Review: Use of Herbal Medicinal Products in Skin Treatments

Traditional medicine covers the rescue of the methodologies and techniques of cure, therapy, and prevention of diseases using medicinal plants. The objective of this paper is to conduct a literature review on the use of herbal medicines in skin treatment. The methodology used was a literature review conducted between 2015 and 2022 in national journals. The databases used were Google Scholar, SciELO, VHL, PubMed, and LILACS, using the following descriptors: "use of herbal medicines in skin treatments", "herbal medicines in skin treatments" and, "phytotherapy". The most commonly used medicinal plants were babosas (Aloe vera L.), arnica (Arnica acaulis L.), and barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), confrei (Symphytum officinale L.), calendula (Calendula arvensis L.) and melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia L.). The most commonly used parts were leaves and bark, and infusion (tea) was the most commonly used preparation method. Most of the medicinal plants cited have their healing power evidenced by the scientific literature, thus favoring the quality of life of the individual who uses them. Thus, this article, obtained expressive results for human health, moreover, they establish an important step of bioprospecting, assisting in the choice of target plants for pharmacological verifications.

Deradelphous Cephalothoracoomphalopagus in kittens: case report / Cefalotoraconfalopago derafelfo em gatos: relato de caso

The present report describes a case of conjoined twins of the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus deradelphous type in cats. A feline female was transferred to our veterinary hospital as an emergency for dystocic labor. The stillborn was subjected to radiographic evaluation, and a single skull and two complete distinct vertebral columns were found. Anatomopathological examination revealed that the twins presented the head, chest, and umbilicus as the main points of union and were classified as the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus type. In addition, the twins had unique and well-developed faces, which allowed them to be classified as deradelphous. This malformation is rare in domestic animals, and to the best of our knowledge, this type has not been reported in felines. Further studies are warranted on this embryonic alteration, primarily because its etiology remains unknown.(AU)

O presente relato descreve um caso de gêmeos siameses do tipo cefalotoraconfalopago deradelfo em gatos. Uma fêmea felina foi atendida na emergência do hospital veterinário em trabalho de parto distócico. Os natimortos foram encaminhados para avaliação radiográfica e constatou-se que apresentavam um único crânio e duas colunas vertebrais completas e distintas. O exame anatomopatológico evidenciou que os gêmeos possuíam cabeça, tórax e umbigo como principais pontos de união, sendo classificados como cefalotoraconfalopago. Além disso, os gêmeos apresentaram face única e bem desenvolvida, o que permitiu classificá-los como deradelfos. Esse tipo de malformação é raro em animais domésticos, e não foi encontrado nenhum trabalho em felino com a mesma classificação do presente relato. Há necessidade de mais estudos sobre essa alteração embrionária, pois a etiologia do processo ainda não foi esclarecida.(AU)

Are women with breast cancer more likely to follow dietary recommendations and have sufficient vitamin A intake compared to healthy c ontrols? / ¿Es posible que las mujeres con cáncer de mama sigan las recomendaciones dietéticas y tengan una ingesta suficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres controles?

To evaluate differences in dietary habits among women with breast cancer versus healthy controls. We conducted a case-control study with 160 women with and without cancer, pairing 1:1. Socio-demographic variables and food consumption were investigated through three food recalls, which was corrected for energy variation using the residual method. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov- Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two-Sample tests and calculating odds ratios with level of significance of p<0.05. The majority (87.5%) of women with breast cancer did not follow dietary recommendations. Women with breast cancer (cases) had higher odds of not following dietary recommendations compared to controls (OR= 3.37, 95%CI= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Regarding consumption of micro and macronutrients, breast cancer patients had increased odds of insufficient vitamin A intake compared to controls (OR= 2.46, 95%CI= 1.19-5.05, p<0.01). The results suggest the women with breast cancer are more likely to not follow dietary recommendation and have insufficient consumption of vitamin A compared to women without breast cancer.

Evaluar diferencias en los hábitos alimentarios de mujeres con cáncer de mama y mujeres normales. Estudio de casos y controles con 160 mujeres con y sin cáncer y emparejamiento de l:l. Se investigaron las variablessociodemográ-ficas y el consumo de alimentos mediante tres encuestas alimentarias, sometidas a la corrección de la variación de energía por el método residual. El análisis fueran realizados por Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-Student, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon y Odds Ratio con nivel de significación: p<0,05. La mayoría de las mujeres con cáncer de mama (87,5%) no siguió las recomendaciones dietéticas. Las mujeres con cáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas en comparación con los controles 3.37 (IC 95%= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Con respecto al consumo de micro y macronutrientes, las mujeres concáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de ingesta insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con los controles (OR= 2.46, IC 95%= 1.19-5.05, p<0.0l). Los resultados sugieren que las mujeres con cáncer de mama tienen más riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas con un consumo insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres sin cáncer de mama.

