Growth and expression of relevant metabolic genes of Clostridium thermocellum cultured on lignocellulosic residues.

The plant cell wall is a source of fermentable sugars in second-generation bioethanol production. However, cellulosic biomass hydrolysis remains an obstacle to bioethanol production in an efficient and low-cost process. Clostridium thermocellum has been studied as a model organism able to produce enzymatic blends that efficiently degrade lignocellulosic biomass, and also as a fermentative microorganism in a consolidated process for the conversion of lignocellulose to bioethanol. In this study, a C. thermocellum strain (designated B8) isolated from goat rumen was characterized for its ability to grow on sugarcane straw and cotton waste, and to produce cellulosomes. We also evaluated C. thermocellum gene expression control in the presence of complex lignocellulosic biomasses. This isolate is capable of growing in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose, sugarcane straw and cotton waste as carbon sources, producing free enzymes and residual substrate-bound proteins (RSBP). The highest growth rate and cellulase/xylanase production were detected at pH 7.0 and 60 °C, after 48 h. Moreover, this strain showed different expression levels of transcripts encoding cellulosomal proteins and proteins with a role in fermentation and catabolic repression.

Leptospiral infection: a serosurvey in urban and rural communities in Olavarría county, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease, affecting mainly poor and vulnerable populations. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional-study was carried out in 557 subjects from Olavarría county (Argentina) to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and the factors associated with seropositivity. A survey was carried out to obtain clinical and epidemiological data. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). Chi-square or Fisher Exact tests were used to assess association between the MAT results and the exploratory variables. For the variables statistically associated, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Individuals from Olavarría city were georeferenced to describe the spatial distribution and to detect clusters of seropositivity for leptospiral antibodies. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of leptospirosis infection was 7.00%, higher in rural (19.66%) than in urban populations (3.64%) (p < 0.001). Sejroe was the most predominant serogroup in rural communities while Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most prevalent in urban populations. The factors associated with Leptospira infection were the presence of rodents inside households (OR = 3.9) in rural populations, while contact with cats (OR = 4.97) and male gender (OR = 7.75) represented higher risk of infection for the urban ones. Cases with positive serology have been found near Tapalqué stream or in the peripheral areas of Olavarría city. CONCLUSIONS: The results from data obtained during the study period were similar to other reports and demonstrate the importance of continuous epidemiological surveillance system and specific community educational campaigns to prevent the leptospirosis infection in Olavarría county and other communities with similar characteristics especially in rural areas.

The major leucyl aminopeptidase of Trypanosoma cruzi (LAPTc) assembles into a homohexamer and belongs to the M17 family of metallopeptidases.

BACKGROUND: Pathogens depend on peptidase activities to accomplish many physiological processes, including interaction with their hosts, highlighting parasitic peptidases as potential drug targets. In this study, a major leucyl aminopeptidolytic activity was identified in Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. RESULTS: The enzyme was isolated from epimastigote forms of the parasite by a two-step chromatographic procedure and associated with a single 330-kDa homohexameric protein as determined by sedimentation velocity and light scattering experiments. Peptide mass fingerprinting identified the enzyme as the predicted T. cruzi aminopeptidase EAN97960. Molecular and enzymatic analysis indicated that this leucyl aminopeptidase of T. cruzi (LAPTc) belongs to the peptidase family M17 or leucyl aminopeptidase family. LAPTc has a strong dependence on neutral pH, is mesophilic and retains its oligomeric form up to 80°C. Conversely, its recombinant form is thermophilic and requires alkaline pH. CONCLUSIONS: LAPTc is a 330-kDa homohexameric metalloaminopeptidase expressed by all T. cruzi forms and mediates the major parasite leucyl aminopeptidolytic activity. Since biosynthetic pathways for essential amino acids, including leucine, are lacking in T. cruzi, LAPTc could have a function in nutritional supply.

Insecticidal activity of two proteases against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae infected with recombinant baculoviruses.

