Selective nonoperative versus operative management of liver gunshot injuries: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Experience accumulated over the last decades suggests nonoperative management (NOM) of civilian gunshot liver injuries can be safely applied in selected cases. This study aims to compare the outcomes of selective NOM versus operative management (OM) of patients sustaining gunshot wounds (GSW) to the liver. METHODS: A registry-based retrospective cohort analysis was performed for the period of 2008 to 2016 in a Brazilian trauma referral. Patients aged 16-80 years sustaining civilian GSW to right-sided abdominal quadrants and liver injury were included. Baseline data, vital signs, grade of liver injury, associated injuries, injury severity scores, blood transfusion requirements, liver- and non-liver-related complications, length-of-stay (LOS), and mortality were retrieved from individual registries. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were eligible for analysis, of which 37 underwent NOM and 17 underwent OM. The median age was 25 years and all were male. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding patients' demographics, injury scores, grade of liver injury and associated lesions. NOM patients tended to sustain higher-grade injuries (86.5% vs 64.7%; p = 0.08), and failure of conservative management was recorded in two (5.4%) cases. The rate of complications was 48% with no between-group statistically significant difference. Blood transfusion requirements were significantly higher in the OM group (58.8% vs 21.6%; p = 0.012). The median LOS was seven days. No deaths were recorded. CONCLUSION: Patients with liver GSW who are haemodynamically stable and without peritonitis are candidates for NOM. In this study, NOM was safe and effective even in high-grade injuries.

Enamel Developmental Defect Masking on Central Incisor with Infiltrant Resin.

The aim of this paper is to present a case of masking of a hypoplastic lesion using the infiltrating resin technique, without use of drilling or any loss of tooth structure. A 22-year-old female patient complained of a noncarious white spot on the buccal surface of the upper right central incisor which affected the esthetics of her smile. Despite the tooth discoloration, the tooth structure was intact, with no depressions, cracks, or grooves. During the anamnesis, she reported that the white spot had been present since childhood. On the basis of the information provided by the patient and collected during intraoral clinical examination, it was determined that the stain was suggestive of enamel hypoplasia. The treatment proposed to the patient was the application of infiltrating resin to mask the hypoplasia on the surface of the tooth enamel without any loss of tooth structure. In this case, Icon infiltrating resin proved to be efficient in masking the hypoplastic lesion. The final appearance of the treated tooth was satisfactory, with homogeneity and gloss on the surface, which minimized the characteristics of an unpleasant smile.

Dispersion of Lutzomyia longipalpis and expansion of visceral leishmaniasis in São Paulo State, Brazil: identification of associated factors through survival analysis

In Brazil, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious public health problem because of its magnitude, geographical expansion and potential harms caused by illnesses, including death. However, VL is largely ignored indiscussions of tropical disease priorities. Thus, this study aimed to identify factors associated with the expansion of VL and the dispersion of its vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, in the municipalities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.Methods: Information about the date of vector detection and the confirmation of autochthonous VL occurrence in humans and canines in São Paulo were obtained between 1997 and 2014. Survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier and the Cox multiple regression models was used...

Inflammatory biomarkers responses after acute whole body vibration in fibromyalgia

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

Dispersal of Lutzomyia longipalpis and expansion of canine and human visceral leishmaniasis in São Paulo State, Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a neglected disease, is a serious public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the sensitivity of Lutzomyia longipalpis and canine VL (CVL) autochthony early detection and describe the spatial and temporal dispersal of vector and expansion of VL in a Brazilian state. We obtained data on the leishmaniasis vector and VL cases in São Paulo State (SP), Brazil, from the Division of Endemic Disease Control and from the Epidemiological Surveillance Center of the São Paulo State Department of Health. Data were analyzed for 645 municipalities and 63 microregions and presented as thematic and flow maps. Following the verified presence ofL. longipalpis in Araçatuba in 1997, the first autochthonous cases of canine VL (CVL) (1998) and of human VL (HVL) (1999) in São Paulo were reported, both in Araçatuba. From 1997 to 2014, the urban presence of the leishmaniasis vector was verified in 167 (25.9%) municipalities with cases of CVL reported in 108(16.7%) and cases of HVL in 84 (13%). The sensitivities for vector presence early detection in relation to the identification of CVL and HVL autochthony were, respectively, equal to 76.4 and 92.5%. The sensitivity for CVL autochthony early detection in relation to the HVL autochthony identification was 75.8%. Vector dispersal and expansion of CVL and HVL were from the northwest to the southeast of the state, primarily flanking the Marechal Rondon highway at a constant rate of progression of 10, seven, and six new municipalities affected per year, respectively...