Analysis of heart rate control to assess thermal sensitivity responses in Brazilian toads

In anurans, changes in ambient temperature influence body temperature and, therefore, energy consumption. These changes ultimately affect energy supply and, consequently, heart rate (HR). Typically, anurans living in different thermal environments have different thermal sensitivities, and these cannot be distinguished by changes in HR. We hypothesized that Rhinella jimi (a toad from a xeric environment that lives in a wide range of temperatures) would have a lower thermal sensitivity regarding cardiac control than R. icterica (originally from a tropical forest environment with a more restricted range of ambient temperatures). Thermal sensitivity was assessed by comparing animals housed at 15° and 25°C. Cardiac control was estimated by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate complexity (HRC). Differences in HRV between the two temperatures were not significant (P=0.214 for R. icterica and P=0.328 for R. jimi), whereas HRC differences were. All specimens but one R. jimi had a lower HRC at 15°C (all P<0.01). These results indicate that R. jimi has a lower thermal sensitivity and that cardiac control is not completely dependent on the thermal environment because HRC was not consistently different between temperatures in all R. jimi specimens. This result indicates a lack of evolutive trade-offs among temperatures given that heart rate control at 25°C is potentially not a constraint to heart rate control at 15°C.

Diversidade e equitabilidade de Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Diversity and equivalence of unconventional food plants in rural zone of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

O presente estudo analisou a diversidade e equitabilidade de plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A pesquisa foi conduzida utilizando a amostragem Bola de Neve com entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas à 20 moradores de nove comunidades rurais. Avaliou-se a frequência relativa de citação das espécies (Fr); a diversidade e equitabilidade das mesmas, utilizando os índices de Shannon-Wiener (H') e de Pielou (J'), respectivamente. As espécies foram listadas pela família, nome científico, nomes populares, ambiente de propagação, hábito de crescimento, formas de consumo, estado de domesticação, ciclo de produção e registro por meio de consultas em herbários do bioma Mata Atlântica. Foram encontradas 59 espécies de PANCs, distribuídas em 30 famílias botânicas e 48 gêneros. As famílias asteraceae e myrtaceae se destacaram pela riqueza florística, contribuindo com 11 e 7 espécies, respectivamente. Espécies da família asteraceae obtiveram as maiores frequências relativas (32,2). Obteve-se índice de diversidade Shannon-Wiener de 1,65 (Base 10), e de equitabilidade de Pielou de 0,93. Os resultados encontrados estão similares à de outros estudos desenvolvidos no bioma Mata Atlântica, observou-se ampla diversidade de PANCs na área de estudo, e o conhecimento sobre estas encontra-se distribuído uniformemente entre os moradores

This study analyzed the diversity and the equity of unconventional food plants (UFPs) in the rural area of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research was performed using the Snowball sampling with semi-structured interviews, applied to 20 residents from nine rural communities. We evaluated the relative frequency of citation of the species (Fr); the diversity and equity of the same species, using the Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J') indexes, respectively. The species were listed by its family, scientific name, common denominations, propagation environment, growth habit, application methods, domestication state, production cycle and finally registration through consultation in herbaria in the Atlantic Forest biome. We found 59 species of UFPs, distributed in 30 botanical families and 48 genera. The Asteraceae family and the Myrtaceae one stood out for their floristic richness, contributing to 11 and 7 species, respectively. Species from the Asteraceae family got the highest relative frequencies (32.2). It was obtained the Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 1.65 (Base 10), and the Pielou equity index of 0.93. The results are similar to other studies developed in the Atlantic Forest biome, where there was a wide diversity of UFPs in the study area, and the knowledge of these plants is evenly distributed among the residents

Exigência nutricional de proteína bruta para codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) na fase de postura / Nutritional requirement of crude protein for japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the production phase

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar o melhor nível de proteína bruta na alimentação de codornas japonesas em fase de produção. Foram utilizadas 300 codornas com 16 semanas de idade, alojadas em gaiolas, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e dez aves por unidade experimental. Os níveis avaliados foram 14, 17, 20, 23 e 26 por cento de proteína bruta, e as dietas foram formuladas para serem isoenergéticas. Foi verificado efeito quadrático para consumo de ração, peso de ovo, massa de ovo, ingestão de energia, eficiência energética por dúzia de ovo, coeficiente de digestibilidade de nitrogênio, retenção de nitrogênio, peso de gema, casca e albúmen. Efeito linear foi verificado para produção de ovos, ingestão de proteína, conversão alimentar por massa de ovos, eficiência energética por massa de ovo em kg, peso final e gravidade específica. Não houve efeito significativo para conversão alimentar por dúzia e concentração sérica de ácido úrico. Recomenda-se nível de 20 por cento de proteína bruta para codornas japonesas em fase de postura...

