The Cytoskeleton of Giardia intestinalis

Giardia intestinalis is a pathogenic protozoan, which is the causative agent of giardiasis. The Giardia trophozoite presents a cytoskeleton formed by specialized microtubular structures such as the ventral disk, four pairs of flagella, the median body, and the funis that are involved in cell division and differentiation. Because trophozoite motility and adhesion to the host intestinal cells are important processes mediated by the parasite cytoskeleton, the fine regulation of these elements may be directly related to the mechanisms that underlie infection. The organization of Giardia cytoskeleton at the ultrastructural level has been analyzed by different classical microscopy methods, including negative stain and chemical fixation for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the G. intestinalis cytoskeleton, emphasizing its structural organization and proteins involved in the maintenance of the structures as well as their functional role. These structures have been recently analyzed in some detail using techniques such as electron microscopy tomography, cryoelectron microscopy, ultra-high resolution scanning electron microscopy (UHRSEM), and helium ion microscopy (HIM). In addition, genome survey and phylogenetic analysis as well as proteomic analysis have revealed the presence of several new and not yet well-characterized proteins

De las formas de desafiar el control. Mulatos libres, prácticas mágicas y relaciones interétnicas frente a la justicia inquisitorial de la Nueva España(1650-1730)

El objetivo del artículo es analizar los procesos de identificación/clasificación de mulatos libres basados en la percepción inquisitorial y el control sobre las relaciones interétnicas, considerando en particular cómo este grupo usó en gran medida las prácticas mágicas como una forma de insertarse en las comunidades indígenas. Como la historiografía misma reconoce al analizar la acción inquisitorial en el virreinato, a pesar de los esfuerzos por controlar o reprimir las prácticas religiosas de los negros y mulatos, es imposible evaluar con precisión el grado de eficiencia de tales procesos de control sobre diferentes comportamientos. Entre los delitos a menudo asociados con las experiencias de este grupo de mulatos libres en procesos inquisitoriales se encuentran las prácticas entendidas como supersticiones.The objective of the article is to analyze the identification / classification processes of free mulattos based on the inquisitorial perception and control over inter-ethnic relations, considering in particular how this group largely used magical practices as a way of inserting themselves in indigenous communities. As historiography itself recognizes when analyzing the inquisitorial action in the viceroyalty, despite efforts to control or repress the religious practices of blacks and mulattos, it is impossible to accurately assess the degree of efficiency of such control processes over different behaviors. Among the crimes often associated with the experiences of this group of free mulattos in inquisitorial processes are practices understood as superstitions.L'objectif de l'article est d'analyser les processus d'identification/classification des mulâtres libres basés sur la perception et le contrôle inquisitorial des relations interethniques, en considérant en particulier comment ce groupe a largement utilisé des pratiques magiques comme moyen de s'insérer dans les communautés indigènes. Comme l'historiographie le reconnaît elle-même en analysant l'action inquisitoire dans la vice-royauté, malgré les efforts déployés pour contrôler ou réprimer les pratiques religieuses des noirs et des mulâtres, il est impossible d'évaluer avec précision le degré d'efficacité de ces processus de contrôle des différents comportements. Parmi les crimes souvent associés aux expériences de ce groupe de mulâtres libres dans les processus inquisitoriaux, on trouve des pratiques comprises comme des superstition

Analysis of the Degree of Information of Dental Surgeons about Antiresorptive Drugs According to the Time Since Graduation in Dentistry

Objective: To determine the level of scientific information of dental surgeons who carry out their professional activities in Brazil about antiresorptive drugs and indicated pharmacological procedures aiming at the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and the therapy of drug sequelae that may occur, considering the time since graduation in Dentistry. Material and Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study in which 339 dentists were consulted using the virtual questionnaire containing topics of personal nature, elements contained in the anamnesis carried out and knowledge about antiresorptive drugs, including indications, adverse effects and treatments applied. Chi-square and Fisher\u27s exact tests were performed to analyze associations of data described by absolute and relative frequencies with professionals\u27 time since graduation. All analyses were performed using the R software, with a 5% significance level. Results: Those who revealed to have graduated for more than five years with the highest academic degree were those who demonstrated maximum knowledge of antiresorptive drugs or revealed that, somehow, they had information about them (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental surgeons in Brazil who have more than five years since graduation have more scientific information about antiresorptive drugs and pharmacological procedures, which can positively contribute to the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and treatment of drug sequelae that may occur

