Resumo As armadilhas extracelulares de neutrófilos (NETs) foram relatadas pela primeira vez como uma estratégia microbicida para neutrófilos ativados. Por meio de uma resposta imunológica contra vários estímulos, os neutrófilos liberam seu DNA ligado a proteínas de grânulos, núcleo e citoplasma (por exemplo, elastase e mieloperoxidase). Até o momento, os NETs têm sido implicadas em danos aos tecidos durante processos inflamatórios intensos, principalmente quando sua liberação depende da geração de radicais de oxigênio. Os flavonóides são agentes antioxidantes e anti-inflamatórios, e destes, a quercetina é comumente encontrada em nossa dieta diária. Portanto, a quercetina pode exercer alguma atividade protetora contra o dano tecidual induzido por NETs. Em nossos ensaios in vitro, a quercetina reduziu a liberação das NETs, mieloperoxidase (MPO) e elastase a partir de neutrófilos estimulados com forbol 12-miristato 13-acetato (PMA). A atividade dessas enzimas também foi diminuída na presença de quercetina. A quercetina também reduziu o efeito citotóxico dos NETs sobre células alveolares (linha celular A549). Além disso, os ensaios in silico indicaram interações favoráveis entre a quercetina e as proteínas da NET (MPO e elastase). No geral, nossos resultados demonstram que a quercetina diminui os efeitos deletérios das NETs, reduzindo sua liberação à partir de neutrófilos ativados e diminuindo a atividade enzimática de MPO e elastase, possivelmente por meio de interação direta.

Abstract Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were first reported as a microbicidal strategy for activated neutrophils. Through an immunologic response against several stimuli, neutrophils release their DNA together with proteins from granules, nucleus, and cytoplasm (e.g., elastase and myeloperoxidase). To date, NETs have been implicated in tissue damage during intense inflammatory processes, mainly when their release is dependent on oxygen radical generation. Flavonoids are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents; of these, quercetin is commonly found in our daily diet. Therefore, quercetin could exert some protective activity against tissue damage induced by NETs. In our in vitro assays, quercetin reduced NETs, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and elastase release from neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The activity of these enzymes also decreased in the presence of quercetin. Quercetin also reduced the cytotoxic effect of NETs on alveolar cells (A549 cell line). Further, in silico assays indicated favorable interactions between quercetin and NET proteins (MPO and elastase). Overall, our results demonstrate that quercetin decreases deleterious cellular effects of NETs by reducing their release from activated neutrophils, and diminishing the enzymatic activity of MPO and elastase, possibly through direct interaction.

ABSTRACT The Northeast region of Brazil is the primary producer of yellow passion fruit. In recent years, water scarcity has led passion fruit growers to use highly saline water for cultivation. Therefore, implementing technologies that alleviate the negative effects of salt stress on plants is a promising approach, particularly in semi-arid conditions. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of organomineral fertilizers in mitigating salt stress effects on chlorophyll-a fluorescence and gas exchange in ‘Guinezinho’ yellow passion fruit seedlings. The treatments were arranged in randomized blocks with four replicates and four seedlings per plot, following a 2 × 3 factorial design. The factors considered were irrigation using water with low (0.18 dS m-1) and high (4.0 dS m-1) electrical conductivity and three liquid organomineral attenuators (Codasal™, Aminoagro Raiz™, and a mixture of Codasal™ + Aminoagro Raiz™ at a 1:1 v/v ratio), applied through fertigation. Irrigation with water containing 4.0 dS m-1 electrical conductivity, combined with liquid fertilizers, resulted in increased substrate salinity, and reduced stomatal conductance in yellow passion fruit seedlings, particularly when Codasal™ was applied. Application of Codasal™ alone or in combination with Aminoagro Raiz™ significantly enhanced variable fluorescence, quantum efficiency of PSII, CO2 assimilation rate, and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency in ‘Guinezinho’ yellow passion fruit seedlings.

