São Paulo School of Advanced Sciences on Vaccines: an overview

Two years ago, we held an exciting event entitled the São Paulo School of Advanced Sciences on Vaccines (SPSASV). Sixty-eight Ph.D. students, postdoctoral fellows and independent researchers from 37 different countries met at the Mendes Plaza Hotel located in the city of Santos, SP - Brazil to discuss the challenges and the new frontiers of vaccinology. The SPSASV provided a critical and comprehensive view of vaccine research from basics to the current state-of-the-art techniques performed worldwide. For 10 days, we discussed all the aspects of vaccine development in 36 lectures, 53 oral presentations and 2 poster sessions. At the end of the course, participants were further encouraged to present a model of a grant proposal related to vaccine development against individual pathogens. Among the targeted pathogens were viruses (Chikungunya, HIV, RSV, and Influenza), bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pyogenes), parasites (Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax), and the worm Strongyloides stercoralis. This report highlights some of the knowledge shared at the SPSASV.(AU)

Protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in Quarter Horses

ABSTRACT: This study compared two protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and evaluated the association between manual and automated methods for platelet count using a prospective study design. Eight clinically healthy Quarter Horses had venous blood samples collected at rest. After collection, blood samples were centrifuged twice, using two different protocols including a period of sample resting, either at the start or at the end of the protocol. Platelet counting at the start of the protocol, during, and after obtaining PRP was conducted manually or with an automated counter, followed by comparison of the two methods. In order to investigate platelet degranulation during the protocol, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured at each preparation stage. The protocol with sample resting before centrifugation yielded a more concentrated PRP, and the study verified that both manual and automated methods are comparable and can be used interchangeably for platelet counting. VEGF concentration did not differ significantly between protocols, or among protocol stages. The results indicate that choice of protocol for PRP preparation will affect the quantity of platelets in the final product, although platelet degranulation was not observed as evidenced by the stable VEGF concentrations measured. A larger yield of non-degranulated platelets in PRP is desirable since more -granules will be present, therefore Protocol II is recommended. Both manual and automated counts reliably allow clinicians to obtain platelet counts and the choice of utilizing a manual or automated method is unlikely to interfere with evaluation of the final PRP product.

RESUMO: Este estudo comparou dois protocolos de preparo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e avaliou a associação entre dois métodos de contagem plaquetária - um manual e o outro automático através de um estudo prospectivo. Sangue venoso de oito equinos da raça Quarto de Milha foi coletado e em seguida foi centrifugado duas vezes utilizando-se dois protocolos distintos: um com descanso antes da primeira centrifugação e outro após a segunda centrifugação. A contagem plaquetária ao início, no meio e ao final dos protocolos foi realizada manualmente e pelo método automatizado, seguida de comparação entre os dois métodos. Para investigar a degranulação plaquetária ocorrida durante o preparo do PRP, o fator de crescimento vascular endotelial (VEGF) foi mensurado em cada estágio dos protocolos. O método utilizando o descanso da amostra antes da primeira centrifugação proporcionou a obtenção de um PRP mais concentrado, além de o estudo verificar que ambos os métodos de contagem plaquetária (manual e automatizado) são comparáveis e podem ser usados indiferentemente. A concentração de VEGF não foi significativamente diferente entre os estágios de preparo do PRP. Os resultados indicam que o método de preparo afeta a quantidade de plaquetas obtidas no PRP, apesar da degranulação plaquetária não ter sido observada, como evidenciado pela concentração estável de VEGF. Uma maior concentração de plaquetas no PRP é desejável, pois indica que um maior número de -grânulos estará presente na amostra, portanto, conclui-se que o Protocolo II é mais recomendável. Tanto o método manual, quanto o automatizado, pode ser usado de maneira confiável para a contagem plaquetária, não interferindo com a avaliação do produto final (PRP).

Protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in Quarter Horses / Protocolos para o preparo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) em cavalos Quarto de Milha

This study compared two protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and evaluated the association between manual and automated methods for platelet count using a prospective study design. Eight clinically healthy Quarter Horses had venous blood samples collected at rest. After collection, blood samples were centrifuged twice, using two different protocols including a period of sample resting, either at the start or at the end of the protocol. Platelet counting at the start of the protocol, during, and after obtaining PRP was conducted manually or with an automated counter, followed by comparison of the two methods. In order to investigate platelet degranulation during the protocol, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured at each preparation stage. The protocol with sample resting before centrifugation yielded a more concentrated PRP, and the study verified that both manual and automated methods are comparable and can be used interchangeably for platelet counting. VEGF concentration did not differ significantly between protocols, or among protocol stages. The results indicate that choice of protocol for PRP preparation will affect the quantity of platelets in the final product, although platelet degranulation was not observed as evidenced by the stable VEGF concentrations measured. A larger yield of non-degranulated platelets in PRP is desirable since more α-granules will be present, therefore Protocol II is recommended. Both manual and automated counts reliably allow clinicians to obtain platelet counts and the choice of utilizing a manual or automated method is unlikely to interfere with evaluation of the final PRP product.(AU)

Este estudo comparou dois protocolos de preparo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e avaliou a associação entre dois métodos de contagem plaquetária - um manual e o outro automático através de um estudo prospectivo. Sangue venoso de oito equinos da raça Quarto de Milha foi coletado e em seguida foi centrifugado duas vezes utilizando-se dois protocolos distintos: um com descanso antes da primeira centrifugação e outro após a segunda centrifugação. A contagem plaquetária ao início, no meio e ao final dos protocolos foi realizada manualmente e pelo método automatizado, seguida de comparação entre os dois métodos. Para investigar a degranulação plaquetária ocorrida durante o preparo do PRP, o fator de crescimento vascular endotelial (VEGF) foi mensurado em cada estágio dos protocolos. O método utilizando o descanso da amostra antes da primeira centrifugação proporcionou a obtenção de um PRP mais concentrado, além de o estudo verificar que ambos os métodos de contagem plaquetária (manual e automatizado) são comparáveis e podem ser usados indiferentemente. A concentração de VEGF não foi significativamente diferente entre os estágios de preparo do PRP. Os resultados indicam que o método de preparo afeta a quantidade de plaquetas obtidas no PRP, apesar da degranulação plaquetária não ter sido observada, como evidenciado pela concentração estável de VEGF. Uma maior concentração de plaquetas no PRP é desejável, pois indica que um maior número de α-grânulos estará presente na amostra, portanto, conclui-se que o Protocolo II é mais recomendável. Tanto o método manual, quanto o automatizado, pode ser usado de maneira confiável para a contagem plaquetária, não interferindo com a avaliação do produto final (PRP).(AU)

Protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in Quarter Horses / Protocolos para o preparo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) em cavalos Quarto de Milha

This study compared two protocols for preparation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and evaluated the association between manual and automated methods for platelet count using a prospective study design. Eight clinically healthy Quarter Horses had venous blood samples collected at rest. After collection, blood samples were centrifuged twice, using two different protocols including a period of sample resting, either at the start or at the end of the protocol. Platelet counting at the start of the protocol, during, and after obtaining PRP was conducted manually or with an automated counter, followed by comparison of the two methods. In order to investigate platelet degranulation during the protocol, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured at each preparation stage. The protocol with sample resting before centrifugation yielded a more concentrated PRP, and the study verified that both manual and automated methods are comparable and can be used interchangeably for platelet counting. VEGF concentration did not differ significantly between protocols, or among protocol stages. The results indicate that choice of protocol for PRP preparation will affect the quantity of platelets in the final product, although platelet degranulation was not observed as evidenced by the stable VEGF concentrations measured. A larger yield of non-degranulated platelets in PRP is desirable since more α-granules will be present, therefore Protocol II is recommended. Both manual and automated counts reliably allow clinicians to obtain platelet counts and the choice of utilizing a manual or automated method is unlikely to interfere with evaluation of the final PRP product.(AU)

