Biochemical characterization and analysis of gene expression of an α-mannosidase secreted by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus, being endemic in Latin America and with the highest number of cases in Brazil. Paracoccidioides spp. release a wide range of molecules, such as enzymes, which may be important for PCM establishment. Here, we identified the 85- and 90-kDa proteins from the supernatants of P. brasiliensis cultures as being an α-mannosidase. Because the expected mass of this α-mannosidase is 124.2-kDa, we suggest that the proteins were cleavage products. Indeed, we found an α-mannosidase activity in the culture supernatants among the excreted/secreted antigens (ESAg). Moreover, we determined that the enzyme activity was optimal in buffer at pH 5.6, at the temperature of 45ºC, and with a concentration of 3 mM of the substrate p-NP-α-D-Man. Remarkably, we showed that the gene expression of this α-mannosidase was higher in yeasts than hyphae in three P. brasiliensis isolates with different virulence degrees that were grown in Ham's F12 synthetic medium for 15 days. But in complex media YPD and Fava Netto, the significantly higher gene expression in yeasts than in hyphae was seen only for the virulent isolate Pb18, but not for intermediate virulence Pb339 and low virulence Pb265 isolates. These results about the high expression of the α-mannosidase gene in the pathogenic yeast form of P. brasiliensis open perspectives for studying this α-mannosidase concerning the virulence of P. brasiliensis isolates. LAY SUMMARY: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis causes deep mycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis. We determined for the first time the biochemical properties of an α-mannosidase released by this fungus. We suggest that the enzyme gene expression in the fungus is associated with fungal morphology, stress, and virulence.

Study of the Effectiveness of Multipurpose Solutions on the Bacterial Disinfection of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses In Vitro.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of multipurpose solutions in regard to the disinfection of silicone hydrogel contact lenses (CL) using a study of clinical bacterial isolates from ocular material. METHODS: Three multipurpose solutions (solution A: polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.00025 g/100 mL; solution B: polyquaternary-1 0.001% and myristamidopropyl dimethylamine 0.0006%; and solution C: polyaminopropyl biguanide 0.00013% and polyquaternary 0.0001%) were used as a 3-phase disinfection on silicone hydrogel CL contaminated with bacteria from clinical isolates that were divided into five groups (group 1: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; group 2: Staphylococcus aureus; group 3: Staphylococcus epidermidis; group 4: Streptococcus spp; and group 5: enterobacteria). RESULTS: No differences were observed between the 24- and 48-hr measurements in any of the samples, and the positivity of microorganisms in T0 was 100% for all solutions; it was 0% in T3. Therefore, only steps T1 (rubbing followed by rinsing) and T2 (rubbing followed by rinsing and immersion of CL into solution) were considered for analysis at the 24-hr measurement time. Throughout the phases, a decrease in the number of bacteria was observed, culminating in the elimination (no recovery) of all microorganisms in the three solutions. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of the proposed process, the tested solutions were effective.

The challenges of organizing an international course in Latin America.

The Latin American School of Human and Medical Genetics (ELAG) is the main course of its kind in the genetics field in Latin America. Here we describe the main challenges regarding the organization of such event, including how we obtain funding and how we proceed with student selection. Thus, we aim to share our experience with other groups that intend to follow this format to create similar events in other areas in this region of the world.

Structural Changes in the Optic Disc and Macula Detected by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography After Surgical Intraocular Pressure Reduction in Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the magnitude of change in optic disc, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular parameters measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in glaucomatous eyes after filtration surgery, and to determine any possible relationship between these measurements and baseline factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, consecutive observational study included patients with open-angle glaucoma who required glaucoma filtering surgery (surgical group, 29 eyes) and those with stable disease (control group, 25 eyes). Patients from the surgical group underwent measurement of optic disc, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular parameters before and after surgery. RESULTS: In the surgical group, there was a significant increase in rim area and a significant decrease in the linear cup/disc ratio, vertical cup/disc ratio and cup volume 1 and 2 months postoperatively (p< 0.05). No significant change in the mean RNFL thickness and also sectorial measurements were observed from baseline to 1 and 2 months after surgery (p>0.05). Furthermore, significant increases in macular parameters were observed until 2 months after surgery (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed for all SS-OCT measurements in the control group. There was a significant correlation between the magnitude of the structural measurements change and the IOP reduction for two topographic parameters (rim area and linear cup-disc ratio) and macular average thickness 1 month and 2 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In open-angle glaucoma patients submitted to surgical IOP reductions, improvements in topographic and macular OCT parameters measured by SS-OCT were observed for at least 2 months.

