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Leal-Alves, D.C.; Weschenfelder, J.; Almeida, J.C.D.; Albuquerque, M.G.; Espinoza, J.M., and Gonzaga, B.A., 2020. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Structure from Motion approach for flood assessment in coastal channels. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 1162–1166. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. High-resolution topographic data are the primary inputs for various scientific applications. For years, fine-scale digital elevations models have been restricted to LiDAR systems. Currently, the use of consumer-grade cameras coupled with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) is a consolidated alternative and widely used in several research fields. The rapid diffusion of the topography UAV-based was possible by the combination of three factors: assimilation of photogrammetric principles; low-cost of planning and execution; computational efficiency of the Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms. The systematization of these factors, combined with the ground control points GNSS-RTK, provides accurate results. Using the UAV-SfM approach, we performed low-altitude aerial surveys (50 meters) for two coastal channels on a low-lying sandy beach in southernmost Brazil. The main objectives were: (1) three-dimensional reconstruction of the two coastal channels (washouts); (2) generation of the Digital Terrain Models with the dense cloud classification; and (3) accuracy assessment of DTMs when comparing them with GNSS-RTK checkpoints. The two study areas comprise just over 14 hectares. After the mosaic alignment composed of 533 images, the GCPs were inserted (projection error less than half-pixel). The dense cloud alignment was classified, and IDW interpolated the ground features. The DTMs were confronted with 50 checkpoints, obtaining the RMSE elevation of 0.0475 for channel 1 and 0.05 for channel 2. With the morphometric goals achieved, flood simulations were performed using the bathtub model for three vertical levels of sea-level rise based on scenario RCP 8.5 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The results demonstrate the consolidation of the UAV-SfM approach, including when used to assess flooding in coastal areas. We emphasize that, even though it is robust and increasingly accessible, the use of UAV-SfM is limited to relatively small areas, meteorological conditions, and legal regulations.

Background Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) remains the major obstacle to successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, despite of the immunosuppressive regimens administered to control T cell alloreactivity. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is crucial in T cell activation and function and, therefore, represents an attractive therapeutic target to prevent GvHD development. Recently, numerous PI3K inhibitors have been developed for cancer therapy. However, few studies have explored their immunosuppressive effect. Methods The effects of a selective PI3K inhibitor (BKM120) and a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (BEZ235) on human T cell proliferation, expression of activation-related molecules, and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins were analyzed. Besides, the ability of BEZ235 to prevent GvHD development in mice was evaluated. Results Simultaneous inhibition of PI3K and mTOR was efficient at lower concentrations than PI3K specific targeting. Importantly, BEZ235 prevented naïve T cell activation and induced tolerance of alloreactive T cells, while maintaining an adequate response against cytomegalovirus, more efficiently than BKM120. Finally, BEZ235 treatment significantly improved the survival and decreased the GvHD development in mice. Conclusions These results support the use of PI3K inhibitors to control T cell responses and show the potential utility of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in GvHD prophylaxis.

Mayaro virus (MAYV, Togaviridae) and Oropouche orthobunyavirus (OROV, Peribunyaviridae) are emerging enzootic arboviruses in Latin America. Outbreaks of febrile illness associated with MAYV and OROV have been reported among humans mainly in the northern region of Brazil since the 1980s, and recent data suggest these viruses have circulated also in more populated areas of western Brazil. MAYV shares mosquito vectors with yellow fever virus and it has been historically detected during yellow fever epidemics. Aiming to investigate the transmission of OROV and MAYV at the human-animal interface during a yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika outbreaks in Brazil, we conducted a retrospective molecular investigation in 810 wild and domestic animals, 106 febrile patients, and 22.931 vectors collected from 2016 to 2018 in Cuiaba and Campo Grande metropolitan regions, western Brazil. All samples tested negative for OROV and MAYV RNA by RT-qPCR. Findings presented here suggest no active circulation of MAYV and OROV in the sampled hosts. Active surveillance and retrospective investigations are instrumental approaches for the detection of cryptic and subclinical activity of enzootic arboviruses and together serve as a warning system to implement appropriate actions to prevent outbreaks.

L-asparaginase is an essential drug used to treat acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), a cancer of high prevalence in children. Several adverse reactions associated with L-asparaginase have been observed, mainly caused by immunogenicity and allergenicity. Some strategies have been adopted, such as searching for new microorganisms that produce the enzyme and applying protein engineering. Therefore, this work aimed to elucidate the molecular structure and predict the immunogenic profile of L-asparaginase from Penicillium cerradense, recently revealed as a new fungus of the genus Penicillium and producer of the enzyme, as a motivation to search for alternatives to bacterial L-asparaginase. In the evolutionary relationship, L-asparaginase from P. cerradense closely matches Aspergillus species. Using in silico tools, we characterized the enzyme as a protein fragment of 378 amino acids (39 kDa), including a signal peptide containing 17 amino acids, and the isoelectric point at 5.13. The oligomeric state was predicted to be a homotetramer. Also, this L-asparaginase presented a similar immunogenicity response (T- and B-cell epitopes) compared to Escherichia coli and Dickeya chrysanthemi enzymes. These results suggest a potentially useful L-asparaginase, with insights that can drive strategies to improve enzyme production.

