Salivary Metabolites in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the salivary metabolites profile of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, and VI patients. Material and Methods: The participants were asked to refrain from eating and drinking for one hour before sampling, performed between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Samples were centrifuged at 10.000 × g for 60 min at 4°C, and the supernatants (500µl) were stored at −80°C until NMR analysis. The salivary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra were acquired in a 500 MHz spectrometer, and TOCSY experiments were used to confirm and assign metabolites. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Differences in salivary metabolites were found among MPS types and the control, such as lactate, propionate, alanine, and N-acetyl sugar. Understanding these metabolite changes may contribute to precision medicine and early detection of mucopolysaccharidosis and its monitoring. Conclusion: The composition of low molecular weight salivary metabolites of mucopolysaccharidosis subjects may present specific features compared to healthy controls.

Política de Saúde Bucal no Brasil: transformações e rupturas entre 2018-2021 / Oral Health Policy in Brazil: changes and ruptures during the period 2018-2021

Resumo Analisou-se a implementação da Política de Saúde Bucal no Brasil no período 2018-2021, através das ações institucionais, implantação dos serviços, resultados alcançados e financiamento federal. Estudo de monitoramento, a partir da análise documental e de dados secundários, obtidos em sites institucionais, sistemas de informações governamentais e notícias publicadas por entidades odontológicas. Todos os indicadores de resultados monitorados apresentaram expressiva redução dos valores entre 2020-2021, com agravamento desde 2018, como a cobertura da primeira consulta odontológica e ação coletiva de escovação dental supervisionada, que chegou a 1,8% e 0,02% em 2021, respectivamente. Observa-se uma queda do financiamento federal nos anos 2018-2019 (8,45%), com crescimento em 2020 (59,53%) e nova diminuição em 2021 (5,18%). O período analisado foi marcado por crise econômica e política, agravadas pela crise sanitária, decorrente da pandemia do COVID-19. Contexto que influenciou o funcionamento dos serviços de saúde no Brasil. No caso particular da saúde bucal, verificou-se progressiva e acentuada redução dos resultados, ainda que a implantação dos serviços de atenção básica e especializada tenha se mantido estável.

Abstract This study analyzed the implementation of Brazil's National Oral Health Policy during the period 2018-2021, covering institutional actions, implementation of public dental services, results achieved, and federal funding. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using documentary analysis and secondary data obtained from institutional websites, government information systems, and reports published by dental organizations. The findings show a significant reduction in funding between 2020 and 2021 and declining performance against indicators since 2018, such as coverage of first dental appointments and group supervised tooth brushing, which stood at 1.8% and 0.02%, respectively, in 2021. Federal funding dropped in 2018 and 2019 (8.45%), followed by an increase in 2020 (59.53%) and decrease in 2021 (-5.18%). The study period was marked by economic and political crises aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This context influenced the functioning of health services in Brazil. There was a sharp reduction in performance against oral health indicators, while performance in primary health care and specialized care services remained stable.

Focal adhesion kinase inhibition decreases cell viability and induces apoptosis of JAK2 V617F positive cells

Abstract Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) protein participates in proliferation, migration, cell survival, and apoptosis process. It has been described as overexpressed in several neoplasms being a promising target for therapy. BCR-ABL negative chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders characterized by the excess of proliferation and apoptosis resistance. The identification of the acquired JAK2 V617F mutation in MPN patients allowed a better understanding of pathogenesis. However, there is still no pharmacological treatment that leads all patients to molecular remission, justifying new studies. The present study aimed to evaluate FAK involvement in the viability and apoptosis of HEL and SET-2 cells, both JAK2 V617F positive cell lines. The FAK inhibitor PF 562,271 was used. Cell viability was determined using MTT assay and apoptosis verified by cleaved PARP, cleaved Caspase 3 and Annexin-V/PI staining detection. FAK inhibition significantly reduced HEL and SET-2 cells viability and induced apoptosis. Considering the role of JAK/STAT pathway in MPN, further investigation of FAK participation in the MPN cells proliferation and apoptosis resistance, as well as possible crosstalk between JAK and FAK and downstream pathways may contribute to the knowledge of MPN pathophysiology, the discovery of new molecular targets, and JAK inhibitors resistance mechanisms.

