Clinicopathologic features of nasopalatine duct cysts: A retrospective study in two Brazilian oral and maxillofacial pathology referral centers.

BACKGROUND: Nasopalatine duct cyst (NDC) is the most common non-odontogenic cyst in the oral cavity. Clinically it is not difficult to suspect these lesions based on clinical and radiographic appearance. However, the histopathological diagnosis may be difficult due to the broad morphological diversity of these lesions. The objective was to analyze the clinicopathological features of NDCs diagnosed in two oral and maxillofacial pathology services in the Brazilian northeast. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective clinicopathologic study was performed. A total of 18,121 clinical records of oral lesions from two oral and maxillofacial pathology services in Brazil were analyzed (2000-2020). All NDCs cases were revised and demographic, clinical, radiographic, and histopathological data were collected. RESULTS: Among 18,121 diagnoses in the oral pathology services, 45 (0.2%) were NDCs. The series comprises 24 males (53.3%) and 21 females (46.7%), with a mean age of 43.2 years-old. Most lesions were asymptomatic (n = 27, 60%) with an mean size of 2.1 cm. Microscopically, the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium was the most common (66.7%). However, in 88.9% of cases, the epithelial lining was varied and composed of two or more types of epithelium. There was no significant association between the type of epithelium and the size of the cysts (p = 0.389). Nerve, blood vessels, hemorrhage, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate were commonly observed. In contrast, there was a low frequency of mucous glands, sebaceous glands, cholesterol clefts, and multinucleated giant cells. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, radiographic, and microscopic findings observed in this study are similar to those reported in the literature. Due to the morphological diversity of NDC, it is needed to correlate its histopathological features with the clinical and radiographic findings to establish a correct diagnosis.

COVID-19 mortality in an area of northeast Brazil: epidemiological characteristics and prospective spatiotemporal modelling.

This study aimed to analyse the spatial-temporal distribution of COVID-19 mortality in Sergipe, Northeast, Brazil. It was an ecological study utilising spatiotemporal analysis techniques that included all deaths confirmed by COVID-19 in Sergipe, from 2 April to 14 June 2020. Mortality rates were calculated per 100 000 inhabitants and the temporal trends were analysed using a segmented log-linear model. For spatial analysis, the Kernel estimator was used and the crude mortality rates were smoothed by the empirical Bayesian method. The space-time prospective scan statistics applied the Poisson's probability distribution model. There were 391 COVID-19 registered deaths, with the majority among ⩾60 years old (62%) and males (53%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (40%), diabetes (31%) and cardiovascular disease (15%). An increasing mortality trend across the state was observed, with a higher increase in the countryside. An active spatiotemporal cluster of mortality comprising the metropolitan area and neighbouring cities was identified. The trend of COVID-19 mortality in Sergipe was increasing and the spatial distribution of deaths was heterogeneous with progression towards the countryside. Therefore, the use of spatial analysis techniques may contribute to surveillance and control of COVID-19 pandemic.

Risk clusters of COVID-19 transmission in northeastern Brazil: prospective space-time modelling.

This study aimed to analyse the trend and spatial-temporal clusters of risk of transmission of COVID-19 in northeastern Brazil. We conducted an ecological study using spatial and temporal trend analysis. All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil were included, from 7 March to 22 May 2020. We used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess time trends, and the local empirical Bayesian estimator, the global and local Moran indexes for spatial analysis. The prospective space-time scan statistic was performed using the Poisson probability distribution model. There were 113 951 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The average incidence rate was 199.73 cases/100 000 inhabitants. We observed an increasing trend in the incidence rate in all states. Spatial autocorrelation was reported in metropolitan areas, and 178 municipalities were considered a priority, especially in the states of Ceará and Maranhão. We identified 11 spatiotemporal clusters of COVID-19 cases; the primary cluster included 70 municipalities from Ceará state. COVID-19 epidemic is increasing rapidly throughout the Northeast region of Brazil, with dispersion towards countryside. It was identified high risk clusters for COVID-19, especially in the coastal side.

