Parasitism of a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) by Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 and Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 in an Amazon forest area, Rondônia, Brazil / [Parasitismo por Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899 e Amblyomma humerale Koch, 1844 em capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) em área de Floresta Amazônica, Rondônia, Brasil]

Dois carrapatos adultos, sendo um Amblyomma nodosum e um Amblyomma humerale foram encontrados parasitando ativamente uma capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) proveniente da região central do estado de Rondônia, Brasil, na zona rural do município de Ji-Paraná, localizado na Amazônia ocidental. Poucos trabalhos científicos relatam a presença de A. humerale em capivaras. Assim, esta é a primeira vez que A. nodosum é relatado parasitando essa espécie animal. Por não se tratar de um hospedeiro animal conhecido para A. nodosum ou comum para A. humerale, esses achados podem sugerir uma nova relação entre hospedeiros para eles. Portanto, são necessários mais estudos acerca da ecologia desses parasitas, principalmente por serem potenciais transmissores de patógenos de importância em medicina veterinária e saúde pública.(AU)

How bad is brazilian ginseng extract for reproductive parameters in mice?

Properties attributed to the Panax ginseng are also attributed to the Brazilian ginseng, such as adaptogenic and aphrodisiac effects. There are studies demonstrating that the Brazilian ginseng (BGE) possibly increases the serum levels of testosterone and nitric oxide in mice and rats. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of its extract on male fertility and sperm quality. Male Swiss mice (n = 60) were divided into six groups. The control animals were provided 0.5 mL of water, and 0.5 mL of water containing 7 mg/kg per day (d) sildenafil citrate. Other animals were treated with BGE at 100 mg/kg/d, 200 mg/kg/d, and 400 mg/kg/d by gavage for 42 days. Finally, animals from the last group received 200 mg/kg BGE every 3 days (3-3d) by gavage for 42 days. The results showed a reduction in the number of resistant spermatids in the testis and damage to daily sperm production, culminating in a reduction in the number of epididymal spermatozoa. Although the sperm quality decreased in all experimental animals, only males treated with BGE 100 mg/kg/d showed pre and post implantation embryo losses. We concluded that BGE alters sperm viability compromising the embryonic development after implantation.

Herbivore, parasitoid and hyperparasitoid insects associated with fruits and seeds of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell) Morong (Fabaceae) / Insetos herbívoros, parasitoides e hiperparasitoides associados a frutos e sementes de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell) Morong (Fabaceae)

Abstract This study aimed to inventory the herbivore insects associated with Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) fruits and seeds and their primary and secondary parasitoids. Six samples collected between May and October 2013 yielded 210 fruits, from which 326 insects of six orders emerged: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera and Psocoptera. Coleoptera (five families) was represented by the seed consumers Merobruchus bicoloripes Pic, Stator sp. Bridwell (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), two species of Silvanidae, one species of Scolytinae (Curculionidae), one species of Nitidulidae and one species of Cerambycidae. The cerambycid was also observed forming galleries on fruit mesocarp. Immature individuals of Lepidoptera were observed consuming the fruits and seeds. From the seven Hymenoptera families, only two species were associated with Coleoptera, being Horismenus Walker sp. (Eulophidae) as parasitoid of M. bicoloripes, and Neoheterospilus falcatus (Marsh) (Braconidae) as parasitoid of Scolytinae. The Lepidoptera parasitoids represented four genera: Pseudophanerotoma Zetel, Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae), Orgilus Nees (Braconidae) and Goniozus Forster (Bethylidae). The host associations for the reared parasitoids Bracon Fabricius (Braconidae), Pimplinae sp. (Ichneumonidae) and Perilampus Forster (Perilampidae) were not confirmed. We obtained a single representative of Diptera (Tachinidae) associated with Lepidoptera hosts in this food web.

