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Microscopy is integral to medical research, facilitating the exploration of various biological questions, notably cell quantification. However, this process's time-consuming and error-prone nature, attributed to human intervention or automated methods usually applied to fluorescent images, presents challenges. In response, machine learning algorithms have been integrated into microscopy, automating tasks and constructing predictive models from vast datasets. These models adeptly learn representations for object detection, image segmentation, and target classification. An advantageous strategy involves utilizing unstained images, preserving cell integrity and enabling morphology-based classification-something hindered when fluorescent markers are used. The aim is to introduce a model proficient in classifying distinct cell lineages in digital contrast microscopy images. Additionally, the goal is to create a predictive model identifying lineage and determining optimal quantification of cell numbers. Employing a CNN machine learning algorithm, a classification model predicting cellular lineage achieved a remarkable accuracy of 93%, with ROC curve results nearing 1.0, showcasing robust performance. However, some lineages, namely SH-SY5Y (78%), HUH7_mayv (85%), and A549 (88%), exhibited slightly lower accuracies. These outcomes not only underscore the model's quality but also emphasize CNNs' potential in addressing the inherent complexities of microscopic images.

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High Content Screening (HCS) combines high throughput techniques with the ability to generate cellular images of biological systems. The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance of predictive models using CNN to identify the number of cells present in digital contrast microscopy images obtained by HCS. One way to evaluate the algorithm was through the Mean Squared Error metric. The MSE was 4,335.99 in the A549 cell line, 25,295.23 in the Huh7 and 36,897.03 in the 3T3. After obtaining these values, different parameters of the models were changed to verify how they behave. By reducing the number of images, the MSE increased considerably, with the A549 cell line changing to 49,973.52, Huh7 to 79,473.88 and 3T3 to 52,977.05. Correlation analyzes were performed for the different models. In lineage A549, the best model showed a positive correlation with R = 0.953. In Huh7, the best correlation of the model was R = 0.821, it was also a positive correlation. In 3T3, the models showed no correlation, with the best model having R = 0.100. The models performed well in quantifying the number of cells, and the number and quality of the images interfered with this predictive ability.

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Forest fragmentation reduces the effective size of natural populations, isolates individuals in the landscape, and, consequently, changes species' mating systems by increasing the degree of relatedness between individuals and inbreeding. Investigating the impact of habitat degradation on forest fragments helps to assess the genetic and ecological consequences of these changes, and allows the development of effective and sustainable conservation strategies to manage the genetic resources of species living in degraded landscapes. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of fragmented Theobroma speciosum populations using microsatellite markers. Three urban forest fragments were selected in the municipality of Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, namely C/E park, J park, and Zoo Botanical park. Seventy-five individuals (25 in each fragment) were sampled by collecting their leaves for genomic DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction amplifications were performed using nine polymorphic simple sequence repeat primers, which amplified 84 alleles. The mean expected heterozygosity was 0.970, and it was always higher than the observed heterozygosity. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that most variability occurred within populations (64%) rather than between them (36%). The Structure software and an unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean dendrogram revealed three distinct groups, showing that individuals were allocated to their correct populations. Genotype number 3 from C/E park, number 45 from J park, and number 51 from Zoo Botanical park could be used as stock plants in breeding programs, because they were the most dissimilar within the populations studied. The high genetic diversity levels detected in all three populations studied emphasize the importance of protecting this species in its natural habitat.

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In the present study a unique dataset on population abundance in various community-based management (CBM) and non-CBM areas is analysed to address the question of whether CBM can recover overexploited populations of Arapaima sp. in river-floodplain ecosystems. All non-CBM areas possessed depleted Arapaima sp. populations with a mean density of 0·01 individuals ha(-1) . Arapaima sp. population densities in all CBM areas changed over time from depleted to overexploited or well managed status, with a mean rate of increase of 77% year(-1) . Rates of Arapaima sp. population recovery in CBM areas differed, probably reflecting differences in ecosystem productivity and compliance with management regulations. These results indicate that CBM schemes can be effective tools for the recovery and conservation of fish populations with non-migratory life cycles in tropical river-floodplain ecosystems.