Este estudo comparou dois protocolos de preparo de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) e avaliou a associação entre dois métodos de contagem plaquetária - um manual e o outro automático através de um estudo prospectivo. Sangue venoso de oito equinos da raça Quarto de Milha foi coletado e em seguida foi centrifugado duas vezes utilizando-se dois protocolos distintos: um com descanso antes da primeira centrifugação e outro após a segunda centrifugação. A contagem plaquetária ao início, no meio e ao final dos protocolos foi realizada manualmente e pelo método automatizado, seguida de comparação entre os dois métodos. Para investigar a degranulação plaquetária ocorrida durante o preparo do PRP, o fator de crescimento vascular endotelial (VEGF) foi mensurado em cada estágio dos protocolos. O método utilizando o descanso da amostra antes da primeira centrifugação proporcionou a obtenção de um PRP mais concentrado, além de o estudo verificar que ambos os métodos de contagem plaquetária (manual e automatizado) são comparáveis e podem ser usados indiferentemente. A concentração de VEGF não foi significativamente diferente entre os estágios de preparo do PRP. Os resultados indicam que o método de preparo afeta a quantidade de plaquetas obtidas no PRP, apesar da degranulação plaquetária não ter sido observada, como evidenciado pela concentração estável de VEGF. Uma maior concentração de plaquetas no PRP é desejável, pois indica que um maior número de α-grânulos estará presente na amostra, portanto, conclui-se que o Protocolo II é mais recomendável. Tanto o método manual, quanto o automatizado, pode ser usado de maneira confiável para a contagem plaquetária, não interferindo com a avaliação do produto final (PRP).(AU)

Key factors of clinical research network capacity building

In general, clinical research network capacity building refers to programs aimed at enhancing networks of researchers to conduct clinical research. Although in the literature there is a large body of research on how to develop and build capacity in clinical research networks, the conceptualizations and implementations remain controversial and challenging. Moreover, the experiences learnt from the past accomplishments and failures can assist in the future capacity building efforts to be more practical, effective and efficient. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of capacity building in clinical research network by (1) identifying the key barriers to clinical research network capacity building, (2) providing insights into how to overcome those obstacles, and (3) sharing our experiences in collaborating with national and international partners to build capacity in clinical research networks. In conclusion, we have provided some insight into how to address the key factors of clinical research network capacity building and shared some empirical experiences. A successful capacity building practice requires a joint endeavor to procure sufficient resources and support from the relevant stakeholders, to ensure its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.(AU)

Key factors of clinical research network capacity building

In general, clinical research network capacity building refers to programs aimed at enhancing networks of researchers to conduct clinical research. Although in the literature there is a large body of research on how to develop and build capacity in clinical research networks, the conceptualizations and implementations remain controversial and challenging. Moreover, the experiences learnt from the past accomplishments and failures can assist in the future capacity building efforts to be more practical, effective and efficient. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview of capacity building in clinical research network by (1) identifying the key barriers to clinical research network capacity building, (2) providing insights into how to overcome those obstacles, and (3) sharing our experiences in collaborating with national and international partners to build capacity in clinical research networks. In conclusion, we have provided some insight into how to address the key factors of clinical research network capacity building and shared some empirical experiences. A successful capacity building practice requires a joint endeavor to procure sufficient resources and support from the relevant stakeholders, to ensure its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.

An analysis of the Brazilian researchers on freshwater fish genetics and reproduction as coauthors in academic papers

Science is a social activity in some senses: first, in any of its fields science is an accumulated body of knowledge inherited from generations of antecessors by its practitioners, the scientists. In second place, the results of the scientific findings are shared socially and finally, those results to be successfully achieved demands from the researchers a high grade of collaboration, through the formations of a social network. The collaboration between researchers may result in the publication of an academic article. This publication serves as an index of the existence of a social network of collaboration between researchers and may reveal how a specific field of knowledge has been established, who are the researchers that act as facilitators among colleagues as well as to give some clues about the direction the specific field may unfold.The objective of this work was apply techniques of Social Network Analysis on the community formed by the Brazilian researchers, that are granted a CNPq scholarship on research productivity, with an interest in genetics and reproduction of freshwater fishes. Their linkage in co-authoring research papers published byacademic journals were examined. For the determination of this community and the academic articles, the existing data of researchers in the PlatformLattes of the CNPq database were extracted through the applicative ScriptLattes, which search for the works published in co-authorship. Later, on these data was applied a software dedicated to the Analysis of Social Networks, and graphs of social network and some of its metrics were obtained. The analysis found the Lattes CVs of 33 researchers who published 1156 articles in co-authorship in 502 different journals. As a result, the analysis shows that these researchers form an academic network with low density, and in twenty periodicals were published 25% of the articles produced in co-authorship by those researchers.

