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Summary Inorganic scaling is a phenomenon of common occurrence both in nature and in industrial operations. In general, its effects can be highly detrimental for the oil industry, as fouling can take place in different stages of the production, from the wellbore and downhole production control valves to upstream primary oil processing and separation equipment. The deposition of precipitated crystals on pipe walls and valves can result in severe production decline. Despite the high costs involved in the design and operation of separate lines for additive injection, chemical inhibition is typically the solution adopted by the oil companies to mitigate scaling. The purpose of the present work is to show the results of large-scale laboratory pipe flow experiments to evaluate the performance of nonchemical solutions to mitigate and control calcium carbonate scaling. Magnetic, electromagnetic, and ultrasound devices have been tested in a setup that simulates the mixing of two incompatible brine solutions that cause precipitation and deposition of calcium carbonate for a high Reynolds number pipe flow. The performance of the devices is evaluated from pressure drop measurements along the pipe, carbonate deposited mass on the pipe wall, and pipe diameter reduction. Additional results include evaluation of particle-size distribution of precipitated crystals, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis for identification of the crystalline structure, and pH and conductivity. Results show that the magnetic field furnishes a beneficial effect, as it delays the time observed for the onset of flow restriction in both pipe and valve. The use of a magnetic field slows down scaling, thus delaying the increase in pressure drop. The time scale associated with this delay is of two to four times the required time in tests carried out without a magnetic field. Ultrasound devices are also shown to provide a beneficial impact on the delay of the appearance of scaling effects. An ultrasound field influences the precipitation phenomena, inducing particle sizes to be kept at very small values, an effect that prevents crystal deposition. The main contribution of the present work is to provide an evaluation method of antiscaling devices based on large-scale experiments that are representative of real field applications.

Staphylococcus aureus mastitis constitutes a serious threat to dairy cows. The reasons why available vaccines are not fully effective remain poorly understood; thus, in the present study, we investigated CD4

Inorganic scaling is a phenomenon of common occurrence both in nature and in industrial operations. In general, its effect can be highly detrimental for the oil industry, as fouling can take place in different stages of the production, from the well bore and downhole production control valves to upstream primary oil processing and separation equipment. The deposition of precipitated crystals on pipe walls and valves can result in severe production decline. Despite the high costs involved in the design and operation of separate lines for additive injection, chemical inhibition is typically the solution adopted by the oil companies to mitigate scaling. The purpose of the present work is to show results of a large scale laboratory pipe flow experiments to evaluate the performance of non-chemical solutions to mitigate and control calcium carbonate scaling. Magnetic, electromagnetic and ultrasound devices have been tested in a set up that simulates the mixing of two incompatible brine solutions that cause precipitation and deposition of calcium carbonate for a high Reynolds number pipe flow. The performance of the devices is evaluated from pressure drop measurements along the pipe, carbonate deposited mass on the pipe wall and reduction of pipe diameter. Additional results comprise evaluation of particle size distribution of the precipitated crystal, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction for identification of the crystalline structure and pH and conductivity. Results show that the magnetic field furnishes a beneficial effect, as it delays the time observed for the onset of flow restriction in both pipe and valve. The scaling phenomenon is shown to slow down and the delay for the increase in the measured pressure drop range between two to four times in comparison with the tests conducted without the magnetic field. Ultrasound devices are also shown to provide remarkable impact on the delay of the appearance of the scaling effects. The ultrasound field influences the precipitation phenomena so that particle sizes are kept at very small values, which prevent crystal deposition. The main contribution of the present work is to provide an evaluation method of anti-scaling devices based on large scale experiments, which are fairly representative of real field applications.

In vitro maturation (IVM) has been applied in numerous different contexts and strategies in humans and animals, but in both cases it represents a challenge still far from being overcome. Despite the large dataset produced over the last two decades on the mechanisms that govern antral follicular development and oocyte metabolism and differentiation, IVM outcomes are still unsatisfactory. This review specifically focuses on data concerning the potential consequences of using supraphysiological levels of FSH during IVM, as well as on the regulation of oocyte chromatin dynamics and its utility as a potential marker of oocyte developmental competence. Taken together, the data revisited herein indicate that a significant improvement in IVM efficacy may be provided by the integration of pre-OPU patient-specific protocols preparing the oocyte population for IVM and more physiological culture systems mimicking more precisely the follicular environment that would be experienced by the recovered oocytes until completion of metaphase II.

Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 ACS patients and 278 healthy controls were selected for this study. Four variants in NPY and two variants in NPY2R genes were genotyped using Taqman allelic discrimination and sequencing. The Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify the genotype frequencies. The logistic regression analyses were used for the evaluation of the studied variables. Haplotype analysis was used to evaluate the linkage disequilibrium (LD) between the variants (pC variant was found with the ACS group when compared to the healthy group. In the analysis between variants and risk factors in the ACS group, NPY c.84G>A was associated with hypertension. The analysis between TIMI risk showed a significance for NPY c.20T>C between the low and intermediate/high TIMI risk groups. In the haplotype analysis, strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between the variants NPY c.150G>A and NPY c.-485T>C. Conclusion The NPY c.20T>C variant appears to contribute to the development of ACS. The NPY2R c.-1116A>G variant may contribute to the early development of ACS and the NPY c.84G>A variant appears to contribute to the development of hypertension. In addition, the NPY c.20T>C is associated with a protective effect in ACS severity.

Para tomada de decisão no controle das pragas é importante a identificação do inseto, avaliando principalmente sua biologia e comportamento alimentar, para assim mensurar o dano causado no campo. O principal método de controle de insetos-praga na agricultura é o químico, com aplicação de inseticidas e faz-se necessário avaliar quais os impactos referentes a resistência desses insetos a diferentes moléculas, como também avaliar os efeitos destes inseticidas em insetos que são inimigos naturais. A mistura de inseticidas é considerada alternativa para ampliação do espectro de controle, como também na redução de custo e tempo na aplicação de inseticidas. Desalojantes na mistura de inseticidas atuam como irritante de insetos, influenciando na movimentação da praga no ambiente. Faz-se necessário mais estudos sobre o uso de desalojantes, entre outros produtos químicos com potencial desalojante para mistura de calda de inseticidas.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T02:14:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-05-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) PurposeWe first assessed regulation of FGF2 expression in cumulus cells by FSH and oocyte-secreted factors during in vitro maturation (IVM). Then, we tested the hypothesis that FGF2 regulates meiotic progression, cumulus expansion, and apoptosis in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) undergoing IVM.MethodsIn vitro maturation of bovine COC was utilized as a model to assess regulation of FGF2 expression by FSH and oocyte-secreted factors (via microsurgical removal of the oocyte), as well as effects of graded doses of FGF2 on meiotic progression, degree of cumulus expansion, dissociation of cumulus cells, and cumulus cells apoptosis. Expression of genes regulating functional endpoints altered by FGF2 treatment was assessed in cumulus cells by real-time PCR. Cultures were replicated 4-5 times and effects of treatments were tested by ANOVA.ResultsFGF2 mRNA expression was increased by FSH and oocyte-secreted factors during IVM. Addition of FGF2 to the IVM medium advanced meiosis resumption, decreased the ease with which cumulus cells were dissociated, and inhibited cumulus cells apoptosis. Decreased cumulus dissociation was accompanied by decreased expression of TNFAIP6.ConclusionsThis is the first study showing that FGF2 expression is regulated by the oocyte in cumulus cells. Moreover, we report novel effects of FGF2 on cumulus cell survival and extracellular matrix (ECM) quality during IVM that may favor acquisition of developmental competence and suggest physiological roles during the final steps of COC differentiation. Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-18618970 Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Montreal, Fac Med Vet, Ctr Rech Reprod & Fertilite, St Hyacinthe, PQ J2S 7C6, Canada Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Fisiol, Inst Biociencias, BR-18618970 Sao Paulo, Brazil FAPESP: 12/06417-8 CNPq: 312521/2014-6