RESUMO O Nordeste é a principal região produtora de frutos de maracujazeiro-amarelo no Brasil, que devido à escassez hídrica ocorrida nos últimos anos, os passifloricultores utilizam água de elevada concentração de sais para exploração da cultura. Dessa forma, o emprego de tecnologias que possibilite a atenuação do estresse salino às plantas é uma estratégia promissora nas condições de semiárido. Objetivou-se com o trabalho avaliar a ação de fertilizantes organominerais como atenuador do estresse salino sobre a fluorescência da clorofila a e trocas gasosas de mudas maracujazeiro-amarelo acesso ‘Guinezinho’. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições e quatro mudas por parcela, empregando o esquema fatorial 2 × 3, referente às irrigação com água de baixa (0,18 dS m-1) e alta (4,00 dS m-1) condutividade elétrica e três atenuadores organomineral líquidos (Codasal®, Aminoagro Raiz® e mistura de Codasal® + Aminoagro Raiz® - proporção de 1/1 v/v), via fertirrigação. A irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 associado com fertilizantes líquidos aumentam a salinidade do substrato e reduz a condutância estomática das mudas de maracujazeiro-amarelo, principalmente, com aplicação de Codasal®. A aplicação individual ou associado de Codasal® com Aminoagro Raiz® promove aumentos na fluorescência variável, eficiência quântica do PSII, taxa de assimilação de CO2 e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação em mudas de maracujazeiro-amarelo, acesso “Guinezinho”.

Fresh coconut (Cocos nucifera) water, a popular beverage in tropical countries, is often exposed to pesticide contamination due to agricultural practices. Thus, this work proposed the simultaneous determination of 36 pesticides in fresh coconut water samples using liquid-liquid extraction, drying assisted by a household microwave oven, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Limits of detection varied from 5.4 (disulfoton) to 9.6 ng L-1 (parathion-methyl). Nine pesticide residues were detected (dimethoate, γ-HCH, β-HCH, 4,4’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, endosulfan II, 4,4’-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane, 4,4’-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, endrin ketone, and methoxychlor) with concentrations from < limit of quantification to 5,768.34 ± 1.64 ng L-1. Dimethoate was quantified in all samples, indicating its recent use. The proposed methodology offers several advantages, including the use of small sample volumes and solvent extraction, which eliminates the need for costly cartridges and reduces waste production. Additionally, the obtained results can be valuable for regulatory agencies, aiding in the mitigation of environmental damage and the protection of human health.

RESUMO O uso da irrigação desempenha papel fundamental no avanço das fronteiras agrícolas e no aumento da produtividade nas áreas de cultivo, principalmente em ambientes semiáridos que apresentam alta variação espaço-temporal de chuvas. Essa prática é sugerida até mesmo para cultivos adaptados como palma forrageira (Opuntia sp.) e sorgo (Sorghum bicolor). Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a rentabilidade do uso da irrigação no sistema solteiro e sistema consorciado palma-sorgo no semiárido. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 × 3: cinco lâminas de irrigação por gotejamento (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% da evapotranspiração de referência - ET0) e três sistemas de cultivo (palma forrageira solteira, sorgo solteiro e consórcio palma-sorgo), com quatro repetições. O tratamento 0% ET0 correspondeu à condição de sequeiro com uma lâmina de 355 mm. Foi conduzido um ciclo de palma e dois de sorgo (planta e rebrota) compreendidos de novembro 2014 a novembro de 2015. Verificou-se que os maiores custos para implantação dos sistemas de cultivo em condições irrigadas se devem à aquisição do sistema de irrigação e insumos, representando 85,3% do custo operacional efetivo. O sistema sorgo solteiro e o sistema palma forrageira-sorgo proporcionaram as maiores produtividades de matéria fresca (62.013,05 e 60.075,36 kg ha-1), respectivamente. Com base em indicadores econômicos, a adoção de lâminas de irrigação (25, 50, 75 e 100% ET0) promoveu lucros para os sistemas (solteiro e consorciado) a partir do segundo ano de implantação.

