Morphological and cytochemical characterization of the peripheral blood cells of farmed streaked prochilod Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) / [Caracterização morfológica e citoquímica das células do sangue periférico do curimatã Prochilodus lineatus (Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) em cultivo]

Morphological and cytochemical studies of peripheral blood cells of fish have improved the understanding of their functions and cell types. The present study performed the Morphological and cytochemical analysis of the peripheral blood of Prochilodus lineatus, Characiform native to South America, which has been gaining space in local aquaculture and as a species introduced in Asia. Our analysis provided information on the morphological and cytochemical characteristics of the leukocytes, for the formulation of hypothesis about their role in the immune system of the species. It was found that Prochilodus lineatus has morphological and cytochemical features in common with other fish species, mainly of the Characiformes order. However, we detected the presence of heterophils and PAS positive granulocytes simultaneously with neutrophils. We also found that heterophils and PAS positive granulocytes are very similar, both morphologically and cytochemically.(AU)

O estudo da morfologia e da citoquímica das células do sangue periférico dos peixes tem sido eficaz para o entendimento de suas funções e dos tipos celulares. Este estudo realizou a análise morfológica e citoquímica do sangue periférico de Prochilodus lineatus, caracídeo nativo da América do Sul que vem ganhando espaço na aquicultura local e como espécie introduzida na Ásia. Essa análise forneceu informações sobre a morfologia e as características citoquímicas dos leucócitos, visando a hipóteses sobre suas funções. Verificou-se que estas são semelhantes em vários aspectos a outras espécies, principalmente da ordem Characiformes. No entanto, neste estudo detectou-se a presença dos heterofilos e da célula granulocítica especial, simultaneamente à presença dos neutrófilos. Ainda, foi verificado que os heterofilos e a célula granulocítica especial são muito semelhantes morfológica e citoquimicamente.(AU)

Performance of grain sorghum hybrids under drought stress using GGE biplot analyses.

The objective of this study was to estimate the adaptability and stability of grain sorghum hybrids grown under post-flowering water stress and non-stress conditions. The trials were carried out in Nova Porteirinha-MG during the season of 2014 and 2015, and in Teresina-PI in the 2014 season. Twenty-nine-grain sorghum hybrids were evaluated, in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Plots consisted of four lines with 3 m long. The grain yield data were submitted to the individual variance analysis, having considered the effects of the hybrids as fixed and the other effects as random. The joint analysis was carried out, and when the interaction genotypes x environments was significant, the grain yield data were submitted to the adaptability and stability analysis by the GGE biplot method. A substantial reduction in the grain yield in environments with water stress was found. The highest yielding hybrids under water stress conditions in Nova Porteirinha-MG were 50A50, AG1080, AG1090, DKB550, DKB590, Jade, and BM737, and the highest yielding hybrids under the water stress in Teresina-PI were 1G282, 1G244, and A9721R. Considering all environments, the highest yielding hybrids were 1G282, DKB540, A9721R, 1G100, and AG1090.

Methylsilsesquioxane-Based Aerogel Systems-Insights into the Role of the Formation of Molecular Clusters.

Condensed clusters of hydrolyzed methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) were studied using two complementary approaches: (i) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied along with the hydrolysis and condensation stages of a sol-gel process from the condensation of colloidal suspension of nanoparticles to the solid phase of bulk material; (ii) density functional theory calculations of energies, structural and vibrational data of pertinent MTMS hydrolysis products, specifically, methylsilanetriol-based species with different number of silicon atoms (from two to eight atoms) and different structures/conformations (linear, cyclic, and cage, in a total of 13 structures), were performed at B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated infrared spectra show two distinct Si-O-Si stretch vibration bands for models of caged structures. The higher-frequency IR band at ca. 1120 cm(-1) is derived from the antisymmetric Si-O-Si stretch vibration mode, while the lower-frequency band at 1035 cm(-1) is due to the symmetric Si-O-Si stretch and is characteristic of the cyclic clusters, being absent in highly symmetric cage structures. The calculated versus the experimental FTIR spectra of poly(methylsilsesquioxane) (PMSQ) dried aerogel in KBr pellet show that cage/cyclic-like structures prevail over ladder structures (linear) in actual PMSQ.