Selective 5-HT7 receptor agonists LP 44 and LP 211 elicit an analgesic effect on formalin-induced orofacial pain in mice

ABSTRACT The most recently identified serotonin (5-HT) receptor is the 5-HT7 receptor. The antinociceptive effects of a 5-HT7 receptor agonist have been shown in neuropathic and inflammatory animal models of pain. A recent study demonstrated the functional expression of 5-HT7 receptors in the substantia gelatinosa (SG) of the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis, which receives and processes orofacial nociceptive inputs. Objective To investigate the antinociceptive effects of pharmacological activation of 5-HT7 receptors on orofacial pain in mice. Material and Methods Nociception was evaluated by using an orofacial formalin test in male Balb-C mice. Selective 5-HT7 receptor agonists, LP 44 and LP 211 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg), were given intraperitoneally 30 min prior to a formalin injection. A bolus of 10 µl of 4% subcutaneous formalin was injected into the upper lip of mice and facial grooming behaviors were monitored. The behavioral responses consisted of two distinct periods, the early phase corresponding to acute pain (Phase I: 0–12 min) and the late phase (Phase II: 12–30 min). Results LP 44 and LP 211 (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg) produced an analgesic effect with reductions in face rubbing time in both Phase I and Phase II of the formalin test. Conclusion Our results suggest that 5-HT7 receptor agonists may be promising analgesic drugs in the treatment of orofacial pain.

Immune cellular profile of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVES: Characterize the cell profile and immunostaining of proinflammatory markers in an experimental model of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n = 6-7) were treated chronically with saline solution or zoledronic acid (ZA) at 0.04, 0.20, and 1.00 mg kg(-1) (1.4 × 10(-7) , 6.9 × 10(-6) , and 3.4 × 10(-5)  mol kg(-1) ), and subsequently, the first left inferior molar was extracted. Were performed counting of viable and empty osteocyte lacunae, viable and apoptotic osteoclasts, polymorphonuclear neutrophil, mast cells (toluidine blue), and the positive presence cells for CD68, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL (interleukin)-1ß, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18 bp). RESULTS: BRONJ was showed in ZA treated with 0.20 and 1.00 mg kg(-1) . There is a dose dependent increase in percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae (P < 0.001) and apoptotic osteoclasts (P < 0.001), counting of total osteoclasts (P = 0.003), polymorphonuclear neutrophil cells (P = 0.009), cytoplasmic-positive cells of CD68 (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P = 0.001), IL-1ß (P = 0.001), iNOS (P < 0.001), NF-kB (P = 0.006), and nuclear-positive cells of NF-kB (P = 0.011). Consequently, there is no difference in mast cells (P = 0.957), and IL-18 bp immunostaining decreases dose dependently (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: BRONJ is characterized by increases in immunostaining for proinflammatory markers and NF-kB and inversely associated with cells exhibiting IL-18 bp.

Delineamento de formulações cosméticas com óleo essencial de Lippia gracilis Schum (Alecrim-de- Tabuleiro) de origem amazônica / Outline of cosmetic formulations with essential oil Lippia gracilis Schum (Alecrim-de-Tabuleiro) of the amazon

Diversos cosméticos têm sido produzidos para atender a crescente demanda de mercado. Para que estes produtos possuam boa aceitação são necessárias que os mesmos apresentem adequadas características físicoquímicas e sensoriais, bem como eficácia, segurança e qualidade. Esse trabalho visou o desenvolvimento e avaliação da estabilidade de formulações biocosméticas a partir da incorporação dos óleos essenciais da espécie Lippia gracilis Schum em formulações cosméticas para cabelo, por meio de estudos de pré-formulação e testes de estabilidade preliminar e acelerada. Foram realizados testes físico-químicos para avaliação dos parâmetros: pH, viscosidade aparente, características sensoriais, espuma e densidade. Durante os estudos de estabilidade preliminar e acelerada, foi observado que as temperaturas: Refrigerador (TG) (5,0 ± 0,5ºC) e Estufa (TE) (45,0 ± 0,5ºC) sofreram alterações de pH, viscosidade e das características sensoriais. Ao final do estudo, mantiveram as características iniciais, apenas as formulações mantidas em temperatura ambiente. Concluiu-se que a formulação de xampu não possui estabilidade quando exposta a temperaturas abaixo de 5ºC e acima de 45ºC. A formulação de condicionador, além de ser instável em temperaturas extremas, apresentou também alterações após 30 dias (T2) em temperatura ambiente (TA) (24,0 ± 2,0ºC).(AU)

