Identificação de loci microssatélites com potencial de amplificação na espécie de Peixe-Rei (Odontesthes humensis) / Identification of microsatellite loci with amplification potential in "pejerrey" (Odontesthes humensis)

In this work, 25,806 potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci (PAL) were identified in pejerrey, (Odontesthes humensis), with 21% of dinucleotide, 22% trinucleotide, 37% tetranucleotide, 13% pentanucleotide and 7% hexanucleotide. Of the total loci, 167 were classified as "Best PAL", more likely to be variables in populations. The results show that with a small coverage of the genome it was possible to identify a large number of microsatellite loci...

Benzocaine and clove oil as anesthetics for pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) fingerlings / Benzocaina e óleo de cravo como anestésicos para alevinos de peixe-rei (Odontesthes bonariensis)

Pejerrey (Odontesthes bonariensis) is a native species from Rio Grande do Sul, Uruguay and Argentina where it is of great economic importance for artisanal fishing. One difficulty in laboratory research with pejerrey is related to its sensitivity, as it presents higher basal cortisol levels than other freshwater species. For this reason, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of benzocaine and clove oil as anesthetics for pejerrey fingerlings. Two experiments were done where fingerlings (57±7.8mm and 1.1±0.44g) were exposed to benzocaine with concentrations between 40mgL-1 and 120mgL-1 and to clove oil with concentrations between 12mgL-1 and 75mgL-1. Survival, anesthesia induction time and recovery time for each pharmaceutics were evaluated. Both benzocaine and clove oil pharmaceutics showed efficiency as anesthetics for pejerrey fingerlings, with negative correlation between the dose of anesthetics and the anesthesia induction time. For benzocaine, the concentrations between 80mgL-1 and 100mgL-1 showed better results, as for clove oil the optimal concentrations were between 25mgL-1 and 50mgL-1. On the other hand, the anesthesia recovery time did not present significant variation on the different concentrations of the tested products. The tested products are highly metabolizable by pejerrey.

O peixe-rei (Odontesthes bonariensis) é uma espécie nativa do Rio Grande do Sul, Uruguai e Argentina, onde tem grande importância econômica para a pesca artesanal. Uma dificuldade da pesquisa em laboratório com peixe-rei está relacionada à sua sensibilidade, pois apresenta níveis basais de cortisol mais elevados que outras espécies de água doce. Este trabalho avaliou a eficiência da benzocaína e do óleo de cravo como anestésicos para alevinos de peixe-rei. Foram realizados dois experimentos em que alevinos (57±7,08mm e 1,1±0,44g) foram expostos à concentração entre 40mg-1 e 120mgL-1 de benzocaína e entre 12mgL-1 e 75mgL-1 de óleo de cravo. Avaliaram-se a sobrevivência, o tempo de anestesia e o tempo de recuperação para cada um dos fármacos. Ambos os fármacos, benzocaína e óleo de cravo, mostraram eficiência para anestesiar peixe-rei, com correlação negativa entre a dose e o tempo de indução de anestesia. Para benzocaína, concentrações entre 80mgL-1 e 100mgL-1 mostraram melhor resultado, enquanto para óleo de cravo as melhores concentrações ficaram entre 25mgL-1 e 50mgL-1. Por outro lado, o tempo de recuperação do estado de anestesia não apresentou variação significativa nas diferentes concentrações testadas. O peixe-rei tem elevada capacidade de metabolização dos produtos testados.

Impaction of permanent upper canine causedby supernumerary tooth with talon cusp type III

Introduction: The talon cusp is defined as a developmental anomaly in which an accessory cusp-like structure projects in the area of the cingulum or cementoenamel junction in the anterior teeth attached to the lingual surface of the crown, ranging in size, shape, length and degree of union with the surface. Case report: This study aimed to report a case of a patient who came to Clinic for Preventive Dentistry of Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife-PE, Brazil, complaining of pain in the upper left region. The clinical exam observed the presence of a supernumerary tooth with talon cusp type III in the canine region which had a carious lesion in the developmental groove at the mesial surface and caused a prolonged retention of permanent tooth. Conclusion: With this we want to emphasize that the Dental Surgeon be aware of the changes caused by dental morphological variations, seeking to conduct a proper treatment plan, meeting the functional and aesthetic needs of the patient.

Enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes mellitus: is there any relationship?

Several health organizations have classified diabetes mellitus, a metabolic syndrome, as the epidemic of the century, since it affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the top ten causes of death. Type 1 diabetes is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in which autoaggressive T cells infiltrate the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to the destruction of insulin producing beta cells. The risk of the disease is modulated by genetic factors, mainly genes coding for human leukocyte antigens (HLA). However, the incidence of this disease has increased significantly during the recent decades, which cannot be explained only by genetic factors. Environmental perturbations have also been associated to the development of diabetes. Among these factors, viral triggers have been implicated; particularly enteroviruses, which have been associated to the induction of the disease. Supporting the hypothesis, numerous lines of evidence coming from mouse models and patients with this type of diabetes have shown the association. The present review aims to provide some understanding of how type 1 diabetes occurs and the possible role of enterovirus in this pathology.

Identical sequence patterns in the ends of exons and introns of human protein-coding genes

Intron splicing is one of the most important steps involved in the maturation process of a pre-mRNA. Although the sequence profiles around the splice sites have been studied extensively, the levels of sequence identity between the exonic sequences preceding the donor sites and the intronic sequences preceding the acceptor sites has not been examined as thoroughly. In this study we investigated identity patterns between the last 15 nucleotides of the exonic sequence preceding the 5' splice site and the intronic sequence preceding the 3' splice site in a set of human protein-coding genes that do not exhibit intron retention. We found that almost 60% of consecutive exons and introns in human protein-coding genes share at least two identical nucleotides at their 3' ends and, on average, the sequence identity length is 2.47 nucleotides. Based on our findings we conclude that the 3' ends of exons and introns tend to have longer identical sequences within a gene than when being taken from different genes. Our results hold even if the pairs are non-consecutive in the transcription order.

Utilization of microsatellite markers to form families of "pejerrey" Odontesthes bonariensis in a genetic breeding program / Utilização de marcadores microssatélites para formação de famílias de "pejerrey" Odontesthes bonariensis em um programa de melhoramento genético

Foram identificadas a divergência e a variabilidade genética, por meio do polimorfismo de seis marcadores microssatélites, de duas populações de Odontesthes bonariensis, utilizadas em manejos de cultivo e com potencial para fornecimento de reprodutores para programas de melhoramento genético. Do total de seis loci, cinco demonstraram eficiência para análise genética nas duas populações de O. bonariensis. A diferenciação genética significante nas populações analisadas pode fornecer a base para futuros programas de melhoramentos genéticos, através da combinação de material das populações divergentes para o desenvolvimento de linhagens ou execução de um programa de seleção.

Análise do perfil dos resultados de uniformidade de conteúdo de cápsulas de baixa dosagem produzidas em farmácias de manipulação de Santa Catarina / Analysis of profile of content uniformity test results for low dose capsules produced in pharmacies in Santa Catatina

A qualidade de cápsulas tem sua exatidão da dosagem assegurada por ensaios de teor e uniformidade de conteúdo (UC). Assim, os Laboratórios de Controle de Qualidade auxiliam as farmácias magistrais a guiarem sua conduta buscando a garantia da qualidade dos seus produtos. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo analisar o perfil dos resultados de UC de cápsulas magistrais, a partir dos relatórios de análise realizados entre janeiro de 2008 a fevereiro de 2010, por um Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade em Santa Catarina (Brasil). Identificou-se em 2009 um aumento no número e na proporção de farmácias que passaram a solicitar a UC de cápsulas de baixa dosagem em relação a 2008. Das análises, 78,6% tiveram aprovação como resultado, sendo o maior índice de reprovação relacionado ao teor de ativo fora do limite de 85-115%, dos quais 83,6% estavam abaixo do especificado no rótulo. Das análises reprovadas, 59,2% foram aprovadas na análise posterior e apenas 7% mantiveram o mesmo status. Neste estudo, as reprovações nas análises de UC não tiveram correlação com a dose preparada. A análise global dos resultados de uniformidade de conteúdo das cápsulas magistrais reflete a preocupação dos estabelecimentos farmacêuticos com a qualidade do produto oferecido.

