Feasibility of performing the 3-minute step test with remote supervision in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: A comparative study.

Importance: The 3-min step test is a simple option to monitor submaximal exercise capacity, although its use via remote video monitoring has not been investigated in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of performing the 3-min step test with remote supervision. Methods: A cross-sectional study including CF patients (6-18 years) from two CF services were performed. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lung function data were collected and two 3-min step tests were performed: (i) in-person supervision, and (ii) remotely supervised by video monitoring. Before and after the tests, heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the Borg score for dyspnea and lower limb fatigue were monitored. Results: Twenty-three patients (10.7 ± 3.7 years) with a mean FEV1 of 89.5% ± 23.2% were included. There were no significant differences between tests, with mean differences (95% confidence intervals) in final HR of -3.3 (-8.9, 2.4), change in HR of -1.9 (-6.1, 2.1), final SpO2 of 0.3 (-0.4, 1.0), and final dyspnea of 0.1 (-0.8, 0.9). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.852 (final HR), 0.762 (final SpO2), and 0.775 (final lower limb fatigue). Significant and moderate correlations were found between tests for final HR (r = 0.75), change in HR (r = 0.61), and final SpO2 (r = 0.61). The Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference in final SpO2 between tests of 0.3% (limit of agreement -3.0%, 3.5%). Interpretation: Physiological responses between tests were similar, indicating it was feasible to perform the 3-min step test with remote supervision in CF children.

Enhancing Sensory Quality of Coffee: The Impact of Fermentation Techniques on Coffea arabica cv. Catiguá MG2.

Fermentation, a critical post-harvest process, can be strategically manipulated to augment coffee quality. This enhancement is achieved through the activity of microorganisms, which generate metabolites instrumental in the formation of distinct sensory profiles. This study investigated the impact of different fermentation methods on the quality of coffee beverages, specifically utilizing the Catiguá MG2 variety. The experimental setup involved fermenting the coffee in 200 L bioreactors, employing both natural and pulped coffee beans. The fermentation process utilized was self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF), conducted in either a solid-state or submerged medium over a 96 h period. Analytical sampling was conducted initially and at 24 h intervals thereafter to quantify the concentration of sugars, alcohols, and organic acids. Sensory evaluation was performed using the established protocols of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The outcomes of this investigation reveal that fermentation substantially enhances the quality of coffee, with each treatment protocol yielding divergent profiles of acids and alcohols, thereby influencing the sensory characteristics of the resulting beverage. Notably, superior quality beverages were produced from naturally processed coffee subjected to solid-state fermentation for durations exceeding 24 h. These findings underscore the significant influence of fermentation techniques and duration on the sensory attributes and overall quality of coffee.

Evaluation of Arabica Coffee Fermentation Using Machine Learning.

This study explores the variances in the organic, chemical, and sensory attributes of fermented coffee beans, specifically examining how post-harvest processes influence cup quality. Coffee fruits from the Catuaí IAC-144 variety were processed using both natural coffee (NC) and pulped coffee (PC) methods. The fruits were then subjected to self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) using one of the following fermentation methods: solid-state fermentation (SSF) or submerged fermentation (SMF). Within these methods, either spontaneous fermentation (SPF) or starter culture fermentation (SCF) was applied. Each method was conducted over periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. For this purpose, two-hundred-liter bioreactors were used, along with two control treatments. Numerous parameters were monitored throughout the fermentation process. A comprehensive chemical profiling and sensory analysis, adhering to the guidelines of the Specialty Coffee Association, were conducted to evaluate the influence of these fermentation processes on the flavor, aroma, and body characteristics of the coffee beverage across multiple dimensions. Data analysis and predictive modeling were performed using machine learning techniques. This study found that NC exhibited a higher production of acids (citric, malic, succinic, and lactic) compared to PC, resulting in distinct chemical and sensory profiles. The decision tree showed that fructose and malic and succinic acids were identified as the main factors enhancing sensory notes during cupping. SMF promoted higher concentrations of lactic acid, while SSF led to increased ethanol content. Consequently, the SIAF process enhances the sensory quality of coffee, adding value to the product by generating diverse sensory profiles.

