Evaluation of the effects of chronic occupational exposure to metallic mercury on the thyroid parenchyma and hormonal function.

INTRODUCTION: Experiments in animals exposed to mercury (Hg) in different chemical states have shown thyroid parenchymal and hormone alterations. However, these experiments did not allow the establishment of dose-response curves or provide an understanding of whether these Hg effects on the thyroid parenchyma occur in humans. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between chronic occupational exposure to metallic Hg and alterations in thyroid hormones and gland parenchyma 14 years after the last exposure. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 55 males exposed in the past to metallic Hg and 55 non-exposed males, paired by age, was conducted in the Hospital das Clínicas (Brazil) from 2016 to 2017. Serum concentrations of total and free triiodothyronine (TT3 and FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), reverse T3 (RT3), selenium and antithyroid antibody titers were obtained. The Hg and iodine concentrations were measured in urine. The thyroid parenchyma was evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography with Doppler. The nodules with aspects suspicious for malignancy were submitted to aspiration puncture with a thin needle, and the cytology assessment was classified by the Bethesda system. The t test or Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation were used to compare the exposed and non-exposed groups and examine the relationships between the variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to trace determinants of the risk of thyroid hormone alteration. Statistical significance was defined by p < 0.05. RESULTS: The urinary Hg average was significantly higher in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group (p < 0.01). The mean TSH serum concentration in the exposed group was higher, with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.03). Serum concentrations of TSH exceeded the normality limit (4.20 µIU/ml) in 13 exposed individuals (27.3%) and 4 non-exposed individuals (7.3%), with a statistically significant association between the hormonal increase and exposure to Hg (p = 0.02). In the logistic regression model, exposure to Hg (yes or no) showed an odds ratio = 4.86 associated with an increase of TSH above the normal limit (p = 0.04). The serum concentrations of RT3 showed a statistically borderline difference between the groups (p = 0.06). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean TT3, FT3 and FT4 serum concentrations in the Hg-exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. The proportions of the echogenicity alterations were higher in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (27.3% versus 9.1%; p = 0.03). Papillary carcinomas were documented in three exposed individuals and one non-exposed individual. A follicular carcinoma was recorded in one non-exposed individual. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the higher serum TSH concentration and the prevalence of parenchymal alterations in the Hg-exposed group, even after cessation of exposure, it is recommended that the thyroid status of exposed workers be followed for a long period.

Jump Squat is More Related to Sprinting and Jumping Abilities than Olympic Push Press.

The aim of this study was to test the relationships between jump squat (JS) and Olympic push press (OPP) power outputs and performance in sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and change of direction (COD) speed tests in elite soccer players. 27 athletes performed a maximum power load test to determine their bar mean propulsive power (MPP) and bar mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in the JS and OPP exercises. Magnitude-based inference was used to compare the exercises. The MPV was almost certainly higher in the OPP than in the JS. The MPP relative to body mass (MPP REL) was possibly higher in the OPP. Only the JS MPP REL presented very large correlations with linear speed (r>0.7, for speed in 5, 10, 20 and 30 m) and vertical jumping abilities (r>0.8, for SJ and CMJ), and moderate correlation with COD speed (r=0.45). Although significant (except for COD), the associations between OPP outcomes and field-based measurements (speed, SJ and CMJ) were all moderate, ranging from 0.40 to 0.48. In a group composed of elite soccer players, the JS exercise is more associated with jumping and sprinting abilities than the OPP. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm if these strong relationships imply superior training effects in favor of the JS exercise.

Genetic progress estimation strategy for upright common bean plants using recurrent selection.

Common bean producers in Brazil tend to grow plants as upright as possible. Because the control of this trait involves a large number of genes, recurrent selection (RS) is the best approach for successful plant improvement. Because plant architecture (PA) is evaluated using scores and usually has high heritability, RS for PA is performed through visual selection in generation S0. The aim of the present study was to evaluate selection progress and investigate whether this progress varies with the number of selected progenies or the generation evaluated. In addition, the effect of RS for the upright (PA) trait on progeny grain yield (GY) was investigated. Data of progenies S0:3 and S0:4 of the fifth, eighth, and twelfth cycles were used. A combined analysis of variance was performed using the adjusted means of the 47 best progenies from each generation and cycle, using two control cultivars as reference. A joint analysis of the two generations used during the evaluation of progenies for the different cycles was also performed. The genetic progress (GP) was estimated by fitting a linear regression equation to the relationship between the adjusted mean of each cycle and the number of cycles. We found that RS was efficient and the estimated GP of the evaluated progenies was 4.5%. Based on the GY heritability estimates, in more advanced generation selection for GY can be successfully performed on progenies. Thus, the selection already done for PA in F2 could be associated to the most productive progenies.

