Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS: A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020 / Soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares no município de São Paulo, 2020

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4-17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6-20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4-18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0-13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8-20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9-20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares de quatro a 14 anos de idade residentes no município de São Paulo, segundo variáveis clínicas, demográficas, epidemiológicas e sociais, durante o período de fechamento das escolas como medida de controle da covid-19. MÉTODOS Realizou-se um inquérito sorológico em setembro de 2020 com amostra aleatória estratificada por tipo de rede de ensino (pública municipal, pública estadual e privada). Foi coletada amostra de sangue venoso utilizando-se o teste de imunoensaio de fluxo lateral da fabricante Wondfo para detecção de anticorpos totais contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2. Aplicaram-se questionários semiestruturados para o levantamento de dados clínicos, demográficos, sociais e epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS A soroprevalência de anticorpos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 em escolares foi de 16,6% (IC95% 15,4-17,8). O estudo encontrou soroprevalências mais elevadas na rede pública municipal (18,5%; IC95% 16,6-20,6) e estadual (16,2%; IC95% 14,4-18,2) em relação à rede privada (11,7; IC95% 10,0-13,7) e entre escolares da raça/cor preta e parda (18,4%; IC95% 16,8-20,2) e no estrato social mais vulnerável (18,5%; IC95% 16,9-20,2). A pesquisa identificou menores soroprevalências nos escolares que relataram seguir as medidas recomendadas de proteção contra a covid-19. CONCLUSÃO A soroprevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus SARS-CoV-2 atinge principalmente os escolares socialmente mais vulneráveis. Este estudo pode contribuir para embasar políticas públicas que reforcem a importância da suspensão das aulas presenciais e da necessidade de estratégias de medidas de proteção e acompanhamento do status sorológico daqueles que ainda não foram contemplados no calendário vacinal.

A rare association between factor H deficiency and lupus: Case report and experimental treatment with curcumin.

Factor H (FH) is one of the most important regulatory proteins of the alternative pathway of the complement system. FH deficiency is a rare condition that causes unregulated C3 consumption, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections and glomerulopathies. Our previous studies have demonstrated a FH deficient patient carrying a c.452G > A, p.R127H FH mutation which leads to a misfolded protein and its retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. In his cultured fibroblasts, FH-delayed secretion was partially rescued when treated with curcumin, and once secreted, exhibited normal regulatory function. Here, we report a childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) in this FH deficient patient and the results of experimental treatment with curcumin aiming to rescue FH secretion and regulatory activity.

Polyclonal F(ab')2 fragments of equine antibodies raised against the spike protein neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants with high potency.

We used the recombinant trimeric spike (S) glycoprotein in the prefusion conformation to immunize horses for the production of hyperimmune globulins against SARS-CoV-2. Serum antibody titers measured by ELISA were above 1:106, and the neutralizing antibody titer against authentic virus (WT) was 1:14,604 (average PRNT90). Plasma from immunized animals was pepsin digested to remove the Fc portion and purified, yielding an F(ab')2 preparation with PRNT90 titers 150-fold higher than the neutralizing titers in human convalescent plasma. Challenge studies were carried out in hamsters and showed the in vivo ability of equine F(ab')2 to reduce viral load in the pulmonary tissues and significant clinical improvement determined by weight gain. The neutralization curve by F(ab')2 was similar against the WT and P.2 variants, but displaced to higher concentrations by 0.39 log units against the P.1 (Gamma) variant. These results support the possibility of using equine F(ab')2 preparation for the clinical treatment of COVID patients.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS: This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Avaliação da modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise: estudo preliminar / Evaluación de la modulación autónoma de la frecuencia cardíaca en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica sometidos a hemodiálisis: estudio preliminar / Evaluation of the autonomic heart rate modulation of patients with chronic renal disease in hemodyalysis: preliminare study

