Screening for FMR1 expanded alleles in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Manaus, Northern Brazil.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by dynamic mutations of a CGG repetition segment in an X chromosome's single gene. It is considered the leading hereditary cause of both Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability. Some authors suggest that all individuals diagnosed with some of these latter conditions to be clinically and molecularly trialled for FXS due to the high levels of comorbidity between both conditions and also due to the variable expressiveness of this syndrome. This study has focused on verifying the presence of FMR1 expanded alleles since there is a lack of information about this kind of mutation in autism patients from the northern region of Brazil. The presence of large alleles for this gene could offer new therapeutic or pharmacological methods for the treatment of these patients. Both the presence and the frequency of CGG expansions were verified in 90 autism males by molecular analysis. Four of them had intermediate alleles and four others presented premutated alleles. Premutation carriers are on the propensity of developing the late onset Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. No full mutation alleles were found. Further studies are necessary to obtain more accurate statistical data about this kind of dynamic mutation.

Preliminary profile of the gut microbiota from amerindians in the Brazilian amazon experiencing a process of transition to urbanization.

The Yanomami are one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the Amazon and are direct descendants of the first people to colonize South America 12,000 years ago. They are located on the border between Venezuela and Brazil, with the Venezuelan side remaining uncontacted. While they maintain a hunter-gatherer society, they are currently experiencing contact with urbanized populations in Brazil. The human gut microbiota of traditional communities has become the subject of recent studies due to the Westernization of their diet and the introduction of antibiotics and other chemicals, which have affected microbial diversity in indigenous populations, thereby threatening their existence. In this study, we preliminarily characterized the diversity of the gut microbiota of the Yanomami, a hunter-gatherer society from the Amazon, experiencing contact with urbanized populations. Similarly, we compared their diversity with the population in Manaus, Amazonas. A metabarcoding approach of the 16 S rRNA gene was carried out on fecal samples. Differences were found between the two populations, particularly regarding the abundance of genera (e.g., Prevotella and Bacteroides) and the higher values of the phyla Bacteroidetes over Firmicutes, which were significant only in the Yanomami. Some bacteria were found exclusively in the Yanomami (Treponema and Succinivibrio). However, diversity was statistically equal between them. In conclusion, the composition of the Yanomami gut microbiota still maintains the profile characteristic of a community with a traditional lifestyle. However, our results suggest an underlying Westernization process of the Yanomami microbiota when compared with that of Manaus, which must be carefully monitored by authorities, as the loss of diversity can be a sign of growing danger to the health of the Yanomami.

Isolation and Identification of Pigment-Producing Endophytic Fungi from the Amazonian Species Fridericia chica.

Pigments of fungal origin have aroused increasing interest in the food dye and cosmetic industries since the global demand for natural dyes has grown. Endophytic microorganisms are a source of bioactive compounds, and Amazonian plant species can harbor fungi with a wide range of biotechnological applications. Popularly known in Brazil as crajiru, Fridericia chica is a medicinal plant that produces a red pigment. In this study, a total of 121 fungi were isolated in potato dextrose agar from three plants. We identified nine pigment-producing endophytic fungi isolated from branches and leaves of F. chica. The isolates that showed pigment production in solid media were molecularly identified via multilocus analysis as Aspergillus welwitschiae, A. sydowii, Curvularia sp., Diaporthe cerradensis (two strains), Hypoxylon investiens, Neoscytalidium sp. (two strains) and Penicillium rubens. These isolates were subjected to submerged fermentation in two culture media to obtain metabolic extracts. The extracts obtained were analyzed in terms of their absorbance between 400 and 700 nm. The pigmented extract produced by H. investiens in medium containing yeast extract showed maximum absorbance in the red absorption range (UA700 = 0.550) and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. This isolate can thus be considered a new source of extracellular pigment.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae).