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Dengue is the most prevalent arboviral disease worldwide. The outcome of the infection is determined by the interplay of viral and host factors. In the present study, we evaluated the cellular response of human monocyte-derived DCs (mdDCs) infected with recombinant dengue virus type 1 (DV1) strains carrying a single point mutation in the NS3hel protein (L435S or L480S). Both mutated viruses infect and replicate more efficiently and produce more viral progeny in infected mdDCs compared with the parental, non-mutated virus (vBACDV1). Additionally, global gene expression analysis using cDNA microarrays revealed that the mutated DVs induce the up-regulation of the interferon (IFN) signalling and pattern recognition receptor (PRR) canonical pathways in mdDCs. Pronounced production of type I IFN were detected specifically in mdDCs infected with DV1-NS3hel-mutated virus compared with mdDCs infected with the parental virus. In addition, we showed that the type I IFN produced by mdDCs is able to reduce DV1 infection rates, suggesting that cytokine function is effective but not sufficient to mediate viral clearance of DV1-NS3hel-mutated strains. Our results demonstrate that single point mutations in subdomain 2 have important implications for adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of DV1-NS3hel. Although a direct functional connection between the increased ATPase activity and viral replication still requires further studies, these mutations speed up viral RNA replication and are sufficient to enhance viral replicative capacity in human primary cell infection and circumvent type I IFN activity. This information may have particular relevance for attenuated vaccine protocols designed for DV.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of leptin and other selected variables on gestational weight gain (GWG) according to pre-gestational body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Public Health Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. SAMPLE: Two hundred and twenty-eight pregnant women. METHODS: Women were followed at the 5-13, 20-26 and 30-36th gestational weeks. The effects of independent variables on GWG in normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) ), overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2) ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m(2) ) women were assessed using longitudinal linear mixed-effects models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Maternal body weight (kg) throughout pregnancy. RESULTS: Leptin concentrations were associated with GWG in normal weight (ß = 0.048, P < 0.001) and overweight (ß = 0.023, P = 0.048) women, but not in obese ones (ß = 0.011, P = 0.308). Additionally, the number of hours slept per night decreased the effect of leptin on GWG in OW women (ß = -0.013, P = 0.002). The effect of other maternal characteristics on GWG was different depending on the BMI category. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin concentrations were positively associated with GWG in normal weight and overweight women, but not in obese ones. Maternal height was associated with GWG in all BMI categories, but other variables such as sleep duration, QUICKI values, HDL-c, smoking habit and marital status presented differential effects according to BMI. We encourage further studies to investigate the association between leptin and gestational weight gain, taking into account the pre-pregnancy weight and sleep duration, in order to compare and confirm our results. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Leptin is associated with weight gain in normal weight and overweight pregnant women, but not in obese ones.

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The aim was to develop a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia (São Caetano Melon) to improve its palatability, administration, and to test its anthelmintic efficacy in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten animals were used in a pre-experiment, where 20 formulations containing the plant were tested. After choosing the most palatable one, 18 six months-old, male Boer goats, were divided into three groups and evaluated during 28 days: Group 1, received daily a formulation of pellets composed by 60% of M. charantia + 5% of emulsifier + 35% of molasses powder at a dose of 1 g/kg of live weight; Group 2, received the same formulation daily in the dose of 2 g/kg of live weight; and Group 3, received no phytotherapy treatment (Control group). Fecal samples were collected to carry out the EPG and fecal cultures and the animals were weighed at days zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28. The treatments with M. charantia pellets were unsatisfactory in all collections, and there was no statistical difference (P>0,05) among the groups. On day 28, the groups treated with 1g/kg and 2 g/kg showed an increase in EPG of 143% and 100%, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent genus in the fecal cultures. A statistical difference was not observed (P>0,05) in the animal’s weight. The pelleted formulation of M. charantia was ineffective to control of gastrointestinal helminthiosis of naturally infected goats in the Brazilian semiarid.

