Health literacy and diabetic retinopathy.

Health literacy (HL) is defined as a cognitive and social skill that determines the motivation and ability of individuals to understand and use information to promote and maintain proper health. Inadequate HL has been associated with worse outcomes in diabetes control, poor self-care, and higher hospitalization rates for some chronic diseases. We hypothesized that HL influences the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and that inadequate glycemic control would mediate this association. This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 288 participants of the "Brazilian Diabetes Study" cohort. Inclusion criteria were people diagnosed with T2DM aged between 40 and 70 years and ability to read and write. In the adequate HL group, DR was found in 16.5% of participants and in the inadequate HL group, it was found in 32.8% (P=0.0081). Individuals with inadequate HL had a higher risk of having DR, and this association was still statistically significant after adjusting for HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, HL is related to DR without the mediation of classical clinical variables.

Health literacy and diabetic retinopathy

Health literacy (HL) is defined as a cognitive and social skill that determines the motivation and ability of individuals to understand and use information to promote and maintain proper health. Inadequate HL has been associated with worse outcomes in diabetes control, poor self-care, and higher hospitalization rates for some chronic diseases. We hypothesized that HL influences the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and that inadequate glycemic control would mediate this association. This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 288 participants of the "Brazilian Diabetes Study" cohort. Inclusion criteria were people diagnosed with T2DM aged between 40 and 70 years and ability to read and write. In the adequate HL group, DR was found in 16.5% of participants and in the inadequate HL group, it was found in 32.8% (P=0.0081). Individuals with inadequate HL had a higher risk of having DR, and this association was still statistically significant after adjusting for HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, HL is related to DR without the mediation of classical clinical variables.

Uncertainty estimation and statistical comparative methodology for mammography x-ray energy spectra.

Numerical models are an alternative to measurements of x-ray energy spectra when validated by comparative methods that assess the similarity of experimental and calculated spectra. In this work, we compared x-ray energy spectra using several methodologies and determined the methodology with highest statistical power among them. Experiments and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were used to generate a set of 65 experimental and simulated x-ray mammography spectra pairs typically used in mammography applications. They were generated using Tungsten and Molybdenum targets and Molybdenum and Rhodium filters. The x-ray beams were transmitted through breast tissue equivalent material (bTEM) plates with different glandularities and thicknesses, and the transmitted beam was detected using solid-state x-ray spectrometry with a Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) diode. The MC simulations used the PENELOPE code. Additional uncertainties, beyond that from counting, were propagated using the MC method. Quantitative comparative methods based on the [Formula: see text] statistics, the first and second half-value layers, the mean energy, the effective energy, and the non-parametric u-test were applied and their specificity (true negative rate) was assessed. The polyenergetic normalized glandular dose (DgNp) to a 6 cm breast of 50/50 glandularity was derived from the spectra. In this work, the [Formula: see text] statistics attained the highest score; therefore, it is the most indicated metric for the x-ray energy spectra comparative evaluations. The contribution of the additional uncertainties was important, being responsible for up to 98% of the spectra total uncertainty and shifting the mean of the evaluated [Formula: see text] to 1.2(1), compatible with its expected value. The use of non-parametric test is discouraged by our results, since it failed to distinguish spectra pairs that resulted in up to 72% discrepant DgNp.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties as Well as the Phenolic Content of the Extract from Hancornia speciosa Gomes.

Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) is a fruit tree, popularly known as mangabeira, and it is widely distributed throughout Brazil. Several parts of the plant are used in folk medicine, and the leaf and bark extracts have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of Hancornia speciosa leaves (EEHS) and its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities as well as the mechanisms involved in cell death. The chemical compounds were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The antioxidant activity of the EEHS was investigated using the method that involves the scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radicals as well as the inhibition of oxidative hemolysis and lipid peroxidation induced by 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) in human erythrocytes. The antimicrobial activity was determined by calculating the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and zone of inhibition. Kasumi-1 leukemic cells were used to assess the cytotoxic activity and mechanisms involved in cell death promoted by the EEHS. The chemical compounds identified were quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, rutin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol-rutinoside, and catechin-pentoside. The EEHS demonstrated antioxidant activity via the sequestration of free radicals, inhibition of hemolysis, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes incubated with an oxidizing agent. The antimicrobial activity was observed against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and hospital strains of bacteria and fungi, filamentous fungi and dermatophytes. The cytotoxic activity of the EEHS was induced by apoptosis, reduction of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of cathepsins. Together, these results indicate the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the EEHS and that their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities in acute myeloid leukemia cells are mediated by apoptosis.

Are there associations between early emotional trauma and anxiety disorders? Evidence from a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate a possible association between early emotional trauma (EET) and the development of anxiety disorders (ADs) in adult life. However, no previous studies have compiled the findings of such studies and analyzed their statistical significance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine possible associations between EET and three ADs (panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorders). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scielo with no publication date limitations. A total of 2127 studies were found, 32 studies of which were selected for the systematic review and 13 studies of which were selected for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: High prevalence rates of different EETs were observed among the individuals with ADs (median: 18%-45%). The results of the meta-analysis indicated that individuals with EETs were 1.9- to 3.6-fold more likely to develop ADs compared with a control group of healthy individuals. Emotional traumas were the main risk factor for social anxiety disorder. However, no specific associations were found for the other ADs. CONCLUSIONS: EET is a risk factor for ADs, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to combat the development of these disorders. Moreover, the identification of EETs among patients with ADs is essential for implementing remedial measures to minimize the impact and damage arising from this association by decreasing the risk and severity of symptoms and to improve the response rate to treatment of ADs.

Hambúrgueres de aparas de jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) submetidos a diferentes técnicas de defumação / Hamburguers from pantanal caiman meat (Caiman yacare) subjected to different smoking techniques

Avaliaram-se hambúrgueres de aparas de jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) quanto à composição centesimal, cor e análise sensorial. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos: T1= sem defumação; T2= defumação a quente e T3= defumação líquida, e nove repetições. As aparas foram moídas e condimentadas para o hambúrguer. Os hambúrgueres para defumação a quente foram colocados no defumador 60 min a 60ºC com gerador de fumaça por fricção. Foi pulverizada fumaça líquida, sobre os produtos (T3), e estes foram colocados em desidratador por 60 min a 60ºC. Houve diferença significativa quanto à composição centesimal entre os hambúrgueres defumados, T2 = 43,1% e T3 = 60,9%, e verificou-se menor teor de umidade em relação aos sem defumação, 73,3%. A proteína, 39,9%, e as cinzas, 6,1%, foram mais altas nos defumados a quente. Os hambúrgueres defumados a quente apresentaram menor luminosidade, 42,05, e maiores valores do croma a*, 14,65, e b*, 28,57, em relação aos demais tratamentos. As variáveis sensoriais foram significativas para sabor, textura e aceitação geral. Os produtos defumados a quente apresentaram a pior aceitação. Concluiu-se que a defumação a quente proporciona produtos com menor teor de umidade, com pigmentação mais intensa, porém menos aceitos pelos provadores.

Hamburgers made from minced meat of Pantanal caiman (Caiman yacare) were evaluated for their centesimal composition, color and sensory perception. The experiment was structured in a completely randomized design with three treatments (T1 = no smoke; T2 = smoked with hot smoke and T3 = smoked with liquid smoke), with nine repetitions each. The meat was minced and seasoned for the hamburgers. The hamburgers destined to hot smoking were placed in the smoker (60 min at 60ºC) with smoke generated through friction. The liquid smoke was sprayed in the samples (T3), next they were placed in dehydrators (60 min at 60ºC). There was a significant difference in centesimal composition, the smoked hamburgers (T2 = 43.1% and T3 = 60.9%) presenting significantly less moisture than non-smoked products (73.3%). Protein (39.9%) and ash (6.1%) were higher for the hot-smoked samples. The hot-smoked hamburgers had less luminosity (42.05) and higher values of chroma a* (14.65) and b* (28.57) than the other treatments. The sensorial parameters evaluated were significant for flavor, texture and general acceptance. The hot-smoked products had the worst acceptance. It was concluded that the hot smoke provided products with less moisture and higher pigmentation, but with less acceptance from the judges.

