Desempenho de luta e sobrevivência entre espécies de abelhas sem ferrão e abelhas africanizadas em confinamento.

Este estudo avaliou o desempenho de luta e a sobrevivência de três espécies de abelhas sem ferrão confinadas com abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera)

Coleta de recursos e atividade externa de abelhas campeiras de Scaptotrigona sp. e Plebeia aff. flavocincta (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) no Semiárido da Caatinga.

Este trabalho avaliou a qualidade de recursos e a atividade externa de abelhas campeiras de Scaptotrigona sp. e Plebeia aff. flavocincta na Caatinga

Impacto do manejo agrícola sobre a microbiota do solo.

Para avaliar o efeito do manejo agrícola de solo sobre os parâmetros biológico, bioquímico e químico, três propriedades agrícolas de Suzano/SP foram selecionadas contendo os seguintes tratamentos: áreas de manejo biodinâmico com o cultivo de hortaliças, áreas de manejo convencional com o cultivo de milho, área de pastagem (8 anos) e área de mata nativa. Amostras de solo foram submetidas as analises química, bioquímica e biológica. Os resultados mostraram que alguns parâmetros biológicos (bactérias esporulantes, actinomicetos, microrganismos celulolíticos), químico (pH, CTC, MO) e bioquímico (desidrogenase, polissacarídeos) foram superiores nas áreas de manejo biodinâmico em relação ao manejo convencional

Fluorescent patterning of paper through laser engraving

While thermal treatment of paper can lead to the formation of aromatic structures via hydrothermal treatment (low temperature) or pyrolysis (high temperature), neither of these approaches allow patterning the substrates. Somewhere in between these two extremes, a handful of research groups have used CO2 lasers to pattern paper and induce carbonization. However, none of the previously reported papers have focused on the possibility to form fluorescent derivatives via laser-thermal engraving. Exploring this possibility, this article describes the possibility of using a CO2 laser engraver to selectively treat paper, resulting in the formation of fluorescent compounds, similar to those present on the surface of carbon dots. To determine the most relevant variables controlling this process, 3 MM chromatography paper was treated using a standard 30 W CO2 laser engraver. Under selected experimental conditions, a blue fluorescent pattern was observed when the substrate was irradiated with UV light (365 nm). The effect of various experimental conditions (engraving speed, engraving power, and number of engraving steps) was investigated to maximize the fluorescence intensity. Through a comprehensive characterization effort, it was determined that 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural and a handful of related compounds were formed (varying in amount) under all selected experimental conditions. To illustrate the potential advantages of this strategy, that could complement those applications traditionally developed from carbon dots (sensors, currency marking, etc.), a redox-based optical sensor for sodium hypochlorite was developed.Fil: Clark, Kaylee M.. Clemson University; Estados UnidosFil: Skrajewski, Lauren. Clemson University; Estados UnidosFil: Benavidez, Tomás Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-química de Córdoba; Argentina. Clemson University; Estados UnidosFil: Mendes, Letícia F.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Bastos, Erick L.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Dörr, Felipe A.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Sachdeva, Rakesh. Clemson University; Estados UnidosFil: Ogale, Amod A.. Clemson University; Estados UnidosFil: Paixão, Thiago R. L. C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Garcia, Carlos D.. Clemson University; Estados Unido

Low-level Laser Therapy to the Mouse Femur Enhances the Fungicidal Response of Neutrophils against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Neutrophils (PMN) play a central role in host defense against the neglected fungal infection paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). PCM is of major importance, especially in Latin America, and its treatment relies on the use of antifungal drugs. However, the course of treatment is lengthy, leading to side effects and even development of fungal resistance. the goal of the study was to use low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate PMN to fight Pb in vivo. Swiss mice with subcutaneous air pouches were inoculated with a virulent strain of Pb or fungal cell wall components (Zymosan), and then received LLLT (780 nm; 50 mW; 12.5 J/cm2; 30 seconds per point, giving a total energy of 0.5 J per point) on alternate days at two points on each hind leg. the aim was to reach the bone marrow in the femur with light. Non-irradiated animals were used as controls. the number and viability of the PMN that migrated to the inoculation site was assessed, as well as their ability to synthesize proteins, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their fungicidal activity. the highly pure PMN populations obtained after 10 days of infection were also subsequently cultured in the presence of Pb for trials of protein production, evaluation of mitochondrial activity, ROS production and quantification of viable fungi growth. PMN from mice that received LLLT were more active metabolically, had higher fungicidal activity against Pb in vivo and also in vitro. the kinetics of neutrophil protein production also correlated with a more activated state. LLLT may be a safe and non-invasive approach to deal with PCM infection.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)National Institute of Health (US NIH)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fed Univ Alfenas UNIFAL MG, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Microbiol & Immunol, Alfenas, MG, BrazilFed Univ Alfenas UNIFAL MG, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Biochem, Alfenas, MG, BrazilState Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Struct & Funct Biol, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilMassachusetts Gen Hosp, Wellman Ctr Photomed, Boston, MA 02114 USAHarvard Univ, Sch Med, Dept Dermatol, Boston, MA 02115 USAMIT, Harvard Mit Div Hlth Sci & Technol, Cambridge, MA 02139 USAFed Univ Alfenas UNIFAL MG, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Pathol & Parasitol, Alfenas, MG, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, SP, BrazilCNPq: 486135/2012-8CNPq: 304827/2012-6FAPEMIG: CBB-PPM-00119-14National Institute of Health (US NIH): R01AI050875CAPES: AEX-9765-14-0Web of Scienc

