The cumulant Green's functions method for the Hubbard model.

We use the cumulant Green's functions method (CGFM) to study the single-band Hubbard model. The starting point of the method is to diagonalize a cluster ('seed') containingNcorrelated sites and employ the cumulants calculated from the cluster solution to obtain the full Green's functions for the lattice. All calculations are done directly; no variational or self-consistent process is needed. We benchmark the one-dimensional results for the gap, the double occupancy, and the ground-state energy as functions of the electronic correlation at half-filling and the occupation numbers as functions of the chemical potential obtained from the CGFM against the corresponding results of the thermodynamic Bethe ansatz and the quantum transfer matrix methods. The particle-hole symmetry of the density of states is fulfilled, and the gap, occupation numbers, and ground-state energy tend systematically to the known results as the cluster size increases. We include a straightforward application of the CGFM to simulate the singles occupation of an optical lattice experiment with lithium-6 atoms in an eight-site Fermi-Hubbard chain near half-filling. The method can be applied to any parameter space for one, two, or three-dimensional Hubbard Hamiltonians and extended to other strongly correlated models, like the Anderson Hamiltonian, thet - J, Kondo, and Coqblin-Schrieffer models.

Unravelling the fungal darkness in a tropical cave: richness and the description of one new genus and six new species.

Caves are special environments that harbour an incredible diversity of life, including fungal species. Brazilian caves have been demonstrated to be biodiversity hotspots for known and unknown fungal species. We investigated the richness of culturable fungi in a tropical cave in Brazil by isolating these microorganisms from the sediment and air. The fungal abundance of colony-forming units (CFUs) was 3 178 in sediment and 526 in air. We used morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of actin (actA), calmodulin (cmdA), internal transcribed spacer regions and intervening 5.8S rRNA (ITS), large subunit (LSU) rDNA, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1), and ß-tubulin (tub2) genes to identify these isolates. Forty-one species belonging to 17 genera of Ascomycota and two of Basidiomycota were identified, and the genus Aspergillus was most commonly observed in the cave (13 taxa). Twenty-four species were found in sediment (16 exclusives) and 25 species were found in air (17 exclusives). In this study, we introduced a new genus (Pseudolecanicillium gen. nov.) in the family Cordycipitaceae and six new species (14 % of the total taxa identified) of fungal isolates obtained from sediment and air: Aspergillus lebretii sp. nov., Malbranchea cavernosa sp. nov., Pseudohumicola cecavii sp. nov., Pseudolecanicillium caatingaense sp. nov., Talaromyces cavernicola sp. nov., and Tritirachium brasiliense sp. nov. In addition, we built a checklist of the fungal taxa reported from Brazilian caves. Our results highlight the contribution of Brazilian caves to the estimation of national and global fungal diversity. Citation: Alves VCS, Lira RA, Lima JMS, Barbosa RN, Bento DM, Barbier E, Bernard E, Souza-Motta CM, Bezerra JDP (2022). Unravelling the fungal darkness in a tropical cave: richness and the description of one new genus and six new species. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 10: 139-167. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.10.06.

Inhibition of Aurora kinase A activity enhances the antitumor response of beta-catenin blockade in human adrenocortical cancer cells.

Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive type of endocrine tumor with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. The overall survival of patients diagnosed with ACC is low and treatment for metastatic stages remain limited to mitotane, which has low efficiency in advanced stages of the disease and is associated with high toxicity. Therefore, identification of new biological targets to improve ACC treatment is crucial. Blockade of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway decreased adrenal steroidogenesis and increased apoptosis of NCI-H295 human ACC cells, in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Aurora kinases play important roles in cell division during the G1-M phase and their aberrant expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in different types of tumors. Hence, we hypothesized that inhibition of aurora kinases activity combined with the beta-catenin pathway blockade would improve the impairment of ACC cell growth in vitro. We studied the combinatorial effects of AMG 900, an aurora kinase inhibitor and PNU-74654, a beta-catenin pathway blocker, on proliferation, survival and tumor progression in multiple ACC cell lines: NCI-H295, CU-ACC1 and CU-ACC2. Exposure of ACC cells to the combination of AMG 900 with PNU-74654 decreased cell proliferation and viability compared to either treatment alone. In addition, AMG 900 inhibited cell invasion and clonogenesis compared to PNU-74654, and the combination showed no greater effects. In contrast, PNU-74654 was more effective in decreasing cortisol secretion. These data suggest that inhibition of aurora kinases activity combined with blockade of the beta-catenin pathway may provide a combinatorial approach for targeting ACC tumors.

