Identification of carboxymethyl (CM)-binding proteins derived from Lolium multiflorum pollen extract and antibody reactivity in Brazilian allergic patients

Lolium multiflorum grass is the major pollen allergen source in the southern region of Brazil, but most of its allergens remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate antibody reactivity to L. multiflorum crude and carboxymethyl-ligand extracts in allergic patients and healthy individuals. Ion exchange carboxymethyl (CM) chromatography (CM-Sepharose) was used to isolate proteins (S2) from L. multiflorum crude extract (S1), which were assessed by SDS-PAGE. S1- and S2-specific IgE and IgG4 levels were measured by ELISA using sera from 55 atopic and 16 non-atopic subjects. Reactive polypeptide bands in S1 and S2 were detected by immunoblotting, and the most prominent bands in S2 were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Similar IgE and IgG4 levels were observed to both S1 (IgE median absorbance: 1.22; IgG4 median absorbance: 0.68) and S2 (IgE median absorbance: 1.26; IgG4 median absorbance: 0.85) in atopic subjects. S1 and S2 had positive correlations for IgE and IgG4 (IgE: r=0.9567; IgG4: r=0.9229; P<0.0001) levels. Homology between S1 and S2 was confirmed by IgE (84%) and IgG4 (83%) inhibition. Immunoblotting revealed that the 29-32 kDa band was recognized by 100% of atopic subjects in both S1 and S2. MS-MS analysis identified similarity profile to groups 1 and 5 grass allergens. This study revealed that carboxymethyl-ligand fraction played an important role for pollen allergy diagnosis by containing clinically relevant allergens and constituted a promising candidate for allergen-specific immunotherapy.

Valuation of angiogenesis in bovine xenografts implanted in intracorporal sites of rabbits as models of in-vivo bioreactors / Avaliação da angiogênese em xenoenxertos bovinos implantados em sítios intracorpóreos de coelhos como modelos de biorreatores in vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate neovascularization of bovine xenografts implanted in intracorporeal sites of rabbits (bioreactors). 30 rabbits were used, divided into 6 groups, according to the evaluation time (7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days); each animal received xenogenic implants in 3 different intracorporeal sites (A1 - omentum bag; A2 - intermuscular space of quadriceps femoris; A3 - subperiosteal of ilium bone). Histological assessments graded the presence of angiogenesis, the number of inflammatory cells, newly formed bone tissue, and the presence of giant cells. Histological analyses showed intense angiogenesis in all implanted xenografts. Presence of inflammatory infiltrate and giant cells at the A1 implant site and presence of bone neoformation at the A3 implant site were noted. Degeneration of implants and formation of a fibrous capsule were noted. When comparing the interaction of the site with the days of evaluation, statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p≤0.05) in any time of neovascularization analysis. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammatory cells of the omentum in its structure, may have contributed to the greater presence of neovessels and inflammatory cells, a fact that may indicate functionality as a possible bone substitute.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a neovascularização de xenoenxertos bovinos implantados em sítios intracorpóreos de coelhos (biorreatores). Foram utilizados 30 coelhos, os quais foram divididos em seis grupos, de acordo com o tempo de avaliação (sete, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias); cada animal recebeu implantes xenogênicos em três diferentes sítios intracorpóreos (A1 - bolsa de omento; A2 - espaço intermuscular do quadríceps femoral; A3 - subperiosteal do osso ílio). Avaliações histológicas classificaram a presença de angiogênese, o número de células inflamatórias, de tecido ósseo neoformado e a presença de células gigantes. As análises histológicas mostraram intensa angiogênese em todos os xenoenxertos implantados. Observou-se presença de infiltrado inflamatório e células gigantes no local do implante A1 e presença de neoformação óssea no local do implante A3. Ao mesmo tempo, a degeneração dos implantes e a formação de uma cápsula fibrosa foram observadas. Ao comparar a interação do local com os dias de avaliação, a análise estatística mostrou diferença significativa (P≤0,05) em qualquer momento da análise de neovascularização. O fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) e as células inflamatórias do omento em sua estrutura podem ter contribuído para a maior presença de neovasos e células inflamatórias, fato que pode indicar funcionalidade como possível substituto ósseo.(AU)

Walking stability of Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) / Estabilidade de caminhamento de Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Abstract Results obtained in studies can contribute to the advancement of science and innovative methods and techniques for developing practical activities. Reporting conditions that may restrict the implementation of research is critical to ensure the optimal development of further technical studies. The objective of this study was to assess the walking stability of R. dominica on a flat and smooth surface. The study was based on the determination of mortality, morphology and walking stability of the insect outside the grain mass, on a flat and smooth surface. Mortality of adults of this Coleoptera in conditions with and without food was similar, which explains the difficulty that this insect had for accessing the food source on the flat and smooth surface. The measurements of body length (BOL), width (BOW) and height (BOH) of R. dominica were compared with those of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which showed good ability to walk in these conditions. This study indicated that the former presents lower BOL and BOW, and greater BOH than the second, and all these variables showed differences when analyzed simultaneously by means of the construction of multivariate morphometric indices (Width × Height, Length × Height and Height × Length × Width). These morphometric variables, together with the definition of the geometry most similar to the body shape, resulted in determination of the center of gravity (CG) and static rollover threshold (SRTgeom) for both species. Rhyzopertha dominica and T. castaneum presented CGs considered high and low, respectively, and together with the values obtained for SRTgeom, may justify that R. dominica can be considered a less stable species during movement, and presents greater risk of rollover on flat and smooth surfaces.

Resumo Resultados obtidos em pesquisas podem contribuir com o avanço da ciência e inovar métodos e técnicas para o desenvolvimento de atividades práticas. Relatar condições que podem restringir à execução de pesquisas é fundamental para garantir que seja observada a técnica ideal para o desenvolvimento de estudos posteriores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a estabilidade de caminhamento de R. dominica em superfície plana e polida. O estudo se baseou na determinação da mortalidade, morfologia e estabilidade de caminhamento do inseto fora da massa de grãos, em superfície plana e polida. A mortalidade dos adultos desse Coleoptera nas condições com e sem alimento foram semelhantes, o que justifica a dificuldade que esse inseto tem em acessar a fonte alimentar andando em superfície plana e polida. As medidas obtidas do comprimento (BOL), largura (BOW) e altura (BOH) do corpo de R. dominica foram comparadas com as de Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), que pode ser considerado um bom caminhador nessas condições. Esse estudo mostrou que o primeiro é menor no BOL e BOW, e maior BOH que o segundo, e que, todas essas variáveis apresentaram diferenças quando analisadas simultaneamente por meio da construção de índices morfométricos multivariados (Largura × Altura; Comprimento × Altura e Altura × Comprimento × Largura). Essas variáveis morfométricas, juntamente com a definição da forma geométrica que mais se aproxima do formato corporal, proporcionaram a determinação do centro de gravidade (CG) e do limite lateral de tombamento (SRTgeom) para ambas as espécie. Rhyzopertha dominica e T. castaneum apresentaram CGs considerados alto e baixo, respectivamente, e juntamente com os valores obtidos para os SRTgeom, podem justificar que R. dominica pode ser considerada uma espécie menos estável durante o caminhamento, e que, apresenta maiores riscos de tombamento em superfícies plana e polida.

