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Cell migration is an important biological process which has been intensively studied in the past decades. Numerous techniques, mainly involving two-dimensional cell culture systems, have contributed to dissecting the essential mechanisms underlying this process. However, the development of three-dimensional cell culture and in vivo systems has shown some differences with what was previously believed to be well-established cell migration mechanisms, suggesting that two-dimensional cell motility would be a poor predictor of in vivo behaviour. Drosophila is a widely recognized model organism to study developmental and homeostatic processes and has been widely used to investigate cell migration. Here, we focus on the migration of small groups of pupal hemocytes that accumulate during larval stages in dorsal patches. We show that integrins, and other known nascent adhesion-related proteins such as Rhea and Fermitin 1, are crucial for this process and that their depletion does not affect polarization in response to environmental cues. We also present evidence for the importance of adhesion maturation-related proteins in hemocyte migration, namely Zyxin. Zyxin depletion in hemocytes leads to a significant increase of cell speed without affecting their response to a chemotactic cue. This is the first report of a systematic analysis using Drosophila melanogaster hemocytes to study adhesion-related proteins and their function in cell migration in vivo. Our data point to mechanisms of cell migration similar to those described in three-dimensional in vitro systems and other in vivo model organisms.

Removal of an endocrine disrupting compound, Bisphenol A (BPA), from water was investigated using two treatment processes, UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation (AOP) and reverse osmosis (membrane separation). Furthermore, changes in estrogenic activity using in vitro yeast estrogen screen assay as well as the adsorption of BPA by the membrane surface were evaluated. The best UV/H2O2 performance was obtained using the highest established values of all parameters, reaching 48% BPA removal. Within the investigated conditions of the AOP, when lower doses of UV were used, a higher removal efficiency was achieved at a higher initial concentration of BPA. However, the same behavior was not observed for the highest UV dose, in which the removal efficiency was not dependent on BPA initial concentration. In both cases, removal efficiency increased as H2O2 concentration increased. The formation of estrogenic by-products was observed in UV/H2O2. The membrane rejection efficiency varied from 60% to 84% and all experiments showed adsorption of BPA by the membrane surface. The RO membrane showed a greater BPA removal efficiency for samples containing 10 μg·L−1 than UV/H2O2 at the evaluated treatment conditions.

17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic hormone, which has a high estrogenic potential, and it is usually discharged into the environment through sewage and industrial effluents. Low concentrations of EE2, and H 2 O 2 , which are not so common in the studies, were applied in removing process of micropollutants. Photodegradation and removal of EE2 from water were investigated using two treatment processes, UV/H 2 O 2 and reverse osmosis (RO), respectively. Furthermore, changes in estrogenic activity using in vitro yeast estrogen screen assay, as well as the adsorption of EE2 by membrane (TW30-4040, polyamide) surface, were evaluated. All experiments showed that the concentration of H 2 O 2 is a very important variable that influences the degradation of EE2 in all UV doses evaluated. Moreover, they showed estrogenic activity at the end of the treatment due to the amount of EE2 remaining after each experiment. The membrane rejection efficiency varied from 90 to 98% and the adsorption experiments with EE2 initial concentration of 1000 µg·L −1 resulted in11 mg·m −2 membrane surface adsorption. The RO membrane showed higher EE2 removal efficiency through size exclusion and adsorption than the UV/H 2 O 2 process under the evaluated conditions. Graphical abstract Highlights The membrane rejection efficiency varied from 90 to 98%. Amount of EE2 remaining was responsible for all the observed estrogenic activity. Higher concentration of EE2 adsorbed in 11 mg·m −2 on the membrane surface. The RO membrane showed a greater EE2 removal efficiency than UV/H 2 O 2 .

Removal of an endocrine disrupting compound, Bisphenol A (BPA), from water was investigated using two treatment processes, UV/H O advanced oxidation (AOP) and reverse osmosis (membrane separation). Furthermore, changes in estrogenic activity using in vitro yeast estrogen screen assay as well as the adsorption of BPA by the membrane surface were evaluated. The best UV/H O performance was obtained using the highest established values of all parameters, reaching 48% BPA removal. Within the investigated conditions of the AOP, when lower doses of UV were used, a higher removal efficiency was achieved at a higher initial concentration of BPA. However, the same behavior was not observed for the highest UV dose, in which the removal efficiency was not dependent on BPA initial concentration. In both cases, removal efficiency increased as H O concentration increased. The formation of estrogenic by-products was observed in UV/H O . The membrane rejection efficiency varied from 60% to 84% and all experiments showed adsorption of BPA by the membrane surface. The RO membrane showed a greater BPA removal efficiency for samples containing 10 μg·L than UV/H O at the evaluated treatment conditions.

