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Recent research has shown that criminal networks have complex organizational structures, but whether this can be used to predict static and dynamic properties of criminal networks remains little explored. Here, by combining graph representation learning and machine learning methods, we show that structural properties of political corruption, police intelligence, and money laundering networks can be used to recover missing criminal partnerships, distinguish among different types of criminal and legal associations, as well as predict the total amount of money exchanged among criminal agents, all with outstanding accuracy. We also show that our approach can anticipate future criminal associations during the dynamic growth of corruption networks with significant accuracy. Thus, similar to evidence found at crime scenes, we conclude that structural patterns of criminal networks carry crucial information about illegal activities, which allows machine learning methods to predict missing information and even anticipate future criminal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since mid-2014, the Brazilian construction sector has been facing a severe economic recession. However, the demand for raw materials for concrete production remains high, especially for aggregates. This is because approximately 70-80% of the concrete volume is made up of gravel and sand. It is estimated that 740 million tons of gravel and sand were consumed in Brazil by civil construction in 2014. However, in 2015 this same consumption was reduced to 519 million tons. The adoption of innovative raw materials with high quality, low price, and lower environmental impacts in its production chain is of paramount importance for increasing the sustainability in the construction sector. The aim of this work was to characterize physically and chemically waste rocks from mines located on the southeastern part of the Goiás state in order to use them as coarse aggregates for concrete. The technical standard NBR 7211/2009, published by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) was used. Four samples of 100 kg were collected from different lithologies and classified by dry screening to obtain four different gravel types (0, 1, 2, and 3). Specific mass, compacted unit mass, water absorption, clay and friable material content, mechanical strength, fine material content, particle size distribution, and shape index were determined. All samples passed the tests and, therefore, the waste rocks has features that allow them to be used as coarse aggregates in civil construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major microorganisms that cause human diseases, leading from mild skin infections to serious diseases. With the use of semi-synthetic penicillins, methicillin-resistant strains called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have emerged, whose resistance pattern extends to other beta-lactam antibiotics. It has already been shown that photodynamic therapy is capable of inactivating MRSA as the laser excites the photosensitizer responsible for transferring its electrons to the molecular oxygen, generating extremely reactive molecules, such as singlet oxygen, being these reactive components the chemicals that promote the bacterial clearance. Thus, the research aiming at the development of new photosensitizers becomes important, especially to increase the amount of therapeutic resources available for the treatment of persistent infections related to this bacterium. In this context, Myrciaria cauliflora is a plant that has antimicrobial action and there are no reports of the use of its crude extract as a photosensitizer in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. In that way, this work conveys an innovative way of the use of M. cauliflora extract as a photosensitizer, comprising its use as an antimicrobial agent when activated by light, against S. aureus. In vitro tests were performed where it was observed that after the photoactivation with blue LED light, the extract presented an augment in its antimicrobial activity, together with production of singlet oxygen. In the model of intradermal infection in Balb/c mice, a reduction in bacterial load was also detected, with raised expression of TNF-α, IL-17A, and MPO. Here, we demonstrate that the extract of M. cauliflora has photosensitizing action, promoting the production of singlet oxygen, besides IL-17A, TNF-α, and MPO. Highlights • Extract of Myrciaria cauliflora is used in photodynamic therapy as a photosensitizer. • Extract of M. cauliflora shows antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo when photoactivated. • M. cauliflora photoactivated promotes an increase in the release of TNF-α and IL-17A in the draining lymph node. • Photoactivation of the extract of M. cauliflora enhances the expression of Myeloperoxidase in the ear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coinfection with leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis has been associated with increased time to healing of cutaneous lesions of leishmaniasis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Leishmania braziliensis infection on co-cultures of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) with autologous lymphocytes from patients with schistosomiasis and patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. MoDCs were differentiated from peripheral blood monocytes, isolated by magnetic beads, infected with L. braziliensis , and co-cultured with autologous lymphocytes. Expression of HLA-DR, CD1a, CD83, CD80, CD86, CD40, and the IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) on MoDCs as well as CD28, CD40L, CD25, and CTLA-4 on lymphocytes were evaluated by flow cytometry. The production of the cytokines IL-10, TNF, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ were evaluated by sandwich ELISA of the culture supernatant. The infectivity evaluation was performed by light microscopy after concentration of cells by cytospin and Giemsa staining. It was observed that the frequency of MoDCs