RESUMEN

A photonic connection between turbulence and spin glasses has been recently established both theoretically and experimentally using a random fiber laser as a photonic platform. Besides unveiling this interplay, it links the works of two 2021 Nobel laureates in Physics.

RESUMEN

We perform a multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis of the magnetoconductance data of two standard types of mesoscopic systems: a disordered nanowire and a ballistic chaotic billiard, with two different lattice structures. We observe in all cases that multifractality is generally present and that it becomes stronger in the quantum regime of conduction, i.e., when the number of open scattering channels is small. We argue that this behavior originates from correlations induced by the magnetic field, which can be characterized through the distribution of conductance increments in the corresponding "stochastic time series," with the magnetic field playing the role of a fictitious time. More specifically, we show that the distributions of conductance increments are well fitted by q Gaussians and that the value of the parameter q is a useful quantitative measure of multifractality in magnetoconductance fluctuations.

RESUMEN

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the main diseases related to trigger finger. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed with data obtained through a computerized record of 75 patients with trigger finger diagnosis between July 2011 and October 2015. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was performed following National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (2001). Results: Patients' ages ranged from 50 to 84 years, with a mean age of 63 years. The ring finger was the most affected, followed by the middle finger, index finger, and little finger. Most had a grade 2 trigger finger classified by Green; the right hand involvement was more prevalent, as was the dominant hand. The incidence in women was twice as high as in men. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were shown to be important associated diseases, but metabolic syndrome was the main association found. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome in the group of patients studied in this scientific article seems to be the main associated disease.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus , Síndrome Metabólico , Trastorno del Dedo en Gatillo , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Síndrome Metabólico/complicaciones , Síndrome Metabólico/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Trastorno del Dedo en Gatillo/epidemiología , Trastorno del Dedo en Gatillo/etiología

RESUMEN

We evaluated the effect of reducing free calcium in the cryopreservation medium, using the calcium chelator ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) at 0.3% and 0.5% concentrations. Three male mixed breed dogs were subjected to semen collection by digital manipulation (n=16). Each ejaculate was divided in three aliquots, and each one was diluted in TRIS-glucose-egg yolk extender with 6% glycerol and 0.5% Equex STM Paste® (TGE, control); and added with 0.3% EDTA (EDTA 0.3) or 0.5% EDTA (EDTA 0.5). Calcium concentration reduced in EDTA 0.3 and all the calcium ions were chelated in EDTA 0.5. The EDTA addition did not affect sperm morphology or plasma membrane integrity; however, by removing all free calcium (EDTA 0.5), the sperm motility reduced (64.7% in TGE and 45% in EDTA 0.5; p<0.05). Acrosome integrity and sperm binding ability were not improved by calcium chelation. The failure to prevent the premature AR may explain why sperm longevity was not affected by calcium removal. Thus, the partial or complete calcium removal, through EDTA addition, is not able to prevent acrosomal damage or premature acrosomal reaction, and therefore does not improve the dog sperm binding ability.(AU)

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Avaliou-se o efeito da redução do cálcio livre no meio de congelamento, usando-se o quelante de cálcio etilenodiaminotetracético (EDTA) a 0,3% e 0,5%. Três cães machos sem raça definida foram submetidos à coleta de sêmen por manipulação digital (n=16). Cada ejaculado foi diluído em diluidor controle com TRIS-glicose - gema de ovo (TGE, controle), ou em diluidor TGE enriquecido com 0,3% (EDTA 0,3) ou 0,5% de EDTA (EDTA 0,5). A concentração de cálcio reduziu no meio EDTA 0,3, e todos os íons de cálcio foram quelados no meio EDTA 0,5. A adição do EDTA e a consequente quelação do cálcio não afetaram a morfologia espermática ou a integridade da membrana plasmática, no entanto, ao remover todo o cálcio do meio (EDTA 0,5), a motilidade espermática se reduziu (64,7% no TGE e 45% no EDTA 0,5; P<0,05). A integridade do acrossoma e a capacidade de ligação do espermatozoide não melhoraram com a quelação do cálcio. Apesar da influência da concentração de cálcio sobre a motilidade espermática após o descongelamento, a falha em prever a reação acrossomal prematura pode explicar por que a longevidade espermática não foi afetada pela remoção do cálcio no meio. Dessa forma, a remoção parcial ou total do cálcio, por meio da adição de EDTA, não é capaz de prevenir o dano no acrossoma ou a reação acrossomal prematura e, portanto, não aumenta a capacidade do espermatozoide de se ligar ao oócito.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Masculino , Perros , Preservación de Semen/veterinaria , Aglutinación Espermática , Ácido Edético/análisis , Reacción Acrosómica , Quelantes del Calcio/análisis , Criopreservación/veterinaria

