Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva

Scopus Publications

The 3′UTR VNTR SLC6A3 Genetic Variant and Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Bruna Rodrigues Gontijo, Isabella Possatti, Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Alexandre Sampaio Rodrigues Pereira, Larissa Sousa Silva Bonasser, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
MDPI AG
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disabling and particularly persistent mental disorder that is considered to be a priority public health problem. The active human dopamine transporter (DAT), which is encoded by the SLC6A3 gene, regulates the dopamine concentration in the synaptic cleft. In this sense, this neurotransmitter is primordial in modulating human emotions. This systematic review aims to verify the SLC6A3 (DAT1) 3′UTR VNTR (rs28363170) gene variant’s SS (9R/9R) genotype and S (9R) allele frequency fluctuation and its influence on the modulation of pharmacotherapy in MDD. For this purpose, we searched different databases, and after applying the eligibility criteria, six articles were selected. Studies have shown an association between the SS (9R/9R) genotypic and S (9R) allelic presence with the risk of developing MDD, in addition to influencing the decrease in response to antidepressant therapy. However, despite the findings, disagreements were observed between other studies. For this reason, further studies with the SLC6A3 3′UTR VNTR (rs28363170) variant in different populations are necessary to understand this polymorphism’s role in the onset of this disease.

Bariatric Surgery and Vitamin D: Trends in Older Women and Association with Clinical Features and VDR Gene Polymorphisms
Linconl Agudo Oliveira Benito, Evelyn Mikaela Kogawa, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Fabíola Ferreira Melo, Silvia Helena de Carvalho Sales-Peres, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Margô Gomes de Oliveira Karnikowski
MDPI AG
(1) Background: Obesity and its comorbidities can cause burdens and limitations. Bariatric surgery (BS) is indicated as a safe procedure to reduce body mass and improve present comorbidities. However, several complications were reported, such as vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency. We evaluated if 25(OH)D serum levels relate to clinical characteristics, symptoms, or habits in women after their BS, and whether the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene’s TaqI and FokI polymorphisms affected 25(OH)D levels and the total body bone mineral density (TBBMD). (2) Methods: This cohort cross-sectional comparative analytical prospective study consisted of 27 women, 61.6 ± 5.0 years, submitted to BS one year prior at a public reference hospital, DF-Brazil. All participants were asked to follow the physical and dietary activity recommendations and received vitamin D3 supplements. Their anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological measurements and blood samples were obtained. (3) Results: 73.3% of participants had low 25(OH)D levels, and their levels correlated positively with TBBMD and negatively with systolic pressure. VDR TaqI did not affect 25(OH)D levels, whereas VDR FokI’s allele f presence correlated to a median rise in 25(OH)D levels. Neither polymorphism correlated to TBBMD. (4) Conclusions: 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with TBBMD, negatively with systolic blood pressure, and were higher in those with the VDR FokI allele f.

MAOA uVNTR Polymorphism Influence on Older Adults Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus/Systemic Arterial Hypertension
Gabriel Moura Alves Seixas, Renata de Souza Freitas, Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Luciano Ramos de Lima, Marina Morato Stival, Silvana Schwerz Funghetto, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
Hindawi Limited
Background. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is involved in several biological processes associated with well-being and mental health, and alterations in its function might directly impact various mental disorders. Some mental disorders concomitantly occur in individuals with clinical characteristics, such as substance abuse and diabetes. Objective. To analyze the functional MAOA uVNTR polymorphism genotype frequency in an older adult population with diabetes mellitus/arterial hypertension and associate this frequency with clinical characteristics impacting daily life. Methodology. Older adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, or both (DM/SAH) were selected and had their MAOA gene genotyped for uVNTR polymorphism. The revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a questionnaire were also applied to determine their mental health and clinical characteristics. Results. The allelic variants detected among the participants were the 2R, 3R, 4R, and 3R/4R heterozygous genotypes. Genotypes solely containing the 3R allele had patients who marked yes for smoking and alcoholism, and only those with the 3R genotypes (female 3R/3R homozygote or male 3R ∗ hemizygote) were significant. Although not statistically significant, only 3R and 3R/4R genotypes presented cases of severe depression per the revised BDI interpretations. Conclusion. The MAOA uVNTR polymorphism’s low-activity 3R allele presence in an older adult population diagnosed with DM/SAH may represent a risk for developing substance use (alcohol and smoking) dependence.