NMR analysis: potential and challenges as a homeopathic basic research tool

Homeopathic ultra-diluted solutions surpass the threshold of matter dispersion and, consequently, their chemical constitution is similar to inert solvent. Nevertheless, randomized clinical trials have shown that the clinical effects of these homeopathic medicines are superior to placebo1. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most promising techniques to detect physicochemical alterations induced by homeopathic procedures2,3. Aims: To investigate T2 NMR relaxation times of Zincum metallicumand lactose dynamized samples. Methodology: Zincum metallicumsamples were ground until 6dH using lactose as an excipient. Subsequently, these samples were dynamized with ultrapure water to produce 8dH, 9dH, 10dH,and 11dH. Lactose dynamized samples (6dH-11dH) were used as control. Aliquots of 540µl of each sample were diluted with 60µl of deuterated water (D2O) in 5mm tubes. The analyses were carried out in Bruker Ascend TM 500MHZ spectrometer at 288 K. Results and discussion: The Zincum metallicumand lactose T2 relaxation times were very similar, except for Zincum metallicum8dH, which presented a value of 1.226 in comparison to 1.036 of lactose 8dH. The following T2 values were registered: 1.287 -9dH; 1.413 -10dH; 1.467 -11dH, and 1.303 -9dH; 1.400 ­10dH; 1.350 -11dH, for Zincum metallicumand lactose, respectively. The differences detected in 8dH samples are probably due to the presence of lactose in the first dilution step, in which 1 part of the 6dH triturated mixture was diluted in 9 parts of water, to prepare 7dH. Following this homeopathic procedure, 8dH solutions remain around 1% of lactose which could be influenced by the T2 values registered.Conclusion: These preliminary results showed the possibility to apply the NMR technique to evaluate the influence of dynamization in the relaxation parameters. Further studies should be carried out with other potencies and/or other homeopathic substances, in addition to the evaluation of T1 and the T1/T2 parameters, as previously described by other groups.

Salivary metabolomic profile in adolescents with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract The aim of this study was to characterize the salivary metabolomic profile in adolescents with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE). A total of 24 adolescents with jSLE (15.92 ± 2.06 years) and 12 systemically healthy controls (15.25 ± 2.7 years) were included in the study. Participants underwent rheumatologic testing and periodontal examination, with the recording of plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing index (BPI). Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from both groups and stored at -80 ºC. The salivary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra were acquired in a spectrometer operating at 500 MHz. Partial least squared discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal PLS-DA (O-PLS-DA) were used for statistical analysis. Mean CAL and PI were significantly increased in the group with jSLE (p < 0.01). Patients with jSLE presented a significantly different salivary metabolic profile (accuracy = 0.54; R2 = 0.86; Q2 = -0.293), significantly higher salivary levels of N-acetyl sugars, and significantly reduced levels of phenylalanine, glycine, taurine, hydroxybutyrate, and valerate compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). It is suggested that the salivary metabolomic profile analyzed by 1H NMR in patients with jSLE presents a different fingerprint that the systemically healthy subjects. Integrating the variation of metabolites with the identification of the metabolic pathways involved seems to provide a better understanding of the influence of systemic disease on salivary metabolites.

Diagnóstico hematológico e molecular das neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas BCR-ABL negativas

As neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas (NMPC) são doenças hematopoiéticas clonais que acometem a linhagem mieloide. De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS), a policitemia vera (PV), a trombocitemia essencial (TE) e a mielofibrose (MF) são classificadas como NMPC BCR-ABL negativas. O surgimento dessas doenças está correlacionado com fatores genéticos, como mutações nos genes JAK2, MPL e CALR e outras mutações cooperantes que também podem estar presentes, levando ao aparecimento de diferentes fenótipos e prognósticos. A OMS constantemente revisa e atualiza os critérios de classificação, levando em consideração aspectos clínicos, morfológicos e genéticos. As análises laboratoriais, hematológicas e genéticas são de grande importância para o diagnóstico das neoplasias hematológicas, e devem ser realizadas da forma correta para permitir o diagnóstico diferencial entre outras neoplasias e distúrbios reacionais. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo revisar a fisiopatologia das NMPC e relacionar com os achados clínicos, hematológicos e genéticos, visando instruir e atualizar os analistas clínicos para que possam efetivamente contribuir para o diagnóstico dessas doenças, impactando o prognóstico dos pacientes. Ainda, a discussão sobre diagnóstico molecular tem o intuito de chamar a atenção para a constante evolução da área e importância desta para a hematologia.

The Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) are hematopoietic disease that affect the myeloid lineage cells. According to WHO, the Polycythemia vera (PV), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Myelofibrosis (MF) are classified as BCR-ABL negative neoplasms. The occurrence of these diseases is correlated with genetics factors, as mutations in the JAK2, MPL e CALR genes and other cooperative mutations that may also be present, leading to different phenotypes manifestations and prognostics. WHO revises and updates constantly these diseases' classification criteria, considering clinical, morphological and genetic aspects. Laboratory tests, both hematological and genetic, have a key rule at these diseases' diagnosis and must be performed correctly in order to ensure a differential diagnosis from other neoplasms and reactive disorders. This manuscript aims to revise the MPN's physiopathology linking it to clinical, hematological and genetical findings, aiming to instruct and update clinical analysts so they can contribute to those diseases' diagnostic, impacting the patients' prognostics. Furthermore, the considerations about molecular diagnostics have the intention of emphasize the constant evolution of this subject and its importance to hematology.

Effect of antihistamine-containing syrup on salivary metabolites: an in vitro and in vivo study

Abstract This study tested the null hypothesis that antihistamine-containing syrup does not change salivary metabolites in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro experiments, saliva from 10 volunteers was mixed with a syrup or pill suspension of loratadine (1 mg/ml Claritin®, Schering-Plough, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). For the in vivo experiment, 10 volunteers performed a mouth rinse with 10 mL of antihistamine syrup (Claritin®; Schering-Plough, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) for 20 seconds and then discarded the rinse water. After 20 seconds, 5 mL of unstimulated whole saliva was spit into a plastic tube kept on ice. The protein profile of in vitro and in vivo experiments was analyzed using 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The samples were also analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, followed by Principal Component Analysis and Wilcoxon test (p < 0.05). There were differences in salivary metabolites after syrup interaction. The salivary concentrations of acetate, n-caproate, arginine, glutamate, and lysine among other metabolites were reduced with the syrup in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed when the pill suspension was used (p > 0.05). Similar changes in metabolite profiles were observed in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Electrophoresis revealed no difference in the salivary protein pattern. The null hypothesis was rejected because the intake of syrup medicine changes the salivary composition and influences oral homeostasis and susceptibility to oral diseases.

Competency Matrix for Medical Residency Programmes in Endocrinology and Metabolism / Matriz de Competências para Programas de Residência Médica em Endocrinologia e Metabologia

ABSTRACT Introduction Medical competencies have become the focus of Medical Education at all levels around the world. In this context the Medical Residency Programs (MRP) in Brazil have begun to seek a competency-based curriculum to improve the specialist training. Objective To develop a proposed Competency Matrix for Medical Residency Programs in Endocrinology and Metabolism (MREM). Methodology The study was divided into four phases. The first phase consisted of a bibliographical review and construction of the Pilot Matrix. In the second phase the Pilot Matrix was applied to endocrinologists from Belém, with subsequent data analysis and construction of the Structured Matrix. The third phase started with the implementation of the Structured Matrix at the Brazilian Congress of Endocrinology and Metabolism - CBEM 2016 with a total of 49 responses. Based on the Delphi methodology, the 230 competencies of each one of the matrices were analyzed and a questionnaire containing competences with a discrepancy level greater than 10% was created, including some suggestions from the experts. In the fourth and last phase, also using Delphi methodology, the questionnaire was sent by email and data analysis and construction of the MREM proposal was performed. Results In the second, third and fourth phases, the response rate of Endocrinologists was 73.3%, 51% and 76.4%, respectively. With the Southeast region of Brazil presenting the largest number of participants. There are 219 competencies in the Pilot Matrix, 230 in the Structured Matrix and 244 in the final MREM proposal. The competency areas of Diabetes and Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome and Alterations of Appetite were those which showed major change and suggestions. In all phases, only 2 competencies were excluded. The suggestions made in the third phase were unanimously accepted. Conclusion The MREM proposal was concluded with 21 areas and 244 competencies, 33 classified as prerequisites, 157 as essential competencies, 36 as desirable and 18 as advanced. The competencies were distributed as follows in the MCPRMEM: "Fundamental" field with 100 competencies, with 15 prerequisites, 65 core competencies, 14 desirable and 6 advanced ones; "Specific Knowledge" field with 132 competences, with 18 prerequisites, 87 essential competences, 19 desirable and 8 advanced; and "Complementary Training" field with 12 skills, no prerequisites, 5 core competencies, 3 desirable and 4 advanced skills.

