Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a prototypical lower motor neuron disorder. However, the characteristic early motor impairment raises the question on the scope of brain involvement with implications for further investigations on the brain as a potential therapeutic target. OBJECTIVE: To review changes across the SMA clinical spectrum reported on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of existing literature on PubMed and EMBASE. Two reviewers searched and retrieved relevant articles on magnetic resonance brain imaging in individuals with SMA censoring to April 2022. Full-text articles published in peer-reviewed journals or abstracts accepted to conferences in English and French were included. RESULTS: Twelve articles were identified describing a total of 39 patients [age range: 11 days to 41 years old, type 0 (n = 5), type 1 (n = 4), type 2 (n = 2), type 3 (n = 22), type 4 (n = 6)]. All reported structural changes and did not explore other MRI modalities. In individuals with infantile onset SMA, cortical and subcortical brain abnormalities in white matter, basal ganglia, thalamus, hippocampus, and high intensity areas around lateral ventricles and thalami were reported over time. In individuals with later-onset SMA, reduced cerebellar and lobular volume were observed as well as increased grey matter density in motor areas. CONCLUSIONS: Limited data on brain imaging in SMA highlights both cortical and subcortical involvement in SMA, supporting the hypothesis that changes are not restricted to lower motor neuron pathways. Further studies are needed to determine the extent and prevalence of structural and functional brain changes across SMA types.

Association between the total of falls reported and the number of home ergonomic barriers / Associação entre o total de quedas relatadas e o número de barreiras ergonômicas domiciliares

Objective: To investigate the association between the total number of falls in the last year and the number of home ergonomic barriers (HEB). Method: Cross-sectional study, Volunteers aged ≥60 years were included in the study. The history of falls and the number of HEBs were evaluated via a questionnaire. vulnerability through the Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES-13) and fear of falling observed by the Falls Efficacy Scale - International- Brazilian (FES-I-BR). Data normality was verified with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the correlation between total falls and the number of ergonomic barriers was verified with the Spearman test and the association between ergonomic barriers and groups with and without a history of falls, in the last year, through bivariate logistic regression and the chi-square test, the significance level of p≤ 0.05 was adopted. Results: Of the 123 individuals evaluated, 48% had a history of falls, with a mean of 3.83±1.96. The lack of support bars was considered protective [OR= 0.30; p= 0.042] and the absence of uniform floors and well-fixed mats were considered as risk factors for falls [OR= 3.71; p= 0.004]. Elderly people with a history of falls with ≥ 04 HEB, presented a greater risk of falls [OR= 5.98 p<0.0001]. Conclusion: The amount ≥ 04 HEB is associated with a history of falls, the absence of handrails is a protective factor, and uneven or slippery floors are risk factors for falls.

Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre o número total de quedas no último ano e o número de barreiras ergonômicas domiciliares (BED). Método: Estudo transversal, voluntários com idade ≥60 anos foram incluídos no estudo. A história de quedas e o número de BED foram avaliados por meio de um questionário, a vulnerabilidade através do Vulnerable Elders Survey 13 (VES-13) e o medo de cair observado pela Falls Efficacy Scale - International- Brazilian (FES-I-BR). A normalidade dos dados foi verificada com o teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, a correlação entre total de quedas e a quantidade de barreiras ergonômicas foi verificada com teste de Spearman e associação entre as barreiras ergonômicas e os grupos com e sem histórico de quedas no último ano, através da regressão logística bivariada e pelo teste de Qui-quadrado, o nível de significância de p≤ 0,05 foi adotado. Resultados: Dos 123 indivíduos avaliados, 48% tinham histórico de quedas, com média de 3,83±1,96. A falta de barras de apoio foi considerada protetora [OR= 0,30; p= 0,042] e a ausência de pisos uniformes e tapetes bem fixados foram considerados fatores de risco para quedas [OR= 3,71; p= 0,004]. Idosos com histórico de quedas com ≥ 04 BED, apresentaram maior risco de quedas [OR= 5,98 p<0,0001]. Conclusão: A quantidade ≥ 04 BED está associada a histórico de quedas, a ausência de corrimão é fator de proteção e pisos irregulares ou escorregadios são fatores de risco para quedas.

