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Ozone gas (O3) is a promising alternative for fungal inactivation in agricultural commodities. This study aimed to (i) investigate the influence of airflow on the saturation of popcorn kernels with ozone gas, (ii) evaluate its effectiveness in controlling Aspergillus flavus, and (iii) analyze the quality of ozonated grains. Samples of 3.0 kg of kernels were exposed to oxygen (control) or ozone at specific flow rates of 0.15 or 1.00 m3 min−1 t−1, with an input ozone concentration of 16.0 mg L−1 for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, or 48 h. Quality parameters assessed included expansion volume, water content, electrical conductivity, and color. At 0.15 m3 min−1 t−1, ozone consumption and saturation time were lower, with an 80% reduction in A. flavus infection after 6 h. This flow rate did not affect grain expansion or water content. Conversely, at 1.0 m3 min−1 t−1, reductions in water content and expansion were observed with extended exposure. Electrical conductivity increased in both treatments, more significantly at the lower flow rate. In conclusion, ozonation at 0.15 m3 min−1 t−1 effectively inactivated A. flavus without compromising grain quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nova Economia is the property of Nova Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Michelson-Morley interferometer has been used in the most diverse applications since its construction in 1887 by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley to measure the speed of the earth with regard to the ether. Despite the simplicity of its assembly, the instrument still finds relevant applications nowadays. In this work, we present the computational simulation and construction of a variant of the Michelson-Morley interferometer using the air-water diopter as a beam splitter. The proposed modification shows significance in promoting the discussion about many concepts related to physics and engineering. The assembly employed a red laser centered at 630 nm, with linear polarization oriented at an angle of about 45° from the plane of incidence, as an excitation source and two first surface mirrors to reflect the beams reflected and refracted at the diopter - a CCD camera captured the circular interference images on the screen. The analysis of the wave intensities employed the Finite Element Method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate clinical predictors of poor sleep quality in COPD patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Consecutive stable patients with COPD were evaluated for OSA by means of overnight polysomnography; for sleep quality by means of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); and for disease impact by means of the COPD Assessment Test. COPD severity was graded in accordance with the 2020 GOLD guidelines. Predictors of poor sleep quality were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: We studied 51 patients with COPD alone and 51 patients with COPD and OSA. Both groups had similar age (66.2 ± 9.2 years vs. 69.6 ± 10.7, p = 0.09) and airflow limitation (p = 0.37). Poor sleep quality was present in 74.8% of the study participants, with no significant difference between COPD patients with and without OSA regarding PSQI scores (p = 0.73). Polysomnography showed increased stage 1 non-rapid eye movement sleep and arousal index, as well as reduced sleep efficiency and stage 3 non-rapid eye movement sleep, in the group of patients with COPD and OSA (p < 0.05). Independent predictors of poor sleep quality were GOLD grade C/D COPD (OR = 6.4; 95% CI, 1.79-23.3; p < 0.01), a COPD Assessment Test score = 10 (OR = 12.3; 95% CI, 4.1-36.5; p < 0.01), and lowest SaO2 < 80% (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Poor sleep quality is quite common in patients with COPD and is associated with severe COPD and poor health status, having a negative impact on overall quality of life. Despite changes in polysomnography, OSA appears to have no impact on subjective sleep quality in COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries have adopted the addition of biodiesel to diesel as a way of inserting renewable content into mineral fuel and making a contribution to the environment. The addition of ethanol to the diesel/biodiesel blend to increase the renewable content of the added fuel blend and reduce the percentage of biodiesel could be a strategysince the demand for biodiesel production is high, and this fuel has a high production cost when compared to ethanol. Thus, this study evaluated the performance and the content of NOx, CO and CO2 exhaust gases from a diesel engine fueled with blends of diesel/biodiesel/ethanol: pure B7, B7E3 (B7 with 3% ethanol) and B7E10 (B7 with 10% ethanol). Emissions of fuel blends were evaluated using the engine speed variation and tested at a speed of 1500 rpm under constant load (185 Nm). Assays were performed at engine speeds of 1000, 1100, 1250, 1500 and 1750 rpm and with loads of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the maximum torque. Through the performance curves, the specific consumption and thermal efficiency were evaluated. The increase in speed and ethanol content in the diesel/biodiesel mixture increased approximately 5 to 7 and 1.4 times, respectively, in terms of the emission of exhaust gases. There was a 6% decrease in the maximum torque and power available at each speed with increasing ethanol content in the blend. However, in a vehicular application, this decrease would be perceived only at some points of the part-load regime, causing considerable reductions in thermal efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vegetable production, seedling propagation is one of the most important steps as it directly influences the final performance of the plants. In order for such condition, the propagation substrate must be in good condition. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different combinations of tannery sludge and urban waste compost as substrates in comparison to the commercial substrate Maxfértil® on the growth and quality of eggplant seedlings. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with eight treatments and six replications. The commercial substrate was Maxfértil®, a crushed pine bark, with limestone, and seven treatments with increasing proportions of tannery sludge/decreasing urban waste compost (0/100; 10/90; 30/70; 50/50; 70/30; 90/10 and 100/0 v/v). Characteristics of emergence, growth, quality and leaf nitrogen (N) content were evaluated. No difference was found in the emergence of eggplant seedlings among the different treatments used; however, the growth characteristics, quality and N content featured significant effects when the seeds were propagated in alternative substrates. Regression adjustments pointed to an optimal range of 41–49% of tannery sludge associated with urban waste compost for the evaluated characteristics. The strong correlation between SPAD and N content shows its potentiality in detecting N deficiencies in seedlings. The use of tannery sludge residues associated with urban waste compost seems to be an appropriate and sustainable practice for recycling with high agronomic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Otitis is a severe inflammation of the skin of the auditory canal which can impact animals of all ages. In sheep, this disease can occur in isolated cases or in the entire flock. Laser photobiomodulation can be used in combination with medication or as single therapy and the effects are analgesia, modulation of the inflammatory process, edema reduction, tissue restoration and stimulation of local microcirculation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy stands out as a promising alternative to antimicrobial drugs for the treatment of localized infections. This study aimed to report the use of laser phototherapies on a sheep with bacterial otitis. Case: A case of bacterial otitis in a 4-year-old sheep, Dorper, was treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the State University of Santa Cruz. In the anamnesis, the owner reported that the patient presented crusts in the auricular pavilions, and had been medicated with oxytetracycline 20%, administered intramuscularly, for two days and the crusts cleaned with iodine 10%, but the animal did not present clinical improvement. On physical examination, the animal presented constant head swaying, edema of the ears, otalgia, enlarged parotid lymph nodes and ear wounds. No ear discharge was observed, and the initial diagnosis was aural hematoma. The treatment prescribed was laser photobiomodulation for three consecutive days. The lesions were irradiated with a diode laser with a power of 0.1 W, irradiance of 3.5 W/cm2, continuous emission, spot area of 0.028 cm², wavelength of 808 nm, energy of 4J/point, and fluency/point of 142.8J/cm², with seven points on the external surface and four points on the internal surface of both ears. Two points were also targeted on the parotid lymph nodes with infrared laser (λ = 808 nm), with energy of 2J/point. On the fourth day of hospitalization, there was a reduction in lesions, decreased edema and absence of pain and on the sixth day of hospitalization, the patient presented mucopurulent otorrhea. The material from the auricular pavilions was collected for cytological examination, confirming the clinical diagnosis of bacterial otitis. Two sessions of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) were performed with an interval of 48 hours, with application of 0.01 % methylene blue, pre-irradiation time of five minutes and irradiation with diode laser with a power of 0.1 W, 660 nm wavelength and 9J/point energy. On the 10 th day after the start of the treatment, there was no pain, healing of ear wounds, and no otorrhea. An additional photobiomodulation session was performed on the unhealed wounds in the auditory canal with red laser (λ = 660nm), on 5 points with an energy of 1J/point. On the 15th day, the left ear was healed and the right ear presented otorrhea, and a further session of aPDT was performed. On the 17th day after starting treatment there was no secretion and all lesions were healed. The patient was subsequently monitored for one month, showing no change or relapse. Discussion: Laser photobiomodulation treatment and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy were efficient in treating bacterial otitis without the use of antibiotics, promoting clinical improvement and patient well-being, making it an alternative to conventional treatment. After searches on the Pubmed, Scielo and Escopus databases using photobiomodulation and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in sheep otitis as descriptors, this is believed to be the first report on the use of laser phototherapy in sheep otitis. Further studies are needed to establish the dosimetry and frequency of the sessions, as, besides considering animal well-being, this species is an excellent model for human experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of homeless persons. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with participants (n = 176) attending a Specialized Reference Center for the Homeless Population in Teresina, Brazil. Dental caries (DMFT index, WHO criteria), periodontal disease (CPI index), and the consequences of untreated caries (PUFA index) were measured by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa =0.83). Sociodemographic, oral health, and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) data were obtained through interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression, with a significance level of 5%. Most of the participants were male (86.4%) and from the age group of 30 to 43 years (52.2%). Mean DMFT was 11 (SD ± 6.9) and mean total PUFA score was 1.2 (SD ± 2.2). Most of the participants (88.6%) had dental calculus and 8.5% and 1.7% of the sample had gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket > 3.5mm, respectively. The highest prevalence of negative impact in the OHRQoL was associated with females (1.4 (95%CI 1.1-1.7)), low educational level (2.0 (95%CI 1.3-3.0)), caries (1.6 (95%CI 1.1-2.6)), fistulas (1.9 (95%CI 1.3-3.1)), gingival bleeding (1.7 (95%CI 1.1-2.7)), dental calculus (1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.5)), periodontal pockets > 3 mm (1.5 (95%CI 1.1-2.0)), and need for extraction (2.3 (95%CI 1.1-5.0)). In conclusion, the negative impact on the OHRQoL of homeless persons was associated with low educational level, presence of decayed teeth, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Iberoamericana de Diagncstico y Evaluacicn Psicolcgica is the property of Asociacion Iberoamericana de Diagnostico y Evaluacion Psicologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aortic dissection consists of the acute separation of the middle layer of the aorta with infiltration of blood in a virtual space between the intima and the adventitia that originates a false light and forms a hematoma. This study reports a case considered atypical in the epidemiology in a patient with character of Marfan syndrome. In addition, there is a prolonged clinical course and late diagnosis. The patient is a 32-year-old woman who presented with acute, precordial angina. Electrocardiogram that evidenced a left ventricular hypertrophy. The cardiac enzymes were negatives and no treatment was started. After 5 days, the patient had mild pain in the back responsive to analgesics, divergent blood pressure, radial and pedial pulse with increased amplitudes, diastolic murmur on the right sternal border and lung stertors. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed Stanford type A aortic dissection. In addition to the classic risk factors such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and smoking, collagen disorders must be remembered, especially in those patients with characteristics of the disease. Attention to the epidemiology of aortic dissection is essential for early diagnosis and treatment for the morbidity and mortality of this clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecno-Lógica is the property of Tecno-Logica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Surgery & Clinical Research is the property of Master Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among patients with hypertension and treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can decrease blood pressure (BP). However, CPAP is not well tolerated by a significant proportion of patients. The authors investigated the effects of acupuncture on OSA severity and BP control in patients with hypertension. Hypertensive patients with mild to moderate OSA (apnea–hypopnea index, 5–30 events/hr) were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or sham‐acupuncture treatment. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 10 acupuncture sessions using polysomnography, 24‐hr ambulatory BP monitoring and a quality of life questionnaire. Forty‐four patients (34% men; mean age, 57.0 ± 5.4 years; body mass index, 29.6 ± 3.2 kg/m2; apnea–hypopnea index, 16.3 ± 6.7 events/hr) completed the study. There were no differences in pre–post‐intervention apnea–hypopnea index, daytime or nocturnal BP, or quality of life between the acupuncture and sham‐acupuncture groups (p >.05). Acupuncture therapy in hypertensive patients with OSA did not reduce OSA severity, daytime or nocturnal BP, or quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present the use of a free code computational tool, Patent2net, in the search of patents for the implementation of distance learning aimed at Continuing Medical Education. Design/methodology/approach - This technical report is based on the extraction, organization and availability, in the format of graphs and dynamic tables, and also based on information in other patents on the subject, made available in the Espacenet database. Findings - As a result, it was possible to identify a Chinese patent, free for reproduction in Brazil, which describes an e-learning system that simulates 3D scenarios for training nursing teams. Research limitations/implications - The paper has used one unique patent database, but containing more than 100m documents. Practical implications - The selected patent can contribute to the improvement of care and behavioral techniques of the health professionals. Social implications - The training of health professionals can improve the public and supplementary health systems. Originality/value - This is the first paper in that de technometric analisys of patents was used to solve a problem regarding the training of health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An academic debate underway has sought to understand geographical polarization in the Brazilian presidential election. Recent studies have analyzed the additive effects on regional voting behavior from an economic, social, and institutional perspective, sometimes including the income transfer program Bolsa Família. However, these dimensions potentially form multiple distinct configurations that lead to a high or low voting result (percentage). The aim of this paper is to identify these logical combinations and analyze them to shed light on the regional patterns that are most consistent with the in the 2014 presidential election. The main findings suggest that the logical combination of a high percentage of Bolsa Família beneficiaries and a low degree of economic development or unfavorable domicile, urban, and social conditions covers 83% of the cases. This regional pattern of logic configurations was consistent with the pattern of voting based on political party. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nova Economia is the property of Nova Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leishmania (V.) braziliensis is the etiological agent of Cutaneous (CL) and Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) in the New World. CL can be more benign but ML can be severe and disfiguring. Immunity to these diseases include hypersensitivity, an enhanced inflammatory response with strong IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Additionally, the production of IL-10 which down modulates the immune response is reduced. The Nucleoside hydrolase (NH36) of Leishmania (L.) donovani is the main antigen of the Leishmune veterinary vaccine and its F3 domain induces a CD4+ T cell-mediated protection against L. (L.) infantum chagasi infection. Prevention of L. (L.) amazonensis infection requires in contrast an additional CD8+ T cell mediated response induced by the F1 domain. Consequently, the F1F3 recombinant chimera, which contains both domains cloned in tandem, optimized the vaccine efficacy against L. (L.) amazonensis mouse infection. We compared the efficacies of NH36, F1, F3, and the FIF3 chimera against L. (V.) braziliensis mouse infection. The F1F3 chimera increased the NH36 specific IgA and response before and after infection and the IgG and IgG3 levels after challenge. It also induced a 49% stronger intradermal response to leishmanial antigen (IDR) than NH36 that was positively correlated to the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anti-NH36 antibodies. However, stronger Th1 responses with elevated IFN-γ / IL-10 and TNF-α / IL-10 ratios were promoted by the F3 and F1 vaccines and detected in infected controls while the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest IL-10 secretion, which reduced the pathological Th1 response, and characterized the induction of a mixed and/or T-cell regulatory response. We identified the epitopes responsible for these immune responses. The F3 vaccine induced the earliest immunity and after challenge, the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest CD4+ and CD8+ cytokine-secreting T cell responses, and the predominant frequencies of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ T cells. Also as observed against L. (L.) amazonensis infection, the F1F3 chimera showed the strongest reduction of the ear lesions sizes induced by L. (V.) braziliensis. Our results confirm the potential use of the F1F3 chimera in a multi-species cross-protective vaccine against L. (V.) braziliensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal (RBSPA) is the property of Revista Brasileira de Saude e Producao Animal (RBSPA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/aim: Lectin (ScLL) has been recently evaluated in the oral cavity due to its anti-inflammatory activities. ScLL could be a promising agent for blocking osteoclast activity and preventing root resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ScLL on the viability of the RAW 264.7 macrophage lineage, osteoclast-like maturation and the release of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO).Materials and Methods: The viability of RAW 264.7 cells was determined by MTT and Alamar Blue assays after ScLL treatment for 24 hours. ScLL effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast-like maturation were assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and F-actin ring formation. The supernatant was collected to detect the release of TNF-α using ELISA and NO using a nitrite assay.Results: ScLL suppressed osteoclast-like maturation by decreasing TRAP activity as well as F-actin ring formation. ScLL at 10 μg/mL showed the highest values of NO release compared with all other groups (P < .05). Lower levels of TNF-α were found for the negative control.Conclusions: ScLL at 5 μg/mL suppressed osteoclast-like maturation in vitro and had no cytotoxic effect on RAW cell cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of meaning of a work must not be conditioned only to the internal structures of the text, but also to the reading activity itself, namely the interaction between the reader and work. Taking into consideration the precepts