Use of aqueous extract of noni in extender for sheep semen freezing / Utilização do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen ovino

The study aimed to evaluate the action of aqueous extract of noni in an extender for sheep semen freezing. Treatments differed in inclusion of aqueous extract of noni in the extender: T1 ˗ no addition; T2 ˗ 24µg/mL; T3 ˗ 72µg/mL; and T4 ˗ 120µg/mL. Ejaculates were collected, diluted in the four treatments, and frozen. After thawing, the semen was subjected to a thermoresistance test and evaluated for subjective motility, vigor, membrane integrity assessment by hypo-osmotic swelling test, live-dead assay, computer-assisted sperm analysis and the status of sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. Data were subjected to ANOVA, and then to Student Newman Keuls's test at 5% significance level. In the thermoresistance test after two hours of incubation, motility in T4 (120µg/mL) was lower than in the other treatments, with no differences in the HoS test in either diluted semen or in the semen evaluated immediately post-thawing, while for the other times, treatments showed similar responses. Regarding the motility parameters, a difference was observed for progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement. As to the sperm capacitation status, a difference was observed between treatments for the sperm capacitated with intact acrosome.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação do extrato aquoso de noni em diluente para congelação de sêmen de carneiro. Os tratamentos diferiram quanto à inclusão de extrato aquoso de noni ao meio diluidor em: T1˗ sem adição de extrato; T2˗ 24µg/mL ; T3- 72µg/mL e 120µg/mL. Por meio de vagina artificial, 16 ejaculados foram coletados, diluídos entre os quatro tratamentos e congelados. Após o descongelamento, o sêmen foi submetido ao teste de termorresistência e avaliado quanto à motilidade subjetiva, ao vigor espermático, à integridade de membrana pelo teste hiposmótico, bem como ao teste supravital, à análise de sêmen assistida por computador (CASA) e ao status de capacitação espermática e de reação acrossomal. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de variância, seguida pelo teste de Student-Newman-Keuls com 5% de significância. No teste de termorresistência, após duas horas de incubação, a motilidade do T4 (120µg/mL) apresentou-se inferior aos demais tratamentos. Não houve diferença significativa no teste HOS tanto para o sêmen diluído quanto para o sêmen avaliado imediatamente pós-descongelação; para as demais horas, os tratamentos apresentaram comportamento semelhante. Para os parâmetros de cinética, foi observada diferença estatística para motilidade progressiva, velocidade curvilinear, velocidade do percurso médio e amplitude de deslocamento lateral da cabeça. Quanto ao estado de capacitação espermática, observou-se diferença entre os tratamentos para espermatozoide capacitado com acrossomo intacto.(AU)

Influence of antibody immobilization strategies on the analytical performance of a magneto-elastic immunosensor for Staphylococcus aureus detection.

Magneto-elastic (ME) sensors have a great advantage in microbiology due to their ability to be queried wirelessly. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common bacteria widespread in the environment and a major human pathogen related to numerous illnesses. Immunosensors are affinity-based assays where the analyte is highly selective. The immobilization of antibodies (Ab) is an important step in the development of such devices. This study compared the effects of two antibody immobilization strategies on the analytical performance of a magneto-elastic immunosensor: (1) random antibody covalent immobilization (CysAb) and (2) specific-oriented antibody covalent immobilization (PrGAb). Immunosensors were exposed to solutions containing S. aureus at different concentrations (104 to 108CFU/ml) and sensor resonant frequencies were measured. In order to confirm that the frequency shifts were mainly caused by the binding of S. aureus to the sensor's surface, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) images were taken after bacteria exposure at 108CFU/ml. Sensor surfaces were further monitored by non-contact topographic atomic force microscopy (AFM) images. In the covalent-oriented strategy, PrG was first bound covalently to the surface, which in turn, then binds the anti-S. aureus antibody in an oriented manner. Topographic AFM images showed different surface patterns between the two antibody immobilization strategies. Specific-oriented antibody covalent immobilization (PrGAb) strategy gave the highest anti-S. aureus antibody immobilization density. Therefore, the covalent-oriented strategy presented the best performance for S. aureus capture, detecting 104CFU/ml.

Measurements of experimental precision for trials with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) genotypes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of statistics as experimental precision degree measures for trials with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) genotypes. Cowpea genotype yields were evaluated in 29 trials conducted in Brazil between 2005 and 2012. The genotypes were evaluated with a randomized block design with four replications. Ten statistics that were estimated for each trial were compared using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and path analysis. According to the class limits established, selective accuracy and F-test values for genotype, heritability, and the coefficient of determination adequately estimated the degree of experimental precision. Using these statistics, 86.21% of the trials had adequate experimental precision. Selective accuracy and the F-test values for genotype, heritability, and the coefficient of determination were directly related to each other, and were more suitable than the coefficient of variation and the least significant difference (by the Tukey test) to evaluate experimental precision in trials with cowpea genotypes.

