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Background: Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with the development of several pathologies and chronic infection in humans. The inefficiency of the available treatments and the challenge in developing a protective vaccine highlight the need to produce effective immunotherapeutic tools. The HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper (bZIP) factor (HBZ) plays an important role in the HTLV-1 persistence, conferring a survival advantage to infected cells by reducing the HTLV-1 proteins expression, allowing infected cells to evade immune surveillance, and enhancing cell proliferation leading to increased proviral load., Methods: We have generated a recombinant Modified Virus Vaccinia Ankara (MVA-HBZ) and a plasmid DNA (pcDNA3.1(+)-HBZ) expressing a multiepitope protein based on peptides of HBZ to study the immunogenic potential of this viral-derived protein in BALB/c mice model. Mice were immunized in a prime-boost heterologous protocol and their splenocytes (T CD4 + and T CD8 + ) were immunophenotyped by flow cytometry and the humoral response was evaluated by ELISA using HBZ protein produced in prokaryotic vector as antigen., Results: T CD4 + and T CD8 + lymphocytes cells stimulated by HBZ-peptides (HBZ 42-50 and HBZ 157-176 ) showed polyfunctional double positive responses for TNF-α/IFN-γ, and TNF-α/IL-2. Moreover, T CD8 + cells presented a tendency in the activation of effector memory cells producing granzyme B (CD44 +High /CD62L -Low ), and the activation of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTLs) and cytotoxic responses in immunized mice were inferred through the production of granzyme B by effector memory T cells and the expression of CD107a by CD8 + T cells. The overall data is consistent with a directive and effector recall response, which may be able to operate actively in the elimination of HTLV-1-infected cells and, consequently, in the reduction of the proviral load. Sera from immunized mice, differently from those of control animals, showed IgG-anti-HBZ production by ELISA., Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of the HBZ multiepitope protein expressed from plasmid DNA and a poxviral vector as candidates for therapeutic vaccine., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

I n the context of an adequate health care organization, the figure of the neurologist as an emergency operator (in the emergency room-ER-and/or in a dedicated outpatient clinic) is crucial for an effective functional connection with the territory (and therefore with general practitioners), a reduction in inappropriate ER accesses, specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to neurological emergencies in the ER and a reduction in nonspecific or even unnecessary instrumental investigations. In this position paper of the Italian Association of Emergency Neurology (ANEU: Associazione Neurologia dell'Emergenza Urgenza), these issues are addressed, and two important organizational solutions are proposed: 1) The Neuro Fast Track, as an outpatient organization approach strongly linked to general practitioners and non-neurological specialists and dedicated to cases with deferrable urgency (to be assessed within 72 h) 2) The identification of an emergency neurologist, who is engaged in ER assessments as a consultant and involved in the management of the semi-intensive care unit of the emergency neurology and the stroke unit according to an appropriate rotation, as well as in consultations for patients with neurological emergencies in inpatient wards The possibility of computerizing the screening of patients with deferrable urgency in the Neuro Fast Track is described. A dedicated app represents an important tool that can facilitate the identification of patients for whom deferred assessment is appropriate, the scheduling of neurological examinations and reductions in the booking time through a more rapid approach to specialist assessment and subsequent investigations., (© 2023. Fondazione Società Italiana di Neurologia.)

A multi-epitope protein expressed in a prokaryotic system, including epitopes of Env, Gag, and Tax proteins of both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was characterized for HTLV-1/2 serological screening. This tool can contribute to support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission in Brazil, the country with the highest absolute numbers of HTLV-1/2 infected individuals. The chimeric protein was tested in EIA using serum/plasma of HTLV-infected individuals and non-infected ones from four Brazilian states, including the North and Northeast regions (that present high prevalence of HTLV-1/2) and Southeast region (that presents intermediate prevalence rates) depicting different epidemiological context of HTLV-1/2 infection in our country. We enrolled samples from Pará ( n = 114), Maranhão ( n = 153), Minas Gerais ( n = 225) and São Paulo ( n = 59) states; they are from blood donors' candidates (Pará and Minas Gerais), pregnant women (Maranhão) and HIV+/high risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI; São Paulo). Among the HTLV-1/2 positive sera, there were co-infections with viral (HTLV-1 + HTLV-2, HIV, HCV, and HBV), bacterial ( Treponema pallidum ) and parasitic ( Trypanosoma cruzi, Schistosma mansoni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Entamoeba coli, E. histolytica , and Endolimax nana ) pathogens related to HTLV-1/2 co-morbidities that can contribute to inconclusive diagnostic results. Sera positive for HIV were included among the HTLV-1/2 negative samples. Considering both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2-infected samples from all states and different groups (blood donor candidates, pregnant women, and individuals with high risk for STI), mono or co-infected and HTLV-/HIV+, the test specificity ranged from 90.09 to 95.19% and the sensitivity from 82.41 to 92.36% with high accuracy (ROC AUC = 0.9552). This multi-epitope protein showed great potential to be used in serological screening of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in different platforms, even taking into account the great regional variation and different profile of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 mono or co-infected individuals., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Franco, Rocha, Cox, Daian e Silva, da Silveira e Santos, Martins, Romanelli, Ishak, Vallinoto, Bomfim, Caterino-de-Araujo, Coelho-dos-Reis, da Fonseca and Barbosa-Stancioli.)

