Extracellular mycobacterial DnaK polarizes macrophages to the M2-like phenotype

Macrophages are myeloid cells that play an essential role in inflammation and host defense, regulating immune responses and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Depending on the microenvironment, macrophages can polarize to two distinct phenotypes. The M1 phenotype is activated by IFN-c and bacterial products, and displays an inflammatory profile, while M2 macrophages are activated by IL-4 and tend to be anti-inflammatory or immunosupressive. It was observed that DnaK from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has immunosuppressive properties, inducing a tolerogenic phenotype in dendritic cells and MDSCs, contributing to graft acceptance and tumor growth. However, its role in macrophage polarization remains to be elucidated. We asked whether DnaK was able to modulate macrophage phenotype. Murine macrophages, derived from bone marrow, or from the peritoneum, were incubated with DnaK and their phenotype compared to M1 or M2 polarized macrophages. Treatment with DnaK leads macrophages to present higher arginase I activity, IL-10 production and FIZZ1 and Ym1 expression. Furthermore, DnaK increased surface levels of CD206. Importantly, DnaK-treated macrophages were able to promote tumor growth in an allogeneic melanoma model. Our results suggest that DnaK polarizes macrophages to the M2-like phenotype and could constitute a virulence factor and is an important immunomodulator of macrophage responses

Monitoring ten insect pests in selected orchards in three Azorean Islands : The project CUARENTAGRI

BACKGROUND: The data we present are part of the CUARENTAGRI project, which involves all archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands and Cabo Verde). The project aims to: i) identify and evaluate the risks associated with the introduction of new arthropod pests; ii) study the population dynamics of selected arthropod pest species currently responsible for the damage of key target crops and iii) develop monitoring systems, based on prediction and/or population dynamics of the crop pests, creating warnings and a phytosanitary prevention system. In this contribution, we compile data for three Azorean Islands (Terceira, São Jorge and São Miguel Islands), where pheromone-baited traps were placed in pastures, potato fields and several orchards’ types (apples, banana, chestnuts, olives, orange and strawberry), during three consecutive years (2020, 2021 and 2022). NEW INFORMATION: A total of 114,827 specimens of insects (Arthropoda, Insecta) were collected, belonging to four orders, six families and ten recorded pest species. A total of eight species are considered introduced (Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar, 1824), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873), Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus, 1758), Cydia splendana (Hübner, 1799) and Grapholita molesta (Busck, 1916); n = 84,986 specimens) and two native non-endemic (Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval, 1833); n = 17,465 specimens). This study intended to contribute to a better knowledge of the arthropods pests that can affect the Azorean crops and will serve as a baseline for future monitoring actions, pest risk assessments and prevention systems.This work was financed under the project CUARENTAGRI by Cooperation Programs INTERREG V A (Spain-Portugal) and MAC 2014-2020. Darwin Core Database management was funded by the Project project FCT-UIDB/00329/2020-2024 (Thematic Line 1 – integrated ecological assessment of environmental change on biodiversity) and Portal da Biodiversidade dos Açores (2022-2023) - PO Azores Project - M1.1.A/INFRAEST CIENT/001/2022. Lucas Lamelas-Lopez was supported by the Project FCT-UIDP/00329/2020-2023.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genetic diversity in the modern horse illustrated from genome-wide SNP data

Horses were domesticated from the Eurasian steppes 5,000-6,000 years ago. Since then, the use of horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, as well as selection for desired traits and fitness, has resulted in diverse populations distributed across the world, many of which have become or are in the process of becoming formally organized into closed, breeding populations (breeds). This report describes the use of a genome-wide set of autosomal SNPs and 814 horses from 36 breeds to provide the first detailed description of equine breed diversity. F(ST) calculations, parsimony, and distance analysis demonstrated relationships among the breeds that largely reflect geographic origins and known breed histories. Low levels of population divergence were observed between breeds that are relatively early on in the process of breed development, and between those with high levels of within-breed diversity, whether due to large population size, ongoing outcrossing, or large within-breed phenotypic diversity. Populations with low within-breed diversity included those which have experienced population bottlenecks, have been under intense selective pressure, or are closed populations with long breed histories. These results provide new insights into the relationships among and the diversity within breeds of horses. In addition these results will facilitate future genome-wide association studies and investigations into genomic targets of selection