Traditional Periodization versus Optimum Training Load Applied to Soccer Players: Effects on Neuromuscular Abilities.

It is unknown whether traditional periodization of strength-power training involving accumulation, transformation and realization blocks is superior to other simpler and more practical training schemes. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate changes in strength/power/speed characteristics of elite soccer players in response to either classic strength-power periodization (TSP) or optimum power load (OPL). 23 professional soccer players were randomly assigned to TSP or OPL for 6 weeks in-season regular training (3 times per week). TSP involved half squats or jump squats, depending on the respective training block, while OPL involved only jump squats at the optimum power load. Results revealed that both groups presented similar significant (P<0.05) improvements in squat one repetition maximum, squat and countermovement jump heights and change of direction speed. In addition, although both groups reported significant increases in sprinting speed (P<0.05); delta change scores demonstrated a superior effect of OPL to improve 10- and 20-m speed. Similarly, OPL presented greater delta change in mean propulsive power in the jump squat. Therefore, training continuously at the optimum power zone resulted in superior performance improvements compared to training under classic strength-power periodization.

A Correlational Analysis of Tethered Swimming, Swim Sprint Performance and Dry-land Power Assessments.

Swimmers are often tested on both dry-land and in swimming exercises. The aim of this study was to test the relationships between dry-land, tethered force-time curve parameters and swimming performances in distances up to 200 m. 10 young male high-level swimmers were assessed using the maximal isometric bench-press and quarter-squat, mean propulsive power in jump-squat, squat and countermovement jumps (dry-land assessments), peak force, average force, rate of force development (RFD) and impulse (tethered swimming) and swimming times. Pearson product-moment correlations were calculated among the variables. Peak force and average force were very largely correlated with the 50- and 100-m swimming performances (r=- 0.82 and -0.74, respectively). Average force was very-largely/largely correlated with the 50- and 100-m performances (r=- 0.85 and -0.67, respectively). RFD and impulse were very-largely correlated with the 50-m time (r=- 0.72 and -0.76, respectively). Tethered swimming parameters were largely correlated (r=0.65 to 0.72) with mean propulsive power in jump-squat, squat-jump and countermovement jumps. Finally, mean propulsive power in jump-squat was largely correlated (r=- 0.70) with 50-m performance. Due to the significant correlations between dry-land assessments and tethered/actual swimming, coaches are encouraged to implement strategies able to increase leg power in sprint swimmers.

Multiple cutaneous lipomatous neurofibromas.

Cutaneous lipomatous neurofibroma is a rare variant of neurofibroma with a little known pathogenesis; its presence has never been described in Brazil. A 61- year-old woman complaining scalp papules for one year, presented with skin colored to yellowish papules on the scalp. She noted that they were sometimes itchy and occasionally bled. Dermoscopy showed amorphous material, milky white, with a small poorly delimited yellowish area. Histopathological examination revealed spindle cell proliferation associated with mature adipocytes. Cutaneous lipomatous neurofibroma appears to be an underdiagnosed condition owing to the low index of suspicion and lack of knowledge of its existence. Few cases have been reported in the literature.

Effects of far infrared rays emitting clothing on recovery after an intense plyometric exercise bout applied to elite soccer players: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

The aim was to investigate the effects of far infrared (FIR) ray emitting clothes on indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle damage and physical performance recovery after a plyometric bout applied to soccer players. Twenty-one male players (18.9±0.6 years; 70.8±5.01 kg; 178.3±0.06 cm) performed 100 drop-jumps. Six hours after the bout, athletes put on FIR clothes (FIR) (density of 225 g·m(-2), 88% far infrared rays emitting polyamide 66 Emana yarn (PA66) fibre, 12% Spandex, emissivity of 0.88 and power emitted of 341 W/m2µm at 37°C in the 5-20 µm wavelength range, patent WO 2009/077834 A2) (N = 10) or placebo clothes (PLA) (N = 11). Mid-thigh circumferences, creatine kinase (CK), and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were assessed before, immediately after and 24, 48, and 72 h after the bout. Squat (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) heights were measured before and at 24, 48, and 72 h after, while 1RM leg press (maximum strength) was measured before and at 72 h after the plyometrics. No differences between groups were found in mid-thigh circumferences, SJ, CMJ or 1RM. CK increased significantly 24 h after the plyometrics in comparison to before (p < 0.05) in both groups. PLA showed significant DOMS increases at 24, 48, and 72 h, while FIR showed significant increases at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). DOMS effect sizes were greater in FIR (moderate at 48 h, ES = 0.737 and large at 72 h, ES = 0.844), suggesting that FIR clothes may reduce perceived DOMS after an intense plyometric session performed by soccer players.

