PI3K-AKT, JAK2-STAT3 pathways and cell-cell contact regulate maspin subcellular localization.

BACKGROUND: Maspin (SERPINB5) is a potential tumor suppressor gene with pleiotropic biological activities, including regulation of cell proliferation, death, adhesion, migration and gene expression. Several studies indicate that nuclear localization is essential for maspin tumor suppression activity. We have previously shown that the EGFR activation leads to maspin nuclear localization in MCF-10A cells. The present study investigated which EGFR downstream signaling molecules are involved in maspin nuclear localization and explored a possible role of cell-cell contact in this process. METHODS: MCF-10A cells were treated with pharmacological inhibitors against EGFR downstream pathways followed by EGF treatment. Maspin subcellular localization was determined by immunofluorescence. Proteomic and interactome analyses were conducted to identify maspin-binding proteins in EGF-treated cells only. To investigate the role of cell-cell contact these cells were either treated with chelating agents or plated on different cell densities. Maspin and E-cadherin subcellular localization was determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: We found that PI3K-Akt and JAK2-STAT3, but not MAP kinase pathway, regulate EGF-induced maspin nuclear accumulation in MCF-10A cells. We observed that maspin is predominantly nuclear in sparse cell culture, but it is redistributed to the cytoplasm in confluent cells even in the presence of EGF. Proteomic and interactome results suggest a role of maspin on post-transcriptional and translation regulation, protein folding and cell-cell adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: Maspin nuclear accumulation is determined by an interplay between EGFR (via PI3K-Akt and JAK2-STAT3 pathways) and cell-cell contact. Video Abstract.

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and differentiated thyroid cancer: do metabolic and inflammatory risk factors play roles?

PURPOSE: It is postulated that patients with different types of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) may present a higher incidence of cancer. Factors underlying individuals becoming overweight, such as insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, and low-grade inflammation, may play a role in the risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in such patients. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of and obesity-related risk factors associated with DTC in patients with PitNETs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 149 patients with nonacromegalic PitNETs (AG group), 71 patients with acromegaly (ACRO group), and 156 controls (CG group). All participants underwent insulin and blood glucose measurements with the determination of the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and they also underwent thyroid ultrasound. Clinically significant nodules were biopsied for subsequent cytopathological evaluation, and participants were operated on when indicated. RESULTS: Patients in the AG group had high levels of insulin resistance and significantly higher levels of leptin and hsCRP compared with those of patients in the ACRO group. There were no cases of DTC in the AG group; two findings, one incidental, of DTC occurred in the CG group, and three cases of DTC were present in the ACRO group. Acromegaly was associated with DTC after adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in patients with nonacromegalic PitNETs do not indicate a high risk for DTC despite the presence of metabolic and inflammatory risk factors for neoplastic events. In contrast, acromegaly promotes a greater risk of DTC.

Phylogenetic diversity of aerobic spore-forming Bacillalles isolated from Brazilian soils.

The phylum Firmicutes comprises seven classes where most species are either aerobic or anaerobic endospore former. Inside Firmicutes, species allocated in the genus Bacillus and related genera are collectively named aerobic endospore-forming bacteria (AEFB), and the soil is their major reservoir. AEFB have great importance in health, agriculture, and biotechnology although the more studied species are Bacillus subtilis and the human pathogens Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis. AEFB have great importance in health, agriculture, and biotechnology; although the knowledge about these organisms is based on few species, notably, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus anthracis. In this work, we generated partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of both strands of 192 AEFB strains isolated from soils of Distrito Federal, Brazil (SDF strains). The resulting consensus sequences were used to obtain taxonomic assignment and establish the phylogenetic relationships among these strains. Through this approach, we could observe that classified SDF strains were distributed among genera Bacillus (169 strains; 88.02%), Paenibacillus (11; 5.73%), Lysinibacillus (6; 3.13%), Brevibacillus (4; 2.08%), Terribacillus (1; 0.52%), and Rummeliibacillus (1; 0.52%). Phylogenetic trees revealed these 192 SDF strains can be segregated into eight groups spanning families Bacillaceae and Paenibacillaceae belonging to the order Bacillales. To expand the knowledge about the diversity of these SDF strains, further studies regarding characterization with different methodologies are underway.