Correlação entre risco de quedas, vulnerabilidade e composição corporal de idosos de um centro de atenção integral a saúde do idoso / Correlation between risk of falls, vulnerability and body composition of the elderly in a comprehensive health care center for the elderly

Objetivo: Investigar a correlação do risco de queda com a diminuição da mobilidade funcional, vulnerabilidade e a obesidade em idosos. Método: Estudo transversal, foram avaliados idosos ativos de ambos os sexos, idade entre 60-85 anos e excluídos voluntários que não realizaram os testes avaliativos propostos para identificar a mobilidade funcional e o estado nutricional. Foram aplicados os testes Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) que classificou o estado nutricional desnutrição IMC ≤ 22, risco nutricional IMC= 22.1-24.0, peso ideal IMC= 24.1-27.0, sobrepeso IMC 27.1-30 e obesidade com IMC > 30.0, o Timed Up & Go (TUG) para identificar a mobilidade funcional e os riscos funcionais relacionados a quedas em idosos e a classificação adotada para este estudo foi ≥ 10s sendo indicadores de risco de quedas e o Vulnerable Elders Survey(VES-13) que classificou como idoso vulnerável os voluntários com a pontuação > 2 pontos. A análise estatística foi realizada em 95% nível de confiança e p<0,05. Resultados: Participaram 104 idosos, classificados com ausência de risco para quedas (67.3%), não vulneráveis (67.3%) e como obesos (24%). Não foi observada correlação entre obesos com o risco de quedas no tempo em segundos do TUG [ρ= -0.115; p>0.05] e com a classificação do TUG [ρ= -0.152; p>0.05]. Porém, foi observada correlação entre a vulnerabilidade com o risco de quedas no tempo em segundos do TUG [ρ= 0.217; p<0.05]. Conclusão: Não foi observada correlação entre obesidade e risco para quedas. Contudo, verificou-se que quando mais vulnerável maior é o risco para quedas.

Objective:To investigate the correlation of the risk of falling with the decrease in functional mobility, vulnerability and obesity in the elderly.Method:Cross-sectional study. Active elderly people of both sexes, aged between 60-85 years were evaluated, and volunteers who did not undergo the evaluative tests proposed to identify functional mobility and nutritional status were excluded.The Body Mass Index (BMI) tests were applied, which classified the nutritional status of malnutritionBMI ≤ 22, nutritional risk BMI= 22.1-24.0,ideal weight BMI= 24.1-27.0, overweight BMI 27.1-30 and obesity with BMI > 30.0,the Timed Up & Go (TUG) to identify functional mobility and functional risks related to falls in the elderly and the classification adopted for this study was ≥ 10s being risk indicators for falls and the Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) that classified as vulnerable elderly, volunteers with a score > 2 points.Statisticalanalysiswasperformedat 95% confidencelevel and p<0.05. Results:104 elderlypeopleparticipated, classified as having no risk for falls (67.3%), non-vulnerable (67.3%) and as obese (24%). There was no correlation between obese subjects andthe risk of falls in TUG time in seconds [ρ= -0.115; p>0.05] andwith the TUG classification [ρ= -0.152; p>0.05]. However, there was a correlation between vulnerability and the risk of falls in time in seconds of the TUG [ρ= 0.217; p<0.05].Conclusion:Nocorrelation was observed between obesity and risk of falls. However, it was found that the more vulnerable the greater the risk for falls.