ABSTRACT Irrigation plays a fundamental role in advancing agricultural frontiers and increasing crop productivity, especially in semi-arid environments, because they exhibit high spatiotemporal rainfall variation. This practice is suggested even for adapted crops, such as forage cactus (Opuntia sp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and single or intercropping systems. In this study, aimed to evaluate the profitability of using irrigation in a single and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum system in a semi-arid region. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement: five drip irrigation depths (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration - ET0) and three cropping systems (single forage cactus, single sorghum, and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum), with four replicates. The 0% ET0 treatment corresponded to rainfed conditions at a depth of 355 mm. A cycle of forage cactus and two sorghum cultivars (plant and regrowth) was conducted between November 2014 and November 2015. It was verified that the highest costs for implantation of the crop systems in irrigated conditions are due to the acquisition of irrigation and input systems, representing 85.3% of the effective operational cost. The single sorghum and forage cactus-sorghum systems provided the highest fresh matter productivity (62,013.05 and 60,075.36 kg ha-1, respectively). Based on economic indicators, the adoption of irrigation depths (25, 50, 75, and 100% ET0) promoted profits for the systems (single and intercropping) from the second year of implementation.

Abstract Cnesterodon hypselurus is a small fish that has a restricted distribution in southern Brazil, including headwaters of the Tibagi and Itararé river basins (Upper Paraná River). This study reported C. hypselurus in a headwater of Cinzas River basin, where there were no previous records of this species, and employed microsatellite loci and mitochondrial haplotypes in a population genetic analysis. A total of 57 specimens was analyzed, including 30 from Cinzas River basin, 25 from Itararé River basin and two from Tibagi River basin. Results indicated low genetic diversity levels (HE = 0.334 and h = 0.246) for the sample from Cinzas River, suggesting reflections of a founder effect after the species had dispersed from one watershed to another, possibly by headwater captures. Since different populations were detected between the Cinzas and Itararé rivers (DEST = 0.248, P-value < 0.05) and other occurrence sites are still unknown in the Cinzas River basin, the data herein have great relevance and should be taken into account in future management and conservation actions, as well as in evolutionary studies of C. hypselurus.

Resumo Cnesterodon hypselurus é um pequeno peixe que possui distribuição restrita no sul do Brasil, incluindo cabeceiras das bacias dos rios Tibagi e Itararé (alto rio Paraná). Este estudo reportou C. hypselurus na cabeceira da bacia do rio das Cinzas, onde não havia registros prévios desta espécie, e empregou locos microssatélites e haplótipos mitocondriais em uma análise genética de populações. Um total de 57 espécimes foi analisado, incluindo 30 do rio das Cinzas, 25 da bacia do rio Itararé e dois da bacia do rio Tibagi. Os resultados indicaram baixos níveis de diversidade genética (HE = 0,334 e h = 0,246) para a amostra do rio das Cinzas, sugerindo reflexos de um efeito fundador após a espécie ter dispersado de uma bacia para a outra, possivelmente a partir de captura de cabeceiras. Uma vez que diferentes populações foram detectadas entre os rios das Cinzas e Itararé (DEST = 0,248, valor de P < 0,05) e que outros pontos de ocorrência ainda são desconhecidos na bacia do rio das Cinzas, os dados do presente estudo mostram grande relevância e deveriam ser considerados em futuras ações de manejo e conservação, bem como em estudos evolutivos de C. hypselurus.

Infusions of Mikania glomerata Sprengel (guaco) leaves are used in Brazil for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Coumarin is the chemical marker of guaco for quality control purposes. This work proposes a voltammetric methodology to determine coumarin by using a boron-doped diamond electrode. At pH 10 (0.1 mol L-1 Britton-Robinson buffer solution), coumarin is irreversibly oxidized around +1.77 V in a process predominantly controlled by diffusion. The methodology described here presented a linear range from 1.54 to 15.3 µg mL-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 0.20 and 0.62 µg mL-1, respectively. Analysis of variance confirmed the significance of the regression and the absence of lack-of-fit at the confidence level of 95%. Infusion of commercial guaco leaves was directly analyzed, and results were in agreement with high-performance liquid chromatography after applying the paired t-test at a confidence level of 95%.