RESUMEN

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on development, viability, antrum formation and ultrastructural integrity of bovine secondary follicles cultured in vitro for 18 days. Bovine ovaries were obtained from slaughterhouses and secondary follicles of ~150-200 µm diameter were isolated and cultured in the laboratory in TCM-199+ alone or supplemented with different concentrations of dexamethasone (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/ml). Follicle viability was evaluated after the culture period, using calcein-AM (viable) and ethidium homodimer (nonviable). Follicle diameters and antrum formation were evaluated at days 0, 6, 12 and 18. Before or after in vitro culture, follicles were fixed for histological and ultrastructural analysis. Follicle diameters were evaluated using analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test, while chi-squared test was used to evaluate the percentage of viable follicles and antrum formation (P < 0.05). Follicles cultured for 6 days with all treatments increased their diameters significantly, but there was no significant difference between treatments at the end of the culture period. In vitro cultured follicles showed antral cavity formation at the end of the culture period, but no influence of dexamethasone was seen. Ultrastructural analysis showed that follicles cultured with dexamethasone (1, 10, 100 and 1000 ng/ml) had well preserved granulosa cells. However, oocytes from follicles cultured with 10, 100 or 1000 ng/ml dexamethasone showed signs of degeneration. It can be concluded that follicles cultured in vitro in the presence of dexamethasone demonstrated continuous in vitro growth, but oocytes from follicles cultured with 10, 100 or 1000 ng/ml dexamethasone had poor ultrastructure.

Asunto(s)

Folículo Ovárico , Animales , Bovinos , Dexametasona , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa , Oocitos , Técnicas de Cultivo de Tejidos

RESUMEN

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of the application and previous photoactivation of bonding adhesives in lithium disilicate ceramics. This was achieved by analyzing the bond strength of the cement-ceramic interface, nanohardness and elastic modulus of bonding adhesives and resin cements. The bonding adhesives used were Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP); Scotchbond Multi-Purpose light-cured (SBMP+LC); Single Bond 2 (SB2); Single Bond 2 light-cured (SB2+LC); Single Bond Universal (SBU) and Single Bond Universal light-cured (SBU+LC). After luting the ceramic in composite resin blocks, all specimens were subjected to 10,000 thermocycles. Sticks were obtained for the microtensile bonding strength test and the nanohardness and elastic modulus of the bonding adhesive and resin cements. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Fishers tests (α =0.05). The results indicated that the bonding strength and mechanical properties were influenced by the interaction of the bonding adhesive and resin cement. For the mechanical properties analyzed, no statistically significant differences were observed between the groups. Single Bond Universal was the only system that was effective with or without previous light activation. For the other adhesive systems, Scotchbond Multi- Purpose and Single Bond 2, the previous light activation was necessary to optimize the bonding strength of the adhesive interface.

Asunto(s)

Recubrimiento Dental Adhesivo , Cerámica , Coronas , Luces de Curación Dental , Cementos Dentales , Porcelana Dental , Ensayo de Materiales , Cementos de Resina , Resistencia a la Tracción