Effects of Raloxifene Combined with Low-dose Conjugated Estrogen on the Endometrium in Menopausal Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of low-dose conjugated estrogen (CE), raloxifene, and the combination thereof on the endometrium of postmenopausal women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women between 45 and 60 years of age, with Gail score≥1.67 and no endometrial disorders, were randomly assigned to receive low-dose CE (0.3 mg), raloxifene (60 mg), or combined therapy for 1 year. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed at baseline and every 3 months; the Kupperman Index was assessed at baseline and every 6 months. Endometrial biopsies were performed if endometrial thickness (ET) was ≥5 mm or if vaginal bleeding occurred. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ET≥5 mm over the one-year period. RESULTS: Seventy-three women were randomly assigned and analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. Eight, three, and four women in the CE, raloxifene, and combination groups, respectively, exhibited ET≥5 mm. No genital bleeding was reported in the combination group. Endometrial biopsy revealed atrophy or polyps in all groups, with one patient in the CE group exhibiting a proliferative endometrium without atypia. At 6 months, there was a progressive increase in mean ET in the CE group, but not in the other two groups, with statistically significant differences at 6, 9, and 12 months. Mean scores for vasomotor symptoms and Kupperman Index favored the CE and combination groups over raloxifene. CONCLUSION: Combined raloxifene and low-dose CE decreased the severity of menopausal symptoms to a similar extent as CE alone and had similar effects as raloxifene alone on the endometrium.

Effects of raloxifene combined with low-dose conjugated estrogen on the endometrium in menopausal women at high risk for breast cancer

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of low-dose conjugated estrogen (CE), raloxifene, and the combination thereof on the endometrium of postmenopausal women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women between 45 and 60 years of age, with Gail score≥1.67 and no endometrial disorders, were randomly assigned to receive low-dose CE (0.3 mg), raloxifene (60 mg), or combined therapy for 1 year. Transvaginal ultrasound was performed at baseline and every 3 months; the Kupperman Index was assessed at baseline and every 6 months. Endometrial biopsies were performed if endometrial thickness (ET) was ≥5 mm or if vaginal bleeding occurred. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ET≥5 mm over the one-year period. RESULTS: Seventy-three women were randomly assigned and analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis. Eight, three, and four women in the CE, raloxifene, and combination groups, respectively, exhibited ET≥5 mm. No genital bleeding was reported in the combination group. Endometrial biopsy revealed atrophy or polyps in all groups, with one patient in the CE group exhibiting a proliferative endometrium without atypia. At 6 months, there was a progressive increase in mean ET in the CE group, but not in the other two groups, with statistically significant differences at 6, 9, and 12 months. Mean scores for vasomotor symptoms and Kupperman Index favored the CE and combination groups over raloxifene. CONCLUSION: Combined raloxifene and low-dose CE decreased the severity of menopausal symptoms to a similar extent as CE alone and had similar effects as raloxifene alone on the endometrium.

Medo de cair em idosos classificados como vulneráveis de um centro de referência à atenção da saúde do idoso / Fear of falling among elderly people classified as vulnerable in a referral center for elderly health care

Objetivo: Correlacionar o medo de cair com a vulnerabilidade em idosos. Método: A vulnerabilidade foi avaliada por meio da Pesquisa sobre Idosos Vulneráveis (VES-13) e o medo de cair pela Escala de Eficácia de Quedas - Internacional ­ Brasileira (FES-I-BR), participaram idosos de ambos os sexos e idade (60-85 anos), foram excluídos voluntários com limitações cognitivas e os que não participavam do grupo de convivência. Foram aplicado os testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, de Mann-Whitney, de Spearman, de regressão logística binária e para análise de sensibilidade e especificidade da FES-I-BR, empregou-se a curva da característica do operador receptor (ROC), a análise foi realizada em 95% nível de confiança e p<0,05 foi adotado. Resultados: Entre os n= 123 idosos, foi observado que (33,3%) são vulneráveis, n= 120 (97,6%) apresentaram alguma preocupação em cair. Entre as atividades analisadas na FES-I-BR, 21,1% estão extremamente preocupados em cair ao andar em superfícies escorregadias e foi observada uma correlação positiva e significativa entre a pontuação do VES-13 com a pontuação da FES-I-BR, a FES-I-BR foi um previsor significativo para a vulnerabilidade. A FES-I-BR de forma aceitável mostrou-se capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de vulneráveis de não vulneráveis em uma área de 0,656 (p<0,005), sensibilidade de 53,7% e especificidade de 69,5%. Conclusão: O medo de cair está correlacionado com a vulnerabilidade, os idosos vulneráveis apresentaram mais medo de cair, o medo de cair é fator preditor de vulnerabilidade e a FES-I-BR foi capaz de discriminar o medo de cair de idosos vulneráveis e não vulneráveis