Assessing driving risk in patients with glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and can affect a broad array of daily activities, including driving. Recently, studies investigating the relationship between driving performance and glaucoma have received a great deal of interest. Assessment of driving behavior is not straightforward because driving is a complex skill involving significant multi-tasking ability. In this review, we summarize recent work from clinical studies investigating how glaucoma can affect driving performance. Patients with glaucoma are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions when compared to healthy subjects. Here we describe how conventional functional tests performed in glaucoma patients, such as visual field measurements via standard automatic perimetry, are associated with driving performance. However, the risk of motor vehicle collisions is not entirely attributable to visual field impairment in glaucoma, suggesting that other factors also account for both driving safety and performance. Finally, we show different studies suggesting that parameters from driving simulators can be helpful because they can identify the impact of visual loss on complex situations.

Quantitation of pulmonary fungal burden in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis-infected mice by real-time PCR.

Although colony-forming unit (CFU) counting is widely used to quantify fungal load in tissue from animal experimentally infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, several technical disadvantages have been described. Here we developed highly accurate quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to determine the relative P brasiliensis load in lungs from infected mice. SYBR Green- and TaqMan-based assays using primers and probe for the 43-kDa glycoprotein (gp43) gene detected as little as 270 gene copies (about 2 fg of DNA) per reaction. Although qPCR assays cannot distinguish between living and dead yeasts, we found a highly positive linear correlation between CFU and qPCR.

Assessing driving risk in patients with glaucoma / Avaliação do risco de dirigir em pacientes com glaucoma

ABSTRACT Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and can affect a broad array of daily activities, including driving. Recently, studies investigating the relationship between driving performance and glaucoma have received a great deal of interest. Assessment of driving behavior is not straightforward because driving is a complex skill involving significant multi-tasking ability. In this review, we summarize recent work from clinical studies investigating how glaucoma can affect driving performance. Patients with glaucoma are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle collisions when compared to healthy subjects. Here we describe how conventional functional tests performed in glaucoma patients, such as visual field measurements via standard automatic perimetry, are associated with driving performance. However, the risk of motor vehicle collisions is not entirely attributable to visual field impairment in glaucoma, suggesting that other factors also account for both driving safety and performance. Finally, we show different studies suggesting that parameters from driving simulators can be helpful because they can identify the impact of visual loss on complex situations.

RESUMO O glaucoma é a principal causa de cegueira irreversível em todo o mundo e pode afetar uma ampla gama de atividades diárias, incluindo a direção veicular. Recentemente, estudos que investigam a relação entre o desempenho na condução veicular e o glaucoma têm recebido grande interesse. A avaliação do comportamento de dirigir não é direta porque dirigir é uma habilidade complexa que envolve habilidade multitarefa significativa. Nesta revisão, resumimos trabalhos recentes de estudos clínicos que investigam como o glaucoma pode afetar o desempenho na direção. Pacientes com glaucoma têm maior probabilidade de se envolverem em colisões de veículos motorizados quando comparados a indivíduos saudáveis. Descrevemos aqui como os testes funcionais convencionais realizados em pacientes com glaucoma, como as medições de campo visual por meio de perimetria automática padrão, estão associados ao desempenho na direção. No entanto, o risco de colisão de veículo motorizado não é totalmente atribuível ao comprometimento do campo visual no glaucoma, sugerindo que outros fatores também são responsáveis pela segurança e pelo desempenho. Finalmente, mostramos diferentes estudos sugerindo que os parâmetros dos simuladores de direção podem ser úteis porque eles podem identificar o impacto da perda visual em situações de complexas.