RESUMEN

The present study evaluated the effect of knockout serum replacement (KSR), fetal bovine serum (FBS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the viability and growth of bovine secondary follicles cultured in vitro for 12 days. To this end, secondary follicles were isolated (185-202 µm) and cultured in vitro in TCM-199+ medium supplemented with KSR (5% and 10%), FBS (5% and 10%) or BSA (3 mg/ml) at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air. Follicular diameters were evaluated on days 0, 4, 8 and 12. After 12 days of culture, follicular survival analysis was performing by using calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer. Before and after culture, follicles were fixed in paraformaldehyde for histological evaluation. Follicular diameter at different days of culture were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, while the percentages of viable follicles were analyzed by chi-squared test (P < 0.05). Results showed that follicles cultured in the presence of KSR at both concentrations presented higher follicular survival rates than those cultured in control medium alone or supplemented with FBS or BSA. Conversely, the presence of KSR, BSA or FBS did not increase follicular diameter after 12 days of culture. Histology analysis showed that, among the tested treatments, follicles cultured in the presence of KSR had preserved rounded oocytes, juxtaposed granulosa cells and intact basal membrane. In conclusion, supplementation of culture medium with KSR increases the follicular survival of bovine secondary follicles cultured in vitro.

Asunto(s)

Medios de Cultivo/farmacología , Técnicas de Maduración In Vitro de los Oocitos , Oocitos/citología , Folículo Ovárico/citología , Proteínas/administración & dosificación , Albúmina Sérica Bovina/administración & dosificación , Animales , Bovinos , Femenino , Células de la Granulosa/citología , Células de la Granulosa/efectos de los fármacos , Células de la Granulosa/metabolismo , Oocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Oocitos/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo

RESUMEN

We analyze the heat exchange distribution of open quantum systems undergoing a thermal relaxation process with a time-dependent effective temperature. We show that such processes arise, for example, if the dynamics maximizes the entropy production. Using a two-point measurement scheme, we find an expression for the heat moment generating function that depends solely on the system's partition function and on the thermalization function (i.e., the law of cooling) describing the effective temperature. Applications include the relaxation of free bosonic and fermionic modes, for which closed-form expressions for the time-dependent heat distribution function are derived. Multiple free modes with arbitrary dispersion relations are also briefly discussed. In the semiclassical limit our formula agrees with previous results of the literature for the heat distribution of an optically trapped nanoscopic particle far from equilibrium.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical evolution of patients with implantation of ventricular assist device (VAD) and identify the intervening factors for death. METHODS: This analytical, retrospective study was carried out in a public reference hospital in cardiopulmonary diseases located in northeastern Brazil. The study population encompassed the medical records of 16 patients who underwent VAD implantation. Data collection took place from January to August 2016, through the consultation of medical records. Descriptive analysis, odds ratio, and the Fisher's Exact, Wilcoxon, Friedman and t-tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: All patients experienced complications during the use of the device, with bleeding being the main cause (11 [68.8%]). There was a significant decrease in noradrenaline (P = .025), milrinone (Primacor; P = .007), and dobutamine (P = .046) flow rates with the clinical evolution of patients. Regarding hematologic parameters, the use of VAD promoted a significant improvement in hemoglobin (P < .001), hematocrit (P = .003), activated partial thromboplastin time (P = .013), and fibrinogen (P = .049) values at the 3 time points analyzed. Regarding the clinical outcome of the patients, the majority (10 [62.5%]) underwent cardiac transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed for better knowledge of the clinical evolution of patients with VAD implantation, highlighting the benefits of this type of device as a bridge for heart transplantation.

Asunto(s)

Insuficiencia Cardíaca/cirugía , Trasplante de Corazón , Corazón Auxiliar/efectos adversos , Listas de Espera/mortalidad , Adulto , Anciano , Brasil , Femenino , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/mortalidad , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/fisiopatología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Oportunidad Relativa , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

This study evaluated the effect of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 (BMP2) and 4 (BMP2) on follicle development and mRNA expression for GDF9, Cyclin B1, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, BMPRII, FSHR and SMAD1 in bovine secondary follicles cultured in vitro. Isolated secondary follicles were cultured for 18 days in TCM199+ medium alone or supplemented with BMP2 (10 ng/mL), BMP4 (100 ng/mL) or combination of both BMP2 and 4. Real-time PCR was used to analyze mRNA levels in fresh and cultured follicles. After 18 days of culture, follicles cultured with BMP2 alone or with BMP4 alone had larger diameters when compared to control (P < .05). In addition, all treatments promoted antrum formation and maintained a high viability rate through the growing period. The presence of BMP2, BMP4 or both together did not influence mRNA expression for the tested genes. However, the in vitro culture induces down-regulation for mRNA expression of BMPR1A. In conclusion, the addition of BMP2 or BMP4 alone in cultured medium promotes follicular growth and antrum formation in bovine follicles after 18 days of in vitro culture.