Abstract Citrus farming is one of the main activities that contributed to the Brazilian trade balance, with citrus seedling being the most important input in the formation of orchards to guarantee high productivity and fruit quality, which fundamentally depends on the chosen genetics. The present study aimed to analyze the existence of epigenetic variability in ‘Valencia’ orange plants on rootstocks, associated or not with HLB, through the quantification of the global methylation of its genome, in order to support works on genetic improvement and crop production. For this purpose, this work was carried out in greenhouse in a completely randomized experimental design, with 5 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment, each seedling being considered a replicate, namely: T1 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Rangpur” lemon, inoculated with HLB; T2 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Swingle” citrumelo, inoculated with HLB; T3 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Rangpur” lemon, without HLB inoculation ; T4 = “Valencia” orange grafted onto “Swingle” citrumelo, without HLB inoculation ; T5 = “Valencia” orange in free standing. The DNA was extracted from leaves and the ELISA test (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) was carried out, based on the use of receptors sensitive to 5-mC., to measure the relative quantification of global methylation between genomic orange DNAs . Since the control treatment (T5) consists of “Valencia” orange in free standing, it could be inferred that both the normal grafting technique in the seedling formation process and the inoculation of buds infected with HLB are external factors capable of changing the methylation pattern in the evaluated plants, including the DNA demethylation process, causing an adaptive response in association with the expression of genes previously silenced by genome methylation.

Resumo A citricultura é uma das principais atividades econômicas contribuintes à balança comercial brasileira, sendo a muda cítrica o insumo mais importante na formação de um pomar para a garantia de uma boa produtividade e qualidade dos frutos, a qual depende fundamentalmente da genética escolhida. O presente teve como objetivo analisar a existência de variabilidade epigenética em plantas de laranja Valência sobre porta-enxertos, associadas ou não ao HLB, por meio da quantificação da metilação global de seu genoma, a fim de subsidiar trabalhos de melhoramento genético e produção da cultura. Para tanto, o trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos e 6 repetições por tratamento, sendo cada muda considerada uma repetição, sendo eles: T1 = laranja “Valência” enxertada sobre limão “Cravo”, inoculada com HLB; T2 = laranja “Valência” enxertada sobre citrumelo “Swingle”, inoculada com HLB; T3 = laranja “Valência” enxertada sobre limão “Cravo”, sem inoculação com HLB; T4 = laranja “Valência” enxertada sobre citrumelo “Swingle”, sem inoculação com HLB; T5 = laranja “Valência” em pé franco. Realizou-se a extração do DNA das folhas e em seguida realizou-se o teste de ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), baseada no uso de anticorpos sensíveis à 5-mC., para mensurar a quantificação relativa de metilação global entre os DNAs genômicos da laranja. Uma vez que o tratamento controle (T5) consta da laranja “Valência” em pé franco, pode-se verificar que tanto a técnica de enxertia normal no processo de formação de mudas, quanto a inoculação de borbulhas infectadas com HLB são fatores externos capazes de alterar o padrão de metilação nas plantas avaliadas, inclusive, no processo de desmetilação do DNA, provocando uma resposta adaptativa em associação a expressão de genes antes silenciados pela metilação do genoma.

Abstract Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 ACS patients and 278 healthy controls were selected for this study. Four variants in NPY and two variants in NPY2R genes were genotyped using Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify the genotype frequencies. The logistic regression analyses were used for the evaluation of the studied variables. Haplotype analysis was used to evaluate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the variants (p<0.05). Results An association of NPY c.20T>C variant was found with the ACS group when compared to the healthy group. In the analysis between variants and risk factors in the ACS group, NPY c.84G>A was associated with hypertension. The analysis between TIMI risk showed a significance for NPY c.20T>C between the low and intermediate/high TIMI risk groups. In the haplotype analysis, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between the variants NPY c.150G>A and NPY c.-485T>C. Conclusion The NPY c.20T>C variant appears to contribute to the development of ACS. The NPY2R c.-1116A>G variant may contribute to the early development of ACS and the NPY c.84G>A variant appears to contribute to the development of hypertension. In addition, the NPY c.20T>C is associated with a protective effect in ACS severity.