The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:10:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-09-15 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Germinal vesicle oocytes obtained by ovum pick-up (OPU) on a random day are heterogeneous in terms of chromatin maturity, and those with an intermediate degree of chromatin compaction present higher developmental competence. We previously developed a synchronization protocol combining follicle aspiration and FSH treatment capable of increasing the percentage of oocytes with intermediate chromatin compaction (classified as GV2 oocytes; within progressive stages of chromatin compaction ranging from GV0 to GV3) at the time of OPU. In this study, we tested the capacity of a similar protocol to synchronize oocyte chromatin maturity before OPU, as well as to improve the efficacy of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in Holstein cows. In the first experiment, eight non-lactating Holstein cows were subjected to the D5/4FSH, during which all follicles larger than 2 mm were aspirated and a progesterone intravaginal device was inserted on a random day (day 0). Subsequently, four IM injections of FSH (Folltropin; 40/40/20/20 mg) were administered 12h apart on days 2 and 3, and removal of the progesterone device and OPU were performed on day 5. Of the oocytes recovered by OPU, 83.2% were at the GV2 stage. In a second experiment, eighteen non- lactating Holstein cows (Synchro group) were subjected to the D5/4FSH protocol followed by IVM/IVF, and embryo production was compared with that of other seventeen cows submitted to OPU on a random day followed by IVM/IVF (Control group). Blastocyst rate in relation to total oocytes recovered was higher in the Synchro group (37.9%) compared to the Control group (21%; P < 0.05). The percentage of good quality blastocysts morphologically selected for freezing and later transfer in relation to the total number of oocytes recovered tended to be higher in the Synchro group (27.68%) compared to the Control group (14.34%; P = 0.1). These data suggest that synchronization protocols increasing the percentage of GV2 oocytes in the population subjected to IVM/IVF can improve the efficacy of embryo in vitro production in cattle. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Neogen Assisted Reprod Lab, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil Univ Milan, Dept Hlth Anim Sci & Food Safety, Reprod & Dev Biol Lab, Milan, Italy Reprod Med Ctr, Biogenesi, Monza, Italy Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, Botucatu, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 2017/07588-4 FAPESP: 2016/21671-9

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-11T01:57:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Differences in reproductive physiology between cattle breeds may help to explain distinct responses to assisted reproductive techniques and to define breed-specific protocols with improved efficiency. Germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes are characterized by increasing levels of chromatin compaction enclosed within the nucleus (graded from GV0 to GV3), associated with different developmental competence. The first objective of this study was to characterize chromatin configuration of GV stage oocytes recovered by OPU at random days of the estrous cycle from Nelore (Bos indices) and Holstein (Bos taurus) cows. In Nelore 90% of the oocytes presented advanced stages of chromatin compaction associated with higher developmental competence (GV2 and GV3), while in Holstein, only 65% of the oocytes were at these stages. Then, aiming to obtain a more homogeneous population of oocytes in Holstein, we tested two synchronization protocols combining aspiration of all visible follicles at a random day (day 0), two IM injections of FSH 12 h apart on day 2, and OPU on day 4 (OPU/D4) or 5 (OPU/D5). The protocol OPU/D4 provided around 45% of the oocytes with low chromatin compaction (GV1), while the protocol OPU/D5 provided 70% of the oocytes at GV2 and 20% at GV3. Finally, we assessed the effects of a culture system known to prevent meiotic resumption on chromatin configuration of the GV2 enriched oocyte population obtained with the protocol OPU/D5. After 9 h of culture most oocytes transited from GV2 to GV3, with 90% of the oocytes at GV3 stage. This study demonstrates differences between Nelore and Holstein cows regarding patterns of chromatin configuration that may account for their different performance in IVM/IVF. In addition, it provides novel references for the design of protocols aiming to regulate oocyte quality before IVM for the optimization of IVF outcomes. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Anim Reprod, Sao Paulo, Brazil Univ Milan, Dept Hlth Anim Sci & Food Safety, Reprod & Dev Biol Lab, Milan, Italy Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, Sao Paulo, Brazil CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 2017/07588-4 FAPESP: 2016/21671-9