Polymyxin Resistance in Salmonella: Exploring Mutations and Genetic Determinants of Non-Human Isolates.

Until 2015, polymyxin resistance was primarily attributed to chromosomal mutations. However, with the first report of mobile colistin resistance (mcr-1) in commensal Escherichia coli from food animals in China, the landscape has changed. To evaluate the presence of polymyxin resistance in Salmonella spp., a drop screening test for colistin and polymyxin B was carried out on 1156 isolates of non-human origin (animals, food, and the environment), received in Brazil, between 2016 and 2021. Subsequently, 210 isolates with resistant results in the drop test were subjected to the gold-standard test (broth microdilution) for both colistin and polymyxin B. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 102 resistant isolates was performed for a comprehensive analysis of associated genes. Surprisingly, none of the isolates resistant to colistin in the drop test harbored any of the mcr variants (mcr-1 to mcr-10). WGS identified that the most common mutations were found in pmrA (n= 22; T89S) and pmrB (n = 24; M15T, G73S, V74I, I83A, A111V). Other resistance determinants were also detected, such as the aac(6')-Iaa gene in 72 isolates, while others carried beta-lactamase genes (blaTEM-1blaCTX-M-2, blaCMY-2). Additionally, genes associated with fluoroquinolone resistance (qnrB19, qnrS1, oqxA/B) were detected in 11 isolates. Colistin and polymyxin B resistance were identified among Salmonella from non-human sources, but not associated with the mcr genes. Furthermore, the already-described mutations associated with polymyxin resistance were detected in only a small number of isolates, underscoring the need to explore and characterize unknown genes that contribute to resistance.

Association of the three-minute step test with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients experience pulmonary exacerbations and the three-minute step test (3-min step test) may be a simple and easy-to-perform functional test to help identify such episodes. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of the 3-min step test with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations in children with CF. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of CF patients aged 6 years and older. Pulmonary exacerbations were assessed using both the Fuchs criteria and the Kanga Score. The 3-min step test was performed using a 15 cm-high step and heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and dyspnea were measured before and after the test. Correlations between the test and the scores, as well as comparisons between patients experiencing or not an exacerbation, were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (11.1±4.3 years) were included. Both the Fuchs criteria and the Kanga score correlated significantly with age, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), final SpO2, and 1-min recovery SpO2. A fall greater than 4% in the final SpO2 was significantly associated with the presence of a pulmonary exacerbation, considering both Fuchs and Kanga criteria. Age, resting HR, and HR after 1-min recovery were significantly higher, while FEV1, SpO2 at rest, final SpO2, and SpO2 after 1-min recovery were significantly lower in patients classified as exacerbated. CONCLUSIONS: Physiological responses to the 3-min step test are associated with the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbation in children with CF. Desaturation at the end of the test or during 1-min recovery may be the best variable to monitor.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroconversion in Response to Infection and Vaccination: a Time Series Local Study in Brazil.

The investigation of antibodies raised against different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) antigens can help to determine the extent of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections in the population and track the humoral response to vaccination. Therefore, serological surveys can provide key information to better manage the pandemic and/or to implement the most effective vaccination program. Here we describe a time series anti-nucleocapsid, anti-spike IgG serological survey analysis in the city of Matinhos, PR, Brazil during the year of 2021. Seroconversion rates to the nucleocapsid antigen were not influenced by gender or age. The serological data support that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection rate is ~50% higher than official numbers. Furthermore, by applying serological data, the corrected infection fatality rate was estimated to be lower than 2.4% in contrast with the official estimative of 3.6%. The rates of IgG reactive to spike antigen resembled the curve of the fraction the population that had taken the second vaccine dose. Up to 82% of spike seroconversion was detected in the end of 2021, confirming the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination program in the city. This SARS-CoV-2 serological study unraveled the SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and the response to vaccination in the city of Matinhos. IMPORTANCE The investigation of antibodies raised against SARS-CoV-2 can help to determine the extent of previous SARS-CoV-2 infections and track the humoral response to vaccination. Here we describe a time series anti-nucleocapsid, anti-spike IgG serological survey in the city of Matinhos, PR, Brazil during the year of 2021. The data depicted the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the city allowing the correction of the number of citizens who experienced COVID-19 and the disease fatality rate. The seroconversion rates to the spike antigen resembled the curve of the fraction of the population that had taken the second vaccine dose, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination program in the city.

