Abstract The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex. Few studies in Brazilian population have addressed cell phenotypes associated with immunological responses and their associations with SLE activity. The aim of this study is to investigate cell phenotypes associated to SLE diagnosis, treatment and activity. Twenty-eight SLE female patients (17 inactive, 11 active) and 10 healthy women were included in this study. Markers of natural killer (Nk), T and B cells in peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry. Nkt cells were decreased only in SLE active patients. Activated CD4+, regulatory T FoxP3+ and B cells were decreased in both active and inactive SLE patients, compared to control group. The data corroborate the disruption of immune regulatory response in SLE patients and suggest phenotipic changes as possible biomarkers of SLE activity.

Abstract Genomic selection has transformed the livestock industry, enabling early-life selection of animals. Biopsy sampling of pre-implantation embryos has been described since 1968. However, it was only after 2010, with the advancement of molecular biology techniques such as whole genomic amplification and SNP Chips, that next-generation sequencing became commercially available for bovine embryos. It is now possible to make decisions about which embryos to transfer not only based on recipients’ availability or embryo morphology but also on genomic estimates. This technology can be implemented for a wide spectrum of applications in livestock. In this review, we discuss the use of embryo biopsy for genomic selection and share our experience with Gir and Girolando Brazilian breeding programs, as well as future goals for implementing it in Brazilian bovine in vitro embryo production practices.

Abstract This article discusses the meanings of divinity in three spiritist soap operas on TV Globo: A Viagem, Alma Gêmea and Além do Tempo. After pointing out the relevance of soap operas in the continent and proposing a definition for the subgenre "Spiritist soap opera", I take three narrative events from each of the plots as an object of study, selecting situations in which the theme "God" anchors interactions amongst characters. For the analysis, I adopt the method of visuality combined with television style, called televisuality, so that stylistic aspects are studied in relation to sociocultural elements. The comparison between the events allows us to notice an evocation of the divine in dualisms that position characters on antagonistic sides, leading melodramatic staging between believers and non-believers. Finally, God is presented in these Spiritist soap operas as a mobilizing agent and divider of opinions, whether in narrative, stylistic and sociocultural terms.

Resumo Este artigo discute os sentidos de divindade em três telenovelas espíritas da TV Globo: A viagem, Alma gêmea e Além do tempo. Após apontar a relevância da telenovela no continente e propor uma definição para o subgênero telenovela espírita, tomo três eventos narrativos de cada uma das tramas como objeto de estudo, selecionando situações em que a temática Deus ancora interações entre personagens. Para a análise, adoto o método da visualidade combinado ao estilo televisivo, denominado televisualidade, de maneira que os aspectos estilísticos são estudados na relação com elementos socioculturais. A comparação entre os eventos permite notar uma evocação do divino em dualismos que posicionam personagens em lados antagônicos, protagonizando encenações melodramáticas entre crentes e não crentes. Por fim, Deus é apresentado nessas telenovelas espíritas como agente mobilizador e divisor de opiniões, seja em termos narrativos, estilísticos e socioculturais.

ABSTRACT This review aims to provide current information about Q fever, elucidating the etiological, epidemiological, pathogenic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic aspects of the disease for the medical community. We discuss the main forms of presentation of the agent, its ability to persist in the body, the infinite possibilities of susceptible hosts, the main known forms of transmission, its importance in populations at occupational risk, and the role of arthropods in the natural history of the disease. Focusing on Brazil, we present the cases already described and studies developed since its first report, and how there is still much to unravel. We are aware of the possibilities of the persistence of the agent and the development of severe clinical pictures and the specific treatments currently instituted. We also wish to raise awareness about the future, the new genotypes that are emerging, the need to study the effects of vaccines, and the impact of Q fever on the population. Q fever is a poorly understood disease in Latin America, and recent studies, especially in Brazil, have revealed the importance of developing new studies. etiological epidemiological pathogenic diagnostic therapeutic community body hosts transmission risk Brazil report unravel instituted future emerging vaccines population America

Abstract Objectives: Upper respiratory tract infections in children generally have significant morbidity and mortality. There is little data available about functional immaturity of the immune system and the child’s susceptibility to infections at the beginning of their lives, thus, justifying a more specific immunological analysis. Method: Analysis of hemograms and innate and adaptive immune responses in 95 children between age 1 to 6 years with episodes of recurrent respiratory infections (test group n = 39) and without these episodes (control group n = 56) was carried out. The production of reactive oxygen intermediates by peripheral blood cells stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate was analyzed. Additionally, the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes, and cytotoxic cells was determined using flow cytometry. Results: Results from both groups did not show statistically significant differences in red blood cells, total leukocytes count, and the differential neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes count. The analysis of the number of B lymphocytes, auxiliary T lymphocytes (LTCD4), and cytotoxic cells (LTCD8) also did not show any difference between both groups. However, the production of radical oxygen intermediates was significantly reduced in the test group as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference in the analysis of hemograms, leukograms, or the number of lymphocytes, LTCD4, LTCD8, or LTCD19. The reduced production of oxygen intermediates in the affected group suggests that these children’s microbicide capacity is compromised, which may be related to their recurrent respiratory infections.