Objective: Was to correlate the fear of falling with vulnerability in the elderly. Method: Vulnerability was assessed using the Vulnerable Elderly Survey (VES-13) and the fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale - International - Brazilian (FES-I-BR), elderly people of both sexes and age (60- 85 years old), volunteers with cognitive limitations and those who did not participate in the coexistence group were excluded. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Spearman, binary logistic regression tests were applied and for the sensitivity and specificity analysis of the FES-I-BR, the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (ROC) was used, analysis was performed at 95% confidence level and p <0.05 was adopted. Results: Among the n = 123 elderly, it was observed that (33.3%) are vulnerable, n = 120 (97.6%) had some concern about falling. Among the activities analyzed at FES-I-BR, 21.1% are extremely concerned about falling when walking on slippery surfaces and a positive and significant correlation was observed between the VES-13 score and the FES-I-BR score, FES-I-BR was a significant predictor for the vulnerability. In the present study, the FES-I-BR in an acceptable way proved to be able to discriminate the fear of falling from vulnerable to non-vulnerable in an area of 0.656 (p <0.005), sensitivity of 53.7% and specificity of 69, 5%. Conclusion: Fear of falling is correlated with vulnerability, vulnerable elderly people were more afraid of falling, fear of falling is a predictor of vulnerability and FES-I-BR was able to discriminate between the fear of falling of vulnerable and non-vulnerable elderly people

What Do Doctors Think About Value-Based Healthcare? A Survey of Practicing Physicians in a Private Healthcare Provider in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: As health systems start to discuss alternative payment models for fostering value in healthcare, there is increased interest in understanding how physicians will cope with different remuneration schemes. We conducted a survey of physicians practicing at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, a nonprofit private healthcare provider in Brazil, aimed at capturing their awareness of value-based healthcare (VBHC). METHODS: Our study uses data from a survey administered to doctors practicing at Einstein between September and November 2018. Descriptive statistics and adjusted multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to describe physicians' characteristics associated with their views on VBHC. RESULTS: A total of 1000 physicians completed the survey (response rate: 13%). Although only 25% knew the value equation, 67% defined value in health according to Porter's-the outcomes that matter to patients in relation to the costs of offering such outcomes. Most participants identified increased healthcare costs as the main reason for the discussions over new financing models. Only 27% of physicians rated their awareness of VBHC as high or very high. In the multivariate analysis, awareness of VBHC was associated with holding a management position, scoring high in the hospital's physician segmentation program, being familiar with the value equation, and attributing high importance to developing new VBHC financing models for health system transformation. CONCLUSIONS: Physician awareness of key VBHC concepts is still heterogeneous in our clinical setting. Promoting opportunities for involving physicians in the discussion of VBHC is key for a successful value-driven transformation of healthcare.