Abstract Mn1-xZnxFe2O4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.65) nanoferrite particles were used as filler in a silicone polymer matrix in order to obtain a composite material with the purpose of absorbing electromagnetic radiation. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and force modulation microscopy (FMM) and the electromagnetic properties by means of network and impedance analyzers. It was observed that the composite with higher concentrations of Znx (x = 0.5 and 0.65) presented the lowest dispersion, due to the size of the zinc particles. This paper provides a framework for the practical application of absorbent composite materials of MnZn nanoferrite particles combined with silicone rubber to be used in 1-10 GHz frequency bands, with reflectivity values of -24 dB in the 6 GHz frequency range.

Resumo O fungo micotoxigênico Fusarium verticillioides é o principal patógeno do milho e causa doenças do colmo e da podridão da espiga com perdas econômicas significativas. Além disso, o uso excessivo de fungicidas no controle de F. verticillioides constitui uma ameaça ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. Assim, alternativas sustentáveis, como o controle biológico, são necessárias para minimizar os riscos associados ao método atual. Este estudo isolou e caracterizou bactérias e fungos que colonizam o estigma do milho para avaliar novos agentes de biocontrole em potencial. As amostras foram coletadas em campos de milho nas localidades brasileiras de Sete Lagoas-MG, Sidrolândia-MS, Sertaneja-PR e Goiânia-GO. Cento e sessenta e sete microrganismos foram isolados, 46% endofíticos e 54% epifíticos. O teste de antagonismo empregando a técnica de disco de difusão em meio sólido, mostrou que 83% dos isolados apresentaram atividade antagonista contra F. verticillioides. Em seguida, 42 isolados mais eficientes foram identificados a partir do sequenciamento parcial do gene 16S rRNA bacteriano e da região ITS de fungos. Os isolados bacterianos pertencem ao gênero Bacillus (57,1%), Burkholderia (23,8%), Achromobacter (7,1%), Pseudomonas (2,4%) e Serratia (2,4%), enquanto os fungos são Penicillium (2,4%), Candida (2.4), e Aspergillus (2,4%). Os resultados mostraram que microrganismos do estigma do milho podem representar novos agentes promissores para o controle de F. verticillioides.

Abstract The mycotoxigenic fungus Fusarium verticillioides is the primary maize pathogen and causes the maize stalk and ear rot diseases with significant economic losses. Furthermore, the excessive use of fungicides to control F. verticillioides constitutes threats to the environment and human health. Thus, sustainable alternatives such as biological control are needed to minimize the hazards associated with the current method. Although much is known about the vulnerability of the maize silks as a gateway for several fungal pathogens invading the developing grains, studies on the chemical properties of silk extracts and their resident microbiota are scarce. This study isolated and characterized bacteria and fungi that colonize the maize stigma to assess new potential biocontrol agents. The samples were collected from maize fields in the Brazilian localities of Sete Lagoas-MG, Sidrolândia-MS, Sertaneja-PR, and Goiânia-GO. One hundred sixty-seven microorganisms were isolated, 46% endophytic and 54% epiphytic. First, the antagonist activity was evaluated by the agar disc diffusion method performed in triplicate, and 83% of the isolates showed antagonist activity against F. verticillioides. Then, the 42 most efficient isolates were identified based on the partial sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungi ITS region. The bacteria belong to the genera Bacillus (57.1%), Burkholderia (23.8%), Achromobacter (7.1%), Pseudomonas (2.4%), and Serratia (2.4%), while the fungi are Penicillium (2.4%), Candida (2.4), and Aspergillus (2.4%). The results showed that microorganisms from maize stigma might represent new promising agents for F. verticillioides control.

