Fatores intervenientes na proteção radiológica ocupacional no controle de qualidade em câmaras gama / Intervening Factors in Occupational Radiological Protection in Quality Control in the Gamma Cameras

Introdução: a proteção radiológica é campo do conhecimento que permeia os ambientes radiológicos. Sua aplicação envolve benefícios aos serviços, profissionais e usuários. Objetivo: identificar fatores intervenientes, bem como, dispositivos de proteção radiológica disponíveis em um serviço de medicina nuclear (MN), envolvidos nos testes de Controle de Qualidade em Câmaras Gama (CQCG). Metodologia: realizou-se um estudo observacional, do tipo exploratório e descritivo, em um serviço de MN conveniado com o Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA), com ênfase na proteção radiológica em testes de CQCG. A coleta de dados foi realizada em janeiro de 2016. Foram acompanhados testes diários de inspeção visual da integridade física, radiação de fundo da sala de exames, uniformidade intrínseca e centralização da largura da janela energética para cada radionuclídeo. Para os testes semanais, acompanharam-se os de resolução espacial e linearidade. Os dados foram analisados à luz da legislação/normativas vigentes para serviços de MN no Brasil. Resultados: referente à proteção radiológica em testes de CQCG, o serviço dispunha de três aventais plumbíferos e três protetores de tireóide com equivalência de 0,5mm de chumbo, além de pinças utilizadas para manipulação de fontes radioativas. Foi observada a presença de óculos de proteção, entretanto, os mesmos não eram plumbíferos. Os profissionais eram monitorados por dosímetros termoluminescentes de uso individual. Conclusão: de maneira geral, eram observados os fatores de proteção radiológica: tempo, distância e blindagem. O CQCG requer planejamento prévio com protocolo devidamente seguido que poderá minimizar a exposição ocupacional.

Introduction: radiation protection is a field of knowledge that permeates radiological environments. Its application involves benefits to services, professionals and patients. Objective: To identify intervening factors, as well as the radiological protection devices available in a nuclear medicine service (MN) involved in the Quality Control tests in Gamma Camera (CQCG). Methodology: an observational, exploratory and descriptive study was carried out at the MN service in partnership with Instituto Federal da Bahia (IFBA), with emphasis on radiological protection in CQCG tests. Data collection was performed in January 2016. Daily tests were conducted to visually inspect the physical integrity of the system, to test the background radiation of the examination room, and intrinsic uniformity and centralization of the energetic window width for each radionuclide were monitored. For the weekly tests, those of spatial resolution and linearity were monitored. The data was analyzed in accordance with the legislation/regulations for MN services in Brazil. Results: with regard to the radiological protection during CQCG tests, the service had three lead aprons and three thyroid protectors with a 0.5mm equivalence of lead, in addition, tweezers used to manipulate radioactive sources. The presence of protective goggles was observed, however, they did not contain lead. The professionals were monitored by thermoluminescent dosimeters for individual use. Conclusion: in general, the principles of radiation protection of time, distance and shielding were adopted. CQCG requires prior planning with a properly followed protocol that can minimize occupational exposure.

Strategies to reduce joint load in the medial compartment of the knee during gait in individuals with osteoarthritis: a review of the literature / Estratégias redutoras da carga no compartimento medial do joelho durante a marcha em indivíduos com osteoartrite: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract Introduction: Increased joint load on the medial compartment of the knee during gait is a mechanical factor responsible for pain and progression of medial knee osteoarthritis. The knee external adductor moment of force is a kinetic parameter that correlates with the joint load in the medial compartment. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative review of the biomechanics strategies during gait of individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis that reduce external adductor moment of force of the knee. Methods: The review of the literature was conducted in the databases MEDLINE, PUBMED and PEDro and included articles published between 2000 and 2011. It was selected transversal, theoretical, correlational and longitudinal studies as well as controlled clinical trials. Results: Decreased gait velocity, increased external rotation of the foot, increased internal abductor moment force of the hip and lateral trunk inclination to the side of the support limb are compensatory strategies used to reduce the external adductor moment of force of the knee during gait of individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis. The lateral trunk inclination may be beneficial in a short term, however it decreases the activity of the abductors muscles of the hip during the support phase of the gait favoring compensation that could result in the progression of medial knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Strengthening of the abductors muscles of the hip reduces pain, improves the function and prevents compensations that in a long term could possibly accelerate the progression of the medial knee osteoarthritis.