expressing CD83, CD80, and CD86 as well as the MFI of HLA-DR were smaller in the group of patients with schistosomiasis compared to the group of patients with leishmaniasis. On the other hand, the frequency of IL-10R on MoDCs was higher in patients with schistosomiasis than in patients with leishmaniasis. CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes from patients with schistosomiasis presented a lower frequency of CD28 and a higher frequency of CTLA-4 compared to lymphocytes from patients with leishmaniasis. Levels of IL-10 were higher in the supernatants of co-cultures from individuals with schistosomiasis compared to those with leishmaniasis. However, levels of TNF, IL-12p40, and IFN-γ were lower in the group of individuals with schistosomiasis. Regarding the frequency of MoDCs infected by L. braziliensis after 72 h in culture, it was observed that higher frequencies of cells from patients with schistosomiasis were infected compared to cells from patients with leishmaniasis. It was concluded that MoDCs from patients with schistosomiasis are more likely to be infected by L. braziliensis , possibly due to a lower degree of activation and a regulatory profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity has been employed as a tool to lessen the occurrence of several types of risks, such as obesity, development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In fact, it has been described as an immunomodulating measure. Physical exercise has several variables among which may be mentioned frequency of exercises and their intensity. Variables have been related to different effects in the modulation of response developed in several systems and frequently due to its association to increase in susceptibility to infections or to increase in the resistance to infections. The respiratory system is one of the biggest entrances for pathogenic microorganisms with the occurrence of infectious diseases in athletes. Moderate exercises have been associated to the protection against respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria when it is compared to intense exercises; otherwise, it is related to increase in susceptibility to these infections mainly in athletes who practice intense physical activity. Current review demonstrates the most recent aspects associated to the modulation of immune response by physical activity and its implications in the infections of the respiratory system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inflammatory response in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), although responsible for controlling the infection, is associated with the pathogenesis of disease. Conversely, the immune response induced by S. mansoni antigens is able to prevent immune-mediated diseases. The aim of this studywas to evaluate the potential of the S.mansoni Sm29 antigen to change the profile of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) from subjects with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in vitro. Monocytes derived from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of twelve patientswere cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 for differentiation into dendritic cells and then stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) in the presence or absence of Sm29 antigen. The expression of surface molecules associated with maturation and activation (HLA-DR, CD40, CD83, CD80, and CD86), inflammation (IL-12, TNF), and downregulation (IL- 10, IL-10R) was evaluated using flow cytometry. We observed that the frequencies of HLA-DR, CD83, CD80, and CD86 as well as of IL-10 and IL-10R on MoDCs were higher in cultures stimulated with Sm29, compared to the unstimulated cell cultures. Our results indicate that the Sm29 antigen is able to activate regulatory MoDCs in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. It might be useful to control the inflammatory process associated with this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aging in women is characterized by extreme hormonal changes leading them to develop a chronic low-grade inflammation that is linked to the development of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this scenario, physical activity emerges as an interesting methodology, since it seems to be connected to a decrease in serum levels of some pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, most studies evaluate these cytokines in an isolated manner not considering the influence of comorbidities on the responsiveness of participants to the benefits of physical activity. So, this study aimed to assess the influence of physical activity on body composition, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers of diabetic and hypertensive older postmenopausal women. We evaluated 163 women aged from 60 to 80 years, diagnosed with T2DM and SAH that were assisted by the Family Health Units in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. The pratice of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire with the participants being classified as active or sedentary individuals. Active older women presented better body composition, lipid profile and inflammatory balance. This was connected to a better correlation profile between these factors in active older women, characteristics that were not noticed in sedentary older women. Moreover, IL-17A and the relationship between IL-10 and the other pro-inflammatory cytokines examined was greatly influenced by physical activity. Consequently, physical activity is linked to a global improvement in T2DM and SAH risk factors and with a positive inflammatory modulation in diabetic and hypertensive older women. • Physical activity reduces inflammaging in older women with diabetes and hypertension; • Physical activity interferes with the correlation pattern of inflammatory markers; • Active older women have a better balance between IL-10 and IL-17. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to infection/reinfection by Schistosoma mansoni still arouse great interest and controversy. Some authors demonstrate that resistance to infection is attributed to a mixed Th1 and Th2 response and resistance to reinfection after repeated treatments through mechanisms associated with the Th2 response. Through flow cytometry, the phenotypic characterization of B and T lymphocytes in individuals residing in endemic areas with low parasite loads over 10 years was evaluated for the first time in humans. In this study, individuals with low parasite loads for Schistosoma mansoni had a higher proportion of Th1 and Th2 cells. In addition, lymphocytes from these individuals showed a higher degree of expression of costimulatory molecules CD28 and CTLA-4 and regulatory molecules FoxP3 and IL-10, when compared to individuals with high parasite loads. Our data indicate that the control of the parasite load of S. mansoni must be associated with a Th1, Th2, and regulatory response, and that further studies are needed to elucidate the possibility of mechanisms associated with the hyporesponsiveness of lymphocytes from individuals with high parasite loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pemphigus Vulgaris is an autoimmune disease that leads to the formation of local or generalized blisters as a result of autoantibodies against epidermal structures. Therapy with human immunoglobulin as an adjuvant is an excellent option for cases where there is resistance to usual treatment, in addition to being able to reduce the time of treatment with immunosuppressant. Thus, it is an alternative treatment for patients with severe infections or immunological deficiencies. Aim: to describe a case report about a carrier patient of pemphigus vulgaris treated with human immunoglobulin as adjuvant to oral corticosteroids. Case report: patient with 49 years old, was hospitalized in the city of Belo Horizonte (MG) presenting erosive lesions in the oral and conjunctival mucosa, with systemic worsening after starting treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. Initially, conventional steroid therapy was performed, but with no satisfactory results. Due to worsening symptoms and the diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris, human immunoglobulin was included in the treatment as an adjuvant, which resulted in a progressive improvement of the patient. Conclusion: although treatment of Pemphigus Vulgaris has steroids as the first option, it is vital that the physician knows adjuvant and/or alternative therapies, such as human immunoglobulins, to assist in the treatment of patients who do not respond to steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation, obstruction and hyperresponsiveness. Severe asthma affects a small proportion of subjects but results in most of the morbidity, costs and mortality associated with the disease. Studies have suggested that Schistosoma mansoni infection reduces the severity of asthma and prevent atopy. Objective We evaluated the ability of S. mansoni antigens, Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 to modulate lymphocyte activation status in response to the allergen of the mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus ( Der p 1) in cell cultures of individuals with asthma. Methods Thirty four patients were enrolled in this study: seventeen patients with severe asthma (SA group), seventeen patients with mild asthma (MA group) and six controls with no asthma. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained and stimulated with Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 in the presence or absence of Der p1 . The expression of surface markers and cytokines on lymphocytes was evaluated by flow cytometry and the levels of IL-10 in the culture supernatant were determined by ELISA. Results The addition of Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 antigens to PBMC cultures from both groups of subjects with asthma stimulated with Der p 1 reduced the frequency of CD4 + CD25 low cells whereas and increased frequency of CD4 + CD25 high population was observed compared to unstimulated cultures. Moreover, cultures stimulated with Sm29TSP-2 showed a reduction in the frequency of T cells expressing CD69, IFN-γ, TNF and TGF-β in the MA group and an increase in the frequency of CD4 + TSLPR + T cells in the SA group. The addition of Sm29 to the cultures reduced the frequency of CD4 + CD69 + and CD4 + IL-5 + T cells in all asthmatic groups, and reduced the frequency of CD4 + T cells expressing IL-13 in the MA group. The cultures stimulated with Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 showed an increase in the level of IL-10 in the supernatants. Conclusion These results suggest that the addition of Sm29 and Sm29TSP-2 to the cells cultures from subjects with asthma reduced cell activation markers and altered the cytokine production pattern in a way that can potentialy control the inflammatory response associated with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major issue with Schistosoma mansoni infection is the development of periportal fibrosis, which is predominantly caused by the host immune response to egg antigens. Experimental studies have pointed to the participation of monocytes in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.The aim of this study was to characterize the subsets of monocytes in individuals with different degrees of periportal fibrosis secondary to schistosomiasis. Monocytes were classified into classical (CD14++CD16-), intermediate (CD14++CD16+), and nonclassical (CD14+CD16++). The expressions of monocyte markers and cytokines were assessed using flow cytometry. The frequency of classical monocytes was higher than the other subsets. The expression of HLA-DR, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β was higher in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis as compared to other groups. Although no differences were observed in receptors expression (IL-4R and IL-10R) between groups of patients, the expression of IL-12 was lower in monocytes from individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis, suggesting a protective role of this cytokine in the development of fibrosis. Our data support the hypothesis that the three different