RESUMO A doença renal crônica (DRC) é definida como dano à função renal. Doentes renais crônicos atingem alta prevalência de morte por eventos cardiovasculares antes dos estágios finais, sendo maior a mortalidade em estágio dialítico, em que é evidenciado um desequilíbrio autonômico. Objetivamos avaliar a modulação simpatovagal de pacientes com DRC em tratamento de hemodiálise ambulatorial. Foram avaliados 23 pacientes, divididos em: Grupo DRC com DRC no estágio 5D (DRC-5D) em tratamento regular de hemodiálise ambulatorial; Grupo-controle com indivíduos saudáveis. A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) foi coletada por um cardiofrequencímetro e analisada por índices lineares do domínio do tempo e do domínio da frequência. 14 pacientes no Grupo DRC com média de idade 48±16; e 9 pacientes saudáveis no Grupo-controle com média de idade 64±5. Nos resultados pelo domínio de tempo, o Grupo DRC mostrou valores significativamente maiores da frequência cardíaca (FC) comparado ao Grupo-controle (83,49±13,09 bpm vs. 67,88±9,43 bpm). Todavia, os índices média dos intervalos R-R (735,82±121,54 ms vs. 898,94±123,58 ms), RMSSD (11,75±11,86 ms vs. 20,03±6,80 ms), SDNN (17,06±9,81ms vs. 28,42±7,62 ms) do Grupo DRC mostraram valores significativamente menores comparados aos do Grupo-controle, respectivamente. Nos resultados pelo domínio da frequência, o Grupo DRC mostrou valores significativamente menores em comparação ao Grupo-controle nos índices BFab (129,7±184,3 ms vs. 262,31±168,15 ms) e AFab (82,70±227,66 ms vs. 180,77±119,85 ms). Pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise apresentaram redução da modulação parassimpática quando comparados com indivíduos saudáveis, sugerindo prejuízo do balanço simpatovagal e, consequente, disfunção autonômica cardíaca.

RESUMEN La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se define como la pérdida de la función renal. Los pacientes renales crónicos tienen una alta prevalencia de muerte por eventos cardiovasculares antes de la etapa final, con mayor mortalidad en la etapa de diálisis, en la que se evidencia un desequilibrio autonómico. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la modulación simpatovagal de pacientes con ERC sometidos a tratamiento de hemodiálisis ambulatoria. Se evaluaron 23 pacientes, lo cuales fueron divididos en: Grupo ERC con ERC en etapa 5D (ERC-5D) en tratamiento de hemodiálisis ambulatoria regular; Grupo de control con individuos sanos. Para identificar la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC) se utilizó un monitor de frecuencia cardíaca y los datos obtenidos fueron analizados por los índices lineales de tiempo y de dominio de frecuencia. En el grupo ERC 14 pacientes tenían un promedio de edad de 48±16 años; y en el grupo control 9 pacientes sanos tenían un promedio de edad de 64±5. En los resultados para el dominio del tiempo, el grupo ERC mostró valores significativamente más altos de frecuencia cardíaca (FC) en comparación con el grupo control (83,49±13,09 lpm vs. 67,88±9,43 lpm). Sin embargo, los índices medios de los intervalos R-R (735,82±121,54 ms vs. 898,94±123,58 ms), RMSSD (11,75±11,86 ms vs. 20,03±6,80 ms), SDNN (17,06±9,81 ms vs. 28,42±7,62 ms) del grupo ERC demostraron valores significativamente más bajos en comparación con el grupo control, respectivamente. En los resultados para el dominio de la frecuencia, en el grupo ERC se obtuvo valores significativamente más bajos en comparación con el grupo control en los índices BFab (129,7±184,3 ms vs. 262,31±168,15 ms) y AFab (82,70±227,66 ms vs. 180,77±119,85 ms). Los pacientes con ERC sometidos a hemodiálisis mostraron una modulación parasimpática reducida en comparación con los individuos sanos, lo que sugiere un deterioro del equilibrio simpaticovagal y, en consecuencia, una disfunción autonómica cardíaca.