The endophytic fungal community of the Amazonian medicinal plant Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae) was evaluated based on the hypothesis that microbial communities associated with plant species in the Amazon region may produce metabolites with interesting bioactive properties. Therefore, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the fungal extracts were investigated. A total of 107 endophytic fungi were grown in liquid medium and the metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate. In the screening of fungal extracts for antimicrobial activity, the fungus identified as Botryosphaeria mamane CF2-13 was the most promising, with activity against E. coli, S. epidermidis, P. mirabilis, B. subtilis, S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, S. enterica, A. brasiliensis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and, especially, against S. aureus and C. parapsilosis (MIC = 0.312 mg/mL). Screening for antioxidant potential using the DPPH elimination assay showed that the Colletotrichum sp. CG1-7 endophyte extract exhibited potential activity with an EC50 of 11 µg/mL, which is equivalent to quercetin (8 µg/mL). The FRAP method confirmed the antioxidant potential of the fungal extracts. The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the active extracts was confirmed using TLC. These results indicate that two of the fungi isolated from A. chica exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

Investigation of chromosomal alterations in patients with Alzheimer's disease in the state of Amazonas, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) has as its main characteristic the deterioration of cerebral functions. Its etiology is still complex and undefined despite the progress made in understanding its neurological, infectious, biochemical, genetic and cytogenetic mechanisms. METHODS: Considering this, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of chromosomal alterations in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, and to verify if there was a high frequency of these alterations in patients diagnosed with AD at the University Hospital GetúLio Vargas Outpatient Clinic Araújo Lima in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. RESULTS: Among the nine patients in the AD group, only one patient did not have metaphases with chromosomal alterations (2n = 46,XX), while eight patients with AD showed numerical chromosomal alterations, classified as X chromosome aneupLoidy (2n = 45,X) and double aneupLoidy (2n = 44,X,-X,-10; 2n = 44,X,-X,-13 and 2n = 44,X,-X,-21). CONCLUSION: In the control group, no chromosomal changes were found in the karyotypes of these individuals. Therefore, the karyotypes of patients with AD undergo chromosomal alterations at different levels. These findings are being described for the first time in the population of Amazonas, and they highlight the importance of the inclusion of cytogenetic investigations in the routine management of patients with AD.

Juvenile Huntington's disease in northern Brazil: a case series report / Doença de Huntington juvenil no norte do Brasil: relato de uma série de casos

Introduction: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG expansion repeats in the HTT gene. Usually, the symptoms start to manifest in mid-adulthood. In about 5% of cases, however, the signs begin before the age of 20 years. These cases are known as juvenile HD (JHD). Objective: here we report a case series of JHD from Amazonas, a state where data are scarce due to the restricted access to specialized medical assistance for diagnosis and care. Case series: the patients were attended by neurologists specialized in movement disorders at Manaus. Two cases manifested the disease in childhood (6 and 7 years old) and two cases, in adolescence (12 and 16 years old). All cases showed dystonia and parkinsonism as predominant motor disorders. Moreover, signs of cognitive decline, depression, and psychosis were observed in all patients. Conversely, cerebellar signs, gait disturbances, seizures, and some psychiatric symptoms were variable among the cases. Expansion size varied from 66 to 84 to CAG repeats and the difference in age at onset between parent and child varied from 23 to 43 years. Conclusion: to our knowledge, these are the first clinical reports of JHD in northern Brazil. These cases illustrate the variability in clinical phenotypes and genetic features of JHD cases. Furthermore, they can contribute to the awareness of HD here, both by professionals and the public in general.