Genetic control of inflorescence in common bean.

The number of pods per common bean plant is a primary component of grain yield, which depends on the number of flowers produced and on the flower set. Thus, a larger number of flowers per plant would increase yield. Lines with inflorescences that had a large number of flowers compared to common bean plants now under cultivation were identified. We analyzed the genetic control of this trait and its association with grain yield. The cultivar BRSMG Talismã was crossed with 2 lines, L.59583 and L.59692, which have a large number of flowers. The F1, F2, and F3 generations were obtained. These generations were assessed together with the parents in a randomized block experimental design with 2 replications. The traits assessed included length of inflorescence, number of pods per inflorescence, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant, 100-grain weight, and grain yield per plant. Mean genetic components and variance were estimated. The traits length of inflorescence and number of pods per inflorescence exhibited genetic control with predominance that showed an additive effect. In the 2 crosses, genetic control of grain yield and of its primary components showed that the allelic interaction of dominance was high. The wide variability in the traits assessed may be used to increase yield of the common bean plant by increasing the number of flowers on the plant.

Influenza A infections: predictors of disease severity.

Influenza affects approximately 10% of the world's population annually. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates due to its propensity to progress to severe acute respiratory infection, leading to 10-40% of hospitalized patients needing intensive care. Characterizing the multifactorial predictors of poor prognosis is essential for developing strategies against this disease. This study aimed to identify predictors of disease severity in influenza A-infected (IFA-infected) patients and to propose a prognostic score. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 142 IFA-infected out- and inpatients treated at a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2018. The viral subtypes, hemagglutinin mutations, viral load, IL-28B SNPs, and clinical risk factors were evaluated according to the patient's ICU admission. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for disease severity: neuromuscular diseases (OR = 7.02; 95% CI = 1.18-41.75; p = 0.032), cardiovascular diseases (OR = 5.47; 95% CI = 1.96-15.27; p = 0.001), subtype (H1N1) pdm09 infection (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.02-5.15; p = 0.046), and viral load (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.09-1.88; p = 0.009). The prognosis score for ICU admission is based on these predictors of severity presented and ROC curve AUC = 0.812 (p < 0.0001). Our results identified viral and host predictors of disease severity in IFA-infected patients, yielding a prognostic score that had a high performance in predicting the IFA patients' ICU admission and better results than a viral load value alone. However, its implementation in health services needs to be validated in a broader population.

Atmospheric pollution: influence on hospital admissions in paediatric rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lag structure effects from exposure to atmospheric pollution in acute outbursts in hospital admissions of paediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs). METHODS: Morbidity data were obtained from the Brazilian Hospital Information System in seven consecutive years, including admissions due to seven PRDs (juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, polyarteritis nodosa, systemic sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis). Cases with secondary diagnosis of respiratory diseases were excluded. Daily concentrations of inhaled particulate matter (PM(10)), sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) nitrogen dioxide (NO(2)), ozone (O(3)) and carbon monoxide (CO) were evaluated. Generalized linear Poisson regression models controlling for short-term trend, seasonality, holidays, temperature and humidity were used. Lag structures and magnitude of air pollutants' effects were adopted to estimate restricted polynomial distributed lag models. RESULTS: The total number of admissions due to acute outbursts PRD was 1,821. The SO(2) interquartile range (7.79 µg/m(3)) was associated with an increase of 1.98% (confidence interval 0.25-3.69) in the number of hospital admissions due to outcome studied after 14 days of exposure. This effect was maintained until day 17. Of note, the other pollutants, with the exception of O(3), showed an increase in the number of hospital admissions from the second week. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate a delayed association between SO(2) and PRD outburst, suggesting that oxidative stress reaction could trigger the inflammation of these diseases.

Standardization of a high-performance RT-qPCR for viral load absolute quantification of influenza A.