BACKGROUND: Baculovirus comprise the largest group of insect viruses most studied worldwide, mainly because they efficiently kill agricultural insect pests. In this study, two recombinant baculoviruses containing the ScathL gene from Sarcophaga peregrina (vSynScathL), and the Keratinase gene from the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (vSynKerat), were constructed, and their insecticidal properties analysed against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. RESULTS: Bioassays of third-instar and neonate S. frugiperda larvae with vSynScathL and vSynKerat showed a decrease in the time needed to kill the infected insects when compared to the wild type virus. We have also shown that both recombinants were able to increase phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of S. frugiperda larvae. The expression of proteases in infected larvae resulted in destruction of internal tissues late in infection, which could be the reason for the increased viral speed of kill. CONCLUSIONS: Baculoviruses and their recombinant forms constitute viable alternatives to chemical insecticides. Recombinant baculoviruses containing protease genes can be added to the list of engineered baculoviruses with great potential to be used in integrated pest management programs.

Evaluation of holocellulase production by plant-degrading fungi grown on agro-industrial residues.

Agaricus brasiliensis CS1, Pleurotus ostreatus H1 and Aspergillus flavus produced holocellulases when grown in solid and submerged liquid cultures containing agro-industrial residues, including sugar cane bagasse and dirty cotton residue, as substrates. These isolates proved to be efficient producers of holocellulases under the conditions used in this screening. Bromatological analysis of agro-industrial residues showed differences in protein, fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin content. Maximal holocellulase activity (hemicellulase, cellulase and pectinase) was obtained using solid-state cultivation with 10% substrate concentration. In this case, remarkably high levels of xylanase and polygalacturonase activity (4,008 and 4,548 IU/l, respectively) were produced by A. flavus when grown in media containing corn residue, followed by P. ostreatus H1 with IU/l values of 1,900 and 3,965 when cultivated on 5% and 10% sugar cane bagasse, respectively. A. brasiliensis CS1 showed the highest reducing sugar yield (11.640 mg/ml) when grown on medium containing sugar cane bagasse. A. brasiliensis was also the most efficient producer of protein, except when cultivated on dirty cotton residue, which induced maximal production in A. flavus. Comparison of enzymatic hydrolysis of sugar cane bagasse and dirty cotton residue by crude extracts of A. brasiliensis CS1, P. ostreatus H1 and A. flavus showed that the best reducing sugar yield was achieved using sugar cane bagasse as a substrate.

Involvement of G-alpha protein GNA3 in production of cell wall-degrading enzymes by Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) during mycoparasitism against Pythium ultimum.

The involvement of the G-alpha protein GNA3 in the production of cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) by Trichoderma reesei during antagonism against Pythium ultimum was investigated. cAMP content was 2.8-fold higher in the T. reesei mutant gna3QL than in the parental TU-6. The gna3QL, like TU-6, inhibited the growth of P. ultimum in dual culture assays. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the gna3QL promoted more morphological alterations of P. ultimum cell wall than TU-6. In general, gna3QL produced higher activities of CWDEs than TU-6. We therefore suggest that CWDEs production during mycoparasitism by T. reesei against P. ultimum may be associated with the level of GNA3 activity.

Characterization of Clostridium thermocellum (B8) secretome and purified cellulosomes for lignocellulosic biomass degradation.

The main goal of the present study was a complete proteomic characterization of total proteins eluted from residual substrate-bound proteins (RSBP), and cellulosomes secreted by Clostridium thermocellum B8 during growth in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose as a carbon source. The second goal was to evaluate their potential use as enzymatic blends for hydrolyzing agro-industrial residues to produce fermentable sugars. Protein identification through LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry showed that the RSBP sample, in addition to cellulosomal proteins, contains a wide variety of proteins, including those without a well-characterized role in plant cell wall degradation. The RSBP subsample defined as purified cellulosomes (PC) consists mainly of glycoside hydrolases grouped in families 5, 8, 9, 10 and 48. Dynamic light scattering, DLS, analysis of PC resulted in two protein peaks (pi1 and pi2) presenting molecular masses in agreement with those previously described for cellulosomes and polycellulosomes. These peaks weren't detected after PC treatment with 1.0% Tween. PC and RSBP presented maximal activities at temperatures ranging from 60° to 70°C and at pH 5.0. RSBP retained almost all of its activity after incubation at 50, 60 and 70°C and PC showed remarkable thermostability at 50 and 60°C. RSBP holocellullolytic activities were inhibited by phenolic compounds, while PC showed either increasing activity or a lesser degree of inhibition. RSBP and PC hydrolyze sugar cane straw, cotton waste and microcrystalline cellulose, liberating a diversity of saccharides; however, the highest concentration of released sugar was obtained for assays carried out using PC as an enzymatic blend and after ten days at 50°C.