Hambúrgueres de aparas de jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) submetidos a diferentes técnicas de defumação / Hamburguers from pantanal caiman meat (Caiman yacare) subjected to different smoking techniques

Avaliaram-se hambúrgueres de aparas de jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) quanto à composição centesimal, cor e análise sensorial. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos: T1= sem defumação; T2= defumação a quente e T3= defumação líquida, e nove repetições. As aparas foram moídas e condimentadas para o hambúrguer. Os hambúrgueres para defumação a quente foram colocados no defumador 60 min a 60ºC com gerador de fumaça por fricção. Foi pulverizada fumaça líquida, sobre os produtos (T3), e estes foram colocados em desidratador por 60 min a 60ºC. Houve diferença significativa quanto à composição centesimal entre os hambúrgueres defumados, T2 = 43,1% e T3 = 60,9%, e verificou-se menor teor de umidade em relação aos sem defumação, 73,3%. A proteína, 39,9%, e as cinzas, 6,1%, foram mais altas nos defumados a quente. Os hambúrgueres defumados a quente apresentaram menor luminosidade, 42,05, e maiores valores do croma a*, 14,65, e b*, 28,57, em relação aos demais tratamentos. As variáveis sensoriais foram significativas para sabor, textura e aceitação geral. Os produtos defumados a quente apresentaram a pior aceitação. Concluiu-se que a defumação a quente proporciona produtos com menor teor de umidade, com pigmentação mais intensa, porém menos aceitos pelos provadores.(AU)

Hamburgers made from minced meat of Pantanal caiman (Caiman yacare) were evaluated for their centesimal composition, color and sensory perception. The experiment was structured in a completely randomized design with three treatments (T1 = no smoke; T2 = smoked with hot smoke and T3 = smoked with liquid smoke), with nine repetitions each. The meat was minced and seasoned for the hamburgers. The hamburgers destined to hot smoking were placed in the smoker (60 min at 60ºC) with smoke generated through friction. The liquid smoke was sprayed in the samples (T3), next they were placed in dehydrators (60 min at 60ºC). There was a significant difference in centesimal composition, the smoked hamburgers (T2 = 43.1% and T3 = 60.9%) presenting significantly less moisture than non-smoked products (73.3%). Protein (39.9%) and ash (6.1%) were higher for the hot-smoked samples. The hot-smoked hamburgers had less luminosity (42.05) and higher values of chroma a* (14.65) and b* (28.57) than the other treatments. The sensorial parameters evaluated were significant for flavor, texture and general acceptance. The hot-smoked products had the worst acceptance. It was concluded that the hot smoke provided products with less moisture and higher pigmentation, but with less acceptance from the judges.(AU)

The epimer of kaurenoic acid from Croton antisyphiliticus is cytotoxic toward B-16 and HeLa tumor cells through apoptosis induction.