The Association of Field Test Outcomes with Peak Oxygen Uptake in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association of field test outcomes with peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to describe the main prediction equations available. Data searches were performed in five databases (Pubmed, Embase, LILACs, Scopus and Web of Science) and also in the reference lists of articles included. The following inclusion criteria were used: studies including individuals with CF, presenting both a field test and a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and describing a predictive equation or coefficient of correlation/determination. Case studies, abstracts, letters of reply, editorials and duplicate publications were excluded. The methodological quality analysis was performed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies scale. Protocol registration number: CRD42020148363. Ten studies were eligible. Five equations were found to predict VO2peak. Equations derived from the shuttle tests (ST) showed strong correlations with VO2peak (r = 0.79 to 0.95). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) showed moderate associations with VO2peak in participants with moderate disease severity (r = 0.53 to 0.65). Furthermore, patients with lower maximum heart rate on the three-minute step test tended to have a higher percent predicted VO2peak (r = -0.40), and the one-minute sit-to-stand test demonstrated moderate correlations between VO2peak and the number of repetitions (r = 0.52 to 0.66). In conclusion, field test outcomes correlate with oxygen consumption assessed through CPET, although only the ST seems to be valid as a predictor of VO2peak in patients with CF.

Clinical and hematological data to group different chronic kidney disease patients: A practical approach to establish different groups of patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the convergent point of several pathological processes, and its evolution is insidious and characterized by a progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function. This impaired function induces the accumulation of uremic toxins and individuals with terminal CKD often have altered physiological responses, including a persistent state of immuno-suppression and development of diseases. A better characterization and stratification of these patients with CKD in different immuno-compromised groups would contribute to more effective and personalized treatments. The focus of this study was to use two parameters to stratify patients with CKD into four separate groups that are representative of different immunological status. METHODS: Patients with CKD were chosen randomly and stratified into four separate groups according to the period of time receiving dialysis treatment and leukocyte blood counts. The amount of apoptotic CD4 T cells were measured in each group of patients, and clinical/hematological parameters were correlated by multivariate analysis with each group. RESULTS: Observations reveal that one of the four groups of patients with CKD (group 3) had more apoptotic CD4 T cells than the other group; this group also had an increased malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), an elevated Kt/V, and a higher incidence of smoking. CONCLUSION: A simple two-parameter-based stratification strategy could be used to design effective immunological therapies that differentiate the degrees of immuno-suppression across groups of patients with CKD.

The Beneficial Effect of Anthocyanidin-Rich Vitis vinifera L. Grape Skin Extract on Metabolic Changes Induced by High-Fat Diet in Mice Involves Antiinflammatory and Antioxidant Actions.

We hypothesized that a polyphenol-rich extract from Vitis vinifera L. grape skin (GSE) may exert beneficial effects on obesity and related metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). C57/BL6 mice were fed a standard diet (10% fat, control, and GSE groups) or an HFD (60% fat, high fat (HF), and HF + GSE) with or without GSE (200 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks. GSE prevented weight gain; dyslipidemia; insulin resistance; the alterations in plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin; and the deregulation of leptin and adiponectin expression in adipose tissue. These beneficial effects of GSE may be related to a positive modulation of insulin signaling proteins (IR, pIRS, PI3K, pAKT), pAMPK/AMPK ratio, and GLUT4 expression in muscle and adipose tissue. In addition, GSE prevented the oxidative damage, evidenced by the restoration of antioxidant activity and decrease of malondialdehyde and carbonyl levels in muscle and adipose tissue. Finally, GSE showed an anti-inflammatory action, evidenced by the reduced plasma and adipose tissue inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6). Our results suggest that GSE prevented the obesity and related metabolic disorders in HF-fed mice by regulating insulin sensitivity and GLUT4 expression as well as by preventing the oxidative stress and inflammation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Supplementation with Vitis vinifera L. skin extract improves insulin resistance and prevents hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common complications of obesity. The Vitis vinifera L. grape skin extract (ACH09) is an important source of polyphenols, which are related to its antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities. We hypothesized that ACH09 could also exert beneficial effects on metabolic disorders associated with obesity and evaluated ACH09's influence on high-fat (HF) diet-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice. The animals were fed a standard diet (10% fat, control) or an HF diet (60% fat, HF) with or without ACH09 (200mg/[kg d]) for 12weeks. Our results showed that ACH09 reduced HF diet-induced body weight gain, prevented hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis, and improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The underlying mechanisms of these beneficial effects of ACH09 may involve the activation of hepatic insulin-signaling pathway because the expression of phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, phosphorylated Akt serine/threonine kinase 1, and glucose transporter 2 was increased by ACH09 and correlated with improvement of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance. ACH09 reduced the expression of the lipogenic factor sterol regulatory-element binding protein-1c in the liver and upregulated the lipolytic pathway (phosphorylated liver kinase B1/phosphorylated adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase), which was associated with normal hepatic levels of triglyceride and cholesterol and prevention of steatosis. ACH09 prevented the hepatic oxidative damage in HF diet-fed mice probably by restoration of antioxidant activity. In conclusion, ACH09 protected mice from HF diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. The regulation of hepatic insulin signaling pathway, lipogenesis, and oxidative stress may contribute to ACH09's protective effect.