Biocompatibility and degradation of gold-covered magneto-elastic biosensors exposed to cell culture.

Magneto-elastic materials (ME) have important advantages when applied as biosensors due to the possibility of wireless monitoring. Commercial Metglas 2826MB3™ (FeNiMoB) is widely used, however sensor stabilization is an important factor for biosensor performance. This study compared the effects of biocompatibility and degradation of the Metglas 2826MB3™ alloy, covered or not with a gold layer, when in contact with cell culture medium. Strips of amorphous Metglas 2826MB3™ were cut and coated with thin layers of Cr and Au, as verified by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS). Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), the presence of metals in the culture medium was quantitatively determined for up to seven days after alloy exposure. Biocompatibility of fibroblast Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cultures was tested and cytotoxicity parameters were investigated by indirect means of reduction of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) at 1, 2 and 7 days. Cell death was further evaluated through in situ analysis using Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide (AO/EB) staining and images were processed with ImageJ software. Ions from Metglas(®) 2826MB3™ induced a degradation process in living organisms. The cytotoxicity assay showed a decrease in the percentage of live cells compared to control for the ME strip not coated with gold. AO/EB in situ staining revealed that most of the cells grown on top of the gold-covered sensor presented a normal morphology (85.46%). Covering ME sensors with a gold coating improved their effectiveness by generating protection of the transducer by reducing the release of ions and promoting a significant cell survival.

Body adiposity and bone parameters of male rats from mothers fed diet containing flaxseed flour during lactation.

Obesity and osteoporosis may have their origins in early postnatal life. This study was designed to evaluate whether flaxseed flour use during lactation period bears effect on body adiposity and skeletal structure of male rat pups at weaning. At birth, male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control and experimental (FF) groups, whose dams were treated with control or flaxseed flour diet, respectively, during lactation. At 21 days of age, pups were weaned to assess body mass, length and composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The animals were then sacrificed to carry out analysis of serum profile, intra-abdominal adipocyte morphology and femur characteristics. Differences were considered significant when P<0.05. The FF group displayed the following characteristics (P<0.05): higher body mass, length, bone mineral content, bone area and concentrations of osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; higher levels of stearic, α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids and lower levels of arachidonic acid and cholesterol; smaller adipocyte area; and higher mass, epiphysis distance, diaphysis width, maximal load, break load, resilience and stiffness of femur. Flaxseed flour intake during lactation period promoted adipocyte hypertrophy down-regulation and contributed to pup bone quality at weaning.

Effect of surface roughness on performance of magnetoelastic biosensors for the detection of Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli are bacteria that must be controlled in the food industry and the hospital sector. Magnetoelastic biosensors offer the promise of rapid identification of these and other harmful antigens. In this work, strips of amorphous Metglas 2826MB3 were cut to size (5 mm × 1 mm) with a microdicing saw and were then coated with thin layers of Cr and Au, as verified by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). Several sensor surfaces were studied: 1) as-cast strip, wheel side; 2) as-cast strip, free surface; and 3) thinned and polished surface. A layer of cystamine was applied to the Au-covered magnetoelastic substrate, forming a self-assembledmonolayer (SAM), followed by antibodies, using a modified Hermanson protocol. The cystamine layer growth was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM). The biosensors were exposed to solutions of bacteria and the resonant frequency of the sensors was measured with an impedance analyzer for times up to 100 min. Reductions in the resonant frequency, corresponding to bacteria capture, were measured after optimizing the signal amplitude. For times up to 40 min, high capture rates were observed and thereafter saturation occurred. Saturation values of the frequency shifts were compared with the number of bacteria observed on the sensor using fluorescence microscopy. Parameters associated with capture kinetics were studied for different sensor surfaces. The rough surfaces were found to show a faster response, while the thinned and polished sensors showed the largest frequency shift.

