ÁGUAS TERMAIS COMO TEMÁTICA NO ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS

The teaching of natural science today is based on the mere transmission of content, the use of textbooks, chalk and blackboard. This posture by teachers discourage students learn, so it is of paramount importance the use of methodological proposals that encourage students both to learn in a meaningful and contextualized way, as they become critical citizens, and identify the interrelationships the specific concepts of science to the understanding of natural phenomena. The work has as its theme the thermal waters showing the importance of the subject in every detail, highlighting clearly the water and its applications in various forms. The aim of the study was to describe how the theme of water and its treatment is covered within the science education in which teaching and learning takes place procedural and contextualized way.O ensino de Ciência Natural ainda hoje é baseado na mera transmissão de conteúdos, ao uso de livro didático, giz e quadro negro. Esta postura por parte dos professores desestimula os estudantes a aprender, sendo assim é de primordial importância a utilização de propostas metodológicas que incentivem os estudantes, tanto para que aprendam de forma significativa e contextualizada, quanto se tornarem cidadãos críticos, e identifique as inter-relações dos conceitos específicos das ciências para o entendimento dos fenômenos naturais. O trabalho tem como tema as águas termais mostrando a importância do tema em todos os detalhes, destacando de forma clara a água e suas aplicações em várias formas. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever como o tema da água e seu tratamento é abordado dentro do ensino de ciências, no qual o ensino-aprendizado ocorre de maneira processual e contextualizada

A distributed computation of Interpro Pfam, PROSITE and ProDom for protein annotation

Interpro is a widely used tool for protein annotation in genome sequencing projects, demanding a large amount of computation and representing a huge time-consuming step. We present a strategy to execute programs using databases Pfam, PROSITE and ProDom of Interpro in a distributed environment using a Java-based messaging system. We developed a two-layer scheduling architecture of the distributed infrastructure. Then, we made experiments and analyzed the results. Our distributed system gave much better results than Interpro Pfam, PROSITE and ProDom running in a centralized platform. This approach seems to be appropriate and promising for highly demanding computational tools used for biological applications

Pulmonary hemorrhage in dengue: differential diagnosis with acute viral respiratory syndromes including COVID-19

Clinical similarities among viral diseases become even more relevant considering the current scenario, especially in Brazil, where there is a high incidence of these diseases and overlapping seasonality. We report the case of a patient with acute clinical manifestations composed of predominant respiratory symptoms and alveolar hemorrhage in which three etiologies (dengue, influenza and COVID-19) were investigated concomitantly. Only the diagnosis of dengue was confirmed. Then, the patient’s immunological profile in response to stimulation of mononuclear cells with dengue virus antigen was analyzed in an attempt to identify specific characteristics that could be associated with the clinical manifestation

Controle genético do teor proteico nos grãos e de caracteres agronômicos em milho cultivado com diferentes níveis de adubação nitrogenada

The objective of this work was to determine the genetic control of grain protein content and of the agronomic traits of corn (Zea mays) at different levels of nitrogen fertilization. Nine parent populations and their hybrids were evaluated in a complete diallel mating design, with two levels of nitrogen fertilization. The variables evaluated were: relative chlorophyll index, plant height, ear height, ear production, grain yield, grain color, mass of 100 grains, density of grains, nitrogen content in the leaves and grain protein content. Increasing levels of nitrogen fertilization increased the relative chlorophyll index, ear height and grain protein content. However, only grain production had distinct genetic control at different levels of nitrogen. Diallel analysis showed significant genotype effect in all traits, except for grain and ear production. For most of the variables, there was significance of heterosis effect. For grain protein content, there was no significance for specific combining ability, and genotypes general combining ability had more important effects in the expression of this character.O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o controle genético do teor de proteína em grãos e de caracteres agronômicos de milho (Zea mays) cultivado com diferentes níveis de adubação nitrogenada. Foram avaliados nove genitores de milho e seus híbridos, em dialelo completo, com dois níveis de adubação nitrogenada. Os caracteres avaliados foram: índice relativo de clorofila, altura de plantas, altura de espigas, produção de espigas, produção de grãos, coloração de grãos, massa de cem grãos, densidade de grãos, teor de nitrogênio nas folhas e teor de proteína nos grãos. A elevação da adubação nitrogenada promoveu aumento nos caracteres índice relativo de clorofila, altura de espigas e teor de proteínas nos grãos. Apenas a variável produção de grãos apresentou controle genético distinto nos diferentes níveis de nitrogênio. A análise dialélica mostrou significância dos efeitos dos genótipos sobre todos os caracteres, com exceção da produção de espigas e de grãos, e foi possível observar significância da heterose na maioria das variáveis. Para o teor de proteínas nos grãos, não houve significância da capacidade específica de combinação, e a capacidade geral de combinação dos genótipos teve efeito mais importante na manifestação desse caráter

CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF FREE OR COMPLEXED LINALOOL WITH Β-CYCLODEXTRIN: A FOCUS FOR ANTIHYPERTENSIVE ACTION