Ruído no contexto hospitalar: impacto na saúde dos profissionais de enfermagem / Noise on the hospital context: impact on nursing professionals' health

OBJETIVO: analisar os níveis de ruído no ambiente hospitalar e o seu impacto na saúde dos profissionais de enfermagem. MÉTODO: trata-se de um estudo transversal, de caráter descritivo, com análise quantitativa de dados. Constituíram-se sujeitos do estudo 138 profissionais de enfermagem dos setores de internação. Foi realizado um sorteio para definir os setores de internação do prédio central. Para fins de estudo, utilizou-se um decibelímetro do tipo II para avaliar os níveis de ruído nos setores selecionados. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário composto de perguntas abertas e fechadas. RESULTADOS: os resultados referentes à avaliação do ruído demonstraram que o mesmo variou de 52,35 dBA a 84,60 dBA. Os estudos revelaram que a maioria dos profissionais de enfermagem é do gênero feminino (84,78%) e está na faixa etária entre 40 e 49 anos de idade. Em relação às informações sobre o ruído no ambiente hospitalar, 76,05% afirmam que seu ambiente laboral é ruidoso. Em relação ao incômodo, 69,57% se sente incomodado com o ruído produzido no ambiente hospitalar. As principais fontes de ruído citadas foram equipamentos com alarmes (36,23%); conversas altas e risadas (34,06%) e movimentação de pessoas (18,12%). A queixa auditiva mais citada foi o zumbido (14,49%), e a extra-auditiva foi a irritação (45,63%), seguida de alteração do sono e dor de cabeça (44,20%) e baixa concentração (34,78%). CONCLUSÃO: conclui-se que os níveis de pressão sonora mensurados foram acima do recomendado e decorrem de fontes diversas. Constata-se que os profissionais de enfermagem não possuem conhecimento dos efeitos do ruído na saúde e manifestam desconforto em relação aos mesmos.

PURPOSE: to analyze the impact of noise on nurses' health in the hospital environment. METHOD: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with quantitative analysis of data. 138 nurses of the admission sector were studied. It was held a drawing to define the sectors of hospitalization of the central building. For purposes of study, we used a sound level meter of the type II to evaluate noise levels in selected sectors. For data collection it was used a questionnaire composed of open and closed questions RESULTS: the results for noise assessment showed that it ranged between (52,35) dBA and (84, 60) dBA. Studies revealed that most nurses are female (84, 78%) aged between 40 and 49 years old. In relation to the information on noise in the workplace, 76,05% said their workplace is noisy. Regarding the discomfort, 69,57% felt uncomfortable with noise produced in the hospital. The main noise sources were: equipment with alarms (36, 23%), high conversations and laughter (34, 06%) and people movement (18, 12%). The most quoted auditory complaint was tinnitus (14, 49%), extra-auditory irritation (45, 63%) was followed by sleep disturbances, and headache (44, 20%) and low concentration (34, 78%). CONCLUSION: it was concluded that the sound pressure levels measured were higher than recommended, and from several sources. It appears that nurses don't have the needed knowledge about the noise effects on their health, but they expressed discomfort about them.