RESUMO Introdução Competências médicas tornaram-se o ponto central em todos os níveis na educação médica ao redor do mundo. Nesse contexto, Programas de Residência Médica (PRM) no Brasil têm começado a buscar um currículo baseado em competências para aprimorar a formação do especialista. Objetivo Elaborar uma proposta de Matriz de Competências para Programas de Residência Médica em Endocrinologia e Metabologia (MREM). Metodologia O estudo foi dividido em quatro fases. A primeira fase consistiu na revisão bibliográfica e construção da Matriz Piloto. Na segunda fase, em encontro presencial, aplicou-se a Matriz Piloto a endocrinologistas, com posterior análise dos dados e construção da Matriz Estruturada. Na terceira fase, aplicou-se a Matriz Estruturada no Congresso Brasileiro de Endocrinologia e Metabologia (CBEM 2016) a endocrinologistas, com um total de 49 respostas. Com base na metodologia Delphi, analisaram-se as 230 competências de cada uma das matrizes e criou-se um questionário contendo competências com divergência superior a 10% e com as sugestões dos especialistas. Na quarta e última fase, também utilizando-se metologia Delphi, enviou-se por e-mail o questionário e realizou-se análise dos dados e construção da proposta MREM. Resultados Na segunda, terceira e quarta fase, a taxa de resposta dos endocrinologistas foi de 73,3%, 51% e 76,4%, respectivamente, tendo o Sudeste apresentado o maior número de participantes. A Matriz Piloto apresentava 219 competências, a Matriz Estruturada, 230, e a proposta final da MREM, 244. As áreas de competências Diabetes e Obesidade, Síndrome Metabólica e Alterações de Apetite tiveram as maiores modificações e sugestões. Em todas as fases, apenas duas competências foram excluídas. As sugestões da terceira fase foram unanimamente aceitas. Conclusão A proposta de MREM finalizou com 21 áreas e 244 competências, 33 classificadas como pré-requisito, 157 como competência essencial, 36 como desejável e 18 como avançada. As competências distribuíram-se da seguinte forma na MREM: campo "Fundamentos" - 100 competências, 15 pré-requisitos, 65 competências essenciais, 14 desejáveis e 6 avançadas; campo "Conhecimento Específico" - 132 competências, 18 pré-requisitos, 87 competências essenciais, 19 desejáveis e 8 avançadas; e campo "Formação Complementar" - 12 competências, nenhum pré-requisito, 5 competências essenciais, 3 desejáveis e 4 avançadas. A MREM foi aprovada pela Comissão de Formação em Endocrinologia e Metabologia da SBEM e submetida a avaliação no Ministério da Educação (MEC), sendo utilizada como base para a Matriz de Competências de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, publicada pelo Conselho Nacional de Residência Médica (CNRM).

Zika virus proteins at an atomic scale: how does structural biology help us to understand and develop vaccines and drugs against Zika virus infection?

In Brazil and in other tropical areas Zika virus infection was directly associated with clinical complications as microcephaly in newborn children whose mothers were infected during pregnancy and the Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Recently, research has been focused on developing new vaccines and drug candidates against Zika virus infection since none of those are available. In order to contribute to vaccine and drug development efforts, it becomes important the understanding of the molecular basis of the Zika virus recognition, infection and blockade. To this purpose, it is essential the structural determination of the Zika virus proteins. The genome sequencing of the Zika virus identified ten proteins, being three structural (protein E, protein C and protein prM) and seven non-structural proteins (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B and NS5). Together, these proteins are the main targets for drugs and antibody recognition. Here we examine new discoveries on high-resolution structural biology of Zika virus, observing the interactions and functions of its proteins identified via state-of-art structural methodologies as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryogenic electronic microscopy. The aim of the present study is to contribute to the understanding of the structural basis of Zika virus infection at an atomic level and to point out similarities and differences to others flaviviruses.(AU)

Results from portable and of low cost equipment developed for detection of milk adulterations

Abstract This work presents the results of a device, MilkTech, developed to detect milk tampering, based on electrical measurements. The device indicates possible frauds by water, sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate. The advantages in relation to traditional methods are portability, low cost and detection of mixed frauds. The experiments were conducted in dairy plants at Governador Valadares, in Brazil. The results were compared with cryoscopy and chloride tests. It is demonstrated there is high correlation between MilkTech and Cryoscopy. For instance, the detection limit of the equipment for water addition with the set of analyzed data was 0.78% with precision of 1.1%. Adulterations with sodium chloride, caustic soda, ethyl alcohol and sodium bicarbonate are detected qualitatively, even when added with water, and MilkTech indicates "SUSPECT" milk.