Field validation of a Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana exo-antigens ELISA for diagnosing tegumentary leishmaniasis in regions of Leishmania (Viannia) predominance

Background: Several tests are performed to obtain better accuracy when diagnosing American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). It is believed that antigens released via secretion, excretion and metabolism are more specific than are antigens released by the lysis of Leishmania parasites. Such antigens are known as exo-antigens (exo-Ag) and are formed from products released by cultured parasites in a way that is similar to that in which they cause infections in hosts. Objective: We attempted to validate a Leishmania mexicana ELISA exo-Ag for ATL diagnosis in Midwestern Brazil. Methods: A total of 281 patients were included in the study. We analysed pre-treatment blood from 98 ATL patients; out of those, 85.7% and 14.3% had cutaneous and mucosal forms, respectively. Results: The exo-Ag accuracy was 83.99% (95% CI = 79.24-87.81) with a sensitivity value of 90.82% (95% CI = 83.46-95.09) and an overall specificity value of 80.33% (95% CI = 73.97-85.44). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 71.20% (95% CI = 62.72-78.41) and 94.23% (95% CI = 89.40-96.94), respectively. Among healthy controls, exo-Ag had a specificity of 91.25% (95% CI = 83.02-95.70); additionally, the test had specificity rates of 66.67% (95% CI = 46.71-82.03) in Chagas disease patients, 60.61% (95% CI = 43.68-75.32) in patients with rheumatic diseases, 76.92% (95% CI = 49.74-91.82) in pemphigus foliaceus patients, 87.50% (95% CI = 52.91-97.76) in leprosy patients, 87.50% (95% CI = 63.98-96.50) in VRDL-positive patients, and 77.78 (95% CI = 45.26-93.68) in deep mycosis patients. Conclusion: Based on the indicators of validity, we conclude that the results obtained in this study enable the recommendation of the exo-Ag ELISA for ATL diagnosis once it presented a reasonable accuracy compared to classical methods. Cost evaluations are necessary to completely define the role of this technique in large scale. .

Field validation of a Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana exo-antigens ELISA for diagnosing tegumentary leishmaniasis in regions of Leishmania (Viannia) predominance.

BACKGROUND: Several tests are performed to obtain better accuracy when diagnosing American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL). It is believed that antigens released via secretion, excretion and metabolism are more specific than are antigens released by the lysis of Leishmania parasites. Such antigens are known as exo-antigens (exo-Ag) and are formed from products released by cultured parasites in a way that is similar to that in which they cause infections in hosts. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to validate a Leishmania mexicana ELISA exo-Ag for ATL diagnosis in Midwestern Brazil. METHODS: A total of 281 patients were included in the study. We analysed pre-treatment blood from 98 ATL patients; out of those, 85.7% and 14.3% had cutaneous and mucosal forms, respectively. RESULTS: The exo-Ag accuracy was 83.99% (95% CI=79.24-87.81) with a sensitivity value of 90.82% (95% CI=83.46-95.09) and an overall specificity value of 80.33% (95% CI=73.97-85.44). The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 71.20% (95% CI=62.72-78.41) and 94.23% (95% CI=89.40-96.94), respectively. Among healthy controls, exo-Ag had a specificity of 91.25% (95% CI=83.02-95.70); additionally, the test had specificity rates of 66.67% (95% CI=46.71-82.03) in Chagas disease patients, 60.61% (95% CI=43.68-75.32) in patients with rheumatic diseases, 76.92% (95% CI=49.74-91.82) in pemphigus foliaceus patients, 87.50% (95% CI=52.91-97.76) in leprosy patients, 87.50% (95% CI=63.98-96.50) in VRDL-positive patients, and 77.78 (95% CI=45.26-93.68) in deep mycosis patients. CONCLUSION: Based on the indicators of validity, we conclude that the results obtained in this study enable the recommendation of the exo-Ag ELISA for ATL diagnosis once it presented a reasonable accuracy compared to classical methods. Cost evaluations are necessary to completely define the role of this technique in large scale.

Lutzomyia whitmani is the main vector of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Federal District and the most prevalent species in residential areas of the Administrative Region of Sobradinho.

