ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the expression of human papillomavirus (HPV), p16, p53, and p63 in non-schistosomiasis-related squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder and to develop an accurate and automated tool to predict histological classification based on clinicopathological features. Methods Twenty-eight patients with primary bladder pure squamous cell carcinoma who underwent cystectomy or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for bladder cancer between January 2011 and July 2017 were evaluated. Clinical data and follow-up information were obtained from medical records. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were used for immunohistochemical staining for p16, p53, and p63. Human papillomavirus detection was evaluated by PCR. Statistical analysis was performed, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Finally, decision trees were built to classify patients’ prognostic features. Leave-one-out cross-validation was used to test the generalizability of the model. Results Neither direct HPV detection nor its indirect marker (p16 protein) was identified in most cases. The absence of p16 was correlated with less aggressive histological grading (p=0.040). The positive p16 staining detection found only in pT1 and pT2 cases in our sample suggests a possible role for this tumor suppressor protein in the initial stages of bladder squamous cell carcinoma. The decision trees constructed described the relationship between clinical features, such as hematuria/dysuria, the level of tumor invasion, HPV status, lymphovascular invasion, gender, age, compromised lymph nodes, and tumor degree differentiation, with high classification accuracy. Conclusion The algorithm classifier approach established decision pathways for semi-automatic tumor histological classification, laying the foundation for tailored semi-automated decision support systems for pathologists.

Abstract This paper investigated the existence of contagion between S&P500 and FTSE100 stock indexes, the two major stock exchange markets in the world, due to Brexit. Brexit caused a wave of volatility in international financial markets and the immediate reaction in US market has brought instability among investors, who remained cautious regarding the unexpected unfolds over the global economy. Dynamic conditional correlation model (DCC GARCH) was applied to analyze the shift-contagion phenomenon in the time series data. The results showed that there was no evidence of shift-contagion between the two markets during the Brexit period. It was possible to observe a moderate increase in the conditional correlation during the month of the Brexit referendum, which may be due to the high interdependence between the two asset markets.

Resumo O presente artigo investiga a existência de contágio entre os índices de ações S&P e FTSE100, dois dos maiores mercados de ações do mundo, devido ao Brexit. O Brexit causou uma onda de volatilidade nos mercados financeiros internacionais e a imediata reação nos mercados dos Estados Unidos levou instabilidade instantaneamente aos investidores, os quais se mantiveram cautelosos sobre desdobramentos não esperados na economia global. Foi utilizado o modelo de correlação dinâmica condicional (DCC GARCH) para analisar a existência de shift-contagion nos dados em série de tempo. Os resultados mostraram que não há evidência de shift-contágio entre os dois mercados durante o período do Brexit. Foi possível observar um aumento moderado na correlação condicional durante o mês do referendo do Brexit, o que pode ser devido à elevada interdependência entre os dois mercados de ativos.

Abstract This study aimed to verify the action of bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants on the leader genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 pathway. The main human genes involved were identified in GeneCards and UNIPROT platforms, and an interaction network between leader genes was established in the STRING database. To design chemo-biology interactome networks and elucidate the interplay between genes related to the disease and bioactive plant compounds, the metasearch engine STITCH 3.1 was used. The analysis revealed that SMAD3 and CASP3 genes are leader genes, suggesting that the mechanism of action of the virus on host cells is associated with the molecular effects of these genes. Furthermore, the bioactive plant compounds, such as ascorbate, benzoquinone, ellagic acid, and resveratrol was identified as a promising adjuvant for the treatment inhibiting CASP3-mediated apoptosis. Bioactive plant compounds were verified as the main pathways enriched with KEGG and related to viral infection, assessments/immune/infections, and cell proliferation, which are potentially used for respiratory viral infections. The best-ranked molecule docked in the CASP3 binding site was rutin, while the SMAD3 binding site was resveratrol. In conclusion, this work identified several bioactive compounds from Brazilian plants showing potential antiviral functions that can directly or indirectly inhibit the new coronavirus.

