Optimizing cellulose fraction for enhanced utility: Comparative pre-treatment of Agave tequilana Weber var. blue bagasse fiber for sustainable applications.

In recent decades, natural fibers have emerged as an alternative to synthetic fibers due to their renewable nature, lower environmental impact, and comparable strength properties. Agave bagasse, a byproduct of agave juice extraction in Mexico, stands out for its potential in various industrial applications, notably biocomposite production. Bagasse is rich in cellulose, along with hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulose is the most suitable to be converted into valuable products, and it is versatile, renewable, and biodegradable. An effective pre-treatment is crucial to enrich its fraction. This study aims to determine the optimal pre-treatment conditions for the agave bagasse. Three different pre-treatments were tested, acid (H2SO4), enzymatic (Cellic® HTec2 enzymatic preparation), and sequence of acid-enzymatic (sulfuric acid and Cellic® HTec2), to determine which pre-treatment got the optimal cellulose fraction increase. The acid pre-treatment was conducted over three time ranges (5, 10, and 15 min) at different acid concentrations (1%, 1.5%, and 2%). Enzymatic reactions were conducted over 24 h, testing three different enzyme concentrations (1.5%, 3%, 4.5%). The sequential pre-treatment utilized the optimal conditions derived from the acid experiments (1.5% H2SO4 for 10 min), followed by enzymatic reactions carried out over three different durations (6, 12, and 24 h). The findings revealed that a 1.5% acid concentration applied for 10 min was the most efficient pre-treatment method. This pre-treatment resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in the cellulose fraction while reducing hemicellulose content by 30%. The hemicellulose reduction was confirmed through Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations highlighting physical alterations in the fiber structure. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated improved thermal stability, suggesting potential use in biocomposites. Future research should evaluate the environmental impact of optimized pre-treatment methods for agave bagasse.

High Levels of Heavy Metals detected in Feathers of an Avian Scavenger Warn of a High Pollution Risk in the Atacama Desert (Chile).

The Atacama Desert represents the highest levels of mining exploitation in Chile, which inexorably results in high levels of pollution. Raptors, and particularly scavengers, have shown their usefulness to evaluate exposure to environmental contaminants in polluted scenarios. In this study, we used primary feathers from a local avian scavenger, turkey vulture Cathartes aura, to evaluate the exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in two locations from the southern Atacama Desert (coastal and inland) and a third location from the bordering semiarid region, in northern Chile. All metals were detected in all analyzed samples (n = 54). Mean concentrations in Coastal Atacama were 0.68 ± 0.84 ppm for Cd; 1.97 ± 2.01 ppm for Pb; 59.11 ± 80.69 ppm for Cu; and 107.96 ± 51.00 ppm for Zn, while mean concentrations in Inland Atacama were 0.55 ± 0.42 ppm for Cd; 3.37 ± 2.61 ppm for Pb; 91.66 ± 77.74 ppm for Cu; and 214.03 ± 99.08 ppm for Zn. Mean concentrations in Coastal Coquimbo were 0.63 ± 0.69 ppm for Cd; 1.57 ± 0.92 ppm for Pb; 18.09 ± 6.12 ppm for Cu; and 149.37 ± 105.56 ppm for Zn. These differences could be explained by differences on abundance of mining settlements among areas. According to the literature, these values are very high for all metals, exceeding in some cases those values referred as responsible of health disorders in birds. We strongly recommend further research looking at potential adverse effects caused by heavy metal pollution on the health of human and wildlife populations in the southern Atacama Desert.

Using molecular data to monitor the post-establishment evolution of the invasive skeleton shrimp Caprella scaura.

The study aims to monitor the post-establishment success of the invasive skeleton shrimp Caprella scaura in the Atlantic-Mediterranean transition zone and understand its connectivity with other world areas, providing new information on the status of the introduced population and its global distribution. By using mitochondrial markers (16S and COI) we examined the temporal variation of populations in Cadiz Bay, Spain (hotspot for introductions in Europe) in between 2010 and 2017; as well as their linkage with foreign populations in its native and introduced distribution ranges. Cadiz Bay populations exhibited a connection with several European introduced populations (Iberian Peninsula, Canary Islands, Mediterranean Sea and The Netherlands), eastern USA, Sea of Japan and Australia. We found no evidence to support a Brazilian origin (one potential native area) of the Iberian Peninsula populations. We identified a progressive decrease in haplotype diversity and a low connectivity at the end of the monitoring period in one of the stations. Human-mediated changes in propagule pressure, and unfavorable environmental fluctuations are probably responsible for this. Meanwhile, populations in Cadiz Bay count on numerous foreign donors that could easily refuel the propagule input by exchanging gene flow. This implies that a vector regulation strategy has the potential of compromising the success of established non-native populations, which usually undergo vulnerability periods due to the challenging conditions of marinas. The use of molecular tools in a time series approach is then useful to identify the ideal time window to put in action management measures so that they are cost-effective.