Caracterização dos limiares auditivos de odontólogos numa população da cidade de Curitiba - PR, Brasil / Caracterization from hearing thresholds from dentists in a poulation from Curitiba city / PR, Brazil

INTRODUÇÃO: Os odontólogos estão expostos ao ruído em seu local de trabalho, sendo susceptíveis para o desenvolvimento de perda auditiva sensorioneurais com características de induzida por ruído. OBJETIVO: Aanalisar os limiares auditivos de odontólogos caracterizando-os em relação ao gênero, idade e tempo de serviço. MÉTODO: A forma do estudo é corte transversal (ou seccional), prospectivo, que analisou os limiares auditivos de 115 odontólogos, através de audiometria tonal de 500Hz a 8000Hz por via aérea e via óssea. Foram analisados os limiares auditivos tonais do grupo de odontólogos por gênero, em relação à idade e tempo de serviço e aplicados procedimentos estatísticos para a edição dos dados. RESULTADOS: Observaram-se limiares auditivos tonais médios com configuração de entalhe acústico, sendo mais acentuados no gênero masculino. Há perda auditiva sensorioneural em 28(24,34%) odontólogos, 8 (14,54%) entre o gênero feminino e 20 (33,33%) entre o gênero masculino, a proporção de sujeitos com audição alterada é significativamente maior no gênero masculino (p=0,0208). Os limiares auditivos tonais para o gênero masculino apresentaram-se piores do que no feminino quando analisados por idade e tempo de serviço, porém os homens do estudo eram mais velhos e com mais tempo de serviço que as mulheres. CONCLUSÃO: Os odontólogos apresentaram perdas auditivas sensorioneurais com entalhe acústico (sendo mais presentes entre o gênero masculino) com piora auditiva com a idade e tempo de serviço, principalmente após 21 anos de trabalho.

INTRODUCTION: The dentists are exposed to noise in their work place, being likely to develop of hearing loss neurosensory with induced characteristics by noise. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the hearing thresholds from dentists characterizing them according to gender, age and time of service. METHOD: The form of the study is cross-section (or sectional), prospective, that analyzed the hearing thresholds from 115 dentists, through tone audiometry of 500 Hz to 8000 Hz by airway or bone conduction. Were analyzed the tonal hearing thresholds from the group of dentists by gender, regarding the age and time of service and applied statistical procedures for the edition of data. RESULTS: Were observed average tonal hearing thresholds with configuration from acoustic notch, being more accentuated in the male gender. There is sensorineural hearing loss in 28 (24,34%) dentists, 8 (14,54%) between female gender and 20 (33,33%) between the male gender, the proportion of subjects with altered hearing is significantly bigger in the male gender (p=0,0208). The tonal hearing thresholds for the male gender shown to be worse than in the females when analyzed by age and time of service, but the men were older and with more time of service than the women. CONCLUSION: The dentists presented sensorineural hearing loss with acoustic notch (being more present in the male gender) with worsening of hearing and time of service, especially after 21 years of work.

Correlation between polymorphisms at interleukin-6 but not at interleukin-10 promoter and the risk of human T lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in Brazilian individuals.

HTLV-1 is the etiologic agent of ATL and HAM/TSP. The majority of HTLV-1-infected individuals remain asymptomatic, indicating that the infection alone is not sufficient to cause the diseases. It has been reported that cytokine gene polymorphisms, including polymorphisms at IL-6 and IL-10 gene, might be important. We analyzed SNP in the promoter region of the IL-6: -174, -572, -597, and -634 positions, and IL-10: -592 position to evaluate the role of these polymorphisms in the HAM/TSP pathogenesis in 133 HTLV-1 infected individuals and in 100 healthy individuals from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The -634C allele frequencies were higher among HAM/TSP patients (21.2%) than among oligosymptomatic (6.5%; P = 0.038) and asymptomatic (9.5%; P = 0.025) subjects. Similarly, the -174G allele frequencies were higher in HAM/TSP patients than in oligosymptomatic patients (P = 0.02). Moreover, the -634GC/-174GG genotype combination was identified at a higher frequency (38.5%) in the HAM/TSP patients than in subjects with other clinical status (8.7%; P = 0.016 for oligosymptomatic and 15.5%, P = 0.012 for asymptomatic patients). However, the multivariate logistic regression including the genotypes of the three studied loci showed that only -634 C IL-6 carriers remain as significant and independent TSP/HAM predictor (odds ratio [OR] = 5.31; 95% [CI] = 1.60-17.56; P = 0.006). We suggest that -634 G C in IL-6 could contribute to HAM/TSP development and that identification of the collective influence of several cytokine polymorphisms, their prevalence, and their interaction could help to better understand this disease.

