Myriapod haemocyanin: the first three-dimensional reconstruction of Scolopendra subspinipes and preliminary structural analysis of S. viridicornis.

Haemocyanins (Hcs) are copper-containing, respiratory proteins that occur in the haemolymph of many arthropod species. Here, we report the presence of Hcs in the chilopode Myriapoda, demonstrating that these proteins are more widespread among the Arthropoda than previously thought. The analysis of transcriptome of S. subspinipes subpinipes reveals the presence of two distinct subunits of Hc, where the signal peptide is present, and six of prophenoloxidase (PPO), where the signal peptide is absent, in the 75 kDa range. Size exclusion chromatography profiles indicate different quaternary organization for Hc of both species, which was corroborated by TEM analysis: S. viridicornis Hc is a 6 × 6-mer and S. subspinipes Hc is a 3 × 6-mer, which resembles the half-structure of the 6 × 6-mer but also includes the presence of phenoloxidases, since the 1 × 6-mer quaternary organization is commonly associated with hexamers of PPO. Studies with Chelicerata showed that PPO activity are exclusively associated with the Hcs. This study indicates that Scolopendra may have different proteins playing oxygen transport (Hc) and PO function, both following the hexameric oligomerization observed in Hcs.

Myriapod haemocyanin: the first three-dimensional reconstruction of Scolopendra subspinipes and preliminary structural analysis of S. viridicornis

Haemocyanins (Hcs) are copper-containing, respiratory proteins that occur in the haemolymph of many arthropod species. Here, we report the presence of Hcs in the chilopode Myriapoda, demonstrating that these proteins are more widespread among the Arthropoda than previously thought. The analysis of transcriptome of S. subspinipes subpinipes reveals the presence of two distinct subunits of Hc, where the signal peptide is present, and six of prophenoloxidase (PPO), where the signal peptide is absent, in the 75 kDa range. Size exclusion chromatography profiles indicate different quaternary organization for Hc of both species, which was corroborated by TEM analysis: S. viridicornis Hc is a 6 × 6-mer and S. subspinipes Hc is a 3 × 6-mer, which resembles the half-structure of the 6 × 6-mer but also includes the presence of phenoloxidases, since the 1 × 6-mer quaternary organization is commonly associated with hexamers of PPO. Studies with Chelicerata showed that PPO activity are exclusively associated with the Hcs. This study indicates that Scolopendra may have different proteins playing oxygen transport (Hc) and PO function, both following the hexameric oligomerization observed in Hcs.

Myriapod haemocyanin: the first three-dimensional reconstruction of Scolopendra subspinipes and preliminary structural analysis of S. viridicornis

Haemocyanins (Hcs) are copper-containing, respiratory proteins that occur in the haemolymph of many arthropod species. Here, we report the presence of Hcs in the chilopode Myriapoda, demonstrating that these proteins are more widespread among the Arthropoda than previously thought. The analysis of transcriptome of S. subspinipes subpinipes reveals the presence of two distinct subunits of Hc, where the signal peptide is present, and six of prophenoloxidase (PPO), where the signal peptide is absent, in the 75 kDa range. Size exclusion chromatography profiles indicate different quaternary organization for Hc of both species, which was corroborated by TEM analysis: S. viridicornis Hc is a 6 × 6-mer and S. subspinipes Hc is a 3 × 6-mer, which resembles the half-structure of the 6 × 6-mer but also includes the presence of phenoloxidases, since the 1 × 6-mer quaternary organization is commonly associated with hexamers of PPO. Studies with Chelicerata showed that PPO activity are exclusively associated with the Hcs. This study indicates that Scolopendra may have different proteins playing oxygen transport (Hc) and PO function, both following the hexameric oligomerization observed in Hcs.

Molecular identification and microbiological evaluation of isolates from equipments and food contact surfaces in a hospital Food and Nutrition Unit / Avaliação microbiológica e identificação molecular de isolados de equipamentos e superfícies de contato com alimentos em um hospital Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição

Abstract The hygienic and sanitary control in Food and Nutrition Units (FNU) is considered a standard procedure to produce adequate meals and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and hospital infections. This study aimed to evaluate the isolation and identification of bacteria from equipment and food contact surfaces in a hospital FNU as well as to evaluate the sanitary condition. Likewise, it was analyzed the adhesion of the microorganisms on polyethylene cutting boards. The presence of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, molds, coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliform and fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli were analyzed on eating tables, countertop surfaces and cutting boards used for meat or vegetable handling, and equipment such as microwaves and refrigerators. The molecular identification it was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The adhesion of the microorganisms (biofilm formation) on meat and vegetable cutting boards was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed high numbers of all microorganisms, except for E. coli , which was not observed in the samples. The molecular analysis identified species of the Enterobacteriaceae family and species of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed bacterial adhesion on the cutting board surfaces. The results obtained in this study indicated that the hygienic conditions of surfaces like plastic cutting boards and equipment in this hospital FNU were inadequate. The achievement and application of standard operating procedures could positively help in the standardization of sanitary control, reducing the microbial contamination and providing a safe food to hospitalized patients.

Resumo O controle higiênico e sanitário nas Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN) é considerado um procedimento padrão para produzir refeições adequadas e reduzir o risco de doenças transmitidas pelos alimentos e infecções hospitalares. Este estudo teve como objetivo isolar e identificar bactérias de equipamentos e superfícies de contato com alimentos em uma UAN hospitalar, bem como avaliar a condição sanitária. Do mesmo modo, analisou-se a adesão dos micro-organismos em tábuas de corte de polietileno. A presença de micro-organismos aeróbios mesófilos, leveduras, fungos, Sthapylococcus coagulase-positivos, coliformes, coliformes fecais e Escherichia coli foi analisadas na superfície de mesas do refeitório, superfícies de bancada e tábuas de corte usadas para manuseio de carne ou vegetais e, em equipamentos como micro-ondas e refrigeradores. A identificação molecular foi feita pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. A adesão dos micro-organismos (formação de biofilmes) em tábuas de corte de carne e de vegetais também foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Os resultados mostraram elevada contagem para todos os micro-organismos analisados, exceto para E. coli, a qual não foi observada nas amostras. A análise molecular identificou espécies da família Enterobacteriaceae e Pseudomonadaceae. A análise de microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelaram adesão bacteriana nas superfícies das placsa de corte. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo indicaram que as condições higiênicas das superfícies e de equipamentos nesta UAN hospitalar estavam inadequadas. A aplicação de procedimentos operacionais padrão poderia auxiliar positivamente na padronização do controle higiênico-sanitário, reduzindo a contaminação microbiana e fornecendo um alimento seguro para pacientes hospitalizados.

Molecular identification and microbiological evaluation of isolates from equipments and food contact surfaces in a hospital Food and Nutrition Unit.

The hygienic and sanitary control in Food and Nutrition Units (FNU) is considered a standard procedure to produce adequate meals and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases and hospital infections. This study aimed to evaluate the isolation and identification of bacteria from equipment and food contact surfaces in a hospital FNU as well as to evaluate the sanitary condition. Likewise, it was analyzed the adhesion of the microorganisms on polyethylene cutting boards. The presence of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, yeasts, molds, coagulase-positive staphylococci, coliform and fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli were analyzed on eating tables, countertop surfaces and cutting boards used for meat or vegetable handling, and equipment such as microwaves and refrigerators. The molecular identification it was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The adhesion of the microorganisms (biofilm formation) on meat and vegetable cutting boards was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed high numbers of all microorganisms, except for E. coli , which was not observed in the samples. The molecular analysis identified species of the Enterobacteriaceae family and species of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed bacterial adhesion on the cutting board surfaces. The results obtained in this study indicated that the hygienic conditions of surfaces like plastic cutting boards and equipment in this hospital FNU were inadequate. The achievement and application of standard operating procedures could positively help in the standardization of sanitary control, reducing the microbial contamination and providing a safe food to hospitalized patients.

Influence of graded levels of calcium and vitamin K in the diets of laying hens during the growing phase and their effects on the laying phase.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin K (vit K) and Ca in the diets of laying hens on bone and blood parameters and performance during the growing phase and the effects on the laying phase up to 32 weeks. The study utilized 120 Hy-Line W-36 pullets in the growing phase (13-18 weeks), 80 laying hens in the production phase (20-32 weeks), distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement, two levels of Ca (0.8 and 1.4%) and five levels of vit K supplementation (0, 2, 8, 16 and 32 mg/kg) with four experimental units. An experimental diet was fed during the growing phase, and the commercial diet was fed during the production phase and were analysed for biochemistry and bone variables at 18 and 32 weeks. In pullets, a significant interaction of levels of vit K and Ca was observed for total serum calcium (mg/dl), Seedor index, Ca in the bones (%) and medullary bone (%). Pullets at 18 weeks of age, receiving diets with 1.4% Ca, displayed a quadratic effect of vit K with better results for these variables with 17.86, 14.59, 14.48 and 16.80 mg/kg of vit K, respectively. For level 0.8% Ca no effect of vit K was observed. The treatments during the growing phase had no effect on egg production, performance and biochemistry serum until 32 weeks. Medullary bone (%), there was a significant interaction for 1.4% Ca and a quadratic effect for vit K, with greater medullary bone areas observed with 6.09 mg/kg vit K in the diet. Supplementation with vit K in a diet with 1.4% Ca during the growing phase allowed for an increase in the area of medullary bone at 18 weeks, which was maintained until 32 weeks.