Estudo anatômico do plexo lombossacral de Tamandua tetradactyla / Anatomical study of the lumbosacral plexus of the Tamandua tetradactyla

O tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) é um xenartro da família Myrmecophagidae, encontrado da Venezuela ao sul do Brasil. Estudos apontam que essa é uma das espécies de animais selvagens mais vitimadas em número de atropelamentos, e, muitas vezes, o atendimento clínico adequado aos indivíduos feridos é dificultado pela carência de informações acerca dos mesmos. Visando contribuir com o conhecimento dessa espécie, este estudo teve como objetivo descrever seu plexo lombossacral. Para tanto, foram utilizados quatro cadáveres de Tamandua tetradactyla adultos e de ambos os sexos. O plexo lombossacral dessa espécie é formado pelos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. Os nervos integrantes do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla com suas formações mais frequentes foram os seguintes: genitofemoral (T18), cutâneo femoral lateral (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturador (T18, L1-L3), glúteo cranial (L3-S1), isquiático (L3-S3), pudendo (S3-S4 ou S4-S5), retal caudal (S4 ou S5) e cutâneo femoral caudal (S4-S5). O plexo lombar e sacral dessa espécie é unido, sendo L3 o ponto de união entre eles. Devido ao pequeno número de vértebras lombares, a composição dos nervos do plexo lombossacral do T. tetradactyla apresenta características peculiares que se diferem das características das demais espécies já estudadas, quais sejam, a ausência dos nervos ílio-hipogástrico e ilioinguinal e participação de nervos torácicos na composição dos nervos do plexo lombar, presença de contribuição sacral na composição do nervo obturador e ausência de contribuição lombar na composição do nervo isquiático e um limite mais caudal na extensão do plexo sacral.

The lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) is a xenarthra of the Myrmecophagidae family found from Venezuela to southern Brazil. Studies have shown that this is one of the most numerous wildlife species victims of car collisions on roads, and often the appropriate clinical care to injured animals is hindered by the lack of information about them. In order to contribute to the knowledge of this species, this study aimed to describe its lumbosacral plexus. For this purpose, four cadavers of adult specimens of both sexes of T. tetradactyla were used. The lumbosacral plexus of the T. tetradactyla is formed by the ventral rami of spinal nerves T18, L1, L2, L3, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5. The lumbosacral plexus nerves with their most common formations in this species were as follows: genitofemoral (T18), lateral femoral cutaneous (T18-L1), femoral (T18, L1-L3), obturator (T18, L1-L3), cranial gluteal (L3-S1), ischiatic (L3-S3), pudendus (S3-S4 or S4-S5), caudal retal (S4 or S5), and caudal femoral cutaneous (S4-S5). The lumbar and sacral plexus of this species is joined, L3 being the link between them. Due to the small number of lumbar vertebrae, the arrangement of the lumbosacral plexus nerves of the T. tetradactyla showed peculiar characteristics that differ it from that of other previously studied species, such as the absence of iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal nerves and contribution of thoracic nerves in the formation of all the nerves of the lumbar plexus, presence of sacral contribution in the formation of the obturator nerve, and the lack of lumbar contribution for sciatic nerve formation and a most caudal extent of the sacral plexus.

IgE cross-reactivity between Lolium multiflorum and commercial grass pollen allergen extracts in Brazilian patients with pollinosis

Lolium multiflorum (Lm) grass pollen is the major cause of pollinosis in Southern Brazil. The objectives of this study were to investigate immunodominant components of Lm pollen allergens and the cross-reactivity of IgE with commercial grass pollen allergen extracts. Thirty-eight serum samples from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), 35 serum samples from patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and 30 serum samples from non-atopic subjects were analyzed. Allergen sensitization was evaluated using skin prick test and serum IgE levels against Lm pollen extract were determined by ELISA. Inhibition ELISA and immunoblot were used to evaluate the cross-reactivity of IgE between allergens from Lm and commercial grass pollen extracts, including L. perenne (Lp), grass mix I (GI) and II (GII) extracts. IgE antibodies against Lm were detected in 100 percent of SAR patients and 8.6 percent of PAR patients. Inhibition ELISA demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity between homologous (Lm) and heterologous (Lp or GII) grass pollen extracts, but not for the GI extract. Fifteen IgE-binding Lm components were detected and immunoblot bands of 26, 28-30, and 32-35 kDa showed >90 percent recognition. Lm, Lp and GII extracts significantly inhibited IgE binding to the most immunodominant Lm components, particularly the 55 kDa band. The 26 kDa and 90-114 kDa bands presented the lowest amount of heterologous inhibition. We demonstrated that Lm extract contains both Lm-specific and cross-reactive IgE-binding components and therefore it is suitable for measuring quantitative IgE levels for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with pollinosis sensitized to Lm grass pollen rather than other phylogenetically related grass pollen extracts.

Humoral and cellular immune responses to Blomia tropicalis and concanavalin A-binding fractions in atopic patients

Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae are prevalent house dust mites. Concanavalin A-binding components derived from B. tropicalis (Bt-ConA extract) are highly immunogenic in allergic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses to B. tropicalis in mite-sensitized patients. A total of 137 patients with allergic rhinitis with/without asthma and 109 non-atopic subjects were selected and analyzed by the skin prick test, and for total serum IgE and specific IgE levels to both Bt-total and Bt-ConA extracts, their proliferative response and cytokine (IFN-ã and IL-5) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with both extracts. Skin prick test showed that 70 percent of the patients were sensitized to Bt (Bt+) and similar levels of specific IgE to Bt-total and Bt-ConA extracts were demonstrable in Bt+ patients. Significant PBMC proliferation was observed in response to Bt-total extract in Bt+, but not in Bt- patients and non-atopic subjects (P < 0.001). Bt-ConA extract induced increased proliferative responses in all patient groups compared to medium alone (P < 0.05), but these responses were significantly decreased in the presence of the mannopyranoside ConA inhibitor (P < 0.05). Significant IFN-ã production was observed after Bt-ConA stimulation of Bt+ patients (P < 0.05), while Bt-total extract had no effect. IL-5 production was consistently detected in Bt+ patients after allergen-specific stimulation or with no stimulus, indicating that PBMC from allergic patients are prone to produce Th2 profile cytokines, spontaneously or inductively by allergen restimulation. These data showed that ConA-binding components isolated from B. tropicalis may contain relevant antigens that are involved in both humoral and cellular immune responses. However, without an additional purification procedure to eliminate the residual contamination with...

Assistance medicale a la procreation : indications et perceptions par les couples presentant une infertilite au centre hospitalier universitaire de Dakar

Objectifs. Identifier les indications d'assistance medicale a la procreation (AMP) au CHU de Dakar; Analyser les connaissances; attitudes et perceptions des patientes infertiles par rapport a l'AMP. Patientes et Methodes. Il s'agit d'une analyse retrospective de 1718 dossiers d'infertilite selectionnant les cas susceptibles de relever d'une AMP; completee par une enquete d'opinion sur l'AMP chez 209 patientes infertiles. Resultats. Les facteurs etiologiques d'infertilite cervico- vaginaux (26;7) et tubaires (20;9) predominaient chez la femme alors que chez l'homme les azoospermies etaient dominantes (24;5). Sous traitement classique; le taux de grossesse clinique etait de 3;8et le taux d'abandon de 47;1. Les indications d'AMP ont ete estimees a 98;8des cas dont 3;14pour l'insemination artificielle; 95;7pour la fecondation in vitro (FIV). Environ 18;21des couples auraient pu concevoir grace a ces methodes contre 3;8de grossesses obtenues dans notre serie sans AMP. Pourtant; la perceptionde l'AMP etait favorable : 78;9des patientes etaient pretes a y recourir mais seulement 24;9des femmes pouvaient mobiliser les ressources necessaires. Conclusion. Le plaidoyer pour la faisabilite de l'AMP en milieu hospitalier public doit s'appuyer sur les indications potentielles de ces techniques modernes documentees dans ce travail

Comparison of surfactant protein B polymorphisms of healthy term newborns with preterm newborns having respiratory distress syndrome

Polymorphisms and mutations in the surfactant protein B (SP-B) gene have been associated with the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The objective of the present study was to compare the frequencies of SP-B gene polymorphisms between preterm babies with RDS and healthy term newborns. We studied 50 preterm babies with RDS (inclusion criteria - newborns with RDS and gestational age between 28 and 33 weeks and 6 days), and 100 healthy term newborns. Four SP-B gene polymorphisms were analyzed: A/C at nucleotide -18, C/T at nucleotide 1580, A/G at nucleotide 9306, and G/C at nucleotide 8714, by PCR amplification of genomic DNA and genotyping by cRFLP. The healthy newborns comprised 42 female and 58 male neonates; 39 were white and 61 non-white. The RDS group comprised 21 female and 29 male preterm neonates; 28 were white and 22 non-white. Weight ranged from 640 to 2080 g (mean: 1273 g); mean gestational age was 31 weeks and 2 days (range: 28-33 weeks and 6 days). When white children were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in the G/C polymorphism at 8714 was observed between groups (P = 0.028). All other genotype frequencies were similar for both groups when sex and race were analyzed together. Analysis of the SP-B polymorphism G/C at nucleotide 8714 showed that among white neonates the GG genotype was found only in the RDS group at a frequency of 17 percent and the GC genotype was more frequently found in healthy term newborns. These data demonstrate an association of GG genotype with RDS.

Genetic variability in species of bats revealed by RAPD analysis

Random amplified polymorphic DNA molecular marker was utilized as a means of analyzing genetic variability in seven bat species: Molossus molossus, M. rufus, Eumops glaucinus, E. perotis, Myotis nigricans, Eptesicus furinalis, and Artibeus planirostris. The determination of genetic diversity was based on 741 bands produced by a 20-random primer set. Only eight bands were considered monomorphic to one species. The greatest number of bands and the most polymorphic condition were exhibited by M. molossus, followed by M. nigricans, A. planirostris, E. furinalis, E. glaucinus, M. rufus, and E. perotis. Nei's genetic diversity index in the seven species considering the 20 primers was not greater than 0.22, but some primers were capable of detecting values between 0.39 and 0.49. Nei's unbiased genetic distance values and the UPGMA clustering pattern show that M. molossus and M. rufus have a close genetic relationship, unlike that observed between E. perotis and E. glaucinus. The latter was clustered with A. planirostris and E. furinalis. The low values for genetic diversity and distance observed indicate a genetic conservatism in the seven species. The fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments did not confirm a monomorphic condition for the eight bands identified, demonstrating that the monomorphic bands obtained by random amplified polymorphic DNA are insufficient for the identification of bat species.

Sex-specific compensatory growth in food-deprived Nile tilapia

Female Nile tilapia incubate fertilized eggs in their mouth until they are released as alevins. Consequently, the female may not eat during this period. Thus, it would be expected that female Nile tilapia are more adapted to recovering from fasting than males, which do not display this behavior. To test this hypothesis we conducted an experiment with two groups of fish consisting of 7 males and 7 females each, with one fish per aquarium. The experiment was divided into three phases involving adjustment of the animals to experimental aquaria (0-15th day), fasting (16th-27th day), and refeeding (27th-42nd day). Compensatory growth performance was assessed by specific growth rate, weight, food conversion efficiency and food intake. Food conversion efficiency increased after fasting with a similar rate for both sexes. However, specific growth rate, food intake and weight gain ( percent) were significantly higher in males than in females in the refeeding phase. Thus, we conclude that male Nile tilapia can compensate for a fasting period more efficiently than females, refuting our hypothesis. A possible mechanism involved in the greater male compensation is that they presented greater hyperphagia than females, concomitantly with a similar rate of food conversion efficiency for both sexes during refeeding, which would probably be provoking greater growth in males

Variaçäo sazonal de vitamina A, macro e microelementos no capim, plasma e fígado de novilhas Nelore, criadas em pastagens de capim braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens) / Sasonal variation of vitamin A, macro and microelements in grass, plasma and liver of Nelore heifers, kept in Brachiaria decumbens pastures

