Search

The association between two types of concrete at different stages is common in precast connections, composite beams, and repairs, creating an interface. High-Strength Concrete (HSC) is extensively used in precast industries. Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is suitable for filling the HSC-UHPC connection due to its exceptional mechanical properties and adhesion capability. This study investigated the normal and tangential stiffness of the HSC-UHPC interface using different surface preparations: Exposed coarse aggregates, Shear keys, Exposed fine aggregate, Expanded mesh, Exposed fiber and Smooth (no special treatment). The stiffness of the interface was assessed through four-point bending, splitting tension and push-off tests. The normal stiffness coefficient derived from the four-point bending test proved more suitable than the stiffness coefficient obtained from the splitting tensile test. A trend between roughness and normal stiffness was observed, indicating decreased normal stiffness as roughness increased. Although the roughness of the interface influenced the normal stiffness by affecting adhesion and mechanical interlocking, its impact on tangential stiffness was not clearly observed and depended on the interface treatment. The normal and tangential stiffness parameters obtained at the HSC-UHPC interface were significantly higher than those observed in previous studies on the Normal Strength Concrete-UHPC interface. The complete nonlinear load displacement curves were provided to represent the interface behavior between HSC-UHPC considering different types of tests and surface preparations. A range of normal and tangential stiffness parameters was obtained, which can be useful in future research aiming to modeling the interface between HSC and UHPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma is an aggressive disease with a high mortality rate. Management has drastically changed with the new era of immunotherapy, and novel strategies are being developed; however, identifying systemic treatments is still challenging. This paper presents an update of the expert panel consensus from the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group and the Latin American Renal Cancer Group on advanced renal cell carcinoma management in Brazil. Methods: A panel of 34 oncologists and experts in renal cell carcinoma discussed and voted on the best options for managing advanced disease in Brazil, including systemic treatment of early and metastatic renal cell carcinoma as well as nonclear cell tumours. The results were compared with the literature and graded according to the level of evidence. Results: Adjuvant treatments benefit patients with a high risk of recurrence after surgery, and the agents used are pembrolizumab and sunitinib, with a preference for pembrolizumab. Neoadjuvant treatment is exceptional, even in initially unresectable cases. First-line treatment is mainly based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); the choice of treatment is based on the International Metastatic Database Consortium (IMCD) risk score. Patients at favourable risk receive ICIs in combination with TKIs. Patients classified as intermediate or poor risk receive ICIs, without preference for ICI + ICIs or ICI + TKIs. Data on nonclear cell renal cancer treatment are limited. Active surveillance has a place in treating favourable-risk patients. Either denosumab or zoledronic acid can be used for treating metastatic bone disease. Conclusion: Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are the standards of care for advanced disease. The utilization and sequencing of these therapeutic agents hinge upon individual risk scores and responses to previous treatments. This consensus reflects a commitment to informed decision-making, drawn from professional expertise and evidence in the medical literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of water management requires monitoring techniques that accurately evaluate water quality status and detect the effects of land use changes on water chemistry. This study aimed to evaluate how multivariate statistical methods and water quality indices can be applied together to evaluate the processes controlling water chemical composition and the overall water quality status of a tropical watershed. Thirty-four water samples were collected in the Formoso River basin, located on the border of the Amazon Forest. Water parameters were measured in situ using a multiparameter and in the lab using spectroscopic and volumetric techniques. The water quality dataset was interpreted through principal component analysis, multivariate linear regression, and water quality indices. Statistical methods allowed us to identify the sources and geochemical processes controlling water quality chemistry, which were carbonate dissolution, runoff/erosion, nutrient input due to anthropogenic activities, and redox reactions in flooded zones. They were also used to create linear functions to evaluate the