Spatial clustering, social vulnerability and risk of leprosy in an endemic area in Northeast Brazil: an ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the global decline in the detection of leprosy cases, its incidence has remained unchanged in certain settings and requires the determination of the factors linked to its persistence. We examined the spatial and space-time distribution of leprosy and the influence of social vulnerability on the occurrence of the disease in an endemic area of Northeast Brazil. METHODS: We performed an ecological study of all leprosy cases reported by Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil from 2001 to 2015, to examine the association of the Social Vulnerability Index and the prevalence and persistence of leprosy among the State's municipalities. Socio-economic and leprosy surveillance information was collected from the Brazilian information systems, and a Bayesian empirical local model was used to identify fluctuations of the indicators. Spatial and space-time clusters were identified using scan spatial statistic tests and to measure the municipalities' relative risk of leprosy. RESULTS: Leprosy clusters and burden of disease had a strong statistical association with the municipalities' Social Vulnerability Index. Municipalities with a high social vulnerability had higher leprosy incidence, multibacillary leprosy and newly diagnosed cases with grade 2 disability than areas with low social vulnerability. CONCLUSION: Social vulnerability is strongly associated with leprosy transmission and maintenance of disease incidence. Leprosy control programmes should be targeted to the populations with high social vulnerability.

Antimicrobial alumina nanobiostructures of disulfide- and triazole-linked peptides: Synthesis, characterization, membrane interactions and biological activity.

Due to the its physical-chemical properties, alumina nanoparticles have potential applications in several areas, such as nanobiomaterials for medicinal or orthodontic implants, although the introduction of these devices poses a serious risk of microbial infection. One convenient strategy to circumvent this problem is to associate the nanomaterials to antimicrobial peptides with broad-spectrum of activities. In this study we present two novel synthesis approaches to obtain fibrous type alumina nanoparticles covalently bound to antimicrobial peptides. In the first strategy, thiol functionalized alumina nanoparticles were linked via disulfide bond formation to a cysteine residue of an analog of the peptide BP100 containing a four amino acid spacer (Cys-Ala-Ala-Ala). In the second strategy, alumina nanoparticles were functionalized with azide groups and then bound to alkyne-decorated analogs of the peptides BP100 and DD K through a triazole linkage obtained via a copper(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction. The complete physical-chemical characterization of the intermediates and final materials is presented along with in vitro biological assays and membrane interaction studies, which confirmed the activity of the obtained nanobiostructures against both bacteria and fungi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of aluminum nanoparticles covalently bound to triazole-peptides and to a disulfide bound antimicrobial peptide with high potential for biotechnological applications.

Atividade enzimática do solo em pastagens de Urochloa manejados sob ofertas de forragem / Soil enzymatic activity of Urochloa pastures managed under different forage allowances