Asunto(s)

Proteína Morfogenética Ósea 2/farmacología , Proteína Morfogenética Ósea 4/farmacología , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/genética , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/metabolismo , Bovinos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/genética , Células Cultivadas , Femenino , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Oocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Oocitos/fisiología , Oogénesis/efectos de los fármacos , Oogénesis/genética , Folículo Ovárico/fisiología

RESUMEN

A unified approach is proposed to describe the statistics of the short-time dynamics of multiscale complex systems. The probability density function of the relevant time series (signal) is represented as a statistical superposition of a large time-scale distribution weighted by the distribution of certain internal variables that characterize the slowly changing background. The dynamics of the background is formulated as a hierarchical stochastic model whose form is derived from simple physical constraints, which in turn restrict the dynamics to only two possible classes. The probability distributions of both the signal and the background have simple representations in terms of Meijer G functions. The two universality classes for the background dynamics manifest themselves in the signal distribution as two types of tails: power law and stretched exponential, respectively. A detailed analysis of empirical data from classical turbulence and financial markets shows excellent agreement with the theory.

RESUMEN

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the “coconut tree” and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Humanos , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Cocos/química , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Analgésicos/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Anticonvulsivantes/farmacología , Antihipertensivos/farmacología , Huesos/efectos de los fármacos , Cocos/toxicidad , Hipoglucemiantes/farmacología

RESUMEN

Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae) is commonly called the "coconut tree" and is the most naturally widespread fruit plant on Earth. Throughout history, humans have used medicinal plants therapeutically, and minerals, plants, and animals have traditionally been the main sources of drugs. The constituents of C. nucifera have some biological effects, such as antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Our objective in the present study was to review the phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicology of C. nucifera to guide future preclinical and clinical studies using this plant. This systematic review consisted of searches performed using scientific databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, SciVerse, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Some uses of the plant were partially confirmed by previous studies demonstrating analgesic, antiarthritic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihelminthic, antidiarrheal, and hypoglycemic activities. In addition, other properties such as antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiseizure, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, nephroprotective, and anti-osteoporosis effects were also reported. Because each part of C. nucifera has different constituents, the pharmacological effects of the plant vary according to the part of the plant evaluated.

Asunto(s)

Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Cocos/química , Fitoterapia , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Analgésicos/farmacología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Anticonvulsivantes/farmacología , Antihipertensivos/farmacología , Huesos/efectos de los fármacos , Cocos/toxicidad , Humanos , Hipoglucemiantes/farmacología

RESUMEN

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-15 and FSH on the growth, viability, and expression of mRNA for FSH (FSH-R) and BMP-15 (BMPR-IB and BMPR-II) receptors in cultured bovine secondary follicles. Secondary follicles were microdissected and cultured for 12 days in minimum essential medium-α alone or supplemented with BMP-15, sequential FSH, both BMP-15 and FSH, or BMP-15 from days 0 to 6, and FSH from days 7 to 12. Thereafter, the effect of these treatments on the follicular volume, viability, and antrum formation and the levels of mRNA for BMPR-IB, BMPR-II, and FSH-R were assessed. Compared with day 0, the follicles cultured with FSH or BMP-15, or both, had a significant and progressive increase in volume (P < 0.05). However, the follicles cultured for 12 days with both BMP-15 and FSH had the greatest volume and a greater rate of antrum formation than those in control medium, but results similar to those cultured with FSH (days 0 to 12) or BMP-15 (days 0 to 6) and FSH (days 7 to 12). Together with their accelerating effect on in vitro follicle growth, the combination of FSH and BMP-15 induced ultrastructural changes in the cultured follicles and increased atresia. However, adding either BMP-15 or FSH to the culture medium, not only promoted follicular growth and follicular antrum formation, but also maintained follicular viability during culture. Except for follicles cultured in minimal essential medium-α, the levels of mRNA for BMPR-IB were reduced, and the levels of mRNA for FSH-R were significantly greater in follicles cultured in medium supplemented with BMP-15. In conclusion, all in vitro follicle treatments supported growth of bovine preantral follicles; however, adding both BMP-15 and FSH to the culture medium (minimal essential medium-α) for 12 days provided the greatest stimulation. Furthermore, the viability and ultrastructural integrity of cultured follicles were only maintained when only BMP-15 or FSH was added to the culture medium.