•Inactivated E. coli expressing HcBoNT/C and D are safe and effective in cattle.•Recombinant bacterin is a low-cost alternative process for botulism prevention.•Recombinant bacterin induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies in cattle. Botulism is a paralytic disease caused by the intoxication of neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Among the seven immunologically distinct serotypes of neurotoxins (BoNTs A − G), serotypes C and D, or a chimeric fusion termed C/D or D/C, are responsible for animal botulism. The most effective way to prevent botulism in cattle is through vaccination; however, the commercially available vaccines produced by detoxification of native neurotoxins are time-consuming and hazardous. To overcome these drawbacks, a non-toxic recombinant vaccine was developed as an alternative. In this study, the recombinant protein vaccine was produced using an Escherichia coli cell-based system. The formaldehyde-inactivated E. coli is able to induce 7.45 ± 1.77 and 6.6 ± 1.28 IU/mL neutralizing mean titers against BoNTs C and D in cattle, respectively, determined by mouse neutralization bioassay, and was deemed protective by the Brazilian legislation. Moreover, when the levels of anti-BoNT/C and D were compared with those achieved by the recombinant purified vaccines, no significant statistical difference was observed. Cattle vaccinated with the commercial vaccine developed 1.33 and 3.33 IU/mL neutralizing mean titers against BoNT serotypes C and D, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report on recombinant E. coli bacterin vaccine against botulism. The vaccine was safe and effective in generating protective antibodies and, thus, represents an industry-friendly alternative for the prevention of cattle botulism.

The 2022 multicountry mpox outbreak positioned the condition as a public health emergency of international concern. By May 2023, Brazil ranked second globally in the cumulative number of mpox cases and deaths. The higher incidence of mpox among gay and other men who have sex with men in the current mpox outbreak deepens the stigma and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities (SGM). This might worsen the structural barriers impacting access to health services, which ultimately leads to undertesting and underreporting of cases. There are no data available on mpox knowledge and stigma in Latin America. We aimed to evaluate mpox knowledge, stigma, and willingness to vaccinate for mpox among SGM, and to describe sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis. A cross-sectional, internet-based survey was conducted in a convenience sample of adults (aged >18 years) living in Brazil recruited through advertisements on dating apps, social media, referral institutions for infectious diseases websites, and mass media (October-November 2022). We compared participants' characteristics according to self-reported mpox diagnosis using chi-square test or Fisher exact test for qualitative variables and Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative variables. We enrolled 6236 participants: 5685 (91.2%) were cisgender men; 6032 (96.7%) were gay, bisexual, or pansexual; 3877 (62.2%) were White; 4902 (78.7%) had tertiary education; and 4070 (65.2%) reported low or middle income. Most participants (n=5258, 84.4%) agreed or strongly agreed that \"LGBTQIA+ individuals are being discriminated and stigmatized due to mpox.\" Mpox awareness was 96.9% (n=6044), and 5008 (95.1%) were willing to get vaccinated for mpox. Overall, 324 (5.2%) reported an mpox diagnosis. Among these, 318 (98.1%) reported lesions, 178 (56%) local pain, and 316 (99.4%) sought health care. Among participants not reporting a diagnosis, 288 (4.9%) had a suspicious lesion, but only 158 (54.9%) of these had sought health care. Compared to participants with no diagnosis, those reporting an mpox diagnosis were younger (P<.001), reported more sex partners (P<.001), and changes in sexual behavior after mpox onset (P=.002). Moreover, participants diagnosed with mpox reported more frequently being tested for HIV in the prior 3 months (P<.001), living with HIV (P<.001), currently using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (P<.001), and previous sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (P<.001). Our results point to high mpox knowledge and willingness to vaccinate among SGM in Brazil. Participants self-reporting mpox diagnosis more frequently reported to be living with HIV, STI diagnosis, and current pre-exposure prophylaxis use, highlighting the importance of an mpox assessment that includes comprehensive sexual health screenings. Efforts to decrease stigma related to mpox among SGM are necessary to avoid mpox underdiagnosis.

The emergence of diverse lineages harboring mutations with functional significance and potentially enhanced transmissibility imposes an increased difficulty on the containment of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [...]

