Priodontes maximus (Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae) using a highway wildlife underpass in a fragmented Cerrado landscape from Eastern Goiás State, central Brazil

We monitored a stretch of the BR-050 highway in the State of Goiás that crosses several natural environments used by the giant armadillo, a peculiar and endangered species whose survival is threatened by vehicle collisions. Here, we present the record of highway underpass use by Priodontes maximus in a fragmented Cerrado landscape in Ipameri, Goiás. The finding confirms the use of highway underpasses by the giant armadillo and highlights that these structures should be promoted at points where P. maximus occurs in the habitats isolated by the BR-050

Low-level laser therapy and micro current in burn wound healing in rats: associated or isolated therapy?

This study aimed to investigate if there are differences between the associated and isolated therapies from the laser and micro current on healing of burn wound healing in rats. A total of 40 male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control group (CG), micro current group (MG), laser group (LG) and laser/micro current group (LMG), treated with associated laser and micro current. Thermal damage was done on the back of the animal and a total of ten days therapy was performed. After treatment samples were taken from the lesions to perform semi quantitative histopathological study using Hematoxylin Eosin and Masson Trichrome. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's Test were used for statistical analyses. We observed a significant difference between groups for production of fibroblasts (p=0.0003), collagen (p=0.0153), neoangiogenesis (p=0.0031) and skin annexes (p=0.0004). In semi-quantitative histological analysis, the LMG showed lower values in presence of collagen, fibroblasts and number of skin appendages, only for neoangiogenesis, the associated therapy showed similar values to single modality therapy groups. Laser and microcurrent have beneficial effects on tissue healing. However, it is suggested that the association of these two therapies reduces the effectiveness of the treatment when compared to single mode treatment.Este estudio tiene el objetivo de investigar si hay diferencias entre las terapias asociadas y aisladas del láser y microcorrientes en la reparación de lesión por quemadura en ratas. Un total de 40 animales fueron divididos aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos: grupo control (GC), grupo microcorriente (GM), grupo láser (GL) y grupo láser/microcorriente (GLM), tratados con láser asociado a microcorrientes. Después de inducidas las lesiones térmicas en el dorso del animal, fueron realizados en total diez días de tratamiento. Las muestras de tejido fueron recolectadas para el estudio histopatológico semicuantitativo usando Hematoxilina Eosina y Tricómico de Masson. Fueron utilizados los tests de Kruskal-Wallis y post-hoc de Dunn's. Hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos para la producción de fibroblastos (p=0,0003), colágeno (p=0,0153), neoangiogénesis (p=0,0031) y anexos cutáneos (p=0,0004). En el análisis histológico semicuantitativo, el GLM presentó valores menores en los parámetros histológicos de presencia de colágeno, número de fibroblastos y anexos cutáneos (pEste estudo teve o objetivo de investigar se há diferenças entre as terapias associadas e isoladas do laser e microcorrentes no reparo de lesão por queimadura em ratos. Um total de 40 animais foi dividido aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: grupo controle (GC); grupo microcorrente (GM), grupo laser (GL) e grupo laser/microcorrente (GLM), tratados com laser associado a microcorrentes. Após lesões térmicas induzidas no dorso do animal, foi realizado um total de dez dias de tratamento. Amostras do tecido foram coletadas para estudo histopatológico semiquantitativo com Hematoxilina Eosina e Tricrômico de Masson. Foram utilizados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e post-hoc de Dunn. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos para a produção de fibroblastos (p=0,0003), colágeno (p=0,0153), neoangiogênese (p=0,0031) e anexos cutâneos (p=0,0004). Na análise histológica semiquantitativa, o GLM apresentou valores menores nos parâmetros histológicos de presença de colágeno, número de fibroblastos e anexos cutâneos (

Synthetic peptides elicit strong cellular immunity in Visceral Leishmaniasis natural reservoir and contribute to long-lasting polyfunctional T-cells in BALB/c mice.

Reverse vaccinology or immunoinformatics is a computational methodology which integrates data from in silico epitope prediction, associated to other important information as, for example, the predicted subcellular location of the proteins used in the design of the context of vaccine development. This approach has the potential to search for new targets for vaccine development in the predicted proteome of pathogenic organisms. To date, there is no effective vaccine employed in vaccination campaigns against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). For the first time, herein, an in silico, in vitro, and in vivo peptide screening was performed, and immunogenic peptides were selected to constitute VL peptide-based vaccines. Firstly, the screening of in silico potential peptides using dogs naturally infected by L. infantum was conducted and the peptides with the best performance were selected. The mentioned peptides were used to compose Cockt-1 (cocktail 1) and Cockt-2 (cocktail 2) in combination with saponin as the adjuvant. Therefore, tests for immunogenicity, polyfunctional T-cells, and the ability to induce central and effector memory in T-lymphocytes capacity in reducing the parasite load on the spleen for Cockt-1 and Cockt-2 were performed. Among the vaccines under study, Cockt-1 showed the best results, eliciting CD4+ and CD8+ polyfunctional T-cells, with a reduction in spleen parasitism that correlates to the generation of T CD4+ central memory and T CD8+ effector memory cells. In this way, our findings corroborate the use of immunoinformatics as a tool for the development of future vaccines against VL