ABORDAGEM CLÍNICA E DESAFIOS DIAGNÓSTICOS DA TUBERCULOSE NA INFÂNCIA

Tuberculosis is a pathology caused by infection with the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its mode of propagation is predominantly airborne, spreading through particles expelled when coughing, sneezing and even talking. This disease commonly affects individuals who share physical proximity with a carrier of the aforementioned bacillus. It is worth noting that children are less prone to transmission, given that the variant that affects them has a lower infectious capacity. Children have distinct characteristics in their organism and physiology that play a crucial role in the balance between aggression and body defense. Of these particularities, the main highlights are its immune system, nutrition and vaccination. This study constitutes a literature review that aims to analyze and synthesize the information available on Childhood Tuberculosis (TI) with a focus on its epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis requires specific methods, varying depending on the manifestation of the disease. Bacilloscopy, analysis of the bacillus in sputum, is a main, quick and low-cost test, although it is subject to false results. In childhood, especially in the pulmonary form, the diagnostic approach is clinical-radiological, based on epidemiology and clinical history. Childhood tuberculosis treatment is based on antibiotic therapy, using primarily Rifampicin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide. In specific situations, the specialist may introduce corticosteroids and other complementary medications. To address the challenges associated with Childhood Tuberculosis, effective interventions must focus on the continued education of healthcare professionals, encouraging early identification of symptoms, especially in Primary Care. Community-focused awareness programs are also essential to promote seeking medical care at the first sign of suspicious symptoms.A tuberculose é uma patologia originada pela infecção do bacilo Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sendo seu modo de propagação predominantemente aéreo, disseminando-se por meio de partículas expelidas ao tossir, espirrar e até mesmo falar. Esta enfermidade comumente afeta indivíduos que compartilham proximidade física com um portador do referido bacilo. Vale ressaltar que crianças apresentam menor propensão à transmissão, dado que a variante que as acomete possui menor capacidade infecciosa. A criança apresenta distintas características em seu organismo e fisiologia que desempenham papel crucial no equilíbrio entre agressão e defesa do corpo. Destas particularidades, destacam-se principalmente seu sistema imune, nutrição e vacinação. Este estudo constitui uma revisão de literatura que tem como objetivo analisar e sintetizar as informações disponíveis sobre a Tuberculose na Infância (TI) com enfoque na sua epidemiologia, diagnóstico e tratamento. O diagnóstico da tuberculose infantil requer métodos específicos, variando conforme a manifestação da doença. A baciloscopia, análise do bacilo no escarro, é um exame principal, rápido e de baixo custo, embora sujeito a falsos resultados. Na infância, especialmente na forma pulmonar, a abordagem diagnóstica é clínico-radiológica, baseada em epidemiologia e histórico clínico. O tratamento infantil da tuberculose se baseia na antibióticoterapia, utilizando primariamente Rifampicina, Isoniazida e Pirazinamida. Em situações específicas, o especialista pode introduzir corticosteroides e outros medicamentos complementares. Para enfrentar os desafios associados à Tuberculose na Infância, intervenções eficazes devem se concentrar na educação continuada de profissionais de saúde, incentivando a identificação precoce de sintomas, especialmente na Atenção Primária. Programas de conscientização com enfoque nas comunidades também são fundamentais para promover a busca por cuidados médicos ao primeiro sinal de sintomas suspeitos

Genetic Diversity in the Modern Horse Illustrated from Genome-Wide SNP Data

Horses were domesticated from the Eurasian steppes 5,000–6,000 years ago. Since then, the use of horses for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, as well as selection for desired traits and fitness, has resulted in diverse populations distributed across the world, many of which have become or are in the process of becoming formally organized into closed, breeding populations (breeds). This report describes the use of a genome-wide set of autosomal SNPs and 814 horses from 36 breeds to provide the first detailed description of equine breed diversity. FST calculations, parsimony, and distance analysis demonstrated relationships among the breeds that largely reflect geographic origins and known breed histories. Low levels of population divergence were observed between breeds that are relatively early on in the process of breed development, and between those with high levels of within-breed diversity, whether due to large population size, ongoing outcrossing, or large within-breed phenotypic diversity. Populations with low within-breed diversity included those which have experienced population bottlenecks, have been under intense selective pressure, or are closed populations with long breed histories. These results provide new insights into the relationships among and the diversity within breeds of horses. In addition these results will facilitate future genome-wide association studies and investigations into genomic targets of selection