In the context of multi-environment trials (MET), genomic prediction is proposed as a tool that allows the prediction of the phenotype of single cross hybrids that were not tested in field trials. This approach saves time and costs compared to traditional breeding methods. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the genomic prediction of single cross maize hybrids not tested in MET, grain yield and female flowering time. We also aimed to propose an application of machine learning methodologies in MET in the prediction of hybrids and compare their performance with Genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) with non-additive effects. Our results highlight that both methodologies are efficient and can be used in maize breeding programs to accurately predict the performance of hybrids in specific environments. The best methodology is case-dependent, specifically, to explore the potential of GBLUP, it is important to perform accurate modeling of the variance components to optimize the prediction of new hybrids. On the other hand, machine learning methodologies can capture non-additive effects without making any assumptions at the outset of the model. Overall, predicting the performance of new hybrids that were not evaluated in any field trials was more challenging than predicting hybrids in sparse test designs.

Mobile phones have become popular tools to support public health interventions (mobile health [mHealth]). Text messaging, including SMS, is a simple, low-cost approach for health communication to a large population and offers valuable tools in improving health outcomes. Despite the global advances in HIV treatment and prevention, the HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect certain populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, including in Latin America. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SMS text messaging in improving adherence after 1-year provision of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM and transgender women in Brazil. Pilot randomized controlled trial nested in the PrEP Brasil study, a prospective, multicenter, open-label implementation study assessing PrEP delivery in the context of the Brazilian Public Health System. Those who agreed to participate in the pilot trial were randomized 1:1 to standard-of-care (SOC) or intervention (SMS text messaging) arm. SMS text messages were launched fully automated weekly to participants for 48 weeks. Adequate adherence to PrEP has been defined as having (1) tenofovir-diphosphate concentration of ≥700 fmol/punch, (2) medication possession ratio of ≥1.07, (3) pill count of ≥90.1%, and (4) self-report (structured questionnaire) of ≥99.9%. Adequate adherence outcomes at week 48 were compared between arms (SMS text messaging vs SOC) using univariate logistic regression. Comparisons were also performed for young MSM aged 18-24 years and transgender women. From 450 participants enrolled on PrEP Brasil, 417 (92.7%) were randomized to the pilot trial: 210 to SOC and 207 to SMS arm. Until week 48, participants received a total of 14,099 SMS with the text message: \"Are you okay?,\" and 6959 (49.4%) messages were replied. Of these, the vast majority replied \"Yes\" (6762/6959, 97.2%). A total of 347 (83.2%) participants completed the study with no difference between arms for the 4 adherence outcomes. Conversely, young MSM who received SMS text messages had 2.50 increased odds of having adequate PrEP adherence measured by medication possession ratio (P=.05). Most participants found SMS text messaging very useful or useful (127/167, 76.0%) and would recommend SMS text messaging as a support strategy for persons using PrEP (134/167, 80.2%). Most participants think that SMS text messaging should be offered to all persons using PrEP (129/167, 77.2%), and 16.2% (27/167) think that SMS text messaging should be offered only to those persons using PrEP with adherence problems. Weekly messages were found adequate by 80.2% (134/167). SMS text messaging intervention improved adequate PrEP adherence among young MSM and can be a useful tool for PrEP coverage and persistence. Future interventions using other mHealth tools such as WhatsApp messages and apps tailored to support PrEP adherence should be evaluated among MSM and transgender women in Brazil.

Background Copy number variations (CNVs) are a major type of structural genomic variants that underlie genetic architecture and phenotypic variation of complex traits, not only in humans, but also in livestock animals. We identified CNVs along the chicken genome and analyzed their association with performance traits. Genome-wide CNVs were inferred from Affymetrix® high density SNP-chip data for a broiler population. CNVs were concatenated into segments and association analyses were performed with linear mixed models considering a genomic relationship matrix, for birth weight, body weight at 21, 35, 41 and 42 days, feed intake from 35 to 41 days, feed conversion ratio from 35 to 41 days and, body weight gain from 35 to 41 days of age. Results We identified 23,214 autosomal CNVs, merged into 5042 distinct CNV regions (CNVRs), covering 12.84% of the chicken autosomal genome. One significant CNV segment was associated with BWG on GGA3 ( q -value = 0.00443); one significant CNV segment was associated with BW35 ( q -value = 0.00571), BW41 ( q -value = 0.00180) and BW42 ( q -value = 0.00130) on GGA3, and one significant CNV segment was associated with BW on GGA5 ( q -value = 0.00432). All significant CNV segments were verified by qPCR, and a validation rate of 92.59% was observed. These CNV segments are located nearby genes, such as KCNJ11, MyoD1 and SOX6 , known to underlie growth and development. Moreover, gene-set analyses revealed terms linked with muscle physiology, cellular processes regulation and potassium channels. Conclusions Overall, this CNV-based GWAS study unravels potential candidate genes that may regulate performance traits in chickens. Our findings provide a foundation for future functional studies on the role of specific genes in regulating performance in chickens.