The aim of this study was to determine the best level of crude protein in the diet of Japanese quails in the production phase. A total of 300 quails at 16 weeks of age in cages, in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of ten birds per experimental unit was used. The levels evaluated were 14, 17, 20, 23 and 26 percent crude protein and diets were formulated to be isoenergetic. A quadratic effect was observed for feed intake, egg weight, egg mass, energy intake, energy efficiency per dozen eggs, nitrogen digestibility, shell percentage, nitrogen retention, weight of yolk, albumen and shell. A linear effect was observed for egg production, protein intake, feed conversion by egg mass, energy efficiency per egg mass in kg, final weight and yolk percentage and specific gravity. There was no significant effect on feed conversion per dozen, percentage of albumen, shell thickness and serum uric acid. The recommendation is of a 20 percent crude protein level for Japanese quail during the laying phase...

Sistemas de pulido de un o múltiples pasos de resinas compuestas hibridas y su alteración en la estabilidad del color y rugosidad superficial / One and multiple steps polishment system of hybrid resin composites and the color stability and surface roughness

El presente estudio evaluó la rugosidad y pigmentación de dos resinas compuestas nanohíbridas, Tetric EvoCeram (TE) y Ceram X Duo (CD) después del uso de dos técnicas de pulido: de paso único Pogo (P) y múltiples pasos Sof-Lex Discs (S). Sesenta especímenes fueron confeccionados con dimensiones de 7mm x 2mm, subdivididos en grupos (n=10): G1- TE+ P;G2- TE+S; G3- TE control; G4- CD + P;G5- CD + P; G6- CD control. Se realizó la toma de color a través de espectrofotómetro VITA Easyshade y lectura de la rugosidad superficial por el rugosímetro Surf-Corder. Los especímenes fueron inmersos en solución de café soluble por siete días, dejando dos especímenes de cada grupo almacenados en agua destilada durante el periodo del experimento. Después de ese tiempo, se realizó una nueva toma de color de los especímenes y los datos fueron analizados estadísticamente a través del test de Anova y Tukey. Para los dos sistemas de pulido hubo diferencia estadísticamente significante en relación a las dos resinas compuestas (p<0,05). El grupo control presentó superficies más lisas que las demás, mientras que en los especímenes pulidos con sistema Sof-Lex presentaron superficies más lisas que las pulidas con Pogo. Los especímenes pulidos con sistema de "múltiples pasos" obtuvieron valores menores de variación de color (?E*), mientras que las muestras tratadas con tira de poliéster fueron las que más se pigmentaron. Cuando se comparan las dos técnicas de pulido, la técnica de múltiples pasos resultó tener una mayor lisura superficial y menor variación de color.

This study compared two different nanohybrid composite resins, Tetric EvoCam and Ceram X Duo about its roughness and staining, after two polishing techniques, "one step" Pogo and "multiple steps" Sof-Lex Disc. Sixty test-samples were fabricated with dimensions of 7mm x 2mm, divided into groups: (n=10): G1- TE+ P;G2- TE+S; G3- TE control; G4- CD + P;G5- CD + P; G6- CD control. A color check was performed with VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer and a reading of the surface roughness by the Surf-Corder (Kosaka Lab. SE 1700). So, the specimens were immersed in a solution of solved coffee (Nescafe) for seven days, with two specimens of each group stored in distilled water during the study period. After this period, it was performed another color check of the specimens and the data was statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. For both polishing systems there was statistically significant differences, on both resin composites (p<0.05). The control group showed smoother surfaces than the others, while that the ones polished with Sof-Lex presented smoother surfaces than the ones polished with the Pogo system. The specimens polished with the "multiple steps" system had lower values of color variation (?E*), while that the specimens treated with polyester strips were the most stained ones. When comparing the two polishing techniques, the technique of "multiples steps" resulted in greater smoothness surface and less color variation.