Characterization of a beta-glucanase produced by Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus, and its potential for application in the brewing industry.

BACKGROUND: In the barley malting process, partial hydrolysis of beta-glucans begins with seed germination. However, the endogenous 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanases are heat inactivated, and the remaining high molecular weight beta-glucans may cause severe problems such as increased brewer mash viscosity and turbidity. Increased viscosity impairs pumping and filtration, resulting in lower efficiency, reduced yields of extracts, and lower filtration rates, as well as the appearance of gelatinous precipitates in the finished beer. Therefore, the use of exogenous beta-glucanases to reduce the beta-glucans already present in the malt barley is highly desirable. RESULTS: The zygomycete microfungus Rhizopus microsporus var. microsporus secreted substantial amounts of beta-glucanase in liquid culture medium containing 0.5% chitin. An active protein was isolated by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatographies of the beta-glucanase activity-containing culture supernatant. This isolated protein hydrolyzed 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan (barley beta-glucan), but showed only residual activity against 1,3-beta-glucan (laminarin), or no activity at all against 1,4-beta-glucan (cellulose), indicating that the R. microsporus var. microsporus enzyme is a member of the EC 3.2.1.73 category. The purified protein had a molecular mass of 33.7 kDa, as determined by mass spectrometry. The optimal pH and temperature for hydrolysis of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucan were in the ranges of 4-5, and 50-60 degrees C, respectively. The Km and Vmax values for hydrolysis of beta-glucan at pH 5.0 and 50 degrees C were 22.39 mg.mL-1 and 16.46 mg.min-1, respectively. The purified enzyme was highly sensitive to Cu+2, but showed less or no sensitivity to other divalent ions, and was able to reduce both the viscosity and the filtration time of a sample of brewer mash. In comparison to the values determined for the mash treated with two commercial glucanases, the relative viscosity value for the mash treated with the 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase produced by R. microsporus var. microsporus. was determined to be consistently lower. CONCLUSION: The zygomycete microfungus R. microsporus var. microsporus produced a 1,3-1,4-beta-D-glucan 4-glucanhydrolase (EC 3.2.1.73) which is able to hydrolyze beta-D-glucan that contains both the 1,3- and 1,4-bonds (barley beta-glucans). Its molecular mass was 33.7 kDa. Maximum activity was detected at pH values in the range of 4-5, and temperatures in the range of 50-60 degrees C. The enzyme was able to reduce both the viscosity of the brewer mash and the filtration time, indicating its potential value for the brewing industry.

Characterization of a protease produced by a Trichoderma harzianum isolate which controls cocoa plant witches' broom disease.

BACKGROUND: Several Trichoderma strains have been reported to be effective in controlling plant diseases, and the action of fungal hydrolytic enzymes has been considered as the main mechanism involved in the antagonistic process. However, although Trichoderma strains were found to impair development of Crinipellis perniciosa, the causal agent of cocoa plant witches' broom disease, no fungal strain is available for effective control of this disease. We have then undertaken a program of construction of hydrolytic enzyme-overproducing Trichoderma strains aiming improvement of the fungal antagonistic capacity. The protease of an indian Trichoderma isolate showing antagonistic activity against C. perniciosa was purified to homogeneity and characterized for its kinetic properties and action on the phytopathogen cell wall. RESULTS: A protease produced by the Trichoderma harzianum isolate 1051 was purified to homogeneity by precipitation with ammonium sulfate followed by hydrophobic chromatography. The molecular mass of this protease as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was about 18.8 kDa. Its N-terminal amino acid sequence shares no homology with any other protease. The purified enzyme substantially affected the cell wall of the phytopathogen C. perniciosa. Western-blotting analysis showed that the enzyme was present in the culture supernatant 24 h after the Trichoderma started to grow in casein-containing liquid medium. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity of the Trichoderma harzianum protease to hydrolyze the cell wall of C. perniciosa indicates that this enzyme may be actually involved in the antagonistic process between the two fungi. This fact strongly suggest that hydrolytic enzyme over-producing transgenic fungi may show superior biocontrol capacity.