explained by Vincent Jouve in his work La Lecture (2002), the present article aims to elucidate the ways in which the text programs its reception and what the competencies are that the reader should interpret to understand the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Científica Guillermo de Ockham is the property of Revista Cientifica Guillermo de Ockham, Universidad de San Buenaventura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Leishmania donovani nucleoside hydrolase (NH36) and NH A34480 of Leishmania amazonensis share 93% of sequence identity. In mice, the NH36 induced protection against visceral leishmaniasis is mediated by a CD4+ T cell response against its C-terminal domain (F3). Besides this CD4+ Th1 response, prevention and cure of L. amazonensis infection require also additional CD8+ and regulatory T-cell responses to the NH36 N-terminal (F1 domain). We investigated if mice vaccination with F1 and F3 domains cloned in tandem, in a recombinant chimera, with saponin, optimizes the vaccine efficacy against L. amazonensis infection above the levels promoted by the two admixed domains or by each domain independently. The chimera induced the highest IgA, IgG, and IgG2a anti-NH36 antibody, IDR, IFN-γ, and IL-10 responses, while TNF-α was more secreted by mice vaccinated with F3 or all F3-contaning vaccines. Additionally, the chimera and the F1 vaccine also induced the highest proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting IL-2, TNF-α, or IFN-γ alone, TNF-α in combination with IL-2 or IFN-γ, and of CD4+ multifunctional cells secreting IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Correlating with the immunological results, the strongest reductions of skin lesions sizes were determined by the admixed domains (80%) and by the chimera (84%), which also promoted the most pronounced and significant reduction of the parasite load (99.8%). Thus, the epitope presentation in a recombinant chimera optimizes immunogenicity and efficacy above the levels induced by the independent or admixed F1 and F3 domains. The multiparameter analysis disclosed that the Th1-CD4+ T helper response induced by the chimera is mainly directed against its FRYPRPKHCHTQVA epitope. Additionally, the YPPEFKTKL epitope of F1 induced the second most important CD4+ T cell response, and, followed by the DVAGIVGVPVAAGCT, FMLQILDFYTKVYE, and ELLAITTVVGNQ sequences, also the most potent CD8+ T cell responses and IL-10 secretion. Remarkably, the YPPEFKTKL epitope shows high amino acid identity with a multipotent PADRE sequence and stimulates simultaneously the CD4+, CD8+ T cell, and a probable T regulatory response. With this approach, we advanced in the design of a NH36 polytope vaccine capable of inducing cross-protection to cutaneous leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Administraçãao da UNIMEP is the property of Revista de Administracao da UNIMEP and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Immucillins ImmA (IA), ImmH (IH) and SerMe-ImmH (SMIH) are synthetic deazapurine nucleoside analogues that inhibit Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi and Leishmania (L.) amazonensis multiplication in vitro without macrophage toxicity. Immucillins are compared to the Glucantime standard drug in the chemotherapy of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi infection in mice and hamsters. These agents are tested for toxicity and immune system response. Methodology/Principal Findings: BALB/c mice were infected with 107 amastigotes, treated with IA, IH, SMIH or Glucantime (2.5mg/kg/day) and monitored for clinical variables, parasite load, antibody levels and splenocyte IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression. Cytokines and CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ lymphocyte frequencies were assessed in uninfected controls and in response to immucillins. Urea, creatinine, GOT and GPT levels were monitored in sera. Anti-Leishmania-specific IgG1 antibodies (anti-NH36) increased in untreated animals. IgG2a response, high levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and lower levels of IL-10 were detected in mice treated with the immucillins and Glucantime. Immucillins permitted normal weight gain, prevented hepato-splenomegaly and cleared the parasite infection (85–89%) without renal and hepatic toxicity. Immucillins promoted 35% lower secretion of IFN-γ in uninfected controls than in infected mice. IA and IH increased the CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell frequencies. SMIH increased only the proportion of CD-19 B cells. IA and IH also cured infected hamsters with lower toxicity than Glucantime. Conclusions/Significance: Immucillins IA, IH and SMIH were effective in treating leishmaniasis in mice. In hamsters, IA and IH were also effective. The highest therapeutic efficacy was obtained with IA, possibly due to its induction of a TH1 immune response. Low immucillin doses were required and showed no toxicity. Our results disclose the potential use of IA and IH in the therapy of visceral leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleoside hydrolase (NH) of Leishmania donovani (NH36) is a phylogenetic marker of high homology among Leishmania parasites. In mice and dog vaccination, NH36 induces a CD4+ T cell-driven protective response against Leishmania chagasi infection directed against its C-terminal domain (F3). The C-terminal and N-terminal domain vaccines also decreased the footpad