Investigating the cardiovascular effects of natural compounds, such as linalool, has aroused interest due to the potential impact on cardiovascular health. Linalool, a component present in several essential oils, has demonstrated promising pharmacological properties, including antihypertensive activity. However, its bioavailability and efficacy can be influenced by complexation with β-cyclodextrin, a strategy frequently used to improve the solubility and stability of bioactive substances. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature, exploring the cardiovascular effects of free linalool and linalool complexed with β-cyclodextrin. Objective: To investigate the cardiovascular effects of free linalool and linalool complexed with β-cyclodextrin, with emphasis on the antihypertensive action, through a systematic review of the literature. Methodology: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted, using the descriptors "linalool", "β-cyclodextrin", "cardiovascular effects", "antihypertensive" and "complexation". The inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focusing on in vivo experiments, clinical trials and systematic reviews. Articles unrelated to the topic, duplicate studies and those without peer review were excluded. Results: They revealed that linalool, when complexed with β-cyclodextrin, presented greater bioavailability and stability, enhancing its antihypertensive action. In vivo studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive animal models. Furthermore, the complexation positively influenced the gastrointestinal absorption of linalool. These findings suggest that the complexed formulation may represent an effective approach to improving the cardiovascular effects of linalool. Conclusion: The systematic review highlights the relevance of complexing linalool to β-cyclodextrin as a strategy to enhance its antihypertensive effects. Understanding these mechanisms can contribute to the development of more effective pharmaceutical formulations in the management of hypertension, promoting advances in cardiovascular therapy.Investigating the cardiovascular effects of natural compounds, such as linalool, has aroused interest due to the potential impact on cardiovascular health. Linalool, a component present in several essential oils, has demonstrated promising pharmacological properties, including antihypertensive activity. However, its bioavailability and efficacy can be influenced by complexation with β-cyclodextrin, a strategy frequently used to improve the solubility and stability of bioactive substances. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review of the literature, exploring the cardiovascular effects of free linalool and linalool complexed with β-cyclodextrin. Objective: To investigate the cardiovascular effects of free linalool and linalool complexed with β-cyclodextrin, with emphasis on the antihypertensive action, through a systematic review of the literature. Methodology: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were consulted, using the descriptors "linalool", "β-cyclodextrin", "cardiovascular effects", "antihypertensive" and "complexation". The inclusion criteria covered studies published in the last 10 years, focusing on in vivo experiments, clinical trials and systematic reviews. Articles unrelated to the topic, duplicate studies and those without peer review were excluded. Results: They revealed that linalool, when complexed with β-cyclodextrin, presented greater bioavailability and stability, enhancing its antihypertensive action. In vivo studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive animal models. Furthermore, the complexation positively influenced the gastrointestinal absorption of linalool. These findings suggest that the complexed formulation may represent an effective approach to improving the cardiovascular effects of linalool. Conclusion: The systematic review highlights the relevance of complexing linalool to β-cyclodextrin as a strategy to enhance its antihypertensive effects. Understanding these mechanisms can contribute to the development of more effective pharmaceutical formulations in the management of hypertension, promoting advances in cardiovascular therapy

Tendências Narcisistas: uma análise do transtorno de personalidade narcisista na era das redes sociais

Narcissism is a personality disorder, which has been related to the development of digital media, with a focus on Instagram and other networks, analyzing how the search for validation and recognition impacts online interactions. The objective was to understand the relationship between narcissism and digital social dynamics. The methodology included a bibliographic review of articles published in the last 10 years, using specific descriptors. The results highlighted the correlation between narcissistic disorder and social factors, highlighting the search for validation and recognition as key elements in online interactions. The analysis pointed to the amplification of narcissistic patterns in contemporary society through social networks, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of narcissism in the digital age. Therefore, the importance of understanding the challenges and nuances of narcissism in the digital age stands out, especially in the context of social networks such as Instagram. The analysis highlights the complex relationship between narcissism and online interactions, highlighting the incessant search for validation and recognition as a significant aspect. The final reflection emphasizes the need to consider the psychological and social impacts of narcissism in contemporary dynamics, highlighting the importance of promoting a deeper understanding of these phenomena to deal with the complexities of virtual relationships.El narcisismo es un trastorno de la personalidad, que se ha relacionado con el desarrollo de los medios digitales, con foco en Instagram y otras redes, analizando cómo la búsqueda de validación y reconocimiento impacta en las interacciones online. El objetivo fue comprender la relación entre el narcisismo y la dinámica social digital. La metodología incluyó una revisión bibliográfica de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años, utilizando descriptores específicos. Los resultados resaltaron la correlación entre el trastorno narcisista y los factores sociales, destacando la búsqueda de validación y reconocimiento como elementos clave en las interacciones online. El análisis señaló la amplificación de los patrones narcisistas en la sociedad contemporánea a través de las redes sociales, destacando la importancia de comprender los impactos del narcisismo en la era digital. Por tanto, destaca la importancia de comprender los desafíos y matices del narcisismo en la era digital, especialmente en el contexto de redes sociales como Instagram. El análisis destaca la compleja relación entre el narcisismo y las interacciones en línea, destacando la búsqueda incesante de validación y reconocimiento como un aspecto significativo. La reflexión final enfatiza la necesidad de considerar los impactos psicológicos y sociales del narcisismo en las dinámicas contemporáneas, destacando la importancia de promover una comprensión más profunda de estos fenómenos para abordar las complejidades de las relaciones virtuales.O narcisismo é um transtorno de personalidade, o qual tem sido relacionado com o desenvolvimento dos meios de comunicação digitais, sendo está com foco no Instagram e em outras redes, analisando como a busca por validação e reconhecimento impacta as interações online. O objetivo foi compreender a relação entre o narcisismo e as dinâmicas sociais digitais. A metodologia incluiu uma revisão bibliográfica de artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, utilizando descritores específicos. Os resultados destacaram a correlação entre o transtorno narcisista e fatores sociais, ressaltando a busca por validação e reconhecimento como elementos-chave nas interações online. A análise apontou para a amplificação de padrões narcísicos na sociedade contemporânea através das redes sociais, evidenciando a importância de compreender os impactos do narcisismo na era digital. Portanto, destaca-se a importância de compreender os desafios e nuances do narcisismo na era digital, especialmente no contexto das redes sociais como o Instagram. A análise ressalta a complexa relação entre o narcisismo e as interações online, evidenciando a busca incessante por validação e reconhecimento como um aspecto significativo. A reflexão final enfatiza a necessidade de considerar os impactos psicológicos e sociais do narcisismo nas dinâmicas contemporâneas, ressaltando a importância de promover uma compreensão mais profunda desses fenômenos para lidar com as complexidades das relações virtuais

