Investigation of the pathways related to intrinsic miltefosine tolerance in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis clinical isolates reveals differences in drug uptake

In Brazil, cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused predominantly by L. (V.) braziliensis. The few therapeutic drugs available exhibit several limitations, mainly related to drug toxicity and reduced efficacy in some regions. Miltefosine (MF), the only oral drug available for leishmaniasis treatment, is not widely available and has not yet been approved for human use in Brazil. Our group previously reported the existence of differential susceptibility among L. (V.) braziliensis clinical isolates. In this work, we further characterized three of these isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis chosen because they exhibited the lowest and the highest MF half maximal inhibitory concentrations and were therefore considered less tolerant or more tolerant, respectively. Uptake of MF, and also of phosphocholine, were found to be significantly different in more tolerant parasites compared to the less sensitive isolate, which raised the hypothesis of differences in the MF transport complex Miltefosine Transporter (MT)-Ros3. Although some polymorphisms in those genes were found, they did not correlate with the drug susceptibility phenotype. Drug efflux and compartmentalization were similar in the isolates tested, and amphotericin B susceptibility was retained in MF tolerant parasites, suggesting that increased fitness was also not the basis of observed differences. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Ros3 mRNA levels were upregulated in the sensitive strain compared to the tolerant ones. Increased mRNA abundance in more tolerant isolates was validated by quantitative PCR. Our results suggest that differential gene expression of the MT transporter complex is the basis of the differential susceptibility in these unselected, naturally occurring parasites

Adsorption of heavy metals from coal acid mine drainage by shrimp shell waste: Isotherm and continuous-flow studies

The main characteristics of coal acid mine drainage (AMD) are low pH and high concentrations of sulfate and different metallic ions. The objective of this research was to study the sorption equilibrium of the removal of metal ions and acids present in coal AMD using shrimp shell in natura (SS) as a biomaterial as well as the behavior of the continuous-flow removal process. The isotherms assays were carried out with synthetic solutions and natural AMD aiming to identify significant differences on metals ions removal by SS. Five isotherm models were studied. R2 values and error statistical functions studies showed that the Freundlich isotherm model was the most appropriate for fitting the experimental data with both synthetic solutions and natural AMD, indicating a metallic removal via a physisorption mechanism. The removal of metal ions in continuous descendent flow was up to 90% Fe and 88% Mn, and the pH increased from 3.49 to 6.77. The adsorption capacities of Fe and Mn resulted in 17.43 and 3.87 mg g−1 SS, respectively. Computing chemical modelling (Visual MINTEQ® software) indicated the sorption was a predominant mechanism on AMD remediation with SS, but with high pH-dependence. This study confirms the suitability of the proposed treatment and provides valuable information for designing a low-cost remediation process for AM

Chitin as a substrate for the biostimulation of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the treatment of mine-impacted water (MIW)

This study aims to know the basis of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and chitin source relationship for the development of a biotreatment system for mine-impacted water (MIW). The MIW consists of river water impacted by coal acid mine drainage (AMD), an extremely acid effluent, rich in sulfate and dissolved metal ions, with a high pollutant potential. Chitin was used as metal ion sorbent and biostimulant of SRB, whose anaerobic dissimilatory metabolism reduces sulfate to sulfide. Microcosms were built in an oxygen-free atmosphere using chitin from two different sources: commercial chitin and shrimp shell waste, which contains calcium carbonate, an acidity removal agent, in addition to chitin. The results indicate that the shrimp shell performs best in removing sulfate (99.75%), iron (99.04%), aluminum (98.47%), and manganese (100%) ions. The iron ion sorption kinetics of the sediments were also studied; pseudo-second order behavior was observed. Highthroughput sequencing analysis revealed the present bacterial community and its abundance in the microcosms after 11 and 30 treatment days: SRB were detected but were not the majority. Thus, this research aims to contribute to the sustainable treatment MIW through the employment of an abundant and low-cost biomateria

Success: Strategic Use of Competitiveness towards Consolidating the Economic Sustainability of the European Seafood Sector