Resumo Introdução: O aumento da carga articular no compartimento medial do joelho durante a marcha é um fator mecânico responsável pela dor e progressão da osteoartrite medial do joelho. O momento de força externo adutor do joelho é o parâmetro cinético que correlaciona com a carga articular no compartimento medial do joelho. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão narrativa da literatura das estratégias biomecânicas durante a marcha em indivíduos com osteoartrite medial do joelho que reduzem o momento de força externo adutor do joelho. Métodos: A revisão da literatura foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, PUBMED e PEDro, incluindo artigos publicados entre 2000 e 2011. Foram selecionados artigos transversais, teóricos, de correlação e longitudinais, assim como ensaios clínicos controlados. Resultados: A diminuição da velocidade da marcha, aumento do ângulo de rotação externa do pé e do momento de força interno abdutor do quadril, inclinação lateral do tronco são estratégias compensatórias que reduzem o momento de força externo adutor do joelho durante a marcha em indivíduos com osteoartrite medial do joelho. A inclinação lateral do tronco pode ser benéfica em curto prazo, porém diminui a atividade dos músculos abdutores do quadril durante a fase de apoio da marcha favorecendo compensações que podem acarretar na progressão da osteoartrite medial do joelho. Conclusão: O fortalecimento dos músculos abdutores do quadril reduz a dor, melhora a função e previne compensações que em longo prazo poderiam acelerar a progressão da osteoartrite medial do joelho.

Increased hip internal abduction moment and reduced speed are the gait strategies used by women with knee osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study was to identify the gait strategies in women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty women diagnosed with OA of the knee and 40 healthy women participated in the study. Toe-out progression angle, trunk lateral lean, hip internal abduction moment and gait speed were measured using Qualisys ProReflex System and two force plates. Principal component analysis was applied to extract features from the gait waveforms data that characterized the waveforms main modes of temporal variation. Discriminant analysis with a stepwise model was conducted to determine which strategies could best discriminate groups. According to the discriminant model, the PC2 of the internal abduction moment of the hip and the gait speed were the most discriminatory variables between the groups. The OA group showed decreased gait speed, decreased hip internal abduction moment during the loading response phase, and increased hip internal abduction moment during the mid and terminal stance phases. Interventions that may increase hip internal abduction moment, such as the strengthening of the hip abductors muscles, may benefit women with knee OA. Training slower than normal gait speeds must be considered in light of potential adverse implications on overall physical function, daily tasks, and safety.

Power at hip, knee and ankle joints are compromised in women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Analyses of the biomechanical characteristics of gait of women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis may identify parameters that could be targeted by physical therapy interventions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the joint power profiles during gait between a group of elderly women with mild and moderate levels of knee osteoarthritis and a group of age-matched asymptomatic women. METHODS: Thirty-nine women diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the medial compartment of the knee and 39 healthy women with no diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. Joint power profiles of the hip, knee and ankle joints in the sagittal plane during gait were performed using video and force data obtained using Qualisys ProReflex System synchronized with two force plates. Principal component analysis was applied to extract features from the joint power waveforms characterizing their main modes of temporal variation. The extracted features were compared between groups. FINDINGS: Women with knee osteoarthritis absorbed and generated less energy at the hip and ankle joints, and absorbed less energy at the knee when compared to the asymptomatic group. INTERPRETATION: The observed power pattern in women with knee osteoarthritis may be related to their reduced gait speed, a suboptimal strategy possibly used to reduce reaction forces at the knee. Clinical studies should investigate whether interventions designed to improve muscular resources, as a means to control the flow of forces at the knee, would optimize power patterns and gait performance in women with knee osteoarthritis.