monocyte populations participate in the immunopathogenesis of periportal fibrosis, since they express high levels of proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and low levels of regulatory markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis affects about 240 million people worldwide and is estimated that about 700 million people live in areas at risk of infection. In the context of immune response associated with infection by Schistosoma mansoni, the role of memory T cells is not well understood. Aim: To evaluate the frequency of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from individuals resistant and susceptible to Schistosoma mansoni infection. Methods and Results: We selected individuals with low (resistant) and high (susceptible) parasite burden using databases generated during previous studies carried out in the same endemic area. The cell surface markers were performed using flow cytometry. In this study, the resistant individuals showed an increase in the CD4+ memory T‐cell pool associated with an increase in the central memory cell (TCM) and a decrease in the effector memory cell (TEM). Individuals susceptible to infection had higher frequencies of effector memory cells compared to resistant individuals. Conclusions: These data suggest that resistance to S mansoni infection may be associated with an increase in the number of CD4+ memory T cells and susceptibility to infection is associated with a decrease in the central memory cell as well as high proportions of effector memory cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The immunopathogenesis of severe asthma has been associated with an inefficient regulatory response. There are a few studies about the CD4 T cells profile among individuals with severe asthma refractory to treatment. Objective: To evaluate the CD4 T lymphocyte profile from individuals with severe asthma according to their response to treatment, relating to their atopy status and age of asthma onset. Methods: We evaluated nineteen individuals with severe asthma refractory to treatment (SAR), 21 with well‐controlled or partly controlled severe asthma (CSA) and 23 with mild‐to‐moderate asthma (MMA). Lymphocytes were obtained from PBMC, and the frequency of expression of different molecules in this population was assessed using the flow cytometry. Results: We observed the frequency of CD4+IFN‐γ+T cells was higher in atopic individuals with SAR than with CSA. In addition, among the atopic and early‐onset asthma (EOA), the frequency of CD4+CTLA‐4+T cells was lower in the SAR group than the CSA group. In relation to non‐atopic and late‐onset asthma (LOA) phenotypes, we noted the frequency of CD4+FoxP3+T cells was lower in individuals with SAR than with CSA. We also observed among the LOA patients, the frequency of CD4+TGF‐β+ T cells was decreased in SAR group than the in CSA group. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Our data suggest that refractoriness to treatment in asthma is associated with a lower expression of distinct regulatory molecules by CD4 T cells between those who are atopic and have EOA and those who are non‐atopic and have LOA. Thus, these results may contribute to the identification of new regulatory strategies to treat asthma according to their phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ruptures of tailings mine dams in the cities of Mariana and Brumadinho contaminated local Brazilian Rivers with toxic metals. Herein, we describe a scaled-up biosorbent based on natural macauba endocarp (NTE) and macauba endocarp chemically treated (TE) to remove Al3+, Mn2+ and Fe3+ from aqueous solutions. For the TE material: the variation of pH and temperature of water did not cause significant sorption interferences; the kinetics studies suggest a pseudo-second-order model; the adsorption isotherms revealed that the Langmuir equation was the best fit for Al3+ and Mn2+, while the Freundlich equation best described the Fe3+; and the maximum adsorption capacities were between 0.268 mg g−1 and 1.379 mg g−1. A scaled-up was carried out using an adsorption column to remove the metals from Rio Paraopeba River water samples and the results showed that both NTE and TE are potentially low cost biosorbents for removing Al3+, Mn2+ and Fe3+. [Display omitted] • The biomaterial can be used as an effective sorbent to improve the water quality. • Macauba removed efficiently the three metals from real aqueous samples. • Removal capacity was significant in different pH and temperatures. • The performance was similar to or better than other conventional sorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of infestation Diatraea spp. in different varieties RB (Republic of Brazil) of cane sugar in cropping systems for dryland and irrigated four and three years, respectively. The varieties studied were as follows: RB72454, RB867515, RB971755, RB951541, RB931003, RB92579, RB863129 and RB93509. For the irrigated system, the variety RB98710 was also included. Assessments of the percentage of intensity of internal damage were carried out at harvest, in 15 stalks in each plot. All stalks were opened longitudinally, thus obtaining the percentage of internodes damaged by the complex borer/rottenness. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. In the first year of assessment, in rainfed crop, the variety RB971755 showed the highest average of infestation by Diatraea spp. when compared with all other varieties. In the second year the variety RB931003 was the most attacked by the pest and for the subsequent two years the varieties did not differ in relation to pest attack. In the first year, for the irrigated system, the most infested variety was RB867515. In the following two years it was not possible to identify a variety with striking characteristic of preference by the sugar cane borer. In both systems, there was a decrease in crop productivity during annual assessment. The values of % infestation showed no significant correlations with the agroindustrial parameters evaluated in the two systems of cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]