Um estudo sobre as condições de acessibilidade em pré-escolas / A study about accessibility conditions in pre-schools

A utilização de um instrumento específico é imprescindível para que educadores consigam analisar as condições de acessibilidade física das suas escolas. Objetiva-se, com este trabalho, apresentar os resultados obtidos pela aplicação de um protocolo para avaliação da acessibilidade física, em seis escolas da Educação Infantil de uma cidade do interior paulista. Esse protocolo está constituído por oito rotas utilizadas por alunos, ao se locomoverem e, também, por itens que devem ser avaliados pelo educador, ao transitarem pelas rotas estabelecidas. Os critérios usados para escolha das seis escolas avaliadas foram: 1) ano de construção das escolas; 2) região; e 3) atender a alunos com deficiência física ou visual e/ou deficiência múltipla. A avaliação das escolas possibilitou a análise das condições de acessibilidade, de acordo com: tipos de portão, porta, piso, obstáculos, largura de corredores, desníveis; quadra de esportes; tanque de areia; campo de futebol; bebedouro; e banheiro. Os resultados demonstraram ser possível comparar e distinguir as condições de acessibilidade de cada item do protocolo, para cada uma das seis escolas avaliadas. O protocolo elaborado permite que os profissionais do atendimento educacional especializado cumpram com umas das suas funções, que é de identificar, elaborar e organizar recursos pedagógicos e de acessibilidade.

The use of a specific instrument is essential for educators to be able to analyze the conditions of physical accessibility of their schools. This paper aims to present results obtained by applying a protocol for assessing the physical accessibility in six pre-schools in a city in the the interior of the state of São Paulo. This protocol is composed by eight routes used by students circulating inside the pre-school and also for items regarding the established routes that should be evaluated by the educators . The criteria used to select the six schools that were evaluated were: 1) year the school was constructed , 2) region, and 3) availability of educational services for students with physical disabilities or visual and/or multiple disabilities. The evaluation of the schools enabled the analysis of accessibility conditions according to: types of entrance gates, doors, floor/pavement, obstacles, width of corridors, pathway inclination, sports court, sand box, soccer field, water fountain, and bathroom. The results showed that it was possible to compare and distinguish conditions of accessibility of each item of the protocol for each of the six assessed schools. The protocol that was developed enables professionals in specialized educational services to perform their tasks, that is, to identify, develop and organize pedagogical and accessibility resources.

Prevalence of oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population.

Hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix are benign vascular lesions, common in the head and neck regions. Studies about the prevalence of these lesions in the oral cavity are scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and to obtain clinical data on oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population. Clinical data on those lesions were retrieved from the clinical forms from the files of the Oral Diagnosis Service, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1992 to 2002. Descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 2,419 clinical forms in the 10-year period were evaluated, of which 154 (6.4%) cases were categorized as oral hemangioma, oral vascular malformation or oral varix. Oral varix was the most frequent lesion (65.6%). Females had more oral hemangioma and oral varix than males. Oral vascular malformation and oral varix were more prevalent in the 7th and 6th decades, respectively. Oral hemangioma and oral varix were more prevalent in the ventral surface of the tongue and oral vascular malformation, in the lips. Oral hemangioma was treated with sclerotherapy (54.5%), and vascular malformation was managed with sclerotherapy and surgery (19.4% each). The data of this study suggests that benign vascular lesions are unusual alterations on the oral mucosa and jaws.

Memória episódica e funções executivas em idosos com sintomas depressivos / Episodic memory and executive functions on olders with depressed symptoms

Vários estudos têm evidenciado que sintomas depressivos entre idosos estão relacionados com comprometimentode diferentes funções cognitivas, entre elas a memória e as funções executivas. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar e comparar padrões de desempenho de idosos com sintomas depressivos em diferentes testesde memória episódica e funções executivas. Participaram do estudo 56 idosos, de ambos os sexos, divididos emdois grupos: idosos sem sintomas depressivos (n=35) e idosos com sintomas depressivos (n=21). No teste de memória episódica imediata, o grupo dos idosos sem sintomas depressivos apresentou desempenho significativamente melhor do que idosos com sintomas depressivos. Em relação aos testes de funções executivas, a análise estatística não revelou diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Esses dados sugerem que idosos com sintomas depressivos apresentam prejuízos na capacidade de memória episódica, mas sem comprometimento das funções executivas.

Researches have shown that depressive symptoms among elderly people are related to the compromising of differentcognitive functions, among them memory and executive functions. This study aimed to analyze and compare standards of performance on older with depressed symptoms on different tests of episodic memory and executive functions. The study included 56 individuals, of both gender, divided in two groups: older with out depressed symptoms (n=35) and older with depressed symptoms (n=21). In test of immediate episodic memory, the group of older with out symptoms depressed demonstrated learning significantly better than the older with symptoms depressed. As for the performanceon executive functions, the statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the groups. This finding suggests that older with depressive symptoms present impairment of episodic memory, however not on executive functions.