The dose accuracy of capsules produced in compounding pharmacies is ensured mainly by testing their uniformity of content (UC). In order to guarantee the quality of such pharmaceuticals in Brazil, entities such as Quality Control Laboratories work together with these pharmacies. The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of results on the UC of capsules, in the reports of analyses performed from January 2008 to February 2010 by a Quality Control Laboratory in Santa Catarina state (Brazil). It was found that an increase occurred in both the number and proportion of pharmacies requesting UC tests of low dose capsules in 2009, relative to 2008. Among the products tested, 78.6% were approved and the largest failure rate was related to drug contents outside the 85-115% limits, of which 83.6% were below the content specified on the label. Among the failures, 59.2% passed in a subsequent test and only 7% maintained the same error. In this study, no correlation was found between disapprovals and dose. These results reflect the compounding pharmacie?s concern for product quality.

Mutagenicity induced by the hydroalcoholic extract of the medicinal plant Plathymenia reticulata Benth

Plathymenia reticulata Benth has an anti-inflammatory effect and is capable of neutralizing the neuromuscular blockade induced by Bothrops jararacussu or Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms, probably by precipitating venom proteins (an effect caused by plant tannins). The present study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic activity of P. reticulata by using the Salmonella mutagenicity assay (Ames test) and the micronucleus test in CHO-K1 cells. P. reticulata extract concentrations of 2.84, 5.68, 11.37, and 19.90 mg/plate were assayed by the Ames test using TA97a, TA98, TA100 and TA102 bacterial strains, with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. Concentrations of 5, 1.6 and 0.5 ìg/mL of P. reticulata extract were used for the micronucleus test. P. reticulata extract was mutagenic to TA98 (-S9) and showed signs of mutagenic activity in TA97a and TA102 (both -S9) strains. Micronucleus test CBPI values showed that the endogenous metabolic system increased the number of viable cells when compared to the non-activated samples and the micronucleus frequency increased when the cells were treated in the absence of S9. We concluded that P. reticulata extract may present direct mutagenic properties.

Molecular techniques for the study and diagnosis of parasite infection

In parasitology, routine laboratory diagnosis involves conventional methods, such as optical microscopy, used for the morphological identification of parasites. Currently, molecular biology techniques are increasingly used to diagnose parasite structures in order to enhance the identification and characterization of parasites. The objective of the present study was to review the main current and new diagnostic techniques for confirmation of parasite infections, namely: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), Luminex xMAP, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), in addition to microsatellites. Molecular assays have comprehensively assisted in the diagnosis, treatment and epidemiological studies of parasitic diseases that affect people worldwide, helping to control parasitic disease mortality.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-a for the treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has been increasingly performed for a variety of hematologic diseases. Clinically significant acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs in 9 to 50 percent of patients who receive allogeneic grafts, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. There is no standard therapy for patients with acute GVHD who do not respond to steroids. Studies have shown a possible benefit of anti-TNF-a (infliximab)for the treatment of acute GVHD. We report here on the outcomes of 10 recipients of related or unrelated stem cell transplants who received 10 mg/kg infliximab, iv, once weekly for a median of 3.5 doses (range: 1-6) for the treatment of severe acute GVHD and who were not responsive to standard therapy. All patients had acute GVHD grades II to IV (II = 2, III = 3, IV = 5). Overall, 9 patients responded and 1 patient had progressive disease. Among the responders, 3 had complete responses and 6 partial responses. All patients with cutaneous or gastrointestinal involvement responded, while only 2 of 6 patients with liver disease showed any response. None of the 10 patients had any kind of immediate toxicity. Four patients died, all of them with sepsis. Six patients are still alive after a median follow-up time of 544 days (92-600) after transplantation. Considering the severity of the cases and the bad prognosis associated with advanced acute GVHD, we find our results encouraging. Anti-TNF-a seems to be a useful agent for the treatment of acute GVHD.

