A new species of Astyanax (Characiformes: Characidae) from Dolina Água Milagrosa, Rio Paraguai basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

A new species of Astyanax is described from the upper Rio Paraguai basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by having the body intensely yellowish in life (v. silvery, reddish or lightly yellow) and by morphometric and meristics traits. Astyanax dolinae n. sp. cannot be assigned to any of the Astyanax species complex currently recognized for the genus. It is only known from the Dolina Água Milagrosa, a karstic sinkhole lake, entirely fed by groundwater, surrounded by Cerrado, the savannah-like vegetation of central South America.

The association between the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial disease that has a strong genetic component. The HLA-G is a nonclassical HLA class I locus that is associated with immunomodulatory functions, including downregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and induction of immune tolerance. However, there is currently limited information about the involvement of HLA-G in T1D susceptibility. This case-control study aims to investigate the T1D susceptibility association of alleles and genotypes of a widely investigated 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the HLA-G and to provide further evidence of the frequency distribution of class II HLA-DR-DQ-risk genotypes in T1D children and adolescents in the Brazilian population. The deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype are associated with susceptibility to T1D and the insertion allele and the heterozygous deletion/insertion genotype are associated with protection from T1D. We also confirm that genetic susceptibility to T1D is associated with the DRB1*03:01-DQA1*05:01-DQB1*02:01 and DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01-DQB1*03:02 haplotypes in Brazilian northeast region. The DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype conferred the highest detected risk for T1D. Our results identify a novel association of the 14-bp deletion allele and the homozygous deletion genotype with T1D development and provide additional evidence of the importance of HLA class II heterozygous DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 genotype in T1D susceptibility.

Desenvolvimento corporal e relação entre biometria e peso de cordeiros lactantes da raça Santa Inês criados na Amazônia / Growth of Santa Inês lambs until weaning and relationship between biometric measurements and body weight, when raised in the Amazonia climate

Objetivou-se com este trabalho descrever as medidas biométricas de cordeiros lactantes da raça Santa Inês criados em condições amazônicas; estabelecer relação entre a idade e as medidas corporais; bem como correlacionar essas medidas biométricas com o peso corporal. Utilizaram-se 75 animais criados em sistema semi-intensivo, submetidos a mensurações do peso corporal (PC), comprimento corporal (CC), altura do anterior (AA) e do posterior (AP), perímetro torácico (PT), largura da garupa (LG) e do peito (LP), comprimento da perna (CP), perímetro da perna (PP) e compacidade corporal (COMPC), ao nascer e aos 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias de idade. Somente as medidas LG e PP demonstraram regressões com R2 abaixo de 0,70 em relação à idade dos cordeiros. Todas as medidas corporais utilizadas nesta pesquisa, individualmente, demonstraram r positivo com o peso corporal. As variáveis biométricas que melhor compuseram a equação de predição do peso dos cordeiros utilizados neste estudo foram CC, AP, PT, LG e PP. Concluiu-se que a idade de cordeiros pode ser utilizada como preditora do peso e de algumas medidas biométricas corporais e que o peso pode ser estimado por meio de algumas medidas biométricas...

This study aimed to 1) describe the biometric measurements of Santa Inês lambs until weaning, when raised in the Amazonia conditions; 2) establish the relationship between age and body measurements; and 3) correlate these biometric measurements to body weight. 75 animals submitted to semi-intensive breeding were used, and underwent measurements of body weight (BW), body length (BL), height of the forelimb (HF) and hindlimb (HH), thoracic perimeter (TP), width of rump (WR) and chest (WC), length of leg (LL), perimeter of leg (PL) and more body compacity (COMP), at birth and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of age. As a result, the WR and PL measurements demonstrated regressions with R2 below 0.70 in relation to age of lambs. All biometrical measurements used in this study individually demonstrated positive r with body weight. Biometric variables that compose the equation for predicting weight of lambs used in this study were BL, HH, TP, WR and PL. It was concluded that the age of lambs can be used as a predictor of weight and some body biometric measurements. The weight can also be estimated by some biometric measurements...