Qualidade da carne de bovinos superprecoces terminados em confinamento / Quality of meat from super-young cattle finished in feedlot

Avaliou-se a qualidade da carne de 10 bovinos F1 Guzerá-Nelore e 10 F2 Pardo Suíço-Guzerá-Nelore, inteiros, e abatidos precocemente. Na avaliação da carne, foi utilizado o músculo Longissimus dorsi. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Verificaram-se para F1 e F2, respectivamente, médias para umidade de 75,3 e 75,1, extrato etéreo de 1,4 e 1,5, proteína de 23,7 e 23,6 e cinzas de 1,04 e 1,06. Cor em L* de 28,9 e 30,3, médias para cor em a* de 22,6 e 23,4 e cor em b* de 15,3 15,4, força de cisalhamento de 3,4 e 3,5, perda de peso pelo descongelamento de 9,8 e 10,5 e perda pelo cozimento de 15,9 e 15,6. Não houve diferença estatística para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas entre os grupos genéticos.

The purpose of this study was to use instrumental analysis to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of 10 cattle Guzerath-Nellore (F1) and 10 Brown Swiss-Guzerath-Nellore (F2), intact and feedlot finished and slaughtered at 13 months. The Longissimus dorsi was used for meat evaluation. The experimental design was completely randomized. Humidity for F1 and F2 was respectively 75,3 and 75,1 averages, 1,4 and 1,5 averages for ether extract, proteins were 23,7 and 23,6 and 1,04 and 1,06 averages for ash. The results for F1 and F2, respectively, with averages for color to L * of 28,9 and 30,3, averages for the color to a* of 22,6 and 23,4 and color to b * 15,3 and 15,4, averages for shear force of 3,4 and 3,4, weight loss by thawing of 9,8 and 10,5 and weight lost by cooking of 15,9 and 15,4. There were no differences in genetic groups analysis.

Substituição de milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação / Substitution of corn for crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição do milho por glicerina bruta em dietas para suínos em terminação. Foram utilizados 80 suínos, machos castrados, híbrido comercial, com média de peso de 67kg, em um experimento em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e oito repetições, com dois animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: 0,0; 4,0; 8,0; 12,0 e 16,0% de glicerina bruta em substituição ao milho nas dietas. A substituição do milho por glicerina bruta não afetou as características de desempenho (P>0,05). Observaram-se efeito linear crescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a espessura de toucinho na carcaça e efeito linear decrescente de tratamento (P<0,05) sobre a perda de líquido no descongelamento e na força de cisalhamento. A glicerina bruta pode substituir em até 16,0% do milho da dieta para suínos em terminação, sem prejuízos do desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, com melhoras na qualidade da carne.

We evaluated the effect of replacing corn with crude glycerin in diets for finishing pigs. We used 80 pigs, steers, commercial hybrids, with an average weight of 67kg, in an experiment with a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight replicates of two animals per experimental unit. The treatments were 0.0, 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, and 16.0% crude glycerin as a replacement for maize in diets. The substitution of corn with crude glycerin did not affect performance characteristics (P>0.05). We observed an increasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on backfat thickness and decreasing linear effect of the treatment (P<0.05) on the loss of fluid in the thawing and shearing force. The crude glycerin can replace up to 16.0% of the corn diet for finishing pigs without loss of performance and carcass yield, with improvements in meat quality.

Desempenho e balanço de nitrogênio de suínos em terminação que receberam dieta restrita ou à vontade, com diferentes teores de lisina / Performance and nitrogen balance of finish barrows receiving restricted or ad libitum diets, with different amount of lysine

Dois experimentos foram realizados para avaliar a influência de duas porcentagens de lisina associada à restrição alimentar sobre o desempenho e balanço de nitrogênio de suínos em terminação. No experimento I, foram utilizados 48 suínos machos castrados, com média de peso de 76,2±2,3kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x2 (duas porcentagens de lisina total - normal ou com 30 por cento a mais - e duas formas de arraçoamento - à vontade ou com restrição). Com 28 dias, a porcentagem de inclusão de lisina não influenciou o ganho de peso, mas a porcentagem mais alta resultou em menor consumo e melhor conversão alimentar. A restrição alimentar diminuiu o ganho de peso sem afetar a conversão alimentar. No experimento II, 24 suínos machos castrados, com média de peso de 74,1±2,5kg, foram alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo para receber os mesmos tratamentos. Aos 14 dias de experimento, as dietas não influenciaram a absorção de nitrogênio e a ureia plasmática, porém a dieta ad libitum com a maior porcentagem de lisina reduziu a retenção de nitrogênio. Aos 28 dias, essa mesma dieta aumentou a concentração de ureia plasmática. Conclui-se que o aumento da lisina nas rações melhora o desempenho de suínos machos castrados em terminação, independentemente da forma de arraçoamento, e que a restrição alimentar, nesta fase, não é benéfica.

