Isolated hypertelorism: Late surgical correction using the box osteotomy technique.

Background: Orbital hypertelorism is a rare congenital condition caused by craniofacial malformations. It consists of complete orbital lateralization, characterized by an increase in distance (above the 95th percentile) of the inner canthal (ICD), outer canthal, and interpupillary distances. It can be approached surgically, and the main techniques are box osteotomy and facial bipartition. The surgical procedure is usually performed before the age of 8. We describe here two patients who underwent late surgical correction using the box osteotomy technique. Case Description: Patient 1: A 13-year-old female presenting isolated hypertelorism with 5 cm ICD and left eye amblyopia. Patient 2: A 15-year-old female with orbital hypertelorism, 4.6 cm ICD, and nasal deformity. Both patients underwent orbital translocation surgery and had no neurological disorders. Conclusion: The article reports two cases of isolated hypertelorism treated late with the box osteotomy technique. Both surgeries were successful, with no postoperative complications. It appears that it is possible to obtain good surgical results even in patients who have not been able to undergo surgery previously.

Medium and Long-Term Weight Loss After Revisional Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite the current increase in revisional bariatric surgery (RBS), data on the sustainability of weight loss remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess weight loss outcomes in adult patients undergoing RBS with follow-up > 2 years. Twenty-eight observational studies (n = 2213 patients) were included. The %TWL was 27.2 (95%CI = 23.7 to 30.6), and there was a drop in BMI of 10.2 kg/m2 (95%CI = - 11.6 to - 8.7). The %EWL was 54.8 (95%CI = 47.2 to 62.4) but with a high risk of publication bias (Egger's test = 0.003). The overall quality of evidence was very low. Our data reinforce that current evidence on RBS is mainly based on low-quality observational studies, and further higher-quality studies are needed to support evidence-based practice.

Ischemic heart disease-related mortality in Brazil, 2006 to 2020. A study of multiple causes of death.

CONTEXT: Both the aging of the population and the increase in noncommunicable diseases may influence the progression and outcomes culminating in death, changing the evolution of ischemic heart diseases (IHDs) and their associated causes. Using the multiple causes of death method could help understand the magnitude of these relationships and enable better targeting of investments in health. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the mortality from IHD in Brazil between 2006 and 2020 using the method of multiple causes and identify differences in the distribution pattern of IHD mortality by sex and geographic region. METHODS: Based on information extracted from death certificates (DCs) obtained from the database of the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS), we used the multiple causes method to analyze the causes of death associated with IHD when IHD was defined as the underlying cause of death (UC) and the causes of death listed as the UC when IHD was recorded in any other lines of the DC, from 2006 to 2020, in Brazil. Subsequently, the proportion of these causes of death and differences between sexes and geographic regions were evaluated, with statistical relevance analyzed using the chi-square test, and the dependence between factors illustrated using stacked bar charts and small-world network graphs. RESULTS: When IHD was listed as the UC of death, the most frequent associated causes of death were, in descending order of frequency, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arterial hypertension (AH), chronic ischemic heart disease (CHID), heart failure (HF), and diabetes mellitus (DM). When IHD was mentioned in any line of the DC, the most frequent UCs of death were AMI followed by DM, CIHD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, dyslipidemia, and, in the year 2020, COVID-19. The most frequent cause of death in women were DM as the UC and associated cause of death, AH as the UC, and CIHD and Alzheimer's disease as associated causes of death, while the most frequent causes of death in men were substance dependence as the UC and associated cause of death, and cancer as an associated cause of death. The most frequent causes of death were DM and stroke in the North and Northeast, dyslipidemia and obesity in the Midwest, Alzheimer's disease in the South and Southeast, and atherosclerotic heart disease (AHD) and COPD in the South. CONCLUSIONS: Several diseases - including AMI, AH, CIHD, HF, and DM - were the most frequent associated causes of death when IHD was recorded as the UC. In contrast, AMI, DM, CIHD, COPD, and stroke were the most frequent UCs when IHD was listed as an associated cause of death. The degree of these associations varied between sexes and geographic regions.