Comparative study of patch test using traditional method vs. prior skin abrading.

BACKGROUND: The patch test is an essential procedure for the investigation of aetiologic diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, although it is not yet able to fully reproduce the events of the initial site of contact with the allergen. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study are (i) to assess whether removal of the superficial corneous layer results in test positivity differences vs. the traditional technique, (ii) to assess the probable and/or possible and past and/or present sensitivity and relevance for each method, and (iii) to compare specific relevance of nickel sulphate for each method. RESULTS: Concordance of positive reactions was 75.9% (66 of 87), with 21.8% (19 of 87) positivity results on the abraded side only and 2.3% (2 of 87) on the unabraded side (P < 0.05). Concordance of the substances with probable and/or possible and past and/or present relevance was 77.3% (58 of 75) for the abraded side and 21.3% (16 of 75) and 1.3% (1 of 75) for the unabraded side (P < 0.05). Analysis of isolated relevance for nickel sulphate showed 95.6% (22 of 23) concordance. CONCLUSIONS: (i) We found a greater number of positive substances on the abraded side, and when only the 2 + and 3 + reactions were considered, greater relative discordance was also observed; (ii) relevance analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two methods; (iii) differences in nickel sulphate test positivity and relevance for the two methods did not reach statistical significance.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by ingestion of bamifylline.

We report a case of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) in a 64-year-old woman, associated with the use of bamifylline. To the best of our knowledge there have been no previous reports of AGEP induced by the ingestion of bamifylline in the medical literature. We, therefore, add this drug to the list of causes for AGEP.

Urticária e doenças sistêmicas / Systemic diseases and urticari

Chronic urticaria and concurrent angioedema are disappoiting problems for both physicians and patients. The disease can result from multiple causes and probably does not have a single etiology. Several factors have been identified that appear to be important in the pathogenesis of individual cases, some drugs, food additives, physical factors and internal diseases. In some cases no pathogenesis are identified and those cases are classified as idiopathic. In recent years several articles has emphasized autoimmunity and infections due to Helicobacter pylori. Our article reviewed the etiology of chronic urticari at current concepts.

[Urticaria and systemic diseases]. / Urticária e doenças sistêmicas.

Chronic urticaria and concurrent angioedema are disappointing problems for both physicians and patients. The disease can result from multiple causes and probably does not have a single etiology. Several factors have been identified that appear to be important in the pathogenesis of individual cases, some drugs, food additives, physical factors and internal diseases. In some cases no pathogenesis are identified and those cases are classified as idiopathic. In recent years several articles has emphasized autoimmunity and infections due to Helicobacter pylori. Our article reviewed the etiology of chronic urticaria at current concepts.