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as damage to kidney function. Patients have high prevalence of death by cardiovascular events before the final stages of the disease, with higher mortality in dialytic stage, in which autonomic imbalance is evidenced. This study seeks to evaluate sympathovagal modulation of patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis treatment. We evaluated 23 subjects, divided into: CDK-group with CKD-stage 5D in regular hemodialysis treatment; and Control-group with healthy individuals. Heart rate variability (HRV) was collected by a heart rate monitor and analyzed by linear time domain and frequency domain indices. CDK-group had 14 patients, mean age of 48±16; and Control-group had 9 healthy patients, mean age of 64±5. In the time domain, CDK-group showed significantly higher heart rate values compared with Control-group (83.49±13.09 bpm vs. 67.88±9.43 bpm). However, the mean indices of the R-R intervals (735.82±121.54 ms vs. 898.94±123.58 ms), RMSSD (11.75±11.86 ms vs. 20.03±6.80 ms), and SDNN (17.06±9.81 ms vs. 28.42±7.62 ms) from CDK-group showed significantly lower values compared with Control-group. In frequency domain results, CDK-group showed significantly lower values compared with Control-group in LFab (129.7±184.3 ms vs. 262.31±168.15 ms) and HFab (82.70±227.66 ms vs. 180.77±119.85 ms). Patients with CKD on hemodialysis had reduced parasympathetic modulation compared with healthy subjects, suggesting impairment of the sympathovagal balance and, consequently, cardiac autonomic dysfunction.

STRUCTURAL BASES OF GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY CHANGES IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE: STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal disorders are frequently reported in patients with Parkinson's disease whose disorders reduce the absorption of nutrients and drugs, worsening the clinical condition of patients. However, the mechanisms involved in modifying gastrointestinal pathophysiology have not yet been fully explained. AIM: To evaluate its effects on gastrointestinal motility and the involvement of the vagal and splanchnic pathways. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (250-300 g, n = 84) were used and divided into two groups. Group I (6-OHDA) received an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (21 µg/animal). Group II (control) received a saline solution (NaCl, 0.9%) under the same conditions. The study of gastric emptying, intestinal transit, gastric compliance and operations (vagotomy and splanchnotomy) were performed 14 days after inducing neurodegeneration. Test meal (phenol red 5% glucose) was used to assess the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal transit. RESULTS: Parkinson's disease delayed gastric emptying and intestinal transit at all time periods studied; however, changes in gastric compliance were not observed. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by pretreatment with vagotomy and splanchnotomy+celiac gangliectomy, thus suggesting the involvement of such pathways in the observed motor disorders. CONCLUSION: Parkinson's disease compromises gastric emptying, as well as intestinal transit, but does not alter gastric compliance. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by truncal vagotomy, splanchnotomy and celiac ganglionectomy, suggesting the involvement of such pathways in delaying gastric emptying.

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK DUE TO VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT (VSD) AFTER MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

62 year-old man admitted in ICU post myocardial infarction with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and cardiogenic shock due to anterior descending artery stenosis. VSD corrected percutaneously after intra-aortic Figure 1 Transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler showing VSD after myocardial infarction due to anterior descendent stenosis. balloon pump insertion, resulting in iatrogenic tricuspid regurgitation. Tricuspid valvuloplasty, VSD correction and CABG performed after patient stabilization. Discharge after 26 days.

In Vivo Evaluation of Bovine Xenograft Associated With Oxygen Therapy in Alveolar Bone Repair.

To preserve alveolar bone thickness and width after extraction, clinical strategies have been adopted to reduce or eliminate the need for future surgical interventions to increase the alveolar ridge. The use of xenogeneic biomaterials has been increasing for such application. The association of bone substitutes with active oxygen-based materials, which is essential in the wound-healing process, could accelerate bone repair, optimizing the maintenance of alveolar architecture after extraction. However, the truth of this hypothesis is not clear. The present study aimed to compare the biological response to inorganic bovine bone graft Bonefill (BF), associated or not with active oxygen-based oral gel Bluem (BF+BM), in alveolar bone repair. Twenty female Wistar rats were randomly allocated. The left upper central incisor was extracted, and the dental sockets were filled with BF in the control group (n = 10) and with BF+BM in the experimental group (n = 10). The animals were euthanized at 7 and 42 days after implantation (n = 5), and the samples were processed for descriptive histological and histomorphometric evaluations. The results showed no significant difference between the groups (P > .05). Both groups presented a time-dependent increase in newly formed bone and biosorption biomaterial (P = .0001). The association between active oxygen-based gel and inorganic bovine bone graft did not interfere with or improve bone repair during the experimental periods of alveolar bone repair in rats.