Asunto(s)

Proteína Morfogenética Ósea 15/farmacología , Bovinos , Hormona Folículo Estimulante/farmacología , Atresia Folicular/efectos de los fármacos , Folículo Ovárico/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/genética , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/metabolismo , Femenino , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , Folículo Ovárico/crecimiento & desarrollo , Folículo Ovárico/ultraestructura , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Receptores de HFE/genética , Receptores de HFE/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The present study investigated the role of growth differentiation factor (GDF)-9 and FSH, alone or in combination, on the growth, viability and mRNA expression of FSH receptor, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and proteoglycan-related factors (i.e., hyaluronan synthase (HAS) 1, HAS2, versican, perlecan) in bovine secondary follicles before and after in vitro culture. After 12 days culture, sequential FSH (100 ng mL⁻¹) from Days 0 to 6 and 500 ng mL⁻¹ from Days 7 to 12) increased follicular diameter and resulted in increased antrum formation (P<0.05). Alone, 200 ng mL⁻¹ GDF-9 significantly reduced HAS1 mRNA levels, but increased versican and perlecan mRNA levels in whole follicles, which included the oocyte, theca and granulosa cells. Together, FSH and GDF-9 increased HAS2 and versican (VCAN) mRNA levels, but decreased PCNA mRNA expression, compared with levels in follicles cultured in α-minimum essential medium supplemented with 3.0 mg mL⁻¹ bovine serum albumin, 10 µg mL⁻¹ insulin, 5.5 µg mL⁻¹ transferrin, 5 ng mL⁻¹ selenium, 2 mM glutamine, 2mM hypoxanthine and 50 µg mL⁻¹ ascorbic acid (α-MEM⁺). Comparisons of uncultured (0.2 mm) and α-MEM⁺ cultured follicles revealed that HAS1 mRNA expression was higher, whereas VCAN expression was lower, in cultured follicles (P<0.05). Expression of HAS1, VCAN and perlecan (HSPG2) was higher in cultured than in vivo-grown (0.3 mm) follicles. In conclusion, FSH and/or GDF-9 promote follicular growth and antrum formation. Moreover, GDF-9 stimulates expression of versican and perlecan and interacts positively with FSH to increase HAS2 expression.

Asunto(s)

Hormona Folículo Estimulante/metabolismo , Regulación del Desarrollo de la Expresión Génica , Factor 9 de Diferenciación de Crecimiento/metabolismo , Técnicas de Maduración In Vitro de los Oocitos/veterinaria , Oogénesis , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Mataderos , Animales , Bovinos , Supervivencia Celular , Femenino , Líquido Folicular/enzimología , Líquido Folicular/metabolismo , Glucuronosiltransferasa/antagonistas & inhibidores , Glucuronosiltransferasa/biosíntesis , Glucuronosiltransferasa/genética , Glucuronosiltransferasa/metabolismo , Hialuronano Sintasas , Isoenzimas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Isoenzimas/biosíntesis , Isoenzimas/genética , Isoenzimas/metabolismo , Oocitos/citología , Oocitos/enzimología , Oocitos/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/citología , Folículo Ovárico/crecimiento & desarrollo , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/biosíntesis , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/química , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/genética , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/metabolismo , Proteoglicanos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Proteoglicanos/biosíntesis , Proteoglicanos/genética , Proteoglicanos/metabolismo , Receptores de HFE/antagonistas & inhibidores , Receptores de HFE/biosíntesis , Receptores de HFE/genética , Receptores de HFE/metabolismo , Técnicas de Cultivo de Tejidos/veterinaria