An analysis of the Brazilian researchers on freshwater fish genetics and reproduction as coauthors in academic papers

Science is a social activity in some senses: first, in any of its fields science is an accumulated body of knowledge inherited from generations of antecessors by its practitioners, the scientists. In second place, the results of the scientific findings are shared socially and finally, those results to be successfully achieved demands from the researchers a high grade of collaboration, through the formations of a social network. The collaboration between researchers may result in the publication of an academic article. This publication serves as an index of the existence of a social network of collaboration between researchers and may reveal how a specific field of knowledge has been established, who are the researchers that act as facilitators among colleagues as well as to give some clues about the direction the specific field may unfold.The objective of this work was apply techniques of Social Network Analysis on the community formed by the Brazilian researchers, that are granted a CNPq scholarship on research productivity, with an interest in genetics and reproduction of freshwater fishes. Their linkage in co-authoring research papers published byacademic journals were examined. For the determination of this community and the academic articles, the existing data of researchers in the PlatformLattes of the CNPq database were extracted through the applicative ScriptLattes, which search for the works published in co-authorship. Later, on these data was applied a software dedicated to the Analysis of Social Networks, and graphs of social network and some of its metrics were obtained. The analysis found the Lattes CVs of 33 researchers who published 1156 articles in co-authorship in 502 different journals. As a result, the analysis shows that these researchers form an academic network with low density, and in twenty periodicals were published 25% of the articles produced in co-authorship by those researchers.(AU)

Biotécnicas reprodutivas na produção de animais geneticamente modificados para pesquisa biomédica / Reproductive technologies in biomedical research with the use of genetic modified laboratory animals

Tecnologias reprodutivas têm uma participação fundamental na pesquisa biomédica. Por meio delas,novos modelos animais são produzidos e preservados de forma segura. A produção de animais geneticamentemodificados envolve diretamente o uso de embriões, sua manipulação e transferência para fêmeas receptoras.Uma vez produzida uma nova linhagem geneticamente modificada, a melhor forma de preservá-la é por meio dacriopreservação de espermatozoides ou embriões. Uma nova tecnologia para manipulação e modificação dogenoma do camundongo foi desenvolvida nos últimos anos. O sistema CRISPR/Cas9 tornou a produção destesanimais mais rápida, efetiva e com um custo mais baixo que as técnicas tradicionais. Esta tecnologiaimpulsionará o projeto mundial de produção de animais mutantes para cada um dos cerca de 25 mil genespresentes no camundongo. Ainda permitirá a produção de modelos com mutação dupla ou tripla e em animaiscom fundo genético distintos. Esta apresentação abordará a importância das técnicas reprodutivas neste processofundamental da pesquisa biomédica.(AU)

Reproductive technologies have a fundamental role in biomedical research. Through them, new animal modelsare produced and preserved safely. The production of genetically modified animals directly involves the use ofembryos, their manipulation and transference to recipient females. Once a new genetically modified lineage hasbeen produced, the best way to preserve it is by cryopreservation of sperm or embryos. A new technology formanipulating and modifying the mouse genome has been developed in recent years. The CRISPR / Cas9 systemmade the production of these animals faster, more effective and at a lower cost than traditional techniques. Thistechnology will boost the worldwide mutant animal production project for each of the approximately 25,000genes present in the mouse. It will also allow the production of models with double or triple mutation and inanimals with different genetic backgrounds. This presentation will address the importance of reproductivetechniques in this fundamental process of biomedical research.(AU)

Biotécnicas reprodutivas na produção de animais geneticamente modificados para pesquisa biomédica / Reproductive technologies in biomedical research with the use of genetic modified laboratory animals