Abstract Background: Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans. Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection. Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20). Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a 2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH, respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in macrophages during fungal infection.

RESUMO: O presente artigo teve por objetivo analisar a mobilização de saberes docentes e o processo de construção da identidade docente de alunos de um curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com seis licenciandos em fase de conclusão do referido curso. As entrevistas foram gravadas em áudio e posteriormente transcritas e analisadas por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se o método hermenêutico-dialético. Por meio desta análise emergiram duas categorias, a citar: Espaços de (re)construção e mobilização de saberes e Sentir-se professor: identidades profissionais em construção. Os resultados demonstraram a construção e mobilização de uma série de saberes inerentes à profissão docente que, por sua vez, carregam traços da identidade docente dos licenciandos. Ademais, revelaram que esta identidade é mutável, construída de forma coletiva, depende do reconhecimento de outros atores sociais envolvidos neste processo para que seja assumida e está pautada principalmente em dois saberes: os disciplinares e os experienciais.

ABSTRACT: This paper aimed to analyze the mobilization of teaching knowledge and the process of building the teaching identity of students in a Bachelor's Degree course in Biological Sciences. To do so, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six undergraduate students finishing the course. The interviews were audio recorded and later transcribed and analyzed through a qualitative approach, using the hermeneutic-dialectic method. Through this analysis two categories emerged: Spaces of (re)construction and mobilization of knowledge and Feeling like a teacher: professional identities under construction. The results showed the construction and mobilization of a series of knowledges inherent to the teaching profession that, in turn, carry traces of the students' teaching identity. Moreover, they revealed that this identity is changeable, collectively built, depends on the recognition of other social actors involved in this process for it to be assumed and is based mainly on two types of knowledge: the disciplinary and the experiential.

RESÚMEN: Este artículo tuvo como objetivo analizar la movilización del conocimiento docente y la construcción de la identidad profesional de los estudiantes de una carrera de Licenciatura en Ciencias Biológicas. Para ello, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a seis estudiantes en la fase de conclusión de dicho curso. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas en audio y posteriormente transcritas y analizadas con un enfoque cualitativo, utilizando el método hermenéutico-dialéctico. A través de este análisis surgieron dos categorías, a mencionar: Espacios de (re)construcción y movilización del conocimiento y Sentirse docente: identidades profesionales en construcción. Los resultados evidencian la construcción y movilización de una serie de conocimientos inherentes a la profesión docente, que, a su vez, llevan huellas de la identidad profesional de los egresados. Además, revelan que esta identidad es mutable, construida colectivamente, depende del reconocimiento de otros actores sociales para que se asuma y se fundamenta principalmente en dos tipos de saberes: disciplinarios y vivenciales.

Abstract Background Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis are gram-positive bacterial pathogens and the causative agents of leprosy in humans across the world. The elimination of leprosy cannot be achieved by multidrug therapy alone, and highlights the need for new tools and drugs to prevent the emergence of new resistant strains. Methods In this study, our contribution includes the prediction of vaccine targets and new putative drugs against leprosy, using reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics. Six strains of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis (4 and 2 strains, respectively) were used for comparison taking Mycobacterium leprae strain TN as the reference genome. Briefly, we used a combined reverse vaccinology and subtractive genomics approach. Results As a result, we identified 12 common putative antigenic proteins as vaccine targets and three common drug targets against Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Furthermore, the docking analysis using 28 natural compounds with three drug targets was done. Conclusions The bis-naphthoquinone compound Diospyrin (CID 308140) obtained from indigenous plant Diospyros spp. showed the most favored binding affinity against predicted drug targets, which can be a candidate therapeutic target in the future against leprosy.

