Phylogenetic and genome-wide mutational analysis of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Nigeria: no implications for attenuated COVID-19 outcomes

Objectives@#Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates are low in Nigeria compared to global trends. This research mapped the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Nigeria and globally to determine whether the Nigerian isolates are genetically distinct from strains circulating in regions of the world with a high disease burden. @*Methods@#Bayesian phylogenetics using BEAST 2.0, genetic similarity analyses, and genome-wide mutational analyses were used to characterize the strains of SARS-CoV-2 isolated in Nigeria. @*Results@#SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated in Nigeria showed multiple lineages and possible introductions from Europe and Asia. Phylogenetic clustering and sequence similarity analyses demonstrated that Nigerian isolates were not genetically distinct from strains isolated in other parts of the globe. Mutational analysis demonstrated that the D614G mutation in the spike protein, the P323L mutation in open reading frame 1b (and more specifically in NSP12), and the R203K/G204R mutation pair in the nucleocapsid protein were most prevalent in the Nigerian isolates. @*Conclusion@#The SARS-CoV-2 strains in Nigeria were neither phylogenetically nor genetically distinct from virus strains circulating in other countries of the world. Thus, differences in SARS-CoV-2 genomes are not a plausible explanation for the attenuated COVID-19 outcomes in Nigeria.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and uncontrolled hypertension - Study design and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES: To describe the MORPHEOS (Morbidity in patients with uncontrolled HTN and OSA) trial, and describe the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: MORPHEOS is a multicenter (n=6) randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or placebo (nasal strips) for 6 months in adult patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Patients using at least one antihypertensive medication were included. Uncontrolled HTN was confirmed by at least one abnormal parameter in the 24-hour ABPM and ≥80% medication adherence evaluated by pill counting after the run-in period. OSA was defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hours. The co-primary endpoints are brachial BP (office and ambulatory BP monitoring, ABPM) and central BP. Secondary outcomes include hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) to heart, aorta, eye, and kidney. We pre-specified several sub-studies from this investigation. Visits occur once a week in the first month and once a month thereafter. The programmed sample size was 176 patients but the pandemic prevented this final target. A post-hoc power analysis will be calculated from the final sample. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02270658. RESULTS: The first 100 patients are predominantly males (n=69), age: 52±10 years, body mass index: 32.7±3.9 kg/m2 with frequent co-morbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The MORPHEOS trial has a unique study design including a run-in period; pill counting, and detailed analysis of hypertension-mediated organ damage in patients with uncontrolled HTN that will allow clarification of the impact of OSA treatment with CPAP.

Metastatic Mature Teratoma and Growing Teratoma Syndrome in Patients with Testicular Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Metastatic mature teratoma is a common radiologic and histopathologic finding after chemotherapy for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. The leading theory for these residual tumors is the selective chemotherapy resistance of teratomas versus the high chemotherapy sensitivity of the embryonal components. Growing teratoma syndrome is a relatively rare phenomenon defined as an enlarging residual mass histologically proven to be a mature teratoma in the setting of normal serum tumor markers. Metastatic mature teratomas should be resected because of their malignant potential and occasional progression to growing teratoma syndrome with the invasion of the surrounding structures. CT is the preferred imaging modality for post-chemotherapy surveillance and should cover all sites of potential metastatic disease. This article reviews the clinical, pathologic, and multimodality imaging features of metastatic mature teratomas in patients with primary testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumors.

Metastatic Mature Teratoma and Growing Teratoma Syndrome in Patients with Testicular Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Metastatic mature teratoma is a common radiologic and histopathologic finding after chemotherapy for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors. The leading theory for these residual tumors is the selective chemotherapy resistance of teratomas versus the high chemotherapy sensitivity of the embryonal components. Growing teratoma syndrome is a relatively rare phenomenon defined as an enlarging residual mass histologically proven to be a mature teratoma in the setting of normal serum tumor markers. Metastatic mature teratomas should be resected because of their malignant potential and occasional progression to growing teratoma syndrome with the invasion of the surrounding structures. CT is the preferred imaging modality for post-chemotherapy surveillance and should cover all sites of potential metastatic disease. This article reviews the clinical, pathologic, and multimodality imaging features of metastatic mature teratomas in patients with primary testicular non-seminomatous germ cell tumors.