Prevalence evolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the city of São Paulo, 2020-2021

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the evolution of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection among residents aged 18 years or over in the municipality of São Paulo. METHODS This is a population-based household survey conducted every 15 days, between June and September 2020, and January and February 2021. In total, the study comprised 11 phases. The presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was identified in venous blood using a lateral flow test, Wondfo Biotech. In the last phase, the researchers combined it with an immunoenzymatic test, Euroimmun. The participants also answered a semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic and economic factors, and on social distancing measures. Prevalence estimates and the 95% confidence interval were estimated according to regions, Human Development Index, sex, age group, ethnicity, education, income, and variables associated with risk or prevention of infection. To compare the frequencies among the categories of each variable, the chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction was used, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS In total, 23,397 individuals were interviewed and had their samples collected. The estimated prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 ranged from 9.7% (95%CI: 7.9-11.8%) to 25.0% (95%CI: 21.7-28.7). The prevalence of individuals with antibodies against the virus was higher among black and brown people, people with lower schooling and income, and among residents of regions with lower Human Development Index. The lowest prevalences were associated with recommended measures of disease protection. The proportion of asymptomatic infection was 45.1%. CONCLUSION The estimated prevalence of the infection was lower than the cumulative incidence variation, except for the last phase of the study. The differences in prevalence estimates observed among subpopulations showed social inequality as a risk of infection. The lower prevalence observed among those who could follow prevention measures reinforce the need to maintain social distancing measures as a way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Probiotic supplementation in marathonists and its impact on lymphocyte population and function after a marathon: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.

Probiotic supplementation arises as playing an immune-stimulatory role. High-intensity and -volume exercise can inhibit immune cell function, which threatens athletic performance and recovery. We hypothesized that 30 days of probiotic supplementation could stabilize the immune system of athletes preventing immune suppression after a marathon race. Twenty-seven male marathonists were double-blinded randomly into probiotic (Bifidobacterium-animalis-subsp.-Lactis (10 × 109) and Lactobacillus-Acidophilus (10 × 109) + 5 g of maltodextrin) and placebo (5 g of maltodextrin) group. They received 30 sachets and supplemented 1 portion/day during 30 days before the race. Blood were collected 30 days before (rest), 1 day before (pre), 1 h after (post) and 5 days after the race (recovery). Both chronic and acute exercise modulated a different T lymphocyte population (CD3+CD4-CD8- T-cells), increasing pre-race, decreasing post and returning to rest values at the recovery. The total number of CD8 T cell and the memory subsets statistically decreased only in the placebo group post-race. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by stimulated lymphocytes decreased in the probiotic group after the supplementation period. 30 days of probiotic supplementation maintained CD8 T cell and effector memory cell population and played an immunomodulatory role in stimulated lymphocytes. Both, training and marathon modulated a non-classical lymphocyte population regardless of probiotic supplementation.

Delaying the harvest induces bioactive compounds and maintains the quality of sweet potatoes.

We have identified the best harvesting periods, related to higher bioactive compound content and post-harvest quality, for minimally processed sweet potatoes with orange pulp and cream pulp. Quality loss in minimally processed sweet potatoes occurred due to browning in cv. Mãe de Familia and ESAM1 and to whitening in cv. Paraná. Both Mãe de Família and ESAM1 presented higher peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities at 120 days, and cv. Paraná contained high levels of provitamin A. ß-carotene was the major carotenoid (up to 99%) in orange pulp. All cultivars harvested at 150 and 180 days and minimally processed showed the best visual quality, the highest bioactive compound content, and no microbial infection. Delaying the harvest also increase the antioxidant activity in orange roots, which was associated with a high content of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, resulting in an increase in the nutritional quality of the product. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postharvest techniques can improve the visual and phytochemical quality of vegetables and extend their shelf life. The present research provides the best harvesting periods for minimally processed cream and orange sweet potato roots with higher postharvest qualities. Delaying the harvest resulted in a product with better visual quality, higher levels of bioactive compounds, which are highly beneficial to health, for example, ß-carotene, and no microbiological contamination. Our results may contribute to improvements in the current knowledge about harvesting times for sweet potato growers who aim to produce high quality, minimally processed products with a longer shelf life.