Biomass productivity and characterization of Tetradesmus obliquus grown in a hybrid photobioreactor.

In this study, the effects of CO2 addition on the growth performance and biochemical composition of the green microalga Tetradesmus obliquus cultured in a hybrid algal production system (HAPS) were investigated. The HAPS combines the characteristics of tubular photobioreactors (towards a better carbon dioxide dissolution coefficient) with thin-layer cascade system (with a higher surface-to-volume ratio). Experimental batches were conducted with and without CO2 addition, and evaluated in terms of productivity and biomass characteristics (elemental composition, protein and lipid contents, pigments and fatty acids profiles). CO2 enrichment positively influenced productivity, and proteins, lipids, pigments and unsaturated fatty acids contents in biomass. The HAPS herein presented contributes to the optimization of microalgae cultures in open systems, since it allows, with a simple adaptation-a transit of the cultivation through a tubular portion where injection and dissolution of CO2 is efficient-to obtain in TLC systems, greater productivity and better-quality biomass.

The relevance of a bank with genotyped platelets donors

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the transfusion strategy of patients at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein with platelet refractoriness and identify their etiological characteristics. Standardize the platelet immunofluorescence technique by flow cytometry as a test for platelet compatibility in immune platelet refractoriness in transfusion support. Methods: Review of medical records of refractory platelet patients followed at HIAE from January 2011 to May 2017. Clinical-demographic data, laboratory data and identification of the use of compatible genotyped platelets for patients in need of transfusion therapy were collected. The analyzed patients were classified according to the etiology of their platelet refractoriness. To standardize the FC-PIFT technique, blood group O platelets were incubated with serum from blood group AB donors and anti-IgG monoclonal antibody to determine the negative control. In order to verify the influence of the ABO system, monoclonal anti-IgG antibodies were incubated with blood group A or B platelets and with blood group O donor serum with isohemagglutinins below and above 1/64. Results: A total of 47 patients were evaluated, a 51% (24/47) preponderance of associated immune and non-immune factors (NIPR + IPR). The most common causes of NIPR + IPR were splenomegaly (54%) and the development of HLA antibodies (88%), consistent with the literature. For patients who required therapeutic transfusion, only a small portion received compatible genotyped platelets. Conclusion: Although 60% of patients could benefit from the therapeutic transfusion of genotyped platelets, only 10% were actually transfused with this type of blood component. This reaffirms the need for investments in a bank of genotyped platelet donors.

Pharmacological Potential of Flavonoids against Neurotropic Viruses.

Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds that have been described in the literature as having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective compounds. Although they are considered versatile molecules, little has been discussed about their antiviral activities for neurotropic viruses. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological potential of flavonoids in the face of viruses that can affect the central nervous system (CNS). We carried out research from 2011 to 2021 using the Pubmed platform. The following were excluded: articles not in the English language, letters to editors, review articles and papers that did not include any experimental or clinical tests, and papers that showed antiviral activities against viruses that do not infect human beings. The inclusion criteria were in silico predictions and preclinical pharmacological studies, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, and clinical studies with flavonoids, flavonoid fractions and extracts that were active against neurotropic viruses. The search resulted in 205 articles that were sorted per virus type and discussed, considering the most cited antiviral activities. Our investigation shows the latest relevant data about flavonoids that have presented a wide range of actions against viruses that affect the CNS, mainly influenza, hepatitis C and others, such as the coronavirus, enterovirus, and arbovirus. Considering that these molecules present well-known anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, using flavonoids that have demonstrated both neuroprotective and antiviral effects could be viewed as an alternative for therapy in the course of CNS infections.

The relevance of a bank with genotyped platelets donors.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the transfusion strategy of patients at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein with platelet refractoriness and identify their etiological characteristics. Standardize the platelet immunofluorescence technique by flow cytometry as a test for platelet compatibility in immune platelet refractoriness in transfusion support. METHODS: Review of medical records of refractory platelet patients followed at HIAE from January 2011 to May 2017. Clinical-demographic data, laboratory data and identification of the use of compatible genotyped platelets for patients in need of transfusion therapy were collected. The analyzed patients were classified according to the etiology of their platelet refractoriness. To standardize the FC-PIFT technique, blood group O platelets were incubated with serum from blood group AB donors and anti-IgG monoclonal antibody to determine the negative control. In order to verify the influence of the ABO system, monoclonal anti-IgG antibodies were incubated with blood group A or B platelets and with blood group O donor serum with isohemagglutinins below and above 1/64. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were evaluated, a 51% (24/47) preponderance of associated immune and non-immune factors (NIPR + IPR). The most common causes of NIPR + IPR were splenomegaly (54%) and the development of HLA antibodies (88%), consistent with the literature. For patients who required therapeutic transfusion, only a small portion received compatible genotyped platelets. CONCLUSION: Although 60% of patients could benefit from the therapeutic transfusion of genotyped platelets, only 10% were actually transfused with this type of blood component. This reaffirms the need for investments in a bank of genotyped platelet donors.

Saxitoxins from the freshwater cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii can contaminate marine mussels.

Raphidiopsis raciborskii (formerly Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii) is a freshwater cyanobacterium potentially producing saxitoxins (STX) and cylindrospermopsin. Its ecophysiological versatility enables it to form blooms in the most diverse types of environments, from tropical to temperate, and from relatively pristine to polluted. In Peri Lake, located in the subtropical south of Brazil, growing populations of STX-producing R. raciborskii have been detected since 1994, posing risks to the use of its waters that supply a population of about 100,000 inhabitants. Despite the existence of a monitoring system for the presence and toxicity of cyanobacteria in Peri Lake water, no assessment has been made in the coastal region, downstream of outflowing lake water, thereby potentially making available a toxic biomass to natural and cultivated shellfish populations in the salt water ecosystem. To address this problem, the present study evaluated environmental variables and STX concentration by profiling the outflowing waters between Peri Lake and the adjacent coastal zone. Laboratory experiments were carried out with three strains of R. raciborskii in order to confirm the effect of salinity on STX production and verify if Perna Perna mussels fed with R. raciborskii cultures would absorb and accumulate STX. Results showed that environmental concentrations of STX reach high levels (up to 6.31 µg L-1 STX eq.), especially in the warmer months, reaching the coastal zone. In laboratory tests, it was found that the strains tolerate salinities between 4 and 6 and that salinity influences the production of STX. In addition, mussels fed with R. raciborskii effectively absorb and accumulate STX, even in typically marine salinities (22 to 30), suggesting that R. raciborskii biomass remains available and toxic despite salinity shock. These results draw attention to the ecological and health risk associated with R. raciborskii blooms, both in the lake environment and in the adjacent marine environment, calling attention to the need to improve the monitoring and management systems for water and shellfish toxicity in the region of interest, as well as other places where toxic cyanobacteria of limnic origin can reach the coastal zone.

Technological Maturity and Systematic Review of Medicinal Plants with Pharmacological Activity in the Central Nervous System.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants present activities against neurodegenerative diseases with potential for the pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the current panorama of patents and articles of Brazilian medicinal plants with pharmacological activities in the Central Nervous System (CNS), regarding such aspects as the number of patents by countries, areas of knowledge, and technological maturity. METHODS: We carry out a technological exploration on the Questel Orbit® platform with the descriptors: Agave sisalana P., Amburana cearenses A., Dimorphandra mollis B., Jatropha curcas L., Poincianella pyramidalis T. and Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. with pharmacological activity and scientific exploration in PubMed and Science Direct associated with the CNS in the title, abstract, and methodology. RESULTS: A total of 642 patents were identified between the years 1999-2019. India, China, and Brazil are highlighted, 6th place, out of a total of 48 countries. Of these, 30 patents were not in the National Institute of Industrial Property, and 10% are Brazilian in biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. Eleven articles were used in PubMed and Science Direct with scientific domains (anticancer, neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory). The Federal University of Bahia is highlighted, showing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL4), basic skills of pre-clinical research. CONCLUSION: Brazilian public universities have a significant role in the scientific, technological and innovative development of therapeutic assets for CNS.