Cancer has become the leading cause of death in developing countries due to increased life expectancy of the population and changes in lifestyle. Studies on active principles of plant have motivated researchers to develop new antitumor agents that are specific and effective for treatment of neoplasms. Kaurane diterpenes are considered important compounds in the development of new and highly effective anticancer chemotherapeutic agents due to their cytotoxic properties in the induction of apoptosis. We evaluated the cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of the epimer of kaurenoic acid (EKA) isolated from the medicinal plant Croton antisyphiliticus (Euphorbiaceae) toward tumor cell lines HeLa and B-16 and normal fibroblasts 3T3. Based on analyses with the MTT test, EKA showed cytotoxic activity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 59.41, 68.18 and 60.30 µg/mL for the B-16, HeLa and 3T3 cell lines, respectively. The assay for necrotic or apoptotic cells by differential staining showed induction of apoptosis in all three cell lines. We conclude that EKA is not selective between tumor and normal cell lines; the mechanism of action of EKA is induction of apoptosis, which is part of the innate mechanism of cell defense against neoplasia.

Gastric emptying of water in children with severe functional fecal retention.

The objective of this study was to evaluate gastric emptying (GE) in pediatric patients with functional constipation. GE delay has been reported in adults with functional constipation. Gastric emptying studies were performed in 22 children with chronic constipation, fecal retention and fecal incontinence, while presenting fecal retention and after resuming regular bowel movements. Patients (18 boys, median age: 10 years; range: 7.2 to 12.7 years) were evaluated in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Gastric half-emptying time of water (reference range: 12 ± 3 min) was measured using a radionuclide technique immediately after first patient evaluation, when they presented fecal impaction (GE1), and when they achieved regular bowel movements (GE2), 12 ± 5 weeks after GE1. At study admission, 21 patients had reported dyspeptic symptoms, which were completely relieved after resuming regular bowel movements. Medians (and interquartile ranges) for GE1 and GE2 were not significantly different [27.0 (16) and 27.5 (21) min, respectively (P = 0.10)]. Delayed GE seems to be a common feature among children with chronic constipation and fecal retention. Resuming satisfactory bowel function and improvement in dyspeptic symptoms did not result in normalization of GE data.

Gastric emptying of water in children with severe functional fecal retention

The objective of this study was to evaluate gastric emptying (GE) in pediatric patients with functional constipation. GE delay has been reported in adults with functional constipation. Gastric emptying studies were performed in 22 children with chronic constipation, fecal retention and fecal incontinence, while presenting fecal retention and after resuming regular bowel movements. Patients (18 boys, median age: 10 years; range: 7.2 to 12.7 years) were evaluated in a tertiary pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Gastric half-emptying time of water (reference range: 12 ± 3 min) was measured using a radionuclide technique immediately after first patient evaluation, when they presented fecal impaction (GE1), and when they achieved regular bowel movements (GE2), 12 ± 5 weeks after GE1. At study admission, 21 patients had reported dyspeptic symptoms, which were completely relieved after resuming regular bowel movements. Medians (and interquartile ranges) for GE1 and GE2 were not significantly different [27.0 (16) and 27.5 (21) min, respectively (P = 0.10)]. Delayed GE seems to be a common feature among children with chronic constipation and fecal retention. Resuming satisfactory bowel function and improvement in dyspeptic symptoms did not result in normalization of GE data.

Two-year clinical performance of self-etching adhesive systems in composite restorations of anterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the two-year clinical performance of Class III, IV, and V composite restorations using a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (2-ERA) and three one-step self-etching adhesive systems (1-SEAs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred Class III, IV, and V composite restorations were placed into 50 patients. Each patient received four composite restorations (Amaris, Voco), and these restorations were bonded with one of three 1-SEAs (Futurabond M, Voco; Clearfil S3 Bond, Kuraray; and Optibond All-in-One, Kerr) or one 2-ERA (Adper Single Bond 2/3M ESPE). The four adhesive systems were evaluated at baseline and after 24 months using the following criteria: restoration retention, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, caries occurrence, postoperative sensitivity and preservation of tooth vitality. After two years, 162 restorations were evaluated in 41 patients. Data were analyzed using the χ(2) test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the 2-ERA and the 1-SEAs regarding the evaluated parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The 1-SEAs showed good clinical performance at the end of 24 months.

The inclusion of coffee in commercial layer diets

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of the dietary inclusion of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on the performance and internal and external egg quality of commercial layers. One hundred and twenty 25-week-old Hy-line Brown layers, with 1575 ± 91 average body weight, were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments (control, 1.2% caffeinated coffee, or 1.2% decaffeinated coffee) of five replicates of eight birds each. The inclusion of 1.2% caffeinated coffee was calculated to supply 6mg caffeine per kg body weight, which is considered a moderate dose. The applied treatments did not influence (p>0.05) feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, Haugh units, yolk color or albumen and yolk percentages. The eggs of hens fed 1.2% caffeinated coffee presented lower (p<0.05) eggshell thickness and egg specific density. The eggs of layers fed 1.2% caffeinated coffee tended (p=0.0637) to present lower eggshell percentage. It was concluded that feeding caffeinated coffee to commercial layers does not affect their performance or internal egg quality; however, eggshell quality is impaired.(AU)

The inclusion of coffee in commercial layer diets

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of the dietary inclusion of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on the performance and internal and external egg quality of commercial layers. One hundred and twenty 25-week-old Hy-line Brown layers, with 1575 ± 91 average body weight, were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments (control, 1.2% caffeinated coffee, or 1.2% decaffeinated coffee) of five replicates of eight birds each. The inclusion of 1.2% caffeinated coffee was calculated to supply 6mg caffeine per kg body weight, which is considered a moderate dose. The applied treatments did not influence (p>0.05) feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, Haugh units, yolk color or albumen and yolk percentages. The eggs of hens fed 1.2% caffeinated coffee presented lower (p 0.05) eggshell thickness and egg specific density. The eggs of layers fed 1.2% caffeinated coffee tended (p=0.0637) to present lower eggshell percentage. It was concluded that feeding caffeinated coffee to commercial layers does not affect their performance or internal egg quality; however, eggshell quality is impaired.

Protective effect of rPb40 as an adjuvant for chemotherapy in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis.

The conventional treatment for the most prevalent mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), involves long periods of therapy that results in side effects and a high frequency of relapses. The search for a new, alternative treatment is necessary. Pb40 is an antigenic protein from P. brasiliensis fraction F0. This fraction has already been shown to have significant protective activity when used as a PCM vaccine in experimental models. The complete cDNA sequence corresponding to Pb40 was cloned into a pET-21a plasmid, expressed in E. coli with a his-tag and purified by affinity chromatography. The predicted protein sequence exhibited nearly 100% homology to a fragment of the hypothetical EF-hand domain containing protein of P. brasiliensis. Immunization with this recombinant protein was used together with chemotherapy in an attempt to improve PCM treatment. The combined drug/rPb40 treatment exhibited long-lasting control of PCM in the liver and spleen and largely preserved the tissue structures of these organs. Despite the lack of a reduction in CFUs in the group that received the combined treatment, there was a significant reduction in the size of the lesions in the lungs after 70 days of infection. At the same time, the IL-10 levels were higher in the treated mice than in the infected-only mice. Moreover, significant levels of rPb40-specific IgG antibodies were detected in the sera of immunized mice. Thus, the treatment protocol consisting of rPb40 immunization in addition to fluconazole chemotherapy showed an additive protective effect after intratracheal challenge, preventing fungal dissemination to other sites of infection and preventing relapses. These results provide new prospects for PCM immunotherapy.