Resumo As restingas são ambientes com características extremas, que fazem parte do bioma da Mata Atlântica. Estes ambientes apresentam características peculiares, como solo arenoso e altas salinidade e exposição solar, o que torna as espécies presentes interessantes para a ciência. A espécie Stachytarpheta schottiana é endêmica do Brasil, presente em restingas e, assim como outras espécies do gênero, apresenta uso na medicina popular. Neste trabalho são descritos pela primeira vez 28 metabólitos secundários da espécie S. schottiana, como iridoides, lignanas, flavonoides e feniletanoides, através do uso de metodologias de desreplicação e molecular networking por LC-HRMS/MS. Destas substâncias, muitas sequer foram descritas para o gênero, como astragalina, taxifolina, lamiídeo e toda a classe de lignanas. Ainda neste trabalho, a Cromatografia Contracorrente de Alta Velocidade (High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography - HSCCC) e a Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) foram utilizadas para corrigir a identificação equivocada de duas substâncias, bem como para a criação de seeds que seriam posteriormente utilizadas nos molecular networkings. Algumas das substâncias conhecidas sugeridas neste trabalho apresentam atividades biológicas já descritas na literatura que coincidem com o uso popular descrito para a espécie e também para o gênero, como o efeito hepatoprotetor do verbascosídeo.

Abstract Restingas are extreme environments present in the Atlantic Rainforest biome. These ecosystems show peculiar characteristics, like sandy soil, high salinity, and high solar exposure, which brings scientific interest to their native species. Stachytarpheta schottiana is an endemic Brazilian species found in Jurubatiba Restinga, and just like other species of the genus Stachytarpheta, is used in folk medicine. In this paper, we describe, for the first time, 28 secondary metabolites from S. schottiana polar extract, among them iridoids, flavonoids, lignans and phenylethanoids, with the use of LC-HRMS/MS dereplication and molecular networking methodologies. Many of these compounds have not been described yet for the genus Stachytarpheta, like astragalin, taxifolin, lamiide and the lignans secondary metabolites class. Also, in this paper, High Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) isolation and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of two compounds were used to correct a misidentification in the dereplication procedure and to create seeds for molecular networking. Some of the suggested known compounds found in this work have had their biological activities described in the literature, such as the hepatoprotective activity of verbascoside, that matches those already related for the genus Stachytarpheta and for the folk use of Stachytarpheta schottiana itself.

Resumo A necromassa encontrada nos ecossistemas realizam a manutenção do estoque de carbono. Seguindo esta orientação a quantificação torna-se um atributo valioso para um manejo florestal eficiente. O estudo teve como objetivos quantificar a necromassa lenhosa caída e suspensa sobre o solo, peso e estoque de carbono em área de plano de manejo de nativas como subsidio ao mesmo. A amostragem adotada utiliza o método da área fixa, e foi conduzida através da instalação de uma área circular com raio de 10 metros (314 m2). Foram medidas 27 parcelas distribuídas sistematicamente, obtendo a medição de 806 indivíduos totais, cujo critério de inclusão é ter diâmetro ≥ que 5 cm e de forma tátil-visual o grau de decomposição da madeira morta. A média do volume de necromassa na região foi de 14,70 m³ ha-¹ com 5,37mg ha-¹ de massa de necromassa. Tal valor apresenta um estoque de carbono de aproximadamente 2,6 mg ha-¹. A pesquisou mostrou que a distribuição da necromassa na área ocorre de forma regular. Os níveis de necromassa são desiguais nas parcelas. O material caído apresenta 78% dos indivíduos menores que 20 centímetros de diâmetro, e para o material em pé 96,15% possuem diâmetro menor que 40 centímetros. A necromassa contribui para a redução da concentração do CO2 na atmosfera e para a diminuição do efeito estufa. Contribuindo para a manutenção, tanto da matéria orgânica quanto do carbono orgânico, auxiliando na recomposição e na ciclagem de nutrientes e evidencia a importância fixação de carbono.

Abstract The necromass found in ecosystems maintains the carbon content. Following this guideline, quantification becomes a valuable attribute for efficient forest management. The study aimed to quantify a fallen and standing woody necromass in the soil, weight and carbon stock in the area of the native management plan as a subsidy to it. The sampling adopted uses the fixed area method and was carried out with the installation of a circular plot with a radius of 10 meters (314 m²). Twenty-seven plots were systematically distributed, resulting in the measurement of 806 individuals, whose inclusion criteria were diameter ≥ 5 cm and tactile-visual format the degree of deterioration of dead wood. The average volume of necromass in the region was 14.70 m³ ha-¹ with 5.37 mg ha-¹ of necromass. This value has a carbon stock of approximately 2.6 mg ha-¹. This research showed that necromass distribution in the area occurs regularly and unevenly distributed throughout the study area. The material presented has 78% of individuals with less than twenty centimeters in diameter and, for the standing material, 96.15% of individuals with less than forty centimeters. Necromass contributes to reduce CO2 concentration in the atmosphere and decrease the greenhouse effect. Contributing to the maintenance of organic matter and organic carbon helps in the recovery and cycling of nutrients and highlights the importance of carbon fixation.