Resumo A lesão renal aguda (LRA) em pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19 está associada a maior mortalidade e um pior prognóstico. No entanto, a maioria dos pacientes com COVID-19 tem sintomas leves e cerca de 5% podem desenvolver sintomas mais graves e envolver hipovolemia e síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Em uma perspectiva fisiopatológica, a infecção grave por SARS-CoV-2 é caracterizada por numerosas vias dependentes desencadeadas por hipercitocinemia, especialmente IL-6 e TNF-alfa, levando à inflamação sistêmica, hipercoagulabilidade e disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. A endotelite sistêmica e o tropismo viral direto às células tubulares proximais renais e podócitos são mecanismos fisiopatológicos importantes que levam à lesão renal em pacientes com infecção mais crítica, com uma apresentação clínica que varia de proteinúria e/ou hematúria glomerular a LRA fulminante, exigindo terapias renais substitutivas. Glomerulonefrite, rabdomiólise e drogas nefrotóxicas também estão associadas a danos renais em pacientes com COVID-19. Assim, a LRA e a proteinúria são fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade em pacientes com infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Fornecemos uma revisão abrangente da literatura, enfatizando o impacto do envolvimento renal agudo no prognóstico evolutivo e na mortalidade de pacientes com COVID-19.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality and a worse prognosis. Nevertheless, most patients with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, and about 5% can develop more severe symptoms and involve hypovolemia and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. In a pathophysiological perspective, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by numerous dependent pathways triggered by hypercytokinemia, especially IL-6 and TNF-alpha, leading to systemic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and multiple organ dysfunction. Systemic endotheliitis and direct viral tropism to proximal renal tubular cells and podocytes are important pathophysiological mechanisms leading to kidney injury in patients with more critical infection, with a clinical presentation ranging from proteinuria and/or glomerular hematuria to fulminant AKI requiring renal replacement therapies. Glomerulonephritis, rhabdomyolysis, and nephrotoxic drugs are also associated with kidney damage in patients with COVID-19. Thus, AKI and proteinuria are independent risk factors for mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We provide a comprehensive review of the literature emphasizing the impact of acute kidney involvement in the evolutive prognosis and mortality of patients with COVID-19.

This article continues our presentation of the Brazilian Psychiatric Association guidelines for the management of patients with suicidal behavior, with a focus on screening, intervention, postvention, prevention, and promotion. For the development of these guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and SciELO databases for research published from 1997 to 2020. Systematic reviews, clinical trials, and cohort/observational studies on screening, intervention, and prevention in suicidal behavior were included. This project involved 14 Brazilian psychiatry professionals and 1 psychologist selected by the Psychiatric Emergencies Committee of the Brazilian Psychiatric Association for their experience and knowledge in psychiatry and psychiatric emergencies. Publications were evaluated according to the 2011 Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) Levels of Evidence Classification. Eighty-five articles were reviewed (of 5,362 initially collected and 755 abstracts on the drug approach). Forms of screening, intervention, and prevention are presented. The intervention section presents evidence for psychotherapeutic and drug interventions. For the latter, it is important to remember that each medication is effective only for specific groups and should not replace treatment protocols. We maintain our recommendation for the use of universal screening plus intervention. Although the various studies differ in terms of the populations evaluated and several proposals are presented, there is already significant evidence for certain interventions. Suicidal behavior can be analyzed by evidence-based medicine protocols. Currently, the best strategy is to combine several techniques through the Safety Plan. Nevertheless, further research on the topic is needed to elucidate some approaches with particular potential for intervention and prevention. Systematic review registry number: CRD42020206517