Abstract Purpose . This paper aims to identify if there is an impact of the rating announcements issued by the agencies on the returns of the stocks of Brazilian companies listed on Brasil Bolsa Balcão, from August 2002 to August 2018, identifying which types of announcement (upgrade, downgrade or the same initial classification) cause variations in prices around the date of disclosure of the rating. Design/methodology/approach. The event study methodology was applied to verify the market reaction around the announcement dates in a 21-day event window (−10, +10). The market model was used to calculate the abnormal returns (ARs), and subsequently, the accumulated ARs. Findings . The hypotheses tests allowed to verify that the accumulated ARs are different, before and after the three types of rating announcements (upgrades, downgrades and the same classification); in upgrades, the mean of accumulated ARs increases in the days before the event, while in downgrades, this increase occurs after the event. This paper concluded that the rating announcements have an impact on the return of stock of the Brazilian market and that the market reaction occurs most of the time before the event happens, which indicates that the market can anticipate the information contained in the changes in credit ratings. Practical implications. The results have considerable implications for portfolio managers, institutional investors and traders. It facilitates investment decision-making in the face of rating classification announcements. Market participants can pay more attention to their investment strategies and asset allocation during periods of risk rating announcements. Additionally, traders can understand the form of investment strategy for superior earnings. Originality/value. The importance of the study is related to the fact that the results may explain the causes of specific movements in the Brazilian financial market related to a source of information that may or may not be able to influence the decisions of the financial agents that operate in this market. The justification is centred on the idea that, for investors who somehow react to the announcements, it is relevant to understand the impact of rating classifications on companies, as access to such information allows for more conscious decision-making.

BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by Schistosoma. Due to its complex life cycle, evolutionary position and sexual dimorphism, schistosomes have several mechanisms of gene regulation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by targeting mRNA transcripts. OBJECTIVES Here, we tested 12 miRNAs and identified their putative targets using a computational approach. METHODS We performed the expression profiles of a set of miRNAs and their putative targets during the parasite’s life cycle by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). FINDINGS Our results showed differential expression patterns of the mature miRNAs sma-miR-250; sma-miR-92a; sma-miR-new_4-3p; sma-miR-new_4-5p; sma-miR-new_5-5p; sma-miR-new_12-5p; sma-miR-new_13-3p and sma-miR-new_13-5p. Interestingly, many of the putative target genes are linked to oxidative phosphorylation and are up-regulated in adult-worms, which led us to suggest that miRNAs might play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes related to energetic metabolism inversion during parasite development. It is noteworthy that the expression of sma-miR-new_13-3p exhibited a negative correlation on SmNADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex I. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our analysis revealed putative miRNA genes related to important biological processes, such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, proteasome regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, immune system evasion and transcriptional regulation.

Resumo O presente estudo avaliou os métodos de controle empregados por médicos veterinários clínicos para o controle de parasitos de cães no Brasil. Vinte e uma perguntas foram feitas a 403 veterinários de diferentes regiões do país. O uso de associações de compostos ativos em intervalos de três meses foi o mais recomendado para profilaxia de helmintos gastrointestinais, repetido após 15 dias. A profilaxia de rotina contra ectoparasitos foi recomendada por 82,4% dos veterinários, e 46,6% mudam rotineiramente o composto indicado. Tratamentos profiláticos mensais para ectoparasitos, com produtos sistêmicos, tópicos e / ou impregnados com colar, foram recomendados por 21,5% dos veterinários. Os efeitos colaterais das coleiras impregnadas com ectoparasiticidas foram relatados por 58% dos médicos veterinários. As isoxazolinas foram o grupo químico mais utilizado para tratar ectoparasitos em cães. A baixa eficácia do fipronil no controle de carrapatos foi suspeitada por 79,5% dos médicos veterinários. As isoxazolinas e a associação de compostos anti-helmínticos são os medicamentos mais comuns para prevenir ou tratar ectoparasitos e nematoides gastrointestinais, respectivamente. A suspeita da ineficácia dos antiparasitários é compartilhada entre os médicos veterinários de algumas regiões do Brasil. Orientações são necessárias, especificamente para o controle de helmintos e ectoparasitos gastrointestinais em cães no Brasil.

