Efficacy and safety of ultra-low-dose estradiol and norethisterone in postmenopausal Brazilian women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ultra-low-dose continuous combination of 17ß-estradiol (17ß-E2) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) in postmenopausal Brazilian women. METHODS: Postmenopausal women (age 45-60 years) with amenorrhea >12 months and intact uterus, with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, were included. The vasomotor symptoms and endometrial bleeding were evaluated by a daily diary for 24 weeks, and the women were assessed at baseline and endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 118 women were included. The group treated with 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA (n = 58) showed a percentage reduction of 77.1% in the frequency of vasomotor symptoms versus 49.9% in the placebo group (n = 60) (p = 0.0001). The severity score showed a reduction in the treatment group when compared to the placebo (p < 0.0001). The adverse events were comparable between the groups; however, in the 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA group there were more complaints of vaginal bleeding; despite that, in most cycles in both treatment groups, more than 80% of women experienced amenorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of 0.5 mg 17ß-E2/0.1 mg NETA in a continuous combination regimen was shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms in Brazilian postmenopausal women.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays / Uma nova abordagem de marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios de laboratório

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Resumo Bioensaios comportamentais em laboratório com cupins devem ser realizados rapidamente a fim de garantir observações antes da morte por dissecação, típico desses insetos de corpo mole. Para este fim, marcadores tópicos têm sido propostos como uma alternativa para marcadores histológicos que, embora nem sempre tóxico, possuem uma aplicação demorada. Entre os marcadores tópicos recomendados, tinta guache é de fácil aplicação, rápida secagem, porém afeta os cupins em bioensaios longos, sendo adequado apenas para bioensaios curtos. Sua alternativa, cola colorida, também é de fácil aplicação mas leva muito tempo para secar e é muito denso e pesado, afetando os padrões de caminhamento dos cupins. No presente estudo, nós testamos uma mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida objetivando combinar as qualidades de ambos os marcadores tópicos em um marcador tópico adequado para Cornitermes cumulans. Padrões similares de sobrevivência entre cupins marcados e controle indicam a ausência de toxicidade na mistura de tinta guache e cola colorida. Tais resultados são consistentes em grupos de densidades distintas, o que comprova que a mistura não interfere, nem sofre efeitos de aglomeração. Uma vez que a aglomeração regula as interações inter-individuais e afetam a maioria dos comportamentos, a mistura pode ser adequada para estudos comportamentais. Nós argumentamos que a mistura de tinta guache e cola (1:2) é uma excelente alternativa como marcador tópico em cupins para bioensaios em laboratório. Sendo atóxico, barato, fácil de aplicar e não invasivo, esta mistura pode ser útil não só para os cupins, mas também em bioensaios com outros insetos de corpo mole.

Application of an ancestrality estimate method through morphoscopic analysis of Brazilian skulls.

The objective of the investigation was to test a technique originating in the United States to verify the accuracy of the ancestry estimate in a sample of Brazilian skulls. The sample consisted of 120 skulls of Brazilian adults from the collection of the Institute of Education and Research in Forensic Sciences (IEPCF), Guarulhos-SP, Brazil, with ancestry determined by routine examination. In the skull, the following structures were analyzed: anterior nasal spine (ANS), inferior nasal aperture (INA), interorbital breadth (IOB) nasal aperture width (NAW), nasal bone structure (NBS), and post bregmatic depression (PBD). The Hefner and Ousley technique was applied to classify ancestry. Data were registered and correctness percentage was obtained. To improve ancestry prediction, Machine Learning techniques were used. Regarding the error of the studied method and the correctness of the complete sample, the study presented a percentage above 50%, with values such as 56.33% for whites and 53.07% for non-whites. The most frequent ANS parameter was marked (37.5%), INA straight (31.7%), IOB wide (38.3%), NAW medium (32.5%) NBS triangular (29.2%), and PBD present (78.3%). The application of the method in the sample of the study showed a limitation to estimate ancestry, suggesting a need for adaptation for its applicability in the Brazilian population.

The economic burden of overweight and obesity in Brazil: perspectives for the Brazilian Unified Health System.