Quiste nasolabial: reporte de dos casos / Nasolabial cysts: report of two cases

Los quistes nasolabiales son lesiones quísticas poco frecuentes, que se presentan como ocupación de la fosa canina, el ala nasal o el vestíbulo nasal. Usualmente son asintomáticas, pero pueden infectarse. El diagnóstico se realiza con el examen físico y exámenes imagenológicos, como la tomografía computarizada y/o resonancia magnética. El tratamiento consiste en la extirpación quirúrgica completa por abordaje sublabial, o por marsupialización endoscópica transnasal. Se describen dos casos, uno de ellos es una paciente de sexo femenino que presenta deformidad nasal producto del crecimiento progresivo de un quiste nasolabial unilateral, y otro de un paciente de sexo masculino que presenta una celulitis facial severa, con una tomografía computarizada que muestra quistes nasolabiales bilaterales. Los quistes nasolabiales deben ser considerados como parte del diagnóstico diferencial en otorrinolaringología en cuadros de deformidad nasal y aumento de volumen facial.

Nasolabial cysts are a rare developmental cyst, presenting as a fullness of canine fossa, nasal ala or vestibule of the nose. They are usually asymptomatic but may become infected. The diagnostic approach includes physical examination and imaging studies such as computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment is complete surgical excision by sublabial approach, or transnasal endoscopic marsupialization. Here we describe two cases, one female presenting as nasal deformity due to progressive growth of unilateral nasolabial cyst, and a healthy young male presenting severe facial cellulitis, with a computed tomography showing bilateral nasolabial cysts. Nasolabial cyst should be incorporated in the differential diagnosis of nose deformities and facial swelling in otorhinolaryngology.

Public perceptions of non-pharmaceutical interventions for influenza and mosquito-borne illnesses - a statewide survey in Arizona.

AIMS: We conducted a statewide online survey to understand public knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for mosquito-borne diseases and influenza in Arizona. METHODS: The survey included knowledge of diseases, major health concerns, and sources of health information and KAP of NPIs for influenza and mosquito-borne diseases. Our team worked with Qualtrics®, an online survey company, to recruit a representative sample of 1500 adults in Arizona. RESULTS: Of the 1531 respondents who completed the survey, most indicated that chronic conditions were their primary health concern (48%), with the other half split between infectious diseases (25%) and health effects of environmental conditions (26%). The majority (88%) of respondents indicated that they use the Internet to get their health information. Approximately one in eight people reported not emptying standing water and reducing potential mosquito habitats, despite respondents citing them as being the most effective factors in reducing mosquitoes. Regarding specific diseases, about half of the respondents were concerned about West Nile virus and/or Zika virus. Most (85%) people knew the signs and symptoms of influenza and 63% of people reported being likely to get the influenza shot. Those who did not vaccinate (n = 285) reported concerns that the vaccine would make them sick (41%), was ineffective (37%), or others indicated, 'I don't want to' (37%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, respondents were most concerned with chronic conditions and received their information from the Internet. Knowledge about mosquito-borne diseases was low. There were high levels of acceptance and self-reported uptake of the influenza vaccine.

Resultados auditivos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el departamento de otorrinolaringología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Auditory results of surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the department of otolaryngology of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