The effects of aquatic and land exercise on resting blood pressure and post-exercise hypotension response in elderly hypertensives

Objective: This study compared resting blood pressure (BP) using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) responses in two groups of subjects trained in land exercise (LE) and aquatic exercise (AE), and assessed post-exercise hypotension (PEH) using ABPM, after land- and aquatic-based exercises.Methods: ABPM (24 hours) was used to measure the baseline BP in elderly hypertensive women trained in LE and AE and the PEH induced by exercise. For this, 40 subjects were evaluated at rest and after a land- or aquatic-based exercise session (aerobic: 75% of reserve heart rate combined with resistance exercise).Results: The daytime BP was lower for AE [systolic BP (SBP) 124 ± 1.0 mmHg, diastolic BP (DBP) 70 ± 1.5 mmHg] than for LE (SBP 134 ± 0.9 mmHg, DBP 76 ± 0.9 mmHg), but there were no differences at night-time. The aquatic exercise-induced PEH in the second hour was maintained at the 24th hour post-exercise. For land exercise-induced PEH, it was maintained at the 12th hour post-exercise. The SBP and DBP were lower at the 24th hour for AE than for LE.Conclusion: Elderly hypertensive people trained in AE had lower baseline BP during the daytime. SBP and DBP values were lower for individuals trained in AE, and their PEH was more rapid and longer lasting after AE

Prevalence, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia in diabetic participants of two brazilian cohorts: a place far from heaven

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Diabetes is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality. Over the last years, mortality has decreased significantly, more in individuals with diabetes than in healthy ones. That is mostly due to the control of other cardiovascular risk factors. The objective of our study was to analyze the dyslipidemia control in two diabetes cohorts. METHODS Patients from two distinct cohorts were studied, 173 patients from the BHS (Brasília Heart Study) and 222 patients from the BDS (Brazilian Diabetes Study). The data on dyslipidemia control were studied in both different populations. All patients had diabetes. RESULTS There are significant differences concerning comorbidities between the LDL-C and BDS groups. The average glycated hemoglobin is of 8.2 in the LDL-C > 100 group in comparison with 7.7 and 7.5 in the 70-100 and < 70 groups, respectively (p = 0.024). There is a higher percentage of hypertensive patients with LDL between 70-100 (63.9%), when comparing the < 70 and > 100 groups (54.3% and 54.9%, respectively; p = 0.005). Diastolic pressure is higher in the group with LDL > 100, with an average of 87 mmHg, in comparison with 82.6 mmHg and 81.9 mmHg in the 70-100 and < 70 groups, respectively (p = 0.019). The group with LDL > 100 has the greatest percentage of smokers (8.7%) in comparison with the groups with LDL between 70-100 and < 70 (5.6% and 4.3%, respectively; p = 0.015). There is also a difference in the previous incidence of coronaropathy. In the group with LDL < 70, 28.3% of patients had already experienced a previous infarction, compared with 11.1% and 10.6% in the 70-100 and > 100 groups, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The data in our study have shown that the dyslipidemia control in diabetic patients is inadequate and there is a tendency of direct association between lack of blood glucose control and lack of dyslipidemia control, in addition to the association with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diastolic hypertension and smoking. This worsened control might be related to the plateau in the descending curve of mortality, and investments in this regard can improve the cardiovascular health in diabetic patients.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O diabetes é importante causa de mortalidade cardiovascular. Nos últimos anos, a mortalidade diminuiu substancialmente, mais em diabéticos do que em não diabéticos, em grande parte devido ao controle de outros fatores de risco cardiovasculares. Nosso estudo tem como objetivo analisar o controle de dislipidemia em duas coortes de diabéticos. MÉTODOS Foram estudados pacientes de duas coortes distintas, sendo 173 pacientes do BHS (Brasília Heart Study) e 222 pacientes do BDS (Brazilian Diabetes Study). Os dados sobre controle de dislipidemia foram estudados nas duas populações diferentes. Todos os pacientes eram diabéticos. RESULTADOS Há diferenças significativas em relação às comorbidades entre os grupos de LDL-C no BDS. A média de hemoglobina glicada é de 8,2 no grupo com LDL-C > 100, comparado com 7,7 e 7,5 nos grupos 70-100 e < 70, respectivamente (p = 0,024). Há maior porcentagem de pacientes hipertensos com LDL entre 70-100 (63,9%), quando comparado aos grupos < 70 e > 100 (54,3% e 54,9%, respectivamente; p = 0,005). A pressão diastólica é mais elevada no grupo com LDL > 100, com média de 87 mmHg, comparado com 82,6 mmHg e 81,9 mmHg nos grupos 70-100 e < 70, respectivamente (p = 0,019). O grupo com LDL > 100 tem maior porcentagem de tabagistas (8,7%) quando comparado aos grupos com LDL entre 70-100 e < 70 (5,6% e 4,3%, respectivamente; p = 0,015). Há, também, diferença na incidência prévia de coronariopatia. No grupo com LDL < 70, 28,3% dos pacientes já apresentaram infarto prévio, comparados com 11,1% e 10,6% nos grupos 70-100 e > 100, respectivamente (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO Os dados do nosso estudo mostram que o controle de dislipidemia em diabéticos é inadequado, e há uma tendência de associação direta entre descontrole glicêmico e descontrole de dislipidemia, além de associação com outros fatores de risco cardiovascular, como hipertensão diastólica e tabagismo. Esse pior controle pode estar relacionado ao platô no descenso da curva de mortalidade, e o investimento nesse quesito pode melhorar a saúde cardiovascular dos diabéticos.