A 3-month comparison of efficacy and safety of brimonidine-purite 0.15% and brimonidine 0.2% in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of brimonidine Purite 0.15% (ALPHAGAN P) BID with brimonidine 0.2% (ALPHAGAN) BID in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: 3-month, multicenter, randomized, double-masked trial. Eligible patients were taking brimonidine 0.2% BID for at least 6 weeks prior to study entry and their intraocular pressure (IOP) was < or = 21 mm Hg. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either brimonidine Purite 0.15% BID (n = 203) or brimonidine 0.2% BID (n = 204). Scheduled visits were prestudy, baseline, and weeks 2, 6 and 12. IOP was measured at hour 0 and hour 2 to evaluate efficacy. Safety was measured by monitoring adverse events. Patient satisfaction and comfort were also evaluated at all visits. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the brimonidine 0.2% and brimonidine Purite 0.15% groups with respect to mean IOP at baseline. The IOP-lowering efficacy of brimonidine Purite 0.15% was equivalent to that of brimonidine 0.2% and both study treatments maintained IOP-lowering effects of brimonidine 0.2%. There were no significant between-group differences in mean IOP. The differences in the mean IOPs were < or = 0.26 mm Hg and the mean change from baseline IOP was < or = 0.35 mm Hg at all follow-up time points. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the overall incidence of adverse events. The most commonly reported treatment-related adverse events were conjunctival hyperemia and allergic conjunctivitis: both were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: Brimonidine Purite 0.15% dosed BID provides equal IOP-lowering efficacy to brimonidine 0.2% BID. Patients previously controlled on brimonidine 0.2% can be successfully switched to brimonidine Purite 0.15%.

Properties of a recombinant beta-glucosidase from polycentric anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC-2 and its application for cellulose hydrolysis.

A beta-glucosidase (BglA, EC 3.2.1.21) gene from the polycentric anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC-2 was cloned and sequenced. The enzyme containing 657 amino acid residues was homologous to certain animal, plant, and bacterial beta-glucosidases but lacked significant similarity to those from aerobic fungi. Neither cellulose- nor protein-binding domains were found in BglA. When expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the enzyme was secreted in two forms with masses of about 110 kDa and also found in two forms associated with the yeast cells. Km and Vmax values of the secreted BglA were 0.762 mM and 8.20 micromol/(min x mg), respectively, with p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (pNPG) as the substrate and 0.310 mM and 6.45 micromol/(min.mg), respectively, for the hydrolysis of cellobiose. Glucose competitively inhibited the hydrolysis of pNPG with a Ki of 3.6 mM. Beta-glucosidase significantly enhanced the conversion of cellulosic materials into glucose by Trichoderma reesei cellulase preparations, demonstrating its potential for use in biofuel and feedstock chemical production.

Gatifloxacin 0.5% administered twice daily for the treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis in patients one year of age or older.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of gatifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution administered twice daily for treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. METHODS: Two identically designed, double-masked, multicenter studies in the United States and India enrolled patients 1 year or older with acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Patients were randomized to gatifloxacin 0.5% or vehicle treatment for 5 days. Clinical success in clearing conjunctival hyperemia and discharge at day 6 (primary endpoint) and day 4 and microbiological cure were determined. Isolates from positive conjunctival samples were tested for sensitivity and susceptibility. Safety measures included adverse events (AEs). Data from these 2 studies were pooled for these analyses. RESULTS: Of the 1437 randomized patients, 658 constituted the modified intent-to-treat population. Patient characteristics were similar between the pooled treatment groups. Clinical success occurred for 58.0% of gatifloxacin 0.5%-treated versus 45.5% vehicle-treated patients at day 6 (P=0.001) and for 23.7% versus 15.4% in the respective groups at day 4 (P=0.007). Microbiological cure was higher with gatifloxacin 0.5% than vehicle at days 4 and 6 (P<0.001 for both time points). The combined minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit 90% of isolates for gatifloxacin 0.5% was 2.0 µg/mL for gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. AEs were reported by 11.6% and 13.3% of patients in the gatifloxacin 0.5% and vehicle safety populations, respectively. One patient in each treatment group experienced a serious AE; neither was treatment related. CONCLUSIONS: The 0.5% concentration of gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution was safe and effective for treatment of acute bacterial conjunctivitis with twice-daily administration for 5 days.

