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.

The gathering firestorm in southern Amazonia.

Wildfires, exacerbated by extreme weather events and land use, threaten to change the Amazon from a net carbon sink to a net carbon source. Here, we develop and apply a coupled ecosystem-fire model to quantify how greenhouse gas-driven drying and warming would affect wildfires and associated CO2 emissions in the southern Brazilian Amazon. Regional climate projections suggest that Amazon fire regimes will intensify under both low- and high-emission scenarios. Our results indicate that projected climatic changes will double the area burned by wildfires, affecting up to 16% of the region's forests by 2050. Although these fires could emit as much as 17.0 Pg of CO2 equivalent to the atmosphere, avoiding new deforestation could cut total net fire emissions in half and help prevent fires from escaping into protected areas and indigenous lands. Aggressive efforts to eliminate ignition sources and suppress wildfires will be critical to conserve southern Amazon forests.

Whole-Genome Sequence of a Bordetella pertussis Brazilian Vaccine Strain.

Despite the reduction in incidence after vaccination, pertussis disease is still considered a public health problem worldwide, mainly due to recent and potential new outbreaks. We report here the complete genome of the Bordetella pertussis Butantan strain used in the Brazilian National Immunization Program as a whole-cell pertussis antigen to compose vaccines such as DTwP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis).

Thyroid hormone-induced haemoglobin changes and antioxidant enzymes response in erythrocytes.

Thyroid hormones modulate haemoglobin and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to antioxidant changes. This study evaluated the antioxidant response to ROS in erythrocytes in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control; hyperthyroid (T4-12 mg 1(-1) in drinking water); sham operated (simulation of thyroidectomy); and hypothyroid (thyroidectomized). Four weeks after, blood was collected and haemoglobin and T(4) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) , glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total radical antioxidant potential (TRAP) were measured. SOD, CAT and GST immunocontent was evaluated. Haemoglobin levels were increased in hyperthyroid erythrocytes. LPO and carbonyls were augmented (65% and 55%, respectively) in hyperthyroid and reduced (31% and 56%, respectively) in hypothyroid group. SOD and CAT activities have not changed, as well as CAT immunocontent. TRAP was diminished in both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups (36% and 37%, respectively). GST activity and immunocontent, as well as GPx activity, were increased in hyper and hypothyroid rats. The data suggest that thyroid hormone changes determine ROS concentration changes and decrease of some antioxidant defences that would lead to a compensatory answer of the GST and GPx enzymes, which could be consider as credible biomarkers.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves GLUT-4 and morphological characteristics of skeletal muscle in rats with heart failure.

AIM: Changes in skeletal muscle morphology and metabolism are associated with limited functional capacity in heart failure, which can be attenuated by neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ES). The purpose of the present study was to analyse the effects of ES upon GLUT-4 protein content, fibre structure and vessel density of the skeletal muscle in a rat model of HF subsequent to myocardial infarction. METHODS: Forty-four male Wistar rats were assigned to one of four groups: sham (S), sham submitted to ES (S+ES), heart failure (HF) and heart failure submitted to ES (HF+ES). The rats in the ES groups were submitted to ES of the left leg during 20 days (2.5 kHz, once a day, 30 min, duty cycle 50%- 15 s contraction/15 s rest). After this period, the left tibialis anterior muscle was collected from all the rats for analysis. RESULTS: HF+ES rats showed lower values of lung congestion when compared with HF rats (P = 0.0001). Although muscle weight was lower in HF rats than in the S group, thus indicating hypotrophy, 20 days of ES led to their recovery (P < 0.0001). In both groups submitted to ES, there was an increase in muscle vessel density (P < 0.04). Additionally, heart failure determined a 49% reduction in GLUT-4 protein content (P < 0.03), which was recovered by ES (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In heart failure, ES improves morphological changes and raises GLUT-4 content in skeletal muscle.