Shear bond strength of acetone-based one-bottle adhesive systems.

The aim of this study was to assess the shear bond strength of four acetone-based one-bottle adhesive systems to enamel and dentin, and compare to that of an ethanol-based system used as control. Fifty human molars were bisected mesiodistally and the buccal and lingual surfaces were embedded in acrylic resin using PVC cylinders. The buccal surfaces were ground to obtain flat dentin surfaces, while the lingual surfaces were ground to obtain flat enamel surfaces. All specimens were polished up to 600-grit sandpapers and randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=20; 10 dentin specimens and 10 enamel specimens), according to the adhesive system used: One-Step (Bisco); Gluma One Bond (Heraeus Kulzer); Solobond M (Voco); TenureQuik w/F (Den-Mat) and OptiBond Solo Plus (Kerr) (control). Each adhesive system was applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. The respective proprietary hybrid composite was applied in a gelatin capsule (d=4.3 mm) and light-cured for 40 s. The specimens were tested in shear strength with an Instron machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Bond strengths means were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc (p< or =0.05). Shear bond strength means (MPa) (+/-SD) to enamel and dentin were: Enamel: One-Step=11.3(+/-4.9); Gluma One Bond=16.3(+/-10.1); Solobond M=18.9(+/-4.5); TenureQuik w/F=18.7(+/-4.5) and OptiBond Solo Plus=16.4(+/-3.9); Dentin: One-Step=6.4(+/-2.8); Gluma One Bond=3.0(+/-3.4); Solobond M=10.6(+/-4.9); TenureQuik w/F=7.8(+/-3.9) and OptiBond Solo Plus=15.1(+/-8.9). In enamel, the adhesive systems had statistically similar bond strengths to each other (p>0.05). However, the ethanol-based system (OptiBond Solo Plus) showed significantly higher bond strength to dentin than the acetone-based systems (p< or =0.0001). In conclusion, the solvent type (acetone or ethanol) had no influence on enamel bond strength, but had great influence on dentin bonding, which should be taken into account when choosing the adhesive system.

Shear bond strength of acetone-based one-bottle adhesive systems

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a resistência ao cisalhamento de quatro sistemas adesivos de frasco único com solvente acetona e um sistema com solvente etanol em esmalte e à dentina. Cinqüenta molares humanos foram seccionados ao meio no sentido mesiodistal e incluídos com resina acrílica em tubos de PVC. As superfícies vestibulares foram desgastadas até atingir dentina plana, enquanto as superfícies linguais foram desgastadas até atingir esmalte plano. Os espécimes foram polidos até lixa d'água de granulação 600 e divididos aleatoriamente entre os 5 grupos (n=20; 10 espécimes de dentina e 10 espécimes de esmalte), de acordo com o sistema adesivo utilizado: One-Step (Bisco); Gluma One Bond (Heraeus Kulzer), Solobond M (Voco), TenureQuik w/F (Den-Mat) and OptiBond Solo Plus (Kerr) (controle). Os adesivos foram aplicados conforme as instruções dos fabricantes. Uma cápsula cilíndrica gelatinosa (d=4,5mm), preenchida com compósito híbrido de cada fabricante foi posicionada sobre a superfície dental e fotopolimerizada durante 40 s. Após 24 h, os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos a ensaios de cisalhamento em uma máquina de ensaios Instron com velocidade de 5 mm/min. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pela ANOVA a um critério e teste de Duncan post hoc (p£0.05). As médias de resistência ao cisalhamento resistência em esmalte e dentina (MPa) (±SD) foram: Esmalte: One-Step=11,3(±4,9); Gluma One Bond=16,3(±10,1); Solobond M=18,9(±4,5); TenureQuik w/F=18,7(±4,5) e OptiBond Solo Plus=16,4(±3,9); Dentina: One-Step=6,4(±2,8); Gluma One Bond=3,0(±3,4); Solobond M=10,6(±4,9); TenureQuik w/F=7,8(±3,9) e OptiBond Solo Plus=15,1(±8,9). Em esmalte, todos os agentes adesivos tiveram resultados estatisticamente semelhantes entre si (p>0.05). Entretanto, em dentina, o sistema adesivo a base de etanol apresentou maior resistência de união que todos os sistemas a base de acetona (p£0.0001). O tipo de solvente presente nos sistemas adesivos de frasco único não exerceu influência na sua capacidade de união ao esmalte, mas se mostrou um componente importante na adesão dentinária, o que deve ser levado em conta quando da escolha de um sistema adesivo.

