The genome sequence of Pseudoplusia includens single nucleopolyhedrovirus and an analysis of p26 gene evolution in the baculoviruses

Background: Pseudoplusia includens single nucleopolyhedrovirus (PsinSNPV-IE) is a baculovirus recently identified in our laboratory, with high pathogenicity to the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (Walker, 1858). In Brazil, the C. includens caterpillar is an emerging pest and has caused significant losses in soybean and cotton crops. The PsinSNPV genome was determined and the phylogeny of the p26 gene within the family Baculoviridae was investigated. Results: The complete genome of PsinSNPV was sequenced (Roche 454 GS FLX – Titanium platform), annotated and compared with other Alphabaculoviruses, displaying a genome apparently different from other baculoviruses so far sequenced. The circular double stranded DNA genome is 139,132 bp in length, with a GC content of 39.3 % and contains 141 open reading frames (ORFs). PsinSNPV possesses the 37 conserved baculovirus core genes, 102 genes found in other baculoviruses and 2 unique ORFs. Two baculovirus repeat ORFs (bro) homologs, bro-a (Psin33) and bro-b (Psin69), were identified and compared with Chrysodeixis chalcites nucleopolyhedrovirus (ChchNPV) and Trichoplusia ni single nucleopolyhedrovirus (TnSNPV) bro genes and showed high similarity, suggesting that these genes may be derived from an ancestor common to these viruses. The homologous repeats (hrs) are absent from the PsinSNPV genome, which is also the case in ChchNPV and TnSNPV. Two p26 gene homologs (p26a and p26b) were found in the PsinSNPV genome. P26 is thought to be required for optimal virion occlusion in the occlusion bodies (OBs), but its function is not well characterized. The P26 phylogenetic tree suggests that this gene was obtained from three independent acquisition events within the Baculoviridae family. The presence of a signal peptide only in the PsinSNPV p26a/ORF-20 homolog indicates distinct function between the two P26 proteins. Conclusions: PsinSNPV has a genomic sequence apparently different from other baculoviruses sequenced so far. The complete genome sequence of PsinSNPV will provide a valuable resource, contributing to studies on its molecular biology and functional genomics, and will promote the development of this virus as an effective bioinsecticide

Trypsin inhibitor from tamarindus indica L. seeds reduces weight gain and food consumption and increases plasmatic cholecystokinin levels

OBJECTIVES: Seeds are excellent sources of proteinase inhibitors, some of which may have satietogenic and slimming actions. We evaluated the effect of a trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus indica L. seeds on weight gain, food consumption and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. METHODS: A trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus was isolated using ammonium sulfate (30-60%) following precipitation with acetone and was further isolated with Trypsin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Analyses were conducted to assess the in vivo digestibility, food intake, body weight evolution and cholecystokinin levels in Wistar rats. Histological analyses of organs and biochemical analyses of sera were performed. RESULTS: The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduced food consumption, thereby reducing weight gain. The in vivo true digestibility was not significantly different between the control and Tamarindus trypsin inhibitor-treated groups. The trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus did not cause alterations in biochemical parameters or liver, stomach, intestine or pancreas histology. Rats treated with the trypsin inhibitor showed significantly elevated cholecystokinin levels compared with animals receiving casein or water. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the isolated trypsin inhibitor from Tamarindus reduces weight gain by reducing food consumption, an effect that may be mediated by increased cholecystokinin. Thus, the potential use of this trypsin inhibitor in obesity prevention and/or treatment should be evaluated

