Caracterização funcional do gene codificador de proteína CD14 e do gene não codificador de proteína LINC01133 em linhagens celulares humanas de câncer de mama triplo negativo / Functional characterization of the CD14 protein-coding gene and the non-protein-coding LINC01133 gene in triple negative human breast cancer cell lines

Dentre os subtipos de câncer de mama, o triplo negativo (TNBC) é o que apresenta as maiores taxas de mortalidade, sendo, portanto, considerado um enorme desafio para a clínica. O uso de moléculas como marcadores tumorais vem auxiliando o clínico no diagnóstico, no prognóstico e, até mesmo, no tratamento do TNBC, sendo essenciais na redução de suas altas taxa de mortalidade. No entanto, um pequeno grupo de marcadores tumorais são validados na prática clínica, estimulando à busca por novos alvos, e sua caracterização funcional, como forma de se entender a Biologia desta doença. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar funcionalmente o gene codificador de proteína CD14 e o gene não codificador de proteína LINC01133 em linhagens celulares humanas de TNBC, no intuito de descobrir o papel destas moléculas na progressão tumoral. Na primeira parte deste trabalho, analisou-se a expressão do CD14 frente à um painel de linhagens celulares que representam os diferentes subtipos dos tumores mamários. O CD14 exibiu elevados níveis de expressão nas linhagens nãotumorigênicas MCF10A e MCF12A e baixos níveis na linhagem triplo negativa Hs578T. A partir destes resultados, o CD14 foi superexpresso na linhagem Hs578T. Ensaios de caracterização funcional mostraram que a superexpressão do CD14 reduziu a capacidade migratória e invasiva das células, efeito que foi hipoteticamente relacionado ao aumento da expressão da E-caderina. No entanto, observou-se aumento no potencial tumorigênico, levando-nos a sugerir seu envolvimento num possível mecanismo utilizado pelas células para compensar a significativa redução do potencial migratório e invasivo. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o nível basal de expressão do CD14 observado na linhagem Hs578T é importante, podendo contribuir para a desenvolvimento primário do tumor, atuando como um oncogene. Na segunda parte deste trabalho, analisou-se a expressão de 10 RNAs longos não codificadores (lncRNAs), frente ao mesmo painel de linhagens descritoanteriormente. Dentre estes, o lncRNA LINC01133 exibiu baixos níveis de expressão nas linhagens não-tumorigênicas MCF10A e MCF12A e elevados níveis na linhagem triplo negativa Hs578T, sendo, então, escolhido como alvo de estudo. A partir destes resultados, decidimos superexpressar, de forma indutível, o LINC01133 na linhagem MCF10A e nocautear este gene, via sistema CRISPR/Cas9, na linhagem Hs578T. Ensaios de caracterização funcional mostraram que a superexpressão do LINC01133 na linhagem MCF10A reduziu a proliferação celular e inibiu o crescimento de colônias dependente de ancoragem, mas, em contrapartida, aumentou o crescimento de colônias independente de ancoragem e a capacidade migratória e invasiva destas células. No entanto, sugerimos que isto não seja suficiente para tornar estas células tumorigênicas e metastáticas. Por outro lado, o nocauteamento do LINC01133 na linhagem triplo negativa Hs578T aumentou de forma considerável todos os parâmetros de malignidade analisados. Baseado nos dados obtidos, sugerimos que o elevado nível de expressão do LINC01133 na linhagem Hs578T é importante na regulação negativa de processos relacionados com a progressão tumoral, atuando com um supressor tumoral. Os dados obtidos em nosso estudo contribuem para o enriquecimento de informações relacionadas à Biologia do TNBC, auxiliando, desta forma, no desenvolvimento de potenciais protocolos clínicos e terapêuticos utilizandos estes biomarcadores