Structural bases of gastrointestinal motility changes in parkinson's disease: study in rats / Bases estruturais das alterações da motilidade gastrintestinal na doença de parkinson: estudo em ratos

ABSTRACT Background: Gastrointestinal disorders are frequently reported in patients with Parkinson's disease whose disorders reduce the absorption of nutrients and drugs, worsening the clinical condition of patients. However, the mechanisms involved in modifying gastrointestinal pathophysiology have not yet been fully explained. Aim: To evaluate its effects on gastrointestinal motility and the involvement of the vagal and splanchnic pathways. Methods: Male Wistar rats (250-300 g, n = 84) were used and divided into two groups. Group I (6-OHDA) received an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (21 µg/animal). Group II (control) received a saline solution (NaCl, 0.9%) under the same conditions. The study of gastric emptying, intestinal transit, gastric compliance and operations (vagotomy and splanchnotomy) were performed 14 days after inducing neurodegeneration. Test meal (phenol red 5% glucose) was used to assess the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal transit. Results: Parkinson's disease delayed gastric emptying and intestinal transit at all time periods studied; however, changes in gastric compliance were not observed. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by pretreatment with vagotomy and splanchnotomy+celiac gangliectomy, thus suggesting the involvement of such pathways in the observed motor disorders. Conclusion: Parkinson's disease compromises gastric emptying, as well as intestinal transit, but does not alter gastric compliance. The delay in gastric emptying was reversed by truncal vagotomy, splanchnotomy and celiac ganglionectomy, suggesting the involvement of such pathways in delaying gastric emptying.

RESUMO Racional: Distúrbios gastrintestinais são frequentemente relatados em pacientes com doença de Parkinson cujos distúrbios reduzem a absorção de nutrientes e fármacos, agravando o quadro clínico dos pacientes. No entanto, os mecanismos envolvidos na alteração da fisiopatologia gastrintestinal ainda não foram totalmente elucidados. Objetivo: Avaliar os seus efeitos sobre a motilidade gastrintestinal e o envolvimento das vias vagal e esplâncnica. Métodos: Ratos Wistar machos (250-300 g, n=84) foram utilizados e divididos em dois grupos. O grupo I (6-OHDA) recebeu injeção intraestriatal de 6-hidroxidopamina (21 µg/animal). O grupo II (controle) recebeu solução salina (NaCl, 0,9%) nas mesmas condições. O estudo do esvaziamento gástrico, trânsito intestinal, complacência gástrica e operações (vagotomia e esplancnotomia) foram realizadas 14 dias após a indução da neurodegeneração. Refeição teste (vermelho de fenol+glicose 5%) foi utilizada para avaliar a taxa de esvaziamento gástrico e o trânsito intestinal. Resultados: A doença de Parkinson retardou o esvaziamento gástrico e o trânsito intestinal em todos os tempos estudados; porém, alterações da complacência gástrica não foram observadas. O retardo do esvaziamento gástrico foi revertido por pré-tratamento com vagotomia e esplancnotomia+gangliectomia celíaca, sugerindo assim, o envolvimento de tais vias nos distúrbios motores observados. Conclusão: A doença de Parkinson compromete o esvaziamento gástrico, bem como o trânsito intestinal, mas não altera a complacência gástrica. O retardo do esvaziamento gástrico foi revertido pela vagotomia troncular, esplancnotomia e gangliectomia celíaca, sugerindo o envolvimento de tais vias no retardo do esvaziamento gástrico.

EFFECT OF CHRONIC RENAL DYSFUNCTION ON THE PERMEABILITY OF THE COLON TO WATER AND ELECTROLYTES: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RATS.