Nível de conhecimento dos cirurgiões-dentistas em exercício na Bahia sobre os medicamentos antirreabsortivos

Objective: To determine the level of scientific information of dental surgeons who carry out their professional activities in Brazil about antiresorptive drugs and indicated pharmacological procedures aiming at the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and the therapy of drug sequelae that may occur, considering the time since graduation in Dentistry. Methodology: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study in which 339 dentists were consulted using the virtual questionnaire containing topics of personal nature, elements contained in the anamnesis carried out and knowledge about antiresorptive drugs, including indications, adverse effects and treatments applied, considering the maximum qualification of these professionals. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed to analyze associations of data described by absolute and relative frequencies with professionals' time since graduation. All analyses were performed using the R software, with 5% significance level. Results: Those who revealed to have graduated for more than five years with the highest academic degree were those who demonstrated maximum knowledge of antiresorptive drugs or revealed that somehow, they had information about them (p<0,05). Conclusion: Dental surgeons in Brazil who have the highest dregree have more scientific information about antiresorptive drugs and pharmacological procedures, which can positively contribute to the prevention of osteonecrosis of the jaws and treatment of drug sequelae that may occur.  Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de información científica de los cirujanos dentistas que ejercen su actividad profesional en Brasil, con énfasis en el Estado de Bahía, sobre los medicamentos antirreabsortivos y los procedimientos farmacológicos que están indicados, visando la prevención de la osteonecrosis del maxilares y el tratamiento de las secuelas de fármacos que puedan producirse, considerando la máxima cualificación de estos profesionales. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio transversal cuantitativo. En él se consultó a 339 odontólogos a través del cuestionario virtual que contenía temas personales, elementos contenidos en la anamnesis realizada y conocimientos sobre los fármacos antirresortivos, incluyendo indicaciones, efectos adversos y tratamientos aplicados. Se realizaron las pruebas de chi-cuadrado y exacta de Fisher para analizar las asociaciones de los datos descritos por frecuencias absolutas y relativas con el tiempo de graduación de los profesionales. Todos los análisis se realizaron con el programa R, con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Los que tuvieron mayor grado fueron los que demostraron máximo conocimiento sobre fármacos antirreabsortivos o revelaron que de alguna manera tenían información sobre ellos (p<0,05). Conclusión: Los cirujanos dentistas en Brasil que tienen el grado más alto tienen más información científica sobre medicamentos antirresortivos y procedimientos farmacológicos, lo que puede contribuir positivamente para la prevención de la osteonecrosis de los maxilares y el tratamiento de las secuelas de medicamentos que puedan ocurrir.Objectif : Déterminer le niveau d'information scientifique des chirurgiens-dentistes qui exercent leurs activités professionnelles au Brésil, en mettant l'accent sur l'État de Bahia, sur les médicaments anti-résorptif et les procédures pharmacologiques qui sont indiquées, visant à la prévention de l'ostéonécrose du mâchoires et le traitement des séquelles médicamenteuses qui peuvent survenir, compte tenu de la qualification maximale de ces professionnels. Méthodologie : Il s'agit d'une étude quantitative transversale. Dans celui-ci, 339 dentistes ont été consultés via le questionnaire virtuel contenant des thèmes personnels, des éléments contenus dans l'anamnèse réalisée et des connaissances sur les médicaments anti-résorptifs, y compris les indications, les effets indésirables et les traitements appliqués. Les tests du chi carré et exact de Fisher ont été effectués pour analyser les associations des données décrites par les fréquences absolues et relatives avec le temps des professionnels depuis l'obtention du diplôme. Toutes les analyses ont été effectuées à l'aide du programme R, avec un seuil de signification de 5 %. Résultats : Ceux qui avaient le degré le plus élevé étaient ceux qui démontraient une connaissance maximale des médicaments antirésorptifs ou révélaient qu'ils avaient d'une manière ou d'une autre des informations à leur sujet (p<0,05). Conclusion : Les chirurgiens-dentistes au Brésil qui ont le diplôme le plus élevé ont plus d'informations scientifiques sur les médicaments anti-résorptifs et les procédures pharmacologiques, ce qui peut contribuer positivement à la prévention de l'ostéonécrose des mâchoires et au traitement des séquelles médicamenteuses qui peuvent survenir.Objetivo: determinar o nível de informações científicas dos cirurgiões-dentistas que exercem suas atividades profissionais na Bahia, Brasil, sobre os medicamentos antirreabsortivos e as condutas farmacológicas que são indicadas, visando a prevenção de osteonecrose dos maxilares e a terapia das sequelas medicamentosas que possam ocorrer, considerando a titulação acadêmica destes profissionais. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal quantitativo. Nele, foram consultados 339 dentistas por meio do questionário virtual contendo temas de cunho pessoal e profissional, elementos contidos na anamnese realizada e conhecimentos sobre medicamentos antirreabsortivos, incluindo indicações, efeitos adversos e tratamentos aplicados. Foram realizados os testes de qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher para analisar as associações dos dados descritos por frequências absoluta e relativa com o tempo de formado dos profissionais. Todas as análises foram feitas no programa R, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: entre os339 participantes da pesquisa, a maioria era do sexo feminino (76,4%), com faixa etária de 31-35 anos (25,1%). Ademais, uma grande parte dos profissionais tinha graduação em odontologia obtida na categoria Universidade (49,0%), no estado da Bahia (80,5%). Em relação às variáveis relacionadas ao desempenho profissional, aqueles que possuíam maior titulação, foram os que demonstraram conhecimento máximo dos fármacos antirreabsortivos ou revelaram, que de alguma forma, tinham informações sobre os mesmos (p<0,05). Conclusão: os cirurgiões-dentistas da Bahia que têm titulação máxima possuem mais informações científicas sobre os medicamentos antirreabsortivos e procedimentos farmacológicos, o que pode contribuir positivamente para a prevenção da osteonecrose dos maxilares e o tratamento das sequelas medicamentosas que possam ocorrer