Application of principal component analysis on gait kinematics in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The applicability of gait analysis has been implemented with the introduction of the principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical data reduction technique that allows the comparison of the whole cycle between groups of individuals. OBJECTIVES: Applying PCA, to compare the kinematics of the knee joint during gait, in the frontal and sagittal planes, between a group of elderly women with and without diagnosis in the initial and moderate stages of Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 38 elderly women (69.6±8.1 years) with knee OA and 40 asymptomatic (70.3±7.7 years) participated on this study. The kinematics was obtained using the Qualisys Pro-reflex system. RESULTS: The OA group showed decreased gait velocity and stride length (p<0.05) and was characterized with higher WOMAC pain score. In the frontal plane, the between-group differences of the components were not significant. In the sagittal plane, three principal components explained 99.7% of the data variance. Discriminant analysis indicated that component 2 and 3 could classify correctly 71.8% of the individuals. However, CP3, which captures the difference in the flexion knee angle magnitude during gait, was the variable with higher discrimination power between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCA is an effective multivariate statistical technique to analyse the kinematic gait waveform during the gait cycle. The smaller knee flexion angle in the OA group was appointed as a discriminatory factor between groups, therefore, it should be considered in the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of elderly women with knee OA.

Aplicação da análise de componentes principais na cinemática da marcha de idosas com osteoartrite de joelho / Application of principal component analysis on gait kinematics in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A aplicabilidade da análise de marcha foi aprimorada com a introdução da análise de componentes principais (ACP), uma técnica estatística que reduz o volume de dados, permitindo a comparação de todo o ciclo entre grupos de indivíduos. OBJETIVOS: Comparar, por meio da ACP, a cinemática da articulação do joelho durante a marcha nos planos sagital e frontal, entre mulheres idosas sem e com diagnóstico de leve a moderado de osteoartrite (OA). MÉTODOS: Participaram 38 mulheres idosas (69,6±8,1 anos) com OA de joelhos e 40 assintomáticas (70,3±7,7 anos). A cinemática foi obtida usando o sistema Qualisys Pró-reflex. RESULTADOS: O grupo OA apresentou menor velocidade da marcha e comprimento da passada (p<0,05) e caracterizou-se por maior escore de dor no WOMAC. No plano frontal, as componentes não foram significativas entre os grupos. No plano sagital, três componentes explicaram 90,7 por cento da variância dos dados. A análise discriminante indicou que a componente 2 (CP2) e a 3 (CP3) classificaram corretamente 71,8 por cento dos indivíduos. Entretanto, a CP3, que capta a diferença de amplitude do ângulo de flexão do joelho durante a marcha, foi a variável com maior poder de discriminação entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: A ACP é uma técnica estatística multivariada, efetiva para a análise das variáveis cinemáticas do ciclo da marcha. A perda de flexão de joelho na marcha do grupo com OA foi apontada como fator discriminante importante entre os grupos, sendo, portanto, uma variável que deve ser considerada na avaliação e tratamento fisioterápico da mulher idosa com OA de joelho.