Hermafroditismo verdadeiro na espécie canina

Background: Hermaphroditism or intersex is a general term that includes various congenital anomalies of the genital system which is used to define animals with ambiguous sexual characteristics. It occurs in domestic animals, more commonly in pigs and goats, and rarely in horses, dogs, sheep, and cattle. The prevalence of hermaphroditism varies a lot among breeds and species and is higher in groups with a high degree of consanguinity. Therefore, the objective of this report is to describe a case of canine hermaphroditism in a dog with male phenotype, as well as the anatomical and hormonal findings, and classification of the hermaphroditism exhibited by the animal studied.Case: A 1-year-old, mongrel, 5 kg dog was referred to the UHV-UECE due to the presence of a slit on the lower quadrant of the abdomen, caudal to the umbilical scar. At examination, the animal exhibited normal rectal temperature, no alterations of palpable lymph nodes, and a satisfactory body condition score. The pubic area had 2 testicles, each one in a different scrotum, 1 to the right and 1 to the left of the slit. A prepuce with no apparent function was present cranially to the slit, closer to the umbilical scar. At the other extremity of the slit, on the pubic region, there was a flaccid structure similar to a penis (micropenis) with no penile bone and no function. The slit was open until the area ventral to the anus, where the urethra was detected. The animal exhibited a behavior of territory demarcation with urine typically seen in male dogs. Orchiectomy and slit correction surgery were performed. Pre-surgical exams included: complete blood count and hormonal doses of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone. Abdominal ultrasound was performed to assess presence of sexual glands and gonads. The hormonal exam revealed: estradiol 56.39 pg/mL; testosterone 127.9 ng/mL; progesterone 0.892 ng/mL. A uterus was not detected on ultrasound examination. Ovaries were seen on their typical anatomical position; they were symmetrical and had normal sizes. There was a normal size prostate in the pelvic area, exhibiting normal texture and echogenicity. No other abnormalities were seen and the owner opted for no further surgical intervention.Discussion: Testosterone predominance explains the male behavior and appearance, demonstrating that the testis were prevalent over the ovaries. The occurrence of XX males has been reported. The genetic cause is the absence of the SRY chromosome, which has a fundamental role on activation of the SOX gene, which is responsible for sex determination. Clinically, a true hermaphrodite can exhibit different degrees of genital ambiguity; they can be diagnosed during puberty with the emergence of heterosexual characteristics, or as an adult, with infertility or gonadal neoplasia. True hermaphrodites are individuals with testicular and ovarian tissues, either combined in one gonad (ovotestis) or present as two separate gonads. The presence of ovaries and testicles can be confirmed by histology, which was not performed in this study. However, ultrasound findings (prostate and ovaries), and the presence of normal testis and external genitalia without a defined penis or vulva are in accordance with the description of a true hermaphrodite

The occurrence of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in urban drinking water and sewage in Southern Brazil

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently discussed as an important issue worldwide, and the presence of antimicrobial residues (ARs) and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment, especially in the water sources, is a challenge for public health. This study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence and diversity of AR and ARG in water sources from an urban center, in Southern Brazil. A total of thirty-two water samples from drinking water treatment plants (24) and sewage systems (8) were collected during two annual samplings, winter and summer. The PCR was performed by 18 ARGs, and the detection of 47 ARs was performed by LC–MS/MS. All sewage samples presented carbapenemases, ESBL, and mcr-1 genes as well as quinolones and sulfamethoxazole residues. In drinking water, we just detected blaTEM and tetB genes and doxycycline residues in samples before treatment. This study provides data about AR and ARG in drinking water and sewage systems showing that these sources are important reservoirs of both. The limited effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes to remove mainly AR demonstrates the need to implement better protocols of disinfection, in order to limit the spread of AMR in the environment

Perspectivas emergentes no diagnóstico e manejo da dengue: Uma revisão sistemática

This systematic review offers insights into the evolving perspectives regarding the diagnosis and management of dengue fever. The introduction provides an overview of the disease, highlighting its global impact and the necessity for effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The methodology section outlines the systematic approach employed in conducting the review, including search strategies and criteria for inclusion of studies. Results encompass recent advancements in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary approaches. Finally, the discussion synthesizes current evidence, explores potential future directions in dengue research and clinical practice, and underscores the significance of implementing evidence-based strategies for combating the disease.Esta revisão sistemática oferece uma visão das perspectivas em evolução no que se refere ao diagnóstico e manejo da dengue. A introdução fornece uma visão geral da doença, destacando seu impacto global e a necessidade de abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas eficazes. A metodologia descreve a abordagem sistemática empregada na condução da revisão, incluindo estratégias de busca e critérios de inclusão de estudos. Os resultados abrangem avanços recentes em técnicas de diagnóstico e estratégias terapêuticas, enfatizando a importância da detecção precoce e abordagens multidisciplinares. Por fim, a discussão sintetiza as evidências atuais, explora possíveis direções futuras na pesquisa e prática clínica da dengue, e destaca a importância da implementação de estratégias baseadas em evidências para combater a doença