Neoplasia maligna de pâncreas: taxa de mortalidade e perfil epidemiológico no Brasil entre 2018 e 2022

This article aims to analyze the epidemiology of hospitalizations and the mortality rate due to malignant neoplasia of the pancreas, in Brazil, in the last five years, based on secondary data available in the database of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS ). This is a cross-sectional descriptive study, with a documentary approach, using secondary data collected in DATASUS. During the period analyzed, 68,693 hospitalizations for malignant neoplasia of the pancreas were recorded in Brazil. It is concluded that population density, socioeconomic conditions and access to advanced medical centers influenced this distribution. Remarkable advances have been made, including the identification of risk factors such as smoking and obesity, and the association with glucose problems and diabetes as early indicators.Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a epidemiologia das internações e a taxa de mortalidade por neoplasia maligna de pâncreas, no Brasil, nos últimos cinco anos, com base em dados secundários disponíveis no banco de dados do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal, com abordagem documental, através de dados secundários coletados no DATASUS. No período analisado, foram registradas 68.693 internações por neoplasia maligna de pâncreas, no Brasil. Conclui-se que a densidade populacional, condições socioeconômicas e acesso a centros médicos avançados influenciaram essa distribuição. Avanços notáveis foram feitos, incluindo a identificação de fatores de risco como tabagismo e obesidade, e a associação com problemas de glicose e diabetes como indicadores precoces. &nbsp

A vaccine therapy for canine visceral leishmaniasis promoted significant improvement of clinical and immune status with reduction in parasite burden.

Herein, we evaluated the treatment strategy employing a therapeutic heterologous vaccine composed of antigens of Leishmania braziliensis associated with MPL adjuvant (LBMPL vaccine) for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. Sixteen dogs received immunotherapy with MPL adjuvant (n = 6) or with a vaccine composed of antigens of L. braziliensis associated with MPL (LBMPL vaccine therapy, n = 10). Dogs were submitted to an immunotherapeutic scheme consisting of 3 series composed of 10 subcutaneous doses with 10-day interval between each series. The animals were evaluated before (T0) and 90 days after treatment (T90) for their biochemical/hematological, immunological, clinical, and parasitological variables. Our major results showed that the vaccine therapy with LBMPL was able to restore and normalize main biochemical (urea, AST, ALP, and bilirubin) and hematological (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets) parameters. In addition, in an ex vivo analysis using flow cytometry, dogs treated with LBMPL vaccine showed increased CD3+ T lymphocytes and their subpopulations (TCD4+ and TCD8+), reduction of CD21+ B lymphocytes, increased NK cells (CD5?CD16+) and CD14+ monocytes. Under in vitro conditions, the animals developed a strong antigen- specific lymphoproliferation mainly by TCD4+ and TCD8+ cells; increasing in both TCD4+IFN-?+ and TCD8+IFN-?+ as well as reduction of TCD4+IL-4+ and TCD8+IL-4+ lymphocytes with an increased production of TNF-? and reduced levels of IL-10. Concerning the clinical signs of canine visceral leishmaniasis, the animals showed an important reduction in the number and intensity of the disease signs; increase body weight as well as reduction of splenomegaly. In addition, the LBMPL immunotherapy also promoted a reduction in parasite burden assessed by real-time PCR. In the bone marrow, we observed seven times less parasites in LBMPL animals compared with MPL group. The skin tissue showed a reduction in parasite burden in LBMPL dogs 127.5 times higher than MPL. As expected, with skin parasite reduction promoted by immunotherapy, we observed a blocking transmission to sand flies in LBMPL dogs with only three positive dogs after xenodiagnosis. The results obtained in this study highlighted the strong potential for the use of this heterologous vaccine therapy as an important strategy for VL treatment

A vaccine therapy for canine visceral leishmaniasis promoted significant improvement of clinical and immune status with reduction in parasite burden.