BACKGROUND: The applicability of gait analysis has been implemented with the introduction of the principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical data reduction technique that allows the comparison of the whole cycle between groups of individuals. OBJECTIVES: Applying PCA, to compare the kinematics of the knee joint during gait, in the frontal and sagittal planes, between a group of elderly women with and without diagnosis in the initial and moderate stages of Osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 38 elderly women (69.6±8.1 years) with knee OA and 40 asymptomatic (70.3±7.7 years) participated on this study. The kinematics was obtained using the Qualisys Pro-reflex system. RESULTS: The OA group showed decreased gait velocity and stride length (p<0.05) and was characterized with higher WOMAC pain score. In the frontal plane, the between-group differences of the components were not significant. In the sagittal plane, three principal components explained 99.7 percent of the data variance. Discriminant analysis indicated that component 2 and 3 could classify correctly 71.8 percent of the individuals. However, CP3, which captures the difference in the flexion knee angle magnitude during gait, was the variable with higher discrimination power between groups. CONCLUSIONS: PCA is an effective multivariate statistical technique to analyse the kinematic gait waveform during the gait cycle. The smaller knee flexion angle in the OA group was appointed as a discriminatory factor between groups, therefore, it should be considered in the physical therapy evaluation and treatment of elderly women with knee OA.

Exercícios de estabilização lombar e terapia manual no tratamento da dor lombar crônica inespecífica / Lumbar stabilization exercises and manual therapy for treatment of non-specific and chronic low back pain

A dor lombar crônica representa hoje um grande problema em todas as sociedades do mundo. Isso se deve ao grande gasto que ela acarreta para os setores de saúde e por ser uma das causas mais freqüentes de incapacidade entre os indivíduos. Por ser de origem multifatorial a dor lombar crônica apresenta várias abordagens de tratamento. A terapia manual e os exercícios de estabilização são tratamentos freqüentemente utilizados. A evidência desses métodos é muito discutida e dúvidas com relação à melhor abordagem a ser selecionada para o tratamento da dor lombar crônica não específica são freqüentes. Com base nessa revisão bibliográfica conclui-se que não há uma intervenção melhor que outra, entretanto ambas trazem algum tipo de benefício para os indivíduos com dor lombar crônica. A chave para o sucesso do tratamento da dor lombar crônica é a realização de uma avaliação criteriosa do paciente para definir qual a melhor intervenção a ser utilizada.

Low back pain is today a large problem in all populations in the world because it is associated with high costs in health care and for being one of the frequent reasons of disabilities. For its multi-factorial origin, low back pain can be treated by many different therapies. Chronic low back pain is commonly treated with manual therapy or stabilization exercises. The evidence of these methods is always discussed, and many doubts about which intervention is the best one for treatment of non-specific and chronic low back pain are frequent. In this literature review it is possible to conclude that there is no intervention better than the other. However, both bring some benefits for the patients with chronic low back pain. The key for success of low back pain treatment begins with an accurate evaluation of the patient in order to choose the best intervention to be used.

Expression in Escherichia coli, purification, refolding and antifungal activity of an osmotin from Solanum nigrum.

BACKGROUND: Heterologous protein expression in microorganisms may contribute to identify and demonstrate antifungal activity of novel proteins. The Solanum nigrum osmotin-like protein (SnOLP) gene encodes a member of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, from the PR-5 sub-group, the last comprising several proteins with different functions, including antifungal activity. Based on deduced amino acid sequence of SnOLP, computer modeling produced a tertiary structure which is indicative of antifungal activity. RESULTS: To validate the potential antifungal activity of SnOLP, a hexahistidine-tagged mature SnOLP form was overexpressed in Escherichia coli M15 strain carried out by a pQE30 vector construction. The urea solubilized His6-tagged mature SnOLP protein was affinity-purified by immobilized-metal (Ni2+) affinity column chromatography. As SnOLP requires the correct formation of eight disulfide bonds, not correctly formed in bacterial cells, we adapted an in vitro method to refold the E. coli expressed SnOLP by using reduced:oxidized gluthatione redox buffer. This method generated biologically active conformations of the recombinant mature SnOLP, which exerted antifungal action towards plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium solani f. sp.glycines, Colletotrichum spp., Macrophomina phaseolina) and oomycete (Phytophthora nicotiana var. parasitica) under in vitro conditions. CONCLUSION: Since SnOLP displays activity against economically important plant pathogenic fungi and oomycete, it represents a novel PR-5 protein with promising utility for biotechnological applications.