Fatty acid composition from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991 and its antioxidant activity

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fatty acids from the marine red algae Pterocladiella capillacea (S. G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand 1997 and Osmundaria obtusiloba (C. Agardh) R. E. Norris 1991. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified nine fatty acids in the two species. The major fatty acids of P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba were palmitic acid, oleic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. The DPPH radical scavenging capacity of fatty acids was moderate ranging from 25.90% to 29.97%. Fatty acids from P. capillacea (31.18%) had a moderate ferrous ions chelating activity (FIC), while in O. obtusiloba (17.17%), was weak. The ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of fatty acids from P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba was low. As for β-carotene bleaching (BCB), P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba showed a good activity. This is the first report of the antioxidant activities of fatty acids from the marine red algae P. capillacea and O. obtusiloba.

Ectopic testis in coati (Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766) / Testículo ectópico em quati (Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766)

This paper reports a case of unilateral extracorporeal ectopic testes in a captive coati (Nasua nasua) in the State Park of Dois Irmãos Zoo, Recife/PE, Brazil. The testicle was located in the subcutaneous tissue of the inguinal region not adhered to the surrounding tissues. After bilateral orchiectomy, both testes were measured, fixed with 10% formalin buffered and embedded in paraffin for histopathological evaluation. The left testis measured 1.2 cm width by 1.7cm length, and the right one measured 1.5 cm width by 2.0 cm length. The ectopic testes had seminiferous epithelium without post-meiotic germ cell lines. The non-ectopic testis had several changes in the seminiferous epithelium that indicated degeneration. In both epididymis, the lumen did not contain sperm and the major epithelial structural alterations were more distinct in the epididymis associated to the ectopic testicle. In conclusion, the ectopic testis and epididymis had lesions compatible with testicular exposition to body temperature. Non-ectopic epididymis and testis had minor lesions but could be related to the infertility of the coati.(AU)

O artigo relata um caso de testículo ectópico em quati de cativeiro (Nasua nasua) no Zoológico do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Recife/PE. O testículo encontrava-se localizado no tecido subcutâneo da região inguinal, sem estar aderido aos tecidos circunvizinhos. Após orquiectomia bilateral, ambos os testículos foram mensurados, fixados em formol a 10% e embebidos em parafina para avaliação histopatológica. O testículo esquerdo mediu 1,2cm de largura por 1,7cm de movimento; e o testículo direito mediu 1,5cm de largura por 2,0cm de comprimento. O testículo ectópico apresentou epitélio sem linhagem de células germinativas pós-meióticas. O testículo não ectópico apresentou alterações no epitélio seminífero caracterizando degeneração. Em ambos os epidídimos, o lúmen não continha espermatozoides e as principais alterações estruturais do epitélio foram mais distintas no epidídimo associado ao testículo ectópico. Conclui-se que o testículo ectópico e epidídimo apresentaram lesões características de aumento de temperatura. O testículo e epidídimo não ectópico apesentaram lesões menores mas que puderam ser associadas à infertilidade do quati.(AU)