Resumo O comprometimento renal em pacientes hospitalizados com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 está associado ao aumento da mortalidade hospitalar e pior evolução clínica, levantando preocupações em relação a pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC). De uma perspectiva fisiopatológica, a COVID-19 é caracterizada por uma superprodução de citocinas inflamatórias (IL-6, TNF-alfa), causando inflamação sistêmica e hipercoagulabilidade, e síndrome de disfunção de múltiplos órgãos. Dados emergentes postulam que a DRC sob tratamento conservador ou terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) é um fator de risco importante para a gravidade da doença e maior mortalidade hospitalar entre pacientes com COVID-19. Em relação à terapia com bloqueadores RAAS durante a pandemia, havia uma suposição inicial de que a classe pudesse causar um aumento potencial na infectividade, e impacto deletério na gravidade da doença e mortalidade, mas que não foi confirmada na literatura médica. Além disso, o desafio de implementar o distanciamento social em pacientes que necessitam de diálise durante a pandemia incentivou sociedades nacionais e internacionais a publicar recomendações sobre a adoção de medidas de segurança para reduzir o risco de transmissão e otimizar o tratamento de diálise durante a pandemia COVID-19. Os dados atuais mostram que os receptores de transplante renal são mais vulneráveis a infecções mais graves. Assim, fizemos uma revisão abrangente dos desfechos clínicos e prognóstico de pacientes com DRC sob tratamento conservador e diálise, e receptores de transplante renal e infecção por COVID-19.

Abstract Kidney impairment in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and worse clinical evolution, raising concerns towards patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). From a pathophysiological perspective, COVID-19 is characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha), causing systemic inflammation and hypercoagulability, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Emerging data postulate that CKD under conservative treatment or renal replacement therapy (RRT) is an important risk factor for disease severity and higher in-hospital mortality amongst patients with COVID-19. Regarding RAAS blockers therapy during the pandemic, the initial assumption of a potential increase and deleterious impact in infectivity, disease severity, and mortality was not evidenced in medical literature. Moreover, the challenge of implementing social distancing in patients requiring dialysis during the pandemic prompted national and international societies to publish recommendations regarding the adoption of safety measures to reduce transmission risk and optimize dialysis treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current data convey that kidney transplant recipients are more vulnerable to more severe infection. Thus, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with CKD under conservative treatment and dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients and COVID-19 infection.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important environmental issue and the identification of new biocatalysts for an efficient biodegradation of these compounds is essential for bioremediation. Therefore, fungi strains isolated for the first time from a tropical peat at Santo Amaro das Brotas (Brazil) were studied for fluoranthene biodegradation. Fusarium sp. AC-7, Penicillium sp. AC-1 and Penicillium sp. AC-6 were isolated using fluoranthene as sole carbon source. All strains were tested for biodegradation of 100 mg L−1 fluoranthene during 14 and 28 days. After 28 days of biodegradation, 64 ± 3, 60 ± 4 and 51 ± 2% biodegradation was observed for Penicillium sp. AC-1, Penicillium sp. AC-6 and Fusarium sp. AC-7, respectively. Analysis of the obtained compounds enabled the identification of four metabolites, which were common to the three employed strains: anthrone, anthraquinone, 9-methoxyanthracene and cyclopropa[1]phenanthrene. It is important to note that control experiments were performed. The obtained results clearly demonstrated the efficiency of tropical peat fungi in the transformation of fluoranthene. These findings showed the potential of tropical peats for isolation of fungi and indicated that these strains can be applied for bioremediation processes of areas contaminated with fluoranthene and other PAHs.