Abstract The present study attempted to evaluate the practical experience and methods employed by Brazilian veterinary practitioners for control of parasites. Twenty-one questions were asked of 403 veterinary practitioners based in different climatic zones with reference to parasite epidemiology from the country. Administration of a combination of drugs at three-month intervals was the most common regime recommended for prophylaxis against gastrointestinal helminths, with a single treatment repeated after 15 days. Routine prophylaxis against dog ectoparasites was recommended by 82.4% veterinary practitioners, and 46.6% changed the drug compound used. Monthly prophylaxic treatments for ectoparasites, using systemic, topical and/or collar-impregnated drugs, was recommended by 21.5% veterinary practitioners. Side-effects of ectoparasiticide-impregnated collars were suspected by 58% of the veterinary practitioners. Isoxazolines were the most frequently used chemical group to treat ectoparasites in dogs. Poor efficacy of fipronil in controlling ticks was suspected by 79.5% of the veterinary practitioners. The isoxazolines and combination of anthelmintic compounds are the most common drugs to prevent or treat ectoparasites and gastrointestinal nematodes, respectively. The suspect of the inefficacy of antiparasitic drugs is shared among the veterinary practitioners from part of Brazil. Guidelines are needed, specifically for the control of gastrointestinal helminths and ectoparasites in Brazilian dogs.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se as empresas que praticam equity market timing apresentam níveis mais elevados de gerenciamento de resultados ao redor do período de emissão de ações. Método: a amostra compreende 68 ofertas sazonais de ações realizadas no Brasil, entre 2004 e 2015. Classificam-se as empresas entre timers e non-timers quanto à decisão de emissão de ações e estimam-se os níveis de gerenciamento de resultados de cada empresa por meio dos modelos Jones Modificado e Jones Modificado com ROA. A proposição de pesquisa é testada utilizando um modelo de regressão linear. Resultados: as empresas que praticam equity market timing gerenciam mais seus resultados, de modo a aumentar o lucro contábil, em relação às empresas que não fazem uso dessa prática. Portanto, os gestores, para explorar janelas de oportunidade, podem aumentar o lucro contábil por meio de accruals e, assim, influenciar a capacidade do mercado de precificar corretamente as ações. Conclusão: as empresas praticam o gerenciamento de resultados como uma forma de explorar janelas de oportunidades no mercado de ações brasileiro. Isso reforça a necessidade de uma análise mais cuidadosa dos lucros da empresa por investidores, analistas, auditores e reguladores, ao passo que exige esforços para evitar essas práticas por meio de compliance, governança e regulamentação.

ABSTRACT Objective: this study aims to verify if companies that practice equity market timing have higher earnings management levels around the stock issue period. Method: we used a sample of 68 seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) in Brazil from 2004-2015. First, we ranked the sample among companies that used market timing (timers) behavior in the SEOs and those that did not (non-timers). Second, we estimated each company’s earnings management levels by the Modified Jones and Modified Jones with ROA models. Finally, we tested the relationship between earnings management and equity market timing using a linear regression model. Results: the results show that the timers managed earnings more intensively in the quarters around SEOs than the non-timers. This happens to increase net income and consequently improve profitability ratios. Therefore, to explore opportunity windows, managers can inflate accounting profit through accruals and influence the market’s ability to correctly price shares. Conclusion: Brazilian companies practice earnings management as a way of exploiting opportunity windows in the stock market. The conclusion reinforces the need for a careful analysis of the company’s profits by investors, analysts, auditors, and regulators while allowing efforts to avoid such practices through compliance, governance, and regulation.

