A novel vasorelaxant lectin purified from seeds of Clathrotropis nitida: Partial characterization and immobilization in chitosan beads

A novel lectin from seeds of Clathrotropis nitida (CNA) was purified and characterized. CNA is a glycoprotein containing approximately 3.3% carbohydrates in its structure. CNA promoted intense agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes, which was inhibited by galactosides and porcine stomach mucin (PSM). The lectin maintained its hemagglutinating activity after incubation in a wide range of temperatures (30-60 °C) and pH (6.0-7.0), and its binding activity was dependent on divalent cations (Ca+2 and Mg+2). SDS-PAGE showed an electrophoretic profile consisting of a single band of 28 kDa, as confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, which indicated an average molecular mass of 27,406 ± 2 Da and the possible presence of isoforms and glycoforms. In addition, CNA exhibited no toxicity to Artemia sp. nauplii and elicited reversible and dose-dependent vasorelaxation in precontracted aortic rings. CNA was successfully immobilized on chitosan beads and was able to capture PSM in solution. This study demonstrated that CNA is a lectin that has potential as a biotechnological tool in glycomics and glycoproteomics applications. © 2015 Elsevier Inc

OFICINAS DO BRINCAR: UM RESGATE A INFÂNCIA POR MEIO DE JOGOS, BRINQUEDOS E BRINCADEIRAS. (relato de experiência)

A brincadeira e jogo são construções sociais e, portanto culturais. A criança ao nascer está impregnada de práticas estabelecidas nas relações com outros sujeitos, adultos e outras crianças que possibilitam o acesso aos códigos sociais estabelecidos na forma de aprendizagem social. É na brincadeira, na fantasia e posteriormente no jogo com a elaboração de regras mais complexas que a criança se apropria da organização social na qual está inserida. Como processo cultural, o acesso a brincadeira e ao jogo se dá fundamentalmente na relação com outro e com as condições de espaço, materiais e possibilidades de exploração desses elementos. Considerando a importância da brincadeira e do jogo em proposições criativas, de descobertas, elaborações ereelaborações, estamos realizando um projeto de pesquisa denominado “Oficinas do brincar: um resgate a infância por meio de jogos, brinquedos e brincadeiras”, desenvolvido com os acadêmicos da quarta fase do curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia, do Instituto Federal Catarinense – campi Blumenau (SC), com a perspectiva de propiciar espaço de relacionamento significativo com a brincadeira, o jogo, o brinquedo e práticas corporais expressivas como elementos de acesso a cultura lúdica e, portanto de inserção num contexto social humanizador. A dinâmica do projeto compreende atividades sequenciais com os discentes, semanalmente, nos quais são utilizadas as dependências da própria instituição, que disponibiliza o espaço físico e conta com a colaboração dos estudantes ao trazerem os recursos - como brinquedos, jogos e materiais para práticas corporais e expressivas. O projeto está em fase inicial de desenvolvimento, mas vem confirmando a relevância de seus propósitos, haja visto que parte do princípio de propiciar resgate e vivências da infância, do brincar, através dos jogos, brinquedos e brincadeiras, tematizando discussões em torno da ludicidade, como processo histórico e social, capaz de proporcionar reflexão e colaborar com a formação humana pelo acesso e interação com essas formas de manifestação da cultura. Dessa forma, objetiva-se com esta oficina, propiciar espaço e oportunidades de autoconhecimento, vivências inclusivas, melhora da auto-estima, desenvolver habilidades de comunicação, expressão e interação social dos acadêmicos envolvidos no projeto com os sujeitos participantes, colaborando com a formação acadêmica dos alunos mediadores do projeto tanto no que se refere à prática pedagógica exercida sob a perspectiva de professor, intelectual-pesquisador, bem como para a comunidade envolvida, no sentido de poder recordar os jogos, brinquedos e brincadeiras de suas infâncias por meio de cantos temáticos (num estande ou sala de aula), contendo: mostra do acervo de brinquedos que fizeram parte da infância da turma; produção artesanal de brinquedos sustentáveis com matérias recicláveis; espaço do faz de conta, com oficineiros desenvolvendo atividades recreacionistas para o público visitante

2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research

<i>In vitro</i> antiviral activity of the anti-HCV drugs daclatasvir and sofosbuvir against SARS-CoV-2, the aetiological agent of COVID-19

BackgroundCurrent approaches of drug repurposing against COVID-19 have not proven overwhelmingly successful and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to cause major global mortality. SARS-CoV-2 nsp12, its RNA polymerase, shares homology in the nucleotide uptake channel with the HCV orthologue enzyme NS5B. Besides, HCV enzyme NS5A has pleiotropic activities, such as RNA binding, that are shared with various SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Thus, anti-HCV NS5B and NS5A inhibitors, like sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, respectively, could be endowed with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.MethodsSARS-CoV-2-infected Vero cells, HuH-7 cells, Calu-3 cells, neural stem cells and monocytes were used to investigate the effects of daclatasvir and sofosbuvir. In silico and cell-free based assays were performed with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and nsp12 to better comprehend the mechanism of inhibition of the investigated compounds. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was generated to estimate daclatasvir's dose and schedule to maximize the probability of success for COVID-19.ResultsDaclatasvir inhibited SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero, HuH-7 and Calu-3 cells, with potencies of 0.8, 0.6 and 1.1 μM, respectively. Although less potent than daclatasvir, sofosbuvir alone and combined with daclatasvir inhibited replication in Calu-3 cells. Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir prevented virus-induced neuronal apoptosis and release of cytokine storm-related inflammatory mediators, respectively. Sofosbuvir inhibited RNA synthesis by chain termination and daclatasvir targeted the folding of secondary RNA structures in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Concentrations required for partial daclatasvir in vitro activity are achieved in plasma at Cmax after administration of the approved dose to humans.ConclusionsDaclatasvir, alone or in combination with sofosbuvir, at higher doses than used against HCV, may be further fostered as an anti-COVID-19 therapy