Composição centesimal e mineral de plantas medicinais comercializadas no mercado do Porto de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil / Centesimal and mineral composition of medicinal plants commercialized in the Cuiabá Port Market, Mato Grosso, Brazil

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a composição centesimal (cinzas, umidade, proteínas, lipídeos e carboidratos totais) e mineral (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn e Zn) das plantas medicinais Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), Carqueja (Baccharis trimera (Less) D.C.), Mangava-Brava (Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil.), e Quebra Pedra (Phyllanthus niruri L.) comercializadas no mercado do Porto de Cuiabá, MT. As amostras foram identificadas botanicamente por meio da exsicata feita no Instituto de Botânica da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Campus Cuiabá. A composição centesimal foi determinada de acordo com as recomendações da Association of Official Analytical Chemists e a concentração dos minerais foi quantificada por Espectrometria de Absorção Atômica em Chama. Os resultados obtidos foram: umidade (7,72% a 12,10%); cinzas (1,64% a 8,44%); proteínas (2,36% a 9,35%); lipídeos (0,41% a 2,05%); carboidratos totais (72,09% a 82,37%) e, foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as amostras (p < 0,05). As concentrações dos minerais nas amostras variaram de 0,01 a 21,57 mg/g nas plantas secas e 0,01 a 32,17 mg/200mL das infusões. Os resultados médios obtidos indicam que, exceto para o K, Ca e Mn todas as amostras não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p ≥ 0,05) nas concentrações de minerais. A capacidade de extração dos minerais da matéria seca para a infusão obedeceu à seguinte ordem: Na>K>Zn>Cu>Mg>Mn>Ca>Fe. Os valores obtidos em 200 mL das infusões quando comparados aos índices diários recomendados para minerais sugerem que os chás avaliados podem ser fonte de minerais, principalmente de K e Mn.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the proximal (ash, moisture, protein, lipids, and total carbohydrates) and mineral (Na, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn) composition of the medicinal plants barbatimão (Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville), carqueja (Baccharis trimera (Less) D.C.), mangava-brava (Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil.), pau-tenente (Quassia amara L.), and quebra pedra (Phyllanthus niruri L.), commercialized in the Cuiabá Port Market in Mato Grosso. The samples were botanically identified by the voucher specimen grown in the Botanical Institute of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, at the Cuiabá campus. Proximal composition was determined according to the recommendations of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists and the concentration of minerals was quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained were: moisture content (7.72% to 12.10%); ashes (1.64% to 8.44%); protein (2.36% to 9.35%); lipids (0.41% to 2.05%), and total carbohydrates (72.09% to 82.37%), and significant differences were found between the samples (p≥0.05). The mineral concentrations varied from 0.01 to 21.57 mg/g in the plants and 0.01 to 32.17 mg/200mL in the infusions. No significant differences (p≥0.05) were found between the samples for mineral composition, except for K, Ca, and Mg. The mineral extraction capacity of the dry matter for infusions was as follows: Na>K>Zn>Cu>Mg>Mn>Ca>Fe. The daily index values of the metal species quantified in 200 mL infusions suggest that teas can be a source of minerals, especially K and Mn.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of aqueous extract from Remirea maritima (Cyperaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Remirea maritima Aubl., popularly known as "capim-da-praia", is popularly employed in the treatment of diarrhea, kidney disease, fever, and for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes through the preparation of teas. Few studies have focused on the chemical composition and its biological properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work evaluated the antinocipetive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from Remirea maritima Aubl. as well as the isolation and identification of the chemical compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Compounds were isolated from aqueous extract of Remirea maritima through preparative HPLC and the structures were identified by means of NMR and MS analysis. The tests for antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, along with motor coordination test (Rota rod), were performed over the aqueous extract. RESULTS: The phytochemical investigation of aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the isolation of three flavone glycosides. The structures of these compounds were determined by means of MS and 1D and 2D NMR data as vitexin-2″-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, isovitexin-2″-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside, and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide. Acute pretreatment with aqueous extract (100, 200 or 400mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the number of abdominal writhes. In the formalin test, higher doses significantly inhibited the late (inflammatory pain) phase of formalin-induced licking (p<0.05 or 0.001). In the hot plate test, there was no significant difference in nociceptive behavior, discarding the possible central effect of the aqueous extract. In the rota rod test, it was verified that the aqueous extract in all concentration evaluated does not alter the motor coordination of mice, such antinociceptive results were unlikely to be caused by motor abnormality. In the peritonitis test, induced by carrageenan, the treatment with aqueous extract produced a significant reduction in leukocyte migration in all concentration evaluated. Additionally, a significant reduction of lipoperoxidation (TBARS test) and in nitric oxide formation (.NO Scavenging assay) was observed in antioxidant activity assay. CONCLUSION: The biological and phytochemical investigations of the aqueous extract of Remirea maritima resulted in the identification of three flavone glycosides that have been described here for the first time in Remirea and effective analgesic activity in various pain models, probably mediated via the inhibition of peripheral mediators which could be related to its strong antioxidant effect observed in vitro.

Controle de plantas invasoras em cultivo orgânico e convencional de capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. ) / Weed control in organic and conventional crops of lemongrass

O cultivo orgânico é preconizado para o capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) como planta medicinal promissora ao desenvolvimento de fármacos no Brasil. Objetivou-se avaliar técnicas de controle de plantas invasoras sobre componentes de produção de capim limão em cultivos orgânico e convencional. Dois experimentos foram instalados sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2x2x3, considerando-se duas áreas (orgânico e convencional) e os tratamentos combinando cobertura morta (presente e ausente) e técnicas de controle de plantas invasoras (capina manual, roçada e nenhuma). Altura, perfilhamento, teor e rendimento total de óleo essencial de capim-limão no cultivo orgânico foram superiores ao convencional, mas a produtividade de biomassa aérea seca não diferiu entre ambos. A capina, com ou sem cobertura morta, favoreceu o rendimento de óleo no cultivo orgânico.

Organic farming is recommended for lemongrass as a promising medicinal plant for drug development in Brazil. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the techniques to control weed on the plant height, tillering, biomass productivity, content and yield of the essential oil of lemon grass in organic and conventional crops. Two experiments were set in a completely randomized design with four replications, at a 2x2x3 factorial scheme, considering two areas (organic and conventional) and treatments combining mulching (present and absent) and weed control techniques (hoeing, skimming and none). Plant height, tillering, content and yield of the essential oil of lemongrass were better in the organic crop, but the biomass productivity did not differ between both areas. The biomass production was better in the conventional crop as to weed control, with or without mulching, and for organic crop under hoeing or skimming with mulching. Hoeing or skimming with no mulching improved the oil content in organic crops. Hoeing or skimming with mulching was better than any other weed control technique with no mulching, and hoeing was better than skimming, justifying its recommendation as a technique for this crop system.

Effects of prostaglandin administration 10 days apart on reproductive parameters of cyclic dairy nulliparous goats / Efeitos da aplicação de prostaglandinas intervaladas de 10 dias sobre características reprodutivas de cabras leiteiras nulíparas cíclicas

This study reported the effects of prostaglandin (PGF2a) administration 10 days apart on reproductive parameters of cyclic artificial inseminated (AI) nulliparous Alpine (n=9) and Saanen (n=9) goats. Animals received two doses of 22.5mg PGF2a 10 days apart. After 1st and 2nd PGF2a administrations, estrus was monitored at 12 h intervals, with a buck teaser. Plasma progesterone concentration (ng/mL) was determined from blood sampled on day 0 (1st PGF2a) and the following 5, 10 (2nd PGF2a), 15, 20, 25 and 30 days. After the onset of the second estrus, females were transrectally (5 MHz probe) scanned at 4 hour intervals until at least 8h after ovulation. Pregnancy was checked through transrectal ultrasound on days 20, 25, 30, 35 and 90 after insemination. All parameters studied did not differ between breeds (P>0.05). Estrous response and interval to estrus, respectively, after 1st (78.9% and 50.6±17.2h) and 2nd PGF2a (88.9% and 50.0±14.8h) administration did not differ (P>0.05). Overall animals ovulating (100.0%), interval to ovulation after 2nd PGF2a (64.5±19.5h) and after estrous onset (18.0±9.1h), ovulation rate (1.3±0.5), diameter of ovulatory follicle (8.1±1.1mm) were recorded. Embryo loss occurred before day 30 of pregnancy. Estrus can be efficiently synchronized in nulliparous Alpine and Saanen goats with two doses of prostaglandin 10 days apart.