Resumo Paralisadas pelo pânico decorrente da pandemia provocada pela Covid-19, o fechamento das escolas trará consequências para a aprendizagem dos alunos. Este artigo examina situações de paralisação, uso do tempo e impacto de tecnologias no desempenho escolar. O exame das evidências sugere como pouco promissoras as estratégias de aumento intensivo de tempo ou recurso a tecnologias. Caminhos mais promissores estariam associados a diagnósticos, intervenções estruturadas mais adequadas ao perfil dos professores, melhor aproveitamento do tempo, uso judicioso dos deveres de casa, redução do absenteísmo e tutoria intensiva de alta qualidade focada nos alunos de maior risco.

Abstract Paralyzed by panic induced by the Covid-19 pandemic, school closures may impact student learning. This paper examines situations of school closures, use of time and impact of technologies on student achievement. Investigation of the evidence suggests that time-intensive strategies or the use of technologies are not promising. More effective ways are associated with diagnoses, direct instruction suited to the profile of teachers, better use of time, judicious use of homework, reduced absenteeism and intensive high-quality tutoring focused on the most at-risk students.

Resumen Paralizadas por el pánico resultante de la pandemia de Covid-19, el cierre de las escuelas podrá tener consecuencias para el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. El artículo examina situaciones de parálisis, uso del tiempo e impacto de las tecnologías en el rendimiento escolar. El examen de las evidencias sugiere que las estrategias que requieren mucho tiempo o el uso de la tecnología no son prometedoras. Se asociarían caminos más prometedores con diagnósticos, intervenciones estructuradas más adecuadas para el perfil de los maestros, mejor uso del tiempo, uso juicioso de la tarea, reducción del ausentismo y tutoría intensiva de alta calidad centrada en los estudiantes más en riesgo.

A investigação delimitou como objeto de estudo a formação e a experiência docente com alunos que possuem deficiência e/ou Necessidades Educacionais Especiais, buscando o entendimento que docentes universitários possuem acerca do processo inclusivo, bem como as práticas inclusivas realizadas por eles em cursos de licenciatura. A abordagem metodológica qualitativa, permitiu utilizar entrevistas semiestruturadas com docentes de duas instituições públicas federais localizadas nos estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais. A análise de dados permitiu identificar que as ações pedagógicas desenvolvidas pelos sujeitos devem respeitar os ideais inclusivos, mas que as barreiras atitudinais, físicas e o déficit na formação docente são questões que podem levar ao processo de inclusão marginal, transformando as escolas em ambientes perversos, não possibilitando, as vezes, a participação efetiva dos alunos no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. É preciso avançar no entendimento de que o aluno com deficiência e/ou Necessidades Educacionais Especiais requer responsabilidade de todos, portanto, as instituições precisam apoiar o corpo docente no processo de formação continuada para que seja efetiva a formação inicial dos futuros professores que atuarão na educação básica inclusiva. As análises revelaram ainda a preocupação com a adesão em cursos voltados para os formadores sobre a educação inclusiva, além da necessidade de informações que possam orientar o professor caso ele tenha em sala de aula um aluno com deficiência e/ou Necessidades Educacionais Especiais. O estudo evidenciou que o ideal da educação inclusiva é consoante com a busca de igualdade de direitos, tanto no que se refere à escolarização quanto à participação social.

The investigation delimited the training and teaching experience of students with disabilities and / or Special Educational Needs as the object of study, seeking the understanding that university teachers have about the inclusive process, as well as the inclusive practices performed by them in undergraduate courses. The qualitative methodological approach allowed to use semi-structured interviews with professors from two federal public institutions located in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. The data analysis allowed to identify that the pedagogical actions developed by the subjects must respect the inclusive ideals, but that the attitudinal, physical barriers and the deficit in teacher education are issues that can lead to the process of marginal inclusion, transforming schools in perverse environments, sometimes not allowing the effective participation of students in the teaching-learning process. It is necessary to advance in the understanding that students with disabilities and Special Educational Needs require everyone's responsibility, therefore, institutions need to support the teaching staff in the process of continuing education so that the initial training of future teachers who will work in education is effective. inclusive basic. The analyzes also revealed the concern with adherence to courses aimed at trainers on inclusive education, in addition to the need for information that can guide the teacher if he has a student with a disability and / or Special Educational Needs in the classroom. The study showed that the ideal of inclusive education is consistent with the search for equal rights, both regarding schooling and social participation.