A atividade enzimática do solo reflete a atividade dos microrganismos que decompõem a matéria orgânica e liberam nutrientes às plantas. O objetivo foi avaliar a atividade enzimática no solo em pastagens de cultivares de Urochloa manejados sob as ofertas de forragem de 4, 7, 10 e 13 kg de matéria seca (MS)/100 kg de peso corporal (PC). O método de pastejo adotado foi mob-stocking, com quatro ciclos de pastejo (entre dezembro de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009). Também foi realizada uma amostragem em junho de 2009 para melhor caracterização, pois a mineralização da matéria orgânica no solo ocorre em longo prazo. Assim, as datas de coleta de solo para análise foram descritas como dias de avaliações e não como pastejos: 1 (de 17 a 20 de dezembro de 2008), 21 (de 07 a 10 de janeiro de 2009), 42 (de 28 a 31 de janeiro de 2009), 63 (de 18 a 21 de fevereiro de 2009), 183 (de 18 a 20 de junho de 2009). Foi avaliada a atividade enzimática no solo da desidrogenase, protease, arilsulfatase e celulase. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições por oferta. Foi realizada a análise de variância e teste de Tukey ao nível de 5% de probabilidade, para comparação de médias, utilizando-se o procedimento o programa estatístico R. As análises foram realizadas de maneira individual para cada cultivar. De modo geral, nas pastagens das três cultivares estudadas, a atividade da desidrogenase foi maior (P<0,05) aos 63 dias e da protease no último dia de avaliação. O decorrer do período experimental implicou em mudanças na atividade da arilsulfatase e da celulase em relação às ofertas de forragem, mas sem um padrão de comportamento definido. As ofertas de forragem mostraram efeito sobre a atividade das enzimas ao longo do período de avaliação, porém sem padrão de comportamento definido, sendo observadas oscilações cíclicas da atividade dessas enzimas. As ofertas de forragem estudadas afetaram a atividade enzimática da desidrogenase, protease, arilsulfatase e...

Soil enzymatic activity reflects the activity microorganisms that decompose the organic matter and release nutrients into the soil that can be used by plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate soil enzymatic activity in Urochloa cultivar pastures managed under forage allowances of 4, 7, 10 and 13 kg dry matter/100 kg body weight. The grazing method adopted was mob-stocking, with four grazing cycles (between December 2008 and February 2009). Soil sampling was performed in June 2009 for better characterization since the mineralization of soil organic matter is a long-term process. Thus, the dates of soil sampling for analysis are reported as evaluation days and not as grazing: 1 (December 17 to 20, 2008), 21 (January 7 to 10, 2009), 42 (January 28 to 31, 2009), 63 (February 18 to 21, 2009), 183 (June 18 to 20, 2009). The soil enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase, protease, arylsulfatase, and cellulase was evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replications per forage allowance. Analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at the 5% probability level were applied to compare means using the R statistical program. The analyses were performed individually for each cultivar. Overall, in pastures of the three cultivars studied, dehydrogenase activity was higher (P<0.05) on day 63 and protease on the last day of evaluation. The experimental period implied changes in the activity of arylsulfatase and cellulase according to forage allowance, but without a defined pattern. Forage allowances exerted an effect on the activity of the enzymes throughout the evaluation period, but there was no defined pattern. Cyclic oscillations in the activity of these enzymes were observed. The forage allowances studied affected the soil enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase, protease, arylsulfatase and cellulase in Urochloa pastures of the Marandu, Xaraes and Mulato varieties, but no pattern was found in...

Atividade enzimática do solo em pastagens de Urochloa manejados sob ofertas de forragem / Soil enzymatic activity of Urochloa pastures managed under different forage allowances

A atividade enzimática do solo reflete a atividade dos microrganismos que decompõem a matéria orgânica e liberam nutrientes às plantas. O objetivo foi avaliar a atividade enzimática no solo em pastagens de cultivares de Urochloa manejados sob as ofertas de forragem de 4, 7, 10 e 13 kg de matéria seca (MS)/100 kg de peso corporal (PC). O método de pastejo adotado foi mob-stocking, com quatro ciclos de pastejo (entre dezembro de 2008 e fevereiro de 2009). Também foi realizada uma amostragem em junho de 2009 para melhor caracterização, pois a mineralização da matéria orgânica no solo ocorre em longo prazo. Assim, as datas de coleta de solo para análise foram descritas como dias de avaliações e não como pastejos: 1 (de 17 a 20 de dezembro de 2008), 21 (de 07 a 10 de janeiro de 2009), 42 (de 28 a 31 de janeiro de 2009), 63 (de 18 a 21 de fevereiro de 2009), 183 (de 18 a 20 de junho de 2009). Foi avaliada a atividade enzimática no solo da desidrogenase, protease, arilsulfatase e celulase. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições por oferta. Foi realizada a análise de variância e teste de Tukey ao nível de 5% de probabilidade, para comparação de médias, utilizando-se o procedimento o programa estatístico R. As análises foram realizadas de maneira individual para cada cultivar. De modo geral, nas pastagens das três cultivares estudadas, a atividade da desidrogenase foi maior (P<0,05) aos 63 dias e da protease no último dia de avaliação. O decorrer do período experimental implicou em mudanças na atividade da arilsulfatase e da celulase em relação às ofertas de forragem, mas sem um padrão de comportamento definido. As ofertas de forragem mostraram efeito sobre a atividade das enzimas ao longo do período de avaliação, porém sem padrão de comportamento definido, sendo observadas oscilações cíclicas da atividade dessas enzimas. As ofertas de forragem estudadas afetaram a atividade enzimática da desidrogenase, protease, arilsulfatase e...(AU)