Two experiments were led to evaluate the influence of two percentages of lysine associated to feed restriction over performance and nitrogen balance of finishing barrows. In experiment I, 48 barrows were used, weighing 76.2±2.3kg, distributed in a randomized blocks design in factorial scheme 2x2 (two levels of total lysine - normal or added in 30 percent - and two feed programs - restricted or ad libitum). At 28 days, the levels of lysine did not influence weight gain, but the higher level provided lesser feed intake and better feed:gain. The feed restriction decreased the weight gain without affecting feed:gain. In Experiment II, 24 barrows, weighing 74.1±2.5kg, were put in metabolic cages to receive the same previously described treatments. At 14 days of the experiment, the diets did not influence the nitrogen absorption and the plasmatic urea, however, the ad libitum diet associated at the higher lysine level reduced nitrogen retention. At 28 days, this same diet increased the plasmatic urea concentration. It was concluded that the increase of lysine levels in diets improves performance in finishing barrows, regardless of the feed program, and feed restriction, in this phase, is not beneficial.

Desenvolvimento bucal e aleitamento materno em crianças com fissura labiopalatal / Oral development and breastfeeding in children with cleft lip and palate

OBJETIVO:Aspectos funcionais do estado de saúde bucal de crianças portadoras de fissuras de lábio e/ou palato interferem na capacidade natural de serem adequadamente alimentadas, como também em seu crescimento e desenvolvimento. Essa revisão visou verificar a influência do aleitamento materno sobre o desenvolvimento buco-maxilo-facial em crianças com fissuras labiais. FONTES DE DADOS: Revisão das bases de dados Medline e SciELO entre 2000 e 2010, utilizando os termos: "fenda labial", "fissura palatina", "aleitamento materno", "alimentação artificial" e "higiene bucal". As informações foram agrupadas, de modo a estabelecer a relação entre a amamentação natural e artificial no desenvolvimento bucofacial e estado de saúde bucal. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: A pesquisa inicial selecionou um total de 27.046 artigos, dos quais 26.793 abordaram o aleitamento materno e a alimentação artificial, 119 relacionavam a influência do aleitamento materno sobre o desenvolvimento bucofacial, enquanto 134 analisaram a relação entre a amamentação e o estado de saúde bucal. Foram selecionados para a análise 34 artigos, sendo 20 com crianças portadoras de fendas labiais e/ou fissuras palatinas. CONCLUSÕES: O aleitamento natural em crianças portadoras de fissuras de lábio e/ou palato é fator decisivo para a correta maturação e crescimento craniofacial em nível ósseo, muscular e funcional e na prevenção de problemas bucais. Além disso, essas crianças apresentam maior prevalência de cárie dental, problemas relacionados à doença periodontal, podendo ainda apresentar problemas de má oclusão.

OBJECTIVE:Functional aspects of oral health of children with cleft lip and/or palate interfere in their possibility of being naturally fed, as well as in their growth and development. This review aimed to verify the influence of breastfeeding on orofacial development of children with cleft lip and/or palate. DATA SOURCES: Data were obtained by literature search (2000-2010) of Medline and SciELO databases, using as key-words "cleft lip", "cleft palate", "breast feeding", "complementary feeding" and "oral hygiene". Information was grouped in order to establish the relationship between natural breastfeeding and complementary feeding with orofacial development and oral health status. DATA SYNTHESIS: Initial search retrieved 27,046 articles and in 26,793 of them, the subject was breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Among those, there were 119 about the influence of breastfeeding on orofacial development and 134 about the relationship between breastfeeding and oral health status; 34 articles were selected and in 20 children with cleft lip and/or palate were enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding in children with cleft lip and/or palate is a decisive factor not only for correct craniofacial maturation and growth at bone, muscular and functional levels, but also for the prevention of oral problems. These children present higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, as well as occlusion related problems.

