Abstract This article aims to report the preparation and optimized formulation of Ctn[15-34], a designed anti-infective peptide, with poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), PLGA, nanoparticles. Ctn[15-34] is a short peptide derived from crotalicidin, a cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the South American rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus terrificus), that has arisen as a promising antifungal and microbicide agent. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared and loaded with carboxyfluorescein (CF)-Ctn[15-34] using the double emulsion/solvent evaporation method. After a preformulation study, which tested different formulation parameters, Poly (vinyl alcohol) 87-89% hydrolyzed and sonication with Sonifier® were choosen to prepare unloaded PLGA nanoparticles by that method, resulting in smaller particle size and Polydispersity Index (PDI) values and higher zeta potential values of nanoparticles. This better condition was used to prepare CF-Ctn[15-34]-loaded PLGA nanoparticles, resulting in homogeneous and spherical nanoparticles, with an average size of 213.2 ± 2.00 nm, PDI of 0.044 ± 0.04 and zeta potential of -16.03 ± 1.20 mV. An excellent encapsulation efficiency was obtained, corresponding to 93.3 ± 0.10 %. The drug-release profile showed a rapid initial release of the peptide, approximately 27 % in the first 24 hours, followed by a sustained release for at least 16 days. Another relevant aspect in the peptide formulation is that the CF-Ctn[15-34]-loaded nanoparticles potentiated the antifungal effect against the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus neoformans compared with the free, in solution Ctn[15-34], in equivalent volume dosage. A preparation method of CF-Ctn[15-34]-loaded PLGA nanoparticles was established and validated, representing a successful approach to deliver CF-Ctn[15-34] for pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract Runs of homozygosity (ROH) in the human genome may be clinically relevant. The aim of this study was to report the frequency of increased ROH of the autosomal genome in individuals with neurodevelopmental delay/intellectual disability and/or multiple congenital anomalies, and to compare these data with a control group. Data consisted of calls of homozygosity from 265 patients and 289 controls. In total, 7.2% (19/265) of the patients showed multiple ROH exceeding 1% of autosomal genome, compared to 1.4% (4/289) in the control group (p=0.0006). Homozygosity ranged from 1.38% to 22.12% among patients, and from 1.53 to 2.40% in the control group. In turn, 1.9% (5/265) of patients presented ROH ≥10Mb in a single chromosome, compared to 0.3% (1/289) of individuals from the control group (p=0.0801). By excluding cases with reported consanguineous parents (15/24), the frequency of increased ROH was 3.4% (9/250) among patients and 1.7% (5/289) in the control group, considering multiple ROH exceeding 1% of the autosome genome and ROH ≥10Mb in a single chromosome together, although not statistically significant (p=0.1873). These results reinforce the importance of investigating ROH, which with complementary diagnostic tests can improve the diagnostic yield for patients with such conditions.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o efeito dos níveis de atividade física no controle da asma em crianças. Métodos Estudo transversal, incluindo escolares da rede pública, de 8 a 12 anos, de ambos os sexos, com asma, de uma capital e de uma cidade de porte médio da Região Sul do Brasil. Os escolares responderam, em seus domicílios, um questionário de níveis de atividade física e de controle da doença. Resultados Participaram da pesquisa 482 escolares com asma, com média de idade de 10,9±2,2 anos, e 253 (52%) eram meninas. Quanto ao controle da doença, 50% apresentavam asma controlada e 67% foram considerados sedentários. Os escolares com asma controlada foram mais ativos do que os com asma não controlada (p=0,032). Os escolares ativos tiveram mais chance de ter a asma controlada (RC=1,5; IC95%: 1,04-2,25). Conclusão Os resultados demonstraram associação entre os níveis de atividade física e controle da asma. Os escolares mais ativos apresentaram mais chance de ter a asma controlada.