Diversification across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec explains the phylogeographic arrangement of the widespread bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus; Tyrannidae) and reveals the existence of two major lineages

We describe the phylogeographic structure of Attila spadiceus, a neotropical bird with 12 recognized subspecies, through the analysis for partial Cytb amplicon region obtained from 11 subspecies. The topology recovered from the analysis indicated the existence of two principal molecular lineages and that the morphological variation underlying the designation of subspecies is not reflected in the mitochondrial gene tree. Based on these findings, we infer that the diversification of A. spadiceus began at the Pleistocene (similar to 1.5 Mya), with the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region as the main factor driving the formation of two molecular lineages, one to the west and the other one to the east of this geographic barrier.Peer reviewe

Genetic diversity and structure in Arapaima gigas populations from Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins river basins

Background Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) is the largest freshwater scaled fish in the world, and an emerging species for tropical aquaculture development. Conservation of the species, and the expansion of aquaculture requires the development of genetic tools to study polymorphism, differentiation, and stock structure. This study aimed to investigate genomic polymorphism through ddRAD sequencing, in order to identify a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to simultaneously assess genetic diversity and structure in wild (from rivers Amazon, Solimões, Tocantins and Araguaia) and captive populations. Results Compared to many other teleosts, the degree of polymorphism in A. gigas was low with only 2.3% of identified RAD-tags (135 bases long) containing SNPs. A panel of 393 informative SNPs was identified and screened across the five populations. Higher genetic diversity indices (number of polymorphic loci and private alleles, Shannon’s Index and HO) were found in populations from the Amazon and Solimões, intermediate levels in Tocantins and Captive, and very low levels in the Araguaia population. These results likely reflect larger population sizes from less urbanized environments in the Amazon basin compared to Araguaia. Populations were significantly differentiated with pairwise FST values ranging from 0.086 (Amazon × Solimões) to 0.556 (Amazon × Araguaia). Mean pairwise relatedness among individuals was significant in all populations (P

Analyses of plumage coloration and genetic variation confirm the hybridization of Pipra fasciicauda and Pipra aureola in the Brazilian Amazon basin

The present study aimed to confirm the occurrence of a hybridization event between the band-tailed manakin (Pipra fasciicauda) and the crimson-hooded manakin (Pipra aureola), based on the existence of a specimen that presents morphological traits of both taxa. We analyzed 297 taxidermized skins of adult males of the two species, including the potential hybrid. We also analyzed the mitochondrial (ND2, ND3 e COI) and nuclear (FGB-I5, MB-I2 e GAPDH-I3) genes of 12 adult specimens of the two taxa, diagnosed phenotypically, in addition to the potential hybrid. The analyses of the plumage indicated that the potential hybrid has an intermediate pattern of white banding on the tail that is less extensive than that found in Pipra fasciicauda, but that its other phenotypic traits are characteristic of Pipra aureola. The molecular topologies revealed two clades, one that groups P. aureola together with the potential hybrid, and the other that corresponds to P. fasciicauda. These findings allowed us to confirm the occurrence of a process of hybridization and potential introgression through secondary events in the P. aureola lineage.Peer reviewe

Analysis of HIV-1 Protease Gene Reveals Frequent Multiple Infections Followed by Recombination among Drug Treated Individuals Living in São Paulo and Santos, Brazil

The present study investigated the prevalence of HIV-1 multiple infections in a population composed by 47 patients under HAART failure and enrolled at the National DST/AIDS, Program, Ministry of Health, Brazil. Detection of multiple infections was done using a previously published RFLP assay for the HIV-1 protease gene, which is able of distinguishing between infections caused by a single or multiple HIV-1 subtypes. Samples with multiple infections were cloned, and sequence data submitted to phylogenetic analysis. We were able to identify 17 HIV-1 multiple infections out of 47 samples. Multiple infections were mostly composed by a mixture of recombinant viruses (94%), with only one case in which protease gene pure subtypes B and F were recovered. This is the first study that reports the prevalence of multiple infections and intersubtype recombinants in a population undergoing HAART in Brazil. Based on the data there was a steep increase of multiple infections after the introduction of the combined antiretroviral therapy in Brazil. Cases of multiple infections may be associated with HIV-1 genetic diversity through recombination allowing for the generation of viruses showing a combination of resistance mutations.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2009/10915-0FAPESP: 2009/11216-9Web of Scienc

