Effect of Structural Variation of Dead Trunks on Passalid (Coleoptera: Passalidae) Assemblages in Central Amazonian Campinaranas.

The present study investigated the occurrence of passalids in dead trunks with structural variations. Trunks were found in areas of white sand forests, locally known as Campinarana, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The collections were extended from May to December 2009. The mean diameter of the trunks and their stage of decomposition were classified, and the species of Passalidae were classified according to the location of their galleries. We used multiple generalized models to investigate the relationship between abundance and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to investigate the relationships between predictors and passalid composition. A total of 361 passalids belonging to 13 species were collected from 11 tree species, of which Aldina heterophylla represented the highest proportion of logs (55%). Only the diameter of the trunk was related to the abundance of species, with trunks of larger diameters presented more individuals. The passalid composition was correlated with the diameter and decomposition of the trunks of all species of trees and only with the diameter of the trunks of A. heterophylla. Most of the species collected in Campinaranas construct their galleries in two or more regions of the trunk. The region that supported a greater number of colonies was the sapwood, followed by the inner bark and the soil-stem interface. The general habit of passalids found may be advantageous, probably to compensate for the low dispersion and isolation in areas with low availability of resources, such as Campinaranas forests in the Amazon.

Major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and associations with sperm quality.

The present study was conducted to describe the major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and potential associations between seminal proteins and semen criteria. Semen samples were collected from 18 New Zealand adult rabbits, and seminal plasma proteins were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm motility, vigor, concentration, morphology and membrane sperm viability were evaluated. Rabbits ejaculated 364 ±â€¯70 million sperm/ml, with 81 ±â€¯6.1% motile cells, 3.8 ±â€¯0.2 vigor and 66.7 ±â€¯2.5% sperm with normal morphology. Based on the viability and acrosome integrity assay, there were 65.8 ±â€¯2.5% live sperm with intact acrosome and most spermatozoa had both intact acrosome and functional membrane. On average, 2-D gels of rabbit seminal plasma had 232 ±â€¯69.5 spots, as determined by PDQuest software (Bio Rad, USA). Mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 137 different proteins. The most abundant proteins in rabbit seminal plasma were hemoglobin subunit zeta-like, annexins, lipocalin, FAM115 protein and albumin. The intensity of the spots associated with these five proteins represented 71.5% of the intensity of all spots detected in the master gel. Multiple regression models were estimated using sperm traits as dependent variables and seminal plasma proteins as independent ones. Also, sperm motility had positive association with beta-nerve growth factor and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1-like and a negative one with galectin-1. The percentage of rabbit sperm with intact membrane was related to seminal plasma protein FAM115 complex and tropomyosin. Then, the population of morphologically normal sperm in rabbit semen was positively linked to carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6-like and down regulated by seminal plasma isocitrate dehydrogenase. Based on another regression model, the variation in the percentage of live sperm with intact acrosome was partially explained by the amount of leukocyte elastase inhibitor and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A in the rabbit seminal fluid. The current study reports the identification of 137 proteins of rabbit seminal plasma. Major proteins of seminal secretion relate primarily to prevention of damages caused by lipid peroxide radicals and oxidative stress, membrane functionality, transport of lipids to the sperm membrane and temperature regulation. Moreover, finding seminal plasma proteins as indicators of semen parameters will improve assisted reproductive technologies.

Comparing the egg ultrastructure of three Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae) populations / Comparação da ultraestrutura de ovos de três populações de Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Characterising the external morphology of mosquito eggs is important, since it facilitates the identification of material from breeding sites and contributes to the understanding of species biology and group systematics. Therefore, was to compare eggs from different Psorophora ferox populations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eggs were obtained from adult female of Ps. ferox collected in the Poços das Antas Biological Reserve (Reserva Biológica de Poços das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). From each female, one portion of eggs (n = 5) was reared for identification purposes, and the second portion (n = 10) was examined using SEM for morphometric analysis. The egg morphology was then compared to that of eggs from Ps. ferox populations in Florida (USA) and Arena (Trinidad). The exochorion ornamentation of the populations differs considerably in the morphology of the tubercles of the chorionic cells, external chorionic reticulum, micropylar collar, and micropyle.