The H2020 SUCCESS project aims at improving the competitiveness and economic sustainability of the European seafood sector. In accordance with the Call (BG-10-2014), SUCCESS will in particular identify "success stories", defined as innovative or alternative ways of running aquaculture and fisheries businesses. These exemplary cases will be reported during the project, in order to understand how likely they are to modify the economic performances of production activities, and improve the competitiveness of the seafood industry. In addition, as part of the dissemination activity, it was decided to produce a film presenting some selected successful cases. As part of the SUCCESS Special Session, we propose (1) to present the methodology followed to identify the potential "success stories", (2) to describe the cases selected and (3) to show a preliminary compilation of the first films.Proceedings of the Eighteenth Biennial Conference of the International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade, held July 11-15, 2016 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Center (AECC), Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Using of undergraduate student’s feedback, learning process and growth mindset to improve the teaching and learning at university

Several researches indicate that undergraduate students are unsatisfied with their learning experience at university. One of the reasons is the non-effective communication between teachers and students. The non-effective communication may cause problems in teaching and learning, which are fundamental and professional skills that teachers and students must continually develop. Problems in teaching and learning impact directly the learning experience at university of the students, and improve the communication between teachers and students can solve the problems. The communication and, consequently, the teaching and learning, can be improved using the undergraduate student’s feedback. In this paper, a methodology to improve the teaching and learning is presented. The methodology is based on the use of undergraduate student’s feedback, and it was utilized in an electrical engineering classroom during one year. Based on the results, teaching, learning, communication, motivation, engagement and satisfaction of the teacher and students have improved correlating the methodology with the learning process and growth mindset

A DNA-Free Editing Platform for Genetic Screens in Soybean via CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Delivery

CRISPR/Cas9-based ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-mediated system has the property of minimizing the effects related to the unwanted introduction of vector DNA and random integration of recombinant DNA. Here, we describe a platform based on the direct delivery of Cas9 RNPs to soybean protoplasts for genetic screens in knockout gene-edited soybean lines without the transfection of DNA vectors. The platform is based on the isolation of soybean protoplasts and delivery of Cas RNP complex. To empirically test our platform, we have chosen a model gene from the soybean genetic toolbox. We have used five different guide RNA (gRNA) sequences that targeted the constitutive pathogen response 5 (CPR5) gene associated with the growth of trichomes in soybean. In addition, efficient protoplast transformation, concentration, and ratio of Cas9 and gRNAs were optimized for soybean for the first time. Targeted mutagenesis insertion and deletion frequency and sequences were analyzed using both Sanger and targeted deep sequencing strategies. We were able to identify different mutation patterns within insertions and deletions (InDels) between + 5 nt and –30 bp and mutation frequency ranging from 4.2 to 18.1% in the GmCPR5 locus. Our results showed that DNA-free delivery of Cas9 complexes to protoplasts is a useful approach to perform early-stage genetic screens and anticipated analysis of Cas9 activity in soybeans.publishedVersio

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome: association of operative treatment with foam sclerotherapy

The Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome is the association of hemangioma, venous ectasia, and hypertrophy of the affected body segment. We report the case of a 39-year-old male followed-up since 1993 due to onset of symptoms in the left lower limb. He was treated only with the use of elastic stockings and general measures. Over the years, he had worsening of venous stasis, of bone hypertrophy, and of skin hyperpigmentation. Color-coded Doppler ultrasonography of the lower limbs showed patency of the deep venous system, venous overflow, segmentar insufficiency of the greater saphenous vein with signs of thrombophlebitis, and insufficient tributary veins. In order to improve venous stasis, ligation of the left sapheno-femoral junction and retrograde foam sclerotherapy (polidocanol 3%) with resection of tributary veins were performed. The patient was discharged in the first postoperative day and has been followed as an outpatient, presenting significant improvement of the symptoms.A Síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber representa a associação de hemangiomas planos, ectasias venosas e hipertrofia do segmento corpóreo afetado. Apresenta-se o caso de um paciente de 39 anos, sexo masculino, seguido desde 1993 no serviço da Disciplina de Cirurgia Vascular da Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP), por quadro inicial da síndrome em membro inferior esquerdo. O paciente foi tratado apenas por elastocompressão e medidas gerais. Neste período, ele evoluiu com piora da estase venosa, da hipertrofia óssea e da hiperpigmentação de pele. Na ultrassonografia Doppler colorida venosa dos membros inferiores havia perviedade do sistema venoso profundo, hiperfluxo venoso, insuficiência segmentar de veia safena magna com sinais de tromboflebite e tributárias insuficientes. Indicou-se, para a melhora da estase venosa, ligadura da junção safeno-femoral esquerda e escleroterapia (polidocanol 3%) retrógrada da mesma, com exérese das ectasias venosas. O paciente recebeu alta hospitalar no primeiro dia pós-operatório e atualmente está em acompanhamento ambulatorial com melhora significativa dos sintomas.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Efeitos de subdoses de glyphosate em plantas jovens de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Aubl.)