The cytogenetic examination as a tool for the diagnosis of chromosomal disorders / Examinación citogenética como herramienta para el diagnóstico de los desórdenes cromosómicos

Clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities occur in about 1 percent of children born alive. The objective of this work was to offer the patients and the families in the community for the service of the Integrated Clinic of Uniara Health (Araraquara and region), the examination of cariotype (cytogenetic study) for confirmation or exclusion of the diagnostic suspicion of chromosomal abnormalities as well as information (genetic counseling) for the prevention of occurrence and/or recurrence of these anomalies. In the period of one year and four months these were carried out in the Integrated Clinic of Uniara Health and directed for the Laboratory of Cytogenetic Human of the same institution in 66 cytogenetic studies. In 44 patients (66.6 percent) the results were normal. In 22 (33.3 percent) examinations, alterations were found, meaning that the respective clinical pictures are decurrent of chromosomic alterations. The first cause within alterations noted was Down syndrome with a total of 15 examinations or 68.1 percent, the second cause of chromosomal anomaly was the Turner syndrome where the most important factor is 45, X, where 2 karyotypes of this type or 9.1 percent were found, syndromes as (Eduards syndrome, Patau syndrome, 3p- syndrome, 4p- syndrome and 6p-syndrome) diagnosed in our laboratory appeared less frequently corresponding to 22.7 percent of the studied anomalies. The work carried out constitutes a necessary diagnosis of the main chromosomal abnormalities through a low cost technique; it can be carried out easily and is reliable, making the cytogenetic examination available to the community and contributing significantly to the quality of life of patients.

Las anormalidades cromosómicas, clínicamente significativas, se presentan en aproximadamente 1 por ciento de los niños nacidos vivos. Este trabajo tiene el objetivo de ofrecer a los pacientes y /o a sus familiares el servicio de la Clínica Integrada de la Salud de Uniara (Araraquara y Región), el examen de cariotipo (estudio citogenético) para la confirmación o la exclusión de sospecha de anomalías cromosomales diagnosticadas, así como otorgar información (consejo genético) para la prevención de las posibles anomalías y /o la repetición de éstas. En un año y cuatro meses fueron realizados 66 estudios de citogenética en la Clínica Integrada de Uniara, dirigida por el Laboratorio de Citogenética Humana de la misma institución. En 44 pacientes (66,6 por ciento) los resultados fueron normales. En 22 (33,3 por ciento) de los exámenes, se encontraron alteraciones, compatibles con alteraciones cromosómicas. La primera causa de anomalías cromosómica fue el síndrome de Down, totalizando 15 exámenes (68,1 por ciento), la segunda causa fue el síndrome de Turner, con dos cariotipos (9,1 por ciento) en la forma más importante 45, X. Por otra parte, se encontró que los síndromes de Eduards, de Patau, 3p-síndrome de Down, síndrome 4p-6p, diagnosticados en nuestro laboratorio, presentaban baja frecuencia de aparición, representando el 22,7 por ciento de las anomalías estudiadas. Este trabajo permitió realizar un diagnóstico preciso de las anomalías cromosomales, principalmente a través de una técnica de bajo costo, fácil ejecución y buena confiabilidad, técnicas que están disponibles para el examen citogenético para la comunidad y así contribuir de manera significativa en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Biochemical and biological evaluation of gyroxin isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Gyroxin, a thrombin-like enzyme isolated from Crotalus durissus terrificus venom and capable of converting fibrinogen into fibrin, presents coagulant and neurotoxic activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate such coagulant and toxic properties. Gyroxin was isolated using only two chromatographic steps - namely gel filtration (Sephadex G-75) and affinity (Benzamidine Sepharose 6B) - resulting in a sample of high purity, as evaluated by RP-HPLC C2/C18 and electrophoretic analysis that showed a molecular mass of 30 kDa. Gyroxin hydrolyzed specific chromogenic substrates, which caused it to be classified as a serine proteinase and thrombin-like enzyme. It was stable from pH 5.5 to 8.5 and inhibited by Mn²+, Cu²+, PMSF and benzamidine. Human plasma coagulation was more efficient at pH 6.0. An in vivo toxicity test showed that only behavioral alterations occurred, with no barrel rotation. Gyroxin was not able to block neuromuscular contraction in vitro, which suggests that its action, at the studied concentrations, has no effect on the peripheral nervous system.

Action of neuwiedase, a metalloproteinase isolated from bothrops neuwiedi venom, on skeletal muscle: an ultrastructural and immunocytochemistry study

The damaging effects of neuwiedase, a non-hemorrhagic snake venom metalloproteinase from P-I class, on gastrocnemius muscle are studied herein. Following neuwiedase injection, ultrastructural alterations were detected early showing disarrangement of skeletal muscle fibers (characterized by discontinuity of Z lines), mitochondrial swelling, and disruption of plasma membrane and basal lamina. Degradation of skeletal muscle and the appearance of an amorphous substance, primarily composed of cellular debris, were noted after 24 hours. The presence of neuwiedase at the injection site (detected by immunocytochemistry) revealed highly specific labeling of myofibril components of damaged myocytes. In addition, proteolysis of muscle proteins assayed through myofibrils extracted from gastrocnemius muscle indicated that neuwiedase provoked degradation of myofibrils, especially myosin. These results suggest that skeletal muscle damage, induced by neuwiedase, is probably due to its proteolytic action on myofibrils, which are responsible for the maintenance of the cellular architecture.