Comparação da imunolocalização de receptores de progesterona em placentas de bovinos normais e clonados / Comparison of the imunolocalization of progesterone receptors in placentas of bovine normal and cloned

A progesterona é um hormônio fundamental na manutenção da gestação nos mamíferos. Em bovinos clonados, perdas gestacionais significativas ocorrem devido à deficiência placentária. Tendo em vista esse problema, o objetivo do trabalho foi analisar em diferentes idades gestacionais a imunolocalização para receptores de progesterona em placentas de animais não clonados e clonados. Tecidos placentomais de bovinos não clonados foram obtidos da linha de abate no Matadouro Mantiqueira, enquanto os tecidos placentomais dos animais clonados com idades gestacionais de 68, 135, 225 e 270 dias de gestação foram obtidos em empresas especializadas em clonagem animal. Os tecidos foram processados e embebidos em paraplast para localização de receptores de progesterona, utilizando-se a técnica de imuno-histoquímica pelo anticorpo monoclonal (Progesterone receptor SER 294). Pela imuno-histoquímica, comparando-se a concentração de receptores de progesterona na placenta de animais clonados com as de animais não clonados, em diferentes idades gestacionais, observou-se que as células dos placentomas dos animais clonados apresentaram uma marcação mais intensa de receptor de progesterona nas idades de 135 e 270 dias de gestação em relação aos não clonados. Tal fato sugere que a presença de progesterona no final da gestação pode ser mais uma das possíveis causas de gestações prolongadas.

To progesterone is a fundamental hormone in the maintenance of the gestation in the mammals. In bovine they cloned, losses gestational significant, occur due to the placental deficiency. Having in mind that problem, the objective of the work was analyze in different gestational ages to immune stained for receivers of progesterone in placentas of normal animals and cloned. Placentomal tissues of bovine normal were obtained of the line of counts on in the Slaughterhouse Mantiqueira, while the placentomal tissues of the animals cloned with gestational ages of 68, 135, 225 and 270 days of gestation were obtained in companies specialized in animal cloning. The fabrics were prosecuted and absorbed in paraplast for progesterone receivers location, utilizing itself to technical of immunohistochemistry by the antibody monoclonal (Progesterone receiver BE 294). By the immunohistochemistry comparing the progesterone receivers concentration in the placenta of animals cloned, with the of animals done not manipulate, in different gestational ages we observe that the cells of the placentomal tissues of the animals manipulated (cloned) presented a more intense marking of receiver of progesterone in the ages of 135 and 270 days of gestation regarding the done not manipulate. Suggesting that the presence of progesterone in the end of the gestation can be more one of the possible cause of gestations prolonged.

Comparação da imunolocalização de receptores de progesterona em placentas de bovinos normais e clonados / Comparison of the imunolocalization of progesterone receptors in placentas of bovine normal and cloned

A progesterona é um hormônio fundamental na manutenção da gestação nos mamíferos. Em bovinos clonados, perdas gestacionais significativas ocorrem devido à deficiência placentária. Tendo em vista esse problema, o objetivo do trabalho foi analisar em diferentes idades gestacionais a imunolocalização para receptores de progesterona em placentas de animais não clonados e clonados. Tecidos placentomais de bovinos não clonados foram obtidos da linha de abate no Matadouro Mantiqueira, enquanto os tecidos placentomais dos animais clonados com idades gestacionais de 68, 135, 225 e 270 dias de gestação foram obtidos em empresas especializadas em clonagem animal. Os tecidos foram processados e embebidos em paraplast para localização de receptores de progesterona, utilizando-se a técnica de imuno-histoquímica pelo anticorpo monoclonal (Progesterone receptor SER 294). Pela imuno-histoquímica, comparando-se a concentração de receptores de progesterona na placenta de animais clonados com as de animais não clonados, em diferentes idades gestacionais, observou-se que as células dos placentomas dos animais clonados apresentaram uma marcação mais intensa de receptor de progesterona nas idades de 135 e 270 dias de gestação em relação aos não clonados. Tal fato sugere que a presença de progesterona no final da gestação pode ser mais uma das possíveis causas de gestações prolongadas.(AU)

To progesterone is a fundamental hormone in the maintenance of the gestation in the mammals. In bovine they cloned, losses gestational significant, occur due to the placental deficiency. Having in mind that problem, the objective of the work was analyze in different gestational ages to immune stained for receivers of progesterone in placentas of normal animals and cloned. Placentomal tissues of bovine normal were obtained of the line of counts on in the Slaughterhouse Mantiqueira, while the placentomal tissues of the animals cloned with gestational ages of 68, 135, 225 and 270 days of gestation were obtained in companies specialized in animal cloning. The fabrics were prosecuted and absorbed in paraplast for progesterone receivers location, utilizing itself to technical of immunohistochemistry by the antibody monoclonal (Progesterone receiver BE 294). By the immunohistochemistry comparing the progesterone receivers concentration in the placenta of animals cloned, with the of animals done not manipulate, in different gestational ages we observe that the cells of the placentomal tissues of the animals manipulated (cloned) presented a more intense marking of receiver of progesterone in the ages of 135 and 270 days of gestation regarding the done not manipulate. Suggesting that the presence of progesterone in the end of the gestation can be more one of the possible cause of gestations prolonged.(AU)

Evaluation of the contribution of the placentomal fusion during gestation in cattle.

The placenta of mammals is a structure formed by the juxtaposition of the fetal membranes and the maternal tissues. The main function of the placenta is to regulate the physiological interchange between the fetus and the mother as well as to operate as an important endocrine organ during the gestation. The placentomal fusions were characterized throughout gestation of cattle using macroscopic, histological and flow cytometry analyses. Analyzing the cell cycle phases with a flow cytometry, a balance between the G2M phase and apoptosis was observed, suggesting that the placentomal fusions do not interfere in the placentary maturation process, which is a pre-requirement for the fetal-maternal disconnection and the release of fetal membrane.

Evaluation of the contribution of the placentomal fusion during gestation in cattle

The placenta of mammals is a structure formed by the juxtaposition of the fetal membranes and the maternal tissues. The main function of the placenta is to regulate the physiological interchange between the fetus and the mother as well as to operate as animportant endocrine organ during the gestation. The placentomal fusions were characterized throughout gestation of cattle using macroscopic, histological and flow cytometryanalyses. Analyzing the cell cycle phases with a flow cytometry, a balance between the G2M phase and apoptosis was observed, suggesting that the placentomal fusions do not interferein the placentary maturation process, which is a pre-requirement for the fetal-maternal disconnection and the release of fetal membrane.

Combined use of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis recombinant rPb27 and rPb40 antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the most important endemic mycoses in Latin America; it's usually diagnosed by observation and/or isolation of the etiologic agent, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, as well as by a variety of immunological methods, such as complement fixation and immunodiffusion. Although these approaches are useful, historically their sensitivity and specificity have often been compromised by the use of complex mixtures of undefined antigens. The use of combinations of purified, well-characterized antigens appears preferable and may yield good results. In the present study combinations of the previously described 27-kDa recombinant antigen (rPb27) and a recombinant 40-kDa-molecular-mass antigen (rPb40) from this fungus, that was identified by Goes et al. (2005) through the AST strategy as a homolog of Neurospora crassa calcineurin B, were used in an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PCM. The complete coding cDNA of rPb40 and rPb27 were cloned into a pET-21a and a pET-DEST 42 plasmid, respectively, expressed in E. coli with a his-tag and purified by affinity chromatography. Among 109 PCM serum samples analyzed, a homogeneous IgG response to these proteins was observed. 62 serum samples from patients with other diseases, 18 from patients with other mycosis and 23 from healthy individuals were also studied. Detection of anti-rPb27 and anti-rPb40 antibodies in sera of patients with PCM by ELISA using a combination of the two purified proteins showed a sensitivity of 96% with a specificity of 100% in relation to control normal human sera and to sera from patients with other systemic mycosis and 93.5% to sera from patients with diverse infections. The use of this two proteins combination provided an excellent immunodiagnosis assay with great values of sensitivity and specificity, even in relation to sera from patients with other mycosis, making possible the standardization of a new methodology to diagnose this important mycosis, with a good confiability and reprodutibility.