TNF-α levels, hypertension, glycated hemoglobin, and lower limb pain are predictors of diabetic neuropathy
Luciano Ramos de Lima, Marina Morato Stival, Silvana Schwerz Funghetto, Cris Renata Grou Volpe, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Alessandro de Oliveira Silva, and Mani Indiana Funez
Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Dispensing of psychotropic drugs in the Brazilian capital city before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2020)
Pamela Alejandra Escalante Saavedra, Dayani Galato, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Emília Vitoria da Silva
Frontiers Media SA
Objective: Evaluate the data on the psychotropic drugs dispensed by private community pharmacies before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the quarterly and annual consumption of psychotropic drugs per Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants-day (DHD). Interrupted time series were also constructed to expose changes in the consumption pattern in the periods before and after March 2020.Results: Among the 20 most consumed psychoactive drugs, 12 were antidepressants, for example, escitalopram (DHD 7.996 and 10.626; p &lt; 0.001), and sertraline (DHD 6.321 and 8.484; p &lt; 0.001), in addition to the hypnotic zolpidem (DHD 6.202 and 8.526; p &lt; 0.001). The time series reveals (R2 value) a variation in drug dispensing, in DHD values, during the pandemic.Conclusion: Despite the higher variance, a significant increase is clearly seen in the consumption trends of psychoactive drugs, particularly antidepressants, consistent with the pandemic’s influence on the general population’s mental health.

MAOA uVNTR Genetic Variant and Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Ana Beatriz Castro Gonçalves, Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Jhon Willatan Saraiva Siqueira, Ligia Canongia de Abreu Cardoso Duarte, Aline Ribeiro Barros, Isabella Possatti, Maurício Lima dos Santos, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
MDPI AG
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent multifactorial psychopathology affected by neurotransmitter levels. Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) influences several neural pathways by modulating these levels. This systematic review (per PRISMA protocol and PECOS strategy) endeavors to understand the MAOA uVNTR polymorphism influence on MDD and evaluate its 3R/3R and 3R* genotypic frequencies fluctuation in MDD patients from different populations. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE databases for eligible original articles that brought data on genotypic frequencies related to the MAOA uVNTR variant in patients with MDD. We excluded studies with incomplete data (including statistical data), reviews, meta-analyses, and abstracts. Initially, we found 43 articles. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles remained. The population samples studied were predominantly Asians, with high 3R and 4R allele frequencies. Notably, we observed higher 3R/3R (female) and 3R* (male) genotype frequencies in the healthy control groups and higher 4R/4R (female) and 4R* (male) genotype frequencies in the MDD groups in the majority of different populations. Despite some similarities in the articles analyzed, there is still no consensus on the MAOA uVNTR variant’s role in MDD pathogenesis.

Altered Visceral Adipose Tissue Predictors and Women’s Health: A Unicenter Study
Vanessa Carvalho Moreira, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
MDPI AG
(1) Background: The excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation in women may reflect an early or advanced state of a metabolic disorder and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than other types of obesity. This study aimed to determine the predictor variables (demographic information, anthropometric data, and blood biomarkers) for changes in VAT in adult women. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with women aged 18–59 years attending nutritional consultation at the Centro Universitário de Brasília (CEUB)’s nutrition school clinic, Brazil. All participants’ medical records were reviewed throughout the study and data of interest were collected. Various anthropometric measurements and biochemical exams were performed and analyzed in a univariate logistic regression model to identify the possible risk factors predictors for the presence of altered VAT. (3) Results: Our logistic regression model considered body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2, lipid accumulation product (LAP), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) as predictors of altered VAT. (4) Conclusion: LAP has a robust predictive capacity for changes in visceral fat in adult women, followed by WHR and BMI, making these variables effective in assessing the risk for changes in visceral fat and their inclusion essential in the individual and collective clinical practice.