OBJECTIVES: Parallel to rising obesity prevalence in Brazil, there is expected to be increased direct health care costs related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In this study, we estimated the economic burden of NCDs attributable to overweight and obesity in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: We used self-reported body mass index of 85,715 adults from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Annual costs (1 US$ = 2.281 Reais) with inpatient and outpatient procedures were obtained from the Hospital and Ambulatory Information Systems of the Brazilian SUS. Relative risks for cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, neoplasm, digestive disease, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes and kidney diseases, sense organ diseases, and neurological disorders were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study. RESULTS: Annually, US$ 654 million (95% uncertainty interval: US$ 418.4 to US$ 893.2) direct health care costs related to NCDs were attributable to overweight and obesity. Attributable costs were higher in women than men. Cardiovascular diseases had the highest attributable costs (US$ 289 million), followed by chronic respiratory diseases (US$ 110 million), neoplasms (US$ 96 million), digestive diseases (US$ 60 million), musculoskeletal disorders (US$ 44 million), diabetes and kidney disease (US$ 31 million), sense organ diseases (US$ 22 million) and neurological disorders (US$ 11 million). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity account for US$ 654 million direct costs of NCDs annually. Effective policies to promote healthy body weight may have economic benefits.

Application of artificial intelligence to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome: a real experience

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) being the main responsible for this leadership. One of the determining factors in the outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is the time to start treatment. An extremely promising path for obtaining earlier diagnosis and treatment has been the use of technological innovations in emergency care units. PRUPOSE: this study was carried out to assess the impact of applying a technology hub in the chest pain scenario in the emergency room, regarding the feasibility and potential reduction of time for diagnosis and treatment of ACS. METHODS: data obtained from 10 hospitals in the public health system in Brazil, which implemented the technology hub in the last 7 months (May to October 2021), were analyzed. This technology hub uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify electrocardiograms (ECGs) with a high probability of alterations, which must be reported within 5 minutes by the cardiologist on shift (24/7) on the platform. RESULTS: 5,506 ECGs were entered into the platform, of which 53.77% (2,961) were considered abnormal; of these, 9.92% (294) had alterations compatible with ischemic events (currents of injury or myocardial ischemia). The median time for the ECG report made by the specialist was 2 minutes and 51 seconds. CONCLUSION: the implementation of a technology hub in the chest pain scenario in the emergency room proved to be feasible and has great potential for reducing the distance between symptoms and the treatment of patients with ACS.

A new approach to mark termites (Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) Blattodea: Isoptera) for laboratory bioassays.

Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Heterologous beta-nerve growth factor (ß-NGF) given at the LH surge enhances luteal function in dairy heifers.

Genetic selection for high yield milk production has led to a decline in dairy cattle's reproductive performance over the last 40 years. Low progesterone (P4) plasma content following ovulation is associated with suboptimal fertility in dairy cattle. Several pieces of evidence indicate that the protein beta-nerve growth factor (ß-NGF) that is present in the male seminal plasma exerts potent ovulatory and luteotrophic effects following systemic administration in camelids but also in other species. In this study, we determine whether systemic administration of purified llama ß-NGF given at the induced preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) peak improves corpus luteum (CL) function in dairy heifers subjected to an estradiol (E2) / P4 estrus-synchronization protocol. To achieve this, we first determined plasma E2 and LH hormone profiles to establish the timing of the estradiol benzoate (EB)-induced LH peak in estrus-synchronized heifers. Then, we tested whether the administration of ß-NGF given at the end of this peak affects the CL and its function by analyzing diameter, vascular area, and P4 output. Our results show that, with the estrus-synchronization protocol applied, plasma LH concentrations peaked (P < 0.01) 40-h and 16-h after removal of the bovine intravaginal device (DIB; containing 1.0 g of P4) plus cloprostenol injection and subsequent EB administration, respectively; after peaking, plasma LH concentrations remained stable for the next 8-h to then return to basal levels. Heifers synchronized with this protocol and receiving a dose of 1 mg of ß-NGF at the end of the LH peak (ie, 48-h after DIB removal) did not show significant differences in CL diameter, but these exhibited a greater CL vascular area (P = 0.01) than the observed in vehicle-injected heifers. Furthermore, plasma P4 concentration in ß-NGF-treated heifers was higher (P = 0.001) than those quantified in vehicle-injected heifers. These results support the use of ß-NGF in estrus-synchronization protocols to improve the early luteal function in dairy heifers.