effects of land use changes on the geochemical processes controlling water chemistry. Conversely, the water quality indices provide information about the overall condition of the water. The Weight-Arithmetic Quality Index correctly evaluates water suitability for its multiple uses, according to the Brazilian guidelines. Conversely, the Ontario Water Quality Index is not suitable to evaluate the water quality of tropical rivers, since the usual higher water temperature and the low oxygen contents associated with tropical environments result in biased water quality evaluations by this index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of silvopastoral systems improves the sustainability of resources, enhancing the efficiency of the production system, with potential to offer local and global ecosystem services. The objective of this study was to evaluate the persistence of Andropogon grass (Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina) in nine years of growth and the ingestive behavior of goats under continuous stocking in a silvopastoral system during the rainy season, in comparison to the monoculture. The treatments were two production systems: monoculture (Andropogon grass) and silvopastoral system—SPS (native trees mixed with Andropogon grass). The persistence was evaluated between the years of 2011 and 2019 and, the ingestive behavior was evaluated in the grazing periods of 2019 (March, April, May and June). No effect of the interaction between cultivation systems and years was found on forage dry mass yield (P = 0.17) and leaf/stem ratio (P = 0.21), however, the forage dry mass yield was higher (P < 0.01) in the silvopastoral system. There was effect of interaction on the crude protein content (P < 0.01). In addition, there was effect of the different systems on the NDF content (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences (P > 0.10) for the ingestive behavior variables, except for the bite mass that was higher in the monoculture. Significant differences were found for the bite rate, with a mean value of 17.8 bites/min−1. The DM intake in relation to the body weight was equivalent to 2.86% of the BW. There was no difference in the variation of the mean body weight of the goats between the cultivation systems of Andropogon grass. The Andropogon grass pasture grown in monoculture system and SPS remains perennial for nine years of grazing. Goat grazing in the two cultivation systems of Andropogon grass showed similar performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain caused by the tumor or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is a disabling symptom in breast cancer survivors. Their mechanisms are unclear, but pro-algesic and inflammatory mediators seem to be involved. Kinins are endogenous algogenic mediators associated with various painful conditions via B1 and B2 receptor activation, including chemotherapy-induced pain and breast cancer proliferation. We investigate the involvement of the kinin B1 and B2 receptors in metastatic breast tumor (4T1 breast cancer cells)-caused pain and in aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole or letrozole) therapy-associated pain. A protocol associating the tumor and antineoplastic therapy was also performed. Kinin receptors' role was investigated via pharmacological antagonism, receptors protein expression, and kinin levels. Mechanical and cold allodynia and muscle strength were evaluated. AIs and breast tumor increased kinin receptors expression, and tumor also increased kinin levels. AIs caused mechanical allodynia and reduced the muscle strength of mice. Kinin B1 (DALBk) and B2 (Icatibant) receptor antagonists attenuated these effects and reduced breast tumor-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. AIs or paclitaxel enhanced breast tumor-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, while DALBk and Icatibant prevented this increase. Antagonists did not interfere with paclitaxel's cytotoxic action in vitro. Thus, kinin B1 or B2 receptors can be a potential target for treating the pain caused by metastatic breast tumor and their antineoplastic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis mansoni is considered a serious public health problem. As praziquantel is the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis, the development of new drugs is of great significance. In this work, we present the antischistosomal activity of a small set of phthalimido-thiazole derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni. The effects of those derivatives on the viability of larvae juveniles and adult parasites, production and development of eggs, mortality of schistosomules in vitro by counting worms, and stages of eggs of infected animals in acute and chronic phases were evaluated, resulting in the identification of new multistage antischistosomal compounds. Additionally, a study of liver fibrogenesis was released. The phthalimido-thiazole derivatives, compounds 2b-d, 2h-j, had shown activity on