Visceral Adipose Tissue Influence on Health Problem Development and Its Relationship with Serum Biochemical Parameters in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Literature Review
Vanessa C. Moreira, Calliandra M. S. Silva, Alexis F. Welker, and Izabel C. R. da Silva
Hindawi Limited
Background. The amount of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) tends to increase with age and is associated with several health problems, such as cardiometabolic diseases, increased infections, and overall mortality. Objectives. This review provides a general assessment of how visceral adiposity correlates with the development of health problems and changes in serum biochemical parameters in middle-aged and older adults. Methods. We searched specific terms in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases for VAT articles published in the English language between 2009 and 2019 related to older adults. Results. The search found twenty-three publications in this period, of which nine were excluded. The publications had a population aged between 42 and 83 years and correlated the VAT area ratio with several comorbidities (such as pancreatitis, depression, cancer, and coronary heart disease) and serum biochemical parameters. Conclusion. Further research on the association between visceral obesity and the emergence of health problems and the relationship between VAT and changes in serum biochemical parameters in older individuals should deepen the understanding of this connection and develop preventive actions.

Microbiological evaluation of industrialized and artisanal Minas fresh cheese commercialized in the Federal District, Brazil
Letícia FERNANDES SILVA RODRIGUES, Sabrina LUNARA SANTOS PAVELQUESI, Ana Carolina ALMEIDA DE OLIVEIRA FERREIRA, Erika DA SILVA MONTEIRO, Calliandra Maria DE SOUZA SILVA, Izabel Cristina RODRIGUES DA SILVA, and Daniela CASTILHO ORSI
FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

BAX gene (−248 G > A) polymorphism in a sample of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the Federal District, Brazil
Ligia C.A. Cardoso-Duarte, Caroline F. Fratelli, Alexandre S.R. Pereira, Jéssica Nayane Gomes de Souza, Renata de Souza Freitas, Rafael Martins de Morais, Alaor Barra Sobrinho, Calliandra M. Sousa Silva, Jamila Reis de Oliveira, Diêgo Madureira de Oliveira,et al.
SAGE Publications
Introduction Papillary thyroid cancer corresponds to approximately 1% of all carcinomas; nevertheless, it is the most prevalent endocrine neoplasm in the world. Studies reveal that the BAX (−248 G > A) polymorphism may be associated with negative regulation of BAX gene transcription activity, causing a decrease in its protein expression. Objective The present study aimed to describe the genotype and allele frequencies of BAX single nucleotide polymorphisms (−248 G > A) (rs4645878) in the research patients, and to associate its presence with susceptibility to papillary thyroid cancer. Methods This case-control study was conducted with 30 patients with papillary thyroid cancer. For the evaluation of genetic polymorphisms, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was employed. Allele and genotype frequencies were estimated using the SPSS program, and significant associations were considered when p < 0.05. Results There was a significant genotypic difference between papillary thyroid cancer and the control group (p = 0.042). The GG genotype provided a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) = 0.313; confidence interval (CI) = 0.123–0.794). Likewise the G allele was a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.009; OR = 0.360; CI = 0.163–0.793). The BAX gene polymorphism (−248 G > A) was associated with papillary thyroid cancer. Conclusion BAX (−248 G > A) GG genotype carriers, or at least one mutated allele, was associated with papillary thyroid cancer in the Brazilian population studied, and the G allele presence is considered a protective factor against papillary thyroid cancer occurrence.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. In aquacultured nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) commercialized in Federal District, Brazil
Ana Carolina Almeida de Oliveira Ferreira, Sabrina Lunara Santos Pavelquesi, Erika da Silva Monteiro, Letícia Fernandes Silva Rodrigues, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Daniela Castilho Orsi
Mary Ann Liebert Inc
This study aimed to assess Salmonella spp. prevalence in aquaculture Nile tilapia commercialized in the Federal District, Brazil, and determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates. Fifty-seven Salmonella spp. strains were isolated from 101 samples of fresh tilapia fillets collected in the Federal District, Brazil. These isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and analyzed for the presence of blaCTX, tetB, sul2, and floR resistance genes. The Salmonella spp. prevalence in fresh tilapia fillets was 45.5%; that is, 46 of 101 samples were positive for the InvA gene. The antimicrobial resistance profile showed high resistance rates for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (87.7%), tetracycline (82.5%), sulfonamide (57.9%), and chloramphenicol (26.3%). Additionally, 56.1% of Salmonella spp. isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The beta-lactam-resistant gene blaCTX was identified in 66.7% of isolates, the tetracycline resistance gene tetA in 54.4%, and the chloramphenicol resistance gene floR in 50.9%, while the sulfonamide resistance gene sul2 was present in 49.1%. The results revealed that tilapia fillets were highly contaminated with MDR Salmonella. These Salmonella spp. strains carried multiple antimicrobial resistance genes, which might facilitate their dissemination to consumers along the production chain. Hence, there is an evident need to control Salmonella in fish production systems to ensure public health.