Influenza is an acute viral infectious respiratory disease worldwide, presenting in different clinical forms, from influenza-like illness (ILI) to severe acute respiratory infection (SARI). Although real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is already an important tool for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring of several viral infections, the correlation between the clinical aspects and the viral load of influenza is still unclear. This lack of clarity is primarily due to the low accuracy and reproducibility of the methodologies developed to quantify the influenza virus. Thus, this study aimed to develop and standardize a universal absolute quantification for influenza A by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), using a plasmid DNA. The assay showed efficiency (Eff%) 98.6, determination coefficient (R2) 0.998, linear range 10^1 to 10^10, limit of detection (LOD) 6.77, limit of quantification (LOQ) 20.52 copies/reaction. No inter and intra assay variability was shown, and neither was the matrix effect observed. Serial measurements of clinical samples collected at a 72h interval showed no change in viral load. By contrast, immunocompetent patients have a significantly lower viral load than immunosuppressed ones. Absolute quantification in clinical samples showed some predictors associated with increased viral load: (H1N1)pdm09 (0.045); women (p = 0.049) and asthmatics (p = 0.035). The high efficiency, precision, and previous performance in clinical samples suggest the assay can be used as an accurate universal viral load quantification of influenza A. Its applicability in predicting severity and response to antivirals needs to be evaluated.

Human metapneumovirus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

UNLABELLED: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was described in 2001 and has been associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infection (URTI and LRTI, respectively), especially in children, the elderly, and in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to identify hMPV as the etiological agent of acute respiratory infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients and to determine the clinical features of hMPV infection in these patients. METHODS: The study was performed retrospectively in 769 respiratory samples obtained from immunocompromised patients submitted to HSCT over a period of 6 years. RNA was extracted by the guanidinium thiocyanate method, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to amplify a 928pb fragment of the hMPV N gene. RESULTS: hMPV was present in 19 (2.5%) samples. The mean age of infected patients was 18.3+/-10.8 (range, 3-41). Sixty-six percent of hMPV infections occurred during autumn, winter, and spring months. Three episodes showed co-infection with more than 1 virus. Two patients (11.1%) were infected a few days into the conditioning period and 9 (50%) in the first 3 months after the transplant. The majority of patients (72.2%) presented URTI alone with flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, headache, wheezing), while 5 patients (27.8%) had LRTI (pneumonia). No patient died from complications associated with the hMPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: hMPV has been reported as a respiratory pathogen in HSCT patients. We suggest that hMPV infection should be routinely investigated in this population, mainly in children, to prevent nosocomial transmission during transplant proceedings and to avoid the risk of progressing to complications due to LRTI.

Subjective time under altered states of consciousness in ayahuasca users in shamanistic rituals involving music.

Ayahuasca is described as a hallucinogenic substance whose property is to alter the subjective experience of time and impair the perception of the passage of time during stimuli of more than two to three seconds. The dose-dependent effects of two concentrations of ayahuasca in the ritualistic context were investigated employing temporal reproduction tasks in participants experienced in shamanistic ayahuasca rituals. The study was conducted on nine healthy volunteers who ingested two doses of ayahuasca at two times during a ritual session. The doses of each session, consumed in amounts ranging from 20 to 60 mL, were either of low concentration or of experimental ayahuasca according to a double-blind procedure. Participants performed the task of immediately listening and reproducing, with a laptop, 20-s musical stimuli during the session. The results showed that significant temporal distortion was triggered by the musical stimulus presented without the ingestion of ayahuasca, with means of 16.33 to 16.52 s. There were minor temporal distortions after ingestion of ayahuasca: a mean of 17.91 s for control ayahuasca and of 18.38 s for experimental ayahuasca. These results with less temporal distortion among participants with ayahuasca intake disagree with other studies of hallucinogens involving temporal reproduction.

Allocation of deceased donor kidneys in São Paulo, Brazil: effect of human leukocyte antigen compatibility on graft survival.

In Brazil, organ transplantation has been regulated by a federal law since 1997. This law was created to guarantee equal access to treatment on a national scale. Deceased donor organ procurement and sharing are centralized and controlled by the Health Department of each state of the nation, following a regional allocation policy. In São Paulo, time on the waiting list was the main criterion adopted to allocate deceased donor kidneys up to January 1, 2002. After that, HLA mismatches (MM) were the main criterion. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HLA compatibility on graft survival among 3312 consecutive kidney recipients. The 2-year kidney graft survival rates were compared among recipients transplanted based on the waiting time policy and based on HLA MM. Better results were observed in the HLA MM group (78.1% vs 64.9%; P < .0001). Regarding kidney allocation based on HLA MM, recipients transplanted with 0 HLA-A, -B, or -DR MM showed significantly better 5-year survival rates than those with 1-2 or 3-4 or 5-6 HLA-A, -B, or -DR MM (70.36% vs 64.71% vs 58.07% vs 55.64%; P < .050). We concluded that HLA compatibility is a feasible criterion to allocate deceased donor kidneys in Brazil.