Tecnologias reprodutivas têm uma participação fundamental na pesquisa biomédica. Por meio delas,novos modelos animais são produzidos e preservados de forma segura. A produção de animais geneticamentemodificados envolve diretamente o uso de embriões, sua manipulação e transferência para fêmeas receptoras.Uma vez produzida uma nova linhagem geneticamente modificada, a melhor forma de preservá-la é por meio dacriopreservação de espermatozoides ou embriões. Uma nova tecnologia para manipulação e modificação dogenoma do camundongo foi desenvolvida nos últimos anos. O sistema CRISPR/Cas9 tornou a produção destesanimais mais rápida, efetiva e com um custo mais baixo que as técnicas tradicionais. Esta tecnologiaimpulsionará o projeto mundial de produção de animais mutantes para cada um dos cerca de 25 mil genespresentes no camundongo. Ainda permitirá a produção de modelos com mutação dupla ou tripla e em animaiscom fundo genético distintos. Esta apresentação abordará a importância das técnicas reprodutivas neste processofundamental da pesquisa biomédica.

Reproductive technologies have a fundamental role in biomedical research. Through them, new animal modelsare produced and preserved safely. The production of genetically modified animals directly involves the use ofembryos, their manipulation and transference to recipient females. Once a new genetically modified lineage hasbeen produced, the best way to preserve it is by cryopreservation of sperm or embryos. A new technology formanipulating and modifying the mouse genome has been developed in recent years. The CRISPR / Cas9 systemmade the production of these animals faster, more effective and at a lower cost than traditional techniques. Thistechnology will boost the worldwide mutant animal production project for each of the approximately 25,000genes present in the mouse. It will also allow the production of models with double or triple mutation and inanimals with different genetic backgrounds. This presentation will address the importance of reproductivetechniques in this fundamental process of biomedical research.

Gastric leiomyoma a report of two cases / Leiomioma gástrico relato de dois casos clínicos

Gastric cancer in dogs is rare. Leiomyoma is a benign tumorthat occurs most commonly in the stomach of older dogs. Itssymptoms are associated with a functional disorder of the stomachflow. The best investigative tests for gastric cancer are abdominalultrasound and endoscopy; diagnosis is based on histopathologicexamination. Treatment of gastric cancer is performed by surgicalresection, with a good prognosis when complete tumor excisionis obtained. In this article, two cases of gastric leiomyomaare reported, both in older asymptomatic bitches where theleiomyoma was found by abdominal ultrasound. With thesurgical excision of the tumors, good survival of both animalswas attained.

Neoplasias gástricas em cães são raras. O leiomioma é umtumor benigno que ocorre comumente em estômago decães idosos. A sua sintomatologia é associada ao distúrbiofuncional do fluxo gástrico. Os exames mais indicados paraneoplasias gástricas são ultrassom abdominal e endoscopia,e seu diagnóstico baseia-se no exame histopatológico. O tratamentose dá por ressecção cirúrgica e o prognóstico é bomquando for obtida a excisão completa. O presente trabalhorelata dois casos de leiomioma gástrico, ambos em cadelasidosas assintomáticas, onde o leiomioma foi confirmado peloexame de ultrassom abdominal. A excisão cirúrgica dos tumoresfoi realizada.

Gastric leiomyoma a report of two cases / Leiomioma gástrico relato de dois casos clínicos

Gastric cancer in dogs is rare. Leiomyoma is a benign tumorthat occurs most commonly in the stomach of older dogs. Itssymptoms are associated with a functional disorder of the stomachflow. The best investigative tests for gastric cancer are abdominalultrasound and endoscopy; diagnosis is based on histopathologicexamination. Treatment of gastric cancer is performed by surgicalresection, with a good prognosis when complete tumor excisionis obtained. In this article, two cases of gastric leiomyomaare reported, both in older asymptomatic bitches where theleiomyoma was found by abdominal ultrasound. With thesurgical excision of the tumors, good survival of both animalswas attained.(AU)

Neoplasias gástricas em cães são raras. O leiomioma é umtumor benigno que ocorre comumente em estômago decães idosos. A sua sintomatologia é associada ao distúrbiofuncional do fluxo gástrico. Os exames mais indicados paraneoplasias gástricas são ultrassom abdominal e endoscopia,e seu diagnóstico baseia-se no exame histopatológico. O tratamentose dá por ressecção cirúrgica e o prognóstico é bomquando for obtida a excisão completa. O presente trabalhorelata dois casos de leiomioma gástrico, ambos em cadelasidosas assintomáticas, onde o leiomioma foi confirmado peloexame de ultrassom abdominal. A excisão cirúrgica dos tumoresfoi realizada.(AU)