Verificou-se a variaçäo sazonal de vitamina A, macro e microelementos no capim, plasma e fígado de novilhas Nelore, criadas em pastagem de capim brachiária (Brachiaria decumbens), durante as estaçöes chuvosa e seca. Näo houve variaçäo sazonal significativa (P>0,05) nos teores de ß-caroteno do capim, do plasma e do fígado entre as duas estaçöes, com os níveis de vitamina A considerados adequados para bovinos de corte em crescimento. A área pesquisada apresentou-se deficiente em fósforo (P) e com níveis críticos de cobre (Cu) e zinco(Zn)

Atuaçäo do enfermeiro na educaçäo em saúde a pré-escolares da periferia do município de Säo Paulo - relato de uma experiência / A report of an experience in health education practices taught by nurse to the population of Säo Paulo city outskirts

Este trabalho relata a experiência de uma proposta educativa inovadora, desenvolvida por docentes e alunos de enfermagem com uma equipe multiprofissional na pré-escola.

Mortalidade e morbidade em um hospital pediátrico de Salvador-1983 / Mortality and morbidity in a pediatric hospital of Salvador-1983

Estudo realizado com informaçöes dos prontuários médicos de pacientes admitidos no Hospital Pediátrico do INAMPS, no município de Salvador, em 1983, demonstrou que foram as crianças menores de um ano as responsáveis pela maior proporçäo de internamentos. A gastroenterocolite se destacou entre as patologias apresentadas, representando 60,7% de todas as internaçöes e 56,0% do total de óbitos ocorridos no referido hospital naquele ano. A letalidade hospitalar por esta doença foi de 23,6%. As doenças diarréicas intestinais correspondem a mais de 30,0% dos óbitos de menores de um ano em Salvador. Os autores acreditam que na medida em que, ao lado de um desenvolvimento sócio-econômico racional, fossem adotadas medidas preventivas específicas, se reduziria tanto as internaçöes quanto os óbitos por aquela causa, o que resultaria também na reduçäo da Mortalidade Infantil

Cuidados primarios de saude no Distrito Federal. / Primary health care in the Distrito Federal

O presenta trabalho detalha o plano de assistencia a saude no Distrito Federal para o periodo de 1979-1985. A implantacao da rede basica de saude e enfatizada e sao formuladas recomendacoes sobre regionalizacao dos servicos de saude e formacao de recursos humanos basicos para o funcionamento do sistema

La pelvimetrie clinique est-elle encore d'actualite ?

Objectifs : Etudier la specificite; la sensibilite de la pelvimetrie clinique en utilisant la scannopelvimetrie comme examen de reference ; Apprecier la reproductibilite de la pelvimetrie clinique. Patientes et methodes : Au cours d'une etude longitudinale pendant 29 mois; nous avons compare les resultats des mensurations cliniques du bassin chez 114 patientes a ceux de la scannopelvimetrie et pour 40 d'entre elles; deux cliniciens ont confronte leurs mensurations du bassin. Les tests statistiques utilises etaient le test du Chi-deux ou Chi-carre (Chi-2) d'independance accompagne du coefficient Kappa dans certains cas; le T-test et l'analyse discriminante. Le seuil critique que nous avons retenu pour ces tests etait un p = 0;05 Resultats: La sensibilite de la pelvimetrie clinique etait de 83;7et la specificite de de 88;9. La valeur predictive positive de notre examen est de 97;6; et la valeur predictive negative est de 50. La pelvietrie clinique etait reproductible avec un kappa statistique a 0;62. Conclusion : La pelvimetrie clinique; du fait de sa bonne specificite mais aussi de sa reproductibilite satisfaisante; garde encore toute sa valeur en cas d'inaccesibilite de la scannopelvimetrie comme c'est encore le cas dans la plupart des pays africains