schistosomules, achieving 100% mortality even at 5 mg/mL, in the first 24 h. In the chronic phase of schistosomiasis infection, compound 2i promoted a reduction in the number of immature eggs, an increase in the number of non-viable parasite eggs, a reduction in the average number of eggs in the liver and intestine, decrease in the levels of hydroxyproline in the liver, and a reduction in the areas of hepatic fibrosis. This compound also promoted an increase of IL-10 and a reduction in the level of TNF-α in the liver. Accordingly, the phthalimide-thiazole scaffold is a new starting point for the development of multistage compounds that affect S. mansoni viability, egg formation, and production. Highlights: • Phthalimido-thiazole derivative as multistage compound • Prophylactic activity of compound 2i • 100% on schistosomules mortality • Reduction of egg number • Anti-fibrotic activity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated metal and metalloid dynamics in the estuarine water of the Doce River (Brazil) after the collapse of an iron ore-processing tailing dam in 2015. Spectroscopic and isotopic techniques were applied to bring new insights into the effects of the dam failure on the dynamics and hazardousness of particulate and dissolved metal(loid) concentrations along the fluvial-estuarine continuum. Spectroscopic analysis showed that the suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Doce River estuary consisted of a combination of soil-delivered particles and fine tailing mud particles with small amounts of coarse tailing mud Fe oxides (~150-μm width). Enrichment and contamination factors showed that the dam failure increased particulate Fe, Pb, Cd, and As, and dissolved Pb concentrations. Total concentrations of As (15 μg/L), Pb (30 μg/L), Cd (8 μg/L), and Cr (105 μg/L) increased up to values higher than quality and regulatory guidelines. Human health risk assessment showed that local communities are exposed to a potentially chronic Cr noncarcinogenic effects, although Cr high concentrations were not linked with the dam failure by this study. The particulate Pb isotope signatures reported herein (206/207Pb ratios of 1.214 ± 0.006 and 208/206Pb ratios of 2.025 ± 0.011) can be applied to constrain metal(loid) sources in the Doce River sediment plume and continental shelf. The river-ocean mixing zone caused abrupt changes metal(loid) partitioning (Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd, and As), controlling their fate in the estuary and the Brazilian southeast coastal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baculoviruses are circular double-stranded DNA viruses that infect insects and are widely used as the baculoviral expression vectors (BEVs), which provide a eukaryotic milieu for heterologous expression. The most frequently used vector is based on Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). However, purification of recombinant proteins produced using BEVs is laborious, time-consuming, and often expensive. Numerous strategies have been explored to facilitate purification of heterologous proteins, such as fusion with occlusion body (OBs)-forming proteins like polyhedrin (Polh). Baculoviruses produce OBs in the late stages of infection to protect the virion in the cellular environment, and the main protein responsible for OB formation is Polh. In this study, we investigated the effect of fusing the gene that encodes the surface antigen (S-HBsAg) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to either the N- or C-terminus of the AcMNPV Polh. The production of recombinant viruses and recombinant proteins was confirmed, and the ability to form chimeric S-HBsAg-containing OBs was accessed by light and scanning electron microscopy of infected cells. The fusion was found to affect the shape and size of the OBs when compared to wild-type OBs, with the N-terminal fusion producing less-amorphous OBs than the C-terminal construct. In addition, the N-terminal construct gave higher levels of expression than the C-terminal construct. Quantitative and qualitative immunoassays with human serum or plasma antibodies against HBsAg showed that the two forms of the antigen reacted differently. Although both reacted with the antibody, the N-terminal fusion protein reacted with more sensitivity (2.27-fold) and is therefore more suitable for quantitative assays than the C-terminal version. In summary, the BEVs represents a promising tool for the production of reagents for the diagnosis of HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements (REE) are becoming an environmental pollutant of emerging concern, linked to their use in various anthropic processes. Because REE bioconcentrate in marine organisms throughout their food webs, a better understanding of biogeochemical processes leading to REE concentrations found in coastal species is necessary. This study was designed to assess REEs concentrations in various common bivalves from the French coastline to identify possible geographic, taxonomic, or