Additional Pressure to a Threatened Species: High Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in the Tropical Estuarine Batoid Gymnura altavela.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in Gymnura altavela liver samples from one of the most impacted estuarine environments in the Atlantic Ocean (Guanabara Bay, Brazil). PCBs were the predominant compounds (91.2%) averaging 6773 ± 4659 ng.g-1 lipid weight (lw). DDT, Mirex, HCH and HCB concentrations were 633 ± 715, 6.2 ± 9.3, 3.4 ± 1.4 and 0.5 ± 0.5 ng.g-1 lw, respectively. Recent DDT input in the estuary was minimum, as verified by the p,p'-DDE/∑DDT ratio (0.67). The prevalence of industrial compounds was highlighted by the ΣDDT/ΣPCB ratio (0.08). A negative correlation detected between disc width and PCBs, Mirex and HCH concentrations may be a consequence of maternal offloading. High POP concentrations in G. altavela liver samples from Guanabara Bay suggests that PCBs, in particular, may pressure the conservation of this threatened with extinction tropical estuarine batoid species.

Morfogênese de braquiárias sob estresse hídrico / Morphogenesis of Brachiarias species under water stress

Objetivou-se avaliar Urochloa spp. submetida a duas situações de estresse hídrico: déficit e alagamento. As forrageiras estudadas foram: U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. humidicola cv. Llanero, U. brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk e U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy, e os parâmetros avaliados foram relacionados às características estruturais e morfogênicas. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação pertencente à Unidade Universitária de Aquidauana. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes condições de umidade do solo: 50 e 80% da capacidade de retenção de umidade do solo, e lâminas de 0cm, 1cm e 5cm de água acima do solo, com quatro repetições, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. O modelo considerou o efeito de umidade do solo para cada espécie forrageira a 5% de significância. As características estruturais e morfogênicas do capim-tully não foram afetadas pelas diferentes condições hídricas aqui avaliadas. O capim-llanero não reagiu ao alagamento. O capim-piatã foi tolerante às condições de déficit hídrico e apresentou mecanismos de adaptação ao alagamento. A U. decumbens cv. Basilisk apresentou respostas adaptativas que melhoram sua tolerância ao alagamento. A U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy apresentou-se inapta às condições de alagamento e de déficit hídrico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate braquiarias submitted to two situations of water stress: deficit and flood. The studied forages were: U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. humidicola cv. Llanero, U. brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk and U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy, and the parameters evaluated were related to the structural and morphogenic characteristics. The work was carried out in a greenhouse at the University Unit of Aquidauana. The treatments consisted of different soil moisture conditions: 50 and 80% of the moisture retention capacity of the soil, and slides of 0cm, 1cm and 5cm of water above the soil, with four replications, in a completely randomized design. The model considered the effect of soil moisture for each forage species at 5% of significance. The structural and morphogenic characteristics of grass-tully were not affected by the different water conditions evaluated here. The grass-llanero did not react to flooding. The grass-piatã was tolerant to water deficit conditions and presented adaptation to flooding. The U. decumbens cv. Basilisk presented adaptive responses that improved its tolerance to flooding. The U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy was unfit for flood and water deficit conditions.(AU)

The polymorphisms of genes associated with the profile of fatty acids of sheep / Os polimorfismos de genes associados ao perfil de ácidos graxos de ovinos

The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of polymorphisms in Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGTA-1 and 2), Fatty acid synthase (FASN), Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) genes and the Thioesterase domain of FASN (TE-FASN) gene that may be related to the lipid profile. In the experiment, a total of 84 sheep from different genetic groups were used. For the evaluation of the polymorphism of the genes, PCR-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique and subsequent sequencing were used. In DGAT-2 gene, four genotypes were identified with the presence of 6 polymorphisms, with two (c.229T> C; c.255T> C) that resulted into the exchange of phenylalanine by leucine. In FASN gene, two genotypes were identified. In TE-FASN gene, three genotypes and 17 polymorphisms were identified. DGAT-1 and SCD genes did not reveal the occurrence of polymorphism. There was difference in relation to C14: 0, C18: 0 fatty acids and Δ9-desaturase C18 for DGAT-2 gene and of C18: 2ω6t for TE-FASN. There were differences among the genetic groups for C10: 0, C12: 0, C17: 0, C18: 2ω6t, C18: 3ω3, C20: 2, total of ω3, ω3/ω6 and atherogenicity index. There is occurrence of polymorphism of DGAT-2 and TE-FASN genes and these should be further studied in sheep since they revealed influence of the genotypes on the fatty acid profile.(AU)

O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar a ocorrência de polimorfismos nos genes Diacilglicerol aciltransferase (DGTA1 e 2), Ácido graxo sintase (FASN), Estearoil-CoA dessaturase (SCD) e o Domínio da tioesterase do gene FASN (TE-FASN), que possam estar relacionados ao perfil lipídico. No experimento, foram utilizados um total de 84 ovinos de diferentes grupos genéticos. Para avaliação do polimorfismo dos genes, foi utilizada a técnica de polimorfismo de conformação de cadeia simples (PCR-SSCP) e posterior sequenciamento. No gene DGAT-2, foram identificados quatro genótipos com a presença de seis polimorfismos, com dois (c.229T>C; c.255T>C) que resultaram na troca da fenilalanina por leucina. No gene FASN, foram identificados dois genótipos. No gene TE-FASN, foram identificados três genótipos e 17 polimorfismos. Os genes DGAT-1 e SCD não revelaram a ocorrência de polimorfismo. Houve diferença em relação aos ácidos graxos C14:0, C18:0 e ∆9-desaturaseC18 para o gene DGAT-2 e de C18:2ω6t para TE-FASN. Houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para C10:0, C12:0, C17:0, C18:2ω6t, C18:3ω3, C20:2, total de ω3, ω3/ω6 e índice de aterogenicidade. Há ocorrência de polimorfismo dos genes DGAT-2 e TE-FASN, e estes devem ser mais estudados em ovinos, pois revelaram influência dos genótipos sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos.(AU)

The Brazilian identified human osteological collections.

This short communication aims to inform the scientific community of the existence of seven identified osteological collections in Brazil, most of which are housed in universities: 21st Century Collection of the Center for Studies in Forensic Anthropology, Recife; Identified Skeletal Collection of Sergipanos of the University Tiradentes, Aracaju; Identified Skull Collection of the State of Bahia, Aracaju; Osteological and Tomographic Collection - Prof. Dr. Eduardo Daruge, Piracicaba; Osteological Collection of the Institute of Teaching and Research in Forensic Sciences, Guarulhos; Identified Skull Collection of the Anatomy Museum Alfonso Bovero, São Paulo; and the Identified Skull Collection, São Paulo. Three of these collections are from a northeast population, whereas the others are from individuals from the southeast region. Altogether, there are 925 skeletons and more than 998 skulls (three of the referenced collections have only skulls). Data on the number of individuals, sex, age, origin, and dates of inhumation and exhumation are available. This large quantity of identified skeletal remains is a fundamental source of research material that can be used to characterize the Brazilian population and facilitate the development of forensic anthropology. When contextualized within the reference series from South and Central America, it is clear that the Brazilian skeletal reference series hold a position of prominence.

Influence of dressing application time after breast augmentation on cutaneous colonization: A randomized clinical trial.

Concepts regarding the best way to treat a surgical wound vary, in literature, ranging from no dressing use to dressing maintenance for 24 to 48 hours or until suture removal. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the length of dressing maintenance after breast augmentation with implants on cutaneous colonization and surgical site infection. This is a two-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial. Eighty patients who were candidates for augmentation mammoplasty with silicone implants were randomly allocated to two groups, in which the dressing was removed on postoperative day 1 (group A, n = 40) or postoperative day 6 (group B, n = 40). Cutaneous colonization was examined by culturing samples collected before and after dressing removal. The criteria defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were used to assess surgical site infection. No significant difference regarding cutaneous colonization was observed between groups before dressing application. On postoperative day 6, significantly more bacterial growth was observed in group A (p = 0.01). No surgical site infection occurred. We concluded that maintaining the dressing for 6 days led to a lower cutaneous colonization but did not influence surgical site infection rates.

Histodifferentiation of oil palm somatic embryo development at low auxin concentration.

Large-scale propagation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis, Jacq.) is difficult due to its single apical meristem. Thus, obtaining plants is mainly through seed germination, and a long growing period is required before oil production is possible. An alternative to large-scale seedling production is indirect somatic embryogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze the somatic embryogenesis process in oil palm (E. guineensis Jacq.) with amino acids and low concentrations of auxins. The Tenera hybrid was analyzed by cytochemical and ultrastructural methods and was used to regenerate oil palm plants. First, calli were induced in MS culture media supplemented with 2,4-D and picloram. Two types of calli were obtained, characterized by beige or translucent color. Beige calli had embryogenic characteristics, such as large nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and they were multiplied for 8 months in MM culture (half strength MS, 1 mg L-1 2,4-D, 2 mg L-1 2iP, 1 mg L-1 IBA, 250 mg L-1 citric acid, 10 mg L-1 cysteine, 100 mg L-1 inositol, 1 mg L-1 thiamine, 1 mg L-1 pyridoxine, 1 mg L-1 nicotinic acid, 1 mg L-1 glycine, 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate). After multiplication, the MCB culture medium (half strength MS, supplemented with 0.25 mg L-1 NAA, 2 mg L-1 BAP, MM vitamins and 200 mg L-1 malt extract, and 100 mg L-1 casein hydrolysate) was the most efficient for embryo formation, showing meristematic centers with totipotent cells in histochemical analyses. The somatic embryos were developed and germinated in MG medium (half strength MS, 0.45 mg L-1 IAA, 0.25 mg L-1 BAP, and MM vitamins), transplanted into polyethylene tubes containing pine bark substrates, and acclimatized in a greenhouse, achieving a 97% survival rate. The use of picloram for callus induction and somatic embryogenesis is advantageous and multiplication in MM medium is an important step for increasing cell mass. The calli with light beige color and nodular structures have meristematic cells with dense cytoplasm and totipotential features that later give rise to protoderm, procambium, and ground meristem during the globular, cordiform, and torpedo embryogenesis phases. In MCB medium, the concentration of vitamins and amino acids are crucial for somatic embryogenesis.

Antibacterial properties and compressive strength of new one-step preparation silver nanoparticles in glass ionomer cements (NanoAg-GIC).

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed (1) to develop polyacid formulations by the one-step photoreduction of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in a polyacrylate solution of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), imparting antibacterial activity; and (2) to evaluate handling and mechanical properties of experimental ionomers in comparison to a commercially available conventional GIC. METHODS: Formulations with increasing sub-stoichiometric amounts of AgNO3 were monitored during continuous UV light exposure by UV-vis spectroscopy and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The resulted synthesis of formulations containing small and disperse spherical nanoparticles (∼6 nm) were used to design the experimental nano-silver glass ionomer cements (NanoAg-GIC). The cements were characterized as to net setting time and compressive strength according to ISO 9917-1:2007 specifications. The antibacterial activity of these cements was assessed by Ag+ diffusion tests on nutritive agar plates (E. coli) and by MTT assay (S. mutans). RESULTS: The higher concentration of silver (0.50% by mass) in the matrix of NanoAg-GIC allowed viable net setting time and increased in 32% compressive strength of the experimental cement. All groups containing AgNP induced statistically significant E. coli growth inhibition zones (p-value <.05), indicating diffusion of Ag+ ions on the material surroundings. Metabolic activity of S. mutans grown on NanoAg-GIG with higher concentration of silver was significantly affected compared to control (p-value <.01). CONCLUSIONS: Silver nanoparticles one-step preparation in polyacrylate solution allowed the production of highly bioactive water-based cements within suitable parameters for clinical use and with large potential of dental and biomedical application.

Effect of Melanotan-II on Brain Fos Immunoreactivity and Oxytocin Neuronal Activity and Secretion in Rats.

Melanocortins stimulate the central oxytocin systems that are involved in regulating social behaviours. Alterations in central oxytocin have been linked to neurological disorders such as autism, and melanocortins have been proposed for therapeutic treatment. In the present study, we investigated how systemic administration of melanotan-II (MT-II), a melanocortin agonist, affects oxytocin neuronal activity and secretion in rats. The results obtained show that i.v., but not intranasal, administration of MT-II markedly induced Fos expression in magnocellular neurones of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and this response was attenuated by prior i.c.v. administration of the melanocortin antagonist, SHU-9119. Electrophysiological recordings from identified magnocellular neurones of the SON showed that i.v. administration of MT-II increased the firing rate in oxytocin neurones but did not trigger somatodendritic oxytocin release within the SON as measured by microdialysis. Our data suggest that, after i.v., but not intranasal, administration of MT-II, the activity of magnocellular neurones of the SON is increased. Because previous studies showed that SON oxytocin neurones are inhibited in response to direct application of melanocortin agonists, the actions of i.v. MT-II are likely to be mediated at least partly indirectly, possibly by activation of inputs from the caudal brainstem, where MT-II also increased Fos expression.

Expression of genes related to the regulation of muscle protein turnover in Angus and Nellore bulls.

We aimed to evaluate the expression of genes related to the regulation of muscle protein turnover in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Angus and Nellore bulls and to estimate the within-breed correlations of gene expression and performance traits. Thirteen genes related to the IGF-1 and myostatin pathways were studied. Thirteen animals, with an initial average BW of 381.2 ± 11.8 kg, from each breed were used in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design (2 breeds and 2 feeding levels). The diet consisted of corn silage and a corn-soybean meal concentrate in a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 30:70. Cattle were fed ad libitum (with 9 animals from each breed) or feed restricted (a 55% restriction of total DMI of ad libitum-fed animals, calculated as percentage of metabolic BW, with 4 animals of each breed). The experimental period lasted for 82 d and it was preceded by a 28-d adaptation period. The performance traits evaluated were slaughter body weight, total ADG (from d 1 to 82 of the trial), initial ADG (from d 1 to 41 of the trial), final ADG (from d 42 to 82 of the trial), total DMI (from d 1 to 82 of the trial), initial DMI (from d 1 to 41 of the trial), final DMI (from d 42 to 82 of the trial), HCW, LD weight (LDW), and rib eye area (REA). After slaughter, samples were taken from the LD muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs for gene expression analysis by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. There was no difference ( > 0.05) in the expression of any of the genes studied between ad libitum-fed Angus and ad libitum-fed Nellore, whereas feed restriction increased the expression of (; < 0.001), (; = 0.05), and (; = 0.04) and decreased the expression of ( < 0.01). The REA was negatively correlated to (; = 0.01), (; = 0.02), and ( = 0.05). The HCW was negatively correlated to ( = 0.01) and ( = 0.01) and tended to be negatively correlated to ( = 0.07), whereas the LDW tended to be negatively correlated to ( = 0.08). The genes , , and seem to be important for muscle growth and may be worthy of further investigation as future strategies for increasing muscle in livestock.

A escrita de cartas em psicoterapia de grupos / The writing of letters in group psychotherapy

Esse estudo investigou o uso de conceitos e práticas terapêuticas construcionistas sociais na escrita decartas em sessões de psicoterapia de grupo. Ele se baseou, especificamente, na ilustração dosprocedimentos propostos por Chen para a redação das cartas. Para tanto, foram realizadas 12 sessõesgrupais, com dez participantes, e utilizadas cartas terapêuticas. Observamos que os procedimentos delinguagem propostos são úteis para a construção de novas narrativas, bem como identificamos anecessidade de procedimentos que visem fortalecer o senso de grupalidade. Concluímos que osprocedimentos utilizados oferecem transparência e visibilidade ao modo de redação da carta, além deservirem como um orientador para os interessados em escrever cartas terapêuticas(AU)