Avaliação dos métodos de suscetibilidade antifúngica: Etest e macrodiluição em caldo para leveduras do gênero Candida isoladas da cavidade bucal de pacientes com AIDS

A comparison of the Etest and the reference broth macrodilution susceptibility test for fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B was performed with 59 of Candida species isolated from the oral cavities of AIDS patients. The Etest method was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the reference method was performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-A guidelines. Our data showed that there was a good correlation between the MICs obtained by the Etest and broth dilution methods. When only the MIC results at ± 2 dilutions for both methods were considered, the agreement rates were 90.4% for itraconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B and 84.6% for fluconazole of the C. albicans tested. In contrast, to the reference method, the Etest method classified as susceptible three fluconazole-resistant isolates and one itraconazole-resistant isolate, representing four very major errors. These results indicate that Etest could be considered useful for antifungal sensitivity evaluation of yeasts in clinical laboratories.Foram comparados dois testes de suscetibilidade in vitro, macrodiluição em caldo e Etest através da determinação das concentrações inibitórias mínimas de fluconazol, cetoconazol, itraconazol e anfotericina B para 59 isolados de Candida obtidos da cavidade bucal de pacientes com AIDS. O método de Etest foi feito de acordo com as instruções do fabricante e o método de macrodiluição em caldo foi realizado seguindo as normas do NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratoratory Standards), documento M27-A, considerado método de referência. Nossos dados mostraram uma boa correlação entre os valores de concentração inibitória mínima encontrados para o Etest e o método de macrodiluição em caldo. Foi verificada concordância entre os resultados de CIM, de 90,4% para itraconazol, cetoconazol e anfotericina B e de 84,6% para fluconazol, quando se analisou isolados de C. albicans. A comparação de breakpoints mostrou que havia quatro grandes discrepâncias de resultados entre os dois métodos, sendo que pelo método de referência três isolados de Candida albicans classificados como resistentes ao fluconazol e um de C. krusei considerado resistente ao itraconazol foram sensíveis ao Etest. Estes resultados mostraram que o Etest é de grande valor nos testes de suscetibilidade antifúngica para leveduras do gênero Candida

On Lattice Constructions D and D' from q-ary Linear Codes

Multilevel lattice codes, such as the associated to Constructions $C$, \overline{\mbox{D}}, D and D', have relevant applications in communications. In this paper, we investigate some properties of lattices obtained via Constructions D and D' from $q$-ary linear codes. Connections with Construction A, generator matrix, expressions and bounds for volume and minimum distances are derived. Extensions of previous results regarding construction and decoding of binary and $p$-ary linear codes ($p$ prime) are also presented

Coevolution creates complex mosaics across large landscapes

The spatial distribution of populations can influence the evolutionary outcome of species interactions. The variation in direction and strength of selection across local communities creates geographic selection mosaics that, when combined with gene flow and genomic processes such as genome duplication or hybridization, can fuel ongoing coevolution. A fundamental problem to solve is how coevolution proceeds when many populations that vary in their ecological outcomes are connected across large landscapes. Here we use a lattice model to explore this problem. Our results show that the complex interrelationships among the elements of the geographic mosaic of coevolution can lead to the formation of clusters of populations with similar phenotypes that are larger than expected by local selection. Our results indicate that neither the spatial distribution of phenotypes nor the spatial differences in magnitude and direction of selection alone dictate coevolutionary dynamics: the geographic mosaic of coevolution affects formation of phenotypic clusters, which in turn affect the spatial and temporal dynamics of coevolution. Because the formation of large phenotypic clusters depends on gene flow, we predict that current habitat fragmentation will change the outcomes of geographic mosaics, coupling spatial patterns in selection and phenotypes1942217229We acknowledge the funding provided by the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013; grant agreement 289384 [L.D.F.]), the São Paulo Research Foundation (grants 2009/54422-8 [P.R.G.], 2016/06054-3 [M.A.M.A.], and 2015/26989-4 [L.D.F.]), the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (M.A.M.A. and P.L.-C.), and the National Science Foundation (DEB0839853 [J.N.T.]