PRODUTOS NATURAIS PARA CICATRIZAÇÃO DE FERIDAS EM EQUINOS: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Horses are curious and active animals. They do not show their pain or injuries easily. These factors favor the appearance and development of skin lesions, especially in the region of the distal limbs. The conventional therapeutic approaches for the treatment of these lesions are through antiseptic solutions, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. However, these solutions can cause damage to healing, if used improperly, or cause adverse effects to the animal. An alternative way to treat skin wounds is the use of herbal medicines and other natural products, which are viable due to their lower cost and easy access. Thus, the objective in this work, was to understand the use of natural products in the healing of wounds in horses through an integrative review, addressing the following bioproducts: Sugar, Aloe vera, Barbatimão, and Calendula. This academic research was carried out on the research bases SciELO, Google Scholar, VHL-Vet. (Virtual Library in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science) and CAPES/MEC Periodicals through qualitative analysis of articles, mainly those published in the years 2017 to 2021. In the literature the sugar demonstrated the great potential in promoting tissue growth. Aloe vera has antioxidant and immunostimulating characteristics, while Barbatimão can reduce inflammations and has antimicrobial activity. Calendula has healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. With this work, we conclude that these bioproducts are potent in terms of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial action, in addition to helping in tissue repair, being excellent for alternative therapy.Os equinos são animais curiosos e de comportamento ativo. Eles não demonstram dor ou lesões com facilidade. Esses fatores propiciam o aparecimento e o desenvolvimento de lesões cutâneas, principalmente na região dos membros distais. As abordagens terapêuticas convencionais para o tratamento dessas lesões são feitas por meio de soluções antissépticas, corticoides e antibióticos. Entretanto, essas soluções podem causar prejuízos à cicatrização, se usadas de forma indevida, ou efeitos adversos ao animal. Uma forma alternativa para o tratamento de ferimentos cutâneos é o uso de fitoterápicos e outros produtos naturais, que são viáveis por terem um custo inferior e serem de fácil acesso. Dessa forma, objetivou-se neste trabalho, compreender o uso de produtos naturais na cicatrização de ferimentos em equinos, por meio de uma revisão integrativa, abordando os seguintes bioprodutos: Açúcar, Aloe vera, Barbatimão e Calêndula. Para isso foi realizada uma pesquisa acadêmica nas bases de pesquisa SciELO, Google Acadêmico, BVS-Vet. (Biblioteca Virtual em Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia) e Periódicos CAPES/MEC. Partindo disso, foi feita uma análise qualitativa de artigos, principalmente os publicados nos anos de 2019 a 2021. Na literatura o açúcar demonstra grande potencial em promover o crescimento tecidual. A Aloe vera apresenta as características antioxidantes e imunoestimulantes, já o Barbatimão apresenta a capacidade de reduzir inflamações e uma atividade antimicrobiana; e a Calêndula demonstra atividade cicatrizante, anti-inflamatória e antimicrobiana. Com este trabalho pode-se concluir que esses bioprodutos são potentes na ação anti-inflamatória, antioxidante e antimicrobiana, além de ajudar na reparação tecidual, sendo excelentes para terapia alternativa

Efeito da disponibilidade de nitrogênio no processo de morfogênese e produção de forragem de Paspalum lividum

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Draft genome sequence of FT9, a novel Bacillus cereus strain isolated from a Brazilian Thermal Spring

O presente trabalho trata das bactérias formadoras da esporos, incluindo um patógeno presente na intoxicação alimentar e sistêmica e em infecções locais, trazendo uma sequência do genoma FT9

Sistemática de avaliação de desempenho funcional para serviços de alimentação: proposta de um modelo para gestão de pessoas/ System of evaluation of functional performance for food services: proposed a model for people management

Objetivo: Propor uma sistemática de avaliação de desempenho para os funcionários de uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição hospitalar. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo pesquisa-ação realizada na Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição de um hospital público situado na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará. A implantação do sistema aconteceu durante o mês de novembro de 2019.  O desenvolvimento da análise de desempenho na UAN foi feito em etapas: diagnóstico; entrevista com os responsáveis pelo setor; caracterização das atividades desenvolvidas e competências necessárias para execução do trabalho; desenho e desenvolvimento do sistema de avaliação; apresentação do sistema e ajustes necessários; treinamento com colaboradores para apresentação e esclarecimentos sobre a avaliação;  execução de avaliação de desempenho. Resultados:  Trata-se de uma sistemática desenvolvida através da observação da rotina e desempenho dos funcionários da UAN, assim como da necessidade de avaliar de forma objetiva o desempenho funcional. Foram definidos três blocos de competências: Preparo e Qualificação, Características Comportamentais e Capacidade de trabalho em Equipe. Para cada bloco foram definidas competências específicas. Foi desenvolvido sistema de pontuação de 1 a 10 pontos com critérios específicos para atribuição de cada nota.   Conclusão: O sistema proposto atende à necessidade da unidade uma vez que foi desenvolvido com critérios específicos para a rotina de trabalho, possui fácil aplicabilidade, há interesse por parte dos gestores na implementação e os colaboradores encontram-se abertos a implementação da avaliação. Entretanto, é necessário comprometimento por parte dos gestores na manutenção das avaliações periódicas, assim como na importância de feedback para o colaborador avaliado