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo inventariar os insetos herbívoros associados a frutos e sementes de Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) e seus parasitoides primários e secundários. De seis amostras coletadas entre maio e outubro de 2013, obteve-se 210 frutos, dos quais emergiram 326 insetos pertencentes a seis ordens: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera e Psocoptera. Coleoptera (cinco famílias) foi representada pelos consumidores de sementes: Merobruchus bicoloripes Pic, Stator sp. Bridwell (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), Silvanidae sp. 1 e sp. 2, Scolytinae sp. (Curculionidae), Nitidulidae sp. e Cerambycidae sp. A última espécie também foi observada formando galerias no mesocarpo do fruto. Indivíduos imaturos de Lepidoptera também foram observados consumindo os frutos e sementes. Dos Hymenoptera (sete famílias), duas espécies foram associadas a Coleoptera, sendo Horismenus Walker sp. (Eulophidae) parasitoide de M. bicoloripes e Neoheterospilus falcatus (Marsh) (Braconidae) parasitoide de Scolytinae. Os parasitoides de Lepidoptera foram totalizados em quatro gêneros: Pseudophanerotoma Zetel e Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae), Orgilus Nees (Braconidae) e Goniozus Forster (Bethylidae). As interações para os parasitoides Bracon Fabricius (Braconidae), Pimplinae sp. (Ichneumonidae) e Perilampus Forster (Perilampidae) não foram confirmadas. Nós encontramos apenas um único representante de Diptera (Tachinidae) como parasitoide de Lepidoptera nesta rede trófica.

Herbivore, parasitoid and hyperparasitoid insects associated with fruits and seeds of Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae).

This study aimed to inventory the herbivore insects associated with Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Vell.) Morong (Fabaceae) fruits and seeds and their primary and secondary parasitoids. Six samples collected between May and October 2013 yielded 210 fruits, from which 326 insects of six orders emerged: Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Thysanoptera and Psocoptera. Coleoptera (five families) was represented by the seed consumers Merobruchus bicoloripes Pic, Stator sp. Bridwell (Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae), two species of Silvanidae, one species of Scolytinae (Curculionidae), one species of Nitidulidae and one species of Cerambycidae. The cerambycid was also observed forming galleries on fruit mesocarp. Immature individuals of Lepidoptera were observed consuming the fruits and seeds. From the seven Hymenoptera families, only two species were associated with Coleoptera, being Horismenus Walker sp. (Eulophidae) as parasitoid of M. bicoloripes, and Neoheterospilus falcatus (Marsh) (Braconidae) as parasitoid of Scolytinae. The Lepidoptera parasitoids represented four genera: Pseudophanerotoma Zetel, Chelonus Panzer (Braconidae), Orgilus Nees (Braconidae) and Goniozus Forster (Bethylidae). The host associations for the reared parasitoids Bracon Fabricius (Braconidae), Pimplinae sp. (Ichneumonidae) and Perilampus Forster (Perilampidae) were not confirmed. We obtained a single representative of Diptera (Tachinidae) associated with Lepidoptera hosts in this food web.

Effect of watershed land use on water quality: a case study in Córrego da Olaria Basin, São Paulo State, Brazil / Efeito do uso do solo em sub-bacias na qualidade da água: um estudo de caso na Bacia do Córrego da Olaria, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract The water quality is related to the hydrologic and limnologic properties of ground and surface water, and significant efforts have been made to monitor water sources to understand the effects of land use changes in agricultural areas, with significant socioeconomic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative aspects of surface water in subbasins related to land use. Samples were analyzed in terms of physical and chemical parameters on monthly discrete water quality sampling in four representative sites at first order subbasin streams, located at the Polo Regional Centro Norte, Pindorama County, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The land use classification was made by visual detection technique in a multispectral satellite data obtained from LandSat8- spectral bands of the OLI sensor. The watershed was classified into major land cover/use classes and overlay maps generated in ArcGIS 10 indicated a significant shift from natural vegetation to agriculture activities. Water quality monitoring was according to the brazilian protocol and the results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The values obtained differ significantly at each sampling point - subbasins, reflecting the effects of land use on water quality. Soil conservation management is important to optimize soil use in order to contribute to the control of water pollution and the formulation of a public policy is necessary for the conservation of water and soil resources.

Resumo A qualidade da água está relacionada com as propriedades hidrológicas e limnológicas das águas subterrâneas e superficiais, e esforços significativos devem ser realizados para monitorar as nascentes no intuito de compreender os efeitos das mudanças no uso da terra em áreas agrícolas, com atividades socioeconômicas significativas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos qualitativos das águas superficiais de bacias hidrográficas e correlacionar com o uso do solo. As amostras foram analisadas em termos dos parâmetros físicos e químicos na amostragem mensal discreta da qualidade da água, em quatro locais representativos de nascentes em microbacias de primeira ordem, localizadas no Polo Regional Centro Norte, Pindorama, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A classificação do uso do solo foi feita por técnica de detecção visual em uma imagem multiespectral de satélite LandSat8- bandas espectrais, sensor OLI. O uso do solo foi classificado nas principais classes de uso e os mapas de sobreposição gerados no ArcGIS 10 indicaram uma mudança significativa da vegetação natural para as atividades agrícolas. O monitoramento da qualidade da água foi realizado de acordo com o protocolo brasileiro e os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA). Os valores obtidos diferem significativamente em cada ponto de amostragem, refletindo os efeitos do uso do solo sobre a qualidade da água. A gestão do solo e da água é importante para aperfeiçoar as práticas agrícolas, no intuito de contribuir para o controle da poluição da água e para a formulação de uma política pública necessária para a conservação dos recursos hídricos e do solo.