Resumo Caracterização da morfologia externa dos ovos do mosquito é importante, uma vez que facilita a identificação de materiais a partir de locais de reprodução e contribui para a compreensão da biologia das espécies e sistemática do grupo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os ovos de diferentes populações Psorophora ferox usando MEV. Os ovos foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas de Ps. ferox que foram coletadas na Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas (Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A partir de cada fêmea, uma parte dos ovos (n = 5) foi criado para fins de identificação, e uma segunda parte (n = 10) foi examinado usando MEV para análise morfométrica. Foi então comparada a morfologia dos ovos de populações de Ps.ferox da Flórida (EUA) e Arena (Trinidad). A ornamentação do exocório das populações difere consideravelmente na morfologia dos tubérculos das células coriônicas, retículo coriônico externo, colar micropilar e micrópila.

Comparing the egg ultrastructure of three Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae) populations.

Characterising the external morphology of mosquito eggs is important, since it facilitates the identification of material from breeding sites and contributes to the understanding of species biology and group systematics. Therefore, was to compare eggs from different Psorophora ferox populations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eggs were obtained from adult female of Ps. ferox collected in the Poços das Antas Biological Reserve (Reserva Biológica de Poços das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). From each female, one portion of eggs (n = 5) was reared for identification purposes, and the second portion (n = 10) was examined using SEM for morphometric analysis. The egg morphology was then compared to that of eggs from Ps. ferox populations in Florida (USA) and Arena (Trinidad). The exochorion ornamentation of the populations differs considerably in the morphology of the tubercles of the chorionic cells, external chorionic reticulum, micropylar collar, and micropyle.

HLA polymorphisms and risk of red blood cell alloimmunisation in polytransfused patients with sickle cell anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) alloimmunisation is an event that may occur due to factors such as numerous blood transfusions, age, gender and genetic factors such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA). AIMS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility of alloimmunisation to red blood cell group antigens associated with the HLA of individuals and to relate alloimmunisation to risk factors. METHODS: A total of 172 polytransfused patients with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) (44 alloimmunised, 128 non-alloimmunised) participated in this study. Blood group genotyping was performed by the DNA microarray method and HLA genotyping by polymerase chain reaction - specific sequence of oligonucleotides. RESULTS: The number of transfusions received directly influenced the incidence of alloimmunisation, and the most common alloantibodies were against Rh (48·8%) and Kell (17%) systems. The HLA-C*06 and HLA-DQB1*03 variants were significantly higher in alloimmunised patients. The HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DRB1*11 were more often found in individuals who developed the alloantibodies anti-Fya and anti-K, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that polytransfused patients with SCA possessing the HLA-DQB1*03 and HLA-C*06 allele variants are more susceptible to alloimmunisation. In addition, HLA-DRB1*04 and HLA-DRB1*11 alleles were seen to be associated with the production of anti-Fya and anti-K antibodies, respectively.

Variation in Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase I DNA Can Successfully Identify Culex (Melanoconion) pedroi (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex (Melanoconion) ribeirensis (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culex (Melanoconion) pedroiSirivanakarn & Belkin 1980 and Culex (Melanoconion) ribeirensisForattini & Sallum 1985 are two morphologically very similar species of the Pedroi subgroup of mosquitoes in the Spissipes section of the subgenus Melanoconion of the genus Culex L. 1758. We carried out an analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) DNA variation between these two species. The recent observation of sympatric coexistence in a forested area of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil) triggered the need to validate these two species previously identified based on morphology. We concluded that the COI is a useful tool for identification of Cx. pedroi and Cx. ribeirensis.

Comparing the egg ultrastructure of three Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae) populations

Abstract Characterising the external morphology of mosquito eggs is important, since it facilitates the identification of material from breeding sites and contributes to the understanding of species biology and group systematics. Therefore, was to compare eggs from different Psorophora ferox populations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eggs were obtained from adult female of Ps. ferox collected in the Poços das Antas Biological Reserve (Reserva Biológica de Poços das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). From each female, one portion of eggs (n = 5) was reared for identification purposes, and the second portion (n = 10) was examined using SEM for morphometric analysis. The egg morphology was then compared to that of eggs from Ps. ferox populations in Florida (USA) and Arena (Trinidad). The exochorion ornamentation of the populations differs considerably in the morphology of the tubercles of the chorionic cells, external chorionic reticulum, micropylar collar, and micropyle.