Descrição morfológica do coração e dos vasos da base do jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare Daudin, 1802) proveniente de zoocriadouro / Morphological description of heart and large vessels of the jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare Daudin, 1802) from a crocodile breeding Center

Com este estudo objetivou-se descrever os aspectos anatômicos e histológicos do coração do jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare), proveniente de zoocriadouro. Para tanto, estudou-se 13 exemplares da espécie, os quais foram perfundidos, conservados em solução de formaldeído a 10% e submetidos às técnicas anatômicas específicas. O coração foi separado e amostras foram colhidas e submetidas à avaliação histológica. Macroscopicamente o coração é tetracavitário, e além de dois átrios e dois ventrículos, apresenta uma estrutura denominada cone arterial, do qual emergem os vasos da base do coração. Foram identificadas duas aortas, direita e esquerda, sendo que a esquerda emerge do ventrículo direito e se comunica com o tronco sistêmico direito por meio do forame de Panizza. Histologicamente o coração possui epicárdio, miocárdio e endocárdio típicos. Concluímos que a histologia do coração, no jacaré-do-pantanal, é semelhante à de outras espécies de répteis. Contudo, anatomicamente apresenta particularidades importantes, as quais representam, possivelmente, adaptações que permitiram a perpetuação da espécie.(AU)

The aim of this study was to describe anatomical and histological aspects of the heart of Caiman yacare from a crocodile breeding center. For this purpose, we have chosen and further studied 13 specimens which were perfused and preserved in a 10% formaldehyde solution and they were subjected to the specific anatomical techniques. The heart was separated and samples were collected and submitted to the specific histological procedures. Macroscopically, the heart is four-chambered and besides two atria and two ventricles, has a structure called arterial cone from which the large vessels of the heart emerge. Two aortas, left and right, were identified. The left aorta emerges from the right ventricle and communicates with the systemic trunk through the Foramen of Panizza. From a histological point of view, the heart is typically composed of epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. According to these observations, it is assumed that the histology of the heart of "Jacaré-do-Pantanal" is similar to other species of reptiles. However, there are some anatomic particularities, which possibly represent the adaptations allowing the perpetuation of the species.(AU)

Histological validation of morphochromatically-defined gonadal maturation stages of green abalone (Haliotis fulgens) Philippi,1845 and pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) Wood, 1828 / Validación histológica de las fases morfocromáticas de maduración gonádica del abulón azul (Haliotis fulgens) Philippi, 1845 y del abulón amarillo (Haliotis corrugata) Wood, 1828

Identifying the maturity stage of specimens is essential for the determination of the spawning season, which in turn facilitates the formulation of adequate fisheries management measures for the sustainable use of sea resources, such as abalone. This study aims to validate, based on histological evidence, a gonad maturation scale that encompasses four morphochromatically-defined stages (developing, maturity, spawning and resting) for females and males, plus an additional stage for reproductively inactive (undifferentiated) specimens, to be used as an identification key. Given the similarity between Haliotis fulgens and Haliotis corrugata as to their morphochromatic features, the gonadal maturation scale can be used for both species.

La determinación de la fase de madurez es importante para identificar la temporada de desove y permitir establecer medidas de manejo pesquero para el aprovechamiento responsable de los recursos como el abulón. El presente trabajo valida histológicamente una escala de maduración gonádica a manera de guía de identificación, que consiste de cuatro fases morfocromáticas para hembras y machos (desarrollo, madurez, desove y reposo), y un estadio para los organismos reproductivamente inactivos (indiferenciado). Dada la similitud entre las características morfocromáticas de Haliotis fulgens y Haliotis corrugata, la escala de maduración gonádica puede ser utilizada indistintamente.