Relataram-se os efeitos da aplicação de prostaglandina sobre características reprodutivas de cabras leiteiras nulíparas cíclicas. Cabras Alpinas (n=9) e Saanen (n=9) receberam duas doses de 22,5mg PGF2a com 10 dias de intervalo. A progesterona plasmática (ng/mL) foi determinada a partir de amostras de sangue coletadas nos dias 0 (primeira dose), 5, 10 (segunda dose), 15, 20, 25 e 30. Após início do segundo estro, as fêmeas foram monitoradas por ultrassonografia transretal a cada quatro horas até oito horas após a ovulação. A gestação foi verificada por ultrassonografia transretal nos dias 20, 25, 30, 35 e 90 após a segunda dose. As características estudadas foram semelhantes entre as raças (P>0,05). Animais em estro e o intervalo parto-estro de, respectivamente, 78,9% e 50,6±17,2h e 88,9% e 50,0±14,8h após a primeira e segunda administrações de prostaglandina, não diferiram (P>0,05). Todas as cabras ovularam e registraram-se valores do intervalo parto-ovulação após a segunda aplicação de prostaglandina de 64,5±19,5h e após início do estro de 18,0±9,1h, a taxa de ovulação de 1,3±0,5 e diâmetro do folículo ovulatório de 8,1±1,1mm. Perda embrionária ocorreu antes de 30 dias de gestação. O estro pode ser eficientemente sincronizado em cabras leiteiras núliparas com duas doses de prostaglandina intervaladas de 10 dias.

High density flux of Co nanoparticles produced by a simple gas aggregation apparatus.

Gas aggregation is a well known method used to produce clusters of different materials with good size control, reduced dispersion, and precise stoichiometry. The cost of these systems is relatively high and they are generally dedicated apparatuses. Furthermore, the usual sample production speed of these systems is not as fast as physical vapor deposition devices posing a problem when thick samples are needed. In this paper we describe the development of a multipurpose gas aggregation system constructed as an adaptation to a magnetron sputtering system. The cost of this adaptation is negligible and its installation and operation are both remarkably simple. The gas flow for flux in the range of 60-130 SCCM (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP) is able to completely collimate all the sputtered material, producing spherical nanoparticles. Co nanoparticles were produced and characterized using electron microscopy techniques and Rutherford back-scattering analysis. The size of the particles is around 10 nm with around 75 nm/min of deposition rate at the center of a Gaussian profile nanoparticle beam.

Transfer factor and allergy.

Although various mechanisms involving antibodies and various cell types participate, a Thl and Th2 cells imbalance seems to play a central role for allergy development. Other lymphocyte subpopulations, such as Th17, CD4 FOXP3, and Th9 positive regulatory T lymphocytes may also be involved in the allergic response. Regulatory processes are an appealing target for therapeutic approaches aiming to solve allergic reactions by restoring the delicate balance within the immune system. Transfer factor (TF) or dialyzable leukocyte extract is meant to transfer cell-mediated immunity from immune competent donors to unsensitized or deficient recipients. A PubMed search on the current knowledge on TF indicates that TF may restore the Th1/Th2 balance and improve immune regulatory mechanisms of patients receiving it. Our preliminary results demonstrate that TF induces mRNA expression of IFN-g, osteopontin, RANTES, and hBD-2 in human healthy subjects. TF has been used to treat a variety of immune dysfunction related-pathologies, such as allergy, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, infectious diseases and tumors. Patients receiving TF together with their conventional treatment often have better clinical evolution than without it, as we have witnessed, adding TF to the usual medical treatment of allergic diseases as an attempt to provide allergic patients with those regulatory elements that they apparently lack but require to achieve properly regulated immune responses and thus obtain a faster and better resolution of allergic reactions.

Structural evaluation of type 3 dopaminergic receptor gene (DRD3) in chronic anovulatory women.