Analysis of Phaseolus vulgaris response to its association with Trichoderma harzianum (ALL-42) in the presence or absence of the phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the ability of Trichoderma harzianum (ALL 42-isolated from Brazilian Cerrado soil) to promote common bean growth and to modulate its metabolism and defense response in the presence or absence of the phytopathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani using a proteomic approach. T. harzianum was able to promote common bean plants growth as shown by the increase in root/foliar areas and by size in comparison to plants grown in its absence. The interaction was shown to modulate the expression of defense-related genes (Glu1, pod3 and lox1) in roots of P. vulgaris. Proteomic maps constructed using roots and leaves of plants challenged or unchallenged by T. harzianum and phytopathogenic fungi showed differences. Reference gels presented differences in spot distribution (absence/presence) and relative volumes of common spots (up or down-regulation). Differential spots were identified by peptide fingerprinting MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 48 identified spots (19 for leaves and 29 for roots) were grouped into protein functional classes. For leaves, 33%, 22% and 11% of the identified proteins were categorized as pertaining to the groups: metabolism, defense response and oxidative stress response, respectively. For roots, 17.2%, 24.1% and 10.3% of the identified proteins were categorized as pertaining to the groups: metabolism, defense response and oxidative stress response, respectively.

Twice-daily, preservative-free ketorolac 0.45% for treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of twice-daily, preservative-free ketorolac 0.45% (Acuvail; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, California, USA) administration for treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. METHODS: Two multicenter, double-masked studies randomized 511 cataract surgery patients (2:1) to receive twice-daily ketorolac 0.45% or vehicle in the operative eye for 16 days, beginning 1 day before surgery. The primary efficacy end point was the percentage of patients with a summed ocular inflammation score of 0 for anterior chamber cell and flare on postoperative day 14. The main secondary efficacy end point was the percentage of patients with no pain on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: On day 14, 52.5% of ketorolac patients and 26.5% of vehicle patients had an summed ocular inflammation score of 0 (P < .001). On day 1, 72.4% of ketorolac patients and 39.7% of vehicle patients had a pain score of 0 (P < .001). Median time to pain resolution was 1 day in the ketorolac group and 2 days in the vehicle group (P < .001). The percentage of ketorolac and vehicle patients who had a +3-line or more improvement in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline was 60.5% versus 44.0% on day 14 (P = .002). Overall, adverse events were more prevalent in the vehicle group than in the ketorolac group (48.5% vs 35.2%; P = .004). Burning or stinging (per a composite Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities) was reported by 1.5% of ketorolac patients and 0.6% of vehicle patients. CONCLUSIONS: Twice-daily ketorolac 0.45% was well tolerated and effectively treated inflammation and pain following cataract surgery.

Cadaver as an experimental a model for the study of midline incisional hernia.

PURPOSE: To describe a cadaver model and to compare different techniques to correct midline incisional hernia using the tension at the musculoaponeurotic layer as a parameter. METHODS: Twenty-four male cadavers were used to characterize the model. The tensile force applied to the anterior layers of the rectus abdominis muscle was measured after the linea alba was resected to create an abdominal wall defect. A dynamometer was used to measure the tensile force necessary to cause a 10-mm displacement of the tissues towards the midline. An index that allows comparison of tensile forces from different points was calculated by dividing the tensile force by the distance between the point of force application at the aponeurosis and the midline. RESULTS: Cadaver is a good model for the study of midline incisional hernia. CONCLUSION: Cadaver can be used effectively as a model to evaluate tension of the abdominal wall when tissue advancement and musculoaponeurotic flaps are performed in the repair of midline incisional hernia.