Immunogenicity of personalized dendritic-cell therapy in HIV-1 infected individuals under suppressive antiretroviral treatment:interim analysis from a phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND: We developed a personalized Monocyte-Derived Dendritic-cell Therapy (MDDCT) for HIV-infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral treatment and evaluated HIV-specific T-cell responses. METHODS: PBMCs were obtained from 10 HIV(+) individuals enrolled in trial NCT02961829. Monocytes were differentiated into DCs using IFN-α and GM-CSF. After sequencing each patient’s HIV-1 Gag and determining HLA profiles, autologous Gag peptides were selected based on the predicted individual immunogenicity and used to pulse MDDCs. Three doses of the MDDCT were administered every 15 days. To assess immunogenicity, patients’ cells were stimulated in vitro with autologous peptides, and intracellular IL-2, TNF, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production were measured in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells. RESULTS: The protocol of ex-vivo treatment with IFN-α and GM-CSF was able to induce maturation of MDDCs, as well as to preserve their viability for reinfusion. MDDCT administration was associated with increased expression of IL-2 in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells at 15 and/or 30 days after the first MDDCT administration. Moreover, intracellular TNF and IFN-γ expression was significantly increased in CD4(+) T-cells. The number of candidates that increased in vitro the cytokine levels in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells upon stimulation with Gag peptides from baseline to day 15 and from baseline to day 30 and day 120 after MDDCT was significant as compared to Gag unstimulated response. This was accompanied by an increasing trend in the frequency of polyfunctional T-cells over time, which was visible when considering both cells expressing two and three out of the three cytokines examined. CONCLUSIONS: MDDC had a mature profile, and this MDDCT promoted in-vitro T-cell immune responses in HIV-infected patients undergoing long-term suppressive antiretroviral treatment. Trial registration NCT02961829: (Multi Interventional Study Exploring HIV-1 Residual Replication: a Step Towards HIV-1 Eradication and Sterilizing Cure, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02961829, posted November 11th, 2016) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12981-021-00426-z

Transcriptional profiles of the human pathogenic fungus paracoccidioides brasiliensis in mycelium and yeast cells

This work was supported by MCT, CNPq, CAPES, FUB, UFG, and FUNDECT-MS. PbGenome Network: Alda Maria T. Ferreira, Alessandra Dantas, Alessandra J. Baptista, Alexandre M. Bailão, Ana Lídia Bonato, André C. Amaral, Bruno S. Daher, Camila M. Silva, Christiane S. Costa, Clayton L. Borges, Cléber O. Soares, Cristina M. Junta, Daniel A. S. Anjos, Edans F. O. Sandes, Eduardo A. Donadi, Elza T. Sakamoto-Hojo, Flábio R. Araújo, Flávia C. Albuquerque, Gina C. Oliveira, João Ricardo M. Almeida, Juliana C. Oliveira, Kláudia G. Jorge, Larissa Fernandes, Lorena S. Derengowski, Luís Artur M. Bataus, Marcus A. M. Araújo, Marcus K. Inoue, Marlene T. De-Souza, Mauro F. Almeida, Nádia S. Parachin, Nadya S. Castro, Odair P. Martins, Patrícia L. N. Costa, Paula Sandrin-Garcia, Renata B. A. Soares, Stephano S. Mello, and Viviane C. B. ReisParacoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, a disease that affects 10 million individuals in Latin America. This report depicts the results of the analysis of 6,022 assembled groups from mycelium and yeast phase expressed sequence tags, covering about 80% of the estimated genome of this dimorphic, thermo-regulated fungus. The data provide a comprehensive view of the fungal metabolism, including overexpressed transcripts, stage-specific genes, and also those that are up- or down-regulated as assessed by in silico electronic subtraction and cDNA microarrays. Also, a significant differential expression pattern in mycelium and yeast cells was detected, which was confirmed by Northern blot analysis, providing insights into differential metabolic adaptations. The overall transcriptome analysis provided information about sequences related to the cell cycle, stress response, drug resistance, and signal transduction pathways of the pathogen. Novel P. brasiliensis genes have been identified, probably corresponding to proteins that should be addressed as virulence factor candidates and potential new drug targets