Abundant research has been devoted to understanding the complexity of the biogeochemical and physical processes that are responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydropower reservoirs. These systems may have spatially complex and heterogeneous GHG emissions due to flooded biomass, river inflows, primary production and dam operation. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the water–air CO2 fluxes and the phytoplanktonic biomass in the Funil Reservoir, which is an old, stratified tropical reservoir that exhibits intense phytoplankton blooms and a low partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). Our results indicated that the seasonal and spatial variability of chlorophyll concentrations (Chl) and pCO2 in the Funil Reservoir are related more to changes in the river inflow over the year than to environmental factors such as air temperature and solar radiation. Field data and hydro\-dynamic simulations revealed that river inflow contributes to increased heterogeneity during the dry season due to variations in the reservoir retention time and river temperature. Contradictory conclusions could be drawn if only temporal data collected near the dam were considered without spatial data to represent CO2 fluxes throughout the reservoir. During periods of high retention, the average CO2 fluxes were 10.3 mmol m−2 d−1 based on temporal data near the dam versus −7.2 mmol m−2 d−1 with spatial data from along the reservoir surface. In this case, the use of solely temporal data to calculate CO2 fluxes results in the reservoir acting as a CO2 source rather than a sink. This finding suggests that the lack of spatial data in reservoir C budget calculations can affect regional and global estimates. Our results support the idea that the Funil Reservoir is a dynamic system where the hydrodynamics represented by changes in the river inflow and retention time are potentially a more important force driving both the Chl and pCO2 spatial variability than the in-system ecological factors.

Abundant research has been devoted to understanding the complexity of the biogeochemical and physical processes that are responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydropower reservoirs. These systems may have spatially complex and heterogeneous GHG emissions due to flooded biomass, river inflows, primary production and dam operation. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the water–air CO2 fluxes and the phytoplanktonic biomass in the Funil Reservoir, which is an old, stratified tropical reservoir that exhibits intense phytoplankton blooms and a low partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). Our results indicated that the seasonal and spatial variability of chlorophyll concentrations (Chl) and pCO2 in the Funil Reservoir are related more to changes in the river inflow over the year than to environmental factors such as air temperature and solar radiation. Field data and hydro\\-dynamic simulations revealed that river inflow contributes to increased heterogeneity during the dry season due to variations in the reservoir retention time and river temperature. Contradictory conclusions could be drawn if only temporal data collected near the dam were considered without spatial data to represent CO2 fluxes throughout the reservoir. During periods of high retention, the average CO2 fluxes were 10.3 mmol m−2 d−1 based on temporal data near the dam versus −7.2 mmol m−2 d−1 with spatial data from along the reservoir surface. In this case, the use of solely temporal data to calculate CO2 fluxes results in the reservoir acting as a CO2 source rather than a sink. This finding suggests that the lack of spatial data in reservoir C budget calculations can affect regional and global estimates. Our results support the idea that the Funil Reservoir is a dynamic system where the hydrodynamics represented by changes in the river inflow and retention time are potentially a more important force driving both the Chl and pCO2 spatial variability than the in-system ecological factors.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:41:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-10-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) In vivo, oocyte maturation is triggered by the ovulatory LH surge, whereas in vitro it is precociously induced when the cumulus-oocyte complex is removed from the follicle. Natriuretic peptide C (NPPC) delays germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) while increasing oocyte-cumulus communication during in vitro maturation (IVM) in cattle. In the present study we first tested the hypothesis that steroids secreted by the follicle (17 beta-oestradiol, progesterone and androstenedione) interact with NPPC to delay GVBD and to maintain oocyte-cumulus communication as assessed by transfer of a dye (Lucifer Yellow) from the oocyte to cumulus cells. Then, we assessed the effects of steroid hormones and NPPC, alone and in combination in a pre-IVM culture, on embryo production. The combination of NPPC with steroids delayed GVDB, increased natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2) mRNA abundance in cumulus cells during culture, and maintained oocyte-cumulus communication at levels not different from non-cultured controls. The addition of steroids and/or NPPC to a pre-IVM culture did not alter blastocyst rates after IVF, but supplementation with steroids increased blastocyst total cell number. The present study provides evidence, for the first time in cattle, that steroids interact with NPPC to regulate oocyte nuclear maturation and oocyte-cumulus communication, and improve oocyte developmental competence. Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Milan, Dept Hlth Anim Sci & Food Safety, Reprod & Dev Biol Lab, Via Celoria 10, I-20133 Milan, Italy Univ Montreal, Fac Med Vet, Ctr Rech Reprod & Fertil, 3200 Sicotte, St Hyacinthe, PQ J2S 7C6, Canada Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Physiol, Ovarian Mol Physiol Lab, BR-18618970 Botucatu, SP, Brazil

Summary Background and objectives The neuraxial techniques currently represent the most effective methods for pain control during labor and the epidural block using ultradiluted anesthetic solutions is considered the gold standard promoting adequate pain relief with minimum side effects. In some situations however the use of these techniques is limited by the existence of maternal contraindications, or structural or material obstacles. In these cases, the alternatives are still precarious and scarce offering little optimistic results and of dubious effectiveness. Content This article presents through a literature review the available information on the use of remifentanil as an alternative technique for analgesia during labor discussing aspects of pharmacokinetics, analgesia efficacy, maternal satisfaction and maternal/fetal side effects. Conclusions The initial data show that remifentanil is a promising option to be employed in situations where the parturient cannot or does not want to receive the neuraxial analgesia.

This study evaluated the sub-lethal toxicity of cyanobacteria, especially Cylindrospermosis raciborskii, on Daphnia pulex (water-flea) and Danio rerio (fish), through automated image processing, with the aim to develop a Real-Time Biomonitoring System (RTBS) for detection of toxic cyanobacteria in water supplies. A system composed of a video camera coupled to an image analyzer (Videomex-V®) and to a computer was used to evaluate the swimming activities of D. rerio and D. pulex. The parameters ‘mean distance performed’ and ‘mean velocity’ were used as endpoints to evaluate the effect of samples of cyanobacteria cultures or to raw water from the eutrophic Funil Reservoir. Results showed that both cyanobacteria cultures and water samples from the reservoir altered the swimming activities of D. rerio, elevating the values of mean distance performed and mean velocity. For D. pulex, the cyanobacteria cells caused the opposite effect, decreasing the swimming activity parameters, which can be related to the mechanism of action of saxitoxins. It was concluded that this system can be efficiently used in the detection of toxic blooms of saxitoxin producing cyanobacteria in water supplies.

Much research has been devoted to understanding the complexity of biogeochemical and physical processes responsible for the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from hydropower reservoirs. Spatial complexity and heterogeneity of GHG emission may be observed in these systems because it is dependent on flooded biomass, river inflow, primary production and dam operation. In this study, we investigate the relationships between water–air CO2 fluxes and phytoplanktonic biomass in Funil Reservoir, an old and stratified tropical reservoir, where intense phytoplankton blooms and low partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) are observed. Our results showed that Funil Reservoir seasonal and spatial variability of chlorophyll concentration (Chl) and pCO2 is more related to changes in river inflow over the year than environmental factor such as air temperature and solar radiation. Field data and hydrodynamic simulations reveal that the river inflow contributes to increased heterogeneity in dry season due to the variation of reservoir retention time and river temperature. Contradictory conclusion can be drawn if temporal data collected only near the dam is considered instead of spatial data to represent CO2 fluxes in whole reservoir. The average CO2 fluxes was −17.6 and 22.1 mmol m−2d−2 considering data collected near the dam and spatial data, respectively, in periods of low retention time. In this case, the lack of spatial information can change completely the role of Funil Reservoir regarding GHG emissions. Our results support the idea that Funil Reservoir is a dynamic system where the hydrodynamics represented by changes in river inflow and retention time is potentially more important force driving both Chl and pCO2 spatial variability than in-system ecological factors.

Summary Activated dendritic cells are critically important in the priming of T-cell responses. In this report we show that the infection of a conditionally immortalized dendritic cell line (tsDC) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis resulted in the up-regulation of B7-1 and B7-2 co-stimulatory molecules and the induction of several inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, -1β and -12. In addition, we show that these activated dendritic cells were capable of eliciting antigen-specific T-cell responses and potent anti-mycobacterial protective immunity in a murine model of experimental tuberculosis infection.