[Mid-term complications of the monopolar, modular radial head prosthesis]. / Complicaciones a mediano plazo de la prótesis monopolar modular de cabeza radial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to assess the type, frequency and severity of complications after the implantation of the modular monopolar radial head prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with 48 radial head prostheses implanted between 2009 and 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were evaluated clinical and radiographically for a mean follow-up of 43.55 months (range: 12-89). RESULTS: The same type of prosthesis was implanted in every patient (Ascension Modular Radial Head). The average score in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88.29 ± 9.9 points. During the follow-up, three patients (6.25%) suffered from continuous pain. Twelve cases (25.5%) showed radiological oversizing, though only five were symptomatic. Heterotopic ossification was detected in twenty-seven cases (57.4%). Eleven patients (23.4%) developed postoperative stiffness. Nineteen cases (40.42%) showed periprosthetic osteolysis, from which seven were symptomatic. Thirteen patients (27%) developed surgery-related complications: three cases of infection, four cases of symptomatic loosening, two neurapraxies, one instability and three cases of oversizing with associated stiffness. Nine patients (18.75%) required reintervention. DISCUSSION: Our study obtains a 27% of overall complications, mostly related to oversizing and prosthetic loosening, and 19% of reinterventions. These results are similar to those presented in previous studies, with variations depending on the time of follow-up. Further research is also required to evaluate long-term results and the potential progression of the radiographic findings. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these data stress the need for improvement in both the surgical technique and the design of the implants.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el tipo, la frecuencia y la gravedad de las complicaciones después de la implantación de la prótesis monopolar modular de cabeza radial. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se revisaron retrospectivamente 47 pacientes con 48 prótesis de cabeza radial implantadas entre 2009 y 2017 durante una media de 43.55 meses (rango: 12-89). RESULTADOS: Se implantó el mismo tipo de prótesis en cada paciente (Ascension Modular Radial Head). La puntuación media obtenida en la clasificación Mayo Elbow Performance Score fue de 88.29 ± 9.9 puntos. Durante el seguimiento tres pacientes (6.25%) sufrieron dolor continuo. Doce casos (25.5%) mostraron sobredimensión radiológica, aunque sólo cinco fueron sintomáticos. Se detectó osificación heterotópica en 27 casos (57.4%), 11 pacientes (23.4%) desarrollaron rigidez postoperatoria, 19 casos (40.42%) mostraron osteólisis periprotésica, de los cuales siete fueron sintomáticos, 13 pacientes (27%) presentaron complicaciones: tres casos de infección, cuatro casos de aflojamiento sintomático, dos neuroapraxias, una inestabilidad y tres casos de sobredimensionamiento con rigidez asociada. Nueve pacientes (18.75%) fueron reintervenidos. DISCUSIÓN: Presentamos 27% de complicaciones globales, principalmente relacionadas con la sobredimensión y el aflojamiento protésico y 19% de reintervenciones. Estos resultados son similares a los descritos en estudios previos con variaciones en función del tiempo de seguimiento. Asimismo, se requieren nuevos estudios para evaluar los resultados a largo plazo y la posible progresión de los hallazgos radiográficos. CONCLUSIÓN: En conjunto, estos datos ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de mejoría tanto de la técnica quirúrgica como del diseño de los implantes.

Kinetics data from bovine sex-specific embryo development from three different bulls.

Here we present kinetics data from bovine sex-specific embryo development. Embryos were originated using sex-sorted semen from three different Nelore bulls, and semen from the same batch was used for X-and Y-chromosome spermatozoa sorting. Data was obtained for six time points (24, 48, 96, 120, and 144 h.p.i.). Analyses for each bull׳s embryos (1, 2 and 3) is presented for female and male groups separately. Also, grouped data analysis, considering bull and sex interaction, is shown. For further interpretation and discussion, see "Cell death is involved in sexual dimorphism during preimplantation development" (Oliveira et al., 2015 [1]).

Efeito da suplementação com fontes de ácido graxos poliinsaturados em doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore durante o pré e pós-parto sobre número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e produção in vitro de embriões / Effect of pre- anc postcalving supplementation of primiparous Nellore donor cows with sources of polyunsarurated fatty acids on the number of oocytes obtained in vivo and in vitro embryo production

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos das suplementações ricas em ácidos linoleico (n-6) e linolênico (n-3) protegidos ou não, no pré e pós-parto de fêmeas primíparas da raça Nelore sobre número de folículos, número total de complexos cúmulos oócitos (CCO) aspirados (OPU) e de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo (graus I, II e III) e a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). As doadoras foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos: Controle (n=7), Megalac-E® (n=8; 100 g/doadora/dia) e Linhaça (n=7; 1,0 kg/doadora/dia). As dietas foram fornecidas pelo menos 30 dias pré-parto e 75 dias pós-parto. Estes animais foram submetidos à OPU nos dias 30, 45, 60 e 75 do pós-parto. Os oócitos recuperados foram selecionados e os considerados susceptíveis ao cultivo submetidos aos procedimentos da PIVE. Os dados foram analisados em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado com medidas repetidas no tempo. Não foi detectado efeito das suplementações no número de folículos, no número de CCO recuperados e susceptíveis ao cultivo e na PIVE. No entanto, houve um aumento na taxa de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo recuperado pela OPU nos dias 60 e 75 do pós-parto em comparação aos dias 30 e 45. Além disso, a taxa de embriões produzidos in vitro foi maior a partir do dia 45 pós-parto. Em conclusão, a suplementação pré e pós-parto com 100 g/dia de Megalac-E® ou 1,0 kg/dia de torta de linhaça não altera o número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e a PIVE de doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore lactantes. No entanto, a PIVE melhora quando os programas são realizados após 45 dias pós-parto...(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding primiparous Nellore cows supplements rich in protected or unprotected linoleic (n-6) and linolenic (n-3) acids before and after calving on the number of follicles, total number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected by aspiration (OPU) and oocytes suitable for culture (grades I, II and III), and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). The donor cows were randomly divided into three groups: control (n=7), Megalac-E® (n=8; 100 g/donor/day), and flaxseed (n=7; 1.0 kg/donor/day). The diets were offered at least 30 days precalving and 75 days postcalving. The animals were submitted to OPU on postcalving days 30, 45, 60 and 75. Recovered oocytes were selected and those considered suitable for culture were submitted to the IVEP procedures. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with repeated measures over time. There was no effect of supplementation on the number of follicles, the number of recovered COCs and those suitable for culture, or IVEP. However, the rate of oocytes suitable for culture recovered by OPU was higher on postcalving days 60 and 75 when compared to days 30 and 45. Additionally, the rate of embryos produced in vitro increased after postcalving day 45. In conclusion, pre- and postcalving supplementation with 100 g/day Megalac-E® or 1.0 kg/day flaxseed does not alter the number of oocytes obtained in vivo or IVEP rates of lactating primiparous Nellore donor cows. However, IVEP improves when the programs are carried out 45 days after calving...(AU)

Efeito da suplementação com fontes de ácido graxos poliinsaturados em doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore durante o pré e pós-parto sobre número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e produção in vitro de embriões / Effect of pre- anc postcalving supplementation of primiparous Nellore donor cows with sources of polyunsarurated fatty acids on the number of oocytes obtained in vivo and in vitro embryo production

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos das suplementações ricas em ácidos linoleico (n-6) e linolênico (n-3) protegidos ou não, no pré e pós-parto de fêmeas primíparas da raça Nelore sobre número de folículos, número total de complexos cúmulos oócitos (CCO) aspirados (OPU) e de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo (graus I, II e III) e a produção in vitro de embriões (PIVE). As doadoras foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos: Controle (n=7), Megalac-E® (n=8; 100 g/doadora/dia) e Linhaça (n=7; 1,0 kg/doadora/dia). As dietas foram fornecidas pelo menos 30 dias pré-parto e 75 dias pós-parto. Estes animais foram submetidos à OPU nos dias 30, 45, 60 e 75 do pós-parto. Os oócitos recuperados foram selecionados e os considerados susceptíveis ao cultivo submetidos aos procedimentos da PIVE. Os dados foram analisados em um delineamento inteiramente casualisado com medidas repetidas no tempo. Não foi detectado efeito das suplementações no número de folículos, no número de CCO recuperados e susceptíveis ao cultivo e na PIVE. No entanto, houve um aumento na taxa de oócitos susceptíveis ao cultivo recuperado pela OPU nos dias 60 e 75 do pós-parto em comparação aos dias 30 e 45. Além disso, a taxa de embriões produzidos in vitro foi maior a partir do dia 45 pós-parto. Em conclusão, a suplementação pré e pós-parto com 100 g/dia de Megalac-E® ou 1,0 kg/dia de torta de linhaça não altera o número de oócitos obtidos in vivo e a PIVE de doadoras primíparas da raça Nelore lactantes. No entanto, a PIVE melhora quando os programas são realizados após 45 dias pós-parto...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding primiparous Nellore cows supplements rich in protected or unprotected linoleic (n-6) and linolenic (n-3) acids before and after calving on the number of follicles, total number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) collected by aspiration (OPU) and oocytes suitable for culture (grades I, II and III), and in vitro embryo production (IVEP). The donor cows were randomly divided into three groups: control (n=7), Megalac-E® (n=8; 100 g/donor/day), and flaxseed (n=7; 1.0 kg/donor/day). The diets were offered at least 30 days precalving and 75 days postcalving. The animals were submitted to OPU on postcalving days 30, 45, 60 and 75. Recovered oocytes were selected and those considered suitable for culture were submitted to the IVEP procedures. The data were analyzed using a completely randomized design with repeated measures over time. There was no effect of supplementation on the number of follicles, the number of recovered COCs and those suitable for culture, or IVEP. However, the rate of oocytes suitable for culture recovered by OPU was higher on postcalving days 60 and 75 when compared to days 30 and 45. Additionally, the rate of embryos produced in vitro increased after postcalving day 45. In conclusion, pre- and postcalving supplementation with 100 g/day Megalac-E® or 1.0 kg/day flaxseed does not alter the number of oocytes obtained in vivo or IVEP rates of lactating primiparous Nellore donor cows. However, IVEP improves when the programs are carried out 45 days after calving...

First Report of a 16SrIII-L Phytoplasma Associated with Frogskin Disease in Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Brazil.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple crop in developing countries and a large source of raw material for industrial purposes as flour, starch, and ethanol. In July 2012, 24 cassava genotypes (corresponding to 1.85% of the accessions) with typical symptoms of frogskin disease (CFSD) were observed in one of the maintenance areas of the Brazilian Cassava Germplasm (located at Embrapa Cassava & Fruits, Cruz das Almas, Bahia State, Brazil). All diseased plants were asymptomatic on the aboveground parts (leaves and stem). However, for accessions BGM 880, BGM 1094, BGM 1100, BGM 1212, BGM 1218, and BGM 1526, all roots showed a woody appearance, thickened cork-like peel with opaque aspect, and coalescent lip-like slits in a honeycomb pattern. Based on literature description, two pathogens could be associated with CFSD: a dsRNA virus (belonging to family Reoviridae) and a 16SrIII-L phytoplasma (1). To investigate the presence of phytoplasma associated with the CFSD symptoms, total DNA was extracted from 0.5 g of root tissue collected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic roots by scratching the secondary vessel at the center of the cassava root with a CTAB method. The nested PCR was carried out using phytoplasma-specific primer set P1/Tint followed by R16F2n/R16R2, targeting the 16S rRNA gene sequence of 1.2 kb in length, for the final reaction (4). No phytoplasma was detected in asymptomatic cassava roots that were sampled from the same field. A posterior extraction of total RNA was made but no dsRNA was noticed on the agarose gel, and reaction of RT-PCR with specific primers (2) had no amplification. In order to characterize the strains, the 1.2-kb amplicon was digested with BamHI, MseI, MspI, KpnI, and TaqI endonucleases. The resulting patterns indicated that the symptomatic accessions were infected with a phytoplasma belonging to the 16SrIII group, sharing similarities with pseudo gel mapping from the reference strain of Peach X-Disease Phytoplasma (GenBank Accession No. L33733). Nested PCR products from accessions BGM 1526 and BGM 1212 were purified and sequenced by Macrogen, (Seoul, South Korea) in both directions, manually edited, and the consensus sequences were deposited in the NCBI database (GenBank Accession Nos. KF019184 and KF019185). Phylogenetic studies were conducted based on maximum parsimony, neighbor-joining, and maximum likelihood analysis for 16S rRNA. The phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences from both strains had 99% identity (P < 0.0001) with the 16SrIII-L CFSD phytoplasma (EU346761 and AY737647), described by Alvarez et al. (1) infecting cassava in Colombia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a phytoplasma associated with Cassava Frogskin Disease in Brazil, where only the dsRNA virus was recognized as causing this symptom (3). This is not likely to be an isolated case, and possibly more cassava plants are infected with this phytoplasma in Brazil. Due to the difficulties to observe the symptoms at the field level, this could be an emerging disease in that country. References: (1) E. Alvarez et al. Plant. Dis. 93:1139, 2009. (2) L. A. Calvert et al. J. Phytopathol. 156:647, 2008. (3) L. S. Poltroniere et al. Comun. Tec., Belem-PA. 006:2p, 1999. (4) C. D. Smart et al. Appl. Environ. Microb. 62:2988, 1996.

Reproductive tract development and puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers selected for postweaning weight.

The objective was to evaluate reproductive tract development (ovary and uterus) and onset of puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers (Bos indicus) selected for postweaning weight. A total of 123 heifers, including 46 from the control Nellore line (NeC) and 77 from the selection Nellore line (NeS) were used. Every 18 to 21 days from 12 to 24 months of age, average ovarian area (OVA), endometrial thickness (ETh), and diameter of the largest follicle in each ovary were evaluated (using transrectal ultrasonography), and body weight, hip height, and body condition score were measured. There were no differences between NeS and NeC heifers for ETh or OVA (P < 0.05). Genetic selection for higher postweaning weight had no negative influence on the onset of puberty, with 52% and 48% of NeC and NeS heifers, respectively, pubertal at 24 months of age (P = 0.49). Heifers that reached puberty at the end of the study were heavier (NeC, 296.9 vs. 276.7 kg; NeS, 343.5 vs. 327.9 kg; P < 0.01) and younger (NeC, 23.4 vs. 24.2 mo; NeS, 22.7 vs. 24.0 months; P < 0.01) than those that did not. Furthermore, heifers that were heavier at weaning reached puberty earlier. Pubertal heifers had a greater OVA (4.15 vs. 3.14 cm(2); P < 0.01) and ETh (12.15 vs. 9.93 mm; P < 0.01) than nonpubertal heifers. Taken together, OVA and ETh had positive effects (P < 0.01) on the onset of puberty and were suitable indicator traits of heifer sexual precocity in pasture management systems. However, selection for weight did not alter ovarian or endometrial development, or manifestation of puberty at 24 months of age. Among the growth traits studied, weaning weight and weight at puberty had significant positive effects on manifestation of first estrus.

Effect of normobaric hypoxia on the testis in a murine model.

High-altitude hypoxia generates spermiogram impairment due to germinal epithelium, Leydig cells, sperm and seminal plasma alterations, but precise mechanisms involved are unknown. The objective of this work was to analyse the effect of normobaric hypoxia on the morphology of testicular interstitium and some associated molecular and hormonal factors. Twenty-four mice were exposed to normobaric hypoxia (8.1% inspired oxygen fraction) during 20 days. The effects on body weight, testicular weight, vascularisation, testosterone, HIF1-α and VEGF were analysed at different periods of exposure and compared to controls. Hypoxic mice had lower body weight than mice kept in normoxia. Testicular weight raised significantly the 1st day, but remained normal during the rest of experiment. Number of blood vessels per field and mean diameter of vessels were higher in hypoxic mice. Plasmatic and testicular testosterone raised during first 24 h of hypoxia, but decreased on the 5th day. Vascular/interstitial ratio (proportion of interstice occupied by blood vessels) duplicated at the end of the experiment. Most substantial early effects of hypoxia were testicular oedema, increase in number and diameter of blood vessels and elevation of plasmatic and testicular testosterone. Normobaric hypoxia generates similar effects to those induced by hypobaric hypoxia.

PP008. Lipotoxicity and preeclampsia: A probable correlation (preliminary results).

INTRODUCTION: The impact of preeclampsia (PE) of pregnancy is seen as a global concern. Despite their importance, PE does not have well-established causes. Several studies point to obesity as a predisposing factor for PE [1]. In a systematic review Duckitt and Harrington showed that in women with BMI⩾30 the relative risk of developing PE is equal to 2.1 [2]. Bianco et al. demonstrated that the chance of patients with BMI⩾35 developing PE is more than 4 times [3]. Furthermore, it is believed that the intracellular accumulation of triglycerides cause mitochondrial dysfunction, more electron transport and generation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) [4], causing a harmful effect on the endothelium. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of potential lipotoxicity markers among normal pregnant women and with pre-eclampsia. METHODS: A case-control study, including pregnant women from October 2011 to January 2012 at Hospital Guilherme Álvaro in Santos/Brazil. The study group consisted of 27 mothers with pre-eclampsia, according to the criteria of NHBPEP (2000) and the control group consisted of 27 mothers with normal pregnancy, who gave birth vaginally, at term without hypertension. The exclusion criteria were diagnosis of collagen diseases, smoking, diabetes, twin pregnancy and fetal malformations. Blood samples were collected immediately after delivery and the results were analyzed in conjunction with maternal data, according to the following variables: age, body mass index (BMI), serum cholesterol total and fractions, glucose, triglyceride and creative protein. Analysis of SF data was performed by calculating the odds ratio adopting an hypothesis rejection level of 0.05. RESULTS: The PE group had BMI>30 (or), serum triglycerides>150 (or) and LDL cholesterol>100 (or) more frequently than normal mothers, and as regards statistical significance comparing the age of the women, glucose level, HDS cholesterol, there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: In pregnancy, lipotoxicity reduces the ability of trophoblastic invasion, causing maternal systemic endothelial and placental dysfunction causing alterations in metabolic functions. All such changes maintain a close relationship with the pathophysiology of PE. Monitoring pregestational period of obese patients or those with lipid disorders is part of the medical arsenal against PE by monitoring and advising on the best time to conceive.

PP044. Profile of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia treated in priority area.

INTRODUCTION: The maternity mortality rate in the Santos lowlands region, priority region of São Paulo/Brazil, is higher when compared to regions in the state of São Paulo. The hypertensive disorders are implicated in approximately 20% of death. Severe preeclampsia (PE) is recognized as the frequent diagnosis associated with maternal and fetal ominous outcomes. The recognition of potential risk support antenatal intervention which could anticipate the installation of catastrophic results. Identifying the epidemiological profile of women who may present with this evolution can guide public health policies and actions of the professionals involved in caring for these women avoiding preformed concepts and contributing to the recognition of local reality situation. OBJECTIVES: Identify the epidemiological profile of women affected by severe PE. METHODS: A descriptive study involving 46 pregnant women admitted to specialized hospital for high-risk pregnancy with the diagnosis of severe PE according to the criteria of NHBPEP (2000), as: blood pressure ⩾160/110mmHg, proteinuria 2.0g/24h or +2 dipstick, serum creatinine >1.2mg/dl (new onset), platelets <100,000/mm(3), microangiopathic hemolysis (increased lactate dehydrogenase), elevated alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase, persistent headaches or other cerebral or visual disturbance, persistent epigastric pain or eclampsia in the period from January/2008 to November/2010. RESULTS: The average age of the pregnant women was 25.5years (±6.5), 11 women were multiparous and nulliparous and 35 (76.1%), the average gestational age at admission was 34 4/7, developing to eclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome were 07 women (15.2%), admission often occurred before the installation of labor in (93.5%) had a previous diagnosis of chronic hypertension (30.4%) and in all cases magnesium sulfate administration with an average length of 32h (±16.6h). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of severe PE was more common in nulliparous women at the age of 25years, admitted in prematurity and not in preterm labor. The outcome of seizure and/or HELLP has a considerable impact. The association of chronic hypertension with severe PE is more than 1/4 of the cases. These data are equivalent to other areas of Brazil and may contribute to emphasize the practice of prenatal acting that can recognize and pre-comment possible adverse developments and attitudes aimed at intercepting the process.

PP124. Trofoblastic invasion: The role of subunits STAT1 and STAT3.

INTRODUCTION: The trophoblastic migration/invasion are controlled by cytokines and growth factors that use intracellular pathways of signal to promote the regulation of gene expression, proliferation, cells differentiation, angiogenesis and embryonic development. The most important mediator of cytokine in trophoblastic invasion is the Janus-Kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). STATs are amino acids, compounds of 700-850 variable long-chain with isoforms α and ß and molecular weight between 83-113kDa. The role of these factors in the pregnancy set up may contribute to adopt interventions that could contribute to prophylaxis and/or treatment of abnormalities in the course of gestation when installed early. OBJECTIVES: Search on database the role of STAT in the process of trophoblastic invasion with emphasis on subunits STAT1 and STAT3. METHODS: This is a review performed on PubMed database. Have been included Studies found from 1992 (the year of discovery of STATs) until July 2011, without language restriction. The descriptors were: "Signal transducers and activators of transcription "and" Trophoblast". In the end we excluded bibliographical review. RESULTS: Five of the six selected papers studied the role of STAT3 in the physiology of the trophoblastc invasion process. One of them, indirectly by selection process of lactobacilli of vaginal flora endogenous, during change of vaginal pH on pregnancy, altering the release of greater or lesser number of Interleukin-10 which modulates the activation JAK/STAT. Among them, one of the study refers to involvement of STAT1 in the immunomodulation of interface fetus-mother. CONCLUSION: STAT3 is directly involved in the process of trophoblast invasion either in its endometrium adherence to, angiogenesis, invasion and regulation of invasion. And STAT1 is involved in immunomodulation through its suppression by trophoblast STAT utron. Several soluble factors that are generally present in the decidua, especially hepatocyte growth factor, granulocyte macrophagocytic-colony stimulating factors, interleukin-6, interleukin-11 and inhibition leukemia factor , which have been described by using the JAK-STAT activating STAT1 and STAT3 for intracellular signaling and from this process may influence the invasion trophoblast.

PP139. The elective prematurity birth and its perinatal effects of syndromes in hypertensive pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: The hypertensive pregnancy disorders affect 7.5% of Brazilian women, being a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, affecting 6-10% of primigravidae. They represent a significant cause of prematurity birth, with elective responsible for 20-30% of premature births, with higher incidence of neonatal morbidity due to high rates of complications in short and long term. OBJECTIVES: Identify the repercussions in a short time, on caused by elective obstetric parity decisions in women with hypertensive neonatals pregnancy syndromes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of pregnant women admitted to Hospital Guilherme Álvaro, in the city of Santos/SP - Brazil, between Jan/2005 to Jan/2012. Calculations were performed for dichotomous variables and an epidemiological analysis with data obtained on pregnant women with hypertension with a single fetus, subjected to delivery before 37 weeks. Classification of Hypertensive Syndromes followed the criteria of the NHBPEP - 2000, after blood pressure measurements were calibrated following standard technique: Chronic hypertension (CH), Pre-eclampsia, superimposed pre-eclampsia and late gestational hypertension and multiple births were excluded, premature labor and fetal malformations, totaling 102 cases. RESULTS: Throughout the study, it was observed that 67.6% are appropriate for gestational age, birth weight 1500-2500grams (43.1%). Support in the neonatal were excluded ICU was necessary in the vast majority (75.7%), and length of stay exceeding 28 days in 29.3% of cases. The main indication was respiratory distress syndrome (63.6%) requiring intubation orotraquel and jaundice in 18.2% of premature infants was a common comorbidity (39.4%). Even with all the support in-hospital, the neonatal mortality was present in 8.1% of cases. The main indication of the resolution was for obstetric maternal complications (61.8%) where pre-eclampsia and preeclampsia superimposed were expressions which caused more frequent (42.2 and 40.2% respectively), showing the level of proteinuria between two -4.9g (32.1%). Gestational age at delivery was 32-34 weeks (43.1%), corticosteroid therapy was not performed (54.9%) and cesarean delivery was (94.1%). The most frequent age group was 20-34 years (53.9%), Caucasian (54.9%), primigravida (62.7%) and less than five prenatal visits (36.3%) were performed. CONCLUSION: The hypertensive pregnancy are risk factors for preterm elective delivery and is more frequent before 34 weeks, resulting in high perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in cases of preeclampsia with severe clinical presentation and long hospital stays, with consequent costs and conducting excessive procedures in the neonate. Enable early referral to specialist services and consequent prenatal follow up, enables the adoption of early action, such as clinical support in a timely manner to facilitate the handling of cases which are still stable, optimizing the opportunity for administration of antenatal corticosteroids. It is necessary to review decisions about the mode of delivery in prematurity related to hypertension cases, with the aim of increasing the occurrence of vaginal deliveries.

PP147. Prevalence of hypertensive syndromes according to pregnancy age.

INTRODUCTION: The decision of a woman to get pregnant at later age of her reproductive cycle has be a phenomenon around the world. Epidemiology data show frequent increase of clinical complications in direct proportion in advanced age motherhood, hypertensive disturbances being more prevalent. OBJECTIVES: Analyse the prevalence of hypertensive syndromes in pre-determined age groups at Hospital Guilherme Álvaro in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil showing the different segments in each one. METHODS: From data collected in the outpatient department of Hospital Guilherme Álvaro of High Risk Pre-natal between 04/06/2008 and 30/05/2011, a prevalence transversal study was carried out where data were obtained from 628 patients aged between 16 and 46years. Procedures of homogeny analysts were set out, always collecting data such as age and disorder for high risk gestation. According to age, patients were divided into groups: precocious (up to 19years old), middle age (between 20 and 34) and late pregnancies (over 35). RESULTS: In the precocious pregnancies, clinical illnesses/no hypertension (31%) were observed in first place, 25% (8) twin pregnancy in second place, 19% (6) showed hypertensive disturbances. Concerning pregnancies between 20 and 34years old, 36% (144 patients) showed hypertensive syndromes, 23% (92 patients) showed endocrine disturbances, 22% (90 patients) showed clinical illnesses/no hypertension, and 9% twin pregnancy. Regarding late pregnancies, the most frequent disturbance was isolated hypertensive syndromes: 44% (88 patients) in first place, only endocrine disturbances, 24% (47 patients) in second place followed by association between hypertensive syndromes and endocrinopathy with 13% (26 patients). CONCLUSION: About precocious pregnancies, greater prevalence showed clinical illnesses/no hypertension, whereas middle age and late pregnancies showed greater hypertensive syndrome prevalence, results, which are compatible with other studies, have been observed that due to advance of age, hypertensive syndromes are more frequent. For late pregnancies, the prevalence of clinical illnesses/no hypertension was a lower percentage regarding the other two groups: precocious pregnancies (31%=10 women), middle age pregnancies (22%=90 women), and late pregnancies (2%=7 women). Considering the fact that the occurrence of pregnancy is more and more late in life, it can be concluded that the professionals must be prepared to attend pregnancies on women with hypertensive disturbances and their eventual complications.