Although cases of cutaneous Leishmaniasis have been reported in Brasilia - DF, its mode of transmission is still unknown. Center of Disease Control traps (CDC trap) placed around Sobradinho, a periurban area in the Brazilian Federal District, were able to capture a sample of phlebotomines composed of 89% Lutzomyia whitmani, 7% Lu. bacula, and 3% Lu. davisi specimens. Being of 77% of these specimens were captured in peridomiciliary. PCR analyses showed that the specimens were negative for Leishmania DNA. However, the high prevalence of Lu. Whitmani in the studied region suggests that it may be the main vector for the transmission of Leishmaniasis in peridomiciliary areas in the studied region.

Estrogens plus raloxifene on endometrial safety and menopausal symptoms--semisystematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence of endometrial safety and quality of life assessment in postmenopausal women taking raloxifene (RLX) + estrogens (E). METHODS: Clinical studies reporting RLX + E were identified using Medline and LILACS and through reviewing reference lists of highly significant publications. Articles published in Portuguese, Spanish, and English from the past 10 years were considered. RESULTS: Six corresponding clinical trials were identified. Different estrogen formulations, doses, and routes were used. The primary outcome of the selected studies also differed. Most of the studies found a benefit profile on RLX + E on women's quality of life, satisfaction with the treatment, and vaginal dryness. Some studies showed an increased endometrial thickness after 3 months of treatment. Most biopsies revealed benign endometrial proliferation; only two women experienced endometrial hyperplasia, both of them after 24 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There are only a few clinical trials that evaluated endometrial safety and quality of life with RLX + E in postmenopausal women. The benefits shown on quality of life and endometrial safety are not certified. Larger studies are deemed necessary to define the better estrogen form and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term use of RLX + E.

Alimentos transgênicos e seus impactos sobre a segurança alimentar / Food genetically modified and their impact on food security

O alimento transgênico é uma criação da engenharia genética e da biotecnologia com a finalidade de melhoramento na sua produção, qualidade nutricional, aumento da vida de prateleira, climatização, etc. Diversos impactos foram relatados sobre a produção de alimentos transgênicos quanto a sua segurança. Impactos esses de debates entre empresas multinacionais detentoras dos organismos geneticamente modificados (OGMs), governos e organizações representantes aos interesses das comunidades sociais. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver uma análise crítica dos alimentos transgênicos quanto à segurança alimentar. A abordagem foi realizada de acordo com vários fatores que afetam diretamente os alimentos transgênicos: a sua utilização para o combate da fome no mundo, os benefícios, os riscos, a segurança alimentar focando a biossegurança e seus aspectos éticos, a percepção pública, bem como o direito do consumidor.

Efetividade do dispositivo intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel (Mirena®) para a terapia de reposição hormonal na perimenopausa e pós-menopausa. / The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena®) for hormone replacement therapy in the peri- and postmenopausal women

A utilização do dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) hormonal para a contracepção é uma constante no consultório de ginecologia da atualidade. Entretanto, outras indicações como o tratamento de algumas patologias ginecológicas benignas, e mais recentemente, o uso para terapia de reposição hormonal (TRH) no climatério têm chamado a atenção. Esta revisão tem como objetivo demonstrar os achados dos artigos publicados, desde 2001, sobre a avaliação do DIU de levonorgestrel (LNG) durante esta fase de turbulência hormonal feminina. No período do climatério, a mulher com útero intacto ganha vários benefícios com essa nova modalidade terapêutica associada ao estrogênio nas suas diversas formas de apresentação. Pode-se concluir que o DIU com LNG na mulher da perimenopausa e pós-menopausa pode ser utilizado para contracepção, alívio de sintomas vasomotores quando associado à terapia com estrogênio e alta resolutividade nos quadros de menorragia que frequentemente acometem a mulher durante esta fase da vida