Varios estudios tienen evidenciado que síntomas depressivos entre ancianos están relacionados con comprometimento de diferentes funciones cognitivas, entre ellas la memoria y las funciones ejecutivas. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar y comparar padrones de desempeño de ancianos con síntomas depressivos en diferentes pruebas de memoria episódica y funciones ejecutivas. Participaron del estudio 56 ancianos, de ambos sexos, divididosen dos grupos: ancianos sin síntomas depressivos (n=35) y ancianos con síntomas depressivos (n=21). En la prueba de memoria episódica inmediata, el grupo de los ancianos sin síntomas depressivos presentó desempeño significativamente mejor del que ancianos con síntomas depressivos. En relación a las pruebas de funciones ejecutivas, el análisis estadístico no reveló diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Esos datos sugieren que ancianos con síntomas depressivos presentan comprometimiento en la capacidad de memoria episódica, pero sin comprometimiento de las funciones ejecutivas.

Disseminação de conhecimento em Educação Especial no Brasil: as contribuições da ABPEE / Dissemination of knowledge in Special Education in Brazil: contributions of the Brazilian Association of Researchers in Special Education

Este artigo apresenta e discute o desenvolvimento da Revista Brasileira de Educação Especial e sua relação com a Associação Brasileira de Pesquisadores em Educação Especial. O contexto de fundação da Associação e da Revista esteve relacionado ao crescimento dos Programas de Pós-graduação - mestrado e doutorado - em Educação e Psicologia. Pouco a pouco, os artigos enviados para a revista aumentaram a participação de autores de diferentes Estados do Brasil. Os dados demonstram que, desde a criação, a Associação e a Revista estiveram conectados, o que reflete no elo entre autores e membros da ABPEE. A partir de 2005, a Revista passou a receber artigos internacionais e expandiu sua participação no cenário nacional e internacional. Conclui-se que a Revista trouxe inestimável contribuição para a área de Educação Especial no Brasil.

This article presents and discusses the development of the Brazilian Journal of Special Education and its relation to the Brazilian Association of Researchers in Special Education - ABPEE. The context for the foundation of the Association and the Journal was related to the development of Brazilian graduate level courses (Masters and Doctorate) in education and psychology. Gradually, the articles that were sent in from various Brazilian states increased the number of authors from various parts of the country. The data shows that from the beginning, the Association and the Journal have been connected, revealing a relationship between authors and members of the ABPEE. In 2005, the Journal started receiving international papers, broadening the journal's participation from a national to an international sphere. We conclude that the Journal has become a highly regarded contribution in the field of Special Education in Brazil.

Correção da pseudo Classe III com aparelho ortopédico de Bimler / Pseudo-Class III correction using Bimler orthopedic appliance

A pseudo-Classe III, também conhecida como má oclusão de Classe III postural, se caracteriza por mordida cruzada anterior a partir de um reflexo muscular funcional de protração mandibular. A relação esquelética geralmente é de Classe I quando o paciente é manipulado em relação cêntrica. O uso de aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais em pacientes jovens portadores de mordida cruzada anterior, ainda durante a dentição mista e o período de crescimento, tem se mostrado eficaz, evitando o agravamento da má oclusão por destravar a mordida, permitindo que a maxila continue deslocando no sentido anterior e cessando o estímulo de deslocamento anterior da mandíbula. Além disso, permite uma relação de côndilo-fossa mais fisiológica. Este trabalho apresenta um caso clínico de pseudo-Classe III com mordida cruzada anterior, em que o uso de um aparelho de Bimler tipo C permitiu uma melhora da parte muscular (lábios, língua) e dentária (mordida cruzada anterior), favorecendo um crescimento mais equilibrado da face e evitando, dessa forma, o estabelecimento de uma Classe III verdadeira na paciente em questão.

Pseudo-Class III, also known as habitual Class III malocclusion, is characterized by anterior crossbite caused by a muscle functional reflex from mandibular protraction. The skeletal relationship is usually considered Class I when the patient is manipulated into centric relation. The use of functional orthopedic appliances in young patients with anterior crossbite, during mixed dentition period and while growing up has proven to be effective. The appliance avoids the worsening of the malocclusion allowing the maxilla to move forward and preventing the stimulus of jaw anterior moving. In addition to that it also allows a more physiological condyle-fossa relation. This study presents a case of pseudo-Class III with anterior crossbite, treated with a Bimler type C appliance that has improved both muscles (lips, tongue) and teeth (anterior crossbite) of the patient. Thus favoring a more balanced growth of the face and avoiding the installation of a real Class III malocclusion.