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the effect of levels of physical activity on asthma control in children. Methods A cross-sectional study, including public school students aged 8 to 12 years, of both sexes, with asthma, from a capital and a medium-sized cities in Southern Brazil. At home, the students answered the questionnaire on levels of physical activity and disease control. Results A total of 482 schoolchildren with asthma participated in the study, with mean age of 10.9±2.2 years, and 253 (52%) were girls. Regarding disease control, 50% had controlled asthma, and 67% were considered sedentary. Schoolchildren with controlled asthma were more active than those with uncontrolled asthma (p=0.032). Active schoolchildren were more likely to have asthma controlled (OR=1.5; 95%CI: 1.04-2.25). Conclusion The results demonstrated an association between physical activity levels and asthma control. More active schoolchildren were more likely to have asthma controlled.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho do robalo-flecha (Centropomus undecimalis) submetido a diferentes taxas e frequências alimentares com o uso de alimentadores automáticos. Dois experimentos, com duração de 60 dias cada um, foram realizados. No primeiro, 20 peixes por tanque foram distribuídos em três taxas alimentares de: 5, 10 e 15% de peso vivo por dia. No segundo experimento, 20 peixes por tanque foram distribuídos em nove tanques e em três frequências alimentares de: uma vez, três vezes e seis vezes ao dia. Os parâmetros de qualidade da água foram mantidos dentro da faixa recomendada para a espécie. A massa final, o ganho de peso diário, a taxa de crescimento específico e a conversão alimentar não diferiram entre as taxas de alimentação de 10 e 15%. Entretanto, ambas as taxas diferiram da de 5%. A frequência de seis vezes ao dia resultou em maiores valores de massa final, biomassa final, taxa de crescimento específico e ganho de peso diário. Portanto, formas jovens de robalo-flecha devem ser alimentadas à taxa de 10% do peso vivo por dia, com frequência alimentar de seis vezes ao dia, para alcançar o melhor desempenho quanto à taxa de crescimento.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth performance of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) subjected to different feeding rates and frequencies using automatic feeders. Two experiments of 60 days each were carried out. In the first one, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in three feeding rates of: 5, 10, and 15% body weight per day. In the second experiment, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in nine tanks, in three feeding frequency: once a day, three times a day, and six times a day. Water parameters were maintained at the recommended level for the species. Final weight, body weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion rate did not differ significantly between the 10 and 15% feeding rates. However, both rates differed from the 5% one. The feeding frequency of six times a day resulted in better values for final weight, final biomass, body weight gain, and specific growth rate. Therefore, common snook fingerlings should be fed at the feeding rate of 10% body weight per day, six times a day, in order to achieve the best growth performance.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da privação alimentar e a ocorrência de crescimento compensatório sobre o desempenho produtivo de formas jovens do robalo-flecha (Centropomus undecimalis). O experimento teve duração de 60 dias, em que os peixes - 35 indivíduos por tanque - foram divididos nos três seguintes grupos de tratamentos: com alimentação todos os dias (controle); com alimentação cinco dias por semana, seguidos de dois dias de jejum; e com alimentação quatro dias por semana, seguidos de três dias de jejum. Os tratamentos de privação alimentar proporcionaram indicadores de desempenho significativamente inferiores aos do controle. Formas jovens da espécie não devem ser submetidas a períodos de privação alimentar, pelos prejuízos que esta prática acarreta ao desempenho produtivo.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of food deprivation and the occurrence of compensatory growth on the performance of common snook fingerlings (Centropomus undecimalis). The experiment lasted for 60 days, when fish - 35 individuals per tank - were divided into three groups of treatments, as follows: daily feeding (control); feeding for five days a week, followed by two days of fast; and feeding for four days a week, followed by three days of fast. The treatments of alimentary restriction provided performance indicators significantly inferior to those of the control. Common snook fingerlings should not be subjected to food restriction because of the damages that this practice entails to productive performance.