Evaluation of grain yield in sorghum hybrids under water stress.

Sorghum grain yield can be significantly affected by climatic changes, especially drought and high temperature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate hybrids of grain sorghum grown under normal irrigation conditions or water stress in order to select those likely to be more tolerant of drought. Forty-nine hybrids were grown in a randomized block design experiment, with three replications. The plots consisted of four rows of 5 m length. Grain yield, weight of 1000 grains, harvest index, days to flowering, and plant height were measured. All of these characteristics were affected by water stress; however, grain yield showed the largest relative reduction. Comparison of the various genotypes showed that some hybrids had an acceptable grain yield under water stress, and maintained a high average yield compared to growth without stress. Several hybrids gave better grain yield than commercial check cultivars: 1170090, 1170092, 1170064, 1167026, 1167064, 1170093, 1167008, 1167029, 0009061, 1167092, 1105647, and 1170019 stood out for their acceptable plant height, earliness, and higher productivity.

Selection indices to identify drought-tolerant grain sorghum cultivars.

Twenty-five cultivars of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were examined under both drought stress and normal conditions in 4 experiments. In each condition, genotypes were evaluated in a factorial experiment using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Eight drought tolerance indices including stability tolerance index, mean productivity (MP), geometric MP, harmonic mean, stress susceptibility index, tolerance index, yield index, and yield stability index were estimated for each genotype based on grain yield under drought (Ys) and irrigated conditions (Yp). The results indicated that there were positive and significant correlations among Yp and Ys with geometric MP, MP, harmonic mean, and stability tolerance index, indicating that these factors are better predictors of Yp and Ys than tolerance index, stress susceptibility index, yield stability index, and yield index. Based on adjusted means at Yp and Ys, indices geometric MP, MP, harmonic mean, and stability tolerance index, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster and biplot analysis, the most tolerant cultivars were '9929020', '9929034', and 'N 95B'.

El Hospital de Día-Centro Educativo Terapéutico Pradera de San Isidro. Un dispositivo para el tratamiento intensivo de trastornos mentales graves en niños y adolescentes / The Mental Health Day Care Hospital-Educational Therapeutic Centre Pradera de San Isidro. An institution for the acute treatment of severe mental disorders in children and adolescents

Los problemas de salud mental en niños y adolescentes son motivos de consulta frecuentes en Atención Primaria (AP). En la mayor parte de los casos, un tratamiento ambulatorio desde AP o desde su Centro de Salud Mental (CSM) es suficiente para una mejora significativa. Sin embargo, en ocasiones la sintomatología puede ser la manifestación de una estructuración psíquica seriamente dañada. En esos casos, donde existe un trastorno mental grave (TMG), es posible que dichos tratamientos ambulatorios no sean suficientes. En el presente artículo se presenta el Hospital de Día-Centro Educativo Terapéutico (HD-CET) Pradera de San Isidro. Un dispositivo de hospitalización parcial que forma parte de la red de Salud Mental de la Comunidad de Madrid, en el que se atiende a menores con TMG mediante un tratamiento ambulatorio intensivo. EL HD-CET consta de dos unidades: la de infantil (de 6 a 11 años) y la de adolescentes (de 12 a 17 años). Ambas cuentan con un equipo multidisciplinar de profesionales de Salud Mental, así como con un equipo docente encargado del aspecto académico de los pacientes. Se trabaja desde el modelo de comunidad terapéutica, procurando proporcionar al paciente experiencias emocionales correctoras que logren una mejora significativa y profunda del TMG (AU)