ADESÃO AO TRATAMENTO NA CLÍNICA NEUROPSIQUIÁTRICA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Adherence to treatment in psychiatric outpatient clinics is a vital element of mental health care. Although significant challenges are faced, it is possible to improve adherence through educational strategies, support and collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals. By recognizing the importance of this aspect and working to overcome obstacles, we can improve outcomes for patients and promote more robust and resilient mental health in our communities. This study aimed to investigate the main factors influencing adherence to treatment in psychiatric outpatient clinics. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted, selecting scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024, available in the Scielo, Medline and Lilacs databases. After an in-depth analysis and discussion of the results, it was concluded that adherence to treatment in psychiatric outpatient clinics is influenced by a variety of factors, including continuity in therapeutic follow-up, patients' mentalization capacity, the model of care and sociodemographic and clinical influences, highlighting the need for personalized and integrated approaches to improve care in these settings.A adesão ao tratamento em ambulatórios psiquiátricos é um elemento vital do cuidado em saúde mental. Embora sejam enfrentados desafios significativos, é possível melhorar a adesão por meio de estratégias educacionais, de suporte e de colaboração entre pacientes e profissionais de saúde. Ao reconhecer a importância desse aspecto e trabalhar para superar os obstáculos, pode-se melhorar os resultados para os pacientes e promover uma saúde mental mais robusta e resiliente em nossas comunidades. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os principais fatores que influenciam a adesão ao tratamento nos ambulatórios psiquiátricos. Para isso, foi conduzida uma revisão sistemática da literatura, selecionando artigos científicos publicados entre 2019 e 2024, disponíveis nas bases de dados Scielo, Medline e Lilacs. Após uma análise aprofundada e discussão dos resultados, chegou-se à conclusão de que a adesão ao tratamento nos ambulatórios psiquiátricos é influenciada por uma variedade de fatores, incluindo a continuidade no acompanhamento terapêutico, a capacidade de mentalização dos pacientes, o modelo de atendimento e as influências sociodemográficas e clínicas, destacando a necessidade de abordagens personalizadas e integradas para melhorar o cuidado nesses ambientes

Malformações Arteriovenosa Cerebrais: uma revisão bibliográfica / Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: a bibliographic review

Esse estudo foi realizado com o intuito de realizar uma revisão sistemática dentro da literatura cientifica para poder melhor organizar o raciocínio clínicos quanto ao diagnóstico, tratamento e consequências de pacientes portadores de Malformações Arteriovenosa Cerebrais (MAV), uma vez que seu diagnóstico não é fácil de se realizar e a abordagem terapêutica varia de individuo em indivíduo. Contudo, entende-se que o MAV pode ser um dos diagnósticos diferenciais para tratamento de outras patologias através da apresentação da sintomatologia apresentadas pelo paciente admitidos em pronto atendimentos e que procuram clínicas de neurologia e/ou neurocirurgia para tratamento das sintomatologias mais brandas

The European Reference Genome Atlas: piloting a decentralised approach to equitable biodiversity genomics

A genomic database of all Earth’s eukaryotic species could contribute to many scientific discoveries; however, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. In 2018, scientists across the world united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), aiming to produce a database of high-quality reference genomes containing all ~1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) sought to implement a new decentralised, equitable and inclusive model for producing reference genomes. For this, ERGA launched a Pilot Project establishing the first distributed reference genome production infrastructure and testing it on 98 eukaryotic species from 33 European countries. Here we outline the infrastructure and explore its effectiveness for scaling high-quality reference genome production, whilst considering equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational, national genomic resource projects and the EBP.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Genetic Diversity in the Modern Horse Illustrated from Genome-Wide SNP Data

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