Objetivo: Verificar se a hibridização in situ por fluorescência (FISH) em células de mucosa oral poderia ser empregada para detectar criptomosaicismo com linhagem 45,X em pacientes 46,XY. Sujeitos e métodos: Amostra de 19 jovens saudáveis 46,XY e cinco pacientes com distúrbios da diferenciação do sexo (DDS), quatro 45,X/46,XY e um 46,XY. FISH com sondas específicas para X e Y em núcleos interfásicos de linfócitos e mucosa oral para investigar a proporção de núcleos contendo apenas o sinal do cromossomo X. Resultados: A frequência de núcleos contendo apenas o sinal do X nos dois tecidos dos homens saudáveis não diferiu (p = 0,69). Em todos os pacientes com DDS essa frequência foi significativamente maior, e também não houve diferença entre os dois tecidos (p = 0,38). Conclusões: A investigação de mosaicismo com linhagem 45,X em pacientes com DDS 46,XY ou esterilidade pode ser feita por FISH diretamente em células de mucosa oral.

Objective: To verify whether fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of cells from the buccal epithelium could be employed to detect cryptomosaicism with a 45,X lineage in 46,XY patients. Subjects and methods: Samples of nineteen 46,XY healthy young men and five patients with disorders of sex development (DSD), four 45,X/46,XY and one 46,XY were used. FISH analysis with X and Y specific probes on interphase nuclei from blood lymphocytes and buccal epithelium were analyzed to investigate the proportion of nuclei containing only the signal of the X chromosome. Results: The frequency of nuclei containing only the X signal in the two tissues of healthy men did not differ (p = 0.69). In all patients with DSD this frequency was significantly higher, and there was no difference between the two tissues (p = 0.38), either. Conclusions: Investigation of mosaicism with a 45,X cell line in patients with 46,XY DSD or sterility can be done by FISH directly using cells from the buccal epithelium.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer o cotidiano de uma instituição de acolhimento de crianças de zero a seis anos localizada em um município do estado do Espírito Santo. Além disso, buscou-se compreender fatores implicados no desenvolvimento psicossocial das crianças em situação de acolhimento institucional, tendo como base a Teoria Bioecológica do Desenvolvimento Humano e o procedimento metodológico da inserção ecológica. Entre os núcleos apresentados na teoria, este artigo priorizou a análise do contexto. Os resultados mostram que vários aspectos relacionados ao cotidiano da instituição contribuem para o desenvolvimento psicossocial das crianças - dentre os quais, a oferta de condições institucionais que conduzem a oportunidades de convívio saudável com cuidadores e outras crianças, além da promoção de vivências em vários níveis ambientais -, o que amplia e fortalece a rede de apoio social das crianças e das suas respectivas famílias.

This research aimed at examining the daily life of a host institution for children, from birth to six years old, located in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil). It also aimed at understanding the factors involved in the psychosocial development of children in residential care. The work is based on the Bioecological Human Development theory and on the methodological procedure of ecological engagement. In this article, among the nuclei presented by the theory, the priority is the analysis of the core context. Results showed that several aspects of daily life in the institution contribute to the psychosocial development of children - such as offering institutional conditions that lead to opportunities of healthy interaction with caregivers and other children, as well as the promotion of environmental experiences on several levels -, and it expands and strengthens the network of social support of the children and their families.

The objective of this paper is to propose a protocol to analyze blood samples in yellow fever 17DD vaccinated which developed serious adverse events. We investigated whether or not the time between sample collection and sample processing could interfere in lymphocyte subset percentage, for it is often impossible to analyze blood samples immediately after collection due to transport delay from collection places to the flow cytometry facility. CD4+CD38+ T, CD8+CD38+ T, CD3+ T, CD19+ B lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry in nine healthy volunteers immediately after blood collection and after intervals of 24 and 48 h. The whole blood lysis method and gradient sedimentation by Histopaque were applied to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells for flow cytometry analyses. With the lysis method, there was no significant change in lymphocyte subset percentage between the two time intervals (24 and 48 h). In contrast, when blood samples were processed by Histopaque gradient sedimentation, time intervals for sample processing influenced the percentage in T lymphocyte subsets but not in B cells. From the results obtained, we could conclude that the whole blood lysis method is more appropriate than gradient sedimentation by Histopaque for immunophenotyping of blood samples collected after serious adverse events, due to less variation in the lymphocyte subset levels with respect to the time factor.

In this study the kinetics of humoral and cellular immune responses in first-time vaccinees and re-vaccinees with the yellow fever 17DD vaccine virus was analyzed. Flow cytometric analyses were used to determine percentual values of T and B cells in parallel to the yellow fever neutralizing antibody production. All lymphocyte subsets analyzed were augmented around the 30th post vaccination day, both for first-time vaccinees and re-vaccinees. CD3+ T cells increased from 30.8% (SE ± 4%) to 61.15% (SE ± 4.2%), CD4+ T cells from 22.4% (SE ± 3.6%) to 39.17% (SE ± 2%) with 43% of these cells corresponding to CD4+CD45RO+ T cells, CD8+ T cells from 15.2% (SE ± 2.9%) to 27% (SE ± 3%) with 70% corresponding to CD8+CD45RO+ T cells in first-time vaccinees. In re-vaccinees, the CD3+ T cells increased from 50.7% (SE ± 3%) to 80% (SE ± 2.3%), CD4+ T cells from 24.9% (SE ± 1.4%) to 40% (SE ± 3%) presenting a percentage of 95% CD4+CD45RO+ T cells, CD8+ T cells from 19.7% (SE ± 1.8%) to 25% (SE ± 2%). Among CD8+CD38+ T cells there could be observed an increase from 15 to 41.6% in first-time vaccinees and 20.7 to 62.6% in re-vaccinees. Regarding neutralizing antibodies, the re-vaccinees presented high titers even before re-vaccination. The levels of neutralizing antibodies of first-time vaccinees were similar to those presented by re-vaccinees at day 30 after vaccination, indicating the success of primary vaccination. Our data provide a basis for further studies on immunological behavior of the YF 17DD vaccine.