Resumo Caracterização da morfologia externa dos ovos do mosquito é importante, uma vez que facilita a identificação de materiais a partir de locais de reprodução e contribui para a compreensão da biologia das espécies e sistemática do grupo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os ovos de diferentes populações Psorophora ferox usando MEV. Os ovos foram obtidos a partir de fêmeas de Ps. ferox que foram coletadas na Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas (Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). A partir de cada fêmea, uma parte dos ovos (n = 5) foi criado para fins de identificação, e uma segunda parte (n = 10) foi examinado usando MEV para análise morfométrica. Foi então comparada a morfologia dos ovos de populações de Ps.ferox da Flórida (EUA) e Arena (Trinidad). A ornamentação do exocório das populações difere consideravelmente na morfologia dos tubérculos das células coriônicas, retículo coriônico externo, colar micropilar e micrópila.

Expression of nerve growth factor and its receptors in the uterus of rabbits: functional involvement in prostaglandin synthesis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate: (1) the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1), and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) in the rabbit uterus; and (2) the in vitro effects of NGF on PGF2α and PGE2 synthesis and on the PGE2-9-ketoreductase (PGE2-9-K) activity by the rabbit uterus. Nerve growth factor, NTRK1, and NGFR were immunolocalized in the luminal and glandular epithelium and stroma cells of the endometrium. reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction indicated the presence of messenger RNA for NGF, NTRK1, and NGFR in the uterus. Nerve growth factor increased (P < 0.01) in vitro secretions of PGF2α and PGE2 but coincubation with either NTRK1 or oxide nitric synthase (NOS) inhibitors reduced (P < 0.01) PGF2α production and blocked (P < 0.01) PGE2 secretion. Prostaglandins releases were lower (P < 0.01) than control when uterine samples were treated with NGF plus cyclooxygenase inhibitor. However, addition of NGFR inhibitor reduced (P < 0.01) PGF2α secretion less efficiently than NTRK1 or NOS inhibitors but had no effect on PGE2 yield. Nerve growth factor increased (P < 0.01) the activity of PGE2-9-K, whereas coincubation with NTRK1 or NOS inhibitors abolished (P < 0.01) this increase in PGE2-9-K activity. However, cotreatment with either cyclooxygenase or NGFR inhibitors had no effect on PGE2-9-K activity. This is the first study to document the distribution of NGF/NTRK1 and NGFR systems and their effects on prostaglandin synthesis in the rabbit uterus. NGF/NTRK1 increases PGF2α and PGE2 productions by upregulating NOS and PGE2-9-K activities, whereas NGF/NGFR augments only PGF2α secretion, through an intracellular mechanism that is still unknown.

Taxonomical and biological notes on Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae).

Morphological features that remained uncertain in previous identification keys and descriptions of Sabethes fabricii were evaluated based on species type material and two recently collected males. As a result, the following features of Sa. fabricii should be considered: proboscis with a white ventral spot beyond the middle and variably enlarged to the apex, possibly spatulate in males; setae over root of wing yellowish and may be occasionally brownish, mainly in their basal portion; and proctiger ending in four teeth. Additionally, the first record of bamboo as a natural breeding site for Sa. fabricii as well as the first register of this species in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil are reported here.

Taxonomical and biological notes on Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Morphological features that remained uncertain in previous identification keys and descriptions of Sabethes fabricii were evaluated based on species type material and two recently collected males. As a result, the following features of Sa. fabricii should be considered: proboscis with a white ventral spot beyond the middle and variably enlarged to the apex, possibly spatulate in males; setae over root of wing yellowish and may be occasionally brownish, mainly in their basal portion; and proctiger ending in four teeth. Additionally, the first record of bamboo as a natural breeding site for Sa. fabricii as well as the first register of this species in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil are reported here.