Effect of watershed land use on water quality: a case study in Córrego da Olaria Basin, São Paulo State, Brazil.

The water quality is related to the hydrologic and limnologic properties of ground and surface water, and significant efforts have been made to monitor water sources to understand the effects of land use changes in agricultural areas, with significant socioeconomic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative aspects of surface water in subbasins related to land use. Samples were analyzed in terms of physical and chemical parameters on monthly discrete water quality sampling in four representative sites at first order subbasin streams, located at the Polo Regional Centro Norte, Pindorama County, State of São Paulo, Brazil. The land use classification was made by visual detection technique in a multispectral satellite data obtained from LandSat8- spectral bands of the OLI sensor. The watershed was classified into major land cover/use classes and overlay maps generated in ArcGIS 10 indicated a significant shift from natural vegetation to agriculture activities. Water quality monitoring was according to the brazilian protocol and the results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The values obtained differ significantly at each sampling point - subbasins, reflecting the effects of land use on water quality. Soil conservation management is important to optimize soil use in order to contribute to the control of water pollution and the formulation of a public policy is necessary for the conservation of water and soil resources.

Phytophagy of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed on prey and Brassicaceae / Fitofagia do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) em diferentes brassicáceas

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the development and reproduction of the zoophytophagous predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed kale, broccoli and cabbage affects its. Nymphs and adults of this predator were fed on larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) as prey with kale, cabbage, or broccoli. In the nymph period, the duration and prey consumption were similar with all the Brassicacea cultivar. However, nymph viability was higher for predators with broccoli leaves. The mean weight of 5th-instar nymphs, newly emerged females and the sex ratio were similar among the Brassicacea cultivars, while newly emerged males were heavier with kale and broccoli leaves. The supply of broccoli leaves resulted in greater oviposition, higher number of eggs per egg mass and longer longevity of P. nigrispinus males and females. Furthermore, the consumption of P. xylostella larvae by adult predators was higher with these cultivars. The net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were highest for predators with prey and broccoli leaves. The reproductive parameters of P. nigrispinus were enhanced when fed on P. xylostella larvae with and broccoli leaves, which can be an alternative diet in laboratory rearing of this predator.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o desenvolvimento e reprodução do zoofitófago Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) em couve, brócolis e repolho. Ninfas e adultos deste predador foram alimentados com lagartas de Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) como presa e receberam folhas de couve, repolho ou brócolis. Durante o período ninfal, a duração do período e o consumo de presas foram semelhantes com as diferentes cultivares de brassicácea. Porém, a viabilidade ninfal foi maior para predadores com folhas de brócolis. O peso de ninfas de quinto instar e de fêmeas recém-emergidas e a razão sexual de P. nigrispinus foram semelhantes entre as cultivares de brassicáceas, enquanto que o peso de machos recém-emergidos foi maior com folhas de couve e brócolis. Folhas de brócolis proporcionaram maiores número de oviposições, ovos por postura e longevidade de machos e fêmeas de P. nigrispinus. Além disso, o consumo de lagartas de P. xylostella por adultos desse predador fora maiores com esta cultivar. A taxa líquida de reprodução (R0) e o tempo médio de geração (T) foram maiores para predadores com presa e folhas de brócolis. Podisus nigrispinus alimentados com lagartas de P. xylostella e folhas de brócolis apresentaram melhores parâmetros reprodutivos, podendo ser uma alternativa para a criação deste predador em laboratório.

Phytophagy of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) fed on prey and Brassicaceae.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development and reproduction of the zoophytophagous predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed kale, broccoli and cabbage affects its. Nymphs and adults of this predator were fed on larvae of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) as prey with kale, cabbage, or broccoli. In the nymph period, the duration and prey consumption were similar with all the Brassicacea cultivar. However, nymph viability was higher for predators with broccoli leaves. The mean weight of 5th-instar nymphs, newly emerged females and the sex ratio were similar among the Brassicacea cultivars, while newly emerged males were heavier with kale and broccoli leaves. The supply of broccoli leaves resulted in greater oviposition, higher number of eggs per egg mass and longer longevity of P. nigrispinus males and females. Furthermore, the consumption of P. xylostella larvae by adult predators was higher with these cultivars. The net reproductive rate (R0) and mean generation time (T) were highest for predators with prey and broccoli leaves. The reproductive parameters of P. nigrispinus were enhanced when fed on P. xylostella larvae with and broccoli leaves, which can be an alternative diet in laboratory rearing of this predator.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CNTNAP2 gene in Brazilian patients with autistic spectrum disorder.