RESUMEN Introducción: La otoesclerosis representa la causa de hipoacusia de conducción más común en adultos jóvenes. Las opciones de tratamiento incluyen amplificación mediante audífonos o resolución quirúrgica a través de cirugías como estapedectomía total o parcial, estapedostomía o implante coclear. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la otoesclerosis en el Departamento de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile entre los años 1999 y 2018. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte no concurrente con revisión de fichas clínicas y protocolos operatorios de pacientes atendidos en nuestro centro. Se registraron y analizaron las características biodemográficas de los pacientes, técnicas quirúrgicas, resultados auditivos, complicaciones, necesidad de reintervención y uso de audífono. Resultados: De un total de 78 pacientes sometidos a estapedectomía parcial (platinectomía parcial) o estapedostomía se incluyeron finalmente 37 quienes tenían datos clínicos completos, lo que corresponde al 47,4% del total. En ambos tipos de cirugía el promedio de gap óseo-aéreo varió de 30,8 dB en el preoperatorio a 13,9 dB en el posoperatorio lo cual es estadísticamente significativo. El promedio de variación de la vía aérea, éste fue mayor en el grupo de pacientes operados de estapedostomía, sin existir diferencias estadísticamente significativas al realizar test no paramétricos. Conclusión: Las características demográficas y los resultados auditivos obtenidos en nuestro centro son comparables con los descritos en la literatura. No existen diferencias significativas en cuanto al tipo de cirugía y la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones, aunque se observan mejores resultados auditivos en los pacientes operados de estapedostomía.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Otosclerosis represents the most common cause of hearing loss in young adults. Treatment options include amplification with hearing aids or surgical resolution with surgeries such as total and partial stapedectomy, stapedostomy or cochlear implant. Aim: To describe the results of the surgical treatment of otosclerosis in the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Clinical Hospital of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile between the years 1999 and 2018 Material and method: A non-concurrent cohort study was performed with review of clinical files and operative protocols of patients seen in our center. The biodemographic characteristics of the patients, surgical techniques, auditory results, complications, need for reoperation and use of hearing aid were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of a total of 78 patients undergoing partial stapedectomy or stapedostomy, 37 were finally included, who had complete clinical data, which corresponds to 47.4% of the total. In both types of surgery, the average bone-air gap varied from 30.8 dB in the preoperative to 13.9 dB in the postoperative period, which is statistically significant. Regarding the average of variation of the airway, this was higher in the group of patients operated by stapedostomy without statistically significant differences when performing nonparametric tests. Conclusion: The demographic characteristics and the auditory results obtained in our center are comparable with those described in the literature. There are no significant differences in the type of surgery and the frequency and type of complications, although better hearing results are observed in patients operated by stapedostomy.

Predation on Diamondback Moth Larvae and Aphid by Resistant and Susceptible Lady Beetle, Eriopis connexa.

A successful pest control requires both chemical and biological agents for most commercially grown crops. However, insecticide resistance is increasing worldwide. Cabbage, a widely grown Brassicaceae, hosts the most resistant insect pest to insecticides, the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. However, insecticide-resistant populations Eriopis connexa (Germar), a lady beetle often found controlling aphids and other soft-bodied pest species sharing brassica fields with DBM. Thus, as a model for integration of insecticide and biological control methods, we evaluated predation by pyrethroid-resistant and pyrethroid-susceptible lady beetles on DBM larvae offered alone and in the presence of a preferred prey, the aphid Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis). During 24-h exposure, resistant and susceptible E. connexa consumed an average of 9.8 and 6.0 second-instar instar DBM larvae, respectively. Resistant beetles showed no significant preferences for prey consumption between untreated and deltamethrin-treated leaf surfaces, at field-recommended rate. As a function of DBM availability, resistant beetles exhibited similar predation on treated and untreated arena and higher predation than susceptible beetles in a treated arena. In greenhouse cages, resistant and susceptible beetles exhibited similar survival after 10 days on cabbage treated with deltamethrin and promoted the reduction of DBM to 5.0% and 5.6%, respectively. Both populations fed on a mixed diet of aphids and DBM larvae even under high availability of the preferred aphid prey. Resistant E. connexa survives deltamethrin exposure and do not alter their predatory behavior in response to this insecticide-treated environment.

Field-evolved resistance to λ-cyhalothrin in the lady beetle Eriopis connexa.

Natural enemies are exposed to insecticide sprays for herbivorous species and may evolve field resistance to insecticides. Natural enemies selected for resistance in the field, however, are welcome for pest control. The susceptibility of 20 populations of Eriopis connexa from various crop ecosystems to λ-cyhalothrin was tested. Three bioassays were conducted: (i) topical treatment with lethal dose (LD)50 previously determined for populations considered standard for susceptibility (LD50S) and for resistance (LD50R) to λ-cyhalothrin at technical grade; (ii) dose-mortality assay to calculate the LD for populations exhibiting significant survival to the LD50R; and (iii) determination of survival when exposed to dried residues at field rates. Among the 20 tested populations, seven populations did not survive or survival rates were lower than 10% when treated with LD50R; three populations survived >20%, but lower than 50%; while ten populations exhibited equal or greater survival rates compared with the 50% expected survival for the LD50R. Thus, these ten populations were subjected to dose-mortality response, and the LD50 values varied from 0.046 to 5.44 µg a.i./insect with resistance ratio of 8.52- to 884.08-folds. Adults from these ten populations that were ranked as resistant according to the LD50R exhibited survival from 44.5 to 100% exposed to the lowest and from 38.8 to 100% exposed to the highest field rates of λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Otherwise, the remaining ten populations ranked as susceptible according to the LD50R showed survival from 3.3 to 56% exposed to the lowest and from 0 to 17.7% exposed to the highest field rates of λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Therefore, 50% of the tested E. connexa populations exhibited field-evolved resistance to λ-cyhalothrin and the use of a discriminatory LD50 for resistance matched the survival obtained when exposed to the insecticide field rates.