Presence of tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes in salmonella spp.: Literature review
Sabrina Lunara Santos Pavelquesi, Ana Carolina Almeida de Oliveira Ferreira, Angeislenie Ricelle Magalhães Rodrigues, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Daniela Castilho Orsi, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
MDPI AG
Tetracyclines and sulfonamides are broad-spectrum antibacterial agents which have been used to treat bacterial infections for over half a century. The widespread use of tetracyclines and sulfonamides led to the emergence of resistance in a diverse group of bacteria. This resistance can be studied by searching for resistance genes present in the bacteria responsible for different resistance mechanisms. Salmonella is one of the leading bacteria causing foodborne diseases worldwide, and its resistance to tetracyclines and sulfonamides has been widely reported. The literature review searched the Virtual Health Library for articles with specific data in the studied samples: the resistance genes found, the primers used in PCR, and the thermocycler conditions. The results revealed that Salmonella presented high rates of resistance to tetracycline and sulfonamide, and the most frequent samples used to isolate Salmonella were poultry and pork. The tetracycline resistance genes most frequently detected from Salmonella spp. were tetA followed by tetB. The gene sul1 followed by sul2 were the most frequently sulfonamide resistance genes present in Salmonella. These genes are associated with plasmids, transposons, or both, and are often conjugative, highlighting the transference potential of these genes to other bacteria, environments, animals, and humans.

BDNF Genetic Variant and Its Genotypic Fluctuation in Major Depressive Disorder
Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Jhon Willatan Siqueira, Bruna Rodrigues Gontijo, Maurício de Lima Santos, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, and Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
Hindawi Limited
Major depressive disorder (MDD) still has an unknown etiology and mechanisms. Many studies have been conducted seeking to associate and understand the connection of different genetic variants to this disease. Researchers have extensively studied the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met genetic variant in MDD; yet, their findings remain inconsistent. This systematic review sought to verify the GG (Val/Val) genotype frequency fluctuation in different populations with MDD. For this, we searched in different databases and, after applying the eligibility criteria, selected 17 articles. Most studies demonstrate the higher frequency of the ancestral (wild) GG (Val/Val) genotype, although associations of the polymorphic A (Met) allele, changes in BDNF protein serum levels, or both were also found in MDD, whether related to the disease’s development or other factors. Nevertheless, despite these findings, disagreements between several studies are seen. For this reason, further BDNF Val66Met genetic variant studies should not only bridge the gap in the knowledge of this polymorphism’s role in MDD’s different facets but also analyze the genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity in different populations to help provide a better quality of life for patients.