MSX1 gene polymorphisms in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of 6 polymorphic variants of the MSX1 gene in non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-eight individuals (158 NSCL/P cases and 200 controls) were genotyped by TaqMan allelic discrimination using predesigned SNP assays. Statistical analyses were conducted using the software spss 15.0 and the r statistical suite. Haplotype block structure and haplotype frequencies were determined using the Haploview. A P-value of 0.05 and confidence interval of 95% were used for all of statistical tests. RESULTS: The patients with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate were characterized by similar distribution of MSX1 genotypes and allele in comparison to subjects without oral clefts (P > 0.05). Two haplotype blocks were constructed with polymorphisms of MSX1 gene and haplotypes formed showed a similar frequency in patients with and without oral clefts. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides no evidence that MSX1 polymorphisms (rs3775261, rs1042484, rs12532, rs6446693, rs4464513 and rs1907998) play a major role in NSCL/P.

[First autochthonous cases, caused by the Dengue-3 serotype in Federal District, Brazil]. / Apparition des premiers cas autochtones causes par le sérotype Dengue-3 dans le District fédéral, Brésil.

During the first four months of 2003, the survey laboratory of the Federal District (LACEN Laboratory of Virology), Brasília, Brazil, isolated ten strains of dengue virus serotype 3, five of them autochthonous, and the remaining ones from cases imported from Tocantins, Goias and Bahia States. The virus isolations were performed in C6/36 cell culture inoculated with total blood collected between the 1st and the 5th days after the onset of the symptoms. The age of the patients varied from 26 to 59 years old. The strains were typed as DEN-3 by indirect immunofluorescence assay using serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies. Viral RNAs were extracted from total blood using the trizol method. The nested RT-PCR method detected DNA products of 290 bp, confirming the serotype identifications. The introduction of DEN-3 in Brazil and especially in the Federal District represents a serious threat, since most people are susceptible to this serotype and many have already been infected by serotypes DEN-1 or DEN-2, thus increasing the risk of epidemic of more severe forms of the disease. The use of a fast and reliable method for continuous monitoring of the circulation of this serotype is of primary importance for the prevention and control of future epidemics.

Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and on atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E knock-out mice.

Elevated blood cholesterol is an important risk factor associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Several studies have reported a decrease in serum cholesterol during the consumption of large doses of fermented dairy products or lactobacillus strains. The proposed mechanism for this effect is the removal or assimilation of intestinal cholesterol by the bacteria, reducing cholesterol absorption. Although this effect was demonstrated in vitro, its relevance in vivo is still controversial. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the role of lactobacilli in atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and the possible hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic action of these bacteria using atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (apo E) knock-out (KO) mice. For this purpose, Swiss/NIH germ-free mice were monoassociated with L. delbrueckii and fed a hypercholesterolemic diet for four weeks. In addition, apo E KO mice were fed a normal chow diet and treated with L. delbrueckii for 6 weeks. There was a reduction in cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, which was not associated with changes in blood or liver cholesterol concentration. In apo E KO mice, no effect of L. delbrueckii was detected in blood, liver or fecal cholesterol. The atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta was also similar in mice receiving or not these bacteria. In conclusion, these results suggest that, although L. delbrueckii treatment was able to reduce cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, no hypocholesterolemic or antiatherogenic effect was observed in apo E KO mice.

Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and on atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E knock-out mice

Elevated blood cholesterol is an important risk factor associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Several studies have reported a decrease in serum cholesterol during the consumption of large doses of fermented dairy products or lactobacillus strains. The proposed mechanism for this effect is the removal or assimilation of intestinal cholesterol by the bacteria, reducing cholesterol absorption. Although this effect was demonstrated in vitro, its relevance in vivo is still controversial. Furthermore, few studies have investigated the role of lactobacilli in atherogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii on cholesterol metabolism in germ-free mice and the possible hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic action of these bacteria using atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E (apo E) knock-out (KO) mice. For this purpose, Swiss/NIH germ-free mice were monoassociated with L. delbrueckii and fed a hypercholesterolemic diet for four weeks. In addition, apo E KO mice were fed a normal chow diet and treated with L. delbrueckii for 6 weeks. There was a reduction in cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, which was not associated with changes in blood or liver cholesterol concentration. In apo E KO mice, no effect of L. delbrueckii was detected in blood, liver or fecal cholesterol. The atherosclerotic lesion in the aorta was also similar in mice receiving or not these bacteria. In conclusion, these results suggest that, although L. delbrueckii treatment was able to reduce cholesterol excretion in germ-free mice, no hypocholesterolemic or antiatherogenic effect was observed in apo E KO mice.

Blood pressure, seasonal body fat, heart rate, and ecological differences in Caboclo populations of the Brazilian Amazon.

This study compares blood pressure (BP) and related cardiovascular risk factors among three Caboclo communities from the Brazilian Amazon. Its purpose is to investigate possible risk differentials related to variable ecological settings and Western influences. Caxiuanã is characterized as a more "traditional" group, while Aracampina and Santana are viewed as more "transitional" in lifestyle. A total of 348 subjects from the three communities were evaluated in the wet or the dry season or in both. Measurements across the communities were compared by season and sex. Results suggest little seasonal variation in average BP, BP change, body fat, or body fat change among men. Conversely, there is substantial seasonal and inter-community variation among women. Additional analyses reveal (1) an inconsistent association between age and BP across the communities; (2) that BMI is not associated with BP transitional communities in either season but is associated with both systolic and diastolic pressure in the most traditional community; and (3) little to no sex effect on BP. These results suggest increased Western influence affects body composition particularly of women. However, increased BMI and fat among transitional Caboclo women does not directly translate into higher BP; rather, their BP appears to be more affected by seasonal stresses. Finally, conditions during the wet season diminish age-related variation in BP, suggesting that during the wet season these Caboclo may be less active.

Secular trends in age at menarche among Caboclo populations from Pará, Amazonia, Brazil: 1930-1980.

The present study is part of a large research project on growth, development, nutrition, and health of Caboclo populations from the Brazilian Amazon. The aim of this paper is to analyze the age of menarche in adolescents (N=164) and adult women (219) in the studied populations. Caboclo are admixed rural, peasant groups that live along the Amazon river and its tributaries, and there are few previous studies about them. Probit analysis of the status quo data yielded a median age at menarche of 12.29+/-1.76 years. The retrospective method was applied to recall data of the 77 post-menarcheal adolescents, yielding an average of 13.06+/-1.27 years. Number of children in the family did not show any statistical influence on age at menarche in any age group. In adult women, age at menarche decreased from 14.50 in those born in 1930 to 12.88 for those born in 1980 (F=4.371, P=0.001). The downward trend found was, on average, 0.237 year per decade in the study period. The median age at menarche in the adolescents (12.29 years) is one of the lowest values found for Central and South American populations. In the ecological context, a low age at menarche could be an adaptive advantage because it provides a greater chance for reproduction at a young age in an environment where, until recently, life expectancy was low. As has been reported for other developing countries, the change found in age at menarche in the women born from the 1930s to the 1980s is likely to be related to changes in health and nutritional factors that occurred in Brazil because this country experienced significant improvement in living standards related to education, vaccination, and health conditions, which, although not equally, reached all regions after the 1960s.

Critical flicker frequency in migraine. A controlled study in patients without prophylactic therapy.

The critical flicker frequencies (CFF) of individuals with migraine with and without aura were determined and compared to those of normal controls. Twenty-six migraine patients, 12 with aura and 14 without aura and 30 healthy controls were included. Migraineurs were tested during a migraine-free period, through both the continuous flicker method (CFM) and the forced choice method (FCM). Migraineurs presented a mean flickering fusion threshold lower than healthy controls with the CFM (40.45 vs. 44.33, respectively; P = 0.019) and with the FCM (34.16 Hz vs. 38.5 Hz, respectively, P = 0.019). Both groups of migraineurs had significantly lower thresholds as compared to controls, migraineurs with aura presenting the lowest thresholds for the fusion of flickering (P = 0.008 and P = 0.0001 with the CFM and the FCM, respectively). Results confirmed and extended previous observations of abnormal flicker fusion thresholds in migraineurs. We hypothesize that this finding might be related to a shorter cortical stimulation silent period.