Objetivou-se desenvolver uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia (Melão de São Caetano) para melhorar sua palatabilidade e administração, bem como testar sua eficácia anti-helmíntica em caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram utilizados dez animais em um pré-experimento, onde foram testadas 20 formulações contendo a planta. Após a escolha da mais palatável, 18 caprinos machos da raça Boer, com seis meses de idade, foram divididos em três grupos e avaliados durante 28 dias: Grupo 1, animais receberam diariamente uma formulação de péletes compostos por 60% de M. charantia + 5% de emulsificante + 35% de pó de melaço, na dosagem de 1 g/kg de peso vivo; Grupo 2, receberam a mesma formulação diariamente na dosagem de 2 g/kg de peso vivo e o Grupo 3 não recebeu tratamento fitoterápico, servindo como grupo Controle. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes para realização dos OPG e coproculturas e realizadas as pesagens dos animais nos dias zero, sete, 14, 21 e 28. Os tratamentos com péletes de M. charantia foram insatisfatórios em todas as coletas, não havendo diferença estatística (P>0,05) entre os grupos. No dia 28, os grupos tratados com 1 g/kg e 2 g/kg apresentaram aumento no OPG de, respectivamente, 143% e 100%. Haemonchus sp. foi o gênero mais prevalente nas coproculturas. Também não foi observada diferença estatística (P> 0,05) no peso dos animais. A formulação peletizada de M. charantia não foi eficaz no controle das helmintoses gastrintestinais de caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido Brasileiro.

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The aim was to develop a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia (São Caetano Melon) to improve its palatability, administration, and to test its anthelmintic efficacy in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten animals were used in a pre-experiment, where 20 formulations containing the plant were tested. After choosing the most palatable one, 18 six months-old, male Boer goats, were divided into three groups and evaluated during 28 days: Group 1, received daily a formulation of pellets composed by 60% of M. charantia + 5% of emulsifier + 35% of molasses powder at a dose of 1 g/kg of live weight; Group 2, received the same formulation daily in the dose of 2 g/kg of live weight; and Group 3, received no phytotherapy treatment (Control group). Fecal samples were collected to carry out the EPG and fecal cultures and the animals were weighed at days zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28. The treatments with M. charantia pellets were unsatisfactory in all collections, and there was no statistical difference (P>0,05) among the groups. On day 28, the groups treated with 1g/kg and 2 g/kg showed an increase in EPG of 143% and 100%, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent genus in the fecal cultures. A statistical difference was not observed (P>0,05) in the animals weight. The pelleted formulation of M. charantia was ineffective to control of gastrointestinal helminthiosis of naturally infected goats in the Brazilian semiarid.(AU)

Objetivou-se desenvolver uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia (Melão de São Caetano) para melhorar sua palatabilidade e administração, bem como testar sua eficácia anti-helmíntica em caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram utilizados dez animais em um pré-experimento, onde foram testadas 20 formulações contendo a planta. Após a escolha da mais palatável, 18 caprinos machos da raça Boer, com seis meses de idade, foram divididos em três grupos e avaliados durante 28 dias: Grupo 1, animais receberam diariamente uma formulação de péletes compostos por 60% de M. charantia + 5% de emulsificante + 35% de pó de melaço, na dosagem de 1 g/kg de peso vivo; Grupo 2, receberam a mesma formulação diariamente na dosagem de 2 g/kg de peso vivo e o Grupo 3 não recebeu tratamento fitoterápico, servindo como grupo Controle. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes para realização dos OPG e coproculturas e realizadas as pesagens dos animais nos dias zero, sete, 14, 21 e 28. Os tratamentos com péletes de M. charantia foram insatisfatórios em todas as coletas, não havendo diferença estatística (P>0,05) entre os grupos. No dia 28, os grupos tratados com 1 g/kg e 2 g/kg apresentaram aumento no OPG de, respectivamente, 143% e 100%. Haemonchus sp. foi o gênero mais prevalente nas coproculturas. Também não foi observada diferença estatística (P> 0,05) no peso dos animais. A formulação peletizada de M. charantia não foi eficaz no controle das helmintoses gastrintestinais de caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido Brasileiro.(AU)

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