Identification of rounded atelectasis in workers exposed to asbestos by contrast helical computed tomography

Rounded atelectasis (RA) is a benign and unusual form of subpleural lung collapse that has been described mostly in asbestos-exposed workers. This form of atelectasis manifests as a lung nodule and can be confused with bronchogenic carcinoma upon conventional radiologic examination. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the variation in contrast uptake in computed tomography for the identification of asbestos-related RA in Brazil. Between January 1998 and December 2000, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed in 1658 asbestos-exposed workers. The diagnosis was made in nine patients based on a history of prior asbestos exposure, the presence of characteristic (HRCT) findings and lesions unchanged in size over 2 years or more. In three of them the diagnosis was confirmed during surgery. The dynamic contrast enhancement study was modified to evaluate nodules and pulmonary masses. All nine patients with RA received iodide contrast according to weight. The average enhancement after iodide contrast was infused, reported as Hounsfield units (HU), increased from 62.5 ± 9.7 to 125.4 ± 20.7 (P < 0.05), with a mean enhancement of 62.5 ± 19.7 (range 40 to 89) and with a uniform dense opacification. In conclusion, in this study all patients with RA showed contrast enhancement with uniform dense opacification. The main clinical implication of this finding is that this procedure does not permit differentiation between RA and malignant pulmonary neoplasm

Evaluation of behavioral states among morning and evening active healthy individuals

The Horne-Östberg questionnaire partly covers some factors that may be important determinants of peak time and characterize patterns of behavior. We conducted a study for the evaluation of self-reported behavioral states (hunger sensation, availability for study, physical exercise, solving daily problems, and time preferences) as expressions of underlying cyclic activity. Three hundred and eighteen community subjects without history of medical, psychiatric, or sleep disorders were evaluated in a cross-sectional design. A self-report about daily highest level of activity was used to categorize individuals into morning, evening, and indifferently active. Time-related behavioral states were evaluated with 23 visual analog questions. The responses to most analogic questions were significantly different between morning and evening active subjects. Logistic regression analysis identified a group of behaviors more strongly associated with the self-reported activity pattern (common wake up time, highest subjective fatigue, as well as wake up, bedtime, exercise and study preferences). These findings suggested that the patterns of activity presented by normal adults were related to specific common behavioral characteristics that may contribute to peak time

Previdência social: Säo Paulo e Brasil na década dos 80 / Social Security: Säo Paulo and Brazil in 80s

Estuda a evoluçäo da previdência social em Säo Paulo na década de 80. Procura desenhar o perfil sócioeconômico e demográfico dos contribuintes no Estado de Säo Paulo e em sua regiäo metropolitana, bem como explicitar o tipo de vinculaçäo da populaçäo de Säo Paulo a sistemas de previdência. Destaca a evoluçäo da estrutura dos benefícios em manutençäo e concedidos pela previdência. Apresenta o comportamento da despesa e da arrecadaçäo em Säo Paulo

A previdência social: contribuintes e benefícios / Social security: contributors and benefits

Apresenta as características da população ocupada que é contribuinte de institutos de previdência social - segundo os resultados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) e o comportamento dos benefícios concedidos e mantidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Seguro Social (INSS). Todas as observações referem-se ao Estado de São Paulo, que participa com a maior proporçào de recursos e benefícios previdenciários da Federação. Focaliza a década de 80 destacando os aspectos considerados relevantes, de forma a permitir que se visualize, de maneira sintética, a situação estudada. Desse modo, dos dados da PNAD, analisa os percentuais médios observados entre 1981 e 1990. Das informações do INSS, tendo por base os números absolutos, destaca o comportamento verificado entre os pontos extremos do período analisado: 1980 a 1990