Soil enzymatic activity reflects the activity microorganisms that decompose the organic matter and release nutrients into the soil that can be used by plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate soil enzymatic activity in Urochloa cultivar pastures managed under forage allowances of 4, 7, 10 and 13 kg dry matter/100 kg body weight. The grazing method adopted was mob-stocking, with four grazing cycles (between December 2008 and February 2009). Soil sampling was performed in June 2009 for better characterization since the mineralization of soil organic matter is a long-term process. Thus, the dates of soil sampling for analysis are reported as evaluation days and not as grazing: 1 (December 17 to 20, 2008), 21 (January 7 to 10, 2009), 42 (January 28 to 31, 2009), 63 (February 18 to 21, 2009), 183 (June 18 to 20, 2009). The soil enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase, protease, arylsulfatase, and cellulase was evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replications per forage allowance. Analysis of variance and Tukeys test at the 5% probability level were applied to compare means using the R statistical program. The analyses were performed individually for each cultivar. Overall, in pastures of the three cultivars studied, dehydrogenase activity was higher (P<0.05) on day 63 and protease on the last day of evaluation. The experimental period implied changes in the activity of arylsulfatase and cellulase according to forage allowance, but without a defined pattern. Forage allowances exerted an effect on the activity of the enzymes throughout the evaluation period, but there was no defined pattern. Cyclic oscillations in the activity of these enzymes were observed. The forage allowances studied affected the soil enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase, protease, arylsulfatase and cellulase in Urochloa pastures of the Marandu, Xaraes and Mulato varieties, but no pattern was found in...(AU)

Climate change in layer poultry farming: impact of heat waves in region of Bastos, Brazil

The region around the municipality of Bastos, state of São Paulo, accounted for about 7% of Brazilian egg production in 2015. In 2012, it experienced a heat wave that resulted in the death of approximately 500,000 hens, according to information released at the time. Considering the impact of heat waves on layer mortality, the objective of this study was to analyze how heat waves impact the layer farming in the region of Bastos, considering the climate change scenarios forecasted by the IPCC for the next years. This study was conducted in three stages: i) analysis of the IPCC reports to understand climate change scenarios; ii) analysis of historical temperature data in the region of Bastos; iii) analysis of how climate change, through heat waves, may impact layer mortality in this region. All the IPCC scenarios indicate that both average temperature and the number of extreme events, such as heat waves, are expected to increase. Historical data showed that since the mid-1980s, maximum temperature has increased, as well as the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves. The association of layer mortality due to heat waves with the IPCC climate change forecasts for that region indicates a trend of increasing layer mortality in egg production operations which sheds are not equipped with air conditioning.(AU)

Climate change in layer poultry farming: impact of heat waves in region of Bastos, Brazil