O uso do data mining na Promoção de Saúde: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / The use of data mining in health promotion

O data mining (mineração de dados) é uma das etapas do processo Knowledge Discovery in Database, que tornou se a ferramenta mais conhecida do mesmo, pois sua metodologia visa a preparação e exploração dos dados, interpretação dos resultados e a percepção dos conhecimentos minerados. Diante o crescente número de dados na área da saúde, o data mining pode ser uma ferramenta de grande importância na extração de conhecimento dos dados e dessa forma poderá auxiliar os gestores de saúde nas tomadas de decisões voltadas a prevenção e promoção da saúde.

Data mining is one of the steps of the process of Knowledge Discovery in Databases, which became the most well-known tool of this process, as it has the aim of preparing and exploring data; interpreting results and providing a perception of the mined data. Given the growing knowledge in healthcare, data mining can be a very important tool in knowledge discovery and may aid heath manager decision making in prevention and health promotion.

O uso do data mining na Promoção de Saúde: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / The use of data mining in health promotion

O data mining (mineração de dados) é uma das etapas do processo Knowledge Discovery in Database, que tornou se a ferramenta mais conhecida do mesmo, pois sua metodologia visa a preparação e exploração dos dados, interpretação dos resultados e a percepção dos conhecimentos minerados. Diante o crescente número de dados na área da saúde, o data mining pode ser uma ferramenta de grande importância na extração de conhecimento dos dados e dessa forma poderá auxiliar os gestores de saúde nas tomadas de decisões voltadas a prevenção e promoção da saúde.(AU)

Data mining is one of the steps of the process of Knowledge Discovery in Databases, which became the most well-known tool of this process, as it has the aim of preparing and exploring data; interpreting results and providing a perception of the mined data. Given the growing knowledge in healthcare, data mining can be a very important tool in knowledge discovery and may aid heath manager decision making in prevention and health promotion.(AU)

Snake venom galactoside-binding lectins: a structural and functional overview

Snake venom galactoside-binding lectins (SVgalLs) comprise a class of toxins capable of recognizing and interacting with terminal galactoside residues of glycans. In the past 35 years, since the first report on the purification of thrombolectin from Bothrops atrox snake venom, several SVgalLs from Viperidae and Elapidae snake families have been described, as has progressive improvement in the investigation of structural/functional aspects of these lectins. Moreover, the advances of techniques applied in protein-carbohydrate recognition have provided important approaches in order to screen for possible biological targets. The present review describes the efforts over the past 35 years to elucidate SVgalLs, highlighting their structure and carbohydrate recognition function involved in envenomation pathophysiology and potential biomedical applications.(AU)

In vivo biocompatibility of nanostructured Chitosan/Peo membranes / Biocompatibilidade in vivo de membranas nanoestruturadas de Quitosana/Peo

Electrospinning is a technique that allows the preparation of nanofibers from various materials. Chitosan is a natural and abundant easily obtained polymer, which, in addition to those features, proved to be biocompatible. This work used nanostructured chitosan and polyoxyethylene membranes as subcutaneous implants in Wistar rats to evaluate the biocompatibility of the material. Samples of the material and tissues adjacent to the implant were collected 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-implantation. Macroscopic integration of the material to the tissues was observed in the samples and slides for histopathological examination that were prepared. It was noticed that the material does not stimulate the formation of adherences to the surrounding tissues and that there is initial predominance of neutrophilia and lymphocytosis, with a declining trend according to the increase of time, featuring a non-persistent acute inflammatory process. However, the material showed fast degradation, impairing the macroscopic observation after fifteen days of implantation. It was concluded that the material is biocompatible and that new studies should be conducted, modifying the time of degradation by changes in obtaining methods and verifying the biocompatibility in specific tissues for biomedical applications.(AU)