Several cosmetics have been produced to meet the growing market demand. For these products have good acceptance is necessary that they show suitable physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics, as well as efficacy, safety and quality. This research aimed at the development and evaluation of the stability of formulations biocosmetics from the incorporation of the essential oils of the species Lippia gracilis Schum in shampoo and conditioner through preliminary stability testing and accelerated. Physico-chemical tests for evaluation of the parameters were performed: pH, viscosity, sensory characteristics, lather and density. During the stability studies and preliminary accelerated, it was observed that the formulations subjected to extreme temperatures, such as: Refrigerator (TG) (5.0 ± 0.5 ° C) and hot air oven (TE) (45.0 ± 0.5 ° C), undergone changes in pH, viscosity and sensory characteristics. At the end of the study maintained the initial characteristics, only formulations maintained at room temperature. It was concluded that the shampoo formulation lacks stability when exposed to temperatures below 5 ° C and above 45 ° C. And the conditioner formulation in addition to being unstable in extreme temperatures, also showed changes after 30 days (T2) at room temperature (RT) (24.0 ± 2.0 ° C).(AU)

Entoepidemiology of Chagas disease in the Western region of the State of São Paulo from 2004 to 2008, and cytogenetic analysis in Rhodnius neglectus (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

To complement the epidemiological data and assist in the prophylaxis of Chagas disease in the State of São Paulo, we examined entomological lifting conducted in 40 municipalities of the Western region of the state from 2004 to 2008, highlighted the main vector species in this region, and reanalyzed the cytogenetic characteristics of Rhodnius neglectus from 3 different Brazilian states (Formoso/GO, Frutal/MG, Guaíra/SP, and Pitangueiras/SP). The municipalities of Castilho and Santo Antônio do Acaranguá registered the highest relative amounts of notifications. The main species notified in Western São Paulo were Triatoma sordida and R. neglectus. We collected a large number of T. sordida in 2005 and noted the absence of notification of infected insects in 2008. We observed no variation in chromosomal characteristics of R. neglectus of different states. These data are complementary to the survey presented from 1990 to 1999,as the vector species were the same (T. sordida and R. neglectus),with emphasis on T. sordida. We corroborate the future colonization domiciliary initially proposed for T. sordida in the region and under score the importance of vector control programs in the prophylaxis of Chagas disease. Furthermore, we observed that the populations of R. neglectus in Brazil showed no intraspecific variation and we corroborated the chromosomal patterns originally described. These data are important for understanding the evolution of these hematophagous insects, which are vectors of Chagas disease...

Sorafenib prevents liver fibrosis in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rodent model

Liver fibrosis occurring as an outcome of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can precede the development of cirrhosis. We investigated the effects of sorafenib in preventing liver fibrosis in a rodent model of NASH. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet and exposed to diethylnitrosamine for 6 weeks. The NASH group (n=10) received vehicle and the sorafenib group (n=10) received 2.5 mg·kg-1·day-1 by gavage. A control group (n=4) received only standard diet and vehicle. Following treatment, animals were sacrificed and liver tissue was collected for histologic examination, mRNA isolation, and analysis of mitochondrial function. Genes related to fibrosis (MMP9, TIMP1, TIMP2), oxidative stress (HSP60, HSP90, GST), and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC1α) were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Liver mitochondrial oxidation activity was measured by a polarographic method, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sorafenib treatment restored mitochondrial function and reduced collagen deposition by nearly 63% compared to the NASH group. Sorafenib upregulated PGC1α and MMP9 and reduced TIMP1 and TIMP2 mRNA and IL-6 and IL-10 protein expression. There were no differences in HSP60, HSP90 and GST expression. Sorafenib modulated PGC1α expression, improved mitochondrial respiration and prevented collagen deposition. It may, therefore, be useful in the treatment of liver fibrosis in NASH.