Deep-pretrained-FWI: combining supervised learning with physics-informed neural network

An accurate velocity model is essential to make a good seismic image. Conventional methods to perform Velocity Model Building (VMB) tasks rely on inverse methods, which, despite being widely used, are ill-posed problems that require intense and specialized human supervision. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) have been extensively investigated as an alternative to solve the VMB task. Two main approaches were investigated in the literature: supervised training and Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN). Supervised training presents some generalization issues since structures, and velocity ranges must be similar in training and test set. Some works integrated Full-waveform Inversion (FWI) with CNN, defining the problem of VMB in the PINN framework. In this case, the CNN stabilizes the inversion, acting like a regularizer and avoiding local minima-related problems and, in some cases, sparing an initial velocity model. Our approach combines supervised and physics-informed neural networks by using transfer learning to start the inversion. The pre-trained CNN is obtained using a supervised approach based on training with a reduced and simple data set to capture the main velocity trend at the initial FWI iterations. We show that transfer learning reduces the uncertainties of the process, accelerates model convergence, and improves the final scores of the iterative process.Comment: Paper present at machine Learning and the Physical Sciences workshop, NeurIPS 202

USE OF COMBINATION OF FLUORESCENT PROBES TO IDENTIFY SPERM SUBPOPULATIONS FOR QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FRESH AND CRYOPRESERVED CANINE SEMEN. PRELIMINARY RESULTS

The use of fluorescent markers in the evaluation of sperm morphophysiology allows a better accuracy, compared to the subjective nature of some routine tests in semen qualification. In this study was used the combination of fluorescence probes: propionate iodide, Hoechst 33342 and FITC-PSA in fresh and thawed dog semen, to the identification of the following morphological subpopulations: II (intact plasma and acrosomal membranes), IL (intact plasma membrane and lesioned acrosomal membrane), LI (lesioned plasma membrane and intact acrosomal membrane) and LL (both membranes lesioned). When comparing the results obtained with the results of the tests used conventionally in semen evaluation (sperm motility and vigor, hypoosmotic test and morphological alterations), little correlation was observed. The II population declined from fresh semen to thawed, while LL population increased (p <0.05). The IL population was composed of extremely small numbers of cells but increased (p <0.05) from fresh semen to thawed semen. In the thawed semen the major defects had a positive correlation with the LL population (p <0.01). For the thawed semen, the results of the hypoosmotic test (number of cells that reacted to the medium) correlated positively with population II (p <0.025), that is, different from that observed in fresh semen. Although all tests were able to detect decrease in sperm quality post-thawing (p <0.05). The use of this fluorescent probe association allowed qualification and more accurately quantification of plasma membrane and acrosomal insults mediated by cryopreservation. El uso de marcadores fluorescentes en la evaluación de la morfofisiología espermática permite una mayor precisión, comparada con la naturaleza subjetiva de algunas pruebas de rutina en la valoración del semen. En este estudio se usó la combinación de pruebas fluorescentes: yoduro de propidio; Hoechst 33342 y FITC-PSA en semen fresco y descongelado de perro, para la identificación de las siguientes subpoblaciones morfológicas: II (membranas plasmática y acrosomal intactas), IL (membrana plasmática intacta y membrana acrosomal dañada), LI (membrana plasmática dañada y membrana acrosomal intacta) y LL (ambas membranas dañadas). Cuando se comparan los resultados obtenidos con los resultados de las pruebas usadas convencionalmente en la evaluación seminal (motilidad y vigor espermáticos, prueba hipoosmótica y alteraciones morfológicas), se observó poca correlación. La población II disminuyó desde el semen fresco al descongelado, mientras que la población LL se incrementó (p<0.05). la población IL estuvo compuesta por un número extremadamente pequeño de células, pero incremento (p<0.05) desde el semen fresco al descongelado. En el semen descongelado los defectos mayores tuvieron una correlación positiva con la población LL (p<0.01). En el semen descongelado, los resultados de la prueba hipoosmótica (número de células que reaccionan al medio) se correlacionaron positivamente con la población II (p<0.05). El uso de esta asociación de pruebas fluorescentes permitió la valoración y la cuantificación más precisa de los daños a la membrana plasmática y acrosomal mediados por la criopreservación.

Pharmacognostic characterization of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent

Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) é conhecida popularmente como esporão-de-galo e amplamente utilizada na medicina popular brasileira. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o estudo farmacognóstico das folhas e caules jovens da C. iguanaea através de análises macro e microscópicas, triagem fitoquímica, ensaios de pureza (umidade, cinzas totais e insolúveis em ácido) e determinação dos teores de polifenóis e flavonóides totais. As folhas são anfiestomáticas, apresentando grande quantidade de tricomas tectores, litocistos e estômatos na epiderme abaxial. Na triagem fitoquímica foram detectados mucilagem, flavonóides e cumarinas. Os teores de umidade, cinzas totais, cinzas insolúveis em ácido, polifenóis e flavonóides totais encontrados, foram de 7,05 ± 0,22 %, 18,2 ± 0,18 %, 7,43 ± 1,03 %, 0,55 ± 0,03 % e 0,53 ± 0,007 %, respectivamente. Esses resultados podem subsidiar estudos futuros e contribuir para a obtenção de informações relevantes acerca da padronização e controle de qualidade da matéria-prima dessa espécie.Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) is popularly known as esporão-de-galo and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. The aim of this work was to perform a pharmacognostic study of C. iguanaea leaves and young stem through macro and microscopic analysis as well as phytochemical screening, purity assays (moisture, total and acid insoluble ash contents), total polyphenols and total flavonoids contents. The leaves are amphistomatic, presenting large amounts of tector trichomes, lytocists and stomata were noted on the abaxial leaf surface epidermis. The phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, coumarins and mucilage. The moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash, polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 7.05 ± 0.22 %, 18.2 ± 0.18 %, 7.43 ± 1.03 %, 0.55 ± 0.03 % and 0.53 ± 0.007 %, respectively. These results must to subsidize further studies and contribute to the obtainment of relevant informations about this raw material standardization and quality controlColegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Pharmacognostic characterization of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent

Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) é conhecida popularmente como esporão-de-galo e amplamente utilizada na medicina popular brasileira. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o estudo farmacognóstico das folhas e caules jovens da C. iguanaea através de análises macro e microscópicas, triagem fitoquímica, ensaios de pureza (umidade, cinzas totais e insolúveis em ácido) e determinação dos teores de polifenóis e flavonóides totais. As folhas são anfiestomáticas, apresentando grande quantidade de tricomas tectores, litocistos e estômatos na epiderme abaxial. Na triagem fitoquímica foram detectados mucilagem, flavonóides e cumarinas. Os teores de umidade, cinzas totais, cinzas insolúveis em ácido, polifenóis e flavonóides totais encontrados, foram de 7,05 ± 0,22 %, 18,2 ± 0,18 %, 7,43 ± 1,03 %, 0,55 ± 0,03 % e 0,53 ± 0,007 %, respectivamente. Esses resultados podem subsidiar estudos futuros e contribuir para a obtenção de informações relevantes acerca da padronização e controle de qualidade da matéria-prima dessa espécie.Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) is popularly known as esporão-de-galo and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. The aim of this work was to perform a pharmacognostic study of C. iguanaea leaves and young stem through macro and microscopic analysis as well as phytochemical screening, purity assays (moisture, total and acid insoluble ash contents), total polyphenols and total flavonoids contents. The leaves are amphistomatic, presenting large amounts of tector trichomes, lytocists and stomata were noted on the abaxial leaf surface epidermis. The phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, coumarins and mucilage. The moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash, polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 7.05 ± 0.22 %, 18.2 ± 0.18 %, 7.43 ± 1.03 %, 0.55 ± 0.03 % and 0.53 ± 0.007 %, respectively. These results must to subsidize further studies and contribute to the obtainment of relevant informations about this raw material standardization and quality controlColegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire

Pharmacognostic characterization of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent

Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) é conhecida popularmente como esporão-de-galo e amplamente utilizada na medicina popular brasileira. O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar o estudo farmacognóstico das folhas e caules jovens da C. iguanaea através de análises macro e microscópicas, triagem fitoquímica, ensaios de pureza (umidade, cinzas totais e insolúveis em ácido) e determinação dos teores de polifenóis e flavonóides totais. As folhas são anfiestomáticas, apresentando grande quantidade de tricomas tectores, litocistos e estômatos na epiderme abaxial. Na triagem fitoquímica foram detectados mucilagem, flavonóides e cumarinas. Os teores de umidade, cinzas totais, cinzas insolúveis em ácido, polifenóis e flavonóides totais encontrados, foram de 7,05 ± 0,22 %, 18,2 ± 0,18 %, 7,43 ± 1,03 %, 0,55 ± 0,03 % e 0,53 ± 0,007 %, respectivamente. Esses resultados podem subsidiar estudos futuros e contribuir para a obtenção de informações relevantes acerca da padronização e controle de qualidade da matéria-prima dessa espécie.Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent (Ulmaceae) is popularly known as esporão-de-galo and widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. The aim of this work was to perform a pharmacognostic study of C. iguanaea leaves and young stem through macro and microscopic analysis as well as phytochemical screening, purity assays (moisture, total and acid insoluble ash contents), total polyphenols and total flavonoids contents. The leaves are amphistomatic, presenting large amounts of tector trichomes, lytocists and stomata were noted on the abaxial leaf surface epidermis. The phytochemical screening detected flavonoids, coumarins and mucilage. The moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash, polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 7.05 ± 0.22 %, 18.2 ± 0.18 %, 7.43 ± 1.03 %, 0.55 ± 0.03 % and 0.53 ± 0.007 %, respectively. These results must to subsidize further studies and contribute to the obtainment of relevant informations about this raw material standardization and quality controlColegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aire