Evaluation of three recombinant proteins for the development of ELISA and immunochromatographic tests for visceral leishmaniasis serodiagnosis.

BACKGROUND Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease that is a significant cause of death among infants aged under 1 year and the elderly in Brazil. Serodiagnosis is a mainstay of VL elimination programs; however, it has significant limitations due to low accuracy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate three recombinant Leishmania infantum proteins (rFc, rC9, and rA2) selected from previous proteomics and genomics analyses to develop enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic tests (ICT) for the serodiagnosis of human VL (HVL) and canine VL (CVL). METHODS A total of 186 human (70 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 20 other disease-infected, and 96 healthy) and 185 canine (82 L. infantum-infected symptomatic, 27 L. infantum-infected asymptomatic, and 76 healthy) sera samples were used for antibody detection. FINDINGS Of the three proteins, rA2 (91.5% sensitivity and 87% specificity) and rC9 (95.7% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity) displayed the best performance in ELISA-HVL and ELISA-CVL, respectively. ICT-rA2 also displayed the best performance for HVL diagnosis (92.3% sensitivity and 88.0% specificity) and had high concordance with immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFAT), ELISA-rK39, IT-LEISH?, and ELISAEXT. ICT-rFc, ICT-rC9, and ICT-rA2 had sensitivities of 88.6%, 86.5%, and 87.0%, respectively, with specificity values of 84.0%, 92.0%, and 100%, respectively for CVL diagnosis. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The three antigens selected by us are promising candidates for VL diagnosis regardless of the test format, although the antigen combinations and test parameters may warrant further optimisation

The Genetic Structure of Leishmania infantum Populations in Brazil and Its Possible Association with the Transmission Cycle of Visceral Leishmaniasis

Leishmania infantum is the etiologic agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Americas, Mediterranean basin and West and Central Asia. Although the geographic structure of L. infantum populations from the Old World have been described, few studies have addressed the population structure of this parasite in the Neotropical region. We employed 14 microsatellites to analyze the population structure of the L. infantum strains isolated from humans and dogs from most of the Brazilian states endemic for VL and from Paraguay. The results indicate a low genetic diversity, high inbreeding estimates and a depletion of heterozygotes, which together indicate a predominantly clonal breeding system, but signs of sexual events are also present. Three populations were identified from the clustering analysis, and they were well supported by F statistics inferences and partially corroborated by distance-based. POP1 (111 strains) was observed in all but one endemic area. POP2 (31 strains) is also well-dispersed, but it was the predominant population in Mato Grosso (MT). POP3 (31 strains) was less dispersed, and it was observed primarily in Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). Strains originated from an outbreak of canine VL in Southern Brazil were grouped in POP1 with those from Paraguay, which corroborates the hypothesis of dispersal from Northeastern Argentina and Paraguay. The distribution of VL in MS seems to follow the west-east construction of the Bolivia-Brazil pipeline from Corumbá municipality. This may have resulted in a strong association of POP3 and Lutzomyia cruzi, which is the main VL vector in Corumbá, and a dispersion of this population in this region that was shaped by human interference. This vector also occurs in MT and may influence the structure of POP2. This paper presents significant advances in the understanding of the population structure of L. infantum in Brazil and its association with eco-epidemiological aspects of VL