Determinação da idade fetal por meio da técnica ultra-sonográfica de fetometria e de morfologia fetal em cabras / Determination of fetal age in goats by real-time ultrasound fetometry and fetal morphology

Utilizaram-se 13 cabras gestantes da raça Saanen, para estudo das características da gestação a partir do 60º dia, segundo as técnicas de fetometria e avaliação morfológica fetal, utilizando-se ultra-sonografia em modo-B. Analisaram-se: diâmetro orbital (DO), diâmetro interorbital (DIO), diâmetro biorbital (DBO), diâmetro biparietal (DBP), comprimento do fêmur (CF), comprimento da tíbia (CT), comprimento do rádio (CR), diâmetro do tórax (DT), diâmetro abdominal transversal (DAT), diâmetro abdominal anteroposterior (DAP), diâmetro occípito-frontal (DOF), diâmetro transversal renal (RIMT), diâmetro longitudinal renal (RIML), comprimento da escápula (ESC), comprimento do metacarpo (MEC), medida da pelve (COX) e comprimento do úmero (CU). As médias dos valores achados foram correlacionadas com a idade fetal. As equações de regressão inversa foram criadas para cada parâmetro, sendo que DBP (R²=0,93), CF (R²=0,95), CU (R²=0,96), DO (R²= 0,84) e DAT (R²= 0,91) foram as variáveis de melhor correlação estatística, cuja equação pode ser representada pela fórmula: idade fetal = 34,5 + 4,8DBP + 9,9 CF - 7,5 CU - 2,3 DO + 6,1 DAT

Fetal morphology analysis and real-time ultrasound techniques were used on 13 pregnant Saanen goats for studying the gestational characteristics. Analysis began on the 60th day of pregnancy and the parameters observed were: orbital diameter (OD), inter-orbiall diameter (IOD), bi-orbital diameter (BOD), bi-parietal diameter (BPD), femoral length (FL), tibial length (LT), radius length (RL), thoracic diameter (TD), transversal abdominal diameter (TAD), anteroposterior abdominal diameter (APAD), occipital-frontal diameter (OFD), transversal renal diameter (TRD), longitudinal renal diameter (LRD), scapular length (SL), metacarpal length (ML), pelvic length (PL) and humeral length (HL). Mean values were correlated to fetal age and inverse regression equations were created for each parameter. Results obtained showed BPD (R²=0.93), FL (R²=0.95), HL (R²=0.96), OD (R²= 0.84) and TAD (R²= 0.91) as the parameters with better statistical correlation to fetal age using the equation: Fetal age = 34.5 + 4.8BPD + 9.9 FL - 7.5 HL - 2.3 OD + 6.1 TAD

Characterization of the gene expression related to the process of DNA damage tolerance in Schistosoma mansoni

In the course of its complex life cycle, the parasite Schistosoma mansoni need to adapt to distinct environments, and consequently is exposed to various DNA damaging agents. The Schistosoma genome sequencing initiative has uncovered sequences from genes and transcripts related to the process of DNA damage tolerance as the enzymes UBC13, MMS2, and RAD6. In the present work, we evaluate the importance of this process in different stages of the life cycle of this parasite. The importance is evidenced by expression and phylogenetic profiles, which show the conservation of this pathway from protozoa to mammalians on evolution.

Eye pigments of the blood-sucking insect, Triatoma infestans klug (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

A pigmentação de olhos pretos (forma selvagem) e vermelhos (forma mutante) de Triatoma infestans foi estudada por espectrofotometria e comparada à de olhos vermelhos (selvagem) e brancos (mutante) de Drosophila melanogaster. Os perfis do espectro de absorção dos pigmentos de olho preto e vermelho de T. infestans foram semelhantes entre si e ao dos olhos de tipo selvagem de D. melanogaster. A similaridade com a forma selvagem de D. melanogaster indicou que ambos os tipos de olho de T. infestans continham omocromos do tipo xantomatina, o que foi confirmado por cromatografia ascendente em papel. Não foram detectadas pteridinas, melaninas e ominas como pigmentos de olho em T. infestans. A diferença na cor de olho em T. infestans foi considerada uma função da concentração de xantomatina, sendo menor o conteúdo de omocromo nos olhos vermelhos, embora isso provavelmente não afete a acuidade visual do inseto. Esses resultados estão de acordo com dados de outros autores quanto a semelhanças envolvendo outras características entre espécimes de olho preto e vermelho de T. infestans.

