Efficacy and safety of ultra-low-dose estradiol and norethisterone in postmenopausal Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ultra-low-dose continuous combination of 17ß-estradiol (17ß-E2) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) in postmenopausal Brazilian women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women (age 45-60 years) with amenorrhea >12 months and intact uterus, with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, were included. The vasomotor symptoms and endometrial bleeding were evaluated by a daily diary for 24 weeks, and the women were assessed at baseline and endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 118 women were included. The group treated with 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA (n = 58) showed a percentage reduction of 77.1% in the frequency of vasomotor symptoms versus 49.9% in the placebo group (n = 60) (p = 0.0001). The severity score showed a reduction in the treatment group when compared to the placebo (p < 0.0001). The adverse events were comparable between the groups; however, in the 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA group there were more complaints of vaginal bleeding; despite that, in most cycles in both treatment groups, more than 80% of women experienced amenorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA in a continuous combination regimen was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms in Brazilian postmenopausal women.

The economic burden of overweight and obesity in Brazil: perspectives for the Brazilian Unified Health System.

OBJECTIVES: Parallel to rising obesity prevalence in Brazil, there is expected to be increased direct health care costs related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In this study, we estimated the economic burden of NCDs attributable to overweight and obesity in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: We used self-reported body mass index of 85,715 adults from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Annual costs (1 US$ = 2.281 Reais) with inpatient and outpatient procedures were obtained from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian SUS. Relative risks for cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, neoplasm, digestive disease, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes and kidney diseases, sense organ diseases, and neurological disorders were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study. RESULTS: Annually, US$ 654 million (95% uncertainty interval: US$ 418.4 to US$ 893.2) direct health care costs related to NCDs were attributable to overweight and obesity. Attributable costs were higher in women than men. Cardiovascular diseases had the highest attributable costs (US$ 289 million), followed by chronic respiratory diseases (US$ 110 million), neoplasms (US$ 96 million), digestive diseases (US$ 60 million), musculoskeletal disorders (US$ 44 million), diabetes and kidney disease (US$ 31 million), sense organ diseases (US$ 22 million) and neurological disorders (US$ 11 million). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity account for US$ 654 million direct costs of NCDs annually. Effective policies to promote healthy body weight may have economic benefits.

Additional Pressure to a Threatened Species: High Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in the Tropical Estuarine Batoid Gymnura altavela.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in Gymnura altavela liver samples from one of the most impacted estuarine environments in the Atlantic Ocean (Guanabara Bay, Brazil). PCBs were the predominant compounds (91.2%) averaging 6773 ± 4659 ng.g-1 lipid weight (lw). DDT, Mirex, HCH and HCB concentrations were 633 ± 715, 6.2 ± 9.3, 3.4 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 0.5 ng.g-1 lw, respectively. Recent DDT input in the estuary was minimum, as verified by the p,p'-DDE/∑DDT ratio (0.67). The prevalence of industrial compounds was highlighted by the ΣDDT/ΣPCB ratio (0.08). A negative correlation detected between disc width and PCBs, Mirex and HCH concentrations may be a consequence of maternal offloading. High POP concentrations in G. altavela liver samples from Guanabara Bay suggests that PCBs, in particular, may pressure the conservation of this threatened with extinction tropical estuarine batoid species.

Genetic differentiation among distinct karyomorphs of the wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus species complex (Characiformes, Erythrinidae) and report of unusual hybridization with natural triploidy.

In this study, genetic differentiation between karyomorphs A (2n = 42) and D (2n = 39/40) of the wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus, which is comprised of several cryptic species that present a wide variety of diploid chromosome numbers and sex chromosome systems, resulting in the identification of seven distinct karyomorphs (A-G), was investigated using a combination of molecular and cytogenetic tools. Deep sequence divergences for both karyomorphs were observed and indicate a long period of reproductive isolation between karyomorphs A and D. Additionally, one individual with 61 chromosomes was identified, which, as far as is known, is the first case of natural triploidy resulting from the hybridization between these highly differentiated karyomorphs of H. malabaricus. Molecular and cytogenetic analyses revealed that this allotriploid specimen carries two sets of maternal chromosomes from karyomorph D (2n = 40) and one set of chromosomes from karyomorph A (n = 21). Moreover, ribosomal sites and active nucleolus organizer regions from both parental contributors were found in the triploid hybrid. Considering the significant genetic distances between karyomorphs A and D, one of the primary reasons for the lack of recurrent reports of hybridization in the H. malabaricus species complex may be due to post-zygotic barriers, such as hybrid sterility or unviability.

Identification of expressed sequences in the coffee genome potentially associated with somatic embryogenesis.

Brazil possesses the most modern and productive coffee growing farms in the world, but technological development is desired to cope with the increasing world demand. One way to increase Brazilian coffee growing productivity is wide scale production of clones with superior genotypes, which can be obtained with in vitro propagation technique, or from tissue culture. These procedures can generate thousands of clones. However, the methodologies for in vitro cultivation are genotype-dependent, which leads to an almost empirical development of specific protocols for each species. Therefore, molecular markers linked to the biochemical events of somatic embryogenesis would greatly facilitate the development of such protocols. In this context, sequences potentially involved in embryogenesis processes in the coffee plant were identified in silico from libraries generated by the Brazilian Coffee Genome Project. Through these in silico analyses, we identified 15 EST-contigs related to the embryogenesis process. Among these, 5 EST-contigs (3605, 9850, 13686, 17240, and 17265) could readily be associated with plant embryogenesis. Sequence analysis of EST-contig 3605, 9850, and 17265 revealed similarity to a polygalacturonase, to a cysteine-proteinase, and to an allergenine, respectively. Results also show that EST-contig 17265 sequences presented similarity to an expansin. Finally, analysis of EST-contig 17240 revealed similarity to a protein of unknown function, but it grouped in the similarity dendrogram with the WUSCHEL transcription factor. The data suggest that these EST-contigs are related to the embryogenic process and have potential as molecular markers to increase methodological efficiency in obtaining coffee plant embryogenic materials.

Forearm bone mineral density changes during postpartum and the effects of breastfeeding, amenorrhea, body mass index and contraceptive use.

UNLABELLED: Prospective cohort study performed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) changes up to 12 months postpartum of healthy women and its association with breastfeeding, contraceptive methods, amenorrhea, and body mass index (BMI). There is a trend in bone loss during the first 6 months with posterior recovery, with evidence of a protective effect of hormonal contraception. INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) changes during postpartum period among healthy women and its association with breastfeeding, use of contraceptive methods, amenorrhea and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A prospective cohort study including 100 healthy women. Distal BMD was measured 7-10 days, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum at the nondominant forearm using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Data about breastfeeding duration, amenorrhea, contraceptive use and BMI were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-eight women had a complete set of BMD measurements. The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 125.9 (±66.6) days, with a median total lactation period of 263.5 days. The mean duration of amenorrhea was 164.2 (±119.2) days. BMD measurements showed a significant decrease in the distal radius, however with no significance in the ultradistal radius. When considering only the nonhormonal contraceptive users, the difference at 12 months was significant. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that both BMI and contraceptive use were significantly correlated with BMD. Multiple linear regression analysis showed significant correlation of distal radius with baseline BMD at the same site, pregestational BMI, age, years of schooling and difference in BMI. For ultradistal radius, there was a significant direct correlation with its baseline BMD and pregestational BMI. CONCLUSIONS: There was a trend in bone loss during the first 6 months postpartum with posterior recovery. Also, hormonal contraceptive methods provided protection of bone loss. However, the long duration of breastfeeding and the follow-up were not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions on postweaning BMD conditions.

Manchester triage in acute pulmonary embolism: can it unmask the grand impersonator?

BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with high mortality risk. Early diagnosis is difficult because of non-specific clinical presentation and delay in imaging confirmation. Manchester Triage (MT) prioritises patients on the basis of illness severity and potentially recognises those with higher mortality risk. No studies of the role and impact of MT on rapid PE diagnosis and in-hospital mortality (IHM) have been carried out. OBJECTIVE: To assess the appropriateness of MT in this set of patients presenting acutely to the emergency department (ED), and to determine whether it assists in a rapid diagnosis, acts as a protective triage tool and affects short-term mortality. METHODS: Single-centre retrospective study of 176 consecutive patients with PE, assessed by MT in the ED between January 2006 and October 2010 (mean age 70.5±15.7 years, 38.6% men). The primary outcome measure was all-cause IHM. RESULTS: IHM was seen in 30 (17%) patients. More than half of the patients with PE (54%) were classified as target time for first medical observation (MOb) ≤10 min. 73.3% of IHM occurred in this group (p=0.020) with several increased markers of illness severity. MOb ≤10 min was not associated with faster PE imaging confirmation. The average door-to-diagnosis time (PEDx) was 26.8±36.8 h and PEDx >17.0 h was associated with higher IHM (p=0.017). On multivariate analysis, thrombolysis and MOb ≤10 min were included in an IHM predictor model. CONCLUSION: MT has high sensitivity in identifying patients with PE at risk. Those patients assigned as MOb ≤10 min have increased markers of illness severity and higher IHM. MT acts as a protective system in this challenging set and should be used as a patient's first assessment, aiding the emergency medical team to recognise those in need of urgent assessment and treatment.

Richness of endophytic fungi isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. (Cactaceae) and preliminary screening for enzyme production.

Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. (forage cactus) is farmed with relative success in the semi-arid region of the Brazilian northeast for commercial purposes, particularly as forage and food. Endophytic microorganisms are those that can be isolated inside plant tissues and can be a new source to production of enzymes with different potentialities. The objective of this study was to describe the richness of endophytic fungi from O. ficus-indica and to detect the capacity of these species to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Forty-four endophytic fungi species were isolated. Among them, the most commonly found were Cladosporium cladosporioides (20.43%) and C. sphaerospermum (15.99%). Acremonium terricola, Monodictys castaneae, Penicillium glandicola, Phoma tropica and Tetraploa aristata are being reported for the first time as endophytic fungi for Brazil. The majority of isolated fungi exhibited enzymatic potential. Aspergillus japonicus and P. glandicola presented pectinolytic activity. Xylaria sp. was the most important among the other 14 species with positive cellulase activity. All 24 isolates analysed were xylanase-positive. Protease was best produced by isolate PF103. The results indicate that there is a significant richness of endophytic fungi in O. ficus-indica, and that these isolates indicate promising potential for deployment in biotechnological processes involving production of pectinases, cellulases, xylanases and proteases.

Application of an ancestrality estimate method through morphoscopic analysis of Brazilian skulls.

The objective of the investigation was to test a technique originating in the United States to verify the accuracy of the ancestry estimate in a sample of Brazilian skulls. The sample consisted of 120 skulls of Brazilian adults from the collection of the Institute of Education and Research in Forensic Sciences (IEPCF), Guarulhos-SP, Brazil, with ancestry determined by routine examination. In the skull, the following structures were analyzed: anterior nasal spine (ANS), inferior nasal aperture (INA), interorbital breadth (IOB) nasal aperture width (NAW), nasal bone structure (NBS), and post bregmatic depression (PBD). The Hefner and Ousley technique was applied to classify ancestry. Data were registered and correctness percentage was obtained. To improve ancestry prediction, Machine Learning techniques were used. Regarding the error of the studied method and the correctness of the complete sample, the study presented a percentage above 50%, with values such as 56.33% for whites and 53.07% for non-whites. The most frequent ANS parameter was marked (37.5%), INA straight (31.7%), IOB wide (38.3%), NAW medium (32.5%) NBS triangular (29.2%), and PBD present (78.3%). The application of the method in the sample of the study showed a limitation to estimate ancestry, suggesting a need for adaptation for its applicability in the Brazilian population.

In silico characterization of putative members of the coffee (Coffea arabica) ethylene signaling pathway.

The plant hormone ethylene is involved in several developmental and physiological processes in plants, including senescence, fruit ripening and organ abscission, as well as in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Initiation of these processes involves complex regulation of both ethylene biosynthesis and the ability of cells to perceive the hormone and respond in an appropriate manner, a process which is regulated both spatially and temporally. Ethylene is a gaseous hormone whose sensitivity is a key factor to limiting its response in target cells. We made a search of the Coffee Expressed Sequence Tag (CAFEST) database for expressed sequence tags related to known elements of the ethylene signaling pathway. Sequences showing a reliable similarity were clusterized, annotated and analyzed for conserved domains. Multiple alignments comprising the sequences that we found and sequences of ethylene signaling elements from other species were made, and their phylogeny was assessed by phylogenetic trees constructed with the MEGA4 software. The expression profile was assessed by in silico Northern blot analysis performed using the Cluster and TreeView programs. The CAFEST database was found to have a large number of sequences related to previously described ethylene signaling pathway elements, allowing identification of putative members from almost every step of this pathway. The phylogenetic trees demonstrated high similarity between the sequences found in the CAFEST and those from other species, and the electronic Northern blot analysis detected their expression in various tissues, development stages and stress conditions.

Heterologous beta-nerve growth factor (ß-NGF) given at the LH surge enhances luteal function in dairy heifers.

Genetic selection for high yield milk production has led to a decline in dairy cattle's reproductive performance over the last 40 years. Low progesterone (P4) plasma content following ovulation is associated with suboptimal fertility in dairy cattle. Several pieces of evidence indicate that the protein beta-nerve growth factor (ß-NGF) that is present in the male seminal plasma exerts potent ovulatory and luteotrophic effects following systemic administration in camelids but also in other species. In this study, we determine whether systemic administration of purified llama ß-NGF given at the induced preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak improves corpus luteum (CL) function in dairy heifers subjected to an estradiol (E2) / P4 estrus-synchronization protocol. To achieve this, we first determined plasma E2 and LH hormone profiles to establish the timing of the estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced LH peak in estrus-synchronized heifers. Then, we tested whether the administration of ß-NGF given at the end of this peak affects the CL and its function by analyzing diameter, vascular area, and P4 output. Our results show that, with the estrus-synchronization protocol applied, plasma LH concentrations peaked (P < 0.01) 40-h and 16-h after removal of the bovine intravaginal device (DIB; containing 1.0 g of P4) plus cloprostenol injection and subsequent EB administration, respectively; after peaking, plasma LH concentrations remained stable for the next 8-h to then return to basal levels. Heifers synchronized with this protocol and receiving a dose of 1 mg of ß-NGF at the end of the LH peak (ie, 48-h after DIB removal) did not show significant differences in CL diameter, but these exhibited a greater CL vascular area (P = 0.01) than the observed in vehicle-injected heifers. Furthermore, plasma P4 concentration in ß-NGF-treated heifers was higher (P = 0.001) than those quantified in vehicle-injected heifers. These results support the use of ß-NGF in estrus-synchronization protocols to improve the early luteal function in dairy heifers.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays.

Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

Histodifferentiation of oil palm somatic embryo development at low auxin concentration.

Large-scale propagation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq.) is difficult due to its single apical meristem. Thus, obtaining plants is mainly through seed germination, and a long growing period is required before oil production is possible. An alternative to large-scale seedling production is indirect somatic embryogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the somatic embryogenesis process in oil palm (E. guineensis Jacq.) with amino acids and low concentrations of auxins. The Tenera hybrid was analyzed by cytochemical and ultrastructural methods and was used to regenerate oil palm plants. First, calli were induced in MS culture media supplemented with 2,4-D and picloram. Two types of calli were obtained, characterized by beige or translucent color. Beige calli had embryogenic characteristics, such as large nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and they were multiplied for 8 months in MM culture (half strength MS, 1 mg L-1 2,4-D, 2 mg L-1 2iP, 1 mg L-1 IBA, 250 mg L-1 citric acid, 10 mg L-1 cysteine, 100 mg L-1 inositol, 1 mg L-1 thiamine, 1 mg L-1 pyridoxine, 1 mg L-1 nicotinic acid, 1 mg L-1 glycine, 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate). After multiplication, the MCB culture medium (half strength MS, supplemented with 0.25 mg L-1 NAA, 2 mg L-1 BAP, MM vitamins and 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate) was the most efficient for embryo formation, showing meristematic centers with totipotent cells in histochemical analyses. The somatic embryos were developed and germinated in MG medium (half strength MS, 0.45 mg L-1 IAA, 0.25 mg L-1 BAP, and MM vitamins), transplanted into polyethylene tubes containing pine bark substrates, and acclimatized in a greenhouse, achieving a 97% survival rate. The use of picloram for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis is advantageous and multiplication in MM medium is an important step for increasing cell mass. The calli with light beige color and nodular structures have meristematic cells with dense cytoplasm and totipotential features that later give rise to protoderm, procambium, and ground meristem during the globular, cordiform, and torpedo embryogenesis phases. In MCB medium, the concentration of vitamins and amino acids are crucial for somatic embryogenesis.