Model for end-stage liver disease: impact of the new deceased donor liver allocation policy in São Paulo, Brazil.

Since 1997, organ transplantation in Brazil has been regulated by a federal law, which was created to guarantee equal access to treatment on a national scale. Centralized deceased donor organ procurement and sharing are controlled by the Health Department of each state of the nation, following a regional allocation policy. In São Paulo, time on the waiting list was the main criterion adopted to allocate deceased donor livers up to July 15, 2006. After that, model for end-stage liver disease/pediatric end-stage liver disease (MELD/PELD) scores were the main criteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the new criteria on patient survival rates using 895 consecutive liver recipients. The 1-year patient survival rates were compared between recipients transplanted based on the waiting time policy and based on MELD/PELD scores showing similar results (69.79% vs 66.69%; P = NS). Regarding liver allocation based on MELD/PELD scores, worse survival outcomes were observed among recipients transplanted with higher MELD scores. Also, under the new criteria, a high frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma and pediatric recipients underwent transplantation.

Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Mobile Simulator in Teaching Local Anesthesia of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile augmented reality simulator for local anesthesia training with dental students who are administering inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for the first time. Participants in this prospective study conducted in 2016 were 41 fourth- and fifth-year students randomly divided into two groups: a control group with 19 students and an experimental group with 22 students. In addition to theoretical instruction and exercises, students in the experimental group used the mobile augmented reality simulator in a dental office 2h weekly for four weeks. The Sony SmartBand-2 was used to measure all students' heart rate five minutes before and during anesthesia administration. After anesthesia, students in both groups completed a post-clinical questionnaire evaluating their knowledge and skills. The experimental group had a higher average score and/or a more limited range of responses on each item of the questionnaire than the control group. The average time for performing IANB in the experimental group was 50.0±14.3 seconds, while the control group's average was 68.4±25.5 seconds. In addition, the group that used the augmented reality simulator had an anesthesia success rate of 90.9% compared to 73.7% for the control group. Students in both groups had a statistically significant increase in heart rate while performing anesthesia. Overall, the students who used the mobile simulator in addition to their education in augmented reality carried out anesthetic procedures for IANB in a shorter period of time and had greater success than the students who used only the conventional educational methods.

Utilização de caneca de alumínio como material alternativo para temperatura de globo de Vernon / Use of aluminum mug as alternative material for Vernon globe temperature

Diversos estudos relacionados à viabilidade e eficiência do uso de materiais alternativos ao globo de Vernon têm sido realizados, principalmente em decorrência ao preço elevado do cobre, componente do instrumento padrão. O objetivo foi avaliar a eficiência da utilização de caneca de alumínio como material alternativo para substituição do globo de Vernon. Para a confecção do protótipo empregou-se uma caneca de alumínio, utilizada em pistola de pintura, com capacidade de 50 ml. A caneca foi pintada com tinta preto-fosca, em duas camadas e um termômetro de mercúrio foi inserido ao centro. Para realização dos testes foram utilizados quatro equipamentos (dois globos de Vernon e dois globos negros alternativos). Foram efetuados testes prévios de comportamento temporal. Estabelecido o tempo, as temperaturas dos globos foram coletadas durante sete dias consecutivos, em três períodos, de 15 minutos cada. Os registros de temperatura foram realizados a cada cinco minutos, num total de 84 por equipamento. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram correlação positiva com o r2 de 0,9927, estabelecendo uma forte correlação entre os resultados de temperatura média do globo negro alternativo e globo de Vernon. Conclui-se que o globo negro alternativo do tipo caneca de alumínio mostrou-se eficiente para aferição da temperatura de globo negro em estudos de ambiência em substituição ao Globo de Vernon.(AU)