Performance of Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin after extended recovery from knockdown.

A population of the predatory lady beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was recorded as resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin. Adults exposed to this insecticide have recovered from knockdown after 72 h. Thus, the performance of resistant (R) and susceptible (S) populations of E. connexa not exposed to insecticide (R0 and S0) and R adults recovering from knockdown 24, 48, and 72 h after exposure (R24, R48, and R72) was studied. In addition, the fertility life table parameters were calculated for one generation considering the progenies from R0, S0, and R24 populations. The recovery rate from knockdown was 69.4% for R-adults, and greater recovery rate was observed within 48 h following lambda-cyhalothrin exposure. The S-females produced about 50% more eggs and lived longer, when compared with R-females irrespective of the recovery periods after knockdown. The R-females produced similar number of eggs and exhibited similar longevity across all treatments (R0, R24, R48, and R72). Progenies produced by R- and S-populations did not exhibit consistent differences in development and survival. The fertility life table parameters showed higher intrinsic rate of population growth (rm) and lower mean generation time (T) for R0- and R24-females, when compared with those for S0-females. Thus, the time interval needed to recover from knockdown is not related to the adaptive cost of resistance in E. connexa.

Fitness Advantage in Heterozygous Ladybird Beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) Resistant to Lambda-Cyhalothrin.

The pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin is widely recommended for use against defoliators in crop ecosystems, but this broad-spectrum insecticide lacks efficacy against aphids; thus, key aphid predators such as the ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) must be preserved. Given that populations of E. connexa recently identified as resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin show potential of integrating chemical and biological control in crop ecosystems, a historical goal of integrated pest management. In the present study, the resistance maintenance over F1, F2, and F3 progenies from crossing resistant (R) and susceptible (S) E. connexa populations that might be expected after releasing R predator in the crop field and the F1 offspring performance when the R population is crossed with the S population are evaluated. The offspring performance is determined for F1 progenies from crossing the R population at F40- and F45-reared generations in the laboratory with the S population at F38- and F1-reared generations in the laboratory. The mortality rate in the heterozygous F1 progeny is low and similar to the rate for the R population (<5%), but it is about 75% in F2 and F3 progenies from crossing R and S populations. Fecundity and longevity of the heterozygous F1 progeny are significantly greater compared to the R population. These results suggest that when R population beetles are released and mating with S population residents, their field offspring retains the resistance phenotype with the advantages of greater egg production and longer survival compared to the parental R population.

Energia metabolizável da levedura de cana-de-açúcar submetida a diferentes temperaturas e tempos de secagem para frangos de corte e poedeiras / Metabolizable energy of sugar cane yeast submitted to different temperatures and drying times for broilers and layers hens

Objetivou-se determinar a temperatura e o tempo de secagem por rolos rotativos, aos quais a, levedura de cana-de-açúcar é submetida que permitam seu melhor aproveitamento energético por galinhas poedeiras e frangos de corte. Para isso foram realizados três ensaios de metabolismo para determinar os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), aparente corrigida para nitrogênio (EMAn) e os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente da matéria seca (CMMS) e da energia bruta (CMEB). O primeiro ensaio foi conduzido com galinhas poedeiras (E1), o segundo com frangos de corte (E2) em crescimento e o terceiro com frangos de corte em diferentes idades (E3)...

This study aimed to determine the temperature and drying time through rotative rolls, that sugar cane yeast is subjected to in order to allow best energy utilization by laying hens and broilers. Three metabolism trials were conducted to determine the values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), coefficient of apparent metabolizable dry matter (CAMDM) and gross energy (CAMGE). The first experiment was conducted with laying hens (E1), the second with broilers (E2) in growth and the third with broilers at different ages (E3)...