Dopamine receptor type 3 (DRD3) expressed in the limbic system sites involved in the regulation of GnRH seems to play a role in neuroendocrine control. We hypothesized that women with chronic anovulation should show exacerbated secretion of prolactin (PRL) after thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test, having more chances for dopamine inhibitory dysfunction due to alterations in the structure of DRD3. The DRD3-coding region was evaluated in 60 women with chronic anovulation (35 without and 25 with hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation), and in 34 controls. Statistically similar frequencies of homozygous AGC polymorphism (43.4 and 33.4%) and heterozygous polymorphism (33.4 and 47.9%) at position 9 were found in controls and patients, respectively. Homozygous GCG polymorphism at position 17 was identified in 3.4% of the patients, while heterozygosis occurred in 20.8% of the patients and in 6.6% of the controls. The novel 41563_41567delTAAGT polymorphism of DRD3 was identified in 14.7% of the controls and 8.6% of the women with chronic anovulation displaying hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation. Alteration 41563_41567delTAAGT of DRD3 was not found in patients who did not show hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation. Normal baseline and peak levels of PRL and thyroid-stimulating hormone were similar for women with and without 41563_41567delTAAGT in the DRD3 gene. It is concluded that the novel polymorphism in DRD3 identified in this study is not associated with the response of PRL to TRH stimulation in women with chronic anovulation.

Structural evaluation of type 3 dopaminergic receptor gene (DRD3) in chronic anovulatory women

Dopamine receptor type 3 (DRD3) expressed in the limbic system sites involved in the regulation of GnRH seems to play a role in neuroendocrine control. We hypothesized that women with chronic anovulation should show exacerbated secretion of prolactin (PRL) after thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test, having more chances for dopamine inhibitory dysfunction due to alterations in the structure of DRD3. The DRD3-coding region was evaluated in 60 women with chronic anovulation (35 without and 25 with hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation), and in 34 controls. Statistically similar frequencies of homozygous AGC polymorphism (43.4 and 33.4%) and heterozygous polymorphism (33.4 and 47.9%) at position 9 were found in controls and patients, respectively. Homozygous GCG polymorphism at position 17 was identified in 3.4% Type 3 dopaminergic receptor in chronic anovulationof the patients, while heterozygosis occurred in 20.8% of the patients and in 6.6% of the controls. The novel 41563_41567delTAAGT polymorphismof DRD3 was identified in 14.7% of the controls and 8.6% of the women with chronic anovulation displaying hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation. Alteration 41563_41567delTAAGT of DRD3 was not found in patients who did not show hyperresponse of PRL after TRH stimulation. Normal baseline and peak levels of PRL and thyroid-stimulating hormone were similar for women with and without 41563_41567delTAAGT in the DRD3 gene. It is concluded that the novel polymorphism in DRD3 identified in this study is not associated with the response of PRL to TRH stimulation in women with chronic anovulation.

Progesterone and behavioral features when estrous is induced in Alpine goats.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the endocrine and behavioral features of estrous-induced Alpine goats. A total of 36 nulliparous, 40 non-lactating and 42 lactating does were treated with intravaginal 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate sponges for 9 d plus 200 IU eCG and 22.5 microg d-cloprostenol 24 h before sponge removal. Plasma progesterone concentration was analyzed from blood sampled on days 0 (sponge insertion), 5, 8 (cloprostenol administration) and 9 (sponge removal) in 11 nulliparous, 13 non-lactating and 11 lactating does. Estrous response did not differ (P>0.05) among nulliparous (97.2%), non-lactating (90.00%) and lactating does (85.7%). Interval to estrus and duration of estrus did not differ (P>0.05) among nulliparous (22.8+/-9.9 and 25.6+/-6.8h), non-lactating (23.7+/-15.8 and 25.0+/-6.0 h) and lactating does (22.2+/-10.4 and 24.9+/-4.2h). The accumulative percentage of does in estrus during the first 36 h after sponge removal was 88.1%. The correlation between interval to estrus and duration of estrus was r=-0.32 (P<0.001). Endogenous progesterone production is decreased until day 8 or suppressed by MAP on day 9. Conception rate was greater (P<0.01) in lactating (77.8%) than non-lactating (44.4%) but similar (P>0.05) to nulliparous (60.0%) goats. Estrus can be efficiently induced by means of hormonal treatment in goats and acceptable fertility can be obtained regardless of animal category.