Relationship between the mothers' nutritional status with that of a child population from São Tomé Principe, "Africa" / Avaliação entre o estado nutricional materno e o de uma população infantil de São Tomé e Príncipe "África"

Abstract Objectives: analyse the relation between the nutritional status of children with 0 to 60 months in São Tome and Principe (STP) and their mothers. Methods: characterization of the nutritional status of 1,169 children for the weight / length ratio (W/L) (≤24months) and Body Mass Index (BMI) for age (>24months) and their mothers. The Chi Square or Fisher tests were used for the study on the relation between the nutritional status of the mother and children, as appropriate. Results: fifty-five percent (55%) of the children are female (median = 21 months). There was a high percentage of global acute malnutrition in the children aged0≤24months (30.2%) and 24≤60months (22%) as well as global chronic malnutrition (32% and 41.1% respectively). We observed a high percentage of overweight /obese mothers (31.6%), with 16.5% of them being of a low height. We observed a significantly higher percentage of children with global acute malnutrition 47.5%) when compared with that which was reported for children of normal mothers (27.9%) or overweight /obese (22%) (p<0,001) mothers. Conclusions: It was observed a high prevalence of acute and chronic global malnutrition in the children studied and a high prevalence of overweight /obese mothers. We observed a statistically significant association between maternal and acute global malnutrition of the children.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar a relação entre o estado de nutrição materno e o de crianças dos 0 aos 60 meses em São Tomé e Príncipe (STP). Métodos: caracterizou-se o estado de nutrição de 1.169 crianças pelo Índice Peso/Comprimento (P/C) (≤24meses) e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) para a idade (>24meses) e o estado de nutrição das mães (IMC) A associação entre o estado de nutrição materno e o das crianças foi testada pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, conforme apropriado. Resultados: do total da amostra analisada, a maior parte é representada por crianças do sexo feminino (55%). Observa-se média de idade de 25,2±18 meses (mediana 21 meses). Observou-se uma elevada percentagem de desnutrição aguda global nas crianças de 0≤24meses (30,2%) e de 24 ≤60 meses (22,0%), bem como de desnutrição crônica global (32,0% e 41,1% respetivamente). Entre as mães, observou-se elevado percentual de sobrepeso/obesidade (31,6%) e de baixa estatura (16,5%). Das crianças estudadas, 47,5% têm desnutrição aguda global, comparativamente à prevalência em crianças de mães eutróficas (27,9%) ou de mães com sobrepeso/obesidade (22%) (p<0,001). Conclusões: Observou-se elevada prevalência de desnutrição global aguda e crônica nas crianças estudadas e elevada prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade maternas. A desnutrição global aguda dos filhos esteve associada à desnutrição materna.

Aleitamento materno e caracterização dos hábitos alimentares na primeira infância: experiência de São Tomé e Príncipe / Maternal breastfeeding and the characterization of feeding habits in early infancy: the experience of São Tomé e Príncipe

Avaliação da amamentação, da diversificação e frequência alimentar, em crianças de São Tomé e Príncipe (STP). Métodos: trata-se de uma amostra constituída por 1285 crianças. O protocolo incluiu a prevalência do aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) e Total (AMT), início da diversificação alimentar (DA) e um questionário de frequência alimentar. O tratamento estatístico foi efetuado no SPSS®. Os resultados foram apresentados de acordo com o total da amostra. Resultados: 45,5 por cento são do sexo feminino e a média de idades 26±18 meses. 46,6 por cento fez AME até aos 6 meses (média 5±2). A média de AMT foi 12±7 meses e o início da DA aos 6±3 meses (mediana=6), sendo as farinhas e a canja de peixe os primeiros alimentos oferecidos. 42 por cento das crianças são incluídas na dieta familiar aos 7±3 meses (mediana=6). Elevada porcentagem de crianças nunca ingere: leite de vaca (74 por cento) ou iogurte (40 por cento), contrariamente ao elevado consumo de óleo alimentar (34 por cento) e açúcar (33 por cento). A idade média de iniciação da cerveja é aos 18±12 meses e vinho de palma 13±10 meses. Conclusões: observa-se uma elevada prevalência de AME e uma precoce introdução da DA. Embora existam recursos alimentares disponíveis, não há informação/ formação adequada para elaborar um plano alimentar saudável durante a infância...