RESUMEN

This study investigated the stability of housekeeping genes (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, ß-tubulin, ß-actin, phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), 18S rRNA, ubiquitin and ribosomal protein 19) and the levels of mRNA for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), -4 (BMP-4), -6 (BMP-6), -7 (BMP-7) and -15 (BMP-15), their receptors (BMPR-IA, -IB and -II) and Similar to Mothers Against Decapentaplegic (SMADs) (-1, -5 and -8) in goat follicles of 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0mm, as well as in secondary follicles before and after culture for 18 days. ß-tubulin and PGK were the most stable housekeeping genes and the levels of mRNA for BMP-2 in follicles of 0.2mm were higher than in follicles of 0.5 and 1.0mm. For BMP-4, -6 and -7, the highest levels of mRNA were found in follicles of 1.0mm. The expression of BMPR-IB was higher in follicles of 0.2mm, whereas the levels of BMPR-II were higher in follicles of 0.5mm. The levels of mRNA for SMAD-5 were higher in follicles of 0.2mm, whereas SMAD-8 had higher levels in 0.5-mm follicles. After culture, follicles showed increased levels of mRNA for BMP-2 and reduced mRNA for BMP-4, BMP-7, BMPR-IA and SMAD-5. In conclusion, ß-tubulin and PGK are the most stable reference genes, and BMPs, their receptors and SMADs have variable levels of mRNA in the follicular size classes analysed.

Asunto(s)

Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/genética , Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/genética , Cabras/genética , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Proteínas Smad/genética , Animales , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/análisis , Receptores de Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/metabolismo , Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/análisis , Proteínas Morfogenéticas Óseas/metabolismo , Tamaño de la Célula , Células Cultivadas , Femenino , Cabras/metabolismo , Cabras/fisiología , Folículo Ovárico/citología , Folículo Ovárico/fisiología , Estabilidad Proteica , ARN Mensajero/análisis , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Proteínas Smad/análisis , Proteínas Smad/metabolismo , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

The aim of this study was to determine whether an edge effect could be observed in the structure and composition of phlebotomine assemblages in five forest fragments on São Luís Island. The study also investigated whether there were any differences in species along the forest edge-to-interior gradient and in species richness and abundance between the fragments studied. To capture the insects a transect was defined in each fragment, and eight light traps were set up at 15 m intervals from the edge. Phlebotomines were found in all fragments, and a total of 2972 specimens (1188 males and 1784 females) belonging to 24 species were collected. Of these, the most abundant was Lutzomyia antunesi (Coutinho), followed by Brumptomyia avellari (Costa Lima), L. infraspinosa (Mangabeira), L. flaviscutellata (Mangabeira), L. claustrei Abonnenc, Léger & Fauran, L. wellcomei (Fraiha, Shaw & Lainson), L. sordellii (Shannon & Del Ponte) and L. paraensis (Costa Lima). No significant differences were observed in the number of individuals or species along the edge-to-interior gradient. However, a higher distribution of some species in certain regions of the forest could be observed graphically. There was no correlation between fragment size and the number of species or individuals.

Asunto(s)

Psychodidae , Animales , Brasil , Ecosistema , Femenino , Masculino , Densidad de Población , Dinámica Poblacional , Árboles

RESUMEN

We assess the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cofactors for cervical severe disease, as contribution for vaccine strategies at the right moment in which Brazilian health authorities have approved an anti-HPV vaccine. A case-control study was undertaken with 201 women who attended a public health service with previous abnormal cytology. The HPV status was ascertained by consensus primers My09/11 and typed by 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, and 58 specific primers. Patients diagnosed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and cervical cancer were referred as cases (n = 84). Patients with normal/inflammatory cervix or carrying benign cervical lesions were included in controls (n = 117). The overall prevalence of HPV infection was 75.6%, with 91.7% among cases. In spite of HPV 16 being the most frequent type (53.3%), 27.6% of infections were attributed to nonvaccine types. High-risk HPV were strongly associated to older women (OR = 6.7). Otherwise, age at the first intercourse (OR = 7.10), three or more parities (OR = 3.05), abortion episodes (OR = 4.80), and smoking (OR = 3.83) conferred a heavy effect in younger women. Among mediators affecting the progress from HSIL to cancer, age played the main role in easing the progression (OR = 1.09, P = 0.002) followed by education level (OR = 4.20, P = 0.066). White ethnia showed to be a protective factor (OR = 0.32, P = 0.055). Predictors from HPV exposure to malignant disease include demographic and behavioral factors. Public policies such as improvement of education and continued prevention campaigns might contribute to reduce this picture. This work also gives background, in identifying a target population, for implementing future vaccine strategies.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/diagnóstico , Prevalencia , Pronóstico , Factores de Riesgo , Conducta Sexual , Clase Social , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/etiología , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/etiología

RESUMEN

We investigated polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) and its association with smoking habits in 412 healthy Brazilians, self-recognized as white (n=147), black (n=123) and intermediate (n=142), and classified as smokers (n=205, including 61 ex-smokers) and nonsmokers (n=207). The frequencies of the variant alleles CYP2A6(*)1B, CYP2A6(*)2, CYP2A6(*)4 and CYP2A6(*)9 in the overall study population were 29.9, 1.7, 0.5 and 5.7%, respectively. Significant differences in the CYP2A6 allelic distribution were observed across the three population subgroups. There was a statistically significant trend for decreasing frequency of CYP2A6(*)1B from white to intermediate and to black persons. An association between CYP2A6 genotype and smoking dependence was detected, which could not be explained by the expected phenotypic activity of CYP2A6. In white and intermediate persons, the odds ratio (OR) of being smokers vs nonsmokers was 0.07 (95% CI 0.02-0.20; P<0.001) and 0.27 (95% CI 0.12-0.61; P<0.001), respectively, for genotypes including allele CYP2A6(*)1B, as compared to wild-type homozygous. In contrast, the corresponding OR in black Brazilians was 1.34 (95% CI 0.57-3.17; P=0.46). These data suggest that the CYP2A6(*)1B is associated with smoking dependence in white and intermediate, but not black Brazilians.

Asunto(s)

Hidrocarburo de Aril Hidroxilasas/genética , Población Negra/genética , Oxigenasas de Función Mixta/genética , Polimorfismo Genético/genética , Fumar/genética , Población Blanca/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil , Citocromo P-450 CYP2A6 , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad

RESUMEN

From July 1995 to August 1998, mycobacterial blood cultures were obtained from 1032 HIV-infected patients seen at the Centro de Referência e Treinamento de AIDS (CRTA), Hospital São Paulo (HSP), and Centro de Referência de AIDS de Santos (CRAS). Overall, 179 episodes of mycobacteraemia were detected: 111 (62.0%) at CRTA, 50 (27.9%) at HSP, and 18 (10.1%) at CRAS. The frequency of positive cultures declined sharply from 22.6% in 1995 to 6.9% in 1998, consistent with the decrease in opportunistic infections following the publicly funded distribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy. In 1995, mycobacteraemia was more frequently due to Mycobacterium avium complex (59.2%) than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (28.6%), whereas in 1998 the relative frequencies were reversed (28.6 vs. 64.3% respectively), probably justified by the increased virulence of M. tuberculosis and the greater risk of invasive infection in less-immunocompromised patients, including patients unaware they are infected with HIV.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/epidemiología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/microbiología , Bacteriemia/epidemiología , Bacteriemia/microbiología , VIH-1 , Infección por Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare/epidemiología , Infección por Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare/microbiología , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Tuberculosis/microbiología , Salud Urbana/estadística & datos numéricos , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/diagnóstico , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/tratamiento farmacológico , Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa/economía , Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa/tendencias , Bacteriemia/diagnóstico , Bacteriemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Técnicas Bacteriológicas/métodos , Técnicas Bacteriológicas/tendencias , Brasil/epidemiología , Humanos , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Incidencia , Mycobacterium/clasificación , Infección por Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare/diagnóstico , Infección por Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare/tratamiento farmacológico , Vigilancia de la Población , Factores de Riesgo , Serotipificación , Tuberculosis/diagnóstico , Tuberculosis/tratamiento farmacológico