Child and adolescence mental health conditions are common in Primary Care (PC). In most cases, Mental Health Services (MHS) will achieve a good response in an outpatient basis. However, certain symptoms may indicate seriously damaged psychic structures, as found in Severe Mental Disorders (SMD), whose ambulatory care in PC and MHS may not be sufficient. Pradera de San Isidro Mental Health Day Care Hospital-Educational Therapeutic Centre (DCH-ETC) is part of Madrid Regional Mental Health Care Services, attending children and adolescents with SMD in a outpatient intensive program. DCH-ETC comprises a Children Unit attending patients of 6 to 11 years and an Adolescents Unit for patients from 12 to 17 years. A team of teachers is responsible for the continuing academic education of patients. With a Therapeutic Community model, the program aims to provide corrective emotional experiences leading to a deep and significant improvement in SMD (AU)

Effect of the drying conditions on the microstructure of silica based xerogels and aerogels.

Nanostructured silica based xerogels and aerogels are prepared by sol-gel technology, using methyltrimethoxysilane as precursor. The influence of the drying method and conditions on the microstructure of the obtained materials is investigated, since the drying stage has a critical influence on their porosity. Two types of drying methods were used: atmospheric pressure drying (evaporative), to produce xerogels, and supercritical fluids drying, to obtain aerogels. Although the supercritical fluids drying technique is more expensive and hazardous than the atmospheric pressure drying, it is well known that aerogels are less dense than the xerogels due to less pore shrinkage. However, the ideal situation would be to use atmospheric pressure drying in conditions that minimize the pore collapse. Therefore, in this work, different temperature cycles for atmospheric pressure drying and two heating rates for the supercritical fluids drying are tested to study the gels' shrinkage by analyzing the density and porosity properties of the final materials. The best materials obtained are aerogels dried with the lower heating rate (approximately 80 degrees C/h), since they exhibit very low bulk density (approximately 50 kg/m3), high porosity (95%)-mainly micro and mesopores, high surface area (approximately 500 m2/g), moderate flexibility and a remarkable hydrophobic character (>140 degrees). It was proved that the temperature cycles of atmospheric pressure drying can be tuned to obtain xerogels with properties comparable to those of aerogels, having a bulk density only approximately15 kg/m3 higher. All the synthesized materials fulfill the requirements for application as insulators in Space environments.

Serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) level is a marker of disease activity in relapsing polychondritis.

OBJECTIVES: Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare and severe disease which may lead to destruction of elastic cartilages. Until now, no reliable biomarker of disease activity in RP has been available. This study was designed to measure serum levels of cartilage biomarkers during both active and inactive phases of the disease. METHODS: Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), chondroitin sulfate 846 epitope (CS846) of proteoglycan aggrecan and collagen type II collagenase cleavage neoepitope (C2C) were measured retrospectively in 21 subjects with RP. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used for statistical comparisons of biomarker levels in active and inactive phases of RP. RESULTS: Only the serum level of COMP was significantly increased during disease flares. Steroids did not alter the serum cartilage-related biomarker levels. However, during the active phase, C2C levels were significantly higher in steroid treated patients compared with non-steroid treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that serum COMP level may be useful for monitoring disease activity of RP. Further prospective studies are required to confirm this result.

Low-temperature FTIR spectroscopic and theoretical study on an energetic nitroimine: dinitroammeline (DNAM).

This paper presents an overview of recent progress in spectroscopic studies of the energetic nitroimine 4,6-bis(nitroimino)-1,3,5-triazinan-2-one (DNAM), based on experimental and theoretical data. The following topics are considered: variable temperature FTIR spectroscopy (4000-400 cm(-1)) applied to the study of natural and isotopically substituted (deuterated) samples aiming to obtain a successful vibrational assignment of the spectra and to investigate H-bonding interactions; extensive theoretical work based on accurate quantum chemical calculations (ab initio MP2 and DFT/B3LYP; harmonic and anharmonic vibrational calculations) to model and help interpreting the experimental findings, as well as to provide fundamental data on this simple prototype nitroimine that can be used as a starting point to the study of more complex related compounds. This work allowed us to reveal detailed features of the IR spectrum of the title compound, presenting, for the first time, plausible assignments.

Platelet-activating factor stimulates ovine foetal pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation: role of nuclear factor-kappa B and cyclin-dependent kinases.