temporal variations of concentrations. Based on the French Mussel Watch program, three species of bivalves (oyster Crassostrea gigas and mussels Mytilus edulis and Mytilus galloprovincialis) were collected all along the French metropolitan coast and soft tissues were analyzed for REE concentrations. Results have shown higher REE concentrations in bivalve soft tissues near estuaries without taxonomic nor national geographic differences. The highest levels have been observed in the Gironde estuary with total REE concentrations (∑REE) in oysters up to 10.94 µg g−1 d.w. The REE distribution pattern in both mussel species described a particle-like (inverse V-shape) pattern, whereas C. gigas REE distribution pattern changes from a particle-like to a dissolved-like pattern with a heavy REE (HREE) enrichment. However, no environmental parameter could be linked to these pattern changes. Finally, neither Gd anomalies nor an evolution of REE concentrations over a 30-year period have been detected in bivalves' soft tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess overall adrenal mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid/androgen steroidogenesis in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients and the possible effect of prednisone on adrenal hormones and ovarian reserve. Methods: Fifty-one adult cSLE (ACR criteria) patients and 23 healthy controls were evaluated for adrenal steroidogenesis including mineralocorticoid (progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone), glucocorticoid (17-OHprogesterone, 11-desoxycortisol, cortisol), and androgen (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, total testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) hormones. Ovarian reserve assessment included follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, anti-Müllerian hormone, ovarian volumes, and antral follicle count. Results: The median of current age [29.11 (19–39.8) vs. 30.8 (19.6–42.1) years, p = 0.502] was similar in adult cSLE and controls. Regarding mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid, the median of progesterone (p = 0.003), 17-OH progesterone (p < 0.001), and 11-desoxycortisol (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. All androgen steroidogenesis hormones were reduced in the former group [dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (p < 0.001), androstenedione (p = 0.001), total testosterone (p = 0.005), and dihydrotestosterone (p < 0.001)]. Further comparison of patients with and without current use of prednisone and controls revealed a predominant impact on adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen steroidogenesis with reduced levels of 17-OH progesterone [0.17 (0–0.5) vs. 0.27 (0.1–2.9) vs. 0.33 (0.1–0.8) ng/mL, p < 0.001], dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate [0.155 (0–0.6) vs. 0.49 (0.1–1.6) vs. 1.11 (0.1–2.6) μg/mL, p < 0.001], androstenedione [0.56 (0.2–4.4) vs. 1.7 (0.5–4.5) vs. 2.33 (0.3–3.8) ng/mL, p < 0.001], total testosterone [12 (12–167) vs. 16 (12–28) vs. (16.5 (0–50) ng/d, p = 0.002], and dihydrotestosterone [92.68 (11.8–198.5) vs. 160.62 (37.9–842.1) vs. 188.3 (71.3–543.9) pg/ml, p < 0.001] in patients under this drug. In addition, patients with this therapy had reduced median ovarian volumes [4.14 (2–12) vs. 7.13 (2–25.7) vs. 5.18 (2.4–17.3) cm3, p = 0.028) that was not associated with cyclophosphamide cumulative dose (p > 0.05). The median prednisone dose was 15/mg/day (2.5–40). Conclusions: We provided novel evidence that cSLE patients have an overall androgen/glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid adrenal suppression. Furthermore, low/moderate prednisone use seems to underlie these abnormalities and may also adversely affect ovarian reserve, independently of immunosuppressants. Key Points • cSLE patients have an overall androgen/glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid adrenal suppression. • Low/moderate prednisone use may affect ovarian reserve, independently of immunosuppressants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments provide essential information about geochemical processes occurring in aquatic systems and are useful to monitor temporal changes in metals concentrations. In this work, we conducted a geochemical survey in the Rio de Ondas basin, situated in the inland cerrado area from the northeast Brazilian region, to establish environmental reference values to identify metal origins related to anthropogenic and natural sources. Also, we evaluated the temporal dynamics of soil to assess the anthropic pressure over the soil surface and its potential effects on geochemical compositions of sediments. To this end, we combined geochemical and Geographic Information System (GIS) information, including remote sensing imagery, X-ray diffraction analysis, and geochemical analytical tools. We applied multivariate statistical analysis, determination of Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and enrichment factors (EF) to interpret the