In vitro antifungal activity of pelgipeptins against human pathogenic fungi and candida albicans biofilms
Débora Luíza Albano Fulgêncio, , Rosiane Andrade da Costa, Fernanda Guilhelmelli, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Daniel Barros Ortega, Thiago Fellipe de Araujo, Philippe Spezia Silva, Ildinete Silva-Pereira, Patrícia Albuquerque,et al.
American Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

Transcriptional remodeling patterns in murine dendritic cells infected with paracoccidioides brasiliensis: More is not necessarily better
Calliandra M. de-Souza-Silva, Fabián Andrés Hurtado, Aldo Henrique Tavares, Getúlio P. de Oliveira, Taina Raiol, Christiane Nishibe, Daniel Paiva Agustinho, Nalvo Franco Almeida, Maria Emília Machado Telles Walter, André Moraes Nicola,et al.
MDPI AG
Most people infected with the fungus Paracoccidioides spp. do not get sick, but approximately 5% develop paracoccidioidomycosis. Understanding how host immunity determinants influence disease development could lead to novel preventative or therapeutic strategies; hence, we used two mouse strains that are resistant (A/J) or susceptible (B10.A) to P. brasiliensis to study how dendritic cells (DCs) respond to the infection. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the susceptible strain DCs remodeled their transcriptomes much more intensely than those from the resistant strain, agreeing with a previous model of more intense innate immunity response in the susceptible strain. Contrastingly, these cells also repress genes/processes involved in antigen processing and presentation, such as lysosomal activity and autophagy. After the interaction with P. brasiliensis, both DCs and macrophages from the susceptible mouse reduced the autophagy marker LC3-II recruitment to the fungal phagosome compared to the resistant strain cells, confirming this pathway’s repression. These results suggest that impairment in antigen processing and presentation processes might be partially responsible for the inefficient activation of the adaptive immune response in this model.

Mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides ToAP2 and NDBP-5.7 against Candida albicans planktonic and biofilm cells
Jhones do Nascimento Dias, Calliandra de Souza Silva, Alyne Rodrigues de Araújo, Jessica Maria Teles Souza, Paulo Henrique de Holanda Veloso Júnior, Wanessa Felix Cabral, Maria da Glória da Silva, Peter Eaton, José Roberto de Souza de Almeida Leite, André Moraes Nicola,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Candida albicans is a major cause of human infections, ranging from relatively simple to treat skin and mucosal diseases to systemic life-threatening invasive candidiasis. Fungal infections treatment faces three major challenges: the limited number of therapeutic options, the toxicity of the available drugs, and the rise of antifungal resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of peptides ToAP2 and NDBP-5.7 against planktonic cells and biofilms of C. albicans. Both peptides were active against C. albicans cells; however, ToAP2 was more active and produced more pronounced effects on fungal cells. Both peptides affected C. albicans membrane permeability and produced changes in fungal cell morphology, such as deformations in the cell wall and disruption of ultracellular organization. Both peptides showed synergism with amphotericin B, while ToAP2 also presents a synergic effect with fluconazole. Besides, ToAP2 (6.25 µM.) was able to inhibit filamentation after 24 h of treatment and was active against both the early phase and mature biofilms of C. albicans. Finally, ToAP2 was protective in a Galleria mellonella model of infection. Altogether these results point to the therapeutic potential of ToAP2 and other antimicrobial peptides in the development of new therapies for C. albicans infections.

5httlpr genetic variant and major depressive disorder: A review
Caroline Fratelli, Jhon Siqueira, Calliandra Silva, Eduardo Ferreira, and Izabel Silva
MDPI AG
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disease that involves biological, psychological, and social interactions. Studies have shown the importance of genetics contribution to MDD development. The SCL6A4 protein (5HTTLPR) functions transporting serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and emotion, to the synaptic cleft. Hence, this study seeks, through a literature review, a better comprehension of the 5HTTLPR genetic variant association with MDD. For this purpose, a search was performed on the Virtual Health Library Portal for articles that related 5HTTLPR to MDD. Most of the articles found were conducted in the American continent, with one (1) study implemented in Brazil. 5HTTLPR associations were found regarding changes in the nervous system, pharmacology, and risk factors seen in MDD patients. When verifying the allelic distribution, the S allele had a higher frequency in most of the studies analyzed. Despite not finding a commonality in the different studies, the tremendous genetic variation found demonstrates the MDD complexity. For this reason, further studies in diverse populations should be conducted to assist in the understanding and treatment of the disease.