Analysis of the diagnostic presentation profile, parathyroidectomy indication and bone mineral density follow-up of Brazilian patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder with variable clinical expression, frequently presenting as asymptomatic hypercalcemia in Western countries but still predominantly as a symptomatic disease in developing countries. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the diagnostic presentation profile, parathyroidectomy indication and post-surgical bone mineral density follow-up of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism seen at a university hospital. We found 115 patients (92 women, median age 56 years) with primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed during the last 20 years. We defined symptomatic patients based on the presence of any classical symptom affecting bone, kidney or the neuromuscular system. Surgical criteria followed the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health regarding asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Symptomatic patients and patients meeting surgical criteria for parathyroidectomy were 66 and 93% of the sample, respectively. Median calcium and parathyroid hormone values were 11.9 mg/dL and 189 pg/mL, respectively. After surgical treatment, 97% of patients were cured, with increases in bone mineral density of 19.4% in the lumbar spine and 15.7% in the femoral neck 3 years after surgery. Greater bone mass increases were detected in pre-menopausal women, men, and in symptomatic and younger patients, both in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Our results support the previous findings of a predominantly symptomatic disease with a presentation profile that could be mainly related to a delayed diagnosis. Nevertheless, genetic and racial backgrounds, and nutritional factors such as calcium and vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism of Brazilian patients.

Analysis of the diagnostic presentation profile, parathyroidectomy indication and bone mineral density follow-up of Brazilian patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder with variable clinical expression, frequently presenting as asymptomatic hypercalcemia in Western countries but still predominantly as a symptomatic disease in developing countries. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the diagnostic presentation profile, parathyroidectomy indication and post-surgical bone mineral density follow-up of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism seen at a university hospital. We found 115 patients (92 women, median age 56 years) with primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed during the last 20 years. We defined symptomatic patients based on the presence of any classical symptom affecting bone, kidney or the neuromuscular system. Surgical criteria followed the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health regarding asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Symptomatic patients and patients meeting surgical criteria for parathyroidectomy were 66 and 93 percent of the sample, respectively. Median calcium and parathyroid hormone values were 11.9 mg/dL and 189 pg/mL, respectively. After surgical treatment, 97 percent of patients were cured, with increases in bone mineral density of 19.4 percent in the lumbar spine and 15.7 percent in the femoral neck 3 years after surgery. Greater bone mass increases were detected in pre-menopausal women, men, and in symptomatic and younger patients, both in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Our results support the previous findings of a predominantly symptomatic disease with a presentation profile that could be mainly related to a delayed diagnosis. Nevertheless, genetic and racial backgrounds, and nutritional factors such as calcium and vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the clinical presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism of Brazilian patients.

[Maternal educational level: correlation with obstetric indicators]. / Escolaridade materna: correlação com os indicadores obstétricos.

The aim of this study was to estimate associations between level of maternal education as the dependent variable and several variables present in birth certificates under the official Brazilian Ministry of Health model. A total of 3,843 birth certificates were analyzed from Guaratinguetá, São Paulo State, for singleton hospital deliveries in 1998. Statistically significant associations were found between low maternal educational level and low birth weight, 3 or more live births, history of stillbirth, and prenatal care including up to 6 visits. No association was found between abortions and preterm delivery as described in other studies, perhaps due to insufficient information. Maternal educational level can thus be considered an obstetric marker for some risk factors for the mother and infant.

Role of Tamm-Horsfall protein in the binding and in vivo phagocytosis of type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli by mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) contains manno-oligosaccharides that are recognized by type 1 fimbriae (F1) of Escherichia coli. In the present study, we examined the in vivo phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages after treatment of bacteria with THP. At low THP concentrations (12.5 microg/ml and 50 microg/ml) no significant difference was observed in the phagocytosis of E. coli F1+. However, at high THP concentrations (500 microg/ml and 1250 microg/ml) we obtained a reduction of bacterial phagocytosis by mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Role of Tamm-Horsfall protein in the binding and in vivo phagocytosis of type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) contains manno-oligosaccharides that are recognized by type 1 fimbriae (F1) of Escherichia coli. In the present study, we examined the in vivo phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages after treatment of bacteria with THP. At low THP concentrations (12.5 æg/ml and 50 æg/ml) no significant difference was observed in the phagocytosis of E. coli F1+. However, at high THP concentrations (500 æg/ml and 1250 æg/ml) we obtained a reduction of bacterial phagocytosis by mouse peritoneal macrophages

Panorama global da bacteriologia das amígdalas palatinas de crianças / Children palatine tonsils bacteriology: a comprehensive view