Herein, we evaluated the treatment strategy employing a therapeutic heterologous vaccine composed of antigens of Leishmania braziliensis associated with MPL adjuvant (LBMPL vaccine) for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in symptomatic dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. Sixteen dogs received immunotherapy with MPL adjuvant (n = 6) or with a vaccine composed of antigens of L. braziliensis associated with MPL (LBMPL vaccine therapy, n = 10). Dogs were submitted to an immunotherapeutic scheme consisting of 3 series composed of 10 subcutaneous doses with 10-day interval between each series. The animals were evaluated before (T0) and 90 days after treatment (T90) for their biochemical/hematological, immunological, clinical, and parasitological variables. Our major results showed that the vaccine therapy with LBMPL was able to restore and normalize main biochemical (urea, AST, ALP, and bilirubin) and hematological (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets) parameters. In addition, in an ex vivo analysis using flow cytometry, dogs treated with LBMPL vaccine showed increased CD3+ T lymphocytes and their subpopulations (TCD4+ and TCD8+), reduction of CD21+ B lymphocytes, increased NK cells (CD5?CD16+) and CD14+ monocytes. Under in vitro conditions, the animals developed a strong antigen- specific lymphoproliferation mainly by TCD4+ and TCD8+ cells; increasing in both TCD4+IFN-?+ and TCD8+IFN-?+ as well as reduction of TCD4+IL-4+ and TCD8+IL-4+ lymphocytes with an increased production of TNF-? and reduced levels of IL-10. Concerning the clinical signs of canine visceral leishmaniasis, the animals showed an important reduction in the number and intensity of the disease signs; increase body weight as well as reduction of splenomegaly. In addition, the LBMPL immunotherapy also promoted a reduction in parasite burden assessed by real-time PCR. In the bone marrow, we observed seven times less parasites in LBMPL animals compared with MPL group. The skin tissue showed a reduction in parasite burden in LBMPL dogs 127.5 times higher than MPL. As expected, with skin parasite reduction promoted by immunotherapy, we observed a blocking transmission to sand flies in LBMPL dogs with only three positive dogs after xenodiagnosis. The results obtained in this study highlighted the strong potential for the use of this heterologous vaccine therapy as an important strategy for VL treatment

Câncer de Endométrio: aspectos epidemiológicos e tratamento

This article aims to evaluate the epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant neoplasia of the endometrium. This is an integrative review using the VHL, SciELO, LILACS and PubMed as databases over the last 5 years. 272 articles on the topic were evaluated with an emphasis on a synthesis of the most recent knowledge and greater scientific consistency. Endometrial cancer has emerged as a common malignancy among women, especially post-menopausal women. Although an effective screening test is not available, the presence of abnormal vaginal bleeding can alert the patient. New studies are being carried out to increase therapeutic possibilities.Este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar os aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnóstico e tratamento das pacientes com neoplasia maligna do endométrio. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa utilizando como base de dados a BVS, a SciELO, o LILACS e o PubMed, nos últimos 5 anos. Foram avaliados 272 artigos sobre o tema com ênfase em uma síntese dos conhecimentos mais recentes e de maior consistência científica. O câncer de endométrio tem-se destacado como uma neoplasia maligna comum entre as mulheres, principalmente na pós menopausa. Apesar de não ter disponível um exame efetivo para rastreamento, a presença de sangramento vaginal anormal pode alertar a paciente Novos estudos estão sendo realizados para aumentar as possibilidades terapêuticas

Phylogenetic analysis of rabies surveillance samples from north and northeast Brazil

Viruses of the Lyssavirus genus are classified into several genotypes (GT1 to GT7), of which only GT1 (classic rabies virus—RABV) has a cosmopolitan distribution and circulates in Brazil. GT1 is subdivided into several antigenic variants (AgV) maintained in independent cycles with a narrow host range and distinct geographic distributions, namely, AgV1 and AgV2 found in dogs, AgV3 in the vampire bats Desmodus rotundus, and AgV4 and AgV6 in bats non-hematophagous Tadarida brasiliensis and Lasiurus cinereus, a common variant of marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), and crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). In this study, we performed phylogenetic analysis to identify at the antigenic variant level; six RABV genomes derived from the Rabies Surveillance in the north and northeast regions of Brazil. The analysis resulted in the formation of 11 monophyletic clusters, each corresponding to a particular variant, with high bootstrap support values. The samples were positioned inside the AgV3, AgV6, and Callithrix variant clades. This is the first report of the AgV6 variant found in northern Brazil, which provides valuable information for rabies surveillance in the country. The possibility of viral spillover has been much debated, as it deals with the risk of shifting transmission from a primary to a secondary host. However, more genomic surveillance studies should be performed, with a greater number and diversity of samples to better understand the transmission dynamics of each variant to detect changes in its geographic distribution and spillover events

Pervasive gaps in Amazonian ecological research

Biodiversity loss is one of the main challenges of our time,1,2 and attempts to address it require a clear un derstanding of how ecological communities respond to environmental change across time and space.3,4 While the increasing availability of global databases on ecological communities has advanced our knowledge of biodiversity sensitivity to environmental changes,5–7 vast areas of the tropics remain understudied.8–11 In the American tropics, Amazonia stands out as the world’s most diverse rainforest and the primary source of Neotropical biodiversity,12 but it remains among the least known forests in America and is often underrepre sented in biodiversity databases.13–15 To worsen this situation, human-induced modifications16,17 may elim inate pieces of the Amazon’s biodiversity puzzle before we can use them to understand how ecological com munities are responding. To increase generalization and applicability of biodiversity knowledge,18,19 it is thus crucial to reduce biases in ecological research, particularly in regions projected to face the most pronounced environmental changes. We integrate ecological community metadata of 7,694 sampling sites for multiple or ganism groups in a machine learning model framework to map the research probability across the Brazilian Amazonia, while identifying the region’s vulnerability to environmental change. 15%–18% of the most ne glected areas in ecological research are expected to experience severe climate or land use changes by 2050. This means that unless we take immediate action, we will not be able to establish their current status, much less monitor how it is changing and what is being lostinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio