Mvda is required for zebrafish early development

BACKGROUND: The MVD gene mutations are identified in porokeratosis, which is considered a skin-specific autoin- flammatory keratinization disease. However, the biological function of MVD gene remains largely unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the function of mvda gene, orthologous to the human MVD gene, in developing zebrafish. METHODS: Morpholino antisense oligonucleotide technique was used to generate mvda loss-of-function phenotypes. Knockdown of mvda was confirmed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed to analyze the morphology of the epidermis. Angiogenesis study was presented using the Tg(fli1a:EGFP)yl transgenic strain. In addition, acridine orange staining was used to examine the apoptotic cells in vivo. RESULTS: As expected, the mvda morphants showed abnormal morphology of the epidermis. Moreover, we observed ectopic sprouts in trunk angiogenesis and impaired formation of the caudal vein plexus in the mvda-deficient zebrafish. Besides, increased apoptosis was found throughout the tail, heart, and eyes in mvda zebrafish morphants. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated the essential role of mvda in the early development of zebrafish. This was the first in vivo knockdown study of the zebrafish mvda gene, which might offer insight into the biological function of the human MVD gene.

La vía de señalización Notch en el origen de algunas malformaciones congénitas / The Notch Signaling Pathway at the Origin of Some Congenital Malformations

La vía de señalización Notch desempeña un papel clave para regular el destino celular, crecimiento, proliferación y la muerte celular programada durante el desarrollo de organismos eucariotas. Esta vía está relacionada con una enorme diversidad de procesos del desarrollo y su disfunción está implicada en el origen de muchas malformaciones congénitas. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica con el objetivo de actualizar la información sobre la vía de señalización Notch y su relación con el origen de diferentes malformaciones congénitas sensibles a la deficiencia materna de ácido fólico y otros micronutrientes. La literatura médica publicada en idiomas español e inglés se recopiló a través de buscadores como PubMed, Medline, Scielo, Lilacs y la biblioteca Cochrane en enero de 2018 usando palabras clave apropiadas. El conocimiento de esta vía de señalización podría ayudar a comprender mejor algunos aspectos de la morfogénesis, ya que, al actuar como un controlador maestro del destino celular, la proliferación, diferenciación y muerte celular programada, ofrece puntos específicos y susceptibles de intervención que posibilitan la prevención de determinadas malformaciones congénitas en el hombre(AU)

Notch signaling pathway plays a key role to regulate cell grow, fates, proliferation and programmed cell death in development of eukaryotic organisms. This pathway is related with an enormous diversity of developmental processes and its dysfunction is implicated in the origin of many congenital malformations. A review was performed to provide updated information on Notch signaling pathway involved in the origin of some congenital malformations related with maternal deficiency of folic acid and other micronutrients. Published medical literature in Spanish and English languages was retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Scielo, Lilacs and the Cochrane Library in January 2018, using appropriate key words. Knowledge about this signaling pathway could help to better understand some topics of morphogenesis, since by acting as a master controller of cell fate, proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death, it offers susceptible and specific points which make possible to prevent some human congenital malformations(AU)

Is there a relationship between complaints of impaired balance and postural control disorder in community-dwelling elderly women? A cross-sectional study with the use of posturography

Background: Risk of falls increases as age advances. Complaints of impaired balance are very common in the elderly age group. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the subjective perception of impaired balance was associated with deficits in postural control (objective analysis) in elderly community-dwelling women. Method: Static posturography was used in two groups: elderly women with (WC group) and without (NC group) complaints of impaired balance. The area, mean sway amplitude and mean speed of the center of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions were analyzed in three stances: single-leg stance, double-leg stance and tandem stance, with eyes open or closed on two different surfaces: stable (firm) and unstable (foam). A digital chronometer was activated to measure the time limit (Tlimit) in the single-leg stance. Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by Mann-Whitney tests, Friedman analyses followed by post hoc Wilcoxon tests and Bonferroni corrections, and Spearman statistical tests were used in the data analysis. Differences of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of posturography variables revealed no differences between groups. The timed single-leg stance test revealed a shorter Tlimit in the left single-leg stance (p=0.01) in WC group compared to NC group. A negative correlation between posturography variables and Tlimit was detected. Conclusions: Posturography did not show any differences between the groups; however, the timed single-leg stance allowed the authors to observe differences in postural control performance between elderly women with and those without complaints of impaired balance. .

New species of cyphocharax (characiformes: curimatidae) from the upper rio Negro, Amazon basin

A new species of Cyphocharax, Curimatidae, apparently endemic to the blackwater upper rio Negro of the Amazon basin in northern Brazil, is described. The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a distinctly longitudinally elongate, posteriorly vertically expanding patch of dark pigmentation along the midlateral surface of the caudal peduncle, with the patch extending from the base of the middle caudal-fin rays anteriorly past the vertical through the posterior terminus of the adipose fin. The new species additionally differs from all congeners in details of body and fin pigmentation and meristic and morphometric ratios. Evidence for the assignment of the species to Cyphocharax and the occurrence of other species of the Curimatidae apparently endemic to the upper rio Negro catchment is discussed.

Uma espécie nova de Cyphocharax, Curimatidae, aparentemente endêmica das águas escuras do rio Negro, bacia amazônica no norte do Brasil, é descrita. A espécie nova é prontamente distinguida de suas congêneres pela presença de uma mancha escura distintamente alongada longitudinalmente e posteriormente expandida na vertical ao longo da superfície lateral do pedúnculo caudal, sendo estendida da base dos raios medianos da nadadeira caudal até a linha vertical do término da nadadeira adiposa. Adicionalmente, a espécie nova difere de todas as congêneres nos detalhes do corpo, pigmentação das nadadeiras e nas proporções merísticas e morfométricas. As evidências para alocação da espécie no gênero Cyphocharax e a ocorrência de outras espécies de Curimatidae aparentemente endêmicas do alto rio Negro são discutidas.

A new species of hemigrammus gill, 1858 (characiformes: characidae) from the rio Madeira and rio Paraguai basins, with a redescription of H. lunatus

A new Hemigrammus is described from the rio Paraguai and rio Madeira basins, Mato Grosso and Rondônia States, Brazil. The new species is characterized by possessing a wide dark horizontal stripe across the eye, a vertically elongated humeral blotch, and 4-5 gill-rakers on upper branch and 9-10 on lower. The new species can be easily diagnosed from H. lunatus, the sympatric and morphologically most similar congener, by the shape of humeral blotch and the number of gill rakers. Data of the type material of both Hemigrammus lunatus and H. maxillaris, as well as extensive examination of specimens, allowed us to conclude that H. maxillaris is a junior subjective synonym of H. lunatus. A redescription of H. lunatus, as well as a formal restriction of its type locality, is provided. A putative monophyletic group within Hemigrammus, composed by H. barrigonae, Hemigrammus lunatus, H. machadoi new species, and H. ulreyi, named Hemigrammus lunatus group, is proposed based on overall body morphology and color pattern. Additionally, a discussion on the biogeographical relationships between the rio Paraguai and rio Guaporé basins is provided.

Um Hemigrammus novo é descrito das bacias dos rios Paraguai e Madeira, estados de Mato Grosso e Rondônia, Brasil. A espécie nova é caracterizada por possuir uma ampla faixa escura horizontal atravessando o olho, mancha umeral verticalmente alongada, 4-5 rastros branquiais no ramo superior e 9-10 no inferior. A espécie nova pode ser facilmente diferenciada de H. lunatus, a congênere simpátrica e mais semelhante morfologicamente, pela forma da mancha umeral, e pelo número de rastros branquiais. Dados do material-tipo de Hemigrammus lunatus e H. maxillaris, bem como o exame de extenso material, levou à conclusão de que H. maxillaris é um sinônimo júnior de H. lunatus. É apresentada a redescrição de H. lunatus com a restrição formal de sua localidade-tipo. Um presumível grupo monofilético dentro de Hemigrammus, composto por H. barrigonae, H. machadoi espécie nova, Hemigrammus lunatus, and H. ulreyi, chamado grupo Hemigrammus lunatus, é proposto baseado na morfologia geral do corpo e padrão de colorido. Adicionalmente, uma discussão das relações biogeográficas entre as bacias dos rios Paraguai e Guaporé é apresentada.

Priocharax nanus, a new miniature characid from the rio negro, Amazon basin (ostariophysi: characiformes), with an updated list of miniature neotropical freshwater fishes

Priocharax nanus, new species, is described from the rio Negro, Brazil. It is a miniature fish that retains as an adult the larval rayless pectoral fin, a diagnostic character of the genus. Priocharax nanus possesses fewer reductive features compared to congeners, P. ariel and P. pygmaeus, from which it can be distinguished by the presence of i,6 pelvic-fin rays (vs. i,5), the presence of the claustrum (vs. claustrum absent) and the presence of two postcleithra (vs. postcleithra absent). An updated list of 213 species of miniature Neotropical freshwater fishes is presented. The greatest diversity among them is represented by the Characiformes with 87 miniature species.

Priocharax nanus, espécie nova, é descrita do rio Negro, Brasil. É um peixe miniatura que retém no adulto a forma larval da nadadeira peitoral, um caráter diagnóstico do gênero. Priocharax nanus possui um número menor de caracteres redutivos quando comparado aos congêneres, P. ariel and P. pygmaeus, dos quais pode ser distinguida pela presença de i,6 raios na nadadeira pélvica (vs. i,5), presença do claustrum (vs. claustrum ausente) e presença de dois pós-cleitros (vs. pós-cleitros ausentes). Uma lista atualizada de 213 espécies de peixes miniatura de água doce neotropicais é apresentada. A maior diversidade entre eles é representada pelos Characiformes, com 87 espécies miniatura.

Taxonomic study of hoplias microlepis (Günther, 1864), a trans-andean species of trahiras (ostariophysi: characiformes: erythrinidae)

The Hoplias malabaricus species group represents one of the most complexes taxonomical problems in the systematics of Neotropical fishes, including specimens widely distributed in most drainages of South America and part of Central America with great variation or overlap of putative diagnostic characters. The large number of nominal species, many of which without known type material, renders the problem more complicated. Currently, at least three nominal species can be included in the Hoplias malabaricus species group based on the form of the medial margins of dentaries and presence of tooth plates on the tongue: Hoplias malabaricus, H. teres, and H. microlepis, the latter representing the only exclusively trans-Andean known species of the genus. We present herein a taxonomic study of Hoplias microlepis based on examination of syntypes and recently collected specimens, including a redescription of the species. Hoplias microlepis occurs in the Pacific drainages of Panama and Southwestern Costa Rica, in addition to the río Guayas basin in Ecuador and the region near its mouth (río Tumbes, Northwestern Peru). Records of the species on the Atlantic coast of Panama are restricted to the Canal Zone, suggesting dispersal through the Panama Canal. We also designate lectotype and paralectotypes.

O grupo de espécies Hoplias malabaricus representa um dos problemas taxonômicos mais complexos na sistemática de peixes Neotropicais, com ampla distribuição em quase todas as bacias da América do Sul e parte da América Central e grande variação ou sobreposição de prováveis caracteres diagnósticos. O grande número de espécies nominais, muitas delas sem material-tipo conhecido, é um fator complicador nessa questão. Atualmente, pelo menos três espécies nominais podem ser incluídas no grupo de espécies Hoplias malabaricus, com base no formato das margens mediais dos dentários e presença de dentes na língua: Hoplias malabaricus, H. teres e H. microlepis, a última sendo a única espécie exclusivamente trans-andina do gênero conhecida até o momento. Apresentamos aqui um estudo taxonômico de Hoplias microlepis, com exame dos síntipos e exemplares coletados mais recentemente, incluindo uma redescrição da espécie. Hoplias microlepis distribui-se nas bacias da costa Pacífica do Panamá e sudoeste da Costa Rica, além da bacia do río Guayas no Equador e região próxima à sua foz (río Tumbes, noroeste do Peru). Registros da espécie na costa Atlântica do Panamá são restritos à Zona do Canal, sugerindo dispersão através do Canal do Panamá. São designados também lectótipo e paralectótipos.

A new species of serrapinnus malabarba, 1998 (characidae: cheirodontinae) from Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil

Serrapinnus potiguar, new species, is described from the rio Ceará-Mirim, a coastal drainage in the Rio Grande do Norte State, northeastern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from the other species of the genus by the shape and arrangement of the ventral procurrent caudal-fin rays of the sexually dimorphic males; where the hypertrophied elements present the shape of a series of scimitars arranged radially, forming a semi-circle on the ventral margin of the caudal peduncle. Furthermore, the new species is diagnosed from S. heterodon and S. piaba, sympatric congeners from the northeastern Brazilian drainages, respectively by the presence of incomplete lateral line and teeth bearing at most five cusps.

Serrapinnus potiguar, espécie nova, é descrita para o rio Ceará-Mirim, uma drenagem costeira localizada no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, na região Nordeste do Brasil. A espécie nova distingue-se das demais espécies do gênero pela forma e arranjo dos raios procorrentes ventrais da nadadeira caudal nos machos sexualmente dimórficos; onde os elementos hipertrofiados possuem o formato de uma série de cimitarras arranjados radialmente na margem ventral do pedúnculo caudal, formando um semicírculo. Adicionalmente, a nova espécie diferencia-se de S. heterodon e S. piaba, congêneres simpátricos para as drenagens do Nordeste brasileiro, respectivamente pela presença de linha lateral incompleta e dentes com no máximo cinco cúspides.

Redescription of hyphessobrycon flammeus Myers, 1924 (ostariophysi: characidae), a threatened species from Brazil

One of the most gorgeous colored and endangered Hyphessobrycon species, H. flammeus Myers, is redescribed. Diagnostic characters of the species are two vertically elongated humeral spots, no caudal peduncle blotch, 5-8 maxillary teeth, caudal fin hyaline, and longitudinal dark stripe of the body absent. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males being more colored than females and having bony hooks in the anal and pelvic fins, which are dark in their terminal portions. Comments about its occurrence in the upper rio Tietê drainage (upper rio Paraná basin), its conservation status, and the phylogenetic position into Characidae context are also presented.

Uma das mais coloridas e ameaçadas espécies de Hyphessobrycon, H. flammeus, é redescrita. Caracteres diagnósticos para a espécie são duas máculas umerais verticalmente alongadas, mancha no pedúnculo caudal ausente, presença de 5-8 dentes no maxilar, nadadeira caudal hialina e faixa negra longitudinal no flanco ausente. A espécie apresenta dimorfismo sexual, com machos mais coloridos que as fêmeas e com ganchos ósseos nas nadadeiras anal e pélvica; além disso, as extremidades destas nadadeiras são enegrecidas. Comentários sobre a distribuição da espécie na drenagem do alto rio Tietê (bacia do alto rio Paraná), seu status de conservação e posição filogenética no contexto de Characidae são também apresentados.

A new species of the genus tetragonopterus cuvier, 1816 (ostariophysi: characiformes: characidae) from the rio Tocantins drainage, Brazil

A new species of the genus tetragonopterus is described from specimens of the upper and middle portions of the rio Tocantins drainage. the new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the possession of a very uniquely shaped maxilla.

Uma espécie nova do gênero tetragonopterus é descrita a partir de espécimes das porções superior e média da bacia do rio Tocantins. A espécie nova pode ser distinguida de todas as congêneres pela maxila de formato único.

Histogenesis of salivary gland neoplasms.

Salivary gland tumors are one of the most complex and relatively rare group of lesions encountered in oral pathology practice. Their complexity is attributed to heterogeneity of the cells of origin of these lesions. The problem is compounded by the ability of these cells to differentiate and modify into various morphological subtypes resulting in a myraid of histomorphological patterns. This also leads to a frequent overlap of microscopic features among various neoplasms and sometimes even between benign and malignant lesions causing significant diagnostic dilemma which sometimes may even not be resolved by immunohistochemical studies. Despite this the knowledge of histogenesis and morhogenetic concepts of salivary gland tumorigenesis greatly helps the pathologist in classifying these lesions as well as determining the prognosis. It will also help in development of newer strategies for differentiating these lesions and making an early diagnosis. The present article is aimed at reviewing and summarizing the current concepts regarding the histogenesis of salivary gland tumors and their relevance to routine diagnosis and classification of these lesions.

A new glanapterygine catfish of the genus Listrura (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from southeastern Brazil, corroborated by morphological and molecular data

Listrura costai, new species, is described from small streams in a swampy coastal plain in the rio Jurumirim basin, Angra dos Reis Municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. The new species is morphologically very similar to L. nematopteryx and L. picinguabae, all possessing only one long pectoral-fin ray. It differs from its congeners by possessing an autapomorphic character: first hypobranchial with an anterior process (vs. process absent). Other features such as coloration, numbers of opercular and interopercular odontodes, number of anal-fin rays, head length, and shape of some bone structures help to distinguish the new species from L. nematopteryx and L. picinguabae. Molecular analyses using partial sequences of the mitochondrial DNA genes cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 and cytochrome b from the new species and morphologically similar species are provided. The results about both molecular markers corroborate the validity of the new species by significant genetic distance values between it and congeneric species, and by its phylogenetic position in the hypotheses performed by maximum-parsimony method.

Listrura costai, espécie nova, é descrita de exemplares obtidos em pequenos córregos restritos à bacia do rio Jurumirim, município de Angra dos Reis, estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil. A espécie nova é morfologicamente muito similar a L. nematopteryx e L. picinguabae, todas possuindo um único e longo raio na nadadeira peitoral. Difere-se dos seus congêneres por possuir um caráter autapomórfico: primeiro hipobranquial com um processo anterior (vs. processo ausente). Outras características como coloração, número de odontóides operculares e interoperculares, número de raios na nadadeira anal, e forma de algumas estruturas ósseas ajudam a diferenciar a nova espécie de L. nematopteryx e L. picinguabae. Análises moleculares usando sequências parciais dos genes mitocondriais citocromo oxidase c subunidade 1 e citocromo b da nova espécie e espécies morfologicamente similares são apresentadas. Os resultados de ambos os marcadores moleculares corroboram a validade da espécie nova pelos valores significativos das distâncias genéticas entre esta e as espécies congenéricas, e por sua posição filogenética nas hipóteses feitas pelo o método de máxima parcimônia.

Anomalias ósseas congênitas em sotalia guianensis (mammalia, cetacea, delphinidae) da costa centro-norte do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Congenital bone defects in guiana dolphin, sotalia guianensis (mammalia, cetacea, delphinidae) in the northcentral coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Carcaças de botos-cinza Sotalia guianensis (van Bénéden, 1864) foram recuperadas entre 20 de agosto de 2001 e 13 de fevereiro de 2006, na costa centro-norte fluminense. A maior parte delas (85 por cento) entre Barra de São João (22º35'S 41º59'W) e Quissamã (22º06'S 41º28'W). Foram estudadas as colunas vertebrais dos 20 exemplares que apresentavam mais de 60 por cento das vértebras presentes. A coleção é formada por 75 por cento de animais imaturos, e todos os esqueletos mostram alterações tafonômicas mínimas. Duas categorias de anomalias congênitas foram diagnosticadas, ambas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento do mesoderma paraxial. A sétima vértebra cervical (C7) foi a única afetada, as costelas cervicais e o não fechamento do arco neural atingiram 15 (75 por cento) dos indivíduos analisados, dos quais três (15 por cento) apresentam ambas as anomalias. Nove (45 por cento) indivíduos apresentaram costelas cervicais uni ou bilateral, e nove (45 por cento) indivíduos apresentaram não fechamento do arco neural; em todos os casos as vértebras contíguas eram normais. A ocorrência de anomalias nesta série do Rio de Janeiro é maior do que as referidas na literatura brasileira para outras séries de Sotalia do Amazonas, Ceará e Santa Catarina. A série de Sotalia descrita vem de uma região do litoral muito limitada e provavelmente representa uma população local. As costelas cervicais são geneticamente determinadas e podem estar concentradas por uma condição de grande proximidade biológica entre os animais; o não fechamento do arco pode ter também um componente ambiental, a ser investigado futuramente.

Carcasses of Guiana dolphins, Sotalia guianensis (van Bénéden, 1864) were recovered from August 20, 2001 to February 13, 2006 along the north-central coast of Rio de Janeiro state. Most of the animals (85 percent) were found between Barra de São João (22º35'S 41º59'W) and Quissamã (22º06'S 41º28'W). We studied the vertebral columns of all the 20 specimens that had more than 60 percent of the vertebrae preserved. The series has 75 percent of immature animals and all skeletons displayed a minimum of taphonomic changes. Two categories of congenital anomalies were diagnosed, both related to the development of the paraxial mesoderm. The seventh cervical vertebra (C7) was the only affected; the cervical ribs and the cleft neural arches were present in 15 (75 percent) of the individuals, three (15 percent) of which had both anomalies. Nine (45 percent) individuals had unilateral or bilateral cervical ribs, and nine (45 percent) individuals had cleft neural arches; the contiguous vertebrae were normal in every case. The frequency of these anomalies was higher in that Rio de Janeiro series than in other Sotalia series previously reported in the Brazilian literature for Amazonas, Ceará and Santa Catarina States. The present Sotalia series here described comes from a very limited coastal region probably representing a local population. The cervical ribs are genetically defined and may be concentrated because of a condition of close biological proximity among the animals; the cleft arch could also be determined by environmental factors, to be investigated in the future.

Origin and development of the coronary arteries / Origen y desarrollo de las arterias coronarias

The formation of the coronary vasculature is a fundamental event in heart development and involves a series of carefully regulated temporal events that include vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This review focuses the knowledge concerning the formation of the coronary arteries available so far and some molecular mechanisms involved in this process. Understanding coronary embryogenesis is important for interventions regarding adult cardiovascular diseases as well as those necessary to correct heart congenital defects. The insight of the coronary artery development as a result of ingrowth changed the understanding of several congenital coronary artery variations and anomalies described in gross anatomy.

La formación de la vascularización coronaria es un acontecimiento fundamental en el desarrollo del corazón e implica una serie de eventos temporales cuidadosamente regulados que incluyen vasculogénesis y angiogénesis. Esta revisión se focaliza en el conocimiento sobre la formación de las arterias coronarias y algunos mecanismos moleculares implicados en este proceso. Entender la embriogénesis coronaria es importante para las intervenciones relacionadas con las enfermedades cardiovasculares en los adultos, así como también, para corregir defectos congénitos del corazón. La idea del desarrollo de la arteria coronaria, como resultado del crecimiento interno, cambió la comprensión de diversas variaciones y anomalías congénitas de estas arterias descritas en la anatomía macroscópica.

Sexual dimorphism determination from the lineal dimensions of skulls / Determinación del dimorfismo sexual utilizando las dimensiones lineales del cráneo

The sex determination from human skulls can be made by means of morphologic and morphometric methods have been broadly studied. These methods contribute with objective data; however, they present interpopulational variability. The purpose of this article is to determine sexual dimorphism using lineal dimensions in a sample of human skulls collection belonging to the Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), calculating the discriminant function. To complete the selection approaches, 226 skulls were analyzed. Mensurements were carried out among the following reference points of the skull: right Eurion- left Eurion (Eu - Eu), Glabella-Opisthocranion (Gla - Op), Basion - Bregma (Ba-Br), Nasion - Prosthion (Na-Pr), Bizigomatic (Zi-Zi), Maximal width of the piriform aperture (MWPA), and Nasion - Spinal (Na-ANS). Descriptive and inferential statistics (student's t-test proved p <0.05, analysis of discriminant function) for sex were calculated. Statistically significant differences were seen in the following dimensions: Gla - Op, Na - Pro, Zi - Zi, and Na - ANS. Only for the distances Zi - Zi and Na-ANS, a discriminant function with a yield of 82 percent was identified for the correct classification for sex. The authors conclude that the lineal dimensions present a limited utility for sexual dimorphism in this sample.

La determinación del sexo a partir de cráneos humanos por métodos morfológicos cualitativos y morfométricos ha sido ampliamente estudiada. Éstos últimos se destacan por aportar datos objetivos; sin embargo, presentan variabilidad inter-poblacional. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: a) evaluar el dimorfismo sexual por medio de las dimensiones lineales, en una muestra de cráneos adultos pertenecientes a la Universidade F ederal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP); b) construir una función discriminante y c) evaluar su rendimiento. Se analizaron 226 cráneos que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Se realizaron las mediciones entre los siguientes puntos craneométricos: Eurion derecho- eurion izquierdo (Eu - Eu), Glabella- Opistocráneo (Gla - Op), Basion - Bregma (Ba-Br), Nasion - Prostion (Na-Pr), Bicigomática (Zi-Zi), Ancho máximo de la Apertura Piriforme (AMAP), Nasion - Espinal (Na-Es). Se calcularon estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales (prueba t student p< 0.05, análisis de función discriminante) por sexo. Se establecieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las dimensiones Gla - Op, Na - Pro, Zi - Zi, Na - Es. Sólo las distancias Zi - Zi y Na-Es fueron capaces de componer una función discriminante con un rendimiento del 82 por ciento, para la correcta clasificación por sexo. Concluimos que las dimensiones lineales presenta una limitada utilidad para dimorfismo sexual en nuestra muestra.

Novos aspectos da genética e dos mecanismos moleculares da morfogênese da tiróide para o entendimento da disgenesia tiroidiana: [revisão] / New aspects of genetics and molecular mechanisms on thyroid morphogenesis for the understading of thyroid dysgenesia: [review]

A organogênese da tiróide ainda não está completamente elucidada, assim como também não se conhece o mecanismo patogenético da maioria dos casos de disgenesias tiroidianas. Vários genes têm sido identificados como importantes para a sobrevivência, a proliferação e a migração dos precursores das células tiroidianas e tem-se demonstrado que eles atuam de modo integrado. Além disso, por meio da geração de camundongos geneticamente modificados, diversos estudos têm trazido melhor entendimento para o papel destes genes na morfogênese tiroidiana. Finalmente, tem-se também evidenciado que mutações em alguns destes genes são responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento de disgenesias tiroidianas em crianças com hipotiroidismo congênito. O objetivo desta revisão é sumarizar os aspectos moleculares do desenvolvimento tiroidiano, descrever os modelos animais e respectivos fenótipos e oferecer novas informações sobre a ontogenia e a patogênese das disgenesias tiroidianas humanas.

The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the very early steps of thyroid organogenesis and the etiology of most cases of thyroid dysgenesis are poorly understood. Many genes have been identified as important contributors to survival, proliferation and migration of thyroid cells precursors, acting as an integrated and complex regulatory network. Moreover, by generation of mouse mutants, the studies have provided better knowledge of the role of these genes in the thyroid morphogenesis. In addition, it is likely that a subset of patients has thyroid dysgenesis as a result of mutations in regulatory genes expressed during embryogenesis. This review summarizes molecular aspects of thyroid development, describes the animal models and phenotypes known to date and provides information about novel insights into the ontogeny and pathogenesis of human thyroid dysgenesis.