The region around the municipality of Bastos, state of São Paulo, accounted for about 7% of Brazilian egg production in 2015. In 2012, it experienced a heat wave that resulted in the death of approximately 500,000 hens, according to information released at the time. Considering the impact of heat waves on layer mortality, the objective of this study was to analyze how heat waves impact the layer farming in the region of Bastos, considering the climate change scenarios forecasted by the IPCC for the next years. This study was conducted in three stages: i) analysis of the IPCC reports to understand climate change scenarios; ii) analysis of historical temperature data in the region of Bastos; iii) analysis of how climate change, through heat waves, may impact layer mortality in this region. All the IPCC scenarios indicate that both average temperature and the number of extreme events, such as heat waves, are expected to increase. Historical data showed that since the mid-1980s, maximum temperature has increased, as well as the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves. The association of layer mortality due to heat waves with the IPCC climate change forecasts for that region indicates a trend of increasing layer mortality in egg production operations which sheds are not equipped with air conditioning.

Avaliação do fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo em gatos anestesiados submetidos ao pneumoperitônio e à posição deTrendelenburg / Evaluation left ventricle Outflow in cats anesthetized submitted to pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do pneumoperitônio e da posição de Trendelenburg sobre o fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo em gatos anestesiados. Quatorze gatos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, ambos submetidos ao pneumoperitônio com 10mmHg de dióxido de carbono (CO2). No grupo controle (GC n=7), os animais foram submetidos apenas ao pneumoperitônio e, no grupo Trendelenburg (GTREN n=7), os animais foram colocados em cefalodeclive 20° após o pneumoperitônio. A indução anestésica foi realizada com isoflurano, utilizando-se caixa de indução. Posteriormente, os animais foram mantidos sob anestesia inalatória com o mesmo fármaco. Foram avaliados a velocidade do fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VFSVE), os gradientes máximo (GmáxSVE) e médio (GmédSVE) de pressão e a integral velocidade-tempo (IVT). Os parâmetros foram mensurados nos momentos T0 (basal), antes da insuflação; T5 (cinco), T15 (quinze) e T30 (trinta) minutos após a insuflação. Os resultados mostraram um aumento da VFSVE no GC, em T15 e T30 (P=0,024), e um aumento do GmáxSVE no GC, em T30 (P=0,045). As variáveis não se alteraram significativamente em nenhum momento no GTREN. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a posição de Trendelenburg favoreceu o sistema cardiovascular, preservando os índices de fluxo sanguíneo na saída do ventrículo esquerdo.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on the left ventricular outflow in anesthetized cats. Fourteen cats were randomly divided into two groups, both submitted to pneumoperitoneum of 10 mmHg with carbon dioxide (CO2), and in the control group (GC n = 7) the animals were subjected only to pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg group (n = 7 GTREN) the animals were placed in cefalodeclive 20° after pneumoperitoneum. Anesthesia of the animals was performed with isoflurane using induction box, keeping the animals under inhalation anesthesia with the same drug. We evaluated the speed of the left ventricular outflow (VFSVE), the maximum pressure gradient (GmáxSVE), mean pressure gradient (GmédSVE) and velocity-time integrals (IVT). The parameters were measured in time, T0 (baseline), before the insufflation; T5 (five); T15 (fifteen) and T30 (thirty) minutes after inflation. The results showed an increase in VFSVE in GC, T15 and T30 (p = 0,024) and an increase in GmáxSVE in GC in T30 (p = 0,045). The variables did not change significantly at any time in GTREN. Thus, it is concluded that the Trendelenburg position favored the cardiovascular system, preserving blood flow rates in the left ventricular outflow.(AU)