Resumo Caracteres morfológicos que permaneceram incertos em chaves para identificação anteriores e descrições de Sabethes fabricii, foram avaliados com base em material tipo e dois machos recentemente coletados. Como resultado, os seguintes caracteres de Sa. fabricii devem ser considerados: probóscide variavelmente alargada para o ápice, possivelmente espatulada em machos e com uma mancha branca ventral localizada além do seu ponto médio; cerdas sobre a raiz das asas amareladas, podendo ser ocasionalmente marrons, principalmente na sua porção basal, e proctiger com quatro dentes na porção terminal. Adicionalmente, registram-se pela primeira vez, o Bambu como um criadouro natural para Sa. fabricii, bem como a presença dessa espécie para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Taxonomical and biological notes on Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae) / Notas taxonômicas e biológicas sobre Sabethes (Peytonulus) fabricii Lane & Cerqueira (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract Morphological features that remained uncertain in previous identification keys and descriptions of Sabethes fabricii were evaluated based on species type material and two recently collected males. As a result, the following features of Sa. fabricii should be considered: proboscis with a white ventral spot beyond the middle and variably enlarged to the apex, possibly spatulate in males; setae over root of wing yellowish and may be occasionally brownish, mainly in their basal portion; and proctiger ending in four teeth. Additionally, the first record of bamboo as a natural breeding site for Sa. fabricii as well as the first register of this species in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil are reported here.

Resumo Caracteres morfológicos que permaneceram incertos em chaves para identificação anteriores e descrições de Sabethes fabricii, foram avaliados com base em material tipo e dois machos recentemente coletados. Como resultado, os seguintes caracteres de Sa. fabricii devem ser considerados: probóscide variavelmente alargada para o ápice, possivelmente espatulada em machos e com uma mancha branca ventral localizada além do seu ponto médio; cerdas sobre a raiz das asas amareladas, podendo ser ocasionalmente marrons, principalmente na sua porção basal, e proctiger com quatro dentes na porção terminal. Adicionalmente, registram-se pela primeira vez, o Bambu como um criadouro natural para Sa. fabricii, bem como a presença dessa espécie para o estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil.

Gene Expression and Localization of NGF and Its Cognate Receptors NTRK1 and NGFR in the Sex Organs of Male Rabbits.

Experiments were devised to characterize the expression of nerve growth factor, beta polypeptide (NGF), and its cognate receptors neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (NTRK1) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) in rabbit male sex organs, as well as the concentrations of NGF in both seminal and blood plasma of sexually mature male rabbits. Immunoreactivity and gene expression for NGF and cognate receptors were detected in testis, prostate gland and seminal vesicle. The highest levels of NGF and NTRK1 transcripts were found in the prostate, while intermediate expressions were found in the testis. NGFR transcripts were expressed at the same levels in both testis and prostate and were more abundant than in seminal vesicles. The widespread distribution of NGF in all prostate glandular cells, together with its relative high mRNA abundance, confirms that the prostate of rabbits is the main source of this neurotrophin. In conclusion, the present data suggest that the NGF system is involved in the testicular development and spermatogenesis of rabbits and that NGF may act as a potential ovulation-inducing factor being abundantly present in the seminal plasma.

Allele and haplotype frequencies of HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 genes in polytransfused patients in ethnically diverse populations from Brazil.

The red blood transfusion is a practice often used in patients with haematological and oncological diseases. However, the investigation of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system frequency in these individuals is of great importance because multiple transfusions may lead to HLA alloimmunization. Brazil is a country that was colonized by many other ethnicities, leading to a mixed ethnicity and regionalized population. In view of the importance of HLA typing in these patients, the aim of this study was to investigate the allele and haplotype frequencies from polytransfused patients from three different regions from Brazil. HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 genotyping of 366 patients was performed by PCR-SSO, based on the Luminex technology (One Lambda(®) ), and the anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies were analysed using LabScreen Single Antigen Antibody Detection (One Lambda, Inc.). Allele and haplotype frequencies of polytransfused patients of three regions from Brazil were obtained using the Arlequin program. The most frequent allele frequencies observed were HLA-A*02, A*03, B*15, B*35, B*51, C*07, C*04, C*03, DRB1*13, DRB1*11, DRB1*07, DRB1*03, DRB1*01, DQB1*03, DQB1*02, DQB1*06 and DQB1*05. There were differences between the groups for allele variants HLA-B*57 (between Group 1 and Group 2) and HLA-C*12 (between Group 1 and Group 3). The most frequent haplotypes found in the sample were HLA-A*01B*08DRB1*03, DRBI*07DQB1*02, DRB1*01DQB1*05, DRB1*13DQB1*06 and A*02B*35. HLA class I and II antibodies were detected in 77.9% and 63.9% patients, respectively, while the both alloantibodies were detected in 62 (50.9%) patients. In conclusion, the HLA typing for polytransfused patients in each region has a great importance, as seen in this study; individuals from different regions from Brazil have HLA distribution not completely homogeneous.

New associations: INFG and TGFB1 genes and the inhibitor development in severe haemophilia A.

INTRODUCTION: The development of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitor is the main complication of replacement therapy in patients with haemophilia A (HA). A ratio of 5-7% of individuals HA develops antibodies (inhibitors) against the FVIII infused during the treatment, thereby reducing their pro-coagulant activity. The immunomodulatory cytokine genes have been related to the risk of development of alloantibodies in several studies, mainly in HA with severe form. AIM: We investigated the polymorphisms in regulatory regions of cytokine genes (IL1A, IL1B, IL1R, IL1RA, IL4RA, IL12, INFG, TGFB1, TNF, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10) that could influence the risk of developing inhibitors in patients with severe HA. METHODS: The genotyping of cytokine genes of 117 patients with HA was performed by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) using the protocol recommended by the manufacturer (Invitrogen kit Cytokines(®) , Canoga Park, USA) RESULTS: From the cohort of 117 patients with severe HA, 35 developed inhibitors. There was a higher frequency of +874 T allele in INFG and of +869 TT and TG/TG in TGFB1 genes on patients with inhibitors. CONCLUSION: This suggests that polymorphisms in INFG and in TGFB1 genes are related to risk of developing inhibitor, and could contribute to a genetic profile of the individual HA for the risk of inhibitors development to FVIII.

Interactions between the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and the aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The interactions between the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) and the aphid parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae McIntoch (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Nymphs of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were first exposed to parasitoid females for 24 h and then 0, 24, and 48 h afterwards sprayed with a solution of B. bassiana. Likewise, aphids were also sprayed with B. bassiana and then exposed to parasitoids at 0, 24, and 48 h afterwards. Parasitism rate varied from 13 to 66.5%, and were significantly lower in treatments where the two agents were exposed within a 0-24 h time interval compared with the control (without B. bassiana). Parasitoid emergence was negatively affected in treatments with B. bassiana spraying and subsequent exposure to D. rapae. Decreases in longevity of adult females of the D. rapae F1 generation were observed in treatments with B. bassiana spraying. The application of these two biological control agents can be used in combination on the control of M. persicae, wherein this use requires effective time management to avoid antagonistic interactions.

Espécies e/ou linhagens de Trichogramma Spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) para o controle de Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) species and strains for the control of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Trichogramma spp. (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) parasitam ovos de Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), o principal desfolhador de soja no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o parasitismo de onze espécies/linhagens de Trichogramma em cartelas de cartolina com vinte ovos de A. gemmatalis por fêmea desse parasitoide durante 24 horas. A linhagem de Trichogramma atopovirilia (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) de Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, apresentou melhor desempenho com 19 ovos de A. gemmatalis parasitados por fêmea em 24 horas, viabilidade de 98% e razão sexual de 0,84. A linhagem de Trichogramma pretiosum de Cristalina, Goiás, parasitou 11,9 ovos de A. gemmatalis por fêmea com 98% de viabilidade e razão sexual de 0,65. Esse trabalho confirma a importância de se avaliar linhagens de Trichogramma antes de programas de controle biológico, pois diferentes linhagens de uma mesma espécie desse parasitoide apresentam resultados distintos.

Several Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) species parasitize Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) eggs, the major soybean desfoliator in Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the parasitism of eleven Trichogramma species/strains in cardboards with twenty eggs of A. gemmatalis by this parasitoid female for 24 hours. The strain trat - 2 Trichogramma atopovirilia (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) of Sete Lagoas, Minas Gerais, showed better performance with 19 A. gemmatalis eggs parasitized by female in 24 hours, 98% viability and sex ratio of 0.84. The strain Trichogramma pretiosum of Crystalline, Goiás, parasitized 11.9 A. gemmatalis eggs per female with 98% viability and sex ratio of 0.65. This work confirms the importance of evaluating Trichogramma strains before biological control programs, because different strains of the same species of parasitoid have distinct results.