lesion caused by Leishmania amazonensis.We studied the basis of the crossed immune response using recombinant generated peptides covering the whole NH36 sequence and saponin for mice prophylaxis against L. amazonensis. The F1 (amino acids 1-103) and F3 peptide (amino acids 199-314) vaccines enhanced the IgG and IgG2a anti-NH36 antibodies to similar levels.The F3 vaccine induced the strongest DTH response, the highest proportions of NH36-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after challenge and the highest expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α. The F1 vaccine, on the other hand, induced a weaker but significant DTH response and a mild enhancement of IFN-γ and TNF-α levels. The in vivo depletion with anti-CD4 or CD8 monoclonal antibodies disclosed that crossprotection against L. amazonensis infection was mediated by a CD4+ T cell response directed against the C-terminal domain (75% of reduction of the size of footpad lesion) followed by a CD8+ T cell response against the N-terminal domain of NH36 (57% of reduction of footpad lesions). Both vaccines were capable of inducing long-term cross-immunity.The amino acid sequence of NH36 showed 93% identity to the sequence of the NH A34480 of L. amazonensis, which also showed the presence of completely conserved predicted epitopes for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in F1 domain, and of CD4+ epitopes differing by a single amino acid, in F1 and F3 domains.The identification of the C-terminal and N-terminal domains as the targets of the immune response to NH36 in the model of L. amazonensis infection represents a basis for the rationale development of a bivalent vaccine against leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) embryos as a function of desiccation. The fruits were placed in a convection oven at 37±2°C for 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 days. After these periods, the moisture contents of the fruits and seeds were determined. A reduction in the water content occurred more rapidly in the fruits than in the seeds. The decrease in seed moisture content from 12.59% (on the basis of fresh weight) to 4.56% did not affect the percentage of germinated zygotic embryos; however, we did observe a decline in the vigor as the seed moisture content decreased. Embryos with a 4.56% moisture content developed into seedlings of shorter lengths after 30, 60, and 90 days of in vitro growth. The longest seedlings originated from embryos with a 10.42% moisture content after 90 days. Thus, it was evident that the babassu embryos were tolerant to desiccation, whereas the seedling length was negatively affected by a reduction in the seed moisture content. Therefore, babassu fruits may be dehydrated and stored without losing their viability, which thereby guarantees the conservation of their germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum: Agronomy is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigates home care, taking the household as the locus of care for people with a mental disorder, in the perspective of the family members followed by Psychology trainees of the Care Intensification Program (PIC). It is a qualitative research with a case study design which also considers home as a meeting of the technical-scientific knowledge with the family knowledge, a center of tensions and bonding dynamics. Semi-structured interviews were held with the family members assisted in 2010, in order to assess PIC, and the analysis of the patient's medical records to contextualize the assistance service between 2004 and 2008. One concludes the interviewees acknowledge PIC as a successful possibility of care in mental health, in the process of deinstitutionalization of madness, because as it points out many benefits, both for the patients and their families. The home care and the technologies employed by PIC are acknowledged as providers of client's autonomy, resulting in an expansion of their care network, when they get into the Psychosocial Care Center (Caps). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the post-harvest quality of lettuce treated with ozonised water obtained in a microbubble system. The inlet ozone concentration was fixed at 3.5 mg L−1, which allowed obtaining 1.60 mg L−1 of ozone in the water. Six treatments were adopted: (i) control (untreated lettuce); (ii) ozonised water/5 min; (iii) ozonised water/10 min; (iv) oxygen/5 min; (v) oxygen/10 min; and (vi) chlorine/15 min. After the treatments, the samples were stored at 5°C and at a relative humidity of 80%. Microbiological and physicochemical analyses were performed immediately after ozonation (day 0) and after 3 and 6 days of storage. Reductions in the count of aerobic mesophiles and molds and yeasts were observed, immediately after the treatments with ozonised water. For the treatments ozonised water/5 min and ozonised water/10 min, the reductions of aerobic mesophiles were equal to 0.71 and 1.59 log reduction respectively, when compared to the control. Despite the significant increase in the leakage of electrolytes, especially when it was adopted exposure time to ozonated water of 10 min, it was considered that the conditions adopted favour the lettuce sanitation, without causing changes that make the product non-tradable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Medicina e Saúde de Brasília is the property of Revista de Medicina e Saude de Brasilia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)