The role of some genes and their single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic contributors of complex diseases is still a topic of much investigation. Research on genes related to autism susceptibility has been somewhat challenging, but also promising. Common genomic variants of CNTNAP2 have been associated with autism, and a range of autistic phenotypes such as impaired language function, abnormal social behavior, intellectual deficiency, epilepsy, and schizophrenia have been associated with this gene. Earlier findings have suggested that SNPs in the CNTNAP2 gene may be used as genetic markers for predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We analyzed the SNPs (rs7794745 and rs2710102) in the CNTNAP2 gene of 210 individuals with idiopathic ASD and 200 non-autistic individuals by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results revealed higher frequency distributions statistically significant (P = 0.034) of the homozygous SNP rs7794745 (presumed risk genotype) in ASD patients as compared with control subjects. The results also showed an association (OR = 1.802, 95%CI = 1.054-3.083, P = 0.042) between the same homozygous genotype and ASD, suggesting that it is a susceptibility factor for autism in this Brazilian population.

Effect of Storage Time on Bond Strength and Nanoleakage Expression of Universal Adhesives Bonded to Dentin and Etched Enamel.

PURPOSE: To investigate bond strength and nanoleakage expression of universal adhesives (UA) bonded to dentin and etched enamel. METHODS: Extracted human third molars were sectioned and ground to obtain flat surfaces of dentin (n = 36) and enamel (n = 48). Dentin and etched enamel surfaces were bonded with one of two UAs, All-Bond Universal (ABU) or Scotchbond Universal (SBU); or a two-step self-etching adhesive, Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB). A hydrophobic bonding resin, Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Bond (ASMP Bond) was applied only on etched enamel. Following each bonding procedure, resin composite blocks were built up incrementally. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to microtensile bond strength (MTBS) testing after 24 hours or one year water storage, or immersed into ammoniacal silver nitrate solution after aging with 10,000 thermocycles and observed using scanning electron microscopy. The percentage distribution of silver particles at the adhesive/tooth interface was calculated using digital image-analysis software. RESULTS: The MTBS (CSEB = SBU > ABU, for dentin; and CSEB > ABU = SBU = ASMP Bond, for etched enamel) differed significantly between the adhesives after 24 hours. After one year, MTBS values were reduced significantly within the same adhesive for both substrates (analysis of variance, Bonferroni post hoc, p<0.05), and no significant differences were found among the adhesives for etched enamel. Silver particles could be detected within the adhesive/dentin interface of all specimens tested. Kruskal-Wallis mean ranks for nanoleakage in ABU, SBU, and CSEB were 16.9, 18.5 and 11, respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the short term, MTBS values were material and dental-substrate dependent. After aging, a decrease in bonding effectiveness was observed in all materials, with nanoleakage at the adhesive/dentin interface. The bonding of the UAs was equal or inferior to that of the conventional restorative systems when applied to either substrate and after either storage period.

Two new species of Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) from areas of Atlantic Rainforest at São Paulo State, Brazil.

Two new species of Dryinidae are described and illustrated Dryinus auratus Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov. and Gonatopus mariae Martins, Lara, Perioto & Olmi sp. nov., both from areas of Atlantic Rainforest at São Paulo State, Brazil. Keys to species are provided.

Amblyomma dissimile Koch (Acari: Ixodidae) attacking Primolius maracana Vieillot (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) in the Amazon region, State of Pará, Brazil.

The tick Amblyomma dissimile Koch feeds preferentially on reptiles (Squamata), although amphibians (Anura) also seem to be important hosts. We report an A. dissimile nymph infesting a blue-winged macaw, Primolius maracana, held in captivity in the Mangal das Garças Park, State of Pará, Brazil. Environmental observations suggest that free-living iguanas (Iguana iguana), which used to walk on the bird enclosure in the park, were the source of the A. dissimile tick that infested the blue-winged macaw. We provide the second world record of a bird host for A. dissimile, and the first bird record for this species in South America.

Development of topotecan loaded lipid nanoparticles for chemical stabilization and prolonged release.