Contribuição das pesquisas desenvolvidas na Sucen incorporadas às ações de vigilância e controle dos vetores da leishmaniose visceral

No estado de São Paulo, a partir da ocasião do registro do primeiro encontro do vetor Lutzomyia longipalpis em área urbana, em 1997 incrementaram-se as atividades de vigilância entomológica, cujo desenvolvimento pela Superintendência de Controle de Endemias (Sucen) permitiu identificar, até este momento, a presença desse vetor em 163 municípios (25,3% dos que compõem o Estado)...

Proteins of Leishmania (Viannia) shawi confer protection associated with Th1 immune response and memory generation.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania (Viannia) shawi parasite was first characterized in 1989. Recently the protective effects of soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) from L. (V.) shawi promastigotes were demonstrated using BALB/c mice, the susceptibility model for this parasite. In order to identify protective fractions, SLA was fractionated by reverse phase HPLC and five antigenic fractions were obtained. METHODS: F1 fraction was purified from L. (V.) shawi parasite extract by reverse phase HPLC. BALB/c mice were immunized once a week for two consecutive weeks by subcutaneous routes in the rump, using 25 µg of F1. After 1 and 16 weeks of last immunization, groups were challenged in the footpad with L. (V.) shawi promastigotes. After 2 months, those same mice were sacrificed and parasite burden, cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated. RESULTS: The F1 fraction induced a high degree of protection associated with an increase in IFN-γ, a decrease in IL-4, increased cell proliferation and activation of CD8+T lymphocytes. Long-term protection was acquired in F1-immunized mice, associated with increased CD4+ central memory T lymphocytes and activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, F1-immunized groups showed an increase in IgG2a levels. CONCLUSIONS: The inductor capability of antigens to generate memory lymphocytes that can proliferate and secrete beneficial cytokines upon infection could be an important factor in the development of vaccine candidates against American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis.

Study of irradiated bothropstoxin-1 with60Co gamma rays: immune system behavior

Ionizing radiation has been successfully employed to modify the immunological properties of biomolecules. Very promising results were obtained when crude animal venoms, as well as isolated toxins, were treated with 60Co gamma rays, yielding toxoids with good immunogenicity. The achievement of modified antigens with lower toxicity and preserved or improved immunogenicity can be very useful. Ionizing radiation has already been proven to be a powerful tool to attenuate snake venom toxicity without affecting, and even increasing, their immunogenic properties. However, little is known about the modifications that irradiated molecules undergo and even less about the immunological response that such antigens elicit. In the present work, we investigated the immunological behavior of bothropstoxin-1, a K49 phospholipase, before and after irradiation. Structural modifications of the toxin were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Isogenic mice were immunized with either the native or the irradiated toxin. The circulating antibodies were isotyped and titrated by ELISA. According to our data, irradiation promoted structural modifications in the toxin characterized by higher molecular weight forms of proteins (aggregates and oligomers). The results also indicated that irradiated toxins were immunogenic and antibodies elicited by them were able to recognize the native toxin in ELISA. These findings suggest that irradiation of toxic proteins can promote significant modifications in their structures; however they still retain many of the original antigenic and immunological properties of native proteins. Also, our data indicate that irradiated proteins induce higher titers of IgG2a and IgG2b, suggesting that Th1 cells are predominantly involved in the immune response.

Evolutionary cytogenetics of the Hoplias lacerdae, Miranda Ribeiro, 1908 group: a particular pathway concerning the other Erythrinidae fish