This study aimed to evaluate phytotoxic effects of glyphosate subdoses in seedlings of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Aubl.). One year after seedlings planting three reduced rates of glyphosate were studied, as follows: T1 - 86.4, T2 - 172.8 and T3 - 345.6 g e a ha-1 and T4 - control (without application). At 7, 14, 21, 28 and 180 days after application (DAA) of herbicide, scores were assigned for visual phytotoxicity, and in the last evaluation were took measurements of increase in height and in trunk diameter plants. Glyphosate drift in H. brasiliensis caused damage to the application at 345.6 g i.a ha-1 dose, reducing plant development in height and diameter, however, there was recovery in the growth of these plants observed after 180 days after herbicide application.O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos fitotóxicos de subdoses de glyphosate em plantas jovens de seringueira (Hevea brasiliensis Aubl.). Um ano após o plantio das mudas, foram testadas três subdosagens de glyphosate, sendo: T1 86,4; T2 172,8 e T3 345,6 g e.a ha-1, e T4 testemunha sem aplicação. Aos 7, 14, 21, 28 e 180 dias após a aplicação (DAA) do herbicida foram atribuídas notas para fitotoxicidade visual, sendo que na última avaliação foram feitas as medições do incremento em altura e diâmetro do tronco das plantas. A subdosagem de glyphosate em H. brasiliensis causou danos na dosagem de 345,6 g i.a ha-1, reduzindo o desenvolvimento das plantas em altura e diâmetro, no entanto, houve recuperação no crescimento dessas plantas, observado aos 180 dias após a aplicação do herbicida

Clinical profile and quality of life scores in Chronic Hypoparathyroidism: a transversal retrospective study

Introduction: In patients with hypoparathyroidism, conventional therapy maintains parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent mineral metabolism homeostasis but is unable to prevent emergence of comorbidities and low quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate long-term progression of patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving conventional therapy and their quality of life compared with patients with primary hypothyroidism and healthy controls. Design and Setting: Retrospective cohort study for quality-of-life analysis and transversal cut on clinical profile. Patients with hypoparathyroidism from four public referral centers in endocrinology and bone metabolism in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. Material and Methods: Quality of life by SF-36 protocol, and clinical profile by medical record analysis. Results: 243 individuals with hypoparathyroidism (n=113), hypothyroidism (n=65), and healthy controls (n=65) included. Median time since diagnosis and duration of conventional therapy was 8 years (IQR 4–17 years). Data on type of conventional therapy (median, minimum–maximum daily dose, percentage of patients with hypoparathyroidism using each medication): calcium supplementation (2000 mg/day, 200–6000 mg/day, 95%), cholecalciferol (2000 IU/day, 200–40000 IU/day, 44%), calcitriol (0.5 μg/day, 0.25–2 μg/day, 77%), thiazides (25 mg/day, 12.5–100 mg/day, 44%). Conclusions: Conventional therapy is associated with homeostasis of serum mineral levels, but not with improved quality of life. Compared to patients with hypothyroidism, those with additional hypoparathyroidism had lower scores in six SF-36 domains. Conventional therapy successfully maintained normal calcium levels with often high doses of calcium, vitamin D, and thiazides but could not prevent low quality of life scores and comorbidities