Vegetación de un bosque de Polylepis incarum (Rosaceae) en el distrito de Lampa, Puno, Perú

Se estudió la vegetación de los bosques de Polylepis incarum (Bitter) M. Kessler & Schmidt-Lebuhn en el anexo de Lamparaquen, en la provincia de Lampa, departamento de Puno en los años 2009 y 2014. Se determinaron 83 especies vasculares pertenecientes a 35 familias. En cuanto a las formas de vida, dominan las herbáceas, gramíneas, arbustos y árboles, siendo en su mayoría, nativas e endémicas, algunas introducidas. Se identificó el ecosistema queñoal representado por la nueva unidad fitosociológica Lupino chlorolepis-Polylepidetum incari con cuatro subasociaciones respectivamente. La composición florística demuestra una riqueza moderada-alta de especies, siendo las familias con mayor representatividad, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae y Pteridaceae. Se aplicó el método fitosociológico de Braun-Blanquet para el análisis de unidades vegetativas. Se presenta la clasificación de comunidades mediante el software TWINSPAN, el análisis de ordinación DCA con el software CANOCO 4.5 y un dendrograma basado en correlación de especies para cada cuadrante efectuado con el software PC-ORD. Mayores estudios son aún necesarios para tener una visión más amplia de las comunidades de plantas en otras zonas geográficas, y evaluar como la vegetación puede verse afectadas con el cambio climático y acciones antrópicas.

The vegetation of the Polylepis incarum (Bitter) M. Kessler & Schmidt-LeBuhn forests was studied in the Lamparaquen annex in the province of Lampa, Puno department in 2009 and 2014. A total of 83 vascular species belonging to 35 families were determined. The lifeforms are represented by herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees, being mostly native and endemic species with some introduced. The queñoal ecosystem is represented by the new phytosociological unit Lupino chlorolepis-Polylepidetum incari with four subassociations identified. The floristic composition shows a moderate to high species richness, being the most representative families, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae and Pteridaceae. The Braun-Blanquet phytosociological method was applied for the analysis of the vegetation units. The classification of communities was done by means of TWINSPAN software, DCA ordination analysis with CANOCO 4.5 software and a dendrogram based on the correlation of species for each quadrant which was performed with PC-ORD software. Further studies are still needed to have a broader view of the plant communities in other geographic areas, and evaluate how vegetation may be affected by climate change and human actions.

MicroRNA let-7f mediates mitochondrial respiratory deficit induced by repeated ethanol exposure and withdrawal in HT22 cells.

Aims: The expression of gene and gene product is typically inhibited by a small noncoding RNA (microRNA) or DNA methylation. The aim of this study is to investigate mechanisms involving microRNA let-7f by which the repeated cycles of ethanol exposure and withdrawal provoke mitochondrial respiratory damage. Study Design: The rat or cell model of repeated withdrawal from a high dose of ethanol exposure was used to mimic human alcoholics who repeat the cycles of heavy drinking and unsuccessful attempts at abstaining. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, between June 2011 and March 2014. Methodology: Male adult rats received an ethanol program, consisting of two cycles of ethanol exposure (4 weeks) and withdrawal (2 weeks). At the end of the ethanol program, one hemisphere of each rat was used to measure the level of let-7f using TaqMan let-7f primers and qPCR. The other hemisphere was used to measure the methylation of cytosine in let-7f gene using bisulfite conversion and pyrosequencing. Separately, HT22 cells (mouse hippocampal cells) were exposed to an ethanol program, consisting of two cycles of ethanol exposure (20 hours) and withdrawal (4 hours). During the entire ethanol program, the cells were treated with let-7f antagomir (inhibitor) or a methylation-inducing methyl-donor. The role of let-7f in mitochondria was assessed by quantifying a mitochondrial enzyme, cytochrome c oxidase-IV (COX subunit IV) and realtime mitochondrial respiration using an immunoblot method and XF respirometry, respectively. Results: The level of let-7f increased (2.4±0.5 fold increase), whereas the methylation of let-7f gene decreased in the brain of rats that underwent repeated ethanol exposure and withdrawal (called “repeated-ethanol/withdrawal”). The methyl-donor treatment completely abolished the increase in let-7f induced by repeated-ethanol/withdrawal. let-7f antagomir treatment also abolished the inhibiting effect of repeated-ethanol/withdrawal on COX-IV and mitochondrial respiration. Conclusion: These data suggest that repeated-ethanol/withdrawal provokes the dysregulation of let-7f, thereby damaging brain mitochondria. Mitochondria-associated microRNA may be a potential research and drug target to manage alcoholism.