Amiloidose cardíaca: Cardiac amyloidosis

Introdução: A amiloidose cardíaca é uma doença rara e multissistêmica, causada por depósito amiloide de proteínas solúveis, que precipitam nos tecidos na forma de agregados fibrilares amiloides. Esses depósitos amiloides podem causar vários distúrbios cardíacos, e seus portadores são divididos em quatro grupos. Apresentação do caso: paciente com 73 anos, apresentou-se à urgência e emergência devido dispneia aos médios e pequenos esforços, com piora progressiva dos últimos meses. Hipertenso crônico, sem outras comorbidades. Apresentava-se lúcido, orientado em tempo e espaço, acianótico, anictérico, hipocorado, dispneico, com ritmo cardíaco irregular, bulhas normofonéticas, e presença de terceira bulha. Presença de estertores crepitantes bilateralmente, com redução discreta do murmúrio vesicular em terço inferior pulmonar esquerdo e direto. Edema de membros inferiores bilateral em região perimaleolar e tibial (++/++++), panturrilhas livres. Discussão: Por apresentar achados inespecíficos, seu diagnóstico é limitado, suspeitado diante de casos de insuficiência cardíaca encontrada em ecocardiograma e alterações de condução em eletrocardiogramas. Durante investigação, é comum a presença de depósito amiloide em rins, fígado, baço e outros órgãos, dentre eles o coração, causando alterações em seus tecidos. Conclusão: O diagnóstico precoce é necessário para evitar a progressão da doença. O tratamento é baseado na estabilização dos depósitos e drogas para alívio sintomático, além de controle das anormalidades clínicas e hemodinâmicas

Histoplasmose Pulmonar: Pulmonary Histoplasmosis

Introdução: A histoplasmose pulmonar é uma micose causada pelo fungo dimórfico Histoplasma capsulatum, sendo uma das infecções respiratórias fúngicas mais comum no mundo. Apresentação do caso: paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos de idade, foi admitida no hospital, queixando-se de dor torácica predominante em hemitórax direito, com piora progressiva nos últimos 5 meses. Afirmou que a dor tem intensidade 5 de 10 com duração intermitente. Negou febre, tosse, dispneia e emagrecimento. Apresenta alterações clínicas e radiográficas típicas de tuberculose ou neoplasia, mas que teve essas hipóteses descartadas, confirmando a histoplasmose pulmonar. Discussão: Essa doenca é prevalente no continente americano e acomete mais o sexo masculino. A gravidade do quadro varia de acordo com o grau de exposição ao fator causador, podendo variar da ausência de sintomas à falência respiratória ou morte. O diagnóstico é feito por exames complementares e laboratoriais e, tendo em vista a semelhança radiológica entre lesões malignas e a histoplasmose pulmonar, é de suma importância a exclusão desse diagnóstico diferencial a fim de evitar iatrogenias. Conclusão: Ao achado radiológico de um nódulo pulmonar solitário, a principal hipótese diagnóstica é de uma neoplasia maligna, entretanto a histoplasmose pulmonar deve ser considerada por também apresentar infiltrados reticulonodulares à radiografia,  principalmente em pacientes residentes em áreas endêmicas

Alterações gastrointestinais no Diabetes mellitus: revisão sistemática: Gastrointestinal alterations in Diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Introdução: O diabetes mellitus pode levar a diversas alterações. Dentre elas, aquelas gastrointestinais, que acarretam inúmeros problemas ao indivíduo e sua qualidade de vida. Destaca-se, então, que compreender essas alterações constitui-se como de grande importância para que auxilie o indivíduo em sua vida cotidiana. Assim, questionando acerca das alterações gastrointestinais no diabetes mellitus, realizou-se o estudo. Objetivo: analisar através da literatura atual as alterações gastrointestinais no diabetes mellitus. Método: revisão sistemática de literatura, através da busca nas bases de dados National Library of Medicine (Medline) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), utilizando-se os descritores em Saúde (DeCS), Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) e Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS), como: Diabetes Mellitus, Complications of Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus type 1, Diabetes Mellitus type 2, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Gut Microbiota, Gastrointestinal Tract, GI Tract, Lower Gastrointestinal Tract, Upper Gastrointestinal Tract. Resultado: A amostra final do estudo foi composta por 10 artigos científicos, nos quais se evidenciou que além de afetar a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos, as alterações gastrointestinais no diabetes ocasiona diversas complicações. Assim, para auxílio deste indivíduo torna-se fundamental a manutenção de um bom controle glicêmico. Conclusão: Os artigos remeteram a necessidade de novos estudos sobre a temática, principalmente quanto a fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento das alterações gastrointestinais

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio