The Significance of the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) to Prevent Viral Contamination in Musculoskeletal Tissue Transplantation / A importância da realização do teste de ácidos nucleicos (NAT) para a prevenção de contaminação viral nos transplantes de tecidos musculoesqueléticos

Abstract Objective The present study aims to highlight the significance of the nucleic acid test (NAT) for musculoskeletal tissue donation and to compare the sensitivity of this test on the different available platforms. Method The present study is a retrospective survey in a human tissue bank database and an integrative literature review encompassing the last 10 years. The PubMed portal and the SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases were queried for articles. Results We found no specific studies on the use and sensitivity of NAT in braindead tissue donors. The information presented in the present study consists of specific contents intended for the Brazilian Blood Transfusion Network (Hemorrede Transfusional Nacional, in Portuguese) and internal retrospective data from a tissue bank located at a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Conclusions The NAT is effective in blood samples from living patients. However, since biochemical reactions in braindead patients can be different, specific research, platforms, or both are crucial to tissue banks.

Resumo Objetivo Evidenciar a importância da realização do teste de ácido nucleico (NAT, na sigla em inglês) para doação de tecidos musculoesqueléticos, assim como comparar a sensibilidade deste exame nas diferentes plataformas existentes no mercado. Método Trata-se de um levantamento retrospectivo no banco de dados de um determinado Banco de Tecidos Humanos e de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, operacionalizada nos últimos 10 anos. As buscas de artigos ocorreram no portal PubMed e nas bases de dados SCOPUS, CINAHL e Web of Science. Resultados Não foram encontrados estudos específicos sobre a utilização e a sensibilidade do exame NAT em pacientes doadores de tecidos com morte encefálica (ME), sendo as informações apresentadas no presente estudo conteúdos específicos destinados à Hemorrede Transfusional Nacional e aos dados retrospectivos internos de um Banco de Tecidos do interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Conclusões O exame NAT se apresenta efetivo em amostras de sangue de pacientes vivos. Porém, reações bioquímicas em pacientes com condições de ME podem se apresentar de formas diferenciadas, tornando-se indispensáveis a realização de pesquisas específicas e/ou a indicação de plataformas aos Bancos de Tecidos.

Syzygium aromaticum como candidato a bactericida: efectos en la microbiota oral / Syzygium aromaticum as a bactericidal candidate: effects on the oral microbiota

El cavo de olor (Syzygium aromaticum) es un árbol, originario de Indonesia, con altura variable, pero que sobre pasa los 10 metros de altura, perteneciente a la familia de las Myrtaceae y cuyas flores que no han abierto, se convierten en botones, que al secar son los mencionados clavos de olor. Poseen como componente principal el Eugenol, entre otros compuestos orgánicos. Por sus características bioquímicas y organolépticas, le proporcionan varios beneficios para la salud, por actuar como estimulantes, antioxidante, con acción antibacterial, antiespasmódicas, además de su marcada acción analgésica y anestésica. Por su parte, la microbiota oral, está conformada por un amplio conjunto de microorganismos pertenecientes al ecosistema bucal y que a través del equilibrio de los mismos, se logrará un adecuado funcionamiento y desarrollo de las funciones fisiológicas en pro de la salud bucal del individuo. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo examinar los datos específicos en el uso del clavo de olor como agente bactericida en las afecciones bucodentales, encontrándose que si puede ser usado como agente bactericida por su marcado efecto sobre la microbiota oral a nivel de eliminar los microorganismos nocivos presentes en la misma, ya que actúa inhibiendo la recomposición de las proteínas, los ácidos nucleicos y la membrana de la pared celular, cambiando la permeabilidad de las células de los microorganismos, favoreciendo su muerte y a su ves favoreciendo el adecuado equilibrio de la microbiota oral, necesario para la adecuada salud bucodental(AU)

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a tree, native to Indonesia, with variable height, but that exceeds 10 meters in height, belonging to the Myrtaceae family and whose flowers that have not opened, become buttons, that when drying are the aforementioned cloves. Their main component is Eugenol, among other organic compounds. Due to their biochemical and organoleptic characteristics, they provide several health benefits, for acting as stimulants, antioxidant, with antibacterial, antispasmodic action, in addition to their marked analgesic and anesthetic action. For its part, the oral microbiota is made up of a wide set of microorganisms belonging to the oral ecosystem and that through their balance, an adequate functioning and development of physiological functions will be achieved in favor of the oral health of the individual. The objective of this research is to examine the specific data on the use of cloves as a bactericidal agent in oral conditions, finding that it can be used as a bactericidal agent due to its marked effect on the oral microbiota at the level of eliminating harmful microorganisms present in it, since it acts by inhibiting the recomposition of proteins, nucleic acids and the cell wall membrane, changing the permeability of the cells of microorganisms, favoring their death and in turn favoring the proper balance of the oral microbiota, necessary for proper oral health(AU)

Challenges in the use of nanostructures as carriers of nucleic acids in clinical practice

ABSTRACT The delivery of nucleic acids to cells is considered a crucial step for the success of genetic modifications aimed at therapeutic purposes or production of genetically modified animals. In this context, nanotechnology is one of the most promising fields of science, with the potential to solve several existing problems. Nanostructures have desirable characteristics to be used as carriers, such as nanometric size, large surface area, cell internalization capacity, prolonged and controlled release, among others. Genetically modified animals can contribute to the production of biopharmaceuticals, through the expression of high-associated-value molecules. The production of these animals, also known as biofactories, further enhances Brazilian agribusiness, since it allows adding value to the final product, and favors the integration between the agricultural market and the pharmaceutical sector. However, there is a growing concern about the safety and possible harmful effects of nanostructures, since data on the safe use of these materials are still insufficient. The objective of this review was to address aspects of the use of nanostructures, mainly carbon nanotubes as nucleic acid carriers, aiming at the production of genetically modified animals, with the certainty that progress in this field of knowledge depends on more information on the mechanisms of interaction between nanostructures, cells and embryos, as well as on its toxicity.

Nucleic acid-based biosensors: analytical devices for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases / Biosensores basados en ácidos nucleicos: dispositivos analíticos para la prevención, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades

BACKGROUND: Biosensing techniques have been the subject of exponentially increasing interest due to their performance advantages such as high selectivity and sensitivity, easy operation, low cost, short analysis time, simple sample preparation, and real-time detection. Biosensors have been developed by integrating the unique specificity of biological reactions and the high sensitivity of physical sensors. Therefore, there has been a broad scope of applications for biosensing techniques, and nowadays, they are ubiquitous in different areas of environmental, healthcare, and food safety. Biosensors have been used for environmental studies, detecting and quantifying pollutants in water, air, and soil. Biosensors also showed great potential for developing analytical tools with countless applications in diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases, mainly by detecting biomarkers. Biosensors as a medical device can identify nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, metabolites, etc.; these analytes may be biomarkers associated with the disease status. Bacterial food contamination is considered a worldwide public health issue; biosensor-based analytical techniques can identify the presence or absence of pathogenic agents in food. OBJECTIVES: The present review aims to establish state-of-the-art, comprising the recent advances in the use of nucleic acid-based biosensors and their novel application for the detection of nucleic acids. Emphasis will be given to the performance characteristics, advantages, and challenges. Additionally, food safety applications of nucleic acid-based biosensors will be discussed. METHODS: Recent research articles related to nucleic acid-based biosensors, biosensors for detecting nucleic acids, biosensors and food safety, and biosensors in environmental monitoring were reviewed. Also, biosensing platforms associated with the clinical diagnosis and food industry were included. RESULTS: It is possible to appreciate that multiple applications of nucleic acid-based biosensors have been reported in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, as well as to identify foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The use of PNA and aptamers opens the possibility of developing new biometric tools with better analytical properties. CONCLUSIONS: Biosensors could be considered the most important tool for preventing, treating, and monitoring diseases that significantly impact human health. The aptamers have advantages as biorecognition elements due to the structural conformation, hybridization capacity, robustness, stability, and lower costs. It is necessary to implement biosensors in situ to identify analytes with high selectivity and lower detection limits

ANTECEDENTES: Las técnicas de biodetección han sido objeto de un interés cada vez mayor debido a ventajas, tales como alta selectividad y sensibilidad, facilidad de manejo, bajo costo, tiempo de análisis corto, preparación sencilla de muestras y detección en tiempo real. Los biosensores se han desarrollado integrando la especificidad única de las reacciones biológicas y la alta sensibilidad de los sensores físicos. Por lo tanto, las técnicas de biodetección han tenido un amplio campo de aplicación y hoy en día son omnipresentes en diferentes áreas del medio ambiente, la salud y la seguridad alimentaria. Se han utilizado biosensores para estudios ambientales, detectando y cuantificando contaminantes en el agua, el aire y el suelo. Los biosensores también mostraron un gran potencial para desarrollar herramientas analíticas con innumerables aplicaciones en el diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades, principalmente mediante la detección de biomarcadores. Los biosensores como dispositivo médico pueden utilizarse para identificar ácidos nucleicos, proteínas, péptidos, metabolitos, etc. Estos analitos pueden ser biomarcadores asociados al estado de la enfermedad. La contaminación bacteriana de los alimentos se considera un problema de salud pública mundial; se pueden utilizar técnicas analíticas basadas en biosensores para determinar la presencia o ausencia de agentes patógenos en los alimentos. OBJETIVOS: La presente revisión tiene por objeto establecer los últimos adelantos en la utilización de biosensores basados en ácidos nucleicos y su novedosa aplicación para la detección de ácidos nucleicos. Se hará hincapié en las características del desempeño, las ventajas y los desafíos. Además, se examinarán las aplicaciones de los biosensores basados en ácidos nucleicos para la inocuidad de los alimentos. MÉTODOS: Se examinaron artículos de investigación recientes relacionados con los biosensores a base de ácidos nucleicos, los biosensores para la detección de ácidos nucleicos, los biosensores y la inocuidad de los alimentos, y los biosensores para la vigilancia del medio ambiente. También se incluyeron plataformas de biosensores asociadas al diagnóstico clínico y a la industria alimentaria. RESULTADOS: Es posible apreciar que se han reportado múltiples aplicaciones de biosensores basados en ácido nucleico para el diagnóstico, prevención y tratamiento de enfermedades, así como para identificar bacterias patógenas transmitidas por los alimentos. El uso de PNA y aptámeros abre la posibilidad de desarrollar nuevas herramientas biométricas con mejores propiedades analíticas. CONCLUSIONES: Los biosensores pueden ser considerados como los instrumentos más importantes para la prevención, el tratamiento y la vigilancia de las enfermedades que tienen un impacto significativo en la salud humana. Los aptámeros tienen ventajas como elemento de biorreconocimiento debido a la conformación estructural, capacidad de hibridación, robustez, estabilidad y menores costos. Es necesario implementar biosensores in situ para identificar analitos con alta selectividad y menores límites de detección

SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid shedding is variable for every person

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Considering the persistent positivity on RT-qPCR tests, the results of SARS-CoV-2 were monitored to evaluate the viral RNA shedding period. METHODS: Between March and June 2020, the sequential results of 29 healthcare workers' were monitored using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: More than 50% of the individuals remained RT-qPCR positive after 14 days. Furthermore, this is the first study to describe positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare worker with mild symptoms 95 days after the first positive test. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential RT-qPCR results were heterogeneous, and the viral RNA shedding period is unique for each person.

Características clínicas de pacientes con sospecha de síndrome de lisis tumoral. Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital General Universitario Dr. Luis Gómez López / Clinical characteristics of patients with suspected tumor lysis syndrome. Internal Medicine Service. General University Hospital Dr. Luis Gómez López

El síndrome de lisis tumoral (SLT) es una complicación potencialmente letal provocada por la liberación masiva de ácidos nucleicos, potasio y fosfato hacia la circulación sistémica lo cual se asocia a graves trastornos del metabolismo hidroelectrolítico. Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con sospecha de SLT que ingresaron al Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Luis Gómez López durante el lapso 2017-2018. El 50% de los pacientes tenían una edad comprendida entre 51 y 70 años, siendo el 65% de sexo femenino. Los canceres más frecuentemente encontrados fueron el cáncer de mama (29%), cáncer gástrico (15%) y el linfoma no Hodgkin (12%). Todos los pacientes presentaron al menos tres de las manifestaciones clínicas asociadas al SLT entre las cuales se encuentran náuseas, vómitos, anorexia, debilidad, calambres, hiperreflexia, oliguria, anuria, hematuria, hipotensión, convulsiones y deshidratación. El 46% de los pacientes presentaron hiperpotasemia, mientras que 36% mostraron hipocalcemia y 18% hiperfosfatemia. El 76% de los pacientes cursaron con una creatinina > 1,4 mg/dl. El diagnóstico definitivo de SLT no fue posible realizarlo en ninguno de los pacientes incluidos en este estudio debido a la falta de estudios paraclínicos necesarios para satisfacer los criterios según los lineamientos internacionales(AU)

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially lethal complication due to massive release of nucleic acids, potassium and phosphate into the systemic circulation which is associated with severe hydroelectrolitic metabolic disorders. A retrospective review of clinical charts was performed in order to describe clinical characteristics of patients with possible TLS that were admitted to the Servicio de Medicina Interna of the Hospital General Universitario Dr. Luis Gómez López during the period 2017-2018. The results show that 50% of patients were between 51 and 70 years old and 65% were female. Breast cancer (29%), stomach cancer (15%) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (12%) were more frequent in patients with possible TLS. All patients showed at least three of the clinical features commonly associated with TLS such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weakness, cramps, hyperreflexia, oliguria, anuria, hematuria, hypotension, convulsion and dehydration. 46% of patients had hyperkalemia, 36% hypocalcemia and 18% hyperphosphatemia. Creatinine levels > 1,4 mg/dl were seen in 76% of patients. Definitive diagnosis of TLS was not possible in any of the patients included in this study due to the lack of laboratory studies required according to international guidelines(AU)

Reducción de la ingesta de alimento balanceado por consumo de agua endulzada con sacarosa en ratas Wistar / Reduction of balanced food intake by consumption of water sweetened with sucrose in Wistar rats

El azúcar de mesa, que se obtiene de la caña de azúcar, es el edulcorante más utilizado en la elaboración de los alimentos. El azúcar es importante en la obtención de energía, es necesario para la síntesis de ácidos grasos, de ácidos nucleicos, evita el estrés oxidativo y el desarrollo de anemia. Puede ocasionar caries, diabetes, obesidad, arteriosclerosis y otras patologías. En el presente trabajo se valoró el efecto que tiene la ingesta crónica de agua endulzada con sacarosa al 30% sobre el consumo de alimento balanceado, el perfil lipídico, la concentración de glucosa sérica, y sobre algunos marcadores del estado nutricional como el peso y las proteínas séricas totales, en machos de ratas Wistar. El agua endulzada con sacarosa al 30% se administró a un grupo de 9 ratas Wistar durante 3 meses y se tomó como grupo control a un grupo de 9 ratas que bebieron agua natural. El consumo de alimentos por ambos grupos, así como los marcadores de química sanguínea se analizaron al final del tratamiento. Los niveles de glucosa, lípidos y proteínas séricas totales se midieron mediante espectroscopía. Los resultados mostraron que el consumo de agua endulzada con sacarosa al 30% redujo en más de un 90% el consumo de alimento balanceado; sin embargo, no afectó el perfil lipídico ni el nivel de glucosa en sangre, así como tampoco el nivel de proteínas séricas totales. El consumo de agua endulzada con sacarosa podría provocar desnutrición a largo plazo ya que ocasiona una reducción en la ingesta de alimento rico en nutrientes.

Sugar, obtained from sugarcane, is the most commonly used sweetener in food processing. Sugar is an important food for energy generation and it is necessary for the synthesis of fatty acids and nucleic acids. It prevents oxidative stress and anemia development. However, its consumption can cause dental caries, diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis and other pathologies. In the present work, the effect of chronic intake of water sweetened with 30% sucrose on balanced food consumption, lipid profile, serum glucose concentration, as well as some markers of nutritional status such as weight and total serum proteins was assessed in male Wistar rats. The water sweetened with 30% sucrose was administered to a group of 9 Wistar rats for 3 months, having 9 rats as a control group that drank natural water. Food consumption between both groups as well as blood chemistry markers were analyzed at the end of the treatment. Glucose, lipid levels as well as total serum proteins were measured by spectroscopy. The results showed that the consumption of water sweetened with 30% sucrose reduced the consumption of balanced food by more than 90%, however, it did not affect the lipid profile, the level of glucose in the blood or the level of total serum proteins concentration. Consumption of sucrose-sweetened water could lead to long-term malnutrition by reducing the intake of nutrient-rich food.

O açúcar comum, obtido a partir da cana de açúcar, é o adoçante mais utilizado na elaboração dos alimentos. O açúcar é importante para a geração de energia; necessário para a síntese de ácidos graxos e de ácidos nucleicos. Previne o estresse oxidativo e o desenvolvimento de anemia. No entanto, seu consumo pode causar cárie dentária, diabetes, obesidade, arteriosclerose e outras patologias. No presente trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito da ingestão crônica de água adoçada com sacarose a 30% sobre o consumo de alimentos ricos em nutrientes, perfil lipídico, concentração sérica de glicose e alguns marcadores do estado nutricional, como o peso. e as proteínas séricas totais em ratos Wistar machos. A água adoçada com sacarose a 30% foi administrada a um grupo de 9 ratos Wistar por 3 meses, tendo como grupo controle um grupo de 9 ratos que beberam água natural. O consumo de alimentos entre os dois grupos e os marcadores de química sanguínea foram analisados no final do tratamento. Os níveis de glicose, lipídios e proteínas séricas totais foram medidos por espectroscopia. Os resultados mostraram que o consumo de água adoçada com sacarose a 30% reduziu em mais de 90% o consumo de alimentos ricos em nutrientes, no entanto, não afetou o perfil lipídico, o nível de glicose em sangue nem o nível de proteínas séricas totais. O consumo de água adoçada com sacarose poderia levar à desnutrição no longo prazo, visto que produz uma redução na ingestão de alimentos ricos em nutrientes.

Consideraciones sobre el diagnóstico de COVID-19 y el papel del diagnóstico salival / Considerations on the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the role of the salival diagnosis

El nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 es el agente etiológico de la enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), convertida rápidamente en una pandemia, emergencia sanitaria y una crisis de salud pública en los países afectados a lo largo de los cinco continentes. El objetivo de la presente revisión bibliográfica fue describir algunas consideraciones sobre el diagnóstico del COVID-19 y el papel de los diagnósticos salivales. El diagnóstico molecular, la historia clínica, las manifestaciones clínicas, los hallazgos de laboratorio y los imagenológicos, y la prueba viral del ácido nucleico, el diagnóstico serológico, el sistema CRISPR/ Cas13 y la técnica SHERLOCK son elementos del arsenal diagnóstico de esta infección. Éstos son imprescindibles para el trabajo de los profesionales en salud, ya que generar y conocer medidas de identificación diagnóstica, son pilares esenciales, en el intento de mitigar una mayor propagación de esta infección (AU)

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the etiologic agent of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), rapidly converted in a pandemic, sanitary emergency and Public Health crisis in the affected countries over the world. The objective of the present bibliographical review was to describe some considerations about the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the role of salivary diagnostics. The molecular diagnosis, the clinical history, the laboratory and imagenologic findings, the nucleic acid viral test, the serologic diagnosis, the CRISPR/Cas13 system, and the SHERLOCK technique, are all elements of the diagnostic arsenal to identify this infection. These elements are indispensables for the health professionals. Generating and knowing the diagnostic identification measures are essential pillars in the attempt of mitigating a greater propagation of this disease (AU)

Vacunas para SARS-CoV-2: diferentes estrategias de los desarrollos en curso / Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2: different strategies of ongoing developments

El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar una guía que sirva para la interpretación y seguimiento de los esfuerzos que se están desarrollando en todo el mundo con el objetivo de obtener una vacuna que pueda generar inmunidad contra el nuevo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 de 2019, el agente causante de la enfermedad por coronavirus denominada COVID-19. Cinco meses después de haber sido detectada la enfermedad, ya hay 102 vacunas en distintos estadios de desarrollo, registradas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), correspondientes a 8 plataformas vacunales con diferentes estrategias, y todos los días aparecen nuevas. Esto representará un enorme desafío de organismos internacionales, para la evaluación, comparación y selección de aquellas que cumplan con los criterios regulatorios indispensables de seguridad y eficacia y que, por otro lado, puedan ser producidas en cantidades suficientes para abastecer la demanda mundial. (AU)

The objective of this article is to provide a guide to help the interpretation and monitoring the efforts that are being carried out worldwide to obtain a vaccine that will be able to generate immunity against the new 2019 SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, the viral agent causes the disease named COVID-19. Five months after the disease was detected, there are already 102 vaccines at different stages of development, registered by World Health Organization (WHO), corresponding to 8 vaccination platforms base on different strategies, and every day new ones appear. This will represent a huge challenge for international organizations, to evaluate, compare and selects those that will meet the essential regulatory criteria of safety and efficacy and that, would be able to be produced in enough quantities to supply the worldwide demand. Key words: SARS-Cov-2 vaccine, vaccine platform, COVID-19 strategy, attenuated virus, viral vector, viral proteins, viral DNA, viral RNA, nucleic acids, viral like particles, WHO. (AU)

Temporal dynamics of human mastadenovirus species in cases of respiratory illness in southern Brazil

Human mastadenovirus (HAdV) genus is related to several diseases, among them upper and lower respiratory tract illness. HAdV species B, C, D, and E are mainly associated with respiratory infections. The goal of this work was to identify the HAdV species associated with respiratory infections in hospitalized patients from southern Brazil. Samples were collected from 1996 to 2004 and 2011 to 2017. During this period, 28,524 samples were collected, and 9983 were positive for respiratory viruses, being 435 for HAdV. From these 435 samples, 57 were selected for characterization of HAdV species. For screening the presence of HAdV, a partial sequence of the DNA polymerase gene (DNApol gene) was amplified by nested PCR. Partial nucleotide sequencing was performed in positive samples, and HAdV (DNApol gene) was detected in 53 samples: species B (28;49.1%), C (16;8.0%), D (2; 3.5%), E (5; 8.7%), and untyped (2; 3.5%). Specie D was found only in 2017 and specie E in 2011 and 2012. The age of the patients ranged from < 1 to 81 years old, and 62.3%were male. No relationship between gender orage and identified HAdV species were observed. In addition, in the period of 2013­2017, 18 samples from patients who died were analyzed: 11 were related to species B, 4 to C, and 2 to D and 1 remained untyped. Circulation of HAdV species D and Evaried over the years, but species B and C were present throughout the evaluated period. In addition, respiratory infections by HAdVaffect elderly and children mainly. (AU)

Epigenética de la enfermedad renal / Epigenetics of Renal Disease

Para nosotros generar una defnición determinada y entendible necesitamos de elementos de comparación; así, por ejemplo, para nosotros "entender "que es el "día" necesariamente debemos conocer que es la "noche". Esta antítesis por contraste nos grafca estos dos conceptos y nos lleva al ámbito de la "certidumbre" y es por esto que un "eclipse total" en pleno día se presenta como un fenómeno de ruptura de lo conocido como "cierto" desde que nacemos y que NO admite contradicción pues es ya parte de nuestra "conciencia genética" ; es decir, un evento externo de la vida real (día-noche) condicionado a eventos internos (genéticos) generando ­ en el caso del ejemplo ­ el "ritmo circadiano", "envejecimiento celular", "esperanza de vida al nacer" , "cronobiología".

For us to generate a definition determined and understandable we need elements of comparison; Thus, for example, for us to "understand" what "day" is, we must necessarily know what is the "night". This contrast antithesis we graph these two concepts and we leads to the field of "certainty" and this is why a "total eclipse" in broad daylight it is presented as a phenomenon of rupture of the known as "true" since we were born and that does NOT admit contradiction it is already part of our "genetic consciousness"; that is, an event external real life (day-night) conditioned to internal events (genetic) generating - in the case from the example - the "circadian rhythm", "Cell aging", "hope of life at birth "," chronobiology ".

Introducción a la virología I / Introduction to virology I

Los virus han acompañado al hombre a través de toda su historia, provocando infecciones y plagas que han generado la muerte y el temor de poblaciones completas. Muchos han sido los investigadores que han contribuido a conocer la estructura, patogenia e inmunidad involucrada. Es fundamental conocer los aspectos básicos de los virus para entender la enfermedad y el tratamiento, por lo que esperamos contribuir a esto con los apuntes que a continuación presentamos...(AU)

Viruses have accompanied humankind through their history, causing infections and producing death and fear in population. A lot of researchers have contributed to know the structure, pathogeny and immunity involved. To understand the disease and treatment is fundamental to know the basic aspects, which is the reason to present these notes...(AU)

A incorporação do teste diagnóstico baseado na amplificação de ácidos nucleicos (NAT) para triagem de sangue no SUS: arranjos tecnológicos para a nacionalização do "NAT brasileiro" / The introduction of nucleic acid tests (NAT) for blood screening in the Brazilian public healthcare system: technological arrangements for the nationalization of the "Brazilian NAT"

Resumo Os testes de ácidos nucleicos (NAT) são ferramentas complementares aos testes sorológicos para controle da transmissão de doenças infecciosas por meio de produtos obtidos a partir do sangue. Em 2002, um decreto do Ministério da Saúde tornou obrigatória a realização do NAT por todos os bancos de sangue, medida dificultada por razões como os custos necessários para a sua implantação. Como estratégia para a sua incorporação nos bancos de sangue ligados ao SUS, um consórcio público foi criado para desenvolver uma versão local do kit. A partir de métodos de pesquisa qualitativa, os autores analisam essa iniciativa, visando esmiuçar os detalhes da "nacionalização tecnológica" de um teste diagnóstico in vitro. O artigo descreve como o consórcio compreende o kit e como cada uma das tecnologias que o compõem são obtidas e reunidas no teste brasileiro. A relevância dessa análise é identificar quais os desafios e os limites à produção de testes in vitro para doenças infecciosas no Brasil, assim como a repercussão desse tipo de iniciativa para o sistema nacional de inovação em saúde.

Abstract Nucleic acid based amplification tests (NAT) are employed as complementary tools to control the transmission of infectious diseases through contaminated blood. In 2002, a decree from the Brazilian Ministry of Health made compulsory the use of NAT by all the blood services in the country, a measure that was challenged by costs related to the test incorporation. As the strategy to introduce the test in the blood banks serving the public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde), a public Consortium was constituted to develop a local version of the kit. On the basis of qualitative fieldwork, the authors investigate the strategies used by the Brazilian laboratories and universities to nationalize the kit through capturing and assembling its various components. The paper contributes to revealing the challenges and limits to the production of in vitro tests for infectious diseases in Brazil, as well as the repercussion of such an initiative to the national healthcare innovation system.

Osteoprotective properties of RNA-containing drug osteochondrin S on the model of insufficiency of sex hormones in rats / Propiedades osteoprotectoras del fármaco que contiene ARN de osteocondrina S sobre un modelo de insuficiencia de hormonas sexuales en ratas

SUMMARY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the osteoprotective properties of RNA-containing drug Osteochondrin S on rats with experimental model of osteoporosis. Osteochondrin S contains yeast RNA and RNA of connective tissue of cattle. In order to model osteoporosis in rats bilateral ovariectomy was used. Rats were divided into 3 groups: 1 - ovariectomized rats receiving Osteochondrin S; 2 - ovariectomized rats receiving saline; 3 - sham-ovariectomized rats. Rats in group 1 received Osteochondrin S, Group 2 - physiological saline three times a week for 12 weeks. Based on morphological data and on the results of densitometry, Osteochondrin S prevents a decrease in bone density, i.e. exhibits osteoprotective properties. Under the condition of lack of sex hormones in rats Osteochondrin S reduces reactive oxygen species in blood plasma and limits the degree of decrease in antioxidant capacity of blood plasma.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades osteoprotectoras del fármaco que contiene ARN Osteocondrina S en ratas, como modelo experimental de osteoporosis. La Osteocondrina S contiene ARN de levadura y ARN de tejido conectivo de bovinos. Para modelar la osteoporosis en ratas se utilizó ovariectomía bilateral. Las ratas se dividieron en 3 grupos: grupo 1, ratas ovariectomizadas que recibieron Osteocondrin S; grupo 2, ratas ovariectomizadas recibieron solución salina; grupo 3 - ratas ovariectomizadas simuladas. Las ratas del grupo 1 recibieron Osteocondrina S, el grupo 2 solución de suero fisiológico tres veces por semana durante 12 semanas. En base a los datos morfológicos y los resultados de la densitometría, Osteocondrina S evita una disminución de la densidad ósea, es decir, exhibe propiedades osteoprotectoras. Ante la falta de hormonas sexuales en ratas, Osteocondrina S reduce las especies reactivas de oxígeno en el plasma sanguíneo y limita el grado de disminución de la capacidad antioxidante del plasma sanguíneo.

Surgimiento de los micro-RNA como biomarcadores potenciales en diversas enfermedades / Emergence of micro-RNAs as potential biomarkers in different diseases / Surgimento dos micro-RNA como bio-marcadores potenciais em diversas doenças

El objetivo de esta revisión es evidenciar el potencial de los micro-RNA (mi-RNA) como biomarcadores en diferentes enfermedades. Los mi-RNA son ácidos nucleicos de ≈ 22 nucleótidos que regulan la traducción de RNA mensajeros (mRNA) codificantes y producen una regulación postranscripcional de la expresión génica. La mayoría de ellos son altamente conservados y tienen una distribución tisular específica, de manera que juegan un papel importante como reguladores de la función celular y la fisiopatología de los diferentes órganos del cuerpo humano. Los mi-RNA surgen como candidatos para ser biomarcadores debido a que se han encontrado cambios en su expresión en diversas enfermedades (cáncer, daño hepático y cardiopatías), con alteración de sus niveles en plasma suero, orina y saliva. Sin embargo, aunque algunos presentan consistencia en su perfil de expresión, otros han sido reportados como posibles candidatos para más de una enfermedad, lo que limita su especificidad y su utilidad diagnóstica. Es pertinente hacer nuevos estudios que ahonden sobre su significado en procesos patológicos y sobre su papel como posibles biomarcadores.

The objective of this review is to evidence the potential of micro-RNAs (mi-RNAs) as possible diagnostic biomarkers in different diseases. Micro-RNAs are nucleic acids of 22 nucleotides that regulate the translation of coding messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and produce a post-transcriptional regulation of genetic expression. Most mi-RNAs are highly conserved and show a tissue-specific distribution; therefore, they play an important role in the regulation of cell function and the physiopathology of different organs. Micro-RNAs emerge as potential candidates for biomarkers due to the changes in their levels of expression in different situations (cancer, hepatic and cardiovascular diseases) and in fluids such as plasma, serum, urine and saliva. However, although some mi-RNAs have a consistent expression profile, others have been reported as possible biomarkers for more than one disease, thus limiting their specificity and usefulness as diagnostic tools. Further studies are important to define the significance of mi-RNAs in pathologic processes and their role as possible biomarkers.

O objetivo desta revisão é evidenciar o potencial dos micro-RNA (mi-RNA) como bio-marcadores em diferentes doenças. Os mi-RNA são ácidos nucleicos de ≈ 22 nucleótidos que regulam a tradução de RNA mensageiros (mRNA) codificantes e produzem uma regulação pós-transcripcional da expressão génica. A maioria desses são altamente conservados e tem uma distribuição tissular específica, de maneira que jogam um papel importante como reguladores da função celular e a fisiopatologia dos diferentes órgãos do corpo humano. Os mi-RNA surgem como candidatos para ser bio-marcadores devido a que se hão encontrado câmbios em sua expressão em diversas doenças (câncer, dano hepático e cardiopatias), com alteração de seus níveis em plasma, soro, urina e saliva. Embora, ainda alguns apresentam consistência em seu perfil de expressão, outros hão sido reportados como possíveis candidatos para mais de uma doença, o que limita sua especificidade e sua utilidade diagnóstica. É pertinente fazer novos estudos que abondem sobre seu significado em processos patológicos e sobre seu papel como possível bio-marcadores.

Momento de aplicação do nitrogênio e algumas variáveis estruturais e bromatológicas do capim-massai / Time of nitrogen application and some structural and bromatologic variables of massaigrass

As plantas forrageiras tropicais apresentam alto potencial de produção de massa de forragem, condicionada às condições edafoclimáticas, principalmente à adubação nitrogenada. A magnitude da resposta depende do sincronismo entre a disponibilidade de nutrientes e as necessidades da planta forrageira na rebrotação, e os resultados encontrados na literatura são contrastantes. Assim, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar características estruturais e bromatológicas de Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Massai submetido a quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 40, 80 e 120mg/dm3) e três momentos de aplicação após o corte (um, três e sete dias), divididos em três cortes, em um esquema fatorial 4 x 3 e delineado inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação. O incremento na taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos, na densidade populacional de perfilhos, na produção de massa seca de folha total e nos teores de proteína bruta foi de 42%, 65%, 770% e 35%, respectivamente, para a dose de 120mg/dm³ em relação à ausência de adubação nitrogenada. As fibras em detergente neutro e em detergente ácido decresceram cerca de 6% e 9%, respectivamente, com a adição de nitrogênio. Apenas a massa seca de folha total respondeu às épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio após o corte, com valores pouco expressivos. A adubação nitrogenada exerce efeito positivo sobre as variáveis estudadas, porém novos estudos devem ser conduzidos para a definição da época de adubação de nitrogênio após o corte, para a melhor utilização do nutriente pelas plantas.(AU)

Tropical forage plants have a high potential for mass production of fodder, subject to soil and climatic conditions, especially with nitrogen fertilization. The magnitude of the response depends on the timing of availability of nutrients and forage plant needs in the regrowth. Thus, this work was carried out to evaluate structural and bromatologic characteristics of the Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Massai in response to four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80 and 120mg/dm3) and with three application times after cutting (one, three and seven days) in a 4 x 3 factorial treatment combination, in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. The increase in the rate of tillering, tiller population density, dry mass total leaf production and crude protein levels was 42%, 65%, 770% and 35%, respectively for the dose of 120mg / dm³ regarding the absence of fertilization. The neutral detergent and acid detergent fibers showed a decrease of 6% and 9% with nitrogen addition. Dry mass total leaf production responded to times of nitrogen application after cutting, with little significant values. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive effect on the variables studied, but new studies should be conducted to define the timing of nitrogen fertilization after cutting, for better utilization of this nutrient by plants.(AU)

Assessment of Epstein-Barr virus nucleic acids in gastric but not in breast cancer by next-generation sequencing of pooled Mexican samples

Gastric (GC) and breast (BrC) cancer are two of the most common and deadly tumours. Different lines of evidence suggest a possible causative role of viral infections for both GC and BrC. Wide genome sequencing (WGS) technologies allow searching for viral agents in tissues of patients with cancer. These technologies have already contributed to establish virus-cancer associations as well as to discovery new tumour viruses. The objective of this study was to document possible associations of viral infection with GC and BrC in Mexican patients. In order to gain idea about cost effective conditions of experimental sequencing, we first carried out an in silico simulation of WGS. The next-generation-platform IlluminaGallx was then used to sequence GC and BrC tumour samples. While we did not find viral sequences in tissues from BrC patients, multiple reads matching Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sequences were found in GC tissues. An end-point polymerase chain reaction confirmed an enrichment of EBV sequences in one of the GC samples sequenced, validating the next-generation sequencing-bioinformatics pipeline.