Abstract The overweight population is growing in the world, and the search for obesity-associated mechanisms is important for a better understanding of this disease. Few studies with the FTO gene and miRs show how they associate to obesity and how they can impact this disease. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the FTO gene and the hsa-miR-150-5p expression with overweight/obesity, lipid profile, and fast blood glucose. Men and women (18 years older or above), with body mass index ≥ 18.5 kg/m2, were enrolled in the present study and the FTO gene and hsa-miR-150-5p expression, biochemical parameters of blood and anthropometric measurements were analyzed. The results highlight that the FTO gene expression is associated to obesity (p 0.029), LDL-C (p 0.02) and fasting blood glucose (p 0.02), but not with triglycerides (p 0.69), total cholesterol (p 0.21), and HDL-C (p 0.24). The hsa-miR-150-5p is not associated to obesity (p 0.84), triglycerides (p 0.57), total cholesterol (p 0.51), HDL-C (p 0.75), LDL-C (p 0.32), and fasting blood glucose (p 0.42). The FTO gene expression is related to obesity, LDL-C and blood fasting glucose, representing a good molecular marker for obesity.

Resumo Devido à alta intensidade do esporte competitivo, a potência anaeróbia é uma capacidade física de natureza decisiva para a maioria das modalidades esportivas. Entretanto, diferentes tipos de superfícies onde são jogadas estas modalidades podem interferir no desempenho dessa capacidade física. Em esportes cuja corrida é base para sua prática, o Running Anaerobic Sprint Test – RAST é largamente utilizado para a avaliação da potência anaeróbia e levando em consideração à especificidade de cada esporte, sugere-se que este teste seja aplicado na superfície onde ele é praticado. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o desempenho no RAST em diferentes tipos de solo. A amostra foi composta por 10 sujeitos com idade média de 20,2 ± 0,9 anos, estatura média de 1,8 ± 0,1 metros, massa corporal média de 77,4 ± 15,9 kg e histórico médio de treinamento de 6,0 ± 2,0 anos. O RAST foi realizado em três superfícies diferentes (cimento, grama e areia). A potência máxima e mínima e o índice de fadiga foram comparados entre os solos. Os resultados indicam que as potências máxima e mínima foram menores na areia comparadas a grama e ao cimento. No entanto, não houve diferença no índice de fadiga. Conclui-se que o tipo de solo é um fator que influencia no desempenho do RAST.

Abstract Due to the high intensity of competitive sports, the anaerobic power is a very important physical capacity for most sports. However, the diverse surfaces were these sports may interfere in the performance of this capacity. In running-based sports, the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test – RAST is largely used to evaluate anaerobic power. Considering the specificity of each sport, it is suggested to apply this test on the surface that it is played. Thus, the aim of the present study is to analyze the performance of RAST on different surfaces. The sample was composed by 10 subjects, mean age 20.2 ± 0.9 years old, mean height 1.8 ± 0.1 meters, mean body weight 77.4 ± 15.9 kg, and practice time of 6.0 ± 2.0 years. RAST was conducted on three different surfaces (hard, grass and sand). The maximum and minimum power and the fatigue index were compared between the surfaces. The results indicate that maximum and minimum power were lower in sand when compared to grass and hard surfaces. However, the fatigue index did not change. So, we observed that the surface is an important factor in RAST performance.