A microbiologia das amígdalas continua sendo assunto de muita discussäo. Este trabalho investiga a flora amigdaliana abrangendo-a em praticamente todas as situaçöes patogênicas e também normais. Foram colhidos swabs da superfície de amígdalas de 132 crianças normais (sem AR) em meses quentes (Q> (61 crianças) e frios (F) (71 crianças), de 64 crianças na fase aguda de amigdalite (AA) e de 76 com amigdalite recorrente (com AR, fora da fase aguda). Neste último grupo ainda foi realizado o estudo do core (interior) das amígdalas. Imediatamente após a coleta, o material era introduzido em meio específico e a cultura era realizada no máximo em 8 horas, seguindo padröes da microbiologia clínica. Como resultados, obtivemos uma alta prevalência de Streptococcus viridans nos três grupos. Entre o grupo Q e F foi notado que realmente existem diferenças sazonais, sendo Streptococcus viridans, Neisseria sp e enterobactérias mais freqüentes no grupo F. Comparando-se o grupo com AR e o sem AR vimos que Neisseria sp e enterobactérias säo mais freqüentes no sem AR. No grupo AA, Neisseria sp foi mais freqüente que no grupo normal (sem AR). Este trabalho é importante, pois traz a microbiologia das amígdaIas estudada de forma ampla, melhorando assim a interpretaçäo dos swabs e direcionando a um correto tratamento das afecçöes amigdalianas

Relative frequency of nosocomial microorganisms at UNICAMP University Hospital from 1987 to 1994.

The frequency of microorganisms identified in nosocomial infections at Unicamp University Hospital from 1987 to 1994 was analysed. The most common microorganism was S. aureus (20.9%), which was found in surgical wound, bloodstream and arterial-venous infections. In urinary tract infections (UTI), gram-negative rods (56.5%) and yeasts (9%) predominated. A. baumannii isolates were observed to have increased in the last three years. There was a gradual increase in the frequency of coagulase-negative staphylococci and A. baumannii in bloodstream infections but there wasn't any change in Candida sp.

[Clinico-epidemiologic profile of Chagas disease patients attending an ambulatory referral center and proposal of a model of care for the Chagas patient under the perspective of a comprehensive health care]. / Perfil clínico-epidemiológico de chagásicos atendidos em ambulatório de referência e proposição de modelo de atenção ao chagásico na perspectiva do sus.

A case-control study to analyse clinical and epidemiological data of 842 patientes seen in an outpatient ward reference center for chagas disease in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, from 1985 to 1992. It was verified that these patients were in a average age of 37.78 years; lower literacy regardless of race, and, performed activities that demanded greater muscle effort (p < 0.05). The main mechanism for disease transmission proved to be the vectorial route. Disease-especific complaints prevailed in the above mentioned patients (p < 0.05). The most important abnormalities found in clinical examination were with cardiac sounds (OR: 2.96 95% CI: 1.29-4.09) and the presence of extrasystole (OR: 7.16 95% CI: 1.59-45.07). Imunofluorescence Test was more sensitive (94%) and specific (96%). It also had a PPV of 99% and e NPV of 83%. ELISA test carried out in 43 patientes did not yield false results. Indeterminate chronic phase (56%) or early stages of the disease prevailed. The findings of normal EKGs and abnormalities in 30% of the Holter tests, 41% of the exercise tests, 33% of the ECO tests and, 48% of normal chest x-ray with abnormal ECO, high lights the importance of caring out more detailed exams in specific situations. We hereby propose a care model for the Chagas disease patient, integrated to our State Health Plan stressing serologic tests, and training capable human resources committed to the development of integrated health care and the optimization of our referral and counter-referral system, thus issuing total care to the Chagas disease patient.

Comparative bacteriology of the surface of normal and pathological palatine tonsils in children.

There are only few studies on the normal bacteriology of tonsils. The purpose of this study was to acquire knowledge about the normal microflora: patients without recurrent tonsillitis (RT) and without tonsil hypertrophy (TH) and to compare these results with the pathological microflora: patients who have recurrent tonsillitis and/or tonsillar hypertrophy. We did 132 cultures of tonsil surface obtained from normal children and 96 cultures from pathological surfaces during the summer and in the winter. Comparing normal and pathological groups, we found Neisseria spp and Enterobacteria spp more frequently in the normal group. There are differences in the surface microflora of tonsils from normal persons and from individuals with tonsillitis.