Estudo clínico comparativo entre cetirizina e placebo no tratamento de pacientes com rinite alérgica perene / Comparative clinical study between cetirizine and placebo in the treatment of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a tolerabilidade, a eficácia clínica e a segurança do uso da cetirizina (CTZ) no tratamento da rinite alérgica perene. O estudo foi comparativo contra placebo (PLB), duplo-cego, randomizado, cruzado. Os pacientes receberam um período de 15 dias com CTZ (10 mg em dose única di ria), seguido de outro período de 15 dias com PLB, ou vice-versa de acordo com lista de aleatorizaçäo. Setenta e dois pacientes foram admitidos e 52 deles completaram os dois períodos de tratamento previstos. A CTZ mostrou superioridade nos seguintes sintomas de rinite alérgica: coriza, obstruçäo nasal, crises de espirro, prurido nasal e conjuntivite. O sintoma tosse näo foi modificado por qualquer dos tratamentos. Os sinais físicos de rinite alérgica, como coloraçäo da mucosa, hipertrofia de cornetos, secreçäo nasal e inflamaçäo faríngea, mantiveram-se inalterados com os dois tratamentos. O mesmo ocorreu com os sinais vitais: pressäo arterial, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e peso. Durante o período de tratamento com a CTZ foram observados eventos adversos em sete pacientes (12,3 por cento) e no período PLB foram observados eventos adversos em oito pacientes (14 por cento). Os eventos adversos mais frequentes no período de tratamento com CTZ foram sonolência e aumento subjetivo de peso (nÝo confirmado ao exame físico); no período PLB foram tontura, aumento de apetite e cefaléia. Durante o período de tratamento com a CTZ nove pacientes interromperam o tratamento, sendo oito pacientes por abandono ou falta de colaboraçäo do paciente e um por evento adverso (urticária ao frio näo controlada). Durante o período PLB 11 pacientes interromperam o tratamento, sendo dez pacientes por abandono ou falta de colaboraçäo do paciente e um por evento adverso (tontura e calafrios). Concluímos que a CTZ se mostrou clinicamente superior ao PLB em efic cia, proporcionando alívio dos sintomas da rinite alérgica perene e sintomas conjuntivais. A incidência de eventos adversos com CTZ nÝo diferiu da observada com PLB. A cetirizina é um anti-histamínico eficaz e bem tolerado, com posologia cômoda em relaçäo aos anti-histamínicos clássicos, podendo ser utilizada para tratamento da rinite alérgica.

Antimicrobial isoflavanones from Desmodium canum.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of Desmodium canum resulted in the isolation and characterization of three antimicrobial isoflavonones. These compounds, namely, desmodianones A, B and C, were assigned the structures 5,7,2'-trihydroxy-6,6"-dimethyl-6"-(4-methylpent-3- enyl)pyrano(2",3";4',5')isoflavanone, 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methyl-8-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-is oflavanone, and 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl-5'-(3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienyl )-isoflavanone, respectively.

Chemistry and pharmacology of a tertiary alkaloid from Strychnos trinervis root bark.

Bisnordihydrotoxiferine has been isolated as the major alkaloid from the root bark of Strychnos trinervis. This compound shows a wide antimicrobial spectrum against gram-positive, gram-negative and acid-fast microorganisms, filamentous and yeast-like fungi and also phytopathogenic microorganisms. Preliminary studies also reveal some cytotoxic activity in KB cells which was confirmed by tests against sarcoma 180 tumors.

Tratamento cirurgico do cancer colorretal. Valor das provas cutaneas de competencia imunologica na avaliacao prognostica e imunoterapica. / Surgical treatment of colon and rectal cancer.Value of immunologic competence skin tests in the prognostic and immunotherapic evaluation

Os autores analisam o valor de provas de competencia imunologica na avaliacao prognostica e imunoterapica no tratamento cirurgico do cancer colorretal. Foram estudados 76 pacientes, incluidos na classificacao de Dukes: no grupo A, um paciente: no grupo B, 46 pacientes e 29 no grupo C.Todos os doentes submeteram-se a avaliacao de imunidade celular por testes cutaneos de varios antigenos, cujas respostas foram estimadas por pontos. Concluiram os autores que o perfil imunologico celular tem valor prognostico em pacientes do grupo B, o que nao ocorre com os pacientes do grupo C. As respostas foram fracas nos doentes dos grupos A e B, estimulados, melhoraram as respostas e tiveram evolucao superior

Plants in traditional medicine in Brazil.

Brazil has a long tradition of popular medicine in its different geographical areas (Amazonas, highlands and coast) and different cultural groups (Aruak, Tupi, Guarani). Recently the documentation of plants used in traditional medicine has been organized in Maceió, Brazil, but pharmacological investigations of these plants have been limited so far. High-level chemical research on natural products is developing quickly in the Federal Universities, but it is only seldom centred on medicinal plants. An exception is constituted by the Institute of Antibiotics of the University of Pernambuco where a multi-year programme on the chemistry of plants with pharmacological properties has been developed. Much interest is being shown in these studies, and the results should be coordinated and developed further.

Synthetic analogs of natural prenylated and chromene chalcones.

A number of synthetic analogs of the prenylated and chromene chalcones isolated from lonchocarpus neuroscapha (Leguminosae) were obtained by condensation of prenylated acetophenones with substituted benzaldehydes. The antibacterial activity of these products was studied and correlated with their structure.