BACKGROUND: Renal insufficiency is a disease that affects several organs by provoking hypervolemia and uremia. The disease reaches more than 500 million people worldwide and few studies bring their influence on the gastrointestinal tract. AIM: To evaluate the influence of 5/6 nephrectomy-induced hypervolemia on colonic permeability to water and electrolytes. METHOD: Sixty male Wistar rats weighing between 280-300 g were divided into three groups: 3, 7 and 14 days after nephrectomy, each one having a false-operated/control and partially nephrectomized. For colonic permeability they were submitted to colonic perfusion with a solution of Tyroad containing phenolphthalein. Differences among the concentrations of Na+, K+ and Cl- were used to calculate the rate of colonic permeability for the electrolytes. Phenolphthalein concentrations were used to evaluate the rate of secretion and water absorption. RESULTS: The colonic secretion of water and electrolytes occurred expressively in the group seven days after nephrectomy. Hemodynamic and biochemical assessments determined the progression of renal failure in all three groups and polyethylene glycol was shown to be effective in reversing the secretory capacity of the colon. CONCLUSION: Hypervolemia established after 7 days post-nephrectomy 5/6 caused marked colonic secretion for water and electrolytes. The organism presents progressive colonic secretion as the blood volume increases; on the other hand, polyethylene glycol was able to revert this secretory framework of the colon to water and electrolytes by reversing the hypervolemia.

Correction to: Unusual Severe Seborrheic Dermatitis in Two Siblings with Autosomal Recessive Chronic Granulomatous Disease.

The original version of this article contained an error in Fig. 1. The incomplete heredogram mistakenly appeared in panel d.

A Novel Mutation in the NCF2 Gene in a CGD Patient With Chronic Recurrent Pneumopathy.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited, genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by defective phagocytic cell microbicidal function, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. CGD is caused by mutations in components of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system, which is responsible for reactive oxygen species production during phagocytosis. Mutations in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NCF2) gene account for <5% of all cases. Here, we report a case of a 2-year-old female with persistent recurrent pneumopathy, even under trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and itraconazole prophylaxis combined with IFNγ treatment. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous mutation in NCF2, sequence depletion in a splicing region (c.256_257+2delAAGT NM_000433), leading to a K86Ifs*2 residue change in the p67-phox protein.

Agro-economic profitability of sweet potato cultivars as a function of the harvest age and times of cultivation in the semi-arid / Rentabilidade de cultivares de batata-doce em função da idade de colheita e épocas de cultivo no semiárido

The objective of this work was to evaluate the profitability of sweet potato cultivars, harvested at different ages and cultivated in different periods (rainy and dry) in the municipality of Mossoró, semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatments arranged in split plots scheme. The plots were composed of three sweet potato cultivars (ESAM 1, Paraná and Mother of Family) and the subplots for five harvest ages (90 , 105, 120, 135 and 150 days after transplanting - DAT). Productivity of commercial roots and production costs was evaluated, as well as the economic indicators: gross income, net income, rate of return and profit margin. Independently of the growing periods, the productivity of commercial roots increased with the later harvest of the crop and differentiated the cultivars. Production costs averaged R$ 6,087.97 ha-1 in the rainy season and R$ 6,181.42 ha-1 in the dry period. Labor expenditures were the most impacting of total expenditures. The cultivars ESAM 1 and Paraná presented higher productivities of commercial roots and profitability when cultivated in the rainy season, while Paraná cultivar was superior to the other cultivars in the crop in the dry season. In both growing periods, the harvest age of 150 DAT promoted higher productivities of commercial roots and profitability to sweet potato production.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a rentabilidade de cultivares de batata-doce, colhidas em diferentes idades e cultivadas em períodos distintos (chuvoso e seco) no município de Mossoró, semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e tratamentos arranjados em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas formadas por três cultivares de batata-doce (ESAM 1, Paraná e Mãe de Família) e as subparcelas por cinco idades de colheita (90, 105, 120, 135 e 150 dias após o transplantio ­ DAT). Avaliaram-se produtividade de raízes comerciais e custos de produção, assim como os indicadores econômicos: renda bruta, renda líquida, taxa de retorno e índice de lucratividade. Independentemente dos períodos de cultivo, a produtividade de raízes comerciais aumentou com a colheita mais tardia da cultura e diferenciou as cultivares. Os custos de produção foram em média da ordem de R$ 6.087,97 ha-1 no período chuvoso e R$ 6.181,42 ha-1 no período seco. As despesas com mão de obra foram as mais impactantes nas despesas totais. As cultivares ESAM 1 e Paraná apresentaram maiores produtividades de raízes comerciais e lucratividades quando cultivadas no período chuvoso, enquanto a Paraná foi superior as demais cultivares no cultivo na época seca. Em ambas as épocas de cultivo, a idade de colheita de 150 DAT promoveu maiores produtividades de raízes comerciais e rentabilidade à produção de batata-doce.

