DNA sequencing of 13 cytokine gene fragments of Aotus infulatus and Saimiri sciureus, two non-human primate models for malaria.

Aotus and Saimiri are non-human primate models recommended by the World Health Organization for experimental studies in malaria, especially for vaccine pre-clinical trials. However, research using these primates is hindered by the lack of specific reagents to evaluate immune responses to infection or vaccination. As a step toward developing molecular tools for cytokine expression studies in these species, primer pairs for 18 cytokine gene fragments were designed based on human DNA sequences and used to amplify the corresponding genes in Aotus infulatus and Saimiri sciureus genomic DNA samples. IFNγ, TNFα, LTA, IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL13, CSF2 and TGFß2 gene fragments were amplified and sequenced. Primer pairs for IL8, IL17, IL18, IL27 and MIF failed to generate amplification products. When compared to the available corresponding human and non-human primate sequences, most--except IL3 and IL4--showed identity degrees above 90%. Small variations in sequence can help to explain the failure to amplify certain genes or the amplification only at lower annealing temperatures as compared to human DNA samples for several primer pairs. The sequences made available provide the basis for designing molecular tools such as primers for real time PCR specific for A. infulatus and/or S. sciureus. The nucleotide sequences reported in this paper have been submitted to the GenBank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned accession numbers DQ985386 to DQ985389, DQ989356 to DQ989369, FJ89020 to FJ89024, and FJ89029.

Agnathia and associated malformations in a male rhesus monkey.

BACKGROUND: Agnathia is a rare malformation characterized by the absence of the mandible. METHODS: A male rhesus monkey with malformations was found dead and studied by internal examination, radiographs and histopathology. RESULTS: A case of a rare first branchial arch anomaly with agenesis of the mandible and tongue is presented. The animal also had visceral deformities. However, ears were normal in shape and only slightly low in position. The craniofacial malformations may reflect incomplete separation of the first branchial arch into its maxillary and mandibular processes. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the craniofacial and other corporal anomalies is unclear.

Atividade eletromiográfica do vasto medial oblíquo e vasto lateral durante atividades funcionais em sujeitos com síndrome da dor patelofemural / Electromyographic activity of vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles during functional activities in subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome

OBJETIVO: O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a amplitude e o tempo de ativação elétrica do vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral longo (VLL) e vasto lateral oblíquo (VLO) durante atividades funcionais em portadoras da síndrome da dor patelofemural (SDPF). MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo 20 mulheres, sendo dez do grupo controle e dez do grupo com SDPF. O sinal eletromiográfico do quadríceps foi detectado por eletrodos ativos diferenciais simples de superfície e um eletromiógrafo de quatro canais, durante atividades em cadeia cinética aberta (em um dinamômetro isocinético) e fechada (através de um step e durante o agachamento). Na análise estatística foram utilizados o teste t de student e uma análise de variância (ANOVA), com método pos-hoc de Tukey, com nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados sugerem uma menor intensidade na atividade elétrica do VMO em relação ao VLO (p=0,04) e maior retardo no tempo de ativação do VMO (p=0,0023) no grupo com SDPF considerando todas as atividades avaliadas. Houve diferença significativa do VMO em relação ao VLO nas atividades de extensão isocinética à 30º/s (p=0,042) e descida do step com 75º de flexão de joelho (p=0,038) no grupo com SDPF, e nas atividades de levantar-se de um banco (p=0,041), salto unipodal (p=0,046) e elevação dos calcanhares (p=0,004) no grupo controle. CONCLUSÕES: Nas condições experimentais realizadas, o estudo sugere um desequilíbrio na atividade elétrica e um padrão de recrutamento anormal entre os músculos VMO, VLL e VLO em sujeitos com SDPF, com maior retardo e menor amplitude de ativação do VMO neste grupo de sujeitos.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amplitude and onset of electrical activation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis longus (VLL) and vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) during functional activities in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). METHODS: Twenty women participated in the study: ten in a control group and ten in the group with PFPS. The electromyographic signal of the quadriceps muscle was detected using simple active differential surface electrodes and a four-channel electromyography system, during open kinetic chain activities (using an isokinetic dynamometer) and closed kinetic chain activities (step and squat maneuvers). For the statistical analysis, Student's t test and ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc method were used, with a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: The results suggested that the electrical activation of the VMO was less intense than in the VLO (p=0.04) and that there was greater delay in VMO onset (p=0.0023) in the group with PFPS, with regard to all of the functional activities evaluated. There was a significant difference between the VMO and VLO in relation to the activities of isokinetic extension at 30º/s (p=0.042) and step down with knee flexion at 75º (p=0.038) in the group with SDPF, and in the activities of rising from a bench (p=0.041), single-leg hop (p=0.046) and heel raising (p=0.004) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Under the experimental conditions used, this study suggests that there is an imbalance in the electric activity and abnormal recruitment patterns among the VMO, VLL and VLO muscles in individuals with PFPS, with greater delay and lower amplitude of activation of the VMO in this group.

[Social counseling for immigrants--practical experiences exemplified by Portugese immigrants]. / Sozialberatung für Ausländer--praktische Erfahrungen am Beispiel der Portugiesen.

The basis for an adequate communication being insufficient, it is very hard to offer foreigners in difficult situations efficient advisory assistance and care. The reason is not only the difference in language but also the difference in culture. Not everything can be expressed properly with a literal translation. The statements must be interpreted in connection with the way of thinking and behaving as well as with the cultural, social and religious environment of those seeking advice. According to the Portuguese community as well as all other emigrants, intermediaries of their mother tongue and culture should stand in more frequently. This way, there would be a better chance of success for all people involved.