Avaliação do fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo em gatos anestesiados submetidos ao pneumoperitônio e à posição deTrendelenburg / Evaluation left ventricle Outflow in cats anesthetized submitted to pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do pneumoperitônio e da posição de Trendelenburg sobre o fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo em gatos anestesiados. Quatorze gatos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, ambos submetidos ao pneumoperitônio com 10mmHg de dióxido de carbono (CO2). No grupo controle (GC n=7), os animais foram submetidos apenas ao pneumoperitônio e, no grupo Trendelenburg (GTREN n=7), os animais foram colocados em cefalodeclive 20° após o pneumoperitônio. A indução anestésica foi realizada com isoflurano, utilizando-se caixa de indução. Posteriormente, os animais foram mantidos sob anestesia inalatória com o mesmo fármaco. Foram avaliados a velocidade do fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VFSVE), os gradientes máximo (GmáxSVE) e médio (GmédSVE) de pressão e a integral velocidade-tempo (IVT). Os parâmetros foram mensurados nos momentos T0 (basal), antes da insuflação; T5 (cinco), T15 (quinze) e T30 (trinta) minutos após a insuflação. Os resultados mostraram um aumento da VFSVE no GC, em T15 e T30 (P=0,024), e um aumento do GmáxSVE no GC, em T30 (P=0,045). As variáveis não se alteraram significativamente em nenhum momento no GTREN. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a posição de Trendelenburg favoreceu o sistema cardiovascular, preservando os índices de fluxo sanguíneo na saída do ventrículo esquerdo.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on the left ventricular outflow in anesthetized cats. Fourteen cats were randomly divided into two groups, both submitted to pneumoperitoneum of 10 mmHg with carbon dioxide (CO2), and in the control group (GC n = 7) the animals were subjected only to pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg group (n = 7 GTREN) the animals were placed in cefalodeclive 20° after pneumoperitoneum. Anesthesia of the animals was performed with isoflurane using induction box, keeping the animals under inhalation anesthesia with the same drug. We evaluated the speed of the left ventricular outflow (VFSVE), the maximum pressure gradient (GmáxSVE), mean pressure gradient (GmédSVE) and velocity-time integrals (IVT). The parameters were measured in time, T0 (baseline), before the insufflation; T5 (five); T15 (fifteen) and T30 (thirty) minutes after inflation. The results showed an increase in VFSVE in GC, T15 and T30 (p = 0,024) and an increase in GmáxSVE in GC in T30 (p = 0,045). The variables did not change significantly at any time in GTREN. Thus, it is concluded that the Trendelenburg position favored the cardiovascular system, preserving blood flow rates in the left ventricular outflow.(AU)

Histology and Immunohistochemistry of the Cardiac Ventricular Structure in the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas).

This study describes the implications of cardiac ventricular microscopy in Chelonia mydas relating to its ability to dive. For this work, 11 specimens of the marine turtle species C. mydas found dead on the coast of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil) were used. After necropsy, fragments of the cardiac ventricular wall were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde solution for 24 h and then subjected to routine processing for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ventricle in this species is formed by the epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. The subepicardial layer consists of highly vascularised connective tissue that emits septa to reinforce the myocardium surface. There is an abundant and diffuse subepicardial nerve plexus shown by immunostaining technique. The thickness of the spongy myocardium and the nature of its trabeculae varied between the heart chambers. The endocardium shows no characteristic elements of the heart conduction system. The valves have a hyaline cartilage skeleton, coated by dense irregular connective tissues characterised by elastic fibres. These findings in the green turtle ventricular microscopy are related to hypoxia resistance during diving.

Luiz Rau creek and the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul / O arroio Luiz Rau e a cidade de Novo Hamburgo/RS

This article presents a reflection on the past and current history, uses, and significance of the Luiz Rau creek to the municipality of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul. Its waters have always been important to the region, quenching the thirst of the local population and their livestock and providing venues for shared social interactions, but also as a destination for municipal industrial and household waste, which has polluted the waters of the creek. Our primary objective is to present and discuss these aspects with the purpose of elucidating the historical importance of this watercourse to the city of Novo Hamburgo. Toward that end, we conducted an exploratory survey to obtain the necessary inputs for such a discussion. We also employed texts from the now-defunct Jornal 5 de Abril and from Jornal NH, the highest-circulating newspaper in the region, to illustrate some situations experienced by the community. We found that municipal waste continues to be dumped into the creek, which has made it rather unloved by the local residents, but it remains firmly present in their daily lives.