RESUMO Usinas nucleares são projetadas com sistemas dedicados a oferecer um alto grau de proteção aos seus trabalhadores, à população e ao meio ambiente. Entre os níveis de proteção da população e do meio ambiente, encontra-se o plano de emergência nuclear. Este plano deve conter um segmento específico relacionado com o gerenciamento da comunicação de risco à população. Historicamente, técnicas de comunicação de risco surgiram para minimizar danos às pessoas, por meio de estratégias de controle de pânico da população. Entretanto, essa questão atualmente é pouco desenvolvida no Brasil na área de segurança nuclear. Dessa forma, este trabalho visou estabelecer uma proposta inicial no uso da teoria de Sistema de Comando de Incidentes como estratégia de gerenciamento da comunicação de risco em caso de acidentes na Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto, localizada no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Nuclear power plants are designed with systems dedicated to offering a high degree of protection to their workers, the population, and the environment. Between the levels of protection of the population and the environment, there is the nuclear emergency plan. This plan must contain a specific segment related to the management of risk communication to the population. Historically, risk communication techniques have emerged to minimize harm to people, through population panic control strategies. However, this issue is currently underdeveloped in Brazil in the field of nuclear safety. Thus, this work aimed to establish an initial proposal on the use of the theory of Incident Command System as a strategy for managing risk communication in the event of accidents at the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant located in Brazil.

RESUMO Usinas nucleares são projetadas com sistemas dedicados a oferecer um alto grau de proteção aos seus trabalhadores, à população e ao meio ambiente. Entre os níveis de proteção da população e do meio ambiente, encontra-se o plano de emergência nuclear. Este plano deve conter um segmento específico relacionado com o gerenciamento da comunicação de risco à população. Historicamente, técnicas de comunicação de risco surgiram para minimizar danos às pessoas, por meio de estratégias de controle de pânico da população. Entretanto, essa questão atualmente é pouco desenvolvida no Brasil na área de segurança nuclear. Dessa forma, este trabalho visou estabelecer uma proposta inicial no uso da teoria de Sistema de Comando de Incidentes como estratégia de gerenciamento da comunicação de risco em caso de acidentes na Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto, localizada no Brasil.

ABSTRACT Nuclear power plants are designed with systems dedicated to offering a high degree of protection to their workers, the population, and the environment. Between the levels of protection of the population and the environment, there is the nuclear emergency plan. This plan must contain a specific segment related to the management of risk communication to the population. Historically, risk communication techniques have emerged to minimize harm to people, through population panic control strategies. However, this issue is currently underdeveloped in Brazil in the field of nuclear safety. Thus, this work aimed to establish an initial proposal on the use of the theory of Incident Command System as a strategy for managing risk communication in the event of accidents at the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant located in Brazil.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as estimativas do volume obtidas por equações de regressão com redes neurais artificiais (RNA) para áreas nativas sob plano de manejo na região de Portel, estado do Pará, a partir dos dados de cubagem rigorosa de 864 árvores com DAP ≥ 45 cm de Unidades de Produção Anual (UPA) manejada em 2015 em área de floresta ombrófila densa de terra firme. O processamento dos dados visou selecionar o melhor modelo de regressão considerando a UPA 1. A equação com melhor desempenho foi escolhida de acordo com a raiz do erro quadrado médio em porcentagem (RQME%), correlação de Pearson e gráfico de resíduos percentuais. Para a seleção da melhor rede e a sua respectiva comparação com a melhor equação de regressão ajustada, as estatísticas utilizadas foram: RQME%, correlação de Pearson entre o volume observado e estimado e bias. O modelo com melhor desempenho foi o Spurr sendo posteriormente comparada com a melhor RNA obtida a partir do treinamento dos dados. Verificou-se que ambos os métodos apresentaram estatísticas de ajuste e precisão aceitáveis, com potencial utilização para estimar o volume da espécie. No entanto, a RNA mostrou-se superior evidenciando maior precisão em relação à regressão na estimativa de volume.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to compare the volume estimates obtained by regression equations with artificial neural networks (RNA) for native areas under management plan in the Portel region, state of Pará, from the rigorous cubing data of 864 trees with DBH ≥ 45 cm from Annual Production Units (UPA) managed in 2015 in an area of dense ombrophilous terra firme forest. The data processing aimed to select the best regression model considering the UPA 1. The best performing equation was chosen according to the root mean square error in percent (RQME%), Pearson correlation and percentage residual graph. For the selection of the best network and its comparison with the best adjusted regression equation, the statistics used were: RQME%, Pearson correlation between observed and estimated volume and bias. The best performing model was the Spurr, which was later compared with the best RNA obtained from data training. Both methods showed acceptable fit and precision statistics, with potential use to estimate the volume of the species. However, the RNA was higher showing higher precision in relation to the regression in volume estimation.