A new set of bioinformatics tools for genome projects.

A new tool called System for Automated Bacterial Integrated Annotation--SABIA (SABIA being a very well-known bird in Brazil) was developed for the assembly and annotation of bacterial genomes. This system performs automatic tasks of assembly analysis, ORFs identification/analysis, and extragenic region analyses. Genome assembly and contig automatic annotation data are also available in the same working environment. The system integrates several public domains and newly developed software programs capable of dealing with several types of databases, and it is portable to other operational systems. These programs interact with most of the well-known biological database/softwares, such as Glimmer, Genemark, the BLAST family programs, InterPro, COG, Kegg, PSORT, GO, tRNAScan and RBSFinder, and can also be used to identify metabolic pathways.

Closure of rRNA related gaps in the Chromobacterium violaceum genome with the PCR-assisted contig extension (PACE) protocol.

In the finishing phase of the Chromobacterium violaceum genome project, the shotgun sequences were assembled into 57 contigs that were then organized into 19 scaffolds, using the information from shotgun and cosmid clones. Among the 38 ends resulting from the 19 scaffolds, 10 ended with sequences corresponding to rRNA genes (seven ended with the 5S rRNA gene and three ended with the 16S rRNA gene). The 28 non-ribosomal ends were extended using the PCR-assisted contig extension (PACE) methodology, which immediately closed 15 real gaps. We then applied PACE to the 16S rRNA gene containing ends, resulting in eight different sequences that were correctly assembled within the C. violaceum genome by combinatory PCR strategy, with primers derived from the non-repetitive genomic region flanking the 16S and 5S rRNA gene. An oriented combinatory PCR was used to correctly position the two versions (copy A and copy B, which differ by the presence or absence of a 100-bp insert); it revealed six copies corresponding to copy A, and two to copy B. We estimate that the use of PACE, followed by combinatory PCR, accelerated the finishing phase of the C. violaceum genome project by at least 40%.

A System for Automated Bacterial (genome) Integrated Annotation--SABIA.

UNLABELLED: A web-based software suite, SABIA (System for Automated Bacterial Integrated Annotation), is described that provides a comprehensive computational support for the assembly and annotation of whole bacterial genomes from the data derived from sequencing projects. AVAILABILITY: Both SABIA and supplementary materials are available at http://www.sabia.lncc.br

Programas de apoio e assistencia ao menor de rua: uma solucao?

A populacao de rua vem, nos ultimos anos, crescendo visivelmente nos centros urbanos, como consequencia direta do desemprego e outros agravantes. Tornam-se, entao, iminentes as revisoes do papel do Estado e da sociedade nessa conjuntura. Algumas iniciativas tem sido tomadas por Orgaos Governamentais e Nao-Governamentais no sentido de tentar apontar solucoes para o problema. Propoe-se, neste artigo, uma discussao a respeito de como esses trabalhos tem sido desenvolvidos e apresentam-se algumas alternativas levantadas por tais orgaos para a reintegracao desses menores de rua na sociedade e no mercado de trabalho. Apresentam-se, ainda, formas de atuacao com criancas e adolescentes de rua em Belo Horizonte.