Identification of a novel beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Pcb-NAHA1) from marine Zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Zoanthidea).

beta-N-Acetylhexosaminidases (EC 3.2.1.52) belong to an enzyme family that hydrolyzes terminal beta-d-N-glucosamine and beta-d-N-galactosamine residues from oligosaccharides. In this report, we purified a novel beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (Pcb-NAHA1) from the marine zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum by applying ammonium sulfate fractionation, affinity chromatography on a chitin column, followed by two rounds of size exclusion chromatography. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated a single band protein of apparent homogeneity with a molecular mass of 25kDa. The purified enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl-2-acetoamide-2-deoxyamide-2-deoxy-beta-d-N-acetylglucosamide (pNP-GlcNAc) and to a lesser extent p-nitrophenyl-2-acetoamide-2-deoxyamide-2-deoxy-beta-d-N-acetylgalactosamide (pNP-GalNAc). Detailed kinetic analysis using pNP-GlcNAc resulted in a specific activity of 57.9 U/mg, a K(m) value of 0.53 mM and a V(max) value of 88.1 micromol/h/mg and k(cat) value of 0.61s(-1). Furthermore, purified Pcb-NAHA1 enzyme activity was decreased by Hg Cl(2) or maltose and stimulated in the presence of Na(2)SeO(4,) BaCl(2), MgCl(2,) chondroitin 6-sulfate, and phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. The optimum activity of Pcb-NAHA1 was observed at pH 5.0 and elevated temperatures (45-60 degrees C). Direct sequencing of proteolytic fragments generated from Pcb-NAHA1 revealed remarkable similarities to plant chitinases, which belong to family 18, although no chitinase activity was detected with Pcb-NAHA1. We conclude that beta-N-acetylhexosaminidases, representing a type of exochitinolytic activity, and endo-chitinases share common functional domains and/or may have evolved from a common ancestor.

Molecular and structural characterization of a trypsin highly expressed in larval stage of Zabrotes subfasciatus.

The Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus, feeds on several seeds such as Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Pisum sativum, causing severe crop losses. This ability to obtain essential compounds from different diets could possibly be explained due to a wide variability of digestive proteinases present in the weevil's midgut. These may improve digestion of many different dietary proteins. Coleopteran serine-like proteinases have not been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. In this report, a full-length cDNA encoding a trypsin-like protein, named ZsTRYP, was isolated from Z. subfasciatus larvae using RT-PCR, 5' and 3' RACE techniques. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis strongly correlated the Zstryp transcript accumulation to the major feeding developmental larval stage. Zstryp cDNA was subcloned into pET101 vector and expressed in a Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain. Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography was used to purify a 29.0-kDa recombinant enzyme. The purified ZsTRYP was then assayed with several synthetic peptide substrates and also challenged with different inhibitors. The biochemical data allowed us to classify ZsTRYP as a trypsin. Moreover, homology modeling analysis indicated a typical trypsin structural core and a conserved catalytic triad (His(41), Asp(86), and Ser(182)).

Effect of a Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor from Phaseolus coccineus on Hypothenemus hampei gut proteinases in vitro.

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari), is an important devastating coffee pest worldwide. Both trypsin and chymotrypsin enzyme activities from H. hampei larval midgut can be inactivated by proteinaceous enzyme-inhibitors. A serine proteinase inhibitor belonging to the Bowman-Birk class was purified from a wild accession of Phaseolus coccineus L. seeds. The inhibitor (PcBBI1) is a cysteine-rich protein that is heat-stable at alkaline pH. MALDI-TOF/MS analysis showed that PcBBI1 occurs in seeds as a monomer (8689 Da) or dimer (17,378 Da). Using in vitro inhibition assays, it was found that PcBBI1 has a high inhibitory activity against H. hampei trypsin-like enzymes, bovine pancreatic chymotrypsin, and trypsin. According to this, PcBBI1 could be a promising tool to make genetically modified coffee with resistance to coffee berry borer.