Interactions between different pest control methods can affect Integrated Pest Management efficiency. This study sought to evaluate (1) if Si accumulation is related to the level of constitutive resistance in sorghum genotypes, (2) the level of Si induces resistance by antibiosis in sorghum genotypes with different levels of constitutive resistance to Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (reared individualized or in colonies), and (3) the fitness of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) in aphids reared on Si-treated and untreated plants. Several experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions, using sorghum genotypes with different levels of resistance grown in pots with or without the addition of Si to the soil. The susceptible (BR007B), moderately resistant (GB3B), and highly resistant (TX430XGR111) genotypes all absorbed more Si when it was added to the soil compared with when it was not amended. However, the final Si content of treated plants was not related to the level of constitutive resistance among treated genotypes. While Si soil application did reduce the fecundity of individualized aphids reared on the susceptible and moderately resistant sorghum plants, it did not reduce populational growth of aphid colonies, independent of the level of plant's constitutive resistance. Parasitoid (L. testaceipes) had higher weight when reared from aphids fed on plants with added Si. Sorghum × constitutive resistance × S. graminum interactions were affected by plant Si content only for individualized aphids but not for aphid colonies. Sorghum × S. graminum × L. testaceipes interactions suggest that Si can have, overall, a positive effect on the biological control of S. graminum.

Parasitoid fitness is strongly influenced by host quality for immature parasitoid development and by oviposition host choice patterns made by adult female parasitoids. This study aimed to determine immature host quality of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) host instars preference. To this end, the host quality of immature stages of S. graminum was assessed by rearing the parasitoid in all four instars of the aphid, placing each nymph stage of the aphid parasitized by L. testaceipes in separate Petri dishes with sorghum leaves over a 1% agar-water solution at 23 ± 1°C and a 12:12 h L:D photoperiod. The host-age preferences of the parasitoid between second and fourth instar nymphs were analyzed by choice (ten nymphs of each instar) and non-choice (ten nymphs of one instar) tests, observing parasitoid foraging in a 5-cm arena for 5 min under a stereoscopic microscope. Third and fourth instars were better hosts than first or second instars, with faster developmental times, resulting in larger wasps with bigger hind tibia size and more eggs in their ovarioles (i.e., higher initial egg load). Females preferred to oviposit in fourth instar aphids in both choice and non-choice tests. Selection by adult L. testaceipes females of older instars of S. graminum for oviposition maximizes parasitoid fitness as these instars are intrinsically more suitable for development of parasitoid offspring.

In regions where there is intense polluting activity, a greater availability of metals in water impounded by dams increases the availability and contamination of the fauna and flora. Thus, we assessed the accumulation of metals in muscle and gills of fish of different trophic levels in the area of influence of Foz do Chapecó hydroelectric plant on the Uruguai river. We analyzed the metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Fe in Hypostomus isbrueckeri (cascudo), Pimelodus maculatus (mandi), and Salminus brasiliensis (dourado). We collected specimens from both upstream and downstream of the reservoir in February and March 2014. We also measured the allometric condition factor of the fish to determine their physiological status. Physical and chemical variables of the water were measured to determine the influence of these abiotic variables on the bioavailability of metals and on the condition factor of the fish. Gills had a higher concentration of metals than muscle. Hypostomus isbrueckeri and Pimelodus maculatus possessed high concentrations of metals, indicating greater bioaccumulation in benthic species. Only chromium in muscle varied significantly between upstream and downstream, with higher concentrations in H. isbrueckeri and P. maculatus upstream. Chromium contamination, however, did not change the condition factor, which did not vary between upstream and downstream for any of the studied species. We found no influence of abiotic variables of the water on the bioavailability of the metals in the environment. Although the data do not indicate trophic magnification, the different species react differently to environmental changes and their trophic plasticity makes it difficult to assign them to specific guilds.