Seasonal variation in fatigue indicators in Brazilian civil aviation crew rosters.

BACKGROUND: Analyzing, understanding and managing fatigue risk in aviation is relevant for flight safety and to reduce human error. OBJECTIVE: To analyze probable levels of fatigue among a convenience sample of Brazilian civil aviation pilots and flight attendants and to develop appropriate methods and indicators to quantify potential fatigue risk in critical phases of flight (landings and takeoffs). METHODS: Data were obtained from flight rosters voluntarily and anonymously fed to a digital platform. Rosters were analyzed with software SAFTE-FAST, which considers homeostatic process and circadian cycles related to attention and wakefulness and sleep inertia. RESULTS: The rosters for January (n=248), May (n=259) and July (n=261) 2018 were associated with incidence of 77, 54 and 77% respectively of least one event of minimal effectiveness (<77%) during critical phases of flight. The distribution of minimal effectiveness and hazard area during critical phases of flight exhibited significant seasonal oscillation upon comparing the results for January and July relative to May 2018 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Relative likelihood of fatigue was high in the crew rosters, with significant seasonal oscillation of minimal effectiveness and hazard area in critical phases of flight. These results point to the need for improved roster management since prescriptive rules were insufficient to mitigate risk.

INTRODUÇÃO: Métodos de análise, compreensão e gerenciamento do risco da fadiga na aviação representam tópicos de interesse para a segurança de voo e mitigação de falhas humanas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o provável nível de fadiga em uma amostra de conveniência de pilotos e comissários de voo da aviação regular brasileira, propondo metodologia e indicadores apropriados para a quantificação da potencial exposição ao risco da fadiga durante as fases críticas de voo (pousos e decolagens). MÉTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos por envio espontâneo e anônimo das escalas de voo para uma plataforma, sendo estas analisadas com o software Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness / Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (SAFTE-FAST), que leva em conta o processo homeostático, os ritmos circadianos associados à atenção e vigília e a inércia do sono. RESULTADOS: As escalas dos meses de janeiro (n=248), maio (n=259) e julho (n=261) de 2018 tiveram incidência de 77, 54 e 77% de ao menos um evento com efetividade mínima nas fases críticas abaixo de 77%, respectivamente. As distribuições de efetividades mínimas e áreas de risco nas fases críticas apresentaram oscilação sazonal significativa, comparando os meses de janeiro ou julho com maio de 2018 (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: O estudo apontou probabilidade relativa elevada de fadiga nas escalas dos aeronautas, assim como oscilações sazonais significativas nas distribuições de efetividade mínima e aérea de risco nas fases críticas. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de um melhor gerenciamento das escalas, visto que os limites prescritivos vigentes à época não foram suficientes para a mitigação dos riscos.

Comparison of ABO antibody titration, IgG subclasses and qualitative haemolysin test to reduce the risk of passive haemolysis associated with platelet transfusion.

BACKGROUND: One of the strategies used to reduce the risk of haemolysis due to ABO-minor incompatible platelet transfusions is to perform a screening test to identify group O donors with high titres of anti-A and anti-B. However, critical immunoglobulin M/ immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) titres remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine IgM titres of anti-A and anti-B in individual donor serum vs platelet products plasma and identify a possible association between IgM/IgG titres, haemolysin test and IgG subclasses in Brazilian blood donors from group O. METHODS: IgM anti-A and Anti-B titration tests were performed on single-donor serum and platelet product plasma by gel agglutination (GA) at room temperature. For IgG anti-A and anti-B titration, serum was first treated with 0.01 M dithiothreitol (DTT), and the test was performed by GA with incubation at 37°C. Dilution of 1:64 as the cut-off was considered for both IgM/IgG. The qualitative haemolysin test was performed in tube, adding AB fresh serum, with incubation at 37°C. IgG subclasses were determined by GA using specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: An association between anti-A and anti-B IgM titres and haemolysin were demonstrated (P < .001). IgM titres in plasma samples from platelet components correlated to those in single-serum samples. IgG1/IgG3 subclasses were associated with total haemolysis and titres above 64, whereas IgG2/IgG4 subclasses were associated with the absence of haemolysis and titres below 64 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that a value of 64 as a critical titre can be used as a screening test of anti-A and anti-B IgM to prevent transfusion reactions. This can be a safe and cost-effective approach for managing ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions.

Model for Wireless Magnetoelastic Strain Sensors.

This paper describes a magnetoelastic strain sensor based on the ∆E effect and discusses some materials used in its construction. A polycrystalline Fe-Al-B alloy with good quality magnetoelastic properties was used as the transducer and glued to the test object, either brass plates or rods of SAE 1010 steel. The strain-dependent magnetic field of the transducer changes the operating point of the resonator, a strip of field-annealed Metglas 2826MB3, resulting in a modification of its resonant frequency. A model was developed to simulate the strain-dependent magnetic field acting on the resonator and thus to calculate curves of resonant frequency vs. deformation. With the help of this model, differences in the shape of the frequency vs. strain curve can be understood. For a sensor with resonant frequency of 60.5 kHz glued to a rod of SAE 1010 steel, a total resonant frequency variation ∆f ~7 kHz was observed for a deformation of 1100 ppm. The geometry of this sensor is especially favorable for the remote monitoring of a steel surface, such as the wires of the tensile armor of a marine riser.

Sazonalidade de indicadores de fadiga nas escalas de trabalho dos aeronautas da aviação regular brasileira / Seasonal variation in fatigue indicators in Brazilian civil aviation crew rosters

Introdução: Métodos de análise, compreensão e gerenciamento do risco da fadiga na aviação representam tópicos de interesse para a segurança de voo e mitigação de falhas humanas. Objetivo: Avaliar o provável nível de fadiga em uma amostra de conveniência de pilotos e comissários de voo da aviação regular brasileira, propondo metodologia e indicadores apropriados para a quantificação da potencial exposição ao risco da fadiga durante as fases críticas de voo (pousos e decolagens). Métodos: Os dados foram obtidos por envio espontâneo e anônimo das escalas de voo para uma plataforma, sendo estas analisadas com o software Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness / Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (SAFTE-FAST), que leva em conta o processo homeostático, os ritmos circadianos associados à atenção e vigília e a inércia do sono. Resultados: As escalas dos meses de janeiro (n=248), maio (n=259) e julho (n=261) de 2018 tiveram incidência de 77, 54 e 77% de ao menos um evento com efetividade mínima nas fases críticas abaixo de 77%, respectivamente. As distribuições de efetividades mínimas e áreas de risco nas fases críticas apresentaram oscilação sazonal significativa, comparando os meses de janeiro ou julho com maio de 2018 (p<0,001). Conclusões: O estudo apontou probabilidade relativa elevada de fadiga nas escalas dos aeronautas, assim como oscilações sazonais significativas nas distribuições de efetividade mínima e aérea de risco nas fases críticas. Esses resultados indicam a necessidade de um melhor gerenciamento das escalas, visto que os limites prescritivos vigentes à época não foram suficientes para a mitigação dos riscos.