BACKGROUND Biomphalaria glabrata snails are widely distributed in schistosomiasis endemic areas like America and Caribe, displaying high susceptibility to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. After the availability of B. glabrata genome and transcriptome data, studies focusing on genetic markers and small non-coding RNAs have become more relevant. The small RNAs have been considered important through their ability to finely regulate the gene expression in several organisms, thus controlling the functions like cell growth, metabolism, and susceptibility/resistance to infection. OBJECTIVE The present study aims on identification and characterisation of the repertoire of small non-coding RNAs in B. glabrata (Bgl-small RNAs). METHODS By using small RNA sequencing, bioinformatics tools and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we identified, characterised, and validated the presence of small RNAs in B. glabrata. FINDINGS 89 mature miRNAs were identified and five of them were classified as Mollusk-specific. When compared to model organisms, sequences of B. glabrata miRNAs showed a high degree of conservation. In addition, several target genes were predicted for all the mature miRNAs identified. Furthermore, piRNAs were identified in the genome of B. glabrata for the first time. The B. glabrata piRNAs showed strong conservation of uridine as first nucleotide at 5’ end, besides adenine at 10th position. Our results showed that B. glabrata has diverse repertoire of circulating ncRNAs, several which might be involved in mollusk susceptibility to infection, due to their potential roles in the regulation of S. mansoni development. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Further studies are necessary in order to confirm the role of the Bgl-small RNAs in the parasite/host relationship thus opening new perspectives on interference of small RNAs in the organism development and susceptibility to infection.

BACKGROUND Key genes control the infectivity of the Schistosoma haematobium causing schistosomiasis. A method for understanding the regulation of these genes might help in developing new disease strategies to control schistosomiasis, such as the silencing mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs). The miRNAs have been studied in schistosome species and they play important roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes, and in parasite-host interactions. However, genome-wide identification and characterisation of novel miRNAs and their pathway genes and their gene expression have not been explored deeply in the genome and transcriptome of S. haematobium. OBJECTIVES Identify and characterise mature and precursor miRNAs and their pathway genes in the S. haematobium genome. METHODS Computational prediction and characterisation of miRNAs and genes involved in miRNA pathway from S. haematobium genome on SchistoDB. Conserved domain analysis was performed using PFAM and CDD databases. A robust algorithm was applied to identify mature miRNAs and their precursors. The characterisation of the precursor miRNAs was performed using RNAfold, RNAalifold and Perl scripts. FINDINGS We identified and characterised 14 putative proteins involved in miRNA pathway including ARGONAUTE and DICER in S. haematobium. Besides that, 149 mature miRNAs and 131 precursor miRNAs were identified in the genome including novel miRNAs. MAIN CONCLUSIONS miRNA pathway occurs in the S. haematobium, including endogenous miRNAs and miRNA pathway components, suggesting a role of this type of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation in the parasite. The results found in this work will open up a new avenue for studying miRNAs in the S. haematobium biology in helping to understand the mechanism of gene silencing in the human parasite Schistosome.

Abstract Colloidal silica is an important biocompatible, inert and non-toxic material for imaging, therapy, and drug delivery biomedical applications. In this context, the evaluation of colloidal suspensions and their stabilities by a Fiber Optic Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering sensor is proposed. Two different silica nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, being completely amorphous, with mean diameters of 125 and 159 nm and average specific weight of 1.94 g.cm-3. The nanoparticles were dispersed in deionized water in different concentrations ranging from 0 to 2% (m/m), resulting in suspensions with mean kinematic viscosity of 0.009157 cm².s-1. The sensor showed different sensitivities regarding concentrations and diameters, with an increase in the light intensity dispersion caused by the scattering. A decreasing tendency of the decay rate of the autocorrelation function of the light intensity signal was verified with the variation of pH, and this decay rate also showed an abrupt decrease with the enhancement of the ionic strength, detecting the limits of the colloidal stability. This work presents a simple and reliable methodology for the colloidal assessment in a low-cost and minimally invasive way, easily extendable for different chemical and biological systems.