Background: Research is needed to explore conceptual change in relation to achievement goal orientations and depth of processing., Aims: To address this need, we examined relations between achievement goals, use of deep versus shallow processing strategies, and conceptual change learning using a think-aloud protocol., Sample and Method: Seventy-three undergraduate students were assessed on their prior knowledge and misconceptions about Newtonian mechanics, and then reported their achievement goals and participated in think-aloud protocols while reading Newtonian physics texts., Results: A mastery-approach goal orientation positively predicted deep processing strategies, shallow processing strategies, and conceptual change. In contrast, a performance-approach goal orientation did not predict either of the processing strategies, but negatively predicted conceptual change. A performance-avoidance goal orientation negatively predicted deep processing strategies and conceptual change. Moreover, deep and shallow processing strategies positively predicted conceptual change as well as recall. Finally, both deep and shallow processing strategies mediated relations between mastery-approach goals and conceptual change., Conclusion: Results provide some support for Dole and Sinatra's (1998) Cognitive Reconstruction of Knowledge Model of conceptual change but also challenge specific facets with regard to the role of depth of processing in conceptual change., (© 2012 The British Psychological Society.)

The natural biodiversity that is found in tropical areas offers countless biotechnological opportunities; especially if we take in account that many biomolecules from several microorganisms have supported for many years, different industrial applications in areas such as pharmacology, agro-industry, bioprocess, environmental technology, and bioconversion. In order to find new lignocellulolytic enzymes and evaluate bamboo fibers as substrate, Schizophyllum commune a fungus with broad distribution was isolated and grown during 15 days in liquid culture medium containing 1% lignocellulosic fibers from bamboo, banana stem, and sugarcane bagasse. The enzymatic activity of xylanase, mannanase, polygalacturonase, CMCase, FPase, and avicelase were evaluated. Sugarcane bagasse and banana stem showed to induce higher hollocellulase activity when compared with bamboo as the main carbon source. The physical mechanism that the fungus uses to degrade bamboo was observed not only in fibers naturally infected but also in healthy fibers that were treated and untreated with enzyme solution. SEM analysis showed the structural disruption and invasion of the vascular bundles, parenchyma cells, and parenchymatous tissues as a consequence of the presence of this fungus and the catalytic action of its enzymes into the plant tissue.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system with both poor prognosis and high mortality. The disease has been related to a persistent and aberrant measles virus infection and no effective treatment has been available. We report a case of SSPE with atypical features including seizures at onset and a fulminant course in a 8 years-old boy who had been previously immunized against measles.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a rare cause of myelopathy in non-Oriental populations and relatively unrecognized by general practitioners. A case of an Afro-Brazilian 54-years-old woman presenting with tetraparesis due to cervical OPLL is presented. Emphasis is made for the inclusion of OPLL in the differential diagnosis of compressive cervical myelopathy.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a vascular disease with many clinical manifestations and possible etiologies (local, systemic or idiopathic). Galen vein thrombosis (GVT) is a rare cause of CVT and usually it is associated with some vascular malformation. We report a case of a 16 years old female patient with GVT without vascular malformation, but associated with straight sinus thrombosis and venous thalamic infarct. Relevant aspects of the clinical, radiological and laboratory diagnosis of CVT are also discussed.

Intrasacral meningoceles are rare conditions that can cause symptoms of nerve root compression. We report a case of a 18-year-old female, who presented with urinary incontinence. The neurological and urological evaluation revealed lack of detrusor muscle reflex. This finding supported the hypothesis of spinal disraphism. Magnetic resonance image revealed an intrasacral meningocele. The patient was submitted to surgical excision of the lesion without postoperative complications. In the present paper, the pathogenesis, clinical picture, neuroradiological findings and surgical treatment are discussed.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of the auditory cognitive potential in a group of normal adults. The evoked response was obtained at Cz and Fz. The data collected were statistically analysed. The mean latencies of N1, P2, P2AP, N2, P3 and amplitude of P3, as well the standard deviation of these variables were presented. We briefly comment on some pitfalls related to interpretation of the results as well as the limitations of the technique as a diagnostic tool.

Yeasts and coliform bacteria were isolated from water that accumulated in the central cups and adjacent leaf axilae of two bromeliads, Neoregelia cruenta of a coastal sand dune and Quesnelia quesneliana of a mangrove ecosystem near the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The mean total coliform counts were above 10,000 per 100 mL for waters of both plants, but the mean fecal coliform counts were only 74 per 100 mL for Q. quesneliana and mostly undetected in water from N. cruenta. Of 90 fecal coliform isolates, 51 were typical of Escherichia coli in colony morphology and indol, methyl red, Volges-Proskauer, and citrate (IMViC) tests. Seven representatives of the typical E. coli cultures were identified as this species, but the identifications of nine other coliform bacteria were mostly dubious. The yeast community of N. cruenta was typical of plant surfaces with basidiomycetous yeasts anamorphs, and the black yeast Aureobasidium pullulans was prevalent. Quesnelia quesneliana had a substantial proportion of ascomycetous yeasts and their anamorphs, including a probable new biotype of Saccharomyces unisporus. Our results suggested that the microbial communities in bromeliad waters are typically autochtonous and not contaminants.