To evaluate breastfeeding and the frequency and diversification of feeding, in children in São Tomé e Príncipe (STP). Methods: the sample comprised 1,285 children. The protocol included the prevalence of exclusive (EMB) and total (TMB) maternal breastfeeding, the onset of nutritional diversification (ND) and a questionnaire on the frequency of feeding. The statistics were processed using SPSS®. The results were presented in terms of the total sample. Results: 45.5 percent of the babies were female and the mean age 26±18 months. 46.6 percent were given EMB up to the age of six months (mean 5±2). The mean for TMB was 12±7 months and the onset of ND at 6±3 months (median=6), with corn flour and fish soup being the first solid foods offered. 42 percent ate the same as the rest of the family at 7±3 months (median=6). High percentages of children never ingested cow's milk (74 percent) or yogurt (40 percent), in contrast to the high consumption of cooking oil (34 percent) and sugar (33 percent). The mean age for beginning to drink beer was 18±12 months and for beginning to drink palm wine 13±10 months. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of EMB and early introduction of ND. Although nutritional resources are available, there is no adequate information or training on how to draw up a healthy eating plan for infants...

Aspectos bioecológicos de Simuliidae em área sob influência de empreendimento hidroenergético: aproveitamento múltiplo de Manso, MT, Brasil / Bioecology of Simuliidae in area under influence of hydropower development: multiple uses of Manso, MT, Brazil

Devido às condições hidrogeográficas brasileiras favoráveis a instalação de hidrelétricas, este tipo de empreendimento é responsável pela maior parte da produção de energia do País. Estas hidrelétricas impactam diretamente os criadouros de insetos aquáticos, inclusive os de simulídeos. O monitoramento de Simuliidae, em especial em áreas com alto grau de biodiversidade e com fauna ainda pouco estudada, como o Bioma Cerrado, é de extrema importância para a prospecção de dados relevantes para o conhecimento da biodiversidade alinhado com a saúde pública. O Aproveitamento Múltiplo de Manso está localizado em área de Cerrado no município de Chapada dos Guimarães, atingindo também Cuiabá e Nova Brasilândia, MT. Para o monitoramento de Simuliidae, foram realizadas 13 coletas bimestrais em períodos de seca e chuva de maio/2009 a julho/2011. Do total de pontos selecionados na área sob influência direta, 11 pontos foram a montante e 03 a jusante da barragem e 05 pontos, aparentemente, sem influência direta do APM Manso. De maneira geral, percebe-se que o número total de exemplares coletados é inversamente proporcional à precipitação acumulada do período. No total, foram encontradas 28 espécies: Simulium brunnescens, S. pertinax, S. (Chirostilbia) sp, S. spinibranchium, S. dekeyseri, S. subpallidum, S. perflavum, S. (Psilopelmia) sp, S. rorotaense, S. incrustatum sl, S. quadrifidum, S. jujuyense, S. incrustatum s.s., S. limbatum, S. minusculum sl, S. oyapockense, S. (Psaroniocompsa) sp, S. cuasiexiguum, S. (Notolepria) sp, S. guianense, S. nigrimanum, S. rubrithorax, S. (Trichodagmia) sp, S. inaequale, S. clavibranchium sl, S. (Inaequalium) sp, S. subclavibranchium e S. subnigrum. Todas as espécies, com a exceção de S. quadrifidum e S. clavibranchium, já haviam sido registradas para o estado do Mato Grosso. S. perflavum, S. subnigrum e S. subclavibranchium foram encontradas em todas as campanhas...

Leucograma e metabolismo oxidativo de neutrófilos em cabras da raça Saanen nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto / Leukocyte count and neutrophil oxidative burst in Saanen goats in the pregnancy, parturition and postpartum periods