Saúde e segurança alimentar: a questão dos agrotóxicos / Health and food safety: the pesticides issue

A agricultura moderna apresentou, além de novas técnicas, equipamentos e elevação do número de pesquisas agronômicas, uma diversidade de insumos, como agrotóxicos e fertilizantes. Trouxe também mudanças nas cargas, modos de trabalho e riscos incorporados às novas atividades, que mais tarde passaram a se refletir na saúde, especialmente do trabalhador rural. A Organização Mundial da Saúde acredita que, anualmente, entre 3 e 5 milhões de pessoas sejam intoxicadas por agrotóxicos no mundo e resíduos destes produtos nos alimentos continuam a preocupar consumidores que carecem de informações. Este ensaio buscou reaver maiores informações sobre o tema na literatura existente, de forma a incentivar que o mesmo seja debatido por diferentes atores sociais, assim como mostrar a experiência brasileira na busca da segurança alimentar, no setor da vigilância à saúde. Foram levantadas pesquisas realizadas no país e no exterior que relatam situações de exposição ocupacional, problemas ligados à saúde humana e ambiental e dados referentes a análises de alimentos. São sugeridas diversas ações para minimizar os efeitos dos agrotóxicos, como uma maior fiscalização na comercialização e uso destes produtos químicos, simplificação dos rótulos nas embalagens e maior adequação dos equipamentos de proteção. Espera-se que o exposto possa colaborar com ações preventivas.

The modern agriculture introduced besides new techniques, equipments and a higher number of agronomical researches, a diversity of new products, as pesticides and fertilizers. It also brought up changes in labor hours and working conditions, as well as risks linked to the new activities, that later reflected in health, especially for rural workers. World Health Organization believes that per year between 3 and 5 millions of people are intoxicated world wide and pesticide residue in food continues to preoccupy consumers that need more information about this theme. This article aims on gathering information about the theme and to support discussion among different social actors, also showing the Brazilian experience in health surveillance in its pathway to reach food security. Researches in Brazil and elsewhere were raised reporting occupational exposure and problems related to human and environmental health and data related to food analyses. Actions are suggested to minimize pesticide effect, for example the improvement on fiscalization over sales and use of these chemical products, changes in labels and safety equipments. The authors expect that the article may collaborate to preventive actions.

Molecular cloning and expression of an alpha-amylase inhibitor from rye with potential for controlling insect pests.

Alpha-amylase inhibitors have important roles in plant defense mechanisms, particularly against insects, and several of these inhibitors have been expressed in different crops to increase their resistance to particular insects. In this work, we report the cloning and expression of a gene encoding for a new alpha-amylase inhibitor (BIII) from rye (Secale cereale) seeds. The BIII gene contains 354 nucleotides that encode for 118 amino acids sequence. A 313 bp fragment of the gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and resulted in a functional inhibitor that reduced the activity of alpha-amylases of larvae of the coleopteran pests Acanthoscelides obtectus, Zabrotess subfasciatus and Anthonomus grandis. In contrast, the inhibitor did not inhibit the activity of porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase. Although the amino acid sequence of BIII showed high identity with those of bifunctional inhibitors, the recombinant protein was unable to inhibit trypsin-like serine proteinases. The effects of recombinant BIII were evaluated in vivo against A. grandis. When first instar larvae were reared on an artificial diet containing four different concentrations of BIII, a reduction in larval weight and a mortality of 83% were observed at the highest concentration.

Effects of soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor on the cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis).