1,3-ß-d-Glucan synthase of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: recombinant protein, expression and cytolocalization in the yeast and mycelium phases.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a thermo-dimorphic human pathogenic fungus that in the mycelium phase lives at 23°C in environment and in the yeast phase at 37°C in the host tissues. In P. brasiliensis, the main polymers that compound the cell wall are chitin, 1,3-ß-D-glucan and 1,3-α-glucan. They make a primary barrier responsible for the structural integrity and form of the cell wall. In P. brasiliensis, just one homologue of 1,3-ß-D-glucan synthase gene (PbFKS1) was found. Here, the active recombinant protein (PbFks1pc) containing the catalytic region was obtained in Escherichia coli. In addition, a paradoxical dissociation was detected between the expression of the PbFKS1 transcript and the level of the corresponding protein PbFks1p, which was higher in the yeast phase, versus the amount of 1,3-ß-D-glucan polymer, which was higher in the mycelium phase. Western blot analysis using protein extracts of cellular fractions showed that PbFks1p is present in the membrane-enriched fraction of mycelium and yeast cells and in the cell wall-enriched fractions of yeast cells. Confocal-immunocytolocalization of PbFks1p identified the protein in the apical growing region of the mycelium and distributed on the surface of the yeast cell. Two possible mechanisms could explain the above-mentioned discrepancy between the data: (a) overexpression of Rho1 GTPase as a regulator of 1,3-ß-D-glucan synthase; (b) possible post-translational regulation of PbFks1p in P. brasiliensis isolates.

Twelve-month, randomized, controlled trial of bimatoprost 0.01%, 0.0125%, and 0.03% in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and safety of ophthalmic formulations of bimatoprost 0.01% and 0.0125% compared with bimatoprost 0.03%. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter clinical trial. METHODS: Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive once-daily bimatoprost 0.01% (n = 186), bimatoprost 0.0125% (n = 188), or bimatoprost 0.03% (n = 187) for 12 months. The primary efficacy measure was IOP. Safety measures included adverse events and an objective assessment of conjunctival hyperemia. RESULTS: Baseline mean IOPs were similar among treatment groups. Differences in mean IOP between the bimatoprost 0.01% or 0.0125% groups and the bimatoprost 0.03% group were less than 0.9 mm Hg throughout follow-up. Bimatoprost 0.01%, but not bimatoprost 0.0125%, was equivalent in efficacy to bimatoprost 0.03% based on predetermined criteria (limits of the 95% confidence interval of the between-group difference in mean IOP within +/- 1.5 mm Hg at all time points and within +/- 1 mm Hg at most time points). The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reduced significantly in the bimatoprost 0.01% and bimatoprost 0.0125% groups compared with the bimatoprost 0.03% group (P < or = .034). The percentage of patients with a moderate to severe increase from the baseline macroscopic hyperemia score was: bimatoprost 0.01%, 3.2%; bimatoprost 0.0125%, 9.0%; bimatoprost 0.03%, 9.1% (P = .019 for bimatoprost 0.01% vs 0.03%). CONCLUSIONS: Bimatoprost 0.01% was equivalent to bimatoprost 0.03% in lowering IOP throughout 12 months of treatment and demonstrated improved tolerability, including less frequent and severe conjunctival hyperemia. Bimatoprost 0.01% demonstrated a better benefit-to-risk ratio than bimatoprost 0.0125%.

Mapping traction strength of the anterior rectus sheath in cadaver.

PURPOSE: The tension at the aponeurotic edges of abdominal wall defects is an important factor of dehiscence and incisional hernia formation. The purpose of this study is to map and compare the traction force necessary for medial mobilization in various levels of the anterior rectus sheath in cadavers. METHODS: Twenty four adult male cadavers, raging from 22 to 59 years old, with the abdominal wall intact and without prior preservation techniques, were dissected. A complete excision of the linea alba was performed. Traction loops of 10 mm in diameter were made in the anterior rectus sheath and were placed: 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm below the lower edge of the umbilicus and 3, 6 and 9 cm above the upper edge of the umbilicus. Each loop was mobilized 10 mm in the medial direction, using an analog dynamometer. The values obtained in each level were compared using Friedman's analysis of Variance for p < 0.05. RESULTS: The average traction values obtained at the various levels were compared and there was no statistical significant difference. CONCLUSION: There is no variation in tension along the whole extension of the anterior rectus sheath.