Among the breast cancer subtypes, the triple negative (TNBC) displays the highest mortality rates, being, therefore, considered a major challenge for the clinic. The use of molecules as tumor markers has helped clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and even in treatment of TNBC, being essential in reducing its high mortality rate. However, a small group of tumor markers is validated in clinical practice, stimulating the search for new targets, and their functional characterization, as a way to understand the biology of this disease. Thus, the aim of this work is to functionally characterize the CD14 protein-coding gene and the non-protein-coding LINC01133 gene in human TNBC cell lines, in order to probe into the role of these molecules in tumor progression. In the first part of this work, the expression of CD14 was analyzed in a panel of cell lines that represent the different subtypes of breast tumors. High expression levels of CD14 were observed in the non-tumorigenic MCF10A and MCF12A lineages and low levels in the triple negative Hs578T lineage. Based on these results, CD14 was overexpressed in the Hs578T lineage. Functional characterization assays showed that CD14 overexpression reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of cells, an effect that was hypothetically related to increased E-cadherin expression. However, increased in the tumorigenic potential was observed, leading us to suggest its involvement in a possible mechanism used by cells to compensate for the significant reduction in the migratory and invasive potential. The results obtained indicate that CD14 expression basal level observed in the Hs578T lineage may be important to contribute to the primary development of tumor, thus acting as an oncogene. In the second part of this work, the expression of 10 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) was analyzed against the same lineage panel described above. Among these, the LINC01133 lncRNA exhibited low expression levels in the non-tumorigenic MCF10A and MCF12A lineages and high levels in the triple negative Hs578T lineage, being, then, chosen as a target for this study. Based on these results, we decided toinducibly overexpress LINC01133 in the MCF10A lineage and knockout this gene, via the CRISPR/Cas9 system, in the Hs578T lineage. Functional characterization assays showed that overexpression of LINC01133 in the MCF10A lineage reduced cell proliferation and inhibited anchorage-dependent colony growth, but, on the other hand, increased anchorage-independent colony growth and the migratory and invasive capacity of these cells. However, we suggest that this is not sufficient to render these cells tumorigenic and metastatic. On the other hand, the knockout of LINC01133 in the triple negative Hs578T lineage considerably increased all the analyzed malignancy parameters. Based on the results obtained, we suggest that the high expression level of LINC01133 in the Hs578T lineage is important for down-regulation of processes related to tumor progression, acting as a tumor suppressor. The data obtained in our study contribute to the enrichment of information related to TNBC Biology, thus assisting in the development of potential clinical and therapeutic protocols using these biomarkers

Impacts of El Niño Southern Oscillation on the dengue transmission dynamics in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: This research addresses two questions: (1) how El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects climate variability and how it influences dengue transmission in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (MRR), and (2) whether the epidemic in MRR municipalities has any connection and synchronicity. Methods: Wavelet analysis and cross-correlation were applied to characterize seasonality, multiyear cycles, and relative delays between the series. This study was developed into two distinct periods. Initially, we performed periodic dengue incidence and intercity epidemic synchronism analyses from 2001 to 2017. We then defined the period from 2001 to 2016 to analyze the periodicity of climatic variables and their coherence with dengue incidence. Results: Our results showed systematic cycles of 3-4 years with a recent shortening trend of 2-3 years. Climatic variability, such as positive anomalous temperatures and reduced rainfall due to changes in sea surface temperature (SST), is partially linked to the changing epidemiology of the disease, as this condition provides suitable environments for the Aedes aegypti lifecycle. Conclusion: ENSO may have influenced the dengue temporal patterns in the MRR, transiently reducing its main way of multiyear variability (3-4 years) to 2-3 years. Furthermore, when the epidemic coincided with El Niño years, it spread regionally and was highly synchronized.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da Leishmaniose Visceral Humana no estado do Piauí, Brasil (2007-2017) / Epidemiological aspects of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in the state of Piauí, Brazil (2007- 2017) / Aspectos epidemiológicos de la Leishmaniasis Visceral Humana en el estado do Piauí, Brasil (2007-2017)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A leishmaniose visceral apresenta considerável expansão em centros urbanos no Piauí, e a sua ocorrência é marcada por sucessivos registros de surtos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os casos notificados de Leishmaniose Visceral Humana no Piauí, entre os anos de 2007 e 2017. Métodos: Os dados sobre os números de casos e variáveis, como a distribuição no tempo, no espaço e algumas características das pessoas atingidas, óbitos e diagnóstico, foram através do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINANDatasus). Resultados: Foram notificados 2.447 casos, com 2.265 casos autóctones (92,56%), e o diagnóstico laboratorial conclusivo foi realizado em 86,6% dos casos. O ano de 2014 foi o ano com maior registro (283 casos) e maior coeficiente de letalidade anual de 14,1%. Ao todo, 183 municípios (81,7%) apresentaram casos positivos em residentes. Na capital, Teresina, ocorreu o maior número de casos em residentes (734 casos, 30%) e foi o município que mais notificou em todo o estado (1.859 casos, 75,97%). Os mais acometidos foram indivíduos do sexo masculino (66,30%) e faixa etária menor que 10 anos (43,44%). Em relação à escolaridade, a classificação "não se aplica" foi mais prevalente (39,84%), assim como a raça/cor parda (88,27%) e a zona residencial urbana (67,63%). Conclusão: A realização destas análises fornece informações sobre a situação epidemiológica da leishmaniose visceral no Piauí em uma série histórica de 2007 a 2017, como a distribuição espacial dos casos, municípios com maiores incidências, a dificuldade de acesso ao diagnóstico, grupos sociais mais acometidos e óbitos, podendo auxiliar no direcionamento das ações para o controle da doença no estado.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis presents considerable expansion in urban centers in the state of Piauí and its occurrence is marked by successive records of outbreaks. To analyze the reported cases of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in Piauí, between 2007 and 2017. Methods: The data about the number of cases and variables such as distribution in time, space and some characteristics of the affected people, deaths and diagnosis were obtained from Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN-Datasus) Results: 2,447 cases were reported, of which 2,265 autochthonous cases (92.56%). The conclusive diagnosis was made in 86.6% of the cases. The year with the highest record (283 cases) was 2014, also the annual lethality rate was 14.1%. Positive cases were registered in residents of 183 municipalities (81.7%). The capital Teresina presents the highest number of cases in residents (734.30%) and notification (1,859, 75.97%). Males (66.30%) were the most affected and individuals under 10 years old (43.44%). Regarding education, the classification "does not apply" (39.84%) was the most prevalent, as well as brown race/color (88.27%) and the urban residential area (67.63%). Conclusion: Epidemiological assay provides knowledge about the real epidemiological situation in the state of Piauí, such as profile characterization, frequency of cases occurrence, assisting in actions for control and eradication of the disease in the state.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: La Leishmaniasis visceral presenta una expansión considerable en los centros urbanos de Piauí, y su aparición está marcada por sucesivos registros de brotes. Analizar los casos reportados de Leishmaniasis Visceral Humana en Piauí, entre los años 2007 a 2017. Métodos: Datos sobre el número de casos y variables como distribución en tiempo, espacio y algunas características de las personas afectadas, defunciones y diagnóstico fueron obtenido mediante el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades Notificables (SINAN-Datasus). Resultados: Fueron notificados 2.447 casos, con 2.265 casos autóctonos (92,56%). El diagnóstico de laboratorio concluyente se realizó en el 86,6% de los casos. 2014 fue el año con el récord más alto (283 casos) y la tasa de letalidad anual del 14,1%. 183 municipios (81,7%) presentó casos positivos en residentes. La capital Teresina tuvo el mayor número de casos en residentes (734 casos, 30%) y fue el municipio que más reportó en todo el estado (1.859 casos, 75,97%). Los más afectados pertenecían al sexo masculino (66,30%) y los menores de 10 años (43,44%). En cuanto a la educación, la clasificación "no aplica" fue más prevalente (39,84%) y la zona residencial urbana (67,63%). Conclusión: La realización de estos análisis aporta conocimiento sobre la situación epidemiológica en Piauí en una serie histórica de 2007 a 2017, como la caracterización de los casos, las fallas en los registros y la frecuencia de ocurrencia de los casos, ayudando a orientar las acciones para el control en el estado.(AU)

Validation study of a software for proprioceptive evaluation / Estudo de validação de um programa de computador para avaliação proprioceptiva

Objective: To validate the PhisioPlay software for proprioceptive evaluation of the shoulder joint based on the data obtained by isokinetic dynamometry equipment. Methods: Thirty-one individuals constituted a single group for proprioceptive evaluation of both shoulder joints by means of joint position sense (JPS). The testing protocol of PhisioPlay consisted of the abduction movement of the shoulder to the target angles of 45° and 90° and the maintenance of these positions for 30 seconds. In the isokinetic dynamometer, the test was performed using its proprioceptive evaluation protocol for the same movement, target angles, and maintenance time established for the previous test. Results: For the 90° variables, statistical analysis pointed to agreement for the dominant limb in relation to the mean angulation and the absolute difference and for the non-dominant limb in relation to the absolute difference. The results of mean comparisons of the absolute differences via the Wilcoxon Test corroborate the literature regarding the behavior of the JPS considering joint amplitude, lateral dominance, and greater or lesser torque affecting the joint. Reliability and sensitivity measures also strengthen the conclusions. Conclusion: The results point to the construct validity of the PhisioPlay software for evaluating the JPS of the shoulder joint at 45° and 90° and suggest that the JPS is more influenced by the angle of the joint during the motor task than by the lateral dominance.

Objetivo: Validar do software PhisioPlay para avaliação proprioceptiva da articulação do ombro realizando movimento de abdução a 45º e 90º utilizando os dados obtidos por um equipamento de dinamometria isocinética. Métodos: Trinta e um indivíduos compuseram um único grupo de avaliação da propriocepção pelo senso de posição articular (SPA) do ombro. O protocolo de teste no PhisioPlay consistiu no movimento de abdução do ombro para o ângulo alvo de 45° e 90° e sua manutenção por 30 segundos. No dinamômetro isocinético o teste foi realizado utilizando seu protocolo de avaliação proprioceptiva para o mesmo movimento, ângulos alvo e tempo de manutenção no ângulo alvo estabelecidos para o teste anterior. Resultados: Para as variáveis de 90° foi observada concordância moderada para o membro dominante em relação à angulação média e à diferença absoluta, e para o membro não dominante em relação à diferença absoluta. O teste de Wilcoxon ao comparar os valores dos erros absolutos em relação ao ângulo alvo obtidos pelo PhisioPlay corroboram com a literatura sobre o comportamento do SPA observando amplitude articular, lateralidade e maior ou menor torque incidindo sobre a articulação. Medidas de confiabilidade e sensibilidade também reforçaram este comportamento. Conclusão: Os resultados apontam para validade de construto do software PhisioPlay para a avaliação do SPA da articulação do ombro a 45° e 90° e sugerem que o SPA é mais influenciado pela angulação da articulação durante a tarefa motora do que pela dominância lateral.

Exploring local and global regression models to estimate the spatial variability of Zika and Chikungunya cases in Recife, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aim to compare spatial statistic models to estimate the spatial distribution of Zika and Chikungunya infections in the city of Recife, Brazil. We also aim to establish the relationship between the diseases and the analyzed geographical conditions. METHODS: The models were defined by combining three categories: type of spatial unit, calculation of the dependent variable format, and estimation methods (Geographical Weighted Regression [GWR] and Ordinary Least Square [OLS]). We identified the most accurate model to estimate the spatial distribution of the diseases. After selecting the model that provided best results, the relationship between the geographical conditions and the incidence of the diseases was analyzed. RESULTS: It was observed that the matrix of 100 meters (as the spatial unit) showed the highest efficiency to estimate the diseases. The best results were observed in the models that utilized the kernel density estimation (as the calculation of the dependent variable). In all models, the GWR method showed the best results. By considering the OLS coefficient values, it was observed that all geographical conditions are related to the incidence of Zika and Chikungunya, while the GWR coefficient values showed where this relationship was more noticeable. CONCLUSIONS: The model that utilized the combination of the matrix of 100 meters, kernel density estimation (as the calculation of the dependent variable) and GWR method showed the highest efficiency in estimating the spatial distribution of the diseases. The coefficient values showed that all analyzed geographical conditions are related to the illnesses' incidence.

Amamentação: mitos e verdades / Breastfeeding: myths and truths

Este guia busca esclarecer alguns mitos, derrubar tabus e trazer à tona verdades sobre amamentação

Efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation for treating acute colitis in horses undergoing colic surgery / Eficácia do transplante de microbiota fecal no tratamento da colite aguda em equinos submetidos a cirurgia de cólica

The report describes the outcome of four horses treated with homologous faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for acute colitis. The horses developed diarrhoea and fever a few days after a laparotomy to treat gastrointestinal disease. Medical records were reviewed to identify the horses as well as to describe the primary intestinal disease, clinical findings, surgical intervention, FMT protocol, outcome and follow-up of each case. The principle of the efficacy of FMT is that restoration of a balanced nonpathogenic bacterial population may be the primary defence mechanism against colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the equine gastrointestinal tract. The FMT did not produce adverse reactions and was demonstrated to rapidly control diarrhoea and fever in all cases. A complete resolution of clinical sings was observed within 24 hours when horses were given a single FMT. Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the optimal preparation and to reinforce the efficacy of FMT for treating acute colitis following colic surgery. The technique has the potential to be an inexpensive, safe and highly efficient tool for the prevention and treatment of infectious gastrointestinal diseases in horses, preventing antimicrobial resistance.(AU)

O presente relato descreve a recuperação de 4 equinos tratados com transplante homólogo de microbiota fecal (TMF) para colite aguda. Os animais desenvolveram diarreia e febre alguns dias após serem submetidos a laparotomia para tratar obstruções intestinais. Os registros médicos foram revisados para identificar os equinos, bem como para descrever a doença intestinal primária, achados clínicos, detalhes da intervenção cirúrgica, protocolo do TMF, resultados e evolução de cada caso. O princípio da eficácia do TMF é que a restauração do equilíbrio de bactérias não patogênicas pode ser o principal mecanismo de defesa contra a colonização por bactérias patogênicas no trato gastrointestinal equino. O TMF não ocasionou reações adversas e demonstrou controlar rapidamente a diarreia e a febre em todos os casos. A resolução completa dos sinais clínicos foi observada dentro de 24 horas, sendo que os cavalos receberam um único TMF. Estudos clínicos adicionais são necessários para determinar a melhor técnica de preparação e para reforçar a eficácia do TMF no tratamento da colite aguda após cirurgia de cólica. A técnica tem potencial para ser uma ferramenta de baixo custo, segura e altamente eficiente para a prevenção e tratamento de doenças infecciosas gastrointestinais em equinos, evitando a resistência antimicrobiana.(AU)

Ansiedade entre crianças e seus responsáveis perante o atendimento odontológico / Anxiety among children and their companions and relatives in dental treatment

O objetivo da pesquisa foi comparar escores de ansiedade perante o tratamento odontológico entre crianças e acompanhantes. Amostra de 44 crianças atendidas na clínica de Odontopediatria da Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic, de ambos os sexos, idades de 4 a 11 anos. Utilizou-se a Escala de Ansiedade Visual (FIS) para crianças, identificando a ansiedade inicial e final por meio de 5 carinhas variando de muito feliz a muito triste, avaliada na primeira e na última consulta, e o questionário com a Escala de Ansiedade Dental de Corah's (DAS) para os responsáveis composto por 4 questões fechadas. Realizou-se análise descritiva por meio de tabelas de distribuição de frequências, cálculos da média, desvio padrão, mediana, valor mínimo e máximo, análise de correlação de Sperman entre escores total e de cada questão da escala de ansiedade (DAS) dos pais e o FIS dos pacientes. A comparação entre escores do FIS dos pacientes na primeira e última consulta foi realizada pelo teste de Wilcoxon, considerando-se o nível de significância de 5%. Foram classificados como não ansiosos 4,5% dos pais e 31,8% com exacerbado grau de ansiedade. Não houve correlação significativa (p>0,05) no estado de ansiedade das crianças e ansiedade de seus pais. Houve diminuição significante (p<0,05) no escore médio do FIS referente à ansiedade da criança na última consulta. Conclui-se que a ansiedade dos pais não interferiu no comportamento da criança no tratamento odontológico, e que uma boa comunicação e a proximidade entre dentista e paciente são importantes para diminuir o grau de ansiedade durante o tratamento.

The aim of this research was to compare grades of anxiety in front of dental treatment among children and companion relatives. Sample of 44 children attended on the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Faculty São Leopoldo Mandic, both genders with age among 4 and 11 years old. During this data collection we have been applied the Facial Image Scale (FIS) for children in order to identify the inicial ansiety of child, by application of 5 little faces with variation from very sad until very happy. This collection was applied on the first and the last dental care for the child. Regarding the relatives and responsible we have been applied a questionary with Dental Anxiety Scale of Corah´s (DAS) including 4 closed questions. Conducted a descriptive analysis by application of Frequency Distribution Tables, mean calculation, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum value, Spearman correlation analysis between total scores and each answer of the Dental anxiety scale (DAS ) of the companions and the children's FIS. The relation betwen patient's first and last FIS score was performed by the Wilcoxon test, with significance level of 5%. Classified as not anxious 4.5% of parents and 31.8% with excessive degree of anxiety. There was no significant correlation (p> 0.05) in the children's state of anxiety and anxiety of their companions. There was a significant decrease (p <0.05) in the average FIES regarding the child anxiety in the last visit. The anxiety of the parents did not influence the behavior of the child in the dental treatment, and good communication and proximity between dentist and patient is important to reduce the level of anxiety during treatment.

A protein expression system for tandem affinity purification in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

Abstract Citrus canker, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xac), is one of the most devastating diseases to affect citrus crops. There is no treatment for citrus canker; effective control against the spread of Xac is usually achieved by the elimination of affected plants along with that of asymptomatic neighbors. An in depth understanding of the pathogen is the keystone for understanding of the disease; to this effect we are committed to the development of strategies to ease the study of Xac. Genome sequencing and annotation of Xac revealed that ∼37% of the genome is composed of hypothetical ORFs. To start a systematic characterization of novel factors encoded by Xac, we constructed integrative-vectors for protein expression specific to this bacterium. The vectors allow for the production of TAP-tagged proteins in Xac under the regulation of the xylose promoter. In this study, we show that a TAP-expression vector, integrated into the amy locus of Xac, does not compromise its virulence. Furthermore, our results also demonstrate that the polypeptide TAP can be overproduced in Xac and purified from the soluble phase of cell extracts. Our results substantiate the use of our vectors for protein expression in Xac thus contributing a novel tool for the characterization of proteins and protein complexes generated by this bacterium in vivo.

Effectiveness of exclusive self-monitoring of fasting capillary blood glucose in the treatment of diabetes / Análise da eficácia do automonitoramento exclusivo de glicemia capilar de jejum no tratamento da diabetes

The study aims to analyze the efficacy of the exclusive self -monitoring of the fasting capillary blood glucose in the control and treatment of diabetic patients. This is a quasi-experimental study, for which five individuals with diabetes were selected, who perform only the fasting capillary blood glucose monitoring, being added about seven other measurements, a variable number according to the individual availability of the volunteer, at different times throughout the day. It was verified that four individuals presented blood glucose values by the use of the fasting capillary blood glucose monitoring, within the parameters of normality for diabetics, between 70-130 mg dL-1 of blood (ADA, 2014b), although in the other measurements, they presented values far from the ideal goal, in a significant part of the time. The study outlines a trend that shows that the glycemic monitoring values based solely on the fasting capillary blood glucose is ineffective, since they can erroneously indicate satisfactory control of the blood glucose levels. Based on the results obtained, to a more effective monitoring and which denotes levels of reliability, it is required at least three measurements of capillary blood glucose throughout the day, and also, the importance of long laboratory tests for glycemic monitoring, such as glycated hemoglobin.

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a eficácia do automonitoramento exclusivo da glicemia capilar de jejum no controle e no tratamento de pacientes diabéticos. Trata-se de um estudo quase experimental, para o qual foram selecionados cinco indivíduos portadores de diabetes que realizam apenas o monitoramento da glicemia capilar de jejum e acrescentaram cerca de outras sete medições, número variável de acordo com a disponibilidade individual do voluntário, em diferentes horários ao longo do dia. Verificou- se que quatro indivíduos apresentaram os valores glicêmicos pelo monitoramento da glicemia capilar de jejum dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade para os diabéticos, entre 70 ­ 130 mg dL-1 de sangue (ADA, 2014b), apesar de nas outras medições apresentarem, em parte significativa das vezes, valores fora da meta ideal. Logo, o estudo traça uma tendência que mostra que o acompanhamento glicêmico baseado exclusivamente nos valores de glicemia capilar de jejum é ineficaz, uma vez que pode erroneamente indicar controle satisfatório dos níveis glicêmicos. Mediante os resultados obtidos, para um monitoramento mais efetivo e que denote níveis de confiabilidade é necessário de pelo menos três medições de glicemia capilar ao longo do dia e, também, a importância de exames laboratoriais de acompanhamento glicêmico longo, como a hemoglobina glicada.

Free gingival graft to increase gingival dimensions in Down syndrome patients: clinical case report

Introduction:Down Syndrome (DS) patients have increased susceptibility to the development of periodontal diseases by the occurrence of several factors, such as inadequate hygiene, mouth breathing, dental morphology, leukocyte reduction and increased inflammatory mediators. Objective:This study aimed to review the literature on the main aspects of DS and present a clinical case of a DS patient treated with basic periodontal therapy and free gingival graft surgery. Case report: DS patient, leucoderma, aged 26 years showed gingival recession and little amount of keratinized tissue in the area of teeth #31 and #41. After surgery, there was an increase in the keratinized tissue band. Conclusion: The free gingival graft surgery performed in DS patients was effective, as the increase of keratinized tissue band occurred.

A preliminary survey of M. hyopneumoniae virulence factors based on comparative genomic analysis

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP), a major problem for the pig industry. The mechanisms of M. hyopneumoniae pathogenicity allow to predict the existence of several classes of virulence factors, whose study has been essentially restricted to the characterization of adhesion-related and major antigenic proteins. The now available complete sequences of the genomes of two pathogenic and one non-pathogenic strain of M. hyopneumoniae allowed to use a comparative genomics approach to putatively identify virulence genes. In this preliminary survey, we were able to identify 118 CDSs encoding putative virulence factors, based on specific criteria ranging from predicted cell surface location or variation between strains to previous functional studies showing antigenicity or involvement in host-pathogen interaction. This survey is expected to serve as a first step towards the functional characterization of new virulence genes/proteins that will be important not only for a better comprehension of M. hyopneumoniae biology, but also for the development of new and improved protocols for PEP vaccination, diagnosis and treatment.

Os atuais métodos para diagnóstico em periodontia / Recent methods for diagnostic in periodontia

Os autores fazem uma revisão geral dos atuais métodos existentes para diagnóstico da doença periodontal, assim como a forma como são realizados, suas indicações, vantagens, desvantagens e resultados

Echinococcus granulosus recombinant antigens

Echinococcus granulosus is a small parasitic platyhelminth, the larval stage of which is the causative agent of cystic hydatid disease both in man and domestic ungulates. This zoonosis constitutes major economic and public (both human and veterinary) health problems in many parts of the world, including southern Brazil, where it is hyperendemic. Serodiagnosis of cystic hydatid disease has been of great importance in clinical diagnosis, posttreatment surveillance of patients and epidemiólogical surveys, since it is the most specific of the noninvasive alternatives for detecting infections with the E. granulosus metacestode. Nevertheless, immunological tests present chronical problems associated with the quality and availability of parasite antigens. In this sense, the cloning of E. granulosus antigen-encoding genes comes forth as a valuable alternative for the production of pure and well characterized antigens. In the last few years, several research groups have cloned and characterized genes that encode E. granulosus antigens, many of which are potentially useful in the immunodiagnosis of cystic hydatid disease. Furthermore, several of these antigens represent important components of the parasite biology and may be particularly relevant to vaccination, immunotherapy, or as potential targets for chemotherapy. In this review we summarize the available data concerning the production and characterization of E. granulosus recombinant antigens. We also discuss some of the perspectives opened by the use of molecular biology techniques in the diagnosis of cystic hydatid disease as well as in the study of the biology of this parasite.