There is a wide use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in recent years for hormonal contraception. However, other indications, as the treatment of some benign gynecological diseases and, more recently, for hormone replacement therapy in peri and postmenopausal women have happened. This review aimed to demonstrate the findings of articles published since 2001 on the use of the LNG IUS in the women's climacteric period. During this phase of life, women with intact uterus benefit of using this new modality of therapy associated with estrogen in their several forms of presentation. It can be concluded that LNG IUS in the peri and postmenopausal women can be used as a contraceptive method, to abbreviate hot flashes symptoms when associated with estrogen therapy and to solve menorrhagia that is a very common finding in this period

Introduçäo de genes em segmentos foliares de cupuaçu ( Theobroma grandiflorum schumm. ) usando biobalística / Genes introduction in foliar segments of cupuassu ( Theobroma grandiflorum schumm. ) using biolistic

A técnica da biobalística foi utilizada com o objetivo de adaptar um protocolo para transformaçäo de plantas de cupuaçu. Segmentos foliares de cupuaçu foram bombardeados com um plasmídio contendo o gene reportador da antocianina, utilizando-se as pressöes de hélio de 650, 1000 e 1100psi. Após o bombardeamento, os explantes foram transferidos para meio MS por 24 horas e, após este período de incubaçäo, pontos vermelhos foram detectados utilizando-se um estereomicroscópio Stemi SV11 Zeiss (Germany). A expressäo do gene da antocianina foi observada nas pressöes de 650 e 1000psi, entretanto necroses foram encontradas na pressäo de 1100psi. Demonstrou-se que os genes C1 e RÆ da síntese de antocianina, sob o controle do promotor 35S, podem ser utilizados como repórteres para o monitoramento dos eventos de transformaçäo em cupuaçu.

Resíduos de antibióticos em leite de propriedades rurais da região de Uberlândia-MG / Antibiotic residues in milk properties of Uberlândia-MG region

A presença de resíduos de antibióticos no leite contribui para a ocorrência do fenômeno de resistência microbiana e possibilita o desencadeamento de episódios alérgicos nos consumidores deste produto, sendo considerado um grave problema de Saúde Pública. Com o intuito de contribuir com a epidemiologia deste evento realizou-se um estudo de prevalência, selecionando-se uma amostra aleatória de 158 propriedades rurais produtoras de leite da região de Uberlândia. Sendo coletada, de cada propriedade rural, uma amostra de leite para exame laboratorial através do teste enzimático SNAP Beta-Lactâmico, visando a detecção de resíduos de antibióticos. Os resultados obtidos mostraram uma prevalência de amostras de leite com resíduos de antibióticos da ordem de 1,89 %, concentrada em propriedades categorizadas como grandes produtoras de leite e que entregam o leite sob a forma granelizado. Os resultados obtidos devem ser levados em consideração pelas áreas de Saúde Pública e Saúde animal.

Pesquisa de Salmonella sp através de provas de triagem rápida e convencional, em carcaças de frangos abatidos no Município de Uberlândia, MG / The efficiency of traditional methodology and the rapid test in isolation of Salmonella sp from poultry in Uberlândia, MG

A qualidade microbiológica da carne de frango fundamental é para a saúde pública, pois esta carne deve apresentar uma carga bacteriana baixa e com ausência de Salmonella sp, microorganismo patogênico para o homem e animais. Atendendo ao objetivo de se comparar a metodologia rápida com a tradicional na pesquisa de Salmonella sp em carcaças de frangos, foram analisadas 46 amostras obtidas de carcaças de frangos por Método Rápido utilizando-se o Kit TECRASALVIA e o Método Tradicional (APHA), com uso de Caldo Tetrationato e Caldo Rappaport Vassiliadis na etapa de enriquecimento e +gar Xilose Desoxicolato (XLD) e +gar Enterico de Hectoen (HE) nas provas de isolamento, sendo também realizadas provas bioquímicas e sorológicas de confirmação. Foi identificada a presença de Salmonella sp em 11 amostras (23,91 por cento) e em 35 amostras (76,09 por cento) não houve isolamento positivo. A Metodologia Rápida apresentou correlação de 100 por cento com a Metodologia Convencional.