Topotecan is an important cytotoxic drug that has gained broad acceptance in clinical use for the treatment of refractory ovarian and small-cell lung cancer. The lactone active form of topotecan can be hydrolyzed in vivo, decreasing the drug's therapeutic efficacy. Lipid encapsulation may promote in vivo stabilization by removing topotecan from aqueous media. Earlier reports of topotecan lipid nanoencapsulation have focused on liposomal encapsulation; however, the higher stability and cost-effectiveness of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) highlight the potential of these nanoparticles as an advantageous carrier for topotecan. The initial motivation for this work was to develop, for the first time, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) with a high drug loading for topotecan. A microemulsion technique was employed to prepare SLNs and NLCs and produced homogeneous, small size, negatively charged lipid nanoparticles with high entrapment efficiency and satisfactory drug loading. However, low recovery of topotecan was observed when the microemulsion temperature was high and in order to obtain high quality nanoparticles, and precise control of the microemulsion temperature is critical. Nanoencapsulation sustained topotecan release and improved its chemical stability and cytotoxicity. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences between the NLCs and SLNs, and both are potential carriers for topotecan delivery.

Interação entre transgênicos (Bt) e inseticidas no controle de pragas-chave em híbridos de milho-safrinha / Interaction between transgenics and insecticides in the control of key pests on off-season maize hybrids

A cultura do milho é atacada por diversos lepidópteros-praga. Recentemente, foi liberada no Brasil a comercialização de híbridos de milho Bt, integrando em seu genoma o gene Cry1Ab, proveniente de Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, que codifica a proteína com efeito tóxico sobre insetos da ordem Lepidooptera. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em condições de campo, a eficácia de híbridos de milho convencionais e transgênicos para o controle de pragas, submetidos ou não à pulverização com inseticidas. O ensaio foi realizado em área experimental do Polo Apta Centro Norte, em Pindorama, Estado de São Paulo. Foram avaliados cinco híbridos de milho convencionais em comparação com os respectivos híbridos isogênicos Bt. A avaliação dos danos visuais de Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) foi realizada a cada 10 dias, em 20 plantas das duas linhas centrais da parcela, e para Helicoverpa zea (Bod.) e Diatraea saccharalis (Fab.) na pré-colheita. As interações entre os híbridos e a transgenia ocorreram em todas as avaliações a partir dos 40 dia após emergência (DAE). Os híbridos transgênicos (Bt) avaliados apresentaram as menores notas de danos visuais de S. frugiperda em todas as avaliações. A transgenia também proporcionou menor percentagem de espigas danificadas por H. zea e S. frugiperda e de colmos atacados por D. saccharalis. Conclui-se que a transgenia proporciona redução nos danos visuais ocasionados pelas pragas, embora apresente desempenho diferente entre os híbridos.

Diverse lepidopteran pests attack the maize crop. The commercialization of hybrids of transgenic Bt maize, integrating in its genome the gene Cry1Ab, from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki, which codifies the protein with toxic effect on insects of the Lepidoptera order, has been recently introduced in Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate, under field conditions, the effectiveness of conventional and transgenic maize hybrids for the control of pests, sprayed or not with insecticides. The assay was carried out in an experimental area of the Polo Apta Centro Norte, in Pindorama, São Paulo State, Brazil. Five conventional maize hybrids were evaluated in comparison with the respective isogenic Bt hybrids. The evaluation was carried out every 10 days, in 20 plants of the 2 central lines of the parcel for Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) damage. For damages of Helicoverpa zea (Bod.) and Diatraea saccharalis (Fab.) the evaluations were carried out in the pre-harvest. The interactions between the hybrids and the transgeny occurred in all evaluations starting at the 40th day after emergence (DAE). The Bt hybrids evaluated presented the lowest scores for visual S. frugiperda damages in all the evaluations. The transgenic maize also provided the lowest percentage of cobs damaged by H. zea and S. frugiperda, and of stalks attacked by D. saccharalis. In conclusion, the transgenic maize provided reduction in visual damages caused by the pests, however, it presented different performance among the hybrids.