Background: Analyzing, understanding and managing fatigue risk in aviation is relevant for flight safety and to reduce human error. Objective: To analyze probable levels of fatigue among a convenience sample of Brazilian civil aviation pilots and flight attendants and to develop appropriate methods and indicators to quantify potential fatigue risk in critical phases of flight (landings and takeoffs). Methods: Data were obtained from flight rosters voluntarily and anonymously fed to a digital platform. Rosters were analyzed with software SAFTEFAST, which considers homeostatic process and circadian cycles related to attention and wakefulness and sleep inertia. Results: The rosters for January (n=248), May (n=259) and July (n=261) 2018 were associated with incidence of 77, 54 and 77% respectively of least one event of minimal effectiveness (<77%) during critical phases of flight. The distribution of minimal effectiveness and hazard area during critical phases of flight exhibited significant seasonal oscillation upon comparing the results for January and July relative to May 2018 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Relative likelihood of fatigue was high in the crew rosters, with significant seasonal oscillation of minimal effectiveness and hazard area in critical phases of flight. These results point to the need for improved roster management since prescriptive rules were insufficient to mitigate risk.

The rare holley antibody associated with a severe hemolytic transfusion reaction: the importance of this antibody identification to find a compatible blood unit.

The correct identification of erythrocyte antibodies is fundamental for the searching for compatible blood and haemolytic transfusion reactions prevention. Antibodies against antigens of high prevalence are difficult to identify because of the rarity of their occurrence and unavailability of negative red cells for confirmation. We report a case of 46-years-old woman, diagnosed with hemoglobinopathy, and who had symptomatic fall in hemoglobin levels (5.3g/dL) after blood transfusion suggestive of transfusion reaction. The patient's blood type was O RhD-positive. Irregular antibody screening was positive and demonstrated a panreaction against all erythrocytes tested, but this result was not reactive with dithiothreitol. Using negative red cells for antigens of high prevalence of our inventory we could identify in the serum of the same erythrocytes an anti-Holley antibody associated with anti-E. Molecular analysis confirmed that the patient was negative for E and Holley antigens. The crossmath with compatible units confirmed the results. Holley is a high prevalence antigen of the Dombrock blood system whose negative phenotype is extremely rare in all populations and is associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. This is an antibody that is difficult to identify because laboratories need to have experience in solving complex cases, and have available a large stock of rare sera and erythrocytes, as well other tools such as enzymes, thiol reagents and molecular tests. The correct identification of a rare antibody is initial and mandatory for searching of compatible donors, and to guarantee a satisfactory transfusional support.

The rare holley antibody associated with a severe hemolytic transfusion reaction: the importance of this antibody identification to find a compatible blood unit / Raro anticorpo associado à reação transfusional hemolítica grave: a importância de sua identificação para encontrar uma unidade sanguínea compatível

ABSTRACT The correct identification of erythrocyte antibodies is fundamental for the searching for compatible blood and haemolytic transfusion reactions prevention. Antibodies against antigens of high prevalence are difficult to identify because of the rarity of their occurrence and unavailability of negative red cells for confirmation. We report a case of 46-years-old woman, diagnosed with hemoglobinopathy, and who had symptomatic fall in hemoglobin levels (5.3g/dL) after blood transfusion suggestive of transfusion reaction. The patient's blood type was O RhD-positive. Irregular antibody screening was positive and demonstrated a panreaction against all erythrocytes tested, but this result was not reactive with dithiothreitol. Using negative red cells for antigens of high prevalence of our inventory we could identify in the serum of the same erythrocytes an anti-Holley antibody associated with anti-E. Molecular analysis confirmed that the patient was negative for E and Holley antigens. The crossmath with compatible units confirmed the results. Holley is a high prevalence antigen of the Dombrock blood system whose negative phenotype is extremely rare in all populations and is associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions. This is an antibody that is difficult to identify because laboratories need to have experience in solving complex cases, and have available a large stock of rare sera and erythrocytes, as well other tools such as enzymes, thiol reagents and molecular tests. The correct identification of a rare antibody is initial and mandatory for searching of compatible donors, and to guarantee a satisfactory transfusional support.