Several studies related to the feasibility and efficiency of using alternative materials to Vernon's globe have been carried out, mainly due to the high price of copper, a component of the standard instrument. The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of using an aluminum mug as an alternative material for replacing Vernon's globe. To make the prototype, an aluminum mug was used, used in a paint gun, with a capacity of 50 ml. The mug was painted with matte black paint, in two layers and a mercury thermometer was inserted in the center. Four pieces of equipment were used to carry out the tests (two Vernon globes and two alternative black globes). Previous temporal behavior tests were carried out. Once the time was established, the globes' temperatures were collected for seven consecutive days, in three periods of 15 minutes each. Temperature records were taken every five minutes, a total of 84 per equipment. Data were subjected to Pearson's correlation analysis. The results indicated a positive correlation with the r2 of 0.9927, establishing a strong correlation between the mean temperature results of the alternative black globe and Vernon's globe. It is concluded that the alternative black globe of the aluminum mug type proved tobe efficient for measuring the temperature of the black globe in ambience studies, replacing the Vernon Globe.(AU)

TAF(II)170 interacts with the concave surface of TATA-binding protein to inhibit its DNA binding activity.

The human RNA polymerase II transcription factor B-TFIID consists of TATA-binding protein (TBP) and the TBP-associated factor (TAF) TAF(II)170 and can rapidly redistribute over promoter DNA. Here we report the identification of human TBP-binding regions in human TAF(II)170. We have defined the TBP interaction domain of TAF(II)170 within three amino-terminal regions: residues 2 to 137, 290 to 381, and 380 to 460. Each region contains a pair of Huntington-elongation-A subunit-Tor repeats and exhibits species-specific interactions with TBP family members. Remarkably, the altered-specificity TBP mutant (TBP(AS)) containing a triple mutation in the concave surface is defective for binding the TAF(II)170 amino-terminal region of residues 1 to 504. Furthermore, within this region the TAF(II)170 residues 290 to 381 can inhibit the interaction between Drosophila TAF(II)230 (residues 2 to 81) and TBP through competition for the concave surface of TBP. Biochemical analyses of TBP binding to the TATA box indicated that TAF(II)170 region 290-381 inhibits TBP-DNA complex formation. Importantly, the TBP(AS) mutant is less sensitive to TAF(II)170 inhibition. Collectively, our results support a mechanism in which TAF(II)170 induces high-mobility DNA binding by TBP through reversible interactions with its concave DNA binding surface.

Indoor NO2 air pollution and lung function of professional cooks.

Studies of cooking-generated NO2 effects are rare in occupational epidemiology. In the present study, we evaluated the lung function of professional cooks exposed to NO2 in hospital kitchens. We performed spirometry in 37 cooks working in four hospital kitchens and estimated the predicted FVC, FEV1 and FEF(25-75), based on age, sex, race, weight, and height, according to Knudson standards. NO2 measurements were obtained for 4 consecutive days during 4 different periods at 20-day intervals in each kitchen. Measurements were performed inside and outside the kitchens, simultaneously using Palm diffusion tubes. A time/exposure indicator was defined as representative of the cumulative exposure of each cook. No statistically significant effect of NO2 exposure on FVC was found. Each year of work as a cook corresponded to a decrease in predicted FEV1 of 2.5% (P = 0.046) for the group as a whole. When smoking status and asthma were included in the analysis the effect of time/exposure decreased about 10% and lost statistical significance. On predicted FEF(25-75), a decrease of 3.5% (P = 0.035) was observed for the same group and the inclusion of controllers for smoking status and asthma did not affect the effects of time/exposure on pulmonary function parameter. After a 10-year period of work as cooks the participants of the study may present decreases in both predicted FEV1 and FEF(25-75) that can reach 20 and 30%, respectively. The present study showed small but statistically significant adverse effects of gas stove exposure on the lung function of professional cooks.

Impact of respiratory infections by influenza viruses A and B in pediatrics patients from Federal University of Paraná, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of influenza virus on pediatric hospitalized patients. We retrospectively reviewed records of children with laboratory diagnoses, by cell culture and/or indirect immunofluorescence assay, of influenza virus seen in a period of 6 years. A total of 1,033 samples were analyzed, 45 (4.3%) of them being reactive to influenza virus. Thirty-one samples were positive to influenza A virus and 14 to influenza B. The frequency of hospitalization in intensive care and medical emergency was found to be high. Three (8.6%) patients died, two of them due to respiratory failure. Low frequency of influenza virus infection was observed in the study. The data suggest the need of more efficient epidemiological surveillance measures in order to obtain reliable information to better assess the impact of the virus on our region and determine the need of preventive measures, such as immunization.