Ages and metallicities of stellar clusters using S-PLUS narrow-band integrated photometry: the Small Magellanic Cloud

The Magellanic Clouds are the most massive and closest satellite galaxies of the Milky Way, with stars covering ages from a few Myr up to 13 Gyr. This makes them important for validating integrated light methods to study stellar populations and star-formation processes, which can be applied to more distant galaxies. We characterized a set of stellar clusters in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), using the $\textit{Southern Photometric Local Universe Survey}$. This is the first age (metallicity) determination for 11 (65) clusters of this sample. Through its 7 narrow bands, centered on important spectral features, and 5 broad bands, we can retrieve detailed information about stellar populations. We obtained ages and metallicities for all stellar clusters using the Bayesian spectral energy distribution fitting code $\texttt{BAGPIPES}$. With a sample of clusters in the color range $-0.20 < r-z < +0.35$, for which our determined parameters are most reliable, we modeled the age-metallicity relation of SMC. At any given age, the metallicities of SMC clusters are lower than those of both the Gaia Sausage-Enceladus disrupted dwarf galaxy and the Milky Way. In comparison with literature values, differences are $\Delta$log(age)$\approx0.31$ and $\Delta$[Fe/H]$\approx0.41$, which is comparable to low-resolution spectroscopy of individual stars. Finally, we confirm a previously known gradient, with younger clusters in the center and older ones preferentially located in the outermost regions. On the other hand, we found no evidence of a significant metallicity gradient.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figure

An Intracellular Arrangement of Histoplasma capsulatum Yeast-Aggregates Generates Nuclear Damage to the Cultured Murine Alveolar Macrophages

Histoplasma capsulatum is responsible for a human systemic mycosis that primarily affects lung tissue. Macrophages are the major effector cells in humans that respond to the fungus, and the development of respiratory disease depends on the ability of Histoplasma yeast cells to survive and replicate within alveolar macrophages. Therefore, the interaction between macrophages and H. capsulatum is a decisive step in the yeast dissemination into host tissues. Although the role played by components of cell-mediated immunity in the host's defense system and the mechanisms used by the pathogen to evade the host immune response are well understood, knowledge regarding the effects induced by H. capsulatum in host cells at the nuclear level is limited. According to the present findings, H. capsulatum yeast cells display a unique architectural arrangement during the intracellular infection of cultured murine alveolar macrophages, characterized as a formation of aggregates that seem to surround the host cell nucleus, resembling a crown. This extranuclear organization of yeast-aggregates generates damage on the nucleus of the host cell, producing DNA fragmentation and inducing apoptosis, even though the yeast cells are not located inside the nucleus and do not trigger changes in nuclear proteins. The current study highlights a singular intracellular arrangement of H. capsulatum yeast near to the nucleus of infected murine alveolar macrophages that may contribute to the yeast’s persistence under intracellular conditions, since this fungal pathogen may display different strategies to prevent elimination by the host's phagocytic mechanisms

INTOXICAÇÃO POR PTERIDIUM ARACHNOIDEUM NO OESTE DE SANTA CATARINA - ESTUDO RETROSPECTIVO (2013-2017)

Samambaia (Pteridium arachnoideum) é uma das plantas tóxicas mais importantes na criação de bovinos de todo o Brasil. O objetivo desse trabalho foi descrever os diagnósticos de intoxicação por samambaia, em bovinos na região oeste de Santa Catarina, realizados pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) do IFC – Campus Concórdia, no período entre 2013 e 2017. No período, foram realizadas 641 necropsias de bovinos, sendo que 22 dessas tiveram o diagnóstico de intoxicação por samambaia, totalizando 3,4% da casuística total de necropsias em bovinos. Foram 13 casos de síndrome hemorrágica aguda, seis casos de carcinomas de células escamosas na base da língua, esôfago ou rúmen, e três casos de hematúria enzoótica bovina. Apesar dos inúmeros trabalhos científicos a respeito da toxicidade do P. arachnoideum, o número de diagnósticos dessa intoxicação é alto na região, e a planta ainda é facilmente encontrada. A melhor forma de diminuir as intoxicações é o adequado manejo das pastagens e a correta adubação do solo, evitando com que a planta esteja disponível ao consumo dos animais, porém essa informação precisa ser difundida aos produtores rurais.  Palavras-chave: diagnóstico, patologia, samambaia, hematúria, carcinoma.