Subtelomeric region of chromosome 2 in patients with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism spectrum disorders are severe psychiatric diseases commonly identified in the population. They are diagnosed during childhood and the etiology has been much debated due to their variations and complexity. Onset is early and characterized as communication and social interaction disorders and as repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Autistic disorders may occur together with various genetic and chromosomal diseases. Several chromosomal regions and genes are implicated in the predisposition for these diseases, in particular those with products expressed in the central nervous system. There are reports of autistic and mentally handicapped patients with submicroscopic subtelomeric alterations at the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 2. Additionally, there is evidence that alterations at 2q37 cause brain malformations that result in the autistic phenotype. These alterations are very small and not identified by routine cytogenetics to which patients are normally submitted, which may result in an underestimation of the diagnosis. This study aimed at evaluating the 2q37 region in patients with autistic disorders. Twenty patients were studied utilizing the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique with a specific probe for 2q37. All of them were also studied by the GTC banding technique to identify possible chromosomal diseases. No alterations were observed in the 2q37 region of the individuals studied, and no patient presented chromosomal diseases. This result may be due to the small sample size analyzed. The introduction of routine analysis of the 2q37 region for patients with autistic disorders depends on further studies.

Subtelomeric region of chromosome 2 in patients with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are severe psychiatric diseases commonly identified in the population. They are diagnosed during childhood and the etiology has been much debated due to their variations and complexity. Onset is early and characterized as communication and social interaction disorders and as repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Austistic disorders may occur together with various genetic and chromosomal diseases. Several chromosomal regions and genes are implicated in the predisposition for these diseases, in particular those with products expressed in the central nervous system. There are reports of autistic and mentally handicapped patients with submicroscopic subtelomeric alterations at the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 2. Additionally, there is evidence that alterations at 2q37 cause brain malformations that result in the autistic phenotype. These alterations are very small and not identified by routine cytogenetics to which patients are normally submitted, which may result in an underestimation of the diagnosis. This study aimed at evaluating the 2q37 region in patients with autistic disorders. Twenty patients were studied utilizing the fluorescence in situ hybridization technique with a specific probe for 2q37. All of them were also studied by the GTC banding technique to identify possible chromosomal diseases. No alterations were observed in the 2q37 region of the individuals studied, and no patient presented chromosomal diseases. This result may be due to the small sample size analyzed. The introduction of routine analysis of the 2q37 region for patients with autistic disorders depends on further studies.

Estudo das propriedades reologicas do muco bronquicco de pacientes sbmetidos a tecnicas de fisioterapia respiratoria / Study of the rheological properties of bronchial mucus among patients undergoing chest physiotherapy techniques

Analisar amostras de muco bronquico de pacientes com hipersecrecao bronquica a higiene bronquica (HB), sendo avaliadas as propriedades reologicas, o volume expectorado e o indice de purulencia (IP) do muco. Metodo: o protocolo de BH constou de inalacao, drenagem postural, tapotagem, aumento do fluxo expiratorio e uso do aparaelho Flutter. Foi coletado muco expectorado de 9 pacientes antes e apos cada sessao de HB. O muco coletado foi conservado a _ 20ºC. As medidas reologicas foram realizadas no reometro Dynamic Stress Rheometer AR 1000N, com a ferramenta placa paralela, deformacao constante de 0,01 Pa, na faixa de frequencia de 1 a 20Hz, a 37ºC. Foram obtidos valores de G`(modulo elastico), G``(modulo viscoso), N`(viscosidade dinamica) e N*(viscosidade complexa), sendo utilizados para analise estatistica nao-parametrica (p<-0,05) os valores observados nas frequencias de 1, 2, 16 e 20Hz. Resultados: os parametros reologicos G` e N* cairam significativamente no 2º e no 3º dia de tratamento em relacao ao pre-tratamento em todas as frequencias. O volume de muco obtido no pre-tratamento foi significativamente menor se comparado aos outros. O IP reduziu significativamente no 3º dia e mostrou relacao de dependencia com parametros reologicos do muco coletado no 1º e no 2º dia, sendo a mais alta a 20Hz, com G``(r=0,91). Conclusao: considerando os resultados obtidos, sugerimos que houve melhora no perfil reologico do muco coletado apos intervencao fisioterapeutica

Immunohistochemical characterization of intraocular metastasis of a canine transmissible venereal tumor.

Little has been published on intraocular metastasis of transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) in dogs. This report presents a 4-year-old male Labrador Retriever with a previous history of subcutaneous TVT which underwent total remission after treatment with vincristine. The dog presented with clinical signs of uveitis and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in both eyes. After enucleation of the left eye, a diagnosis of TVT was made based on morphology, histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC staining for vimentin, S-100 protein, cytokeratin and HMB45 was performed to differentiate this lesion from TVT, lymphoma, melanoma, carcinomas, neurogenic tumors and fibrosarcoma. The IHC findings supported the diagnosis of TVT for this round cell tumor.