Efeito do nível de uréia na dieta sobre o desempenho, a qualidade e o estádio de desenvolvimento embrionário em cabras Alpinas / Effect of the dietary urea level on performance, quality and embryonic development stage on Alpine goats

Utilizaram-se 22 cabras da raça Alpina, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro tratamentos (T): as cabras do T1 (n=5) formaram o grupo-controle; as do T2 (n=7) receberam 0,73 por cento de uréia na matéria seca da dieta; as do T3 (n=4) receberam 1,46 por cento de uréia; e as do T4 (n=6), 2,24 por cento de uréia. As cabras foram superovuladas e os embriões, coletados entre sete e oito dias após a primeira monta, foram avaliados quanto à qualidade e ao estádio de desenvolvimento. Amostras de sangue para dosagem dos teores de uréia e glicose foram coletadas nos dias do estro e da coleta de embriões. Houve efeito linear crescente do nível de uréia nas dietas sobre o consumo de MS (kg/dia) e de proteína bruta (kg/dia). O peso das cabras não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos nem entre as semanas experimentais. Dezoito cabras (81,8 por cento) manifestaram estro após a sincronização. A duração do estro e o intervalo da remoção da esponja ao início do estro não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos tratamentos. Quatorze cabras (77,8 por cento) responderam à superovulação. O número de estruturas e de embriões coletados não diferiu (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. O número (Y= 10,90 - 11,64NS U + 4,93§U²; R² = 0,67; P<0,10) e a percentagem (Y= 94,08 - 39,59NS U + 18,16ªU²; R² = 0,94; P<0,07) de embriões viáveis, e o número (Y= 10,83- 12,18NS U + 5,02mU²; R² = 0,78; P<0,08) e a percentagem (Y= 94,83- 52,31NS U + 21,56*U²; R² = 0,90; P<0,05) de embriões excelentes e bons apresentaram comportamento quadrático em função do nível de uréia nas dietas. Os teores de uréia e glicose no plasma não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos tratamentos. A uréia pode ser fornecida no nível de 2,24 por cento na MS da dieta de cabras não lactantes

Twenty-two Alpine goats were allocated at random into four treatments: 0.0 percent (T1 - control, n=5); 0.73 percent (T2, n=7); 1.46 percent (T3, n=4) or 2.24 percent (T4, n=6) of urea in the dry matter (DM) of the diet. Embryos collected from 7 to 8 days after mating of superovulated goat were evaluated by quality and development stage. Blood samples for urea and glucose analyses were collected at estrus and at embryos collection day. The DM (kg/day) and crude protein (kg/day) intake increased linearly in function of dietary urea level. Goat body weights were not affected by treatments out experimental weeks (P>0.05). Eighteen goats (81.8 percent) came in estrus after the synchronization. The estrus length and the interval from sponge removal to the beginning of estrus were not affected (P>0.05) by treatments. Fourteen goats (77.8 percent) were responsive to superovulation protocol. The levels of urea (treatments) did not affect structures and embryo numbers (P>0.05). Number (Y= 10.90 - 11.64NS U + 4.93§U²; R²= 0.67; P<0.10) and percentage (Y= 94.08 - 39.59NS U + 18.16ªU²; R²= 0.94; P<0.07) of viable embryos, and number (Y= 10.83- 12.18NS U + 5.02mU²; R²= 0.78; P<0.08) and the percentage (Y= 94.83- 52.31NS U + 21.56*U²; R²= 0.90; P<0.05) of excellent and good embryos were quadraticaly effected by urea dietary level. The treatments did not affect plasma urea and glucose levels (P>0.05). Diets for no nursing goats can be supplied by urea at 2.24 percent of DM

Transitions in the orientational order of liquid crystals induced by periodic patterned substrates.

The orientational order of liquid crystals (LCs) induced by periodic patterned substrates has been investigated with cells coated by azopolymer films that could be photoaligned in a controlled way. Two regimes were observed depending on the period of the patterns: (i) above 3.0 microm the LC follows the direction imposed by the patterned substrate since the energy stored in the surface potential minimizes the elastic energy of the LC medium. (ii) For periods smaller than 1.0 microm a homogeneous in-plane state was induced and the LC did not follow the orientation imposed by the surface. This in-plane transition could be explained qualitatively by a theoretical model based on the competition between the Frank-Oseen elastic energy and the phenomenological surface potential. The results also suggest an out-of-plane transition for the LC director as the period was reduced. These results agree with data in the literature for patterned substrates with completely distinct architectures. This indicates that for a particular LC sample the overall behavior depends basically on the texture period instead of the texture architecture. The textures were characterized with a scanning near-field optical microscope (SNOM), which allowed simultaneous morphological and optical images in the submicrometer range.