La discapacidad intelectual en Minas de Matahambre, una caracterización clínico-epidemiológica / Intellectual disability in Minas de Matahambre, clinical and epidemiologic characteristics

Introducción: la discapacidad intelectual está caracterizada por la presencia de un coeficiente intelectual menor a 70, se manifiesta antes de los 18 años de edad, puede estar asociada a limitaciones físico-motoras y sensoriales así como a trastornos conductuales y su etiología responde a factores genéticos o ambientales. Objetivo: describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la discapacidad intelectual en el municipio, después de 9 años de realizado el Estudio Psicosocial y Clínico Genético del 2003. Material y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal de los individuos con discapacidad intelectual del municipio Minas de Matahambre en el año 2012, que incluyó 561 individuos afectados, a los que se les aplicó el instrumento elaborado por especialistas del Centro Nacional de Genética Médica de Cuba con previo consentimiento informado, evaluándose variables como: edad, sexo, factores causales y el grado de afectación de la capacidad intelectual. Resultados: El municipio muestra una tasa de prevalencia de 1,57 por cada 100 habitantes. El mayor por ciento se concentra en el grupo de 30 a 59 años de edad, el sexo predominante es el masculino, la discapacidad intelectual ligera ocupa el 55,9 % y como causa son significativos los eventos prenatales. Conclusiones: Se describen las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la discapacidad intelectual en el municipio, lo que posibilita proponer nuevas investigaciones sobre factores relacionados con su origen y prevención y mantener la comunicación necesaria de los implicados en el diagnóstico y atención de las personas con discapacidad intelectual.

Introduction: intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ lower than 70, manifested before age 18, and may be associated with physical, motor and sensory disabilities, as well as to behavioral disorders. Its etiology responds to genetic or environmental factors. Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of intellectual disability in the municipality, 9 years after completing the 2003 Psychosocial and Clinical Genetic Study. Material and methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the municipality of Minas Matahambre in 2012, which included 561 affected individuals, who were administered the instrument developed by specialists of the National Centre for Medical Genetics, prior informed consent, evaluating variables such as age, sex, causal factors and the degree of impact of intellectual ability. Results: the municipality shows a prevalence rate of 1.57 per 100 inhabitants. The highest percentage is concentrated in the group of 30 to 59 years old, male is the predominant sex, light intellectual disability occupies 55.9%, and prenatal events are a significant cause. Conclusions: clinical and epidemiological intellectual disabilities characteristics in the municipality are described, allowing to propose further research on factors related to its origin and prevention and to maintain the necessary communication of those involved in the diagnosis and care of people with intellectual disabilities.

Desempenho escolar: interferência da acuidade visual / School performance: visual acuity interference

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de distúrbios visuais em alunos de 8 a 10 anos de idade em uma escola pública no município de Pouso Alegre, Minas Gerais, e verificar a possível legitimidade da correlação entre um baixo desempenho escolar e algum tipo de deficit visual. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal e quantitativo realizado em alunos matriculados de 2ª a 4ª série na Escola Municipal Pio XII durante o ano letivo de 2009. Foram realizados o exame de acuidade visual com o uso da Escala optométrica de Snellen e a análise do boletim escolar. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 201 crianças. Quanto à acuidade visual, 11,4% da amostra apresentou acuidade visual alterada. Na análise das notas de Matemática, foi observado que os alunos que tinham deficit visual apresentaram notas significantemente menores que aqueles sem deficit (p=0,032). Não se observou significância estatística na comparação das notas de português dos alunos com e sem deficit durante a triagem inicial. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo demonstrou que um distúrbio visual não diagnosticado pode interferir no desempenho escolar infantil...

OBJECTIVE: We intend to evaluate the prevalence of visual disorders among 8 to 10-year-old students from a public school in Pouso Alegre, state of Minas Gerais, as well as verify the possible legitimacy of the correlation between a poor school performance and some kind of visual deficit. METHODS: We conducted a transversal and quantitative study whose target were the students enrolled in the elementary course (2nd to 4th grade) of Pio XII Municipal School in the academic year of 2009. We examined the students' visual acuity using Snellen optometric chart and investigating their report card. RESULTS: We assessed 201 children. In what concerns visual acuity, 11.4% of the sample showed altered visual acuity. When we analyzed their Mathematics grades, we observed that the students with visual deficit had grades significantly lower than those ones with normal acuity (p = 0.032). We did not notice any statistical significance in the comparison between their Portuguese grades during this initial sorting out. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a non-identified visual disorder may interfere in child school performance...