Resumo Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão a respeito da história, dos usos e dos significados que o Arroio Luiz Rau teve/tem para o município de Novo Hamburgo. Suas águas, desde sempre tiveram grande importância para a região, pois serviram para suprir a sede dos moradores e seus animais, assim como para dividir espaços de sociabilidade, mas também para a liberação dos resíduos industriais e domésticos, oriundos do município, gerando poluição em suas águas. O objetivo principal, então, é apresentar esses aspectos, discuti-los, com o propósito de elucidar a importância histórica desse curso d’água para a cidade de Novo Hamburgo. Para a realização desse propósito, elaboramos uma pesquisa exploratória, a fim de termos subsídios suficientes para essa discussão. Além disso, utilizamos textos jornalísticos, do extinto, Jornal 5 de Abril e do Jornal NH, que tem a maior circulação na região, para ilustrarmos algumas situações vividas pela comunidade. O que observamos, atualmente, é que o arroio continua recebendo dejetos da cidade, tornando-se um espaço pouco querido pelos habitantes, mas ainda muito presente no cotidiano de seus moradores.

Luiz Rau creek and the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul / O arroio Luiz Rau e a cidade de Novo Hamburgo/RS

This article presents a reflection on the past and current history, uses, and significance of the Luiz Rau creek to the municipality of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul. Its waters have always been important to the region, quenching the thirst of the local population and their livestock and providing venues for shared social interactions, but also as a destination for municipal industrial and household waste, which has polluted the waters of the creek. Our primary objective is to present and discuss these aspects with the purpose of elucidating the historical importance of this watercourse to the city of Novo Hamburgo. Toward that end, we conducted an exploratory survey to obtain the necessary inputs for such a discussion. We also employed texts from the now-defunct Jornal 5 de Abril and from Jornal NH, the highest-circulating newspaper in the region, to illustrate some situations experienced by the community. We found that municipal waste continues to be dumped into the creek, which has made it rather unloved by the local residents, but it remains firmly present in their daily lives.(AU)

Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão a respeito da história, dos usos e dos significados que o Arroio Luiz Rau teve/tem para o município de Novo Hamburgo. Suas águas, desde sempre tiveram grande importância para a região, pois serviram para suprir a sede dos moradores e seus animais, assim como para dividir espaços de sociabilidade, mas também para a liberação dos resíduos industriais e domésticos, oriundos do município, gerando poluição em suas águas. O objetivo principal, então, é apresentar esses aspectos, discuti-los, com o propósito de elucidar a importância histórica desse curso dágua para a cidade de Novo Hamburgo. Para a realização desse propósito, elaboramos uma pesquisa exploratória, a fim de termos subsídios suficientes para essa discussão. Além disso, utilizamos textos jornalísticos, do extinto, Jornal 5 de Abril e do Jornal NH, que tem a maior circulação na região, para ilustrarmos algumas situações vividas pela comunidade. O que observamos, atualmente, é que o arroio continua recebendo dejetos da cidade, tornando-se um espaço pouco querido pelos habitantes, mas ainda muito presente no cotidiano de seus moradores.(AU)

Luiz Rau creek and the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul

This article presents a reflection on the past and current history, uses, and significance of the Luiz Rau creek to the municipality of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul. Its waters have always been important to the region, quenching the thirst of the local population and their livestock and providing venues for shared social interactions, but also as a destination for municipal industrial and household waste, which has polluted the waters of the creek. Our primary objective is to present and discuss these aspects with the purpose of elucidating the historical importance of this watercourse to the city of Novo Hamburgo. Toward that end, we conducted an exploratory survey to obtain the necessary inputs for such a discussion. We also employed texts from the now-defunct Jornal 5 de Abril and from Jornal NH, the highest-circulating newspaper in the region, to illustrate some situations experienced by the community. We found that municipal waste continues to be dumped into the creek, which has made it rather unloved by the local residents, but it remains firmly present in their daily lives.

