Diferenças entre os sexos na esquizofrenia

UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de PsiquiatriaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de PsiquiatriaSciEL

The effects of sodium hypochlorite on the control of inter-kingdom biofilm formation by drinking water-isolated microorganisms

Biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) are responsible for several undesirable effects in water. One of the main drawbacks is their potential to protect pathogens from stress conditions. Microbial interactions in biofilms can benefit the survival of co existing microorganisms, including the increased resistance to antimicrobials. Chlorine disinfection is the main widespread strategy used in DWDS for microbial control. Even if new and alternative strategies are being developed, it is conceivable that the future strategies still persist with chlorine due to economic and safety aspects. Therefore, the understanding on the efficacy of chlorine against biofilms is of utmost importance in order to improve the current strategies. The purpose of this work was to assess the effects of sodium hypochlorite (SHC) on the control of single and dual species biofilm formation by selected filamentous fungi (Penicillium expansum and Penicillium brevicompactum) and bacterium (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus) isolated from DWDS. Biofilms were developed during 48 h in 96 wells microtiter plates under two hydrodynamic conditions (25 and 150 rpm). The effects of SHC at several concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 10 and 100 mg/L) was tested. The biofilm control was evaluated using crystal violet (removal) and resazurin (inactivation) dyes. The results shown that, P.brevicompactum biofilms were extremely resistant to disinfection when compared with single species biofilms of P.expansum and dual species biofilms of P.brevicompactum A.calcoaceticus. The association of A.calcoaceticus with both fungi seems beneficial, since the dual species biofilms were more resistant to disinfection. The inactivation and removal occurred for high SHC concentrations. However, total biofilm control was not achieved

Drinking-water isolated Delftia acidovorans selectively coaggregates with partner bacteria and facilitates multispecies biofilm development

Coaggregation plays an important role in the development of multispecies biofilms in different environments, often serving as an active bridge between biofilm members and other organisms that, in their absence, would not integrate the sessile structure. The ability of bacteria to coaggregate has been reported for a limited number of species and strains. In this study, 38 bacterial strains isolated from drinking water (DW) were investigated for their ability to coaggregate, in a total of 115 pairs of combinations. Among these isolates, only Delftia acidovorans (strain 005P) showed coaggregating ability. Coaggregation inhibition studies have shown that the interactions mediating D. acidovorans 005P coaggregation were both polysaccharide-protein and protein-protein, depending on the interacting partner bacteria. Dual-species biofilms of D. acidovorans 005P and other DW bacteria were developed to understand the role of coaggregation on biofilm formation. Biofilm formation by Citrobacter freundii and Pseudomonas putida strains highly benefited from the presence of D. acidovorans 005P, apparently due to the production of extracellular molecules/public goods favouring microbial cooperation. This was the first time that the coaggregation capacity of D. acidovorans was demonstrated, highlighting its role in providing a metabolic opportunity for partner bacteria.This work was financially supported by LA/P/0045/2020 (ALiCE), UIDB/00511/2020 and UIDP/00511/2020 (LEPABE), funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); UIDB/04469/2020 (CEB) and by LABBELS – Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechnaical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020; UIDB/04033/2020 (CITAB); Project Biocide_for_Biofilm-PTDC/BII-BTI/30219/2017-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-030219, ABFISH–PTDC/ASP-PES/28397/2017-POCI-01-0145-FEDER- 028397 and Germirrad-POCI-01-0247-FEDER-072237, funded by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020–Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and by national funds (PIDDAC) through FCT/MCTES; project HealthyWaters (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000069)- NORTE 2020/ERDF; and the FCT grant (2020.04773.BD).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Yeast as a tool to explore cathepsin D function

Cathepsin D has garnered increased attention in recent years, mainly since it has been associated with several human pathologies. In particular, cathepsin D is often overexpressed and hypersecreted in cancer cells, implying it may constitute a therapeutic target. However, cathepsin D can have both anti- and pro-survival functions depending on its proteolytic activity, cellular context and stress stimulus. Therefore, a more detailed understanding of cathepsin D regulation and how to modulate its apoptotic functions is clearly needed. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of cathepsin D in physiological and pathological scenarios. We then focus on the opposing functions of cathepsin D in apoptosis, particularly relevant in cancer research. Emphasis is given to the role of the yeast protease Pep4p, the vacuolar counterpart of cathepsin D, in life and death. Finally, we discuss how insights from yeast cathepsin D and its role in regulated cell death can unveil novel functions of mammalian cathepsin D in apoptosis and cancer.FEDER through POFC – COMPETE and by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia through projects PEst-OE/BIA/UI4050/2014 and FCTANR/BEX-BCM/0175/2012, as well as fellowships to H. Pereira (SFRH/BD/73139/2010), C.S.F. Oliveira (SFRH/BD/77449/2011), L. Castro (SFRH/BD/93589/2013) and S. Chaves (SFRH/ BPD/89980/2012).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Variability of Baccharis crispa Spreng. wild populations in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina

Entre las plantas medicinales de Argentina registradas en la Farmacopea, se encuentra la especie Baccharis crispa Spreng.,"carqueja". Es un subarbusto rizomatoso, dioico, con ramas provistas de tres alas, de 2 a 6 mm de ancho. Según el Índice de Prioridad de Conservación (elaborado para el Valle de Paravachasca de la Provincia de Córdoba), la carqueja se encuentra tercera en orden de importancia como prioritaria para su conservación. De manera general, la conservación abarca la preservación y la utilización sostenible de los recursos genéticos, protegiendo la variabilidad, esencial para su mantenimiento. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar la existencia de variabilidad, a partir de datos de evaluaciones morfológicas, químicas y edafológicas, entre poblaciones silvestres de Baccharis crispa Spreng. de la Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. En cuanto al estudio de la variación entre las poblaciones, se comprobó la existencia de variabilidad entre ellas y se determinaron las variables que permiten la diferenciación entre las poblaciones. Se encontró que las tres series de variables estudiadas tuvieron un importante grado de consenso para discriminar entre las cuatro poblaciones evaluadas.Baccharis crispa Spreng., "Carqueja", is found among the medicinal plants of Argentina, registered in the pharmacopoeia, the species. It is a rhizomatous dioic subshrub, with branches provided with three wings, 2 to 6 mm wide. According to the Conservation Priority Index (developed for the Paravachasca Valley of the Province of Córdoba), the carqueja is third in order of importance as a priority for conservation. In general, conservation includes the preservation and sustainable use of genetic resources, protecting their variability, which is essential for their maintenance. The aim of this study was to determine the existence of variability, from morphological, chemical, and edaphic data among wild populations of Baccharis crispa in the Province of Córdoba, Argentina. We confirmed the existence of variability among the study populations, and determined the variables that allowed their differentiation. It was found that the three sets of the studied variables had a signifcant consensus degree to discriminate among the four evaluated populations.Fil: Chaves, Ana Guadalupe. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Bruentti, P. C.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Massuh, Yamile. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ocaño, Sonia Fabiana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Torres, L. E.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Ojeda, Marta Susana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Bacterial coaggregation in aquatic systems

The establishment of a sessile community is believed to occur in a sequence of steps where genetically distinct bacteria can become attached to partner cells via specific molecules, in a process known as coaggregation. The presence of bacteria with the ability to autoaggregate and coaggregate has been described for diverse aquatic systems, particularly freshwater, drinking water, wastewater, and marine water. In these aquatic systems, coaggregation already demonstrated a role in the development of complex multispecies sessile communities, including biofilms. While specific molecular aspects on coaggregation in aquatic systems remain to be understood, clear evidence exist on the impact of this mechanism in multispecies biofilm resilience and homeostasis. The identification of bridging bacteria among coaggregating consortia has potential to improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants and/or to contribute for the development of strategies to control undesirable biofilms. This study provides a comprehensive analysis on the occurrence and role of bacterial coaggregation in diverse aquatic systems. The potential of this mechanism in water-related biotechnology is further described, with particular emphasis on the role of bridging bacteria.This work was financially supported by: Base Funding UIDB/00511/2020 of LEPABE and UIDB/00081/2020 of CIQUP funded by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); Project Biocide_for_Biofilm-PTDC/BII-BTI/30219/2017-POCI-01-0145-FEDER 030219, ABFISH–PTDC/ASP-PES/28397/2017-POCI-01-0145-FEDER 028397 and ALGAVALOR-POCI-01-0247-FEDER-035234, funded by FEDER funds through COMPETE2020–Programa Operacional Com petitividade e Internacionalização (POCI) and by national funds (PIDDAC) through FCT/MCTES. This study was further supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and BioTecNorte operation (NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000004) funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the scope of Norte2020 - Programa Operacional Regional do Norte. The authors also thank to CITAB (Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences) under the scope of the FCT funds with reference UIDB/AGR/04033/2020. Ana Afonso acknowledges the FCT grant 2020.04773.BD.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Influence of different restraint protocols for the electrocardiogram values of feline night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus

Universidade do Estado do Pará. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Laboratório de Cirurgia Experimental. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto de Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Centro Nacional de Primatas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil.Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia. Instituto de Saúde e Produção Animal. Belém, PA, Brasil.Universidade do Estado do Pará. Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde. Laboratório de Cirurgia Experimental. Belém, PA, Brasil.Macacos-da-noite são muito susceptíveis ao estresse e por isso a contenção química ou física deve ser cuidadosamente avaliada antes de qualquer procedimento. Protocolos anestésicos podem alterar alguns parâmetros fisiológicos, sendo o eletrocardiograma (ECG) um exame muito utilizado para avaliação do ritmo e da frequência cardíaca. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de quatro diferentes protocolos de contenção sobre o ECG realizado em Aotus azarae infulatus. Para isso foram utilizados 10 animais, machos, adultos, submetidos à contenção com a associação tiletamina/zolazepam (TZ), isoflurano (ISO), associação cetamina e midazolam (CET) e contenção física (CF). Não foram observadas diferenças nos parâmetros de ondas e complexos obtidos no ECG em todos os grupos testados, no entanto, durante a avaliação do traçado os animais do grupo CF apresentaram uma quantidade maior de alterações. Concluiu-se que os protocolos de contenção utilizados não alteraram os valores do ECG e que não foi possível considerar o grupo CF como controle devido causar mais alterações do que todos os protocolos testados

Spontaneous CO release from Ru(II)(CO)2-protein complexes in aqueous solution, cells, and mice.

We demonstrate that Ru(II)(CO)2-protein complexes, formed by the reaction of the hydrolytic decomposition products of [fac-RuCl(κ(2)-H2NCH2CO2)(CO)3] (CORM-3) with histidine residues exposed on the surface of proteins, spontaneously release CO in aqueous solution, cells, and mice. CO release was detected by mass spectrometry (MS) and confocal microscopy using a CO-responsive turn-on fluorescent probe. These findings support our hypothesis that plasma proteins act as CO carriers after in vivo administration of CORM-3. CO released from a synthetic bovine serum albumin (BSA)-Ru(II)(CO)2 complex leads to downregulation of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in cancer cells. Finally, administration of BSA-Ru(II)(CO)2 in mice bearing a colon carcinoma tumor results in enhanced CO accumulation at the tumor. Our data suggest the use of Ru(II)(CO)2-protein complexes as viable alternatives for the safe and spatially controlled delivery of therapeutic CO in vivo.We thank the FCT, the EU, and the EPSRC for funding. G.J.L.B. is a Royal Society University Research Fellow.This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201409344/abstract

Variações imaginárias e símbolo religioso: aproximações hermenêuticas

O artigo propõe uma aproximação temática a respeito do imaginário e do símbolo nos estudos em religião por um viés hermenêutico. Para isso, pensa-se acerca do valor das imagens gestadas no imaginário e materializadas em símbolos tendo neles uma fonte original de conhecimento. Considerando alguns interlocutores Gilbert Durand e Jean-Jacques Wunenburger, trabalharemos, para isso, uma aproximação teórica a partir da percepção e da imaginação em David Hume abarcando a proposta hermenêutica a respeito do estudo das imagens e símbolos na religião segundo, sobretudo, a obra Imagens e Símbolos, de Mircea Eliade. Tal proposta procurará resgatar a sobrevivência das imagens primordiais no subconsciente bem como os valores arcaicos preservados nos símbolos culturais e fundantes das sociedades que constituem o imaginário de uma determinada cultura

Seasonal variation in the production of secondary metabolites and antimicrobial activity of two plant species used in Brazilian traditional medicine

Guapira graciliflora and Pseudobombax marginatum are two species used in the treatment of various diseases in traditional medicine of the Brazilian semiarid region, but no studies assessing their phytochemical and pharmacological properties have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal variation in the production of secondary metabolites and antimicrobial activity of these plants. The broth microdilution test was used against pathogenic microorganisms to evaluate the antimicrobial activity. The content of total polyphenols and flavonoids was determined by ultra violet (UV) spectrophotometry using gallic acid and quercetin as standards respectively. The concentration of polyphenols was higher in winter for P. marginatum and in summer for G. graciliflora, while for flavonoids the opposite occurred. Regarding the antimicrobial activity, only P. marginatum showed inhibition against seven tested strains and antibiosis against four, with variation in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum microbicide concentration (MMC) between the two seasons. G. graciliflora showed no activity. The results show that the chemical composition of the extracts from P. marginatum and G. gracilliflora exhibits seasonal variation, with the first plant showing moderate antimicrobial activity.Keywords: Seasonal variation, phenolic compounds, medicinal plants, Gapira graciliflora, Pseudobombax marginatumAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(8), pp. 847-85