The taxonomy/systematics of the Erythrinidae fish is still imprecise, with several doubts on their relationships. Karyotypes and chromosomal characteristics of some species of the Hoplias lacerdae group (Erythrinidae), from different Brazilian hydrographic basins and pisciculture stations, were analyzed in the present study, using conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding, silver staining, Mithramycin and Distamycin/DAPI fluorochromes, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 50 and karyotypes composed of meta- and submetacentric chromosomes without sex-related differences were found. Only one active NOR (Nucleolar Organizer Region) site was found, which was identified by silver staining (Ag-NOR) and FISH, located on the chromosome pair 11, although additional 45S rDNA sites were also mapped on other chromosome pairs only by FISH. The Ag-NOR of the chromosome pair 11 was found to be GC-rich, appearing positive after Mithramycin staining. Mithramycin-positive/DAPI-negative sites were also observed in the centromeric/pericentomeric regions of the chromosome pairs 4, 6, 15, and 19, which have also affinity to silver nitrate. However, these four sites were not detected by FISH with the rDNA probe, indicating to be only argentophilic GC-rich heterochromatic regions. Chromosome data show that the karyotype evolution in Hoplias lacerdae group is relatively conserved and follows a particular pathway concerning the other Erythrinidae fishes, such as Hoplias malabaricus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, and Erythrinus erythrinus, in which polytypic karyotypes are found. Thus, the H. lacerdae group shows chromosome features that are not closely related to those of the congeneric H. malabaricus group. These finds, together with genetic and morphologic data, are important tools to be considered in a major revision of the Erythrinidae family, as well as for conservation programs.

A taxonomia dos Erythrinidae encontra-se ainda por ser totalmente esclarecida, existindo várias dúvidas sobre suas relações filogenéticas. No presente estudo, foram analisados os cariótipos e características cromossômicas de algumas espécies do grupo Hoplias lacerdae (Erythrinidae), de diferentes bacias hidrográficas do Brasil e estações de piscicultura, empregando-se a coloração Giemsa convencional, bandamento C, coloração com nitrato de prata, fluorocromos Mitramicina e Distamicina/DAPI, e hibridação fluorescente in situ (FISH). O número diplóide de 2n = 50 cromossomos foi constante, sendo os cariótipos formados por cromossomos de dois braços, meta- e submetacêntricos, sem diferenciação relacionada ao sexo. Foi identificado apenas um sítio ativo de região organizadora de nucléolo (NOR), presente no par cromossômico no. 11, identificado tanto pela coloração com nitrato de prata (Ag-NOR) como por FISH com sonda de DNAr 45S, embora alguns sítios adicionais de DNAr tenham sido identificados em outros pares de cromossomos, apenas por FISH. O sítio de Ag-NOR no cromossomo 11 mostrou-se rico em pares de bases GC, sendo Mitramicina-positivo. Sítios Mitramicina-positivos/DAPI-negativos foram igualmente observados nas regiões centroméricas/pericentroméricas dos pares cromossômicos 4, 6, 15 e 19, os quais mostraram também afinidade pelo nitrato de prata. Contudo, estes quatro sítios não foram evidenciados por FISH com sonda de DNAr 45S, indicando serem somente regiões de heterocromatina GC-rica, com afinidade pela prata. Os dados cromossômicos mostram que a evolução cariotípica no grupo Hoplias lacerdae é relativamente conservada e segue um comportamento particular em relação aos outros eritrinídeos, como Hoplias malabaricus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus e Erythrinus erythrinus, nos quais foram encontrados cariótipos politípicos. Assim sendo, o grupo H. lacerdae mostra características cromossômicas discordantes daquelas evidenciadas pelo grupo congenérico H. malabaricus. Estes dados, juntamente com os outros dados genéticos e morfológicos, constituem ferramentas importantes a serem consideradas em uma revisão ampla da família Erythrinidae, assim como para programas de conservação.

Evolutionary cytogenetics of the Hoplias lacerdae, Miranda Ribeiro, 1908 group: a particular pathway concerning the other Erythrinidae fish

The taxonomy/systematics of the Erythrinidae fish is still imprecise, with several doubts on their relationships. Karyotypes and chromosomal characteristics of some species of the Hoplias lacerdae group (Erythrinidae), from different Brazilian hydrographic basins and pisciculture stations, were analyzed in the present study, using conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding, silver staining, Mithramycin and Distamycin/DAPI fluorochromes, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). A diploid chromosome number of 2n = 50 and karyotypes composed of meta- and submetacentric chromosomes without sex-related differences were found. Only one active NOR (Nucleolar Organizer Region) site was found, which was identified by silver staining (Ag-NOR) and FISH, located on the chromosome pair 11, although additional 45S rDNA sites were also mapped on other chromosome pairs only by FISH. The Ag-NOR of the chromosome pair 11 was found to be GC-rich, appearing positive after Mithramycin staining. Mithramycin-positive/DAPI-negative sites were also observed in the centromeric/pericentomeric regions of the chromosome pairs 4, 6, 15, and 19, which have also affinity to silver nitrate. However, these four sites were not detected by FISH with the rDNA probe, indicating to be only argentophilic GC-rich heterochromatic regions. Chromosome data show that the karyotype evolution in Hoplias lacerdae group is relatively conserved and follows a particular pathway concerning the other Erythrinidae fishes, such as Hoplias malabaricus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, and Erythrinus erythrinus, in which polytypic karyotypes are found. Thus, the H. lacerdae group shows chromosome features that are not closely related to those of the congeneric H. malabaricus group. These finds, together with genetic and morphologic data, are important tools to be considered in a major revision of the Erythrinidae family, as well as for conservation programs.

A taxonomia dos Erythrinidae encontra-se ainda por ser totalmente esclarecida, existindo várias dúvidas sobre suas relações filogenéticas. No presente estudo, foram analisados os cariótipos e características cromossômicas de algumas espécies do grupo Hoplias lacerdae (Erythrinidae), de diferentes bacias hidrográficas do Brasil e estações de piscicultura, empregando-se a coloração Giemsa convencional, bandamento C, coloração com nitrato de prata, fluorocromos Mitramicina e Distamicina/DAPI, e hibridação fluorescente in situ (FISH). O número diplóide de 2n = 50 cromossomos foi constante, sendo os cariótipos formados por cromossomos de dois braços, meta- e submetacêntricos, sem diferenciação relacionada ao sexo. Foi identificado apenas um sítio ativo de região organizadora de nucléolo (NOR), presente no par cromossômico no. 11, identificado tanto pela coloração com nitrato de prata (Ag-NOR) como por FISH com sonda de DNAr 45S, embora alguns sítios adicionais de DNAr tenham sido identificados em outros pares de cromossomos, apenas por FISH. O sítio de Ag-NOR no cromossomo 11 mostrou-se rico em pares de bases GC, sendo Mitramicina-positivo. Sítios Mitramicina-positivos/DAPI-negativos foram igualmente observados nas regiões centroméricas/pericentroméricas dos pares cromossômicos 4, 6, 15 e 19, os quais mostraram também afinidade pelo nitrato de prata. Contudo, estes quatro sítios não foram evidenciados por FISH com sonda de DNAr 45S, indicando serem somente regiões de heterocromatina GC-rica, com afinidade pela prata. Os dados cromossômicos mostram que a evolução cariotípica no grupo Hoplias lacerdae é relativamente conservada e segue um comportamento particular em relação aos outros eritrinídeos, como Hoplias malabaricus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus e Erythrinus erythrinus, nos quais foram encontrados cariótipos politípicos. Assim sendo, o grupo H. lacerdae mostra características cromossômicas discordantes daquelas evidenciadas pelo grupo congenérico H. malabaricus. Estes dados, juntamente com os outros dados genéticos e morfológicos, constituem ferramentas importantes a serem consideradas em uma revisão ampla da família Erythrinidae, assim como para programas de conservação.

Differential production of inflammatory cytokines in primary infection with human metapneumovirus and with other common respiratory viruses of infancy.

Viral respiratory infections are the most frequent cause of hospital admission for infants and young children during winter. However, the mechanisms of illness that are associated with viral lower-respiratory-tract infection (LRI) are unclear. A widely accepted hypothesis attributes the pathogenesis of viral LRI in infants to the induction of innate inflammatory responses. This theory is supported by studies showing that Toll-like receptor 4 is activated by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leading to production of inflammatory cytokines. We prospectively examined previously naive infants in Buenos Aires, Argentina, who had either upper- or lower-respiratory-tract symptoms. Infection with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was second only to RSV in frequency. Both viruses were associated with rhinorrhea, cough, and wheezing; however, hMPV elicited significantly lower levels of respiratory inflammatory cytokines than did RSV. Symptoms in infants infected with influenza virus were different from those in infants infected with RSV, but cytokine responses were similar. These findings suggest that hMPV and RSV either cause disease via different mechanisms or share a common mechanism that is distinct from innate immune activation.