Masticatory Function and Nutritional Status in Brazilian Institutionalized Elders: Influence of Denture Use

Objective: To evaluate the influence of tooth loss and the use of removable dentures on chewing function and nutritional status of institutionalized elders. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 155 elders from seven long-stay institutions in João Pessoa, Brazil. The participants were classified according to the presence of reminiscent teeth and use of dentures in four levels: toothless, without denture (1); toothless with a complete denture (2); partial toothless without denture (3) and partial toothless with a partial denture (4). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) instrument and the Body Mass Index (BMI). Swallowing threshold was used for the assessment of masticatory function, using a portion of roasted peanuts (3.7 g). Comparisons among groups were performed using Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment, considering p<0.05. Results: MNA (p=0.702) and BMI (p=0.884) were not modified in relation to the presence of teeth and denture use. Toothless individuals without dentures had a lower swallowing threshold (p<0.001), whilst partial toothless with dentures had better masticatory function (p>0.05). Conclusion: The presence of reminiscent teeth and the use of dentures do not influence the nutritional status of the elders but interfere with the masticatory function. Prosthetic rehabilitation is desirable for complete toothless individuals

Eventos extremos de lluvia y riesgo hidroclimático en zona de La Mata - Pernambuco/Brasil

Intense rains are natural events associated with urban peculiarities that can become sources of danger, worsening the population's living conditions in the city. In Brazil, the scenarios of environmental degradation resulting from social inequalities and poor infrastructure, coupled with the occupation of inappropriate spaces highlight risks and vulnerabilities that often coincide with urban river environments. This article aims to analyze the occurrence of extreme events caused by rainfall in mesoregion Zona da Mata in Pernambuco, Brazil, specifically, the municipalities of Barreiros and Palmares. Furthermore, the risk conditions that led or may lead to disaster areas were studied. The analysis was carried out, firstly by analyzing the descriptive statistics of the time series of precipitation and later the Rain Anomaly Index (RAI) was calculated. Satellite image analysis was then utilized to characterize the pattern of rain and atmospheric dynamics associated with the period of occurrence of selected rainfall events; heavy rainfall concentrated in a short period of time. The main rainfall event of great magnitude for municipalities occurred in June 2010 caused by Eastern wave disturbance, which led to the flooding of rivers and flooding in several cities in the basin of Una and Mundau rivers.Las inundaciones son fenómenos naturales asociados con peculiaridades urbanas se convierten en fuentes de peligro, el empeoramiento de las condiciones de vida de la población en la ciudad. En Brasil, los escenarios de degradación del medio ambiente que resultan de las desigualdades sociales y la infraestructura deficiente, junto con la ocupación de los problemas de espacio de relieve los riesgos y las vulnerabilidades que suelen coincidir con los entornos de los ríos urbanos. Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la ocurrencia de eventos extremos causados por las lluvias en mesorregión Zona da Mata, en Pernambuco, Brasil, sobre la base, los municipios de Barreiros y Palmares, está tratando de comprender la dinámica de las lluvias asociadas con el período de ocurrencia de un evento. Además, se investigó las condiciones de riesgo que llevaron o puedan dar lugar a zonas de desastre en el estudiada. Se seleccionaron los datos de lluvia disponible en la Agencia de Pernambuco Agua y Clima y (sistema de monitoreo agrometeorológico. El análisis se llevó a cabo, en primer lugar, las estadísticas descriptivas de las series de tiempo de precipitación, se calculó la tarde del índice de anomalías de lluvia (IAC) y análisis de imágenes de satélite para caracterizar el modelo de la lluvia y la dinámica atmosférica asociados con el período de ocurrencia de eventos de lluvias fuertes lluvias seleccionados, se concentró en un corto período de tiempo. también se llevó a cabo el trabajo de campo para registrar el impacto del evento. el principal evento de gran magnitud para los municipios precipitaciones fue lo que sucedió en junio de 2010 causado por la interrupción de la onda del Este que dio lugar a la inundación de ríos e inundaciones en varias ciudades de la cuenca del río Una y Mundaú

Liquid-liquid equilibria in aqueous two-phase ethanol/salt systems at different temperatures and their application to anthocyanins extraction

Abstract Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) are formed by mixtures of chemical species that, under certain conditions, separate into two immiscible phases, with water as the major component in global terms and, at lower concentrations, polymers, salts, ionic liquids and alcohols, depending on the system type. Different parameters influence ATPS equilibrium such as temperature, alcohol carbon chain size, salt type, pH, etc. The present work aimed to obtain the binodal curves for ATPS made up of ethanol, sodium citrate/ammonium sulfate and water at different temperatures (15, 25 and 35 °C) as well as to evaluate the potential of the ethanol/ammonium sulfate system in anthocyanins partition. The results showed that the increase in temperature did not alter the biphasic region in the temperature range investigated, not influencing the formation of phases. Nonlinear equations were satisfactorily fitted to binodal curves data, except for sodium citrate-containing ATPS at 15 °C. Higher concentration of the overall mixture resulted in longer tie-line of ammonium sulphate-containing ATPS. Higher values of partition coefficient and recovery yield of Syzygium cumini fruit anthocyanins were obtained at longer tie-lines

Evaluation of diagnostic tests for Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Brazilian schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Since the launch of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, more than 70% of the endemic countries have implemented mass drug administration (MDA) to interrupt disease transmission. The monitoring of filarial infection in sentinel populations, particularly schoolchildren, is recommended to assess the impact of MDA. A key issue is choosing the appropriate tools for these initial assessments (to define the best intervention) and for monitoring transmission. METHODS: This study compared the pre-MDA performance of five diagnostic methods, namely, thick film test, Knott's technique, filtration, Og4C3-ELISA, and the AD12-ICT card test, in schoolchildren from Brazil. Venous and capillary blood samples were collected between 11 pm and 1 am. The microfilarial loads were analyzed with a negative binomial regression, and the prevalence and associated 95% confidence intervals were estimated for all methods. The accuracies of the AD12-ICT card and Og4C3-ELISA tests were assessed against the combination of parasitological test results. RESULTS: A total of 805 schoolchildren were examined. The overall and stratified prevalence by age group and gender detected by Og4C3-ELISA and AD12-ICT were markedly higher than the prevalence estimated by the parasitological methods. The sensitivity of the AD12-ICT card and Og4C3-ELISA tests was approximately 100%, and the positive likelihood ratios were above 6. The specificity of the Og4C3-ELISA was higher than that of the AD12-ICT at different prevalence levels. CONCLUSIONS: The ICT card test should be the recommended tool for monitoring school-age populations living in areas with ongoing or completed MDA