Experimentally induced heat- and cold-shock tolerance in adult Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

The survival rate of domestic male and female adult Panstrongylus megistus was studied after sequential heat and cold shocks in order to investigate shock tolerance compared to that previously reported for nymphs. Sequential shocks were such that a milder shock (0ºC, 5ºC, 35ºC, or 40ºC for 1 h) preceded a severe one (0ºC or 40ºC for 12 h), separated by intervals of 8, 18, 24, and 72 h at 28ºC (control temperature). The preliminary thermal shock induced tolerance to the more severe one, although tolerance intensity depended on the initial shock temperature and the interval between treatments. Despite the observed tolerance, the survival rate for insects subjected to both shocks decreased when compared to that of individuals subjected to a single mild shock. When tolerance differed with sex, females showed greater values than males. In contrast to the response detected in nymphs, for which higher heat tolerance values were sustained for intervals of up to 24 h (preliminary shock, 35ºC) or even longer (preliminary shock, 40ºC) between sequential shocks, significant values were verified in adults only for shock intervals of up to 8 h (preliminary shock, 40ºC). While findings for nymphs exhibited considerable cold-shock tolerance under conditions in which preliminary shocks were given at 5ºC or 0ºC and the periods between shocks were up to 72 h long, the adults were shown to be capable of acquiring a substancial tolerance response to a more severe cold shock only when the preliminary shock was given at 0ºC and shock interval surpassed 18 h. It is assumed that the mechanisms involved in the cellular protection of P. megistus under sequential temperature shocks (heat shock protein action?) may loose effectiveness with insect development.

Triatoma infestans: importância, controle e eliminação da espécie no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Triatoma infestans: importance, control and elimination of the species in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Os autores tecem considerações a respeito do controle dos transmissores da doença de Chagas no Estado de São Paulo, especialmente sobre as atividades que levaram à eliminação do T. infestans. Inicialmente, fazem um apanhado histórico e apresentam as características principais da espécie que possibilitaram sua adaptação à situação vigente na zona rural do Estado, na primeira metade do século. Destacam também os fatores coadjuvantes às ações de controle, particularmente o êxodo rural. Mostram que a partir de 1965 o combate tomou a forma de uma verdadeira campanha, com fases distintas em função das alterações epidemiológicas, experiência adquirida e pressão dos custos. Descrevem cada fase: arrastão, expurgo seletivo, prioridades e vigilância entomológica. Após 25 anos de trabalho a campanha foi considerada encerrada, com a eliminação dos focos da espécie do planalto paulista. Porém, em função da possibilidade da reintrodução de T. infestans (transporte passivo) e da presença, em diversas localidades, de exemplares de espécies vetoras semidomiciliares (T. sordida e P. megistus) as atividades de controle não foram interrompidas e em conseqüência continua em andamento a Vigilância/ Manutenção.

Considerations about the control of the vectors of Chagas' disease are made in the State of Sao Paulo, mainly those activities that led to the elimination of T. infestans. First of all, the authors discuss different aspects of the biology of T. infestans mainly those that permitted it to adapt itself in rural areas of the State in the first middle of the century. Secondary factors that helped the control such as rural exodus are also analysed. The article shows that since 1965 the control became a campaign with different phases due to the epidemiological situation, the acquired knowledge and the entomological surveillance. After 25 years of work, the elimination of all the focus of T. infestans was finally reached and the campaign was ended. However, due to the possibility of reintroduction of the vector in rural areas by passive transportation besides the presence of secondary vectors (T. sordida and P. megistus) in several localities, the vector control activities were not interrupted and the surveillance is continuous.

Aging and immunoglobulin isotype patterns in oral tolerance

In the present review we address oral tolerance as an important biological phenomenon and discuss how it is affected by aging. Other factors such as frequency of feeding and previous digestion of the antigen also seem to influence the establishment of oral tolerance. We also analyze immunoglobulin isotypes of specific antibodies formed by tolerant and immunized animals of different ages submitted to different conditions of oral antigen administration. Isotypic patterns were studied as a parameter for assessing the pathways of B and T cell interactions leading to antibody production.