A eletrofiação é uma técnica que permite a preparação de nanofibras mediante o uso de diversos materiais. A quitosana é um polímero natural, abundante e de fácil obtenção, que, além dessas características, demonstrou ser biocompatível. Este trabalho utilizou membranas nanoestruturadas de quitosana e polióxido de etileno como implantes subcutâneos em ratos Wistar para avaliar a biocompatibilidade do biomaterial. As amostras do material e de tecidos adjacentes ao implante foram retiradas sete, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias pós-implantação para a observação da integração macroscópica do material aos tecidos e para a preparação de lâminas para exame histopatológico. Verificou-se que o material não estimula a formação de aderências com os tecidos circunvizinhos e que há predominância inicial de neutrofilia e linfocitose, que tendem a decrescer em razão do aumento do tempo, caracterizando um processo inflamatório agudo não persistente. No entanto, o material apresentou degradação rápida, não sendo possível observá-lo macroscopicamente após 15 dias de implantação. Concluiu-se que o material é biocompatível, o que indica que novos estudos devem ser conduzidos, com modificação do tempo de degradação por alterações nos métodos de obtenção e verificação da biocompatibilidade em tecidos específicos para aplicações biomédicas.(AU)

Pastagens consorciadas como alternativa sustentável na produção de ruminantes / Pasture consortium as a sustainable alternative for ruminant production

Pastures supply the base food for dairy herds and beef cattle, as they are an economical and practical feeding system. Most Brazilian pastures are composed of grasses which can be intercropped with leguminous plants. The latter play an important role in nitrogen (N) fixation and in food supply to improve production. The objective of this study was a literature review on the association between leguminous species and pastures. This review was limited to papers published in wide circulation scientific journals for the last ten years. We found that only a few articles have been published on this subject. Most of the literature refers to in vitro seed dormancy breaking techniques, not establishing any advantageous relationship with pasture consortium. The studies which evaluate the consortium between grasses and leguminous plants and their influence on productivity, indicate benefits for both producer and animals. Future research projects should include new experimental studies using cattle as natural plant dispersal agents, which can help pasture consortia and the influence of rotating pickets to prevent trampling on leguminous plant seeds.

As pastagens são a base alimentar dos rebanhos leiteiros e de corte, pois são a forma mais econômica e prática de alimentação. Verifica-se que grande parte das pastagens brasileiras é formada por gramíneas. Estas, por sua vez, podem ser consorciadas com leguminosas exercendo um grande papel na fixação do nitrogênio (N) e na alimentação para a melhoria da produção. Diante do exposto, procurou-se neste trabalho descrever as produções acadêmicas a respeito da relação entre espécies de leguminosas e pastagens. Para a concretização da revisão foi feito um recorte e analisadas as publicações de alguns periódicos de ampla circulação, compreendendo os últimos dez anos de pesquisa na área. Conclui-se que existem poucos trabalhos sobre a temática, destacando que a maioria analisa a quebra de dormência de sementes in vitro, não relacionando com as vantagens de pastagens consorciadas. Os trabalhos que avaliam o consórcio entre gramíneas e leguminosas e sua influência na produtividade, indicam benefícios tanto para o produtor quanto para o animal. Para futuros trabalhos, sugere-se novos delineamentos experimentais usando o bovino como dispersor natural, auxiliando no consórcio de pastagens, e a influência do rotacionamento de piquetes para evitar o pisoteio das áreas com sementes de leguminosas.

Pastagens consorciadas como alternativa sustentável na produção de ruminantes / Pasture consortium as a sustainable alternative for ruminant production

Pastures supply the base food for dairy herds and beef cattle, as they are an economical and practical feeding system. Most Brazilian pastures are composed of grasses which can be intercropped with leguminous plants. The latter play an important role in nitrogen (N) fixation and in food supply to improve production. The objective of this study was a literature review on the association between leguminous species and pastures. This review was limited to papers published in wide circulation scientific journals for the last ten years. We found that only a few articles have been published on this subject. Most of the literature refers to in vitro seed dormancy breaking techniques, not establishing any advantageous relationship with pasture consortium. The studies which evaluate the consortium between grasses and leguminous plants and their influence on productivity, indicate benefits for both producer and animals. Future research projects should include new experimental studies using cattle as natural plant dispersal agents, which can help pasture consortia and the influence of rotating pickets to prevent trampling on leguminous plant seeds.(AU)

As pastagens são a base alimentar dos rebanhos leiteiros e de corte, pois são a forma mais econômica e prática de alimentação. Verifica-se que grande parte das pastagens brasileiras é formada por gramíneas. Estas, por sua vez, podem ser consorciadas com leguminosas exercendo um grande papel na fixação do nitrogênio (N) e na alimentação para a melhoria da produção. Diante do exposto, procurou-se neste trabalho descrever as produções acadêmicas a respeito da relação entre espécies de leguminosas e pastagens. Para a concretização da revisão foi feito um recorte e analisadas as publicações de alguns periódicos de ampla circulação, compreendendo os últimos dez anos de pesquisa na área. Conclui-se que existem poucos trabalhos sobre a temática, destacando que a maioria analisa a quebra de dormência de sementes in vitro, não relacionando com as vantagens de pastagens consorciadas. Os trabalhos que avaliam o consórcio entre gramíneas e leguminosas e sua influência na produtividade, indicam benefícios tanto para o produtor quanto para o animal. Para futuros trabalhos, sugere-se novos delineamentos experimentais usando o bovino como dispersor natural, auxiliando no consórcio de pastagens, e a influência do rotacionamento de piquetes para evitar o pisoteio das áreas com sementes de leguminosas.(AU)

Importance of the association of molecular and immunological diagnosis in immunocompetent patient with Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptoccocus neoformans infection: a case report

This case reports an immunocompetent 29-year-old woman with suspected pneumonia, suggestive of fungal infection. Immunoblotting analysis reactivity againstHistoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were observed. Nested-PCR in blood employing species-specific primers was positive for H. capsulatum andCryptococcus neoformans. The evaluation of paucisymptomatic patients with positive results for H. capsulatum and C. neoformans could be relevant for the prevention as well as the possible evaluation of the reactivated quiescent foci. In conclusion, the associated methodology may have contributed to the monitoring endogenous reactivation of these diseases.(AU)

Dinâmica comportamental do citomegalovírus (CMV) em uma população de macacos Rhesus (Macaca mulata) cativos / Behavioural dynamics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in a captive Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) population

O citomegalovírus (CMV) é uma zoonose oportunista de primatas do gênero Macaca imunocomprometidos e representa uma importante variável na interferência dos resultados experimentais das pesquisas realizadas em primatas infectados por este agente. Tendo em vista que o CMV é uma das principais viroses capaz de acarretar infecções congênitas e problemas reprodutivos, o presente estudo teve o objetivo de traçar o perfil sorológico de uma colônia de criação de macacos rhesus destinados à pesquisa biomédica, analisando a dinâmica comportamental deste vírus endêmico na população animal. Um total de 272 amostras sorológicas foram analisadas pelo teste de ELISA para detecção de anticorpos IgG anti-RhCMV. A soroprevalência da criação estudada foi de 95%, com elevado percentual de anticorpos em todas as faixas etárias. Com exceção dos juvenis (62% de machos positivos e 74% de fêmeas positivas), 100% de soropositividade foi detectada nas outras idades. Além disso, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada na prevalência entre os sexos. Os resultados fornecem subsídios importantes para investigar fatores que podem interferir nos índices reprodutivos da colônia, bem como para direcionar condutas futuras no manejo animal, a fim de prevenir esta zoonose e conseqüentemente, obter animais de melhor qualidade nas pesquisas biomédicas.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic zoonosis of immunocompromised macaques and represents an important confounding variable for researches using this simian gender. Since CMV is one of the main viruses capable of leading to congenital infections and reproductive problems, the present study aimed to describe the serological profile of a breeding colony of rhesus monkeys used for biomedical research, analyzing the behavioral dynamics of this endemic virus in this animal population. A total of 272 serum samples were analyzed by ELISA for detection of anti-RhCMV IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence of the study colony was 95%, with a high percentage of antibodies in all age groups. With the exception of juvenile animals (62% of positive males and 74% of positive females), 100 % of seropositivity was detected in the other ages. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in the prevalence between sex. Results provide important insights to investigate factors that may interfere with the reproductive rates of the colony, as well as to guide future conduct in animal handling, in order to avoid this zoonosis and consequently obtaint better quality animals for biomedical research.