OBJECTIVE: Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is implicated in pathogenesis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN); PAF is a mitogen for lung fibroblasts. PAF's role in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell (PVSMC) proliferation and in hypoxia-induced pulmonary vein (PV) remodelling has not been established and mechanisms for PAF's cell-proliferative effects are not well understood. We investigated involvement of PAF and PAF receptors in PVSMC proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells from pulmonary arteries (SMC-PA) and veins (SMC-PV) were serum starved for 72 h in 5% CO2 in air (normoxia). They were cultured for 24 h more in normoxia or 2% O(2) (hypoxia) in 0.1% or 10% foetal bovine serum with 5 microCi/well of [(3)H]-thymidine, with and without 10 nm PAF. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), CDK2 and CDK4 protein expression, and their roles in cell proliferation control were studied. RESULTS: PAF and hypoxia increased SMC-PA and SMC-PV proliferation. WEB2170 inhibited PAF-induced cell proliferation while lyso-PAF had no effect. SMC-PV proliferated more than SMC-PA and PAF plus hypoxia augmented NF-kappaB protein expression. NF-kappaB inhibitory peptide attenuated PAF-induced cell proliferation by 50% and PAF increased CDK2 and CDK4 protein expression. The data show that hypoxia and PAF up-regulate PVSMC proliferation via PAF receptor-specific pathway involving NF-kappaB, CDK2 and CDK4 activations. CONCLUSION: They suggest that in vivo, in foetal lung low-oxygen environment, where PAF level is high, proliferation of PVSMC will occur readily to modulate PV development and that failure of down-regulation of PAF effects postnatally may result in PPHN.

Crystal and molecular structure of 4,6-bis(nitroimino)-1,3,5-triazinan-2-one: theoretical and X-ray studies.

This paper provides an overview of recent progress on structural data on the title compound. Theoretical work based on quantum mechanical calculations was performed to gain some understanding on the heterocyclic tautomerism potentially exhibited by the compound. The computational studies encompassed a wide range of tautomers/conformers, allowing the determination of the most probable molecular structure. In the gas phase, the nitroimine tautomers are computed to be substantially more stable than the nitramine tautomers. Among three plausible nitroimine forms, special attention was given to 4,6-bis(nitroimino)-1,3,5-triazinan-2-one, whose crystal structure was unequivocally solved by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group Pnma with a = 6.187(2)A, b = 13.252(5)A, c = 8.802(4)A, and Z = 4. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to a final R = 0.0326. The molecule has an approximate mirror plane relating the two symmetry related halves. The nitroimine groups are positioned in a syn-syn conformation. The least-squares (LS) plane of the heterocyclic ring and the nitroimine ([double bond]N-NO2) substituent LS plane make an angle of 10.05(11) degrees. The crystal structure is held together via hydrogen bonds that assemble the molecules in chains running along the b-axis. Every H-atom is involved in bifurcated hydrogen bonds.

Amniopatch na rotura iatrogénica de membranas fetais: dois casos clínicos / Amniopatch in iatrogenic rupture of fetal membranes: two case report

La rotura de membranas fetales es un suceso relativamente común y una complicación seria de los procedimientos invasivos fetales. En la mayoria de los casos ocurre en edades gestacionales muy precoces, muchas veces antes de la viabilidad fetal, por lo que su conducta puede ser problemática. En 1996, Rubén Quintero describió el amniopatch como un tratamiento de éxito para la rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino de causa yatrogénica, consistiendo el mismo en la administración

Rupture of fetal membranes is a common event and a potentially serious complication of invasive fetal procedures. In most cases, it happens in low gestacional age, many times before fetal viability, so its management may be of concern. In 1996, Rubén Quintero described amniopatch as a successful treatment of iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes, as a procedure of intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate. The authors report two cases of iatrogenic premature rupture of membranes before fetal viability, where this procedure has been applied

Fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid isomers and cholesterol in beef from crossbred bullocks intensively produced and from Alentejana purebred bullocks reared according to Carnalentejana-PDO specifications.