The impact of NOS3 gene polymorphism on papillary thyroid cancer susceptibility in patients undergoing radioiodine therapy
Adara Rodrigues Damasceno Cerqueira, Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Ligia Canongia de Abreu Cardoso Duarte, Alexandre Sampaio Rodrigues Pereira, Rafael Martins de Morais, Alaor Barra Sobrinho, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Jamila Reis de Oliveira
SAGE Publications
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer in the world. Noting that the NOS3 gene polymorphism interferes with nitric oxide production, this study aims to identify and analyze the NOS3 gene polymorphism in the intron 4 region in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. A case-control study was conducted with 31 papillary thyroid cancer patients of both genders who underwent thyroidectomy and treatment with sodium iodide radiopharmaceutical (131I) compared with 81 control patients. Through papillary thyroid cancer, the results were observed, compiled, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The significance level of 5% was adopted. Genotypic frequencies of healthy subjects were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ( P = 0.503). There was a significant genotypic difference between papillary thyroid cancer and healthy individuals ( P <0.001). The BB genotype conferred a protective factor for papillary thyroid cancer ( P <0.001, odds ratio (OR) 0.16; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06, 0.42), while the presence of the A allele appears to be a risk factor for papillary thyroid cancer ( P <0.001, OR 3.54; 95% CI 1.86, 6.73). The intron 4 polymorphism of the NOS3 gene was associated with susceptibility to papillary thyroid cancer. Thus, future research into the effects of this polymorphism is essential.

Association of Vitamin D with the TaqI Polymorphism of the VDR Gene in Older Women Attending the Basic Health Unit of the Federal District, DF (Brazil)
Renata de Souza Freitas, Caroline Ferreira Fratelli, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Luciano Ramos de Lima, Marina Morato Stival, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Silvana Schwerz Funghetto
Hindawi Limited
Aging is accompanied by various functional modifications determined by their environment, lifestyle, nutrition, and genetics. Based on these factors, it is essential to verify the vitamin deficiency in the elderly population. Hypovitaminosis D is commonly present in human aging, increasing the chances of developing noncommunicable chronic diseases. The VDR gene TaqI polymorphism may modify the vitamin D metabolic pathway by altering the interaction between the vitamin D receptor and the active circulating vitamin D. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin D and biochemical and genetic factors, considering the TaqI polymorphism of the VDR gene, in an elderly population of the Federal District. The study was a descriptive, case-control, quantitative, and cross-sectional type and was conducted in two basic health units in the administrative region of Ceilândia, Federal District, DF, Brazil, with women aged 60 years or older. Anthropometric, biochemical, and genetic parameters (VDR TaqI polymorphism) were evaluated. The adopted significance level was 5%, and statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS version 20.0 program. The study consisted of 128 participants. The most prevalent age was from 60 to 65 years (N = 53; 41.4%). 66 elderly (51.6%) were part of the case group (hypovitaminosis D), while 62 were in the control group. In the case group, 30.2% had grade I obesity, 77.3% were hypertensive, and 51.5% were diabetic. The TT genotype was present in 47% of the case group and 54.8% in the control group (p=0.667). There was no association between serum vitamin D levels and the VDR gene variant TaqI polymorphism in an elderly Brazilian population.

Association of the CHGA gene polymorphism in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and/or aneurysm
Joanilson C. M. Santos Júnior, Caroline F. Fratelli, Alan Cristian F. Nóbrega, Suzana Cristina Rodrigues, Ligia Canongia A. C. Duarte, Calliandra Maria S. Silva, Jonathan D. Lima, Luzitano B. Ferreira, Daniel O. Freire, Vivian Taís F. Cipriano,et al.
GN1 Genesis Network
Introduction: Cerebrovascular diseases have been associated with several genes. Chromogranin A ( CHGA ) has been used as maker in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, evaluating the polymorphism and verifying its association with this pathology is very important to better understand this disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the association between coding region polymorphism in -264 position of the CHGA gene ( Glu264Asp ) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS)/aneurysm in the Federal District, Brazil. Methods: This is a population-based case-control, involving 45 cases with HS and/or aneurysm. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method is used for genotyping these samples. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: The absence of the CC genotype the Glu264Asp CHGA polymorphism in the study participants and the significant presence of the GC heterozygote genotype were observed in this study. However, the distribution of genotypes did not differ statistically in the groups. Conclusion: The Glu264Asp CHGA polymorphism does not seem to contribute to the genesis of the CHGA protein expression in this patients group, but to understand whether or not there is a possible association of the pathology in question and whether the mutation will contribute in the gene therapy and thus to improve patients’ quality of life.