Efectos a corto plazo del entrenamiento de la marcha en una órtesis robótica (Lokomat®) con retroalimentación auditiva en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta crónica / Short-term effects of gait training on a robotic orthosis (Lokomat®) with auditory feedback in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury

Introducción. El entrenamiento de la marcha en órtesis robótica ha demostrado buenos resultados en pacientes con lesión medular incompleta (LMI) crónica; la retroalimentación auditiva puede suplir la información dada normalmente por las vías sensitivas afectadas. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto a corto plazo del entrenamiento de la marcha en órtesis robótica con retroalimentación auditiva en pacientes con LMI crónica. Material y método. Se estudió a 31 pacientes con LMI asignados aleatoriamente a 2 grupos: uno control con entrenamiento únicamente en órtesis robótica y otro experimental con entrenamiento en órtesis robótica y retroalimentación auditiva realizada mediante un metrónomo con frecuencia igual a la de la cadencia. Se midieron las variables espacio temporales de la marcha así como el torque, la espasticidad y los arcos de movilidad en caderas y rodillas antes y después del tratamiento mediante un tapete instrumentado y la órtesis robótica, respectivamente. Se realizaron estudios de varianza, covarianza y correlaciones bivariadas para el análisis de resultados. Resultados. Se encontró mejoría estadísticamente significativa en velocidad y cadencia de la marcha, arcos de movilidad, torque y espasticidad en pacientes del grupo experimental y un cambio favorable y significativo en el uso de ayudas técnicas para la marcha. Conclusiones. El programa propuesto mejoró el patrón de marcha en pacientes con LMI crónica. Se necesita evaluar la persistencia de los cambios a largo plazo así como realizar más estudios con retroalimentación auditiva en otras enfermedades (AU)

ntroduction. Gait training on a robotic orthosis has shown good results in patients with chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Auditory feedback in these patients can replace the information normally given by the sensory pathways. Objective. To evaluate the effects of gait training on a robotic orthosis with auditory feedback in patients with chronic SCI. Material and methods. We studied 31 patients with chronic incomplete SCI, who were randomized to 2 groups. Control group was trained on a robotic orthosis and experimental group received auditory feedback added to robotic orthosis training. Auditory feedback consisted on a metronome whose frequency was equal to gait cadence. The variables measured were spatiotemporal gait (by an instrumented mat), torque, spasticity, and range of motion in the hips and knees (by a robotic orthosis) before and after the assigned treatment. Calculation of variance, covariance and bivariate correlation were conducted for the analysis of results. Results. We found a statistically significant improvement in gait speed and cadence, range of motion, torque and spasticity in the experimental group and a positive and significant change in the use of assistive devices for walking. Conclusions. The proposed program improved gait pattern in patients with chronic SCI. Further studies are needed to assess the persistence of these changes in the long-term, as well as the use of auditory feedback in other disorders (AU)

Increased circulating PEDF and low sICAM-1 are associated with sickle cell retinopathy.

Sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) develops in up to 30% of sickle cell disease patients (SCD) during the second decade of life. Treatment for this affection remains palliative, so studies on its pathophysiology may contribute to the future development of novel therapies. SCR is more frequently observed in hemoglobin SC disease and derives from vaso-occlusion in the microvasculature of the retina leading to neovascularization and, eventually, to blindness. Circulating inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic factors, and their interaction may contribute to the pathophysiology of this complication. Angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, E-selectin, P-selectin, IL1-ß, TNF-α, pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor plasmatic levels were determined in 37 SCD patients with retinopathy, 34 without retinopathy, and healthy controls. We observed that sICAM-1 is significantly decreased, whereas PEDF is elevated in HbSC patients with retinopathy (P=0.012 and P=0.031, respectively). Ang-1, Ang-2 and IL1-ß levels were elevated in SCD patients (P=0.001, P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively), compared to controls, and HbSS patients presented higher levels of Ang-2 compared to HbSC (P<0.001). Our study supports the possible influence of sICAM-1 and PEDF on the pathophysiology of retinal neovascularization in SCD patients.

Development of a DNA-based vaccine strategy against bovine papillomavirus infection, involving the E5 or L2 gene.

Papillomaviruses are known to cause tumor lesions, generally benign, in epithelial tissues of diverse organisms; these lesions may progress to cancer under suitable conditions. Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) can cause urinary bladder cancer and cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, BPV1 and BPV2 are implicated in the development of tumors in equids. Many studies with animal models clearly demonstrate that DNA vaccines are very effective tools in controlling viral infections, providing strong humoral and cellular immune responses. In this study, we have described the development of two vaccine constructs for the control of diseases caused by BPV. The 1st strategy is prophylactic and is based on the L2 gene; the 2nd is therapeutic and is based on the E5 gene. Vaccine constructs were obtained and evaluated in vitro in mammalian cells. The results show the occurrence of E5 and L2 transcription and viral protein production. These results confirm the functionality of the vaccine constructs in mammalian cells. This is the 1st step in the development of a DNA-based vaccine strategy for the control and/or treatment of diseases caused by BPV.

Lingual schwannoma: case report and review of the literature.

Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated, slow-growing and usually solitary tumours originating from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Approximately 25-40% of cases are seen in the head and neck region, of which 1% in the oral cavity. We report a rare case of lingual schwannoma in a young woman who was treated with complete transoral excision, and also review the literature of the past two decades, analyzing epidemiological and clinical data of the 35 cases reported. Lingual schwannomas generally present as a painless lump with an average size of 2 cm in the fourth decade of life and with no gender predilection. Complete transoral excision can be considered standard treatment for these tumours, with no recurrences documented in the literature.

Tumor filoides de la mama / Phyllodes tumor of the breast

Introduction: The phyllodes tumor (PT) of the breast is a rare disease of unknown origin. Despite its classification into benign, borderline and malignant, their behavior tends to be uncertain. Because of this, treatment remains controversial. Objective: To describe the management of the FT in breast pathology unit of our hospital and their outcomes. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the files of the patients with PT, operated in our hospital between 2001 and 2008. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, diagnostic studies, treatment and outcomes. Results: During this period 12 patients were operated. The ave-rage age was 42 +/- 15.2 years (16-64) and usually the form of presentation was painless palpable nodule. Both mammography and ultrasound were unable to suggest the diagnosis. Eight patients had core biopsy, which revealed the diagnosis of PT in 5, while in the other 3 was fibroadenoma. All patients underwent a partial mastectomy. The biopsy showed six benign, two borderline and two malignant PT. The latter two patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. At the end of this study, 2 patients had relapsed at 12 and 30 months (borderline and benign, respectively). There were no cases of lymphatic or distant metastases. Conclusions: The PT has a low frequency of presentation and preoperative diagnosis is difficult, so we recommend a core biopsy, but it can confuse with fibroadenoma. The management with partial mastectomy and negative borders had a recurrence rate of 18 percent in this series.

Introducción: El tumor filoides (TF) de la mama es una patología poco frecuente y origen desconocido. A pesar de su clasificación en benignos, borderline y malignos, su comportamiento tiende a ser incierto. Debido a esto su tratamiento sigue siendo controversial. Objetivo: Describir el manejo del TF en la unidad de patología mamaria del Hospital San José y sus resultados. Material y Método: Se revisaron las fichas de las pacientes con diagnóstico de TF, operadas en nuestro hospital entre los años 2001 y 2009. Se analizaron las características clínicas, estudios diagnósticos, tratamiento y resultados. Resultados: Durante este período se operaron 12 pacientes. El promedio de edad fue 42 +/- 15,2 años (16-64) y habitualmente la forma de presentación fue nodulo palpable indoloro. Tanto la mamografía como la ecografía fueron incapaces de sugerir el diagnóstico. Ocho pacientes tenían biopsia core, la cual evidenció el diagnóstico de TF en 5, mientras que en las otras 3 resultó fibroadenoma. Todas las pacientes fueron sometidas a mastectomía parcial. En seis pacientes resultó ser TF benigno, en dos borderline y en dos maligno. Estas últimas dos pacientes recibieron radioterapia adyuvante. Al término de este estudio 2 pacientes habían recidivado a los 12 y 30 meses (borderline y benigno respectivamente). No hubo casos de metástasis linfáticas ni a distancia. Conclusiones: El TF tiene una baja frecuencia de presentación, su diagnóstico preoperatorio es difícil recomendándose la biopsia core, sin embargo, suele confundirse con el fibroadenoma. El manejo con mastectomía parcial y bordes negativos tuvo una recidiva del 18 por ciento en esta serie.

Identification of two novel Trichomonas vaginalis eif-5a genes.

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) is highly conserved and is the only protein that is known to contain the unique and essential amino acid residue hypusine. Synthesis of hypusine is essential for the function of eIF5A in eukaryotic cell proliferation and survival. In this study, we identified two novel eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) genes in Trichomonas vaginalis. The tveif-5a1 and tveif-5a2 putative genes were localized in different contigs, both containing ORFs encoding proteins of 168 amino acids that share high sequence identity with eIF-5A sequences from other eukaryotic organisms. A phylogenetic tree constructed with TveIF-5A1 and TveIF-5A2 from T. vaginalis and 13 other eIF-5A sequences of eukaryotic and archaebacterial origin revealed that both trichomonal TveIF-5As show the highest degree of similarity to bacteria. Using an anti-TveIF-5A antibody, we detected two protein bands and spots of 19 and 20kDa with isoelectric points (pI) of 5.2 and 5.5, respectively, by one and two-dimensional Western blot assays. In addition, we used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to demonstrate that both of these tveif-5a genes are expressed in T. vaginalis. Immunofluorescence assays showed that the TveIF-5A protein was dispersed throughout the parasite cytoplasm. In conclusion, T. vaginalis has two eif-5a genes, and both genes are expressed as highly conserved proteins of 19kDa, which are localized in the cytoplasm of this parasite.

Description of semen characteristics from six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) collected by electroejaculation.

The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of the semen from six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) collected by electroejaculation. Six mature males were physically restrained and electroejaculated twice for the collection of semen. Semen collected was immediately evaluated for appearance, volume, pH, sperm motility, vigor, morphology, percentage of live sperm and functional membrane integrity by light microscopy. Semen was obtained from all (100%) twelve attempts conducted for electroejaculation. Armadillos' semen had a white-translucent appearance, and great viscosity. Mean values obtained in analysis of the semen were: 353+/-86 microl for volume, 9 for pH, 45+/-14 x 10(6)sperm/ml for concentration, 61+/-7% motile sperm with 2+/-0.2 for vigor, 55+/-7% live sperm, 86+/-2% morphologic normal sperm, and 46+/-6% functional membrane integrity. In conclusion, semen from six-banded armadillos can be efficiently obtained by electroejaculation. The characteristics of semen collected by electroejaculation in six-banded armadillos provide background information that may be useful for assisted breeding programs in the members of the Xenarthra family.

Controle estatístico de processo aplicado ao monitoramento de envase da tintura de iodo / Statistical process control applied to used in monitoring the iodine tincture fill phase

A aplicação do controle estatístico para monitorar o desempenho da etapa de envase de formas farmacêuticas líquidas consiste em obter informações e estabelecer estratégias para a validação do processo, assim como possibilitar o gerenciamento deste a partir da percepção do comportamento das variáveis críticas do produto durante a produção. Esta etapa do processo possui como variável crítica o volume de envase. Variações neste parâmetro fora dos limites de qualidade pré-estabelecidos pela legislação refletem ineficiências durante o processo podendo ocasionar a reprovação do produto. Para demonstrar de forma objetiva o grau de segurança requerida para este tipo de processo foram utilizadas ferramentas do controle estatístico de processo (CEP) para estudar e validar o desempenho da etapa de envase da tintura de iodo fabricada pela indústria farmacêutica Lapon Química e Natural Ltda. (Limoeiro - PE, Brasil), bem como verificar a estabilidade estatística e capacidade do processo. As atividades de melhoria, através da identificação e eliminação das causas especiais de variação do processo, permitiram a redução de sua variabilidade, assegurando uma melhoria contínua da qualidade nos resultados da produção.

Statistical control is used to monitor the performance of the fill phase in the manufacture of liquid pharmaceutical forms, to obtain information and establish criteria for process validation, as well as to enable control of the process, by observing the behavior of the critical variables during production. The critical variable at this stage of the process is the filling volume. Variations in this parameter outside the established legal quality limits reflect inefficiency in the process that may result in product rejection. To demonstrate objectively the degree of security required in this type of process, statistical process control (SPC) tools were used to study and validate the performance of the fill phase in production of iodine tincture by the Pharmaceutical manufacturer Lapon Química e Natural Ltda. (Limoeiro - PE, Brazil), as well as to check the statistical stability and capacity of the process. Optimization of the process, by identifying and removing the specific causes of variation, led to a reduction in its variability, ensuring a continual improvement in the quality of production.