Introdução: a doença de Huntington (DH) é um distúrbio neurodegenerativo causado pela expansão de repetições CAG no gene HTT. Geralmente, os sintomas começam a se manifestar na vida adulta tardia. Em cerca de 5% dos casos, no entanto, os sinais começam antes da idade de 20 anos. Esses casos são conhecidos como DH juvenil (DHJ). Objetivo: neste estudo, nós reportamos uma série de casos de DHJ do Amazonas, um estado onde os dados ainda são escassos devido ao acesso restrito à assistência médica especializada para o diagnóstico e cuidado. Série de casos: os pacientes foram atendidos por neurologistas especializados em transtornos do movimento em Manaus. Dois casos manifestaram a doença na infância (6 e 7 anos) e dois casos, na adolescência (12 e 16 anos). Todos os casos apresentaram distonia e parkinsonismo como sintomas motores predominantes. Sinais de declínio cognitivo, depressão e psicose também foram observados em todos os pacientes. Por outro lado, sinais cerebelares, distúrbios da marcha, convulsões e alguns sintomas psiquiátricos foram variáveis entre os casos. O tamanho da expansão CAG variou de 66 a 84 repetições e a diferença na idade de início dos sintomas entre pais e filhos variou de 23 a 43 anos. Conclusão: ao nosso conhecimento, estes são os primeiros relatos clínicos da DHJ na região Norte. Esses casos ilustram a variabilidade nos fenótipos clínicos e nas características genéticas dos casos de DHJ. Além disso, eles podem contribuir para a conscientização da DH na região, tanto pelos profissionais quanto pelo público geral.

Molecular typing of human platelet antigens in immune thrombocytopenia patients in northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune disease characterized by thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to platelet antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Human platelet antigens are derived from polymorphisms of these glycoproteins. The aim of this study was to investigate human platelet antigen frequencies in immune thrombocytopenia patients from the state of Amazonas, Brazil and investigate the potential association between specific antigens and risk for immune thrombocytopenia. METHOD: Human platelet antigen typing was performed by BeadChip technology to determine allelic variants of 11 systems (HPA-1 to HPA-9, HPA-11 and HPA-15). Thirty-six patients (8 male and 28 female) with a median age of 34 years (range: 9-69 years) were evaluated and compared with data from Amazonas blood donors. RESULTS: Platelet counts varied from 3 to 98×109/L. The allele frequencies were 0.944 for HPA-1a, 0.056 for HPA-1b, 0.847 for HPA-2a, 0.153 for HPA-2b, 0.555 for HPA-3a, 0.444 for HPA-3b, 0.805 for HPA-5a, 0.222 for HPA-5b, 0.9975 for HPA-9a, 0.025 for HPA-9b, 0.486 for HPA-15a and 0.513 for HPA-15b. Among immune thrombocytopenia individuals, no b allele of the HPA-4, -6, -7, -8 and -11 were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest HPA-1a, HPA-3b and HPA-5b are immune thrombocytopenia-specific autoepitopes.

Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of an SRY-negative 46, XX ovotesticular DSD: a case report / Caracterização citogenética e molecular de um DDS ovotesticular 46, XX SRY-negativo: relato de caso

Introduction: Ovotesticular disorder of sex development is a rare condition characterized by the concomitant presence of testicular and ovarian tissue, and usually presents genital ambiguity. They are chromosomally heterogeneous, and cytogenetic analyses is relevant. Objective: to report a patient from Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, with ovotesticular disorder of sex differentiation 46,XX and SRY-negative. Case report: patient aged 19 years, first child of non-consanguineous parents, diagnosed at birth with genital ambiguity and, without correct diagnosis, was registered a male sex. The patient underwent surgery to correct bilateral cryptorchidism, orchiopexy and colpectomy. During puberty, he developed female and male sexual characteristics. Investigation at this time revealed: laboratory (normal total testosterone and estradiol as high follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, histopathological (right gonad, ovarian follicles and left gonad, atrophic testicles), karyotype (46, XX) and molecular (SRY-negative). Diagnosis of ovotesticular disorder of sex development was established. The patient chose to remain male and underwent bilateral mastectomy, vaginal colpectomy and bilateral gonadectomy. Currently, the patient receives hormonal replacement therapy, followup with a multi-professional approach and awaits masculinizing genitoplasty. Discussion: For OT-DSD individuals with 46, XX, the female sex is suggested as the best sex of rearing option. Unlike the reported cases, the patient chose the male sex, since the sex at registration of birth was important in his choice. Conclusion: Cytogenetic and molecular analyses allowed us to assist in the etiological diagnosis of the patient with OT-DSD. However, molecular analyses are necessary to elucidate the genes involved in the sexual determination of this patient.

Introdução: distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular é uma condição rara com presença concomitante de tecido testicular e ovariano, geralmente com ambiguidade genital. Os pacientes são cromossomicamente heterogêneos e a análise citogenética é fundamental. Objetivo: relatar o caso de um paciente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, portador de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular 46, XX e SRY-negativo. Caso clínico: paciente de 19 anos, primeiro filho de pais não consanguíneos, que ao nascimento foi diagnosticado com ambiguidade genital, contudo, sem diagnóstico correto, foi registrado como sendo do sexo masculino. Foi submetido a cirurgias para correção da criptoquirdia bilateral, orquidopexia e colpectomia vaginal. Na puberdade, desenvolveu características sexuais feminina e masculina. Investigação diagnóstica mostrou: exames hormonais (testosterona total e estradiol normais enquanto hormônio folículo-estimulante e hormônio luteinizante elevados), histopatológicos (gônada direita, folículos ovarianos e gônadas esquerda, testículos atróficos), cariótipo (46, XX) e molecular (SRY-negativo). O diagnóstico de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular foi estabelecido. O paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino e submeteuse à mastectomia bilateral, colpectomia vaginal e gonadectomia bilateral. Atualmente faz reposição hormonal, acompanhamento com abordagem multiprofissional e aguarda pela genitoplastia masculinizante. Discussão: aos indivíduos DDS-OT com 46, XX é sugerido como a melhor opção de sexo, o feminino. Diferentemente dos casos relatados, o paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino, visto que o registro de nascimento foi importante para a sua escolha. Conclusão: análises citogenéticas e moleculares permitiu auxiliar no diagnóstico etiológico do paciente com DDS-OT, contudo, análises moleculares são necessárias para elucidação de genes envolvidos na determinação sexual desse paciente.

Síndrome de deleção 6q: relato de caso de um achado raro no Amazonas, Brasil / Deletion 6q syndrome: case report of a rare finding in Amazonas, Brazil

Objetivos: Síndrome da deleção 6q é considerada uma anomalia cromossômica rara. Assim, nosso objetivo foi relatar um caso de um menino com essa síndrome, em Manaus/Amazonas. Descrição do caso: Menino com quatro anos de idade que apresenta atraso do crescimento e do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, dificuldades de ganho de peso e anormalidades na retina. A análise citogenética do paciente revelou cariótipo com 46, XY, del(6)(q25-qter). Conclusões: Este relato demonstrou a importância das análises citogenéticas para o diagnóstico preciso das anomalias congênitas, pois auxiliam no encaminhamento de tratamentos adequados aos pacientes e na ampliação de conhecimento científico relacionado a essa deleção.

Aims: Deletion 6q syndrome is considered a rare chromosomal anomaly. Thus, our objective was to report a rare case of a boy with 6q deletion syndrome. Case description: 4-year-old boy with delayed growth and neuropsychomotor development, weight gain difficulties and retinal abnormalities. Karyotypic analysis of the patient revealed karyotype 46, XY, del (6) (q25-qter). That is, a deletion in the long arm of one of the chromosome 6, specifically in the distal region of the long arm of the 6q25 band up to the 6qter band. Conclusions: This report demonstrates the importance of cytogenetic analyzes for the accurate diagnosis of congenital anomalies, as they assist in referring appropriate treatments to patients and in expanding scientific knowledge related to this deletion.

Molecular detection of oncogenic subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a group of women in the Amazon region of Brazil

The natural history of cervical cancer is strongly related to the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with its relationship with cervical cancer being a matter of concern. It is estimated that 70% of all cervical cancers worldwide are caused by HPV 16 and 18. Accordingly, the present study aimed to contribute to the identification of HPV subtypes circulating in a group of women of Manaus-Brazil. Cervical samples were collected from 49 women, following the eligibility criteria of the study, and DNA was then extracted from the samples, which were analyzed for the presence of the virus in the genetic material through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using generic primers (GP05/06). Finally, identification of the viral subtypes was performed using specific primers for the detection of the main subtypes already examined (16 and 18). Positive HPV DNA was detected in 100% of the samples included in the study. Human papillomavirus 16 was the most prevalent subtype in the majority of lesions, accounting for 29 (59.2%) of the positive cases, and HPV 18 was detected in four (8.2%) women. In these 4 cases there was co-infection, with the presence of both HPV 18 and HPV 16. Therefore, 40.8% (20 cases) in which HPV DNA was detected presented infection with other subtypes of HPV not included in the study. This data has clinical implications related to cervical cancer prevention, as the current prophylactic HPV vaccines are only effective against high-risk HPV 16 and 18 subtypes.

Concomitance of numerical chromosomal alterations with structural in an elderly with Alzheimer's disease: a case report / Concomitância de alterações cromossômicas numéricas com estruturais em idoso com doença de Alzheimer: relato de caso

AIMS: To report the first case the concomitance of numerical chromosomal abnormalities with structural as well as chromosomal abnormalities structural in a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer disease in Manaus/Amazonas. CASE DESCRIPTION: A male patient with 76 years of age was diagnosed with diagnosis of cognitive disorder- Alzheimer's disease with late onset - temporal variant after laboratory, physical and imaging exams. Cytogenetic analysis was requested for this patient, revealing the presence the concomitant of numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities with metaphase cells composed of 45 chromosomes with the loss of one of the homologues of chromosome 21 (monosomy) and a deletion of the long arm of one of the homologues of chromosome 1 [45, XY, -21, del (1) (q?)] and metaphase cells containing 46 chromosomes with a deletion of the long arm of one of the homologues of chromosome 15 [(46, XY, del (15) (q?)]. Currently, the patient is in outpatient treatment for maintenance and control of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has underlined that karyotyping is one of the fundamental investigations for patients with Alzheimer's disease. It highlighted, in the form of a chromosomal abnormality, may have been the risk factor in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJETIVOS: Relatar o primeiro caso de concomitância de anormalidade cromossômica numérica com anormalidade cromossômica estruturais em um paciente diagnosticado com doença de Alzheimer em Manaus/Amazonas DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Um paciente do sexo masculino com 76 anos de idade foi diagnosticado com distúrbio cognitivo - doença de Alzheimer com início tardio - variante temporal, após exames laboratoriais, físicos e de imagem. Análises citogenéticas foi solicitado para esse paciente, revelando a presença concomitante de anormalidades cromossômicas numéricas e estruturais com células metafásicas compostas por 45 cromossomos, com a perda de um dos homólogos do cromossomo 21 (monossomia) e a deleção do braço longo de um dos homólogos do cromossomo 1 [45, XY, -21, del (1) (q?)] e células metafásicas contendo 46 cromossomos apresentando deleção no braço longo de um dos homólogos do cromossomo 15 [(46, XY, del (15) (q?)] Atualmente, o paciente encontra-se em tratamento ambulatorial para manutenção e controle da doença. CONCLUSÕES: Nosso estudo revelam que a cariotipagem é uma das investigações fundamentais para pacientes com doença de Alzheimer. A anormalidade cromossômicas pode ter sido o fator de risco para a doença de Alzheimer.