PP176. SFLT-1: A possibility of precocious diagnosis of preeclampsia.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) affects 5-8% of all pregnant women and can trigger a severe gestational hypertension framework and eventually develop into eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Anticipating the damage would be important in order to establish procedures that can reduce adverse outcomes. For this reason, many researches are undertaken to identify ways to make a diagnosis of preeclampsia as early as possible. It has been highlighted in literature the study: the sFlt1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) has been implicated in the precocious diagnosis of pre eclampsia. The sFlt1 is an anti-angiogenic factor produced in response to oxidative stress derived from the deleterious effects of pre-eclampsia. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. METHODS: This is a review conducted in the database PubMed and Lilacs. For this purpose, we used the following MeSH, "Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1" OR "FLT1 protein, human" AND "Pre-Eclampsia/diagnosis" in PubMed and "Pre-eclampsia" AND "SFLT1A" in Lilacs, resulting in 84 papers. After reading the abstracts of these studies, we selected the articles analyzed taking into consideration the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. We excluded publications that were not in the period under study (2008 to July 2011) and by study design. Including only case-control, cohort and prospective observational. For a critical analysis of the material, we used the following indicators: researcher, years, central theme, participants, study design and primary outcome. RESULTS: The final results of this study were composed of seven articles and are shown for each target outcome. These vary according to gestational age at which PE is installed and the marker studied (sFlt1 alone or its relation to PlGF - sFlt1/PIGF). Six studies showed greater levels of sFlt1 for the preeclampsia groups when compared to the control group. Significantly differences in antiangiogenic factors seric levels were not found among preeclamptic and eclamptic patients. When associated with another factor, like PIGF, a greater efficacy in the diagnosis of early preeclampsia is shown. Of the studies analyzed, only one (Lynch et al) showed no significant difference between the values of sFlt-1 in groups of early PE, late PE and control for gestational ages between 10 and 15 weeks. As for the relation sFlt-1/PIGF, five studies have considered it even better for PE diagnosis when compared to sFlt-1 isolated. CONCLUSION: The dosage of sFlt1 may be a relevant resource for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia before the installation of target organ damage, especially if measured in the period between 12 and 28 weeks of gestational age. Whereas sFlt-1 manifests itself before the 20th week, that may be interesting clinical point of view since it is this phase that settles the most severe cases, when the adoption of care could prevent further risks. The relationship sFlt1/PIGF, was more appropriate than the measurement of sFlt1 alone. Additional studies are needed to: amplification of the number of women evaluated, establishing gestational age appropriate for study, serum standard and need to consider the relationship between sFlt1 and other factors pro and/or anti-angiogenic.

In vitro culture of bovine embryos in murine ES cell conditioned media negatively affects expression of pluripotency-related markers OCT4, SOX2 and SSEA1.

Despite extensive efforts, establishment of bovine embryonic stem (ES) cell lines has not been successful. We hypothesized that culture conditions for in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, the most used source of inner cell mass (ICM) to obtain ES cells, might affect their undifferentiated state. Therefore, the aim of this work was to improve pluripotency of IVP blastocysts to produce suitable ICM for further culturing. We tested KSR and foetal calf serum (FCS) supplements in SOF medium and ES cell conditioned medium (CM) on IVC (groups: KSR, KSR CM, FCS and FCS CM). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar between all groups. Also, embryonic quality, assessed by apoptosis rates (TUNEL assay), total cell number and ICM percentage did not differ between experimental groups. However, expression of pluripotency-related markers was affected. We detected down-regulation of OCT3/4, SOX2 and SSEA1 in ICM of FCS CM blastocysts (p < 0.05). SOX2 gene expression revealed lower levels (p < 0.05) on KSR CM blastocysts and a remarkable variation in SOX2 mRNA levels on FCS-supplemented blastocysts. In conclusion, pluripotency-related markers tend to decrease after supplementation with ES cell CM, suggesting different mechanisms regulating mouse and bovine pluripotency. KSR supplementation did not differ from FCS, but FCS replacement by KSR may produce blastocysts with stable SOX2 gene expression levels.

Early development and putative primordial germ cells characterization in dogs.

Previously, three distinct populations of putative primordial germ cells (PGCs), namely gonocytes, intermediate cells and pre-spermatogonia, have been described in the human foetal testis. According to our knowledge, these PGCs have not been studied in any other species. The aim of our study was to identify similar PGC populations in canine embryos. First, we develop a protocol for canine embryo isolation. Following our protocol, 15 canine embryos at 21-25 days of pregnancy were isolated by ovaryhysterectomy surgery. Our data indicate that dramatic changes occur in canine embryo development and PGCs specification between 21 to 25 days of gestation. At that moment, only two PGC populations with distinct morphology can be identified by histological analyses. Cell population 1 presented round nuclei with prominent nucleolus and a high nuclear to cytoplasm ratio, showing gonocyte morphology. Cell population 2 was often localized at the periphery of the testicular cords and presented typical features of PGC. Both germ cell populations were positively immunostained with anti-human OCT-4 antibody. However, at day 25, all cells of population 1 reacted positively with OCT-4, whereas in population 2, fewer cells were positive for this marker. These two PGCs populations present morphological features similar to gonocytes and intermediate cells from human foetal testis. It is expected that a population of pre-spermatogonia would be observed at later stages of canine foetus development. We also showed that anti-human OCT-4 antibody can be useful to identify canine PGC in vivo.