International audience; The nine countries sharing the Amazon forest accounted for 89% of all malaria cases reported in the Americas in 2008. Remote sensing can help identify the environmental determinants of malaria transmission and their temporo-spatial evolution. Seventeen studies characterizing land cover or land use features, and relating them to malaria in the Amazon subregion, were identified. These were reviewed in order to improve the understanding of the land cover/use class roles in malaria transmission. The indicators affecting the transmission risk were summarized in terms of temporal components, landscape fragmentation and anthropic pressure. This review helps to define a framework for future studies aiming to characterize and monitor malaria.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As técnicas neuroaxiais representam atualmente os métodos mais efetivos para controle da dor durante o trabalho de parto e a analgesia peridural utilizando soluções anestésicas ultradiluídas é considerada o padrão ouro, promovendo alívio adequado da dor com mínimos efeitos colaterais. Em algumas situações, no entanto, o emprego dessas técnicas é limitado pela existência de contraindicações maternas ou obstáculos estruturais e materiais. Nestes casos, as opções alternativas ainda são precárias e escassas, oferecendo resultados pouco otimistas e de eficácia questionável. CONTEÚDO: Este artigo apresenta, com base em uma revisão da literatura, as informações disponíveis relacionadas ao emprego do remifentanil como técnica alternativa para a analgesia de parto discutindo aspectos farmacocinéticos, farmacodinâmicos, eficácia analgésica, satisfação materna e efeitos colaterais maternos e fetais. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados iniciais apontam o remifentanil como uma opção promissora a ser empregada nas situações em que a gestante não quer ou não pode receber a analgesia neuroaxial. BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The neuraxial techniques currently represent the most effective methods for pain control during labor and the epidural block using ultradiluted anesthetic solutions is considered the gold standard promoting adequate pain relief with minimum side effects. In some situations however the use of these techniques is limited by the existence of maternal contraindications, or structural or material obstacles. In these cases, the alternatives are still precarious and scarce offering little optimistic results and of dubious effectiveness. CONTENT: This article presents through a literature review the available information on the use of remifentanil as an alternative technique for analgesia during labor discussing aspects of pharmacokinetics, analgesia efficacy, maternal satisfaction and maternal/fetal side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The initial data show that remifentanil is a promising option to be employed in situations where the parturient cannot or does not want to receive the neuraxial analgesia. JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Las técnicas neuroaxiales representan actualmente los métodos más efectivos para el control del dolor durante el trabajo de parto, y la analgesia epidural utilizando soluciones anestésicas ultradiluidas se considera el estándar oro, promoviendo el alivio correcto del dolor con los mínimos efectos colaterales. En algunas situaciones, sin embargo, el uso de esas técnicas queda limitado por la existencia de contraindicaciones maternas u obstáculos estructurales y materiales. En esos casos, las alternativas todavía son precarias y escasas, ofreciendo resultados poco optimistas y de una eficacia cuestionable. CONTENIDO: Con base en una revisión de la literatura, este artículo muestra que las informaciones disponibles relacionadas a lo empleo de lo remifetanil como técnica alternativa para la analgesia del parto discutindo los aspectos farmacocinéticos, farmacodinamicos, eficacia analgésica, satisfacion materna y efectos colaterales maternos y fetales. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos iniciales nos indican al remifentanil como una opción promisoria que podemos usar en las situaciones en que la embarazada no quiere o no puede recibir la analgesia neuroaxial.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the mineralization pattern of enamel and dentin in patients affected by X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) using micro-CT (µCT), and to associate enamel and dentin mineralization in primary and permanent teeth with tooth position, gender and the presence/absence of this disease.19 teeth were collected from 5 individuals from the same family, 1 non-affected by XLHR and 4 affected by XLHR. Gender, age, tooth position (anterior/posterior) and tooth type (deciduous/permanent) were recorded for each patient. Following collection, teeth were placed in 0.1% thymol solution until µCT scan. Projection images were reconstructed and analysed. A plot profile describing the greyscale distance relationship in µCT images was achieved through a line bisecting each tooth in a region with the presence of enamel and dentin. The enamel and dentin mineralization densities were measured and compared. Univariate ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used for all comparisons.Teeth of all affected patients presented dentin with a different mineralization pattern compared with the teeth of healthy patients with dentin defects observed next to the pulp chambers. Highly significant differences were found for gray values between anterior and posterior teeth (p 0.05), affected and non-affected (p 0.05), as well as when position and disease status were considered (p 0.05).In conclusion, the mineralization patterns of dentin differed when comparing teeth from patients with and without FHR, mainly next to pulp chambers where areas with porosity and consequently lower mineral density and dentin defects were found.