Investigation of chromosomal alterations in patients with Alzheimer's disease in the state of Amazonas, Brazil / Investigação de alterações cromossômicas em pacientes com doença de Alzheimer no estado do Amazonas, Brasil

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease (AD) has as its main characteristic the deterioration of cerebral functions. Its etiology is still complex and undefined despite the progress made in understanding its neurological, infectious, biochemical, genetic and cytogenetic mechanisms. Considering this, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of chromosomal alterations in the peripheral blood lymphocytes, and to verify if there was a high frequency of these alterations in patients diagnosed with AD at the University Hospital GetúLio Vargas Outpatient Clinic Araújo Lima in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Among the nine patients in the AD group, only one patient did not have metaphases with chromosomal alterations (2n = 46,XX), while eight patients with AD showed numerical chromosomal alterations, classified as X chromosome aneupLoidy (2n = 45,X) and double aneupLoidy (2n = 44,X,-X,-10; 2n = 44,X,-X,-13 and 2n = 44,X,-X,-21). In the control group, no chromosomal changes were found in the karyotypes of these individuals. Therefore, the karyotypes of patients with AD undergo chromosomal alterations at different levels. These findings are being described for the first time in the population of Amazonas, and they highlight the importance of the inclusion of cytogenetic investigations in the routine management of patients with AD.

RESUMO Doença de Alzheimer (DA) tem como principal característica a deterioração das funções cerebrais. Quanto a sua etiologia ainda é complexa e indefinida, apesar do progresso alcançado na compreensão de seus mecanismos neurológicos, infecciosos, bioquímicos, genéticos e citogenéticos. Considerando isto, nós investigamos a presença de alterações cromossômicas nos Linfócitos de sangue periférico e verificamos se há uma alta frequência dessas alterações em pacientes já diagnosticados com doença de Alzheimer no Hospital Universitário Getulio Vargas / Ambulatório Araújo Lima, Manaus / Amazonas / Brasil. Assim, dos 09 pacientes do grupo DA, somente 01 paciente não apresentou metáfases com alterações cromossômicas (2n = 46,XX) enquanto que 08 pacientes com DA apresentaram alterações cromossômicas numéricas, sendo classificadas como aneupLoidia do cromossomo X (2n = 45,X) e aneupLoidia dupLa (2n = 44,X,-X,-10; 2n = 44,X,-X,-13 e 2n = 44,X,-X,-21). No grupo controle, não foram encontradas aLterações cromossômicas nos cariótipos desses indivíduos. Estes achados para a popuLação do Amazonas/ BrasiL estão sendo descritos pela primeira vez. Os cariótipos de pacientes com DA sofrem aLterações cromossômicas em diferentes níveis e demonstraram a importância das investigações citogenéticas no manejo rotineiro de pacientes com DA.

Estudo das anomalias cromossômicas ocorridas em uma maternidade nos anos de 2010 a 2014 / Study of chromosomal abnormalities encountered in a maternity hospital between 2010 and 2014 / Estudio de las anomalías cromosómicas que ocurrieron en una maternidad en los años de 2010 a 2014

O presente estudo buscou identificar a existência de anomalias cromossômicas registradas nos prontuários de nascidos vivos em uma maternidade. Estudo retrospectivo que analisou as informações contidas nos prontuários dos arquivos do Serviço de Arquivamento Médico de uma maternidade do estado do Amazonas entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2014, e estudou-se a correlação de anomalias cromossômicas presentes com características maternas e do nascido vivo. Analisou-se 15.621 prontuários, destes 163 apresentaram defeitos congênitos, 15 foram diagnosticados com síndromes cromossômicas distribuídas em três tipos de anomalias: 13 indivíduos com Síndrome de Down, um com Síndrome de Patau e um com Síndrome de Dany-Walker. Este é o primeiro registro de ocorrência e perfil dos nascimentos com anomalias cromossômicas em uma maternidade. O resultado é de grande importância para a saúde pública do Estado. A realização de novos estudos poderá fornecer um melhor panorama sobre diferentes doenças genéticas daquele estado (AU).