O presente estudo teve como objetivo a avaliação do leucograma e do metabolismo oxidativo de neutrófilos em fêmeas caprinas da raça Saanen, nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas de 20 fêmeas nulíparas da raça Saanen, clinicamente sadias por venipunção jugular aos 49 (M1), 42 (M2), 35 (M3), 28 (M4), 21 (M5), 14 (M6), sete (M7), três (M8) dias antes do parto, no dia do parto (M9), três (M10) e sete (M11) dias após o parto, para a realização do leucograma e dosagens séricas de cortisol, estradiol e progesterona. A partir de 28 dias (M4) antes do parto até sete dias do pós-parto (M11) foram colhidas amostras de sangue para a avaliação do metabolismo oxidativo de neutrófilos por meio do teste de redução do tetrazólio nitroazul (NBT). Os resultados demonstraram que no dia do parto houve aumento nas concentrações séricas de cortisol e estradiol, e diminuição da progesterona, leucocitose por neutrofilia e desvio à esquerda leve, diminuição dos linfócitos, aumento da relação neutrófilo:linfócito, eosinopenia, monocitose e basofilia. No sétimo dia do pós-parto houve leucocitose por neutrofilia e aumento da relação neutrófilo:linfócito. Não houve nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto alterações significativas no metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos. Conclui-se que o parto determina elevação da concentração sérica de cortisol e estradiol, e diminuição da progesterona determinando quadro de leucocitose por neutrofilia e desvio à esquerda leve, com diminuição dos linfócitos, aumento da relação neutróflo:linfócito, eosinopenia, monocitose e basofilia. Ao sétimo dia do pós-parto há leucocitose por neutrofilia, aumento da relação neutrófilo:linfócito e do fibrinogênio. A gestação, o parto e o período do pós-parto não alteram o metabolismo oxidativo de neutrófilos avaliado por meio do teste de redução do NBT.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the leukocyte count and the oxidative metabolism of neutrophil in Saanen goats during periods of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. Were used 20 Saanen goats, clinically healthy and serologically negative for caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV). Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture 49 (M1), 42 (M2), 35 (M3), 28 (M4), 21 (M5), 14 (M6), seven (M7), three (M8) days before the parturition, on the day of birth (M9), three (M10) and seven (M11) days postpartum, for the leukocyte count, and serum for cortisol, estradiol and progesterone determination. From 28 days (M4) before parturition until seven days postpartum (M11) blood samples were collected for evaluation of oxidative metabolism of neutrophils by the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT). The results showed that at parturition day there were an increase in cortisol and estradiol levels and a decrease in progesterone serum, neutrophilic leukocytosis and left shift slight, decrease of lymphocytes, increase in the neutrophil: lymphocyte, eosinopenia, monocytosis and basophilia. There was a neutrophilic leukocytosis and an increase in the neutrophil: lymphocyte on the seventh day postpartum. There were not significant alterations in oxidative metabolism of neutrophils during pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. It was concluded that parturition causes an elevation in cortisol and estradiol levels and a decrease in progesterone serum determining a neutrophilic leukocytosis and left shift slight, with a reduction of lymphocytes, increase in the neutrophil:lymphocyte, eosinopenia, monocytosis and basophilia. Neutrophilic leukocytosis, increase in the neutrophil: lymphocyte and fibrinogen are detected on the seventh day postpartum. Pregnancy, parturition and the postpartum do not change the oxidative metabolism of neutrophils evaluated by NBT reduction test.

Simulium (Chirostilbia) brunnescens (Diptera: Simuliidae) - new species from the Brazilian cerrado, Manso Dam, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

A new species of Simuliidae, Simulium (Chirostilbia) brunnescens, was discovered at Chapada dos Guimarães, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, and nearby municipalities (Paranatinga, Rosário do Oeste and Nobres). This species is described here based on the adults, pupae and larvae. This species is closely related to Simulium (C.) subpallidum Lutz, but could be differentiated in all stages: females, leg colour pattern and frontal dilatation size; males, gonostyle shape; pupae, number of gill filaments; larvae, body size and colour, postgenal cleft, ratio between antenna and stalk of labral fan.

Eritrograma, metabolismo do ferro e concentração sérica de eritropoetina em fêmeas caprinas da raça Saanen nos períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto / Erithrogram, iron metabolism and serum erythropoietin concentration in female Saanen caprine in the pregnancy, parturition and postpartum periods

As alterações hematológicas durante o período de gestação, parto e pós-parto são de grande importância em humanos e têm sido estudadas em várias espécies de animais domésticos. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar as alterações no eritrograma, no metabolismo do ferro e na concentração sérica de eritropoetina durante os períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto em fêmeas nulíparas Saanen. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 20 fêmeas, clinicamente sadias, aos 49 (M1), 42 (M2), 35 (M3), 28 (M4), 21 (M5), 14 (M6), sete (M7), três (M8) dias antes do parto, no dia do parto (M9), três (M10) e sete (M11) dias após o parto, para a realização do eritrograma, proteína plasmática total, e dosagens séricas de eritropoetina, ferro, capacidade total de ligação do ferro, índice de saturação da transferrina e ferritina. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de análise de variância (ANOVA) ao nível de 5 por cento de significância (P<0,05). Houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre alguns momentos para as variáveis, número de eritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, volume globular, proteína total plasmática, concentração de ferro sérico, capacidade total de ligação do ferro (CLTF) e índice de saturação da transferrina (IST). Não houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) para as variáveis eritropoetina, volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular média (HCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM), distribuição do diâmetro dos eritrócitos (DDE) e ferritina. Concluiu-se que não há aumento do estímulo para a produção de eritrócitos durante os períodos de gestação, parto e pós-parto em fêmeas Saanen e as alterações encontradas no eritrograma e no metabolismo do ferro não possuem significado clínico.