Sintomas musculoesqueléticos em eletricistas de rede de distribuição de energia / Musculoskeletal symptoms among energy distribution network linemen

Contextualização: A presença de sintomas musculoesqueléticos em eletricistas deve ser caracterizada para auxiliar na identificação de fatores de riscos para os distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho (DORT) e para possibilitar implementação de medidas preventivas. Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de sintomas de DORT em eletricistas de uma regional de uma empresa de distribuição de energia elétrica, verificar se existiam diferenças entre as funções exercidas quanto à proporção de trabalhadores sintomáticos, e realizar um levantamento preliminar dos principais fatores de riscos presentes. Métodos: Foram avaliados 30 eletricistas do sexo masculino (38,1±5,5 anos), divididos em três equipes conforme a função exercida (ELV=Eletricistas Linha Viva; EEM=Eletricistas Emergência/Manutenção; EC=Eletricistas Comerciais). Sintomas musculoesqueléticos foram identificados em mapa corporal, qualificados pelo Questionário McGill e quantificados por escala numérica. O questionário DASH também foi aplicado para avaliar impacto dos sintomas nos ombros na performance dos trabalhadores. Resultados: 70% dos eletricistas apresentaram ao menos um sintoma musculoesquelético nos ombros, coluna ou joelhos. A equipe ELV apresentou sintomas musculoesqueléticos em 100% dos trabalhadores e maior pontuação no questionário DASH (28±15). A equipe EEM apresentou sintomas em 67% dos trabalhadores e pontuação DASH de 8±11, e a equipe EC apresentou sintomas em 50%, mas sem sintomas nos ombros. A proporção de trabalhadores sintomáticos nos ombros estava associada à função exercida (p=0.02). Conclusões: Eletricistas avaliados apresentaram alta proporção de trabalhadores sintomáticos, que variou conforme a atividade ocupacional. Intervenções são necessárias para reduzir os riscos de DORT dentre os eletricistas avaliados.

BACKGROUND: Linemen should be evaluated regarding the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms to guide the identification of risk factors for development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and to allow the implementation of preventive measures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of WMSD symptoms among linemen working at a regional branch of an electricity distribution company, to investigate whether there were differences in the proportions of symptomatic workers among the functions performed, and to perform a preliminary survey of the main risk factors present. METHODS: Thirty male linemen (mean age 38.1±5.5 years) were evaluated, divided into three teams according to their job function (Live Line Linemen, LLL; Maintenance/Emergency Linemen, MEL; Commercial Linemen, CL). Musculoskeletal symptoms were identified on a body map, qualified using the McGill questionnaire and quantified using a numerical scale. The DASH questionnaire was also applied to evaluate the impact of the shoulder symptoms on the workers' performance. RESULTS: Seventy percent of the linemen presented at least one musculoskeletal symptom in the shoulders, back or knees. All of the LLL team presented musculoskeletal symptoms and these workers had the highest scores in the DASH questionnaire (28±15). Sixty-seven percent of the MEL team presented symptoms, and their DASH score was 8±11. Fifty percent of the CL team presented symptoms, but none of them had shoulder symptoms. The proportion of workers with shoulder symptoms was related to their job function (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of the linemen presented symptoms which varied according to the occupational activity. Interventions are needed to reduce the risk of WMSD among the linemen evaluated.

Aspectos relevantes no diagnóstico de dort e fibromialgia / Important aspects of diagnosing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and fibromyalgia

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A dor crônica e difusa encontra-se presente tanto nas Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER)/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT) como na Fibromialgia, trazendo dificuldades diagnósticas, preventivas e terapêuticas para profissionais da saúde envolvidos no tratamento de acometidos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os aspectos relevantes na emissão dos diagnósticos de DORT e Fibromialgia na percepção de médicos assistenciais e peritos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, 75 médicos (36 assistenciais e 39 peritos) responderam a questões estruturadas e abertas sobre aspectos considerados relevantes na emissão de diagnóstico destas síndromes. RESULTADOS: As respostas dos dois grupos foram correlacionadas pelo teste de Spearman (α=0,05) e submetidos ao método de Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). Os médicos assistenciais tenderam a valorizar o fator "quadro clínico e tempo de evolução", enquanto os médicos peritos tenderam a apontar "história ocupacional" na definição do diagnóstico de LER/DORT. Já para o diagnóstico de Fibromialgia, os peritos tenderam a apontar o fator "quantidade de tender points", enquanto os médicos assistenciais indicaram mais frequentemente "característica da dor". Apesar dessas discretas discrepâncias, alta correlação (r=0,85, ρ=0,01) foi identificada entre os grupos quando apontaram aspectos comuns e distintos no estabelecimento do diagnóstico para as duas síndromes. Os relatos também enfatizaram a necessidade da investigação de riscos presentes no trabalho para a definição de um diagnóstico mais preciso. CONCLUSÕES: Nesse sentido, objetivando uniformizar condutas avaliativas, preventivas e terapêuticas para médicos, fisioterapeutas e demais profissionais envolvidos no atendimento dessas síndromes, seria recomendável maior divulgação dos critérios utilizados por entidades internacionais no diagnóstico da Fibromialgia e a inclusão de treinamento para identificação de efeitos adversos de condições...