RESUMO A correta identificação dos anticorpos eritrocitários é fundamental na busca de sangue compatível e na prevenção das reações transfusionais hemolíticas. Anticorpos contra antígenos de alta prevalência são de difícil identificação, devido à raridade de sua ocorrência e à indisponibilidade de hemácias negativas para sua confirmação. Apresentamos aqui o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 46 anos, com diagnóstico de hemoglobinopatia, que apresentou queda sintomática dos níveis de hemoglobina (5,3g/dL) após transfusão sanguínea, sugestiva de reação transfusional. O tipo sanguíneo da paciente era O RhD-positivo. A pesquisa de anticorpos irregulares foi positiva, demonstrando panreação contra todos os eritrócitos testados, mas não reativo ao ditiotreitol. Utilizando hemácias selecionadas negativas para antígenos de alta prevalência do nosso inventário, foi possível identificar no soro da mesma um anticorpo anti-Holley associado a um anti-E. A análise molecular confirmou que a paciente era negativa para os antígenos E e Holley, e as provas de compatibilidade com unidades fenotipadas confirmaram os resultados. Holley é um antígeno de alta prevalência do sistema sanguíneo Dombrock, cujo fenótipo negativo é extremamente raro em todas as populações e está associado a reações transfusionais hemolíticas. Trata-se de anticorpo de difícil identificação, pois os laboratórios precisam ter experiência na resolução de casos complexos, grande estoque de soros e eritrócitos raros, além de outras ferramentas, como enzimas, reagentes tiol e testes moleculares. A identificação correta de um anticorpo raro é inicial e obrigatória para a busca de doadores compatíveis, garantindo um suporte transfusional satisfatório.

Phytoremediation potential of Ulva ohnoi (Chlorophyta): Influence of temperature and salinity on the uptake efficiency and toxicity of cadmium.

Ulva ohnoi is a green macroalga with fast growth and high rates of nitrogen and phosphorus absorption. Recently, this species has been recorded in several places with record green tide formation in some of them. Using molecular tools, we herein report the first occurrence of this species in Brazil and demonstrate its potential for phytoremediation in typical environmental concentrations of Cd (0.625-15 µg L-1). Similarly, the effects of physicochemical parameters (salinity and temperature) on the toxicity and uptake efficiency of this species were evaluated. Molecular analysis of two sequences (1141 bp) obtained corroborates another 34 sequences for U. ohnoi obtained from GenBank. The addition of Cd in the medium affected photosynthetic parameters and reduced growth rate. U. ohnoi showed resistance to Cd when cultivated at 18 °C, S15 and 18-25 °C, S35, at concentrations between 0.625 and 2.5 µg. L-1 of Cd; yet, positive growth rate was maintained. Dose-dependent accumulation was observed in all combinations of factors used with a maximum value of 4.20 µg Cd per gram of dry seaweed at 15 µg. L-1 of Cd at 18 °C and S35. Maximum value of the concentration factor was 81.3 ±â€¯1.1% of Cd added at the concentration of 0.625 µg. L-1 to S15 and 18 °C. Our results demonstrate the potential of using U. ohnoi in the phytoremediation of Cd in saltwater or brackish water.

Allele and haplotype frequencies of human platelet and leukocyte antigens in platelet donors.

OBJECTIVE: To described the allele and haplotype frequencies of human leukocyte antigen genes at the -A, -B loci and human platelet antigen genes for human platelet antigen systems 1 to 9, 11 and 15 in blood. METHODS: We included 867 healthy unrelated volunteer donors who donated platelets between January 2011 and December 2014. Microarray genotyping was performed using a BeadChip microarray. Medium resolution typing of the human leukocyte antigen at loci A and B was carried out using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe hybridization. We used multivariate analysis and our human leukocyte antigen population was compared to data from the United States national bone marrow donor program. Human platelet antigen results were compared to a literature review and data from around the world. RESULTS: Our human leukocyte antigen haplotype results were more similar to those of hispanics, followed by caucasians. Likewise, our human platelet antigen sample is more similar to those of Argentina, Rio Grande do Sul and Italy. CONCLUSION: This was the first article that discusses human platelet antigen and human leukocyte antigen data together. Rare genotypes or antibody associations can make patient management difficult. A blood bank with genotyped donors allows for optimal transfusion and can contribute to better results. Our information can serve as basis for a database of platelet antigen polymorphisms.