Hematological changes during the pregnancy and parturition are of great importance in humans and have been studied in several species of domestic animals. The objective was to determine changes in erythrogram, iron metabolism and the serum concentration of erythropoietin in nuliparous female Saanen caprine during periods of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum. Blood samples were collected from 20 goats, clinically healthy, the 49 (M1), 42 (M2), 35 (M3), 28 (M4), 21 (M5), 14 (M6), seven (M7), three (M8) days in the pregnancy, parturition (M9), three (M10) and seven (M11) days postpartum for the erythrogram, plasma total protein and the serum of erythropoietin, iron, total iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation index and ferritin determination. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5 percent level of significance (P<0,05). Significant difference (P<0,05) between a few moments for the variables, erythrocytes count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, total plasma proteins, serum iron concentration, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation index (TSI) determination. There were no significant difference for the variables erythropoietin, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and ferritin. In conclusion, there was no stimulus for the increasing of the red blood cells production during the periods of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum in nuliparous Saanen goats. No clinical significance was observed in the in red blood cell count and in the iron metabolism.

Serum antileptospiral agglutinins in freshwater turtles from Southern Brazil / Aglutininas séricas anti-leptospira em tartarugas de água doce no sul do Brasil

In this study, we observed the presence of antileptospiral agglutinins in freshwater turtles of two urban lakes of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Forty animals (29 Trachemys dorbigny and 11 Phrynops hilarii) were captured and studied. Attempts to isolate leptospires from blood and urine samples were unsuccessful. Serum samples (titer > 100) reactive to pathogenic strains were observed in 11 animals. These data encourage surveys of pet turtles to evaluate the risk of transmission of pathogenic leptospires to humans.

Neste estudo, observamos a presença de aglutininas anti-Leptospira em tartarugas de água doce de dois lagos urbanos de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil. Quarenta animais (29 Trachemys dorbigny e 11 Phrynops hilarii) foram capturados e estudados. Esforços para isolar leptospiras do sangue e urina não foram bem sucedidos. Amostras de soro positivas (títulos > 100), reativas para cepas patogênicas, foram observadas em 11 animais. Estes dados encorajam inquéritos para avaliação de tartarugas como potenciais transmissoras de leptospiras patogênicas para humanos.

Prediction of the amount of secondary structure of proteins using unassigned NMR spectra: a tool for target selection in structural proteomics

With the advent of structural genomics, the need for fast structural information about unknown proteins has increased. We describe a new methodology, based on 13C, 15N and ¹H chemical shift dispersion to predict the amount of secondary structure of unassigned proteins from their 15N- and/or 13C-edited heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectra. This methodology has been coded into a software called PASSNMR (Prediction of the Amount of Secondary Structure by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), which can be accessed directly from the Internet. PASSNMR program is a powerful tool for screening proteins for proteomic or structural genomic investigations when used with recent methodologies that take advantage of the use of the antibiotic rifampicin to selectively label the heterologous proteins expressed in E. coli. PASSNMR analysis can be useful as a first approach to predict the amount of secondary structure in proteins to structural genomics. Information about the secondary structure of proteins can be obtained even before protein purification, with small quantities of protein, just by performing two simple nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and using PASSNMR program.

O sistema de conduçäo do coraçäo em mamíferos domésticos I-vascularizaçäo do nó e fascículo atrioventricular em bovinos da raça hereford / The cardiac conduction system in domestic mammals I-vascularity of the node and fascicle in hereford cattle

Tendo em vista a importância da vascularizaçao do Sistema de conduçao do coraçao e de informaçoes contraditórias existentes nas publicaçoes, dissecamos 50 coraçoes de bovinos da raça Hereford (25 machos e 25 fêmeas) injetados com neopreme Látex 450. Dividimos o território agrupado pelo Nó e Fascículo Atrioventriculares em três segmentos de igual tamanho e verificamos que o terço caudal e cranial deste Nó é irrigado pelo Ramus ventricularis dextri e o Fascículo é nutrido por este vaso e pelo primeiro Ramus septalis da A.coronaria dextra.