BACKGROUND: Chronic and diffuse pain is present either in Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)/Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) and Fibromyalgia, leading to difficulties in determining preventive and therapeutic measures by health professionals who deals with patients presenting these disorders. OBJECTIVES: Analyze the relevant aspects in the emission of the diagnosis of WMSD and Fibromyalgia in the perception of physicians assistants and experts. METHODS: In this study 75 physicians (36 assistants and 39 experts) answered structured and open questions about aspects that they consider relevant to the establishment of diagnosis. RESULTS: Results were correlated by Spearman's test (α=0.05) and submitted to the Collective Subject's Speech method. Assistant physicians tended to emphasize the factor "clinical conditions and time elapsed", whilst expert tended to indicate "occupational history" for definition of the WMSD diagnosis. For the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, experts physicians tended to emphasize the factor "amount of tender points", whilst the assistant physicians indicated "pain characteristics". Despite of these slight discrepancies, the results from both groups were highly correlated (r=0.85; p=0.01) when participants were asked to indicate common and different relevant aspects for the diagnosis of both syndromes. Furthermore, the physicians agreed about the necessity of risk investigation at work for a more accurate diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In order to standardize preventative and therapeutic measures adopted by physicians, physiotherapist and other professional evolved with these syndromes it would be advisable to make the international criteria for Fibromyalgia diagnosis better know, and also to provide better training on the identification of the adverse effects of inadequate work conditions on the musculoskeletal system to health professional.

Aplicação do controle estatístico de processo na indústria farmacêutica / The application of statistical process control to the pharmaceutical industry

O controle estatístico de processo (CEP) é uma das mais poderosas metodologias desenvolvidas visando auxiliar no controle eficaz da qualidade. Através das cartas ou gráficos de controle, podem-se detectar desvios de parâmetros representativos do processo, reduzindo a quantidade de produtos fora de especificações e com isso os custos da produção. O controle estatístico de processo embora pouco utilizado na indústria farmacêutica, é uma ferramenta de grande utilidade, pois incorpora também o conceito de boas práticas de fabricação, além de fornecer informações imprescindíveis para a validação de processos, uma vez que permitem a investigação detalhada de todos os pontos críticos de controle, diagnosticando as possíveis não conformidades em todas as etapas do processo, além de sinalizar as possíveis fontes desses desvios de qualidade possibilitando correções e interações com o processo. Apesar de não existir muitas publicações do CEP na indústria farmacêutica, os exemplos de aplicações desta ferramenta provam sua grande importância para a compreensão dos processos que envolvem a obtenção de medicamentos

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of shark cartilage are due to a peptide molecule and are nitric oxide (NO) system dependent.

The present work shows an antinociceptive and dose-dependent effect of shark cartilage hydrosoluble fraction (HF) on writhing and formalin tests in mice. The effect was not altered by thalidomide, a known inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-alfa) synthesis. Similarly, the antinociceptive effect did not change in the presence of naloxone, indicating that the opioid system is not involved. However, the effect observed was blocked by L-arginine, a NO synthesis substrate, and it was potentiated by L-NAME, suggesting a role of the NO system in the shark cartilage antinociceptive effect. Effects similar to those seen with the HF were detected with peak II from gel filtration chromatography. The increase in vascular permeability induced by serotonin in rats was significantly abolished by the HF at the dose of 2 mg/kg, p.o., and again it was not potentiated by thalidomide. The observed blockade in the vascular permeability increase induced by histamine was detected only with a higher dose (10 mg/kg, p.o.).