Prevalence of oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population

Hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix are benign vascular lesions, common in the head and neck regions. Studies about the prevalence of these lesions in the oral cavity are scarce. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and to obtain clinical data on oral hemangioma, vascular malformation and varix in a Brazilian population. Clinical data on those lesions were retrieved from the clinical forms from the files of the Oral Diagnosis Service, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 1992 to 2002. Descriptive analysis was performed. A total of 2,419 clinical forms in the 10-year period were evaluated, of which 154 (6.4 percent) cases were categorized as oral hemangioma, oral vascular malformation or oral varix. Oral varix was the most frequent lesion (65.6 percent). Females had more oral hemangioma and oral varix than males. Oral vascular malformation and oral varix were more prevalent in the 7th and 6th decades, respectively. Oral hemangioma and oral varix were more prevalent in the ventral surface of the tongue and oral vascular malformation, in the lips. Oral hemangioma was treated with sclerotherapy (54.5 percent), and vascular malformation was managed with sclerotherapy and surgery (19.4 percent each). The data of this study suggests that benign vascular lesions are unusual alterations on the oral mucosa and jaws.

Hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz são lesões vasculares benignas comuns na região de cabeça e pescoço. Estudos sobre a prevalência dessas lesões em boca são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e realizar um levantamento de dados clínicos de hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz de boca. Dados clínicos dessas lesões foram consultados em fichas clínicas do arquivo do Serviço de Diagnóstico Oral da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período de 1992 a 2002. Uma análise descritiva foi realizada. Foram obtidas neste período de 10 anos 2.419 fichas clínicas. Cento e cinqüenta e quatro (6,4 por cento) casos foram categorizados como hemangioma, malformação vascular e variz de boca. Variz de boca foi a lesão mais freqüente (65,6 por cento). Mulheres foram mais acometidas pelos hemangiomas e varizes de boca. Malformação vascular e variz de boca foram mais prevalentes na 7ª e 6ª décadas de vida, respectivamente. A localização prevalente do hemangioma e da variz de boca foi a superfície ventral da língua, e da malformação vascular, os lábios. Hemangioma de boca foi tratado com escleroterapia em 54,5 por cento dos casos e a malformação vascular com escleroterapia e cirurgia em 19,4 por cento cada. Este estudo sugere que lesões vasculares benignas são alterações incomuns na mucosa bucal e nos maxilares.

Efetividade na correção da irrupção ectópica dos primeiros molares permanentes / Effectiveness on correction of the ectopic eruption of the first permanent molars

A irrupção ectópica do primeiro molar permanente é um desvio no trajeto normal de erupção do mesmo, levando à impactação e reabsorção atípica da raiz distal do segundo molar decíduo. Este trabalho discute algumas abordagens em casos de irrupção ectópica de primeiro molar permanente e sugere o uso de um aparelho considerado bastante efetivo pelos autores e ilustrado através de um caso clínico. Este aparelho promove a distalização do molar ectópico e impactado de modo a permitir que o mesmo irrompa normalmente no arco, usando o molar decíduo como ancoragem e evitando a reabsorção do mesmo.

The ectopic eruption of first permanent molar is a departure from the normal path of eruption of the same, leading to impaction and atypical resorption of the distal root of the second deciduous molar. This article discusses some approaches in cases of ectopic eruption of first permanent molar and suggests the use of an appliance considered quite effective by the authors and illustrated by a case study. This device promotes distalization of molar ectopic and impacted so as to enable it to usually break out the bow, using deciduous molar anchorage and preventing the resorption of the same

Proteçäo cervical do esmalte: uma causa do insucesso do tratamento endodôntico / Cervical enamel projection: a cause of endodontic treatment failure

Os autores abordam a relaçäo entre o insucesso do tratamento endodôntico e a presença da projeçäo cervical do esmalte - uma anomalia de desenvolvimento relativamente comum, porém pouco conhecida pelo clínico, a importância do diagnóstico precoce e do reconhecimento dessa projeçäo, bem como suas conseqüências clínicas