological, and life history traits of 95 EPT genera. We also identified knowledge gaps of these traits for genera with few occurrence records (rarer records). The information from the EPT traits database can be used to address fundamental research questions in ecology regarding the functioning of freshwater ecosystems.
This paper presents a 4-channel demultiplexer totally based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal with silicon air holes and defects with the advent of a graphene sheet, in multiplexing systems that ...use Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing. Methods that incorporate Plane Wave Expansion and finite difference time domain are used, as they have significant efficiency to generate the photonic hollow modes of the demultiplexer and analyze the global distribution and transmission, respectively. Parameters of transmission overall performance, maximum quality factor, spectral width, crosstalk, and channel spacing of the demultiplexer are very important statistics to confirm the overall performance of the device, whose values are about 92%, 1944.3, 0.9 nm, − 60 dB and 0.1 nm, respectively, whose consequences are problem to the validation of the requirements of the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing device (ITU.G.694.1). The proposed demultiplexer includes a bus or linear waveguide with graphene to guide the slight wave and 4 resonant cavities wherein graphene is placed withinside the center to select out the wavelength in a hexagonal lattice form of dielectric air holes in air. The bus waveguide transmits slight into the resonant hole area and exits through the respective falling waveguide.
The continued loss, fragmentation, and degradation of forest habitats are driving an extinction crisis for tropical and subtropical bird species. This loss is particularly acute in the Atlantic ...Forest of South America, where it is unclear whether several endemic bird species are extinct or extant. We collate and model spatiotemporal distributional data for one such “lost” species, the Purple-winged Ground Dove
Paraclaravis geoffroyi
, a Critically Endangered endemic of the Atlantic Forest biome, which is nomadic and apparently dependent on masting bamboo stands. We compared its patterns of occurrence with that of a rare “control” forest pigeon, the Violaceous Quail-Dove
Geotrygon violacea
, which occurs in regional sympatry. We also solicit information from aviculturists who formerly kept the species. We find that the two species share a similar historical recording rate but can find no documentary evidence (i.e., specimens, photos, video, sound recordings) for the persistence of Purple-winged Ground Dove in the wild after the 1980s, despite periodic sighting records, and after which time citizen scientists frequently documented the control species in the wild. Assessments of the probability that the species is extant are sensitive to the method of analysis, and whether records lacking documentary evidence are considered credible. Analysis of the temporal sequence of past records reveals the extent of the historical range contraction of the Purple-winged Ground Dove, while our species distribution model highlights the geographic search priorities for field ornithologists hoping to rediscover the species—aided by the first recording of the species vocalizations which we obtained from interviews with aviculturists. Our interviews also revealed that the species persisted in captivity from the 1970s until the 1990s (up to 150 birds), until a law was passed obstructing captive breeding efforts by private individuals, putting an end to perhaps the best chance we had to save the species from extinction.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with high mortality among hospitalized patients and incurs high costs. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection can trigger both ...inflammatory and thrombotic processes, and these complications can lead to a poorer prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association and temporal trends of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), hospital mortality, and costs among inpatients with COVID-19.
Data were extracted from electronic patient records and laboratory databases. Crude and adjusted associations for age, sex, number of comorbidities, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at admission, and D-dimer or CRP logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations.
Between March and June 2020, COVID-19 was documented in 3,254 inpatients. The D-dimer level ≥4,000 ng/mL fibrinogen equivalent unit (FEU) mortality odds ratio (OR) was 4.48 (adjusted OR: 1.97). The CRP level ≥220 mg/dL OR for death was 7.73 (adjusted OR: 3.93). The D-dimer level ≥4,000 ng/mL FEU VTE OR was 3.96 (adjusted OR: 3.26). The CRP level ≥220 mg/dL OR for VTE was 2.71 (adjusted OR: 1.92). All these analyses were statistically significant (p<0.001). Stratified hospital costs demonstrated a dose-response pattern. Adjusted D-dimer and CRP levels were associated with higher mortality and doubled hospital costs. In the first week, elevated D-dimer levels predicted VTE occurrence and systemic inflammatory harm, while CRP was a hospital mortality predictor.
D-dimer and CRP levels were associated with higher hospital mortality and a higher incidence of VTE. D-dimer was more strongly associated with VTE, although its discriminative ability was poor, while CRP was a stronger predictor of hospital mortality. Their use outside the usual indications should not be modified and should be discouraged.
Recent studies from temperate lakes indicate that eutrophic systems tend to emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) and bury more organic carbon (OC) than oligotrophic ones, rendering them CO2 sinks in some ...cases. However, the scarcity of data from tropical systems is critical for a complete understanding of the interplay between eutrophication and aquatic carbon (C) fluxes in warm waters. We test the hypothesis that a warm eutrophic system is a source of both CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere, and that atmospheric emissions are larger than the burial of OC in sediments. This hypothesis was based on the following assumptions: (i) OC mineralization rates are high in warm water systems, so that water column CO2 production overrides the high C uptake by primary producers, and (ii) increasing trophic status creates favorable conditions for CH4 production. We measured water-air and sediment-water CO2 fluxes, CH4 diffusion, ebullition and oxidation, net ecosystem production (NEP) and sediment OC burial during the dry season in a eutrophic reservoir in the semiarid northeastern Brazil. The reservoir was stratified during daytime and mixed during nighttime. In spite of the high rates of primary production (4858 ± 934 mg C m(-2) d(-1)), net heterotrophy was prevalent due to high ecosystem respiration (5209 ± 992 mg C m(-2) d(-1)). Consequently, the reservoir was a source of atmospheric CO2 (518 ± 182 mg C m(-2) d(-1)). In addition, the reservoir was a source of ebullitive (17 ± 10 mg C m(-2) d(-1)) and diffusive CH4 (11 ± 6 mg C m(-2) d(-1)). OC sedimentation was high (1162 mg C m(-2) d(-1)), but our results suggest that the majority of it is mineralized to CO2 (722 ± 182 mg C m(-2) d(-1)) rather than buried as OC (440 mg C m(-2) d(-1)). Although temporally resolved data would render our findings more conclusive, our results suggest that despite being a primary production and OC burial hotspot, the tropical eutrophic system studied here was a stronger CO2 and CH4 source than a C sink, mainly because of high rates of OC mineralization in the water column and sediments.
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