Antibacterial properties and compressive strength of new one-step preparation silver nanoparticles in glass ionomer cements (NanoAg-GIC).

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed (1) to develop polyacid formulations by the one-step photoreduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in a polyacrylate solution of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), imparting antibacterial activity; and (2) to evaluate handling and mechanical properties of experimental ionomers in comparison to a commercially available conventional GIC. METHODS: Formulations with increasing sub-stoichiometric amounts of AgNO3 were monitored during continuous UV light exposure by UV-vis spectroscopy and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The resulted synthesis of formulations containing small and disperse spherical nanoparticles (∼6 nm) were used to design the experimental nano-silver glass ionomer cements (NanoAg-GIC). The cements were characterized as to net setting time and compressive strength according to ISO 9917-1:2007 specifications. The antibacterial activity of these cements was assessed by Ag+ diffusion tests on nutritive agar plates (E. coli) and by MTT assay (S. mutans). RESULTS: The higher concentration of silver (0.50% by mass) in the matrix of NanoAg-GIC allowed viable net setting time and increased in 32% compressive strength of the experimental cement. All groups containing AgNP induced statistically significant E. coli growth inhibition zones (p-value <.05), indicating diffusion of Ag+ ions on the material surroundings. Metabolic activity of S. mutans grown on NanoAg-GIG with higher concentration of silver was significantly affected compared to control (p-value <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Silver nanoparticles one-step preparation in polyacrylate solution allowed the production of highly bioactive water-based cements within suitable parameters for clinical use and with large potential of dental and biomedical application.

Influence of dressing application time after breast augmentation on cutaneous colonization: A randomized clinical trial.

Concepts regarding the best way to treat a surgical wound vary, in literature, ranging from no dressing use to dressing maintenance for 24 to 48 hours or until suture removal. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the length of dressing maintenance after breast augmentation with implants on cutaneous colonization and surgical site infection. This is a two-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial. Eighty patients who were candidates for augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implants were randomly allocated to two groups, in which the dressing was removed on postoperative day 1 (group A, n = 40) or postoperative day 6 (group B, n = 40). Cutaneous colonization was examined by culturing samples collected before and after dressing removal. The criteria defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to assess surgical site infection. No significant difference regarding cutaneous colonization was observed between groups before dressing application. On postoperative day 6, significantly more bacterial growth was observed in group A (p = 0.01). No surgical site infection occurred. We concluded that maintaining the dressing for 6 days led to a lower cutaneous colonization but did not influence surgical site infection rates.

The Brazilian identified human osteological collections.

This short communication aims to inform the scientific community of the existence of seven identified osteological collections in Brazil, most of which are housed in universities: 21st Century Collection of the Center for Studies in Forensic Anthropology, Recife; Identified Skeletal Collection of Sergipanos of the University Tiradentes, Aracaju; Identified Skull Collection of the State of Bahia, Aracaju; Osteological and Tomographic Collection - Prof. Dr. Eduardo Daruge, Piracicaba; Osteological Collection of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Forensic Sciences, Guarulhos; Identified Skull Collection of the Anatomy Museum Alfonso Bovero, São Paulo; and the Identified Skull Collection, São Paulo. Three of these collections are from a northeast population, whereas the others are from individuals from the southeast region. Altogether, there are 925 skeletons and more than 998 skulls (three of the referenced collections have only skulls). Data on the number of individuals, sex, age, origin, and dates of inhumation and exhumation are available. This large quantity of identified skeletal remains is a fundamental source of research material that can be used to characterize the Brazilian population and facilitate the development of forensic anthropology. When contextualized within the reference series from South and Central America, it is clear that the Brazilian skeletal reference series hold a position of prominence.