Um cisne, duas forças: sobre apolíneo e dionisíaco na ética do consumo / One swan, two forces: on apollonian and dionysian in the ethic of consumption / Un cisne, dos fuerzas: por apolíneo y dionisíaco en la ética del consumo

Neste artigo, procuramos analisar uma possível cisão na ética contemporânea servindo-nos do modelo das forças conflituosas do apolíneo e do dionisíaco conforme propostas por Nietzsche. Analisamos e destacamos as orientações éticas relacionadas ao consumo e aos conflitos subjetivos a elas relacionados. Para realizar tal estudo, usamos como ponto de partida uma análise do filme Cisne Negro (2010), de Darren Aronofsky, que traz à tona questões centrais para a análise que nos propomos realizar, complementando-o, ainda, com outras referências literárias e publicitárias.

In this article we analyzed a possible division in contemporary ethic using the model of the conflicting forces of apollonian and Dionysian, as proposed by Nietzsche. We analyze and emphasize the ethical guidelines related to consumption and the subjective conflicts related to them. To develop this study our starting point was an analysis of the movie Black Swan (2010), by Darren Aronofsky, which brings up central questions to the analysis that we propose to accomplish. To complement our analysis we also use other references from literature and advertising.

En este artículo se analiza una posible división en la ética contemporánea utilizando el modelo de las fuerzas contradictorias de apolíneo y dionisíaco, según lo propuesto por Nietzsche. Analizamos las directrices éticas relacionadas con el consumo y los conflictos subjetivos relacionados con las mismas. Para desarrollar este estudio nuestro punto de partida fue un análisis de la película Cisne Negro (2010), de Darren Aronofsky, que nos lleva a cuestiones centrales para el análisis. Para complementar nuestro análisis también utilizamos otras referencias de la literatura y la publicidad.

Uso da proteína morfogenética óssea recombinante humana-2 em levantamento de assoalho de seio maxilar / Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in maxillary sinus floor augmentation

Pacientes desdentados posteriores frequentemente apresentam pneumatização dos seios maxilares, dificultando a colocação de implantes dentários. Atualmente, o material mais utilizado para o preenchimento de seio maxilar é o enxerto ósseo autógeno retirado de sítios intra ou extrabucais. Apesar desse procedimento ter sua eficácia comprovada clínica e histologicamente, nem sempre é bem tolerado pelos pacientes devido à morbidade associada à manipulação da área doadora. Por isso, vários substitutos ósseos vêm sendo desenvolvidos. A proteína óssea morfogenética recombinante humana-2 surgiu recentemente como uma alternativa aos enxertos autógenos, oferecendo excelente padrão de reparo e/ou neoformação óssea, quando utilizada na reconstrução de rebordos alveolares, possibilitando a reabilitação com próteses implantossuportadas. Nesse trabalho foi feita uma revisão da literatura e apresentação de caso de levantamento de assoalho de seio maxilar bilateral com o uso da proteína óssea morfogenética.

Edentulous patients in the posterior maxillary region frequently present pneumatization of maxillary sinuses, which makes difficult installation of dental implants. Nowadays, most commonly used materials for maxillary sinus filling are autogenous bone grafts from intra- or extra-oral donor sites. Despite the elevated clinical and histologic success rates of this procedure, it is always not well-tolerated by patients due to morbidity seen after donor site manipulation. For this, many bone substitutes have been developed. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 appeared recently as an alternative to autogenous bone grafts, offering excellent patterns of bone repair and/or neoformation when used for reconstruction of alveolar ridges, allowing rehabilitation with implant-supported prostheses. The aim of this article is to perform a literature review and also to report a case in which bilateral elevation of maxillary sinus floor was performed along with rhBMP-2.

Bifocal distraction in patient with rheumatoid arthritis and severe condylar degeneration: report of case / Distracción bifocal en paciente con artritis reumatoide y degeneración condilar severa: reporte de un caso

Facial involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is variable depending on the type, onset, and duration of the disease. The treatment of patients with open bite resulting from degenerative changes on the condyles can be a challenge for the surgeon. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by chronic inflammation and proliferation of synovial tissue. Studies showed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can developed progressive osteoarthrosis that result in gross radiographic changes in the condyles. With the development of distraction osteogénesis for treatment of mandible hypoplasia a new chapter has been opened in the surgical management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis associated with skeletal deficiency. The aim of this paper is to evaluate osteogenesis distraction for treatment of anterior open bite in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and severe condylar degeneration.