dataset. The results showed that 47.35% of the Brazilian cerrado in this zone was suppressed due to agricultural activity expansion. Mineralogy analysis indicated the presence of quartz silicates, varying from 65.1% (w/w) to 86% (w/w). Overall, the sediments showed low metal contamination levels and moderate levels near urban centers, probably due to domestic sewage discharge. It was also observed in very similar proportions of mineral constituents, obtaining environmental reference data and their associations with the region's geological formation. Thereby, sediment geochemical compositions probably reflect weathering processes, which may accelerate due to landscape modifications induced by economic activities, notably agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Body balance involves the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. IGF-I is a GH-dependent key factor in the development and postnatal differentiation of the inner ear in mice and men, but its role in the vestibular function in adult humans is unknown. We have previously described a cohort of individuals with severe isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) caused by a mutation in the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) gene. These individuals complain of dizziness, exhibit mild sensorineural loss, but have normal postural balance, without increase in falls risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate their vestibular function. Methods: We performed physical examination (clinical head impulse and Fukuda dynamic stepping test), oculomotor (saccadic eye movements, spontaneous, semi-spontaneous and opotokinetic nystagmus, and pendular tracking) and caloric stimulation (postcaloric reflex and ocular fixation index) tests, in 15 GH-naïve IGHD (seven males) and 15 controls (five males). Results: IGHD subjects showed lower height and weight, with similar BMI to controls, and higher number of individuals with abnormal clinical head impulse test and abnormal oculomotor tests, namely the saccadic movements and the spontaneous nystagmus. There was a nonsignificant trend in abnormalities in the Fukuda stepping test and postcaloric reflex test. Conclusions: Adult untreated IGHD individuals have higher prevalence of moderate peripheral vestibular impairment, and of abnormal vestibular-ocular reflex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of several structural proteins from a wide variety of viruses in heterologous cell culture systems results in the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs). These VLPs structurally resemble the wild-type virus particles and have been used to study viral assembly process and as antigens for diagnosis and/or vaccine development. Tomato blistering mosaic virus (ToBMV) is a tymovirus that has a 6.3-kb positive-sense ssRNA genome. We have employed the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) for the production of tymovirus-like particles (tVLPs) in insect cells. Two recombinant baculoviruses containing the ToBMV wild-type coat protein (CP) gene or a modified short amino-terminal deletion (Δ2-24CP) variant were constructed and used to infect insect cells. Both recombinant viruses were able to express ToBMV CP and Δ2-24CP from infected insect cells that self-assembled into tVLPs. Therefore, the N-terminal residues (2-24) of the native ToBMV CP were shown not to be essential for self-assembly of tVLPs. We also constructed a third recombinant baculovirus containing a small sequence coding for the major epitope of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) envelope protein 2 (E2) replacing the native CP N-terminal 2-24 amino acids. This recombinant virus also produced tVLPs. In summary, ToBMV VLPs can be produced in a baculovirus/insect cell heterologous expression system, and the N-terminal residues 2-24 of the CP are not essential for this assembly, allowing its potential use as a protein carrier that facilitates antigen purification and might be used for diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an unexpected feature observed for the heterologous expression of the Thyrinteina arnobia cypovirus polyhedrin from a recombinant baculovirus infection in different insect cell lines. The in cellulo-formed crystals varied in size and shape depending on the cell line. Crystals formed in Trichoplusia ni-derived cells were cubic (0.1-2 μm) and localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas those formed in Spodoptera frugiperda-derived cells were ovate and ellipsoidal (0.1-3 μm) and also localized in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. The molecular basis for differences in the morphology, size, and location of cypovirus occlusion bodies is unclear, and cellular proteins might play a role in their formation and location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Method for the determination of two auxins, indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-butyric acid, is developed using HPLC with electrochemical detection. As the working electrode, recently developed carbon felt detector with high conversion degree was employed. Optimum conditions, i.e. separation on 125-4 Lichrospher 100, RP-18 column with mobile phase consisting of buffer pH 4.0 and methanol (40:60, v/v) and detection at potential + 1.5 V, allow to obtain linear concentration dependences in the concentration range from 1 to 100 µmol dm−3, with determination limits of 1.1 µmol dm−3 and 1.8 µmol dm−3 for indole-3-acetic and -butyric acid, respectively. Applicability of the method was verified by the determination of both analytes in rooting preparation; the results were in agreement with the reference method, although not with the values declared by the manufacturer.Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels, expressed by nociceptors, contribute to neuropathic pain. Here we show that TRPA1 is also expressed in Schwann cells. We found that in mice with partial sciatic nerve ligation, TRPA1 silencing in nociceptors attenuated mechanical allodynia, without affecting macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress, whereas TRPA1 silencing in Schwann cells reduced both allodynia and neuroinflammation. Activation of Schwann cell TRPA1 evoked NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1)-dependent H2O2 release, and silencing or blocking Schwann cell NOX1 attenuated nerve injury-induced macrophage infiltration, oxidative stress and allodynia. Furthermore, the NOX2-dependent oxidative burst, produced by macrophages recruited to the perineural space activated the TRPA1–NOX1 pathway in Schwann cells, but not TRPA1 in nociceptors. Schwann cell TRPA1 generates a spatially constrained gradient of oxidative stress, which maintains macrophage infiltration to the injured nerve, and sends paracrine signals to activate TRPA1 of ensheathed nociceptors to sustain mechanical allodynia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Paranoá is a human-made water reservoir created in 1959 together with the new capital of Brazil (Brasilia). With the demands of urban development, population growth, and land use changes, the lake presented severe deterioration of water quality due to the disposal of wastewater with a high concentration of nutrients. To better elucidate the natural and anthropogenic sources controlling the water quality from Lake Paranoá, this study aimed to (1) investigate the main geochemical processes controlling water quality of the lake and its tributaries; (2) evaluate Lake Paranoá's trophic state; and (3) determine the occurrence and fate of organic micropollutants in Lake Paranoá waters and WWTPs effluents. The waters from Lake Paranoá tributaries are naturally acidic due to the nature of the extremely weathered ferralsols and the crustal material composition. The main processes linked with anthropogenic activities that affect the water quality from the tributaries are the input of untreated domestic wastewater and the dissolution of carbonate minerals arising from construction material residues. Generally, the waters of Lake Paranoá presented low nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations, indicating a low trophic state (oligo-mesotrophic). A significant increase in the trophic state (super-eutrophic) was observed at specific regions of the lake that have high nutrient input from tributaries, caused by the continuous disposal of untreated domestic sewage. In Lake Paranoá waters, the organic micropollutants that were identified and quantified (caffeine, bezafibrate, bisphenol A, diethyl phthalate, and nonylphenol) presented concentrations consistent with previous studies and within the threshold of toxicity, except bisphenol A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we showed that cell death induced by a recombinant (vAcNSs) Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) expressing the silencing suppressor (NSs) protein of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was enhanced on permissive and semipermissive cell lines. The expression of a heterologous gene (firefly luciferase) during co-infection of insect cells with vAcNSs and a second recombinant baculovirus (vAgppolhfluc) was shown to increase when compared to single vAgppolhfluc infections. Furthermore, the vAcNSs mean time-to-death values were significantly lower than those for wild-type AcMNPV on larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda and Anticarsia gemmatalis. These results showed that the TSWV-NSs protein could efficiently increase heterologous protein expression in insect cells as well as baculovirus pathogenicity and virulence, probably by suppressing the gene-silencing machinery in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is one of the largest silk producers in the world. The domesticated silkworm ( Bombyx mori) was formally introduced into the country in the twentieth century, and the state of Paraná is the main national producer. During larval stages, B. mori can be afflicted by many different infectious diseases, which lead to substantial losses in silk production. In this work, we describe the structure and complete genome sequence of the first non-Asian isolate of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), the most important silkworm pathogen. The BmNPV-Brazilian isolate is a nucleopolyhedrovirus with singly enveloped nucleocapsids within polyhedral occlusion bodies. Its genome has 126,861 bp with a G + C content of 40.4 %. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the virus with the Japanese strain (BmNPV-T3). As expected, we have detected intra-population variability in the virus sample. Variation along homologous regions (HRs) and bro genes was observed; there were seven HRs, deletion of bro- e, and division of bro- a into two ORFs. The study of baculoviruses allows for a better understanding of virus evolution providing insight for biological control of insect pests or protection against the pernicious disease caused by these viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports a geochemical study of sediments from the upper Paracatu River Basin. The objective is to define the influences of Au, Zn, and Pb mineral deposits and mining activities on the sediment metal sources, distribution, and accretion. The samples were analyzed using ICP/OES, AAS, and XRD techniques and were treated with principal components analysis and the geo-accumulation index. The main geochemical processes that control the sediment composition are pyrite oxidation, muscovite weathering, carbonate dissolution, and the erosion of oxisols enriched with Zn and Pb. The upper Rico Stream has high Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Co, and Mn concentrations due erosion of oxisols and pyrite oxidation and muscovite alteration present in the parental rock. The artisanal alluvial gold mining increased the primary rock-minerals' weathering and Hg sediment concentration. The lower Escuro River and Santa Catarina Stream are enriched with Zn and Pb due the erosion of metal-rich soils formed over galena, sphalerite, calamine, and willemite mineral deposits located upstream. Elements such as Ca, Mg, and Ba have low concentrations throughout the sampled area due the high solubility of these metals-bearing minerals. The dispersion of metals is limited by the basin geomorphology and their affinity to silt-clayey minerals and Fe and Mn oxides and hydroxides in circumneutral pH waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structures of micro and nanotubes obtained by pyrolysis of hydrocarbons, hold onto silicon (Si) substrates, are reported in this work. The tubes fabrication experiments were carried out by Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (RTCVD) using propane (C3H8) as carbon (C) precursor. Selection of parameters such as temperature of deposition, vacuum conditions or surface cleaning leads to the creation of tubular structures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and energy dispersive X-ray measurements (EDX) are the microbeam techniques that allow to characterize the tubes found in the studied specimens. Different tube configurations such as isolated nanorods, Y-type junctions or fiber-like layers are evidenced. Metallic catalysis seems to be the mechanism involved in the wires formation since Fe particles are present inside the CNT tubes. Other poly-crystalline inclusions are also evidenced by SAED. The composition of the nanotubes changes from tip to tail in an amorphous matrix. The growth mechanisms leading to tube formation are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no established biomarker for cetuximab efficacy in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic and predictive impact of PTEN, cMET, and p16 expression in recurrent HNSCC. In this retrospective study, 112 patients with recurrent HNSCC received chemotherapy (CT) alone (n = 37) or chemotherapy with cetuximab (n = 75). PTEN, cMET, and p16 protein expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The median overall survival (mOS) for the patients treated with cetuximab + CT versus CT alone was 11.4 months and 7.0 months, (p = 0.949). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6.2 months versus 3.0 months (p = 0.154). Patients with PTEN loss exhibited a mOS of 5.8 months versus 10.5 months (p = 0.002) and a mPFS of 3.2 months versus 4.7 months (p = 0.019). A multivariate analysis identified an independent association between PTEN loss and OS (HR 2.27; 95% confidence 95% CI 1.27-4.08; p = 0.006) and with PFS (HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.09-2.99; p = 0.022). A negative prognostic impact of PTEN loss was observed in the patients treated with cetuximab + CT, and not in the CT only group. Expression of cMET and p16 showed no impact on OS or PFS. The present findings confirm that PTEN is a prognostic factor for metastatic HNSCC and they support further studies of PTEN expression to evaluate its predictive value to cetuximab response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]