A major university in São Paulo, Brazil, where vaccination against tuberculosis (TB) with bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) was routinely offered to first-year medical and nursing students.To estimate the probability of negative tuberculin skin test (TST) results over a 4-year period following BCG revaccination, and to evaluate the effect of factors associated with reversion.Students were enrolled in 1997, initially given a two-step TST, and were retested annually or biannually for the duration of the study. Data on TB exposures and potential risk factors for TST negativity and reversion were collected through annual surveys. A linear mixture survival model was used to estimate the probability of negative TST results over time.Of 159 students, an estimated 20% had a negative TST result despite revaccination, and a further 31% reverted to negative over 4 years of follow-up. No cofactors significantly affected the probability of reversion.Overall, in the absence of reported exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 51% of students revaccinated upon entering nursing or medical school would have a negative TST result by the time they begin their internships. In this recently vaccinated population, reversion was common, suggesting that annual TST screening may remain a useful tool.

Activated dendritic cells are critically important in the priming of T-cell responses. In this report we show that the infection of a conditionally immortalized dendritic cell line (tsDC) with Mycobacterium tuberculosis resulted in the up-regulation of B7-1 and B7-2 co-stimulatory molecules and the induction of several inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, -1beta and -12. In addition, we show that these activated dendritic cells were capable of eliciting antigen-specific T-cell responses and potent anti-mycobacterial protective immunity in a murine model of experimental tuberculosis infection.

BACKGROUND: Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels are high in vertically infected infants. Information in older children is limited, particularly in those who have not received antiretroviral therapy. OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationships between HIV-1 RNA, age and CD4 cell count in untreated vertically infected children. DESIGN: HIV-1 RNA was measured in 70 children [median age, 3.5 years (range, 0.4-11.9 years); median CD4 cell count, 881 x 10(6)/l (interquartile range, 576-1347 x 10(6) cells/l)] enrolled in a randomized placebo-controlled trial comparing immediate with deferred zidovudine in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic vertically infected children (PENTA-1 trial). Short-term variability was assessed by comparing HIV-1 RNA at -2 and 0 weeks (prior to randomization). The relationship between age and HIV-1 RNA, and CD4 cell count was analysed using data from all children prior to randomization and sequential samples from 35 remaining on placebo for up to 105 weeks, by fitting mixed linear models. RESULTS: The within-individual SD in viral load was 0.26 log10 copies/ml. The median plasma HIV-1 RNA at enrollment was 4.61 log10 (range, 2.3-6.56 log10 copies/ml), significantly higher in children aged < or = 2 years (median, 5.23 log10 copies/ml) than in those aged > 2 years (4.51 log10 copies/ml; P < 0.0001). Mean HIV-1 RNA fell by 0.38 log10 copies/ml per year up to 2 years of age, by 0.21 log10 copies/ml per year from 2 to 4 years of age, and by 0.03 log10 copies/ml per year from 4 to 6 years of age reaching a nadir of 4.25 log10 copies/ml at 6 years. Mean log10 CD4 cell count declined steadily with age and was not significantly correlated with HIV-1 RNA, although there was some evidence that the rate of log10 CD4 cell decline was negatively correlated with the initial rate of HIV-1 RNA decline. No mutations associated with resistance to zidovudine were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Age is a key factor in the interpretation of both viral load and CD4 cell count in vertically infected children