El compromiso facial en pacientes con artritis reumatoide es variable dependiendo del inicio, tipo y duración de la enfermedad. El tratamiento del paciente con mordida abierta resultante de procesos degenerativos condilares son desafiantes para los cirujanos. La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad sistémica de etiología desconocida caracterizada por inflamación crónica y proliferación del tejido sinovial. Algunos estudios han demostrado que pacientes con artritis reumatoide pueden desarrollar osteoartrosis progresiva que resulta en importantes cambios condilares. Con el desarrollo de la distracción osteogénica para el tratamiento de la hipoplasia mandibular se abrió un nuevo capítulo en el manejo quirúrgico de pacientes con artritis reumatoide asociada a deficiencias esqueletales. El objetivo de este artículo es evaluar la aplicación de distracción osteogénica en un caso de mordida abierta anterior en paciente con artritis reumatoide y degeneración condilar severa.

O impacto do aumento dos incisivos superiores na atratividade e rejuvenescimento do sorriso / Impact of increasing upper incisors length on smiles attractiveness and youthful appearance

O propósito desta pesquisa foi avaliar a atratividade e percepção da idade do sorriso por leigos e cirurgiões-dentistas frente ao aumento do comprimento de incisivos superiores em fotografias aproximadas e frontais da face. Foram obtidas fotografas iniciais e finais do sorriso aproximado e da face. Os resultados apresentaram uma diferença estatisticamente signifcativa (P menor ou igual a 0,001) com maior atratividade na fotografia final para leigos e cirurgiões-dentistas. O aumento do comprimento dos incisivos superiores proporcionou sete anos de rejuvenescimento considerando a percepção dos cirurgiões-dentistas, quatro anos para os leigos e um impacto positivo na atratividade entre as fotos iniciais e finais, sendo uma alternativa de tratamento estético para alcançar um sorriso agradável.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate atractiveness and perception of aging on smile by laypersons and dental professionals on close-up and facial photographs. The results show that increasing superior incisors length provides seven years of youthful appearance by dental professionals, four years by laypersons and positive impact on atractiveness between initial and final photographs, providing an alternative treatment that enhances an agreeable smile.

Uso da técnica de Southern Blot/Hibridização associada à reação em cadeia da polimerase para aumentar a sensibilidade no diagnóstico das infecções por hemoplasmas em gatos domésticos: Use of Southern Blot/Hybridization technique associated to polymerase chain reaction to improve the sensitivity in the diagnosis of hemoplasma infections in domestic cats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a técnica de Southern Blot/Hibridização (SB) em associação à reação de polimerização em cadeia (PCR) aumenta a sensibilidade na detecção de DNA de hemoplasmas em gatos domésticos (Felis catus). O sangue total foi coletado em tubos contendo o anticoagulante ácido etilenodiamino tetra-acético, o DNA extraído a partir de 149 animais e a PCR realizada com o uso de sequências iniciadoras espécie-específicas, para amplificar subunidade 16S do RNA ribossomal de Mycoplasma haemofelis e 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' dessas amostras. Para a hibridização, foram utilizadas sondas específicas quimicamente marcadas, e os resultados visualizados por meio da adição de substrato quimiluminescente seguida de autoradiografia. Dezoito (12,1%) das 149 amostras testadas apresentaram resultado PCR-positivo para o DNA de hemoplasmas. A técnica de SB mostrou que 24/149 (16,1%) amostras apresentaram resultado positivo para hemoplasmas, confirmando os 18 resultados PCR-positivos, além de revelar seis outros adicionais (p < 0,001). O método de SB com sondas específicas mostrou-se mais sensível do que a PCR realizada isoladamente, sendo complementar para o diagnóstico das infecções causadas pelos hemoplasmas felinos.