Resumo Este artigo apresenta uma reflexão a respeito da história, dos usos e dos significados que o Arroio Luiz Rau teve/tem para o município de Novo Hamburgo. Suas águas, desde sempre tiveram grande importância para a região, pois serviram para suprir a sede dos moradores e seus animais, assim como para dividir espaços de sociabilidade, mas também para a liberação dos resíduos industriais e domésticos, oriundos do município, gerando poluição em suas águas. O objetivo principal, então, é apresentar esses aspectos, discuti-los, com o propósito de elucidar a importância histórica desse curso dágua para a cidade de Novo Hamburgo. Para a realização desse propósito, elaboramos uma pesquisa exploratória, a fim de termos subsídios suficientes para essa discussão. Além disso, utilizamos textos jornalísticos, do extinto, Jornal 5 de Abril e do Jornal NH, que tem a maior circulação na região, para ilustrarmos algumas situações vividas pela comunidade. O que observamos, atualmente, é que o arroio continua recebendo dejetos da cidade, tornando-se um espaço pouco querido pelos habitantes, mas ainda muito presente no cotidiano de seus moradores.

Luiz Rau creek and the city of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul.

This article presents a reflection on the past and current history, uses, and significance of the Luiz Rau creek to the municipality of Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul. Its waters have always been important to the region, quenching the thirst of the local population and their livestock and providing venues for shared social interactions, but also as a destination for municipal industrial and household waste, which has polluted the waters of the creek. Our primary objective is to present and discuss these aspects with the purpose of elucidating the historical importance of this watercourse to the city of Novo Hamburgo. Toward that end, we conducted an exploratory survey to obtain the necessary inputs for such a discussion. We also employed texts from the now-defunct Jornal 5 de Abril and from Jornal NH, the highest-circulating newspaper in the region, to illustrate some situations experienced by the community. We found that municipal waste continues to be dumped into the creek, which has made it rather unloved by the local residents, but it remains firmly present in their daily lives.

Neonatal detection of Turner syndrome by real-time PCR gene quantification of the ARSE and MAGEH1 genes.

Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by the presence of one full X chromosome and total or partial deletion of the second sex chromosome. Diagnosis of TS is often delayed, resulting in inappropriate treatment. Early diagnosis of TS using a neonatal screening test may improve preventive measures and treatment, thus improving patient quality of life. The goal of this study was to standardize a neonatal TS screening algorithm. Two study genes (ARSE and MAGEH1) and 1 normalizing gene (HBB) were used to detect the second X chromosome. We screened 996 newborns whose peripheral blood was collected and stored in filter paper. In addition, samples from 20 patients with confirmed diagnosis of TS were included in the study. Relative amounts of ARSE/HBB were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The cutoff at the 5th percentile was arbitrarily set to indicate repetition of the test. The test was repeated in 51/1016 patients with ARSE/HBB < 0.81. For 10 samples with values persistently <0.81, we quantified the MAGEH1/HBB ratio. Values below the 95th percentile in TS patients (MAGEH1/HBB < 1.24) were considered to be inadequate. Only 6/996 NB showed inadequate values for the 2 studied genes, which were recalled for clinical evaluation and karyotype testing. Analysis of 20 patients diagnosed with TS allowed for identification of false-negatives and true-positives, establishing 95% sensitivity when the indicated cutoff values were used. In conclusion, our algorithm reached 95% detection sensitivity with an acceptable recall rate (0.6%), allowing for the detection of suspected TS cases in the neonatal period.

Organ equivalent doses of patients undergoing chest computed tomography: measurements with TL dosimeters in an anthropomorphic phantom.

Dose reduction in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) examinations has become a concern in many countries. CT dosimetric quantities were defined aiming optimization of CT procedures, organ absorbed doses and effective doses have been calculated for radiation risk assessments in patients. In this work, an experimental methodology was established for measuring organ doses with thermoluminescent (TL) dosimeters in an anthropomorphic phantom for routine CT chest examinations. Results may be useful for validating computational software used for CT dose calculations.