This study sought to identify the existence of chromosomal abnormalities recorded in the medical records of live-born infants in a maternity hospital. This retrospective study analyzed the information contained in the medical records of the archives of the Medical Archiving Service of a maternity hospital in Amazonas state between January 2010 and December 2014, with the correlation between the chromosomal abnormalities and the characteristics of the mothers and the live-born infants also studied. A total of 15,621 records were analyzed, of these 163 presented congenital defects, with 15 diagnosed with chromosomal syndromes, divided into three types of anomalies: 13 individuals with Down syndrome, one with Patau syndrome and one with Dandy-Walker syndrome. This is the first registration of the occurrence and profile of births with chromosomal abnormalities in a maternity hospital. The result is of great importance for the public health service of the state. The performance of further studies may provide a better overview of the different genetic diseases of this state (AU)

Este estudio tuvo la finalidad de identificar la existencia de anomalías cromosómicas registradas en los prontuarios de nacidos vivos en una maternidad. Estudio retrospectivo hecho por medio de análisis de informaciones contenidas en los prontuarios de los archivos del Servicio de Archivo Médico de una maternidad del estado de Amazonas entre enero de 2010 y diciembre de 2014. Fue examinada la correspondencia de anomalías cromosómicas presentes con características maternas y del nacido vivo. Se analizaron 15.621 prontuarios, de los cuales 163 presentaron defectos congénitos, 15 fueron diagnosticados con síndromes cromosómicas distribuidas en tres tipos de anomalías: 13 individuos con Síndrome de Down, un con Síndrome de Patau y un con Síndrome de Dany-Walker. Este es el primero registro de ocurrencia y perfil de los nacimientos con anomalías cromosómicas en una maternidad. El resultado tiene gran importancia para la salud pública del estado. La realización de nuevos estudios podrá traer un mejor panorama acerca de distintas enfermedades genéticas del estado (AU).

Molecular typing of human platelet antigens in immune thrombocytopenia patients in northern Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Immune thrombocytopenia is an immune disease characterized by thrombocytopenia and bleeding due to platelet antibodies against platelet membrane glycoproteins. Human platelet antigens are derived from polymorphisms of these glycoproteins. The aim of this study was to investigate human platelet antigen frequencies in immune thrombocytopenia patients from the state of Amazonas, Brazil and investigate the potential association between specific antigens and risk for immune thrombocytopenia. Method: Human platelet antigen typing was performed by BeadChip technology to determine allelic variants of 11 systems (HPA-1 to HPA-9, HPA-11 and HPA-15). Thirty-six patients (8 male and 28 female) with a median age of 34 years (range: 9-69 years) were evaluated and compared with data from Amazonas blood donors. Results: Platelet counts varied from 3 to 98 × 109/L. The allele frequencies were 0.944 for HPA-1a, 0.056 for HPA-1b, 0.847 for HPA-2a, 0.153 for HPA-2b, 0.555 for HPA-3a, 0.444 for HPA-3b, 0.805 for HPA-5a, 0.222 for HPA-5b, 0.9975 for HPA-9a, 0.025 for HPA-9b, 0.486 for HPA-15a and 0.513 for HPA-15b. Among immune thrombocytopenia individuals, no b allele of the HPA-4, -6, -7, -8 and -11 were found. Conclusions: The results suggest HPA-1a, HPA-3b and HPA-5b are immune thrombocytopenia-specific autoepitopes.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the ornamental discus fish Symphysodon discus and cross-species amplification in other Heroini cichlid species.

The discus fishes (Symphysodon spp.) are economically important ornamental species. Thirteen microsatellite markers were developed from a CT(12) - and CA(12) -enriched whole genomic DNA library of Symphysodon discus. Allelic variability was tested on 44 individuals of two species (S. discus and S. aequifasciatus). Allelic richness ranged from two to 11 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities from 0.083 to 0.998. All loci were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and no pair of loci showed linkage disequilibrium within a species. Cross-species amplification was also successfully performed in the Neotropical cichlids Uaru amphiacanthoides, Hoplarchus psittacus, Hypselecara coryphaenoides, Pterophyllum sp., Mesonauta sp. and Heros sp.