The aim of this study was to determine whether Southern Blot/Hybridization (SB) associated to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) improves the sensitivity in the detection of hemoplasma DNA in domestic cats (Felis catus). Whole blood was collected in tubes containing the anticoagulant ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and DNA extracted from 149 animals. PCR was performed using species specific primers to amplify the 16S ribosomal RNA subunit of Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' from these samples. Hybridization was performed using a 16S rDNA probes chemically labeled and the results were visualized using a chemiluminescent substrate addition followed by autoradiography. Eighteen (12.1%) of the 149 tested samples had a positive PCR result for hemoplasma species DNA. SB/hybridization technique showed that 24/149 (16.1%) samples were positive for hemoplasmas, confirming the 18 PCR-positive results and reveling six additional positive animals (p < 0.001). SB/hybridization method with specific probes was more sensitive than PCR performed alone, being complimentary to this technique to diagnose infections caused by feline hemoplasmas.

Gel mobility shift scanning of pectin-inducible promoter from Penicillium griseoroseum reveals the involvement of a CCAAT element in the expression of a polygalacturonase gene

Previous reports have described pgg2, a polygalacturonase-encoding gene of Penicillium griseoroseum, as an attractive model for transcriptional regulation studies, due to its high expression throughout several in vitro growth conditions, even in the presence of non-inducing sugars such as sucrose. A search for regulatory motifs in the 5' upstream regulatory sequence of pgg2 identified a putative CCAAT box that could justify this expression profile. This element, located 270 bp upstream of the translational start codon, was tested as binding target for regulatory proteins. Analysis of a 170 bp promoter fragment by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) with nuclear extracts prepared from mycelia grown in pectin-containing culture medium revealed a high mobility complex that was subsequently confirmed by analyzing it with a double-stranded oligonucleotide spanning the CCAAT motif. A substitution in the core sequence for GTAGG partially abolished the formation of specific complexes, showing the involvement of the CCAAT box in the regulation of the polygalacturonase gene studied.

Uso da técnica de Southern Blot/Hibridização associada à reação em cadeia da polimerase para aumentar a sensibilidade no diagnóstico das infecções por hemoplasmas em gatos domésticos / Use of Southern Blot/Hybridization technique associated to polymerase chain reaction to improve the sensitivity in the diagnosis of hemoplasma infections in domestic cats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi veriicar se a técnica de Southern Blot/Hibridização (SB) em associação à reação de polimerização em cadeia (PCR) aumenta a sensibilidade na detecção de DNA de hemoplasmas em gatos domésticos (Felis catus). O sangue total foi coletado em tubos contendo o anticoagulante ácido etilenodiamino tetra-acético, o DNA extraído a partir de 149 animais e a PCR realizada com o uso de sequências iniciadoras espécie-especíicas, para ampliicar subunidade 16S do RNA ribossomal de Mycoplasma haemofelis e ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ dessas amostras. Para a hibridização, foram utilizadas sondas especíicas quimicamente marcadas, e os resultados visualizados por meio da adição de substrato quimiluminescente seguida de autoradiograia. Dezoito (12,1%) das 149 amostras testadas apresentaram resultado PCR-positivo para o DNA de hemoplasmas. A técnica de SB mostrou que 24/149 (16,1%) amostras apresentaram resultado positivo para hemoplasmas, conirmando os 18 resultados PCR-positivos, além de revelar seis outros adicionais (p < 0,001). O método de SB com sondas especíicas mostrou-se mais sensível do que a PCR realizada isoladamente, sendo complementar para o diagnóstico das infecções causadas pelos hemoplasmas felinos.

The aim of this study was to determine whether Southern Blot/Hybridization (SB) associated to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) improves the sensitivity in the detection of hemoplasma DNA in domestic cats (Felis catus). Whole blood was collected in tubes containing the anticoagulant ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and DNA extracted from 149 animals. PCR was performed using species speciic primers to amplify the 16S ribosomal RNA subunit of Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus M. haemominutum’ from these samples. Hybridization was performed using a 16S rDNA probes chemically labeled and the results were visualized using a chemiluminescent substrate addition followed by autoradiography. Eighteen (12.1%) of the 149 tested samples had a positive PCR result for hemoplasma species DNA. SB/hybridization technique showed that 24/149 (16.1%) samples were positive for hemoplasmas, conirming the 18 PCR-positive results and reveling six additional positive animals (p < 0.001). SB/hybridization method with speciic probes was more sensitive than PCR performed alone, being complimentary to this technique to diagnose infections caused by feline hemoplasmas.