Erratum: Candida glabrata: Emerging pathogen of candiduria in hospitalized patients with heart disorders (Medical Mycology DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy036)
F Guilhelmelli, C De-Souza-Silva, B L Chagas, S Frazão, L Trilles, M S Lazera, A M Nicola, P Albuquerque, and I Silva-Pereira
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Within the 2018 ISHAM abstract supplement, the title of the abstract PP2.133 was formerly “Antifungal activity of scorpions' venom-derived antimicrobial peptides against clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans.” This was incorrect and the title has since been changed to “Candida glabrata: Emerging pathogen of candiduria in hospitalized patients with heart disorders.”

Broth microdilution in vitro screening: An easy and fast method to detect new antifungal compounds
Calliandra Maria de-Souza-Silva, Fernanda Guilhelmelli, Daniel Zamith-Miranda, Marco Antônio de Oliveira, Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk, Ildinete Silva-Pereira, and Patrícia Albuquerque
MyJove Corporation
Fungal infections have become an important medical condition in the last decades, but the number of available antifungal drugs is limited. In this scenario, the search for new antifungal drugs is necessary. The protocol reported here details a method to screen peptides for their antifungal properties. It is based on the broth microdilution susceptibility test from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M27-A3 guidelines with modifications to suit the research of antimicrobial peptides as potential new antifungals. This protocol describes a functional assay to evaluate the activity of antifungal compounds and may be easily modified to suit any particular class of molecules under investigation. Since the assays are performed in 96-well plates using small volumes, a large-scale screening can be completed in a short amount of time, especially if carried out in an automation setting. This procedure illustrates how a standardized and adjustable clinical protocol can help the bench-work pursuit of new molecules to improve the therapy of fungal diseases.

The role of the NIS (SLC5A5) gene in papillary thyroid cancer: A systematic review
Rafael Martins de Morais, Alaor Barra Sobrinho, Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva, Jamila Reis de Oliveira, Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva, and Otávio de Toledo Nóbrega
Hindawi Limited
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy. Genetic and epigenetic alterations play a decisive role in the onset of several human neoplasms. Mutations and polymorphisms are two frequent genetic alterations. Located on chromosome 19 (19p13.11), the NIS SLC5A5 (solute carrier family 5 member 5) gene encodes a highly specialized and efficient 80–90 kDa transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates active transport of iodide from the bloodstream into the follicular cells. Given the highly significant role of NIS in the physiology and the cancer pathogenesis process, this paper’s objective is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the associations between NIS gene and protein with papillary thyroid cancer.

The Effects of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection on GM-CSF-and M-CSF-Induced Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophage from Resistant and Susceptible Mice Strains
Calliandra de Souza Silva, Aldo Henrique Tavares, Marcio Sousa Jeronimo, Yasmin Soares de Lima, Lorena da Silveira Derengowski, Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca, and Ildinete Silva-Pereira
Hindawi Limited
Considering the importance of macrophages as the first line of defense against fungal infection and the different roles played by the two M1- and M2-like polarized macrophages, we decided to evaluate the effects ofParacoccidioides brasiliensisinfection on GM-CSF- and M-CSF-induced bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) from the A/J and B10.A mouse strains, an established model of resistance/susceptibility to PCM, respectively. Upon differentiation, the generated GM- or M-BMMs were characterized by morphological analyses, gene expression profiles, and cytokines production. Our main results demonstrate that GM-BMMs derived from A/J and B.10 produced high levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that may contribute to generate an unbalanced early immune response. In accordance with the literature, the B10.A susceptible mice lineage has an innate tendency to polarize into M1-like phenotype, whereas the opposite phenotype occurs in A/J resistance mice. In this context, our data support that susceptibility and resistance are strongly correlated with M1 and M2 polarization, respectively.