Nutrient uptake in sesame cultivars under cultivation in semiarid conditions / Acúmulo de nutrientes em cultivares de gergelim sob cultivo em condições semiáridas

Sesame is considered the oldest oleaginous seed in use by mankind. It is a culture of high morphophysiological complexity with great variability in growth habit. The accumulation of nutrients in the sesame crop is, in relative terms, proportional to its average productivity. It is a crop that requires the availability of sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to obtain a desired yield. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the uptake of nutrients for sesame cultivars in two growing seasons conditions semiarid. The experiments were performed in Horta Didatics of Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, in Brazil, from November 2014 to February 2015 (Growing Season I); and from April to July 2015 (Growing Season II). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a split plot where cultivars (CNPA G2, CNPA G3, and CNPA G4) were placed on the following plots with harvesting dates 21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91, and 105 days after sowing (DAS) of subplots. The vegetative part of the sesame crop had greater uptake of potassium in Growing Season I (the period from November 2014 to February 2015) and of nitrogen in Growing Season II (the period from April to July 2015) for all the cultivars, whereas in the fruits the greatest uptake was that of nitrogen, independent of growing season. As for the total uptake of nutrients at the end of the cycle, it followed the descending order N > K > P in both growing seasons. The period of greatest demand for nutrients occurred between 77 and 105 DAS. In relation to the cultivars, the CNPA G3 obtained larger uptakes in Growing Season I (the period from November 2014 to February 2015), while the CNPA G4 did so in Growing Season II (theperiod from November 2014 to February 2015).

O gergelim é considerado a semente oleaginosa mais antiga em uso pela humanidade. É uma cultura de alta complexidade morfofisiológica com grande variabilidade no hábito de crescimento. Oacúmulo de nutrientes na cultura do gergelim é, em termos relativos, proporcional a sua produtividade média. É uma cultura que necessita da disponibilidade de quantidades suficientes de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio para obtenção de uma produtividade desejada. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acúmulo de nutrientes por cultivares de gergelim, em duas épocas de cultivo em condições semáridas. Os experimentos foram realizados na Horta Didática da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, no período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015 (Época de cultivo I) e de abril a julho de 2015 (Época de cultivo II). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados completos, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em parcelas subdivididas onde as cultivares (CNPA G2, CNPA G3 e CNPA G4) ocuparam as parcelas e as épocas de coletas (21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91 e 105 dias após a semeadura) as subparcelas. A parte vegetativa da cultura do gergelim teve maior acúmulo de potássio na época de cultivo I (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015) e de nitrogênio na época de cultivo II (período de abril a julho de 2015) para todas as cultivares. Em relação aos frutos a maior acúmulo foi de nitrogênio, independente da época de cultivo. Quanto ao acúmulo total de nutrientes ao final do ciclo, seguiu a ordem decrescente N> K> P em ambas as épocas de cultivo. O período de maior demanda por nutrientes ocorreu entre 77 e 105 DAS. Em relação àscultivares, o CNPA G3 obteve maiores acúmulos na época de cultivo I (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015), enquanto o CNPA G4 o fez na época de cultivo II (período de novembro de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015).