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is an economically important pest of cotton in tropical and subtropical areas of several countries in the Americas, causing severe losses due to their damage in cotton floral buds. Enzymatic assays using gut extracts from larval and adult boll weevil have demonstrated the presence of digestive serine proteinase-like activities. Furthermore, in vitro assays showed that soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (SKTI) was able to inhibit these enzymes. Previously, in vivo effects of black-eyed pea trypsin chymotrypsin inhibitor (BTCI) have been demonstrated towards the boll weevil pest. Here, when neonate larvae were reared on an artificial diet containing SKTI at three different concentrations, a reduction of larval weight of up to 64% was observed for highest SKTI concentration 500 microM. The presence of SKTI caused an increase in mortality and severe deformities of larvae, pupae and adult insects. This work therefore represents the first observation of a Kunitz trypsin inhibitor active in vivo and in vitro against A. grandis. Bioassays suggested that SKTI could be used as a tool in engineering crop plants, which might exhibit increased resistance against cotton boll weevil.

Análise molecular da interaçäo entre a `alfa'-amilase de Z. subfasciatus e o inibidor de àlfa'-Amilase de trigo 0.19: aspectos biotecnológicos para o controle de pragas de armazenamento / Molecular analysis of the interaction among the `alpha'-amilases of Z. subfasciatus and the `alpha'-amylase inhibitor of wheat 0.19: biotechnological aspects for the control of storage pests

Sementes de feijäo säo freqüentemente infestadas por diferentes insetos-praga incluindo Zabrotes subfasciatus, Callosobruchus maculatus e Acanthocelides obtectus. Estratégias visando o controle do ataque desses insetos têm sido desenvolvidas através do estudo de substâncias tóxicas e/ou proteínas antinutricionais que atuem sobre o desenvolvimento destes insetos. os inibidores protéicos de `alfa'-amilases presentes em leguminosas como o feijäo comum, bem como em sementes de cereais, como o trigo têm a capacidade de inibir a `alfa'-amilase de Z. subfasciatus. o estudo do mecanismo de interaçäo entre estes inibidores e as enzimas digestivas de insetos pode promover o desenho de inibidores potentes que atuem especificamente contra estas pragas...

Doença de Legg-Calvé-Perthes em gêmeos heterozigóticos / Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in heterozygotic twins

A ocorrência familiar da doença de Legg-Calvé-Perthes foi descrita por alguns autores, existendo controvérsia sobre a hereditáriedade como agente etiológico desta patologia. Os autores relatam o caso de aparecimento da doença de Legg-Calvé-Perthes em gêmeos heterozigóticos; o diagnóstico em um deles foi obtido após a realização de cintilografia óssea.

Ruptura bilateral simultânea do tendäo tricipital em paciente renal crônico em hemodiálise / Simutaneous bilateral rupture of the triceps tendon in a patient in hemodialysis for chronic renal failure

Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente com insuficiência renal crônica em hemodiálise que apresentou ruptura bilateral simultânea do tendao tricipital, sendo submetida a tratamento cirúrgico, com recuperaçao dos movimentos ativos após três meses.

Mixoma intramuscular: relato de caso / Intramuscular myxoma: case report

Os autores apresentam caso raro de tumor intramuscular em que somente após a biópsia excisional é obtido o diagnóstico de mixoma intramuscular. Devido à raridade da lesão, é feito relato do caso.

Osteossíntese das fraturas do terço médio da clavícula com pino de Knowles / Osteosynthesis of the fractures of the middle third of the clavicle with Knowles pin

Os autores apresentam 29 casos de fraturas do terço médio da clavícula, em 28 pacientes tratados com reduçao cirúrgica e osteossíntese intramedular com pino de Knowles, no período compreendido entre 1978 e 1990. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 16 e 59 anos, com média de 29 anos. Todas as fraturas consolidaram-se e 89 por cento dos pacientes retornaram às suas atividades laborativas prévias. Baseados nesta experiência e na revisao da literatura, concluímos que, na vigência de indicaçao, a osteossíntese intramedular com pino de Knowles proporcionou excelentes resultados no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas do terço médio da clavícula.