RESUMO O Plano Global de Eliminação da Filariose Linfática, lançado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde em 2000, propõe o uso de testes de detecção de antígeno circulante filarial como ferramenta diagnóstica para avaliação e monitoramento das ações de controle da parasitose. Entretanto, esses testes, apesar de apresentarem alta sensibilidade, não conseguem detectar com eficiência a infecção em seu estágio inicial, quando ainda não existe a presença de helmintos adultos. Considerando essa limitação, a pesquisa de anticorpos antifilariais tem sido apontada como uma alternativa, uma vez que os anticorpos produzidos contra as larvas infectantes do parasito são detectados antes da presença de antígeno circulante filarial. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir o ponto de corte e avaliar a acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 produzido com o antígeno recombinante Wb123 para diagnóstico da filariose linfática no Brasil. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo de avaliação de teste diagnóstico, no qual foram utilizadas 256 amostras de soro: 79 (30,9%) obtidas de indivíduos microfilarêmicos e 177 (60,1%), de indivíduos amicrofilarêmicos e que testaram negativo para os testes imunológicos Bm14 CELISA e Og4C3 ELISA. A definição do ponto de corte ideal, bem como da acurácia do kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4, foi obtida através da construção de curvas ROC, sendo a densidade óptica de 0,239 aquela na qual o teste obteve melhor desempenho, com sensibilidade de 81,0% e especificidade de 96,6%. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o kit Filaria Detect™ IgG4 é uma ferramenta promissora para investigação e monitoramento de áreas submetidas ao tratamento em massa para filariose linfática.

ABSTRACT The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, launched by the World Health Organization in the year 2000, proposes the use of circulating filarial antigen tests as a diagnostic tool to assess and monitor initiatives to control filarial infection. However, despite a high sensitivity, these tests are not efficient to detect infection at early stages, before worms have reached the adult stage. Considering this limitation, anti-filarial antibody testing has been suggested as an alternative, given that the antibodies produced against the larvae are detectable before the presence of circulating filarial antigen. The objective of the present study was to determine the diagnostic cut-off and the accuracy of the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit employing recombinant Wb123 antigen for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in Brazil. For that, we performed a diagnostic evaluation study in which 256 serum samples were analyzed: 79 (30.9%) obtained from microfilaremic individuals and 177 (60.1%) from amicrofilaremic individuals who tested negative with the Bm14 CELISA and Og4C3 ELISA immunologic tests. The ideal cutoff as well as the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit accuracy were determined based on ROC curve analyses, with an optical density of 0.239 identified as the cutoff with the best performance, with 81.0% sensitivity and 96.6% specificity. The results show that the Filaria Detect™ IgG4 kit is a promising tool for investigation and monitoring of areas undergoing mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis.

RESUMEN En el programa mundial de eliminación de la filariasis linfática, puesto en marcha por la Organización Mundial de la Salud en el año 2000, se propone el uso de pruebas de detección del antígeno filárico circulante como instrumento de diagnóstico para la evaluación y el seguimiento de las medidas de control de la parasitosis. Sin embargo, esas pruebas, a pesar de tener un alto grado de sensibilidad, no permiten detectar con eficiencia la infección en su fase inicial, cuando todavía no existen helmintos adultos. En vista de esa limitación, se ha señalado como una opción el estudio de anticuerpos antifiláricos, puesto que los anticuerpos producidos contra las larvas infectantes del parásito se detectan antes de la existencia de antígeno filárico circulante. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir el punto de corte y evaluar la exactitud del estuche Detect™ para pruebas de anticuerpos antifiláricos IgG4, fabricado con el antígeno recombinante Wb123, para el diagnóstico de la filariasis linfática en Brasil. Para ello, se realizó un estudio de evaluación de la prueba diagnóstica, en el cual se utilizaron 256 muestras de suero, a saber, 79 (30,9%) obtenidas de personas microfilarémicas y 177 (60,1%) de personas amicrofilarémicas, que arrojaron resultados seronegativos en las pruebas inmunológicas CELISA Bm14 y ELISA Og4C3. La definición del punto de corte ideal y de la exactitud del estuche Detect™ se obtuvo con la construcción de curvas de la característica operativa del receptor (ROC); una densidad óptica de 0,239 marcó el mejor nivel de desempeño de la prueba, con una sensibilidad de 81,0% y una especificidad de 96,6%. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que el estuche Detect™ es un instrumento prometedor para la investigación y el seguimiento de las regiones donde se realiza un tratamiento masivo de la filariasis linfática.