The purpose of this study was to characterise and compare the nutritional value of Portuguese Carnalentejana-PDO beef, obtained from Alentejana purebred bullocks reared in a semi-extensive system, with the meat from Alentejana×Charolais crossbred bullocks produced in a conventional intensive concentrate-based system. In addition, seasonal changes in Carnalentejana-PDO beef quality were assessed, by analysing meat samples from animals slaughtered in early autumn and late spring. The results showed that beef-PDO has different intramuscular fat characteristics in comparison with meat from crossbred bullocks fed intensively with concentrate. However, the finishing period of Alentejana purebred bullocks with concentrate seems to attenuate most of the typical grass-fed characteristics of meat fat. Nevertheless, from a human nutrition perspective, Carnalentejana-PDO beef seems to be healthier than that from intensively reared animals since it has a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, although always above the recommended guidelines for human diet, and higher proportions of c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer and total CLA relative to saturated fatty acids plus total cholesterol (CLA/SFA+CHR). Furthermore, no seasonal variation in the nutritional quality of beef-PDO was apparent. Taken together, the data indicate that Carnalentejana-PDO beef is of greater nutritional value than intensively produced beef from crossbred bullocks throughout the year.

Engraftment syndrome following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: definition of diagnostic criteria.

Engraftment syndrome (ES) is an increasingly reported complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In order to better characterize the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of ES, we retrospectively analyzed 125 autologous HSCT recipients. ES was first defined as the presence of noninfectious fever plus skin rash. Patients with and without these findings were compared (univariate and multivariate analyses) regarding the presence of weight gain, hypoalbuminemia, pulmonary infiltrates, diarrhea, neurological manifestations and jaundice. The variables that are significantly more frequent in patients with fever and skin rash were incorporated in the definition criteria. The final diagnostic criteria were noninfectious fever plus any of the following: skin rash, pulmonary infiltrates or diarrhea. The incidence of ES was 20%. The single risk factor for ES by multivariate analysis was a diagnosis other than Hodgkin's disease (odds ratio 6.17, 95% confidence interval 1.38-27.78). Patients with ES received empirical antifungal therapy more frequently than patients without the syndrome (40 vs 19%, P=0.03), and had a longer duration of hospitalization (P=0.0007). The prospective application of these diagnostic criteria may have a favorable impact on the early diagnosis of the syndrome, with the initiation of corticosteroids and a reduction in the unnecessary use of antimicrobial agents.

Impairment of spermatogenesis in transgenic mice with selective overexpression of Bcl-2 in the somatic cells of the testis.

To explore the functional role of Bcl-2 in germ cell development, transgenic mice carrying 6 kilobases of the inhibin-alpha promoter were generated to express human bcl-2 gene product in the gonads. Although female transgenic mice demonstrated decreased follicle apoptosis, enhanced folliculogenesis, and increased germ cell tumorigenesis, the adult males exhibited variable impairment of spermatogenesis. The degree of damage ranged from tubules with intraepithelial vacuoles of varying sizes to near atrophied tubules consisting of Sertoli cells and a few spermatogonia. Although there was no significant change in body weight, an approximately 34% decrease in testicular weights was noted in transgenic animals compared with wild-type mice. Gamete maturation, assessed by determining the percentage of tubules with advanced (steps 13-16) spermatids, was decreased to 44.4% of the values measured in the wild-type animals. The incidence of germ cell apoptosis increased 3.8-fold in the transgenic animals and was associated with a marked loss of germ cells. Electron microscopy of the testes further revealed large vacuoles in the Sertoli cell cytoplasm and dilations of the intracellular spaces between adjacent Sertoli cells, spermatid malformations, and increased germ cell apoptosis in the transgenic animals. There was no evidence of Sertoli cell death either by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay or electron microscopy. Leydig cell ultrastructure, cell size and numbers, and plasma levels of testosterone were not different between normal and the transgenic animals. Collectively, these results support the critical role of Bcl-2 in male germ cell development and are consistent with the gender-specific role of the Bcl-2 family members in reproduction.

[Prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors in a population in the municipality of Viseu]. / Prevalência de alguns factores de risco cardiovascular numa população do concelho de Viseu.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of the main changeable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and smoking) in the population of the Viseu municipality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population was obtained through a publicity campaign in local radios and on lighted placards in the town of Viseu. We chose a set of volunteers above 20 years of age, who answered a questionnaire about smoking habits, academic qualifications, profession and residence. After the inquiry, the total cholesterol and blood pressure were determined. We considered hypertension (HBP) values > or = 140/90 mmHg and hypercholesterolemia > 200 mg/dl. RESULTS: 1852 persons were inquired (3.2% of the population of the Viseu municipality) 1173 of which were females. According to the age groups, we verified that the ages between 50 and 69 years represented 47.9% of the total amount of volunteers. In what concerns smoking habits, we found a prevalence of 9.1% (15.9% in males and 5.2% in females). In the study of the prevalence of HBP we found a value of 38.5%, higher in males (42.8%) than in females (35.9%). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia found was 34.9% (no significant differences between the sexes). CONCLUSION: In comparison with other studies carried out in the Portuguese population, a low prevalence of smoking habits, high hypertension and similar hypercholesterolemia were found.

Modeling dissolution of sparingly soluble multisized powders.

The dissolution of powder drugs, besides being a topic of utmost importance, especially for the sparingly soluble ones, is far from being well-explained. The purpose of the present study is, on the one hand, to obtain experimental dissolution profiles and, on the other hand, to analyze and process the data for dissolution modeling. Three different size fractions of a widely used sparingly soluble drug--ibuprofen--were fully characterized with regard to its particle size distribution, specific surface area, density, solubility, and diffusion coefficient. The dissolution profiles were obtained making use of a technique that counts and sizes particles--the Coulter counter technique--which is capable of following the number and size of the particles in suspension throughout time. The knowledge of these parameters allowed a critical study of the assumptions associated with the models currently used to describe the dissolution process. It was concluded that most of the assumptions were not valid for the present experimental conditions. This motivated the proposal of a new methodology, which uses the experimentally determined characteristics of the drug and takes into account the polydisperse nature of the powder. By applying an adequate dissolution equation to each of the many size classes in which the primary particle size distribution was divided, it was possible to obtain a large agreement between the simulated and the experimental dissolution profile.

Virgin and martyr.

PIP: Women still die as a result of pregnancy in Latin America. Hispanic culture and Catholicism consider motherhood to be the most honorable and gratifying role a woman can achieve. Women who do not become mothers tend to be scorned or condemned. Women who have experienced abortions face the worst possible criticism. The Catholic Church leads the way in keeping abortion illegal. In Latin America, the role model for mothers is the Virgin Mary. Underregistration of maternal deaths is the norm in Latin America. 36% of maternal deaths take place during pregnancy; 94% could have been prevented. Hemorrhage, complications during puerperium, preeclampsia/eclampsia, and illegal abortions comprise at least 75% of maternal deaths in some countries (e.g., Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela). In Colombia, illegal abortions are responsible for 60% of maternal deaths. 22-63% of pregnant women in Latin America have anemia. Women need to rise up and question why the entire social, economic, and health systems in Latin America allow high maternal mortality to continue. The number of obstetric beds is so low that 2 mothers share 1 bed. They often suffer consequences of this overcrowding and lack of hygiene. Cuba has among the lowest maternal mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean because women have access to pre- and postnatal care, abortion is legal, and contraceptives are freely distributed. Attending to women who conduct illegal self-induced abortions makes up a considerable part of the health budget (e.g.,k 1 hospital in Lima, Peru, spent $US 8 million in 1980). Women's groups in Brazil are leaders in promoting women's health. Their efforts have resulted in the establishment of the Integrated Health Care for Women Program, a conference on women and reproductive rights, and discussions about sexuality through the Group for Women's Health. Women in Latin America are indeed demanding to be seen and heard.^ieng