Estudo preliminar do uso de plantas medicinais por benzedores e outros informantes de Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brasil

O presente trabalho foi realizado na área urbana e rural da cidade de Santa Teresa, localizada no município de Santa Teresa, Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil, com o objetivo de identificar as espécies vegetais medicinais utilizadas por benzedores e outros informantes. Um levantamento qualitativo, por meio de conversas informais e do método de observação participante foi desenvolvido junto à 14 moradores locais, escolhidos de forma aleatória ou pelo método "bola de neve". Considerou-se cinco destes moradores como colaboradores-chave por serem usuários de plantas medicinais, aos quais foram conduzidas entrevistas estruturadas e semi-estruturadas. O material botânico coletado foi depositado no Herbário do Departamento de Botânica do Museu Nacional (R). Registrou-se o uso de 62 etnoespécies, sendo todas Angiospermas e, em sua maioria, de porte herbáceo. Para a cura de enfermidades os benzedores fazem orações e indicam espécies vegetais, cuja forma de preparo mais comum foi a decocção e a parte da planta mais utilizada foram as folhas.

The present work was carried through in the urban and rural area of the city of Santa Teresa, located in the Santa Teresa County, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, with the objective to identify the medicinal vegetal species used by healers and other informants. A qualitative survey, by means of informal conversation and of the participant observation method was developed together the 14 local inhabitants, chosen of random form or by the "snow ball" method. Five of these inhabitants were considered as keycollaborators for being usuary of medicinal plants, to which structured and semi-structured interviews had been lead. The collected botanical material was deposited in the Herbarium of the Botanical Department of the National Museum (R), Brazil. The use of 62 ethnospecies was registered, being all Angiosperms and, in its majority, herbs. For the cure of diseases the healers make prayers and indicate vegetal species, whose more common form of preparation was the decoction and the more used part of the plant had been the leves.

Influence of intense light stimulation on trigeminal and cervical pain perception thresholds.

Thirty-three migraineurs and 23 healthy controls were submitted to pressure algometry before and after light-induced discomfort was elicited by progressive light stimulation in a monoblind fashion. Pressure algometries were performed on the emergence of the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental and greater occipital nerves, and over the temporal muscles, always throughout the same sequence and from right to left. Measurements were carried out before and immediately after light stimulation and after 10 min of the second algometry. The final result for each site measured at each time-point was the mean of the three measurements. Light stimulation was carried out progressively until light-induced discomfort was reported, to a maximum of 20,000 lux. A heat-blocking glass protected patients' eyes. Migraineurs presented significant and persistent drops in pain perception thresholds after light stimulation, at all sites tested (P = 0.002 to < 0.0001). These drops were not seen in controls, in whom, conversely, a less significant increase was seen on right infraorbital and left temporal muscle sites. Our results indicate that in migraineurs, light may have a relevant role in trigeminal and cervical pain perception thresholds.

Patterns of daily allocation of sleep periods: a case study in an Amazonian riverine community.

Few works already carried out have examined the relative role of genetic and external factors on the determination of the rhythmicity of the human sleep/wake cycle. In order to make a preliminary approach in this field, we investigated the diversity of patterns of allocation of sleep periods among 29 families living at the Combu Island, a socioculturally very homogeneous human group of the Brazilian Amazon. The individuals were interviewed through a questionnaire designed by Horne and Ostberg (1976), with the language of the questions adjusted to the way-of-life of the riverine people. A large predominance of the morning type was observed (95.35%), what constitutes a strong deviation in relation to other populations studied, suggesting the occurrence of a masking effect. The individual scores presented a positive correlation with the age (r = 0.31; p less than 0.01), and a significant intersexual difference was also verified (t = 3.08; p less than 0.01). This intersex difference is explained, in part, by analyzing the socioeconomic patterns of the community. The offspring/parent regression of the individual scores indicated a low dependency between genitors and their direct descendents (p greater than 0.7), and the estimative of heritability obtained (0.14) is artificial, since the offspring/mother and offspring/midparent regression coefficients were negative. Statistically non-significant coefficients of correlation and/or regression showed a highly randomic populational distribution of scores for the Horne-Ostberg's test. Such findings suggest that the intensity of the masking over the sleep/wake cycle varies among human populations, and that the individual tendency towards morningness/eveningness is strongly related to sociocultural factors.