Background The systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a complex and multifactorial life-threatening reaction triggered by trauma or infection (sepsis). Since the dynamics of immune cells, cytokines and novel markers such as circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) remain incompletely elucidated, we aimed to provide a comprehensive multiparametric characterization of this severe response, to identify potential prognostic and therapeutic targets. Methods We conducted a multiparametric and sequential quantification of up to 25 immune cell circulating populations using next-generation flow cytometry, assessed plasma cytokine levels with Luminex technology, and the characterized and quantified EVs and their microRNA content. Peripheral blood samples were taken at 0, 24 and 72 h after SIRS onset from 25 patients with polytrauma-induced SIRS (PT group) and 25 developed SIRS from other origins, such as pulmonary or urinary infections (NP-denoting non-polytrauma group). Samples from 21 healthy donors (HD) were analysed as a control group. Statistical analyses were performed to compare experimental groups (PT, NP, HD) and to evaluate correlations between experimental findings and patients’ outcomes for potential prognostic markers discovery. Results SIRS patients exhibited increased leukocyte counts driven by neutrophil mobilization combined with a reduction of dendritic cells and lymphocytes early after the SIRS. The PT group showed an increase in classical monocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and mesenchymal stromal cells compared to HD. These dynamics occurred alongside substantial chemokine release, including IL-8, G-CSF, CCL2 in both SIRS groups, MIF in PT and CCL4 in NP. Both SIRS groups experienced a pronounced cytokine storm with simultaneous release of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increased of plasma EV levels. Our findings suggest that elevated IL-8 concentrations and increased counts of circulating monocytes and MDSCs are associated with worse prognosis and may serve as valuable prognostic indicators in SIRS patients. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the dynamic kinetics of multiple cell subsets, cytokines and EVs during SIRS, highlighting differences between SIRS initiated by polytrauma versus non-polytrauma events and identifying correlations between biological findings and patient outcomes.

It was recently proposed that in Jurkat cells, after inhibition of respiration by NO, glycolytically generated ATP plays a critical role in preventing the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and thus apoptotic cell death. We have investigated this observation further in primary cultures of rat cortical neurons and astrocytes-cell types that differ greatly in their glycolytic capacity. Continuous and significant (≈85%) inhibition of respiration by NO (1.4 µM at 175 µM O2) generated by [(z)-1-[2-aminoethyl]-N-[2-ammonioethyl]amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2 diolate (DETA-NO) initially (10 min) depleted ATP concentrations by ≈25% in both cell types and increased the rate of glycolysis in astrocytes but not in neurons. Activation of glycolysis in astrocytes, as judged by lactate production, prevented further ATP depletion, whereas in neurons, which do not invoke this mechanism, there was a progressive decrease in ATP concentrations over the next 60 min. During this time, there was a persistent mitochondrial hyperpolarization and absence of apoptotic cell death in astrocytes, whereas in the neurons there was a progressive fall in Δψmand increased apoptosis. After glucose deprivation or treatment with inhibitors of the F1F 0-ATPase and adenine nucleotide translocase, astrocytes responded to NO with a fall in Δψmand apoptotic cell death similar to the response in neurons. Finally, although treatment of astrocytes with NO partially prevented staurosporin-induced collapse in Δψmand cell death, NO and staurosporin synergized in decreasing Δψmand inducing apoptosis in neurons. These results demonstrate that although inhibition of cellular respiration by NO leads to neurotoxicity, it may also result in initial neuroprotection, depending on the glycolytic capacity of the particular cell.

Improper waste disposal is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution, impacting soil, water, and air quality. In coffee plantations, each kilogram of beans produced generates an equal amount of husk, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable practices to process this residual biomass into valued products. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of coffee husks for pellet production. Three coffee husk types were selected with distinct chemical compositions and granulometries: I (>5.3 mm), II (>2.6 mm and <5.3 mm), and III (<1.77 mm). The biomass was characterized for elemental, structural, and proximate composition. Pellets were produced with two knife heights (15 and 20 mm) and assessed for moisture content, density, length, and mechanical resistance, which were compared with the EN 14691-6 standard (DIN, 2012). Pelletizer productivity was also evaluated. Pellets from biomass III had an ash content of 12.09%, exceeding the <10% requirement. Other treatments met the ash content standard, category B. Pellets from biomass I (17.55%) and II (18.1%) at 15 mm length did not meet the <15% moisture content standard. The remaining pellets met category B standards. Only pellets from origin III (1.62%) met the nitrogen content requirement for international trade (<2%). Pelletizer productivity was higher with smaller granulometry biomass. Coffee husk has demonstrated its potential for pellet production, highlighting the valorization and use of this waste for clean energy generation, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, and strengthening circular economy.

With increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates, a global demographic shift toward an aging population is evident. While health organizations recommend cognitive stimulation and education to reduce cognitive decline, there is a lack of standardized protocols for implementation in health services. Focus groups involving older adults, their families, health professionals and researchers on aging (n = 32) were conducted. The data were recorded and transcribed and then analyzed via Framework Analysis. Five main themes (‘Demand’, ‘Facilitators’, ‘Barriers’, ‘Targets for stimulation’, ‘Expected outcomes’) and 23 subthemes emerged regarding the implementation of a cognitive stimulation protocol for healthy older adults. Stakeholders acknowledged the demand and emphasized the importance of social interaction and attractive presentation. They discussed multifaceted barriers, and numerous stimulation targets indicated the need for general cognitive stimulation. The primary indicators of intervention success included enhanced mood, social engagement, functionality, and cognitive health preservation. Future interventions should consider the impact of stigma on naming and advertising, pay attention to cost-effectiveness and prioritize an intervention structure and group activities to enhance social support networks and cognitive health.

CD4+ T cells comprise multiple functionally distinct cell populations that play a key role in immunity. Despite blood monitoring of CD4+ T-cell subsets is of potential clinical utility, no standardized and validated approaches have been proposed so far. The aim of this study was to design and validate a single 14-color antibody combination for sensitive and reproducible flow cytometry monitoring of CD4+ T-cell populations in human blood to establish normal age-related reference values and evaluate the presence of potentially altered profiles in three distinct disease models-monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), systemic mastocytosis (SM), and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Overall, 145 blood samples from healthy donors were used to design and validate a 14-color antibody combination based on extensive reagent testing in multiple cycles of design-testing-evaluation-redesign, combined with functional studies, gene expression profiling, and multicentric evaluation of manual vs. automated gating. Fifteen cord blood and 98 blood samples from healthy donors (aged 0-89 years) were used to establish reference values, and another 25 blood samples were evaluated for detecting potentially altered CD4 T-cell subset profiles in MBL ( = 8), SM ( = 7), and CVID ( = 10). The 14-color tube can identify ≥89 different CD4+ T-cell populations in blood, as validated with high multicenter reproducibility, particularly when software-guided automated (vs. manual expert-based) gating was used. Furthermore, age-related reference values were established, which reflect different kinetics for distinct subsets: progressive increase of naïve T cells, T-helper (Th)1, Th17, follicular helper T (TFH) cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) from birth until 2 years, followed by a decrease of naïve T cells, Th2, and Tregs in older children and a subsequent increase in multiple Th-cell subsets toward late adulthood. Altered and unique CD4+ T-cell subset profiles were detected in two of the three disease models evaluated (SM and CVID). In summary, the EuroFlow immune monitoring TCD4 tube allows fast, automated, and reproducible identification of ≥89 subsets of CD4+ blood T cells, with different kinetics throughout life. These results set the basis for in-depth T-cell monitoring in different disease and therapeutic conditions.

Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the immune system, induces oxidative stress, and triggers the activation of peripheral blood (PB) monocytes, thereby contributing to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We analyzed the M1/M2 phenotypes of circulating classical monocytes and macrophage-derived monocytes (MDMs) in excessive alcohol drinkers (EADs). PB samples from 20 EADs and 22 healthy controls were collected for isolation of CD14+ monocytes and short-term culture with LPS/IFNγ, IL4/IL13, or without stimulation. These conditions were also used to polarize MDMs into M1, M2, or M0 phenotypes. Cytokine production was assessed in the blood and culture supernatants. M1/M2-related markers were analyzed using mRNA expression and surface marker detection. Additionally, the miRNA profile of CD14+ monocytes was analyzed. PB samples from EADs exhibited increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Following short-term culture, unstimulated blood samples from EADs showed higher levels of soluble TNF-α and IL-8, whereas monocytes expressed increased levels of surface TNF-α and elevated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase. MDMs from EADs showed higher levels of TNF-α and CD206 surface markers and increased IL-10 production. LPS/IFNγ induced higher mRNA expression of Nrf2 only in the controls. miRNA analysis revealed a distinctive miRNA profile that is potentially associated with liver carcinogenesis and ALD through inflammation and oxidative stress. This study confirms the predominantly pro-inflammatory profile of PB monocytes among EADs and suggests immune exhaustion features in MDMs.